#though unfortunately I’m going to be away from the studio for a little while so maybe I’ll catch up on posting some older pieces

[onlygenxhere]

Kiss Me

It was nearing midnight on the tenth anniversary of her mother’s death and Julie was wondering if this would be the year she’d finally get up the courage to ask Luke to kiss her.

Again.

She’d asked him once before, five years ago on this very night.

She tried not to be obvious as she watched him from her side of the sofa, but his presence was more distracting than usual. Maybe because it was just the two of them left watching a movie they’d both seen before, or maybe it was the thought of what had happened last time bouncing around in her head.

She’d been a little tipsy, but not drunk. Luke had gotten them a bottle of her favorite pink wine even though she shouldn’t have had a favorite wine at all yet, being only twenty. But back then the anniversary of her mami’s passing always brought so much pain with it she tried to numb it as best she could. Luke had been the one to make sure she didn’t do anything too stupid ever since he’d rescued her from a party at Carrie’s house two years prior, before she could finish taking her shirt off and jump in the pool.

Flynn had been distracted with Carrie that night and Alex and Reggie seemed more inclined to let her do what she wanted, even if what she wanted was to get so shitfaced she threw up on her keyboard.

That had been another unfortunate anniversary. 

But, five years ago, Luke had been hiding out in her studio garage having run away from home, so they’d been spending a lot of time alone together outside of band practice.

She’d finished her second large glass of wine and then crawled into Luke’s lap and asked him to make out with her. She remembered telling him the wine hadn’t been enough, and she needed him to help her forget, for just a little while.

“Julie, you don’t know what you’re doing.” He’d gripped her hips tight, pushing her back to sit more on his legs than his lap.

“I know exactly what I’m doing.” She remembered leaning forward and how he’d ducked his head.

“You know how I feel about you, but the band needs to come first right now.” He’d looked up at her from under his lashes and she’d felt like such a shit. “I need us to make it, and I can’t risk losing you no matter how much…” He’d sighed and dropped his eyes again, shaking his head.

The rejection had stabbed her in the heart, but she’d understood. He couldn’t go home until the band succeeded. She’d already lost her mother, but Luke still had a chance to get his back.

She’d slid out of his lap to the sofa beside him giving him a tight smile. He was right, she’d been impulsive and was risking messing up this amazing thing they had just to ease the pain in her heart for a little while.

But the wine made her both stupid and reckless and she couldn’t seem to stop herself from suggesting something a little more chase, just to see what it’d be like. She’d leaned into him and said, “Aren’t you curious?” Because as practical as she knew in her head it would be not to kiss, her body still very much wanted to know what he tasted like, what those full lips would feel like pressed against hers.

He’d taken her hand and turned sideways so he could look her in the eyes and if the rest of the night was a little blurry, she never forgot what he said next.

“Julie, I’m not sure I could stop kissing you if I ever did.”

Five years later and she could hear those words in her head like he’d just said them.

She wondered if he remembered.

She’d never really stopped wanting to kiss him.

Through boyfriends and girlfriends, the desire had faded to the background for the most part but was never really gone.

Ten years since Rose Molina had died and in ten more Julie would be the age her mami was when she passed. Was she really going to spend whatever time she got left not going after the one thing she’d wanted as much as she’d ever wanted anything?

The band was doing well. Successful even. They weren’t internationally known yet, but they were on the verge of a major break.

Luke had made up with his parents. They’d all grown up, moved out, and were making a pretty decent living playing music.

Flynn was at her parent’s helping her mom with her dad who had broken his leg last week doing something fifty-five-year-old men shouldn’t be doing so they wouldn’t be interrupted.

She wasn’t dating anyone.

She was pretty sure Luke wasn’t dating anyone.

The question was, was she willing to risk rejection again just to know what it would be like to kiss him. To finally find out if the chemistry she felt every time they were together was more than just the music that ran through both of their hearts and veins.

~*~

Luke could feel Julie’s eyes on him as he pretended to watch the movie. He really should go. It was getting late and the longer he stayed the more he didn’t actually want to leave.

He wished Flynn or one of the guys had been able to stay. Take some of the tension he could feel in the room away. He wasn’t sure what was going on with her tonight. He’d spent the anniversary of her mother’s death with Julie for the last eight years.

Some years had been loud and chaotic with partying and drinking. A few had been quiet and mostly ended in big puppy piles with their friends. He could handle either version of Julie on the anniversary of the loss of Rose Molina, as long as she made it through to the other side without hurting herself or others, he’d always felt like the night was a success.

But tonight felt different. They’d had pizza and chatted about the new album they were working on but didn’t fall into a writing session like they did nine times out of ten. They’d gossiped about Alex and Willie and when they were going to get married or more importantly who would propose first. They talked about her dad and the date he’d been on last week that had him back home by eight. They’d tried not to snicker as he got them to delete the app off his phone as he informed them all he definitely wasn’t ready to move on.

Luke had understood. He let his eyes slide over to Julie for a moment. He’d been trying to move on from her for years with little to no success. He tried dating, but it never lasted. He inevitably ended up pushing them away by talking about the band, Julie, too much. He’d tried casual relationships, but they only fed his physical needs, and he wanted more than that in his life.

Five years ago he did one of the stupidest things he’d ever done in his life. Right up there with eating poisoned hotdogs and spending the night in the ER trying not to die.

He’d turned Julie down when she asked him to kiss her. But even more importantly he didn’t talk to her about it the next day when she was for sure sober and ask if she’d been serious, see if she still wanted to kiss him without the half a bottle of wine coursing through her.

Because he wanted to kiss her. He had then and he did now. The only thing that had changed in the last five years was how successful they were now and how much he loved her. He hadn’t thought he could care about her more than he had then, but he’d been wrong. The way he felt about her then felt like standing in the sun until you started to sweat. Now it felt like he might burn alive from the inside out when he stood in the sunshine of her voice, her eyes, her smile.

That little part of his brain that had told her no that night still whispered what if it wasn’t good. What if she didn’t feel the same. What if changing the dynamic of their relationship broke the band up.

What if it was the best thing that ever happened in his whole life.

“Julie?” “Luke?”

He turned to see her biting back a grin. He should have been surprised at the determined look in her eyes, but he wasn’t.

She threw the blanket on her lap up onto the back of the sofa and slid over into his lap, never looking away from him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He placed one hand on her back and one on her knee as he took a deep shuddering breath.

“So.” Julie sighed.

“So.” He nodded.

“Five years ago…”

“You asked me to kiss you, and I said no.”

She nodded. “You said no.”

“Are you asking again?”

“Yes.” She licked her lips, her eyes dropping to his before flicking back up to his eyes. “But this will be the last time.”

He nodded. “I’m not sorry I told you no that night five years ago.”

She started to pull away.

“But!” He held her tight. “I should have brought it up again in the morning.” He reached up and tucked a curl behind her ear. “I should have asked to kiss you at least a couple of years before you asked me that first time.”

“Yeah?” A ghost of a smile quirked at the corner of her lips.

“Five years ago, I was too scared of losing everything, including you, to risk our friendship on the chance that we could be… more.”

“And now?”

He felt her threading fingers in the hairs on the back of his neck as he took another deep breath. “I’m not afraid anymore.”

She nodded before she started to lean closer and whispered inches from his lips. “I think we’ve put this off long enough.”

He put his finger between them and grinned when she pulled back with a frown.

“I told you five years ago I didn’t think I could stop kissing you if we ever did. Just wanna make sure we’ve said everything we need to…” He licked his lips. “For now.”

She snickered as she leaned in again. “You talk too much.”

Their lips met and Luke had been right. He didn’t think anything, but maybe the threat of bodily harm, would make him want to stop kissing Julie Molina.

She seemed to feel the same because neither of them spoke again for a very long time.

[artsy-apricot]

More experiments with Black Mountain clay!

I love the cool glaze effects I’ve gotten with this — the way the marbling shows through the clear glaze that only turned white over the black clay, and the cool speckles that emerged in the blue glaze. Next I’m going to try marbling the clay with a red glaze over it to see what happens!

Progress pics below the cut

[neoiightss]

Having a separate room - NCT 127

Hii, this is my first request, so I’m really excited! Sorry for disappearing guys, I was extra busy with work, but I’m back! Please feel free to send me any requests ^ ^

pairing: y/n x johnny, taeyong, doyoung, yuta, jaehyun, jungwoo, mark, haechan. 

warnings: established relationships, pure fluff, domestic life. 

 

Johnny 

He’s understandable right off the bat. He doesn’t see a problem with it, and as soon as you mention wanting to use the extra room in your house as a personal area, he will gladly help you decorate or build the furniture. 

As you two walk through the Ikea’s aisles, picking up a desk and a chair for your space he points at a cute set of pink-colored decorative frames that would go well with the theme you wanted. 

“What do you think, babe? I could hang them right above your desk, it’ll look good, right?”

He asks excitedly, making you smile genuinely before nodding, he smiles back with your approval as he puts the products in your cart. 

Taeyong 

Another one that will be so excited, taking it as a little project of yours, helping you decorate the place (you might have to tone him down a little, or else he’ll just make it his style). 

“Look we can install a shelf right here and fill it with my Spongebob figures set” 

He points excitedly, walking around the spare room in your shared apartment, planning all the decorations and furniture’s positions as soon as you mention wanting to use it as your home office place. 

“Yeah, but that’s yours and I don’t even like Spongebob that much, maybe I can just put some candles..” 

He pouts trying to win you over with his puppy eyes. Which, unfortunately for you, it works very well, giving in as you watch him smile brightly, walking to the next wall where he wants to graffiti a cool design for you, of course. 

Doyoung 

He probably already has a room for himself, a little studio where he practices and records his songs and doubles it as storage for some of his clothes as well. So he gets it when you mention wanting to have a place for you, even though he loves living with you and enjoying your moments together he just wants some alone time to recharge and gather his thoughts. Will help you out with decoration if you ask, but mostly will just do the heavy work like bringing and building furniture, he doesn’t want to interfere much in your personal space, letting you do whatever you feel like.

“Right here?” 

He looks at you as he levels the shelf you bought, proceeding as he gets your approval, he cleans his palms in his shirt as he finishes installing the last one, internally wondering why you need so many shelves. 

“Alright I’m taking a shower, let me know if you need anything”. 

He says before leaving you to decorate the place, excited to see how it will look at the end. 

Yuta 

Will be the one to suggest you use the spare room in your apartment as he notices you working uncomfortably on the dinner table, sitting awkwardly as you type away on your laptop, he simply can’t have his baby in such situation! Will help you out with putting the place together and even suggesting you a few decorational itens he saw online to make the place more cozy. Will definitely spend an insane amount of money on an office chair just because it’s the “most comfortable on market”. 

“Are you crazy? That’s too much Yuta, besides I only work two days a week from home”. 

You scold him as soon as you see the price of the chair, watching him look unfazed as he puts it together. 

“My baby deserves the best. Besides it goes well with the new pc set I bought you, the reviews online says the keyboards are really egornomical”

“You bought me a what??”   

Jaehyun

He likes to have his alone times just as much, and even tough he’s always romantic and sweet to you he’s not the clingy type. I can see him using the dorms as his personal room, a place where he’ll work on his music or just unwind for a while, especially when he’s too tired or frustrated with life, not wanting it to affect you. He doesn’t oppose when you ask to use the spare room in your house as your little craft area, finding it so cute that you want a place for yourself as well. 

Just like Doyoung he won’t interfere, just helping with the things you ask, but will definitely want to leave one item that will remind you of him, just in case you miss him.

“It’s just missing one final touch, darling” 

He smirks, trying to contain his smile after you give him a quick tour of the room, showing the way you decorated it, you look at him confused asking what is it before he takes a small Polaroid of him blowing a kiss from his pocket, placing it on your desk. 

“So you don’t miss me too much” 

He winks watching you laugh in disbelief, later on, he’ll make you take one as well for his room. 

Jungwoo

What do you mean you want a room just for yourself? He’ll definitely whine a little as you propose it, he thought the whole idea of moving together was to be together as much as possible! It will take some explaining and pouting from you to convince him, in the end he’ll agree with you and help you organize the place, as he tries to, not so sneakily, bring his own stuff there. 

First is an extra chair in case he wants to visit, what about his music equipment? It was just laying around and won't take much space, and as soon as you realize you’re yet sharing another room with him. 

“I know what you’re doing, Woo..” 

You look at him seriously as he quietly installs his pc on the other side of the room. 

“What? You know the wifi is better here, it’s just for when I want to play with the guys, I promise baby” 

He pouts, trying to win you over this one. 

Mark 

He’ll gladly accept it with no complains, he also has his own room where he built a little studio to work on his music and have his alone time so he agrees right away when you vocalize the need to have a space of your own to work on your things and just have your alone time as well, but as soon as he has his days off at home he’ll get a little uneasy not seeing you so often around the house, doing nothing on the couch or doing your cutesy crafts on the dinner table. 

He’ll come around here and there, bringing you water or a treat, or even just to give you a kiss and when you least expect he’s laying on the little couch next to you, watching you work as he plays random songs on his guitar. 

“I thought we agreed on me having this room for just myself”

You comment after a while, your tone giving in that you weren’t even mad. More else amused to see him wanting to be there with you. 

“Ah, come on babe, I’m just giving you a little ambience song, pretend I’m not even here” 

Haechan 

Your own room? Alone time? But he barely sees you..are you mad at him? Is he annoying you? That man is going on full whiny mode as soon as you mention it. He can’t believe his baby doesn’t want to spend all their precious time together being glued into each other. 

Believe me it will take some time to convince him it’s nothing wrong with him, you just want a place to work on your hobbies in peace and have your alone times. After a while you’ll convince him, with the promise that he has a free pass to visit you whenever he’s missing you, and just like Mark he’ll make the most lame excuses to crash onto your room. 

“Seriously, what do you want now, hyuck?” 

You look back as you feel his presence, the boy looking at you with puppy eyes as he enters your room. 

“It’s just that I think I saw a spider on our room, I’m staying here just a little bit, promise”. 

You roll your eyes, not being able to contain a chuckle as he comes in, sitting next to you, snuggling onto you. 

“Baby you know the wifi is soo good in here, maybe I could bring my pc and we’ll have a cute couple’s gaming room!” 

[yyawnjun]

THEO AS TATTOO ARTIST

from my serie: P1HARMONY STUDIO

A tattoo of water lilies, an attractive and talented tattoo artist, a phone number that is seemingly impossible to obtain, and certain feelings that are hard to hide. What could ever happen? a.n.: first part! hope y'all appreciate the lil connection between the stories ndaja (you will understand reading the other stories when they will be out <3) ; 2,5k wc ; fluff !!; no warnings ; theo being a tattoo artist makes so much sense. ; shootout for this beautiful banner AND for proofreading this to my favorite girl ever @gfnextdoor @sobun1est (GO TO FOLLOW HER RN) ; writing this to find all of the few p1eces on this app!!

event taglist : @tkooooop (send an ask to be added)

Soon the receptionist found your name on the appointment list and led you down a hallway to room 11 where you would speak for the first time with your tattoo artist about your first tattoo. You had been thinking about getting it for years, and you were looking for the right place and the right time in your life. So one day, after moving alone to a new city to continue your studies, you decided to celebrate the new beginning with a tattoo.

After a long search for the perfect shop, you were lucky to come across "P1HARMONY," a shop with great reviews despite being little known. You had previously decided what you wanted tattooed, where on your body, and in what style. After seeing some tattoos on the Instagram page, you decided to visit the place. In particular, the amazing and simple style of a specific Theo caught your eye. Unfortunately, the tattoo artist you wanted wasn't available when you first visited. However, you were able to schedule a meeting for the next day so you could talk to him face-to-face about your tattoo.

It was around 10 am when you entered room number 11. When you walked in, you saw that the blinds were still a touch low so the light was reflected enough to illuminate the room without being overly blinding or annoying. You immediately saw the boy who introduced himself as Choi Taeyang, your tattoo artist seated on the chair next to a desk. His pale skin provided a pleasing contrast to accentuate his reddish lips, and his jet-black hair matched the color of his eyes. His expression seemed calm and even his glazed eyes were softened by a small smile. He didn't have any tattoos on his arms as you expected, but you could see one on his chest because of the shirt's neckline.

“I heard this will be your first tattoo. What were you thinking of doing?” He asked you after you walked in and sat down in the chair across from him. Even though a whole desk between you two, you could still feel your heart pound as his black eyes remained to gaze at yours. His calm attitude quickly made you feel comfortable, to the point where you began discussing your desired tattoo design. You clarified that you wanted a water lily to be placed on the inside of your arm. To ensure that his style was appropriate for you, he got up to display his collection of tattoos. 

He got up and took a big notebook from a shelf that had sketches and pictures of tattoos he had done. As you reviewed that type of portfolio, you grew to admire his lovely line and the numerous incredibly accurate details that accompanied it. You saw that, although focusing more on the medium-sized tattoos, he had no trouble applying color and that the size of his tattoos was the most different.  

As soon as you finished looking at his notebook. You looked up, convinced now more than ever that he would be the one to give you your first tattoo. You started to look at him, but he was already looking at you. You looked away for a moment while he kept his gaze. “Okay, I’m convinced”

“Perfect, then by this evening I will send you some ideas of your tattoo, both colored and not. Once you have seen them, we can discuss the price together.”

“Thank you. Do I need to leave my email or my number to the secretary?”

“Yes… I mean, no, don’t worry. If it’s okay with you, you can leave it with me and I will contact you,” all his confidence seemed to waver as he said that. His voice sounded halting, and his cheeks were flushed. You didn’t pay much attention and gave your number to him.

“So, water-lily girl, what’s your name?”

You chuckled at the funny nickname "Yn, my name is Yn," to which he responded with a smile and a firm handshake.

In contrast to your hand, his hand felt quite warm and had a firm hold. You got up to go a little while later, and he got up right away to open the door.

A quick nod and you were out of room number eleven. You walked towards the main exit where you ran into two boys, one tall with red hair and lip piercings, and one with black hair and a temporary henna tattoo on his arm.

“And you know that, even though I’ve known Theo for a week now, I still haven’t managed to get his number!” said the red-haired boy.  Suddenly, their conversation took on a more intriguing tone. I mean, because you already had his number…

"Of all the people I know, very few have his number." the other boy replied. And after that sentence, you lost a heartbeat skip and an involuntary smile. Why did they ask for your number? Or was it all just your imagination? The truth is that you had to move from your hiding spot to get out. You did this by lightly smiling at the two boys.

“And she didn’t leave her contacts at the secretary’s office,” the receptionist told the two boys that were still looking at the girl that just left the shop.

“Either Theo scared her, or Theo took her contacts,” the henna boy replied.

“She was really cute, I don’t know whether to hope that he scared her or that he thought she was cute,” the redhead added.

“The second option,” said Theo, who had just joined in the discussion. No one had noticed his arrival, and everyone was slightly scared by his sudden comment.

“You did well, I’ll be rooting for you. You should give me your number so you can keep me updated.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Jiung,” Theo chuckled before going back to his studio to take care of your tattoo.

It was 8 pm and you had just finished taking a shower when your phone rang. It was a message from an unknown number. But you immediately recognized who it was from the profile picture, and his introduction in the message; it was Theo, the tattoo artist. For a little while you felt the emotion rise, even if he hadn't written you anything so crazy... but you could still hear the voices of those two boys talking about how rare it was to have his phone number. And you got it right away... that boy blushed and stammered when he asked you for it. Oh, how all those romantic Kdramas are starting to bring out your delusional side…

“Hey, I'm Theo, the tattoo artist at p1harmony. We met today and I texted you to show you some tattoo ideas. Sorry, there are a lot, I ended up getting carried away. I hope you like at least one. Let me know so I can fill a spot for you starting tomorrow if you're available.

Have a good evening Yn”

You grinned at the message and began glancing through the pictures. Every one of them was more beautiful than the last.

The style was similar in all of them, and yet they were so different. You fell in love in particular with a water lily colored in a reddish pink with green petals. It had little stars around it that lit up the water lily, giving it a fairy-like tone-

You stood alone thinking about the tattoos and imagining the boy doing them. As he worked on his graphics tablet, you could picture him focused, with his eyes half closed and his forehead slightly furrowed. After a while, you responded to him, telling him which one was your favorite and asking if you could have an appointment the next day.

“A date tomorrow. Sure, see you at 10 am.” he sent the message shortly after your confirmation.

“Of course, I meant for your tattoo.” at 1 am, when you were still awake watching your favorite TV series.

You smiled and replied with a funny emoji to let him understand that you knew it.

“...unless” was the message he sent you at 1.54 am, which you saw fleetingly - because you were still absorbed in watching the series - and which he deleted a minute later.

You wanted to scream because that message had caught you off guard. Unless what? You were fantasizing a little too much about a boy you had met the day before…

Shortly after you fell asleep lulled by those sweet thoughts.

“Welcome,” he said to you as soon as you returned to room number eleven. You found him standing next to the armchair where you were supposed to lie down. He was wearing black gloves and a white shirt that highlighted his hair, which was particularly neat, pulled back by a light layer of gel. 

He had a warm smile that lit up his face, and his eyes shone with the light that came in from the windows.

