#to clarify it's more about time skip and the talk at the end of part 2 bc yea ofc mhok also changed throughout whole series in general

[cottonlemonade]

Marriage Of Convenience [Part 1]

word count: 1705 || avg. reading time: 7 mins.

pairing: post-time skip!Kuroo x chubby!Reader

genre: fluff, friends to lovers, slow burn, slice of life

warnings: spoilers

synopsis: Marriage is not a big deal, right? Anyone can do it and it comes with a whole lot of benefits! That’s why your friend proposes to you one morning with all the elegance and romance of an empty pudding cup.

The honey drizzled in deep golden ribbons onto the still warm buttered toast. The first signs of spring were in the air and the thickly plumed sparrows chattering on your balcony outside the kitchen window, hopping from railing to empty plant pots, almost drowned out the noise from the busy road down below. In typical Monday morning fashion, you only half-paid attention to your breakfast while you scrolled through your emails, picking out the important from the irrelevant and barely took note of the front door opening. Shuffling footsteps hurried along the short hallway. A few moments later, Tetsuro plopped down across from you, snatching a grape from your plate.

You looked up from your phone with a cocked brow when he took a second one, and he held your eyes questioningly, the grapes still bulging out his cheeks like a hamster, “What? You want them back?”

With pursed lips, you pushed your plate to the middle of the table and bit off a corner of toast, still scrolling.

“Did you see the email from Mr Maeda?”

Testuro nodded, “That guy really has nothing better to do on a Sunday than count coffee filters and complain about the office’s excessive caffeine consumption.”

You got up to quickly reheat the kettle for a second cup of tea, “I’ll have to go to the downtown office this morning, but I should be done by lunch. Wanna meet up at that new sushi place?”

“Sure thing. - Oh! Also, I went down quite the rabbit hole last night and I wanted to run something by you.”

“Is this a “I can’t believe pandas ever made it this far” or more a “we should totally start our own quilting business” kind of rabbit hole?”

Steam rose from the spout of the kettle, and you began pouring it over the loose green tea you knew was his favorite.

“How would you feel about getting married?”

You almost broke your neck, snapping your head around to look at him, “What?”

“It’s not weird, I promise. I saw this video of a couple yesterday who talked about how they were tired of dating and annoyed that they were getting overlooked on apartment hunts, perks at work, always being hounded by their families about when they’d finally find someone etc. and so just decided to marry their best friend. And I looked into it, they’re completely right! The amount of benefits married couples get is insane! And don’t even get me started on taxes.”

The cup was by now overflowing, and hot water trickled steadily from your kitchen counter onto your house slipper. You didn’t notice it because you were still staring at him.

“You’re dripping.”, he informed you, helpfully.

With a little shake of your head, you returned to reality in which Kuroo Tetsuro, local office dork, just casually suggested marrying him over a half-eaten slice of toast and remnants of grape stalks.

He went and grabbed the dish towel from the hook by your sink and crouched down to wipe up the small puddle. As he did, he looked up at you, continuing, “Anyway, I figured since I’m not seeing anyone, and you’re also nowhere near close to marriage-”

“Hey!”

“I thought I’d ask.”

“Are you gonna randomly propose to other people if I don’t say yes?”

“I dunno, actually. - Don’t think so. Why?”

You took a deep breath and accepted the wet towel he held out to mop up the rest from the counter.

“Alright. I’m not saying yes, yet!”, you clarified quickly as he was about to raise his hand for a high five, “I’m saying: bring me some actual facts about this, not just social media hearsay, and then I’ll decide.”

“You got it. I’ll present my findings to you by tomorrow night.” He ended with his most professional nod, then smiled and began clearing your table so you could head to work together.

After the morning meeting, you heavily neglected your tasks to sort your thoughts. A spreadsheet was made and pros and cons began slowly filling in either side of the neat list.

Pros:

> Tax deductions (!)

> he knows how to do laundry and picks up after himself

> Respectful, most of the time

> fun and comfortable to be around

> I’d not be offended if people assumed we’re married

You paused and looked at a small plant pot on your desk, deep in further consideration. Then you took to your keyboard again.

Cons:

> might have to pretend like all of his jokes are suddenly funny

> having to explain the situation to everyone

Your fingers stopped typing and after a heartbeat or two you deleted the last line, writing instead:

> having to pretend to be married in front of everyone

Much to your surprise, he didn‘t address the elephant in the room over lunch right away. Instead, you talked as per usual about this, that and everything, pulling small plates with bites of sushi from the conveyor belt in front of you. He had his tie flipped over his shoulder and the JVA lanyard was safely tucked in the breast pocket of his shirt to not accidentally dunk it in the little dish of wasabi and soy sauce in front of you. In your mind, you quietly added “good table manners” to the pro list.

“What’s up?”, he asked as he stacked an empty plate onto the ever-growing dish tower.

“Nothing.”

“Yes, there is.”

“Nope.”

“Come on, I might be your husband soon, we should be able to tell each other everything.”, he grinned.

“You’re very on board with this whole idea.”, you noted after a short pause.

Tetsuro made that smile he always did when he was about to deliver an awful pun, “One could say I’m pretty married to it, yes.”

You continued, unperturbed, “What about your dad? What would you tell him?”

“He likes you.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“He’s gonna be fine as long as I am.” Tetsuro dipped the salmon of a nigiri in soy sauce and held it out to feed you - a poor attempt to distract.

“Don’t worry so much about it.”, he said to his very worried friend with a reassuring shrug when you took the bite, “He knows you make me happy. And that’s all there is to it.”

“I make you happy, do I?”

“Yeah, of course. What - don’t I make you happy?”, he grinned.

“Well.” With a raised brow, you pulled out your phone and, after a bit of tapping, turned the screen to show him your list.

Squinting a little, he produced his glasses from his pocket and put your phone on the table to scroll through the bullet points.

“Okay, first of all, I can’t see anything on here about my looks. That should be a major pro. Just look at these glasses.”, he gestured to the dark frames, “Don’t they scream office siren? That should definitely go into the pro column. You should write that not only am I gonna be an amazing husband but also some real eye candy”, under his breath he added, “which one might argue is the healthiest kind of candy.” He smirked at his own joke.

“That’s not relevant, though.”, you countered.

He disagreed, “It’s very relevant for bragging rights. I know, I’ll brag about you non-stop. Just look at how you did this Excel spreadsheet. Dream girl right there.”

“I know you’re joking, but I’m actually very proud of my skills, thank you very much.” You snatched the phone away again and answered his smile with your own. Maybe it really wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The following night, you settled in on his couch waiting for him to make his case, although, if you were honest, in your mind you were already picturing what life with him as a glorified roommate would be like. Tetsuro tipped on his laptop for about a minute, then rolled up his sleeves and turned on the TV. It showed the title card to a PowerPoint presentation by the name of Why You Should Marry Me. The next slide, reached by the click of a button from the little black remote in his hand, let you know that it was sub-sectioned into Perks, More Perks, Possible Issues and Even More Perks.

“Do you have any questions?”, he asked once the final slide read Thank you for your attention.

You took a deep, quiet breath, looking down at the empty notepad in your lap and back up at him.

“Nope. Let’s do it.”

He beamed and clicked the remote again. It jumped to a new title card: Guidelines For Our Happy Marriage.

Thanks to Tetsuro’s extensive research you had a list of needed paperwork ready to go and after a quick trip to your country’s embassy you soon stood in line at City Hall on Friday afternoon, both still in your office clothes, to get married. It felt much more like an errand than anything else, like popping into a convenience store on your way home from work because you forgot the milk on your last trip to the supermarket. Stacks of documents were signed and stamped, and once you were done, you received a coupon for a nearby restaurant as a gift. When you stepped out of the tall unassuming building, the last slivers of sunbeams peeked through the alleys and the streets were bathed in a subtle golden-gray glow. You came to a halt at the bottom of the steps.

“How do you feel?”, you asked.

He stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders as if looking for a crank somewhere. “No different. You?”

You shook out your body as well, more so to make fun of him than anything else, and shrugged, “Nope. All good.”

On your walk to the restaurant for your discount wedding dinner, you simply carried on your usual conversations about a book you were currently reading and thought out loud about what you would pick off the menu.

The only indication that anything had changed was that when you reached your table, he pulled up the chair with a slight bow saying, “Mrs Tax Deduction.” and you played coy and did a small curtsy before sitting down with the reply of, “Too kind, Mr Tax Deduction.”

art: @freaka_loonyz on Instagram, X, Pinterest and TikTok

a/n: sooo, here we are. I really hope you’ll enjoy this one ✨

Huge thank you to @haikyu-mp4 for listening to me ramble about this incessantly and for brainstorming and for helping me edit.

[Part 2]

[makeitmingi]

When Flowers Bloom In The Dark [Chapter 24]

Genre: Romance, Mafia!AU, Violence, Angst, Slow burn

Pairing: Hongjoong x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Florist!Reader, Mafioso!Hongjoong, Mafioso!Seonghwa, Mafioso!Yunho, Mafioso!Yeosang, Mafioso!San, Mafioso!Mingi, Mafioso!Wooyoung, Mafioso!Jongho

Summary: When you appeared and wept at his mother's funeral, Hongjoong found himself wanting to find out more about you. A regular girl, who owns a flower shop in his territory and has a relationship with the mother that he hasn't spoken to in years, why hasn't he ever noticed you before?

[Warning(s): 18+ for violence, use of weapons, smoking, alcohol consumption, slight gore, gang affiliation, tattoos and character deaths. Minors DNI. This is a work of fiction and does not represent the Ateez members in real life.]

Word count: 3.2K

[A/N: there are two (?) time skips in this chapter so I hope it's not too confusing...]

"Would you prefer to go upstairs and talk?" You asked him before he could start. You were not expecting Hongjoong to have planned to tell you anything at the end of the date.

"No, it's fine. It would be better to talk here if you're okay with it. If we go upstairs, you're too nice and won't tell me to leave even if you want me to." He admitted. Even though you felt nervous about what Hongjoong was going to say, you were touched that he obviously was putting you first.

"Okay." You nodded. He drove to the side and put the car in park, not wanting to block any incoming cars.

"I don't really know where and how to start." He let out a soft sigh, reaching up to pinch his nose bridge as he closed his eyes.

"Hongjoong, you don't have to. If it's too quick-"

"No. I have to, I want to. You need to know... Sharing this with you is me proving to you how serious I am about you." Hongjoong cut you off, frowning with determination.

"My brothers and I... We are the owners and CEOs of AURORA Corp. It's a company, we have extensions in all industries." He said.

"That's why there was a charity gala?" You asked. He nodded in confirmation. You weren't going to tell him you searched him up before.

"That's our day job or as Seonghwa would call it, it's our cover up job. Not that AURORA Corp is fake or not real. It's very much real but it's not our main job." He explained.

"Okay." You nodded.

"We are a corporation in the... underworld. It's called Ateez or ATZ for short. I know that you've probably had suspicions about it before but I am confirming that it is true. Ateez runs more lucrative underground businesses like imports, exports, all that." He revealed.

So your assumptions were right. They were involved in illegal things. You knew from the moment Hongjoong beat that guy up outside the club and how Seonghwa stepped in.

"So, you and the others run illegal businesses too." You clarified.

"Yes. The clubs and casinos are legal, just under a different name. But of course, there are other parts of business that are... not legal."

"Can I ask why?" You turned to him, finally meeting his eyes. Hongjoong didn't expect you to ask that. Frankly, he didn't know what to expect at all.

"It's just how Seonghwa and I started. I don't know if there'll ever truly be an honest answer as to why we started this." He replied.

"Thank you for being honest." You said softly.

"Of course. I want to be as honest as I can but at the same time, I know it is overwhelming. I wanted to start somewhere, you can ask me anything you want." He insisted.

"I... I feel like I have a thousand questions but I can't seem to verbalise them." You confessed.

"That's okay. It's okay to admit that you're scared too. But (y/n), I promise I'll never hurt you. The boys and I will never hurt you. We may do things outside, things that are horrible and bad but we will never ever hurt you. We'll always protect you, I'll always keep you safe." He promised.

"I know, a part of me trusts that you won't hurt me. None of you will." You offered him a small smile. At your words, Hongjoong let out a sigh of relief.

"So that's why you had to act like you didn't know me at the tracks?" You brought up.

"Yes. I was trying to protect you. If you were seen with us, it could compromise your safety." Hongjoong explained.

"Then why tell me all this now?" You asked.

"Because I am serious about you. I tried to keep away and it was torture to me. Having to ignore or avoid you when I was injured. It hurt me and it hurt me even more to know that I hurt you."

"But yes, we take part in street races. It's all business stuff. Illegal, yes. But business." He continued.

"So, now that I know. What happens now?" You chewed on your bottom lip. There were so many emotions running through you.

"Whatever you want. I just didn't want to hide it from you anymore. We can act like how we've always been, nothing has to change." He shook his head.

"The boys are aware that I am sharing this with you. Because it's not just me, I am sharing a big part of their lives with you too. But rest assured you will not be involved in any activities of AURORA Corp and Ateez, I can promise you that." He said seriously.

"Okay." You let out a long, shaky sigh. Hongjoong could tell you still had questions that you were hesitating to ask.

"(y/n), I'm still me. You know me. What I do for work doesn't change the person that I am with you." He said, his tone more solemn now.

"Do I really know you then?" You couldn't help but let that slip out.

"You don't have to ask or say anything now. I know it's a lot. You can always ask me questions another time." He said. He wanted to reach out to hold your hand but he was afraid you would pull away.

"Thank you. Goodnight, Hongjoong." That was all you could say.

"Goodnight, (y/n)." He replied, watching you get out of the car and brisk walk to the lift lobby.

As you closed your front door, you leaned your back against it, sliding down and eventually just sitting on the ground in your doorway. Your heart and mind were racing.

"How many people have you murdered?"

That was what you wanted to ask Hongjoong. No doubt, deep down you knew that he has murdered but did he know how many?

You didn't understand why that was the first question your brain could come up with. Did it really matter how many people he has killed before? You should have expected this, you were the one that wanted him to share more about his life and who he was. And this is the truth about him.

It dawned on you, was this why Mrs Kim and him had a bad relationship? Because she disapproved of Hongjoong being a part of the mafia and doing illegal activities?

"It's okay to admit that you're scared too."

You knew you should be scared but you weren't. You were just lost and confused with your feelings and what to do.

"The moral dilemma..." You sighed, finally pulling yourself to stand up and actually head into your house. You dropped your bag and went to take a shower.

"Because I am serious about you. I tried to keep away and it was torture to me. Having to ignore or avoid you when I was injured. It hurt me and it hurt me even more to know that I hurt you."

Hongjoong was serious about you and as much as you were confused, you were serious about him too.

"What should I do?" You said out loud, leaning against the shower wall.

The most obvious thing to do would be to not see Hongjoong or any of the boys anymore and distance yourself from them, you shouldn't be associating yourself with them. But not seeing Hongjoong anymore, you couldn't fathom such a thought.

Even not giving Seonghwa kombucha or seeing Jongho read in the garden or watching Mingi trip over things or Wooyoung yell and excitedly run to the door every time you arrived.

Or Yeosang jogging around the perimeter of the backyard while you worked or Yunho leaning over you with his tall frame or San always giving you cookies.

Without realising, even the rest had become a part of your surroundings. It was hard to imagine them doing what they do.

"This is too much." You rubbed your face with your hands and finally got out of the shower.

You haven't been able to check your work emails the whole day so you decided to use it to distract yourself, sitting at your table with a cup of hot tea beside you, to reply to them.

Admittedly, after the gala, you have been getting more events requests, which is good for business and brings in money.

'(y/n)! (y/n)! - Eve'

'Yes? What's going on? - (y/n)'

'You have been MIA! What's going on with you? - Nana'

'Have I? I guess I have been busier than I thought... But it's all good! I've just been working and stuff. - (y/n)'

'Wanna go for drinks tomorrow? - Nana'

'Oooh yes yes! - Eve'

You sighed, as much as you wanted to, you knew this wasn't something you could talk to your friends about. They may know Hongjoong and the others from the tracks, they even bumped into him at the shop, but this wasn't something that you could tell them. This was something you would have to figure out on your own.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"What is it?" Hongjoong groaned, rubbing his temples.

"Hyung, we need to go. Seonghwa hyung's at the docks, there's a problem." Mingi came in with a serious look on his face. Hongjoong didn't question further, grabbing his jacket.

"One day, I skip work and all these issues come up." He grumbled as he followed Mingi downstairs.

"Here, hyung. I assume you're not armed." Wooyoung tossed Hongjoong a gun before climbing onto his bike.

"Seonghwa hyung didn't know if you were back yet, that's why he sent the correspondence to us. But I thought since you were already home..." Mingi reasoned as he drove.

"Don't worry about it, Mingi. It's good that you called me." Hongjoong said, knowing what his concerns were.

"So, what's the problem?" Hongjoong asked.

"Some territorial clash over shipments and Seonghwa hyung was caught in a crossfire. He could have handled it if it was just a dispute but there was an undercover that got caught in the middle. He can't get out." Mingi informed.

"Shit..." Hongjoong cursed. They don't get involved in police killings, it goes against their agenda of supporting the police commissioner and it draws too much attention to them.

As Mingi drove, Hongjoong stared at the handgun in his lap. Was he ready to possibly bring you into this?

"Hyung, we're arriving. Are you ready?" Mingi asked, breaking Hongjoong's train of thought.

"Yeah, I am." Hongjoong nodded. Now was not the time to hesitate and be distracted, Seonghwa needed them and he needed to step up at the captain.

"Hongjoong ah, are you alright?" Seonghwa asked as Hongjoong slumped to the ground, absolutely exhausted.

"Yeah." He panted, the gun dropping out of his hand as he sat down, learning his head back against one of the metal containers.

"Shit." Seonghwa held onto his side, coughing in pain from how someone swung a bat at him. Hongjoong grunted, helping an unconscious Wooyoung, letting the younger put his head on his lap.

"Hyungs!" More cars pulled up and San ran out.

"Here, take him to the doctor's, he's got a head wound but no blood. And Mingi went to deal with the docks handler..." Hongjoong informed, lifting Wooyoung up as much as he could so San could carry the smaller male in his arms. Jongho waved his hand and the men came rushing forward.

"I'll go look for Mingi hyung. You guys head home first. One of you, take Wooyoung hyung's bike." Jongho said. The men escorted the two oldest to the vans while another took Wooyoung's bike.

"Call us if you need anything." Seonghwa told the maknae as he sat in the van, groaning as he shifted to a comfortable position.

"Yes, hyung." Jongho nodded and walked away in the direction Mingi went to.

"Sorry for disrupting your date." Seonghwa said as he and Hongjoong sat in the back of the van while one of their men drove thme home. Hongjoong chuckled, shaking his head.

"You didn't. I was home, Mingi came to get me." Hongjoong replied.

"What happened?" Seonghwa asked. Hongjoong shrugged but offered no reply.

"You told her... didn't you?" He knew Hongjoong all too well. Despite the dim lighting in the car, Seonghwa could see Hongjoong give a firm nod.

"I just... I just have to give her time. There's nothing more I can do." Hongjoong let out a soft sigh of defeat.

"That's right. But I know it'll be okay, Joong." It hurt his ribs but Seonghwa managed to raised his arm to place it on Hongjoong's shoulder. Hongjoong sent his friend a grateful smile, placing his own hand on top of Seonghwa's.

"Boss-nims, Boss San would like to relay that he will be bringing Boss Wooyoung to the hospital to treat his head injury as the home doctor is not equipped." The man in the passenger seat informed.

"Sure. Send two men there to guard them." Hongjoong commanded.

"Yes, boss." The male replied. Once the driver pulled up to the driveway, Yeosang and Yunho were there.

"Hyungs!" The two slid the door open. Yunho took Seonghwa while Yeosang helped Hongjoong into the house where they had the doctor on standby already.

"Send the doctor to Seonghwa first. He's worse than me." Hongjoong said as Yeosang set him down on the couch.

They didn't know that for sure but even if Hongjoong was in a worse state, he would always let the others go before him to get checked.

"Alright, the doctor can help us. Yunho, call Jongho to see if he got Mingi. Yeosang, call San to get a status check on Wooyoung." Hongjoong ordered.

"Yes, hyung." The two stepped aside, taking their phones out to contact their respective brothers. Hongjoong settled further against the couch cushions, closing his eyes as he tried not to think about the ache that was starting the settle in his bones. Seonghwa grunted in pain as the doctor checked on him.

But the sounds of Seonghwa's groans with Yunho and Yeosang talking on the phone soon grew distant as Hongjoong closed his eyes and was engulfed in darkness.

"Hwa hyung, he's gonna kill us when he finds out."

"I think he's waking up."

"Shut up. Don't say anything."

Hongjoong frowned slightly as he was interrupted by talking. It took him a while to open his eyes, squinting slightly at the offensive bright light that was hurting his eyes.

"Mingi, turn down the lights." He heard Seonghwa's voice and soon, the lights above his head dimmed.

"Hongjoong. Can you hear me? Can you see me?" He groaned and turned his head, finally seeing Seonghwa's face come into view.

"Yes... I can hear all of you." Hongjoong clenched his jaw in the pain that radiated down his neck to the rest of his body. It felt like he was run over by a bus.

"You're in the hospital. You passed out and would not wake up, you apparently sustained a head injury like Wooyoung." Seonghwa informed. Hongjoong blinked with a hum, listening and processing his best friend's words. He didn't like the hospital, when was the last time he was in one?

Oh, when he was viewing his mom's body when she passed. That was the last time he was in a hospital.

"Help me up." He said. Yunho was beside him, pressing the buttons to adjust the bed so he was in an elevated position. But he couldn't sit up, his head was pounding.

"Stop, stop. I can't sit up." He winced and Yunho lowered the bed slightly.

"Here." Seonghwa gave him a cup of water with a straw. Once his throat felt more hydrated, he could speak properly.

"I'll go get the doctor." Yunho said and excused himself. Seonghwa sat down, reminding Hongjoong that he, too, was still injured.

"Sit, Hwa. You're still injured. How long was I out?" Hongjoong asked. He didn't remember what happened, he remembered being comfortable on the couch then nothing.

"Two days. Even Wooyoung's up and about already. Doctor said he got a minor concussion but he's fine." Seonghwa replied.

"That's good. And what did you guys do? Someone said I'm going to kill you guys." that was the first thing he asked. Seonghwa sent Mingi a glare while the taller just looked away. Yeosang busied himself with his phone. Hongjoong sent the two an odd look.

"What did you do-"

"Hongjoong?!" Hongjoong's eyes widened when you burst through the doors. He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn't dreaming or hallucinating from his head injury.

"(y/n)! W-What are you doing here?" Hongjoong asked. But you stormed over, throwing your arms over his shoulders to hug him.

"Y-You scared me." You whispered.

"I'm fine, (y/n). Don't worry. It's just a small injury." He chuckled in your ear. He wasn't going to tell you that your hug was hurting his sore body, he was just glad that you were hugging him.

"This isn't a small injury." You pulled away, hand coming up to touch the bandage around his head.

"I feel fine. How did you know I was here?" Hongjoong wanted you to rat out one of the boys so he knew who to kill.

"The others told me you were hurt and in the hospital. They said you were unconscious for two days!" You exclaimed, your worried eyes searching his oddly calm ones.

"But I'm awake now, I'm okay." He smiled softly, reaching up to cup your cheek. Hongjoong couldn't help but melt and worry at the glassiness of your eyes. He didn't want you to worry about him when this was his normal. But he realised that this might have to be a normal for you.

"Mr Kim, glad to see you awake." When Yunho brought the doctor in, you retracted your hands, stepping back from Hongjoong's hold.

"Hyung, we'll wait outside." Yeosang informed the captain and held Seonghwa as you all went into the hallway to wait while the doctor and his nurses checked on Hongjoong.

"Thank you for coming, (y/n)." Seonghwa said once you were all out of Hongjoong's earshot.

"Thank you for letting me know that he was here." You said gratefully. Seonghwa nodded his head with a small smile.

"Are you alright, Seonghwa?" You asked, noticing he had bruises and cuts littered over his face like Hongjoong. Even Mingi looked like he had suffered some injuries.

"We're all fine, just a little accident. Hongjoong got the worst of it." Seonghwa said.

"That's good..." You nodded, keeping your gaze to the ground. Right, you momentarily forgot they all do this for a living.

"Mr Kim is stable with no relapse of memory or impaired brain function. I do recommend that he stay here for 2 more days, for observation. But you may see him now, please let us know if he experiences any pain or discomfort." The doctor informed.

"Thanks, doctor." The boys bowed and walked back into the room where the nurse was removing the empty drip bag and tube from the needle port in Hongjoong's arm.

"Where's (y/n)?" Hongjoong asked as the nurse left with her cart. The 4 turned in confusion, realising you didn't come in with them.

"She was behind us." Yeosang said.

"(y/n)?" Mingi poked his head out to see if you lingered in the hallway but it was empty, you were not there anymore.

"I-I think she left, hyung..." Mingi informed with a sad frown on his face.

~

Series masterlist

[watermelongirl01]

Sweet Rescue - 04

Firefighter!Dean Winchester x Fem!Reader

Content Warning: SMUT, And lots and lots of fluff.

A/N: Let me know if you like it pleaseeeeeeee.

Sweet Rescue Masterlist

“What do you say?” Dean asked, a hopeful grin tugging at his lips.

