#this was supposed to be 10x happier

[llemon-soda]

give me something to believe

[sparkliingdust]

This (early) rant is brought to you by being single but in love with movies for Valentine's Day.

It's about Titanic. And that damn board. And whole debate surrounding that damn board.

They tried getting on it together, it tipped over.

Once Rose was on it, it was slowly submerged in water. If he fit on it too, the weight of them both would’ve made it sink further - a few inches of water would’ve made the board useless and quickly turned their bodies into icicles because they wouldn't have been as dry as Rose was on the board by herself.

Rose was also slowly freezing to death anyways. When he's first leaning on it, water is tipping onto it. Sorry to say but when he's slowly passing away, he's leaving as little weight as possible until it's just his hands resting with hers. By then the water and the waves of everyone panicking around them stops, Rose is left dry on the board. She just lasted longer because she was on the board with as little water as possible to cover her. But in an another 30 minutes, she wouldn't have heard the lifeboats come back for them. Like I love Jack but he just died first because he didn't have a life jacket or got his own piece of door.

In the freaking promo image, James and Leo are occupying more weight on one side of the board bringing it down. James and Leo both only have their hands and elbows leaning on it. You're telling me two people are supposed to have kept the board dry?? When Jack realizes leaning onto it brings on more water he accepts she's the only one who can fit on it safely? When her outfit is heavier than his because of the corset, the dress, a wool jacket, the heart of the ocean necklace in her pocket? Come ON PEOPLE. It's not about the size of the board, and how they could've fit together. It's about the buoyancy of the water with the weight of both of them combined.

Also, everyone ignores what a boss Rose is to leave everything behind and then start her life over in an entirely new country by herself and from scratch. She gave up her mother, her fiancé, a whole life of comforts she took for granted to possibly die with someone she loved. When she loses him too, she ends up surviving instead of giving up in tribute to his death. If he didn't die, the story would've had a happier ending but it would've been 10x cheesier. She held onto that necklace when she could’ve easily cashed it in. That’s how little and how much the heart of the ocean ends up meaning to her - holding onto it for 84 years, never knowing she’d be able to take it back to where she lost everything, and with a simple plop into the ocean let it all go and found peace after a life full of exciting and beautiful memories. BDE.

[goatsandgangsters]

it depends on the country, but it's mostly between 20 and 30 vacation days in europe (by law, many companies offer more, like my country by law has "only" 20, but i've never worked a job where i had less than 25 in my contract) and since it's a law you have to take them and your job forces you to, since they can get in trouble if you don't (and we don't have sick days or have to use vacation days for illness either). the cheap flights are a thing, but they are supposed to be made a lot more expensive or downright banned, because of the environmental impact etc, but people won't switch to trains because those are a looot more expensive and you have to travel like 10x as long, and depending on the railway service in your country, they usually run like shit anyway. sorry, this is probably a really depressing ask, but i saw your tags and wanted to shed some light maybe one day the us will get better re labor rights :(

FASCINATING, thank you! It is helpful hearing how things operate Elsewhere

It really is one of those things where intellectually I know that other countries have more vacation time and that people in the US are less likely to use vacation time that they do have, but I never really... thought about it to quantify exactly what that looks like in practice

the "your job forces you to" made me go WHAT out loud. so do you...... okay so in a lot of jobs in the US, if you don't use your vacation time by [end of the calendar year/end of the fiscal year/one year from when you earned it/etc], you just... lose any time you didn't use. it just like goes away from your bank. your JOB can get in trouble if their employees aren't taking their vacation time? I love that, I wish companies would get smacked with a metaphorical stick if their workplace culture isn't encouraging time off

at my current job, I get 23 vacation days a year (I accrue 2 days a month, basically) which is the most generous of any job I've ever had and it makes the other Americans oooh and ahhhh at me enviously. I am an outlier who should NOT be counted. the standard for Corporate Desk Jobs is 10 days. but nothing is legally required so there are of course many people living life without paid time off, especially in other types of jobs. so that's where WE'RE at as a nation

(I did once have a job with "unlimited PTO" which some companies offer as a "perk," but in my experience it's usually done by shitty workplaces with no HR who just can't be bothered to track it. and psychologically it makes people take even less time off, because they don't have a strong sense for what's "allowed" and it feels more like asking for permission than using time that's Yours)

🤝 on trains being just as expensive/more expensive than flights for some foolish reason, when really we'd all be a lot happier with reliable affordable train travel

I want to bestow robust rail infrastructure at affordable prices, lots of labor laws, and many many vacations on everyone like a little Go Enjoy Life pixie. mAYBE ONE DAY

[acheel-and-cat]

I watched “I Saw The TV Glow” and immediately wrote some detail analyses. If these don’t make sense I’m sorry the movie shattered my brain and I’m tired. They aren’t formatted so no caps. Anyways spoilers under the cut and also beware if you’re trans because it could very well upset you. So yeah

-maddie represents ftnb skinny white people, it is easier* for them to be who they are than black mtf people like owen and that’s why maddie was the first to realize who she was and that’s why it was easier for her to accept it

*easier as in more people will actually see you as such and accept you, for poc, mtfs, and plus sized people it is harder for people to actually see you as yourself

-“there is still time” that is true, you are never too old to be yourself, even if you transition much later in life, it’s never too late

-owen throwing away the old tv and getting a new one really stung, he was throwing away the one thing that made him feel like himself and replaced it with something that makes him seem more “normal”

-the show changing over time showing the difference between actually living it and how the media portrays it like living through the horrifying events and then how shows about it make it seem 10x better and happier than it actually was

-burying your old self and coming out as the you that you are supposed to be

-owen having a horrible scary mental breakdown while everyone around him pays no mind really shows the mental turmoil when you realize that no one is seeing you how you see you and they never will and it hurts so bad and you’re hurting so bad but no one can tell because it’s all in your brain

[sensei-venus]

Also thoughts or hcs abt robby becomeling a teen dad? If u r OK with that

(Unedited)

•Robby isn’t going to be like his dad by any means and will stay for his child, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn't freaks the fuck out. Robby would be physically petrified at the idea of being a dad in general, and 10x more as a teenager.

•(I’m not very good at the idea of Robby even have kids as a teen unless somehow a condom breaks, Robby in general only likes having penetration sex with condoms. Robby most like has issues surrounding children, mainly the thought of himself. It’s very weird and complicated for him.)

•It would take him a really long time to fully wrap his head around the idea and fact that he is going to be a dad. For the first few months his head is in the clouds as he try’s to fully understand everything going on. He’s just taking the fact that his gf is pregnant in the first place. After a few months, probably when she starts showing, he gets that it’s really happening.

•He’s very nervous and clingy. He doesn’t know what to do and he’s probably even afraid to touch his gf. He doesn’t want to her or there baby even if she try’s to explain that it’s ok and he won’t hurt them. He’s a big hand holder thought the whole pregnancy. He try’s to hold her bump a lot but she can feel the way he shakes and she sees the way he bites at his lips and cheeks. He’s just a bundle of nerves.

•He probably goes straight to Daniel when he’s finds out he’s going to have a baby. He tells his dad eventually, but he tells Daniel first. He confines in his about the pregnancy and later down the line he has a meltdown over baby stuff. He’s scared he won’t be able to provide enough for his now growing family. He loves his gf and their soon-to-be baby, but how is he supposed to pay for anything at all? Pregnancy stuff, baby stuff, postpartum stuff? He freaks out.

•The LaRusso’s end up helping a lot thought out the pregnancy and even after. Daniel offers to let him come back to work at the dealership for extra cash, Amanda always ends up finding baby things that she ends up buying and sending to them, and Sam likely ends up befriending his gf and they do stuff together. Sam looks out for her at school and takes her out a lot. They bond and become really good friends.

•Robby doesn't know how to be a good dad let alone just a regular one. He tries his best to try and be the best he can be. He reads a lot of parenting books and gets his gf to come with him to parenting classes. He learns a lot but he's still a bit nervous. Daniel and Amanda both tell him that it's a learning process and it's going to be hard. But he's going to do just fine.

•Johnny being Johnny can't help but be a bit negative about everything at first. He was lucky to have Robby late in life. He still fucked that up. His negativity ends up pushing Robby away from him as Robby feels that both he and his gf, who is carrying their baby, shouldn’t be around him with all the negative energy. Johnny doesn’t understand until Daniel finds out and has to knock some since into him about it. He ends up being supportive but still isn’t great at it.

•He actually ends up crying a lot when they finally go to the OB to get their first ultrasound scan’s. He can’t believe how small his baby is. He’s so happy when he sees them for the first time and gets to hear their tiny heartbeat. It just solidifies that it’s all real, him and his gf are really doing this and he can’t be happier now.

•With a lot of support from his makeshift family and friends, Robby ends up being a great dad.

[topconfessions]

Ok I had to search for ages to find the original post about top’s dad (it was on the vigilant citizen kpop thread ). That thread has loads of tea and rumours about different idols including bigbang. I just copied and pasted the interesting parts (the info is from quite a few years ago so hopefully he’s doing better now):

The part about his dad and mk ultra is brief:

With his dad it's either two ways or (maybe one?)

that his dad was beating his mom up or cheating on her and left her (if it isn't beating up or cheating he was just falling out with her and probably verbally abused her in front of TOP or around where TOP could hear as a kid). Or his father already has some leverage because he is a high ranking military official and has something to do with the MK Ultra thing. At first I wanted to say that his father was a sacrifice of some sort, but that's not an option.

overall his career is causing his mental health to go down further and further. So if anyone were to ever leave bigbang it would be him or Seungri first.

Last prediction is so interesting as seungri and top really were the first two to leave.

One user wrote this as well:

he is pecuilar but only because that is his brains way of going through his reality cause of how hurt he has been in his life. he is a really lonely guy with mental issues, father issues, and he is mentally like a teenager although he's like what 29-30? But GD is snake although they are friends cause he deadass talked TOP into posting half the stupid shit he did on instagram, a lot of his fake friends did, and top not having the best judgement did it and it made his image go down. He's not the best judge of character at all and YG wanted him to have a dating or marrying scandal around the time he had the scandal with the thot han seo hee. GD is most likely the one in BB who puts him up to that cause he is used to doing stunts and carrying about media attention and stuff along with YG, but that's not really TOP's alley. TOP had a lot of childhood issues and trauma within his mom and he loves his mom a lot but probably also cause his dad is out the picture and did something he wasn't supposed to do with further put that attachment 10x harder on his mother. Like that scar above his eye near his eyebrow I can't pin point exactly where he got it from but to my ability I'd say either from school kids, his father, or an accident involving his mother and father in an argument. His sister does not trust many women around him cause of messy women screwing him over in her eyes, she wants to protect him.