“Come and sit here, so we can try the stencil,” he told you.

You sat down while he went to print the stencil of the tattoo you had chosen. You had time to admire his studio. Everything was clean, and the predominant colors were black and white. On the walls hung some of his tattoos and sometimes certifications. 

You smiled when you saw a print of a painting by Monet, of water lilies that stood out next to his desk. It seems like he did some research for your tattoo. He appeared so young, yet so skilled; the room featured a few bookcases filled with different tattoo manuals and journals containing pictures and sketches of his tattoos.

You took a moment to lean over and check the year he had won the competition, so you could figure out how old he was.

Just as you were checking he came back and stopped your train of thought. “I was born in 2001, and now I’m 23.” he smiled at you as you shyly sat back down.

“Oh okay..thanks,” you said blushing.

“Here’s the print, stay still while I try to position it on you.”

He was able to place the print on top with extreme delicacy since you sat down and stretched your arm. "Are you ready, Yn?" and you gave a nod.

"Alright. I've already prepared everything I need; we can get started."

Suddenly your arm contracted at the contact with his hands, the fear of the needle of that machine mixed with the delicacy of your body gave you shivers all over your body.

Your arm suddenly tightened at the touch of his fingers; the combination of your body's sensitivity and your fear of the machine's needle sent shivers down your spine.

"Is everything okay?"  he asked you, stopping before even touching you with the needle.

"Yes." 

"They won't hurt; they'll be like tiny pinches, I swear. - he said - tell me a little about yourself so you can distract yourself in the meantime."

The proposal seemed acceptable to you, so you started to talk about your recent move. He nodded in silence and added a few questions. You noticed that the pain had become bearable, and you took your time observing the boy so concentrated while he tattooed you. His eyes were half-closed, and his head was scrunched up, just as you had imagined. His mouth was slightly open, and he was carefully holding your arm while he tattooed you. With more time to focus on him, you became aware of how near your face was to his, and you made an effort to glance aside to keep your eyes from meeting.

“And would you like to tell me something about yourself?” you asked him bravely. You were used to listening, but you had been pleased to be able to talk to someone. He also spoke a little bit about himself, saying that he had moved into the studio a year before and was gradually getting to know all the people who worked there. He cherished that work environment, and they were all wonderful people. He spoke and you listened to him; he and he remained focused. He was so attractive that even if you tried not to get lost in his words, you found yourself missing a few sentences.

You had lost a few heartbeats, your sense of time, and now even your shred of dignity when you decided to ask him if he was dating someone.

He looked up for a moment, shook his head, and asked you the same question again.

“No, I’m not,” you told him.

Theo and you both began to smile, but you hardly noticed his as you felt his heartbeat quicken due to your posture allowing your palm to lightly feel his heartbeat. 

Before you knew it, the tattoo was finished.

“It’s so beautiful,” you said

“Yes.. beautiful.” he said looking into your eyes, and then added “Yes, the tattoo. I’m proud of it.” he continued pretending as if nothing had happened.

Shortly after he placed a specific wrap around your tattoo, to prevent it from getting ruined or infected. You quickly paid for the tattoo and stood up to go.

“It was nice meeting you, you can text me if you need anything. You already have my number anyway”

“Thanks again, Theo.”

“Unless…” he said to you when you were at the door with your back turned.

You connected to the deleted message right away. Was that cryptic method he was asking you out? Instead, you chose to be naive and pretended to be confused.

You turned around and found him standing a few meters away from you.

“We can see each other again tonight, you and I. But not for your tattoo. I mean, would you go on a date with me?” he asked you.

Your heart started to beat wildly.

“Sure Theo, I’d love it.” and immediately your gazes moved. “I’ll text you the details then,” he said to you.

Out of excitement, you turned around and tried to push the door to leave…even though it said “PULL” in large letters.

He smiled and tried to open it for you, but you managed to be quicker.

When you opened the door intending to listen in on your conversation, you found two boys outside the room you saw the first day.

We are even now, you thought, recalling the first time you overheard their chat...

But Theo didn’t see it that way and started chasing while the two tried to escape.

“INTAK, JIUNG STOP NOW.”

You smiled and greeted them, then tried to leave while giggling at the funny scene.

At the entrance, you find a boy with platinum blonde hair who has just arrived. You noticed from his bags that he was probably a make-up artist who worked there.

“Hey, you must be Yn,” he said to you

“Uhm yes, who are you?”

“ Oh sorry, I’m Keeho. I work here as a make-up artist, and Theo told me about you. Just tell me if that dork dared to ask you out.”

“He did.” you smiled.

“Let's go, Jongseob owes me 10 euros… may I ask you again if you accepted?” And you nodded.

“YES! Thank you. Now Soul also owes me 10 euros. One day, I will offer you free makeup.”

You laughed at the amusing interaction, nodded, and walked out, your thoughts still wandering as you imagined the upcoming date with Theo.

[xxatinyminionxx]

ZB1 Reaction - You Say Their Name

Genre: Reaction, fluff, a pinch or two of crack

Background: You have been around him for some time but never really used his name to speak to him until now.

Warning: Yujin + Jiwoong’s are a little longer sorry I took a break while writing this 😭

A/N: Happy ZB1 debut day!!! At this point I haven’t seen the comeback yet. This reaction is a call back to Say My Name era on Boys Planet in a unique way! 🫶

Zhang Hao

He saw you as the more distant person among his acquaintances and didn’t bother you as much because of it. He respects your space and if you’re not comfortable enough to talk to him, he’d rather not push you.

One day you found a really funny meme and decide to show him. “Zhang Hao, look at this!”

“Hm?” He’ll ask with raised eyebrows, his heart moved by your attention to him after all this time.

You hold your phone out to him, meeting him by his side to watch his reaction. You get the cutest giggle out of him.

“Oh, then I have something to show you too.” He adds before searching for a funny post he recently liked that he thought catered to your humor.

You two bond over your sense of humor and exchange phone numbers before his schedule whisks him away.

Sung Hanbin

You took one of his classes when you were on the lookout for a new hobby. You had such a good time even though tutting isn’t easy.

Swamped with work again, it takes you awhile to sign up for another one of his classes. In the midst of your busy schedule, you think you see him in a store you frequently go to.

“Sung Hanbin?” You ask carefully hoping you’re right and didn’t make a fool out of yourself.

He turns his attention away from a display and smiles politely. “Yes?”

That’s when it clicks. He probably has no idea who you are. A lot of students attended the tutting class.

“Ah, I’m Y/N. I took your tutting class at your studio. I guess I wanted to come say hi and thank you for leading such an engaging class. Dancing is my new hobby.” You ramble on but manage to say everything you meant to say.

He smiles and nods through your immense gratitude for him, his eyebrows furrowing at particular parts that he thinks praise him too highly. Our humble king. “Ah, you’re lovely. I remember watching you try to perfect every hand movement in the mirror. I’m glad I could provide you with a new hobby! Will I be seeing you in class again?”

“Of course!”

Seok Matthew

Matthew was the saint that was always there when you were having a hard time. He held the elevator for you who was sprinting to make it inside, offered you a ride home when it was pouring outside, listened to your advice and opinions on things when others weren’t, and called you his friend when you least expected that title.

The difference this time was that you were going to take him by surprise for a change. That’s what his kind gestures have led up to. While you were used to saying “thank you”, you never really addressed him by his name. It was nameless appreciation.

But when he takes some of the items you were clearly having a hard time juggling to hold in your arms…

“Thank you, Matthew.” Is what you say.

As if his dream came true, his face brightens up and he gifts you with one of his shy smiles.

“Haha no problem Y/N.” He responds lightly trying to keep calm though he’s screaming on the inside.

Ricky

An extremely handsome guy enters your cafe during work hours and he takes you ABACK with his aura. You’re suddenly so glad someone traded shifts with you. Your somehow unphased co-worker takes this man’s order before handing it off to you to make.

You feel his gaze on you for a moment—until it drops to his phone to check something on it. With his head down, you can hardly take your eyes off him as you prepare his order. Unfortunately you may never see him again, which is why you call his name with the utmost enthusiasm.

“Ricky?!”

He peers up at you and greets you with a cute smile before grabbing his order. “Thank you~”

Your eyes remain locked on each other a couple seconds too long for just a meaningless encounter.

“Y/N.” You point to your name tag assuming he wanted to know your name.

He hums and nods. “Y/N, thank you. Have a good day.”

Little did you know he would become a regular just for you <3

Park Gunwook

You had been window shopping today and came across a busking event as you walked around the city. Music along with someone’s talented rapping voice echoes down the street.

You approach the crowd to get a closer look. That’s when you catch a glimpse of a guy you frequently sat next to in school one year. You talked sometimes, but you weren’t really on a first name basis.

You decide to cheer along with the crowd, remembering his name as it used to appear on his school uniform. “Park Gunwook!”

The sudden unique cheer throws him off and he looks over in your general direction. You can tell he’s flustered in the face when he spots you but he keeps going until the end of his verse.

Once his performances are over, he rushes to come see you before you decide to leave. “Y/N!!”

You smile at each other and applaud him again for his charismatic performance. “By the way, did I scream a little too loud?”

He shakes his head all giggly, flashing you his big smile. “I remembered your voice, plus I don’t go by Park Gunwook when I rap.”

“Then what do you go by?”

“TopGunz.”

You can tell he’s not joking.

Kim Taerae

You went to a gathering that people you knew were going to be at. You really were not enthusiastic about going, but you were curious and felt guilty since you had a track record of skipping events like this.

To your surprise, you have a good time up until the host initiates a game of truth or dare.

Sitting in a circle that looks more like an oval, you’re eventually the next person to ask.

“Y/N, truth or dare?”

You scan the room but it’s no use. No one gives away what they’re thinking through their facial expressions. This was a 50/50 question.

“Um…dare.” You choose.

“I dare you to hold hands with someone for the rest of the night. Who will it be?” The host instigates with the help of an online list of dares.

“Kim Taerae.” You say in almost the same second that the question into the air to be ‘oooh’ed at.

The called-out young man perks up not expecting you to call his name one bit. “Me?” He can’t stop smiling as he gets up to be beside you.

When your fingers lace together, you notice his hand is warm, some callouses adding to the nature of his hand.

“You’re allowed to switch hands, but you can never let go of each other.”

You two would never let each other go. A lifelong dare meant to stand the test of time.

Kim Gyuvin

You were sitting on the bench at a bus stop when a familiar acquaintance sat on the other end of it. You end up locking eyes and you laugh in unison.

“Hello.”

“Hello~”

Minutes go by and without delay, the bus arrives. You two get up to board it and end up sitting in rows across from each other.

The ride is quiet besides the couples of people to the front of you and behind you having their own conversations.

The bus stops at some photoshoot place and the tall male gets up to leave the bus, accidentally leaving his jacket behind on the seat beside where he was.

“Gyuvin!”

He turns around in shock at the sound of your voice.

“You forgot your jacket.” You get up, scooping up his leather jacket and handing it over to him.

He gives you a sheepish grin and bows politely. “Thank you, Y/N. I’ll um see you again sometime?”

Kim Jiwoong

As a staff on the set of a drama, not only do you get to service the actors, but you also get to peek in at the production occasionally.

The scene being filmed today requires several touch-ups to the actors’ makeup, so you have a closer look at the acting on set.

You make sure to run up to Jiwoong, your assigned actor, to reapply makeup as requested by the director between takes.

He is nice and friendly to everyone apart of the project while his character unironically contrasts so much in front of the camera. His character is cold, confident, and assertive.

Still not completely out of the emotions of the character, he has a somewhat tense look on his face.

“Relax your face for me, Jiwoong. You’re doing great.” You sneak in a compliment being thoroughly amazed by his dedication to the drama.

He gifts you with a small smile before relaxing. “Thank you Y/N, I have to work hard because you work hard too.” He responds in a similar tone as his on-camera character, which makes you hot and flustered inside.

“Still in-character?”

“A little~” He whispers cooly and it takes everything in you not to bolt out of the set area.

“Wow, you’re crazy Mr. Jiwoong...” You tease as you finish up his makeup and take a step back.

He winks at you before taking his place and resuming filming again.

Han Yujin

There is an internet cafe that you frequent since it’s merely a 5-10 minute walk from your house. You’re embarrassed to admit it but almost everyday, you come over to the pc room to play an online game that’s had you hooked.

The game is popular enough that you can easily play with others local to you. While you may have thought that was cool at surface level, you never really gave it a second thought.

You grow fond of a few players and “friend” them on your gaming account. You all start coordinating times to play as a result.

One day, you sit down to meet your online friends in-game using a mic and headset as usual. When you are successful at a specific mission that had you and your friends stumped, you can hear loud cheering from next to you.

There is a small delay between what you hear in your headphones and what you’re hearing beside you. You could’ve sworn you heard your gamer tag being uttered from both, saying the same thing.

“Ohhh! Amazing! Wow, you totally carried us, (your gamer tag)!” Seems to echo in-game and in real life.

The outburst, or outbursts, take you off guard and you push your left headphone off your ear wondering if you were just hearing things.

“Guys guys, let’s go heal up! I took a lot of damage.” The guy beside you says grinning ear to ear, eyes glued to a screen running the same game as yours.

“Wait…Yujin?!?!” You say overwhelmed with shock and kind of excitement. You poke his shoulder repeatedly and of course you scare the life out of him—he’s screaming bloody murder over voice chat.

He soon recovers and it’s clear that you’re the only one who has put two and two together given his bewildered expression.

“I’m (your gamer tag)!” You clear up quickly before he thinks a crazy person suddenly spawned in real life.

His eyes go wide as he recognizes who you are from your computer screen. He then leans far back in his chair letting out a heavy sigh. “Wahhh! It’s really you?!”

You laugh along with the rest of your friends—who are absolutely dying of laughter listening in online—and nod at Yujin.

“Sorry for startling you, you startled me! Don’t worry, I’ll buy you a meal.” You say to Yujin while the others “ooooh” over voice chat.

—

©️ 2023 xxatinyminionxx. All Rights Reserved.

[therealcocoshady]

Recovery - Chapter 8

Eminem x FemReader (Y/N) fanfiction

Summary : Y/N reconnects with an old friend and her sobriety is seriously challenged.

Tags : Angst, Comfort, Fluff

CW : Bullying, Alcohol, Drugs, Mentions of nudity

TWO WEEKS LATER

To say you had a bad week would be an understatement. It was a terrible one : everything that could go wrong basically did, except for the moments you spent at the studio. 

As it often happened, you missed Simon terribly. You were feeling touch-starved, and you just missed being in a relationship. Granted, you had amazing friends, but it just wasn’t the same. Work wasn’t a piece of cake either. You’d had to attend several faculty events and, as was often the case in academia, almost everyone over-indulged on alcohol. You found yourself missing the days where you could party and dance the night away. You had never been much of a party-girl, but now that you were sober, you missed it sorely. You were supposed to work on your doctoral dissertation but found no motivation to work at all. 

Only three things were able to get you out of your bad mood : the few hours a week you spent at the studio, dinner time every evening with Talia and Jamal, as well as the perspective of seeing an old friend who was coming back to Detroit. 

Two weeks prior, after Marshall brought you back from the studio, you had received a text from an old friend named Cassie. She was the first person you befriended at Michigan State University, four years ago, when you were an exchange student. Your friendship was the living embodiment of “opposites attract”, as she was everything you weren’t : funny, easy-going, sociable, the life of the party. It was also a good partnership : you helped her study and she helped you socialise. She was the one who took you to some parties and showed you cool places in the city. In a way, she was a good influence : she pushed you out of your comfort zone. Whenever you were with her, you found yourself to be more bold. Unfortunately, you hadn’t seen her in a while, as she moved to another state to follow her then-fiancé, now ex-husband. Cassie had texted you to tell you she was coming back to town and that she’d love to see you. Generous as ever, she offered for you to spend a couple of days in her suite at a fancy hotel, promising you a good time and some spa. You were extremely happy to see her again. When she left, you had tried to keep in touch, but she seemed extremely busy. Now though, she was considering coming back to Michigan after a divorce and was actually in town for a job interview. 

Her offer for you to spend a couple of days with her was also a nice way to give Talia and Jamal some space. They would never admit it, but you figured they would appreciate spending some time at the house, just the two of them. There was only one drawback : Talia seemed a bit wary of Cassie. You knew she never liked her, but being the classy lady she was, she refused to drag you into their drama. She simply told you to enjoy yourself. 

On Friday night, you joined Cassie at her hotel, after she was done with her job interview. She seemed ecstatic to see you. 

Ma chériiiiiie, she shrieked as she took you in her arms. It has been so long ! 

I’m so happy to see you, you said sincerely. 

I have planned the most amazing weekend for the two of us, she said giddily. 

Really ? What do you have in mind ? 

First, we’re going to have a nice five stars dinner brought up to our room, and tomorrow, I’m taking you to the Spa, shopping and then, I was thinking we could go to a party together, she explained. 

That is a lot, Cassie…, you said. 

My treat, she assured you. Let my divorce settlement money be useful ! 

I can’t accept that. 

Of course you can ! You’ve done so much for me, baby, it’s time I paid you back a little ! Some people I know are throwing a party and you’re going to love it. 

You hummed. Cassie was a ball of energy, as always. You half expected her to be depressed because of her short marriage that just ended, but she was beaming with happiness. At dinner, she explained that she caught her husband cheating with a colleague. She got a lot of money from the divorce and was ready to move on. She had always been like this : always seeing the positive side of things. During the conversation, the talk shifted to your breakup with Simon, although you didn’t go into much detail as to why the relationship ended. Cassie was your friend but you didn’t want to either bore or worry her by talking about your struggle with pills. If you were being honest, you also didn’t want her to think poorly of you. As amazing as she was, you knew she could be a little judgy, at times. 

It’s a shame that you guys broke up, but maybe it’s better this way, she said. You can do better anyway. 

Do you really think so ? you asked as you bit your lip. 

Of course. I mean, he was great and everything, but I don’t know… You could probably do with someone a little more fun. He was always so serious, she said. 

I don’t know… I liked that about him, you said with a sigh. 

Of course you did, she continued. But I’m sure we can find you someone better. The party I’m taking you to tomorrow will be the perfect place for you to find a man. 

I don’t need to find a man, you scoffed. 

Of course you do, she giggled. It’s been months since the breakup. And knowing the good girl you are, you probably haven’t got any action since. You don’t want spider webs to grow in your vagina, now, do you ? 

You almost choked on your water. God, she could be so straightforward when it came to sex. Or any other topic, for that matter. Once again, she was the complete opposite of you. Anyway, you didn’t bother responding to her comment about the good girl you were. And you were absolutely not going to mention your movie night with Marshall. Thankfully, the conversation shifted once again to another topic. After all, the two of you had a lot of catching up to do. 

You barely got any sleep that night. Not that you weren’t tired from your week - you were actually exhausted - but you spent the whole time talking to Cassie and catching up on her life. This girl had a talent for making life seem exciting and glamorous. She always had things going on, always being the one with the most amazing stories to tell. You felt a little dull, next to her. 

The next day, you started by having a fancy breakfast in bed before she dragged you to do some shopping. The department store is where you noticed she was seriously intent on spending money. She kept on grabbing items, not even bothering to look at the price. Meanwhile, you failed to find anything. You either didn’t like it or it was out of your price range. Eventually, she decided to take matters into her own hands and initiated a makeover session with the pretext that you needed to look fancy for whatever party she wanted to take you to. Of course, it was Cassie, so you weren’t exactly surprised when she told you it would be extra. She insisted that you try on a Sandro black dress, even though you weren’t convinced. It was on the shorter side, with sequins and definitely showed a lot of skin. Not to mention that it was extremely expensive. You liked shopping and dressing up as much as the next girly girl, but you didn’t come from money, so spending $300 on a dress wasn’t something you considered. However, to her, it seemed like it was no big deal. She didn’t even blink when the sales assistant told her about the price. “We’ll take it”, she simply said, before asking for bags and shoes to match the dress. Once again, she spared no expenses. The shoes she selected for you to wear were from Jimmy Choo, costing almost $800, with a matching clutch that was just as expensive. She even went the extra mile and selected a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings to complete the outfit. She was extremely happy with the outfit. So much so that you didn’t really dare tell her that you felt ridiculous in these clothes. It was the least “you” outfit ever. “If Talia could see me, she would laugh in my face”, you thought. But at the same time, Cassie was so generous and confident that you wanted to give it a try. After all, maybe you needed to get out of your comfort zone. After the shopping spree, you went to get pampered at the hotel spa. You both got your hair done, as well as beauty treatments for the face and body. You had to admit it felt good. Plus, she seemed to enjoy giving you the princess treatment. To be fair, you also enjoyed getting it. It wasn’t every day that you could get a massage, a facial and a new hairdo. 

The both of you went back to the room to get ready for the party. You didn’t know much about it, other than the fact that Cassie was extremely excited to go. It was supposed to be held in an exclusive location, with “only the best people, food, music and drinks”. When you stepped out of the bathroom, she clapped and shrieked in excitement. 

You have never looked so sexy, Y/N !!! If I had your ass and your breast, I’d dress like that everyday ! 