“No.”

His smile faltered. “No?”

You sighed, bracing yourself. “Dean, we need to talk.”

His expression shifted, concern flickering in his eyes. He had prepared for this, at least, he thought he had. A part of him knew you might turn him down.

After all, you’d been dodging his calls, sending him straight to voicemail. He only managed to reach you by calling the bakery, knowing you’d have no choice but to pick up.

At least you agreed to meet him. That had to count for something.

“Sweetheart…”

“Dean,” you interrupted gently, “maybe this just isn’t working for you. And that’s okay, really. Maybe you don’t like me that way.”

His jaw clenched. “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong. The problem isn’t that I don’t like you. It’s that I like you too much.”

You frowned. “That makes no sense.”

“I know,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “But let me explain.”

You hesitated before sighing and sinking onto the couch, the same couch where he left you that night.

“Fine.”

Dean didn’t waste a second, sitting beside you, close enough that his knee brushed yours.

“Before you, I liked… hanging out. A lot,” he started.

“You slept around a lot,” you clarified.

His mouth opened, then shut again. He rubbed the back of his neck, searching for better wording. “Uh… yeah, okay. If you put it that way.”

You raised an eyebrow.

“Alright, yes. I was a one-night stand guy,” he admitted. “And that gave me a reputation.”

He wiped his palms on his jeans. Damn, he was nervous.

“The first time you came to the firehouse, everyone saw me practically drooling over you. And how could I not?” His voice softened as his hand slid over yours. His green eyes searched your face, waiting for any sign that you’d pull away. But you didn’t.

Encouraged, he continued. “Then I overheard some guys on my squad betting on how long it would take me to sleep with you.” His gaze dropped to your hands. “Some said days. Others gave it a couple of weeks.”

He exhaled heavily. “That messed with my head. Because I already know I don’t deserve you, but I need you to know that I like you. In that way. And in every way.”

Dean shifted closer, his free hand gently cradling your face. You let him.

“I got so focused on proving to myself, to them, to you, that I wasn’t just some guy looking to get you in bed that I ended up avoiding you like the plague.”

A small laugh escaped your lips, and Dean swore his heart skipped a beat.

And believe me, baby, I do want you. I want to fuck you, take care of you, everything about you turns me on, even when you’re wearing that damn apron full of flour and powder sugar.”

Your laughter rang out again, and he thought it was the sweetest sound. “Even the apron?”

“Especially the apron,” he smirked, shaking his head in amusement. Then his expression turned serious. “I’m sorry I was a jerk, sweetheart.”

You studied him for a moment before offering a soft smile. “It’s okay, De. I forgive you. But how about we try something new, like, I don’t know… actual communication?”

His lips twitched. “I’m not great at talking about feelings, but for you? I’ll try.” His thumb brushed gently along your cheek. “If that means it could be more of us, I’ll try everything.” 

“I don’t know what makes you think you don’t deserve me, but you’re wrong,” you murmured.

Dean exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “Let’s not go there tonight, sweetheart.”

Instead, he leaned in, his lips capturing yours in a slow, lingering kiss, one filled with quiet promises and unspoken apologies. It was sweet, tender, and just enough to steal your breath away.

And when he pulled back, he was already aching to do it again.

————————————————————————

"So, we’re here. Are you sure you want to meet everyone?"

Dean glanced at you as he parked the Impala outside Harvelle’s Roadhouse.

“Of course I am,” you said confidently.

Dean smirked. “Then why are you biting your nails like that? Sweetheart, you’re gonna hit bone soon.”

You huffed, lowering your hand. “Well, these are the most important people in your life. A girl can be nervous.”

“They’re going to love you, and you practically know all of them already, there’s nothing to be worried about,” he reassured.

Stepping out of the car, Dean moved to your side and opened the door. He offered his hand. “Let’s go?”

“Let’s go,” you said with a smile.

As soon as you stepped inside the bar, familiar faces turned your way. Sam grinned, already making his way over, two beer bottles in hand.

“Took you long enough. Cas is already drunk.”

Dean scoffed. “Shocker.”

With a protective hand on the small of your back, Dean led you toward the table where everyone had gathered. Conversations quieted, all eyes landing on the two of you.

“Hey, guys,” he announced, drawing everyone’s attention. He introduced you, and you recognized familiar faces: Castiel, the doctor who treated you at the hospital, along with Meg and Jo, the two paramedics who helped you. There were also the firefighters who rescued you: Bobby, Jack, Benny, and, of course, Dean and Sam. A few more firefighters were around, though you hadn’t met them yet.

“Guys, this is my girl,” Dean declared proudly.

All your shyness melted away as you smiled and nodded. “I am his girl.”

“It was about damn time,” Bobby said with a sip of his beer.

The night unfolded nicely. Dean kept you close all evening as if he were afraid you’d slip away. He peppered your lips with random, loving kisses; he just couldn’t get enough of having you near. In the middle of the laughter and jokes with Sam and Bobby, you even heard the legendary tale of how Dean had once nearly torn the fire station apart when he lost your phone number.

“Really?” you asked, half-amused.

“Can you blame me?” Dean retorted, planting another kiss on your lips.

Even when you were deep in conversation with Meg, Dean would interrupt with affectionate smooches.

“Would you mind, Winchester? We’re in the middle of something,” Meg chided, rolling her eyes.

“In the middle of what?” Dean asked with mock innocence.

“She was about to say yes to making my wedding cake,” Meg teased.

“Wait, really?” Castiel interrupted.

You smiled and nodded in response.

“Don’t interrupt them, Dean. I expect a tasty cake at my wedding,” Meg declared, laughing.

“I’ll kiss my girlfriend whenever I feel like it, especially if I annoy Meg,” Dean shot back.

Meg rolled her eyes and gently pulled you closer.

“Well, careful there, Cas,” a voice teased from behind you. “Looks like Dean’s coming for your ‘Boyfriend of the Year’ title.”

Dean smirked as he turned. “Damn right I am.”

Castiel nudged him playfully.

“Sweetheart, this is Jody Mills,” Dean said. “She’s a close friend.”

“The sheriff?” you asked, raising an eyebrow. “Do you guys know everyone in this city?”

Laughter followed your question.

Jody extended a hand, but before you could shake it, she pulled you into a hug. “It’s nice to finally meet you. This boy doesn’t shut up about you.”

You glanced up at Dean, whose ears had turned slightly pink. He cleared his throat, avoiding your knowing look.

The night felt perfect. Laughter, warmth, and stolen kisses made it impossible not to feel like you belonged there.

Everything felt perfect. Laughter filled the table, and proud glances were exchanged whenever someone looked at Dean with you by his side.

Or at least, that’s what you thought.

Away from the table, however, Sam found himself in the men’s bathroom. Washing his hands, he got startled when he heard the door open.

“Jo?” Sam asked, puzzled. “What are you doing here? This is the men’s bathroom.”

She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Relax. My mom and I own this place. It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. What are you doing?”

Her expression turned serious. “Did he tell her?”

Sam’s stomach twisted. “Tell her what?”

Jo rolled her eyes. “Dean. Did he tell her?”

Realization hit Sam like a punch to the gut.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “And it’s none of our business.”

Jo scoffed. “She wouldn’t look that happy if he had.”

Sam clenched his jaw. “Drop it, Jo.”

“He’s not over her.”

“I honestly think he is.”

She shook her head. “No, Sam. What happens if Amara comes back?”

“She’s not coming back.”

Jo stared at him, unconvinced.

Sam sighed, stepping closer. “Dean is happy. For the first time in a long damn time. When he decides it’s time to tell her, he will.” He narrowed his eyes. “But don’t you dare take that from him.”

Silence stretched between them before Sam turned and walked out.

Back at the table, Dean and Castiel were arm-wrestling over the ‘Boyfriend of the Year’ title while the rest of the group egged them on.

Sam shook his head, amused, before sliding into the seat next to you.

You smiled warmly at him. “Having fun?”

Sam smirked. “How weird do you think we are so far?”

You took a sip of your drink. “Plenty.”

“Plenty enough to scare you off?”

You glanced at Dean, his laugh loud and easy and his hand reaching for yours like it was a second nature.

“Nope,” you said, smiling. “Not even a little bit.”

Sam chuckled, leaning back in his chair. Yeah. You were here to stay.

————————————————————————

Later that night, Sam, your designated driver, dropped both of you to your house. Surprisingly, neither of you got drunk, but when Sam insisted on driving and you took his side, Dean had no other choice but to agree.

“I told you they were going to love you.” 

He said as he leaned forward, placing a quick kiss over your lips.

“You did.”

“I was right.”

You hummed in agreement as you were busy talking with his lips over yours.

Your hands slid over his chest, getting rid of his brown jacket, tossing it to the side. You began to wander around his torso heading to the end of his black shirt, tugging the end of it. He got the message, helping you to get rid of his shirt over his head.

Dean made you walk backwards until your legs bumped with the end of your bed, he pulled you up with ease and dropped you on the mattress, making you bounce.

His hands slowly traveled to your feet, carefully taking off your heels. The same hands he used to pull down your skirt while looking directly at your eyes.

“Sit down for me, sweetheart.”  He commanded and you automatically obeyed.

He stripped you of your shirt and unclapped your bra, leaving you with just your lace panties.

His eyes roamed all over your body, looking at you with a mix of adoration and desire while he removed his pants, remaining in boxers. Your eyes quickly traveled down to the huge bulge.

Dean's eyes stayed glued to her body, he couldn’t believe what he saw, he thought you were divine, what were you doing with someone like him? 

“Dean?” Your sweet voice made him come back to his senses.

“Yeah?” He answered.

“Please touch me, I need you.”

Dean didn't need a second invitation. He moved swiftly, kneeling beside her, then settling over her, his knee gently between her legs. 

“So needy,” he murmured.

His lips found yours, a slow, lingering kiss that deepened, then trailed down her neck. His hand making their way to your clothed core, the subtle pressure against your wetness made you gasp.

His fingers caressing your wet folds over the fabric, making you gasp. 

“We need to get rid of these.” He whispered, his voice husky.

With just one hand, he pulled down your underwear leaving you completely naked in front of him. The lights were off, but the light coming from the window was enough. 

His eyes looked at you with adoration, he thought of you as perfect, the color of your skin, the softness of your body, every inch of your body, even the parts you didn’t love as much.

“I need to taste you first, baby.”

You were speechless, the only thing you could do was nod.

He spread your legs for himself, Dean began placing little and wet kisses all over your inner thighs until his tongue found the sweet nectar of your arousal, the rhythm of his tongue worked wonders, with a blend of licking and sucking stimulating your clit.

Building to an explosive orgasm that sent shivers through you, arching your back, culminating in a gasp that shook your whole body, he had you collapsing on the mattress, fingers digging into the sheets.

He made you scream for the first time.

You wanted to return the favor but he gently held you back.

“Tonight is about you.” He said.

That night Dean’s mouth made a map on your body, appreciating every curve, every secret place, and it was as good as he dreamed of, it was even better. You tasted like his favorite pie. A sweet delight.

Dean lost his boxers and tossed them somewhere in the room, He rubbed his hard erection between your wet folds making you squirm in pleasure. 

“Please.” You begged.

“What do you need, baby?” He asked, his voice somehow sounded deeper and gruffer than normally.

“I need you inside now.” You couldn’t recognize your own voice, you were in too deep, lost in an overwhelming wave of pleasure.

For a brief moment, a flicker of concern crossed your mind, worried he might not be able to fit. But he quickly dismissed it as he filled you completely. 

“Fuck, I fit just perfectly, baby.” He groaned.

You never knew what was screaming someone’s name in pleasure, but you did that night as his movements became a rhythm of ecstasy, your nails scratching his back as he found your sweet spot. 

Moans filled the room, a chorus of passion intermingled with sloppy kisses and the promise of tender aftercare.

It was simply perfect. 

Tags: @aylacavebear @deans-baby-momma @ladysparkles78 @spxideyver @lunaleah @muhahaha303 @charismatic-writer @deansimpalababy @spnaquakindgdom @globetrotter28 @vsplanet

@narcissustulip @formulas-bitch @mandee7 @bollzinurmouth

[sundarksposts]

'Closure'

Author's note:

hello! this is a part ii of 'what a fool'

i would like to clarify, i'm used to writing angst so probably most of my stories are gonna be angst and underlining that this is just a story! also, for a reference go watch Sidemen video 'Do all the Sidemen think the same' Heated edition.

content warnings: angst, swearing and fluff!

i'm sorry if there are some mistakes because English is not my first language. Please do not copy my story to other platform. I worked so hard on this.

Credits for pinterest for the pictures.

btw, enjoy!

Read part 1 here

---------------------------

It’s been three months since the great tragedy in Greece, and Y/N was still having a hard time going to work. Seeing Harry at every shoot and trying to avoid him was pure hell for her.

James, your best friend and the only person who knew about what had happened, helped you during shoots. Well, at least for a month.

Josh had picked up on your behavior going home quickly after shoots, avoiding being in the same room as the boys since Harry would be there, and skipping pub hangouts. Before Greece, you were always up for a night out with them.

Noticing the change, Josh asked Y/N for a one-on-one meeting. You finally told him what had happened in Greece. He understood and assured you that he wouldn’t tell anyone. Instead, he offered to personally organize your work schedule.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, you sobbed, thankful for him because that meant you could still keep your job.

And of course, Tobi noticed your bloodshot eyes during one of the shoots and asked James about you. However, since James was terrible at lying and because he trusted Tobi the most out of all the boys he ended up telling him the truth.

Y/N was mad at James for a little while but eventually understood his reasoning. In the end, she decided to tell Tobi everything herself. He listened to her story and gave her some great advice.

Harry on the other hand was acting nonchalant whenever Y/N was on the set. He tried to talked to her once but when he had the time, she was already gone. Harry didn't want to approached James as he was scared James was gonna yelled at him.

Y/N trusted Tobi and Josh. They had made things easier for her especially during the Cheap vs Expensive shoots. Josh arranged for her to be the camerawoman for the other team, keeping her away from Harry.

She was so grateful to them.

Well, until today.

Y/N was on set, prepping for the final MoreSidemen shoot. It had been a long day, especially since Simon had planned six videos to be filmed in one day. While the boys were in the break room, the production crew was busy setting up.

You, Kon, and James were discussing camera placement for the last video of the day and who would be operating which camera. In the end, you and James were assigned to the main camera.

You sighed as James gave you an apologetic look.

“You good?” he asked as you tied your hair into a messy bun. You nodded, trying not to let your emotions show. Operating the main camera meant you’d have to look at Harry.

“It’s just been a long day. I hope this last video runs smoothly,” you said, hoping for the best.

James studied your face. Ever since Greece, he could sense a change in you like you were more guarded. He didn’t like it. He wished he could do something to help.

But he couldn’t.

“Are we ready to start?” Simon asked.

Both you and James nodded in response.

“Yes, boss. Everything is ready. We can start now,” you replied.

Simon went to gather the boys. As they passed by, you tried to look busy, helping James adjust the camera. But little did you know, a certain blonde boy had been stealing glances at you the whole time.

---------------------------

“Welcome back to Sidemen: Agree or Disagree!” Vik announced.

Harry and Ethan cheered, yelling, “Yay!” as the rest of the boys clapped.

“Alright, first question, please! Let’s get right to it,” Vik said, turning to Fin to read it out loud.

“People should be required to pass a parenting test before having kids,” Fin read aloud.

Immediately, the boys began discussing and arguing, splitting into agree and disagree sides.

You and James giggled quietly, amused that they were already so fired up over just the first statement.

Y/N noticed that Harry, JJ, Tobi, and Vik sided with agree, while Ethan, Josh, and Simon leaned toward disagree. You tried not to be judgmental, respecting both perspectives though, deep down, you found yourself siding with Ethan, Josh, and Simon just a little bit.

After the boys settled their argument, Fin read the next statement.

“I could survive in the wild for a month,” he announced.

“Can we get, uh—can’t we get, uh—what’s… what’s the wild?” Simon asked.

You instinctively zoomed in on him with the camera.

Fin clarified, “A forest in the United Kingdom, with no civilization for about eight miles.”

With that, he began the countdown, and the boys scattered between Agree and Disagree.

Josh and Harry confidently stood in Agree, while JJ, Tobi, Simon, Ethan, and Vik went to Disagree.

The discussion quickly turned into a debate, with the usual back-and-forth. Then, out of nowhere, Vik switched to Agree.

“Absolutely not!” Simon exclaimed, pointing at Vik in disbelief.

Tobi and Ethan immediately chimed in, fueling the argument further.

Watching the chaos unfold, you and James couldn’t help but laugh. You remembered so clearly the Sidemen Camping video. It was pure hell.

You also remembered how attractive Harry looked that day the way he was completely unbothered by the rain, effortlessly chopping wood with an axe. And then, as if the universe was testing you, he suddenly took off his t-shirt, going completely topless because it was soaked through.

Oh, you had definitely rewatched the edits on TikTok more times than you’d admit—secretly agreeing with most of the fangirls.

As the boys argued, Harry kept stealing glances in your direction. James noticed but decided to brush it off after all, both of you were operating the main camera. 'He’s probably just looking at the camera' James thought.

Meanwhile, Harry defended his stance, explaining exactly how he would survive in the wild. Midway through, he shifted from Slightly Agree to Agree, prompting the boys to reset their positions once again.

“It is acceptable to sleep with work colleagues,” Fin stated the next query, making your eyes go wide. Who the fuck came up with these questions? You hid your face behind the camera, feeling James beside you, just as shocked. Noticing your tension, James saw your jaw clench.

“What do you mean?” Josh asked Fin.

“Have sexual intercourse with people you work with,” he replied.

You glanced at Harry, who was looking down, avoiding your gaze, while Tobi crossed his arms, trying to hide his emotions. You hated being in this situation, yet you couldn’t run away you had to remain professional.

The seven Sidemen began taking their positions between Agree and Disagree as your gaze followed Harry. He was still looking at the floor, trying to avoid everyone’s eyes especially yours until he finally glanced up and saw you across the room. After a brief hesitation, he walked over to Agree, joining Simon and Josh, who stood at 'Definitely Agree.' Meanwhile, Ethan, Vik, and JJ positioned themselves at Disagree, while Tobi slowly made his way toward Agree.

You and James glanced at each other, trying to act as if nothing had happened.

“I really want to stay in the middle, man,” Ethan said to Josh and Simon.

“What do you mean, disagree? I mean, if your work allows it,” Simon argued.“Actually, yeah…” JJ muttered, starting to walk over to Agree, while Ethan remained hesitant.

“If the work allows it,” Simon repeated, but Ethan still looked uncertain.

“You know what, actually it depends on the company. If you’re working at a massive bank” Harry chimed in, glancing at you.

You caught his gaze but quickly looked away, trying to avoid his stare. As the boys’ debate grew more intense, you felt suffocated, struggling to hold back your tears.

“I’m going to the toilet,” you whispered to James, who only nodded, watching as you quietly slipped away, not wanting to make a scene.

While the boys were still arguing about the prompt, Harry noticed your figure slipping away. A wave of frustration hit him frustration at himself. Why couldn’t he just tell you the truth? That he did remember that night in Greece. The talking, the holding hands, the dancing and the kiss.

It was the night he finally got the girl he had a crush on.

As they watched you leave, Josh and Tobi exchanged a knowing look. They both understood why you had left after all, they had discussed the situation privately. Josh sighed, while Tobi shrugged sadly.

Harry, oblivious to their silent exchange, suddenly found the courage to go after you.

“C-Can we cut for a minute?” he asked Fin and the boys.

“Yeah.”

“Sure, mate,” they all responded, allowing him to leave.

Without hesitation, he took off after you.

Josh and Tobi were surprised by the youngest Sideman’s sudden action, yet they couldn’t help but feel proud. 'At least he’s finally going to talk to her' Josh thought.

James, also caught off guard, felt a sense of relief.

They needed closure.

Y/N leaned against the sink, trying to compose herself. You put your hands on your face and started to cry, feeling suffocated as your chest tightened until you heard a knock on the bathroom door.

“Go away, James,” you sniffled, your hands still covering your face.

“Actually, it’s me,” Harry said softly. His presence surprised you, leaving you unsure whether to let him in or not.

“I’m not going anywhere until you open the door,” he added, as if reading your mind. You sighed.

Y/N opened the bathroom door, allowing Harry to step inside as you grabbed a tissue.

“What do you want, Harry?” you asked, avoiding his eyes. You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him not in this state.

Harry gazed at you, guilt written all over his face. He knew he was the reason you felt this way.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

You let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Great! Never felt better,” you replied, rolling your eyes before finally meeting his gaze.

His tired expression and the guilt in his eyes were undeniable. Yet, despite everything, you couldn’t help but notice how beautiful he looked.

‘Why does he have to be this beautiful?’ you thought, but you quickly shook your head, trying to push those thoughts away.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I do remember that night. B-but I—I was scared. I was scared of losing you as a friend, a-and I don’t know…” he trailed off as you waited for his next words.

“I feel like you’re this gorgeous girl, and I don’t deserve you. A-and I feel intimidated by your relationship with James as well. That night, I remember everything. I remember your laugh, your warm hugs, your smile, your touch, and your kiss. I’m just a-a coward,” he admitted.

“I am so, so sorry, Y/N,” he whispered, reaching for your hands. You didn’t pull away, which, for Harry, was a small relief.

“Why didn’t you say anything before, Harry? Why now?” you asked quietly.

The blonde boy shrugged. “At first, I thought it would be weird because we work together and I’m technically your boss,” he replied.

You let out a small chuckle at his statement.

“But after coming back to London, going back to work, and seeing you again it just made it harder to ignore my feelings for you,” he admitted.

Your heart thumped. Did he just confess his feelings? you thought.

“Yes, I just confessed my feelings for you,” he said with a smile, stepping closer to you.

“Stop reading my mind, boss,” you giggled, not stopping him from closing the distance between you.

“I forgive you,” you continued, “but it’s going to take some time for me to fully let you in. And you have a lot of dates to convince me.”

Harry grinned. “Okay. Dinner tonight?”

You smiled and nodded. “Yes.” Then, without thinking, you pulled him into a hug.

“Lots of dinners,” you giggled against his chest as he wrapped his arms tightly around you.

"I’m sorry I was a jerk,” he murmured, resting his head on top of yours.

You nodded and looked up at him. “A cute jerk, though,” you teased.

He chuckled, his gaze soft as he wiped the lingering tears from your cheeks. Slowly, he leaned in.

Your heart raced as you closed the distance, pressing your lips against his those soft lips you had missed so much.

When you finally pulled apart, both of you grinned.

“Come on, let’s get out of here. They’re probably looking for you, boss,” you said, pulling him along.

“Yeah, let’s go. By the way, it smells in here, did you poop before I came in?” he joked.

You gasped and slapped his arm. “I did not!” you exclaimed.

He laughed as the two of you walked out together, hand in hand.

As the two of you stepped out, you froze. Standing not too far from the exit were all the Sidemen boys, James, Kon, and John.

You and Harry exchanged a glance before looking back at them.

Suddenly, they all started clapping, while JJ stood there, completely confused.

“Finally!” Josh, Simon, Tobi, and Ethan exclaimed in unison.

“Did you guys make up?” James asked hopefully.

“Did I miss something?” JJ asked, still confused.

Both of you laughed at their reactions before nodding at James, who immediately pulled you both into a hug.

“Thank God!” he exclaimed before letting go.

“I couldn’t stand watching you two any longer,” Ethan chimed in. “One of you had the ‘I want to murder you’ look, and the other had the ‘I love you, please forgive me’ look.”

Everyone chuckled at his comment.

"We’re good now, guys. Josh, you don’t have to schedule me separately anymore,” you said.

Harry gasped. “Wait, is that why I never saw you on my team?”

You nodded, giggling, while Josh raised his hands in surrender. “I neither confirm nor deny,” he replied, not wanting to argue with the youngest Sideman.

“Oi! Who else knew?” Harry asked, turning to Josh, who was already walking back to the set to finish the video.

“I knew, Bog. She told me,” Tobi chuckled, grabbing Harry by the shoulder and ruffling his hair.

Simon and Ethan’s eyes went wide as they gasped in unison.

“Why didn’t anyone tell us?” they both exclaimed.

You shrugged. “Simon, because you weren’t observant enough. And Ethan, because you were too close to Harry.”

Both of them mumbled, “Fair.”

With that, all of you headed back to the set. As you walked, Harry grabbed your hand and smiled at you, and you smiled back.

“Let’s finish this video, okay? I’m starving,” he said.

You nodded as he let go and returned to his position, ready to wrap things up.

Okay, are we ready? Next statement,” Finn said as the boys took their positions.

Across the room, Harry looked at you and smiled. You smiled back, feeling a sense of relief, you finally had the closure you needed.

After all, that was all either of you ever needed.

-fin-

--------------------------------------

Author's note:

Thank you so much for reading these fics guys! I would like to thanked @sdmnpact for encouraging me to write again and I did said it was going to be 3 parts but I thought, 2 parts are okay.

And I did gave you the happy ending and I think it is well deserve.

I will write more Harry fics and probably gonna start about George as well but stay tune!

[messyhairedhazeleyeddude]

╔═════ •┈• “I Hear You.” •┈• ═════╗

A Toge Inumaki x Fem!Deaf!Reader || Fluff + SMUT || ˚. ୭ ˚◦˚.