I think this is interesting especially nowadays after gd and top had their feud! I hope it’s not true but still…

Also I found this extra bit you might be interested in. I’m not sure if you’ve read the vigilant citizen thread but it basically discusses a lot of conspiracies one of which is celebrity sacrifices. I don’t know if you remember top’s concerning ig live a couple years ago but someone on the thread was saying they think he may be ‘sacrificed’ after that (users on the thread think some of the suicides in the kpop industry are sacrifices):

Personally, I think it will be Yeri from RedVelvet or Mina from AOA. My bet is on BigBang Top. You will know why if you watch his ig live. Pray for him

Either way even though a lot of us here criticise top it seems the industry was a toxic place to be and I’m glad he’s happier now, I hope he has true friends and has found peace.

I remember this.

It all makes a lot of sense.

And I do agree that alot of the suicides were not suicides but were sacrifices or they got killed off with it framed as a suicides. Sulli may be an organic suicide but I foul play with her too. Anyway, I know about vigilant citizen and it's been years since I've been that tea thread over there. I need to go back and look at it.

I remember many years ago someone posted (I can't exactly remember if it was directly from an insider or someone connected to an insider) that a pot of idols did participate in spellwork, mirror Magick, and using demon contracts to help them perform. Basically they would do their rituals before performing privately and the demonic influences would oblige by carrying most of the rigorous performance routines for them. I believe this personally cause everyone knows that while God or Jesus christ himself may not be real, demonic forces are. Too much evidence out there complied of artists like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Michael Jackson having alters that assist them in their career early on.

Nobody does it anymore but back in the day a lot of celebs used to say they have alter egos and turn into different people when performing. And sure I get exactly what they mean but it's become too clear to ignore.

I won't be responding to any backlash or anger if any anonymous want to bitch about it. This is all majorly speculation and if you think this sounds stupid, keep it as an opinion and keep it pushing by unfollowing cause arguing with me won't change a thing.

In general I didn't want to say it in the past ask but I think all of that is true. Potential abuse. But that's just my perspective. Not a fact I can prove.

[sunspray-peak]

Ch. 15: Your Summer of Rest & Relaxation

MONDAY - SUMMER 1

Summer had always been Achilles’ least favorite season in the city. It was muggy, it was humid, there was too much sun, and the stench of garbage was always 10x too strong. 

The Valley, he bitterly decided upon waking after a record breaking hangover, was no different. He had opened his eyes to a blazing hot sun that was still managing to stream through what were supposed to be blackout curtains. His farmhouse must have already raised 20 degrees since last night. 

He puttered over to the window and cracked it open in search for a breeze that did not come. The air was thick, but hey, at least it wasn’t smelly. Small favors. 

He supposed part of him was simply determined to be bitter. He still didn’t remember that night at the beach quite as well as he should have (though perhaps that was another small favor), but regardless, whatever he had told Alex or whatever Alex may have told him hadn’t much solved either his what-to-do-next problem or its accompanying anxiety. 

But after he pattered to his bathroom to brush his teeth and saw his numerous Sacred To-Do Lists and Sacred Timelines scribbled on sticky notes stuck to the mirror, his bitterness faded to regret, and he plucked the notes off one by one before burning the little stack in ritualistic absolution and brushing the ashes into the bin. 

To take their place, he took to his desk, ball point pen in hand. What should he write? Something happier. Motivational. A new mission for the season. What would Alex say? 

Give no fucks! (Not that Alex would likely say fuck in this situation, but Achilles would). It pained him to write it—he had actually had to pause for a minute—but he ultimately surrendered himself to the cheese and the cringe, stacking the note between Just do it! and Fake it til you make it! He sketched a flamingo and stuck that on the mirror, too, like some sort of reward for his dignity’s sacrifice. 

Gazing at the four pathetic papery products of this morning’s work only made his nose twitch and stomach churn. He swiftly left the bathroom to change for the day. 

He had woken up too late to jog.

Fuck, the heat really just… sits in the Valley, doesn’t it? 

Pierre’s would be open by now, though, and maybe he’d test out their iced teas on the way to return Alex’s jacket. With luck, he thought, checking his watch, the man would be at Zuzu already and he’d be able to leave it with Evelyn. 

He hadn’t seen Alex since his drunken rant two nights ago, and at this point, he wouldn’t mind if it stayed that way. In this town. Of 30 people. 

*****

Pierre’s iced tea was patently not terrible, and, now that he had decided to stay at the farmhouse for the near future, he had decided to purchase a few bags of groceries as well. 

He left the general store with Alex’s letterman over his shoulder, struggling to balance the iced tea and a pack of bagels in his right hand with the paper bags of produce in his left. (“You know, you wouldn’t have to buy from me if you just grew your own,” Pierre had said.) Maybe he was still hungover. It was like all the muscle he had built over the past season had disappeared. He had paused outside Pierre’s’ door to re-bag his purchases for more convenient carrying, when a voice shouted from behind him. 

“Go long!” 

“Hmm?” 

BAM. 

For the third time in three days, Achilles felt a blinding pain flash through his head. This was really getting out of hand. 

“Oh no— shit—shoot—Achilles, I’m so sorry I didn’t realize you were… holding bagels…” 

“No, no…” A slightly dazed Achilles clambered quickly up from the ground, the grid ball that had been so ruthlessly pelted at his head in his hands. “Perfect timing… though aren’t you usually in Zuzu by now?” He handed both the grid ball and the letterman to Alex, who had jogged over with Dusty at his heels. 

“Different schedule in the summer, I only go in twice a week. Mostly lifeguard down by the beach for all the tourists.” 

“Ah. I see. Well! Was swinging by to return this. I washed it, so… don’t worry. It’s clean.” 

Alex tucked the letterman under his arm. “Oh sure. Great, thanks.” 

“Thank you. By the way.” Achilles forced himself to make eye contact. No shying away, some things you had to own up to, and he might as well get it done sooner rather than later. “I’m sorry about that night. I… don’t remember much, to be honest, but knowing me it was probably… a lot.”

How about a joke? Let’s lighten things up.

“I promise I’m not an alcoholic.”

Abort! You idiot, ok pal, what kind of fucking joke—

But Alex laughed lightly. “Oh don’t worry, I could tell that right away. Any alcoholic would’ve been able to hold their liquor better than you did that night.” 

“What can I say, I’m a sad little drunk.” 

Alex shrugged. “Better sad than some of the other options.” He threw the grid ball towards the town square, and the two watched Dusty waddle after it, tail wagging high. Alex didn’t seem inclined to expand upon that night—thank merciful Yoba again for small favors. Achilles might as well follow his lead. 

“So. Tourists, hmm? You know, I was hoping I’d have escaped them moving here and all.” Despite having left his farm that morning determined to never see Alex again in his life, now that he was actually here with him, he… didn’t want to leave. It wasn’t nearly as awkward as Achilles had anticipated, in fact, it felt, all things considered… normal. Easy. 

“Oh yeah, they come in droves during the summer. Mostly for the beach, the tide pools and stuff. It’s a whole affair—Willy hates it, but it’s great for Pierre. Oh hey, that rhymed.”

Achilles snorted. He knelt down to take the ball from Dusty and threw it towards the Mullners’ house when he suddenly felt Alex grasp his shoulder. 

“Hey, you said ‘moving here and all’—how was your meeting with your realtor? Did you make it on time?” 

Achilles wrinkled his nose, for Alex was clearly holding back a roguish grin, and pulled himself out of Alex’s grip. “I did not, actually, as it looks like you probably guessed.” 

Alex merely shrugged again, but the tips of his lips were turned upward in a small, elfish smile. “Hey, I told Elliott to wake you at 8am. Maybe he got the times mixed up.” 

“Oh, sure, yeah, maybe,” Achilles said, running his hand through his hair. “Well whatever magic spell you put on me that night worked. I’m staying in the Valley. For now.” 

“I knew you’d come through,” Alex said, now swinging his whole arm over Achilles’ shoulder. “Listen, let this be your… I don’t know, Summer of rest and relaxation, man. Try not to get caught up in what’s next, just let things happen! Go tan at the beach, eat an ice cream, write bad poetry, learn how to scuba dive—go on like five million dates, burn down Lewis’ house. Low stakes stuff. This is, like, your Summer. You’re going to take it easy, right?” 

It was Achilles’ turn to shrug. 

“No, don’t do that. Say it with me, Ash. This is my summer of rest and relaxation.” 

“…this is my summer of rest and relaxation…” 

“There we go. Listen, I’ve got to run, gotta go set things up for the first day—but stop by the beach when you get a chance! Or I guess not, if you’re trying to avoid tourists… Either way, just… I hope you can enjoy the day.” 

He whistled for Dusty and jogged off. Always so graceful, never scurrying or prowling about like Achilles always was… 

*****

Well, he supposed he’d have to stop by the dreaded beach at some point now, if Alex was spending his days there. He didn’t think he could hate a place more, but especially after the events of two nights ago, even the mere idea of stepping foot on the sand made him absolutely nauseas. 

It was a stupid fear, really. Completely irrational, no matter what his therapist had said. It had been six years, when would he ever get over it and learn to just vibe on the beach like everybody else. Catch some waves, soak up some rays… that’s what normal people did, right? 

He considered the morning’s post it notes. Just do it! He considered Alex’s words. Your summer of rest and relaxation! He considered the voice in his head. You stay the fuck away from the water, bitch.

Really, what was the point of the beach? He never really understood the concept of going to the beach to tan, everyone lying together on the sand in a cloying cloud of chemical sunscreen. If he wanted to sit in the sun, he could do that on his porch, free from judgement. 

Anyway, after dropping Dusty off, Alex had just headed to the beach, and if Achilles went now, he’d be, like, following him too closely, and it’d be awkward, and—

“Heading towards the beach?” 

Achilles turned to the voice. Well, Emily was definitely heading there. Dressed in a red bikini top, a blue towel and bottle of sunscreen under her arm, she was watching him from one of the tables set outside Pierre’s. 

“Hmm… it’s a bit early, don’t you think?” 

“Oh it gets super crowded by noon. Haley’s already gone down and Shane’s meeting us. You should join!” 