You were glad she liked it, although you thought you resembled a Bratz Doll. You hardly ever wore makeup anymore, but there you were, with eyelash extensions, foundation, bold lipstick and, hell, even highlighter on your cheeks. Not to mention the outfit. “The dress is too tight, too short, and the heels are definitely too high”, you thought. 

Are we sure about the heels, Cass ? You asked nervously. I might break an ankle, here… 

You’ll be fine, she said. Plus, God knows I’m not one to criticize, but… You’re way too short to wear anything lower anyway. 

And there was the thing you liked the least about Cass : the way she would sometimes ignore your insecurities and dismiss them. Back when you were in school together, you couldn’t count the times when she would comment on your acne scars, your hair or even your weight. But she was your friend and you knew she meant well. It was her own way to care for you. She had your best interests at heart and she wanted you to be nothing but the best version of yourself. Besides, you knew that she was just as hard on herself. She was constantly under her own pressure to look good, do good and be with good people. But that was what made her thrive, so you figured that, maybe she was right. 

You look stunning and those basketball and NFL players are going to get in line to get your number, she said as she placed a strand of hair behind your ear. 

You look amazing too, you said with a shy smile. 

I know, she giggled. 

But wait… You mentioned… sports players ? Who exactly is going to be there ? Do you know them ? 

You’re getting in your head, baby, she chuckled. I know a few people. As for the others, it’s just a few friends we haven’t made yet. Anyway, I have something for you. 

She grabbed her handbag and took out a vial. 

I know how nervous you can get in social settings. This will help you relax. We are going to have the best night ever, she said with a wink. All you have to do is inhale this. 

She placed the vial in your hand and you looked at her, intrigued. 

What’s that ? You asked. Essential oils ? 

Almost, she hummed. Just trust me, ok ? 

Do you promise it’s nothing weird ? You asked as you bit your lip. 

I would never give you anything dangerous, she said as she rubbed your shoulder. You trust me, right ? 

You nodded with a smile. Of course you trusted her. 

Now, let’s have a glass of champagne, just the two of us before leaving, ok ? We didn't even toast to our reunion last night !!! 

I shouldn’t drink, you said as you avoided her gaze. I’ll have water but go ahead. 

Don’t be a boring, Y/N, she giggled. God, you can be such a dud sometimes. One glass, it won’t kill you. I’m going out of my way for you to have a great time, here. 

You felt your heart strain. You didn’t want to be ungrateful. After all, she was more than generous to you and she did go out of her way for you to have a memorable weekend. You didn’t want her to think you were a dud. Besides… One glass of champagne was ok, right ? It wasn’t as if she was handing you some pills or offering for you to snort cocaine in her hotel room. Plus, it was Cassie, of all people. You took a deep breath and sighed. 

Right. I’m sorry. Champagne sounds lovely, you said. 

She smiled and ordered champagne from room service. When it came, it wasn’t just two glasses : it was a whole bottle. Cassie laughed it off. You had your first sip of alcohol in months. You were never a huge drinker, but you had to admit you sort of missed it. You made small talk as you sipped on your glass and she told you that one of her motives to go to the party was to see a guy she had a small crush on. Some Pistons player, apparently. This made you smile. Cassie had always been quite the seductress, even though she got engaged and married quite young. She was the flirty type, even with you. This was part of her persona, and people were here for it. She was the very definition of irresistible. The girl you befriended, that you knew you could never be. You knew there was nothing wrong with you and, most of the time, you were ok with who you were. As years went by, you had come to appreciate being the rather shy, sometimes dorky girl next door who could be seen as quite cute when she made an effort. You would never be an ethereal beauty like Cassie and you were fine with it. Before you knew it, you were on your third glass of champagne. 

We’d better go, you said with a giggle. I’m on my third glass already. 

You’re right, we’ll have plenty of bubbles to drink when we get to the party anyway, she said. 

Not quite what I meant, Cass… 

Just enjoy the evening, baby ! Now, time for you to use that vial. Just put it close to your nostril and sniff, ok ? she directed. 

You nodded and did as she said. After you were done, she did the same. Less than a minute later, you were filled with a sensation of euphoria and relaxation. 

I don’t know what it is, but this is the shit ! You giggled. 

I know right ? If you feel anxious, just do that again. I promise, you will have a great time ! 

A car took you to the party. It was definitely a fancy event. You didn’t know anyone, but Cassie did, and she introduced you to some people. You ended up discreetly sniffing the magic vial a couple of times, taking some time to relax. Before you knew it, you were standing alone as your friend was in deep conversation with a handsome gentleman who, you guessed, was her crush. 

I can’t believe such a beautiful woman is standing here without a drink, a man said as he placed a glass of champagne in your hand. 

Thank you, you giggled. 

The stranger was quite handsome. He was tall, blonde, with gorgeous hazel eyes. He was dressed in a tux and arbored a charming smile. At that point, you were just a little tipsy and definitely relaxed. You greeted him with a smile and thanked him for the drink. 

May I say you look absolutely stunning, he complimented you. That’s quite an outfit.

Thank you, you said with a smile. You don’t look too bad either. 

I don’t believe we’ve been introduced, yet. I am Jared. 

Nice to meet you, Jared. I’m Y/N, you said as you extended your hand. 

You expected him to shake it but he took you by surprise by kissing it, which made you all giddy. You made small talk and he told you he actually played for the Detroit Lions, taking no offense when you confessed that you had no idea who he was, and that you didn’t watch a lot of football. 

So, what brings you to this fundraiser for the Detroit Sports Teams ? he asked. 

Oh, is that what the event is ? you chuckled. I had no idea. Actually, my friend Cassie brought me here. I was promised champagne and a great time. 

I’ll be honest with you, this fundraiser is mostly an excuse for people to drink and dance, he said as he winked. 

You chortled and kept on talking to him. He was easy-going and very sociable. You could tell he was flirting with you and you liked it. It was very flattering to have such a handsome man take an interest in you. You also began to feel more confident in the outfit Cassie had chosen for you. Some people joined the conversation. Apparently, they also played for the football team. All of these men were good-looking and you found yourself considering getting a season ticket for the games. You would have been more interested in sports if you’d known how great the players looked. Eventually, the conversation turned to sports and you took it as your cue to leave, figuring that if Jared wanted to talk some more, he’d find you in the crowd. You sniffed the vial again and found Cassie. People were starting to dance and she dragged you to the dance floor. Had you been completely sober, she wouldn’t have had a chance, but you were far from it now. Whatever potion she had you inhaling was working its wonders when it came to deprive you of your inhibitions. You were more confident in your moves than ever and you danced with her. The both of you were soon swarmed by an army of suitors and you gladly obliged them when they offered to dance. You were having a great time and it was the magic of Cassie : she managed to turn you into a lovable, sociable creature. Hell, you even gave your number to Jared who had found you on the dancefloor and begged for a dance. He promised to call but, unfortunately, he had to leave. You were having yet another drink and talked to Cassie when her face suddenly changed. 

Holy shit. How do I look ?! she asked. 

You look gorgeous, as always, you giggled. Why ? Is your crush here ? 

Better, she grinned. Look, it’s Eminem !!! 

You turned your head in a dramatic move and saw Marshall talking to a couple of people. He was wearing black jeans, sneakers, a black tee-shirt and the Saint Laurent jacket you liked so much. Far from the tuxedos some men were wearing, but definitely an improvement compared to some of his daily outfits and usual sweatpants. As always, you thought he looked amazing. You were shocked, though. He was the last person you expected to see here. 

He is even hotter in person, she squealed. I have to introduce myself. Come with me, she said as she dragged you across the room. 

Your heart was pounding but you didn’t have time to protest. He saw you arrive, hand in hand with Cassie and his eyes seemed to widen, not that you could be so sure because, at this point, you were drunk. But thankfully, you were also too relaxed to care, thanks to the stuff you had kept on inhaling. 

Hey, Y/N, he said as he gave you a quick hug, looking suspicious. 

Hey handsome, Cassie said seductively. I didn’t realize you knew our beautiful friend here. I’m Cassie. 

Hi Cassie, he said as he politely shook the hand she extended. Yeah, I know Y/N. 

“Or at least, I think I do.”, he added in a lower voice, still staring at you. You smiled at him but his comment left you puzzled. Of course he knew you. You were friends. Why would he say that ? You looked at him as Cassie talked to him, complimenting his music and telling him how insanely talented she thought he was, though you couldn’t remember her listening to hip-hop. Ever. 

Now that I know that you know Y/N, we simply have to hang out. Don’t we, ma chérie ? she said. 

Of course, you said shyly - somewhat uncomfortable that your friend was flirting with your Marshall.

Sure, he said with a blank face. 

I have to go to the bathroom, she said. Y/N, hold my glass, will you ? 

She quickly disappeared and you were left alone with him. You smiled shyly. 

I didn’t know you’d be here, you said in an attempt to make small talk. 

I didn’t know you would be here, he replied. What are you doing here ? 

Same as you, I guess, you giggled. 

I’m here for work, he clarified. 

Oh well, I’m not, you shrugged with a smile. Cassie took me here. By the way… She thinks you’re hot. 

You weren't too sure why you were telling him that. Probably because you did not have much inhibitions anymore. You couldn’t help but chortle at the absurdity of the situation. 

Good for her. Now… Care to explain why you’re clearly drunk and dressed like a ho !? He groaned. 

You opened your mouth to reply but found yourself unable to say anything. Did he just insult you ?! You were about to retort something when Cassie returned from the bathroom. 

Now, Marshall, she said as she took her glass from your hand without even glancing at you, I happen to be free for a dance. 

Yeah, he said. I…

He was cut by someone who came to him before he could even continue. You were still a bit stunned. Cassie, however, shrugged off and took you to the dance floor. 

You’ll have to get him to call me, she giggled as she resumed dancing. 

Y-Yeah, you said, still a bit stunned. 

Dance with me, baby, she said as she took your glass and placed it on a table. 

She took your hand and you soon forgot about Marshall’s insult. You were rolling your hips to the beat of the music. A man placed a hand on your waist and danced with you. It was very sensual and you found yourself a bit giddy and turned on, not too sure why. Cassie was doing the same with another man. At that moment, your soul had left your body. Or maybe you just experienced being raw and free for the first time in forever ? It felt like you were on fire. Cassie gestured for you to come closer. 

You’re having a great time, she laughed. Look at you, all sexy ! 

I feel great, you giggled. I’m super horny, too. 

That’s the poppers, she chuckled. Wanna drive them crazy ? 

Poppers ? Is that what she gave you ? Before you knew it, she was kissing you. You were a bit taken aback but returned the kiss anyway. You liked women as much as men, for sure, but you had never thought of your friend like that. Yet, you found yourself kissing back, because you just felt like it. You were turned on, having a great time, and she was gorgeous, so why not make out with her ? You were laughing as you broke the kiss. Before you knew it, the guy you were dancing with was kissing you. You giggled as you danced with him some more. You had never felt more beautiful and desirable. Your thoughts were interrupted when someone in the crowd grabbed your wrist. Marshall. He didn’t look too happy. 

Come with me, he said firmly. 

Not a chance, you giggled. I’m dancing here. 

No shit, he groaned. Just come, Y/N. 

So that you can insult me again ? I hardly think so, Em, you said as you rolled your eyes. 

That’s not a fucking question, he groaned on your ear as he pulled you closer to him. 

Before you could protest, he was holding your hand, walking you out. Cassie followed you. 

Where are the two of you going ? She asked. 

I’m taking her home, Marshall said curtly. 

Oh… then why don’t you take us both home ? She offered with her seductive signature smile. 

You were stunned and you looked at the two of them. Was she offering… a threesome ?! Your eyes were wide open wide and you felt like a deer in headlights. 

She needs to sleep, Marshall said. 

I’m fine, you groaned as he shot you a death glare. 

Whatever, Cassie said. We can figure out who does what when we get to your place, she added with a wink. 

Oh, I have it all figured out, he assured her. I’m taking Y/N home. You can catch a ride to… wherever it is that you’re going. 

You were about to say something but the room was starting to spin and you almost lost your balance. The heels were definitely too high. 

Careful there, Marshall said as he placed a hand on your waist to secure you. Come on, I’ll take you home. 

Whatever, Cassie sighed. Call me tomorrow, chérie ? 

You nodded and walked out as Marshall was holding you firmly by the hand. The cold, fresh air made you shiver and he sighed before placing his jacket over your shoulders. 

I think someone’s following us, you slurred. 

Yeah, that’s my security, he groaned. Look down, now. 

What ? You asked, a bit lost. 

Fuck. Just look down, he repeated in an annoyed tone. 

You did, as you thought that maybe he was going to show you something, but you saw a flash from afar. Someone was snapping pictures as you got out of the event. Your head was still ducked as Marshall led you to a van that was waiting. He helped you get in before entering the car as well, followed by the two security guards. You felt insanely small, as they were huge and took a lot of space in the car. He told the driver to go to his place. 

You’re not taking me home ? You asked. 

I’m taking you where I can keep an eye on you, he grunted. 

That’s totally unnecessary, you said blurringly as you rolled your eyes. 

That wasn’t a question. 

You sighed and looked outside the window. You threw a glance at Marshall, who was fuming, his fist clenched into a ball. Your head was still turning and you didn’t feel too good. 

I need to get out of here, you mumbled. Can you stop the car ?! 

Will you just shut up for one fucking second ?! He snapped. 

I’m gonna puke. 

Shit. Stop the car now, Marshall said to the driver. 

Immediately, the vehicle piled and you hit your head on the window. One of the bodyguards opened the door and you ran outside before puking on the side of the road. Marshall followed you and stood next to you. You were doubled up as he held your hair. When you finally stopped puking, you looked at him with teary eyes. 

I’m sorry, you mumbled. 

He rolled his eyes and shook his head before leading you back to the car. 

Do you hate me ? You whispered. 

No, he groaned. We’ll talk about it when we get home, alright ? 

God, my head hurts, you croaked. 

He sighed and gently pulled you so that your head rested on his shoulder. 

There.

Thank you, you whispered. 

The rest of the drive was silent and you were almost asleep by the time the car dropped you at Marshall’s place. 

Can you walk ? He asked. 

You nodded and took a few steps but almost collapsed. These damn heels had you feeling like a baby giraffe taking its first steps. 

Come here, he sighed before carrying you bridal-style. 

As you walked through the door, he carried you upstairs to a bathroom. 

You need to shower, ok ? There’s a bit of barf on your dress… 

Ok, you muttered. Marshall, I-I’m sorry. 

You were on the verge of tears and your bottom lip was quivering. His look softened a bit. 

You can barely stand so I’ll help you with the shower and the undressing, is that alright with you ? 

You nodded. He made you sit on the floor before helping you undress. You grunted as he freed your feet from the shoes. He fumbled with the zipper of your dress, which was apparently stuck. 

Fuckin’ zipper, he muttered. I should cut this thing. 

Don’t, you whined. It’s new. 

He groaned as he finally managed to unzip you. You were finally naked on the cold floor of the bathroom. The dress didn’t allow you to wear any underwear. You noticed his surprise, but he didn’t comment. In any other circumstance, you would have felt embarrassed, but you were too drunk to care. You were actually thankful he was able to help you get out of these clothes, as you wouldn’t be able to undress on your own.

Alright, now let’s get you to the shower, he said softly. 

You nodded and tried to stand. Although it was easier without the heels, you weren’t too secure. He helped you stand and led you to the shower. 

I’m going to take my clothes off. It’ll be easier. Are you ok with that ? 

You nodded silently, not really daring to look at him. As minutes went by, you were feeling more and more ashamed of yourself. 

Hold still. Don’t fall, he directed before taking his clothes off, staying in his boxers. 

He went back to you and held you firmly so that you wouldn’t fall before turning on the shower. The water was flowing on your bodies. You tried your best not to fall but Marshall had to hold you with one hand while helping you wash with the other. 

Fuck it, he grunted as he turned off the water. I’ll just draw a bath, ok ? 

He drew a bath and helped you settle in the huge bathtub. 

Are you alright ? He asked gently, concern all over his face. 

You hummed and he started to wash your back. 

You’re not getting in ? You asked. 

Don’t worry about me, he said. Try not to drown, alright ?

I’m just saying, you might as well get in. You’re all wet already. 

He shrugged and finally joined you in the bathtub, settling right behind you so that you rested between his legs, while holding you tight so you wouldn't slip.

You know you could have taken your boxers off, right ? 

We’re not doing that, he sighed. 

Just saying… I know what your dick looks like, anyway. 

He scoffed softly and resumed helping you wash. It was actually easier now that you were in the bathtub. 

Marshall ? 

Mmmh ? 

Do you hate me ? You asked under your breath. 

Yes. I loathe you. That’s why I’m taking care of you right now, isn’t that obvious ? He asked sarcastically. Of course I don’t hate you, Y/N. Why do you even ask that ? 

You said I was a whore. 

I didn’t say that. I said you were dressed like a ho, he corrected. 

You turned your head to look at him. 

What ? You’re going to deny it ? He asked with an eyeroll. You weren’t even wearing a fucking thong. 

That’s mean, you said. You can’t wear underwear with that kind of dress. Otherwise, it shows. 

Oh so that’s what makes it not a ho-dress ? He mused as he lathered your arm with soap. My bad, sorry. You definitely looked like a nun, then. 

You rolled your eyes. 

Why were you even wearing this thing ? He asked. 

Cassie said it looked good, you shrugged. I mean, obviously, you disagree, but… 

Never said so, he said. 

You said I looked like a ho !  

Once again… no one said hoes can’t look good, he chuckled. I mean… you sort of have to, if you’re a ho, I guess ? Otherwise you’re not a very good one. 

You let out a drunken giggle. 

So you think I looked good ? You asked. 

Yeah, the prettiest ho I’ve ever seen, he grinned. It’s just… it doesn’t look like you, you know ? 

Maybe it should look like me, you shrugged. 

What the hell do you mean ? 

I look better like this, you said. 

Nope, he replied as he shook his head. You don’t. 

You don’t think so ? 

I think you’re beautiful as is, and that you don’t need to look like a whore, a ho or whatever. Or to act like one, for that matter, he said. 

Hey ! 

He shrugged as he stared at you. 

Was I acting like a ho ? You asked sheepishly, suddenly unsure about the whole evening. 

I don’t know. I guess, sort of, he said. Seriously, though…What was with all the kissing and grinding like you were in heat ? 

I don’t know, you admitted. Cassie gave me that vial to sniff. It made me all light and happy and…horny. 

Seriously ? Poppers ?! He sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. 

You swallowed dryly. 

She told me it wasn’t a big deal, you said. 

Let me guess, this genius is also the one who convinced you to have a drink ? 

… yes, you admitted. 

He groaned and shook his head. You looked down in embarrassment. 

I just wanted to have a good time, you said sheepishly. 

Yeah, because breaking your sobriety and making out with people is the only way to do that, right…? 

The comment about how you had failed to stay sober caused you to break into tears. 

I’m sorry, you murmured as you sobbed. I… I thought it wouldn’t count ? 

What ? He asked, confused. 

I mean, I figured that, it’s not pills, you explained as you kept sobbing. 

That’s not how sobriety works, Y/N, he said as he shook his head. You know better than that.

Tears kept on flowing. It felt like you would never stop crying. 

I fucked up. Everything. I’m a failure. I’m so sorry, you cried. 

Come here, he said as he pulled you in his arms. 

He held you and you rested your head in the crook of his neck, as you kept on crying. After a few minutes, you managed to calm down. 

Better now ? He asked. 

Yes. I’m sorry, you muttered. 

It’s ok to cry, he said as he stroked your hair. Now let’s get you dressed, ok ? I don’t want you to be cold. 

He got out of the bathtub first and helped you up. You were a bit more level-headed and managed to stand up. He wrapped you in a towel and told you not to move before disappearing for a minute, coming back wearing sweatpants. 

Put these on, he said as he gave you some clothes of his to wear. Let’s get ready for bed, ok ? 

You’re not taking me home ? You asked as you yawned. 

It’s late and Talia and Jamal are either asleep or having sex, he shrugged. So I don’t think we should disturb. Plus, you’re still shit-faced so I should keep an eye on you. 

You nodded and got dressed. His clothes were comfy. You also enjoyed the smell of his detergent - it was a smell you associated with him. You looked at yourself in the mirror. 

I look like a house elf in your tee-shirt, you pointed out. 

Come on Dobby, he chuckled as he shook his head. To bed, now. 

I can’t sleep in my makeup, you said. Do you have anything I could use to remove it ? 

He opened the cabinet door and managed to find some makeup removing wipes. You were wearing so much makeup that it took a while for you to take it off. 

You don’t need to use that much makeup, he pointed out. You look better without it anyway. 

I hate wearing it, you confessed. 

So… why the fuck do you look like a stolen car that’s been painted over ? 

I don’t know. I wanted to look pretty. Cassie convinced me.  I mean, I know I’ll never look as good as her, but… 

That’s true, he said. 

He looked at you and inspected your face, his fingers tracing your cheeks. 

You look better than her, he added. 

You felt yourself blush. You could tell he was being honest. It was the first time anyone ever mentioned that you looked better than Cassie. 

You don’t think she’s pretty ? You asked. 

Nah, she looks good, for sure, he said. But she looks too… whatever. Doesn’t matter anyway. 