Contents ; Mind reading (reader has cursed hearing), Toge has PTSD, soft touches, hesitant fingering, face-riding, mind control (Toge uses his speech curse), squirting, soft dom Toge, public sex, cock-warming, and a cumshot in reader’s panties.

A/N ; Hi, so I just wanted to explain a little bit of background on this since reader’s curse might be hard to understand for some right away. But, basically, reader is partially deaf from a horrible accident involving a curse that had consumed one of Sukuna’s fingers. It left her with a cursed ability to where she can listen into someone’s thoughts for a limited amount of time at random. However, it has its drawbacks which you will see in the story. Now, that’s all! Hopefully that clarifies some confusion if there is any.

Dynamic ; Best Friends to Lovers

Sexual Dynamic ; Soft Dom!Toge | Bottom!Fem!Reader

P.O.V ; First

Age range ; 18+

Music Suggestion ;

{Y/N’s P.O.V :}

I sat on an oak polished bench with a heavy sigh, facing toward the buildings of Jujutsu High, hundreds of Ginkgo trees shrouding certain parts of their rooftops in a pretty spiral. The same ones lining the path that I walked on to get to our usual hang-out spot.

Their orange leaves danced around my head and landed at my black Mary Jane’s, my glossy lips quirking up into a smile at the perfect shape of the leaf before lifting my Canon camera to take a picture. As soon as my finger hovered over the snap button, it flew away.

Wind being the culprit. A shudder ran down my spine when the gust blew through my {H/C} hair and ruined another shot, making me huff in frustration.

I’ve been dealing with this annoying weather all day. Finally, the day I’m off of studying and training. Left alone to fulfill any hobbies I want for as long as I want with no one calling me on a mission to exorcise curses. And it just had to be windy.

However, I couldn’t complain. Being able to get dressed for the day, something I hadn’t been able to do in a long time— was more than exciting. There was even time for myself to do my makeup and having hours like that as a Jujutsu student would be considered lucky.

Reminding myself of him, I smiled. The memories of his horrible attempts at being on time flashed in my mind and brought a small giggle out of me. Oh, that’s right. How could I forget the example himself? For the boy I was waiting on, getting out of work was non-existent.

The feeling of a warm hand placing itself on my shoulder made me jump out of my seat, twisting around to stand in a fighting position with a little scream. When I saw the recognizable white parted hair and tired, doe eyes of Toge, I clasped both of my hands together and puckered my lips out of embarrassment.

He was quick to be apologetic, repeating the same weird ingredients he usually said over and over again, “Sujiko… Takana..?” But, by now, I somewhat understood what he meant. Takana was used as a form of asking if I was okay. Sujiko… That, I could only guess meant an expression like, ‘Oh gosh.’ Or I liked to imagine it was.

Hanging out with the cursed speech user outside of missions had benefits when it came to understanding his way of talking. Although, that was funny to mention because the way we had come about to regularly seeing each other was far from willing. Or maybe it wasn’t on my end. But, if I could take those doubts back, I would.

Thinking of that dredged up a flashback of how it all started.

•···· ‘ First Meeting Him . . . ’ ····•

My feet slipped while trying to hop onto the next stone in the middle of a river I was crossing, almost taking a tumble into the cold water before I saved myself by stretching out my arms. I regained my balance and breathed heavily, cursing underneath a couple of them.

Then I went for the fifth one, regaining momentum and skipping across each of them until I landed on my toes into the bed of pebbles near the water. Surprisingly, I had yet to cut them on a sharp object sticking through the dirt.

I turned my head from staring down at my legs and white skirt to looking at my reflection in the clear stream.

{E/C} eyes peered back at me, filled with happiness from the moment of quiet, and appreciation for the fact I didn’t have to stress my attention span on anyone. Or that’s what I thought.

Before I could get further with that thought, a headache began to form on the right side of my temple and I placed a hand up to it; worry rising as I knew what was happening when I heard ringing after the throbbing. My curse. It was coming.

I couldn’t understand how it was. A person had to be beside me in order for me to connect to their inner consciousness and they’d have to be in an extremely weak mindset which would take hours for me to perfect in battle.

So, what this was and what this meant was far beyond anything I’ve experienced with my curse. Right up until this very point.

Crouching down to my knees, I started to hold both sides of my head now. The pain and ringing worsening by the minute. I rocked back and forth to try to ease myself. Why was it so hard to connect to them? It was like they were poisoning my brain the more I tried to.

Whoever it was took me forever to process before I could hear the faint sound of mumbling, such a soft and sweet voice.

“What do I do? What do I do? I can’t have her knowing that I stopped to watch her… Even worse, she could think I followed,” I managed to make out what they were saying, the masculine tone rambling on and on, as if the boy had some form of hyperactivity disorder.

Thankfully, the migraine stopped once I was successful in linking. So I was able to stand up straight again. Looking around for the responsible one of my misery.

I figured I’d tell them I knew they were here to lure them out of their hiding, shouting with a lag on any words I couldn’t hear I was pronouncing right, “Who’s out there?! You can show yourself! I won’t be upset with you!” Hope I said that correctly.

The voice paused and no longer spoke a word, a silence enveloping the atmosphere and leaving me to barely confirm that they were still present by checking if my cursed energy was still being used. When I did, I called out a second time, “I promise! I won’t think anything bad of you! I can hear your thoughts! My curse is working with you as of now!”

My attempts at getting them to come out seemed futile and I was about to give up before I heard rustling in the bushes to my left. I turned my head to see who it was and to my surprise, it was that cursed first grade sorcerer. What was his name? Inumaki?

His chin was lowered but his eyes were wide and fixated on mine, like he was in shock. He was nervous from what I could tell in his body language: hesitant in his footsteps, jagged breathing, and small pupils. I could see a shake in how he walked too. Whatever it was that was scaring him about me, it was definitely due to underlying trauma.

And once I heard what he started to think about, I pieced together why, “Okaka, okaka, okaka, okaka.” He continuously repeated the Japanese word for ‘Fish Flakes’ in a panicked tone, his hand moving up to his forehead to press against it. Toge was forcing himself to not think anything because he was worried his curse would affect me.

The poor boy proceeded to break down in front of me, landing onto his knees in the grass while pulling at his hair as slips of actual words were coming into his sentences, “Okaka, I can’t, no! Stop thinking, Ikura, just Ikura! No, no, no, OKAKA!”

I could feel his torment. Having access to someone’s mind wasn’t a gift like people assume it is, this was why. You get to see what they see, feel how they feel, and physically align yourself to the point where it could be labeled as scientifically combining one’s spirit with another. That means I can see all of his past and present. I can understand every single thing Inumaki was trying to do for me in that moment. And it was to save. Save me from him. Only save me from him. That was what he was really trying to say.

There wasn’t enough time left of my ability for me to convince him to calm down and see that nothing was wrong. I was cut off before I could say a word of affirmation and from the look of dull surprise on Toge’s face, he sensed that it was over.

I don’t think I’ll be able to forget that look of sadness in his purple eyes when he came to the realization that everything was fine. That none of his words had hurt or done the things he had saw in his head. It’s what led me to tug his sleeve as he tried to leave.

Inumaki didn’t look at me, but he stopped. Like he was waiting for me to say what I had to say. So, I hurriedly proposed an idea I wouldn’t have blurted out had I not felt rushed, “Can I see you again?”

Admitting this now, I adored seeing that smile curving up his cheeks, as melancholy as it was. It’s what made me start to crush on the boy. He nodded his head and gave me a thumbs up, his eyes squinting into crescent-shaped moons while he remarked, “Shake.”

That was the beginning of our unspoken friendship.

•···· ‘ End of Flashback. . . ’ ····•

I blinked rapidly when coming back from the small memory trip, realizing that I had been staring at Toge the entire time I was lost in it. A blush creeped onto my face, I could feel the warmth scattering my cheeks and I lifted my hands to cover it; leaving my eyes open to keep eye contact with him.

That wasn’t a smart idea. He was bound to know that I was flustered. Inumaki had such an odd increased sense of observation because of his inability to have conversations. I could see it from how he looked at me. It always felt like he was reading into my soul, gently peeping behind the curtains of my brain, and looking at the scripture of my bones whenever he held his gaze on me like he was currently.

A hum left me and I laughed it off, brushing the sleeves of my brown cardigan on my cheeks, stepping toward him, “Pardon that, it’s so cold… Do you think we could go somewhere warmer?”

Toge lingered the stare for a minute before he gave me a break and answered, “Tsuna Tsuna.” I distinctly recall that to mean, ‘Look’ in his vocabulary. Confirming it when he grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me closer, bringing me into a hug.

At first, I thought he was trying to warm me up with his own body temperature but then I felt him taking off his jacket and that made me pull away. The stupid blush on my face wouldn’t ever go if he kept this up. I apologized and waved a hand at the action, “No, no! Thank you for the kindness.. But, you need that too.”

He continued to take it off and walked back to where he was in front of me, throwing the jacket over my shoulders and holding it there with the arm holes wide open.

I stared up at him, his face closer than before, and the details in it enough to make my face burn brighter; like a tomato. Then I slowly slid my arms through the warm piece of clothing, letting it mold into my body, giving him a small smile of comfort and gratitude.

Toge looked me up and down, holding two thumbs up with an exclamation of the word he uses for praise, “Mentaiko!” His eyes smiling at me once again.

Why did he have to be so sweet? I was lost in thought about my crush on the boy for what felt like the millionth time. Tired of stressing my feelings on it but I wasn’t able to say a word about it to him. I didn’t want to ruin a friendship that seemed so fragile by acting on something that’d be so selfish. He wasn’t looking for a girlfriend, he was looking for a friend. Someone he could finally have a connection with outside of his stressors. Not another load to bear.

Shunning myself from having anymore thoughts on the matter, I went to sitting on the bench from earlier again, Inumaki following behind and plopping down next to me.

We sat in silence and watched the scenery like I had been before, helping me calm myself so no more unnecessary romance made me avoid the white-haired boy. I closed my eyes and burrowed most of myself into the jacket to keep some heat maintained, the smell of rice and red mungbean paste wafting from it.

Glancing at Toge, I noticed that he was leaned and fixated on scribbling something on a paper resting in his lap. Seemingly to have got it from the backpack he carried here.

I watched as he jotted down the last of what he needed to write. He shoved the pencil back into one of the pockets of his bag and folded the paper up into a square; handing it to me the moment he was finished. My expression changed into a surprised stare, digging my fingers into the corners of it until I undid the folds one by one.

There was no way I would expect to see what I read on that paper, but I did. Stumbling over the words he wrote with shock.

‘Please, try to connect to me again?’

Looking over at him, my wide eyes met with his purple, calm orbs. Like he was trying to tell me it was okay. Inumaki outstretched his hand and placed it facing up on my thigh for me to hold it, peacefully smirking at me as if he was letting me know that he was ready to talk.

My breathing increased and my eyelashes fluttered, trying to process everything without getting too overjoyed, but that was really hard. He wanted to speak to me. Would I be the first person he’s talked to? Would I be the first to experience a conversation with a cursed speech user?

None of this mattered. The only thing that mattered was getting to experience the connection again and after having so much time to regain control over this cursed energy I had, I was more than prepared to pull it together.

My eyelids shut and I focused every single bit of my attention on Toge’s presence, pinpointing the exact spots of his soul and reaching out a hand to place it on his forehead. Sweeping hair out of the way for my palm.

A buzz of power vibrated through my entire arm and I could hear the sounds of almost thousands of student’s thoughts for a fraction of a second, my head spinning until a snap was heard. And then quiet. I could picture a thin white line in my head, the sound of soft, running water making me giggle. His soul was so gentle and pretty. It was exactly what I thought it would be like.

I opened my eyes to look at his handsome face once more, giving him a nod to let him know that I succeeded in the connection. My heart picking up pace and thumping against my chest as I waited to hear that voice of his.

Quiet but kind, he murmured to me, “Can you… hear this?” I eagerly nodded, a wide grin accidentally peeping from my lips as I said, “Yes! Yes, I can!” His eyebrows raised and he appeared starstruck, choking out in his mind, “You can… And nothing is happening to you? You can talk to me?”

Tears formed in the corners of his ducts out of being overwhelmed, threatening to spill while I continued to shake my head up and down, confirming the one thing he had been wanting almost his whole life.

He scoffed, thinking out loud with more confidence, “I didn’t think something like this was possible for me…” I had never heard him speak so clearly before. Last time he was so hard to hear that I had to listen to each syllable for a clue on what he was saying. Now, he spoke directly into his head.

But, pushing everything to the side, I was curious about his reasoning. Why was he suddenly okay with this? So, I asked him, “What made you want to connect?”

Toge bit his lip at the question and a random look of nervousness crossed his face, his directness failing him as he gave himself away instantly, “I was trying to ask if you would be willing to cross the boundaries of friends and into something more…?” My jaw dropped at what he just said, looking at him like he was insane before coughing a reply, “Wow! I wouldn’t have thought this was what you were going to say! Um…!”

Tilting my head to the ground, I tucked my knees together and sheepishly took the hand that he kept there from earlier. Interlocking my fingers with his and squeaking out, “I think I would really enjoy that…”

This was happening. He was confessing feelings for me I believed didn’t exist a moment ago and telling me he wanted me to be his girlfriend. Holy, shit. Mind my language, but seriously! HOLY, SHIT!

Inumaki squeezed my hand and reached over to grab my chin with his other one, turning me to face him so he could get closer. Observing how I was responding to the situation with a tiny smirk. Was he being cocky? The Toge Inumaki?

He touched noses with me, asking as he barely hovered his lips on mine, “I don’t know why… but I really want to…Is it okay if I kiss you, {Y/N}?” My breath caught in my throat and I froze, responding through my own thought, “Yes.”

There was no hesitation after, our lips locking in a tight hold as he brushed his hand to the back of my neck, tugging me into him to where we were smushed against one other. A small bit of desperation in the pull, causing the both of us to stay in the kiss until we needed a break for oxygen.

I panted once apart, Toge moving his arm from holding my hand to pushing his fingers to my lower stomach, hesitating right around there. He murmured, “Can I go all the way?” Struggling from holding back by the way he was dragging down. I dug my teeth into my tongue and contemplated over the ask, secretly accepting it as soon as he mentioned it. Fuck, I felt like such a bad influence.

“Do it,” I quickly whispered into his ear, nuzzling down into the crook of his neck to hide there afterward. What were we doing? What if someone saw?

Me and Toge were exchanging kisses on an outside bench. We were cuddled up until the white-haired boy laid me down on the wooden planks, his lips dipping for my neck and sucking on parts that were exposed. I gasped, wrapping my arms around him to plant my nails deep into his back. I didn’t mean to hurt him, I was just overstimulated by the rushes of dopamine from every single touch he gave.

It was so soft. Even as he pushed his fingers underneath my skirt and in between my thighs, it tickled me from how delicate he was. This was weird. Who knew I would like someone touching me like this?

Inumaki hovered above my underwear once he got around to them, swallowing nervously while he confirmed with me for a second time, “I can go ahead? You want this?” He was so adorable in the way he quirked his head like a puppy as he asked, his messy hair making me want to squeal. But I refrained.

I decided to vocally express it now, “Yes, I want you to.” Hopefully that would get it through to him. His face almost innocent for that brief moment he asked right until he got the message. A darkness shading over his face before he hooked his fingers on the fabric that covered me. Pushing them to the side and making me hold my breath.

He was doing this to me. He was really going to do this with me. Out in public. My head turned to stare out at the falling leaves with a churning anxiety in my stomach now. Letting the boy above me feel the wetness between my legs with his fingertips, pushing down to my entrance and slowly sliding one third of it in.

If my grip was bad then, I couldn’t imagine how it was once he started. It felt like he was trying to tease me for the first half of it, constantly taking his fingers out, pushing an entire digit inside, then half of another, and proceed to completely abandon the whole thing. Like he was experimenting with me and figuring out which made me feel the best. Eventually, I had to plead, “Toge, Toge…! Can you please… just keep them in?” That was awfully embarrassing.

The purple-eyed boy raised his brows, gushing out an apology and pulling completely away instead, “Oh..! Sorry… You feel really.. nice. I hope this is okay…” Before he went to kiss from my neck down to my chest, all the way to my hips. Looking up at me through those white eyelashes of his as he went for it, wrapping his mouth on my sensitive bud and dipping his tongue to my entrance.

He lapped in and out of me, my legs tensing and squeezing around him on accident while he dragged me into sitting on top of his face. Peering at his eyes that stared straight up at me, the other half of him covered by my thighs and lower half. I humped a tiny bit from how good I was feeling. Unable to stop myself from getting out of hand because he was driving me nuts with his pace.

I couldn’t keep it in for longer if he kept pressing the tip of his tongue on those sweet spots inside. Or if he kept sucking on the right places. Anything. I would unwind. And I didn’t want to make a mess on him.

Without me saying a word about it, it was like he knew I was close because of how fast he got all of a sudden. Thrusting his tongue until my legs were shaking. I cried out, reaching for and tugging on his hair. Toge groaned on me, sounding like he was annoyed, “Cum already.”

Those were real. He actually said that. And I couldn’t respond to it because my first instant reaction was to scream, collapsing forward onto the arm of the bench to hold tight as I rocked my hips.

All of my juices fell out of me and anything that couldn’t be caught by him dripped down the sides of his cheeks onto the floor. I twitched and lifted myself off, my shoes thudding on the concrete as I tried to regain my balance. Jesus, fuck, I can’t believe he did that. I can’t believe WE did that. I was so dizzy from it, I didn’t know how I was awake. My hand reached up to rub my forehead.

Although, I had no idea that Inumaki had different plans. The sound of another command from him frightening me to my core, “Take them off.” I didn’t even know what he was telling me to take off but I went for his pants anyway, guessing that he could mean something and I would still do it despite not knowing. His ability was something else. And to say that I’m not freaked out about what he was telling me to do was an understatement.

Toge was making me hook up with him. Not like I wasn’t going to in the first place, I’m only confirming this because he was going down this route and I shamefully liked it. Well, loved it…

After taking his cargo pants off of him and resting them at his knees, he helped take off his boxers next, making me cover my eyes out of sheer inexperience. I’ve never seen one in real life. And here I was about to see Toge’s. This was my first time. He seemed to get how I was feeling because he patted my head for reassurance, cooing at me in thought, “Take your time… Sorry that I’m so eager. I hope you aren’t minding, {Y/N}..”

Oh no, I was far from minding. I snickered at myself and dropped my hands from my face, excusing my behavior, “Crap…! I don’t mean to act like a kid! I haven’t done this and it’s so nerve-wracking!” Red was covering my cheeks once again as I glanced over to see his exposed erection, becoming a flustered heaping pile of mush.

Toge huffed, “That’s why I was saying uh… those commands.. If I keep doing it, will that help?” Sounding so sexually frustrated that I was starting to feel bad for holding out. But, he was suggesting an actual solution that had been working. It made sense.

So, I agreed, “Yeah… actually.” And he cleared his throat with a squint to his eyes, quickly adjusting himself. It was crazy seeing the words really leaving his mouth, “Ride me.” That could go for what he was telling me to do as well.

Feeling my body go on autopilot, both of my legs straddled the sides of Inumaki’s hips, and I began lowering myself until his tip was prodding around my inner thigh. My hand grabbed the base once I struggled for a minute, aligning it against my entrance to ease his shaft into me.

A gasp escaped my lungs, moans cascading afterward while I shakily grabbed onto both of his shoulders, his arms wrapping around my waist to hold and guide me on him. Fucking into me as I bounced lightly. I could feel how small I was for him from his dick refusing to slide out at some points. Like my body was trying to keep him inside.

We groaned in unison, syncing with each other’s movements, my voice pitching when he brushed into a spot that he abused earlier. He memorized where it was and aimed directly for it, his eyebrows knitting together as sweat dripped down from his forehead. It was so good. He felt so good. And he had a look to his face that I would never forget.

After fifteen minutes of doing it out in the open, someone was finally about to walk past and I sensed them barely seconds before they could see us. Pretending to have fell asleep on Toge once the person arrived. His jacket placed over our lower halves.

“What’s up Inumaki? Aaaaannnnd… {Y/N}…” the sound of Maki’s voice made me internally cringe as she seemed like she was getting closer. Making me pray that she wouldn’t get any ideas about what was going on. If she found out, we wouldn’t hear the end of it.

He gave his usual greeting, “Konbu..” Playing it off surprisingly well with the tone of his speech, no stutters whatsoever. Even though I could feel his dick throbbing inside of me and that was not helping my case in fighting against the demand he gave.

I tried to steady my breathing into the soft breaths like I do when I’m about to fall asleep, panicking in my mind, forgetting that Toge can hear, “I want to so badly.! I need to! I need to!” In my defense, I really couldn’t help it. He told me to do it in cursed speech. Every part of my body was screaming at me to, pain coursing through my skin when I denied the action.

Maki’s voice lowered, sounding like she was getting suspicious which terrified me, “What is she doing lying on you like that, Inumaki?” But, I couldn’t think of anything from the burn of the speech curse and it seemed like he knew that. Because even as she was right there and asking him, he began to subtly roll his hips into me, helping relieve it.

The way he said the ingredients in response were getting a bit butchered, “Nntsuna m-mayo..” And his swear word kept slipping when he pushed himself deeper into me, “Ikura…” I held my breath as I tried not to make a single noise. Too hard. Way too hard. This was such a dangerous game to play. But, why did I love it so much?

It seemed like Maki knew something was up from the way she responded, although she didn’t know what, “Ooookay… Well, I’m not going to get any information out of you any time soon.” Keeping it at that, I could make out her energy walking away from us to the other side. A huge wave of relief washed over me as I arched back into a sitting position on him, spreading my legs so he could move more freely. We were right back into it with our lust at an all time high.

Toge did most of the work when it came to it, but he didn’t seem to care. His dedication in making me feel amazing nothing short. Fingers slipping down to play with my bud after I became labored in my moans, edging me closer and closer into cumming again. My walls tightened around him before more of my liquids rushed out onto his lap, becoming a huge mess.

I wanted to apologize for ruining the bottom half of his shirt, but I couldn’t. He wouldn’t let me, continuously ramming into me until he was approaching his own end. There were several actual curses from him inside of his head as he neared it, no longer those innocent food items he loved, “Fuck.. How does it feel so.. tight? Fuck, that feels too good..! Y/N}… I think I’m going to… I need to..!”

Then he pulled out at the very last moment to cum around my lower back, most of it landing on my underwear and sabotaging them like I had with his clothing.

I was exhausted, both of us panting and taking a break by resting on the bench. Pulling up my panties as dirty as that was. I liked to think it was like a finishing touch. I gave him a small peck on the cheek, muttering weakly, “I like you… Toge…” Too shy to say the word ‘Love’ despite what we did just now.

Using the last of my strength, I kept up the connection of our brains to hear him reply back, not hearing a hesitation to his voice in the slightest, “I love you, {Y/N}.” Then I passed out on him quickly after, ironically fulfilling what we feigned earlier.

[honeyhotteoks]

this night together - chapter eleven (j.yh + s.mg)

chapter eleven: a new love song

chapter summary: time, and a well worded letter, heals all wounds. finally, it's time to let go.

warnings: nothing really, social drinking, etc.

notes: reminder that if you're reading this on or around 12.3.23 when it's posted, i'm uploading three chapters at once! if you haven't read chapter ten, go do that before you skip ahead!!

pairings: alpha!yunho x alpha!mingi x omega!reader

genre: smut, a/b/o/omegaverse, angst, fluff, romance, polyamory

word count: 5.2k

previous chapter | next chapter | AO3

The party is bright, bursting with light and color and art. You can feel Hongjoong’s presence everywhere from the moment you step through the doors and you almost feel underdressed. You selected your outfit for him, something a little bolder than you’d normally do, but something that truly suits the occasion and the honored guest. You adjust the top of your black trousers and glance down to ensure the cream white blouse that is parted open is still firmly secured with the hidden tape you painstakingly applied.  You hope your lipstick is staying put. 

The listening party for New World’s new mini album is in full swing, but the night is about more than just that. Their tour has ended, everyone back on Korean soil, and it will be the first time anyone will hear the album from start to finish and the first time you’ll be face to face with them again.

Three months of nothing, no contact except the letter. The letter you’ve read about a hundred times. 

You texted Wooyoung, San, and Seonghwa of course, and they mentioned Yunho and Mingi occasionally, but always in the broader context of what they were doing on tour. You saw them in pictures, travel shots on Instagram or Snapchat stories of their nights out, but otherwise nothing. For three months you let it marinate, and your feelings haven’t changed in the slightest. All you have to do now is find them in this crowd and clear the air. 

It’s no surprise you’re as late as you are, your stomach was in knots getting ready and leaving your apartment had you practically coming apart at the seams. The idea of talking to them is simple, but you’ve rehearsed what you want to say over and over and you can’t imagine how they’ll respond. You take a glass of sparkling wine from one of the caterers and realize there are far more people here than you thought there would be. When you pictured a listening party you expected an intimate crowd, but the gallery space KQ rented is full of faces, some you know and some you don’t. You’re pretty sure you’ve missed the album playthrough at this point, you just hope no one’s noticed your absence. 

“You look so good!” A voice from behind you makes you turn, and you smile when you see Dahan in her sparkly wrap dress. 

“So do you,” You give her a quick, friendly hug. 

“This is your first one, right?” She asks, looking past you to find a drink tray. 