Give no fucks! 

How about you shut the fuck up!

“Oh, maybe another time, I haven’t got a towel and I’m not wearing—”

“It’s just sand, Achilles.” 

“Can I at least, I don’t know, grab a book? Emily, I have all these groceries—” 

She glanced inside his bags. “Your avocados can survive a bit of sun. Come on.” 

She grabbed his hand and led him and his silk button down and white linen pants down towards the bridge. No, he was not prepared for the beach at all. 

Then again, on second thought—wasn’t he anxious for something to do? Perhaps this could be his new little project for the Summer: Conquer the Sand and the Sea. Now there was something to put on the mirror…  

*****

A haze of unpleasant memories drifted through Achilles’ mind as he glanced at the spot he had been puking his guts out two nights previously. Damn. There weren’t even any fish this close to shore, what the hell had he been going on about.

Emily had been right—it was already starting to fill up. Folks playing volleyball, parents and their young children scampering around, building sandcastles, digging holes. Nothing like a good hole on the beach, even Achilles knew that. 

Haley waved them over (though not after shooting Achilles a vaguely disgusted look). She had mercifully found a place far from the boardwalk. Sunglasses on, earbuds in, camera perched on a nearby cooler, she was ready to “get her tan on.” 

Shane had also already arrived, and was sporting a stripe of sunscreen on his nose and a slightly too-small sports shirt in a rather sickly shade of lime green as he struggled with the umbrella. He greeted Achilles with his usual grunt, though this time it was accompanied by a halting wave. 

“I’m more of a swimmer myself,” said Emily, stripping her shorts off and tossing them next to her water bottle. “Come with?” 

Fake it till you make it! 

Not when it comes to swimming, that’s how people drown, you fuck. 

Nevertheless, he wasn’t not eager to get away from Haley’s gaze, (which, despite the shades, he was positive were scrutinizing him) and so he followed Emily all the way down to the shore before confessing, “I actually don’t really know how to swim.” 

Not unexpectedly, she gasped, spinning dramatically, hands on her knees as her blue hair whipped around her face. “Whaaaaaat, Achilles, you don’t know how to swim?” 

“I guess I never got around to learning… living in the city and all.” 

“You had to have a yacht, though, right? I mean, you surely had a yacht.” 

His parents actually had zero yachts, thank you very much. 

“No yacht. I… don’t like boats. I also don’t like open water.” 

Emily shook her head. “Absolutely ridiculous. What, are we going to have to go to Willy’s and get some floaties for you?” 

“Absolutely not,” Achilles said, eyes darting around to make sure no one, namely Alex, had heard. The lifeguard, however, was quite a ways away, seemingly scribbling something on the back of a chalkboard. 

Emily followed his gaze, subtle as he thought it was. 

“Well, we should stop at Willy’s and get you some swim trunks later, anyway… I guess we could just stay in the shallows for now…” 

“I mean, don’t let me get in the way of your fun. I’m fine just… standing right here.” In half an inch of sun-warmed water. Perfect. Small steps. 

“You don’t want to learn?” 

“Not particularly, or at least, not in public like this.” He looked again at the ever growing crowd. Giggling children half his height were diving fearlessly into waves as tall as them. A chill ran up his spine at the sight. “Why don’t you teach me tonight? Say 11pm. There ought to be no one here then, right?” 

“I know you’re joking but I’m going to tell you anyway, you don’t want that.” Emily waded slightly deeper out and turned to gently splash him. “That’s when the teenagers come out, and you don’t want to be around them at night.” 

“Oooo teenagers. Gross.” 

The waves were very small over here, so he waded just a little further in, up to his ankles, enticed by Emily’s positive attitude and good humor. He supposed you needed to be born an optimist to be friends with Shane. 

But she in turn swam a few feet further out. There must’ve been a drop off, for she had to tread water now, and the sight of her bobbing about with nothing to stand on made the hairs on his arms rise. He once again turned and focused his attention on the sand to reground himself. 

“Do you know who should teach you, actually?” 

“Hmm?” Achilles said, still gazing east, away from her and the water, and shielding his eyes. Now if only someone had given him a chance to go back for sunglasses… 

“Alex.” 

“Alex is working. You can’t teach me?” 

“I mean, I can. But Alex is an actual swimmer. Like, a swimmer, swimmer.”

“Well I’m not trying to be a swimmer swimmer, I just need to know how to like, move in a general direction.” He dog paddled his arms in the air to demonstrate. “Anyway, I thought he was a grid ball player?”

“Oh, he was at first… oh man, I remember when he first moved to town. Insufferable little kid, but I guess who could really blame him… honestly kind of misogynistic, too, until Haley beat it out of him…” 

“Oh yeah?” 

“Wow, yeah, you’re bringing back some memories, I forgot all about this—yeah, and he was absolutely convinced he was going to go pro, it was beyond annoying. His only personality trait for years, I swear to Yoba—‘I’m gonna be an all-star quarterback, just you wait and see’ and all. 

“Of course we all gave him a hard time for it, he deserved it, but jokes on us. He actually did go pro. But with swimming. Who’d have thunk?” 

“Really?” 

Achilles had instinctively turned to face her during her spiel, enthralled by this new nugget of knowledge, but had to look away again when she had flipped over to float on her back. There was a small hermit crab digging a hole in the sand. Fascinating! He’d watch that little guy instead. 

“He started taking it seriously junior year I think, ended up ranking nationally, even got recruited to UMF and everything. Like, he was mad good, like, frontrunner for the Year XXXX Artemian team and everything good. 

“But then Evelyn got really sick, and of course it was tough on George too, so he dropped the team. Stopped training, took time off. And I don’t think he ever really had a chance to get back into it, which is a shame… I know he’s stayed close to grandparents ever since, I think it’s why he lifeguards over the summer here even though the pay is shit.” 

She paused as they both chanced a look over at the lifeguard chair, where Alex sat alongside another guard. 

“All that to say,” she said, punching Achilles in the shoulder after a small wave sent her careening towards him. “He’d totally be down to teach you how to swim.” 

“Right. I’ll keep that in mind…” 

So Alex had been one of the lucky few to have actually made it in pro sports, huh? Or, to revise, almost make it. As Emily had said, it really was a damn shame… A much younger Achilles would’ve given a lot of money for the opportunity (and the necessary skill) to have gone down that path.

Not anymore, though, of course. Armed with the self-awareness one gains from not being 10 years old, he now knew he would never have been cut out for that life. He had never been passionate (or skilled) enough for the actual sport itself to have ever justified professional pursuit. No, his childhood dreams of pro sports had been predominately spurred by the glamorous potential they pretended to promise. 

He wondered how Alex felt about it all. Probably shouldn’t ask—didn’t want to be nosy, and it was likely a delicate conversation. He thought back to their conversation by the Zuzu grid ball stadium last season. Well, this explained the awkwardness. To have been so close, only to have it yanked out from under him due to reasons out of his own control? 

Because if that had ever happened to Achilles—well, that probably would’ve killed him. 

*****

They spent an hour or so splashing about, though Achilles refused to go any deeper on account of his white linen pants and on account of the fact that he’d likely keel over in a faint and then proceed to drown right then and there. Not that Emily needed to know that second part, though she somehow seemed to have sensed it. 

“Maybe if we try again,” Emily had said as they trudged through the waves, “With you dressed more appropriately, that is—you’ll drown and Alex will come save you, how about that, huh?” 

“That sounds like a terrible use of first responders.” Achilles paused. “Is it really that obvious?” He had thought, at least for the most part, he had done a fairly good job hiding his attraction for Alex. 

“Nah, don’t worry about it. Just to me. And Haley, of course, she’s good at this stuff. Meanwhile, I could feel it in your energy at the bar that first night.”  

It was all just physical attraction, really—nothing worth making a fuss over, or, more importantly, doing anything with. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before curiosity finally would get the best of him and he would ask someone, especially now that he was staying in the Valley for the near future. So he might as well ask now. 

“He’s straight, isn’t it?” 

“Hmm…” Emily furrowed her brows and a weird little thrill at the back of Achilles’ mind couldn’t help but tingle for just a second in hope. “I’ll be honest, I mean he’s only ever dated women, but I suppose that doesn’t mean much. I guess Haley would know better… hey Haley!” 

They had reached the umbrella; Shane was now dozing on a towel, so Emily took his chair. Haley lowered her pink sunglasses a centimeter down her nose. “Yes?” 

“Is Alex straight?” 

Haley moved to look at Achilles. “I suppose you’re the one asking?” 

He took a seat on the sand and cracked open a sparkling water from the cooler. “I suppose I am.” 

“Oh, well perfect timing, why don’t we just ask him? Hey Alex, question for you—”

Achilles whipped wildly around as Haley erupted into laughter. “I’m just kidding—”

“All right, fuck you—”

“—okay Hale, that wasn’t very nice—”

“Ugh, ok, but if he had been here, what would’ve been the big deal? Communication. Could solve most of the world’s problems. Just ask him.” She licked her fingers and turned the page of her book. 

Typically, Achilles would be inclined to agree. Nothing better than transparency. But for matters like this…“I… don’t really see a reason…” 

At this response, Haley scooted up in her chair and set her book down in the sand to give Achilles her full attention. “‘Don’t really see a reason?’ What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Well, I mean, I’m not going to ask him out.” 

“Why not?” She sounded offended on Alex’s behalf. 

“Well…” Achilles took a sip and suppressed a gag. Wow, nasty stuff. “Hmm okay, two scenarios, I suppose, right? One, he’s straight. So obviously not interested. Not really a good look for me. And scenario two, he’s not straight—but I’m not looking for a relationship right now, so it wouldn’t matter anyway. So either way, I suppose it doesn’t really benefit me to ask.” 

“‘Benefit you’? Because that’s how we should all think about things like this—you know, I noticed you left out scenario three, by the way: he’s not straight, but also not interested—”

Emily cut her sister off, scooting her chair closer to better join the discussion. “What do you mean ‘not a good look for you?’” 

Achilles tilted his head slightly as he took a beat to better choose his next words. ‘Benefit’ of course hadn’t been the best descriptor, but it hadn’t been entirely inaccurate. 

“Not my best phrasing, I admit, I just mean… you never feel like there’s just something… demeaning about being on the ‘wrong side’” (he had added air quotes) “of any sort of… unrequited emotion? There becomes a sort of one sided vulnerability that proceeds to unbalance the relationship, like it lowers your status, almost. Does that make sense?” 

