#we are all collectively opening our big dewy brown eyes if you will

[quarterprioritymidnight]

I just love Dan’s dewy brown eyes 😍

he's such a dreamboat 😍

[insfiringyou]

BTS - Jin’s Wedding

Contains: Major fluff. Smut. Slight angst.

Set a week after Jin’s stag/bachelor party, he marries his girlfriend Min-seo in a ceremony attended by his family, the other members of BTS and their girlfriends.

This is part of our headcanon universe (find out more here), involving original characters. All BTS members are present as well as their girlfriends Ji-eun, Nana, Ara, Cassandra and Young-soon. Suga’s ex-girlfriend, Jeong-sun, is also heavily mentioned. This is set before the members enlist in the military.

(Find out about our girlfriends here)

We have also made an original art piece of the girlfriends awaiting the ceremony here)

To read each member & their girlfriend’s headcanon universe fics in order, follow the links here:

RM   /   Jin  /   Suga  /   J-Hope   /   Jimin   /   V   /   Jungkook

& Our full masterlist can be found here

Some rated content below cut

PART ONE

Hoseok couldn’t help but grin as he came out of the small en-suite bathroom, looping his tie beneath the white collar of his freshly ironed shirt. Nana looked amazing; her chestnut spirals were magnificently springy; freshly washed and hanging naturally over her bare shoulders. Her body twisted away from him, trying to view the back of her navy dress which lacked much in the way of fabric. Hoseok giggled and ran his finger gently down her exposed spine before settling his hand in the crook of her lower-back.

“Are you sure it looks okay without a bra?” She sighed, straightening up and pulling the silky fabric away from her scant chest. She had brought one along with her to the hotel; a wireless sports number in case of emergency, but the backless panel of the dress made wearing one impossible. She contemplated wearing a cardigan to cover-up, but the weather was seasonably warm and pleasant outside and she didn’t want to risk sweat patches. With a grimace, she looked down at the front of her dress where her nipples protruded against the fabric; two little bumps, no bigger than the eraser-ends of a pencil. Hoseok’s eyes automatically darted towards them at the sound of her voice, a lustful grin tugging on his lips.

“More than okay…” He whispered, stroking her back gently and enjoying the protruding curves of her hips as his hands slipped below the silk. “It’s really sexy.”

She ignored his touch, instead focussing on fussing with the thin straps which held the skimpy garment to her bony shoulders. “I didn’t realise how revealing it is…” She complained. ”I was in a hurry at the store and didn’t have time to try it on. Do you think Min-seo will be upset?” Her voice sounded worried and Hoseok’s chest dropped, realising that while he had known Jin’s fiance for almost two years, Nana was still getting to know his friends. For the first time that afternoon, he became aware of her rising nerves and felt guilty. They hadn’t been dating long but having her here today seemed important.

“She’s not that type of person.” He reassured with a smile, sliding his hand along her side until it reached her shoulder blades which he caressed slowly.

“So you think it’s okay?” She turned to face him, eyes wide beneath her lashes. It was the first time he had seen her wearing a significant amount of makeup and, while she didn’t need it, the black mascara and touch of eyeliner made her feline-like eyes sultry and intense.

Sliding his palm beneath the strap on her right shoulder, Hoseok brushed it aside before smoothing her hair over the opposite over, revealing the back of her neck which he kissed sensually, opening his mouth against her skin. His other hand moved towards the lower half of her back where the cut-out panel revealed her skin up to her panty line. Hoseok skimmed the skin there, just along the border, before slipping beneath, feeling her backside through her silk panties.

“Do we have time?” She whispered breathlessly, feeling herself tingle between the thighs.

“You’re driving me crazy…” He answered, lips moving down to press between her shoulder blades; teeth skimming the skin gently as he opened his mouth wide against her.

“I didn’t realise you were this worked up.” She smirked, turning to face him. He pulled away and took a step back, his hand still lingering on the contours of her hips.

“Your back is really sexy.” He murmured, his hoarse voice almost a growl as he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her passionately. She smiled into his open mouth as her palm moved across his covered body; over the crisp lines of his trousers until they reached his strained outline which tented the fabric. She moaned against him as her fingers squeezed and stroked his hard cock, her other hand seeking the zipper.

***

Strolling down the gravel driveway at the approaching sound of car tires, Yoongi beat the driver to the door handle of the black Bentley and opened it for Jin. The older member hesitated on the back seat, thanking the driver, before climbing out. He reached for Yoongi’s hand who shook it firmly in reply as he pushed the car door shut.

“How do I look?” Jin asked apprehensively, his brown eyes roaming over his black suit, scrutinously looking for any creases or blemishes in the fabric. Yoongi took a glance and nodded. “Good.” He answered honestly. “Really good.”

Jin noticed the sincerity in his voice and found himself relaxing. “Thanks.” He murmured as they walked side by side up the driveway, towards the large country hotel. “Are my parents here yet?”

Yoongi nodded. “Sat at the front.”

“And Min-seo’s?”

The younger man thought for a moment. “Her mom went to see her earlier. We passed in the corridor…”

Jin turned to him tensely, stopping in his tracks. His forehead sheened with perspiration. Yoongi thought he had never seen his band-mate more nervous. “Have you seen her yet?”

He shook his head gently, keeping his voice low in an attempt to show the older man he wasn’t worried about this. “No, but the girls met her at breakfast.”

“How was she?” He asked restlessly.

“I’m not sure, fine I think.” Yoongi answered, beginning to walk once more towards the canopied entrance of the large building. It was a historic venue, lovingly restored and surrounded by acres of lush parkland. It hadn’t taken long after the initial viewing for both Jin and Min-seo to agree on using it for their wedding and reception. The on-site bedrooms were convenient for guests and it was not too far out of Seoul for people to travel to.

“Are the others sat inside?” Jin gazed up at the tall, glass doors as they drew closer to the porch.

Yoongi stopped, turning to his friend and steadying him by the shoulder. He could feel the older man shaking slightly beneath his suit with nerves and restlessness. “Are you okay?” Yoongi asked calmly, giving him a little, reassuring squeeze before pulling away.

“Fine…” Jin replied, a little breathlessly. “Why?”

The younger man shook his head. “You seem worried.”

There was a pause before Jin took a deep breath. It helped steady his voice and when he answered, he sounded the most calm he had since getting out of the Bentley. “It’s just a big day, you know?”

Yoongi nodded gently. “Yeah.” He paused. “It’s all taken care of.”

“Thank you.” Jin’s voice came out barely a whisper and he placed his palm steadily on Yoongi’s shoulder in a brotherly expression. At that moment, the older man had never felt so thankful to have Yoongi as a friend and he tried to show it through his touch, lingering for a moment.

Yoongi smiled softly as the older man moved away. “It’s about time. We should go.” He muttered, nodding towards the stone steps which sat at the end of the driveway, leading to the property.

Jin nodded; his nerves still showing but under control as he began to walk. “Time to get hitched.” He joked with a crooked grin, making Yoongi laugh in reply.

***

The warm, tinkling sound of laughter filled the hall and Jungkook turned automatically towards the row of benches on the other side of the aisle, his gaze fixed on the young woman in the cerulean blue dress as she smiled at the woman beside her, clearly enjoying some private joke. Her hair was tied loosely over one shoulder; gentle waves cascading over her covered shoulder with a few strands collecting in the gentle, sloping crevice between her breasts. Even from this distance, he could envision the trio of small moles which adorned the space in the centre, just below the glimmer of the delicate diamond pendant she wore on a gold chain. The woman beside her, Taehyung’s girlfriend Cassandra, murmured something else in her ear which set her off again, throwing her head back in laughter. Jungkook didn’t think he had ever seen her look so radiant; her fawn coloured skin dewy and glowy in the delicate light of the hall; the high-windows allowing the mid-afternoon sun to cascade through in bursts of beauty.

Namjoon followed the maknae’s glare with a small frown. “Is everything okay?” He asked gently, snapping the younger man from his trance with a slight jump. Jungkook paused, eyes still lingering on his girlfriend. “It’s just been a while…” He trailed off for a second before gathering himself. “I haven’t seen her smile like that since..”

Unable to finish, his shoulders drooped with sadness. Namjoon’s eyes moved from the maknae to the row of girls. Two seats down, his own girlfriend was sat in a plain black cocktail dress, the V-shaped back visible beneath her perfectly coiffed bun. She was murmuring something to Ara on her other side who sported a blonde French braid. He couldn’t work out what was being said from this distance, but the younger woman’s mouth turned up in a sweet smile.

“Are things better between you two?” Namjoon asked, turning back to him.

Jungkook shrugged pathetically. “She says we’re fine, but I feel like she’s not telling me everything…” He thought for a second, his eyes doleful. “I really hurt her.” He admitted.

Namjoon was silent as he considered what he could possibly say to reassure him. While he did not know the salacious details, over the past few months it had become painfully obvious to the members that something bad had happened between Jungkook and Young-soon and it was not hard to speculate who was to blame. The hotel party had taken place almost a year before in a venue not dissimilar to the one they currently occupied, and in the weeks which followed, the maknae’s behaviour had become increasingly apprehensive and cagey, particularly when the subject of his girlfriend came up. Namjoon had questioned both Hoseok and Yoongi on the matter and they had both refused to comment. Hoseok, he believed, knew next to nothing, but Yoongi had shifted awkwardly at Namjoon’s suggestion that the maknae had cheated. The period of curiosity had not lasted long for the leader. It was not long after that, the attention shifted from Jungkook to Yoongi when it became common knowledge that the older member had been secretly dating someone and that the woman in question had broken his heart. Over the upcoming months, Jungkook and Young-soon had started appearing together more and more often and, until that evening, it was not obvious to Namjoon that things were still so strained between them.

He sighed. “It takes a while to earn back someone’s trust. I don’t think she’d be here if she didn’t want to be with you.”

Jungkook watched him closely as he spoke and tried to believe him. He looked back over to her, a few rows ahead, and felt his chest ache as she moved her ponytail from one shoulder to the other, playing with the ends a little. She was so beautiful and he didn’t know what he would do if he was not given the chance to make her smile like that for him; to be the one to make her happy.

From the back of the room, Hoseok and Nana pushed through the double set of doors, cheeks red and a little clammy as they made their way down the central aisle to find their seats. They observed that the room was still only three-quarters full, with several of the guests clustered in the foyer in groups of three or fours, talking and sipping champagne and wine. They wondered whether Jin had arrived yet; they hadn’t seen him in the foyer but thought it was likely he had gone straight upstairs to the guest rooms to get himself ready.

Hoseok smiled with a slight wave as they passed a man in his early thirties. His heavy, hooded eyes were friendly beneath his wavy black hair as he made his way towards the back of the hall.

“Who’s that?” Nana asked curiously, not recognising him from breakfast when her boyfriend had introduced her to many of the guests.

“Yoongi’s brother.” Hoseok replied, looking across the rows of heads for people he recognised. “He arrived this afternoon with Yoongi from Daegu. He spent the weekend with his family.” He explained easily.

“Oh.” Nana muttered as she spotted Cassandra’s familiar dyed red hair from one of the rows near the front. “He looks quite different.” She commented as she pointed towards the group.

Hoseok shrugged indifferently, allowing Nana to go ahead in order to slide onto the seat next to Young-soon who budged her chair along to give them both space. “They’re quite close these days.” He said, perching on the end.

“What took you so long?” Ji-eun asked the couple, leaning over Cassandra to be heard.

Nana blushed, changing the topic. “I really like your dress.”

Ji-eun, not seeming to notice, smiled, smoothing the opaque fabric along her legs in a showy gesture. “Namjoon picked it for me.” She boasted, not unkindly and Young-soon, two seats down, glanced at the garment in approval.

“He’s got good taste.” She commented, her voice tinged with mock-envy. “Jungkook would have me wearing something pink and frilly.” She grinned.

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Cassandra said from beside her. Her own dress was a floor-length royal purple number which stuck out among the guests. While it suited her, Young-soon could never see herself wearing something so eccentric.

The older woman shrugged easily. “The colour washes me out.” She murmured truthfully, casting a hesitant glance at Hoseok who, while listening to the conversation, seemed slightly distracted. She briefly wondered whether he would tell Jungkook before deciding he wouldn’t. She continued. “I have this one dress he keeps picking out for me every time we go out…I don’t have the heart to tell him I hate it.”

“You should just wear what feels comfortable,” Nana said from beside her, realising that while she had been insecure about her own dress upstairs in the hotel bedroom, none of the women had so much as cast an unfavourable glance at it.

Cassandra made a small grunt of agreement from her seat. “I hate wearing clothes.” She complained. “It’d be so much easier if everyone just went nude. A lot of problems would be solved.”

Nana smiled timidly, wondering if the younger woman was joking. She had only met her on a few brief occasions and was still trying to work out her off-beat sense of humour. Ara, knowing her better and sensing that she was being serious pressed on with a small smile. “Like what?”

Cassandra shrugged easily. “People wouldn’t feel so insecure.” She thought for a moment, knowing the others were also contemplating this alternative reality. “They’d be a lot happier.”

The women all laughed and Hoseok slid off his chair, seeking somebody out. Nana watched him head towards the back of the room and leave through the door. Ara grinned. “I think I’ll keep mine on thanks.”

Ji-eun smirked. “Getting undressed is the best part…”

Young-soon nodded in agreement as Cassandra turned to Namjoon’s girlfriend with a knowing smile. “Are you wearing the underwear you bought last week?”

The older woman nodded, raising her eyebrows. “Yeah. It feels really good…”

“Does he know?” Cassandra asked, voice low despite the fact Namjoon, several aisles behind and on the other side of the room, would not hear.

She shook her head cryptically. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

Cassandra nodded, settling back down in her plush seat and addressing the entire row in a casual voice. “I’m going commando.”

The aisle erupted into a fit of laughter at her forwardness, including Nana who twisted towards her.

“No panty-line?” She asked in a hushed voice.

The woman chuckled. “I just hope when they take pictures they don’t use a flash.”