“Listening party?” You clarify, “Yeah,” 

“This is definitely the nicest one so far,” She all but whispers to you, “New World is pulling in that tour money now,” 

“Ah,” You nod. 

“Usually it’s at a nice restaurant or something, not quite so many people,” She explains, snagging a drink, “not that I’m complaining, dressing up is fun,” 

“Do you see Hongjoong at all?” You crane your neck and look through some of the bodies, but you can’t really see anyone else you know closely. 

“Mm,” She joins you, “no, but Yujin and some of the others are over there,” 

You follow her gaze, “Perfect,” 

She starts weaving through and you follow, keeping close to her and protecting your drink as you side step around and behind people. 

When you make it to the little circle of BB Trippin dancers, you slot right in alongside Dahan and give everyone a smile, “Hey,” 

Everyone greets you warmly, but you wonder absently where your little pocket of close friends are hiding. Yujin draws your attention though when she says, “Jaemin’s here,” 

“He is?” Your eyes widen. You barely ever see him, but it does make sense that he would attend an opportunity to bump elbows with people in the industry. 

“Mhm,” She nods, “I saw him talking to Yunho earlier.” 

Butterflies curl in your stomach, “Yunho’s here?” 

“Mhm,” She takes a sip of her drink, “somewhere,” 

“You look really nice,” Minseok interrupts, stepping a little closer so you can hear him better, “I like the whole, you know,” he gestures up and down to indicate he means your outfit and you nod. 

“Thanks,” You nod, “you clean up nice too,” 

“Oh yeah?” He shrugs, “Thanks,” 

You start to turn back to Yujin who looks like she has something more to say, but Minseok keeps going, “Have you met Hongjoong?” 

“Oh,” You start. 

“He’s a nice guy,” He continues, “you’d like his vibe, or at least, I think you would,” 

“Actually,” 

“I’m not sure if you know this or not, but it’s his voice that’s on a lot of the initial guide tracks we get,”

You do know that, but you nod and take a long sip of your drink, ice slipping down and connecting with your lip as you tip it back a little further. 

“He’s a bit eccentric,” Minseok continues. 

“Who’s a bit eccentric?” Seonghwa cuts in, stepping into the circle and cutting smoothly between you and Minseok, another drink for you ready in his hands. 

Minseok’s lips close. 

“Hi, Hwa,” You smile, “that for me?” 

“Of course,” He trades your nearly empty glass for the full one and leans in to press a fast kiss on your cheek, “you look beautiful,” 

“Stop,” You resist the urge to actually nudge him in front of too many people and give off the wrong idea about how close the two of you are, but you give him the best withering look you can. 

He ignores you though, “Who’s eccentric?” 

“Oh,” You do your best to keep the smile off your lips, “Minseok was just telling me about Hongjoong,” 

“Mm,” Seonghwa glances to the side at him, “is he?” 

“Artistic might be the right word,” Minseok corrects himself. 

“Well, that’s true,” You nod. 

“Oh,” Minseok blinks, “so you know him?” 

“Well, yes, I,” You start to say but Seonghwa cuts you off. 

“Speak of the devil,” He nods and when you turn you catch sight of Hongjoong heading right for you both. He’s dressed in the most decadent dark blue velvet suit you’ve ever seen, and the combination of that and his freshly dyed blue hair makes him look like more of an idol, not a producer. 

“My ears were burning,” Hongjoong says wryly, and then his eyes flick over you, “I love this,” 

“I thought you might,” You grin, moving forwards to greet him with a hug, “congratulations, Hongjoong, this is all beautiful,” 

“Thank you so much for coming,” He gives you a squeeze, “we keep missing each other for dinner,” 

“I know, I’ve been so busy lately,” You tell him, “but let’s plan something soon,” 

He nods and smiles and then turns his attention to the group, “Thank you all so much for coming,” he says. 

Minseok looks a little put out next to Seonghwa, and you hope you didn’t embarrass him, but he and everyone else greets Hongjoong and they loop through the congratulations on the finished album. Once pleasantries are done, he focuses his attention back on you, “I have someone I want you to meet,” he says. 

“Oh?” 

“Mhm,” His hand settles on your back as he turns to the group, “can I steal these two for a bit?” He nods his head towards you and Seonghwa. 

He doesn’t really wait for permission, he’s just being polite, and he steers you out of the circle and starts walking you back through the crowd closer to the stage area. 

“When did you get in?” Hongjoong asks Seonghwa as you walk. 

“This morning,” He says, “we were supposed to land last night but our flight was so delayed leaving LA,” 

“Thank you for coming anyways,” Hongjoong smiles, “I’m sure you’re exhausted,” 

“It’s fine,” He shrugs it off, “we’ll get back on timezone soon, I’m sure,” 

“Flight was okay otherwise?” You ask, but Seonghwa catches your eye and gives you a knowing smile. 

“Mhm,” He nods, “We’re all home safe and sound, I’m sure everyone else is here somewhere,” 

“Good,” Your throat feels tight, the idea that around one of these corners you’ll find Yunho and Mingi, “that’s good,” 

After three months without any contact, you’re going to have to physically restrain yourself from blurting out how you feel the second you see them. The last time they saw you was awkward at best, and considering the way you left things after the fight, the quickest way to confuse them would be to tell them you want them back with no apology, no preamble. But either way the words still form on your tongue in your imagination, and you’re mid internal monologue when Hongjoong stops walking and brings you back to reality. 

“y/n,” He says, gesturing to the couple across from you, “Seonghwa, I’d like you to meet Choi Jongho and his fiance Kim Eunji,” 

“Oh!” You can’t help the surprised sound that leaves you, “You’re the vocalist Hongjoong has told me so much about!”

Choi Jongho smiles politely, eyes flicking to Hongjoong, but then he nods, “That’s me,” 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” You dip your head in quick acknowledgement. 

“So, you’re y/n?” Eunji says before Jongho can finish out the polite greetings and confusion runs through you. 

She’s looking at you with warmth and kindness, and it’s not often that omegas meeting each other for the first time are quite so positive and open. You’re used to a little hesitation, especially when alphas are around, everyone becoming a little territorial in mixed company, but Eunji seems unphased. 

“I am,” You nod as your brain starts to catch up. 

“Hongjoong mentioned you,” She explains at your confused expression, “I was hoping I’d get a chance to say hello,” 

“He did?” 

“Sorry, let me explain,” She smiles, “my little sister is debuting with your company soon,” 

“Oh!” Your brows shoot up and you run through the girls you’ve worked with to realize the common surname, “you’re Jiwoo’s sister?” 

“Yes!” She nods excitedly, “We’re very proud of her,” 

“That’s so nice,” You smile, relaxed now that you understand her abrupt familiarity, “she’s a very good dancer,” 

Eunji beams. 

“She’ll be debuting as main dancer,” Seonghwa nods, “for good reason,” 

Jongho smiles, his hand sweeping a warm line up and down his wife’s back, “Jiwoo says you and the others have been very kind during their preparations,” 

“Well,” You nod, “they’re working very hard, and I’m sure debut must be scary enough, there’s no need to add extra pressure,” 

“It is,” Jongho hums knowingly, and you recall Hongjoong mentioning he was from another idol group that had disbanded. You wonder idly in the back of your mind how difficult it really was for him judging by the brief expression on his face. 

“Exactly,” Hongjoong offers, “I thought you’d all like to meet considering the mutual acquaintance,” 

“Absolutely,” You say, “it’s been lovely,” 

Eunji is about to say something more, but Seonghwa’s hand brushes your upper arm and he leans into your ear, “At the bar,” 

“What?” You glance up at him and he nods past Jongho and Eunji. Your eyes follow his.  

The air leaves your lungs, but you feel Seonghwa’s thumb brush a comforting line over your skin, “Go,” 

“Hwa,”

“If you’ll excuse us,” Seonghwa interrupts you and gives a dazzling smile to your party, “her partners just arrived and it’s been a few months with the tour,” 

You’ll have to have a word with him about his word choice later, you notice the way Hongjoong’s eyes widen, but Jongho and Eunji just nod with understanding. The bond between alphas and their omega isn’t something to be taken lightly, and they take a step back to clear your path. 

You recover just enough to leave with normal pleasantries, “Thank you, sorry to run,” 

“No, no, of course,” Jongho nods, “it was nice to meet you.” 

“If I ever drop by the studio to see Jiwoo,” Eunji adds, “I’ll make sure to say hello,” 

“That would be nice, I look forward to it,” Your body is all but screaming at you to move now. 

“Well,” Seonghwa pushes you forwards, “I’m sure we’ll see each other later on in the evening,” 

Hongjoong says something more but you don’t quite hear it, and suddenly you’re being propelled forwards. Seonghwa dips his head towards you ear, “Good luck, be braver than I would be,” 

And then you’re alone, surrounded by bodies but alone nevertheless. 

You’re not exactly prepared for how you’re going to feel when you see them again. It’s been months, and the first thought that strikes you is how much they’ve changed in such a short time. Mingi looks broader somehow, but his face looks a little thinner and more angular, like he’s lost weight from all the performances and training and travel. Yunho’s hair is a little longer, the back a shaggier against his neck, but intentionally so, and the cut of his jacket makes his shoulders look wider. You want to barrel into their chests and tug them as close to you as you can, but instead you take a steadying breath and just give yourself a second to drink them in. 

You can’t stop yourself from smiling at the way they stand side by side as they wait for their drinks at the bar, and butterflies ripple through you, but despite everything you felt while they were gone there’s no fear. You just missed them, really and truly missed them. 

You’re moving before you consciously think it through and you watch their eyes widen when they see you coming, but it only spurns you on faster until you’re all but crashing into their sides at the bar. 

“Hey,” You’re just so happy to see them you can’t get the grin off your face, “you’re back,” 

“We’re back,” Mingi nods, and you can see the hesitation in his face. 

“I’m,” A million words run through your mind, but you settle on the truth, “so happy to see you,” 

“You are?” Yunho’s brows go high. 

“Yeah,” You step a little closer, letting the words you’ve been holding finally roll off your tongue, “this isn’t the place to talk, but yes, I’m happy to see you, I missed you both.”

Mingi exhales heavily and his lips quirk up. 

Lowering your voice a little more, you hold Mingi’s gaze, “I got your letter,” 

Yunho’s head twists to the side, confusion all over his face as he looks to Mingi for clarity. 

“We should talk,” You want to reach out so badly, but you hold it back for now, “but I wanted you both to know I’m sorry too, and I’m really glad you’re home now,” 

“Me too,” Mingi nods. 

“Good,” You sigh, “that’s good,”

“Are we okay?” Mingi glances between both of you. 

“Yes,” You nod, “I still think we should talk, we left things badly before, but I thought a lot about everything and I don’t want things to be uncomfortable anymore.” 

In the background you hear the speakers cut off the ambient music, and someone taps on a microphone to check that it’s connected. You glance towards the stage and see someone preparing to introduce Hongjoong. 

“Should we go somewhere?” Yunho asks, “Now?” 

The man on stage clears his throat into the microphone. 

You shake your head, “Not tonight, I want to be here for Hongjoong,” 

“Of course,” He backtracks. 

You reach for him this time, resting your hand on his forearm, “But maybe later this week when you’re settled we can just clear the air. I have some things I want to tell you,” 

He swallows tightly, and you can feel that he’s a little nervous but he nods, “Sure,” 

“I just,” You step back and look between them both, “I didn’t want you to stress about coming back to the studio,” 

The relief is palpable between all three of you as Hongjoong takes the stage, and Mingi says, “For a second I was worried you weren’t going to be here,” 

“No, I was just running so late,” You admit. 

“You’ve been okay?” He asks. 

“I am,” You nod, “you both are?”

“Good,” Mingi says. 

“Tired,” Yunho shrugs, and you suppose you can see a little of that in his eyes. 

“Seonghwa said your flights were delayed,” 

“Something like ten hours,” He sighs. 

“Are you sure you’re okay to come back tomorrow already?” You press them, “You’ll be jet lagged,” 

“We’ll be fine,” Yunho smiles a little at your concern, “don’t worry,” 

There’s a pause, a bubbling lull between you, but you can’t keep yourself from saying it, “I really am so glad to see you,” 

“Me too,” Yunho says. 

Mingi nods, but then his eyes flick up and he gestures behind you, “Someone’s looking for you,” 

You check over your shoulder and see Wooyoung lingering nearby and when he catches your eyes he points to his glass and then to you, checking to see if you need another and giving you a smooth out if you need one. You shake your head and turn back to Yunho and Mingi, “I should go,” 

“Okay,” Mingi says. 

You think suddenly if you walk away without making a plan you’ll think of nothing else all night until you can’t sleep, “Saturday,” you blurt out, “are you free?” 

“Yeah,” Yunho says and Mingi nods. 

“Let’s get dinner,” You say it before you can panic and take it back, “you can tell me about tour and I can… I have things I want to tell you,” 

“Just say when and where,” Mingi says, “we’re there.” 

“Okay,” You sigh, “good, perfect,”

You can practically feel Wooyoung hovering at your back and you take a deep breath as you step away, but part of you wishes you could just take Yunho up on his offer to get out of here. 

“y/n,” Yunho smiles a little, stopping you in your tracks, “you look happy,” 

“I am happy,” You tell him honestly. 

“That’s good,” He breathes. 

“Saturday,” You nod, “I’ll catch you both up on Saturday,” 

You see a flicker of something in Mingi’s expression, but then he smiles, “Wouldn’t miss it,” 

You turn before you lose your nerve and run straight into Wooyoung carrying two full glasses of champagne. 

“Everything okay?” He asks, pushing a glass into your hands, some of the bubbling liquid spilling over the sides and over your fingers. 

“Good,” You assure him, tugging him away from the bar and towards the back wall where you can talk to him unobserved. 

“I wasn’t sure if you needed rescuing,” 

“I didn’t,” You tell him, “I was doing fine,” 

“Shit,” He grimaces, “did I fuck up your moment?” 

“No, no,” You shake your head, “we’re meeting on Saturday, I’m going to talk to them then,” 

Something’s a little hurried in his face though, his eyes glancing past you again and again, and you can feel that he’s not exactly present. 

“Woo,” You start but he locks his eyes with yours and cuts you off. 

“I think I just met the love of my life,” He stammers, “I might fucking faint,” 

“What?” You hush him, pressing him back into the wall behind you, “Are you serious?” 

“I’m not going to faint for real,” He swats your hands away, “but I don’t know, y/n, I can’t breathe. My fucking chest is tight,” 

“Holy shit,” You manage. 

“I know,” He nods, “I know,” 

“You’re not close to your heat are you?” You probe him, wondering if you need to make a break for San and Seonghwa. 

“No,” He shakes his head, laying a cool hand on his flushed cheeks, “it’s nothing like that,” 

You nod relieved, “Well, then what happened?” 

“Okay,” He takes a long steadying breath, “you see that guy on stage? The one to the left of Hongjoong?” 

“Choi Jongho?” Your voice spikes up and he shushes you frantically. 

“No, oh my god,” He waves his hand to get your volume down, “he’s engaged, y/n, no, the other one,” 

You look to the left of Jongho and take in the third man on stage. He’s the one who introduced Hongjoong, his voice low and velvety soft. He has long blonde hair that brushes his collar bones, the top half gathered into a messy but chic bun. You can tell from here he’s handsome, devastatingly so, with a cool expression and his lips parted just enough to make you wonder how he kisses. 

“Oh,” You nod, “got it,” 

“Exactly,” He runs a panicked hand through his own hair. 

“He’s an alpha?” You surmise, “Did you catch his scent or,” 

Wooyoung’s shaking his head frantically before he can finish his words, “He’s a beta,” 

You can’t control the surprise in your expression, Wooyoung’s only ever really gone for alphas. It makes sense, most omegas do, considering the hindbrain of it all, but Wooyoung’s looking about as wrecked as you’ve ever seen someone. 

On stage, Hongjoong gestures towards the two men on his left and you switch your focus from Wooyoung’s whining panic to the man addressing the crowd, “I have one more announcement to make tonight,” he says, “something that would not have been possible to announce without Choi Jongho. I don’t think I need to tell you what a talent he is and how lucky we are at KQ to have brought him on. We have a preview of something we’d like to share, once again, something I felt very creatively supported in by Kang Yeosang,”

“That’s him,” Wooyoung hisses next to your ear and you refocus, “Kang Yeosang,” 

“Shh!” You hush him, but by the time you can hear Hongjoong again, he’s moved on to announcing that he’s going to preview Jongho’s new single, and you roll your eyes to refocus on Wooyoung, “So who’s this guy?” 

“Creative director,” He explains quickly, “album art, concepts, the works.” 

“Damn,” You manage. 

“He’s so fucking smart, y/n, you have no idea,” He breathes. 

“So you actually talked to him?”

“Talked to him?” He laughs, “I had his cock down my throat like thirty minutes ago,” 

“Jesus Christ, Wooyoung, that’s too much information,” You smack his arm. 

He rolls his eyes and continues, “We bumped into each other in the hall, like physically bumped into each other. I spilled my drink all down his nice white shirt,” 

The shirt Yeosang is wearing is still crisp white, so you assume there’s more to this story before he even keeps going. 

“I felt like an idiot,” He admits, “pulled him into the bathroom and told him I could fix it right up with a little club soda,” 

“Okay,” 

“He barely said anything at first,” Wooyoung continues, “I was just rinsing his shirt out while he stood there half naked looking like Michalangelo or something,” 

“I don’t think Michaelangelo was very cut,” You smirk. 

“The statute,” He swats you, “you know the one, don’t fuck with me,” 

“Okay, fine, go on,” 

“Anyway,” He sighs, “I was just talking, keeping the conversation going, fucking babbling while I washed out his shirt and then before I knew it he had me pressed up against the mirror with his tongue down my throat,” 

“Wow,” 

“One thing led to another,” He blushes again, “and then we just talked while I finished drying his button down,” 

“Wow, again,” You breathe. 

“I know,” He breathes, “I’ve never felt like this,” 

“Okay,” You squeeze his hand, “but, Woo, this is a good thing,” 

“I know, but I’m kind of fucking terrified,” He admits, “is this how you felt?”

“Pretty much,” 

“It’s awful,” He admits. 

“Tell me about it,” 

The crowd around you starts clapping, the speeches are over, and the men on stage start to head down the side steps to rejoin the crowd as the single begins to play. Everyone in the room is listening attentively to the music except you and Wooyoung. 

“What are you going to do?” You ask him, your voice low. 

“Go home with him,” Wooyoung checks his watch and then presses his untouched glass of champagne into your hands, “I’ve got to go,”

“Whoa,” You shake your head, “are you sure that’s a good idea?” 

“I’m a big boy,” He rolls his eyes again. 

“Text me his number, and his address,” You insist, “and check in with me tomorrow. If you don’t, I’m calling Seonghwa and San.” 

“Oh my god, please don’t do that.” He grimaces, texting you Yeosang’s contact information anyways. 

“Don’t make me,” You tell him. 

“Fine,” 

“Have fun, please be safe,” You’d take his hand, but yours are full of champagne. You hope the genuineness of your expression gets your point across to him. 

“I will,” he promises, “and I’ll call you. We’ll talk all about Saturday too, I just,” 

“I get it,” You nod, “honestly, I do,” 

“Thank you,” His eyes soften, “and please, don’t tell San and Seonghwa. Not yet,” 

“I won’t,” You assure him, “just go, be happy,” 

“You too, okay?” He smiles, “Whatever it is, you do it. You deserve it after all this,” 

Your stomach warms at that, and you know he’s right, you just want to do this the right way for once. Over Wooyoung’s shoulder you see the blonde man in question smoothly cutting his way through the crowd, and you nod towards him, “Get out of here, I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” 

He’s gone without another word, just a rushed smile as he weaves his way towards Yeosang, a bright and beaming grin now on his face. He’s a goner, you can see it clear as day. A brief flickering question passes through your mind of how this might affect his dynamic with Seonghwa and San, but given the way your best friend is lit up from the inside it doesn’t even matter. If you deserve to be happy like that, so does he, however it happens. 

With Wooyoung gone, you take a moment to survey the room, but you can’t find your group anymore. You see people from KQ you recognize, but your normal BB Trippin group is nowhere in sight and Yunho and Mingi are no longer towering over everyone at the end of the bar. You listen to the rest of the new single, something soulful and rooted in R&B just like Hongjoong had described to you all those months ago. 

As you listen to the crooning love song, your mind loops through the encounter with Yunho and Mingi, of every microexpression and you get lost in your plans for Saturday yet again. How you’ll tell them you’re sorry, how you’re ready to move on and to be honest with one another. How much you still want them, that you might love them. 

You don’t know how long you’re standing there by the back wall, thoughts tumbling over what-ifs when you’re brought back to reality. 

“Tough night?” A voice makes you jump, a little more champagne dipping out of your glasses as you turn to the side. 

“Hey, Minseok,” You laugh a little, “you scared me,” 

“Sorry,” He smiles, begging off, “I just meant the two drinks, and you know, hiding in the corner,” 

“Oh,” You shake your head, “no, Wooyoung ran off and stuck me with his glass. Do you want?” You offer it to him. 

“Sure,” He nods, smoothly taking the glass from your hands. 

You take a quick sip from yours and clear your throat softly, “So, enjoying the party?” 

He nods, “It’s nice, but honestly I was just about to get out of here and call it a night,” 

“Me too,” You nod. You’d try to say goodbye to Hongjoong, but he’s been tied up all evening mingling, and without any of your friends in sight it seems as good a time as any to slip out. 

“Let me walk you out,” He offers, plucking the champagne from your fingertips and placing both glasses on one of the nearby side service tables. 

You probably would have finished it, and a flicker of annoyance passes through you, but you let it pass and nod, “Sure,” 

You’re not far from the door, and he organizes grabbing both of your checked jackets as he makes small talk, “Are you taking the train or,” 

“I’ll probably order a car,” You usually do when it’s late like this and you’ve had a few drinks despite the extra cost. 

“Me too,” He nods, passing your jacket over. 

You shrug it on and search for something to say, but Minseok isn’t as forthcoming and chatty as some of the other dancers, “Do you live closeby?” 

“More towards Itaewon,” He zips his jacket and gestures towards the exit doors that will lead you out onto the street. 

“Mm,” You nod, pushing through the doors. 

“You know, we could,” Minseok starts to say, but the minute you step aside you finally see some familiar faces. 

“There you are!” You smile, and your familiar group of dancers turns at your voice. 

Minseok says something else, but you don’t quite catch it and you spin to apologize quickly over your shoulder before rejoining your friends. 

“I thought you left,” San ushers you over to their group. 

“Good timing,” Seonghwa adds, “my car’s not far, you want a ride?” 

“Sure,” You nod, you’ll never turn down a less expensive rideshare. 

Yunho and Mingi are talking with Jaemin at the edge of the group, but you catch Mingi’s glancing eye and give him a smile. It’s impossible to just smooth over your last real conversation with them, but you’re trying to signal in every little way that you want to move past it, that his letter meant something. You’ll lay out the rest for them as soon as you get them alone. 

He smiles back, quickly catching that you’re about to leave and you can see that he wants to step away from the conversation he’s having about some missteps from the tour. 

“Have you seen Wooyoung?” San asks, bringing your attention back. 

“For a second,” You nod, but look away from quickly as you try to tell a vague white lie, “I think he already split,” 

He hums, but then Seonghwa gently taps your back, “Car,” 

“Oh, perfect,” You step with him and turn to the group, “goodnight everyone, see you in the morning!” 

Dahan and San both give quick, small waves. 

“Goodnight,” Mingi says, his conversation stuttering to a pause so he can address you, “see you,” 

“See you tomorrow,” Yunho adds, nodding. 

Your stomach feels like it might flutter right out of your body. 

“I’ll have him drop you first,” Seonghwa says as he helps you into the car, jogging to the opposite side to get in himself. 

As the car pulls away you feel lighter than you have in months, and seeing them again makes everything feel so much more sure. They’re real, they’re back, and they want to see you too. Everything else falls to the side, for once the path forwards is crystal clear. 

[nakakahilo]

THE GUY AT THE BACK (pt.3)

summary: when given a chance to interact more with tsukishima, you (hesitantly) take the chance even though it only gets more awkward from there on.

contents: tsukishima kei x gn!reader, yamaguchi third wheeling the most awkward couple of the year. reader slightly simping for kiyoko on the side but who doesn't? lol. not proofread

notes: i miss writing about this prick (affectionate) ❤️ i might write for other haikyuu characters when i get to watch more of it

pt.1 | pt.2 | pt.3

"Say, how about you stay for a while and watch us practice!"

That's how you ended up sitting up against the gymnasium walls, hugging your knees close to your chest as the volleyball club resumes their practice. However, the coach is also there so you had to ask permission to watch... and he agreed. Weirdly enough.

In the little time you've spent there, you gradually learned all of the members' names via the club manager, Shimizu. A quiet beauty, you could say. Though you could barely utter a single sentence to her without stuttering.

She stands beside you, clutching her notes and watching the club does a practivr match against each other. You, in particular, keeps a close eye on the orange-haired boy whom you now know as Hinata, the same one Tsukishima was taunting earlier.

A gasp escapes you, eyes twinkling in admiration as he delivers a quick spike, hitting the floor in less than a second. His speed like the spawn of lighting. "He's fast." You manage to slip out, catching Shimizu's attention.

She nods affirmatively, "He is one of the fastest spikers on the team."