“I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been on the ‘wrong side’ of any kind of ‘unrequited emotion—‘” 

“Ooookay Haley…” Emily rolled her eyes and turned back to Achilles. “You really think Alex would think lower of you if you told him and he wasn’t interested?” 

“I would if I were him. And not lower per se, and not on purpose, but, you know… it’s like they’ve given something valuable of theirs to you for nothing in return.” 

“Yeah, well you’re a puffed up little puffin aren’t you, and Alex is… Alex—” 

“I feel like I was just called a slur—you know, I regret bringing you into this conversation—”

“—and going back to scenario two—” Emily had cut him off. “You said you’re not interested in a relationship anyway? Really?” 

Achilles shrugged. “I’ve got too much on my mind these days to have to also deal with another person’s problems. And besides, I’m only physically attracted to him. Doesn’t mean I want to necessarily date him—” 

“But you could still fuck him—“ 

“Haley!” Emily made to slap her sister’s hands, but Haley’s reflexes were faster. She pulled away and reached for her paperback. 

“I’m just kidding…” 

Achilles, whose years of poker face mastery had led to a mere cocked eyebrow at her suggestion (although his heart had definitely skipped about five beats at her words—thank goodness Haley couldn’t read minds… right?), merely responded with, “I’ve never been the type. I guess I like commitment too much.” 

Haley let out a little “Hmph,” as she flipped through to find her page. “Whatever. I guess it all doesn’t matter anyway, because he says he is.” 

“He says what?” Emily popped open an orange soda. 

“Straight. That’s what you originally asked, right? Alex told me last week. He’s straight.” 

“And that just casually came up in conversation last week?” Achilles asked, forcing a smooth, steady tone to hide the little dull drop in his stomach that had resulted from hearing confirmation of what he had already suspected.

“Yeah. I mean I asked him. Duh.” Haley glanced at him over her sunglasses again. “What, you don’t ever question your straight friends’ straightness, Achilles? You’re supposed to turn the tables every now and then, didn’t you know? What kind of representative of the community are you?” 

Achilles stared sullenly into her rose-tinted shades. “So you suggested fucking him, knowing that he’s straight.” 

Haley shrugged, the ribbons of her bikini top fluttering with the movement. “Just wanted to see how you’d react.” 

“Thanks for that…”

*****

After their little chat, Achilles had headed over to Willy’s to grab himself the least cringe pair of swim trunks he could find (it had been difficult), a beach towel that had “I <3 SDV” emblazoned on it (the selection was nearly as awful as the swim trunks), mineral sunscreen (hey, he had sensitive skin), and a paperback of something he had never heard of in his entire life (Dancing with Dolphins, Sharing with Sharks by Richard Finnegan). 

What he had neglected to purchase, however, was food. And only when he had traversed the sandcastle-stricken terrain back to Haley’s floral umbrella did a small rumble in his stomach remind him it was time for lunch. 

“Want to grab a bite?” he asked, turning to Emily who was… meditating? Her eyes were open but she was very still. No response whatsoever. He gave her a little poke, and she started. “Lunch?” 

Still no response. 

“Hey there, how y’all doing? Anyone wanna grab a bite?” 

Alex—actually Alex, this time—had managed to navigate his way through the crowds of families to their little spot. Impressive he had found them among the hundreds of umbrellas. Then again, lifeguards were supposed to be good at this sort of stuff… 

“On my break now, saw you lot lying here.” He frowned at Shane’s comatose body and gingerly took a step back. Still deep asleep. Definitely not meditating, this one. 

“Achilles was just asking us the same thing.” Haley gave a catlike stretch from her chair, arms reaching towards the sky, one hand grasping a fruit cup. “How about you two go grab us some cones or something. Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles, please, thank you.” She turned back to her book. 

“Ooo strawberry sorbet for me, please.” Emily had “woken” from whatever it was she had been doing and was now shimmying up from her towel to grab her orange soda. 

“That’s not lunch—”

“It’s a million degrees out here, Achilles, I think Dr. Harvey will forgive you,” Haley snapped. 

Hoping that the booth would have something slightly more substantial than sweets—although he supposed he could eat one of the bagel’s from this morning’s grocery run if he had to—Achilles followed Alex through the maze of bodies to an ice cream stand that had been set up on the docks. 

“You didn’t change before heading out here?” Alex asked, glancing at the now slightly-stained with seawater silk shirt Achilles was still in. 

“Emily didn’t really give me a chance.” 

“Figures. Although, on the other hand, you are on a beach… not judging, but most men don’t wear any kind of shirt to go swimming…” 

“Hark, who’s talking, you’re wearing one.” It was an extremely weak rebuttal, though; the white tee Alex was wearing had “LIFEGUARD” emblazoned above a red cross on the back. Obviously a uniform. Achilles tried hard not to think about what was lying under it. “Anyway,” he began quickly. “I don’t swim. Don’t know how, actually.” 

Alex’s reaction was almost as dramatic as Emily’s, same wide-eyed gasp, just subtract the dramatic spin for they had reached the front of the line. 

“What? You don’t know how to—hey, Sam! Yeah, one vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles, one strawberry sorbet, one frozen banana, and…” he looked at Achilles expectantly, who shook his head. 

“I need a real meal in my body before eating dessert.” 

“Sheesh, is this what happens when you get old? Rough.” 

“We have some sandwiches from Pierre’s if you want one of those?” Sam held up a BLT in one hand and a caprese in the other. 

Achilles nodded at the caprese, which Sam handed over. 

“Hey, no, no, no, I can pay for my own sandwich, thanks,” Achilles said pushing Alex’s sprawl of coins to the side. “Here, Sam.” Achilles handed over a $10 bill for the food. “For the lot. Just keep the change.” 

“Uh…” Sam glanced at the $9.97 displayed on the cash register. “Okay…” 

Alex handed over Haley’s cone for Achilles to hold as they left the line. 

“Nothing for Shane?” 

“Shane’s a big kid he can fend for himself,” Alex said lightly. “So wait, you really don’t know how to swim? They didn’t teach you that in the city? It’s like… a life skill.” 

“I was telling Emily, I don’t really go near large bodies of water.”  

“Not even on your yacht?” 

“Why does everyone think I owned a yacht?”  

Alex threw back his head and laughed at Achilles’ indignation, and for just a second Achilles envied the carefree-ness of it all. He had been stuck reading about dancing dolphins all afternoon to alleviate his still-pervasive restlessness… 

“Well I guess we’ll have to teach you. You know, we made it last year with zero drownings, I don’t want you to break our record.” 

They made it back with only one minor incident—Alex had tripped along one of the many large holes and had nearly dropped Emily’s sorbet—but they ultimately returned to the umbrella with all items safe and secure. 

Shane was awake now, and groggily eyeing Alex’s frozen banana. 

“That looks good,” he muttered. 

“Yeah,” Alex said, taking a bite and looking straight into Shane’s heavily hooded eyes. “It is.” 

*****

Alex couldn’t stay for too long, just enough time to scarf down a quarter of Achilles’ sandwich (how could he say no) and hit Shane with the dirtiest look Achilles had ever seen cross the man’s face. 

“You know alcohol’s not allowed on the beach.” Alex was glaring at the beer can clasped tightly in Shane’s hands. 

Shane burped before tipping the can back and swallowing the rest in one fell sweep. Then he burped again. 

“All gone now.” 

Alex frowned, but ultimately must’ve decided the battle wasn’t worth fighting, for he said nothing as he stood to go, dusting residual damp sand from his hands. Only after forcing Achilles to promise to come back to the beach early tomorrow morning for his first swim lesson did he give the group a cheery wave and head back to the lifeguard chair. 

Deciding he’d need approximately 18 hours to mentally prepare for the aforementioned lesson, and despite Emily’s insistence he stay and pop in the shallows with her again “it’s exposure therapy, Achilles, wouldn’t you rather get used to it ahead of time?” Achilles decided he’d call it a day and bid his own farewell to the crew. Only Emily waved goodbye. 

Now trying to decide between an early visit to the saloon or a fat nap (he had been taking a lot of fat naps the past two days, courtesy of his potentially relapsing sleeping pill addiction…), Achilles, deep in thought, found himself accidentally trodding on the large foot of Elliott who had been gazing down at the river from the bridge.  

“Achilles! The man of the hour!” 

“Oh. Hello, Elliott.” 

“How have you been feeling, my friend? For last our paths crossed, you did not seem to be in the most cheerful of moods, if I may say.” 

“Ah, yes… apologies for me abrupt departure, I had been… running late for a meeting. Thank you again, by the way. I’m… very grateful for your hospitality that night.” 

“Oh, just a trifle, just a trifle!” Elliott waved one of his hands before using it to clutch Achilles’ shoulder in a heavy grip. “You look quite splendid now! But no matter—I am delighted to see you, for I was actually wondering, perchance, if you would be able to do me a favor?”   

“Of course, what can I do for you?” Achilles pinched his nose lightly and tried to predict what in the world the man would ask of him. Although, upon remembering Elliott was a self-proclaimed writer, he had his suspicions… 

“Would you perhaps be available to join me for a meal tomorrow night at the saloon?” 

“Oh.” Achilles looked up, studying Elliott’s eager face—auburn eyebrows raised in excitement, mouth just slightly ajar in an expectant, but somewhat shy, smile. Was Elliott… hitting on him?

His first instinct was to say no. After all, the man had been scarcely able to put two sentences together with him during the Spring and now all of a sudden was treating him like a best friend? Strange, at the very least.

What gives? 

But then again, what was the worst thing that could happen? An awkward dinner? It was just a dinner, and he did owe him—and what did Alex say earlier today, anyway? Go on like five millions dates or something like that? 

Or maybe, he thought, now remembering Haley’s usual ego-killing remarks, it wasn’t a date. It very easily didn’t have to be a date. But did Achilles even want to hang out… as friends? 

He was definitely over thinking this. It had been a few seconds now. He was better than this.

Rest and relaxation, Achilles. Oh yeah? And what was more relaxing than a dinner with a strange man at the Stardrop Saloon? Stop that! Just do it, you fuck! 

“Sure. Tomorrow evening sounds great.” Achilles flashed his warmest smile in an attempt to sweep away the five seconds of silence that had been weighing between them before he had given his response. 

Elliott clapped his hands and beamed. “Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful—would 5 o’clock be a satisfactory time for you, or is that too early? I have been told my appetite operates as if it were on Eastern Standard Time, but as they say, the early bird gets the worm! In this case, the worm being the freshest cut of tuna at the Stardrop!” 