It kind of does, though, you replied. 

Why is that ? 

She likes you. 

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. 

No she doesn’t, he said matter-of-factly. 

She thinks you’re hot and she wants you to call her, you replied. 

She likes Eminem, he explained. She has no idea who I am. I know she’s your friend and shit, but she basically threw herself at me, just because I’m famous. If I’d been a random guy, I’m not even sure she would have given me the time of day. 

You’d still be hot, you pointed out. 

He shook his head with a smile. 

Doesn’t matter, he said softly. I’m used to it, you know ? I can tell this type of thing from a mile away. Not to mention she was ready to drag her drunk friend into a threesome… 

It’s probably a misunderstanding, you said to defend her. I mean, she’s my friend, she wouldn’t… 

I know it sucks to hear it, Y/N, but you became an afterthought for this girl as soon as she saw a possibility to suck my dick. That’s not what friends do. 

He sighed and rubbed your shoulder. 

Also, friends don’t give their sober friends poppers and champagne, he pointed out. 

To be fair she didn’t know I was sober, you said. I didn’t have the heart to explain that to her… I guess it’s my fault. 

He hummed and shrugged. 

We’ll talk about that tomorrow. I’m tired, you’re exhausted, and it’s time for bed, he said. 

You almost giggled when you heard the unintentional rhyme. He led you to the adjacent guest bedroom. You felt a bit sobered-up but he was right, you were exhausted. You settled under the covers as he sat next to you. 

Thank you Marshall, you said as you stared into his blue eyes. 

Oh so you’re calling me Marshall now ? He said with a grin. 

Well, that’s your name, you said confused. 

You called me Em, at the party, he said. 

Well people also call you that, you pointed out. 

You don’t. 

You shrugged. 

Yeah, so ? 

I don’t like it, he said. Not in your mouth. It doesn’t feel right. I don’t mind about the others, but… For you, it’s Marshall. 

Ok, you chuckled. I won’t call you Em if you don’t call me a hoe or piss me off, then. 

Deal, he said with a smile. 

Marshall ? You asked. 

Yes ? 

Can I have a hug ? 

He simply nodded and took you in his arms. 

What am I supposed to do now ? You asked. About this whole sober thing ? 

For now, just sleep, Y/N. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. When you’re completely sobered-up and well-rested, ok ? 

You nodded, thanked him and closed your eyes. You felt his fingers in your hair, gently stroking your scalp. It was all you needed to fall asleep.

[cjsoleil]

My Performance For You Has No End (San x Wooyoung)

Summary:

San found himself enthralled by the pretty boy who comes into the Starbucks he works at. Even after they start dating, San is still driven insane every time Wooyoung comes in to tease him. One day, he decides to visit Wooyoung at his dance studio to give him the same treatment. He didn’t expect things to escalate so much.

WARNINGS: Smut (MDNI), frottage, blow job

“You know, I had someone order a frap with eleven pumps of caramel syrup today? Eleven, I didn’t even know you could order that.” San complains to Yeosang as he shakes up a strawberry coconut refresher that was mobile ordered. The scent of coffee fills his senses, something he’s more than used to. The elder laughs as he wipes the counter,

“Sky’s the limit.” San pours the drink in a cup and puts on the lid.

“I swear, that much sugar must lessen your lifespan by ten…” he suddenly trails off, staring at the boy who just walked in.

“It’s about that time again.” Jongho mumbles from behind him when San goes to up to the register.

“Hey.” He says with his signature, charming smile that makes everyone waver at least a bit. With the exception of the boy in front of him, unfortunately, “How are you?”

“Good.” The boy smiles at San, a polite smile, “You?”

“Good.” Great, now that you’re here, he thinks.

“How can I help you?” The black haired boy smacks his lips, pulling out his phone. Really, San doesn’t need to ask, he orders the same drink nearly every time he comes in. And he’s always consistant

Does that mean San could probably get away with quickly making his drink in advance? Sure. Will he ever do so? No. That would send him leaving even quicker, and this is the only time he ever gets to see the boy, so he takes avantage and maybe takes a few minutes longer than needed to get his drink.

After taking his order, he steps away and starts to make the drink, all while watching the boy subtly from the corner of his eye. His favourite customer is on the shorter side with short black hair. His face is soft and smooth and he wears small silver hoop earrings. His smile seems to shine and he always looks at San with such kind eyes. He can tell the boy has a mischievous persona of sorts as well.

San will admit it, he does find the boy attractive, but who wouldn’t?

San barely registers the process of making the drink, and much to soon he is handing it to the pretty boy. But he did remember to go out of his way to draw a little cat on the cup with a black sharpie, along with a few stars.

“Thank you.” He gives San a soft smile, and it hurts the red head how he is so oblivious to how that smile makes him feel.

“You’re welcome.”

The second the boy is out the door Yeosang starts laughing.

“Stop it hyung.” San whines and that only makes him laugh more.

“You’re getting worse hyung, now you’re flexing your muscles as you shake drinks.”

“I did not.” He protests against Jongho’s claim.

“Why don’t you ask him out and stop pinning over him?”

“Because.” San dramatically pretends to hit his head on the counter.

“He’s clearly uninterested in me, and if I ask him out then he won’t come by here anymore.” San stands straight with a little pout, “He probably also has a partner. How could he not?”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” The elder tells him, patting his shoulder, “And don’t dirty the counter i just cleaned.”

“He’s right.” The youngest agrees, “You’re not completely repulsing, and you’re still single.”

San knows he’s attractive. Fuck, San prides himself in being hot as hell. But something about the object of his attraction makes him forget all that. He makes him feel… he doesn’t know. Nervous maybe?

“Is that supposed to help me?” San sighs before clapping his hands together, “You know what? Yeah, next time he comes in here I’m asking him out.”

“You said that last week.”

“I’m sincere this time.”

“Said that last week too.”

The next day, San scrolls on his phone though it’s not his break. It’s not like anyone cares. He only looks up when he hears the familiar sound of the front door opening, footsteps patting in. He didn’t expect to be greeted with the welcome sight of his favourite customer. He’s never came in while San works his Sunday shift. It’s almost rude, doesn’t the boy know San needs time to prepare himself mentally before he comes in? Of course he doesn’t. He’s just the barista.

“Hey San.” Wooyoung says when he gets to the counter, the simple action of his name coming out of the boy’s pink lips is enough to cause San’s blood pressure to raise. Wooyoung’s eyes didn’t even flutter down to his name tag, keeping eye contact.

“Hey.” San replies, smiling a smile that is way too bright to be considered a classic customer service smile, “You’re an odd sight to see today.” Wooyoung’s nose scrunches up in confusion and he tilts his head. So cute.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh shit, no.” San curses as he realizes how rude he just sounded, “I mean, you don’t usually come in on Sunday’s, normally just tomorrow and Thursday. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like I didn’t want to see you, I like seeing you-“ based off Wooyoung’s laugh, San has most definitely said to much. The embarrassment is worth it though, because he made him laugh.

“I like seeing you too.” Wooyoung smiles, “Don’t tell your coworkers but you’re my favourite.” He says with a little wink at the end, making San grin.

“So what can I get you?”

“Ah, can I have a Mocha Frap please?” San inputs the order, albeit slightly confused by how much Wooyoung strayed away from his usual order. After the younger pays, San makes his drink, drawing a simple rabbit along with a few flowers on the cup before filling it and ensuring to put of the whip cream on evenly with a light chocolate drizzle.

“Thank you.” Wooyoung says when he’s given his drink. San must say this selfishly, but he doesn’t was the pretty boy to leave just yet.

“What brought you here today?” He asks to stall the boy from his departure.

“I come here on my way back from the dance studio around here.” San nods, knowing what place he’s referring to. He has friends who go there,

“I just went in there earlier to get some extra practice for a performance I have coming up.”

“Oh that’s nice.” San says, a bit awkward, “How long have you been dancing… for?” San unintentionally pauses during his sentence, as Wooyoung runs his right index finger on the lid of his drink, getting the extra whip cream on his finger. He brings it to his mouth with a hum, sucking his finger a bit and running his tongue around it, collecting the cream before taking it out of his mouth. His tongue slightly drags against his finger as he brings it away from between his lips, just flashing San for a second.

Fuck fuck fuck

It’s all San can think. He doesn’t know if Wooyoung is even doing this intentionally, a simple action making San almost loose his mind, blood rushing not only to his face but further down. He wants to lick off the the small speck of cream that remains on Wooyoung’s upper lip. Wants to kiss them until he’s bruised.

‘Get a hold of yourself.’ San tells himself, trying to force himself to calm down and to stop acting like a pervert, because that shouldn’t have turned him on as much as it did. Based on the smirk Wooyoung wears, he’s enjoying San’s dread.

‘What a brat.’

“A long time.” Wooyoung answers, snickering from the expression San is making.

Fuck it, San is not going to give him the chance to slip away.

“Go out with me.” He bluntly asks, instantly feeling blood rush to his face in embarrassment.

“Sorry I-“

“Took you long enough.” Wooyoung’s smiling, a lovely smile that San has been dreaming of seeing. Not a strictly out of politeness one, a genuine one.

“You knew I liked you?”

“Well, do you draw cute little doodles for all your customers?” To be honest, Wooyoung didn’t originally have much interest in the barista. Sure, he acknowledged the fact that he’s attractive, but other than that he didn’t really care. But as time progressed, he soon became infatuated with the red head. So much so, that now Wooyoung has a collection of plastic cups with drawings on them.

Well, San is happy that got his point across. Though he wishes Wooyoung would have made the first move instead of letting San embarrass himself.

“Only the ones I really like.” He answers, and he looks into Wooyoung’s eyes that are filled with mischief and care.

“I-“ San quickly grabs a black sharpie from his apron pocket and asks to take Wooyoung’s cup, which he allows. San writes his number on it then hands it back.

“Here.” Wooyoung laughs, probably at the fact he didn’t just ask to put it in his phone like anyone else would. San isn’t really thinking about that at the moment though, riding the high of this impulse action is working in his benefit.

“I’ll talk to you later then, hyung” Wooyoung tells him before leaving, waving slightly. San sighs with a smile.

“Yeah, later.”

One day at work, San was dealing with a little bit of a rush hour.

“Order for Chan.” He calls out as he brought two drinks to the counter. He read the next order and seeing the name momentarily lifts his stress away. Looking beyond the counter, San finds Wooyoung in just a few seconds, but he’s not alone like usual. With him is a really tall guy he doesn’t know and Seonghwa. Funny thing, San never knew that Seonghwa and Wooyoung were friends.

After catching Wooyoung’s eye, he looks away with a smile and towards the tall man with him. The onyx haired boy leans up on his toes and kisses the others cheek for a few seconds.

Now Wooyoung and San are dating, yes. They’ve been going out for quite some time now. Wooyoung still comes in on his usual days, but also squeezes in extra visits to see San while he’s working. It’s been great. So the undeniable feeling of jealousy and slight possession is completely justified in his opinion.

“Hyung.” Jongho’s voice brings his attention and he looks at the younger who is whisper shouting to him, “Do your job.” San nods, remembering where he is and starts doing something productive. Yeosang sneaks up beside him.

“What’s with that look?”

“I don’t have a look.” San responds, focused on making a drink.

“You’re mad.” Yeosang states, “Is it because of Wooyoung?” San doesn’t bother to answer, knowing that the elder already knows that’s exactly it. He’s not actually mad at him, but maybe more.. irked.

“He’s teasing you hyung, he does it every time he comes in here.” Jongho comments as he walks by.

“No he…” Memories flash through San’s head, Wooyoung licking the whip cream off his finger the day he asked him out, him unnecessarily bending over tables to talk to his friends, leaning over the counter to press fleeting kisses to the corner of San’s mouth and now today, intentionally being overly affectionate with his friends.

“Yeah he’s a brat.” San admits.

“You don’t find it annoying right?” Yeosang questions, with a twinge of concern in his voice.

“Of course I don’t.” San says truthfully, “What is annoying is that he keeps turning me on at work.” Jongho, who sadly happened to cross by at that exact moment, considers resigning.

“Hyung, can you please talk about your frustrations literally anywhere im not present.” The youngest sighs, “I’m going to report you two.” The two still actually do get back to work, knowing Jongho probably would out of spite.

“Just do the same to him.” Yeosang whispers to San as me makes his drink.

“Do what?”

“You know.” San thinks about for a second before a light in his head turns on, the gears turning as he plots a little something.

When he serves Wooyoung, he gives no reaction to make it look like the teasing had no impact on him, which is more difficult than it sounds. He hands him his drink and allows Wooyoung to press a kiss to his cheek, like he did with his friend before pulling away.

“I’ll call you later baby.” Is all San has to say to him before going to the cash, leaving Wooyoung with a little pout Yunho and Seonghwa pick fun at him for.

Wooyoung dances along to the music playing from his speaker. His body flows in perfectly choreographed movements, the time he invested into his work coming through. Yunho and other people from his dance class are with him.

He doesn’t hear the door of the studio open over the music playing. When he focuses on the mirror, he sees San standing by the door, making him stop his movements for a split second. San smiles seeing he’s been caught, and makes a little gesture with his hand to signal the younger to continue. After a second Wooyoung continues, and San stays watching while leaning against the wall.

After two minutes the song is done, and Wooyoung lifts the hem of his shirt to wipe the sweat of his face, intentionally flashing his abs to his red haired boyfriend. San doesn’t give him much of a reaction, he just grins with a shake of his head as Wooyoung walks over to him,

“Shouldn’t you be working?”Wooyoung asks with a soft smile, San lifts his hand to show the iced americano he brought. Today San drew two swans facing each other, forming a heart.

“Called in sick today.” Is San’s response, handing the drink to the younger.

“Hm, why’d you lie?” San hums and wraps his arms around his waist.

“Wanted to see you.” He murmured against Wooyoung’s neck, pressing a kiss there. He laughs a bit and pushes the elder away from him before taking a sip of his drink.

“Wooyoung.” He looks to the side to see Yunho coming towards them, “I’m heading out to meet up with Mingi. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Yeah.” Wooyoung nods, feeling San throw an arm over his shoulder. Usually Wooyoung and Yunho get food or something together during their break. Yunho gives San a quick greeting, one that the younger returns before leaving with his bag. Everyone leaves during the hour long break they have, usually it’s shorter but because this is simply extra practice for a banquet coming up and not the actual dance class, they go for a long break.

Once everyone leaves, San hugs Wooyoung from behind, slightly swaying as he admires his boyfriend in the mirror. A light sheen of sweat covers his skin, but San doesn’t mind at all. He slides his hands under the younger’s shirt and runs his hands against Wooyoung’s bare skin. He drags his nails against his abs and smiles when he feels Wooyoung sigh happily against him. His eyes flutter shut as he relaxes in San’s comforting hold. They shoot open again when the red head starts to feel up his chest.

Wooyoung turns around in San’s arms, reaching up to wrap one arm around his shoulders. The other stays at his side, still holding his coffee.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He whispers against the red head’s lips. San grabs his drink from him, he moves his other hand to Wooyoung’s ass.

“Is it a crime to display my care for you?” San questions with a hum, lightly kissing Wooyoung’s lips. He tastes like the americano San brought him.

“You’re up to something.” Wooyoung says between kisses, cupping the elder’s face.

San only smiles, and starts to kiss Wooyoung with a bit more intensity. They stay like that, standing in nearly middle of the dance studio, exchanging kisses and small touches. After a few minutes San pulls away before bending down and putting the cup on the floor. When he stands back up, he grabs the backs of Wooyoung’s thighs and picks him up, making the younger let out a surprised little gasp and wrap his legs around San’s waist and arms around his neck.

San walks forward until Wooyoung’s back meets the glass of a mirror. He nearly shivers at the cold material touching his lower back where his shirt has ridden up, but the heat of San’s mouth on his neck contrasts that.

“What are you doing?” Wooyoung asks again, pulling San away from his neck by his hair.

“You always tease me when I’m working.” San tells him, leaning in to kiss the skin behind the younger’s ear,

“When I can’t do anything about it. Thought I’d come here, turn the tables. You know?” Wooyoung hums as he runs a hand through the other’s red hair.

“So what? This is your attempt on getting me back?” He turns San’s head so he can lean in and kiss him gently. He runs his tongue along the elder’s upper lip before biting his lower one. San squeezes Wooyoung’s thighs a little too hard, but he doesn’t mind. He finds the feeling pleasurable in a way. San inches forward so his hips slot with Wooyoung’s, the friction making him have to stifle a gasp. San doesn’t bother doing so, letting out a small moan.

Wooyoung laughs a bit, pulling the other’s hair.

“Be realistic Sannie. You can’t stop at just teasing. You need more than that, yeah?” San knows he’s right, he didn’t actually expect to come to the studio and not have anything happen. He can’t help it, everything about Wooyoung is just so mesmerizing. The way his laugh, his bratty personality, the feeling of his skin. How could San ever just tease when he can have more? San just wants all that Wooyoung is comfortable with giving.

“We have less than an hour hyung.” Wooyoung mumbles against San’s lips.

“So we have plenty of time.” San responds, before hiking Wooyoung up a bit and kissing him harshly. His head falls back against the mirror, and when San moves to direct his attention to the younger’s neck, Wooyoung tilts his head to rest his warm cheek on the cool glass. His breaths fog up a spot on the mirror, just for it to disappear and reappear.

Suddenly Wooyoung kicks San’s back.

“Let me down.” He’s quick to obey the command, not wanting to cross a boundary.

“Sit down.” San obey’s again, though slightly confused as he sits on the floor. Wooyoung follows him down and sits on his lap. The position makes it so San can feel how hard the other is.

“Woo-“ San cuts himself off with a moan as Wooyoung starts to grind against him.

“Just let me-“ he whines a little, wrapping his arms around San’s shoulders to stable himself. San rests his hands on Wooyoung’s waist but doesn’t move him at all. He lets Wooyoung set the pace.

“Sannie.” Wooyoung moans his name, rutting faster against San. He starts to kiss the younger’s neck, making sure to leave a number of marks. He cries out, now losing his rythme, moving frantically to chase his pleasure.

San gives bites at the earring Wooyoung wears, nipping his ear a few more times before he looks to the side at the mirror and moans at the sight. Fuck, he can imagine teasing Wooyoung open on his fingers as he forces him to watch himself. Having the younger ride him and see every expression he makes in the mirror.

“Shit. I want you so fucking bad.” He grabs Wooyoung’s waist and urges him to shoved him down against his lap.

“Wanna fuck you in front of this mirror, make you watch as I take you apart.”

“Big talk, can you- ah- follow through?” Wooyoung questions, sitting up and lifting his white tank top to reveal his whole torso to San.

“Brat.” He leans forward and kisses along his chest, leaving red marks as he moves along. Soon, San moves one hand to pinch one of Wooyoung’s nipple as he sucks the other one. The action makes the younger wrap his arms around San’s head, so the hem of his tank top rests on the top of the barista’s head. San runs his tongue over it multiple times before sucking his nipple hard, making Wooyoung’s hips stutter. He bites him before pulling away with a final swipe of his tongue, soothing the ache he cause before moving to give the other side the same treatment.

With no warning, San suddenly grabs Wooyoung’s hips and flips their position so Wooyoung is laying flat on the ground with Sam on top of him. He thrusts hard against Wooyoung, making the younger boy cry out.

“So good.” He jerks his hips up to meet San’s, making them both let out choked gasps.

Wooyoung is already so close to coming. His shirt has ridden down, rubbing against his sensitive chest as San rubs against his lower half. So close, he’s right there-

“No!” He cries out when San suddenly pulls away from him completely.

“Shh I’m sorry.” San whispers as he stands up and forces Wooyoung to get up as well. They both take deep breaths to stabilize themselves, Wooyoung being taken aback by the sudden end,

“Why did you-“ the door to the studio opens, making Wooyoung jump away from San.

A girl, one of the dancers, comes inside the room. She looks at the two and gives a tight lipped smile.

“Hey Wooyoung.” She greets awkwardly before rushing to a bench over by the side wall and picking up her phone. Clearly she forgot to grab it earlier. She avoids looking at the boys as she leaves, only waving her hand at them from behind as she scurried out the door.

“Do you think we traumatized her?” Despite catching them just standing, it’s obvious they were up to something by their flushed faces and messed up hair. Not to mention she may have heard their moans from outside the room.

“Hopefully not.” Wooyoung replies, still slightly breathless. Really, they’re all probably equally mortified. Wooyoung looks up to where the clock hangs on the wall,

“Thirty minutes.” He steps closer to San so their chest to chest and starts to nip at the older’s neck.

San is taken back by the gesture, he assumed that they would stop after almost getting caught. Or because they have only half an hour left before more people actually started to show up.

“Baby, we don’t have time.”

“What happened to having more than enough.” San groans slightly, rubbing Wooyoung’s waist.

“Do you even have a change of clothes? Because I don’t.“

Wooyoung hums against the juncture of his neck and shoulder. San raises a good point. After a few moments, he gives San a quick kiss on his neck before dropping to his knees infront of him. The barista’s eyes widen as Wooyoung starts to undo his pants.