"I see."

There's a momentary pause in your conversation. Then, Shimizu speaks.

"You're friends with Tsukishima, right?" She asks out of the blue, surprising you.

"I wouldn't say we're friends, it's..." You glance at Tsukishima's direction, unable to stop the fuzzy feeling in your chest when your eyes meet. "Complicated." You look away immediately.

Shimizu lets out a small chuckle at your flustered expression, "That sounds about right." She doesn't clarify and changes the subject to something else.

Minutes later, the practice comes to a stop, giving the players some time to take a break and recover their energy. In the corner of your eye, you notice Shimizu walking to the benches to pick up the water bottles and towels. You assume she's going to pass them out to the players.

"Ah, Kiyoko! Let me help." You immediately stand up and catch up before she could get far.

She seems surprised by your offer, "No, I can do it. I couldn't ask that of you." She shakes her head.

"No, it's okay! I want to help." You insist, smiling widely. However, you remember that you're merely an observer here and feel a little shame for getting in the way of her work. After all, she's part of the club and you aren't. "I-If you let me."

Shimizu smiles softly, it makes your heart skip a beat. Almost.

"Alright." She says calmly and hands you a water bottle, "Could you perhaps give this to Tsukishima then?"

Her request seems normal, but specifically giving it to Tsukishima makes the gears in your head turn. If she purposefully trying to make you talk to him, or is it just pure coincidence? You shake your head to chase away the thought and return her smile.

"Yeah, of course." You take the water bottle. Shimizu turns back to the other members to assist them, and you immediately go look for the tall blonde.

He wasn't hard to spot at all, considering his height. He sits with his friend, Yamaguchi, on a nearby bench and seemingly in conversation. Or at least Yamaguchi is while he merely offers curt responses.

It makes you wonder if he's always like that to his friends.

You begin to approach and it instantly catches his attention. Yamaguchi pauses the moment to stand in front if them, following Tsukishima's lead.

"Um, here." You give him the water bottle, trying to hide the internal embarrassment from your face and body language. "Shimizu asked me to give you this."

"Ah, you mean Kiyoko?" Yamaguchi blurts out. You look at him, he seems more talkative here than in the classroom. You nod in response.

Tsukishima wipes his sweat with his towel first before taking the bottle off your hands. "Thanks." He mutters, averting his gaze the moment your gazes lock. And so did you.

You stand there awkwardly for a couple seconds before making a hesitant step back. "Anyways, I should go and—"

"W-Wait a sec!" Yamaguchi suddenly calls out, stopping you before you get far. "Would you like to walk home with us?"

"Oi, Yamaguchi." Tsukishima warns, sending a glare towards his way.

"Sorry, Tsuki."

The question made you turn, confusion written all over your face. After all, you weren't particularly close with the duo and the first time you've properly talked to Tsukishima was yesterday.

"I mean..." You glance over at Tsukishima, he turns his head away from you. "If it's not too much of a bother. I'd appreciate the company."

"It's not a bother at all." Yamaguchi reassures you, "Right, Tsuki?"

He hesitates, then shrugs. "Do whatever you want."

Well, he didn't say no so that's a good sign, at least.

"Okay, that's great. I'll wait for you guys." You turn your attention back to Shimizu who's now picking up the stray volleyballs lying around the gym. "I better go now."

You didn't wait for one of them to answer and immediately rush over to Shimizu to help her.

Tsukishima watches from his bench, keeping his eye on your interactions with Kiyoko and the other members. A part of him feels strangely attached to you, irritated at the way his fellow first years and a certain second year duo seem to crowd at you in curiosity. Most likely trying to ask you about him.

He sighs and looks away. He'll be seeing you later on anyways.

"Hurry up, we can't wait all day."

"Sorry, Tsuki!"

You hear Tsukishima tell Yamaguchi while he ties his shoes together, their banter brings you back to the present and turn your attention on them.

The sun is beginning to set, drowning the scene in deep amber orange. A small flock of crows sits from a ledge on the gym's exterior, cawing out some sort of cry. They flee as soon as Yamaguchi gets up from his feet and dusts himself.

You stand idly off to the side, rubbing your elbow awkwardly as you try to divert your attention somewhere else. However, you didn't have to wait much longer when the duo approaches you.

"Come on, let's go." Tsukishima urges. He takes the risk of glancing at you but pulls himself away before you notice, "You don't want to stay overnight at school, do you?" A taunting edge to his tone.

It ticks you off.

"A-Alright." You stutter out a weak response and follow behind him, slowly catching up when he subtly slows down to walk by your side.

The three of you pass through the school gates and down the streets, the sky is much clearer now there wasn't any tall buildings blocking the way.

A gentle breeze goes by, making the foilage sway ever so slightly. A leaf falls right as you pass, landing on your head without you knowing.

Regardless, you and Yamaguchi carry on the conversation with Tsukishima offering short, blunt responses when his attention is called. It's almost comedic.

"Ah," Yamaguchi calls out your attention, "You have..." He points to the top of his own head, making you confused and pat your own.

However, Tsukishika beats you to it and plucks the stray leaf from your hair. "You have a leaf in your hair." He says blankly, "Did you seriously not notice it the entire time?"

Embarassed, you turn away and utter a quiet thank you. However with your back turned, you didn't see the tint of pink that settles on Tsukishima's cheeks when he realized the close distance between you two and tries to gain back a little of his space.

The conversation somewhat dies after that. Yamaguchi tried to revive it but you're too occupied with your own thoughts to give proper answers to his questions. And so, the three of you resume walking in silence.

It wasn't as awkward as you originally thought, especially when you begin to take notice of your surroundings and identify the little landmarks you've made in your head to tell when you're getting close to home.

Then, you see your house coming closer into view.

"Ah, this is my stop." You say and begin to head over to the gate, pulling your key from your pockets. However, you pause and turn back to your companions.

"I'll... see you tomorrow?" You awkwardly wave at them.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow!" Yamaguchi  returns your wave when Tsukishima did not.

Without wasting another second, you unlock your gate and go inside, not bothering to look if they already left or not. You hear your mother call out for dinner, but you merely walk pass the kitchen and up into your room.

She watches you go with a shake of her head, "Kids these days... What's going on with them now?"

[bladekindeyewear]

[S] 8r8k artist/writer commentary part 2

(Part 1 link) Part 2 of the commentary for the flash just came out on Patreon! I'm reading through for anything especially clarifying or plot-relevant under the cut, skipping most of the fluff and not-specifically-understanding-relevant stuff as usual so Patreon subscribers can enjoy it.

Hopefully we get a hint of clarification on some things like exactly what "Hell Tier" is and how it differs (or doesn't!) from Ultimate Self ascension, and why Karkat thanked her for the "obnoxious laser assist", unless he was thanking Jake to the side when he said that...

Alright, starting my skim through this for useful details... a bit more about the super-detailed Sollux bit, they mention again that he doesn't have his teeth, but specifically also that "he does indeed have both eyeballs, they're just black". (And still blind I'd assume.) Interesting.

OH, THIS I didn't catch: The flash isn't meant to take place over a short period of time, but rather from sunset through NIGHT (the second half of the flash, when Jake rises up, Rose points at her forehead and Vriska does her thing) up to the EDGE of daybreak at the very end.

Kim: We’ve finally reached THE NIGHT! As I’ve emphasized in the last few of our artist commentaries, the gradual change of time and when the events in these past few updates have occurred have very deliberate symbolism to it. Light and shadow played a VERY important role during this flash, and we knew very specifically it had to be night time for the climax of 8r8k. If you think about it, it’s kinda crazy that they’ve been fighting like this for HOURS. Even until daybreak… At the very end of the flash, you can actually see the sun rising JUST a bit over the horizon too…

We have Jake rising up, and the wings, and in a sense Tavvy seeing his father as a more literal God as they say he "has probably always thought"? Good characterization to keep in mind.

Oh, the Rose pointing at her forehead for the bullet is an explicit reference to a famous scene/panel from the manga "MONSTER", I wouldn't have noticed that. A badass if fatalistic shot as a culmination of her "cold" mindstate leading up to this moment, they say. To also quote one of them, "Oh Rose…what are you doing man.".

(Horses and the intro to the final Vriska self-reuniting scene, let's see... I wonder if they'll mention some classpect stuff...)

[KIM:] (Vriska)’s request for Vriska to accept (her)self wholly had been tormenting her for YEARS, literally a looming shadow over her… haunting her… I wanted the irony to be palpable that even though Vriska, clearly an adult by now, was posed with what would objectively be such a simple task still made her feel so small in the face of it even beside her younger self.

The shot of her sadly looking back at her message to Terezi from John's device...

Floral: It was early on decided that Terezi was the bridge between these two Vriska’s, and that despite what Vriska put (Vriska) through or her constant rejection, (Vriska) being able to still empathize her other self was a prime example of what Vriska could be. It’s not about loving someone more than you hate yourself but something crazier and more complicated. I love Vriska.

They note an intentional and almost hilarious contrast between how the adult Vriska is drawn in detail and the smaller (Vriska) is drawn in her old MSPA Hero Mode style... (Vriska) being scared and backing away because of all the bullying Vriska mixed in to the rest of the (four-ish!!) years she's been stuck revisiting her and failing...

((Including shooting at her with a gun, that was still a crazy thing to mix in I don't know what the fuck was up with that, lol. Part of my mind still can't help but distantly wonder if that was a reference to my other username but, naaah.))

The final hug moment "like an older sister reconciling with their younger sibling", they're talking about how showing the resolution in this action showed the "acceptance" more than any words could so it made sense to show it in this form here, in the flash, instead of earlier...

Davepeta understandably the happiest about this development among her supporters, and a bit of mention of:

Miles: In many ways the fate of a sprite is to be an agent of someone else’s journey, but 8 years in silent hill is vicious work.

Yup, yup...

Then Vriska is alone and surprised to have "finally accepted herself as a whole"...

Alright, seems we're moving out of the Plot Point and back to the action.

"[Floral:] Her cheshire grin as she totally fucks up Rose’s plan." I definitely enjoyed that, yeah.

They say they wanted it to "mirror Terezi's hand as all of Meat was flashing by", but I guess I still don't get the full significance of their decision to have that huge Meat flashback just before the moment happened... partially to signal Ultimate Vriska's awareness of the entirety of the situation (Light) upon her ascension here if I had to guess, and another excuse to show Terezi as the emotional bridge? They don't quite say here.

Ah, they "decided that the meteor would explode" at that moment in the flash, and they show the blue light blast behind her; I wonder if the laser was let through or if the destruction was an explosion from within as Vriska came out and rescued the others? Was the meteor exploding UPWARD with her ascendant emergence the "obnoxious laser assist"?

Kim: AND HERE SHE IS IN ALL HER GLORY…. HELL TIER VRISKA!!! [...snipping some text...] It’s everything about her, but AMPED UP!!!

I suppose they're mostly focusing on their design choices and not spoiling us on details or "why"s (yet)?

OH WAIT THEY DO TELL US SOMETHING HERE IN A BIT:

Now, you may have been wondering, “what the haell is all the hubbub with this ‘HELL TIER’ nonsense I keep hearing about?” You can actually thank that one for being another Andrew Hussie original! If you’re a hardcore Beyond Canon fan, some of you may remember that it was mentioned Andrew had two mandates for Homestuck’s sequel that HAD to stay from his outline. One, being Yiffany’s character AND……. lo and behold, TWO is Hell Tier Vriska! Her concept and design was one of the first few things we as a team worked on together when this project started up again. While the core of her concept has essentially stayed the same, with our team’s reboot, the direction and purpose of it is what mostly changed. Fun fact, Andrew’s original design notes for her in the outline said she would have red hair, blue skin, and look like an insanely demonic anime pirate lady. Do what you will with that information LOL.

THIS is especially interesting and deserved being quoted in full, my bolding added for anyone curious at some of the differences between Andrew's original outline, Homestuck^2, and the intentionally-loosened-from-his-outline-more Beyond Canon continuation. Because of the intentional differences in tack it sounds like they took in introducing her -- and let me tell you, everything they did with The Plot Point and the 8-year psychology session was BRILLIANT to me and I loved it, personally -- it's difficult to tell what differences there might have been between this and the version Andrew originally had in mind in terms of plot purpose and characterization beyond most likely always being meant to serve as the gateway to get the Omega Kids into Canon, I'd bet. For all we know it could have been more of a Grimbark-like transformation embodying the overembracing of a Thief of Light instead of an ascension from true balance like we saw, but I expect we won't get any answers on differences THAT big between the "outline" and the final plot for a long time, until after the plot is over most likely.

Kim: What we also wanted to emphasize is that this form isn’t exactly like a new state of being like the usual God Tiers, it’s more like a power-up that Vriska has unlocked!

This ALSO doesn't tell us quite where this power came from-- if this is the natural true power of a Thief of Light she's finally tapping into, if this is something "taken" from the nature of The Plot Point's Hell, and/or if this is her Ultimate Self. We simply don't know yet, and they're not telling us just yet!

Alright they're moving on... yep, they gave the "prior Bec Noir"(?) version of Jack an ending by having him serve Jane in that mech and be killed... (I forget, in those hard-to-find snapchats wasn't it Mech Noir and the Felt followers that Jane captured? Eh, this is a detail I feel like I don't care enough to properly reconcile, oddly enough... Although the moon WAS blown apart in this flash so that Jane kidnap snapchat DID happen, was that mecha-Jack actually the former Bec Noir or did they mis-state here? Was it even mecha-Jack? If so then he'd been restored from Mecha status by Jane's Life powers then, which makes some sense. Maybe they're calling him "prior Bec Noir" because of the Bec-Noir-like mecha "BecMech… (Mech Noir?)" he was piloting, so combining them in symbolism. Eh I don't care too much.)

From her in front of the Moon-- I still want to know if she stole Light from the moon like it looked?

Floral: I helped animate this part too and god, when we saw it all together, it was amazing. Vriska fully harnessing her light powers to deliver the most relevant strike the Candyverse has ever seen.

--I'm still unclear if how I saw it is what really happened, I'd have appreciated some clarification. Maybe it was just a dramatic pose and stealing of Jane Crocker's continued relevance and power before her strike. They don't explain the flaming infinity on the ground either or what it accomplished beyond looking awesome.

They mention some other inspirations for Vriska's final blow and the rest of the assault you can read on Patreon that don't have specific plot-relevance that I'd cover, there's plenty of that...

Oh pff... they intended Jane to survive this flash, but Just-A-Head-Jane was apparently an on-the-spot idea here that someone tossed in and they laughed about it but eventually took it seriously and followed through with it, and I'm so glad they did, it's absolutely hilarious and emphasizes Jane's full-strength logic-defying Maid of Life powers and I love it:

Spicyyeti: the talking head was outside the bounds of the flash but i suggested it. and everyone kept saying “why not?” jokingly until they started saying “why not.” seriously. think reanimator, or haunted mansion 2003, or lollipop chainsaw, but especially susie summer killer7……

Miles: That call was hilarious because I think the transition from joke to serious was maybe less than a minute.  Literally as soon as we started talking about it I went into the doc for the next update and replaced every dialogue instance of “Jane” with “Jane’s head” and just kept laughing and laughing; it changed basically nothing about how the update needed to be written but an already funny gag was taken to crazier and more hilarious heights.  I guess I’ll save the rest of this for the next commentary, but seriously choice suggestion from Carmi, who saved our lives in so many ways on this animation it’d take an entire other commentary to list them all. Floral: It was an amazing idea and EXACTLY what the flash needed. And honestly the most Homestuck way to handle the conflict.

I'm in full agreement with them on that, Dullahan Jane is fucking hilarious and the best and a super Homestuck thing to do and I love it.

I suppose that's it for all the bits I find most plot-relevant or interesting for this commentary, but again, if you want more about the juicy art details and less plot-necessary revelations, feel free to chip in to Homestuck's Patreon or wait the 61 days for it to become public!

[therebetterbepie]

wow you need to get over the Destiel hate lol Jensen Ackles himself said the song Watching Over Me is inspired by the story of Dean & Cas

outofpie;

oh are we really doing this in our year of the lord 2025? am i really getting shit about not liking destiel? it's almost nostalgic in a sad sort of way. it's been a long time since i got an anon who was clearly lost.

alright, you wanna do this? okay. i'm game.

let's just take a look at EXACTLY what jensen said about watching over me.

"A lot of songs that Steve and I have written, are.. uh, have double meanings. Uhm, they are analogies or they are, you know.. there's a way to kinda read two meanings into them, uhm.. Yes, the "Watching over me" was definitely, uh.. not all of it, but there were many lyrics in there that were inspired.. uhm by that.. that story, yes."

and just so we're all on the same page here's a link to a post that contains video, audio and text transcripts of the above and the question that inspired that answer.

first of all, he was sure to explain that the song was written as an analogy. it has double meaning. so like many songs, the lyrics don't necessarily outright state the true intention of the song. secondly, he was sure to clarify that NOT ALL OF IT was inspired by that story. so basically this, to me, is just another classic case of destiel shippers cherry picking exactly what they want out of that answer. none of you ever bothered to confirm WHICH parts are inspired by that story, but i'm used to that shit by now haha.

"but oh luke, surely you're biased against destiel," you say. "jensen is admitting dean had feelings for cas."

okay so you just wanna ignore ALL the other things jensen has outright said in regards destiel and to how dean feels about cas? just because he said that one song was vaguely inspired by that story? let me give you some examples of how jensen has felt about destiel over the years.

i'm assuming this all stems from the video i posted but i'll link that here again. jensen said that dean considers cas a "family member" and a "brother in arms" and "someone dean truely loved much like sam." "essentially he lost his brother in that moment." and that's how he played dean's perspective in regards to the 'i love you' scene.

here's a video and if you skip in to about 9:40 jensen talks about how in season 9 he was GLAD that cas and dean barely had any scenes together. "there wasn't a lot of dean and cas storyline in season nine. personally i kinda enjoyed that. i think the whole dean and cas thing has kinda gotten a little out of proportion. [crowd cheers] some of you know what i mean. [...] i don't think there's anything secret to their relationship even though a lot of people wish there was."

how about something more straight forward? here's a video where jensen literally says "destiel doesn't exist." i feel like that's pretty clear, right?

here's a post where jensen is so done entertaining the idea of destiel he won't even let someone ask a question about dean being bi.

those examples took NO time to find by the way, anon. i'm sure i could find more examples but i'd rather do something more fun or productive with my time.

here's the deal. i DON'T and WON'T ever ship destiel. i honestly don't even really give a shit about what jensen says but i'm not gonna let you try and turn one statement into a GOTCHA when there's been so many examples of him saying otherwise.

to me, cas is always going to be dean's friend at MOST. at its core supernatural is a story about two brothers and that's the love story there. the familial love story of sam and dean. as sad as it for dean, he died young and didn't get the love he deserved. and i don't think cas could have ever been that for him either way. but regardless, the show is about sam and dean. it starts with them and it ends with them. period.

you're free to ship whatever the hell you want and i'm gonna ship whatever the hell i want but lets be clear here. nothing said now is canon. destiel will never be canon. the show ended FIVE FUCKING YEARS AGO so if you're buying into any of this shit now i feel sorry for you anyway.

as the kids say these days, go touch some grass.

[something-tofightfor]

On Deck Part 4: Starting Line-Up

Pairing: Jack Daniels x Female Reader Baseball AU

Word Count: 10,185

Rating: M - language, some mentions of past sexual situations, pining (but is it mutual?)

Summary: In the days following Jack's first visit to your place, you're forced to think through just about every possible future scenario. And when he makes an offer you're not expecting, you start to believe that there might be just a little more to it than sex for him.

Author’s notes: 

I absolutely love this chapter. If you skip ahead to the end, there's a picture included to describe the type of view Reader has. I know not everyone is familiar with baseball stadiums and the opportunities they offer for seating, but I also don't want to ruin it too early.

This chapter ALSO features Jack wearing the uniform in this artwork - and is the entire reason this AU was started.

(On Deck universe masterlist for all the extras!)

While there are a lot of baseball references within this story, you only need to know the basics to enjoy it and understand what's going on - we're not getting overly technical here.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out.

The starting line-up is the official list of players who participate from the beginning of the game onward. This may change throughout the season, as players leave due to or return from an injury. Starters are usually the team's best players at their respective positions, and as a result, being a starter often comes with notoriety A spot in the starting line-up is hard-earned. 

You didn’t hear from Jack the following day, but you didn’t expect to. 

Not because you thought he’d used you, but because you knew how busy he’d be between driving to meet with the team in Louisville and then heading back to The Cavalry and playing in that night’s game. 

All day, though, you thought about him - and about the previous day… and night.

Your experience with Jack was different than those you’d read about online, or heard about at games. He’d treated you as an equal, giving you a legitimate explanation as to why he did and didn’t do or want certain things in bed. He hadn’t flaunted his status or reputation throughout the night, and his interaction with the girl at the ice cream parlor proved that Jack was focused on giving kids a good experience when they met him no matter where he was. It’s not just when he’s in uniform. 

You opted to work instead of taking the day off like you’d planned, and he was on your mind as you did so. The memory of his voice rasping in your ear and the feeling of his mouth on your bare skin sent shivers through you while you were poring over spreadsheets and drafting emails, and it made the day go much faster. By the time you were done for the night, you were almost vibrating, the truth of what had happened settling in. 

You’d slept with Jack Daniels. 

You’d met him for something he’d clarified wasn’t a date, and invited him back to your place without a second thought. He’d been nothing but kind to you, and you hadn’t felt that he thought less of you for being so forward. There was a small part of you that wondered if he thought you were easy. But he’s known for being a flirt. He’s been with a lot of people throughout his career, and … 

There was no way to know for sure what was going to happen until you heard from Jack again. You’d need to see how he acted the next time you spoke before you could assume anything - though with Jack, you figured it wasn’t safe to assume at all. 

You wanted to tell Erin what had happened. You wanted her to know everything, because in reality, it was thanks to Caleb that you were even in the position to meet Jack in the first place. But it felt wrong to talk about the not-date, and even more wrong to kiss and tell… so you held off.

And when you woke up on Tuesday morning to a text message from Jack, you were glad that you’d kept quiet. 

Check my Instagram. 

Before even sitting up, you did, groaning at the sight of his newest picture - a promotional shot for that weekend’s games, featuring a close up of his nickname on the back of a bright yellow jersey, the tip of his black bat’s barrel visible where it rested on his shoulder.

When do I get to see the whole thing? 

You double tapped the picture after replying, and didn’t expect a response. But Jack started typing back immediately, his message a completely unexpected one. 

Friday, if you come to the game. 

“Is that an invitation?” Blinking at your phone, you chewed on your lower lip. It seemed like it. It seemed like Jack was making good on his promise that you’d see each other again because he wanted to. But this time, it wasn’t to meet for ice cream. Instead, it was a personal invitation to his first game back with The Statesman. 

This weekend has been sold out for weeks, Jack. I’ll need to find a ticket, but I’ll see what I can do. 

You didn’t have a chance to open a search for tickets before your phone was ringing, Jack’s name on the screen. What the fuck? Why is he calling me? Taking a few seconds to compose yourself, you took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?” 

“‘Morning, sunshine.” He laughed and then scoffed. “That was real cheesy, right?”

“A little.” But you were laughing, too. “You’re up early.” 

“Have to stay on schedule during the season.” He paused and cleared his throat. “And I’ve got some packing to do before I come back to Louisville.” So he’s cleared. “I’ll be back for Friday night for sure.” 

“That’s great, Jack.” You rubbed at your eye with one hand. “Bet you’re happy.”

“I am. I miss my bed.” You didn’t know how to answer him, but he spoke again before the silence stretched for too long. “And about a ticket … I can get you in on Friday.” What? “Actually…” He trailed off, and a few seconds later, Jack sighed. “Do you think your friend and her brother would want to come with you?”

“I can see. I’m not sure. It’s a Friday night, so she’s probably going to be with her boyfriend, but -”

“Invite him too.” Jack said your name. “Give me a couple hours, and I’ll let you know for sure, but four of you shouldn’t be a problem.” 

“You don’t have to do that, Jack.” Sitting up straight, you held your phone tightly with one hand. “It’s -”

“I know.” You could tell that he was smiling, and when Jack spoke again, you heard the laughter in his voice. “I want to.” You didn’t argue, lifting your free hand and biting down on one knuckle. I want you to, too. “I know you’ve gotta work today, but can I call you back later? I need to make sure I’ve got tickets, and -”

“Of course. I’ve got a meeting at 11:30, but aside from that, I’ll be able to answer all day.” 

You hung up soon after that, Jack telling you to have a good morning and you repeating the same back to him. But you didn’t get out of bed right away, instead lowering your phone and staring at the ceiling in shock. What the fuck did I get myself into? 

— 

He called back a little after 1 PM, his cheerful voice loud in your ear. “Tickets are yours. All you’ll have to do is go to Will Call and give ‘em your name and they’ll be able to help you.” 

“Four of them?” He confirmed. “Thank you, Jack. I wasn’t… I didn’t think you’d…” 

“Well I did. And you’re welcome. I hardly ever ask for anything, and the ticket lady the players talk to loves me, so this was easy.” But the confirmation that you had tickets raised an issue for you - and it required you to explain it to Jack. 

“Erin’s going to ask how I got them.” Leaning back in your chair, you stared up at the ceiling. “And I don’t want to lie to her.” 