“Five is great.”

“Parfait! À plus tard, mon ami!”

“Au revoir…?” 

Achilles proceeded to scurry away once Elliott had bowed his farewells, now utterly determined to brush up on his French if only to show the other man up before wondering if those motivations weren’t particular very “rest and relaxation” of him. 

When he returned home, he methodically stacked his sun-baked groceries into the fridge and various cabinets, threw his new towel and swim shorts in the wash, and rearranged his pens for a good twenty minutes to try to pass the time. 

While he didn’t write much these days outside of To-Do Lists and reminders, he hadn’t been able to part with the pen collection he had amassed from the age of 12. Mostly fountain pens, of course—he had even kept their tightly sealed bottles of ink, though these days they sat unused in a small hand carved box his father had bought him for his 15th birthday. 

15 years worth of pens that had carried him through copious first drafts. He wasn’t sure why he had kept ahold of them, especially given that even his most positive memories of writing felt tainted. But they had followed him from coast to coast, county to county.

The same couldn’t have been said for his typewriter, though, that was for sure—and that thing had cost almost more than nearly all his pens combined (and he had some pretty damn nice pens). Man…

He shook the memory of his beloved typewriter from his head. It had deserved better. 

Desk now re-organized, he unstuck a new post it note, uncapped a pen, and wrote “My Summer of Rest and Recreation.” 

Or was it relaxation? Damn, he had already forgotten what he was supposed to be doing. Relaxation. Alex had definitely say relaxation… right? 

My Summer of Rest and Recreation. And/Or Relaxation. 

He stuck it to the mirror just as his dryer sang its jingly little song to let him know his swim shorts and towel were clean. That reminded him. 

Conquer the Sand and the Sea. 

Go On Five Million Dates.

Learn to Swim, bitch!!!  

Be Hot. Do Crime. 

Four more post it notes joined the four already stuck along the edge of the mirror. The last one hadn’t exactly been on Alex’s list, but “burn down Lewis’ house” was totally up to interpretation, right…?  

Dammit. This was going to be hard. How the fuck was he supposed to relax when he was now supposed to learn how to swim? And at the beach no less? And with Alex as his teacher? If it had been up to him (aka, if he had been allowed to draw up a Timeline on his own terms), he would’ve taken a week to better acclimate to the beach and sea before committing to the actual swimming of it all… Well. Time to pull up some video tutorials… 

‘Relaxing’ my ass. Maybe “recreation” was more apt a descriptor after all. 

[oldpotatoe]

Dude, don't get me wrong, I love flwogb, aidays, etc. but it's just angst overload at the moment. I used to check for updates or new fics several times each day, but I haven't even opened ao3 in the last week. I'm fucking wrecked. lol 🐡

and that’s absolutely fine!! honestly, im 100% a believer of curating your own fandom experience. if you want to read angst, cool! if you don’t, also cool! if you need a break from a certain genre, good on you for recognising that! just remember to look after yourself and your mental health, because that should be your priority in all of this. take care of yourself, anon <3

[viluvr-archived]

Playing with their hair .

Leona , Malleus , Riddle , Azul , Cater , Silver .

Gn!reader

( a/n : stressed boys being soft ⁉️ )

LEONA !

He was too busy sleeping and he needed to catch up on school, somehow telling him you wouldn't snuggle with him when he sleeps or feel like it worked. Although he'd tell you "Whatever, 'm just doing this 'cause I know you won't last without affection"

He despised getting up early to get ready for class, he despised not having affection. So when he finally caught up on everything, he demands a reward as usual. Although, likely, the reward will always be staying with him in bed while he sleeps throughout the whole day, except when he wakes up because he gets hungry, which leaves him in a sour mood.

He looked too peaceful sleeping, it was a breath of fresh air compared to his usual moody, stoic, smug look when he's awake. You caress his face lightly admiring him, giving him a few pecks on the cheek before switching to play with his hair.

He purrs when you lightly massage his scalp, braiding some of his hair, and stroking it. You've managed to play with his hair and comb it without him waking up.

Although when you stopped, he immediately holds your hand, "Hey, I never told you to stop, didn't I?" You were shocked by his sudden awakening. "And aren't you supposed to be sleeping?" You ask him playfully, "That doesn't answer my question, little one." You mentally facepalm, having to continue playing with his long hair. "There ya go, isn't that better" he was smirking proudly at his triumphant of making you continue.

"You're supposed to be sleeping, hng" you whine at him. "Doesn't matter now"

"I'm starting you're only with me to play with your hair" you joke about it while pouting, he decides to tease you a bit. "Hm? So what if I am?" You gasp offended "Why you little!"

MALLEUS !

Malleus was reading a book he found interesting, but he couldn't focus because you were staring at him so much.

He chuckles at your action, "Dear, you're being a really adorable distraction today, aren't you?" He ushers you to come sit on his lap.

"Really? Sorry Mall, just wanted to play with your hair. I'll leave if you wanna" you play with the ends of his hair, brushing it with your hands. "Now I never told you to leave, dear. If it makes you happy to play with my hair, it'd be a pleasure for me to let you do so" your eyes lit up, which Malleus noticed, it made his day. You being happy always makes his day, whether it be hearing you're happy from another person or witnessing it from afar. He's happier witnessing it close up or if he's the one who made you happy tho.

"Continue playing with my hair as you please, dear. If you want to, you could do a braid too." He presses a kiss to your temple then continued reading his book, letting you play with his silky hair silently.

RIDDLE !

It was late at night already, Riddle was still studying. He told you not to wait for him anymore, he was worried you wouldn't get a comfortable sleep if you wait for him to come back, but the thought of him there not resting makes you worry 10x more.

You rushed to see if Riddle was doing fine, although you ended up seeing him sleeping on the table, his hair and uniform messy. It was evident that he was studying hard.

"Oh, Riddle.. I told you to take it easy" you place your jacket on him, slowly stroking his back, giving him comfort. He started shifting position, comfortable and longing for the warmth you give him. You sit beside him, looking at his face, stroking it. His hair was everywhere on his face, it was such an uncommon sight to see from the Housewarden of Heartslabyul. You push his hair back, and tuck it behind his ear. As you softly kiss his cheek, he started waking up. "Y/n..? How long have you been in here?" He asks, still sleepy. "Just now, Riddle" "Can we please stay here? Just for a minute" you nod at him, letting him lean on you, and place himself on your arms as you slowly stroke and play with his hair.

AZUL !

His hair is so soft, you can't change my mind, and he probably takes good care of it.

Whenever you'd come up to Azul, going into his office to check up on him while giving him a light massage on his shoulders he wants to melt and just hug you then and there. Sometimes when he feels really tired, he'd turn around while still sitting on his chair to hug you while you unconsciously play with his hair.

"It's ok, Azul. You can relax now, baby. Hm?" He's gonna cry now, when you call him an endearment he just starts floating and his heart skips a beat. He takes a deep breath and rubs circles on your sides, and he bites his lips to stop himself from smiling because someone might see. He just can't wait for the future.

He feels that you stopped playing with his hair, quite upset he looks up at you, pouting slightly.

"Oh? Azul, want me to continue?" "Yes please."

CATER !

It was a lazy day for the both of you, just watching movies, doing skin care, and weird shit he finds on the internet.

His head is laying on your lap, while you play with his hair, practicing some hairstyles on it. It made him sleepy, his eyes were closed, although you know he wasn't sleeping, you made little space buns on his hair and you took pictures of him. "Awww, how adorable," you say while giving him some pecks on the cheeks and one on his nose.

You found it cute, how his face scrunched when you did that. His cheeks were rosy, and he was holding your hand. "Keep going, please?" Well, you couldn't help it, he's just too adorable right now.

SILVER !

It was easy to play with Silvers's hair, he doesn't move a lot, nor does he complain. He just obliges and falls asleep throughout the whole process...

You were currently sitting on a high chair to get a lot more comfortable while playing with his hair.

"Is there something about my hair? It seems that you always play with them, sweetheart." He asks, genuinely curious. "Well, yeah. Y'know it's really pretty, soft, and silky!" He chuckles quietly at that. "Well, if that's so, I'm starting to think you're only with me for my hair" he jokes. "Silver! Hey, no. That's mean 😡" he grins at your action and pouty lips, you were now seated on his lap, and his hands were placed on your waist, rubbing your sides softly. "I say we take a nap" "You take a nap, while I play with your hair! Better, no? You sleep better with that!" He hums agreeing, "Yeah, better"

[pies-writes-and-more]

Hey Christina !! I saw your requests were open and I think you write the hq boys sooooo well and I was wondering if you could write something based on the tiktok trend of fem!reader lip syncing to happier by olivia rodrigo and like mutilating a sausage or like an eggplant. You can include any boys you’d like I just think it’d be really funny! Tysm bestieee

pairings: ushijima wakatoshi, asahi azumane, kageyama tobio, daichi sawamura, bokuto kōtarō, & tendō satori, all with a fem!reader

warnings: mentions of cutting up a cucumber/eggplant lol, i think i said the word ‘dick’ in there somewhere, pure chaos that is not proofread at all im so sorry haha

a/n: when i tell you i cackled at the idea of this omg i hope you liked this anon!!!!! im sorry if i didn’t make it the way you wanted but omg i died LOL made this a headcanon/SMAU fic because it fit the vibe hahaha enjoy!!!

haikyuu masterlist

Ushijima

literally has no clue what this video is

has never even heard of Sour or Olivia Rodrigo even though you played the album over and over again when he was over last

he is very confused as to why you would send him this

Tendō is trying very hard not to cackle at how confused his bestie is but he was the one who gave you the idea in the first place

still thinks you’re secretly upset with him and tries to make sure you’re okay throughout the night

Asahi

mouth very dry

trying to think of literally everything he did in the past week

were you angry at him???? did he do something wrong????

he got to the part of the video where you sliced a cucumber dead in half and the man almost fainted

noya is in tears laughing because asahi’s never looked so pale in his life

highkey this was suga’s idea and he’s filming asahi’s reaction for you

Kageyama

also very confused??? because why do you seem to be cutting the cucumber so aggressively?

starts to wonder if you’re trying to go on one of those diets he’s heard of

but why would you send him this video????

did... you want him to bring you some more vegetables?

still side eyes you throughout the night and fidgets the whole time until you ask him what’s wrong

and then he just keeps blurting out “YOU’RE NOT MAD RIGHT? YOU PROMISE? I DIDN’T FUCK UP????”

pls console him he is concerned

Daichi

just 🙂 face the whole time

kinda curls inward a little as he watched the video, gulping as he tries not to cringe too much

Suga dies of later because Daichi tries to explain to him that he thinks you're mad at him

"It's a prank, Daichi, it's supposed to be funny."