“Woo you don’t have to.” San insists, petting the younger’s hair, “I’m here for you.” They have done this a few times in their relationship, but San likes it to be clear that Wooyoung is doing something because he wants to. Besides, he really did come here with the intention of pleasuring Wooyoung.

“I know.” Wooyoung says, the soft tone of his voice shows how much he really does appreciate the concern, despite it being unnecessary. Wooyoung will only ever do what he wants to do.

He pulls down San’s pants along with his boxers, relishing in the way San runs his hands through his black hair, lightly scratching his scalp. Wooyoung places his hands on San’s bare thighs and leans in.

“Fucking shit!” San swears when Wooyoung unexpectedly swallows him whole. He slams one hand to the side and hits the mirror. It’s honestly shocking the glass didn’t shatter. His other hand tightened its grip on Wooyoung’s hair, but he’s quick to sooth the ache he must have caused by petting his hair back. Wooyoung is such a demon, with the way he runs his tongue along San’s cock and leans back every now and then to place gentle kisses on the sensitive skin. The barista moans at the feeling, and only gets louder when he looks in the mirror.

“S’pretty jagiya.” He praised the younger, running his thumb against Wooyoung’s lips where he’s stretched around him.

“You’re- shit- you’re so beautiful.” San gently thrusts into Wooyoung’s mouth, making him gag slightly. But with the way Wooyoung moans around him, he clearly enjoys it.

“With your bratty mouth full- fuck- you’ve finally- shut up for once.” He cups Wooyoung’s face and holds him still as he moves faster. His breaths become heavier and Wooyoung moans around him again, the feeling runs through San’s entire body. He throws his head back as he gets his sweet relief, trying not to pull Wooyoung’s hair too hard.

After a few moments, Wooyoung pulls away and licks San clean as he settles his mind a bit. San gently nudged Wooyoung away before pulling up his clothes. He looks down at the younger. San smiles, seeing that his lovely boyfriend has made a complete mess of himself, saliva coats his lips, unshed tears are in his eyes and his whole face is red from the mixture of lack of air and arousal.

“You okay?” San asks, and Wooyoung nods, leaning into the comforting touch of San’s hand in his hair.

“C’mere.” He lifts Wooyoung up from under his arms and brings him into his chest for a hug, holding the smaller boy tightly against him. Rubbing his back, San kisses along his jaw before giving a long kiss on his lips. His hands start to travel down towards the waist of Wooyoung’s pants, but the younger quickly grabs his hand to stop him.

“Honey?”

“Don’t need to.” Wooyoung mumbles, nuzzling into San’s neck.

San takes a second to register what that means but when he holds Wooyoung even tighter when he does.

“Sweet jagi.” If San would have looked down and focused a little bit more, he would have saw Wooyoung rutting frantically against his own hand until he came.

San kisses the top of the shorter boy’s hair a few times,

“Do you wanna fake sick with me?” Wooyoung laughs a bit before pulling back, smiling up at his boyfriend.

“Well, I don’t want to be seen like this.” He gestures to himself.

“You mean anyone else.” San teases, as Wooyoung goes to get his phone. He walks with a grimace, he didn’t really think of the consequences to his actions earlier, even though San mentioned it. So now he’s going to have to tolerate the uncomfortable feeling of his come soaked boxers until San takes him home.

Wooyoung sends a quick text to his group chat saying that we won’t be there for the rest of practice since he started to feel unwell. While he does that, San grabs his bag for him and holds one of his hands.

“Do you want me to carry you to my car?”

“Kinda.” Wooyoung screeches when San suddenly picks him up bridal style and holds onto his shoulders for stability.

“Hyung! I was kidding.”

“Let me take care of you Wooyoung.” San insists.

“Wait.” Wooyoung says before San walks towards the door, “Grab my drink.”

“I’ll just buy you a new one.”

“No. Grab it.” San groans but still walks across the room and kneels down, still adamant on holding the boy. Wooyoung grabs the watered down drink and pats the barista’s shoulder with his other hand.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

“I am never going to be able to be in that room without having horrible thoughts, are you happy?” Wooyoung complains to San as he starts to drive, one hand resting on the younger’s thigh.

“I’m happy you will be thinking of me.” San innocently smiles. Taking a quick sip of his drink, Wooyoung pouts.

“What?”

“The ice melted, so it’s not that good now.”

“I said I would buy you a new one.” Wooyoung shakes his head, looking down at the swan drawing on the cup.

“I needed the cup. Not the drink.”

“Why?” San questions, keeping his eyes on the road. Wooyoung shifts, still very uncomfortable with the state of his boxer’s.

“The drawings.” Is Wooyoung’s simple answer. San thinks about his words for a minute, and at the next red light he turns his head to look at his boyfriend properly.

“You keep the cups?” San looks so happy, he is so happy. His boyfriend keeps little mementos of him, despite being together all the time. The gesture is everything. Wooyoung nods, a little embarrassed by San knowing that he quite literally keeps trash because it reminds him of his boyfriend.

“Drive.” San looks back at the road and sees the light is green. San grabs Wooyoung’s hand and lifts it up to his lips, giving the back of his hand a loud kiss as he starts to drive them home. Though both can argue home is right where the other is.

[xoxomoonlightxoxo]

P&C | Ch. 16: Peaches and Cream

➪ Playlist (Spotify) l Series Masterlist

December 7 

There it was, written in bright red letters with small hearts and doodles surrounding it, the special date. Jungkook's birthday. See, he is only a few months older than me, but apparently, that's enough of a motive for him to never shut up about it. Sure, he might be bigger, stronger and faster than me but at the end of the day, I got the brains and the beauty (not up for a debate, my mental health won't be able to handle it please). Back to what's important, see, Jungkook is not much of a surprise enthusiast, but sucks to suck because I am. So, naturally, I took it upon myself to plan a little party in celebration of his birth. Putting my acting skills to use, I tried to be as nonchalant about it as possible the whole of last week. Anytime someone mentioned something even remotely close to birthdays, the subject of the conversation would diverge immediately by my sympathetic nervous system. It's nothing too big, just our friend group and a few of his Kinesiology friends. Still, I want this to be special. For him. 

Jungkook: I think you should come over ;) 

Mira: A dick appointment already? 

Jungkook: I don’t know, can you handle it? 

Mira: I mean, 3 inches should be fine, right? 

Jungkook: … ha ha … very funny. I’ll remember this when I finally get to have you. 

Mira: Who said, you’ll ever have me? 

I can’t help but smile at my screen, I mean it’s pathetic, really. The butterflies in my stomach are not helping the flush rising up my cheeks, as I play the video he sends. Oh God … I knew alcohol and I didn’t go well together but now that idea is solidified as a fact. Looking back at my dumbfounded face is none other than my drunk self from the Winter Formal. The clip is only 5 seconds, but the second-hand embarrassment is enough for me to essentially drink bleach and just cease to exist. 

Jungkook: You did. See. “Jungkook, I want youuu” 

Mira: Ok, so now I’m a victim of blackmail. Good to know. 

Jungkook: I’ll be expecting your cute self at my door in about an hour. 

Mira: Ok dad :( 

Finishing up my makeup I quickly grab my keys and make my way out the door before packing some snacks to go. The bus ride there is only 20 minutes but I fear that the noise my stomach makes from hunger might not be a crowd favourite. Unfortunately, though, I play the role of a broke college student just a bit too well, as two mandarins and some salt crackers end up being my only options. 

--

For it being December, the weather is surprisingly nice. Global warming is in its full effect, I guess. While the glaciers melt away, I get to wear cute fall outfits for another month. So, I stunt my leather knee-high boots, as I finally reach Jungkook’s apartment building. Jimin and him are roommates but both come from pretty financially comfortable families, so this isn’t your usual college student apartment but more like a bachelor studio. Fixing my curls, I tuck the striped sweater into my skirt before knocking on the door. Which opens almost immediately, as Jungkook’s eyes divert down to the boots. 

“Mira …” he says slowly, leaning on the door frame, as a small smirk forms. 

“What?” I snap back confused, nibbling on my lips. 

“You know this wasn't an actual dick appointment right?” he giggles, pulling me inside. 

“YAH, of course, I did,” I yelp, stumbling on my feet as Jungkook’s grip tightens on my waist. 

“Well, you’re looking a bit too good,” he whispers, our lips inches apart as his form moves closer, my back now pressed against the door. 

“Can’t handle it, pretty boy?” I whisper back, looking up at his darkened orbs. 

“Don’t do that,” 

“Do what?” 

“Don’t tease me,” Jungkook’s words slow and breathless as his forehead rests on mine, giving it a soft kiss. The gesture is sweet, but the heat between us is almost suffocating. That is until a familiar voice echoes in the background as the doorknob begins to open. 

“Oh my god!” I yelp, hiding behind Jungkook who was just as dumbfounded. 

“Oh, sorry, am I interrupting something?” Jimin chuckles, placing his bag on the table. 

“I thought you had practice?” Jungkook says abruptly, fixing his dishevelled hair. My face, now red, is virtually buried in his shirt as I try to regain my cool before Jimin calls my name. 

“Yeah, but it ended earlier. Mira? What are you doing here?” 

“Oh, I …” I stutter, replying with more of an expression than words. Jimin is not a threat but he also isn’t aware of whatever Jungkook and I are, so the truth would not be the most suitable answer just yet. Trying to pull something out of thin air, my distressed self is saved by the bell as Jungkook buds in. 

“She was going to help me study,” he says reassuringly before leading us both to the kitchen. I can feel Jungkook's hand on my back as Jimin lets out a big gasp. 

“Wow, so now you're a chef? Mira, I don't know what you're doing to him but please don't stop,” Jimin laughs, shaking his head at the plethora of dishes covering the dining table before diving right in. Sneaking a quick peek at Jungkook sitting across from me, his eyes patiently waiting for my reaction. I can't help but smile as I take a bite out of the steaming shrimp dumplings. My childhood favourite, might I add. 

“Do you like it?” he gently asks, doe eyes sparkling under the kitchen lights. His full attention was on me, so much so that he barely even flinched when Jimin choked on a shrimp tail. 

“I love it,” I reply with a soft smile, giving him a flying chef's kiss. He giggles, finally allowing his body to relax before leaning back on the chair with a proud smile. 

-- 

After cleaning up the table, Jungkook and I decided to go on a walk as Jimin passed out from a food coma with the TV on. Covering him with a blanket, Jungkook turns the system on before wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we head out. It seems that everyone is taking advantage of the warm weather as the beach is more populated than usual. Playing tag with their dad, children's laughter fills up the ambience as their mom takes pictures of the beautiful memories. 

“Do you want kids?” Jungkook suddenly asks, turning his gaze towards my unfazed self who was busy digging for seashells. To be honest, I didn't hear him properly and thought he was asking if I had fears. A miscommunication fiasco fueled by the playful laughter in the background and the fact that I'm half-deaf in my right ear. 

“Yeah, a lot,” I reply with a soft smile, eyes still glued on the mission below me. 

“A lot? Really?” he lets out a chuckle, hands now in his pockets as his body stands still. Feeling the intensity of his stare on me I look up confused, raising an eyebrow. 

“What? Don't tell me you don't,” 

“I mean yeah, but ultimately it would be my wife’s decision,” Jungkook replies softly, looking back at the peaceful beach horizon. 

“Huh? Your wife’s decision?” I repeat, the confusion forcing my attention back to him. What does he mean by his wife’s decision? Trying my hardest to decipher his answer, I begin reading between the lines, hoping to connect the dots between the undertones. Maybe, there’s some kind of metaphor tied into this?

“Yeah, I mean it’s not my body. I’m happy with anything as long as she is healthy and happy,” 

“Jungkook, what are you on?” I snap back, unable to hold back the laughter any longer. 

“What do you mean? You’re the one that wants a lot of kids,” he scoffs, poking the side of his cheek with his tongue. 

“PARDON?? When did I say that?” I yelp, arms now folded in disbelief. 

“I asked you if you wanted kids and you said yeah, a lot” 

“YAH, no I didn't. I thought you said, do you have a lot of fears!” I scoff back before slapping his forearm as his head jerks back from the laughter.

“Thank God, I really thought you were planning on raising a little army,” he smirks before pulling me into his embrace, hands tightening on my waist. As his gaze lowers to my lips, I can feel my cheeks getting red before my hands glide up to his neck. 

“I think I want 3, two boys and one girl,” I say softly, looking up at his darkened orbs. 

“A little princess,” he whispers, before placing a soft kiss on my forehead as I rest my head on his chest. Enjoying each other's warmth we stay like this for a bit longer, looking out at the beautiful sunset. It's times like these that I can't help but give in to my desires, wanting to mute that fear in the back of my head. Jungkook feels safe, I don't know how to explain it, but it's as if our souls mould into one. When I'm with him, everything just makes sense. 

As Tae lights up the last candle on the cake, everyone scatters to find a hiding spot per Jimin's command. Jungkook’s footsteps becoming more and more evident, there is a rising sense of suspense. No one dares to breathe until the doorknob is finally turned and the door swings open. 

“Surprise!!!” 

“FUCK! What the heck!” he shouts, stumbling back as his eyes widen in shock. Feeling everyone's attention on him, his ears begin to redden as Tae and I make our way towards him with the birthday cake. 

“Happy birthday Kookie, now please stop growing,” Tae teases with a boxy smile, putting the Birthday Boy hat on Jungkook who was still in disbelief. Patting his chest, Tae pulls him into a warm hug, as Jungkook’s attention diverts to me. Although no words were exchanged, one look at his furrowed eyebrows was enough for me to understand that he genuinely did not expect any of this. Mission accomplished! To be honest, I felt so bad for making it seem like his birthday was forgotten all these days leading up to the big surprise, that I’m simply relieved it's all over. Unable to hold back a smile, I wait by Jungkook’s side trying to keep the candles from going out, until his attention was back on me. 

“Make a wish, Birthday Boy,” I say softly, looking up at his sparkling eyes. Pulling me closer, Jungkook leans down, scrunching his nose before blowing out the candles as the crowd goes wild. Laughter fills the room once everyone joins in the living room decorated in everything Jungkook-related. From a life-size statue of Iron Man to an entire wall filled with special Polaroids of him and his friends, the Birthday Boy can't help but smile at the wholesome feeling. Holding back his tears as Jimin ushers him towards the couch, Jungkook gasps at the table full of gifts. 

“You guys, this is really too much. You didn’t have to …” he says before his speech was cut short by Jimin, who was already eyeing the bag placed on Jungkook's lap. Both he and Tae, who plopped himself front and center, seemed more curious about this whole unwrapping than Jungkook himself. Nonetheless, reaching his hand into the sparkly green bag, he pulls out a small box. 

“What is it?” Tae asks, moving closer to get a better look. Shaking his head Jungkook opens it, as both of them gasp at the silver Rolex watch staring back at them. 

“YAH, Jimin that’s not fair,” Tae whines, leaning his head back on the couch as Jungkook’s mouth drops. 

“Don’t say anything, you’re worth it,” Jimin winks, patting Jungkook’s head before leaning in for a hug. Despite Jungkook being the youngest in his friend group, it’s rare to see him act like one, so the sight is refreshing and heartwarming, to say the least. 

Making sure everyone was in the frame, I press the timer on the camera before running back to my spot which naturally was beside Jungkook. Looking up at him, his gaze was soft as I wrap my arm around his shoulders, feeling his hand on my waist as Jimin commands everyone to say ‘cheese’ before the flash went off.  

– 

“You know, today might have been my favorite day of the whole year,” Jungkook says softly before melting into the duvet. After saying goodbye to everyone, we cleaned up the place before helping Jimin pack for his camping trip with his teammates. He planned to depart right after the party in hopes of making it there early in the morning, and although I tried to change his mind he was determined. 

“Ok, I’m leaving now,” Jimin says, knocking on Jungkook’s bedroom door. Nodding, we walk him towards the entrance, as I pass him a bag of some leftovers. 

“Please be careful, it’s dark,” I say, as Jungkook leans on the door frame, eyes focused on my worried face.

“I’ll be fine, it’s only 6 hours. I’ll be back by Tuesday. Jungkook please don’t break anything,” Jimin exclaims, giving him a teasing smile as Jungkook rolls his eyes, nibbling on his lip ring. 

“Ha … ha.. call me when you get there,” he says, waving goodbye as he locks the door before turning towards me. 

“It’s late, do you want to stay over or do you want me to drop you off?”

“One more surprise,” I wink, pulling him towards the bedroom. As I place a red bag on his lap, Jungkook can’t help but bite down his lip, trying to suppress the evident excitement. 

“Miraya, you’ve already done so much,” he says softly, looking up at my focused expression before pulling out a film camera with an envelope attached to it. Fidgeting with the seal, Jungkook’s curiosity is on full blast as he moves the three polaroids closer to get a better look under the dim lights. 

“Oh my god …” he whispers, choking on his spit from the disbelief. Recognizing the red lingerie, he glances up for clarification until a gasp escapes his mouth at the sight before him. 

“Happy Birthday, Pretty boy,” I whisper, before moving closer to his dumbfounded self. Although still in shock, his body responds immediately, caressing the soft skin on my thighs before pulling me on his lap. 

“Mira …” he whispers, our lips inches away. Looking at his darkened orbs, I caress the side of his cheek before leaving a soft kiss. 

“You’ve been so patient, baby,” I say, straddling his thighs as he hisses at the sensitivity. Melting in my embrace, he is unable to hold back any longer, flipping us over, as his chains now dangle over my face. 

“Peaches, please let me have you,” he whispers into my ear, voice now breathless. Sucking on my neck, he leaves soft marks of desperate need and desire before looking back at my eyes. 

“Jungkook, I want you,” 

“Mira, I need you,”

As our bodies become one, Jungkook leaves a trail of soft kisses down my neck before reaching the soft material. 

“Wait here,” he says, almost sprinting towards the kitchen before coming back with a can of whipped cream that I used for his birthday cake. 

“Thank you for the meal,” he bows his head, before shaking the can. Unclasping my bra, he tosses it on the floor, taking a moment to fully appreciate the sight in front of him. 

“Stop staring,” I snap, hiding my face under the duvet, feeling the flush in my cheeks. 

“Hard not to when you look this good, Peaches” 

Inches away from my breasts, Jungkook draws small circles with the cream, as I hiss at the cold sensation. Arching my back, he sucks on the sweet taste of my nipples, as his hands caress the soft skin, before leaving a long trace of cream on my stomach. Each taste is followed by a sinful kiss, as purple hues paint my body.   

Previous l Next

[toodrasticallydumb]

PONYO AU COME HERE MY BABIES

*ahEM* So. What occurred is—as you can maybe see—i was studying Studio Ghibli’s art style to draw lil baby adorable kiddos and may or may not have gotten carried away a bit.

I can explain.

I just love baby Walt and wanted to draw him more and then i was watching Ponyo and Ponyo has red/orange hair like Barbara’s and then one thing led to another and yeah it’s a whole au thing now.

Basically, Ponyo = Baby Barb, Sosuke = Weeny Walt, Fujimoto (Ponyo’s dad) = grown up Jim, Granmamare (Ponyo’s mom) = grown up Claire

Ponyo’s story (i’m gonna refer to as Barb in min) goes pretty much the same as in the movie: she’s a curious lil magical fish who wanders away from her overprotective father one day, excited to catch a glimpse at the infamous humans her father has warned her so much about on their motor boats, unfortunately she gets stuck in a tiny jar and gets swept up onto shore, being found and rescued by…a green human?

Baby Walt is a small youngling, abandoned when he was so small he had barely opened his eyes, or so his father, Vendel, tells the story. Without a proper mother and just a tiny whelp, Trollmarket’s leader (with his badly hidden soft heart) can’t help but end up adopting the small whelp. So baby Walt (as he is nicknamed because Waltolomew was FAR too long, Vendel.) is raised alongside his two much older big brothers, Blinky and Aaarrrgghh who watch over him when Vendel’s busy.

They take him on short, highly-supervised outings around Trollmarket and the beach shore during the night; the one rule? No head-butting anyone’s gronk-nuks. Okay, but also NO GOING IN THE SUN.

Vendel is incredibly acute about the rule and it was a long time of whinnying and complaining and pushing and puppy-dog eyes until he FINALLY let Walt go outside to the beach shore with Blinky and Aaarrrgghh. But Walt always knew his dad was so strict about the rule because if he ever touched the sun he’d burn himself and turn to stone.

Right?

One night, Walt is feeling a little down and Aaarrrgghh suggests bringing a teeny bucket to collect seashells in, except they get kinda get caught up in all the serious work and sunrise comes before they know it. The sun is peeking out past the horizon when Walt gets distracted by a strange glittering in the shallow water. Aaarrrgghh is busy convincing Blinky to let them bring all the shells for Vendel so Walt goes after the shiny item himself. He pads over and finds a jar…with a goldfish inside?

Trying to pull the little fishy out of the jar as gently as he can, he tugs and bites at the glass with his short tusks, before feeling a strange stinging across his body and giving a big shiver—

“HEY! KIDDO GET OUT OF THE WATER!” someone shouts from above and his head whirls around to see a human waving his arms at him and heading down the rocks to get to him.

