#we were getting my dress designed (since that's what everyone else was doing) and my mother hated every choice I made about my dress

[https-vintage]

Gushing about my better childhood Dr

I want to take a minute to gush about how excited I am to shift to my better childhood dr, but specifically about how excited I am to make my communion and my confirmation in that dr, because I grew up with a mother who acted like those two days that were supposed to be about her daughter were actually about her, like my hair, dress, and makeup. Everything was all what she wanted it to be, but she made it out like it was all what I wanted when it obviously wasn't, which made me feel bad about it when I said I didn't want those things, and on those days we kind of just went where she wanted me to go, you know? We visited relatives, family, friends, and neighbours that I didn't feel comfortable around or even knew, and we'd be there purely because she wanted to show me off, which is a big part of why I'm so excited for my better childhood dr, because on those days it will actually be about me. This time I will actually wear what I want, we will visit who I want, do what I want, and it's going to be so great because I really deserve for those days to just be about me.

[waywardxrhea]

Jealousy: a Bucky Barnes one-shot

pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!reader (no use of y/n)

word count: 3k

You are working with Bucky, Sam, and Zemo to get intel on the Power Broker when the night takes an unexpected turn...

content warnings: minors DNI (18+) - smut (semi-public, oral - male receiving, fingering), PWP, jealousy, groping, drinking, language, name calling (slut - not by Bucky), some violence.

“You can come out now,” Helmut Zemo called to you through the bathroom door of his private jet you were currently holed up in after getting ready for an evening of espionage. 

“I feel weird…” you muttered, looking at yourself in the mirror. 

Sam, Bucky, Zemo, and you were getting ready for an intel gathering mission and this time it was your turn to gather intel. Why that meant you had to have your tits nearly falling out of the dress Zemo picked out, you didn’t know, but you were so close to getting the break you needed you would do nearly anything to get answers.

“Everyone feels weird at these things. The dresses are uncomfortable but when you’re somewhere looking at art you need to look like art yourself,” he told you. 

“Fine,” you sighed, giving yourself one more once over as the plane started to descend. 

On anyone else you would have said the dress was gorgeous. It flowed like a river when you walked, it was sparkly enough to be seen from space, and the combination of the low cut neckline and the slit in the leg was enough to make the devil himself blush. It just wasn’t you. Ever since you became an agent for SHIELD, the CIA, and now freelancing with this band of misfits, you’d grown accustomed to wearing pants and tactical gear and in your downtime it was leggings and chunky sweaters. Nothing even the slightest bit revealing.

So when you exited the bathroom you couldn’t help the blush that creeped up your neck as Sam gave a low whistle from where he stood in his steel blue pressed tux, saying, “Man you’re looking good!”

“Can it,” you told him, rolling your eyes and shoving your hands into the pockets of the dress. That part at least Zemo took your advice on when designing the dress which you guessed you were grateful for…

“I told you you’d look beautiful,” Zemo said. “A thank you would be nice.”

“Thank you,” you told him with a sarcastic smile, turning away and rolling your eyes. 

As you turned away, Bucky emerged into the main area of the plane, adjusting his tie and giving you a once over. “I think you’ve made him speechless,” Sam said teasingly, nudging Bucky in the ribs after he didn’t say anything for a few seconds. 

Sam had always teased the two of you because he knew you liked Bucky but you’d just never made a move. He’s got bigger things to worry about than me, you’d always told yourself. Besides, he’s on those dating apps and all, so that’s proof he isn’t interested, not in you... 

“No time for puppy eyes, we’re here,” Zemo said as the plane touched down. “Does everyone remember the plan?”

“Yes,” you replied. “I go in first and blend in for a while. Admire the art, catch the attention of the target, chat him up for a bit. Once I get what we need on the Power Broker I’ll excuse myself to the restroom and we make a break for it.”

“Correct,” he told you with a nod. 

“The three of us will go in separately and pretend to look at the art while making sure things don’t go sideways,” Sam added. 

“Right again. What is the code word for if you become compromised?”

“Champagne,” you told him instantly. Now this was the stuff you were built for.

“Are we ready?” Zemo asked as the group approached the door to the jet.

“As I’ll ever be,” you said, making your way to the door and carefully picking your way down the steps to head into the party. 

“Don’t strut or anything,” Sam told you teasingly as he watched you feign confidence on your way in. 

“Shut up, I don’t strut,” you snapped. 

“You do tend to strut when you’re in heels,” Zemo said. 

“Okay let’s not focus on my walk you guys!” you said before approaching the door to the art show. 

“Here, let me get that for you ma’am,” a suited man said, opening the door for you with a smile and a wink. 

You gave him a smug raise of your eyebrows in return as you walked through the door, narrowly missing the hand that was outstretched, no doubt trying to cop a feel. “I feel gross…” you mumbled as you walked further in, grabbing a glass of champagne from a tray nearby. 

While looking around, something caught your eye so you made your way to an art piece that you had only ever seen in textbooks. It was beautiful… A man slid up next to you to admire the piece as well, and casually asked, “You like it? It’s one of a kind.”

“It’s wonderful, I didn’t know this piece was even on the market!” you said, wonder in your eyes over the art in front of you.

“Maybe it could be yours if you give me something in exchange,” the man said suggestively, making you throw up a little in your mouth. 

You turned to see who the man was and saw that it was the target. Like some miracle he had walked up to you, but you weren’t about to take it for granted. So as much as it pained you to do it, you reached over to his arm and brushed your fingers over it and asked in your most innocently seductive voice, “And what may that be?”

“All right we’re all in, if this guy goes too far, say something and we’ll come get you,” Sam told you through the earpiece as he casually made his way over to the nearby bar. 

While he said this, you and the man made your way over to the VIP area where you two sat down on a couch and were served drinks of your choice. He glanced down at your breasts quickly before asking, “So what’s your name darlin? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

You giggled and put on the charm as you walked two fingers up his chest, telling him, “You’d like to know, wouldn’t you?”

“That I would,” he replied, placing a hand on the bare portion of your thigh. He snaked his other arm around your back and rested his hand on your ass, pulling you close. “A pretty little thing like you shouldn’t have to attend these events alone.”

“Play your cards right and I could be your plus one from now on…” you told him, the corners of your lips turning up in a small smile. 

The next half hour felt like forever as you pushed for more drinks for your pleasant company and innocently sweet talked your way into the answers you needed. When you felt like you had enough intel to make our next move, you sweetly told him, “I’m so sorry, but you’ll have to excuse me, I need to go to the girls’ room. These drinks went right through me!”

“I’ll be here when you get back sweetheart,” he told you with a smile as you got up, grabbing your ass once more when you stood. 

As you turned the corner to make it seem convincing that you were actually looking for the restroom, you suddenly felt a hand grab your wrist and pull you toward them. You just about took them out before realizing that it was just Bucky. “What the hell, Buck?” you asked, taken aback. 

He put his finger to his ear, turning off his coms before whispering sharply, “Why’d you let him touch you like that?”

“W-what?” you asked, your eyebrows furrowing. 

“We’re getting out of here, you two need to get out before we’re compromised,” Zemo told you over the coms. 

“Be there in a minute,” you told him before turning your own off, following Bucky’s actions. Getting back to his question, you said, “I did what I had to do to get answers. Why do you care?”

“Because no one should be touching you like that,” he replied, looking deep into your eyes. 

You laughed a bit before asking sarcastically, “Oh yeah because it should be you right?”

What happened next shocked you to the core. Because Bucky, the man who had stolen your heart, said, “Yes,” before crashing his lips down onto yours, pinning you against the wall hard. A million thoughts ran through your mind and your head spun as you tried to process what was happening all while sinking into his soft lips. 

“Bucky…” you whispered between kisses as he held you close. Never breaking the makeout session, he felt around for any door handle he could find before pulling you into whatever room it revealed. 

Once the pair of you were in the room, he hiked you up onto the counter before resting his forehead on yours, saying, “It killed me seeing that bastard touching you like that. I wanted it to be me.”

With your senses finally kicked in after the shock of the kiss, you shook your head and whispered, “You don’t mean that. You’re just saying that because of how I look right now. If we were back at the hotel and I was in my leggings and sweater you’d just look the other way…”

“No,” he said as he looked deep into your eyes, pulling away and taking your hand in his. “This is something that’s been on my mind for a while, but I never had the courage to say it until now. I thought I could push away my feelings in order to not compromise our friendship and partnership but… I wanted to kill that guy for touching you like that.”

You opened your mouth to say something in response, but nothing came out. Instead you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him into another kiss. When you got back to it, your hands wandered each other's bodies desperately, Bucky’s metal hand slipping under your dress to cup your breast and mess with your sensitive nipple. You gasped at the cool touch and he took that as an opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth, deepening the kiss. 

As you ran one hand through his hair, he slowly slid his right hand down to your thighs, not moving any further than there without permission. Not even caring how dirty it made you feel to do so, at the touch you spread your legs for him and pulled away for a moment to whisper, “Please touch me…”

“As you wish,” he whispered, taking no time at all to begin toying with your swollen clit. He nipped at your earlobe before mumbling, “God you’re so wet.”

“That’s because you drive me crazy,” you admitted. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this…”

“Oh yeah?” he asked while gently pushing two fingers in and feeling around for that special spot inside. 

“Oh God yes,” you whimpered, your head rolling back as he found what he was looking for. No one had touched you like this in so long and it just felt so good and so…right with it being him. 

He added his thumb to the mix, rubbing your clit while his fingers worked their magic and you had to bite your knuckle to keep from screaming, it felt so good. Seeing your reaction, Bucky smirked and started kissing your neck, telling you between kisses, “I guess we shoulda talked about it because I’ve been dreaming of this for a while. First chance I get after tonight, I’m fuckin’ you into oblivion, doll.”

Those words were all it took to bring you impossibly closer to the edge. The idea of Bucky doing unspeakable things to you made everything that much better and you could feel yourself shaking as you approached your high. “Bucky…” you whispered shakily. 

Bucky stood there just admiring you as he picked up the pace of his fingers inside your sensitive cunt. He gave you a sideways smile before whispering, “God, just look at you. You’re so beautiful. Those little gasps and whimpers all for me? That’s enough to make me wanna go all night,” he said, making you even weaker in the knees. Your head rolled back and your breathing started to become uneven as he worked his magic inside, the pace somehow getting more vigorous the closer he brought you to release. The smirk was audible in his voice as he added, “Come on doll, I can tell you’re close, just cum for me.” 

And just like that with a few more strokes of his fingers you were experiencing the most intense orgasm you had in years. “Oh my God, fuck…” you moaned before he captured your lips on his own once more while you rode it out on his fingers which continued to pump in and out lazily as you clenched around them. 

“I think I can get used to that sound,” he told you with a smile once he pulled back from your kiss. 

You couldn’t help the school-girl-like giggle that escaped your lips before you got serious again, kissing him after jumping off the countertop. You spun the two of you around and pinned him to the counter this time, your fingers trailing their way down to his belt and messing with the buckle waiting for permission. “You don’t gotta do anything for me right now, the others are waiting. I’m sure they’re getting worried,” he told you.

“I think for once you need to put yourself before others,” you whispered, ghosting your fingers over the prominent tent in his slacks. 

He chuckled before giving in, saying, “Make it quick.”

“Oh trust me I can do that,” you told him with a wink before undoing his belt buckle and letting his slacks fall to his ankles. You toyed with the waistband of his underwear for a moment before pulling them down as you sank onto your knees in front of him. 

As you kissed the swollen tip of his penis he sucked in air through his teeth, telling you, “Don’t be a tease.” You giggled and ran one finger on the underside of his cock, the vein pulsing beneath your touch, and that had him like putty in your hands and asking, “Please?”

With that final almost whimper of a please from the man standing above you, you took his impressive length in your mouth. You got as far back as you could before beginning to bob your head, his right hand gently resting in your hair to guide you while his left had a death grip on the counter behind him. 

When you hollowed out your cheeks, Bucky’s knees almost buckled and he tightened his grip on your hair. At this you pulled back and teased his head with your tongue before going back in. The way his breath hitched in his throat and the way he started moving his hips showed he was losing the restraint he had on himself meaning that he was close, so you used your hand to work what you couldn’t with your mouth and that’s exactly when he lost it. 

He had never felt anything like the feeling he was experiencing right now as he gently thrust his hips forward, relishing in the feeling of pure pleasure he was getting from your mouth. “Fuckin’ hell!” he groaned as he came to his high, his warm release filling your mouth while his grip on the counter tightened, his metal hand breaking the marble in the process. 

Coming back up to eye level with him after he finished, you smirked before telling him, “Quiet down Sergeant, you don’t want anyone to catch us, do you?”

“Oh next time you’ll be regretting that, doll,” he growled playfully before pulling his clothes back up while you fixed your makeup with what you brought in your pockets. As you fixed your hair too, he looked at you in the mirror and said, “Really though, that was nice. Something I’ve been wanting for a while.”

“Me too,” you replied, kissing him tenderly once you looked presentable again. 

After you and Bucky got yourselves calmed down from all the excitement you headed back out to the party so you could go back to the jet. As Bucky adjusted his belt while the pair of you exited the room, you noticed the man from earlier was standing down the hall talking with someone. He seemed to notice Bucky adjusting his belt and that goofy smile on his face so he rolled his eyes and shoved past you, muttering, “Slut.” 

“What did you just call her?” Bucky asked, sudden white hot rage filling his whole body. 

“I called her what she is, a slut!” the man spat loudly.

 And that was all it took for Bucky to wind back and punch the man in the face, taking care to use his metal arm to do so. Once the man was on the ground, Bucky took the man’s collar in his hand, yanking him up and growling, “Don’t you ever talk about a woman like that again. Got it?” 

“Got it!” the man whimpered as Bucky threw him back down on the ground. 

With that settled, you two left the party and got back to the jet, walking hand in hand. Sam took one look at you and told Zemo, “You owe me twenty bucks.”

“We don’t know that!” Zemo retorted defensively. 

“Oh don’t we now?” Sam asked with a laugh. He turned his attention to the pair of you and asked, “Did you or did you not go MIA so you could have sex?”

“I- What- We-” you tried to say, stumbling over your words as your face heated up. 

Bucky rolled his eyes and chuckled before saying, “Whichever one bet that we had sex lost.”

“I told you!” Zemo shouted victoriously. 

“But did you at least do something?” Sam asked, fishing in his wallet for a twenty. 

“That’s for us to know and you to not find out,” Bucky replied, kissing your knuckles before leading you to a seat on the plane where you could rest your feet for the flight. As you sat down and relaxed into Bucky’s strong embrace, you had a feeling that tonight was the first of many pleasurable nights to come. 

a/n: so this is my first one shot on tumblr! I wrote this one night when I just couldn't get Bucky out of my head, I hope y'all enjoy!

and if you don't follow me or know my account, feel free to check out my Steve Rogers long fic here!

[starogeorgina]

𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲

Paring: Aegon II Targaryen × reader

Warnings: Swearing, character death

1.02

You struggle to breathe normally from crying so much, so you clasp your hand over your mouth to try and help regain control. All the repressed emotions that had been building for years came bubbling out when you and your father got into a heated argument. He was upset that Rhaenyra had suddenly fled to Dragonstone and blamed it on you for giving your older sister the silent treatment, insisting you go fly to her immediately and apologize.

It caused deep pain in your chest, knowing he didn’t care about your side of things. He didn’t even care to ask.

“The decision has been made; you will go to Dragonstone and apologize,” your father says, waving you off dismissively before returning his attention to his sculpture of Old Valyria. “I think it might be good for you to go and stay on Dragonstone for some time.”

“Why? As a punishment?”

“No, my child, it’s so you and Rhaenyra can be there for each other.”

“I don’t want to leave the red keep; it’s my home.”

“It wouldn’t be forever.”

Red blotches appear across your neck and chest as your body shakes with rage. It felt as if you were being banished for a crime you didn’t commit, and something inside you snapped. “It’s not my fault; none of it is. Not Rhaenyra leaving, nor is it my mother or brother dying”

“What?” Your father still makes his movements but keeps his back to you. “Daughter, what did you just say?”

“You were so obsessed with having a son that you forced my mother to get pregnant again and again until she finally died giving birth, and you have spent every day since resenting me for it.”

“That’s simply not true.”

Your eyes gloss over. “You wanted a son, and Baelon died. Leaving you with me.”

“I suggest you go to your chambers and rest before you leave.”

“I’m not going to Dragonstone!” Your father finally turns back around to face you, and the expression on his face is one of disinterest, which angers you further. You had spent years craving his and Rhaenyra’s approval, and now you felt nothing but a fool, a silly girl who thought she needed to remain quiet to keep everyone else happy, but in the heat of the moment, you no longer felt that way. “You remarried Alicent so you could have an heir, and she’s given you three sons and a daughter. Another four children that you don’t even acknowledge!”

Your father shoots you a glare; it was obvious you had struck a nerve. “Hold your tongue! Remember, I am not only your father; I am also your king.”

“The only child you love is Rhaenyra, and we all know it.”

Before he can say anything else, you turn to leave his bedchamber and come face-to-face with Alicent, who looked speechless. You closed your eyes and waited for her to scold you, but she never does; instead, she holds your hand.

Seeing the worried look on his wife’s face, your father stands. “Alicent, what is wrong?”

“I’m afraid I have some dreadful news for your grace,” she says. “It’s regarding Ser Lyonel and Ser Harwin Strong.”

—

You twiddle with the green and gold ribbons that go down the center of your pale gold dress. It was a beautiful gift from your stepmother, but you couldn’t wear it yet. You focus on the design of the fabric and how it reminds you of dragon scales; it was a good distraction from the last memory you have of your late husband plaguing your mind.

Smiling, you pull your riding gloves off with your teeth as you make your way out of the dragon pit, listening intently as Aegon talked about his lessons in sword fighting. Your conversation comes to an abrupt halt when Ser Harwin appears at the doorway.

He bows his head, but before he has a chance to say anything, Aegon sharply asks, “What do you want?”

“I simply wish to speak to my wife, my prince.”

Aegon turns to you to gauge what your intentions are. Once you nod your head, silently telling him it was okay, he looks between you and Harwin, shooting a death stare at the knight. He says, “Fine, but she can’t stay long. We are expected to have tea with my mother, the queen, shortly.”