"oh"

"unless you really did make her mad, then you might be in big trouble"

“🙂”

Bokuto

has never run so fast in his life

you had to be upset with him

and he didn't like knowing he made you upset

also he would like his whole body to stay contact pls so no cut anywhere pls and thank you

so he straight up said BYE to volleyball real quick and ran all the way to your place

even though akaashi tried to explain to him that he didn’t have to leave

“MY GIRL IS UPSET WITH ME AKAASHI! I CAN’T LOSE HER! OR MY BODY PARTS! I HAVE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS OKAY! AND BEG FOR FORGIVENESS!”

akaashi called to give you a heads up, even cracked a smile and a laugh because bokuto reacted 10x more dramatically than he expected

Tendō

just cackling his head off cause he loved these tiktok react videos where girls would do this in front of their partners

enjoys pranks thoroughly so you thought you’d get him back with this one

except tendō is always ahead of the game ugh 

you warned him later that if he ever was unfaithful though

you’d slide through him like butter

he believes you 110%, nodding as he clutches his groin in protection lol

haikyuu masterlist (let me know if you’d like to join!)

@sgue0s @aurumk @neko-chii1 @thisnoodlewritesao3 @satan-ruler-of-hells @trashy-simp @jeppiet @tobi-momo @darkvadeeer @haikyuutothetop @livy384 @babyshoyo @jesssobs @b-bakana @just4readingfics @moonlightaangel @crystal-lilac @random-734

[highfivesandgoodtimes]

spooning - nolan patrick

****ya girl is back w another patty fic. this might be one of my favorite things I've written so let me know what you think! this is some tooth aching fluff with our favorite stoic boy.***** 

“Did you just throw a spoon at me?”

Okay maybe you were being a little over dramatic. But it was warranted, he said over and over that he would be done in 5 minutes yet, here he was, 45 minutes later, still in front of that damn TV. 

You knew the struggle of dating a hockey player and you were okay with them, most of the time anyways. Nolan was back on the ice this season and while you couldn’t be happier to see your boy back doing what he loves, he was driving you crazy. 

Nolan had this weird thought that he had something to prove to the team, to the fans, to the entire city. After missing a season due to injury, he felt that he had to come back 10x better than he already was. You told him over and over again that it was really unnecessary since the team had faith in him and he was already playing fantastic as usual and he didn't owe those loud mouth reporters shit. Yet, it went in on ear and out the other. He spent extra time at the rink after practice, working on his shot, his speed, his passes, anything and everything he possibly could. 

Which lead to right now. You had barely seen Nolan this week due to games, practices, and you working so tonight was supposed to be one night to spend time together. You were going to cook dinner and Nolan even agreed to help and cook with you. You were honestly pretty excited to spend some time together and actually have a conversation with him that wasn't “good morning” or “good night”. 

Except you were standing in the kitchen, alone, halfway done cooking dinner and Nolan was sitting on the couch watching tapes from the team’s game last season against the Islanders in preparation for this weeks game. You asked multiple times for him to pause it and he promised just 5 more minutes every time. 

So yes, you did throw a spoon at him. 

All you did was shrug when he asked and turned around to go back to cooking. 

“Babe? Did you just throw a spoon at me?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” If he wanted to lie about being done with the game, then you could lie about the spoon. It was obvious he didn’t believe you but you did hear him pause the TV and heard his feet shuffling around the floor. 

You faced the stove and stir the pot you had on the burners when you felt hands slide around your waist and rest on your hips. Nolan shoved his face into your neck and he nuzzled into your skin as he pressed his body flush against yours. 

He mumbled a “baby?” into your neck and you hummed in response. He pulled his head up a bit to rest his chin on your shoulder.

“Why did you throw a spoon at me?”

“Why am I cooking dinner alone?”

The crickets were awfully loud tonight.

“Okay, so it appears I may have forgotten that I promised to help you cook tonight.” He leaned up and starting repeated kisses to your cheek. “I’m sorry honey, I got dishes tonight and dinner tomorrow, I promise.”. You still had yet to answer him. It may have been a bit dramatic but you were kinda hurt, all you wanted was a bit of quality time with him. Nolan continued to kiss your cheeks, your forehead, your chin, and all the way down to your shoulder blade. You still gave him not reaction and focused on the stove in front of you. It wasn't until Nolan rubbed his beard into your neck and started tickling his finger against your side did you crack.

“Stop it, I’m mad at you! Couldn’t you figure that out when I chucked a spoon at your head?” you were half laughing, half trying to put up a serious front. 

“Yeah, the spoon flying at my head kinda gave that away. I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to forget. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” He pouted at you, sliding his arms back around your waist. He pulled you flush against him once again and starts swaying side to side. 

“Nol, you don’t get it. I really missed you this week, we’ve barely seen each other. I was looking forward to actually spending some time together but noooooo you just had watch more stupid hockey tapes.” you grumbled out that last part and took a rather aggressive jab at the pan with the spatula you were holding. He sat quietly for a moment while still swaying you back and forth slowly. You felt him rub his nose against your neck before he pressed his lips softly against the side of your head for a brief moment. 

“You’re right. I got too caught up in being back and got lost in the hockey hype. I neglected you and our relationship. I’m sorry baby, I’ll try to not let it happen again. If it does, you have my full permission to throw more spoons at him.” he mumbled. You hummed in response, appreciating his words and knowing that he meant them. “Here, let me help.” he grabbed the spatula from your hands and bumped you out of your place in front of the stove with his hip. You stared at him in amusement as he started stiring the dinner in the pan. “Cmon, I got this. go pour some wine and put on your favorite song.” he smiled at your, nodding his head toward the bottle of wine sitting on the kitchen island. You sighed but did as he said anyway. You grabbed two glasses and poured you both some wine. You put on your “chill” playlist, a favorite of both you and Nolan, and made your way back over to the stove.

Placing the glasses on the counter, you wrapped your arms snuggly around his midsection and rested your head against his back. You rested against him for a minute and mumbled a soft “missed you” against his shirt. You watched as he lowed the flame on the stove and spun around to face you. His hands landed at your waist as he tugged you close to him. Your chin was on his chest as you stared up at him. He smiled down at you contently and bent down to press a soft kiss to your lips.

“Hi baby.” he said, pressing another soft kiss to your lips. He always had a way of making you feel like a giddy schoolgirl.

“Hi honey.” you smiled back at him, relishing on finally getting a moment with your boyfriend. He kissed you one last time before pulling away from your hold.

“C’mon you love this song.” He said as he grabbed your hands and pulled you into the middle of the kitchen. He spun you around by the hand and dramatically dipped you into his arms, which always made you laugh. Before long, the two of you were spinning each other around the kitchen, dramatically dipping each other. There’s a chance your attempt to dip Nolan failed majorly and he may have ended up on the floor while you cracked up but that was a story for another time.

The two of spun around the kitchen, smiling, laughing, and just enjoying the time you two had together for a couple songs until Nolan realized dinner needed to be finished. He returned to the stove, stirring food around in the pot, while you perched on the counter with your glass of wine. Nolan told you all about his practice and all the funny things the boys chirped at each other while you caught him up on all of the latest work drama and the conversation you had with his sister a few days before. 

You passed Nolan plates as he placed dinner on them and the two of you headed to the table. Dinner was lovely, the conversation flowing as smooth as always. Smiles were spread across both of your faces as both of you clearly loved having this time to catch up with each other. Nolan smiled extra softly at you as you told him how dinner with your friends went the other night and reached out to hold your hand across the table.

“You know,” he started as you finished your story, “this is all I want in life. I just want me and you, together like this, for the rest of my life.”

“I- you- what?” you stuttered as he caught you off guard. He chuckled at your surprise and kissed your hand.

“Babes, you can’t be surprised by that. We’ve legit talked about marriage and kids, why would I not want you for the rest of my life?” he asked you. Well he did have a point, we had talked often about your future together and have recent taken the step to move in together. 

“I don’t know, just caught me by surprise. It’s always nice to hear though, I want you forever too Nols. You’re it for me.” you said as you leaned over the table to kiss him.

“Thanks baby, you’re it for me too.” he replied back to you in his typical deep voice. He lifted the back the your hand that he was holding up to his lips, kissing it gently. Then, in true Nolan fashion, he casually changed the conversation to a story about the boys messing around and almost getting in trouble this morning after practice. 

The two of you ended the night by migrating to your bed, opting for a movie and some comfy clothes. You laid with your head on his shoulder and you two watched the next couple episodes of the newest show you had been binging. You rolled closer to him, resting your head in the curve of his neck and wrapping your arms around his shirtless torso. His hand fell into your hair and your eyes fell shut at the calming feeling. You felt yourself start to doze off but not before you felt Nolan pull you closer and press a kiss to the top of your hair. He mumbled a soft “love you” as you fell asleep, thankful that you decided to throw a spoon at him.

[joy1579]

RFA when MC accidentally calls them while telling her sister that their “the one”

every RFA baby deserves love. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

oh requests are open my only rule is that i don’t write V. (its not that I don’t like him he just hits a bit to close to home)

oh masterlist 

Jumin

-        He answered your call but your voice was muffled and it sounded like you where talking to someone else

-        “you don’t understand he’s so cute sometimes and he’s the sweetest man I’ve ever met. I know we went kind of fast but, listen Jumin’s the one. I Just know it. He’s my one and only”

-        He hung up after that. He would love to hear more of what you thought of him sure but he didn’t want to eavesdrop on you.

-        You have never seen a more smug man in your life

-        He looks like the cat that caught the canary

-        When he gets home and see’s you he asks what you did today and what you talked with your sister about

-        If you don’t tell him about the conversation, he’ll tell you he got a very interesting call and tell you what he over heard

-        When you turn bright red at being overheard he chuckled and pulls you close to him kissing your neck before muttering against your skin

-        “you should know the feeling is mutual. You are also my “one” and only.”