“Blinky!” he yelps, frozen on the spot, but the troll hushes him with a finger and after an anxious beat of his heart he sees them scramble to run away from the human as it reaches the bank and goes after him. “BLINKY?!” Walt cries out, tears coming to his eyes but he’s quickly scooped up into the arms of the chubby human.

“Be careful, kid, the tides comin’ up, let’s get you out of here.”

“But my papa-” he croaks.

“We’ll find him, don’t worry little dude.”

The rest of the story unfolds similarly to the movie, except Walt is nonverbal for a long part of the time Barb is a fish in the bowl of water. Later though, Barb licks a wound from Walt’s human skin and becomes a human girl (mostly), the two wander around getting into small hijinks at the senior center and around town while being (horribly) babysat by Toby and Wine Aunt Nomura, all the while Barb and Walt get closer and fall in love ❤️

But then Baby Barb is snatched away by Jim and Weeny Walt is left trying to find his big brothers and get back to Trollmarket but keeps questioning if they’ll take him back now.

Soon enough Baby Barb girlbosses her way out of Jim’s hold and makes it back to her green friend, in the process LITERALLY BRINGING THE MOON CLOSER TO THE EARTH AND RAISING THE TIDE UP MOUNTAINS. But it’s all chill, they figure it out in the end lol

As if this post isn’t long enough: some hcs!!!

Barb thinks all humans turn green at night and is very Confused™️ when Toby and Nomura Don’t???

She also thinks all human children are as quiet as Weeny Walt and when they get stuck in school she is very shocked when kids start talking to Weeny Walt like nothing

Walt is VERY attached to Aaarrrgghh and very obvious about it, his favorite brother fr while his relationship w Blinky is more of a play fight of who can be the smartest little buttsnack to each other and impress papa

If it’s kinda confusing: basically changelings in this au change between troll and human when sunlight hits them or darkness/shadow does and since baby Walt didn’t go out in the sun he didn’t know (Vendel knew but was convinced it wouldn’t matter if his little baby knew either way)

Walt wears a moss gauntlet-type thing around his forearm as a sign that he was adopted and spoken for by someone other than his mother

Barb is kinda scared of the dark so Walt shows her cool stuff like fireflies and Walt is scared of the water (because rocks SINK) and Barb shows him cool stuff like big fish and swimming

Barb is the ONLY person Walt talks to during a majority of their time with Nomura and Toby, he is very nonverbal and Barb is VERY verbal so she has enough words to speak for them both

She drags him everywhere and he just lets it happen because of course he does

(when i post, I POST OKAY)

[buckyismybicycle]

I don't know how terrible this quality will be on Tumblr, but the higher resolution/original can be found on AO3!

Title: swim for the music that saves you Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers Tags: ShrinkyClinks, Social Media AU, WIP/teaser Summary: It all started when he sent a video singing Happy Birthday to his sister, not knowing that she would post it on her social media.

Now, JBuckyBarnes has millions of followers all hearing his story, following his recovery, listening to him sing. Little does he know, he's going to change the life of one follower in particular.

Steve Rogers, chronically ill and spending most of his days inside, has to live vicariously through others. He longs for adventure, trying new things, feeling the sun on his face. A/N: This fic has been sitting in my drafts for some time now... Thanks to @buckybarnesevents: Alternate June-iverse giving me a little kick, I've decided to post an excerpt/the beginning and the rest of it will come in due course.

“Hiya folks… Well, it was, uh.” The brunette on screen pauses and then smiles sadly. “Alright, you know I can’t lie to you. I wanna say it was fine and dandy, but it was honestly rough. That’s why this video’s a bit late, sorry ‘bout that, by the way. It took longer than I thought it would to edit so I honestly kind of gave up.”

He lays his head in a propped up hand, resting against his piano. 

“So, I got home Sunday afternoon and crashed. I don’t even remember getting into bed. Didn’t sleep through the night, of course. I never do. But! That’s just me, my body’s not a fan of the meds. I was feeling crummy — you know when you’re so hungry you’re nauseous but you can’t eat ‘cause you’re nauseous? Anyway, so that for like, six hours. Finally got to sleep when the sun was risin’ but only managed about an hour or so. You lot haven’t heard Brooklyn traffic.”

Steve can’t help but smirk at that because he has, and he is in fact listening to the god-awful Brooklyn traffic outside his window. He could always move his desk away from the window, but he needs some sort of sunlight from time to time.

The YouTube video plays on his phone while he takes a break from work, stretching and wincing as his joints crack.

“So, it’s like, ten in the mornin’ and I decide I’m gonna get something to eat. Nausea won that round, unfortunately, so by three o'clock I am starving. I was cranky for the whole day, and I don’t wanna make cranky videos for you guys. So, that’s enough rambling from me. My brain’s been a little all over the place so I haven’t written anything in ages, but how about a cover of the best of the best? Thanks for sticking around! Hope you like this one.”

Steve watches as Bucky lifts the cover of his piano and stretches the fingers on his prosthetic. Today, it’s the metal titanium one, with its beautiful plate work and a small Hydra Industries logo on the forearm. 

You gotta swim… Swim for your life

Swim for the music that saves you

When you're not so sure you'll survive

You gotta swim… Swim when it hurts

The whole world is watching

You haven't come this far to fall off the earth

The currents will pull you, away from your love

Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave begging to tear down the dawn

Memories like bullets, they fired at me from a gun

Cracking the armor, yeah

I swim for brighter days, despite of the absence of sun

Choking on salt water, I'm not giving in, I swim

You gotta swim… through nights that won't end

Swim for your families, your lovers, your sisters, and brothers and friends

Steve listens to the beautiful voice fill the empty space of his studio apartment, caught up in the soft yet powerful melody. What really hits him are the words, though. 

Bucky’s life is no secret — except maybe his real first name because there’s no parent on this planet that hates their kid that much. Steve doesn’t know exactly how Bucky had started off, but the channel was a newer discovery for Steve. 

Well, there it is. As always, thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you liked the song, and maybe I’ll see you guys next time with something original, huh? Bye!” 

[janetbrown711]

Money, Money, Money (Must be Funny / In a Rich Man's World)

Pigsy takes MK and Mei out shopping after the previous day's chaos and sudden adoption.

AKA Pigsy realizes he doesn't know what he signed up for when adopting orphaned MK and Mei in a heartbeat, but learns to cope

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Ao3 Link

Work Text:

The cab ride home was short and quiet, as the hour was very late and the kids fell asleep all curled up on each other, which was kinda cute. When they arrived at Pigsy’s apartment, they unfortunately had to wake them up, made them climb a flight of stairs and then it was home sweet home where the kids then promptly passed out on the couch, and Pigsy made a mental note to buy sleeping bags or something because there was no way that was going to last.

“So… um… do you need anything else?” Tang asked, setting down the big case of important documents on Pigsy’s table.

“A bigger place to live, probably,” He half joked, looking around at the studio apartment that had to have a Murphy bed, it was so small.

“I’ve seen worse,” Tang said with a reassuring smile. “Besides, with some of the money that’s been set aside, I’m sure you’ll be able to afford a better place in no time.”

“If I have any left over after paying repairs on the restaurant– that thing crashed right through a wall and damaged my grill pretty bad,” Pigsy went to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of his cheapest sake and immediately chugged it down.

“Woah there now– I don’t think ‘recently got bloodwork done’ and alcohol mix,” Tang carefully took the bottle from the counter and put it away.

“Bah,” Pigsy scoffed but didn’t go to get more.

“Well, I’ll help get your bed down, but after that, I guess I’m heading home,” His regular nodded to himself.

“Wait– hey now, you paid for the cab, looked over the documents, protected the kids– I think I can get my own bed down,” Pigsy refused the offer and went to put it down, only for Tang to follow and swipe his arm away.

“You are injured, and risked your life and livelihood for kids you barely knew in a heartbeat– not to mention you let me not pay for my food because classes are expensive– It’s really the least I can do,” He argued. Pigsy sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose and stepping aside. Tang smiled like an adorable asshole and put down his bed.

“There. Isn’t that cozy now?” Tang adjusted the pillows for Pigsy as his face just got redder and redder with embarrassment.

“Right– well– uh–” Pigsy scratched the back of his neck to force himself to act calm and cool but it wasn’t working. He cleared his throat and forced himself to talk anyways.

“I just wanted to– uh– thank you… for everything. You didn’t have to do any of that today, and it was… nice,” He said, wanting to punch himself with every stutter.

“It’s no problem really, you’ve been so nice to me for like– nothing in return,” Tang looked away from the chef. “A-and remember, I can like, totally help you out with those documents tomorrow, if you’d like!”

“Y-yeah! I’d like that– I could even cook for you since the restaurant’ll be closed probably,” Pigsy offered, kicking at the ground while his face got hotter and hotter.

“O-oh! I’d– yeah-! I’d really, really like that,” Tang smiled.

“Y-yeah?” Pigsy blinked up at him.

“Y-yeah! I’d love to help you out– and free food without guilt? Sign me up,” The scholar joked, which succeeded in making Pigsy snort.

“Yeah, I’m… glad,” He smiled weakly.

The two men stared at each other for a moment, and Pigsy could hear his heart pounding in his ears over the sound of crickets in the twilight. That caused them to look at anything except each other, and it was quiet for a bit.

Tang eventually broke that semi-silence though, with a “Guess I’ll be going then-!”

“Y-yeah! I’ll see you tomorrow-?” Pigsy asked, following him to the door.

“Probably!” Tang laughed a little before remembering the kids were still on the couch asleep.

“Well then I’ll– see you tomorrow,” Pigsy opened the door for his regular.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Tang nodded with a smile before heading out, and Pigsy closed the door behind him.

Tang.

It suited him so well.

With a sigh, Pigsy turned away from the door and back at the kids snoozing away at the couch.

God, they were so young, especially for both of their parents to be gone.

And now Pigsy was responsible for them.

Shit– he was going to have to do some serious grocery shopping. He didn’t have any of the kid food except maybe cereal because all he ate was the food he made at the restaurant. He’d also have to get sleeping bags until he could move, and at the very least some blankets. Maybe some toys too– and crayons and– Jesus, kids were expensive.

With a grunt, Pigsy untucked and pulled out the top blanket from his bed and draped it over MK and Mei, content to know that was all he could do for now.

Somewhere in that pile of documents was how their whole schooling dealio was going to work, and when they were expected to go back, but Pigsy was not going to look over any of that right now, he was content to just think and hope it wasn’t tomorrow. If it was, he would demand they get it off anyways, today and the previous days events were too much for kids to handle anyways, mystical or not.

Jesus– was he going to have to drive these kids to school? Or walk them? He supposed the subways were a viable option– Where even was that hoity-toity academy? That information was probably in those documents– lord Pigsy had a lot of reading ahead of him (and then some if there weren’t any parenting books in there).

Pigsy needed to sleep because he was already getting a gigantic headache. He quickly tossed his chef's shirt in the trash, changed into pajamas, checked that the kids were fine, and then promptly passed out on his bed.

.o0o.

Pigsy hated the sound of his stupid ass alarm in the morning.

It was set to its default– he knew it shouldn’t– that it actively caused his brain to feel all glitchy and whatnot but he never actually remembered to change it and so all he did was swipe it away as per usual.

He then grumbled and buried his face into his hot, half deflated pillow for another solid minute before forcing himself to sit up, where he was then greeted by two kids– his kids now– peering at him over the couch, ducking down the moment he made eye contact. Pigsy snorted a little before pulling the thin blanket off of him, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and stretching– before being quickly reminded he had a bunch of stitches and bandages in his arm and he winced in pain.

“Morning you two,” He said as the pain mostly subsided.

“Mornin’ Mr. Piggy,” MK sat up and rested his arms on the sofa back, which Mei copied.

“It’s Pigsy, and no need for that ‘mister’ stuff, you make me sound like my father,” He joked to himself as he stood and wandered into the kitchen, where he started to make himself a cup of coffee.

“How long have you two been up?” He asked, rubbing his eyes as he poured hot water into the reservoir and he scooped coffee grounds.

“I dunno, since the sun?” MK looked out the one window, which had a pretty okay view all things considered.

“Eh, that’s not too bad,” Pigsy shrugged, adding the grounds to the filter. “How’d you sleep?”

“Good,” Mei shrugged and sat back down on the couch, staring blankly at his pathetic excuse of a TV, affectionately titled “the Dinosaur” for how old it was by his family.

“I don’t know if I have any kiddie stuff on there– I don’t have cable,” Pigsy apologized.

“S’okay,” The girl said with a little smile. “I’ve never seen a TV so thick and so small.”

“Yeah, it’s old school, but it does the trick when I need it,” Pigsy watched as the coffee brewed.

“So what’re we gonna do today, Mr. Piggy?” MK asked.

“Pigsy, and I don’t know– I need to check on damages downstairs and then make a list of what I can and can’t do, and then we need to go do some shopping– though I’ll need to read over some documents first and–” Pigsy sighed as the machine beeped. “It’s gonna be a long day.”

“All days are long for me,” MK said, sitting back down on the couch and tracing his finger along the threads of the sofa.

“Heard you there,” Pigsy snorted as he poured his coffee into his favorite mug that said “KISS MY BACON” in bold black letters.

“You kids want cereal or something?” Pigsy asked after things felt a bit too quiet.

“Cer…eal..?” Mei looked at him strangely.

MK rolled his eyes. “I’ve told you about cereal– it’s the circles in milk and stuff.”

“Oooh-! Right! Cereal!” Mei snapped her fingers, and Pigsy was reminded once again that she was technically a dragon princess that he adopted last night with no real understanding of what the heck that actually meant.

“Right– yeah– um–” Pigsy went and looked through his cabinets for cereal they’d like. Eventually he found a kind of stale, but still probably good box of “Wukong Os”.

“You kids like Wukong O’s?” He asked as he got it down, as well as two plastic bowls.

“Probably!” MK practically jumped off of the couch to the table.

Pigsy laughed and set down the bowls, then cereal, and then got out the milk before looking at Mei, who was still sitting on the couch.

“You feeling good, kiddo?” He asked.

The girl shrugged. “I dunno. I’m tired.”

“Yeah, yesterday was a lot– I also promise whatever sleeping bags we get will be a lot more comfortable than my couch, haha,” He scratched the back of his neck, before patting the chair next to MK, who was absolutely devouring his cereal. “Here, why don’t you have some cereal? It might make you feel better… or something.”

Mei got up without much expression or thought and so Pigsy went back to his coffee and glossed over that giant stack of papers, especially at that lawyer lady’s business card. If Tang wasn’t going to be available until later, then he’d definitely think about giving her a call to sort everything out more.

“It’s gonna be a long day” was probably the understatement of the century.

The kids eventually finished, and Pigsy told them to just throw their stuff in the sink. He announced he was going to go change in the bathroom, which was when he realized these kids didn’t even have any clothes on them– probably lost in that fire. He was going to have to make a shopping list soon that was going to be longer than the entirety of Journey to the West.

Pigsy quickly splashed some cold water on his face and tried to ignore how much of a zombie he looked before stepping out and grabbing his keys.

“Welp, let's get going,” He said, opening the door for Mei and MK.

The kids quickly left and waited for Pigsy as he locked the door and took them down the stairs to the restaurant. Pigsy first tried to unlock the back but remembered he put a padlock on it he totally forgot to take off in the chaos and so he led the kids around to the front, where he then unlocked that door to reveal…

Wait– nononono– this wasn’t right…

He expected a mess– shattered glass, dented stove, a wall with a big ass hole in it from the tiger demon literally breaking through it. Instead it was– perfect.

No– it was better than perfect, there were genuine improvements– it was cleaner than he had ever seen it be ever. Even the kids were confused as they stepped behind the bar and saw everything so neat and organized and not at all the stick floored place they hid the previous night.

“H-how..? Who..? Why???” Pigsy was too flabbergasted to finish his sentence and had to take a seat at the bar to stop his head from reeling.

“Freaky,” Mei said, looking at her wavy reflection in the grill.

“Ah– don’t mess with that,” Pigsy said, and she instantly took a step back. “I just… I’m not crazy right? You two know this place was a mess, right?”

MK nodded. “It smells different too– like lotuses.”

Pigsy ran his fingers across his bald head as he tried to think of any logical explanation for this but just came up blank again and again.

What happened last night had to have been true– he had the stitches and kids to prove it But the damages-?

Bah, maybe it was just some freaky demon thing he didn't know. Now why a demon would fix up his restaurant, he sure didn't know, but whatever.

"So… does this mean you'll let people in today?" MK asked, flicking a rista of red chili peppers. Pigsy had to think about that.

He certainly could– everything seemed to be in more than just tip-top shape, but at the same time he didn't have a plan for what he expected MK and Mei to do while he worked yet, as he instead planned on thoroughly procrastinating it. Plus, he knew all that shopping was going to take a very, very long time, so it was probably for the best that he didn't.

"No, no, we can head to the shops a little earlier than expected," He decided.

"Sweet!" Mei grinned, "I haven't shopped in forever– usually just the nannies or butlers do it for me. I wanna look at the toys myself!" She said, proudly pointing at herself with her thumb.

"Man, I could use one of those," Pigsy chuckled and opened the door for the kids, who quickly left the kitchen and headed out. Pigsy then locked the door and they made their way to the bus stop, where they sat on the bench

Well– Pigsy and MK sat at the bench, Mei just kind of stood next to her friend awkwardly.

"Kid, what's the matter?" Pigsy asked, eyeing her up and down.

Mei glanced at the bench and took a step back. "It looks… dirty."

Pigsy laughed at that, which he could tell was the last thing Mei expected, so he quickly tried to kill it.

"You know, my folks always said bacteria was good for you– helps build your immune system or somethin."

"Ooh," Mei said, looking at the bench once more.

It really wasn't anything all that bad looking– there weren't even any spider webs or visible gum wads And so after a moment of great hesitation, Mei closed her eyes and sat right next to MK who giggled and hugged her.

"It's so cold," she giggled too.

"Yep! Welcome to bus rider life," MK grinned.

"Ah, so you've ridden before?" Pigsy asked MK. The boy nodded.

"All the time! I'm a master of the bus," He dusted off his shoulders smugly.

"Wait– have you ridden alone?" Pigsy asked.

MK nodded again. "A ton! Ever since I started school."

The chef paused. "When… you were five?"

"Four actually! But I didn't look it," MK was still smiling and Pigsy just looked across the street to hide his horrified feeling.

Thankfully the bus arrived shortly thereafter so Pigsy didn't have to think about that mess for much longer as he ushered the kids on and paid their fare.

MK and Mei instantly made a mad dash for the back of the bus, as Pigsy half expected, and they both crowded by the edge seat to look out the window while Pigsy took a more middle seat.

They both ‘ooh’-ed and ‘ahh’-ed at each construction site or cluster of pigeons they passed (though Pigsy had a feeling MK was really just going along with Mei since he had to be more familiar with all this than she was). The ride wasn't too long, and the kids complained when Pigsy pulled the line and they had to get off.

When they remembered they were there for shopping they became a lot more agreeable as they ran into the thrift store right by the bus stop, both ogling the color coded racks.

"Alright pick out five shirts and pants you like, we'll get some better stuff when I get the money all ironed out," Pigsy said and the kids looked at each other with slight confusion.

“What? I know you’ve never shopped before,” Pigsy gestured to Mei, “But I know you have. What’s the matter?”

“Oh I don’t get clothes that often,” MK shrugged.

“And people always choose clothes for me,” Mei copied his motion.

Ah.

“Well, let’s see here…” Pigsy stroked his chin and wandered over to the kids section and started flipping through boys clothes. It took him exactly two seconds before he found a small boy’s shirt with art from Monkey King the Animated Series and he showed it to MK.

“OMG– that’s so cool!” MK beamed and Pigsy chuckled as he handed it to him. He repeated this process four more times, before handing MK a more simple shirt, saying it was good to diversify a little, and then selecting some shorts he thought might fit.

“Wow– I’ve never had someone buy me this much stuff before. Usually it’s all ‘we just bought you clothes’ and ‘make them fit’ and also ‘quit your whining or else I’ll buy a belt to beat you with instead’,” MK said, shifting his arms under the weight of the shirts. He said it with a laugh too, which was a pattern Pigsy was starting to notice.

“Well, you uh– don’t have to think about that anymore now, okay? I wouldn’t ever say those things,” Pigsy didn’t know whether or not to put a hand on MK’s shoulder. The boy just kind of nodded, still laughing a little, before his face fell slightly.

“Right,” He said, shifting the clothes in his arms, kicking the floor a little bit.

“Look– I– I can carry those for you, kid,” Pigsy offered and MK handed them over. The kid wasn’t being dramatic about the shuffling, it really was a lot, so Pigsy scanned the area until he found a basket and put the clothes in.

“Much better,” He said like he was proud of himself. MK nodded, before glancing away and then even quicker tugging on Mei’s sleeve and pointing to the toy section just a few rows over.

“Ooo– Mr. Piggy, can we look at toys please,” Mei begged. Pigsy gave them a very confused thumbs up and the kids ran off to go look at them.