Harwin nods his head. “Of course, my prince, I won’t take much of the princess' time.”

When Aegon is out of earshot, Harwin faces you, and the amusement on his face is clear. “I’m glad that your brother is so protective of you.”

“What do you wish to speak to me about?”

He straightens his posture and says, “I am leaving tonight with my father to return to Harrenhal, and I just wanted to say goodbye as it may be some time before I return.”

Feeling your eyes become glossy, you stare at the ground and ask, “Have you said goodbye to Rhaenyra?”

“No, I didn’t think that would be appropriate.”

Heaviness weighs down on your chest. You doubted he was being truthful; you fully expected him and Rhaenyra to say a tearful farewell, but your feelings of concern for the children were stronger than your anger towards them. You clear your throat. “I hope you speak to Jacaerys and Lucerys before you go; they deserve a proper goodbye.”

Harwin’s expression is hard to read as he leans forward, kisses your forehead, and whispers, “I truly am sorry.”

When you remain silent, Harwin bows his head slightly and goes to leave. A horrid feeling twists in your gut; you don’t quit explaining it, but you feel as if it’s a final goodbye. You step forward and ask, “When do you intend to return?”

He gives you a soft smile and says, “Whenever you ask me to, princess.”

You jump when approaching footsteps pull you from your thoughts. You spin around, hand clapped to your chest, the feeling of your heart beating fast pressing against your palm. “Ser Criston, I had no idea you were behind me.”

“Forgive me for startling you, princess,” the knight says. “The queen has asked that I accompany you to the docks.”

Knowing that it was time to leave, you reached for the shawl, lying across your bed, and draped it across your shoulders before leaving your chambers. Many a lord and lady offered you their condolences as you made your way outside as the news of Harwin and his father, the kings hand burning to death made its way around court. In the back of your mind, you wondered how Jace and Luke were coping. No matter how much you hated Rhaenyra for hurting you, you could never hate your nephews.

—

Noticing you rolling your eyes at his comments, Aegon scoffs, “I’m just saying, I hate the color black.”

Not only were you dressed appropriately to mourn Harwin, you were all wearing black as you made your way to Driftmark for the funeral of your uncle's late wife, Lady Laena Velaryon, who had died during childbirth.

“You hate most things.”

Aegon pouts, “I do not.”

You tap your finger along a thick rope that was attached to the side of the boat, trying to think of something smart to say back, but your mind draws blank. “What’s something you love, then?”

“I enjoy drinking and beautiful women.”

Smiling, you shake your head, turning to face the choppy waves. “You’re ridiculous.”

Aegon’s nose crinkles as irritation spreads across his features. He looks up at the sky, watching as your dragons fly side by side. “Sunfyre.”

You smile; the dragon keepers had already spoken about how strong the bond between Sunfyre and Aegon was, especially since the golden dragon never hatched in the crib and they had only bonded a few years prior. “There is no denying that, lēkia.”

You stand together in a comfortable silence, watching as the scenery around you changes, until your destination comes into view and your heart drops. The thought of seeing Rhaenyra again so soon after Harwin’s death made you feel sick.

Aegon stretches his arms out and yawns, but his attention changes to something behind you. He clears his throat and says, “Father.”

You turn to see your father standing on the other side of you with a smile on his face, which was surprising since this was the first time you had spoken following the argument in his bedchamber. “Have you thought anymore about what we discussed?”

Before you can answer, Ghost, the beautiful white dragon you're bonded with, swoops down low and lets out a loud screeching noise, startling everyone on the boat. “No, your grace, I haven’t.”

—

As the funeral ends and the wake for Lady Laena begins, Aegon rudely interrupts the conversation you’re having with the ladies from the house, Darklyn and Baratheon. He grabs you by the hand and pulls you behind him, further away from the crowd and behind some large rocks, so you're out of sight. “What are you doing?” You frown. “That was incredibly ill-mannered; the queen will be furious.”

“What does Father want you to think about?”

You toyed with loose threads on the sleeve of your dress; you felt too embarrassed to tell him the truth. “It doesn’t matter.”

Aegon scoffs, “Fine; perhaps I’ll go ask him myself.”

“Why does it matter?”

“Because you are obviously fucking upset!” Aegon stumbles backwards into one of the rocks. He had been drinking since you got off the boat; it was actually astonishing that he wasn’t sliding his words by now. “Why won’t you tell me?”

“It’s humiliating, that’s why.” A sinking realization hits you suddenly, and tears glisten in your eyes. “Father no longer wants me around; he wants to ship me off to Dragonstone.”

“I will speak to my mother tonight; you cannot go and live with her; to even suggest it is an insult,” he says, shaking his head. “The king is neither blind nor stupid; he’s in denial and would rather believe my mother is a fool over Rhaenyra being a whore.”

“Aegon!”

“What she is! She slept with your husband and had his bastard children.”

“I know.” The black thread you’ve been pulling on finally snaps. “But—”

You freeze when you hear a snapping sound behind you. Aegon stares at you with his mouth slightly agape. Someone just heard everything he said.

Brother - Lēkia

[firestorm09890]

stray canto vii part 1 thoughts (warning: long)

so many cool new designs!! it made me realize how few of interest we got in Canto VI. Then almost everything was pretty standard (classic maid and butler outfits, lots of suits, Cathy had a fancy dress at least? and everything was brown. yes I know, T Corp color drain, but still. and Öufi came before season 3 ended so that didn’t count), but this time we have Camille, the P Corp guys, Fanghunt Office, Hugo I guess, Hong Lu’s sister, the firefist guy? if he counts? he barely appeared, Sansón, and all the fancy dressed up bloodfiends. woo babey!!

speaking of Jia Xichun, I like her! She’s cute! I didn’t expect to see anyone related to Hong Lu, but in retrospect I probably should’ve, since his turn is next and his family is massive. I hope nothing bad happens to her. I've never read Dream of the Red Chamber

also speaking of Hugo, lol. lmao. when he was talking about pressing the button to get the reward I was like “oh hopkins 2, got it” and then Ryōshū sliced off his hands so I guess… not hopkins 2

ALSO the blonde Fanghunt guy is named Romero, which is apparently the name of a character in Vampire: The Masquerade. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was an intentional reference

Sinclair cursing that one guy out was so awesome. I remember when Canto V part 2 came out and he censored himself saying “Bitch Brother” people were worried that the new translators were making him softer than he actually was, but, nah, he tries his best to be a polite boy but when he’s actually genuinely pissed off he does not hold back. Ryōshū correcting him BUT THEN SAYING HIS INTERPRETATION WAS GOOD absolutely killed me. my son demands respect

it’s a good day to be a Leviathan fan

The scripted loss encounter was so cool. They set you to level 45 no matter what level your LCB Don is, and take away all your EGO except the base (which you can’t even use), and I don’t know how far you can actually get in this fight because I flipped tails every single time and lost every clash

let’s talk about the Barber! leave it to Project Moon to look at the character who didn’t have very much of a personality who stuck around with the priest and attempted multiple plans to bring Don Quixote back home so he could become sane again (and burned a bunch of Quixote’s chivalry books, also with the priest), and turned him into an insane vampire woman with big scissors and a shrill cackle who stitches masks onto people’s faces.

interesting choice to have Sancho and Dulcinea both named in a single line and then not acknowledged or mentioned again

Sansón! so based on his story log portrait background being bisexual, the blue name, and him resembling someone in Demian’s group in the Limbus Company PV, I feel confident saying he’s part of Demian’s Group. The spot where his Sign would be is covered by his mask, though, so no one in-universe knows

I think this is why Sinclair was cast in the role of the Knight of the White Moon: he also has the sign, which Sansón (who is the Knight of the White Moon) would be able to see, and even if other sinners have it too, they’re not Demian’s special guy. everyone else, though, seemed to be cast in the most humiliating role possible: horse to be ridden for Gregor, wild animal for Heathcliff, random peasant for Rodya, presumably homeless old person for Outis

ok Sansón. in the book, he’s a young college student who read the first part of Don Quixote and, in part 2, approaches Quixote saying he’s a big fan and encouraging him to go back out and do more knight stuff. However, he actually just thinks Don Quixote’s antics are very amusing and isn’t actually an earnest supporter, and is conspiring with the barber and priest to get Quixote back home to stay. the way they (priest and barber try to bring him home in part 1 is by tricking him with an adventure that’s conveniently in the same direction as their home village, but then they get sidetracked in an inn for a long time so they just put him in a cage and drive him home. in part 2, they want to play on Quixote’s terms for a more effective result. near the beginning of the second part, they have Sansón dress as a knight (called the Knight of Mirrors/Knight of the Forest. these titles have no significance in the book but apparently the mirror thing forces Quixote to see himself as the frail old man he is in Man of La Mancha), say his lady is fairer than Dulcinea to get Don Quixote to duel him, and then make Quixote promise to stay home for a year when he loses. however, Sansón is the one who loses, because he wasn’t expecting Quixote to actually be good at jousting. Later, near the very end, which iirc is 3 months after the first encounter, another knight called the Knight of the White Moon issues the exact same challenge to Don Quixote (it’s just Sansón again, and "White Moon" has no significance in the original book either), but this time Sansón wins, so Don Quixote goes home, dejected, and then becomes “sane” again and dies.

Since this Sansón is part of Demian’s group, I don’t think his intentions will be the same- the Barber was a bloodfiend, and he sees beyond the ambitions of the bloodfiends now- but it’s fun to know how he is in the source nonetheless

I really like how he didn’t show up after the Barber’s defeat to say something cryptic and then leave, he told us quite a bit, and though his methods were… questionable, he DID force the sinners to actually finally pay attention to Don Quixote

speaking of the stage play, I like the juxtaposition between Sansón’s play and the Barber’s. in a different context, what Sansón did might’ve been framed as horrifying, and we’d be talking about how uncanny and unreal this is, but I don’t think that’s the intention here. the sinners might be playing roles, and all the enemies are cardboard cutouts, but it’s better than putting targets on real people (though I guess they’re not “people”, they’re bad, bad, bloodfiends). the cheerful music in La Manchaland is distorted and out of place, while the stage play is nice in comparison. the music for the talking sections is a bit too upbeat for the situation, but the music during the battles really immerses you. guitar! trumpet! maraca! this music is clearly composed to emulate spanish music, and it’s very earnest, which I think is important, with how easily music sets tone in media.

in both cases, Don Quixote is in a delusion. nothing in the stage play of her adventures is real, but she’s also completely wrapped up in the narrative of evil bloodfiends without the knowledge that she is one. a violent nightmare and a peaceful dream, both of which she needs to wake up from.

they both do this thing with black-and-white thinking, too. there’s a difference between the “good” bloodfiends, which you should get along with, and the “bad” ones, which you need to kill (though Don sees them both as bad), and then the bandits in the stage play are cartoonishly evil and love to bully the weak. except it seems the first is the narrative the Barber wanted to sell, while the second is Don Quixote’s reality… I mean, the play is definitely inaccurate, but we’ve seen how Don behaves

if you follow me for kingdom hearts and are for some reason reading this you know how much I love Nobodies in kh. people who used to be human, but aren’t anymore, who look close enough but are different on an intrinsic and physiological level, that everyone automatically treats as unreasonable monsters that need to die when they’re more complicated than that… I love it so much, I’m cheering and clapping whenever bloodfiend morality is brought up. Moses said that Larierre was cordial and offered her a place to sit and talk, but then also said bloodfiends are insatiably hungry and you shouldn’t underestimate them. agh I love it

also THE MUSIIIIIC every fight theme so far has been a banger. songs that were already good but with typical carnival instruments, big brass swing, the aforementioned nice spanish music, and the fucked up and evil sequel to dubstep electroswing featuring evil laughter

and finally, the helm of mambrino. in early part 1 of Don Quixote, he sees a barber (COMPLETELY unrelated barber to the other barber btw) carrying a basin on his head, and thinks it’s the amazing mystical Helm of Mambrino, so he attacks the barber and steals the basin. Don Quixote wears it as a helmet a few times and everyone thinks it looks really stupid. they did not fight a bear for it, nor did they go into a cave. idk what this might actually be in the City. either we’ll see or we won’t

[sugusoneandonly]

Quixotic - STSG - ch 2

prev // next

a/n 1: ik i said fem reader but like there’s gender neutral pronouns, however the reader does have feminine presentations maybe? Like dresses, makeup, etc. 😭 idk how ts rlly works guys dont cancel me im a rainbow person too😞

cw cont: jealous sugu ,, questioning sugu ,, oblivious reader ,, thats all i got lmk if i missed smth

!! do not repost/copy on any other platform !! if u do at least lmk where and give creds 😒 /j !! pls don’t tho <3

After your brief introduction with Geto, you were now sitting on a leather couch that overlooked the bright city of Tokyo. Gojo had stepped out to go handle whatever modeling business he had to attend to, leaving you with Geto. It’s been silent since then, even more than before the chatterbox out of all 3 of you had left.

You couldn’t help but admire the man before you, no doubt in the fact that he could’ve become a model himself if he wanted to. As if he could feel your gaze, he turned around to lock his deep lilac eyes with your own. You blinked. He smiled, softly but surely. Anything he would say, you would do. Whether out of fear, admiration, or something else, you didn’t know.

His studio was clean (cleaner than yours at least) yet had the essence of life and his own soul strewn over it. Silken fabrics adorned the windows and deep fabrics were strewn across the island in his office, his desk with a stack of papers and an open portfolio. With curiosity your gaze shifted to it, focusing in on it to try and see what was on them, his latest line maybe?

Yet before you could catch the slightest hint, his pale hands had flipped the open file closed. “I apologize for my lack of introduction, i’m Suguru Geto, you probably already know though.” You had to get a grip on yourself, he’s your…mentor and you can’t swoon around for your own mentor. “I’m Y/N L/N, I really love your work.” you quickly managed to get out.

A moment of pause, and he let out chuckle that was deep yet as light as a summer’s night breeze. “I’m quite familiar, I see your name in my notifications quite frequently.” And with that, summer’s scorching sun had graced itself into your cheeks, and if you couldn’t blush before you might as well have now. Your appreciation for his work posted online hadn’t gone unnoticed apparently. What’s worse, he knew your social media already and you can’t remember whether you left it private or public.

“..I’m sorry again for my harsh behavior it’s not everyday you meet your lovers ex and take them in-” He began but you quickly cut him short, hands frantically waving in front of you frown etched with wide eyes and scrunched eyebrows. “I have no feelings for him anymore and even if I did there’s no way I’d express them, especially considering everyones… positions. I didn’t even know I-” realizing your rambling, you finally looked him in the eye, a tight lipped smile pulled on his face. “Then there’s no point wasting time on informalities, is there then?” , not trusting your mouth you simply nodded.

“We have a tight schedule today, we begin with picking the next project.” we. i get to help my idol make his next project. a project that people are gonna wear. and people that actually know who made it instead of my occasional etsy shoppers.

When you returned to reality, you saw a collection of various designs laid before you on the coffee table. The seasons were shifting from summer to fall. Although it was early September, the industry never waited, not even on the leaves to fall. Your mouth fell to a small o , Suguru swore if you had gazed at him with the stars in your eyes, they might’ve been warm enough to make him melt.

wait, what, that’s not how it goes - sugu

You skim through each and every sketch, feeling as if you’ve discovered a new chest of gems, one that nobody knew of. You stopped when you fell across a particular sketch, not really a sketch but a photocopy. The style felt familiar, and upon closer examination, it’s my drawing

You look up at Geto, “I was thinking, there’d be no point in interning if you couldn’t exercise your own work. So, if it’s alright with you I was thinking to incorporate some of your ideas into the next line.”

A grin spread across your face, “Yes, Of Course! I’d love that so mu-” you were cut off with the door opening, and Geto quickly shut the folder with the sketches out of sight. You turned around to see the door, none other than Gojo standing there, playful pout gracing his face. “He’s not allowed to see the works in progress,” Geto explained. You tilted your head, no words, and like second nature Gojo responded “He wants to be mysterious and keep it a surprise like the bum he is.” Gojo had scrunched his nose at Geto, plopping himself down next to him, arm resting on the couch behind Geto’s back.

A twinge of jealousy pinched at Geto, seeing what’s probably surface level remnants of your past relationship come back to life like clockwork. He brushed it off, you had no feelings, Gojo has none, what could go wrong.

he forgot about himself

Yet, you had no feelings. None. You looked at the couple in front of you and exhaled with relief. you did it, you were over him, and you can carry on

It was dead silence now, how unfortunate. Why won’t your mouth work, say something. Thankfully, Geto and Gojo had been fussing over whatever rich people business Gojo had brought with him. Albeit, quite hushed. Praying your stomach wouldn’t go back to its old ways, you had jinxed yourself. A quite prominent growl had presented itself to the room. Geto glanced up at the clock, Gojo smiled. It was pushing 1 in the afternoon, unfortunately you couldn’t brush it off as only one person was sitting in the direction of the sound, and that person was you. Gojo had slightly toed Geto under the table.

“Next item on the schedule would probably better off as lunch, hm?” Geto offered, a teasing, forced?, smile on his face.

“Really?” You glanced down at the paper, lunch wasn’t for another hour? Quickly the paper was lightly tugged from your hold, two different hands yet adorned by similar rings. The two glanced at each other. “A designers life never sits set in stone, little one.” Gojo said in a sing-song.

“Ohh” you had bought it. They take this very seriously, perhaps it’s best not to mess around too much like this - Suguru

Quickly, the two men had already began to make their way out the door and to the elevator down to the city. You made your way to keep up with them, to wherever they were taking you.

©sugusoneandonly 2024

a/n 2 :: BONJOUR 🥖

This is very slow burn i think. Guys im being so fr idk what im doing im just throwing up my thoughts. Idk how to write enemies to lovers so i give u crisis sugu <33

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Trunk or Treat with The Yandere Student Council Pt. I

Based Off the OCs in this Post

“Alright everyone let’s start talking about ideas!” 

“Uhm do you mean ideas for what to do with Halloween coming?”

“Oh no darling, we always do a Trunk or Treat kind of thing.”

“We are talking about our costumes.”