“So don’t.” His tone was matter of fact, Jack’s next words shocking you. “Tell her I got them for you.” But that will bring up what happened the other day. “Didn’t you tell her you were goin’ out with me last weekend?”

“No. I didn’t tell anyone.” He was silent in response, which surprised you a little. Why is that a shock to him? Did he really think I’d tell people? “That’s not my style, Jack.” 

“I appreciate that, darlin’.” It made you smile again, especially with the way his voice dropped as he spoke the word. “But you tell her whatever you need to. You don’t need to keep me a secret.” 

“I don’t think I need to tell her everything to offer her tickets to a game, but I’ll keep that in mind.” He laughed at you, the sound turning into a groan - and you savored the sound of it, biting your lip before you continued. “I’ll let you know for sure after I talk to her, but I’ll definitely be there on Friday even if they’re not.” 

“Good. That’s real good.” Jack cleared his throat. “I’m gettin’ ready to go to the stadium now, so if I don’t answer, that’s why.” He doesn’t need to explain himself to me. I don’t… why is he doing this? “Talk to you soon?”

“Sure.” Your smile widened, and when the two of you hung up a few seconds later, you tossed your phone down onto your desk. Shit. 

Things were escalating quickly, thanks to Jack taking the initiative - and it stunned you. He hadn’t mentioned seeing you again, though, which gave you pause. But he’s going to be busy before Friday, and then he’s got games all weekend, so there might not be time. Maybe that’s why he didn’t suggest it.

A quick check of the schedule told you that the team was leaving for a short road trip on Sunday afternoon, which meant that he’d be on the go almost immediately. So it makes sense. I’ll just see him from the seats. 

It was somewhat disappointing, there was no way around it. But the fact that he’d invited you in the first place cheered you up enough that you reached for your phone again, opening your messages with Erin. 

Hey, got something to ask you. Call me when you’re done with work? 

— 

Her phone call came just after 5 that day, Erin’s greeting friendly but curious before she jumped right in. “You usually don’t ask to ask me things. Why today?” 

“What are you doing Friday?” Tilting your head back, you closed your eyes and enjoyed the heat of the sun on your face. “Friday night, I mean. After work?” 

“Troy and I were going to go to dinner, but that’s about it.” Perfect. “Why? What are you doing on Friday?” 

“Do you want to go to the Statesman game?” You paused, opening your eyes and looking out at your yard. “You and Troy and Caleb?” She was quiet for a few seconds and you were too, waiting. “I’ve got four tickets, and -”

“Isn’t it Players Weekend? I thought it was sold out. Caleb’s been talking about it for like a month.” 

“It is. And yeah, it’s sold out. But I was offered tickets. Free tickets.” 

“From where?” There it is. “Did they reach out because they saw your post about Caleb and Jack?” You thought of Jack’s words - of him telling you to tell Erin, of his assurances that it was alright for you to talk about knowing him. I’m still not going to tell her everything, but … 

“No. It wasn’t the team, Erin. It was Jack.” You heard her intake of breath, but before she could say anything, you continued. “He messaged me after he saw it the other day, and we ended up going out on Sunday night for -”

“You what?!” She screeched the words in your ear and then laughed. “Shut the fuck up.” 

“We went and got ice cream. He was up here to work out with the team and to take pictures for next weekend, and had no plans, so…” 

“So you went out with him. Fuck me, that’s wild. I told you making that post was worth it. So you went out on a date and then he offered you tickets for another game? Why four? Why not just -”

“I’m not sure.” Standing, you stepped out onto the grass, the blades of it cool against your feet. “But he called me this morning and suggested it. He specifically mentioned you and Caleb, but I have no idea where the tickets are, so I can’t promise anything.” 

“He called you? He must like you.” She laughed, the sound turning into a hum. “What else happened Sunday aside from the ice cream?” She was teasing you - and there was no concrete reason for you to answer her, but you did anyway. 

“He came back here for a little while.” Curling your toes, you let out a long sigh. “He didn’t stay the night, though. So -”

“Good for you.” She said your name, waiting until you were quiet to say anything else. “And now he’s offering you tickets. You definitely made an impression.” Your mind wandered back to the time you’d spent with him - to the way his mouth felt as it met yours and the way his hands skated over your skin as they explored your body. He definitely left an impression on me. “I don’t think we should tell Caleb where the tickets are coming from, because he’ll never let you hear the end of it.” She hummed, the woman clearly thinking on her end of the line. “But we’ll go on Friday. It sounds fun.”

“We can take one car. I’ll pick you up.” Walking back to your patio, you paused at the edge of it. “And … Erin? Maybe don’t tell Troy either. Jack said that I could tell you that they’re from him, but I don’t … I don’t know what’s going on, so -”

“My lips are sealed.” She laughed again. “I do have one question, though.” I can already tell this is going to be a doozy. “What’s he like? He handsy? Does he talk a lot? How does he kiss?”

“He’s … thorough.” Your cheeks heated as you spoke, your fingers curling around your phone. Very thorough. “And I would very much like to kiss him again.” A lot. Erin snorted at your reply, muttering the words I knew it under her breath. “He’s nice, Erin. Confident and a little cocky, but not insufferable about it. A little girl interrupted us while we were eating, and he didn’t get mad. He took a couple minutes to talk to her about baseball, and it was just …a relief, I guess? I don’t know. I’m glad he’s not an asshole.” 

“I am too. That would be really disappointing.” It would. “But I’m going to drive home now. Work kicked my ass today, and I need to eat.” She let you know that she’d get ahold of you after she talked to Troy and Caleb, and then you hung up, deciding to go back inside so that you could start dinner, too. 

While you cooked, you sent a message to Jack, giving him an update. You kept it simple, giving yourself no time to overthink your words. 

Erin’s in. Looks like it’ll be all four of us Friday. 

You figured he wouldn’t reply, but your phone vibrated a few minutes later with his answer. 

Real happy to hear that. It’s gonna be a good game. 

You thought that was it, but moments later another message came through - and there was a picture attached to it. Second to last time I’m putting on this uniform.

It was slightly blurry and off-center, but it was of Jack. He was dressed in his uniform and missing his hat, the grin on his face wide. You looked closer, seeing that he was standing in front of his locker, and realized that he’d likely taken the photo only moments before sending it. That means it was for me, and… “Shit.” 

If he’d sent you a photo, that meant he was probably waiting for a reply. You didn’t keep him waiting, sending back a winking emoji along with the text: Looking good, Jack - DAMN. But I think I prefer your other uniform. 

It was just flirty enough to let him know you appreciated it, and not over the top the point he’d think you were being clingy. But after a few minutes, you saw that the message had been delivered - and unread … which meant he’d see it after the game. And that means I have a few hours to relax. 

But you didn’t relax. Instead, you ate dinner on the couch and tried not to think too hard about the Friday night game. 

— 

You were a few minutes early to Erin’s on Friday, and Caleb was already waiting in the front yard when you pulled up. 

You heard him yelling for Erin and Troy, even with the windows shut. By the time he was reaching for the door handle, you were laughing, head tilted down and one palm flat against your forehead. “Hey, Caleb. Let me guess… you’re excited.” 

“Of course I am.” He settled into the back seat, buckling in. “Aren’t you? Won’t be as cool as what happened the last game, but my mom gave me money to buy a new jersey.” Well, for me, it’s even more cool, but you don’t know that.

“Oh yeah?” You caught his eye in the rearview mirror, grinning. “Whose are you gonna get?” The look on his face was answer enough, just like you’d assumed. “Jack, then. Hopefully they have one in your size.” 

Erin and Troy approached the car, the woman letting him pass her so that he could sit in the back with Caleb while she took her place next to you. But it was him that spoke first, greeting you and reaching forward to squeeze your shoulder before he was fully situated. “Thank you for driving. And thanks for the tickets.” 

“Yeah, thank you!” Caleb joined in, nodding enthusiastically. “Mom also said we’re supposed to -”

“My mother,” Erin interjected, reaching for the volume knob to twist the radio’s sound lower. “She said we’re supposed to buy you dinner tonight, as a thank you.” 

“It’s not necessary.” Heading down the street, you shrugged. “It’s not like I paid for these tickets, so if we split parking, it’s even.” 

“Still.” She elbowed you. “We’re going to buy you dinner and maybe a drink or two.” I might need those.

The four of you made small talk on the drive downtown, though the closer you got to the stadium, the quieter you got while they kept things going. Why am I nervous? It’s not like I’m going to run into him. 

But there was a chance you’d see him, and that Jack would see you. It seemed inevitable that Caleb would want to go back down closer to the field in an attempt to meet the man a second time. And if that happened, you couldn’t just hang back with Erin, letting Troy sit with the boy. No. I’d have to go, otherwise it looks like I’m avoiding him after he did something nice for us today. 

You were early enough that there was still available parking in the attached garage, and before you could do anything about it, Troy stuck his hand out the window, debit card held firmly between his fingers. 

Erin laughed about it as you pulled away to park, but all you managed was a tiny smile and quiet thank you before slipping into a space. Here goes nothing. 

The four of you joined the slow trickle of other fans heading toward the elevators. After getting on, Caleb inserted himself between Erin and Troy while you leaned against the far wall, chewing on your lower lip. 

“We have to go to Will Call first.” You looked at the preteen, raising a brow. “We can’t just run to get in line like last time.” 

He grumbled back that he knew, and you laughed, your mood lightening considerably. And as your group exited the elevator and turned toward where the ticketing windows were, you stayed that way. Troy offered to wait with Caleb so you weren’t all crowding the line, and you agreed, thankful for a few minutes of time alone with your friend. 

“He’s going to want to go and meet the players.” She spoke quietly, leaning closer to you. “What happens when you see -”

“Nothing.” You shrugged, taking a breath. “Or, nothing weird, I hope. He seems like the kind of guy that wouldn’t make a big deal of what happened.” 

“What about you?” You stepped forward, only a few people between you and the windows. “Can you be cool about it?”

“I’d hope so.” You looked over at her, grinning. “It wasn’t awkward when he left, so I think I did pretty well there.” She didn’t say anything else until it was your turn, Erin stepping forward with you and waiting to see what you’d say. “Hi. I’m supposed to have some tickets waiting for me. I think I’m on a list?” 

The man behind the glass nodded. “I’ll need to see your ID.” Reaching into your bag, you pulled your wallet out and then handed the thin card over, sliding it through the opening. He took it and started typing, his eyes on the computer screen in front of him. “Oh.” He hummed, tipping his head to the side, and then reached for the phone beside the device. “Hey, we need to send someone from SL down to ticketing to pick up a group.” 

You glanced over at Erin, confused, but her expression was the same as yours. SL? What’s that? Turning your head, you looked over at Caleb and Troy, the little boy seated on a stone wall while he looked up to talk to the man. Why do we need to be picked up? The sound of your name got your attention, and you looked back at the window, sucking in a breath. “Yeah? Sorry. I -”

“If you and your group will step off to the side by the door,” he pointed, still smiling. “Someone will be down in a few minutes to escort you in.” He slid your ID back to you. “Have a good night.” You thanked him, somewhat dazed, and turned toward the door, Erin close behind you. 

“We didn’t get tickets? What happens now? What did -” 

“Fuck if I know, Erin. I have no idea what’s going on.” She waved her brother and fiance over, the two of them meeting you moments later. 

“What’s going on? Where are the tickets?” Troy looked between you, frowning. “Do we need to -”

“Someone’s coming to get us.” You stuffed your hands into the pockets of your shorts. “I know nothing else.” Jack had seemed certain that he had tickets available for you, so you weren’t worried about getting into the stadium, but as to whatever else happened, you were clueless. Maybe it’s one of the lower sections. Maybe it’s the club section and we need wristbands or something. 

No one had anything else to say, and by the time the door opened a minute or so later, you were even more confused. But the woman - who introduced herself as Mary - put you at ease. “Welcome to Players Weekend.” She opened the door fully, greeting you by name. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your seats for the game.” Sneaking a look at your friends after you thanked her, you caught Erin’s eye, the woman’s gleaming with intrigue. “It’s a little busy tonight, so make sure you stay close.” 

You did - following Mary as she led you down a short hallway and then through another set of doors and onto the lower concourse. You felt better one you were inside with the crowd, the thought that since you were in the stadium, that was all that mattered crossing your mind. 

But your thoughts blanked as she led the four of you toward a third set of doors and used a badge hanging from her belt to unlock them. “Where are we going?” Caleb broke the silence, the boy pushing forward to stand next to you. “I’ve never been in here before.” 

“This is the entrance to the dugout suites.” Mary looked down at him, her smile gentle. “Not many people have been in them before.” The dugout suites? Freezing at her words, your mouth dropped open. Jack, what did you do? “Come on. Yours is one of the cozier ones, but it’s one of my personal favorites.” A fucking suite? 

You walked down another hallway, the space curving to follow the shape of the stadium, and you realized that you were heading toward the Statesman’s dugout. Your head whipped to the side and you saw that Troy had put that together, too, his eyes wide and his grin threatening to split his face. “A suite? Right by where the players are?” Caleb was next to Mary, the boy’s voice loud. “Why are we -” 

“I don’t know.” She stopped in front of a door that had the words CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE engraved onto a golden plaque next to the team’s logo before reaching for the keycard again “But I do know that you’re going to have an amazing time.” She swiped the card and the light turned green. “Go ahead. Open the door.” Caleb looked back at you and you nodded, lips pressed together in a thin line. 

He opened the door and cautiously peeked inside, but as soon as he saw something, he darted in, leaving the rest of you standing in the hallway. Erin called after him, rushing forward and following him inside, but Mary only laughed, pushing the door all the way open and gesturing for you to follow. 

“The view is incredible, I don’t blame him for being excited.” 

She wasn’t lying. The entire back wall of the suite was windows so that the field stretched out in front of you, a cluster of seats on a small porch visible through the tinted glass. Caleb was busy pulling the door open to get to where they were, but you stopped just inside of the room, shaking your head. “This is too much, I just …” 

“My advice?” Mary looked at you, raising her eyebrow. “Enjoy it.” I will, but… “This is the Champagne Lounge.” 

“As in the team owner?” Troy stepped forward, arms crossed. “That Champagne?”

“Yes.” Mary nodded, giving you a wink. “He chose the decor, so that’s not on us, but …” You really looked around for the first time and had to bite back a laugh at the way it was decorated. I mean it makes sense, but … 

Everything was rustic and warm, the countertops and table surfaces made from gleaming wood. The floor looked a little rougher and worn, and you saw a few small area rugs scattered throughout the space, which made it more inviting. “You have a full menu available to you.” She moved toward the counter, picking up a small binder. “There are snacks and drinks along the back wall,” she pointed with one hand, flipping the pages open. “Left fridge is water and soda. The other is filled with beer, and there are a couple bottles of the Statesman/Whiskey collaboration for you to use.” He shield the binder up. “But if you want other kinds of mixed drinks, they’re all in here and you can order them to be delivered. Same with the food options.”

“How much -”

“Everything is complimentary.” Her smile was soft. “You’ll have an attendant that will come and check on you once I’ve let them know you’re in here, and they’ll be available whenever you need them through the tablet on the counter. But anything in this menu is fair game.” 

It made your head spin. You’d assumed that you’d have tickets somewhere decent - maybe in the lower level - but hadn’t ever even dreamed that Jack would get you a suite, much less Champ’s suite. 

“There’s also something for you in that box over there.” Mary gestured toward a white, rectangular box that was sitting on a small side table. What the hell is that? “There’s a bathroom back here,” she pointed at the side wall, and then put her hand on her hip. “The door does lock if you go out into the hallway, so once all of you leave the suite, you can’t get back in.” 

“Ok.” You nodded, blinking slowly. “It’s taking me a little while to catch up. This is … I wasn’t expecting these seats, and …” She laughed, asking if there was anything else you needed, and when you said no, she turned away and headed for the door, letting you know that someone else would be in a few minutes later. 

And once she was gone, you finally exhaled, covering your face with both hands. “You must have done something right. This is fucking insane!” Erin put her hands on your shoulders, saying your name. “How did -”

“I don’t know.” Biting your lip, you shook your head rapidly. “I have no fucking idea, this is …” 

“Are you guys coming out here?” Caleb poked his head in, his eyes bulging. “You can see the whole place. We’re right next to the dugout. I can see the steps where the players walk out onto the field!” Troy took a few steps forward and Erin followed, looking back at you. 

“Give me a second.” You could tell she was worried, but she still went, leaving you alone in the interior of the suite. After spinning slowly around to take everything in, you reached for your phone, fingers shaking as you opened your text with Jack. The last message was from him, sent hours earlier - and telling you to enjoy the game. 

You didn’t know what to think. You wanted to let him know you were grateful, but didn’t trust your voice not to waver in a voice message. So you settled for raising the device and taking a selfie, the suite and field visible behind you. 

This is too much, Jack. But thank you. I don’t even know what else to say. 

He was likely getting ready in the locker room - and you didn’t know if he’d even see the message before taking the field. But he’ll see it later. And he’ll see what time I sent it. You were just getting ready to put your phone away and join your friends when a message popped up on the screen. 

You’re welcome. But where’s your jersey? 

“What jersey?” You hadn’t ever told him that you owned one, but when your eyes flicked over to the white box again, your stomach dropped. He didn’t. Leaving your phone on the counter, you approached the box, dimly aware of the sounds of your friends talking through the open door. Using both hands, you lifted the lid, swearing as the contents came into view. “Jesus, Jack. What the fuck.” 

There was a note sitting atop the bright yellow fabric, and with unsteady hands you reached for it, heart pounding while you read the words. 

(Note text: Couldn’t start the game dirty. Thought you might want this though. JD)

You lifted it out of the box, holding it up in front of you. Immediately, your eyes were drawn to a black smudge on one shoulder, and you laughed as you realized what it was from. He’s worn this. 

It was the jersey he’d worn in the promo shots, and the smudge was from the bat where it had rested on his shoulder. And I get to keep it? 

Before you could second guess yourself, you pulled the jersey on over the clothing you wore, leaving it unbuttoned. Shivering at the thought that the last person to have worn it was him, you leaned back over and grabbed your phone before heading outside. 

Erin’s eyes widened at the sight of you, and Troy also looked surprised, but after a swift shake of the head from your friend, he stayed quiet. Please do. I don’t want to talk about this right now. 

Caleb was standing on one of the seats, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the ledge in front of him. Instead of saying anything to your friends, you focused on him, calling out his name. “We got a pretty good view, hmm?”

“Yeah. The on deck circle is right there. Theres a net in the way, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll get to watch everyone while they wait to hit.” What? You crossed the small space and stood next to him, also resting your elbows on the ledge. “Do you think I can take pictures of the batters?”

“I don’t see why not.” You eyed the ground in front of you, the Statesman logo almost mocking you. It’s so close. He’s going to be right there before he bats. “Just make sure the flash is off. I feel like it would be pretty distracting otherwise.” He agreed with you, nodding. 

“Hey, take a picture of us.” Erin leaned forward, holding her phone out. “We’ll send it to my mom.” You did as she asked, taking a few of the three of them standing in front of the netting. It was only then that Caleb saw what you were wearing, the boy asking you question after question that you answered with partial truths. 

You didn’t want to lie to him, but knew Erin was right; telling Caleb that you and Jack were in contact wasn’t a good idea. Not yet. Not until I know more about what this is. But seeing your jersey brought up the fact that if you couldn’t get back into the suite after leaving, there was no way for Caleb to get his. 

He was disappointed until the suite attendant appeared a few minutes later to take your food order - and then asked if there was anything else she could do for you. “Is there any way he could go and buy a jersey? We didn’t know we’d be in a suite, so we didn’t stop on the way, and he’s -”

“Of course.” She looked down at Caleb, grinning. “I can take you, or one of the adults here can come with us.” She pointed. “There’s a team shop right above where we are.”

‘I’ll go with you, buddy.” Troy stepped forward, reaching out to ruffle Caleb’s hair. “Might want to get one of my own.” He looked over at you and winked, and it took everything in you not to groan. Smooth, Troy. 

They left you and Erin moments later, and as soon as the door shut behind them, she whirled to face you, her eyes wide. 

“We’re in the owner’s suite. He gave you the fucking jersey he wore to do promo shots for this weekend.” She scoffed, raising her voice. “Fuck, that’s probably the first Statesman uniform he’s had on since he got hurt, and now it’s yours.” She paused, gesturing toward the field. “You must have been amazing in bed, because -”

“Erin.” Holding both hands up, you shook your head. “I’m just as confused as you are. He said he wanted to see me again, but when he asked about tickets for this weekend, he didn’t mention anything after, just… this.” You used one hand to indicate the suite you were in. “And by this I mean tickets. I had no idea it was going to be a suite. It’s too much.” 

“Maybe he’s hoping for a really nice ‘thank you’ blowj-”

“I don’t think so.” You cut her off, sinking into one of the chairs and crossing your arms. “I asked if I could the other night, and he said no, because we didn’t know each other well enough. And I don’t think that’s changed.” 

You didn’t want to admit that the same thought had crossed your mind - that Jack was being so generous because he expected something in return. But he didn’t hesitate to ask for things in bed. If it happens again, he’d just tell me what he wanted so that I could either say yes or no. 

“You’re joking.” She sat next to you, crossing her legs and leaning closer. I’m not. “Did … did you even have sex? Because if you didn’t, and he’s doing this? Then -”

“We did.” It was a relief to admit it, even though you hated the idea of spreading personal details. “And it was good, Erin. Like, really fucking good. But there’s no way it was this good, especially for him. You’ve seen the same things online that I have about him. No one’s ever … people would talk about him doing this for them. And no one has.”

“So maybe they lied.” She shrugged. “Maybe they said he wasn’t attentive or interested in more than one night because it was their way of dealing with the fact that he never called them again.” She bit her lip. “Maybe it was them wanting to get the last word in and make it harder for him to do the same in the future.” She reached out, taking your hand and squeezing it. “And maybe the ones that he did this stuff for, if he has in the past? Maybe they respected him enough to keep it quiet.” 

She’s probably right. You swallowed hard, turning your head to look through the netting and at the field. For everyone that had said something negative about their experience with Jack online, there had to be others with good experiences that had kept their mouths shut. And I’m one of those. “What would I do without you?” Squeezing her hand before you let go, you stood again and went back inside of the suite, Erin following closely. “Want a drink? We can open these bottles of Statesman, according to Mary.” 

She did - and by the time Caleb, Troy and the attendant came back a little while later, the two of you were laughing over your drinks, a few of the bags of snacks open on the table between you. Both guys had bought jerseys - Caleb’s was a smaller version of yours, while Troy was wearing one of the Statesman home blues, Jack’s last name and number on the back. 

The food arrived shortly after, and once each of you had made a plate, you headed back outside to sit in the seats and watch the on-field activity, Caleb narrating around mouthfuls of chicken tenders and french fries. 

You relaxed the longer you sat with your friends, and by the time the players started to come onto the field for warm-ups, you’d talked yourself into a state of calm. 

Sort of. 

You were fine until Jack took the field, a chorus of cheers coming from further down the third base line - the same as it had been when you and Caleb had seen him the previous week. Erin shot you a look but you ignored it, instead watching as he began his stretches, the same dark-haired woman supervising each movement. 

He looked good, and even though it had only been a little over a week since you’d seen him play, you could tell that he was stronger, too. “He looks better, right Caleb?” You nudged the boy, smiling at him. “Less hesitation when he -”

“He’s really stretching out those calves, hmm?” Erin cleared her throat. “He’s very flexible.” You glared at her and she wrinkled her nose and winked, but didn’t say anything else, even as Troy snorted into his drink. She’s not wrong, though. 

“Sorry we won’t get to meet the players today, kiddo.” Leaning forward, you propped your elbow up on the ledge in front of you before resting your chin on your hand. “I know how much you wanted to do that.”

“Are you kidding?” He turned to look at you, rolling his eyes. “This is way better. We get to see everyone up close.” You agreed - and so did Troy, and for the next few minutes, the four of you watched the players in silence, though your attention was specifically on Jack and his trainer. 

When he stepped out of view to talk to fans in the stands, you decided to go back inside and make yourself a second drink - the last one you were planning on having, since you had to drive home. Once it was mixed you lifted the cup to your lips, your other hand on the bottle. Just enjoy tonight. It doesn’t have to be more than this. You swiped your thumb slowly over where his signature was etched into the glass and took a deep breath before turning to head back outside. 

But when you reached the door, you paused, sucking in a breath at the sight of Jack crouched down in front of the netting and talking to Caleb, Erin and Troy. He must have caught your movement in his peripheral, because he looked up and nodded, his grin widening. “There she is.” 

“Hello, Whiskey.” You raised your glass, giving him a genuine smile, even as your heart pounded. “Welcome back to Louisville.” 

“It’s good to be here.” His lips twitched, one hand lifting to pull his hat off before he repositioned it on his head, never breaking eye contact. “You got the good seats tonight.” 

“We do. The good liquor, too.” That got a laugh out of him, Jack rising to his feet and straightening his shoulders as you brought the drink to your lips. 

“Enjoy yourselves. I’ve gotta get goin’.” He turned away and paused, putting a hand on his hip before he spun back to face all of you. What are you going to say, Jack? “Nice jersey, by the way.” You nearly choked on the liquid in your mouth at his words, and if Jack’s quiet laugh was any indication, he was very aware of it. You jackass. 