Young-soon grinned from beside her, adjusting her delicate pendant against the soft cushions of her breasts. “I doubt their parents will put that one in the family album.”

Another burst of hysterics ensued and it wasn’t until an elderly relative from one side of the family shushed them that they stopped, biting their cheeks in an attempt to stay silent.

***

Hoseok rapped softly upon the wooden door with his knuckles and looked up from the colourful, thick pile carpet as it opened a few moments later. Yoongi stepped aside to allow him into the hotel room, the younger man’s eyes roaming over his black suit and tie favourably.

“I wondered where you were. They’re due to start in ten minutes.” Hoseok said quietly, closing the door behind them. Yoongi hovered by the minibar where an unopened bottle of champagne lay on top, the older man having taken it from the fridge before deciding better.

“I know.” Yoongi sighed. “I thought I’d lost the rings…” The skittish sound of his voice made Hoseok frown; he knew Yoongi sometimes got nervous but was good at hiding it. Now, his anxiety seemed to be overspilling. The younger man took a step closer, keeping his voice low.

“Did you find them?” He asked, suddenly fearing the worst. There was a pause before he nodded and reached delicately into his breast pocket, feeling around for a second with his long digits before palming the items, showing him with his hand flat and outstretched. The pair of rings glistened in the bright artificial light of the room. His cheeks were stained pink and Hoseok wondered whether they had been in his pocket the entire time.

“That’s good..” He smiled reassuringly. “And what about the speech?”

Yoongi shook his head. “I must have been over it a hundred times.” He slipped the rings back into the small pouch before pulling out a folded slip of paper, his gaze fixed dejectedly on it as though it might burst into flames at any moment. “It’s still not good enough.”

“Do you want me to look it over?” Hoseok asked. He had no doubt that the speech would be perfect; if anyone was good with words it was Min Yoongi, but the doleful look on his friend’s face told him he felt vanquished by the thing; suspecting the entire responsibility of Jin’s big day was resting on his shoulders. Yoongi hesitated before handing it over.

Hoseok carefully unfolded the paper and read in silence. It didn’t surprise him to find it was only a page long; Yoongi was not one for dragging things out, but it somehow managed to say everything that needed to be said. Yoongi’s spindly writing was personal beyond words and Hoseok found his chest growing warm, eyes prickling as he read. He knew the eldest two members were close, but had never realised the extent of Yoongi’s admiration for his friend until today. He was likewise slightly taken aback to read the warmth in his feelings towards Min-seo; it was clear that beyond solely thinking of the pair as a good match, Yoongi believed she was a good person who deserved as much happiness as his friend. Hoseok swallowed, a rising lump caught in his throat as he meticulously refolded it and handed it back.

“It’s perfect.” Hoseok said, his voice almost a whisper. “Jin chose well.”

Yoongi paused before speaking. “I’m still not sure why he chose me.”

It struck Hoseok that his friend was not simply being humble but felt genuinely confused about this. He shrugged. “Why not? We couldn’t have said it any better.”

Yoongi didn’t reply, instead opting to pull at his tie a little, loosening its tight grasp from around his neck. There was a moment of silence before he asked: “How’s Nana?”

Hoseok couldn’t help but grin at the mention of his girlfriend, picturing her seated downstairs in her backless dress. “She’s with the other girls, they seem to get on.” He paused, wondering. “Do you like her?”

Yoongi’s lips turned up at the corners. “Of course I do.”

Although he was unsure why it mattered so much, relief and warmth flooded through the younger man and he smiled in return, his cheeks growing pink as he looked bashfully at the floor. “I’m really glad.” He sighed breathily before looking up at his friend and seeing him, truly seeing him, for the first time that day. Although it was apparent Yoongi was happy for him, there seemed to be a slight change in the room at the mention of Nana; it was something in the older man’s posture and it took Hoseok a moment to realise what was wrong. He bit his lip lightly before pressing on. “I know today must be hard for you.”

Yoongi looked up, meeting his gaze. “Why?” He frowned.

There was a moment of silence before Hoseok spoke. “Jeong-sun.” He explained gently.

Yoongi opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it, his eyes growing dark in their sockets. “I can’t dwell on it forever.” He eventually murmured, unconvincingly.

Hoseok’s eyebrows furrowed into his forehead, it hurt to see his friend like this. “It’s okay…” He whispered.

“She’s found someone else.” Yoongi said, trying to close the matter.

Hoseok thought for a second. “You could too.” He said, not unkindly. Yoongi opened his mouth to speak but only shook his head sorrowfully.

“Why not?”

The older man’s lip trembled, but only for a moment. “I just can’t…” He explained, turning away to face the minibar. Hoseok wondered whether he was going to cry, but when he turned back a moment later his eyes were dry. “I proposed.” He revealed somberly.

Hoseok found himself uncharacteristically speechless for a few moments as he considered this. “I didn’t know that.” He eventually said.

Yoongi shook his head, more to himself than Hoseok. “It wasn’t right.” He shrugged and Hoseok sensed that beneath the unhappiness in his voice there was an ounce of truth which hurt more.

“I’m sorry.” Hoseok said softly, meaning it as he said it. He had liked Jeong-sun, just as Yoongi claimed to like Nana, and understood the breakup must have been painful for them both.

Yoongi shook his head and sighed quietly to himself. “It doesn’t matter.” He turned to the door. “We should be going now, Jin will be waiting.”

Hoseok nodded. “Okay…” He headed into the long corridor and waited for Yoongi to lock his room with the electronic keycard. “At least Donghyuk is behaving himself.” Hoseok smiled as they headed towards the elevator.

“I had a word with him.” Yoongi murmured, making the younger man grin.

“That’ll explain it.”

PART TWO

Jin looked in the mirror for the tenth time since arriving at the venue, smoothing the black fabric over his torso with a critical eye. He had liked the suit when he tried it on with Yoongi in the tailors several weeks before, but now he wasn’t so sure. A loud knock at the door brought his attention away from his dissatisfactory reflection to the visitor on the other side. He instantly recognised Min-seo’s older sister hovering tensely; the hem of her peach, bridesmaid dress just missing the floor by a few centimeters. Behind her, his fiance’s closest friend, Tae-yeon, was standing awkwardly, her dress identical. He looked from one face to the other, sensing something was wrong.

“She started crying a few minutes ago…” The sister, Hyo-yeon, explained, biting her lip almost hard enough to draw blood.

“What’s wrong?” Jin asked with concern as he followed the pair down the long corridor and up the flight of stairs to the next floor.

“Something about her dress…” Tae-yeon called after Jin as he overtook them both, making a beeline for the presidential suite at the end of the hallway.

Hyo-yeon sighed heavily as they reached the room. “Her makeup is ruined.” She tutted.

The younger woman managed to catch up, slightly out of breath. “She’s locked herself in.” She said.

Jin frowned worriedly and wasted no time in knocking on the floor. “Min-seo?” He called loudly. “Can I come in?”

There was a long pause before he heard a sob somewhere on the other side, instantly recognisable. “I’ll be fine in a moment…” Min-seo said weakly, her voice revealing to him she was not.

As though echoing his thoughts, Hyo-yeon silently mouthed: “She’s not okay!” and Jin nodded in reply.

He knocked again, a little gentler this time. “Please?” He asked, voice soft as he moved against the door.

Min-seo hesitated. “It’s bad luck.”

Jin heard a loud, fed-up sigh beside him and felt a pang of annoyance on top of his fear. “The makeup artist has already left…” Min-seo’s sister complained and the older man couldn’t help but feel her priorities were shockingly misplaced. Jin simply nodded at her, showing he understood her worry but hoping she would stay quiet and not make things any worse. Tae-yeon behind them remained silent.

“Min-seo?” Jin called again, pressing his lips against the small crack down the side of the door. “I wouldn’t care if you got married in a sack.” He argued softly.

There was another pause. “I might have to…” Her voice sounded louder, as though she had moved closer to the door which separated them. Jin thought that a good start at least.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, being answered only by another sob. “Please let me in.” He pleaded, holding his hands firmly against the wood. “Whatever it is, we can fix it!”

“She’s due down in two minutes! I need to tell the registrar!” Hyo-yeon fussed.

Jin turned to her, his expression softening as he realised she only wanted the best for her sister. He nodded. “Okay.”

The two women quickly turned and headed back down the hall, leaving him alone. He turned back to the barrier which seperated him from his wife to be, feeling his chest ache. “It’s just me now. Can I come in?” He asked.

“I look a mess…” Her voice came clear from the other side of the door and he knew that, like him, she was pressed against it.

“Me too.” He said warmly, the ghost of a joke in his voice.

“I doubt it.” She sighed.

Jin thought he sensed her calming down and felt hopeful that this would all turn out okay. He tried to smile. “Come and see for yourself…”

There was a long silence before Jin heard the lock click and he stood back as it slowly opened. His eyes trailed automatically to the flash of white against her body and he felt his heart leap at seeing her in the dress for the first time. Until now he had been unable to picture it; the thought of finally getting married to the love of his life had seemed so surreal on the windy, autumn day he had proposed the previous year and he couldn’t believe the day had finally arrived.

She looked beautiful and, feeling bashful, he couldn’t help but joke as he held out his palms and scrunched up his face momentarily as though in horror at the sight of her. She didn’t have time to register his antic before he swept her body in his arms, holding her tightly against his chest and inhaling the sweet, cherry-blossom scent of her skin. He felt her relax into him and his palms found her bare upper arms, his digits wrapping around them gently.

“So what’s wrong?” He finally asked, pulling away to properly look at her. He could see that her sister had been right; that her mascara had started to run down her otherwise pale cheeks. If his suit had been white, he supposed he would now be streaky with the stuff. He closed the door behind them.

She blinked before taking a step back so he could see her dress. It was a strapless, floor-length number with an hour-glass shape. The bodice was embroidered with small, delicate clear stones and beads, matching the twinkle in her crystal headband. Her dark hair had been tied back in an elegant bun, a few strands of curled locks framing her wet cheeks. It took Jin a moment to see what was wrong and Min-seo’s lip trembled as she reached underneath her right armpit to where the dress zipped up, pinching the inches of spare fabric between her thumb and forefinger.

“Look!”  She cried, twisting awkwardly in an attempt to see the problem for herself. “I haven’t tried it on since I bought it. I hadn’t realised I’d lost so much weight…” She explained weakly.

Jin frowned, his eye suddenly drawn to her upper arms which were bonier than they once had been. “Have you been dieting?” He asked.

She shook her head and wandered over to the king size bed, sitting down on the decorative white sheets. “No. Not on purpose.”

Jin sat beside her and gazed at the bodice; she would have only needed the next size down but the style was designed to fit snugly around her bust, allowing her to forego a bra. Now she was sitting down, he could see the way the fabric billowed around her chest, displaying the tops of her breasts. He could easily see the danger, if she wore it for too long, of the fabric slipping down.

“I���ve just not had much of an appetite these days.” Min-seo continued dolefully.

“I know you’ve been stressed a lot.” He said quietly, although he had to admit this was the first time he had released the extent of her worry and he felt his heart sink. He should have noticed sooner that she was not eating.

Her hands moved to her wet cheeks. “What am I going to do?” She sighed, palming her face in shame. “I can’t believe I didn’t try it on before…”

“You’ve had other things to worry about.” He argued gently.

Her bare shoulders heaved. “I didn’t know planning a wedding was so complicated.” She lamented.

His chest panged once again. It didn’t feel fair that what should have been the happiest day of her life had caused her so much anxiety in recent weeks. He shook his head to himself, his voice full of shame. “I should have realised you were feeling that way. It’s not your job to worry.”

Min-seo reached for his hand and slipped her fingers between his reassuringly. Her hand was soft and warm, giving off the faintest scent of powdered roses from the hotel handwash as she moved it to her covered lap. “I didn’t want you to be worried too.” She ran her thumb over his knuckle. “I didn’t want you to think I didn’t want to do this…It’s cost your parents so much money.”

He frowned. “It’s not about money.”

“I know.” She sighed gently. “I still feel bad…” Her voice was soft but Jin couldn’t help but worry. For the first time since his proposal in the park six months before, he wondered whether he had rushed into things. Whether she felt the wedding was too soon. There had been a solid, genuine reason for him wanting to do it before the end of summer; if they didn’t do it now they would have to wait almost two years. But, either way, he would have rather held it off than made the love of his life feel this way.

He turned to her, his covered leg snug against her dress. “We don’t have to do this today if you don’t want to.”

It took a few moments for her to understand his offer and she looked apprehensive. “Everyone’s waiting for us.”

Jin grinned. “I could start the fire alarm.” He quipped making her laugh for the first time that afternoon. The sweet sound filled the warm room, making his heart rate increase pleasantly.  

“You don’t have to do that.” She grinned, moving his hand to her lips and placing a soft kiss on his knuckle. “I want to marry you today.” She sighed. “I just wish this dress fit.”

There was a pause and Jin stood up, putting on his best practical voice. “Let’s have a look.”

She got to her feet, dropping his hand as she reached beneath her arm and held the excess fabric away from her body. Jin could see there were a couple of inches spare; if it weren’t for the dress fitting relatively well around her wide hips, it would have fallen to the floor at the change in her movement, leaving her in nothing but her panties.

She gestured towards the decorative cream-coloured desk by the window. “I think there’s a sewing kit in the draw.”

Jin grinned, moving away from her to open it. “I got an A in Home Economics.” He rummaged past a few spare miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner to find the small kit; several spools of cotton and different lengths of needles were represented alongside a handful of metal safety pins. Jin eyed these hopefully, pulling them from the bag. “We might not have to sew it.” He said, holding them up. Min-seo smiled in reply as he adjusted the fabric beside the zipper, folding it neatly before pinning it in several places.

“You can’t really see…” Jin said, attaching the last one. Min-seo turned to the full-length mirror in the corner of the room to look, seeing that he was right. So long as she did not draw attention to it by raising her arms, the adjustments were not noticeable from a distance and, more importantly, the pins prevented the dress from sliding off her bust. “It’s just for an hour or two. We could get somebody to properly look at it later.” Jin suggested, just as a knock at the door came. Hyo-yeon eyed Min-seo’s dress as she entered the room.  