As bizarre as it sounds the college’s students look forward to the costumes of the student council

Allowed to enjoy whatever festivity that comes with their choice

For reference they share that last year they had a ‘kiss–in–the–coffin’ booth for their shared vampire costumes

“J-j-just so you know the kisses were on the cheek only!”

“I didn’t ask but okay.”

It set the precedent for this year to be just amazing if not better

“Since we have you now (Y/n) we should have something special that welcomes you in!”

“I-i-i-i think that’s a great idea.”

“I’m all for it too!”

Despite your protests, in fear of being singled out by their fans your haters they forge on

“They won’t be bothering you. Not on my watch.”

“You say that but–”

“Seriously (Y/n) believe us! We’ll make sure there won’t be any problems.”

“And if there are we will kill them.”

“What?!”

“Joking. Joking.”

They’re not

Anyway it was decided on that the council will be Ghostly Royalty

Which makes costumes really easy or so you thought 

According to Min, quite a large part of the budget went into your costumes

“Pick your jaw up (Y/n)! This is the best part! You don’t think we get this big of a budget without showing off, do you?”

“Still…it feels a bit overkill…especially when I don’t have a fan base at all.”

“Ohhh that’s what you think–ow!” 

“Roman, always such an optimistic chatterbox. Always saying things that are not true.”

Lucoa takes the role of the king naturally

Spencer is forcefully given the role of the queen

Min takes the role of the dungeon master, despite his meek character

Roman takes the role of an advisor

Gil as a duke

June as a duchess

“Wait so what am I?”

“Our dragon.”

“What?!”

“We wanted to put a spin on the old system!”

“But that isn’t really accurate…nor does it really fit the ghost royalty theme.”

“.....”

“....”

“So? We’re doing fantasy ghosts then.”

In your opinion, it's just an excuse to make your costume as ridiculous as they please

“This is an early draft of your costume.”

“What!? Wait where are the actual clothes? I’m just seeing gold necklaces and bangles.”

“...That was the idea.”

“I’m not wearing that if there aren’t actual clothes underneath there.”

“...But it will ruin the integrity of the design and disrupt the choreography and–”

“Then hide it under the gold! I’m not going to be half-naked for the entire school.”

“...I will consult the President.”

You owed him a favor after that

Saying you agreed to this as an honorary member

But when you’re not having to fight Gill on your costume designs

You are helping the others

“June…this is just a dress.”

“Right, it’s a perfect occasion to wear it. And don’t my hips feel and look great.”

Adjusting the golden belt meant to hang off his waist you try to ignore how his poses requires that he touch you in some way shape or form

“Well yeah but don’t you feel like your fans would want you in something else?”

“Oh baby! You don’t have to worry, they love this sort of thing.”

And helping with their research

“Roman I know you never seem to run out of ideas to hang out but why a medieval diner?”

“It's for research! By the way, how do you like the food? I made sure the critiques were as positive as they could get.”

“Roman.”

“Yes?”

“Why did that waitress, compliment our relationship?”

“OMG they brought another plate of bread and for free? So cool.”

“Roman!”

Or helping organize their booths

“So Spencer what are you going for?”

“A kind of dunk tank except it drops on me.”

“Oh okay….this says that you’re not actually using water but…oil?”

“Yeah Lucoa suggested I show off my scars and muscles.”

“Wait you have those?”

“Hahaha very funny but seriously give me your opinion.”

“Oh wow….yeah, I think they’ll like it…no they’ll love it.”

“Oh really? Well, thanks!”

As if he didn’t already know

But eventually as the date comes closer it comes time to focus on your booth

But it seems that as an honorary member you don’t get to have much control over your own booth

Or any decision involving your event

“Hey Min what are you building over there?”

“Oh this is the art for your exhibit. Lucoa put me in charge of matching the gold from your costume to the setting around there.”

“Aw thanks can I help?”

“N-n-no!”

“Oh.”

“S-s-s-sorry the President gave us explicit instructions not to include you in the making of it. I’m r-r-r-r-really so sorry!”

“It’s fine Min, don’t worry about it.”

It’s just so apparent how little you would be included in your own activity no one really bothered to hide that fact from you

“Hey Gill this meeting on your calendar, I don’t remember getting your usual reminder for it.”

“That is because you are not invited to it.”

“Don’t be sad (Y/n)~Afterwards we can just come visit you after.”

“No no that’s okay I’ll just take the day off then. Catch up on homework.”

“Aw~ Don’t be like that we’ll come over to your house after.”

“No I’m not sad. I’m going to be happily doing my homework alone!”

“Putting that on our private calendar: Going to (Y/n)’s house an hour after the meeting.”

At the end of the day you’re just as surprised when the event begins and they shove you in the room under the stage with nothing but a warning not to move from the chair you’re in:

Part 2

[justmeinadaze]

I Have Nothing (If I Don't Have You) (Steddie X You)

A/N: Like I said last week, I was watching the music video for "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston from the soundtrack of this movie and it gave me this Steddie idea.

I have a few ideas I can take this! I seriously love protective Steddie. Probably something to do with my PTSD and need to feel safe lol Anyway... I hope you enjoy it! I dedicate this to @unfocused81 <3

Warnings: No smut (yet😈) but angst for sure. Security Steddie and Singer female reader. It is mentioned that Y/N does drink excessively and do drugs. Her boyfriend is a douchebag and assaults her (mentions of smacking and grabbing her, yelling at her, and calling her names) that results in Steddie intervening. There is also a bit of a riot at one of shows that they protect her from (kind of like that scene in the movie where people jump on stage and chaos ensues).

I wouldn't really call this dark themes but reader definitely has some things going on and is struggling a lot right now.

Work count: 5906

“What kind of security work have you guys done before?” 

Your manager leans against the outside of his desk as he continues to scan through the messages on his phone.

“Oh, um, we’ve done a lot before for the bar in our town and most recently a rock band in—”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”, the manager cuts Steve off as he speaks. “That’s all well and good. Look, I’m going to level with you. This is essentially expensive babysitting. Y/N is a handful. Our last security detail quit when her last party at her house caused a riot in the streets of LA.”

“A riot?”, Eddie turned to his friend and raised an eyebrow inquisitively. 

The guy sets his phone down, sighing with impatience. “Yes. Obviously, you two don’t read or watch the news…which is good. Saves me the headache. Now, do you want the job or not?”

Both boys glance at each other before looking towards the man again. “Um, yeah sure. I mean it pays, right?”

“That’s the spirit. Ok, she’s at the studio downstairs right now recording…or at least that’s what she’s supposed to be doing. Go introduce yourselves. Glad to have you aboard.”, he rolls his eyes as he shoos them out of his office.

“Steve are you sure about this?”, Eddie asks as they head for the elevator. 

“Yeah. Come on, Munson. This is our ticket to high-rate clients and more money! We can handle one little girl.”

As soon as they get off on the right floor, they are met with extremely loud music and giggles from the studio room. A tall, lanky kid leans back in his chair extending his hand to greet both boys. 

“Hey, are ya’ll the security? I’m Devon. She’s in there ‘getting inspired’.” Their eyes follow his finger as he points behind the glass where you and some of your friends were strewn around the floor. “Good luck, gentlemen.”, he sings. 

Both men carefully tip toe around arms and legs to find you with your eyes closed, a half smirk painted across your lips. 

“Uh, Miss Y/L/N? I’m Steve Harrington and this is Eddie Munson. We’re your new personal security guards.”

“Hmm…sounds sexy.”, you slur. Your glassy, drug fueled eyes look up to meet theirs. “At least Jack hired some good-looking ones this time. Who is who?”

“Maybe, if you stood up and actually greeted us, you would have heard who is who the first time.”, Eddie chided. 

Your eyes fully open as your head tilts in his direction. No one ever had the balls to scold you like that since you became famous. It was usually “Yes ma’am” this or “Anything you want, ma’am. We’ll make it happen.”. Rising to your feet, you fully take them in through your haze. 

They both were attractive especially with that air of confidence you hadn’t seen in a long time. Your current boyfriend was cocky but definitely not confident. Everyone else around you seemed so fucking timid and you hated it. 

“Eddie. Steve.”, Steve repeated, pointed to his friend then himself. 

He was dressed head to toe in what you would call “conventional” clothes; nothing designer or anything to make him stand out. You could tell under the button up white, short sleeve shirt that he did have muscles that could protect you physically if need be. The jeans and sneakers he donned didn’t give you any new information that could tell you something about him except he probably didn’t make a whole lot of money. 

Eddie was more or less the same with a much more grunge fashion sense that, to you, he pulled off well. You pointed to his Metallica t-shirt with your finger. 

“My music isn’t like theirs. It might make your ears bleed.”

“As long as I can still see you and see you’re safe, I think I’ll survive.”

He’s quick witted. I like that…

“Ok. We’ll give it a try. Tomorrow, you’ll meet me at my house and I can tell you more about what you’ll be doing.”

***

“Steven Harrington, have you read half this stuff?”, Eddie sighs as he leans forward and places his elbows on his knees as he points at things on his laptop.

“She’s been arrested twice; once for possession and another for disorderly conduct where she was found having sex with someone while she was drunk in public. The cops have been called to her house multiple times due to, honestly, take your fucking pick. Her boyfriend was arrested just last week for sucker punching one of her fans for ‘getting too close’. How are we supposed to protect someone who invites all this chaos into her life.”

“I don’t know, Ed. The same way you protect anyone I guess.”, Steve leans back on the couch as he takes a sip from his bottle of beer. “Again, this is just a steppingstone. I’m sure after a few months of handling her, any number of high value agencies will want to hire us. WHICH MEANS…”, he glances towards Eddie. “…you need to control your Dom voice.”

The metalhead chuckles as he leans back as well. “It’s going to be hard with a fucking brat like her. Dude, she didn’t even have the common courtesy to say hello.”

“I know… I know… but just, try. For me?”

#########

It takes you awhile to open the door when they knock but when you finally do, you look completely hung over. 

“Yeah, come…come in. Do you want something to drink? Jack? Vodka? I have them all.”

“It’s 10am.”, Steve responds as he looks at his watch. 

You raise an eyebrow at him before heading for the kitchen and grabbing the whole bottle of Jack Daniels. “If you’re boring, Eddie. Just say that.”

“Steve. I’m Steve.”

“Right now, I don’t care—”

“We can tell.”, Eddie growls.

You blink as you look up at him. You’ve never wanted to toy with a man so bad in your life. He wasn’t even trying to hide that your disrespect was bothering him and honestly you couldn’t get enough. 

“I’m sorry, gentlemen. I don’t do mornings. Unfortunately, my manager insists on scheduling interviews for me that require me to up at this ungodly hour.” They watch you as you slump onto the couch and throw your arm over your eyes. “So, how much did Jack tell you?”

“Uh, just the basics. We watch out for you.”

“Good. It’s just following me around and making sure I don’t get swarmed or murdered. I’ll give you guys a key to my house before you leave today and when I stay at hotels I’ll do the same. You’ll most likely be staying in the same room as me anyway so…”

The sound of banging on your front door makes you cringe. “I guess I’ll get it.”, Eddie sighs as Steve’s eyes follow him. “Your makeup people are here, your highness.”

A big grin spreads across your face as you turn your head to look over at them. “I like him. Steven, you need to start stepping it up or he’ll become my favorite.”

The metalhead lazily glances towards his friend with playful wide eyes. “Well, lucky me.”

***

As snotty as your attitude was, they couldn’t deny how beautiful you were especially after your prep team was done putting you together. The makeup hid all damage you had done to yourself the night before and the outfit they had you in sexily showed off all your curves. Your eyes shifted to them, watching them as they looked around.

“No one is going to shoot me in here, boys.”

“Hm. You never know.”, Eddie exhales as he points to things. “Someone could come in through that back door behind you or because no one checks any of these people’s IDs, someone could sneak in pretending to be a hair stylist and take you out like that.”, he snaps his fingers. 

“Bags that hold all the beauty and camera equipment are big enough to hold even a rifle let alone a handgun. That’s implying someone would want to shoot you instead of stabbing or blowing you up.”, Steve followed. 

“Wow. Just charming.”

“It’s our job, Miss Y/L/N.”

“I think due to the circumstances you can call me Y/N.”, you grin. 

The producer gets your attention, walking you through the questions that would be asked and how the interview would go. The boys watched you in amazement as your personality practically changed when the camera went live. No one would ever be able to tell what you did behind the scenes or any other narrative then the one you provided. 

An hour later and after many questions, the interview ended and your face fell. 

“God, I need a drink.”

“Can we at least go over the tour first?”, your manager whined. 

“Baby!”

You excitedly got up and ran to your boyfriend’s arms. “Simon!”

Everyone in the room cringed at the heavy smacking sounds that left you two as he continued to sloppily kiss your lips. 

“Who are the new guys?”

“Babe, these are the new security guys. This is Eddie and Steve.”

They stand up to shake his hand but as Steve extends his palm the man looks down at it like the gesture was beneath him. “Yeah, listen boys, hands off, okay? She’s mine.”, you giggle as he slaps your ass.

“Come on, baby. I got a surprise for you.” You squeal as he lifts you over his shoulder and carries you towards your bedroom. 

“Y/N! We still have things to go over!”, Jack shouts as the door closes loudly. 

#########

“I want to go home, Steven. It’s 2am and they’ve been fucking in there all god damn day. At this point we shouldn’t have a client anymore because he killed her by not giving her any food or fucking water. It definitely won’t be due to her climaxing because I haven’t heard that happen yet.”

“We can’t leave until he does.”, Steve sighs. “Or she dismisses us for the evening.”

As if on cue, Simon saunters past them into the kitchen, casually opening your fridge, and begins chugging from a jug of orange juice. “Um, I’m pretty sure you two can leave. She’s not even here.”

“What?!”

“Yeah, I’m assuming she climbed out the window after I crashed. She does that to escape the security teams. It’s kind of a rite of passage honestly.”

“Where would she go?”, Eddie growls. 

“Um, there’s a bar about a mile up the road. She likes to walk there for some reason.”

***

“So, pretty lady. Do you want to come back to my place tonight?”

“Ugh, no. Get off me. I just want to drink in peace.”

“Oh, come on, honey.”, the man slurred. 

“Hey! The lady said no.”, Steve’s voice echoed through the bar as he starred the man down. “Leave. Now.”

The patron held up his hands defensively, staggering back towards his table. 

“Come on, Y/N. Time for you to go home.”, Eddie motioned for the bartender to stop serving you as the other boy reached into your purse to pay him. 

“You’re my security. Not my fucking dad. I can stay here and drink if I want.”

“You’re at a bar in a nightie, shorts, and flip flops at 2 in the morning. It’s a safety concern.”

“Oh shit.”, you giggle. “I am in my nightie.” Steve roughly grips your arm and tugs you out the door towards his car. “Let me go, you fucking dick.”

A switch flips in the man’s brain; he can’t help it. For the past couple of days, he’s tolerated your disrespect but like Eddie, he hated it. They both could handle a lot but you were pushing them too far. Still holding onto your wrist, he twirls you towards the vehicle till your back hits the door. 

“Now, listen here because I’m only going to say this once. We’ve handled the tone and the blatant disregard for what we do but it ends now. Our job is to keep you safe not fucking babysit some spoiled, rich washed-up singer. This is the last time you pull a stunt like this; do you understand me?” 

Steve’s body was so close to yours you could feel his angry breath fanning your face. It had been ages since someone put you in your place like this and you’d be lying if you didn’t say you were a bit turned on. A new feeling washed over you though as your eyes scanned his face. For the first time since you entered this industry, you actually felt safe. 

They weren’t afraid to be blunt with you which compared to everyone else in your life was a nice reprieve. You knew 90% of the people in your life, given the chance, would sell you out in a heartbeat but would still stand there and tell you how perfect you were. 

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?” Eddie’s voice startled you, completely unaware he was standing beside you with his hands in his pockets, glaring down at you with those same angry eyes. 

“Yes, I understand.”

“Good. Now get in the car.” 

#############

That following morning, they half expected to be fired but were surprised when you opened the front door as soon as they knocked. 

“We have to go to the studio first and then I have to get ready for the gig tonight.”, you mumbled as you swished around them, trying to get in the backseat of his car to no avail. “Can you open the door…please?”

Eddie caught it in your tone first…something wasn’t right and it had nothing to do with them. 

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Can we just…”, you gesture towards the car.

“HEY! When you get back tonight make sure it’s with a better fucking attitude!”, Simon yells from your front door. 

“Well maybe I won’t come back, you free loading mama’s boy!”

“Stupid bitch should learn how to talk to a man.”, he muttered under his breath as he slammed the door shut.

Steve and Eddie exchange a look before the metalhead speaks to you. “Is that something we need to handle?”

“No. He’s just being a fucking prick.”

He opens your door and you slowly slide in before both men do the same. As the car begins to move, Steve keeps checking on you in his rearview mirror. Your sunglass covered eyes remain focused on the window as you stare out into the California streets. 

“I’m sorry about yesterday. About leaving and keeping you guys out late when you didn’t have to. Simon just pissed me off and…”

“Does he talk to you like that often?”

“No. Sometimes he’s an asshole.” You flash them a sassy smirk that grows when you see Eddie try and hide his own at your sarcasm. “He’s just…hot headed, you know? He’s been through a lot.”

“And you haven’t?”

Your eyes swivel to Steve before glancing down at your hands. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

“He shouldn’t be talking to you like that, Y/N.”

“Yeah, well, neither should I so…”

“Just because you have an attitude doesn’t mean you deserve to be treated like trash. Maybe you just need someone stronger who can handle it and not take it personally.”

“Oh? And who would that be, Steve? You?”

“Aw, Munson, that’s cute. She thinks we can’t handle her.”

“Y/N, sweetheart, we’ve dealt with worse than you.”, he smiles as he turns around in his seat. “It’s you that can’t handle us. Thankfully though we aren’t in a relationship so we’ll never get to find out.”

“I never say never, gentlemen.”

****

After going over the tour dates, everything you would be doing, and everything you need, your next stop was the venue you would be performing at tonight. 

Eddie cringed as the feedback of the mic echoed around the building.

“Hey! Try plugging it into the correct port!” The young man shrugged his shoulders causing the metalhead to go over and show the boy what he was doing wrong.