You caught his wink and then he did disappear, heading down the stairs and into the dugout. Ok, that could have gone worse. It could have gone better, too, but at least you hadn’t made a fool of yourself in front of him - which was the important thing.

The sound of Caleb talking about how Jack remembered him faded as you went back inside, setting your drink down on the counter and then gripping the edge of it, head lowered. The hard part’s over. He saw me and he knows I’m here, and he saw me in the - 

“He likes you.” Troy was right behind you, and even though you jumped at the sound of his voice, you recovered quickly, spinning to look at him. What? “He walked over and immediately said hi to Caleb, but he looked around and he seemed disappointed. And then you came outside and his mood changed.” Troy’s smile widened, and he stuck his tongue into his cheek briefly before saying anything else. “And if he looked for you, that means he knew you were going to be here, and -”

Shit. Is it that obvious? “I’m not going to confirm or deny a goddamn thing.”

“You just did.” Troy laughed, reaching out with one hand to squeeze your arm. “Good for you, though. He seems like fun.” You have no idea. “We should go back out there. The game’s going to start.” 

Wordlessly, you followed Troy back out and into the seating area - just as the request to rise for the National Anthem blared out through the loudspeakers.

— 

By the sixth inning, you weren’t worried about what was going on between you and Jack anymore. Instead, you were upset, because The Statesman were losing. 

It was no fault of Jack’s, though - he’d gotten a single and walked in his two at bats, the crowd giving him a standing ovation each time he headed to home plate. He’d also made a few really good plays at third - one of them throwing out someone at home as the other team tried to bunt in a run. 

The rest of the team was the problem, with errors made in the outfield, a dropped ball by the shortstop and three really bad pitches that had resulted in six total runs scored. There was still time for a comeback, and even though chances were growing slimmer by the minute, a three run deficit wasn’t too much to overcome. 

When Jack took his place in the on-deck circle, there were two men on and only one out. You stayed in the position that you’d been in for most of the game - arms crossed and elbows resting on the wall in front of you, leaning as close to the action as you could get. 

Watching him up close was special, and you’d snapped a few pictures in his earlier at bats of him bending over and adding the weights to the bat before he swung, as well as of him with it perched on his shoulder and in motion. It wasn’t just Jack that you photographed, but you paid more attention to him than the others. 

You were so close that you could hear the players grunting and groaning as they took their practice swings, as well as some of the things they yelled back to the other players in the dugout and on the field, and Jack was vocal. It didn’t surprise you after the time you’d spent with him, but if you’d said that the way he was on-field and with his teammates and the ump crew wasn’t a turn on, it would have been a lie. 

Because if the fans got into the game, Jack was on another level. 

He paused in his swings to watch the at bat in front of him, and after one particularly bad call, you heard his disdain for the ump - the man’s shout of “That wasn’t a damn strike even in a little league game!” clearly audible, as was the way he ducked his head toward the ground and kicked the dirt in a side-to-side motion with one cleat while he repeated the word “bullshit” under his breath. 

During a visit to the mound by the catcher, Jack looked over at where you were, locking eyes with you and rolling his, mouthing the word “bullshit” again. You laughed in return, mouthing the words I know, before shaking your head. It was easier than you’d thought it would be to interact with him, and part of you wondered if it was because it was pointed but not personal, and that he wasn’t hiding his actions.

The entire stadium groaned when the batter popped out and the runners couldn’t advance, but those groans turned into cheers when Jack’s walk up music started, and your breath caught in your throat again when he looked over at your suite before he headed to the plate, smirking and giving you a quick wink. 

“He changed his song!” Erin leaned over, elbowing you a few times. “This is my favorite one!” It was yours, too - and you’d always thought that it was a little inappropriate for an MLB stadium filled with kids - but that day, you didn’t care. 

He strutted toward the batter’s box as Pony blared through the speakers, and you didn’t look away for a second. And neither did any of the other women in this stadium if those cheers are anything to go by. 

He stepped into the box and then got ready, kicking at the dirt and using one hand to tug on the front of his jersey, making sure that the chain he wore was resting flush against his chest, and not on top of the material. He took a few practice swings and then tapped the bat against the plate, releasing a breath and nodding before settling the lumber back on his shoulder. 

“C’mon Jack!” You yelled the words and smacked your palm on the wall a few times, shaking your head. “Bring ‘em home!” Erin laughed next to you, but she also cheered, and then Caleb joined in, the three of you going silent just before the pitcher set and threw. 

It was a ball - so far inside that it almost hit Jack, but he stayed in place, cocking his head to the side as he lifted the bat and took another swing before settling it back in place. 

The crowd was loud - roaring out his name when Jack swung at the next pitch and made contact. The noise increased until it hooked foul, everyone wincing and groaning. He didn’t even run, though. He knew it wasn’t fair. Jack adjusted his gloves and then stepped back into the box, getting situated just in time for another pitch - that one ball two. 

“A single scores one.” Troy reached up, linking his fingers through the netting as he leaned closer. “A double will score both, and -” Jack swung and missed, and you lowered your head, swearing. Fuck. “Come on Daniels!” Troy let go of the fence and clapped his hands. “Just wait for your pitch!” 

He didn’t swing the next time and as the count ran full, the atmosphere in the stadium changed considerably. If no one scores here, the game’s over. It was a nervous energy that coursed through you, but when you looked back at Jack, you saw that he was still calm, his grip on the bat handle loose as he stepped out of the batter’s box and looked around the stadium. 

“He’s going to strike out.” Troy sat back, shaking his head. “This pitcher’s been too good today.” 

“No, he’s not.” Caleb scowled at the man, phone in hand. “He’s going to get a hit.” He jumped up and down a few times. “He has to.” 

“Whatever happens, it needs to happen now because I feel sick to my stomach.” You mumbled the words, lowering your head and groaning. “Come on, Jack.” You wet your lips and looked back at him, watching as he rocked back and forth, awaiting the pitch. 

You knew as soon as he swung that bat that he’d make contact - and when, moments later, the crack of the connection reached your ears, you knew it was gone. And so did Jack, the man keeping his eye on the ball as he headed to first, and then throwing both hands up into the air and cheering as he rounded the base.

“Fuck yeah, Jack!” You jumped up and down and then turned to hug Erin, the woman squealing in your ear before she let go and reached for Troy, who was shaking Caleb back and forth in celebration, the boy yelling in excitement. 

You focused back on the field - where the two men that had been on base were waiting at home plate for Jack. When he rounded 3rd, you cheered louder, clapping your hands and yelling out his name. There was little chance that he could hear you over the others in the stadium, and when he got to home and stomped on the base, the other two engulfing him in celebration and knocking his hat off, you wished that you’d had your camera out - and had gotten the moment on video. 

The three of them headed back in your direction, Jack at the center of the group, and even though it was fast, you didn’t miss his glance at your suite, or the tiny nod and smirk he gave you when you grinned up at him, biting down on the inside of your lip. Oh, shit. 

“That was awesome!” Caleb’s voice broke the moment, and when you looked over, you saw that he was following the three men with his phone. “And I got it all on video!” He lowered the device and then beamed up at you and his sister. “If I send it to you, will you post it?”

“That’s a long video to post, buddy.” Troy settled back into his seat, scrubbing a hand over his face as the next batter swung and missed. “But it’s really cool that you got it all.” He looked sad but agreed, and when Caleb looked at you again, you raised a brow. 

“You can still send it to me if you want, though. I’d love to watch it.” And to see if he got that smirk in there, because… damn. 

He told you he would once you were out of the stadium, and then Caleb tucked his phone away and returned his attention to the field, where the batter had just struck out, ending the inning. But they’re tied now, and that’s all that matters.  

For the next two and a half innings, neither team scored, which meant that it all came down to the bottom of the ninth. Jack was due to bat third, which meant you’d get to see him once more that night. And that might be it for a while. 

You’d taken advantage of the suite during the game, getting more to eat and drink, ordering ice cream sundaes that were delivered by your attendant, and watching a few at bats on the TV mounted to one wall instead of live in front of you. It was an experience that you’d never forget, and you’d heard your friends say the same throughout the night. 

Neither Erin or Troy had said anything about Jack’s wink or the nod, but you knew that they’d seen both. She wouldn’t spill your secrets to him, but you knew he’d likely ask, and part of you wondered what would happen if things continued between you and Jack, even on just a friendly basis. I’d have to tell them then.

The attendant told you that both bottles of Statesman were yours to take, and so between the 8th and 9th innings, you’d packed them up into the provided boxes and then tucked them into a bag that she’d left for you, along with the partially eaten candy and popcorn - figuring that they were just going to toss it anyway if you left it behind. 

And when the Statesman came up to bat for the final time, you rushed back out into the seats, standing between Erin and the left wall of the suite and drumming your fingers nervously against the concrete. 

That time, Jack paid no attention to the crowds while he waited to hit, instead crossing his legs at the ankle and leaning against the end of his bat, eyes on his teammate. “Just get on base.” You whispered the words, looking toward home. “Give Jack a chance.” 

The game meant very little in the grand scheme of things. 

The Statesman weren’t close to leading in the standings, and it would have taken a lot to get them to a contending position for the playoffs. But you still wanted them to win, if for no other reason than to top off Jack’s return. He did his part, though. He tied it up. 

And the man at the plate did his part, too, knocking a single between second and third, which meant that Jack got to the plate with one on and nobody out, his walk up song back to the one he’d used for his first two at bats. 

Caleb was nearly vibrating with excitement, his phone out and aimed at Jack once more - and you decided to do the same. Fuck it, you thought, pressing the record button. I’m just a fan right now. He took the first pitch - a called strike - and you watched him shake his head in disagreement, though he didn’t argue for too long. 

The second pitch slipped from the pitcher’s hand and veered downward, and even though Jack moved quickly, he couldn’t get out of the way. It hit the ankle guard he wore and bounced away, and for a few horrifying seconds, you worried that his return to the team would be short lived. 

The entire stadium booed, but the sound turned to a cheer when Jack bent over and pulled the protection off, tossing it to the side along with his batting helmet, and jogged to first. His trainer was close behind, the woman’s arms crossed over her chest as she assessed his condition and finally gave him the go-ahead to stay in. 

The game continued once she’d jogged back across the field and into the dugout, and you - along with thousands of others - watched anxiously, waiting. 

You didn’t have long to wait. On the third pitch of the at bat, he blooped a hit into shallow right, the ball hitting the ground and then skipping through the legs of the outfielder. 

The entire stadium roared, and the four of you did, too, cheering and clapping as the winning run crossed the plate. Erin wrapped you in her arms in celebration, but you kept your eyes on the field. I don’t want to miss this. Jack didn’t even finish rounding the bases and instead cut across the infield and headed for home, both arms out in front of him as he clapped and cheered. 

He’d lost his hat again as he hurried in, and by the time he was hugging his teammate, all of them jumping up and down, his hair had curled over his forehead - one lock hanging between his eyes. He got swallowed up in the crowd of people and you turned away, pulling free from Erin’s hold. 

“Hell yeah!” Troy pumped his fist in the air. “What a win.” It took a few seconds, but all of you managed to calm down and look back at the field, watching as the teams did their congratulatory handshakes and then broke for the dugouts and locker rooms. 

Jack got pulled for an interview, but you could barely see it, and so the four of you began to pack up, heading back inside after one final look at the field. The attendant was back, and she asked if you wanted a group photo before you left - something that Caleb agreed to for all of you. 

But once those were taken on all four phones, you had no reason to stay in the suite. She led you back down the hallway and to the main concourse, thanking you for coming and telling you to have a safe drive home before saying goodbye.

It was strange to be around so many people again after having no crowd to deal with for the entire night, but the mood was cheerful, and that hadn’t changed after walking back to the car and putting everything you carried into the trunk. 

You hoped you wouldn’t have to sit in traffic for very long. Because you’d gotten to the game so early and were on one of the lower garage floors, you got your wish. Only ten minutes later, you were out of the garage and on your way home. Caleb and Troy were having an intense conversation in the back seat, and Erin was leaning against her window, head propped up on one hand. 

“That was really cool.” You nodded, keeping your eyes on the road. “Make sure you thank the person that got those tickets for us.” You knew what she was doing - but refused to take the bait. “Or I can, if -”

“I’ll text when I get home.” You narrowed your eyes and looked over at her. “I promise.” You heard Troy snort in the back seat, but Erin thankfully didn’t say anything else. 

Caleb was the first one out of the car as soon as you parked, the boy yelling a ‘thank you’ at you before he sprinted toward the front door, bursting to tell his parents about the game. Troy and Erin hung back, and you were surprised to hear him speak first, after leaning forward to slot himself between the seats. 

“That was really fucking cool. Please, make sure you tell Jack that we appreciated tonight.” You assured him you would, and when Erin reached over to squeeze your knee, you cleared your throat. 

“Thank both of you for being … discreet.” Shrugging, you gripped the wheel with both hands. “I don’t want to make too much of -” You were cut off when your phone rang, and thanks to the fact that it was connected to your car via Bluetooth, they were both able to see exactly who was calling: Jack. “Not a word from either of you.” 

Erin laughed, but as you reached for the screen to answer the phone, she opened the door and got out, Troy not far behind. Your finger hovered for a second and then you answered, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. “Hey, Jack.” 

“I’m not interruptin’, am I?” 

“No, I just dropped everyone off, and I’m getting ready to go home.” Backing out of the driveway, you turned in the direction of your place. “What are -”

“Come over.” You sucked in a breath, looking away from the road and toward the display. What? “I mean, if you’re not busy, and want to, you can come over tonight. You should come over.”

“I don’t know where you live.” You glanced down, realizing that you were still wearing your clothes from the game. “And I need to go home and change, I’m -”

“You still wearin’ my jersey?” Confirming that you were, you were relieved to hear his groan, Jack’s continued words spoken in a much softer tone than he’d been using before. “Then you definitely don’t need to go home. I’d sure like to see you in that without a net between us.” 

You stopped at a light, pressing your fingertips to your mouth and thinking. You wanted to see him again. You wanted to spend more time with him. And if he’d called you immediately after arriving home from a walk off win, he obviously wanted to spend more time with you, too. Fuck it. Why not? 

“Alright, Jack. Send me your address and I’ll be there soon.” 

—

Sample dugout suite view:

Alternate Players Weekend photo (thank you @stealyourblorbos):

[blue-eye-samurai-analysis]

My thoughts on the (potential) Love Triangle between Taigen, Mizu and Akemi (part 1)

A lot of people want to know my opinion on the subject, so here it comes.

First, I’d like to clarify. I’m not a fan of love triangles – for the simple reason that most creators cannot do them RIGHT.

I’ve seen multiple situations when writers who had previously created an amazing content, ruined their own show by sticking to the love triangles, which ended up being really cringy. There are multiple examples:

Emily in Paris, Sex Education - but well, in those tv series the main theme is a romance, and Blue Eye Samurai is a different kind of series: one in which romantic love is not the main theme, just something that is part of the main protagonist’s character development.

The Legend of Korra – that’s entirely different case, because when it first came out it was the series with a great potential written by great people, who have already created another really amazing cartoon series (The Last Airbender). And while the Legend of Korra stole the hearts of many people (not mine, though), huge part of its fandom agreed that the whole love triangle business was awful.

Asami is really pretty and smart (like Akemi), while Korra is quite muscular and an amazing fighter (like Mizu). There's also Mako who finds first one of them really sweet, while the other just drives him crazy (sounds familiar?)

To understand what I’m talking about I need to reveal spoilers, so be warned. If you plan to watch the Legend of Korra and you don’t want to know anything about it, skip to the part “spoilers end” . Although I can tell you I’m going to talk ONLY about the love triangle, without mentioning anything else from the plot, so you can still watch The Legend of Korra after checking these spoilers and have a lot of fun. Anyway, to understand this meta, I definitively recommend reading everything, including Legend of Korra spoilers.

Here’s how the Love Triangle from this series played out:  

(spoilers begin)

The main protagonist, Korra starts falling for a certain handsome guy called Mako. He is her friend and he starts dating a very beautiful girl called Asami. All three of them have a lot of screen time together, because they are meant to form the so-called Team Avatar. The fourth person who is part of this is Mako’s brother Bolin and HE has a crush on Korra at some point, which change the Love Triangle into the Love Square, which makes it even more complicated and cringy.

In season one there is a lot of bad stuff happening. Korra kisses Mako when he is still dating Asami, and she does so right after her date with Bolin. At the end of this season Mako and Korra end up together.

In season two Mako and Korra start as a couple, but their relationship is bad and full of fights. They break up and only two episodes later Mako kisses Asami. But Korra has a temporary amnesia, so she doesn’t remember the break up and next thing she does when she sees Mako is… kissing him. Yeah, really complicated shit. Eventually she remembers and they break up. Again.

Fandom's reaction, basically.

In season three Korra, Mako and Asami are not dating anyone. In this season Korra and Asami start to act as friends and not mere colleagues. Their friendship looks quite nice.

The Love Triangle FINALLY ends and the series only benefits from giving it up. Until...

In season four Korra and Asami are evidently close friends, but in my opinion they’re just that, I didn’t notice anything else. Except maybe one scene when Korra blushes and tugs a strand of hair behind her ear, when Asami compliments her new haircut. And at the end of the season… Korra and Asami end up together.

But not officially. Not on the screen. I mean… there is no kiss. They just stare at each other lovingly while holding hands. They only act like a real couple in sequels which are released as comics. The creators wanted to play it safe, so they decided to leave their canonical bisexual girls couple out of the animated series. They claimed it was their intention from season three.

(spoilers end)

And I hate how it was done, but not because the endgame couple is a bad couple. They are really great together in sequels, but my problem with this is that we didn’t get good enough build-up for them in previous seasons.

I mean… if you REALLY want to SEE some early signs of the endgame couple, then you WILL see them, but only if you look for them specifically. Which I understand perfectly well, because I often ship different people in different shows – both animated and live action, both gay and heterosexual – and even if they don’t end up being canon, I still have a lot of fun checking out fanarts and fanfictions.

My main rule is “ship and allow others to ship” (whatever and whoever they want). We can ship different things and still be respectful to each other.

But, back to the business… You probably wonder why I talked so much about the Legend of Korra when I’m supposed to talk about Blue Eye Samurai?

Because that’s my main concern about the upcoming (rumored) Love Triangle in the series. That it will be cringy and it will make the engame couple’s relationship look less believable, just like the Legend of Korra.

But it doesn’t necessarily need to go into this direction.

Because, guess what? Some animated series actually created AWESOME Love Triangles and by doing this they made their endgame couple’s relationship MORE believable and MORE mature.

Great example of this is Miraculous Ladybug.

And I’m telling you – if you haven’t watched it yet, you absolutely HAVE TO! Don’t let the fact that it’s the kids show discourage you. They do some awesome plot twists and story building. And their LOVE TRIANGLES are so well executed.

This time I will reveal some spoilers WITHOUT spoilers so you can read everything without skipping.

So, the thing is, two main protagonists Adrien and Marinette are interested in other people throughout the series and they date different people throughout the series. All of this serves the plot really nicely, because it helps these characters learn stuff, to figure out what they want, so they can prepare themselves to be the part of the endgame couple.

The idea behind those Triangles is that sometimes “to understand why some people are not right for you, you first need to date them” and “every relationship is a lesson”. And it was also truth for MIZU, because her relationship with Mikio was an incredibly painful lesson. Also, both she and we (the audience) learned what kind of person is wrong for her. That she cannot be with a backboneless coward who cannot handle strong women (guess who can?).

Check out my other post about Peaches to learn how this particular relationship killed Mizu's innocence.

Interestingly, there is another similarity between Miraculous Ladybug and Blue Eye Samurai. It’s not really a spoiler, because it gets established IMMEDIATELY in the show.

The real fun of Miraculous Ladybug is the fact that Adrien and Marinette are also superheroes of Paris – Cat Noir and Miraculous Ladybug - and they DON'T KNOW each other's secret identities.

And it’s really hilarious, because Adrien doesn’t really notice Marinette (at first) but he crushes really hard on Ladybug, without knowing that she is Marinette. But he mainly courts her as Cat Noir, and Marinette (who is Ladybug) doesn’t really like Cat Noir ROMANTICALLY, she only sees him as a friend (who annoys her with his crush). BUT she is head over heels for Adrien, without knowing that he is Cat Noir. Fandom likes to refer to this situation as The Love Quadruple.

Why limit yourself with the Triangle when you can have the Quadruple?

And it makes this show SO FUN to watch, because it leads to many emotional or/and ridiculous moments, and the audience is having the time of their life. I observe a certain similarity between this AND Blue Eye Samurai.

Because let’s face it – the funniest part of BES is based on the fact that no one besides Ringo (possibly also Master Eiji) KNOWS that Mizu is a woman.

Taigen who is convinced that Mizu has a dick, and Ringo who is genuinely curious about how two girls have sex XD

And if a girl (not necessarily Akemi) were to fall for Mizu (whether Mizu would reciprocate is a completely different story), it could lead to many interesting (and funny) situations. But it would have to be executed in a smart way, without losing the endgame couple from the sight.

Because if it’s done without control, it could lead to a scenario I really HATE and it appears in various anime (mainly those of shounen type). It’s the case when the author of the series creates many romantic situations with different characters, so you can ship many couples and you don’t know until last minute which one would be endgame.

The greatest examples of this would be Bleach and Naruto, both of which had Love Triangles which annoyed me to the core. While I genuinely enjoyed watching these two series, the romantic parts just made me do constant facepalms. Honestly, I’m not sure which one was worse.

Ichigo with his huge “rescue Rukia, do anything for Rukia” arc only to have another arc to rescue Orihime?    

Nah, it was probably Naruto with his “ignore Hinata, who is crushing on me so much she cannot utter a word in my presence, adore Sakura just cause she’s cute, but spend 90% of my time (90% of the plot) obsessing over SASUKE, because he is absolutely NOTHING MORE than my rival, and it’s a total coincidence I kissed him at the very beginning of the series and I literally cannot have ANY major episode without yelling his name and telling everyone why I want him back”.

Yeah, Naruto and Sasuke, just platonic friendship. Sure.

Okay, but jokes aside (it’s not really a spoiler, since Boruto exists and the majority of Internet is aware of the fact)…

Although I think the endgame couple Naruhina is a really cute couple and they have a good story in “The Last”, their relationship would be much more enjoyable if the author used the plot to solidify their mutual attraction, instead of introducing Love Triangles just for the sake of… Love Triangles. Because, let’s face it – from the narrative point of view, Naruto being with Sasuke makes much more sense. I mean, come on, Sasuke (and Ramen) is all Naruto ever talks and thinks about, and the only thing Sasuke thinks about when he doesn’t think about his revenge (sounds familiar?) is Naruto.

Doing something like this – creating Love Triangles to create confusion and to make ALL THE SHIPPERS happy – is definitely something I DON”T WANT to see in Blue Eye Samurai.

Because you cannot make everyone happy. Instead you should create an amazing content and those who are unhappy can comfort themselves with fanfiction ^^ (Ao3 exists for a reason, you know?)

So, okay, I talked a lot about Love Triangles and different series, so now it’s time to talk about Blue Eye Samurai itself.

PART 2, PART 3

[thatpyroblogs]

Long 600 Strike Rant

Spoilers for the song 600 Strike below

Had a night to think over what I saw and man I am still so disappointed by that song and, mostly specifically, the animation. Now I want to clarify that I mean what the animation showed (and thus what Jorge asked the animator to do) not the quality of the animation (it was nicely made). I just really hated the windbag jetpack. I know Jorge has repeatedly talked about how anime is a big inspiration for him and also how he would like Epic to be turned into a videogame, but man that jetpack is just came out of nowhere to me.

Not a big fan of beating a god with what appears to be the strength of his 600 dead men (and I'm not sure how many of them would want to help him given how some of them die). I'm also wondering what is supposed to keep Poseidon from just flooding Ithaca after he heals back up. I can't imagine him actually being so scared of Odysseus that he won't try and get revenge. The man lives on a tiny island! Poseidon has destroyed bigger before!

I think part of what I'm really hating is I see a way it could have worked. If Jorge had had Athena met back up with Odysseus at some point before 600 strikes. She would still be weak and messed up from God Games, but her and Odysseus working together would even the playing field in the fight against Poseidon.

This would bring the musical story back on track with the actual story. In the story Athena calms Poseidon's storm for Odysseus allowing him to get to the safety of Phaecia. Epic could have continued with the plan to skip Phaeacia and just had Athena's Epic version of calming of the storm be her and Odysseus reconciling and working together to take down Poseidon.

My version of 600 Strike would have had Athena pulling the drowning Odysseus into quick time where they reconcile and agree to work together to defeat Poseidon. Odysseus still uses the windbag, but only to escape the water (no jetpack). If the whole flying still has to happen why not divine owl wings from Athena or something similar? Either way together they should be able to take on Poseidon as there is precedent for Athena giving mortals the ability to kick godly butt (looking at you Diomedes).

Then after that Odysseus can still end up stuck on the rock with a weakened Poseidon. Athena, who again still hasn't recovered from God Games, no longer has the energy to keep pumping divine energy into Odysseus, thus he returns to being a mortal man . Poseidon taunts the two just like in the song since Odysseus has no divine help now and he opened the windbag allowing Poseidon's storm to now trap him.

Odysseus would still pick up the trident and torture Poseidon. Now you can even have Poseidon begging Athena to call off her champion and her refusing to stop Odysseus as he gets his vengeance. Poseidon eventually agrees to let Odysseus go with the knowledge he is now protected once more by Athena.