Yoosung

-        He got out of class to see a voicemail from you. When he listened the majority of the message was difficult to here but he could make out your voice if he focused

-        “I can’t explain it he’s just, he’s so cute and sweet and I just want to hold him all the time! Sometimes when I catch him off guard he blushes all the way to his ears and I swear I’ll never get tired of that. I know we haven’t been dating long but I think he’s, you know, the one.”

-        Suddenly there was a loud clatter and the call cut off

-        Yoosung couldn’t breathe, he felt like he was falling from a plane. He could hear the blood rushing in his ears and his heart pounding in his chest.

-        He might have been having a panic attack, accept that he wasn’t panicking he was the happiest he’d ever been in his life.

-        He calls Zen and is talking a mile a minute about what you said and does that mean he should get a ring and she he ask you to move in and what should he say when he sees you

-        Then Zen stops him in his tracks by asking “did she mean for you to hear that?”

-        Oh. Now’s he’s got to try to play it cool and act like he didn’t hear you say he might be the one and he’s terrible at secrets lord help this baby boi.

Saeyoung

-        The second he answered it was clear the call was an accident he could hear way more background sound than normal and you were already mid-sentence

-        “more than that, I think he’s the one. He’s afraid to take the chance I know, but whether we get married or not I know there’s no one else for me. Me and Saeyoung have been through so much there’s no way I could ever fall for anyone else. I love him.”

-        He hung up quickly and dialed your number because he had to talk to you that second.

-        But when you picked up all he could say was “you called me” when you deny it he laughs a bit hysterically half nervous half ecstatic “wait for me? When saeran’s better I promise I’ll get you a ring. I’ll sell one of my babies if I have too. Please will you wait for me?”

-        Your trying not to cry but manage to say “of course” your sister is lost, and a little worried but your smiling through the tears so she thinks its good news

-        He practically tackles you in a hug the second you walk through the door. He gives you a ring pop in your favorite flavor that night and promises that the REAL proposal will be better.

Zen

-        He was in the middle of a work out when he got the call. He answered but when he heard different voice than yours he stopped in his tracks. Part of him is worried your hurt or someone took your phone.

-        “I’m just worried about you he’s got so many female fans’ what if one of them hurts you, or he cheats they say celebrity relationships never last” suddenly he recognized your sisters voice.

-        “I don’t care how many fans he has or what they try to do because I’m not giving up on him. he isn’t just a celebrity. He’s a person. He’s loyal and passionate and gentle. I think, I know I love him. He’s the one and the rest doesn’t matter because we can work through anything together.”

-        He hangs up immediately because he knows he can’t listen to that without wanting to see you right then

-        He works out 10x harder. He just feels really worked up after hearing you defend him like that and you had said he was “the one” how was he supposed to calm down after that?

-        The second you get home he sweeps you into his arms and carries you to bed. He can’t help it he has to show you how much he loves you right that second.

-        You call him impatient but he say’s “I’ve been waiting this long for you to get home I can’t be any more patient”

Jaehee

-        She listened to your voicemail after the lunch rush at the café

-        “are you sure about this? People might not approve?”

-        “did you come to question me or to help me pick out a ring?”

-        “I just want to make sure you understand what you’re doing there’s a lot of stigma you know”

-        “you think I don’t know that? I live with it, but that doesn’t matter, she’s the and bigotry won’t change that.”

-        She pulled the phone away from her ear as the voice mail continued.

-        She scanned the café and decided to close for the day since there was no way she could focus after hearing that.

-        That night she made an elaborate dinner for the both of you. Complete with your favorite desert.

-        She makes everything so perfect you can’t think of a better time to give her the ring you bought.

-        After she comes clean you’re a bit disappointed it wasn’t a surprise but at the end of the day she’s wearing the ring and you couldn’t be happier

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Making out with Duckie Dale would include~

(Not my gif)(Requested by anonymous)

- Duckie doesn’t really have a specific kissing style; it all just depends on the day. Sometimes he’s quicker and more passionate other times he’s sweet and slow.

- A lot of the time he’ll ask to kiss you, although when he’s jealous he usually can’t help himself from just laying one on you. But are you really going to complain?

- Though to be fair he does look slightly apologetic and seems kind of embarrassed when he acts so bold. When he pulls away he usually ends up scratching the back of his neck and clearing his throat awkwardly as you look at him in shock.

- Whenever he’s jealous his kisses get a lot more passionate and a bit on the rougher side. He puts all of his emotion into it and takes your breath away.

- Strong kisser, he makes you feel like your thighs are on fire.

- Even though he has strong lips he gives you a lot of soft kisses. Short and sweet, especially when you’re saying goodbye or he just can’t help himself from giving you a quick peck.

- I have this vivid scene in my head where you’re sitting outside with him and he leans over with a smile on his face and kisses your lips. The ice cream in hand is optional.

- He definitely dips you in his arms when you kiss. It’s like he comes straight out of an old romance movie.

- Loves when you run your fingers through his hair/play with it when the two of you kiss.

- He pulls you close, usually with an arm wrapped around your waist/back. He likes having you pressed against him, your arms wrapping around his neck as he holds you.

- Both of you can’t help but laugh when you get lipstick on him. He’ll try to hold back his smile as he wipes it off or stands still, letting you do it for him.

- When you need to take a breather a lot of the time he’ll end up nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck or dropping his head onto your shoulder.

- Whenever you’re lying on your bed he’ll come and lean over you, kissing you for a while before flopping down beside you. Sometimes you’ll move in closer and steal more kisses from each other as you speak.

- He wants to kiss you in the rain at least once. There’s something about it that’s just so romantic, so dramatic, so free.

- Making out in your car while listening to old love songs. He probably has a mixtape he made specifically to smooch you to.

- He likes when you lean over and peck him on the lips; he always smiles happily yet obviously wants more. It’s probably what starts off a few of your makeout sessions. He’ll teasingly say something along the lines of “you call that a kiss”, before smiling as you roll your eyes and kiss him again.

- The duckman has some of the softest lips you will ever have the pleasure of connecting your own lips to.

- An impromptu makeout session always cheers him up. If he’s ever feeling down just lay one on him and he’ll be 10x happier.

- He wouldn’t think to take off his shirt but he could probably be swayed with a little flattery.

“Oh really now. ...well I suppose I could spare a few layers.”

- He’d at least take off everything but his comfy undershirt, depending on how intricate his volcanic ensemble is.

- He has a tendency to chew gum so you probably get a taste of mint everytime you kiss him.

- It’s not below him to sneak out of class to makeout with you. I’m just saying that he’s skipped out on calculus for less than that.

- He may or may not allow you to drag him into the girls room. He may be flustered by your sudden dominance but you never hear any complaints.

- Theres been quite a few instances of the two of you laughing into your kisses, more so you, because he’ll tickle you or do/say something funny or ridiculous.

- He can’t help himself from kissing your forehead or cheek before he completely pulls away from you, usually when you take things slower and don’t completely eat each other’s faces.

[kidhawks]

Never apologize! Your responses and posts are a treasure! "but she knows hawks’ yapping is shallow and even a little entertaining so she lets him make himself feel better with it, until they both drop pretences and the room gets a little colder as they do." AHHHHHH THIS! THIS! THISSS!!!!! oHmyGOSH, every time a fic does this it it instantly becomes 10x better, and I'm always so fascinated by other characters being in my position and seeing this! What would they think?! The FLAVOR of this idea 💖

(+) Back in the day, people used to say that Hawks' "Proposal? Despite knowing I can't possibly refuse, how malicious of you" Little eye wink, hands out pose, was his way of awknowledging and telling them about how he has no choice, but in a way that doesn't seem serious, so they don't think much of him saying it. Its to be peaceful~ When inside he's not. But if they see that, well he can't allow that. I am feeling things seeing Hawks go from joking to awkward to serious to respectful bowing.

(+) And in such a short time span too, I am NEVER getting over it. How in the world did Horikoshi cram in the Prohero arc and Hawks' entire character literally a week before the chapter was supposed to come out when he had no plans for it or even finalized Hawks' design. And it ended up such a good arc and is still super relevant to the current arc and has you going back to reread it. I mean, this arc is what all of it was leading up to!

(+) ANYWAYS I LOVE YOUR IDEAS AND YOUR SPECTUACULAR PHRASING ABILITY THAT NEVER FAILS TO MAKE ME FEEL THINGS AND BE ENERGIZED WITH YOU!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YPIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HAWKS BRAIN ROT!!!!! I'm sorry, this condition is chronic.

awh i’m glad u like my ideas!! nothing makes me happier than hearing that!!! and hawks’ little mocking shrug and smirk takes up so much space in my mind..... how many avian head tilt headcanons were spawned from this one panel........

i think the president sees it as exactly the jab that it is but since it’s phrased jokingly she ignores it. this seems like the norm for them. i love the tension btwn the two.... i would like to see more of it

[uhhhhyandere]

i’m alive. 

i really am lmao. just gone through a pretty bad mental state tho. i’m trying to write my way through it, and I figured I would share some! it got 10x worse now that I had to move back home from college bc of corona, so i’m going to probably be sporadically writing. 

stay healthy y’all! here’ the result of me playing my fifth time through three houses.

You read a poem once. Back in the day when there was enough time to indulge yourself in such frivolities, you used to read a lot of poems. In the fresh, clean winds that blew through the grassy field below the walls of Garreg Mach, you would situate yourself under the same oak tree. Sometimes it would be in the early mornings when the sky was just beginning to wake in a bask of pink, orange, and blue, but more often you would find yourself reading poems about the mortality and searing reality of war and tragic love affairs with only the light of the sun setting illuminating the print. Each work evocating a pain you should have expected before picking them off the shelf.

Perhaps you were always a stickler for things that hurt you. 

You don’t know why this particular poem was reiterating itself in your mind right now. It spoke of ice and fire, of death and desire, and of the world dying all in a mere nine lines.

No, you were lying to yourself. A little more than five years ago, this poem meant nothing to you. It did not wrench your gut like the epics of long-dead heroes and narratives of unrequited love did at the time. The short poem was something you read in a book of one-stanza poems you happened upon in the library before Tomas’s identity even came out. You remember not being able to discern a theme or meaning between the lines. There was no hidden text or interpretation to be done. What was there is what was there. 

Now, with blood staining the breeze and fire burning through the land under a black and red flag, you found the lines reciting in your head. The scorching heat of when Edelgard set fire to the center point of Gronder Field as you were in the midst of fighting on the very wood set aflame, the sickening burn of splattered blood on your cheeks of a slain enemy, an enemy you most likely once called friend, and the overwhelming intensity of the endless battles raging through Fodlan.  