“Let me guess? Rock and Roll drummer in a Metallica cover band?”, you grin at him as the mic starts picking up your voice perfectly. 

“Guitarist and our own band, not a cover band.”

“What about you, Steve? Are you musically inclined?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“What are you good at?”

“Babysitting.”, he raised his eyebrow in your direction making your smile grow. 

As the additional security from the venue finally arrived, you watched with fascination as the guys took on a more authoritative tone, telling each person where they would need to be. Time slowly dwindled till it was about twenty minutes before the show. You began pacing as you shook out your preshow jitters.

“Hey, they say they are ready for you to head towards the stage.”

You jumped at the sound of Steve’s voice. “Goddamn it! Okay, fucking thank you!” His eyes narrowed in your direction as he came in and closed the door behind him. “Can I help you with anything else?!”

“Are you alright?”

“Jesus fucking Christ, you’re not my father, Steven, or my friend. Get the fuck out! I’ll be right out!”

The boy bites his bottom lip as he nods his head. “Yes ma’am.” As he starts to open the door, he pauses turning to face you again. “You look really beautiful, by the way. Your voice is amazing. Eddie and I have actually never heard any of your songs before today. This will be our first concert. I’m excited to see it.” 

Your wide, glassy eyes turn to look at him as he slowly begins to close the door again. 

“Steve! Thank you…”

##########

That night you gave it your all and then some. Occasionally, you would glance down at the bottom of the stage watching as Steve and Eddie’s demeanor remained focused on the task at hand. Sometimes, however, you would notice a foot tap to the beat or a head would bob to your lyrics. If this was the first time they were attending a Y/N concert, you wanted them to enjoy it and show them what you bring to the entertainment table. 

So many people when you were starting out told you that you would never make it. That your dream of becoming a singer was a pipe dream for people with “actual talent”. Since day one you always felt like you had to prove yourself, hell, even before you started singing. In your house growing up you felt like you had to fight to be seen. 

Once you crossed that threshold, everything came easier but you never stopped fighting. Fighting the fear of being nothing again, the knowledge that everyone in your circle just wanted a piece of you and what you earned. Fighting to keep everyone happy including yourself. The alcohol and drugs helped immensely or at least that’s what you believed. You thought it helped numb your brain and the pain so you could just get through every day. 

When Eddie sassed you in the studio, you knew he was different. For a while you couldn’t get a read on Steve until that night outside of the bar. The fact that neither of them had asked you to hear their demo tape or hit on you was already a point in their favor but they genuinely seemed to want to protect you so you wanted to return the favor in some way, your voice.

When the concert ended, they snuck a peak at you. Eddie was never a fan of the type of music you sang but he couldn’t deny that what you did sing went straight to his heart. Steve noticed that while you sang, it was like you transported to a different place. You seemed calmer and more in tune with yourself, making you seem more confident than when you weren’t. 

This was the first time since they met you that you genuinely seemed happy. 

Something in the atmosphere changed. Maybe it was too many booze served at the bar or just the energy of the evening but people in the crowd started chanting for an encore. You were exhausted having gone longer on your set then you were supposed to already. You gave the crowd your best smile, thanking them for coming out, and telling them how much you loved their support. 

A fan jumped on to the stage and Eddie was quick to pull him back down. Panic set in as you watched the crowd start to fight with each other and the security team jump into action. The metalhead was in front of you and you hastily gripped his arm as he scanned the area trying to find Steve. 

“Harrington?!”

After tapping his shoulder, you pointed to the corner near a wall where you saw the boy in a fist fight of his own. Eddie pushed you towards the side of the stage behind a curtain.

“Don’t move! I’ll be right back, ok?!”, he shouted over the chaos as you gave him a firm nod. 

You watched as he jumped off the platform, running to pull the man off his friend and shoving him to where you were hiding. Steve didn’t even hesitate as he lifted you into his arms and they both ran down the hallway. They didn’t stop until they reached their car and placed you in the back seat, him climbing in with you as Eddie sped away. 

“Wait…what about Jack…and everyone else?”

“No. We have to get you out and away from the building especially during a scene like that.” Steve searched through his jacket pocket for a tissue, placing it against his nose when he finally finds one. 

“Are-are you okay?”

“Yeah. Fucking asshole got me good.”

About a mile down the road, Eddie parked the car into a gas station and got out to check you both over. “What happened, Harrington? Let someone get the best of you?”, Eddie chuckled. 

“Dude, they cornered me so fast especially after I pulled him off of the venue’s security guy.”

“Did I do that? Did I do something wrong?” Their head swivel around to look at your frightened frame. “Th-that’s never happened before…I-I-I…”

“Hey, hey, hey Y/N. It’s ok. You didn’t do anything wrong. I seriously think it was just…”, Eddie shrugs. “Beer and a packed in place. People just being…too rowdy. It happens but that’s what we’re here for.”

The man throws his arms up in surprise when you suddenly tackle him, wrapping your arms around his waist as you press your head into his chest. 

“Thank you…so much.” You let him go as you turn to give Steve a hug as well. “I’m so sorry you got hurt.”

When you started to pull back, his arms came down to hold you to him. “Hey, better me than you.”, he gently sighs, “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

#######

“Oh my god! What the fuck happened?! Baby, are you okay?” Simon ran to you from his place on your couch as you and the guys entered your house. 

“The concert ended a bit roughly but I’m ok. Really…”

“Isn’t it your job to fucking protect her!?”

“Yes and we did that.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?! Look at her! She’s a mess and she’s shaking!” Your boyfriend charged up to Steve who glared down at him as he continued to yell in his face.”

“Simon, leave them alone. Please, I just want to get this crap off and go to bed.”

Eddie gripped his friend’s arm as he spoke to you. “Is there anything else you need, Y/N? Do you feel safe enough for us to leave and let you rest?”

“Of course, she fucking does. I can take care of her.”

Your eyes met theirs as you nodded. “Thank you.”

“We’ll talk to Jack and everyone in the morning.” The metalhead tugs at Steve forcing him to back down from your boyfriend. He flashes you one more cursory glance before turning around and leaving you for the night. 

###########

“You boys did good last night. I don’t know what happened but you knew what to do.” Jack gave them a smile as he nodded his head in approval. “Please keep up that vigilance next week when we go on tour. I think—”

“Wait. You’re still doing the tour next week?”

Your manager looked at Eddie in confusion. “Yes? Why wouldn’t we?”

“I mean…she just went through a pretty traumatic event. I couldn’t imagine getting back up on a stage immediately after something like that.”

“Yeah, well, your security not a musician so—”

“I actually am but whatever.”

Jack sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as speaks to you. “Do you feel like you need more time?”

You didn’t even hear the man’s question. Since they picked you up and brought you to your managers office, you had been uncharacteristically quiet. You were thinking about everything including what transpired last night. It WAS incredibly scary but they did pull through and keep you safe. Not only did they look after you but each other; you appreciated that loyalty. 

Now as Eddie defended you, thinking of your well-being, you felt yourself spiraling at the action. No one cared about you this much and they barely even knew you. What was their end game? What made them tick? What made them this way? Was it genuine or was it just their jobs?

“Y/N!”

“Huh? Oh, um, I mean…a week would be fine…especially if I can just rest…”

“Yeah, sure, whatever.”, Jack responded in a nonchalant tone. “Go ahead and take the week but be back here on Thursday so we can go over everything.”

You nod as you head out of the office with your protectors in tow. “Hey, um, did you guys want to go get some lunch or something?”

***

“So, why security?”, you ask as you bite into your burger.

“Like Steve said, I mean, we’re good at it.”

“Well, good at protecting people. Security work just allows us to get paid for it.”, the man smiles as he takes a sip from his drink. 

“And you two have been friends for a while?”

“Since high school.”

“And where was that exactly?”

“You’re asking a lot of questions, sweetheart. Can I ask why?”, Eddie playfully narrows his eyes in your direction making you smile. 

“I just…you two are very different then people we usually hire. I just want to know more about you.”

“Different how?”, Steve asks.

“I don’t know. You just seem to genuinely care.”

“If the people around you don’t genuinely care then you need to hire some new people.”

“Yeah, well, that’s hard to find in this industry.” You reach in your purse and raise a flask in their direction as you pour a bit into your coffee.

“Is that why you do things like that?”, Eddie gestures towards you drink. 

“No, baby. I do things like this to keep me from going insane.”

“How about you do the healthy thing and stand up for yourself?”

You angerly turn your attention to Steve. “I can stand up for myself.”

“Oh? Is that why you let your manager, boyfriend, and entourage talk down to you the way they do?”

“Go fuck yourself, alright?! Look, I can stick up for myself and say what’s on my mind. For example, you two are complete fucking assholes.”, you growl. “I’m done eating. I want to go home.”

Eddie smirks as the other boy sighs. “Such a whiney, spoiled brat. I swear.” The metalhead pulls out his wallet, throwing money on the table as they both get to their feet. “Your highness.”, he gestures towards the front door. 

“I’m not whiney or spoiled. I worked hard to get here and I’m not going to let you or anyone talk to me like that.”

“Yet you do.”, Steve retorts as he opens the back door to his car. You roughly reach across, slamming it shut. “I thought you wanted to go home.”

“Apologize to me.”

“For what? Pointing out the obvious? Frankly, I don’t get why you have such a low opinion of yourself. You’re beautiful, talented, and you have such a gorgeous voice yet you pump yourself with poison and let these people take advantage of you. Why?”

You exhale as you look towards the ground. “I can handle it.”

“You say that a lot.” Eddie folds his arms on top of the car as he leans onto his hands. 

“Because I can.”

“By getting wasted?”

“My personal life is none of your fucking concern.”, you growl. 

“You’re right.” Steve opens the back door again and this time you climb in. “You just seem like you deserve better.”

##########

“I swear, man, that girl is going to get us killed. Or put in prison after WE kill her.”, Eddie chuckles from his place on the sofa. 

“I kind of like her.” The metalhead coyly raises his eyebrow at his friend. “Oh, come on, like you don’t?”, Steve sighs as he leans back against the couch. “There’s something hidden under all that sass and alcohol…I saw it when she was singing. I’d love to get to know that part of her better.”

Eddie grinned as he reached for his phone, smile fading when he saw the ID. 

“Hello. This is Eddie Munson.”

“E-Eddie? I, um, I think—FUCK YOU! —I need help.”

“You stupid bitch! Open this fucking door right fucking now!”

Eddie ross to his feet, tugging at Steve’s arm as he searched for his keys. “Where are you?”

“I-I’m in my bedroom. Simon and I got into a fight and-and he’s wasted. Pl-please…I’m scared. He’s never been this angry.”

Steve had already started the car, speeding towards your house. “Hey, it’s ok, sweetheart. We’re on the way, alright? Just stay on the phone with me, ok?”

“I’m sorry I was so mean to you guys today. Fuck… you two seem s-so different. I-I just…”

“Y/N don’t even worry about that right now. Everything’s going to be alright. We’re almost there.”

“You think you’re so high and mighty! Think you can talk to me anyway you want to! Fuck you, you fucking slut! Open the door, Y/N!”

“Oh, sure! You fuck all the groupies and fans that show up to my concerts but I’m the fucking slut!”

“Y/N, stop engaging. Talk to me.” There’s a loud crash and a squeak from your side as the line cuts off. “Steve…hurry.”

Five minutes later, they are bursting through your front door, running towards your bedroom where they hear your boyfriend shouting. Steve tackles him to the floor subduing him with his knee in his back. 

“Get the fuck off me!”

“Stop moving. You’re lucky I don’t fucking shoot you, asshole.”

“Y/N?”, Eddie softly called your name as you continued to cower in the corner with your head tucked into your arms. “Princess, everything is ok. I’m going to touch your arm.” You jump when his fingers graze your skin but you allow him to guide you to your feet. “There we go. Good girl. You’re doing so good. Can you look at me so I can check you out here?”

Your lips trembled as you faced him, his eyes slowly growing dark with fury as he scanned you over. Your face was red from your tears but he could also see where Simon had smacked your cheek. You had bruises that were starting to form on your arms where he must have grabbed you. 

“I’ll call the police and EMS.”, he grumbled trying to contain his anger. 

“No! No EMS. Please…I don’t need those pictures or attention.”

“But I do of me being pushed into a fucking cop car.”, Simon spat. 

Steve grabbed his hair and hit his head into the carpet. “Shut. Up.” His eyes meet yours as he speaks in a much gentler tone. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, um, I have a first aid kit here and all that so I’m fine.”

*** 

The police came by and took Simon away after taking everyone’s statements. Eddie and Steve took care of almost everything which you immensely appreciated. After everyone left, you expected them to as well but as your front door closed, you found you weren’t the only one on the other side. 

“I’m going to see if I can get your bedroom door back on its hinges.”, Eddie turned the corner to head down your hallway as Steve followed. 

You tiptoe after them, watching them with bewilderment as the metalhead got to work and Steve began straightening up the things Simon had damaged.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” They both froze, straightening up to look at you. “Why…why are you so nice to me? I’m such a fucking bitch to you. According to you, I’m a bratty, spoiled, washed up singer. WHY are you doing this?!”, you gesture around the room. 

They glanced at each other and after a few minutes it was Steve who finally spoke. “How should we be? Hm? Should we be like him? Do you think you deserve to be treated like this, Y/N?”

Their voices and demeanor completely changed in the moment; talking to you like a little girl who had just run into your parent’s room crying about a monster under her bed. 

“Sweetheart, NO ONE deserve to be treated like this. You didn’t trigger this. What he just did…isn’t your fault. You did the right thing calling us here. Now what kind of protectors would we be if we left you here alone with your house like this?”

You broke, sobbing almost uncontrollably as your hands covered your face. Strong hands tenderly grabbed your biceps, pulling you into a chest as you wrapped your arms around his back. Another palm delicately petted your head and for the first time in your life, you had never felt safer.

Stepping back, you wipe your eyes, glancing up to see Eddie’s kind, worry filled orbs running over your face as Steve stood beside him doing the same.

“Can, um, can we worry about this tomorrow and you stay here with me tonight?” 

“Yeah, we can stay here, honey. Do you have another room you can sleep in? I don’t think tomorrow morning you should open your eyes and this is the first thing you see.”

“I have a guest bedroom down the hall here.”

“Good because I agree with Steve. We can sleep on the couches out here and—”

“Can you sleep with me?”, you interrupt, your question startling both men. “I-I-I mean, you don’t have to. I just… I’m still a bit scared. I’m…forget about it.”

Eddie grabbed your hand as you started to walk away. 

“We can do that for you. If that’s what you want.” You nod your head to his statement, watching him closely as his eyes shift from security Eddie to something you had never seen before in any man. Whatever it was it made you feel weak in the knees. His fingers reached out to brush a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “Can you say it?”

“I-I want you two to sleep…in my bed…with me. Please.” That last word comes out almost in a whisper, pleading with them to stay. 

Steve’s fingers softly caress your cheek before gliding under your chin, turning you to face him. He had that same look Eddie had, that air of confidence you remembered seeing when you first met them but more dominate. 

“Good girl.”

[mogamuncher]

“You're on a path in the woods. And at the end of that path, is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin, is a knight. You are here to slay him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.”

Please accept my meager shitty art as we come back for part three of the "Moga fuses her hyperfixations together" saga! Aka: Slay the Knight AU!

Here's what I think Emilia and Subaru would look like, in true STP fashion I imagine both would never be referred to by name, instead being The Knight and The Frozen Bond (hah, get it?)

I made Emilia a little scary (and kinda Satella-esque), but that's mainly because from what we see in The Princess and The Dragon route, The Long Quiet is just actually fucking scary, so having Emilia be similarly intimidating would be fun.

Though I do think her personality would remain the same in this au, mainly because she's nice enough that she would naturally play mediator to the the voices, but malleable enough that she could just end up going with their whims when pushed enough.

Now for Subaru, I actually wanted to give him a definitive outfit that would kinda function like the Princess's dress, something that is a constant in every design but changed to fit the theme, the recognizable trait that showcases that no matter how fucked up these forms get they're still the same person

That's kinda why the little cape is there, it's supposed to be a significant design choice that can be warped with future forms

For the official lore, I like to think that it's still actually very similar:

The Frozen Bond, the manifestation/god of stasis, consistency, the chilling frozen in time allure of stagnation

While Subaru would be something like The Returning Cycle, the manifestation/god if constant change, perspective and identities splitting depending on choices, the constant cycle of time

Together they'd make the cycle of life and death, in a sense, and since Echidna in canon was trying to find a way to reach immortality, it is only fitting that she would split them apart and attempt to pit them against the other, as to goad Emilia into killing Subaru, this ending the concept of change, making it so that there is no means of which others can die.

But that's what I have for the moment, now, let's talk about some more ideas I have for the IF Barus

The Prisoner, my beloved

I rewatched someone playing her route and it dawned on me when The Shifting Mound described her as a vessel, but she's oddly a lot like Slothbaru

The idea of someone cautious to the point of stagnation, content to let the world pass her and remain in inaction, I mean, that's literally what Sloth is shown to be in the og series. That's also inherently what Slothbaru did when he took Rem's hand and ran away, leaving everyone else to die, but gaining a happy life for himself

Prisoner is like an Slothbaru that can't take Rem's hand, content to let the world pass him by for the sake of self preservation, but stuck in one place without the chance of running away, he can only wait and see because he's inherently passive, as he thinks he has no other choice

The Adversary, however, is the funniest one I think

Someone mentioned in the last post in the tags that Adversary is kinda Smolbaru coded, so I went back to read the arena fights in arc 7 and y'know what? They're correct, they're absolutely right, The Adversary is very much just Smolbaru

Which is funny, because The Adversary is supposed to be bigger and stronger than usual, though maybe it's either just that his personality is Smolbaru and his appearance is still intimidating, or we go all in and have Smolbaru just absolutely kick Emilia's ass with his bare hands in this one

Either way, I love it, also this is the route where Priscilla (Voice of the Proud) would show up, so having an Arc 7 Baru here would be a nice touch

Ok so I'm about to sound unhinged, but the Grey's

What if they were Natsumi.