Man, kids were weird– one second, it's gripping with abuse and finality, then it's running off to go search for those biona-whateverthefucktheywerecalled. Pigsy just hoped that was normal– though it wasn’t like they weren’t gonna need some kind of therapy because of that fire and you know… being orphans…

Pigsy decided to let the two of them mess around in the toy section for a bit while he fingered through clothes he thought Mei might like, though he really couldn’t be certain of anything. Most of the stuff was pink and had hearts or dolphins or boy bands all over them, and he wasn’t sure if she was the type to be interested in that kind of stuff. He tried looking in the green section, which had a bunch of environmental messages also bedazzled with pink hearts and Pigsy started realizing how pathetic this was. He picked out one with green/silver flip over sequins in the shape of a flower and another with green polka dots before going back to the boys section and selecting a few she thought she’d like more– ones with dragons and knights and stuff, and also a bad pun about math. He was unsure with each selection, which was another nagging reminder he was in way over his head about this, but Pigsy just shrugged that off and went back to MK and Mei.

When he returned, MK was out giving some kind of evil villain speech, and Mei was nowhere to be found for a bit– until he heard fits of giggles behind a rack of clothing and he realized she was in hiding. Pigsy observed for a moment, as MK began searching for him with his monkey guy and wondered if he was deaf the closer he got to Mei and the more she laughed. Suddenly, she leaped out and practically tackled MK, sending some clothes flying off the racks and a few dirty looks from other customers Pigsy just rolled his eyes at.

“You foul thing! I’ll destroy your whole kingdom!” MK spat as he got away from Mei and stood up once more.

“You are no match for me and my Ultimate Super Hot Flaming Fire of Death! Muahahahaha!” Mei laughed maniacally as she “shot fire” at Mk’s guy, who raised his arms.

“I surrender– your spicy toss was too spicy for me,” he made his guy fold over into a bow. “You can have my kingdom– everything-! Just spare me-!”

“Die!” Mei cackled and chopped the guys head off with her guys hand.

“Wow– pretty intense game you two had going there,” Pigsy chuckled a little as he picked up some of the fallen items.

Mei shrugged with a giggle. “Could’ve been worse. Could’ve sent him to the council,” she shared a knowing look with MK before they burst into more laughter.

Man, kids are so weird.

“Oh– Mei, tell me what you think of the stuff I picked out,” Pigsy said, picking up the shirts from the basket and handing them to her. Upon seeing the “boys” shirts, she was confused.

“I’m not allowed to wear shirts with pictures,” She said with a slight frown. “They don’t look nice.”

“Kid, you don’t need to ‘look nice’ all the time– I mean– it’s okay if you don’t like em and all, but–” The chef looked away, embarrassed.

“No-! They’re super cool! I-i’m just not allowed to– Mama and Baba say–” She stopped herself.

Pigsy looked at her.

Mei quietly stared down at the clothes for a minute, before handing back the “boys” ones to Pigsy. “I’ll stick with the girly clothes for now.”

“Anything you want, kiddo,” Pigsy said softly as he accepted them. He gestured for the kids to follow him as he put the shirts back and then waited in line to make their purchase, where Pigsy also threw in two bags of off-brand gummy bears in attempts to cheer the two up, which kind of worked.

Pigsy was nervous the entire time they were in line that his credit card would be declined or that if he used his debit card, these purchases would be marked off as suspicious, but strangely enough it all went without a hitch and soon they were walking out of there with four bags full of clothes.

They still had to stop at the nearby shopping center for tents, and the kids just trailed behind Pigsy and swapping gummy bears for the specific colors they liked while the pig chef wandered up and down aisles for camping stuff. Didn’t take too long thankfully, and so two more bags of sleeping bags were added to the group, and in a blink the group were on the bus back home.

.o0o.

The ride back was a lot quieter than the previous ride had been, though MK and Mei still talked a little, with the former trying to cheer up the latter with little games. It eventually worked, and Mei was laughing again, which meant Pigsy could relax and stress out about other things.

It didn’t take long for his mind to choose, as when he glanced tiredly out the window, there was a sparkling ad on a billboard for Megapolis City Academy, which he recalled being their school. He was going to have to get uniforms, and books, and whatever fancy people shit he needed to make sure no one else knew they were being raised now by some fat pig fraud… while also somehow dropping them off in all that high society and in front of those pompous assholes and then it’d be high school all over again. Great.

He wasn’t heartless. He was going to do this for them.

Every time he reminded himself he could practically hear his father talking about how crazy he is.

Well… proves him right, he figured.

Pigsy sighed and rubbed his face, before realizing the bus was nearing their stop and he pulled the string. Thankfully it was just in the nick of time and they were able to get off and walk back to the shop and apartment without a hitch.

Pigsy fumbled the door open and the kids immediately set the stuff down on the counters and flopped onto the couch tiredly, which didn’t surprise him at all.

“You can turn on some tv if you’d like– I’m sure there’s cable-free kid programming somewhere,” Pigsy said, gesturing to the remote on the armrest nearest MK. The boy nodded, turning it on and began flipping through channel after channel as Pigsy set all of his stuff down and mentally prepared himself for looking over all those lawyer documents again.

The chef dug through a drawer for a pen and pad before sitting at his table and pulling the massive pile of documents towards him just as he heard the familiar blare of the home shopping network.

“Mr. Piggy, do you have a snuggie?” MK asked, tilting his head at the screen.

Pigsy snorted. “Just wear a sweater backwards, kid.”

“Huh,” was all the boy replied with and Pigsy started looking into the stacks and folders.

First one he saw was labeled “Banking” and had “Contact Gatita” written on a big sticky note when he opened it, which filled him with relief as he pushed it to the side.

“Ooo– Can we get a Heat Surge?” Mei asked.

“We don’t need that kind of junk– besides, there’s no room for one,” Pigsy rolled his eyes, moving onto the next folder labeled ‘Allergens + Medical Records’. Pigsy scribbled a bit to make sure his pen worked before starting to take notes.

“Is that The Monkey King?!” MK suddenly jumped up from the couch and got an inch away from the tv before it shocked him with static electricity.

“Mr. Piggy-! Mr. Piggy-!” MK leapt from the couch and to the chef. “Can I get a– a–” He looked back over his shoulder. “A fushigi?”

Pigsy glanced at the TV, seeing a man in a poorly made Sun Wukong costume dancing around some glass ball surrounded by ‘fascinated’ onlookers and a guy who was way too passionate for what appeared to literally just be a glass ball.

“It’s Pigsy, and no– it looks dangerous,” Pigsy shook his head and got back to his work.

“Aw man– now i’ll never be as cool as Monkey King,” The boy sighed dramatically before taking a seat next to his best friend.

“Get used to it kid, you’ll be better off without all those expectations,” Pigsy joked a little as he jotted down vaccination dates.

There was a bit of peace (except for the commercials that literally never ended) and Pigsy was able to jot down all he felt he needed to before setting it aside and moving onto the next folder.

“Woah-! That cupcake is ginormous!” Mei gasped and pointed at the screen.

“That’s like the size of my head!” MK laughed and agreed.

“Mr. Piggy–”

“No we are not buying some tin to make a big cupcake– if we really needed to, we could manage with what we have,” Pigsy stopped the thought right there and the kids huffed and flopped dramatically back on the couch. For a second, Pigsy worried he was sounding too much like a stickler, but he kept on working.

“Booooo, medicine is boring,” MK blew a raspberry at the tv.

“Finally, some real calm,” He thought, jotting down a few more things. And the kids were indeed calm for a second, before MK asked–

“Mr. Piggy? What’s er–erectile dysfunct–”

“--Okaywellthat’senoughofthatfornowdon’tyouthink–” Pigsy shot up from his chair, taking the remote and immediately changing the channels.

“Aw man, I wanted to see if they’d mention if me or a loved one got mesothemeliomia,” MK sighed.

“Tough luck, you’re gonna watch this public broadcast for children,” Pigsy said, stopping at the channel with a weird green boy and girl and hitting select and going back to work.

Thankfully that worked to distract them for a long, long time, despite the content clearly being a bit young for them. There was a show about some dog that talked, whatever a “zoboomafoo” was, and a math computer smarty pants show– whatever, it wasn’t like Pigsy was paying all that much attention. He was now almost through the entire stack, with only one folder remaining.

Unfortunately, it was the biggest and it was all the information about their schooling.

Yay…

Pigsy was greeted with an eyeful of rich people propaganda that actually made him want to gag for a moment. If it weren’t dead people’s last wishes for their daughter, he would completely disregard this whole academy junk and place them into a public school. If they really wanted her to be ‘normal’ like they claimed, then that would be the best way to do it.

But Pigsy wasn’t a parent, so he had no idea the kinds of real thought and care that goes into these kinds of things, and so dived in anyways.

Uniforms, ¥1716.90 for four sets (jesus fucking christ); Books, at the school (thank god); shoes, had to be black and shiny, roughly ¥233.50 a piece; school supplies varied a lot, especially since there weren’t ‘back-to-school’ specials right now (which was just fun); and then admission in general cost about… holy fucking shit– that was the cost of this building at least three times over-!

Pigsy glanced at that banking stack and knew he’d have to call Gatita soon.

Pigsy rigorously took notes and tried working out budgets to see what he could get done before and after calling, and then tried to figure when he should do the next doctors appointments and needless to say Pigsy was starting to see numbers and yuan signs when he closed his eyes.

Deciding that was probably enough for one day, he rested his head on his arms and closed his eyes, and forced them shut tighter when the previously mentioned numbers started flashing behind his eyelids.

After a while there was a tap on his shoulder though. Pigsy sighed to himself and forced him to lift his head, surprised to find Mei standing there and looking at the ground. “Mr. Pigsy, is there a…” She glanced around the area, gripping her jacket tightly.

“You okay, kid?” Pigsy sat up.

“Oh– yes-! I just wanted to know if there’s a– a bathroom, yes,” Mei nodded to herself.

Pigsy eyed her before pointing. “Just right over there– and make sure the lock really clicks, it’s half broken and god knows my landlord ain’t fixin it.”

“Thank you,” She bowed a little and walked off, leaving Pigsy to rest his head again.

Though he had a bad feeling in his gut he just couldn’t ignore.

With a grumble, he pulled himself up and looked towards the tv, satisfied to see MK satisfied. There was some kind of cartoon about dragons on right now, and it looked fun enough– MK was even humming along to one of the songs.

Maybe it was nothing– it wasn’t like the show was even talking about death and stuff. Right now it seemed to be about learning hopscotch or something– Pigsy was just a worry wart.

…Right?

Pigsy decided his instincts might have a point and so went over to his bathroom and knocked on the door. “You doin’ okay in there?”

A gasp– shuffling noises that made him grip the handle before–

“Y-yes, Mr. Pigsy, I-I’m alright,” Mei’s voice replied.

“You sound hurt– you okay?” Pigsy asked, his grip on the knob softening only a little.

“I-i’m fine, thank you!”

“Kid–”

“I-i said I’m fine!” She shouted a little, which made him step back. If this were an adult, he’d probably yell at them and say something like “fine, see if I care!” but he was starting to realize that that probably wasn’t a healthy way to react to something, and also Mei was a child so he’d definitely have to think before he spoke.

“You know…” He sighed, leaning against the wall next to the bathroom door, “No one can help you feel any better if you lock yourself in that bathroom– and don’t say you don’t care about that because I care if you feel better so– I already got you there.”

Silence.

A sniffle.

The lock clicked, but she didn’t step outside, which the chef hesitantly took as a sign for him to go in instead, which he did.

The sight didn’t exactly surprise him– Mei was now sitting curled up in the bathtub, hot tears streaming down her face and–

And her eyes were glowing again.

“Are you hurt?” Pigsy asked, kneeling on the ground next to the tub.

She shook her head and hugged her knees tighter.

“Well that’s a little bit good, eh?” He tried joking, but it didn’t work. “What’s the matter then?”

“I-i… I miss them. I miss them a lot– I-i don’t wanna stay here, I wanna go home, with Mama a-and Baba, a-and I want them to eat dinner with me, a-and I wanna tease one of my nannies after school again, a-and I steal cookies with MK from right under Mama’s nose– a-and I don’t want to feel hurt anymore– and that stupid Dragon show just made me think of them a-and– a-and everything hurts just so much,” She spat out all at once before completely breaking into sobs.

“Oh kiddo…” Pigsy felt his heart break and he reached out a pathetic hand towards her, which neither knew what to do with.

“I-i miss them s-s-s-so much, Mr. Piggy– b-but they’re gone now a-and it’s all m-my-my fault,” She covered her face with her hands.

“What-?! No– that’s impossible, it couldn’t be your fault–”

“B-but it was! I-i told Baba I would c-clean the artifacts, a-and I thought I s-saw something, and bumped into the grass cutter sword fell a-and it fell a-and started burning a-and I just r-r-ran away-! A-and now Mama and Baba are dead a-and MK’s mama and baba too-! A-and it’s all my fault!!” She cried more, a gush of hot air shaking the room a bit as her dragon powers were fluctuating.

Shit– there was a folder on the dragon stuff, but that also had a Gatita sticky note so he put it off– now he really could use some of that advice.

“Kid, you’re not– it’s not–” Pigsy kept tripping over his tongue as he felt like such a stupid idiot moron.

Really living up to his family legacy.

Mei just kept crying and Pigsy just sat across the way in defeat.

She was just so young, so small… This guilt was too much for someone her size and age– it belonged to fat, useless pig men like him.

Eventually, he half got up and switched sides so he was closer to Mei, though not facing her. He placed an arm on the tub and tried to speak.

“Kid, I…” he opened his hand a little and examined it, looking at his hair and knuckles and all the little scars he accumulated over the years.

“...I know what it’s like to lose people you love,” He said, letting his hand relax again. “It… it tortures you, you know? All of those ‘what ifs’ and ‘i shoulda’ and ‘I coulda’s… it’s tempting to fall into that little spiral, but it ain’t exactly healthy,” Pigsy looked away, towards the towels, though he could feel Mei’s eyes starting to fall on him.

“My grandmother told me that, ‘bout two years back,” He took a shaky breath. “God, I miss her everyday– my best friend too, but he’s not dead he’s just…” Pigsy looked at the ground.

“What I’m tryin’ to get at here is… it’s not easy– and yeah, maybe there are things that could’ve been different, but wish and wish all you want, that isn’t gonna change anything. All it does is eat you up inside until you’re a husk that haunts your own life, you know?”

“And besides, accidents happen, and it’s a good thing you’re alive, Mei. You have a wonderful best friend who would be absolutely devastated if you tried to fight that mystical fire all by yourself, and he’s very happy you’re okay. You shouldn’t try to fix all the world's problems, and you also shouldn’t try to keep them all hidden and buried, you got that?”

He heard the girl nod, but he still couldn’t really look at her, the idiot.

“ ‘Sides, wherever your folks are, I know they’re proud of you, and they certainly don’t blame you. I mean– they got a whole stack of papers I just sifted through all about how much your future matters to them, and so don’t believe for a second that a freak accident changes any of that, because that’s not how your parents seem to me,” He was starting to get a little choked up himself, and he heard Mei nod again.

“I-i-i just… I really miss ‘em… a-and if I could–”

“–But you can’t, kiddo… and I’m so, so sorry,” He closed his eyes.

The girl was silent, even managing to halt her sniffles. Pigsy was okay with this, listening to the low hum of the cheap light above when suddenly he jolted at something touching his hand– though he instantly relaxed when he realized it was just Mei, whom he looked at.

She was very, very tired looking. The emerald glow finally faded though, which revealed deeply sorrowful brown eyes which were all red and puffy too. He gave her hand a pathetic squeeze and she squeezed it right on back. It made him let out a little laugh, which made her laugh too.

Eventually, the girl managed to muster her strength to say, “You’re really nice, Mr. Piggy.”

Pigsy snorted, thinking back to how his instincts had wanted to yell at her, but he wouldn’t let her know that.

“Thanks, kiddo. You’re really nice too,” He squeezed her hand again. “Which is why I’m sure not a single person blames you for what happened.”

Mei sighed a little. “I-i know… I-i just– I can’t stop feeling like this, you know?” She looked him in the eyes.

“Yeah kid… I know…” He gave a pathetic smile.

“And– hey, it’s okay to feel this way, it’s a normal part of grief for all your emotions to get scrambled up, but just remember what I told you, okay? Accidents happen and you still have people who love and care about you,” He placed the hand on her shoulder and she rested her head on it a little.

“Yeah, I can get that,” She replied.

“I’m glad, kiddo,” Pigsy squeezed her shoulder with a smile.

They sat like that for another minute or so, before the dragon girl muttered, “I’m hungry,” and Pigsy sprang to life, helping her up and out of the bathtub and back into the apartment, where MK immediately hugged her and asked what took her so long. Pigsy chuckled and let them get to talking and playing while he made some chow mein the three of them could share.

It had been a long, long day, and Pigsy knew it was the first of many.

But Pigsy also knew they survived the day, and that was honestly more than he ever really expected, and so he felt kinda hopeful nonetheless.

By the time the chow mein was cooked, there was a knock at the door and Pigsy couldn’t believe he had forgotten his favorite customer had promised to stop by and so quickly scrambled to make him another plate and they all sat and ate together, and for a moment, everything was right with the world, and Pigsy didn’t have a doubt in his mind that everything would be okay for at least today.

And Pigsy was perfectly fine with that for today.

[imhumanguysiswear]

Ok so I wanted to try to write a little fic (first fic ever guys) based on yesterday post, unfortunately things got out of hand (I don’t know when to stop writing) so… enjoy?

Five weeks passed since Vee got caught and Camila learned of her real nature, since Camila had realized that all these past months she had been living with a refugee from another world and that her daughter was now stuck in said world.

The first week she had a lot of distrust toward Vee, at the end she had lied for months, only during the second week something clicked for Camila: if Vee was dangerous she would have hurt her already; since then she started to see Vee for what she actually was, a scared kid who desperately needed a home.

By the end of the third week they had started bonding over cooking (Vee absolutely loved Camila empanadas) and documentaries, and finally after a month of getting to know her as the real Vee Camila realized she was beginning to see the kid as one of her daughters.

Five weeks passed and Camila was freaking out. It all started some days ago, during a particular cold day while they were watching a wildlife documentary on the Tv before going to sleep, as part of the now familiar routine they fell into.

“Can I snuggle closer? I’m feeling cold”

“Sure mija, com’here”

And as Camila hugged Vee she noticed her skin was actually very cold.

“Vee, sorry for asking but you’re cold-blooded right?”

“Cold what?”

“Oh, it means your body takes its heat only from external sources, I’m asking because you’re very cold Vee”

“Ohhh yeah probably, maybe that’s why I like standing in the sun so much now that I think about it”

And Vee settled back listening to the Tv, while Camila thoughts started racing: “She’s not human, her needs are different from mines, have I been neglecting her without knowing?”

The clock signed 3a.m, Camila was in her studio, her desk covered in notes and a dozen of various books about reptiles from her vet clinic and the library, in front of her her pc on a eBay page, searching for the biggest heat lamp she could find without making it look like she was keeping an alligator.

Camila had been on the brink of sleep for hours at this point, but a tiny voice from the back of her mind kept her awake: “you’re a bad mom, Camila. First you drive away Luz, and now you can’t even take care of Vee properly! What a good mother you are!”

And now Camila was on her third day without sleep, all day closed in her office trying to figure out how to care for Vee in the best way possible.

Her unusual behavior didn’t pass unnoticed though, as Vee, who just woke up from a nightmare and noticed the light coming from Camila room, decided to finally see what was going on

“Camila? It’s late, are you still awake?”

“Mija, remember what i told you last week, you can call me mom! And don’t worry I’m just looking some stuff up. Actually, now that you’re here I’d need your help” she said, gesturing for her to come closer and look at the screen with her.

“Mom? What are those?”

“Oh, those are heat lamps, it’s to get cold blooded animals warm in colder climates. You’re always feeling so cold and I thought you’d like something like this! Now, which one do you like more?” Pointing at various options on the screen.

“But mama! Did you see the price? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure mija, I have been neglecting you long enough”

“Neglecting? What do you mean? I took your daughter place and instead of throwing me out you told me to call you mom! I have lied to you for months! You’re the kindest person ever!”

“Vee, you still have needs that can’t be filled with just love, you’re a basilisk and I have been treating you like a human for months, your needs are different and I failed to meet them, that’s neglecting!”

Vee was a bit taken aback by her mother outburst, surprised

“Seriously, I don’t ne-“

“Vee, mija, please, I don’t know how they treated you before you came here but I’m a vet and first of all a mother, I notice things! You’re always so cold and you always look so hungry even after eating!” She was pointing at her notes now “from what I figured out you’re a reptile, you’re cold blooded and your teeth and fangs suggest a meat based diet and-“

“Mom, is this why you’ve been locked up here the last three days?” Interrupted Vee “I thought you just didn’t want to see me” she added with a tiny voice

“What? No, no, Vee, mija, I would never do that! You’re mi pequeña serpiente hija! I was worried about you! I don’t know what to feed you and your scales look so dull and you never shed and-“

“Mom, wait that’s what worried you?” Vee interrupted again, before continuing “I don’t need to eat, I just need the magic, but I only have the cards and they taste like cardboard. I eat because like the taste of your food! And you didn’t notice me shedding because it’s magic! The skin just poofs into the air and then i ate it!”