“I found a makeup artist downstairs.” The older woman explained. “They could be up in just a minute.”

When Min-seo didn’t answer, Jin turned to her, cupping her face gently in his soft palm. “What do you want to do?”

Her eyes flickered from her boyfriend to her sister. She smiled and her entire face seemed to light up. “I’ll see you down there.” She promised, leaning forwards and placing a gentle peck on Jin’s lips.

He smiled against her as he returned the kiss chastely. Pulling away, he brushed her cheekbone with his thumb. “I love you.”

***

The ceremony had been delayed for twenty minutes and the atmosphere downstairs had started to grow understandably tense and disorderly. The sight of Min-seo’s bridesmaids rushing down the aisle ten minutes before to whisper to the confused registrar caused a wave of commotion among the guests seated near the front; the couple’s parents clearly agitated. Yoongi shuffled awkwardly on his seat as the bride’s father mouthed a question to his oldest daughter. Hyo-yeon simply shrugged before disappearing back down the aisle.

The other members had taken their correct seats on the aisle behind their girlfriends.

“What’s taking them so long?” Jimin asked Namjoon as he twisted his body towards the back of the room, clutching the back of his chair.

“Maybe she got cold feet.” Taehyung suggested on his other side, much to the annoyance of the leader.

“She’s probably just nervous.” Namjoon said as the maknae leaned forward in his chair. Young-soon was seated directly in front of him and, from his position, he could see that the delicate gold chain of the necklace she wore had come unclasped at the back; the gold hook dislodged from the adjustable hoops. He reached forward and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

“What?” She asked quietly, keeping her voice hushed as she slowly turned around,

“Your necklace is coming loose.” Jungkook explained, pointing in the direction of the little diamond which rested beautifully between her breasts.

Her hand moved to the chain, giving it a cautionary tug and seeing he was right when it slid off her neck. She smiled a little flusteredly and handed him the chain, turning to face the front of the room and moving her hair from the back of her neck to give him access as he gently clasped it for her. His hands paused lightly on her skin, lingering tenderly for a moment. He wondered whether she would pull away and was relieved when she didn’t.

“Thank you.” She smiled, turning back to flash him a grateful smile. The necklace had been a gift from her father on her 21st birthday.

“You’re welcome.” He whispered as the room fell silent at the sound of the heavy back doors opening. Jin entered the room a little bunglingly, sensing the awkward atmosphere among the worried and confused guests. Yoongi got to his feet to greet him as the elderly registrar fumbled with his collar, a little relieved.

The younger man placed his hand on Jin’s shoulder, turning him away from the onlooking eyes. “Is she coming?” He whispered.

Jin nodded and Yoongi sighed in relief as the older man walked confidently over to the registrar, cupping his hand over the man’s ear as he murmured an explanation. The doors at the back opened once more and the audience turned excitedly in their chairs as the men at the front took their places. The pianist started the bridal march cheerfully and there was a clumsy pause among the guests as the doorway stood empty.

Cassandra turned to Ji-eun in her seat. “Is she coming?” She asked nervously.

The older woman did not have time to reply; Min-seo’s petite frame became visible in the otherwise dark doorway and an audible gasp rose through the audience as she walked into the room.

Nana turned to Ara, smiling gleefully. “She looks so beautiful!” She commented and the young woman beside her nodded in response.

The two bridesmaids followed Min-seo gracefully, the trio seeming to float along the aisle in their floor-length gowns. From the front of the room, Jin stepped forward, unable to stop himself beaming at the sight of her. She had foregone the traditional bridal veil and, as she moved closer, he could see her features were bare and glowing. She had clearly opted to forego the help of the makeup artist and Jin felt proud of her; she didn’t need the mascara or smoky eyeshadow; her natural beauty could not be enhanced in his eyes. Min-seo could not keep her eyes off Jin as she moved closer; reaching out her hands as she met him. He took them in his, turning inwards to face her. Her smile was delicate and beautiful.

“Do I look okay?” She whispered.

Jin raised his hand to her cheek, his dark eyes never straying from hers. He nodded, his stomach filling with butterflies. He barely heard the low boom of the registrar’s voice as the elderly man stepped forward, beginning the vows. It was like no one else was in the room but her. Jin repeated after the man at his turn and she repeated the vows back. They had opted to keep things traditional with only a few variations; Jin didn’t think he had the talent to do any justice in explaining his feelings towards Min-seo anymore than he had already told her during their two years together.

They finally broke apart at the cue for the exchanging of rings and Yoongi stepped forward. Min-seo flashed him a thankful smile as he pulled the gold bands from his top pocket; hers slightly thinner and with a faint, floral pattern etched on the surface of the metal. She held out her hand, suddenly fearful at the last moment that, like her dress, it would be loose on her fourth finger. Clasping the end of her hand gently to keep her from trembling, Jin slid it on easily and she was relieved to find it was a perfect fit. She repeated the motion, unable to help herself giggling a little as she manoeuvered the band over his knuckle, the action novel.

The room erupted with applause and, for the first time since the start of the ceremony, Jin looked into the crowd, observing the proud smiles on many faces. He thought he spotted some of his bandmates in tears but his inspection was quickly interrupted by the registrar’s permission that he may finally kiss the bride. Min-seo’s lips were warm and gentle against his as he pressed into her smile, opening his mouth a little to capture her lips between his. There was the unmistakable taste of salt on her skin and, when he broke away, he could see she had started to cry once more, this time in happiness. Her grin remained and he reached out to brush her cheek with his thumb, chasing the tears as they fell.

PART THREE

Jin sipped his flute of champagne slowly as he shook countless numbers of hands. He spied Min-seo from across the room, chatting away to Nana and Hoseok and wondered whether her wrist was just as sore at his. Donghyuk stepped forward just as Do-Hyeong left and grasped his hand before he had chance to offer it.

“You did really well up there!” The younger man smiled, his voice both surprisingly genuine and sober. He had been seated near the back of the room with the company’s producers, makeup artists and stylists. Jin nodded with a smile, placing his hand gratefully on his shoulder.

“Thanks for coming.”

Across the dancefloor, which remained empty save the few children in attendance who skidded across the polished surface on their knees to the upbeat bop of an old Bigbang song, Young-soon handed Jungkook a bubbly glass of champagne, sipping her own with an approving sigh.

“Are you still crying?” She smirked, observing the puffy redness of his eyes.

He smiled shyly. “I can’t help it.” He admitted. He had been set off both during the ceremony and later, during the speeches.

The sincerity of his reply made her chest ache and she couldn’t help but reach for his hand with her spare. “I hope you don’t cry this much at our wedding…you’ll set me off.” She mocked, taking another sip.

Jungkook glanced at her, their cheeks both stained a matching pink at her confession; he didn’t know whether it was the alcohol she had consumed or the fact that the wedding had been beautiful, but his girlfriend seemed to glow with joy. He felt his stomach lurch pleasantly at the thought of one day marrying her. It had taken months for him to earn back her affection following his moment of stupidity and weakness, but her words gave him hope that things could be repaired.

He smiled gently, a little stunned. “I’ll try.”

She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his smooth cheek, the sweet blend of bergamot, orchid and rose drifting pleasantly from where she had dabbed a couple of drops of perfume on her collarbones and behind her ears.

Behind the couple, Min-seo weaved her way through the clusters of guests, clutching a glass of water she had gotten from the open bar. The alcohol she had drunk at dinner and during the speeches had made her feel a little lightheaded, an after effect of the unusual day, and she wanted to be able to enjoy the after-party as much as possible. She jumped apologetically, clutching her drink tightly as she bumped against a male figure.

She tucked the edge of her dress towards her. “Oh! Sorry Yoongi.” She smiled shyly. “My dress is a bit puffy.”

The older man shook his head gently in reply, his eyes soft. “It’s okay.” He cast her a quick glance. “You look really beautiful.” He affirmed.

Min-seo couldn’t help but blush and reached for his hand, taking it gently in hers; it was cold but soft; she could feel the outlines of his veins and bones beneath her fingers but it felt good to show him how grateful she was for all he had done. “Thanks.” She said. “I’m glad I went without makeup…your speech was really emotional.” She paused, appreciating the little tug of his lips as he smiled. “I can tell how much he means to you. I felt relieved when he told me he’d asked you to be his best man.”

He shrugged humbly, a little embarrassed. “I did my best.”

The pair looked up as the pop music blaring through the speakers abruptly stopped. The DJ, who had been chosen specifically by Jin to avoid arguments among the several guests who had wanted to perform at the reception, took to the small stage at the far end of the hall, microphone in hand. He cleared his throat a couple of times before requesting that the new bride and groom take to the dancefloor.

Min-seo turned to Yoongi, flustered. “Oh, that’s me!” She beamed, a little surprised at her new title. The older man waved her off as she slipped through the sea of people, placing her glass of water on one of the tables as she dashed towards the dance floor, holding up her dress with one hand.

Jin, on the other side of the room, did the same and they met in the middle, coming together gracefully as a slow ballad started. Min-seo hooked her arms gently around the back of his neck as they swayed together, his hands on her hips rocking her from side to side. They could feel the gazes of the audience on them as the guests circled the dance floor, trying to get the best view. The children at the front looked up in awe as Min-seo and Jin looked softly at each other, him pressing his lips against her hair and whispering in her ear. She grinned as he pulled away and touched her lips to his.

Yoongi found a seat at the edge of the room and settled down, watching the dance as he slowly sipped a glass of single malt scotch. He felt surprisingly content, recognising how special the day had been and proud of himself for not messing up.

The DJ, mid-way through the song, invited any couples who wished to join in onto the dance floor and the newlyweds became lost in the deluge. Namjoon and Ji-eun along with Nana and Hoseok were the first to join in, settling closely against one another as they danced slowly. Seconds later, Jimin and Ara found each other and joined in at the edges of the crowded floor, where a cluster of children attempted to join in.

Young-soon turned to Jungkook. “Do you want to?” She asked, nodding towards the dance floor. Jungkook grinned toothily in reply, taking her hand in his and leading her to a gap in the crowd. He touched her waist, his other hand finding itself in the wavy strands at the end of her loose ponytail, fingering the locks gently.

She smiled, looking him in the eye. “I really love you.” She whispered, her voice steady and sincere.

Jungkook felt his heart leap and he was forced to steady his hand as he brushed her hair away from her face. They moved forward in unison, their lips meeting earnestly as they held each other. He tilted her chin upwards with his finger gently as he captured her mouth over and over again, taking in her sweet, familiar taste and scent. He could feel the emotion in her lips and felt his eyes grow itchy with tears once more; it had been so long since things had felt like this between them.

“I love you too.” He murmured against her lips, slowly pulling away as the song ended. He could feel his stomach growing light and giddy with butterflies.

She nodded, reaching towards his forehead to brush his slightly wavy hair with the ends of her nails. “I’m really glad we met…” She confessed. “I’m glad I’ve got you.”

He paused, considering her words. He didn’t think he had ever felt so in love with her. “You always will.” He whispered, capturing her lips once more.

Yoongi took another sip of whisky, watching the couples casually from his position on the sofa. He fought the instinct to go outside the French patio doors for a cigarette, knowing it would do no good. He glanced around the venue, his gaze pausing for a moment on Jungkook and Young-soon, locked in a tight embrace. He felt happy for them, knowing how hard the past year had been between them. 

He took a final sip, finishing the shot and his eyes met with those of a solitary woman sat on her own a couple of tables down from him. She was a couple of years older than him at a guess and not unattractive. He hesitated, considering the possibility for a moment, before turning away. It was not unusual for singles to feel insecure at weddings but, in hindsight, he didn’t think a quick fuck would make him feel any better.

Min-seo and Jin broke apart as the slow ballad made way for an Ed Sheeran pop song. Many of the couples stayed on the dance floor but Min-seo, thirsty for the discarded glass of water, made a beeline for the tables and drank the glass dry in four or five long gulps, feeling parched. She smiled, regarding the sea of couples and hoping that they were all as happy as she and Jin were tonight. One lone figure, however, caught her eye and she felt her stomach tug in sympathy. She had only met his ex on two occasions but it was enough for her to know how much he had loved her. She wondered whether he was thinking of her and whether her day of joy was inadvertently reminding him of what he no longer had. She trailed over to him, picking up the ends of her dress to avoid getting her heels caught in the hem. Her friend seemed lost in thought and she coughed politely to catch his attention.

She smiled as he looked up, meeting her gaze. “Yoongi?” She asked gently, offering her hand. “Do you want to dance?”

***

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[the-magic-lava-lamp]

Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think)

Summary: (Title based on THIS song) ! Val looked into the rear-view mirror and saw that the sky was nearly drained of all brightness. It had surely been an exhausting day. She was surprised Jane hadn’t faded off during the drive to their next motel, not even once and they’d done a lot of running around--

The sound of Jane slipping in her sleep and falling onto the car door ledge thumped in Val’s ear. 

(Sequel to ‘Too Busy Thinking About My Baby’!)

Ships: ValJane 

Word Count: 5,783

Valkyrie laid back on the front car seats as Jane hovered above her, sitting on the edge of the car door. 

Val closed one of his eyes so the sun was behind Jane’s head instead of shining down to worsen her vision. She rolled her toothpick to the other side of her mouth and whistled past the small gap. 

They had about ten minutes to kill before they'd have to move to keep the trip on schedule. A small shiver seemed to pass through Jane as she pulled at her shirt. Val lifted the toothpick from her lips and put her elbow next to her on the seat, hand put through his steering wheel. She squinted one open eye and read the patch sewn into her t-shirt. Just above her heart read 'The answers are out there!' .

"Val, take that out of your mouth before you swallow it." Came Jane’s voice, followed by a soft kick to the bottom of Val’s shoe that was only half on. She rolled her eyes and sat up so that he was between Jane’s legs, arm resting on her thigh. 