Now, look, I have no evidence to back me up on this, I'm going off from pure vibes alone, but like what if

Honestly, it would be fun to have most of the Deadbarus be in some way or another Natsumi coded, though that would be fused with the Baru that lead to their routes in the first place (like Arc 1 Baru for the Burned Grey and Slothbaru for the Drowned Grey)

I mean, look at The Wraith and The Spectre

Imagine if the Spectre was more akin to Natsumi in her purest form, since the Spectre is actually surprisingly chill and nice about this whole thing, and then if you attempt to leave him there, you get the Wraith

A withered rotten version of Natsumi, falling apart at the seams and determined to hitch a ride and finally leave

In more confirmed Barus; Wrathbaru as The Witch and The Thorn, Greedbaru as Happily Ever After and Arc 1-2 Baru as The Damsel, The Nightmare would be Gluttonybaru and A Moment Of Clarity would still be Gluttonybaru but with more Louis/Rui elements

Again, I accept suggestions, and tell me if you want me to make more art for this AU, maybe I can draw more Barus and also the voices, who knows?

Edit: good news gang, I actually did in fact write this! The first chapter of this au is out here!

[hungee-boy]

Feel free to ignore if you’re uncomfortable with or just don’t want to answer but how would you change isebela to not be caricature without changing the whole character? Would it be more fashion changes or physical or something else?

Kinda like: how would you change her if you were her character writer/designer for the new game?

isabela at her core i think is a very compelling character and is relatable to a lot of romani experiences, especially with her doing whatever she has to to survive

i would definitely keep her stealing as castillion's responsibility, him making her steal the tome of koslun under threat of death for example would be fine because if he wasnt in the picture, chances are she wouldnt have stolen it in the first place

other forms of thievery besides just like looting bodies and picking chests (as those are gameplay mechanics for all characters) shouldnt be for her enjoyment or greed, only for her survival or just not done at all

her staying a pirate is fine imo and i like the idea of her being an ethical pirate (like her freeing the slaves castillion had her transport) but we all need to look at how pirates are depicted in fantasy and how much of that is anti-roma racism and caricatures

her being so sexualized and her comments on "life back home" are where i have the biggest issues honestly

like romani women have always been targets of fetishization and sexual violence, as well as many women being sterilized without consent to prevent more romani children being brought into the world

getting some damn clothes on her would be a great start, like some pants at the very least. i would like to incorporate more romani clothing in her design tho like maybe a traditional blouse instead of her usual top

maybe a romanced isabela can have her replace her blue dikhlo with red, since wearing a dikhlo is usually reserved for married women of certain vitsas (most common with eastern european roma if im not mistaken) or giving her a red hipcloth (again specific to certain vitsas)

romani dress is usually modest and loose fitting, with women commonly wearing long skirts and blouses with jewelry and adornments to symbolize her wealth and status and im not saying isabela should be covered head to toe, shes an open person and not every romani woman should be expected to dress one way over another, its just her look is way too impractical for the sake of being sexy and again romani women are very often sexualized regardless of what they wear

isabela's attitude towards sex and being open to intimacy is not an issue on its own, what is the issue is how the writers make fucking jokes of her sexuality at every chance they get (like the std joke in anders' clinic, aveline's slut shaming, etc. etc. etc.....) and this is just my personal opinion but there are times that she comes on too strong to like hawke or carver or fenris that seems unrealistic and just like an attempt for the writers to further hone in on how horny shes supposed to make you feel

like yes have her be open and not ashamed of being intimate but put more love and respect on it. i love an isabela that is repressed in her own feelings and the only way she knows how to have meaningful connections is through sex cus thats what was expected of her. like oh my god do you know how many people relate to that, if its done right it could be a very compelling arch to her character and maybe something she learns isnt concrete the more platonic/romantic meaningful time she has with everyone in da2 and beyond

as for her comments about rivain and the people there, like the phrase "even deny a fortune teller and theyll run you out of town" to merrill, just makes rivainis out to be greedy and shameless swindlers and that projection is obviously also put on romani people since that is a VERY common stereotype

like the phrase "getting gypped" literally means to be cheated and comes from the word gypsy. theres no denying the intention the writers had when they wrote that line for isabela

and honestly i love the idea of rivain (i say the idea cus we only hear accounts of the nation, we havent seen it in person yet) i love the idea of a matriarchal society that is religious and spiritual but does not tolerate the chantry's bigotry and openly accepts society's outcast such as mages and qunari

romani culture irl is patriarchal and often anybody who is not romani is typically not trusted, but if rivain was treated as an idealistic fantasy romanistan, where our values and traditions are implemented and we make a better world for ourselves and other outcasts then it could be very compelling

thats the thing with representation, sometimes it doesnt have to reflect reality 100%, but it still requires knowledge so that you can make new ideas based on the facts and reasoning of the group youre representing

[wavypotatochips]

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐𝘵 | 𝘕𝘦𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘑𝘳 [ENEMIES TO LOVERS SORT OF VIBE]   SUGGESTIVE MINORS DNI

𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴: NeymarJr x Female Reader

𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵: 4.4k

𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺: You have been hired as a model to appear in a promotional photo session for a lingerie company. You don't find out who your companion is until you arrive at the shoot and encounter Neymar, a boy you despise as he once played with your heart.

𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦:  I have been working on this in-between request and it is finally completed c': I Love writing about Neymar so its no surprise all of the NeyNey imagines I've written are so long LOL. MORE NEYMAR JR RECOGNITION RAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

Song that inspired this : You Know You Like It by DJ Snake, AlunaGeorge

[TRANSLATOR IS USED SO DIRECT TRANSLATION MAY BE WRONG]

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ♥

Your hands are firmly holding the cup of coffee as you lean against the kitchen counter. Taking a short sip, you pay attention to Riley, your manager, as she speaks. "The next shoot will begin in around two hours. Together with another male model, you'll be modeling for a company named Super Dry. The company is seeking a sexual-romantic mood, therefore you two will be very close. While Olivia and Justin work on you, I'll head out to grab everyone Chinese," she says, looking down at her wristwatch. You think to yourself- Ugh, I hate late shoots so much.. Why the hell would they want to start a shoot at 10pm?  "Wait- Do you know who my partner will be?" you ask. "Not yet," she shrugs. 

"Y/N we are ready," Olivia calls out from a room down the hall. You hurriedly drink the remaining coffee since you will need it. “Coming!” You enter the room and immediately sit down in the chair as the process of getting ready begins. When Justin, your hairdresser, starts with your hair, Olivia, your makeup artist, starts with your face. Although they aim to achieve a "natural look," getting dressed shouldn't take too long considering this is just an undergarment shot. Justin starts to say, "Y/N, you are lucky I love you so much because it is past my bedtime,” he sprays some water on your hair to make it easier to brush. You reply, "Your bedtime is 8 o'clock," while laughing. He says, "Of course," and nods. “How else am I supposed to look this handsome?” 

Olivia glares at him and points the makeup brush towards his direction, saying, "By not getting her to talk! I'm making her foundation appear nonexistent at the moment so I need her to remain still,” She then looks down at you and winks, “ Your face will resemble a baby's butt in smoothness once I'm finished.” "Are you saying my child doesn't have a smooth face?" Justin gasps. She threatens him with the brush, making him jump. You laugh at the sight of the two of them bickering, which makes Olivia glare at you as well. You hurriedly close your eyes and stop laughing so she can go on. She murmurs, "That's what I thought." and goes on. You love your team, and the fact that you're all best friends just makes it better. A model will undoubtedly be friends with her crew, with whom she spends all of her time, but you guys are unique in that you have known each other since your first year of college. You are all the same age as you were born in the same year. 

Your desire of becoming a model was something you always had as a child, and in your second year of college, it finally came true in the most unexpected way. You offered to walk the runway in the fashion show that your college was presenting for students majoring in fashion design. A day after the runway show, your phone was flooded with notifications, and you were collecting dozens of followers by the minute. It turns out that some of the footage that students in the crowd recorded of you went viral. And after a week, you received calls from a lot of modeling agencies. You decide to sign up with one of the modeling agencies, but you only agreed to a 3-year contract because you thought it would be sufficient time for you to truly establish your reputation. And boy, did it work even though it was a long shot. As the contract expired, you made the decision that it would be best to start freelancing so you wouldn't have to worry about any hidden agendas. Fast forward to the present, and everything is still going great. And throughout the process you were able to hire your best friends, who have supported you through everything. 

Riley is delivering what she promised—food for everyone—while you are getting your hair done. As you entered the room to get ready, Riley placed an internet order because she knew what everyone would want and is now currently en route to pick it up. Her phone begins to ring as she enters the restaurant,

 “Hello, this is Riley speaking.”

“Hey Riley, it's Clark the photographer for SuperDry! I just wanted to call you to let you know that we changed the room where the shoot will be held, it will be on floor 50 room 202 instead of 48 room 102.” She makes a mental note of the new information.

“Okay thank you… Also, is there any word who the male model will be? Y/N was wondering.” She asks as she takes a seat close to the pickup area.

“Oh yeah! The male model will be Neymar Jr, you know him right?” Her mouth fell open at the sound of his name, and she silently vowed that you are going to kill her. 

She chuckles softly and says, "Well, of course! I'll let Y/N know about this. We will see you later.” She says goodbye and hangs up the phone after that.

There is a very tangled history between you and Neymar Jr., but only in secret. Of course, your closest friends Olivia, Justin, and Riley are the only ones who are aware of what transpired between you two. Until you learned through the paparazzi that Neymar was making out with another female, you and Neymar had been in the "talking stage" for approximately a month and had even discussed starting a relationship. Even though this incident occurred more than five years ago, it still lingers in your memory. You wouldn't describe your feelings as heartbroken; rather, you would describe them as disappointed that the rumors about his reputation as a "playboy" were accurate. Riley debates whether or not to be honest with you because she knows that if you find out who you will be with, you will decline going to the photoshoot, however she also knows that this partnership will be a great benefit to your career. "Riley, pick-up order!" She is pulled from her thoughts by the worker's call. She approaches, smiles and says "thanks" to the employee before hurriedly leaving the restaurant with the food bags in hand.  Y/N please forgive me for what i'm about to do, she thinks to herself.

"All right, that's finished." As you turn to face the mirror, Olivia says, turning the chair. Your hair was naturally down, but the materials he used to style it gave it a "wet" appearance. "Thanks guys, what would I do without you," you say with a smile. Riley's voice can be heard saying, "Foods here!" just as Justin was about to speak. “Ooooooo food!” Justin quickly exits the room, you and Olivia trailing behind him. Riley places the plastic bag on the kitchen counter as the three of you are moving down the hallway. "Y/N I got you veggie lo mein so you can have something light in your stomach, Justin sesame chicken with white rice, Olivia orange chicken with white rice.” Riley hands you your food with a set of chopsticks while Justin and Olivia eagerly take theirs. You thank her and take a seat.Everyone settles down and eats together like a big happy family, chit-chatting here and there until the moment comes when you and Riley have to depart. "You two can stay the night here if you don't want to go home," you tell Oliva and Justin because you don't want them driving home late. They both shake their heads, ”Dont worry about us Y/N, Justin and I don't live too far from here. We will text you when we make it home.” Olivia says as everyone starts gathering their belongings so that you can all depart together. Olivia and Justin merely need to take their personal items and leftover meals as your studio area is where you always get ready. They don't need to grab any of their makeup or hair products. "Just remember to put on additional lip gloss before the shot because it just brings everything together," Olivia advises as everyone walks out of your condo. Indeed, I definitely won't forget. While you lock the door with your other hand, you show her the lipgloss to indicate that you still have it. Together, you all descend the stairs, say your goodbyes, and split ways. You get into Riley's car and she drives to the location of the photoshoot. While you scroll through Instagram on your phone, you ask, "So, did they tell you who I am shooting with?". “Apparently it is going to be a surprise,” she casually says. As you stare out the window, you nod your head without giving it much thought. After a short while of traveling, you arrive at your destination and find a parking space in the garage. You two exit the vehicle and enter the building, Riley leading the way as she's aware of the location of the appropriate floor and room. 

Riley curses silently as she walks down the corridor, looking at her phone. You ask, "Everything okay?," as she sighs. "I forgot to deliver my mom a cake I picked up for her earlier today and she needs it by tomorrow morning for a fundraiser event," "I'll just wake up at 4am to bring it," she says while running her hand through her hair. "4 a.m.?" you ask, shaking your head. “I don’t have any issue with you bringing it to her now… I can handle the shoot by myself, I'm a big girl.”  Also, don't worry about how I'm going to get home- I got it.” She casts a worried glance your way as the two of you approach the door because she's unsure of what you meant by your words. “Just call me when you are done and I can send over a driver.” She hugs you tightly, which you happily return. You tease her, "Sure Mom," and she laughs. You take your lip gloss out of your pocket and spread a layer of it on your lips as she turns to leave. You then knock on the door, only to have someone answer a minute later."Welcome, Y/N! You're as stunning as ever!" You assume that the man speaking is the photographer because he is holding a camera. Currently, the moonlight is perfect, so if you don't mind rapidly changing, that'll be fantastic. "Percilla takes her to the changing room to change," he says, snapping his fingers. He quickly vanishes, leaving you perplexed as you enter the condo. Several models are roaming around, and every few minutes, you can see the flashing lights of a camera snapping pictures. You had expected to have the place to yourself for your photo session, but it appears to be much more crowded than you had anticipated.

"Follow me," a girl says as she rushes to your side. You follow her and when strolling by, you notice that the majority of the staff are packing up their equipment. You figured that the models you saw must have been their final shoot of the day. The young woman motions for you to enter as she opens what appears to be a guest bedroom. A lingerie robe and undergarments are spread out on top of the bed. “The red set will be used for the photos first, followed by the gray and the black. As your manager has most likely informed you, we are seeking for a romantic attraction, therefore your bodies will be intimate. We also apologize for the noise and crowdedness of the living room when you first walked in as we fell a bit behind schedule with our shots, but most of the employees are currently packing up their belongings to go home. The master bedroom, which is the room next to his one, will be the location of the first shot.” Before she shuts the door, she says, "Go to that room after you're changed.” After seeing the door close, you let out a small breath, “Alright, let's get this show on the road.” Of course you love your modeling job, but what no one tells you is that modeling is all theatrical. Right now, for example, you have to act as if you are in a loving relationship with some random person. Maybe you should give acting a try next. You take off your clothing and put on the matching crimson red push-up bra and thong on. You then put on the lingerie robe, which is a see-through, sheer gown with a red feather on the lining to give it a more seductive appearance. "Damn I look nice," you say as you spin around a little in the mirror and take a look at yourself.

Then, as directed, you exit the bedroom and enter the room to the right. You enter the room with confidence. You recognize the photographer who previously answered the door for you, and you hear him yell, "Y/N!" as he approaches you. "We are so happy to have you here! I am deeply sorry about not being able to properly greet myself earlier,” He extends his hand for you to shake, "My name is Maxwell, and I am the head photographer for Super Dry Corporation." You shake his hand and give him your iconic smile, you say, "No worries! I am aware that things happen in life. Nice to formally meet you!” He responds, “Thank you so much for understanding. Now let's get started shall we?” As he approaches the bed, he gestures with his arm, "We can perform your solo shoot now while your partner changes so he can match you. We have already finished the male solo shoots." You climb to the top of the king-sized bed, its white silk sheets remarkably different from what you are wearing. As more moonlight enters the room through the balcony doors, you see Maxwell move over to his studio light and turn it to low so that the light reflecting off of you appears more natural. Right now, there is only you and Maxwell in the room.  “Alright, baby show me something sexy!” He leans slightly over you while standing on a short stool step, bringing the camera up to his eye to achieve a bird's eye perspective. You start slowly removing your robe while hearing the camera click. When the robe is open, you slowly bend your knee up while biting your lower lip and staring straight at the camera. “Perfect!,” Maxwell says, hyping you up. Laying there, you continue to strike various stances until rising to your knees and closing your eyes while running your hands through your hair. This would have been extremely uncomfortable for you if you weren't a model, but fortunately, this isn't your first time in this situation. Once some more time has passed, Maxwell takes the camera off his face, gets off the stool, and browses the pictures he has taken. “These shots are golden… we are definitely ready for Neymar now…” As soon as you heard him say Neymar's name, the smile that had been on your face instantly turned into confusion.  What name did he say? I hope I heard him wrong, you think to yourself. On cue, the woman who had earlier taken you to your room enters holding a box, followed by Neymar, who is just wearing a pair of red boxers.

Oh, youve got to be kidding me.

Neymar was engaging with her at the time and was not paying attention to you. He winks at her, and you cringe as you see her blush and smile. “Neymar you're just in time! I'm ready for you and Y/N to get some close ups.” Until your name is spoken, he doesn't even turn to look at Maxwell. For a split second, he fixes his gaze on Maxwell before turning to face you. His eyes briefly open when he recognizes your face, but as soon as he notices what you are wearing, his eyes quickly narrow and his lips curl into a smirk. Neymar had no idea you were going to be his shooting partner, but he can't say he's upset about it. Even though the two of you had a history, Neymar feels like you were the best partner he's ever had. Personality-wise and sexually-wise. The conclusion that you didn't like him was obvious given that you blocked him from all of your social media accounts. But, the fact that you were there gave him the opportunity to irritate you, and oh, did that idea thrill him. As you get up from the bed and start to move towards Neymar, you give him a fake smile. “Nice to meet you, Neymar.” You reach out your hand as if this is your first time meeting. Neymar participates in the act by reaching out to grab your hand and saying, "The pleasure is all mine, bonita (pretty)," as he elevates your hand to kiss the back of your palm.

You continue to smile at Neymar before turning your gaze to the girl walking over to Maxwell, both of them starting to talk about something. As you see they are not observing you two, you quickly yank your hand away from him and rub your hand against the robe to wipe away his germs. "I'd rather not feel the lips of someone who has kissed millions of people," you say in distaste. He replies, "But you were one of those millions of individuals, so what's the problem," with a slight chuckle. You mumble angrily, "Shut up, I don't even want to talk to you," and then stare at him, "We don't know one other. Play along.” "But my love, how can I forget how those lips felt around me?" he asks, gazing down at your lips. The steam pouring from your head would be visible in a cartoon version of this situation. Before you can react, Maxwell starts to approach you both and says, “Alright now that you two have been able to chat for a little bit- let's continue on shall we?” "Ladies first," Neymar says, winking at you. Seeing how phony your smile was toward him, he couldn't help but smile. You smile, "Oh such a gentleman," and turn to walk to the balcony. While walking, you could feel Neymar's eyes on your rear, so you move one hand behind your back and stick up your middle finger. 