A surprised “Oh” came from Camila, realizing only now she should have asked Vee from the start

“I wouldn’t mind a heat lamp though” Vee said, looking at the various articles on the screen

“Well then, choose the one you prefer! Just nothing too big, ok mija? We don’t want people to think we’re keeping an animal without license here! And what if I cook the empanadas you like that much? Maybe I could sprinkle some of those magic cards in there…”

“It would be great, thanks mom! And can we get that one?” Vee said pointing at the screen

“Yes mija, now that we sorted this out what if we go to bed? It’s late” Camila yawned, the little voice finally shutting up for the first time in days and all the lost hours of sleep crushing back in

“Can I sleep with you tonight? I had a nightmare, I actually woke up for that in the first place…”

“Sure mija, com’here”

Fast forward a few days, Camila is making a very confused technician mount a very big heat lamp on top her newly adopted daughter bed, while said daughter is eating homemade biscuits infused with shredded magic cards and is trying to not laugh at the excuses her mom is making to said technician

[everygame]

Telling Lies (PS4)

Developed/Published by: Sam Barlow, Furious Bee / Annapurna Interactive Released: 28/04/2020 Completed: 14/07/2023 Completion: Finished it. Trophies / Achievements: n/a

I enjoyed Her Story quite a bit, so I’m just going to admit front and center that I found that this was basically the exact same game kind of… disappointing? I thought there’d be some sort of evolution of the play, rather than just being “search for, and watch, videos until you work out what is going on, or get bored” again, but I suppose the counter-argument here is to imagine someone going to see their second movie ever and being like “This second movie was just exactly the same, it was just different images and a different story???”

So let’s assume we’re all fine with it being the exact same game and you just have to judge it based on how much you enjoyed the content. Which… I did!

Mostly!

Telling Lies is… a bit too long, and it suffers the exact same problem as Her Story where if you hit the natural end of a thread and can’t quite find the next (or just lose your place) you can spend a lot of time just watching videos basically at random hoping something starts to coalesce. It is, however, still superbly well structured; I’d be fascinated in how Sam Barlow and team script the games and if there’s a pre-filming playtest, because it feels like you get driven carefully along various hypotheses about what is “really going on” until a few twists and turns allow you to put it all together.

(Unfortunately for me this was long enough before the scheduled end of the game I had to piss about watching extra videos to get it to end.)

Anyway, in the spirit of things… I LIED. I’m not fine with just judging this solely based on the content! Because actually, how you interact with Telling Lies is as important as what you take away from watching the videos, and I’d like to complain bitterly that the game hides the ability to start a video automatically from the beginning behind a key combination (push rewind while starting the video, basically) and it worked way less consistently than anyone could ever hope. In addition, the game being (cleverly!) based around video chat means there’s tons of dead-time in videos, and so you often end up just scrubbing through them because they’re often quite boring. I get that the player is really intended to just be jumping from keyword to keyword, but trying that you’d lose context without rewinding and you could end up watching videos over and over, so it doesn’t really work.

I won’t be too unfair to it. I do think being in charge of the non-linear route through the game makes this better than, like, just watching a movie with the same mystery, your a-ha moment feels earned. I just feel like if the whole experience was a little tighter I’d remember this more fondly; it doesn’t stand up to Her Story, I’d say.

Will I ever play it again? I don’t think I would. Definitely had enough of Logan Marshall Green’s face, the guy who looks like what you think Tom Hardy looks like even though Tom Hardy doesn’t actually look like that.

Final Thought: I’m very confused by the jarring epilogue sequences in the credits in which (no spoilers) some characters explain what happened to them for the entire rest of their lives. I’m going to gamble here that the studio simply felt it was important to emphasise these characters were rich, full people outside of the context of what happened to them in the game, but it falls extremely flat because that’s not really the story that was being told/not how stories really work, and if that mattered to you probably don’t hide it behind playing the game in a particular way. Odd!

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[biglisbonnews]

BABYNYMPH Bites Back Harder With 'Ice' At the intersection of militant hyper-femininity and ironic, performative masculinity lies the warped world of BABYNYMPH. Drawing on the sounds of deconstructed club, slut pop, Ibiza summer hits and SoundCloud rap, the rising talent has been quickly making moves in the hyperpop sphere, collaborating with the likes of Chase Icon, Basside and famously garnering a remix from the late great SOPHIE for single "clown shit" — and she's just getting started.Related | SOPHIE Sends BAYLI and BABYNYMPH's 'clown shit' Up the WallNow, BABYNYMPH is back with the lead single "Ice" off her forthcoming debut EP Pornopop - Abhorrence​, and she's going right for the jugular. Featuring a screaming UK bass-inspired bassline and screaming vocals, the track sees BABYNYMPH unleashing her full fury on an adrenaline-pumping instrumental with frenzied threats to "fuck you with a knife" for a manic, sexually-charged atmosphere. It's a song that you'll want to rage and throw hands to every time it comes on in the club.The first release off of BABYNYMPH's own independent label KUNTHOUSE, the forthcoming EP is set to explore themes of dysphoria, fear, aggression and how sexual trauma can impact sexuality, reclaiming those experiences and turning them into something positive. Finding refuge in the catharsis of the club, BABYNYMPH injects a sense of fun into her music in a big fusion of genres that sees the artist delivering serve after serve.Ahead of the PAPER premiere of "Ice" we caught up with BABYNYMPH to talk about the single, her upcoming EP and what's next for the artist.What was the inspiration for “Ice?”The main inspiration behind “Ice” was to create an aggressive “don’t fuck with me” type of anthem after going through a very negative sexual experience. I wanted to channel beast energy, making a clear statement that I bite back and I bite harder. An “Arm the Dolls” theme song in a way.What was the writing process for “Ice” like?I came up with the lyrics spontaneously while just playing around in a studio in Berlin. I wrote the beat first. At the moment I have been dealing with a lot of anger and negative emotions related to a recent unfortunate event. So I just tried to experiment with my vocals, pushing them to the limit and going full-on rage mode. It was not necessarily meant to make it to the final cut, but I ended up loving it so much, I made the decision to fully dive into that cutthroat and unapologetically literal, aggressive manic direction. The recording process itself has been more of a fun little silly play-around moment. Basically, random fun ideas accidentally turned into a very fitting lyrical context, refreshing the BABYNYMPH sound. There was also something very appealing about sounding as masculine and hysterical as possible on that record. I can serve you a hyper-femme doll with a bro attitude. I can serve you dyke with the most bimbo attitude ever. All these social tribes and binary behaviors are being taken too seriously and come with way too many expectations for something that is just a construction of humanity practically not based on any logical factors. I’m over it. I’m all of that.What do you hope people take away from the track?Honestly just go the fuck off to it, it’s a banger (lol) and, of course, to not mess up with the dolls.How do you see “Ice” fitting into the overall EP?Even though the execution of the track is an upbeat, fun and stupid expression of aggression, It is following the overall theme of the EP — expressing my associations with the violent aspects of sexual acts, a reflection of my own ways of coping and losing trust, which leads to being in a constant self-defense mode, which sometimes can totally limit the amount of potential positive experiences because you instantly exclude the chance for a graceful interaction. I always like to add fun factors in everything though, you can get the meaning and relate, you might not understand shit and just vibe to the music in the clubs. Both are fine with me.For the uninitiated, how would you describe BABYNYMPH?"Cunt."What does the future hold for BABYNYMPH?The whole EP is going to be released next month via my own independent label “KUNTHOUSE”. I wanted to have full control of whatever I do creatively without any limits or potential censorship, as I believe that no art should be censored. I want to create a whole universe and an ecosystem around my concepts, ideas and vision. I am very collaborative by nature as well, so including my friends and exchanging ideas collectively to come up with something even more exciting just makes the most sense to me. This is how cultural progress is being done. Gatekeeping is giving insecurity to me.Photo courtesy of BABYNYMPH https://www.papermag.com/babynymph-ice-2659606776.html

[briamichellewrites]

131

Elliot is pregnant. Mike happily shared the news with the band the following Monday morning. Congratulations to her! How far along was she? She was a little over a month. He showed them the onesie she had given him. That is adorable! He laughed. She and Bradley just found out in Manhattan. They couldn’t believe the little girl they used to know had grown up and was going to be a mommy! Was he a proud grandfather-to-be? Yes. Yes, he was. Though, he didn’t think of himself to be old enough to be a grandfather.

He was going to be involved in every aspect of her pregnancy, even from across the country. Why were they in Manhattan? They were looking at a townhouse Bradley picked out for them. They both liked it a lot, so he was going to make an offer. She was also going to start the process of enrolling in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts program for television and film. That meant they were moving?

Unfortunately, yes. They had to let her go. Chester told them to focus on the good news. That was going to be one good-looking baby! They laughed. Nineteen years old. It was very young to be a mother but they had faith she could do it. Joe asked why she had agreed to get pregnant since she never wanted to be a mother. It was unplanned and accidental. He didn’t want to know how it happened. Whether it was birth control that didn’t work or a broken condom, that was too much information.

He had a feeling that Bradley had changed her mind. If it had been a hookup, she might have chosen adoption, especially with her mental health issues. Why didn’t she want to be a mother? She was afraid of continuing the cycle of abuse and making the same choices her mother did with her. If she and Bradley ever broke up, he could see her signing custody over to him.

Was he sober? Yeah, he was two years sober. He was a great influence on her because of his sobriety. She was healthy and stable. While working, he continued thinking about his night with Brad. Was he attracted to him? He didn’t know but he wanted to experience the same feeling he had the night before. It happened because Brad was curious. He finally understood what Anna continued going back to. Selfishly, he wanted her to hurt as he had.

Brad was going to tell her. What about Lana? He didn’t know. It had just been one date. They weren’t exclusive. He texted him to ask if he could come over. Yeah, he would text him when he was leaving the studio.

When he arrived, they went into his kitchen, where they pulled each other in. He then kissed him. Brad tasted so good, he needed more of him. He grabbed his shirt as they got closer. They touched each other through their clothes. He was ready for him. Before they knew it, they were upstairs in his room with the door locked. They took off their clothes slowly before Brad got on top.

Anna was in tears. Brad had cheated on her… with her ex-boyfriend. He would never settle down. She should have seen it coming. Now, she understood what Mike had gone through. Brad was a Lone Ranger, who did whatever he wanted. What attracted her to him ended up hurting her in the end. She gave him a child but it still wasn’t enough. They had to meet to talk about sharing custody of Shiloh because their relationship was over.

After finishing, Brad pulled out of him and caught his breath. He pulled the covers up over their naked bodies before turning to look at Mike. What was he thinking? He laughed because he had no fucking idea! It had been a long time since anyone loved him as he did. Everything was changing and he didn’t know if he liked it. What did he mean?

“Ellie. She’s pregnant and moving away. I’m not ready for this yet. I thought she would wait until she was in her thirties to move.”

“So did I. I thought she would have that farm in Montana. I never expected her and Bradley to get together, but I’m glad they did because she needed someone like him. Mike, what do you want this to be?”

He sighed. “I don’t know. I never thought I would be with another man.”

“I never thought I would be with another man, either. Can we see where this leads us?”

Was he talking about a friends-with-benefits relationship? Yeah, if that was something he was interested in. It could maybe lead to a relationship. Yeah, he could do that. What about Anna? He was letting her keep the house. That meant he needed a place to live. He was trying not to be rude and assumed he had the okay to move in. Mike laughed before allowing him to move in with him.

The house was too quiet, anyway. They shared another kiss before Mike got up and went into the bathroom to clean up.

Elliot and Bradley were back at her place with their dogs. Bruce demanded attention because they had been gone for too long! He thought they were gone forever! Charlotte was just observing while Rebel was busy playing with her toys. Elliot was tired, so she was sitting on the floor while Bradley made dinner for them. He came out to check on her. How was she doing? She was trying to relax. What’s wrong? Her boobs hurt. That was a new complaint.

“Babe, pretty soon I’m not going to be able to get off the floor or anywhere. I’ll probably take a hot bath after dinner.”

“It’s nine months. You’re going to have to help me. I’m an actor, not a mind reader.”

“I’ll let you know when I need you to make a middle-of-the-night food run for me.”

He jokingly thanked her. Did she want company during her bath? Wasn’t that how she got pregnant in the first place? He laughed. Yeah, he could keep her company. After dinner, she went upstairs while he cleaned up and got her pajamas. She dropped them by the bathtub before starting the water. Her phone was in the bedroom but she had turned it off, so she didn’t know that Anna was texting her. She likely wouldn’t answer her anyway.

The dogs were content, so he went upstairs. He found her exactly where she said she would be. She looked so beautiful, even more so pregnant. Her face had a glow to it. He kissed her and she wrapped her wet arms around him. They both said I love you to each other. How were her boobs? They were much better. He laughed before kissing her again.

Mike and Brad made dinner together. He reminded himself to get rid of the alcohol. Brad was gorgeous. He didn’t know if he had noticed it before or not. It was in his face. He was boyish and rugged, while also being feminine and masculine. It was also his outgoing personality. He was very intelligent and confident. Things that were conventionally attractive. But he didn’t think he was attractive or good looking. His humility and ability to make fun of himself made people love him. He was the package deal.

Mike knew underneath, he was also fighting depression and not feeling good enough. He got acting jobs but he sometimes didn’t know if it was because of his talent or because he was just a pretty face on screen. Inside, he didn’t want to be Brad Pitt because it was a lot to live up to. He just wanted to be William. That was the kind of beautiful that Mike saw and what attracted him to him.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon @fiickle-nia @boricuacherry-blog

[the-cookie-of-doom]

“This isn’t fair. I’m the talent, shouldn’t you be getting me lunch?” Kim complains, already pulling on his boots.

“Maybe you should get an assistant,” his manager laughs. Milk is a ruthless woman. “Or, you know, a friend.”

“I’m not renewing your contract,” Kim tells her on his way out the door, keys jingling in his hand.

-

If Kim is being entirely honest with himself, which he always tries to be, he’s a little bit of an asshole. A little bit spoiled. Not his fault, just the way he was raised. And it’s not even that bad to be a little bit of an arrogant bad boy, or so everyone tells him, simpering for any scrap of his attention.

Kim tries to check himself, though, when the situation warrants it. Like when he’s being sent to order lunch to bring back to the studio, as if he’s a delivery boy and not the one signing all of their checks. Kim can save his ire for the small group he left behind, certain they’re laughing at him for playing step and fetch, and put on a smile for the unfortunate soul waiting to take his order. Not that the smile can be seen, of course, not with his mask. But Kim mastered the art of smiling with his eyes a long time ago. Dozens of magazines and thousands of fans have told him how it makes him look dreamy. Warm and welcoming. Approachable.

Even still, Kim mostly keeps his eyes downcast as he rattles off everyone’s orders, reading from his phone. He wishes they could have ordered ahead, but for some ungodly reason, the cafe wasn’t registered with any delivery apps, and the website was barely functional enough to display a menu.

Milk had only pat him on the shoulder and told him it would be more fresh this way, grinning at the while. She took it upon herself to remind him he owned the studio, so it’s not like he was losing time. Just wasting it.

“Will that be all for you, sir?” chirped the boy at the register, after going through Kim’s order twice to make sure everything was correct.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Alright if you’ll just put in your card, and it’s going to ask you some questions, you can say no,” Kim tapped on the highest tip percentage without really looking then signed his name with his fingertip. He also selected no receipt, but the boy printed one out for him anyway, an awkward smile stretching his lips as he held it out. “And if you wouldn’t mind filling out this survey, my manager said I can get a free meal out of it! You don’t have to though, no pressure. It only takes two minutes.”

“Sure,” Kim said, not really listening as habit dictated he take the receipt and tuck it in his pocket.

“Thank you! There’s really no pressure though! Only if you want to!”

“Okay.” He’s like a puppy, fluttering around and reassuring Kim he really doesn’t have to fill it out, it’s no problem if he doesn’t, but if he just goes to the survey website it only takes a minute, and Kim finds himself smiling at the enthusiasm. A little strained around the edges, and he’s slowly edging away from the counter, even as the boy keeps talking at him. Before Kim knows what he’s doing he’s taking out his phone and typing in the website address.

If nothing else, it’s something to do while he waits for the food to be ready.

Except the survey isn’t as straight forward as letting him select prewritten answers to rate his satisfaction, of course not. There are a handful, which he clicks through without reading, selecting the highest and most satisfied rating for every one. But then there are write in answers.

Write three sentences or more explaining why the service you received was satisfactory.

Really? For a minutes long interaction that followed a predetermined script?

Kim tries to write a simple response, a handful of words that amount to “everything is fine, let’s move on now”, but the question won’t let him move on.

Kim looks up and sees the boy giving the same energetic request to fill out the survey so he can get a free meal to the next person in line. He sighs. He’s a writer. A lyricist, sure, but he can come up with a measly three lines. It costs him nothing, the kid gets to eat—and going by the frayed edge to his tone, it’s less of a bonus and more a need—and Kim can put some good karma out into the universe.

Kim sighs and comes up with four sentences describing exactly why this was the most magical lunch-ordering experience he’s ever had. Only then does the survey allow him to move on.

The next question asks if he would like to mention a specific employee. Kim scans the receipt in his hand for a name, finding none, and realizes the boy never gave it. Kim doesn’t remember if he was wearing a name tag or not. When he goes back to the counter to ask, he’s nowhere in sight, an older woman stepping up to take his place.

“Hello, can I help you?” she asks, much less cheery than her younger counterpart. Not that it was anything against her; Kim would challenge anyone to match the boy’s enthusiasm.

“The kid that was just here, he didn’t give me a name for the survey.”

“Oh!” She breaks out into a bright smile. The glinting tag on her shirt says ‘manager’. “It’s Chay. He’s gone on his break now, but he’ll be very grateful. Thank you!”

“I said I would,” is all Kim replies, drifting back to the corner to finish off the survey. It’s definitely taken far more than two minutes.

Chay comes back from his break at the same time Kim’s order comes out. He gets the satisfaction of seeing the manager tell him he successfully got a customer to answer the survey—Kim wonders if anyone else has—and he intends to leave it at that. Go on his merry way, back to his studio and the pack of monkeys waiting for him.

Then Chay comes bounding over, his fluffy bangs bouncing on his forehead, his smile blinding, and wais enthusiastically.

“Thank you so much! No one ever fills those out! Thank you!”

Kim shrugs, the back of his neck heating up. Chay’s gratitude makes him uncomfortable; it really took no time at all in the grade scheme of Kim’s life, so inconsequential it doesn’t bear mentioning. He feels the same can’t be said for Chay.

“Thank you,” he says, lifting the bags of food off the counter, while Chay stares at him like he hung the stars in the sky.

It’s another impulsive decision that leads Kim to shift the bags to one hand, dig the crumpled receipt out of his pocket, and write down his name and number on the back of it in a quick scrawl. Of course he has a pen on him. He slides the slip of paper towards Chay.

“Call me,” he offers, then grins. “If you want to. No pressure.”

He waits only long enough to watch Chay’s jaw drop as he picks up the receipt before he turns on his heel and finally leaves.

It’s not until he makes it around the corner and to his waiting car that he contemplates his actions, and asks what the fuck he’s just done.

-

“You didn’t call me,” Kim says. He tries to keep his voice even, making it sound like an observation rather than a question, or worse, an accusation. Chay didn’t owe him anything. Kim had just thought he was interested last time they met.

“I wanted to!” Chay is quick to say, which is confusing, and Kims curiosity wins out over his pride.

“Why didn’t you?”

“Oh, well, I didn’t think it would be appropriate? I’m a really big fan, P’Wik.”

Kim doesn’t try to hide his surprise, eyes going wide.

“You’re a fan,” he says slowly, “And I gave you my number, and you didn’t take your chance?”

Not that Kim wanted to be stalked, but he couldn’t imagine anyone not taking the chance to abuse his phone number if they had access to it. Kim had berated himself for giving it to Chay in the first place for that very reason, only for Chay—exactly the thing he’d feared—to never use it.

What kind of rare creature is this kid?

“No? I didn’t think you would have given it to me if you knew, so…”

“How did you know? Who I was, I mean.”

“I recognized you? You only wore a mask, P’Wik, it wasn’t hard to tell. And when you wrote your name on the receipt it spelled out WIK before you turned it around. That’s pretty clever. But also kind of obvious.”

Fair enough. Then again, Kim wasn’t trying to hide from the kind of scrutiny he’d get with a one-on-one conversation, more from the casual glances on the street that could easily lead to a herd of fans following his every move.

“No one else has been able to figure it out,” Kim says, then, “I’m usually more discreet when I’m trying to go unnoticed.”

“Mmm. Okay. If you say so.”

Kim is pretty sure he’s being insulted, but it only makes him smile. It’s been a long ti e since anyone other than his manager spoke to him so brazenly. He takes out his phone, unlocks it, and holds it out to Chay.

“Give me your number.”

“What!?”

“Your number.” He wiggles his phone. “Come on, I don’t have all day.”

Gaping at him the entire time, Chay takes the phone and taps in his number, which Kim then saves with the intention of texting him later. Not immediately, though. He wants I make the boy sweat a little bit. Payback for him doing the same.

“See you around, Chay,” Kim says, pocketing his phone.

I just wrote the cutest kimchay inspired by a very odd interaction I just had