Goddess, the smoke of the Empire permeated even the air around the monastery.

You exhaled, unable to shake the heavy feeling in your chest. Everyone was shaken from Gronder Field, even Felix, though he would never show or say so. Pointing your blade at the throat of Petra, locking eyes with Claude moments before he released an arrow in your direction (in all fairness, you believe he missed on purpose), they were images cemented in your brain. No prying, no treatment would dilute their intensity, especially as you slept, or tried to. The sun had long set over the mountain, and stars were beginning to peek out into the darkening sky. You huddled more into your cloak to hide from the icy breeze. 

Ice. 

Where fire burned, ice bit and nipped inside your bones. It left its own white heat in its wake. From the inside out, it crawled and it inched down your nerves, your muscles, your skin. The chill would reside over you for much longer. You looked up at the Goddess tower before you, impermeable in the night. Your heart wrenched. You’d been there on a night not so dissimilar to this one, mind the peace of the time and the ball music muffled by the walls. A happier time where you weren’t forced against old friends 0n the battlefield where you found yourself first connecting with the other houses. 

You winced, tears slipping from the squeeze of your eyes. Goddess, you wanted that again. You wanted him again.

But he was ice, a danger as much as the fire was to Fodlan at the moment. Creeping in your core, this was a chill that did not go away in any sauna or in any soup Dedue could stir up in the kitchen, but you did not want to get warm. The heat melts ice, after all, and this ice was so… thin. 

You wiped your stray tears. He could not see you cry, not without risking his temper. The boy from years ago, you knew how to do your best with him. He was much more amicable to your advances to help. 

With this man now, you toed a thin line. 

Fulfilling your promise from five years prior along with the rest of those your professor recruited, you did not expect the boy you fell in love with, the boy whose room you would tip-toe into in the dead of night, the boy you trained with and helped you become the fighter you were now,  and the boy who would sacrifice, by his word, everything for you to be the man you saw that day. Least of all did you expect those feelings or some semblance of them, to remain inside his shattered soul, but, along with himself, they festered into something twisted.

Or, perhaps this has been him the entire time, hidden under the persona of royal perfection if Felix’s continued abhorrence spoke to anything. This truth, however, bit back at you. Weren’t you supposed to be the one to see it? Weren’t you supposed to be that endless fountain of unadulterated support? Weren’t you supposed to know him? 

This guilt ate away at you. You could have done something. Goddess, anything, yet you missed it, and you stayed away for five years grieving over a man who lives, 0r, at the very least, survives. You had to make up for what you missed, both the time he was left alone here, and everything else under your gaze at the academy, 

No matter what it took.

You felt him before you saw him. Despite his seemingly inhuman strength, his footsteps were silent as they traversed across the empty monastery. The wind blowing through the cracks of the wall and ceiling covered up every noise. It almost felt like it was empty, if not for the hands gripping your hips and the heat on your back. 

“Dimitri,” you spoke. He was not the vocal boy he once was, the bundle of awkward phrases and misspoken sentences. Dimitri communicated in touch now, feel, because words outside of threats of death and useless soothings to the dead were not part of any love language. His hands, icy despite his body heat, traversed up your side. You did not jump or try to escape when he neared what you already knew he was looking for. Trying to escape anything he does only leads to more misery. “I tried to patch it up myself on the march back. Didn’t want to bother anyone.” You winced as his claw put mild pressure on the poor excuse of a bandage. 

His head wrapped around to observe your face, and you prayed you had hidden the evidence of your sorrow well enough. Unfortunately, his remaining eye was still as discerning. 

“Do you weep for them?”

“W-what?”

“Those fools. Those who would get in our way, are your tears for them?” Despite your fear, you knew Dimitri would not harm you. At least, not kill you, so you risked turning around, forcing his arms back to his side. 

“Dimitri…”

“They would stop me from ridding these ghosts, these demons, and yet you cry for their deaths? They are no longer your peers. Anyone who gets in our way is an enemy, no matter the past, and they hurt you. They hurt you, Y/N. I’ll crush anyone who dares touch what is mine.” 

“It’s just a scratch.” From saving your self-destructing ass from getting spliced by a lance. You decided to forego that part. “I should have had Manuela or Mercedes look at it before.”

“No.” Abruptly, he turned his back, the fur of his cape hitting you in the process. His large, hulking form retreated into the chapel. You followed wordlessly. “Sit.” Again, you complied. He pulled from beneath the nearby pew a small box of medical supplies. “No one touches you but me. Strip.”

“It’s cold.” 

“Strip.” In the breeze, you lifted your shirt off. His hands were long passed the point of calloused. Under the gloves, his skin was rough as he cleaned the dried blood from your skin and continued to address the wound. The finished product wasn’t nearly as well done as if your priests had done it, but it would do. “No one touches you but me.” 

“Okay.” Dimitri stood and made his way to his regular spot. Murmurs started not so long after. At his side, you would stand. Then, by his legs, you would sit. Finally, at his feet, you would lie. The rubble digging into your back and Dimitri’s growls of promised vengeance to the dead lulled you into the same restless sleep as always.

[jenomark]

Compared to debut to now, how do you think some of the members have changed in terms of who they are (more so from a growth aspect not in a bad way). It can be anything, ranging from style, personality, outlook on life etc. Also thank you for always answering my questions with a lot of thought! It makes my day when you reply to them! They’re like little reward to me 😊-🥰

+These are only my opinions, or my assumptions. This is not meant to be taken seriously!

Taeil: He’s one of those people whose core being never changes. From the start, he’s always just been himself. I will say that he’s expressing more confidence, he’s very outspoken about what he likes, and it also kind of feels like his overall personality became more positive. 

Johnny: I think Johnny is one of those people who always seem confident even if they aren’t, so it gets hard to read him. He does seem more comfortable with his place in 127 than he was previously. I’m going to credit that to getting a little more lines, and him getting so much screen time during American interviews.

Taeyong: He’s not happy with just being good looking anymore. Watching Taeyong come into his own over the last year has been wonderful. He’s a little weird, and he’s owning it through his fashion, and his expression of dance. I think his writing is getting better, too.

Yuta: Maybe it’s just me, but he looks happier. He’s a lot more playful and smiley than he used to be. With opportunity, I think Yuta is getting comfortable with his role in the group. Also, he got 10x more sexier??? I don’t know where that sexy confidence came from, but I. am. here. for. it. 

Kun: THAT CAPRICORN ENERGY. He’s slowly coming into the role of being a leader. I think people take him more seriously now, and I think that’s definitely affected his self-esteem for the better. Of course, the members will always mess around with him, but they can’t mess with his assertiveness.

Doyoung: He’s definitely a lot more sure of himself now. MCing and doing all of those extra activities outside of his schedule gave him a lot more belief in what he’s capable of. To me, Doyoung changes all of the time. I think he’s constantly learning and growing, facing fears and challenging himself. 

Ten: His personality is exactly the same. I think we only see a difference when he’s around certain members. I think he’s experimenting more with his personal style judging by his airport looks. I’m still waiting to see more from him since we haven’t gotten much personal stuff over the last year or so.

Jaehyun: I kind of feel like his whole perspective has changed on a lot of things. I don’t know what those things are, but he carries this humbleness with him that makes me think he’s trying not to think too pessimistically. He’s working on himself a lot, both physically and mentally. I’m not sure he was taking care of himself that much before.

WinWin: Well, the obvious one is that he’s a lot better at expressing himself through different languages. I didn’t notice much change until he started promoting with WayV. Not to make anyone sad, but I really think that’s the best place for him. Like, his confidence levels are through the roof right now.

Jungwoo: He’s always going to be emotional and nervous, but I think he’s learning how to self-soothe. He’s taking those emotions and turning them into excitement, instead. Also, he has such a hunger for life. I don’t think it’s something he’s grown to have, but I like getting to see it more.

Lucas: I think he’s still the same, mostly. He hasn’t been around for that long. I do enjoy getting to see how he charms different people, how those people respond to him. He’s such a good person, and I feel very excited to see where his career takes him next.

Mark: Confidence!! He still has a long way to go, but the boy is a million times more confident when he’s making music. I’ve noticed that he steps up a lot when he’s in the studio, and that other members look for his direction. Other than that, he is almost exactly the same, like, he still carries a damn backpack around.

Xiaojun: Well, it’s only been a few months since debut.  I like seeing the silly sides of him. I hope we get to see more sides of him, and I hope his confidence builds as he realizes how many people are there to support him.

Hendery: Similar to Xiaojun, we haven’t seen much. Pre-debut, I didn’t realize how goofy he would be. I mean, he seemed mischievous to me, but there is something so honest about who he is that it draws me to him. I can see he isn’t used to fame yet, but I think he’ll get used to it someday.

Renjun: It’s the confidence I notice most. People who appear confident aren’t always that confident in themselves. I do think Renjun has stopped beating himself up as much. I think his confidence is genuine most of the time. He’s also become serious about his art, so I’m hoping the company gives him a lot more opportunities. 

Jeno: The physical changes are obvious. I don’t know why he’s getting so built, but I support it. It’s probably nice for his stress-relief. Growth-wise, I think he’s more observant, and more patient. He also has this vibe to him that makes me think he would make a good leader, and I think that is because of how patient he is.

Haechan: Everyone has noticed that he’s more mature than he used to be, his behavior is a little more tame. I know he’s only been an adult for a few months, but there is something so wild and free about him now that I can’t put my finger on why that is. He’s not holding himself back at all, well, he is a little bit, but I’m waiting for the day where he takes us all by surprise.

Jaemin: His personality is the exact same as when he debuted. When he had to take a year off, it could have really messed with him, but I think he survived that because he felt so much of the love fans give him. I think he’s brought that love outward, and is now repaying everyone with it.

YangYang: He confuses me, because I see a very mature young man, as well as a small child. I don’t know much about him yet, but I think he’s doing really well for himself. I think he’s exactly who he is supposed to be, if that makes sense.

Chenle: It seems like he has a better sense of the world. Watching him meet new people that are different from him is always exciting, because I can see his mind broadening in real time. He’s always been happy and carefree, and I think he’ll remain that way for a long time.

Jisung: I’ve mentioned this before, but going on those reality shows brought him out of his shell. He’s become more independent, and has really shown that he can be a star all on his own. He’s also mentioned that he thinks more about things now, and I can see that maturity on him.