Let the games begin, Neymar thinks to himself.

You and Neymar begin with straightforward poses while switching between several hues of the garments you were to market for the brand. Ney is first asked to sit on the edge of the bed by the photographer, who then instructs you to stand in front of him with one hand on his shoulder and the other reaching for the camera. Neymar gently places his hands on your waist as you two exchange confident looks. The photographer then instructs you both to lie down on the bed side by side with your knees crossed at the ankles and your heads supported by your hands. Ney comes out to shake your hand, and you do so while giving him a loving and secure expression. Of course you snuck in a few looks of displeasure here and there, and Neymar never took his smug expression off his face. 

The photographer also wanted pictures from the balcony. You are currently dressed in black underwear with a lace garter, and you can almost feel Neymar's eyes fixated on you.

The photographer instructs you to strike a pose outside on the balcony, with the lovely night sky and city lights behind you. You start with a basic standing pose, with one foot slightly in front of the other, and your arms resting gently at your sides.

Neymar approaches and stands behind you, and the photographer instructs you both to turn towards each other, one hand on your lower back and the other on Neymar's chest. Neymar grins down at you as you bite your lower lip. Neymar leans down to whisper in your ear as the camera starts to take pictures. You look at the camera and wink to make it seem like another natural pose so the photographer didn't speculate. “How could I not crave someone as gorgeous as you when you look at me like that?” You would be lying if you said you did not feel anything at that moment, and you hated that. You could feel your body temperature rising despite the minimal clothing you are wearing. As the photographer removes the camera from his eye to look at the pictures, you glare at Ney, “Can't you just be quiet?” Neymar's eyes are filled with amusement, “Can you make me?” As soon as you are about to respond, the photographer says, “Okay let's take a few more shots! I need you two to look seductive, you two can look at eachother or the camera.” He explains causing you to nod your head. It's time for you to trade roles because Neymar wants to tease you all the time. You push Neymar down so he can sit in the balcony chair and bend over so you're eye level with him, peering seductively into his eyes. You scan him up and down, almost as if you're examining him. Neymar's jaw tightens as he examines your body, his eyes now able to catch more of your cleavage. “Perfect Y/N!,” the photographer yells as shots are taken. Neymar smirks as he realizes what you are doing. He stands up and moves closer to you after a few more camera flashes. As you put your palm on his chest and fix your gaze on his green eyes, you are entranced by the scene in front of you. You couldn't help but feel aggravated by the situation you find yourself in right now. Only a few inches separate you two, which makes you heat up more. It's difficult to determine if you are burning up out of desire or just from the heat. You know the answer to that though.  You want him to give in and completely fill the space between you two. You want to caress his lips, stroke his hair with your palm, and breathe in his fragrance.

You feel tension between you and just want to give in. You do something you would never have imagined wanting to do again as the camera flashes, surprising not just Neymar but also the photographer. 

You kiss him.

Although surprised, Neymar gives you a kiss right away. As soon as you understand what you've done, you swiftly move away from him and ask, "Are we done for the night now?," behaving as if nothing had occurred. The photographer nods enthusiastically while gazing at his camera and enjoying the image he just captured. Who wouldn't, really? You recently received a picture of a notorious futebol player and a well-known model kissing while displaying your logo. Neymar is ready to speak, reaching out to hold your hand, but you hurriedly leave the balcony and enter the guest room you were in before the transformation.

Once you enter the room and lift your hands over your head, still in shock at what you just accomplished. Why on earth would you kiss someone so attractive? He is a jerk who messed with your heart in the past…….he has grown into  a very attractive jerk who is very kissable though. 

You grumble as you realize that your mind is tricking you and that you are not in control of the situation. You sigh and start to gather the clothes you were wearing when you arrived at the shoot. You hear a knock at the door as you are gathering your clothing. You don't give it much thought because you assume it is either the assistant or the photographer. You shout "Come in!" so they can hear you. You assume that the door is locked because no one enters the space after you said they could. When you have your clothes in your possession, you go to the door to open it, but the person behind it opens it before you get to the door. When Neymar emerges from the door, you give him a confused expression. e closes the door and moves towards you, "Neymar wha-," your sentence is cut short as he takes you by the waist and pulls you in for another kiss. As his tongue prods your mouth, he grunts against your lips. You want to feel his body heat against yours, so you pull him closer to you by wrapping your arms around his neck- dropping your clothes. Only the sounds of the two of you kissing each other and labored breathing can be heard. After pulling away, you ask him, "Why do you do this to me?" while panting heavily. Neymar licks his lips and quietly pant, ”Y/N. I want to get into contact with you again.” You continue gazing mesmerized into his eyes, unsure of how to respond, so you remain silent. “I'll think about it..” You mumble because you are unsure about the solution. Neymar gives you a lovely smile while starting to sing horribly knowing that Bad Bunny is your favorite artist, "As Bad Bunny said,

Contigo tengo que apretar  (I need to be careful with you)

Y en la calle ando suelto    (And in the streets I run free)

Pero por ti me quito          (But for you I stay in)

Si tú me lo pide'              (If you ask for it)

Yo me porto bonito            (I'll behave myself)”

"Sai do meu quarto, Neymar (Get out of my room, Neymar,)" you say, laughing at his ridiculous attempt to serenade you. "Would you unblock me so I don't have to constantly check your profiles from my private account?," he asks, causing your eyebrows to raise, "What?" 

"Nothing just unblock me Bonita (Beautiful), ," he says, smiling and waving as he walks out of the room.

You sigh as you see him leave the room. You can't let yourself be caught in his trap once more. You can't believe he even got you to laugh and that you kissed him twice tonight. You start mentally reciting a list of 100 reasons why you should despise him in order to avoid unblocking him and maintain your distance.

Later that night, you eventually unblocked him.

[noonaishere]

Music of the Heart [J.YH] - eighty-three | the start of an apology

“Your table is right here,” the hostess said and led you and Yunho to a table by the window.

“Oh!” Yunho said as he stopped you from pulling out your own chair and helped you to sit before sitting on his own.

“Here are your menus, and the wine list. Is there anything you’d like to drink?”

You took the wine list out of Yunho’s hands and scanned it. “Do you like red?”

“Um… I think so.”

You raised an eyebrow at him.

He shrugged.

“Can we get a bottle of the cabernet?” You asked the hostess as you handed it to her.

She nodded. “I’ll have a waiter bring it right over.”

You smiled as she left. You opened the menu.

“I suppose you don’t know much about wine?” You asked Yunho.

“Oh… not really.”

You nodded.

“Do you?”

You shrugged. “I have no interest in it personally, but it was a little hard to exist around my parents without hearing them talk about it. You know, because of the status of it all.” You rolled your eyes. “I could moonlight as a sommelier if I wanted to.”

“A what?”

“Someone who tastes wine.”

His silence caused you to look up, to find him staring at you blankly. “What?”

He lowered his voice. “Doesn’t everyone taste wine?”

You stared at him for a moment before laughing.

“What?-- Can some people not taste it? Is it like cilantro, where some people think it tastes like soap?”

“Yunho, what?” You quieted your laughter. “No… it’s someone who tastes wine professionally. They work in fancy restaurants like this one to make sure that wines are paired with the right foods.”

“Paired?”

You nodded. “The flavors of some wines can overpower foods with more delicate flavors, so they design menus accordingly. Speaking of which, you should order beef since I ordered a red wine.”

Yunho nodded quickly and flipped to that section of the menu.

You exhaled a laugh.

He looked up at you again. “What?”

You shook your head. “You always were a bit of a pushover.”

“How am I a pushover?”

“You just did what I said without even asking anything?”

“And? You know more than me about this stuff, why wouldn’t I listen to you?”

You blinked. “Uh, I guess you’re right.”

He nodded once and went back to the menu.

The waitress came back with the wine and you ordered your food. You got an Osso Bucco, while he ordered a porterhouse steak.

While you waited for your food, you sipped your wine to avoid the awkward silence.

“So, um…” He started.

You had a feeling what this might be about and put your glass down.

“I’m really sorry for not going to the party when I told you I would.”

You nodded.

“Mingi and Dei told me you stayed to wait for me, and San told me that y/n asked him to drive you home… I’m sorry.”

You nodded again.

“I’m an idiot.”

“You are.”

He jolted for a second.

“Did you think I was going to tell you you weren’t?” You shifted in your seat. “I was mad you didn’t show up, okay?”

“San said you were pretty drunk.”

“Well the person I was waiting for stood me up, so it wasn’t like I had anything else to do.” You took a sip of your wine.

“I’m so sorry.”

You looked at him over the rim of your glass for a moment as he sat there, face fallen, staring into his lap.

“Hm.”

He looked up at you.

“Well, you said you’d treat me to dinner, so that’s the start of an apology.”

He continued to look at you, his face the expression of a kicked dog.

“And this is the dress I wore to the party, so you get to see that too.”

His eyes brightened. Hopeful.

“But if you stand me up one more time, I’m never speaking to you again, Jeong Yunho.”

Startled, he nodded quickly. “It’ll never happen again! I promise.”

You smirked at his display of effusion. “I’ll hold you to that.”

He nodded to himself.

He, at least, seemed like he was certain that he wasn’t going to let you down again. You found yourself at least leaning on the fence, though not getting off it and choosing a side just yet.

“You look very pretty.” He said.

“Oh. Thanks.”

He smiled.

“So how was the shoot?”

“Huh?”

“The shoot you had to blow me off for? How was it?”

“Oh, uh… busy. Sort of boring.”

You nodded.

“I really wish I had gone to the party instead.”

He sounded sincere.

“Well, I’m sure you can make the next one.”

“I’m definitely going to.”

You chuckled.

“Also… also: I’ll buy dessert. To further apologize.”

“You mean you weren’t going to?”

“Ah! I mean--”

“I’m kidding. If you buy dessert, I’ll accept your apology. But I’d better see you at the next party. I’m not going to be there all by myself again. If you stand me up again I’ll… go to the dance studio and punch you or something.”

He moved to do something, paused, and dug his hand into his pocket and fished out his keys and slammed them onto the table.

“What--”

It was your childhood Best Friends Forever lanyard. And it had something else on it.

“Is that… a bass pick?”

“It’s… the one you left behind when your mom took everything that day. I found it on the floor after you left. I put a hole through it and put on the lanyard.”

“...Was that before or after I told you I never wanted to see you again?”

He blushed hard, his ears going so pink they were almost red.

You waited.

“...After. I hoped that maybe we could be friends again, and maybe we could still leave town together… but you made it clear we couldn’t. That we wouldn’t…”

You watched him. You couldn't tell if he was just thinking or about to cry.

He inhaled deeply and looked up at you with a smile. “I thought I would never even see you again, nevermind be at a table with you, about to eat together.”

You nodded. You didn’t know what to say to that.

“So, by the most holy power in our childhood Best Friends Forever lanyards,” he put one hand on the lanyard and held the other up like he was a witness in a trial. “I solemnly swear that I will go to the next party.”

You chuckled at him. One foot was still touching the fencepost.

“I’m serious! I swear that… that… neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow--”

“Isn’t that the US Postal motto or something?”

“Ah-- is it?”

“I think it might be.”

“Oh… well, it still stands. Nothing will get in the way of attending the next party with you.”

“Oh, now we’re going together?” You laughed.

“Oh.” His neck went pink. “I mean-- if you want to.”

You watched him for a moment, one hand on the lanyard, the other up, ears and neck in all their embarrassed, pink glory. 

You felt the fence might be a bad place to be. The two of you were older now, and he was obviously repentant, he might have screwed up before, but he was trying to make things right.

“The only real apology is changed behavior. I saw that in a youtube video by a therapist.”

He considered this for a moment and nodded furiously. “My behavior will definitely change.”

“No, you can’t just say it, you have to--”

“I’ll show you. This dinner is only the beginning.”

You sighed with a laugh. “Okay. I’ll look forward to it.”

“You should look forward to it.”

“I already said that.”

He appeared confused for a moment before recovering. “Yeah. I agree.”

You laughed and shook your head.

Your food came out, and the waiters sat it in front of you, wished you good eating, and left.

“Put your keys away and eat your food you goof.”

He puts his keys back in his pocket bashfully.

As you cut into your food, you had to ask. 

“Have you really been carrying that this whole time?”

“My-- keys?”

“The lanyard.”

“Oh. Um…yeah. I’d always hoped that maybe we could meet again and I could tell you I was sorry. I guess…”

You put the piece of food in your mouth and chewed as you watched him puzzle out his next sentence.

“...I guess carrying it was… my way of hoping I’d see you. Like people who carry a pendant with a saint on it or something.”

You raised an eyebrow at him.

He looked up at you with a face that flagrantly displayed that he was hoping for your approval. He was always so earnest. 

“Just eat your food you silly boy.”

He looked down, deflated.

“And thank you.”

He looked up at you.

“For making it up to me. Thanks.”

He smiled.

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a/n: He still has that pick after all these years. Do you think he’s going to make good on his promise?

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[urszn]

❨ POPSTAR GF ❩ — park sunghoon

CHAP ll. “runaway popstar” written + smau

warnings: anxiety attack, cursing duh, if i missed anything pls let me know! (not proofread)

word count: 892

SUNGHOON wasn’t the type of guy to go out on a sunday night, he knew he wasn't going to be happy waking up early in the morning rushing to get to his lectures at six and then going straight to the ice rink to practice

but he still went with his friends even though he insisted he needed to finish his essay that wasn’t due until next week

heeseung had been working hard perfecting her album, and sunghoon felt bad saying no to his friend especially since it was heeseung and he knew that if he needed something he could count on heeseung to come to the rescue

jake was also spamming his phone begging him to go with them and he couldn’t decline.

“holy shit guys” jungwon says jumping up and down with excitement as we entered the vip section, i look around seeing people with their lightsticks, chatting to eachother with big smiles on their faces

heeseung glanced over at me and nudged my shoulder “thought you were busy” i rolled my eyes “thank you for inviting me hee”

“wait! we get to meet y/n right?!” sunoo asked, we all look over at heeseung as he shrugs his shoulders “who knows” was all he said with a slight smirk on his face

suddenly everyone seemed to be quiet, some people whispering to their friends while pointing over at the entrance where three people were standing at

“oh my god” jake squeezed my arm “i love hyunjin, wonyoung and jisung” “they’re coming over here, never thought i’d be this close to them” jake rambled on

i glanced over at them as they walked our way, they were all dressed up in designer clothes and seemed to be accompanied by another person

he seemed to be dressed…less extravagant than the others, yet he still looked better than whatever i was wearing, he had a black mask and hat covering his face, maybe he was a body guard or something like that?

as the venue filled up with many more people, i looked over at heeseung who was by my side

he was now talking to hyunjin

“when did he go over there,” i asked jungwon who was on my left side “he got called over there by hyunjin not that long ago, i think you zoned out” he continued “you were staring at them when heeseung went over there, i think you should quit staring, they might think you’re a little creepy” i slowly nod

a couple of minutes pass by and heeseung is still talking to them, “hoon, is that you’re phone ringing?” i look at my pocket seeing the contact name chaeyeon

holy… “shit i forgot to tell her that i cant hangout with her today”

“wait i need to answer her but it’s loud i’ll be back okay?” i tell the guys “she’s about to start though!” jake says “i’ll be back i just need to answer her real quick, i’ll be back i promise” “go quickly”

i quickly pass by people to the exit nearby and call chaeyeon back

“where are you?! it sounds loud” was all i could hear her say, i plug my other ear so i could hear her better, yet it was still loud “wait i’m trying to get somewhere quieter!”

“hoon?” she says “wait-“ suddenly my phone was on ground broken “watch where you’re-“ oh…

“i’m so sorry! i’ll pay for it!” the girl says leaning down to grab my now broken phone, her hands seemed to be shaking “it’s okay” i say panicky finally realizing who she was

she was meant to be on stage right now, performing, but she was here with me outside her own concert, crying

“are you okay?” was all i could ask — i know, i know what a stupid question to ask, but i didn’t know what else to say “hey aren’t you supposed to be on stage and not out here crying”

“yeah, yeah i’m so so sorry, really i’ll pay for it” she says looking down, her voice seemed normal but i could tell she was trying to hold back her tears “you don’t have too” i replied back

i scan over the area and my eyes land on a bench nearby, “hey how about we sit down, okay?” i say as she nodded

“do you need water or anything?” i asked “n-no” she said before finally breaking down into tears and all i could was comfort her

“it’s okay” i reassured her “i-i just saw someone and-“ she stops for a bit trying to catch her breath “i-i panicked!” “i..i don’t know why i’m crying”

she then “oh my god my manager will be so mad” “and my fan” “and friends” she panics, crying even harder now “hey it’s okay, they’ll understand” i say before hugging her

and that’s how we stayed for a bit

“how about you go home, i bet you that everyone will understand” i whisper quietly but loud enough for her to hear “you don’t understand, everyone is going to hate me!” she tells me

“c’mon, i’ll walk you there, and i’ll explain everything to them you don’t even have to talk, okay?” she slowly nods

i stand up reaching my hand out for her grab and she looks at my hand hesitantly before grabbing onto my hand.

back to masterlist! - previous - next

(📰) TOP NEWS ! after sunghoon gets forced to go with his friends to a concert he ends up bumping into a crying y/n aka the person who was supposed to be on stage performing, not knowing what to do he hugs her out of pity trying his best to comfort her, perhaps he shouldn’t have? because the next day he wakes up to one million followers on twitter and instagram and a text from y/n’s manager asking him to fake date her.