Jane’s eyebrow lifted but gladly accepted the curious little kiss Val offered when she removed the stick. Decidedly, Jane pecked her girl’s cheek when she glanced off towards the rest area. “Baby, believe me-” She spoke softly and planted a few more kisses “This trip is going to be perfect.” That time she just nuzzled her nose against her neck. 

Jane pulled up to allow Val a look at her. The sudden movement made the sunglasses, which had been resting on her head, fall over her eyes and slip down the slope of her nose. 

Val glowed and pushed them up for her with an easy-going bliss. “Go pee. I’ll drive the car up to the sidewalk and meet you on the way out.” She chuckled, patting Jane’s knee before the girl hopped off the car. 

: : : : : Jane was just passing the cute little bushes outside of the building when the familiar honk of Val's car pulled her out of her thoughts.

Val had one outstretched arm lounging on the wheel, that toothpick hung from her sideways smile again. "You goin' my way doll?" She smirked as some kind of vaguely vintage voice fell from her lips. 

Jane strolled over, gripping a nearby sign pole and twirling around it. Hues of the rising sun tinted her cheeks. "Is there any other way to go, darling?" She giggled and galloped over. Flinging her purse inside first than herself, jumping over the door. 

Reaching into her bag, Jane grabbed the long thin summer scarf Val had bought her. It was intended to help her live-out some strange fantasy she’d had as a young teen, involving up-and-leaving home & traveling in a convertible car with it blowing in the wind...Man, Val adored her. 

Val tilted her chin down and allowed her suns-glasses to fall, pursing her lips. “Let’s roll, baby.” 

Jane pointed her finger towards the open road and laughed madly. 

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valkyrie had planned a small road-trip back to New Mexico for the couples one-year anniversary. Which, was a very big deal in Val’s opinion. 

The two of them had basically been stuck together since they’d begun dating but funny enough, they never really took themselves too seriously. It was more because of Val’s hesitation of commitment, if anything. But Jane was happy to take things slowly too. They were girlfriends. They were 100% exclusive. But they pretty much kept away from serious talks. Val felt a little guilty but at the same time...proud her feelings were a part of a true relationship. 

Jane was curled up against the door wearing Val’s hoodie as the orange sky faded to deep purples. The sleeves were pulled over her hands & she kept drifting in-and-out of sleep. 

“Wake up, sprite.” Val gently reached over and shook her knee, listening once again to the soft sighs which escaped her girlfriend’s lips when she woke up. “Don’t leave me on my own.” 

Jane sat up and grinned. “Sorry.” She rubbed her eyes and moved to take her cell which was hooked up to the radio. “I had a dream that I was psychic. I kinda wanted to know where it was going.” She stretched and made herself comfortable again. 

Val smirked. “Oh yeah? What did dream Jane see in her visions?” 

The girl shrugged and took a sip of Val’s coffee. She opened her mouth like she was about to answer but blinked up towards the sky. “Was that lightning or did I just rub my eyes too hard?” She scrunched her nose. 

Val turned and caught a quick glimpse of another bolt. Her answer was to roll up the roof and close all the windows. Just in time. 

The violet sky thundered above them poured down hard drops of rain which pounded against the car. Jane giggled as the air conditioning blew her hair back with that stale breeze. 

She pulled herself up in her seat to get a better view from Val’s window. Another bolt crashed and seemed to crackle in the shine of Jane’s watchful eyes when it reflected in the brown. 

“Y’know, I wanted to be a storm-chaser when I was little.” Val stole a quick glance at the woman and gripped tightly on the wheel. 

“Me too.” Jane fell back into a relaxed position and grinned like she was in the presence of something truly magical. “It probably started with weather; I was fascinated by the natural elements we lived our lives around-”

Val smirked. “But it wasn’t enough. Sky wasn’t the limit for you, baby.” 

Jane gently pinched her arm. “I’m who I am today because as a child...I just decided science was what interested me most.” She paused and stared out the windshield. “I just liked space and now...” She shrugged. “Isn’t that crazy?” 

“Crazy, yes.” Val nodded, turning the car into the small parking lot of a gas station. “But believable.” She smirked and turned the car off. “You get where you’re going when you work hard for it, Jane.” 

Jane shrugged. “You’d know.” She said with earnest pride and brushed a curl away from Val’s eyes before planting a small kiss on her cheek. She admired her girlfriends work with an organization which helped to match people with possible career options, internships etc. Val really enjoyed working with people & guiding them in their search for jobs they were actually passionate about. 

Plus, Val was one hell of a fighter in her spare time too. She consistently trained at the gym and was the swiftest, smoothest...warrior (that was the best word for it) Jane had ever seen. 

Val parked the car and slowly climbed out, watching Jane hop out to look up into the storm. Heavy raindrops fell down upon them & soaked through the comfy outfits they’d been wearing but neither cared. 

“Buy me a crappy gas station hot-dog?” Val made a puppy dog face even though Jane was sure to agree. 

She nodded & made a ‘come here’ gesture before swirling on her heels. 

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“A toast!” Val raised her body, legs now curled under her thighs. Behind her, the wind blew her curls around and annoyingly through the large-ish earrings she loved so much. 

The old fashioned lawn flamingo shapes were covered by her hair & missing great opportunities to catch the light. The florescent plastic pieces were always a hit. 

She raised her delicate paper cup filled with the tea they were splitting. They’d picked it up a couple stops ago when they were too lazy to go back for their forgotten credit cards. So they’d paid outta pocket which afforded just one can.  

Jane whistled and raised her own tiny cup from the holder as she turned into their desired motel. ‘The Pink Moon’ 

“To...?” 

“To us!” Val tapped the cups as they pulled into the parking spot. When it came to a stop, she wiggled around until she was successfully unbuckled and sitting criss-cross. She pushed some hair away from her eye and swallowed. “Happy first anniversary, Jane.” 

Her girlfriend grinned, downing the small drink with her. “Happy first anniversary, honey.” She swallowed and pushed forward for a kiss which would be on both of their minds for a long time after. 

Val blushed and rolled her shoulders back to stretch out a little when he feet hit the pavement. The sun light trailed down Val’s skin and comforted her. 

The sidewalk was cracked and the dirt bled through with small dead flowers pressed down like veins, quietly Jane was muttering the lyrics of a song that would be plugged into both of their brains when they tried to sleep that night. 

She wondered if ‘The Pink Moon’ had comfortable beds. She grabbed her bag and pulled it over her shoulder. As Val squinted in front of herself, looking through the rose tinted filter of Jane’s sunglasses, her hands dampened. 

Naturally, both girls stopped to take in the location before collecting their key. Just searching for little things to look at. The round sunglasses dipped to the tip of Val’s nose as a tall dusted orange bus plowed down the street. 

Jane whistled again, turning her chin to Val with a sly smile. “You got a smile so bright, You know you could have been a candle...” She raised the volume of her previous singing.

Val pursed her lips. “Is that supposed to be good?” She teased but swept Jane’s hand up in her’s for the girl to twist under. She spun Jane to her chest and they bobbled in their spot before finally breaking & walking to the office. 

: : : : : : : : : : Jane watched her girl prepare little drinks for their enjoyment which was actually quite interesting. Val moved with such rhythm and...joy. The girl was just so full of life. She was fresh from the shower and wearing perhaps the comfiest looking robe in the world. 

When she was finished, Val launched herself strategically on the bed (not spilling a drop of their drinks) and held one under Jane’s nose.

Val’s dark hair dripped water down in a slinky path against her dewy skin, tired droplets paused and waited as flybys sped down to collide against them. Cold air breezed from Jane’s mouth and settled into the air as she admired her. 

Val took a deep breath, eyes fluttering closed with satisfaction as the heat in her chest returned. She brought her knees up as her back curved, making her body a true reflection of her current state. Tiny pins and needles poked from under the bottoms of her feet, she wiggled her toes. But after a few seconds, she let them be. Sometimes it was a little euphoric to feel that little vibration of sleeping limbs.

She turned to her girlfriend, confused at the large amount of attention she was giving her. She chuckled. “What’s up, sprite?”

“I wanna eat the eat the mixed nuts we bought and watch dumb TV with you. Right now.” She surprised herself with a tiny giggle and pulled the remote towards her. 

Val pulled the bag over and dropped the can into her lap, pulling the lid open and offering Jane the first grab. 

: : : : : : : : : :

The drips of coal black mascara (that had not so long ago dripped down her cheeks) was tightening against Jane’s skin. The dark river was now drying on the canvas of her face with astoundingly beautiful blue reflections from the cut of her fake crystal ring. As she held the thing just over her face to admire her own handy kaleidoscope, Jane felt her body tingle from the afterglow of their night spent together.

Val reached over with her thumbs and rubbed at Jane’s runny makeup. 

“It’s gross. I sweat way too much.” Jane helplessly giggled and tried to rub it off herself...with Val’s sleeve. But she broke off to enjoy the nice feeling coming over her.

Starting from her curled toes, the tickling pleasure traveled her body through electrifying shivers. She let her head fall back to sigh towards the ceiling before she attempted to calm the natural reaction down. Val obviously took amusement from the sight. She crawled to the side of the bed, the silky sheets pooled at her hips while a smile instinctively came across her face.

“Tired?” She asked, lazily resting her chin on her palm. 

Jane nodded, squishing down on her pillow. “But pass the can first?” She made a grabby gesture towards the mixed nuts on the night stand behind Val. 

Val cuddled up next to her as she crunched down a pistachio, absolutely melting Jane’s heart.

                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What’s there to do in Indianapolis?” Val scrunched up her nose and threw her arm around Jane, who was trying to read one of the pamphlets she’d swiped. Their hair blew in the wind and smacked against them in uncomfortable swirls. 

“Ummm-” Jane bit into her cheek. “Watch competitive driving?” She nodded, rolling her eyes. Val hummed and sat her chin onto her girlfriend’s shoulder.

“You want to see some driving, don’t you?” Jane giggled and flipped the pamphlet, tucking it back into her back pocket. “There’s fifteen dollar admission today to see some practicing on the track.” She squinted towards the sun, already a master of information. 

“You wanna spend the day in the sun, listening to loud cars?” Val grinned, eager just from saying the words. Jane winked and took her hand. 

“Sure thing, baby!” She swung their grip between them, feeling their palms slide from slick sweat. 

: : : : : : : : : :

The sun was forgiving to them that afternoon. Glittering yellow and orange hued beams bled down from the sky & dusted their sun-burnt shoulders. 

Jane’s slender fingers traced thin lines up and down Val’s legs. Rubbing the pads of her fingers over the budding stubble. It was mostly a subconscious act, her mind was focused on the track in front of them. Her hair fell into her face as the speeding car went round the corner another time. 

The grassy hill was the perfect spot for them. They cuddled together at one of the least populated spots to mindlessly enjoy the practiced speeding & enjoy the warm summer day outdoors. Crawling across their spread of a new blanket, Val gripped her girlfriend’s non-dominant hand & took the cup of soda. She sipped at it every now and then just to get the feeling of a sour bite at her lips.

With that moment’s satisfaction, she decided to tune back into full life where Jane was taking down some notes about one of her many projects in a spare notebook she kept on hand. The pad was balanced atop Val’s legs where it occasionally wobbled.

Jane was under the shade of a new hat with the number of a driver they’d randomly chosen to be their favorite. She peeked a look to her side to admire the lovely company she was sharing. 

Another car zoomed past as Val blew a whistle of relief from her lips. The sunlight was bouncing off the crevices of her skin, naturally she leaned her neck back so it could dust across her cheeks. When the music playing suddenly blasted louder, she was mouthing the words slowly and drawing them out thoughtfully. The moment was unspoiled and sweet, the wind was blowing in a few small bursts that curled her baby hairs to her temple.

“I love you.” Dropping her pen, Jane spoke without really thinking while it rolled down the paper and onto the blanket.

Val snapped her head over and looked at her with an...unreadable expression. Not bad but...not exactly perfect either. 

“Mmmm.” Jane pursed her lips and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I just made this day weird.” Her hair whipped around as she shuffled to get her stuff into her purse. 

“No.” 

Both girls paused when Val sat up to grab Jane’s wrist. They stared down at the grip just so they wouldn’t have to make eye contact. “Jane...I’m sorry. I’m just not very good at this.” She frowned. 

Ever the impressive, Jane playfully twisted out of the grasp flawlessly and shrugged without a care in the world. Though she cared very, very deeply. “You don’t have to say it back if you’re not ready.” 

Val leaned forward and pressed their lips together, gently but with enough passion to draw Jane’s hands to caress her cheeks. After a few seconds, they pulled apart and Val looked about ready to pop with anxiety. Her eyes, wide & adoring. 

“That’s good with me, baby.” Jane nodded and happily snuggled under her girlfriend’s arm. 

“Are you sure?” Val let some of her walls come down, feeling vulnerable and guilty. Jane didn’t like her feeling that way when there was absolutely no need for it. 

She grabbed her cheeks again. “One-Hundred percent. I know how you feel.” They smiled at each other for a few minutes before Jane rubbed their noses together and fell back onto the blanket.

: : : : : : : : : :

The end of the day was creeping up on Val as she turned the car down another street. The sun was setting, burning the rest of the afternoon oil out and she had sweat sticking to her forehead. 

Val looked into the rear-view mirror and saw that the sky was nearly drained of all brightness. It had surely been an exhausting day. She was surprised Jane hadn’t faded off during the drive to their next motel, not even once and they’d done a lot of running around--

The sound of Jane slipping in her sleep and falling onto the car door ledge thumped in Val’s ear. 

She laughed and picked up the pace just a touch while the sun fell perfectly align with the curve of their windshield. She squinted and used a spare hand to playfully rub the side of her girl’s head. Ruffling her hair, she turned the wheel onto the next street after what felt like an eternity.

‘The Jewel Cowboy’ stood at the end of the empty street with a friendly looking neon moon towering above it. Inside lived the outline of a neighborly cowboy who’s lasso buzzed towards the entrance. 