Though I'm still not sure that solves the whole Poseidon being petty and drowning Ithaca or Odysseus at a later date issue. Maybe during the torture bit have Poseidon say something about how the other gods won't let Odysseus get away with what he is doing to him. Then you can have Athena reveal that Zeus has sanctioned what is happening to Poseidon. I feel like if Zeus is thrown in as supposedly having interest in Ithaca/Odysseus than Poseidon would be less likely to retaliate at a later date.

Of course maybe I'm overthinking something that won't turn out to be a plot hole. Maybe there will be some info given in one of the last songs that will reveal why Poseidon can't just come back later and ruin Odysseus's life. I'm really hoping that happens and 600 Strike can just become the one song where I ignore the official animation. I'm also hoping we get Athena back at some point before the end of the musical. I really don't want God Games to be her last appearance. I'm afraid how she is handled might end up being another disappointing bit to this musical.

[crooked-wasteland]

With RedNote being popular, it’s a nice opportunity to have a great exchange of culture and languages. I wish it gets to stay as a Chinese app. We really need it especially when every media and how we perceive the world is often US-centric.

We often miss out on a lot of stuff from other countries. I also wonder how Viv and her stans would fare on the app if they were to try it. They’d be like those foreigners who hop into a different country and demand everyone speak English.

When people plan on migrating to a different platform, they should think of it like moving to a different country and consider whether they’re suited there. What are the pros and cons? What kind of culture and people live there? Will you be able to adapt to it?

For example, I’d tell them don’t just move over to Tumblr and expect to get popular through likes or followers (instead we get engagement through reblogs). People often expect everything to cater to them without putting in the work and using the right tools to moderate their online experiences.

They need to understand it’s not discriminatory to have certain topics banned in other platforms like LGBTQ+ themes, politics, sexual content, etc. They need to respect the norms and rules of that place. It’s like moving to Dubai and accusing them of homophobia because their religion doesn’t accept gay people (they’re a Muslim country, not America for god’s sake 🤦🏻‍♀️!).

So I am realizing I didn't finish my thought about RedNote. Please allow me to try again.

Thank you for the ask by the way, I felt this was connected to a Reblog that sparked my interest in needing to clarify it by Haru-Kuneko

Firstly, let's talk about Algorithms. Because we have been ruled by them for a little under 20 years. And GenZ is the generation who is most impacted by algorithms so far. Gen Alpha is not looking good. And the reason for that is because algorithms are woefully misunderstood by laymen.

Curating an online experience through algorithms wasn't designed for you or I to have a superior experience, it was designed to keep us on these apps and websites. They don't just give you more content that is similar to what you like, they trap you in that content and create the echo chamber. Part of the algorithm is intentionally designed to induce rage engagement for the sole purpose of reaffirming your existing algorithmic beliefs. It is designed to keep you engaged with the intent of putting you in a box. Your engagement, your attention, is the product they are buying and selling.

This has led to a drastic increase in internet tribalism and, just as capitalism has an end stage, so does algorithmic thought. With younger people who have never experienced an internet of their own interests, being force fed their beliefs and views that are reinforced by their communities they didn't necessarily choose. Algorithms take away from the act of critically thinking, and has pushed us past tribalism to Deindividuation.

(This video covers misinformation and disinformation, but goes into Deindividuation at timestamp 7:40 if you want to skip to that part.)

And algorithms have replaced personalities for younger people, especially those impacted socially by the pandemic in 2020. They are prepackaged beliefs and values that were primarily created for consumerism and marketing that has now sold our young people identities.

So entering RedBook, these people are, for most likely the first time, experiencing an algorithm that wasn't designed for them the way western websites use them. China's collectivist culture is all about conformity and cooperation. Rage content is not allowed, discourse is not allowed. It is a fundamental threat to their society as their values are not about stoking tenuous perceptions of freedom through false choices and beliefs that are actually predisposed to you based on your race, gender, and sexuality.

It's more about fitting in and being approved of, something Americans are desperate for in this era. They are so lonely that China's social emphasis on community is a fresh spring. And that's a bit of the problem.

Last night my spouse was on RedBook and I watched some videos over her shoulder. It's beautiful to see people connecting with others they are realizing they had a subliminal prejudice against. The US government has done a great job of ruining their citizens in this way where they think they are so superior and above everything, which is reinforced by other western nations. It's the first time for most people that they are in a space where America is not idealized like it is in the West, and they are feeling a genuine human connection because of the amount of curiosity the Chinese users have for them.

They are feeling seen at a time where their government doesn't represent them or care about their beliefs.

And at the same time, some people are swinging far out of bounds to the opposite extreme. People who were once firmly of the belief that the US was superior to China are now saying how amazing and perfect China is, when it isn't. There are some serious issues in China, specifically about corruption and the mismanagement of funds. One vide we saw was about “Green Growth” and how China has created extensive solar farms and increased production towards renewable energy, except Green Growth has been shown to be extremely unproductive in reducing carbon emissions.

That isn't to just dunk on China. Obviously, the same issues are true in the United States as well. Neither is worse than the other, to be frank. But because we have lived in a world devoid of critical thinking, the thing I was concerned about is happening: The extreme pendulum swings.

And to be frank, these extremist perspectives are natural and I am not inherently criticizing them for what they are, it's a teenager's mentality as they are being exposed to new social rules and learning how to integrate into a community. This is how a teenager's brain is functioning in high school and why they are so volatile. I'm not here to judge. Just to note that this is a dangerous thing, objectively. It is dangerous, but also natural and even necessary.

But that's what I meant by “lacking Dialectics”. The inability to engage with two opposing things being true is a dangerous place to be in and makes it extremely easy to radicalize individuals. China is far from perfect, but it isn't worse than the United States. My concern is how this lack of Dialectics, paired with the inherent tunnel vision of social media and emotional volatility of our emotionally immature and stunted society can just as easily breed fanaticism for some Chinese social paradise that genuinely does not exist.

(As an aside, I linked Dialectics in my previous post and realized that it probably didn't make any sense or was just very difficult to understand. So this link is a YouTube video of some guy explaining it to make it easier. My apologies.)

I'm overall supportive of this, hoping that it can radically change people's views towards the world and global communities. I hope this moves moderates to be more progressive and people to be more tolerant of other ideas, values, and societies. I hope people will be more interested in listening to my Marxist ramblings now that Communism is more about funny memes and kind humans and not some scary oppressive government. But there is always a shadow when you stand in the light.

(Which, to be frank, China is not at all a reflection of Marxism or Marxist Communism. The working conditions there are not any better here and labor is still exploited and expendable. They really are no different than the US.)

Don't forget about the shadow is all I ask.

[misc-obeyme]

THE THREADS THAT BIND

CHAPTER EIGHT AND A HALF

MASTERPOST for summary/info/chapter list

a/n: Okay time for a lengthy author's note about this bonus chapter. This is a bonus chapter because I wasn't originally going to write this part at all. This is what happens when Arsenios and Solomon go looking for the counter curse. (If I was naming chapters, this one would be called "The Misadventures of Arrie & Sol.")

This is essentially an MC and Barbatos love story, so I didn't think I really needed to write this part since neither MC nor Barbatos are in it. Then I thought people might want to see what happened, so I decided to write it and post it as a bonus. This means that you do not need to read this chapter at all if you don't want to. You can skip it all together and the rest of the story will still make sense.

That being said, this scene is written from Arsenios's point of view. So I feel the need to clarify a couple things about him. First, know that he is all bark and no bite. He will threaten people all day and then never actually follow through. Second, there is a reason why he doesn't like Solomon, but it has nothing to do with Solomon and everything to do with Arsenios and his past. Arsenios is aware of this, but he's still struggling with it lol.

Okay, that's it, sorry for the rambling. If you do decide to read this, I hope you enjoy it! Back to MC and Barbatos in the next chapter!

GN!MC x Barbatos still, but neither make an appearance in this chapter and you can skip it if you so desire | word count 1,377

Warnings: demon OC, sorcerer OC, minor violence (no blood), a lot of empty threats, manipulative magic, I think that's it...?

Arsenios folded his arms, frowning at Solomon, who had the same usual annoying smile on his face. Arsenios had come to Purgatory Hall to find Solomon so they could go to the human world and find the counter curse for Barbatos.

Now he was standing inside the living room, trying to explain where Tobias's house was located.

"So you're saying it's in a forest?" Solomon asked.

"It's more like on the outskirts of a city," Arsenios said. "But there are just a lot of trees there. Man, don't you have a map or something?"

Solomon laughed lightly. "Would you know how to find the house on a map?"

Arsenios frowned even harder, unhappy about the fact that Solomon had a point.

Solomon patted Arsenios's shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I think I know the location you're talking about. Why don't I take us there and you can tell me if I'm wrong?"

Arsenios glared at Solomon. "I guess."

Solomon kept his hand on Arsenios's shoulder and recited the teleportation spell.

Arsenios felt himself get a little dizzy before he was suddenly in a new place. The light from the human world sun nearly blinded him. He tried not to hiss at it as he raised an arm to shield his eyes.

"Sorry about that," Solomon said. "I forget demons can be sensitive to sunlight if they rarely leave the Devildom."

"I spent plenty of time in the human world," Arsenios said. "Tried to come at night when I could, though."

"Sure," Solomon said. "But that was a long time ago, wasn't it?"

Arsenios huffed. He looked around at where they were. They were standing on a small street with a dead end. There were indeed trees everywhere and a rickety old house at the end of the street. The nearest neighbor was far enough away that they couldn't even see their house.

"Hey," Arsenios said. "This is exactly the right spot. How did you know it?"

Solomon shrugged. "The Sorcerer's Society isn't far from here. A lot of sorcerers live in this general area. I recognized the way you described the trees here, so I figured it must be this spot."

Arsenios didn't want to be impressed, but he was. "All right, now what?"

"Now, we go ask him politely to give us the counter curse," Solomon said.

Arsenios was ready to argue with this idea, but Solomon was already walking down the street to the front door of the house.

When they reached it, Solomon knocked loudly.

Only seconds passed before the door opened.

The sorcerer standing in the doorway was short, wearing a rather dramatic black cloak, and glaring at them. The minute he saw Solomon, his scowl deepened. Although Solomon had never actually met Tobias before, there was no doubt that his reputation had preceded him. Tobias started to close the door.

Solomon seemed to anticipate this, though. He grabbed the door and held it open.

"Hello, Tobias," he said, his voice just as cheerful as it always was.

Tobias looked at him, then at Arsenios, then back at Solomon. "What do you want, Solomon?"

"I heard you've been teleporting into the Devildom without permission," Solomon said.

"Have you become a guard dog for demons now?" Tobias asked. He sneered. "What am I saying. You've always been the demons' bitch."

"Wow," Arsenios said. "Listen, I'm not Solomon's biggest fan, either, but you're talking about an immortal man who has seventy two pacts. You know how pacts work, don't you?"

Tobias looked at Arsenios a little more carefully. "And who exactly are you?"

"None of your business," Arsenios said. "We're here for the counter curse. Hand it over."

Tobias blinked. "Counter curse?"

"Don't play dumb," Arsenios snarled. "You tried to curse Barbatos, but it hit MC instead. Give us the counter curse."

"The binding threads curse," Solomon said. "You have written a counter curse for it, haven't you?"

Tobias tugged on the door, but Solomon kept hold of it. "Of course I have, but I don't see why I should give it to you."

Solomon sighed and looked at Arsenios with raised eyebrows.

"I know what you want me to do," Arsenios said. "But do I really have to bother using my power on this idiot? I think I could beat the location out of him just fine."

Tobias paled as Arsenios began to roll up his sleeves. He pulled harder on the door, but it still wouldn't budge.

"I think Barbatos would prefer it if we didn't resort to violence," Solomon said. "Anyway, do you really want to get all bloody? I would think it'd be easier to just use your power."

Tobias gave up on the door and ran into the house.

"Oh, now, you wasted too much time talking," Solomon said.

"Me?" Arsenios demanded. He poked Solomon in the chest. "You're the one who won't shut up."

Arsenios didn't wait to hear Solomon's response to this, which was likely some witty quip he didn't want to hear anyway.

Instead he went inside the house.

The main room was a sort of foyer, an empty space with a staircase and a few open doorways leading to other rooms.

Arsenios didn't need to go in any farther. He felt Solomon enter the room and close the door behind them, cutting off the sunlight and plunging the house into a sort of grey dimness.

Arsenios took a deep breath and then he began to sing. As he did, his eyes glowed purple.

The song was not complex. For persuasion, a simple song was best. He sang in the ancient language of demons, his mother tongue, as it was easiest for him to infuse with intention.

It was a quiet and eerie song, one to match the strange place they were standing in.

There was a clatter from deep inside the house. And then Tobias came down the stairs, a folded piece of paper in his hands. His eyes were dull, his expression listless. He looked like he was sleepwalking.

Tobias walked straight to Solomon and held out the paper to him.

Solomon took it, looked it over, and nodded. "This is the right one, Arsenios."

Arsenios stopped singing.

Tobias blinked. Then he made as if he was going to snatch the paper out of Solomon's hand.

Arsenios grabbed the back of his cloak before he could and lifted him entirely off the ground. Tobias squeaked, kicking his feet.

Solomon walked over to Tobias and tapped his chest with the paper. "Thanks for this. I hope I don't have to tell you that you shouldn't come back to the Devildom for a while. Barbatos isn't pleased about all of this. And I have to admit, neither am I."

"You can’t just come to my home and bully me like this!" Tobias said, still struggling.

Solomon laughed. “You didn’t honestly think you could mess with a demon like Barbatos without repercussions, did you? You should be grateful he can’t come deal with you himself. It would’ve been a lot worse for you.”

“Put me down! I’m not interested in your posturing!” Tobias said.

"I think I’ll share one more song with you,” Arsenios said. “Just to make sure you don’t think about coming back to the Devildom.”

"I don't know if that's really necessary," Solomon said. "I think he's learned his lesson."

Arsenios didn't respond, only began to sing again, eyes glowing briefly. It was a short, sharp song, something that would simply remind Tobias not to return to the Devildom. A slight influence that would play in his mind whenever he considered it.

Arsenios dropped him. Tobias landed with a little thud, still on his feet. He looked surprised that he wasn’t hurt, but he scrambled away in fear all the same.

"Let's go," Arsenios said, turning to Solomon.

Solomon laughed. "You're so scary, Arsenios!"

Arsenios rolled his eyes because he knew he was being made fun of. "Whatever, can we just go back now? I don't like being here."

"Of course, of course," Solomon said.

Solomon put his hand on Arsenios's shoulder and brought them back to the Devildom, landing them directly in Purgatory Hall's living room.

"Thanks for your help," Solomon said.

Arsenios shrugged. "I only did it because of Barbatos. You've seen him with MC."

"Yes, I have," Solomon said.

They exchanged a knowing look.

"Anyway, we can give this to Barbatos at RAD tomorrow," Solomon said.

"Great," Arsenios said, turning to leave.

"By the way, Arsenios," Solomon said.

Arsenios looked over his shoulder.

"Are you sure you wouldn't be interested in making a pact-"

Arsenios didn't even wait to hear the rest, only turning away again and walking out the door. He rolled his eyes as he heard Solomon chuckling behind him.

masterpost | chapter one

chapter eight | chapter nine

masterlist | Thank you for reading!

[elysian-fawn]

Hiii! It's so sweet that you're doing a valentines reading special, I know how tiring these can be so make sure to take breaks if you need them!

I would like to get a reading for my bf Jake Sim in my enhypen dr!

✉︎ 𝐧𝐨. 𝟒 ✉︎

⟡ what specific habit of yours/thing about you makes their heart skip a beat ?

✉︎ 𝐧𝐨. 𝟗 ✉︎

⟡ how do they feel about you deep down ?

Tyy!!

  . ۫ ꣑ৎ   . hi hiii (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) thank u for ur concern omg <33 i have been taking breaks & they've proven useful adshfja

i hope you like your reading & that it's in tune with your enhypen dr (๑´>᎑<)~*

⟡ what specific habit of yours/thing about you makes their heart skip a beat ? ⟡

𝒞ards ⦂ 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝘩𝑖𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑝𝘩𝑎𝑛𝑡 , 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑙 , 𝑠𝑖𝑥 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 , 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠

there's something about you that adds a carefree sort of attitude to the most serious of conversations that he really appreciate . he also likes that you match his energy so so so so so perfectly, like you match each others freak 100% LMSFKDJFAKJ

you’re also a very knowledgeable person , you take your craft veeeery seriously and seeing you in your area of expertise , in the zone like completely locked in and focused , makes his heart flip and jump and flutter . on top of being knowledgeable , you're a very fair person , you want everyone to get equal parts of the pie and whenever you see any like misalignment from the status quo , you call it out immediately because you want there to be a sort of harmonious energy between the people around you , and seeing that first hand is also very endearing to him .

for some reason the figure on the fool card looked like he was in the midst of singing whilst i was staring at it , not to mention how the little bag the figure on the fool card is holding up on the end of the stick also for a split moment appeared to be a bard’s , so your voice might be something he really likes about you . whether it’s just your usual talking voice or your singing voice or the very raspy voice you get when you wake up ,,, all of it he loves 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ 

⟡ how do they feel about you deep down ? ⟡

𝒞ards ⦂ 𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 , 𝑘𝑛𝑖𝑔𝘩𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 ꒰ 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑑 ꒱ , 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 , 𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 , 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑛

i immediately got the thought “ he wants to take things slow with you “ & with the three latter cards that showed up as the clarifiers for the reversed knight of swords i really do think that’s the case . he wants to savour and indulge in your love like the finest most expensive of wines , he doesn’t want to rush anything any experience any feeling with you , because to him you ꒰ & in turn your relationship ꒱ is something priceless , something meant to be taken with the most leisurely of paces , something you look forward to at the end of a long , stressful day .

you both have a lot of love for one another and he wants to thoroughly explore that in the sweetest , slowest of ways . ouughhhhhh this is so random but yk how like after leaving food to sit for a whiiiiiiile , like the day after for example , it tastes a million times better because the spices were given much more time to blend into one delicious , cohesive flavour that’s /so/ rich and there’s tears in your eyes bc oh my god this is so good ???? that’s how he feels for you , how he knows he's going to feel for you forever and ever and ever which is why he’s so hellbent on taking things with you at a snail’s pace . 

songs that may resonate w/ your dr relationship ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ࿐bad decisions by the strokes ࿐heaven can wait by michael jackson

[purplesurveys]

1998

What is something of which you need more in your life? A few weeks ago I would have said a safe space and more people to talk to. Up until very recently I've actually been feeling quite lost, with me being stuck in a routine of Tumblr / Reddit / the same 5 videos on YouTube. I'd go so far as to call it another bout of depression since I had really felt low and it sucked all the more because I felt the harshness of having nobody to talk to.

Then around the end of March I decided I would try making Twitter my safe space again and it worked and I'm really happy about it omg. I started a fan account for GD/Bigbang and it's been such a freeing outlet where I can let my hair down and enjoy content and fan art as much as I want. I've made new friends and I laugh more...I have nothing more to ask for, haha. What I also learned is Twitter will for the most part only be as toxic as the world you form in it; so I've made very conscious decisions about who to let in my circle so that I don't cross the nasty, stan-y, cliquish side of things. In other words, I'm really just there to have fun and mind my own business.

Do you tend to view your existence as more pleasant or unpleasant? Pleasant. The only thing I hate about life is my job anyway.

Is there anything you do which would be considered unhealthy? Sure. Vaping, skipping meals, having so very few hours of sleep every night, never eating fruits... I'm not exactly the poster child for health.

Would you say that you are an introspective being? Just sometimes, I guess, but I don't think it's a main trait of mine.

Which aspect of your daily routine takes the most time? What do you do? Oh the commute definitely, on days when I need to physically report to client meetings or brand events and such. I don't travel everyday so the 'daily' in the question doesn't really apply, but still – it can take me anywhere between 1.5 - 2.5 hours to get home (vs the 30-45 minutes it would take on a Sunday/holiday).

Now imagine that 1.5 - 2.5 hours times two, since it's the same traffic to and from.

Do you enjoy buying gifts for others, or could you do without this? I never buy gifts for people unless it was Christmas. I'm not that... attached to anybody, tbh.

I imagine doing non-Christmas gift-shopping only for a significant other since I do get pretty devoted in a relationship; but it's also been a while since I've been in one and don't plan to be anymore.

What is one thing you are expected to do, if anything? I know my parents are looking forward to me having my own place. I'm grateful that they don't pressure me though.

How do you tend to view driving? Monotonous or entertaining? Oh are you kidding I love driving, I find it super therapeutic. Just you, the road, and your music? GLORIOUS. If this country just didn't have the worst traffic ever and wasn't packed with stupid one-braincell drivers, I'd drive all the time.

When was the last time you ate a great deal of food in one sitting? Just this evening I took myself out on a date and ordered more than I could take at Yabu, lmao. I took a portion of it to-go and am eating it right now as I take this.

When was the last time you went without eating for whatever reason? Earlier today I skipped breakfast and lunch because work was stressing me out, and when I get stressed I prefer not to eat.

What colors are the most prevalent in your wardrobe? Black and white still dominate but I've been trying to add a pop of color just so I don't look blah.

How has this changed from when you were younger, if it has? Back then it was just all black, lol.

What is something people tend to assume about you? It's a bit trivial but more than one conversation has occurred where I had to clarify with people that I don't and never workout, and that I hate exercising. Honestly, I view it as a compliment.

Do you enjoy talking about music with others? No.

What are some of your favorite conversational topics? Current events, travel, celebrities are some of what I can think of.

When was the last time you pretended to be someone other than yourself? I don't really do this.

Is acting something you enjoy? No.

Are you convincing? I think sometimes I am and sometimes I'm not. It depends on what exactly I'm 'defending.'

Are you capable of singing in front of others? No that sounds errifying.

When was the last time you could not do something you wanted to do? 2 weeks ago when I wanted to buy Übermensch merch but GD's merch booth said NOPE

What are some of your favorite summer-related activities? I don't really 'observe' summer I am usually swamped with work anyway to focus on anything else.

Are you generally happier in the summer or the winter? Continued from a couple of days ago! Not relevant to me, I've never experienced winter before.

Do you watch any anime? If so, what genre(s) do you appreciate? The only one I tuned into regularly at some point was Pokemon, so no not really.

What is something you do to calm yourself down when you are nervous? I like either going to the dogs or picking one of the handful YouTube videos I typically watch on repeat, aka going for a comfort watch. Much much rarely but it does happen - I'll curl up and take a nap.

Who was the last person to do something kind for you? I'm sure this wasn't the last occurrence because it's been 2 weeks, but Jazz giving us water while we were waiting for the GD queueing to start still stands out a lot to me. Girl just stood up, walked away for around 10 minutes and got back with bottled water she bought for all of us. I guess I'm surprised because tbh/ngl I'm usually the one who does that for people, and I've never experienced it being done for me before.

How inclined are you to help others? Do you do this frequently? Pretty inclined. I'm a major people pleaser.

What kind of impact does the weather have on your mood? It's been a while since it influenced my mood tbh! Before, though, the rain used to make me feel a bit happier and safer. It doesn't have that strong of an effect on me now but I still like the rain.

What is one aspect of the future that worries you, if any? The inevitable death of people. I do not do well with loss.

Do you prefer to keep a clean workspace, or are you somewhat messy? CLEAN

Do you find it easy or difficult to talk about yourself? It depends on the topic; this is a very broad question.

When do you feel most accomplished? I am pretty direct and determined with my goals/what I want, so if I actually reach them that's when I feel the "I made it"-ness of things the most.

When was the last time you felt like a failure? Most of 2024 felt like this because I really felt that my team hated me and I was still struggling with it because I couldn't understand why – I was doing nothing but trying my best.

I have a better perspective on things now that it's 2025 and I could see just how hard I worked without a superior, without guidance last year...how many accounts I won just on my own efforts because everyone else was either resigning or burning out...how much it was me who kept the team afloat when everything was burning down... I laugh now when I think of people not liking me last year because they have no idea how much I had to carry. All this to say, I'm in a much better place now mentally and I can more easily adapt to the mindset that if people find themselves at odds with me, that's not my problem.

Do you have a tendency to be irrational, or are you more realistic? I stay realistic as much as I can. I can tend to be irrational, but I am also pretty self-aware and Hate Being Wrong, so when I sense myself starting to become irrational I usually try to snap out of it so I can stop being on the wrong side of things LOL if that makes sense.

When was the last time you had a bit of a meltdown, and what caused it? It's been a while. I swear, the moment I stopped tying my self-worth to work, I've never been better. Last meltdown must have been sometime late last year or something.

What were you doing the last time you went outside? We picked up my dad from the airport and we had dinner out.

What portion of your day is typically spent out-of-doors? If I do have an F2F day, it's usually during the afternoon for work meetings.

What is a trait of yours that would annoy you if it were in another person? Being a horrible replier.

When was the last time you felt exceptionally relaxed? The morning of the day before GD con. I filed a leave that day and it was just so FREEEEEEEEING to have a leave and to actually respect my leave by actually not working (since I usually do). Granted it was a full-on errands day – I had a bleach/dye hair appointment, I needed to look for a bag, I had a threading appointment, had to buy batteries and so so much more preps for the con lol – but I'd still count it relaxing since it was all toward what was going to be a really fun day.