PERM TAGLIST: @ddeonudepressions ⋆ @zuyairus-deactivated20230507 ⋆ @sunoksunny ⋆ @taejays ⋆ @hanniluvi ⋆ @haknom ⋆ @trsrina ⋆ @tyunnie-gyuu ⋆ @ririlovesrenjun ⋆ @xiaoderrrr ⋆ @r-westillfriends ⋆ @placinggum10 ⋆ @gakrufbd ⋆ @nanabbg ⋆ @son4taa ⋆ @redm4ri ⋆ @strwberrydinosaur r ⋆ @dreama-little-dreamof-me ⋆ @lcv3lies ⋆ @aspaia ⋆ @schmocolateschmchip ⋆ @seungcheolswife ⋆ @ixomiyu ⋆ @dimplewonie ⋆ @jeongintwt ⋆ @esther-kpopstan ⋆ @uwuheeseungie

[circus4apsycho8]

haunted house. | kai & reader

𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝟻/�� 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚞𝚜' 𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚓𝚊𝚐𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚎𝚜𝚝 (𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘 + 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝).

𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗-𝚝𝚢𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚐𝚘𝚛𝚎

This always happens. 

First, a frustrated sigh escapes you as you try to shift in your bed, everything feeling off. Certainly not suited for sleep, much to your dismay. 

“And to think, I was about passed out on the couch,” you mumble, rolling your eyes as you lay there. Maybe if you stay still, you’ll get tired?

The answer to the question is never revealed, though, because moments later your phone screen lights up. You turn towards it, gently tugging the charger out before checking it. 

Kai: hey want to go out tonight? 

Kai: lloyd and i were gonna go to a haunted house tonight, but he got sick last minute and everyone else is busy 

Kai: (i think hes faking it bc hes scared tho lol) 

Kai: i already bought tickets so if u wanna come its covered 

Kai: i know its kinda late tho so no worries if u cant 

A haunted house?! What better way to get spooky on such a wonderful fall night? You shoot upright, stumbling to get out of bed as you respond: 

You: I’m in!! Thank you :)))) 

Kai: np, ill be there in 20 

With that, you start changing, thoughts drifting to the thoughts of what nightmares the haunted house could behold. It’s a bummer that more of your friends can’t attend, but you’re still excited to at least go with Kai. 

Besides, you haven’t hung out with the Ninja of Fire lately, and you find yourself missing his hotheaded nature sometimes. 

Soon enough, you’re waiting by your door anxiously, belongings clutched in your hands. When a brisk knock emanates from your door, you force yourself to wait a few moments before opening it. Can’t seem too eager, right? 

“Hey!” Kai greets, grinning at you as you smile back at his. His brown hair is spiked, but a bit messier than usual, and he’s dressed in civilian clothing: a long-sleeved red shirt and dark jeans to match. 

“Hi!” you repeat, stepping out of your apartment before locking the door. Once that’s done, you take a moment to give Kai a quick hug. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, hasn’t it?” 

“Yeah, now that you mention it, it has been,” he agrees, gently returning the embrace as you inhale the scent of his cologne. “I brought my bike. I hope that’s okay.” 

“Works for me!” you chirp, following him down the stairs. “Which one are we going to?” 

“It’s called Ninjago Nightmare Manor. They’re hosting it inside of an abandoned building this year to really add to the mood.” 

“That sounds so cool!” you reply, the two of you making it outside. The chilly night air embraces you as Kai hands you a red helmet. The article matches his red bike, complete with a cheesy flame design on it. 

You snort upon seeing it, glancing at Kai as you decide to mess with him: “I bet you get all the girls with that flame on your bike.” 

Kai raises an eyebrow at you, picking up his own helmet. “Wow. Bullying me already?” 

“Do you expect anything less of me?” you retort as he straddles the bike, swiping up the kickstand with his heel. 

“Just stop talking and get on the bike,” he says, settling his hands on the bars as the engine whirs to life. You just giggle and climb on behind him, making sure you flick the visor down before gaining a strong grip around his waist. 

“Ready?” he calls, glancing back towards you. 

“Yeah!” you say, pressing your head against his shoulder so you can have a good view of the street. 

With that, Kai takes off. You sigh in relief as you watch the dark street pass in a blur, ears filled with the sound of the wind and engine as Kai expertly steers the motorcycle. 

Chills seep through the fabric of your shirt, beckoning a bunch of goosebumps to form on your skin. Kai’s body heat is enough to keep you from completely freezing, though. 

A few minutes pass as he steers through the empty streets of Ninjago City, eventually leaving the city and speeding down an old, gravel road. You notice an old building approaching along the side of the road situated next to a makeshift parking lot made on the grass. 

Kai turns into the lot, finding a suitable spot before shutting the motorcycle off. You sport an exhilarated grin as Kai steps off, taking a second to unstrap your helmet before pulling it off. 

The Master of Fire takes both of your helmets, setting them on his spot before holding his hand out to you. You take it, allowing him to help you off. 

You can’t help but feel a bit shaky after the experience. “That was fun!” 

“Woah, you okay?” he questions after seeing you wobble a little bit. 

“Yeah, just give me a second,” you say, steadying yourself with his hand before releasing it. “Okay, let’s go!” 

“Looks like the line isn’t terribly long,” Kai notes as the two of you head towards a small tent containing two folding tables, where a few employees are seated behind laptops. “I guess we got here at a good time.” 

You take a second to observe the building. The windows are decorated with bloody handprints, foggy glass, and other Halloween-themed decorations. A few of the staff members mill about the front, most of them in costumes. 

“They nailed the vibe,” you comment as Kai turns to look at the building. “And whoever decided to host it here deserves a raise.” 

“I wonder if it’ll be scarier than last year,” Kai adds, the two of you getting in line behind another couple. 

“I hope so. They always get super creative with their characters!” you add, studying some of the costumes that are present at the entrance. You already see someone dressed up as Michael Myers holding a metal detector at the entrance. 

A few moments later, the couple at the ticket table leaves, leaving you and Kai to step up to the table. 

“Hey guys. Got your tickets, or need to buy ‘em?” greets the employee, smiling tiredly up to the two of you. 

“I’ve got them right here,” Kai answers, fishing the tickets out of his pocket before handing them over. 

The employee takes them, stashing them in a box before holding a stamp up. “Perfect, let me just stamp the back of your hands really quick.” 

She does Kai’s first, then yours as you offer your hand. Once done, you pull it back to see a cutesy, green skull that glows in the dark. 

“Alright, and you guys can just wait over there while we gather the next party to enter. An employee will be with you once there’s enough people.” 

“Cool, thank you!” you say as the two of you make your way towards a small clearing with a bunch of folding chairs set up. About seven other people are milling about, all associating in their own little groups or pairs. 

It isn’t until a group of three joins that an employee comes over, briefly going over the rules before guiding the ten of you over to the entrance, where Michael Myers scans for metal before allowing you all inside. 

Already, you can see a faux fog and bright colors contrasting against the dark setting. Cobwebs and spiders line the hall, leading to the line area where two women are waiting. They’re dressed as Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, both chatting quietly amongst themselves. 

You and Kai make your way up to the front, watching as the two women silently check to see that everyone’s hands are stamped. Once they’re done, they instruct you all to watch the video depicting the rules displayed on the TV above their counter. 

As you watch, though, you can’t help but notice that the Harley Quinn dressed employee is standing a little too close for comfort and is staring right at you. Knowing it’s part of the act, you do your best to ignore it with a small smile on your face as the video continues. 

Once it ends, she asks: “Do you like Christmas?” 

“Yeah, it’s fine. Not as great as Halloween, though,” you reply, watching as her stare narrows into a frown, still looking at you. 

A few painfully long seconds later, she moves to Kai next, doing the same thing. “How ‘bout you? Do you like Christmas?” 

“Yeah,” Kai replies as she steps a little too close to him. 

“Good,” she comments, staring at him for a few more seconds. “I like Christmas too.” 

“Cool...” Kai trails off, clearly not knowing what else to say. 

She goes to make the other guests uncomfortable, leaving you and Kai to chat quietly amongst yourselves while you both wait. Fortunately, the woman dressed as Poison Ivy steps over to open the door soon after, gesturing for you all to enter. 

With that, you and Kai send excited glances at each other before entering. 

At first, you’re walking through a dim room lit with stereotypical haunted house candles on one side of the wall. It soon transitions into a wider room, barely lit by blue and purple lights. Located here is a woman dressed up as a bloodied doll, the room themed like a children’s room and lined with creepy dolls. Some of their eyes are either missing or replaced with buttons. 

“Stay and play with us !” the woman calls, holding one of the dolls up to her face. “We won’t bite!” 

“I hate dolls like this,” Kai mutters. “Reminds me of one of Nya’s old toys. It always creeped me out when I was a kid.” 

You chuckle, shrugging in response. “C’mon, it’s not that bad!” 

The hallway narrows, guiding the two of you into something resembling a psychotic doctor’s office. Sure enough, a large man dressed as a dentist is inside, holding a pair of tongs baring a tooth. 

He approaches you, eyeing you with an unsettling expression as he taps the tongs together a few times. “Your teeth are pretty... I want them...” 

“How about mine?” Kai questions. 

“Yours are stinky,” replies the dentist without missing a beat. 

“What?” Kai questions, pretending to be offended. “Rude!” 

“Give me them molars, little lady!” roars the man as the two of you exit the room. “GIVE ‘EM” 

“Their costumes are super cool,” you note to Kai. The hallway narrows even more, now complete with sharp corners. “I wish we had more time to look at the little details they add.” 

Next up is a killer clown circus room, with three actors running around with fake weapons. The room is lit under a blacklight, making all of the colors glow vibrantly as the clowns roar with vicious laughter. 

“YOU’LL FLOAT TOO!” they taunt between laughs. 

“The killer clown is kind of overrated,” Kai mumbles. 

“Agreed.” 

Thankfully, the next room is filled with a little more excitement. A gore-filled scene awaits the two of you, complete with fake limbs and decapitated limbs scattered about the area. What really completes the scene, though, is a tall, buff man bearing a fake chainsaw and a serial killer mask. 

He ‘revs’ the chainsaw, causing realistic noises to emanate from the prop. Your eyes widen as he raises it, immediately sprinting towards you. 

You squeal, the act catching you off guard as you make a dash for the exit, Kai right behind you but also not fazed. 

“You should have seen your face!” Kai yells, laughing in response. 

You roll your eyes, pouting as you both work your way through a weird hallway, this one with a bubbly fabric in place of normal walls. The two of you have to swipe your way through, the sounds of screams and wails of pain echoing across the room. 

Kai randomly gives a high-pitched screech, making you laugh as you scream in return for no reason. 

“Why are we screaming?” you wonder, finally breaking through the fabric and entering a normal hallway. 

“Because we can!” he answers. “Oh, look down there!” 

Unfortunately, at the end of the hallway lies a seated witch animatronic. Its face is disfigured, mouth twisted into a gnarly grin while its lifeless eyes stare at the two of you dully. Strung about its torso are tattered and bloodied robes. In its left hand is a mystical but monochrome staff. 

 It’s right next to the exit, meaning that you’ll have to pass it in order to proceed. 

“Is it gonna jump at us?” you wonder, eyes widening as you study the figure. It doesn’t look like it’s turned on, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other means of activating it. 

“That’s why they put it there - to instill tension in your brain,” Kai replies, turning towards you with a smirk. “It’s not actually on.” 

“What if it’s motion activated or something?” you mumble, still skeptical. 

“C’mon! Even if it, is the worst it’ll do is pop out at us.” 

“Oh really? Then you go first if you’re so brave!” you retort, pushing your way behind Kai. 

“Fine!” he huffs, leading the way. 

You peer around Kai’s shoulders a few times, breathing a sigh of relief once the two of you are through the door. 

“See? I told you,” Kai replies with a smirk. “No jump scare there.” 

“Whatever,” you mumble, tone lighthearted. 

The last room the two of you get to experience is that depicting the dead bride trope. Thankfully, this one is a bit tamer – an actress sits to the side, woefully picking her eternal bouquet filled with sparing blue petals. You can see fallen petals scattered about the floor, their soft, blue glow a contrast against the dreary, gray Victorian style wallpaper. 

The actress, complete with a zombie bride costume, solemnly mumbles underneath her breath, paying no attention to either of you. You can catch whispers of her voice behind the faint screams and chainsaw noises emanating from the other rooms. 

“...he loves me...loves me not...” she mumbles, tossing petals onto the floor without a care. Her voice is so fragile that it almost makes you forget that she’s simply acting. 

“If you have to ask yourself whether he loves you, then he’s not worth it,” Kai snaps, expression blank as the woman glances up towards him. 

“Yeah. Was he the one who murdered you?” you play along, glancing at the actress for an answer. 

She remains quiet for a moment, tilting her head before nodding. 

“Then murder him back!” you suggest. 

“Perhaps I could...” she murmurs, trailing off before glancing at you once more. “Perhaps I will.” 

With that, the two of you exit the main portion of the haunted house. 

“’Murder him back’? Really?” Kai teases, shoving your shoulder gently. 

“Shut up. I was trying to get into it,” you reply with a snicker. 

With that, the two of you make your way towards the stairwell, immediately making your way towards the descent. 

That is, until you start to hear soft footsteps behind you. A quick glance behind you reveals an employee sneaking up behind Kai. 

You immediately realize what he’s about to do, deciding to engage Kai again to provide another distraction. 

“Hey, want to get food once we’re out of here?” you wonder, smiling smally at him as he nods. 

“Actually, yeah, that sounds great. I was thinking we could grab something at Chen’s-” 

“HAPPY HALLOWEEN!” screeches the employee from behind Kai, who jumps a little bit with a startled yell. You immediately burst out into laughter, Kai’s expression souring. 

“Were you just trying to distract me?” he questions. 

“Yeah, but that was also a serious question,” you reply, both of you bidding goodnight to the employees before heading downstairs. “Want to get food?” 

“Yeah, let’s do it,” he adds as the two of you make your back towards his motorcycle, the haunted house fading into the horizon a few minutes later. 

[seventeenlovesthree]

I wanna thank @firedragon1321 for the idea and the little creativity boost it provided - even if I can't conduct a fully fleshed out analysis post about it right now, I would still like to outline why "Sora's identity crisis may be linked more strongly to gender dysphoria than we thought".

Disclaimer: In the end, it's just a headcanon and I'll keep using she/her for Sora, since you as reader may interpret my points differently.

Let's break this down into a few talking points right now:

Piyomon's evolution line: @firedragon1321 has already pointed out the fact that Garudamon is clearly male-presenting - and this is particularly curious considering that Garudamon is the literal personification of Sora "activating" her inner potential, discovering her own sense of "love". I have already outlined here how much I adore the fact that Pyocomon is a little plant/flower - her baby form taking the shape of something Sora presumably feels VERY ambivalent about, since it represents what her mother expects of her - and we will get to that in a moment. But for now, seeing the flower turn into a (more feminine) bird in Piyomon, a symbol of freedom that is even more emphasized on by the element of fire, a burning expression of passion and the wish to fly freely like Birdramon... Really feels like it could represent her own struggles perfectly. Hououmon, which doesn't show clear indications of gender representation, would stand for Sora finding inner peace with who she is. But it'll take a while to get there...

Sora's relationship with her mother: Her path is one of finding a balance between acting out of obligation vs. her own choice through the course of THE ENTIRE SERIES. And all of it is irrevocably linked with coming to terms with her mother and her expectations of herself - which includes how she represents herself "as a woman" in terms of her hobbies, behaviour and, assumably, clothing style. While we do see them reconcile by the end of Adventure, assuming that her mother may be more accepting of football and Sora not really being into flowers... Sora will, from here on, continue to adapt to her mother. Personally, I still believe that her way of representing herself in 02 can still be interpreted as her becoming more comfortable wearing skirts and dresses, slowly but steadily finding her own way of blending her styles together (especially because both Tri and Kizuna allow her to have a more variable wardrobe, including pants). However, both Sora's personal development seems to stagnate. She chooses skirts, tennis and gets into flower arrangement to get closer to her mother - and turns out to be one of the older Chosen Children with the least amount of screentime in 02. She does make choices for herself at this point (like going for Yamato) and doesn't prioritize everyone else over herself - but all of this seems to have gone back to the status quo by Tri, where she SUBTLY displays her interest in designing, but consciously AVOIDS to take care of herself and her needs (resulting in rebooted!Piyomon distancing herself from Sora, which could be indicator #1 for Sora losing her way and getting punished for it, but it's a pretty weak plotpoint). By Kizuna, we see her committing herself to flower arrangement - even though we rarely ever see her being "happy" about it. In fact, she actively says that she doesn't want to be defined by being "the daughter of an iemoto or a Chosen Child", thoroughly rejecting both "identities" that were externally assigned to her. She still loves Piyomon and values her friends - but she isn't able to abandon the career her mother chose for her yet. She can't return to fight alongside the others, as she hasn't found her "true self", her "true sense of love" yet, she is stuck, "performing her labels" - and that may be the reason why Piyomon (temporarily) vanishes.

Her relationship with Mimi: I could write essays on how wonderfully Mimi complements and enables Sora in SO many aspects, but I'll keep it short; not only are Sora's and Mimi's initial "tropes" of "gentle tomboy" and "opinionated princess" never outright clashing, but their contrasts are never displayed in negative ways. They are literally complementing and constantly support and encourage each other. Mimi is the feminine (!) flower (!!!) that is the first to see through and tell Sora to spread her wings and fly freely - after Sora had always put HER under her wing. And Sora, while never aspiring to be like Mimi (including her femininity), may admire Mimi for her straightforwardness, knowing exactly who she is and what she wants. (And Sora maybe feeling drawn to Mimi may make things even more complicated...)

Sora's relationship with Taichi and Yamato: I will keep this extra brief, because this topic could fill an entire Bachelor's thesis, but hear me out: Taichi starting to treat Sora "like a girl" at the point of OWG may have scared the heck out of Sora, because they had always been equals and, aside from maybe 1-2 childish comments, gender had never been an issue between them. They were friends, football partners in crime... So of course she'd lash out at him in sheer confusion over a hairclip. Does it suit her, should she dress more feminine, is this what even her best friend expects of her now...? So many complicated feelings involved. Developing a crush on Yamato isn't any less confusing - because this is what's expected of her, right? Falling for boys, having a boyfriend, being in a relationship, doing girlfriend things, right?! Comphet phase to the max. And then Tri happens, everyone thinks she is torn between the two, when in reality she is just CONFUSED AS HECK, thus prioritizes everyone over herself, coddling Meiko, trying to make it right for everyone. She may really have benefitted talking to Koushirou about fashion (since he is just as confused about his own wardrobe as she is, but that is a whole different can of worms), but thinking of herself STRESSES her. She is mad at herself and everyone else, unable to say what's wrong and also mad that nobody else seems to understand it for her. There seems nothing but suffering for her here (including a near r*pe allegory, punishing her even further for losing her way). And these two dorks aren't able to (really) help her (they do try, but can't succeed), because they're stuck in their own identity crisis themselves. It's a neverending cycle - and thus, it is no surprise that Sora keeps distancing herself from everyone, including Taichi and Yamato. Until the day Sora Takenouchi can finally uncover her inner truth, finally making the choices for herself and nobody else.