“C’mon sprite.” Val slowly came to a park and gently unbuckled herself and then her girlfriend who was now pretending to still be asleep. 

Her eagerness to get inside to relax was pulling some speed out of her quick fingers. Jane’s lovely eyes fluttered open as sweat dripped down her temple. The ache to just sit down to eat was immense. So when her girl finally hopped out to follow her, Val breathed in and out slowly to really enjoy the relief of rest.

After collecting their key, the girls headed straight for their room. 

The motel carpet beneath her cradled her aching feet and soothed any pain. It had been non-stop walking and running all day and she was dead tired. Cracking her neck gently, in a way Jane had advised her against many times, she sat down on the bed.

“The sun is sinking in the west,The cattle go down to the stream. The redwing settles in the nest. It's time for a cowboy to dream--” 

Jane strolled around their fun little room, admiring the framed photos of cowboys & sprinting horses. She sang to herself in that soft voice which Val had come to adore. “I love this Motel, by the way.” She giggled and flung herself onto the bed. 

“I know. It’s incredible.” Val shifted so that Jane could climb into her lap. They admired each other with the same glow in their eyes, starlight breaking in through the window. Val gently ran a hand through the satin of Jane’s hair and laid it to rest on the back of her neck. 

Jane hummed and reached out to tap Val’s nose with her finger. “What time do we have to wake-up, again?” 

“Five a.m.” Val scrunched up her nose with an apologetic expression. “It’s eleven hours to Oklahoma City, our next stop.” A tremble passed through her when Jane sleepily leaned forward and put her head on her shoulder. 

She hugged her close and found that it was easier to allow her emotions to take over when Jane wasn’t looking directly at her. 

She thought...maybe she could say it now...

Her mouth opened but closed once she realized...she wanted to say it while admiring Jane’s beautifully curious face. If she wasn’t ready to admit her love to her girlfriend’s face, than saying it over her shoulder was not going to happen just because it was easier. 

                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All around them small-town businesses stretched out until the view fell over the edge of the horizon. The road looked as if it would do the same if they just kept driving. 

“Sandman.” Val squinted and mumbled to herself, noticing Jane’s confused look instantly after. She carefully pointed to the sign they were about to pass. 

Jane blinked towards it. 

‘Sandman Music Fest. Tonight & Tomorrow. Been here all along. Bring your friends!’ 

She smiled and rubbed her palms down her jean-clad thighs. “Oklahoma city is going to have to wait.” 

Val whistled and raised her right hand, pumping it into the open, dusty air. 

: : : : : : : : : : 

Jane had heard herself described as ‘fatally-focused’ from an ex...far too set on her career in a way which pushed people away. Quite the jewel of a comment made her feel dull and dim. She supposed that may have been true for a while. But she wouldn’t have called it ‘fatal’. Maybe just ‘successfully focused’. 

She smiled to herself as music poured from the stage in front of her. 

It propelled her into her dream career & brought her to a meeting a girl with equal determination and a bright personality. Val took everything in stride, somehow finding beauty in everything. 

Her childlike eyes would brighten at the simple chance to just speak. And there she stood, under the low hanging sun with grass stains painted all down her legs, talking. Any energy she’d had, had up and left Jane a little over an hour and a half ago. 

But something about her girlfriend just made everything something you wouldn’t dare to miss. 

The sky was a fading orange color & rain was just beginning to fall. Jane was yawning more than she was talking. But a simple look to Val with that fire in her eyes mysteriously left her thirsty for more home-town music.

Some band was playing a song about a rambler finally coming home to the place where they belong & Jane swept herself under Val’s arm. They didn’t know the words to the local songs but both girls sang along anyway. Swaying to each tune and laughing the words out with an odd passion. 

The hoops Val wore, which were shaped like suns, bounced as she tried to guide her girlfriend in one of the few dances she knew. In a flurry mixture of soft and bright colors, Val and Jane were quite literally frolicking through the grassy field of the Fest. 

The insides of their shoes were beginning to slosh around with puddles of water which only lead them to the decision to kick them off. Jane was mid-spin when she nearly fell over. Droplets of rain flung from each strand of her light hair and pelted against Val’s hot skin. It only urged her on. Never in her life had Jane been so carelessly into having fun. 

But in the year she’d grown extremely close to Val, things within her were changing. 

Val heaved her heavy-weighted shoes off and felt the earth between her toes. Mud squished just under her heels. She tilted her chin to the sky and smiled with nuanced disgust before taking off (shoes now in her hands) after her girl who was now running towards the tables. 

Their laughter carried through the air with distinct pleasure. Jane glided across the huge lawn with a smile anyone could easily become obsessed with. Val partly envied the grace in which Jane moved with. It came naturally to her whereas that was something she had never mastered. 

The calm surrender it took to move so fluidly was a trait lost on herself. But maybe today was different because her heart was beating in time with Jane’s. 

“What happened to your shoes?” Jane chuckled as Val came to a stop in front of her, sitting on one of the benches. 

Val held them up, the bottom of the right was torn up due to the cheapness and the left just gave her blisters. She plopped them down on the wood table and sat across Jane. Stretching her legs to rest on the bench next to Jane and wiggling her toes. 

“Are you having a good time?” She asked, a little mischievously. 

Jane glanced over from the stage where her eyes had previously rested and tilted her head. Amusement was clear in her expression. “The best time.” She shrugged with a tiny bashful grin. “I’m gonna call Bruce to see if he’s had any problems apartment sitting for me.” 

She pulled out her phone as a young woman on stage began her own rendition of Selena’s ‘La Carcacha’. 

Val tuned out of the phone conversation, just fine with watching Jane’s expressions and movements. Her eyes were wide and bobbing up & down as she nodded along to whatever it was Bruce was saying. And then she simply smiled, pushing hair behind her ear.

: : : : : : : : : :

Val cuddled up inside Jane’s flannel shirt and watched her girlfriend do the same in the sweatshirt she’d borrowed from her. The girls were standing under the shade of a slanted road-sign with their comically large map clenched in each of their fists.

After around 18 + hours, they’d made it to New Mexico and made it their mission to explore all the hot-spots the state had to offer. 

“I’m hungry. Are you hungry?” 

Val pursed her lips. “Yeah, we should probably eat. But do you want something like breakfast or lunch cause it’s that weird in-between time-?” 

Both girls paused as an older gentleman passed by, not paying them any mind. He walked between them without even looking up but what made the girls smile was the music pouring loudly from his large headphones...

"I ain't gonna act politically correct. I only want to have a good time. The best thing about being a woman is the prerogative to have a little fun-”

Jane watched him walk off, not a care in his world, with the happiest grin. Val chuckled and held out her palm which was clasped in mere seconds. 

They walked off in a random direction in search of some kind of diner. 

: : : : :

The one they ended up inside was charming and indeed tiny. 

The television in the corner was running some old episodes of ‘The Golden Girls’ and Jane was lazily sipping her coffee while occasionally explaining why certain lines were funny. Val, who’d never seen the show in her life, kept herself busy by pressing soft kisses to her warm cheek. 

“Sweetheart?” Jane mumbled into her drink and wiggled happily as Val hummed in her ear. “Try my coffee, it’s the best cup I have ever had in my life.” 

Val allowed her to hold it to her lips and swallowed a nice steamy gulp as their fellow customers loudly enjoyed their conversations. Jane watched her drink and felt a tug in her chest as she let her chin rest on her shoulder. “You’re my greatest discovery.” She mumbled into the fabric of Val’s shirt as the girl set down the mug.

Val raised her brows with amusement and smirked. 

“I’ve dedicated my life to my research and discovered some amazing things, Val-”

“Show-off.” Val teased and Jane pinched her arm. “Just keeping you humble, Honey.” 

Jane kissed her briefly on the cheek. “All I’m saying is...meeting you was the greatest discovery of my life.” She leaned against Val as her arm laid across her shoulders. 

Val tried to collect her thoughts on that beautiful sentiment and found it to be rather difficult. The words for a response were somehow not enough...so she wrapped both arms around Jane and squeezed, nuzzling her head into her shoulder. “More than words, Jane. More than fucking words, you know?” She mumbled. 

Jane hummed. “Yeah baby, I know.” She giggled.

: : : : : : : : : :

Two days later, Jane was relaxing on the balcony area of their next motel suite as Val sat atop the railing. Her legs swayed back and forth without a care in the world while she enjoyed the sights and sounds of harmonious joy from the other guests in the pool. 

The light was golden with a dusting on pink as it laid over them & warmed their skin. There were moments where the woman felt like she may never be given something so peaceful as this scene again but...looking back at Jane (subconsciously making faces at her open novel) she smiled. 

The neighboring door flying open almost made Val fall forward. 

“Hey. Anyone up for a round of volleyball? I’m so bored that I accidentally zoned out for like an hour. So I need to get outta my room.” Came a cheerful woman as she stuck her head out of her room with the sport-ball in her hand. 

Jane looked up and smiled. 

“Yes please!” Val turned and hoped off the railing and glided over towards Jane. “My girlfriend would love to watch me play volleyball.” She ruffled Jane’s hair as she teased her. 

The woman chuckled, shutting her door behind her. “You two are cute.” She stuck her hand out. “I’m Sif, by the way.” Both Jane & Val shook her hand and introduced themselves. 

And Val ended up being right....

When the girls went downstairs to the court just outside, Jane pulled up a deck chair to the edge of the sand to watch her girlfriend serve & flawlessly dive for the ball. Her book completely forgotten in her lap.

: : : : : : : : : :

Elephant Butte Reservoir.

A place for great swimming, water-skiing, boating, with plenty of soft sand to stretch out on.

Val had planned on visiting the not so secret beach from the beginning of their New Mexico trip. Considering Jane had expressed interest in the spot but never had the chance to go on her own when she lived in the state. 

The whole State Park was just about the most gorgeous way to spend a sunny summer day. The girls walked the path down to the beach and felt the sand between their toes. 

From across Jane was the young face of her lovely companion in the sun and nothing could be better. Val waved her hand around her face to feel just a little bit of a teasing cool breeze. She sighed pleasantly, audibly relaxed with how the day was going which was no grand surprise. It had been perfect so far. 

Val began to adjust and re-adjust their towel in the nicest way to avoid too much of an annoying glare from the sun. But Jane guessed it was no use because the girl just continued to gradually grow more and more annoyed while the towel blew in the wind. 

She was no stranger to huffing and puffing about minor issues herself, however, her girl just seemed plain tired of it like a woman who’d been on the road for days stressing over making the perfect trip. The sunlight coated her face with a sharp orange stripe that went across her cheeks. Jane just knew it had to be undoubtedly warm and she envied the feeling of a sun fever.

After a few moments of what Jane assumed was either contemplation or disassociation, Val handed the towel over to Jane to lay over the sand instead. Which took a few more minutes. 

The waves collided with the sand and washed up to the tips of their toes. Val reflected on the landscape while creeping her hand over to Jane’s. Cupping them together eased her into complete peace. It’s rare for something to feel so right but...they did. 

The words finally came naturally to the tip of Val’s tongue with no hesitation. Why waste anymore time holding back her feelings? Time sure as hell goes by...

The waves spilled over her feet once more & as quick as a wink, they retreated back. 

“Hey sprite?” 

Jane turned and let her sunglasses slip down to the tip of her nose, the summer color scheme looking unbelievably good on her. “Hey Val?” She grinned. 

“I love you.” Val couldn’t believe how gentle & nervous she sounded. Which was ridiculous considering Jane had already voiced her love. 

Jane was overcome with a blushed grin which was as vibrant as the sunset they’d watch last night. She attempted to hide behind her hands as she happy giggled. “I know.” She reached over to tenderly rub down Val’s thigh. “And I love you too.” 

Val smashed their lips together. 

: : : : : : : : : : After the New Mexico Road-Trip, home seemed so boring to Val. But she did enjoy following Jane into her apartment. The girl was checking her mail and mumbling ‘Please Mr. Postman’ under her breath. 

They hopped up the stairs for the first time in a long time and opened her door to see...Thor, Bruce, Darcy & Loki all in various seats watching ‘Jurassic Park’. 

Jane set aside her suitcase and smirked. “You people don’t live here.” She ruffled Loki’s hair as she past him just to annoy the shit outta him. 

Val did the same to Bruce but more as a ‘Hello’ to her little buddy than an annoyance. 

“Neither does she.” Loki pursed his lips and pointed his hand towards Val with elegant grace. Darcy chuckled and threw a handful of popcorn into her mouth. 

“That reminds me, Jane. Want to change that?” 

Childishly, Darcy and Thor erupted in ‘ooooh’s of interest while Jane nearly tripped over the leg of a side-table. Val could see a curious look coming from Bruce who always seemed to understand her in the oddest ways. She shot a smile back to him. It was to reassure that she was ready for the kind of commitment that Bruce also feared sometimes in his own relationship. 

Jane fumbled for words for a solid few seconds. “Hell yeah!” She chuckled and threw her arms around her girlfriend’s neck. 

The happy couple was rewarded with happy shouts from Thor & Bruce, disinterested clapping from Loki & Darcy’s handful of popcorn being whipped at them like it was confetti or something. 

Jane never felt more lucky in her life. She couldn’t believe someone as beautiful, strong & downright cool as Val was in love with her. 

Val was also sure she was the luckiest girl in the world as she squeezed Jane to her body. 

[heywritersblock]

perfect: S.M

shawn doesn’t like being called perfect and absolutely doesn’t like letting his best friend down.

a story involving a reluctant photographer, an even more reluctant model and a healthy dose of a praise kink.

~7000 words

the buzz of the student bar around you was loud; it was pretty packed but you didn’t expect anything else for a friday night. you were waiting at the bar to collect your round of drinks and when the bartender finally finished up, you took the tray and carefully made your way back to the large table your group of friends had occupied in the corner of the bar. there were far too many of you to fit around a single table, so you’d dragged two together, chairs haphazardly positioned around.

navigating your way through the crowded bar wasn’t the easiest of tasks, and there was some near misses when a group boys who had had far too much to drink almost stumbled into the tray of drinks, but you finally made it back. your roommate helpfully cleared room on the table for you to slam down the tray with a relieved sigh. being the mother hen of the group, you diligently call the names of your friendship group to hand their drinks to them.

“jay? here’s yours. em? here you go, babe. and last but by no means least - shawn? here you go! god, i was so sure i messed up that order, the guy behind the bar asked me to reorder like three times.”

a chorus of thank yous echo around the table as you drop down in your seat, slinging your small purse around the back of your chair for safe keeping. conversations are quickly returned to but you feel a small tap on your right thigh as you take a sip of your drink. you raise your eyebrow in a question as you place your drink back down on the table in front of you.

“i told you i’d help you with the drinks,” shawn says quietly.

“and i told you, i’m a big girl; i can carry drinks on my own,” you retort.

large, brown eyes stare back into yours - challenging almost – but you’re determined that you’re not going to be the first to look away. this has always been a game between you and him. you’ve known shawn since you were kids – about eleven and twelve respectively – when he transferred to your school. he was (and still is) yours and your twin brother’s best friend despite him being in the grade below you both. shawn spent most of his childhood since he moved at your house due to his parents working long, tiring shifts and to be honest, he became part of the furniture.

your parents used to joke that shawn had definitely been here in a previous life; he was far too sensible, too wise and too perfect to not have been. they used to say that he’d learned all of the perfect traits to have in his last lives here and he’d kept them, discounting the imperfect ones and leaving them behind. that was the only way they could explain his level of pure perfection.

you, though? you described him as more of a chameleon. he had the uncanny ability to blend in to whatever surroundings he was in - despite his tall, dark figure and renaissance painting like handsomeness – and be whoever he needed to be to make a person happy. you’d told him this one night, back in the summer a couple of years ago where he’d quickly shook your comment off as a falsity, but you’d watched him far too carefully over the years. you knew what you’d seen; you knew what he was doing.

“you know, you don’t have to be perfect at everything in life, S,” you’d said.

he shrugged, turning his head away from yours as you sit on the dewy grass in your back yard. you needed to make sure he understood, that he knew how important it was for him to know that. you repeated yourself until he looked directly at you, tears flooding his eyes.

“i’m serious, S. you’re everything we want without trying. you don’t have to try and be whoever you think we need, you just have to be yourself,” you’d emphasised. you repeated this over and over, until shawn’s shoulders began to shake with silent sobs. “you’re so special as you are; keep being yourself. we’re so lucky to have you in our lives, please just keep being you.” you were so careful not to use that dreaded word ‘perfect’, despite it being the truth. he was truly perfect to you.

you’d both fallen asleep that night on the grass with shawn’s head laying in the crook of your neck, one of his legs laying over both of yours and his clammy hands gripping desperately at your sweatshirt as you cradled his head, giving him the comfort he so urgently needed.

your brother had rudely awoken you far too early the next morning by slamming the back door loudly. poor, innocent shawn was utterly mortified, trying to smooth out the creases he’d made in your sweatshirt before realising that his hands were all over your torso. he snatched his hands from your hips and stomach altogether like you’d burned him and leaped to his feet. he reached down to offer you his hand to help you up (ever the gentleman, even when he’s flushed an embarrassed red) and then refused to meet your eyes for weeks afterwards.

your brother never let either of you forget about it, but the two of you had never spoken of it again. it bothered you for a while; shawn was so good at giving everyone else exactly what they needed but even though it was clear you wanted to speak about his reaction to your honesty, he didn’t give in to you. it upset you for a while, but then you realised that the only person shawn was truly shawn with was you.

things started to go back to normal after you recognised this; after you stopped pushing him to discuss what happened. the childish teasing resumed, but with a new heat behind it as you grew up. at one point, your twin let slip to you that shawn was totally gone for you but you brushed him off. how could someone like shawn want you?

years later, the day before you and your brother left for college, shawn walked up to your bedroom as usual. he’d already helped your brother pack up his last few things at first – he was of course more unorganised than you – and then shawn had come to help you finish up. he’d made quiet small talk with you as he taped up your last few boxes, both of you ignoring the tension flooding the room. you resolutely disregarded it each time you were left alone together, not willing to admit to yourself what exactly that tension meant.

“what time’s your flight?” he asked.

“eleven thirty five. the van is coming to pick these boxes up in a couple of hours but we need to set off to the airport in the next fifteen minutes. H’s flight is at ten forty so i need to get a move on. i can’t believe i’m not going to see him for four months until break. i can’t believe i’m not going to see you for that long either. shit, this is going to suck, isn’t it?”

“for me? yeah. for you? nah, you won’t even think of us, you’ll be having too much fun.”

“of course i’ll think of you, S. every day,” you replied honestly.

he helped you pack the last box and then he methodically taped it shut. he was leaning against your door frame as you grabbed your backpack, ready to dash to the car where your family were waiting for you to go to the airport and start your college lives.

he stopped you at the door to your room, grasped your hand and held it tightly between his own. he brushed his thumb up and down your hand several times, mouth opening and closing as if he was trying to say something but failing. eventually, he spoke.

“you know i love you, right?” he asked, red blush scattered on his cheeks but this time, his gaze remained stuck on yours. he wasn’t hiding anymore.

“back at you,” you reply with an awkward smile. you’re friends, of course he loves you, just like he loves your brother.

he shook his head sadly, defeated, but still kept his eye contact with you. “ok.” you slipped your hand out of his and brushed past him to get downstairs.

he waved you both off at the end of your driveway and all you could think about throughout your flight was the intense burn of his heated gaze.

from that moment on, shawn never dropped eye contact with you. it was almost as if he didn’t want you to forget that moment where he’d been totally, completely honest with you. like he was trying to convey to you that what he said would always be the truth.

you’re both older now, both graduated from college, living and working in the same city. it’s a small world, right?

that’s how you’ve come to find yourself in a staring contest with the walking god that is your childhood friend turned 6’2” block of delicious muscle. he matches your perfectly raised eyebrow and sends you a winning smirk as your eyes automatically drift to his mouth when he licks his lips. you roll your eyes at him and reach to sip your drink, purposefully ignoring his smug smile still pointing directly at you. he wins that round, but your game will continue. it always does.

“y/n? did you hear what we said?” your roommate asks, impatiently waving her hand in front of your face. “you two were doing your weird staring thing again.”

your cheeks flush pink as you notice your group of friends around the table all looking your way. the small smiles on their faces let you know that yes, they definitely saw your staring contest and yes, they definitely don’t believe you when you say there’s no feelings there at all. you hide your embarrassment at being caught by shooting withering glares across the table (they’re used to it and send you knowing grins) before returning your attention to your poor roommate sat on the other side of you.

“sorry, what were you saying? i was distracted,” you say.

her annoyed face quickly falls and she smirks, replying, “oh honey, we could all see you were distracted,” sliding her eyes towards shawn who’s picking your glass up and placing it on the coaster at the side of it. he wipes the ring of condensation its left on the table up with a napkin. you ignore how that action being so utterly shawn makes your heart miss a beat.

“what’s up?” you ask quickly, trying to remove her attention from him back to you before he notices.

“em was just saying that she needs some photo editorials for her final graphic design project. all of her designs are finished, so this is the last part for her.”

“oh, that’s awesome to hear that they’re all finished! congrats, girl!” you say, clinking your glass to hers in cheers.

“yeah, i’m kind of freaking out though. the portfolio is due in next week and the photographers they’ve assigned to us are all booked out. i’m afraid i’ve left it too late,” she explains quietly. you wince for her when you see the stress in her eyes.

your roommate quickly dives back in, taking control of the situation. “so obviously, we were thinking, ‘hey! if only one of our best friends in the whole entire world was a photography major who could swoop in and save poor em’s ass so she can get her project in on time’?” she stares at you with wide green eyes, as if she was performing some sort of mind control on you.

“babe, chill with the telepathy - of course i’ll help you out, em!” you agree happily. “what’s the vibe?”

she cheers in excitement, thanking you profusely before eventually explaining, “so we’ve had to create a magazine editorial with a piece about modern romance. my piece is about lust; you know that animalistic want when you finally get that one person that you’ve always secretly wanted? i was kind of imagining like, one model sort of staring into the camera, then the reader feels like they’re the one who’s on the other end of the relationship? i mean, i don’t know. it was just an idea,” she says.

your heart swells with fondness for em – she’s so talented and so passionate but so, so unsure of herself. she almost reminds you of a female shawn. at this realisation, you find yourself speaking before your brain can really catch up (a habit of yours, you remind yourself.)

“count me in. i love that idea. the pictures we could get could be so raw, like we’re really making the viewer feel something. i’ll try my best for you, babe,” you agree.

she leaps up to hug you with a squeal, startling the others round the table who have separated off into their separate conversations. she’s hugging you so tightly that when she finally lets go, your balance wobbles a little. shawn’s hand on the small of your back steadies you as he guides you back to your seat. you send him a small smile in thanks and he nods back, rubbing your lower back with his thumb once, twice and then removing it to rest on his thigh before rejoining his conversation.

you feel warm inside at em’s gratefulness and you’re happy to be helping out a friend. savouring that content feeling, you stand up and quietly excuse yourself to the bathroom for a moment, smiling when another of your friends stand up to join you.

you’ve only been gone for a few moments, but when you’re returning to the table, you can see your remaining group of friends are all leaned in closely, everyone’s focus landing on shawn. his cheeks are patchy with his blush and he’s rubbing the back of his neck with his large hand, carved bicep flexing with clear unease. as you pass by the group of drunk students again, you hear a loud cheer from your friends. shawn’s smiling now – he’s always happy when he’s pleased other people.

you lower yourself onto your chair with a drop and state with your usual lack of tact, “what are you bothering my best boy with now?”

your face turns to one of genuine confusion when you see glances being shared around the table as if to say ‘who’s telling her?’ you turn your head slowly to the side to see shawn definitively not looking at you, eyes glued to a dint in the table that his long fingers are pressing against in discomfort.

your roommate sighs out a deep breath and states honestly, “we’re just cheering for your best boy here because he’s begrudgingly agreed to help out em, too.”

you tear your eyes back to him and the tell tale flush has flamed up again, blotching over his neck and cheeks.

“oh?” you ask, waiting for someone to give you more information.

when no-one divulges anymore, you nudge shawn’s knee with yours. he meets your eyes and the staring competition begins again. your eyebrow raises in question and he mirrors you. a small closed mouth smile begins to spread across his lips – he loves being the sole focus of your attention in these staring competitions but if you want to know more, you’re going to have to lose. you huff out a petulant sigh and whine, “shawn! tell me!”

his blinding grin is what makes you give in to the loss – the contrast of his white teeth and his flushed red cheeks is too much to not catch a glimpse of – and he huffs out a giggle that he’s won again. “what have they forced you to agree to?” you ask.

“they were just saying that em needed help with her final project. i figured that you’d all made me feel so welcome in the last couple of months since i moved here that it was kind of the least i could do,” he explains quietly.

your eyebrows furrow a little in response to what he’s saying and you redirect your gaze to em. “ok, he’s super sweet for agreeing – as we all already know – but he’s not a photographer. you know that right?”

she looks sheepishly at your roommate and realisation begins to dawn on you. your heart beat quickens and you sit back fully in your chair as she coughs twice and then says, “yeah, um. i’ve not asked him to be a photographer. i’ve – well – i’ve asked him to be a model?”

“my model?” you ask directly. you feel shawn stiffen a little in his seat at the side of you.

em seems to have frozen over with awkwardness but your darling roommate seems to think this is the best thing to ever happen to her. “yes, babe. your model! we couldn’t think of a better partnership – your sheer talent and his devastating good looks? em’s going to ace this project!” she looks smug and you know exactly why.  

“girl, this is going to be a little awkward, don’t you think? i’ve known shawn since we were kids. this photo shoot is about lust and want and need – i need a model who is completely neutral to me to really act this out.”

you both ignore shawn’s gulp and muttered, “it’s about what now?”

“why would it be awkward?” your roommate asks with another smug smirk swiped across her face.  she leans in closer to whisper out of earshot of the others. “you’ve told me countless times about how you have absolutely no feelings for each other. if you’re telling the truth, you’ll do it,” she challenges. it’s not quite as powerful as shawn’s staring competition, but you never back down from a contest.

you take in a deep breath and then announce to the table, “ok, cool. we’ll do it. right, shawn?”

he’s looking wide eyed at you but he nods his agreement – he knows not to battle you when you’ve got your determined eyes on. the table seems happy that they’ve won and they turn their attention to jay’s story about a guy at work and the mop from the broom closet, but shawn leans in to your side. his face is a breath away from yours as he softly explains that they absolutely didn’t tell him what the photo shoot was about and they definitely didn’t mention that you’d be the one taking the pictures.

you can’t trust yourself with words right now so you take a large sip of your drink and shrug your shoulders at him. you categorically ignore the rapid pulsing of your heart and the clammy feel to your hands and chant to yourself it’ll be fine. we can do this. it’s ok. when shawn’s thigh nudges against yours later that night, you have to repeat that mantra to yourself with a little more force.

“are you sure this is the outfit she wanted me to wear?” shawn calls from behind the closed wooden door of your bathroom.

you’re distracted, fiddling with the settings on your camera so you eventually call back, “yeah, dude. that’s the bag she sent for you. why? what’s wro-“ you freeze.

oh. shawn steps sheepishly out of your bathroom door and onto your wooden floorboards. they creak under his weight and he stands stock still, head down and eyes on his bare toes that are flexing uncomfortably on the hard floor. your eyes sweep over him from feet to head and your mouth goes dry, heart beat picking up in your chest. oh.

his legs are clad in a pair of light wash jeans that you need to ask em where she bought them from because jesus, they fit so well in all the right places. they sit low on his hips, the band of his white calvins peeking deliciously over the top of the waistband. your eyes pan upwards even further, your hands gripping tighter and tighter on your camera when you see his bare torso and chest, abs and other muscles you wouldn’t be able to name rippling in the soft golden glow from your window and lights. you open your mouth to offer him some reassuring words, to say something but you can’t quite manage that simple movement.

he quietly whispers, “y/n?” to break you out of your reverie. you swing around on the stool you’re sat on in front of the window to fiddle with a wire connecting to your lights, just to give yourself some time to pull your shit together. you can do this. it’s for em. the quicker you do this, the quicker he can put a shirt on that magnificent body and the quicker you can ignore these thoughts that don’t seem to stop infiltrating your brain at the moment.

you cough just to break the silence and spin back around, smiling when you see that shawn still hasn’t shifted from his spot in front of your bathroom door. his hands are tucked into his front pockets and he looks desperate for you to tell him that this is fine. this is normal and you’ve done this lots of times before. you’ve never been as good as you hoped at not giving into him.

“you look great! it’s the vibe remember. so get your beautifully sculpted ass over here so i can check my lighting,” you say. keep it light, keep it teasing. that’s familiar territory.

his devastating grin takes over his face and he looks so grateful, more confident in himself now. he bounds over to where you are and stops stock still in front of you.

“where do you want me?” he asks, and your eyes flutter closed involuntarily.

“um, if you could just stand a little to your left – yep. there, that’s perfect. i’ll just grab a couple of test shots – find your angles and stuff – and then we’ll go from there. ok?” cool. you sounded professional and not at all like you can’t stop thinking what it would be like to run your hands down the front of his chest, leaving tiny red possessive marks on his skin to show that he’s yours.

he interrupts your thoughts with an appeasing, “of course!” and steps into the position you’d instructed him to.

you bring your camera up to your face and automatically feel calmer, like there’s some sort of barrier between him and you. he diligently follows your quiet instructions – “look out of the window, ok great, now look straight. perfect.”

you quickly click through the pictures on the viewfinder and a pleased smile involuntarily floods across your face. “these are going to be sick. em’s gonna owe us so hard,” you say.

he moves to the side of you, hands back in his pockets and leans in close next to you. he has to bend down from his gigantic height to see over your shoulder. his face is right next to yours and when you inhale, you can smell the distinct scent of shawn. you turn to see that he’s wearing a matching grin on his face, clearly pleased with how the testers have turned out.

“y/n, you’re super talented. those are awesome,” he breathes out.

the praise he’s giving you makes your pulse speed up again and you feel your face growing warmer. you push your wheely stool back to alter your position slightly and he steps back in front of you, awaiting your next instruction.

“it’s easier when you’ve got a model like you,” you say quietly, honestly. he shakes his head, trying his best to brush off the praise and something in you clicks. no. he needs to know how great he is and you need to be the one to tell him. you’re also desperate to see more of that pink flush bloom on his cheeks.

“ok, as much as i adore cute, humble shawn, you’re going to need to ramp it up a notch. remember – the brief from em was lust, want, need. ok? i’m going to start shooting so let’s see what you’ve got,” you say, picking up your camera again and trying to calm your jittering knee.

shawn looks a little lost but tries his best to pose for the camera. he’s lifting up his arm to rest on his head, tensing his muscles and your skin feels as though it’s burning as you look through the view finder and click, click, click. how can this man be real? you’re sure he’s been sculpted out of marble; there’s no other way a human can be that defined.

“am i doing ok?” he mumbles, suddenly unsure of himself after you’ve gone quiet, giving yourself the permission to drink in your model that you’ve never quite allowed yourself before. instinct strikes and you know you can push him harder; you owe it to him and to em to get the best out of your model.

“you’re doing great, S.” his pink glow returns to his cheeks immediately. that flush drives you insane. “i want to try something, ok? i want you to picture someone you’ve always wanted; someone you’ve always been desperate to have, been desperate to feel. that moment just before you get your hands on them? i want you to picture that; close your eyes and put yourself in that moment. when you open your eyes again, look at the camera as if its the girl you’re imagining,” you instruct. he nods his head and closes his eyes obediently, taking a couple of moments to follow your orders.

you study him as his fanned out eyelashes flutter on his cheeks as his mouth parts a little, tongue swiping over his bottom lip before perfect white teeth takes its place. his long fingers twitch on his thigh as if he’s holding himself back from reaching out to touch and the muscles in his abs clench and relax. shit, there’s no point in trying to trick yourself - you’d love to be in that picture he’s imagining. the girl in that fantasy has no idea of how lucky she is. you can’t resist but take a few snaps of him.

you’re not prepared for the look that’s overtaken him when his big brown eyes slowly open. he’s focused; he’s looking directly at the camera you’re still holding in front of your face and his eyes are almost turning black. he blinks at you as if he’s waiting for you to tell him what to do and you realise you’re going to have to talk him through this.

“ok, move back a little towards the door. walk forwards towards me – eyes on the camera at all times – you’re almost ready to touch, but not quite yet,” you tease, thrills shooting inside of you as you see his tongue wet his plump bottom lip again. “that’s it, S. your eyes are giving me everything, that’s awesome.” his flush returns at your praise. you realise that this really is a thing for him and you want to see how far you can push it.

feeling a little braver, you keep your voice low and say, “remember S, she’s been waiting for this as long as you have. show yourself off, show her what she’s been waiting for all this time.”

his calloused hand starts at his collarbone, and then moves surprisingly delicately down the centre of his chest. his blown pupils are covered by the half close of his eyes and his mouth gasps open quietly at the feel of his own hands.

drunk on how much faith he has in you, how willing he is to follow your instructions, you continue, “use your other hand too. imagine where she’d want to touch the most. where have you let her have teases of? when you’ve stretched your arms up and she’s glimpsed that patch of skin above your waistband.” he immediately complies, any shakes of nervousness seemingly disappeared as his solid hand knows exactly where it’s heading. his eyes have totally closed now, acting out pleasure perfectly. your camera is constantly clicking and you know this is going to be one of the best photo shoots you’ve ever taken part in.

“camera,” you mumble, too intensely invested in what’s playing out in front of you to form a full sentence currently.

his eyes flutter open to look directly at your camera and your pulse rate has never been as fast. shit, he is perfect and you wish he knew it. your mouth betrays you by speaking, “shit, you’re perfect, S. this is incredible.”

never breaking his eye contact, he whispers back, “don’t say that. you know i hate that.”

he pulls his head down to face the floor and then glances up at the camera from beneath those luscious eyelashes, hand carding through his thick curls as you say from behind your camera, “no, fuck off. you need to hear it. you’re so hard on yourself and i get that you don’t like the pressure of the label, but what i’m seeing through this camera right now? it’s fucking perfection.” his patchy blush spreads further down his neck and his hand rushes to cover it. it drives you wild to see how your words can affect him.

“shit,” you whisper through the camera, always keeping that comforting barrier between the two of you. “turn around. go closer to that window and look over your shoulder,” you instruct.

he acquiesces immediately, padding the couple of paces over to the window in bare feet. you gasp as you see the golden hour lighting hitting him perfectly and you wheel your stool to be right next to him, shooting from below.

he’s about to ask what to do next when you mutter, “don’t move.” your blood spikes when he freezes immediately. “relax your brows, part your mouth a little – fuck, that’s it. perfect, S,” you whisper. his head drops back at your words and you’re close enough to hear his shuddering intake of breath.

“what shall i do? please tell me, please, i want to do so well for you,” he whispers, eyes still closed and facing into the setting sun.

your stomach feels as it’s about to fall through your body and you close your eyes for a second, grasping desperately onto the last strings of self control in you - he’s less than a foot in front of you, shirtless, giving into everything you ask him to do. you remind yourself you have to stay focused get this job done.

“you’re doing so good, S. so perfect. put your hands against the wooden strip. imagine you’re holding on, trying your best not to pounce on her. this is the only way you can control yourself. got it, perfect. look at the camera, shit, yes, shawn. so good, so, so good.” he’s peering over his own bulging arm with hooded eyes at the lens, the sun illuminating his features in a golden glow but not touching the dark black of his eyes. a curl falls in front of his face and you capture it before he pushes it back.

he sucks in a shallow breath each time you tell him how great he is, how lucky you are to have him as your model, how stunning he looks in the light. he pauses each time you stop speaking, looking at you rather than the camera to await your next instruction. it’s like he’s powered by your voice, and it’s your job as a photographer to give your model exactly what he needs.

“fuck, whoever you’re imagining is so lucky, S. she has no idea what she’s missing.” his head drops forward with a breath, hand tugging at the hair at the nape of his neck. his beautiful face might be obscured but the shot is still breath taking.

“she’ll think she’s dreaming when she finally gets to be with you, S. she’ll run her hands up and down your washboard abs until she can’t take any more. her tiny hands will cling onto your back and she’ll be thanking her lucky stars that she’s going to be with you. shit, hold it there – that’s it,” he’s scraping his fingers down his chest, catching on one nipple and leaving a trail of three delicious nail marks against his perfect porcelain skin. “d’you want her to mark you up, S? you’d ask her so nicely, S, so of course she would. she’d do anything for you,” you’re interrupted by an almost silent moan escaping his lips. ordinarily, you wouldn’t have noticed but you’re so in tune with him that there’s no ignoring it. your whole body throbs to the same pulse of your heart.

before he can notice you’ve stopped speaking and clam up, you continue, shocked by how low your voice is right now, camera still keeping up its continuous shutter noise despite your lack of focus on that right now. “it’s what you deserve, S. someone who’ll give you every part of them, someone who’ll give you exactly what you want. someone who’ll make you feel so goo-“

“stop. please stop. fuck,” he breathes out, flushed face hidden behind his arm again. his knuckles are white, gripped onto the wooden strip on the window sill so hard you can see the defined muscles in his arm flexing.

you lower the camera down to rest on your thigh – shit, you’ve overstepped the mark. you’ve pushed it too far; you’ve failed your at job to make your model comfortable enough around you to give you everything of them and you’ve completely ruined your friendship. embarrassed and ashamed, you daren’t lift up your head so you keep staring down at your camera, fiddling with the settings nervously as you nervously say, “sorry. i’m sorry, so so sorry. we can just-“

“fuck, y/n. please, just. please,” he pleads with you. you don’t know what he wants from you but shit, you’d do anything right now.

“what do you need me to do? shall i just lea-“

“just fucking stop talking. your voice is so sexy, i can’t take it. i just need a second, holy shit.”

you’re frozen in your seat, trying desperately to digest the information that he’s confessed to you and you grasp the courage to look up and refocus your gaze on him. his face is still hidden but you can see his chest moving up and down as he tries to take deep, calming breaths. your eyes travel further down his body and scan over his unmistakeable bulge in his jeans. fuck. you feel lightheaded as you breathe out a loud sigh, your eyes falling closed. you shuffle on your stool to try and rid yourself of that undeniable ache between your legs but you hear him mutter, “jesus christ,” under his breath as you do.

you peel your eyes open to see him openly staring at you, head finally pulled up to its usual position. he looks almost animalistic, and from the roll of his eyes in the back of his head when he finally gets a good look at you, you’d imagine you look pretty similar.

“fuck, i’m so sorry. i uh- i thought i’d have better self control than this,” he whispers, huffing out a laugh.

you giggle with him and immediately try to reassure him, “i’d tell you that it’s not the first time someone’s got hard on a shoot but i’m sure you’d want the names and contact details of who they were so you could kick their asses so…” you trail off, relieved when he laughs again, louder this time and finally ungrips his hands from that poor frame of your window.

“yeah, probably best to keep that to yourself right now,” he says, glancing down to his pants and shaking his head to himself. silence settles in the room and despite the situation, it’s not awkward, not now. you desperately try to keep your gaze anywhere in the room but him, but it’s remarkably difficult to not focus on something so tempting stood in front of you.

he breaks the silence by confessing, body still tilted towards the window and not you, “i nearly pulled out of this so many times, you know?” you look up at his eyes but before you can respond, he says, “yeah. i was running over and over in my mind what could happen and there were two options i kept coming back to.”

“was this one of them?” you ask openly.

he smirks to himself, “what? that i’d embarrass myself to shit by getting hard because of my best friend’s voice? ha, no. even i couldn’t imagine something like that would happen.”

your cheeks flush with his honesty and you cross your legs without thought, eyes falling briefly closed at the relief it gives that delicious ache. “fuck, you’re not helping,” he laughs, running his hand through his hair desperately.

“sorry, sorry. just, if it makes you feel better? you’re definitely not the only one affected. i’m just lucky i can hide it a little better,” you say with a grin and a pointed glance towards the bulge that’s still not disappeared.

he laughs again, loudly this time and it’s a laugh you recognise. it warms your already liquid insides with fondness. “what were the options then? the ones that almost made you quit?”

“you really want to know?” he asks, waiting for you to nod your head in approval. “one – i’d get here and be so overwhelmed by this and by you that i’d freak. i’d run out of the fucking door and you’d never let me live it down. i’d let you down and poor em – i’d ruin her project. i was so scared of that, y/n.”

you pout your bottom lip at hearing him and respond before he can continue, “stop, you could never let anyone down. stop being so hard on yourself, S.”

he lets out a sarcastic, “too late for that one,” which sends you into a fit of blushing giggles.

“ok, option two then?” you prompt.

“fuck, i tried so hard not to think about option two. this was the one that only came to me at night when i was weak but i had to push it straight out of my head.” you sit up straighter on your stool, lips parted as you wait to hear what he’s about to say. “option two was that yeah, i lost all self control, but you did too. i kept thinking about your dark eyes and how you’d be telling me what to do with that fucking voice, y/n, that’s why i nearly lost it then. i just needed you to shut the fuck up before i pounced on you – i hope you didn’t think i was rude.”

your mouth is as dry as the desert, and your limbs feel heavy with want. you lift up your hand to pinch your short clad thigh to check if you were dreaming – much to shawn’s amusement when he notices – and breathe out the air you were holding in when no, you’re absolutely awake and this is absolutely happening.  

“say something, y/n.”

“fuck, i wish you hadn’t told me to stop talki-“

your confession is halted as the front door to your apartment slams shut.

“guys? it’s me! are you done? i couldn’t wait to see these photos, i hope you don’t mind!” em calls through the hallway. you can hear her kicking off her high top shoes and throwing her purse onto the kitchen table.

looks of panic flood over both of your faces and you grab shawn’s hand, pulling him across your bedroom and shoving him into the bathroom attached with a hand on his chest. em’s moving further towards your room but before you shut the bathroom door on shawn to protect him from em seeing his situation, you notice shawn’s hand gripped in yours and his eyes fixed on your other hand on his chest.

you lightly drag your nails a centimetre down his chest and his black eyes fly up to meet yours. he squeezes the hand he’s holding when you remove your other hand from his chest. he rubs his thumb back and forth several times, dark eyes staring into your soul. you’re instantly transported back to all of those years ago before you left for college. his eyes boring into yours are telling you that what he said all of those years ago? it’s still true.

he’s about to speak but you stop him by whispering, “later.” you reluctantly withdraw your hand from his, before slamming the door in his face just in time.

your bedroom door swings open behind you to reveal em, excited look on her face dropping when she sees the room is empty apart from you.

“oh what? he didn’t bottle did he? or i’m calling him up right now to get his ass here immedi-“

“hey, fuck you! i’m in here!” shawn interrupts jokingly from behind the door.

you smile at em innocently and explain, “we’ve just finished. i think you’ll be pretty pleased with them babe. come see, i’d say they’re pretty perfect.”

i saw shawn live in concert on wednesday and i am in love. this happens to be the result of that (sorry)

inspired by 99 percent mine by sally thorne!

disclaimer: not a photographer, please be kind!

[muachronicle]

Met Gala 2019

While most of us have a serious case of #TheMondays, entertainment and fashion’s elite are decked out to the nines for the 2019 Met Gala (formally known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit). Every year the Upper East side in New York City closes down Fifth Avenue to roll out the pink carpet at the Met for the gala, which is a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute. The Vogue editor-in-chief of has served as a trustee for the museum since 1999 and has helped the Institute raise millions of dollars. The space was even renamed the Anna Wintour Costume Center in 2014, after a two year renovation.

The Gala also sports a theme reflective of the exhibit that opens to the public just days after the benefit (May 9th for this year) as well as a changing roster of co-hosts. The 2019 exhibit/theme is “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. Camp favors a constructed aesthetic not found in nature, something that can be punchy or satirical in terms of societal norms. Camp can be flamboyant, androgynous, or any definition of an artistic construct.

The event is invitation only, has a heady waitlist, and individual tickets go for $30,000 (with a table going for $125K). Since the event is completely sponsored so all proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the Costume Institute. The closest that most of us will get to the Met Gala was watching Ocean’s 8 on a consistent loop. Don’t let that stop you from dreaming big and aiming high, though. Maybe one day we’ll be choosing you (or your work) as one of our top looks for the night.

Susan Sontag said it best in her essay, Notes on Camp, when she attributed camp as being, “the hallmark of Camp is the spirit of extravagance. Camp is a woman walking around in a dress made of three million feathers.” The primary driver of camp, however, is the dedication to it; extravagance without consistency is not camp. This explains why the co-hosts for this year’s Gala are and co-hosting are Serena Williams, Lady Gaga, Alessandro Michele (creative director of Gucci), and Harry Styles. One can’t imagine a group of individuals more likely to subvert the norm and create magic.

This also explains why there were so many feathers on the pink carpet.

To support the Metropolitan Museum of Art, donate here or become a friend of the Costume Institute.

Products with an asterisk (*) were the actual products used by the artists for the event.

Lady Gaga

The Makeup: Sarah Tanno

The Hair: Frederic Aspiras

The Outfits: Brandon Maxwell

Try: While Sarah made the lashes by hand, you can try Chimera Glitter Lashes ($25) when mimicking the look.

Billy Porter

The Makeup: La Sonya Gunter

The Emsemble: The Blonds

Try: Pat McGrath Labs EYEdols eye shadow in Gold Standard* ($25).

Celine Dion

The Makeup: Justin St Clair

The Hair: Dee Amore

The Headpiece: Noel Stewart

The Dress: Oscar de la Renta

Try: The Chanel Les 9 Ombres ($70) palette, bringing the gold up to (and past, if you’re bold) the brows.

Cardi B

The Makeup: Erika La’Pearl

The Ensemble: Thom Browne

Try: Pair PermaGel lip pencil in Manhattan* ($25) with MatteTrance lipstick in Vendetta* and/or Guinevere* ($38 each) - La’Pearl mixed both shades for Cardi’s look.

Winnie Harlow

The Makeup: Adam Burrell

The Hair: Has Hounkpatin

The Headpiece: House of Malakai

The Dress: Tommy Hilfiger

Try: Use the Monoi Body Glow ($59) from NARS on the body for glowing skin all over.

Katy Perry

The Makeup: Michael Anthony

The Hair: Rick Henry

The Ensemble: Jeremy Scott

Try: Affordable alert! Use the Trublend line from Covergirl for a flawless complexion starting with Matte Made* ($11.49) foundation, which comes in 40 shades.

Lucy Boynton

The Makeup: Jo Baker

The Hair: Jenny Cho

The Dress: Prada

Try: Run (don’t walk) to grab the Duo Bronze Et Lumiere* ($95) from Chanel. We say run because it’s part of the brand’s Cruise 2019 collection and once it’s gone it’s gone for good.

Lily Aldridge

The Makeup: Quinn Murphy

The Hair: Bryce Scarlett

The Ensemble: Richard Quinn

Try: Quinn Murphy kept Lily’s skin flawless and clean and added a pop of color around the eyes using Marc Jacob’s Glitter Highliner in Glam Jam* ($25). While red can be intimidating for some, the pencil comes in seven shades for your to ease into glitter and is a gel texture so it won’t budge.

Jared Leto

The Ensemble: Gucci

Try: Jared’s hairstylist, Chase Kusero, is the cofounder of IGK Hair so naturally we recommend the brand’s Beach Club ($29) texture spray for volume and wave.

Lizzo

The Makeup: Alexx Mayo

The Hair: Shelby Swain

The Dress: Marc Jacobs

Try: The Eye-Conic palette in Provocouture* ($49.50) from Marc Jacobs goes from pastel pink to hot pink with hues and sparkles along the way. The perfect palette to recreate Lizzo’s look or get the perfect pink smokey eye, even if you’re easing into color.

Gemma Chan

The Makeup: Monika Blunder

The Hair: Owen Gould

The Headpiece: Raven Kauffman

The Dress: Tom Ford

Try: Might as well make this a Tom Ford look head to toe with the Orchid Haze ($88) eyeshadow quad from the brand. Use this one palette for the metallic shades on the lid and a pretty violet along the lower lash line.

Ezra Miller

The Makeup: Mimi Choi

The Hair: Sami Knight

The Ensemble: Burberry

Try: While most of us were shocked by this look, it’s just another day for Mimi and her work. Grab her Illusion Palette ($69.95) from Mehron and watch one of her tutorials for a glimpse into her process.

Tessa Thompson

The Makeup: Alex Babsky

The Hair: Lacy Redway

The Ensemble: Chanel

Try: Use Chanel’s Joues Contraste in Pink Explosion* ($45) to amplify those amazing cheekbones.

Julia Garner

The Makeup: Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury

The Hair: Bobby Eliot

The Dress: Zac Posen

Try: Sofia is the niece of Charlotte Tilbury so it was make total sense that she would use her aunt’s line for this look. To recreate Julia’s perfect red lip, use Hot Lips Lipstick in Tell Laura* ($34). The chiseled tip gives you definition or you can pair it with Charlotte Tilbury’s lipliner in Walk of Shame* ($22).

Darren Criss

The Makeup: Jessica O

The Hair: The Vélo Barber

The Jacket: Balmain

Try: We’re so happy that Shiseido came back into the color cosmetics game so that you can pick up the Essentialist Eyeshadow Palette in Kaigan Street Waves* ($34) to recreate this look.

Florence Welch

The Makeup: Lisa Aharon

The Hair: Ryan Richman

The Dress: Gucci

Try: While Florence doesn’t really wear makeup, she is big into clean beauty skincare. Lisa used Lapis Facial Oil* ($72) from Herbivore Botanicals on the star to keep her skin hydrated and dewy.

Hammish Bowles

The Hair Color: Lena Ott

The Hair Styling: Teddy Charles

The Cape: Maison Margiela

Try: Use the semi-permeant hair dye that’s a part of L’Oreal’s Colorista ($10.99 each) collection - it comes in five shades of pastel magic to choose from.

Whembley Sewell

The Makeup: Jeannie

The Suit: Christopher John Rogers

Try: Grab the Killawatt Highlighter from Fenty in the shade Diamond Ball-Out* ($34) and let it double at your eyeshadow for the night.

Danai Gurira

The Makeup: Kim Bower

The Hair: Larry Sims

The Ensemble: Gabriela Hearst

Try: Sorry but we have another limited edition product for you. From Charlotte Tilbury comes the Iconic Palette* ($65), the brands most extensive palette to date.

Jordan Roth

The Makeup: Maud Laceppe

The Hair: Rutger

The Ensemble: Iris Van Herpen

Try: To recreate this universally (and unisexually) flattering smokey eye, go for an all encompassing palette like Laura Mercier’s Extreme Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette ($58).

Alessandro Michele

The Ensemble: Gucci

Try: For the beardos in the audience, the Conditioning Beard Oil ($20) from Port Products will keep your facial hair soft and manageable. For the rest of us? Use it on the ends of your hair to help with breakage and split ends.

Zendaya

The Makeup: Sheika Daley

The Hair: Ursula Stephen

The Dress: Tommy Hilfiger

Try: Grab the Color Design Palette in Teal Fury* ($50) from Lancome. It includes five eyeshadow shades as well as a guide on the back of the case giving you advice on color placement.

Regina Hall

The Makeup: Lewina David

The Hair: Shornell Mcneal-Young

The Dress: Gucci

Try: Invest in the Rolls Royce of eyeshadows with Pat McGrath’s Bronze Seduction Palette* ($125) to achieve Regina’s winged out smokey eye.

Janelle Monae

The Makeup: Jessica Smalls

The Hair: Nikki Nelms

The Dress: Christian Siriano

Try: For a beautiful wispy look to your lashes, use the Lashify Control Kit* ($145). Even false lash novices will find application easy and lash extension enthusiasts will find themselves converted.

See you next year!

[ariesfaerie13]

Spring in Hawkins 🌧

It was a rainy mid-spring afternoon when the kids were all in the Wheeler basement, the boys playing a campaign and El and Max half paying attention. Max looked out the basement window covered in little water driplets, and nudged El whispering, “Look out there El, wouldn’t it be fun if we all went out there for a little bit and played in the rain?” El glanced at Max, confused but also a little intrigued. “I guess,” El shrugged and looked out the window at the gloominess of the outside world. “I have an idea,” Max stood up from her crisscrossed position on the floor and announced out loud, “Sorry to interrupt you boys, but El and I were thinking it might be fun to go outside and play in the rain.” 

“Is she crazy?” Lucas looked around at the boys and then out the window at the drizzling rain outside, but he actually loved the idea. Mike shrugged at Lucas, “I think that’d be super fun, guys, don’t you think? It’s been forever since it rained, and we’re just sitting inside, and this campaign can wait.” Dustin looked at Max with doe eyes, “Yeah, that’d be cool!” Mike looked at El and smiled at her, scrunching his brows a little, his way of asking if she wanted to go. She nodded her head and smiled back, and it was like they had had a conversation of their own. Will stood up and said excitedly, “Let’s get our coats on and go out there!” The rest of the boys began standing up, Dustin stretching a bit since they’d been sitting for about 3 hours. Mike walked over to El with a little skip in his step, “It’s gonna be so pretty out there, El. And the rain is one of my favorite smells. Do you have your coat?” She nodded as the herd climbed the stairs to all get their coats, which were hung up in the coat closet. Karen was baking some lemon pie, from what it smelled like in the kitchen, as the six kids came stampeding into the foyer. “What are you kids up to? It’s pouring out there,” Karen said with a bit of worry in her voice. “We know, mom. We’re all gonna out there for a while, if that’s okay?” Karen squinted her eyes at Mike and with some hesitation said, “Okay, kiddos, but don't track in too much mud when you decide to come back inside,” she was smiling now, glad the kids were having fun. “Okay, mom!” Mike looked around at the kids waiting to go out. “Everyone have their coats?” They all nodded impatiently and collectively exclaimed, “Let’s go!” 

When Lucas opened the front door, El could smell the moist dirt and trees that surrounded the Wheeler house. “Don't you love it, El?” Mike closed his eyes and sniffed the air comically, and El nodded and giggled. Mike loved making El laugh more than anything in the whole world. As Lucas, Dustin, Will and Max playfully jumped and splashed in puddles, El and Mike went off on their own underneath a big evergreen tree to the side of the Wheeler house. The branches were high enough off the ground that they could both stand under it semi-comfortably, Mike’s dark mop of hair gently brushing on some damp branches ever so slightly while El was an inch or two below the branches. They looked up into the dewy tree, covered with tiny driplets of water, facing each other and holding hands. One driplet lightly fell onto El’s soft cheek. She wanted to shake the water off her face, but Mike insisted on brushing it off with his thumb instead. El smiled up at Mike and looked deep into his beautiful dark brown eyes and pulled him into a hug. His touch was warm and loving, and his forest green rain coat smelled of laundry soap and old campfire smoke. She took a deep, determined breath. El let go a little and used her powers to raise herself into the air enough to kiss him softly on the lips. El’s head raised a bit more and lightly hit the branches and drips of water came falling on them both. Mike’s freckled cheeks became pink and El giggled as she lowered herself to the ground. They started to hear Lucas, Dustin, Will and Max splashing again as they came back to the real world. Max looked over at the couple and yelled playfully, “Hey lovebirds, get over here so we can all have a puddle splashing contest!” Mike and El simultaneously yelled back, “Okay!” And they looked at each other and started to walk over, hands still intertwined.