Edit: I completely forgot that this scene exists, being another indication that Sora may have been pretty close to come to certain conclusions by the end of Tri...

[macravishedbymactavish]

Somebody Come Get Him (TF141 x M!Reader)

He's dancing like a stripper.

TW for mentions of alcohol, swearing, club dancers. Soap wants to be a sugar baby but do we blame him.

| Blog HQ | Modern Warfare 2 Masterlist | Based on this request | 18+ MDNI |

You passively listened as plans for a night out this weekend were being planned. Who would be the designated driver? Should we go somewhere new? You two are coming, right?

"Sorry guys, I'll have to pass on that. It's my grans birthday and you know how it is with older people" you chuckled at the momentary horror in their eyes. "I'm sure Simon will be a good sport and go out this time. Right mate?"

The look of object horror and filtered rage in your best friends gaze caused your heart to skip a beat or two. You loved Simon like a brother, but he was a scary motherfuc--

"'Course I will, since you can't be bothered. Tell Gran I say hello" He quipped, seeing right through you. Fuck I shouldn't have thrown him under the bus...

Swallowing the growing anxiety inside, knowing this was bound to bite you in the ass later. You gave your friends a warm smile before bidding yourself off. To granny's house.

--

"You're late!" You heard an accented voice scold as you walked in the back. "How many times must I yell at you before you learn? I think you like being yelled at!"

A smile spread across your face in amusement as the woman's attempt at scolding. Walking by you pressed a cheeky kiss to her head chuckling. She couldn't stay mad at you, or anyone else here for that matter.

"Happy birthday, Gran" you teased, ducking as a headband was thrown in your direction at the name. Ma, boss lady, Gran (she hated that one), Ruska Roma (she loved this one) -- a woman by many names to her many employees. The only boss in history that everyone seemed to like.

"What did I say about that shit? Enough!" She laughed, followed by a thank you, asshole. Now get to work already. Save the world by day, and entertain the world by night.

"You're here? Been a long time stranger" you heard a familiar voice tease, walking up behind you to place her hands on your shoulders. Eyes meeting yours in the mirror, one eyebrow raised in a silent question. Your bitten lip, and awkward smile gave you away.

"You still haven't told them?" Your soul sister laughed.

"Why would I? It's bad enough that Simon knows some of what I do, let alone my entire team" You argued, face and neck flushing at the idea of the guys finding you out. "All they need to know is I'm visiting family for a birthday"

"And you're bringing poor gran into this? Straight to hell for you" Her eyes widened, her shit eating smirk growing. Everyone here knew you were part of an elite team.

Nobody on your team knew you were actually a member of 2 elite teams. Awkward.

"At least I'll be in good company" you snorted, rolling your shoulders back as you took a deep breath. Nerves starting to catch up with you, 45 minutes until you're on deck.

--

"Barebackers? Never heard of the place" Kyle scrunched his nose up slightly at the suggestion. A place that appeared in Johnny's targeted ads. "Think it's any good?"

"Half decent menu for pub food" Simon chipped in, mindlessly scrolling his phone. The last thing he wanted was to go out tonight, but someone had to use him as the scapegoat.

"Better than trying to party with Gran all night" Johnny laughed, pulling up the address.

--

"Pre show shots for my birthday!" Gran called out, causing everyone in the dressing room to cheer. Her birthday being the only night staff can consume any alcohol while on shift.

Taking a shot from the tray, you lifted it in the air. Joining in on the out of tune "happy birthday" being sung.

--

"So that was terrible, thanks you two" Price huffed, leading the group out of the club. Cursing to himself that he didn't notice anything odd about a name like Barebackers.

Barebackers!

"How was I supposed to know it was a bunch'a dudes stripping?" Kyle argued, shaking his head. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but going to a club like that with your coworkers was unerving to say the least.

"I know a place down the street. Shouldn't be any dancers" Simon offered, ready to leave Barebackers behind. Happy he dodged a you-sized bullet tonight.

--

"Aye! Be ready to go, the song after this is all you" you heard the DJ yell to you. Pulling your attention from the patrons at the bar you were serving. Giving her a thumbs up, you began the process of hyping yourself up for the show.

You've been doing this for a fair while, you were confident in your abilities to entertain and majority of the feedback you received was positive. Doesn't mean you're not riddled with nerves and feel like you're about to vomit before going on stage though.

Ignoring the twisting of your stomach, you busied yourself with making the next order of drinks that came through.

3 fruity drinks, 1 double whiskey and 1 double bourbon.

--

"I'm not drinking that" Simon pushed the purple and blue drink back across the table. "That's begging for a damn hangover"

"Suit yourself old man" Kyle laughed as Johnny sat back in his seat, now with both drinks in hand. "More buzz for me"

"You start puking, you're on your own" Price mumbled, staring at the two younger men.

"What ever happened to being a mother hen, sir?" Kyle laughed, damn near doubled over when Price gave him a silent side eye in response.

Don't compare me to poultry again.

"Fuckin 'ell" Simon cussed under his breath, seeing movement out of the side of his eye. Dear old Granny smiling over at him with a knowing look, giving him a small wave.

"Now why don't you give it a shot? One night, you keep all your tips and if you don't like it you're off the hook" she bartered. You brought in a ton of revenue and traffic after your first night. She could only imagine what having double trouble military men would do.

"I'll pass ma'am" He awkwardly nodded, already hearing his brother laughing at him if this ever got out. Even worse, his squad.

"If this SAS gig ever doesn't work out, you know where to find me. Or he will at least" she jabbed a thumb in your direction, to where you stood behind the bar chatting with patrons.

That had to have been what, 6, 7 years ago? How did the woman look almost identical to now. Better yet,

How did she recognize him?

"Mr. Riley, it's good to see you again" He tensed right up, hearing a familiar voice now beside him.

"Couldn't miss your birthday Gran" Ignoring the awestruck looks of his team, he carried on light conversation. Hoping her previous offer wouldn't come back around.

"All drinks on me tonight, so have fun" she smiled at everyone, as the song was fading out. "Rooster there, find me after. I have an offer you can't refuse" she winked at Soap, who's eyes widened as he finished half of the second drink.

"Enjoy the show, boys" with one last smile, she returned to her initial seat. Beside the main stage a few feet away from them.

"Gran just hit on you" Kyle howled, clutching his stomach as his body shook with laughter. Managing to get out something about this is amazing.

"I'd be a damn good sugar baby" Johnny smiled, moving to finish his drink before promptly choking. "Is that?!" Eyes wide, looking directly at where you walked on stage.

"Bloody hell it is" Price chuckled, impressed with the confidence and skill you held yourself with. Feeling Simon slide down a little more in his seat beside him. The music picked up before he could ask just how much his lieutenant knew about your personal life.

"Is this how granny likes to party?" Johnny yelled over the music, expression a mix between confusion, intrigue and approval.

"I guess she owns this place now too" Simon grumbled, arms crossed as he watched you put your all into the show. Last he heard of the old bat, she had a private entertainment buisness. Leasing out her dancers to the highest bidders to the local clubs.

"I don't see why you wouldn't take her up on the offer" you shrugged, counting your payout from the night. "Easy way to make extra cash and unload after a long day here"

You heard a soft grunt in response from the other couch. Your best friend and roommate still in disbelief that you were so open and willing to take your clothes off for money.

"Too much family 'round here. Don't need my nephew hearing about that" you stopped counting, and gave him an amused look. You were terrified for your first show, and all but begged him to come as moral support. While Simon respected the talent and effort, it solidified that he wouldn't be caught dead half naked and shaking himself on stage.

"Then don't tell him. Simple"

3 of the men watched as you performed, all the movements coming naturally. A skill that you gave your last few years perfecting.

The 4th was pinching the bridge of his nose groaning about how he got into this situation. From one bar watching half naked dudes dance to another.

You focused on your movements, letting yourself get lost in the music and occasional cheers. No other thought besides letting loose, having fun, ohmygodisthatmyteam.

Brushing the thought aside as soon as it came, you finished your performance. Sauntering off the stage, catching your coworker in a quick hug before making your way to the back, shaking slightly. Nope. No. Nonononono.

"Who's the one with the cap? You need to introduce me" your soul sister begged, handing you a towel to wipe off the sweat and residual glitter from your performance. Fuck, play this right.

"I dunno, is he a regular?" Your heart lept into your throat as you feigned ignorance. Refusing to meet her knowing gaze as you changed back into your normal clothing for the remainder of your shift.

"In your life, yes. Now spill, who is he?" She bit her lip, smile widening as you rolled your eyes. About to shut her down when you noticed a familiar figure wander into the back alongside Gran. Fuckfuckfuck

"I've gotta go, can't leave things unattended" you rushed out, turning to leave before you heard a call of your name in a familiar accent.

"You never told me there were more fine gentleman" Gran lightly scolded, one hand wrapped gingerly around Johnny's bicep as she smirked. "Why not?"

While you were proud of yourself for both lives you ran, you also made a point to keep said lives seperate. Church and state if you will. None of the guys on 141 (minus Simon - but you two met in your teens) knew about your extracurricular activities, and none of your entertainment family knew exactly what you did in the military. 5 years of keeping this life secret, now exposed.

"Not to flirt with you, but you look mighty hot" Johnny laughed, clearly a tad intoxicated as he scanned around the room. Wondering why you didn't tell the guys sooner.

"Gran, a minute?" You whispered, avoiding your friends gaze. Shame suddenly taking over you. Why? There's nothing wrong with this, with what I do.

"We can talk here. No secrets." She looked you dead in the eye, reading every thought going on in your head. "They love you anyway. Maybe a little more now even. You are a man of many talents, my son" she smiled, patting your cheek lightly while encouraging you to see the rest of your team. You nodded slowly, grabbing Johnny as you walked back out into club (much to his dismay, something about sugar baby dreams...?)

"So much for "when we work together I best not have to see you shaking your ass around anymore" Simon grumbled when you approached the table, "when did Roma buy out the place?" He asked, as you sat alongside your team. Leg bouncing with nerves.

"About a year ago now, I started here after the OP we did in Amsterdam" you quietly explained, cringing when you heard Johnny start loudly explaining to Gaz how much he liked it here.

"You keep yourself busy then" Price offered, amusement lacing his tone. "No wonder you're rich. Natural talents pay quite well I suppose"

"Natural talents? More like years of practice" Simon quipped, giving them a brief summary to your years of knowing each other. The countless times he walked in on you dancing somewhere in your shared flat half naked. Causing your face to burn brighter with every word and story. Your move earlier in the night officially coming back around to haunt you.

"No need to be ashamed, you're good at what you do" Price started, taking a swig of his drink before continuing.

"But I best not see you shaking your ass anywhere near me ever again"

Taglist: @bloodonmyhands-1221 @v1naco @bowtruckleninja

[teaberrii]

Chapter Fifteen: The Forum

Alhaitham has the looks and the smarts. He will also be the stand-in CEO for his grandfather's company for a year.

But, he's been mysteriously cursed to turn into a cat every night since his eighteenth birthday… until he meets you, an employee at his grandfather's company, who rescues him as a cat and changes him back with one kiss.

Alhaitham/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on AO3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

When your alarm goes off that morning, Alhaitham and Childe are the first to pop into your mind. Did Childe turn back? Is he okay? Did Alhaitham learn anything new about the curse? You've just finished getting dressed when you hear a loud knock at your door. Once you open it, you see Childe and Alhaitham. Childe's wearing Alhaitham's clothes and seeing him in an aesthetic different from his usual colourful style is a little strange. Alhaitham, on the other hand, looks fine as always.

“Mornin', Ms. Cat Collector."

“Very funny,” you deadpan, letting the men inside. Then, you and Childe give each other a quick hug. “Glad you’re back.”

“Well, I was under good care.”

You look from Childe to your boyfriend. Then, with a slight smile, you say, “I guess you two bonded last night.”

Childe puts a hand over his heart. “It was an emotional moment."

“I told him everything we know so far,” Alhaitham says in his usual calm voice.

You nod and turn to Childe. “Did you talk to Lumine?”

“I sent her a text this morning."

“So… what happened yesterday night?”

“Beats me.” Childe sighs. “I told your CEO boyfriend I was talking with my mom when it happened.”

You glance at Alhaitham, who subtly shakes his head. Guess he didn’t find out what the conversation was about.

“...DId you call your mom back?” you ask. “She called you multiple times yesterday night, didn’t she?”

“It’s nothing important,” Childe says, not looking at you. “Don’t worry about it.” Then, in a cheerier tone, “So, shall we head to work?”

You raise a brow. “Someone's eager.”

“Well, it’s not every day you get a ride with the CEO.”

A short while later, you, Alhaitham, and Childe are in the lobby and are joined by Alhaitham's secretary. As you make your way to the car, you can't ignore this feeling that you're being watched. You stop and turn around, but there's no one in sight.

“Is something wrong?” Alhaitham asks.

"...I think we were being watched." Then, as Alhaitham subtly looks around, you say, "Maybe I'm imagining things."

“Hey!” Childe calls from the car. “What’s the holdup?”

Alhaitham follows you toward the car, occasionally looking over his shoulder. Yet, he sees nothing out of the ordinary.

◆◆◆

Lumine is finishing her design assignment when Childe's message from this morning comes back to haunt her: Sorry, Lulu. I was caught up with something yesterday.

She'd asked if everything was fine. When the only reply she got was a smiley emoji and a thumbs-up, she didn't reply. It's not like he told her what was happening, so she has nothing to say. Lumine remembers what you told her over the phone yesterday night. Childe wouldn't treat someone he's interested in the same as everyone else. Well, Lumine doesn't feel any different from everyone else. She doesn't feel that much different from… you.

Over the years, she'd seen how close you and Childe got. She was sure that Childe had a crush on you, but he would deny it every time she'd asked. While that doesn't matter anymore, Lumine wonders why Childe bothers still hanging out with her when he's already in the workforce. She's a poor graduate student working part-time. There are so many sophisticated women out there.

“Should I be surprised you’re still reading in the same spot where we first met, Lumine?”

She quickly turns around at the familiar male voice. “Kaeya?” Her senior smiles at her, and she smiles back. “What in the world are you doing here?”

Kaeya was in his last year when Lumine entered her first year of graduate school, and they met in this campus library. They both wanted the same book, and he eventually let her have it first.

“I’m here for a seminar.” Kaeya sits in front of her. “I thought of texting you, but why not a surprise visit instead?”

“And what if you didn’t find me?”

“I took a chance. And, I guess luck is on my side today.” Lumine starts putting away her laptop when Kaeya asks, “Are you free right now? I’d like to treat you to coffee.”

Lumine smiles and nods. At least it’ll take her mind off of Childe.

Kaeya takes Lumine to a nearby campus coffee shop, the place where they once had a group study session with mutual friends. Despite Lumine's insistence, Kaeya still paid for their drinks. 

"I'm your senior," Kaeya laughs. "I should be treating you, not the other way around."

Once they sit across from each other with their drinks, he says, "This place brings back memories."

“Don’t tell me you miss the poor student life.”

Kaeya shrugs. “Being a student has its pros and cons.”

Lumine sips her drink. “I think it has more cons right now.”

“Something bothering you, little junior?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well… you don’t look too happy. Call it a hunch, but it seems something’s on your mind.”

Lumine has never opened up to Kaeya about her personal problems. Sure, she sought him out when she was having trouble academically. But she isn’t sure if she wants to open up to him about… boy problems and maybe even her insecurities.

“I’m always happy to lend an ear, Lumine,” Kaeya continues. “Whatever it may be, as long as you’re comfortable talking about it.”

Well, maybe it won't hurt to get a guy’s perspective.

However, just before she can say anything, her phone buzzes. She quickly looks at it and sees a message from Childe: We had Takoyaki at the office today. Reminded me of the ones we had together a few nights ago. Want me to save you some and drop it off for you?

Unbeknownst to Lumine, Kaeya glances from her and then to her phone. He can't see the message, but he takes a guess. “...Is it a guy?”

Lumine quickly looks up and slips her phone inside her pocket. "...He's my sister's friend. And mine too. But I guess I've been getting some mixed signals from him. It's been kinda bothering me since I'm not sure what to think about it."

“Do you like this guy?”

“...I don’t know. But when I’m with him, it feels like it’s going in that direction, and I’m not sure what I really want.”

“I’m just speculating… but maybe both of you are unsure.”

“You think?" Lumine asks. "But, I thought that if a guy likes a girl, it’s rare they would be aloof about it.”

“That’s true. What I just said was thinking from a positive side. You could also think that this guy is keeping his options open.”

Childe wouldn’t do that. Would he?

“How well would you say you know this guy?” Kaeya continues.

“We pretty much grew up together. But he knew my sister first.”

“Ah…”

“But she’s with someone now."

"Could it be that you're unsure because you don't know how he feels? If this guy confessed to you, what would you say?"

As soon as Kaeya sees a faint but visible blush on Lumine's cheeks, he has the answer he needs. But, regardless, he waits for her answer.

“That’s way too sudden. I… I would need time to think about it!”

To her surprise, Kaeya smiles. "Listen, I'm hosting a beach party next weekend. So why don't you come down and have a little fun? Diluc will be running the bar, and you'll see some other friends."

Kaeya pulls out his phone. Soon, Lumine hears her phone buzz. This time, it's a message from Kaeya. He sent her a bright, colourful poster of the evening beach party.

“Bring your sister and Aether along, too.”

A party, huh?

◆◆◆

That afternoon, Alhaitham is pacing around his office with his phone in his hand. His wireless earphones are snug in his ears.

“What do you mean you’re not going to have a say in the company’s next project?” his grandfather asks.

It’s almost time for the leadership team to review the idea submissions for the company’s next big film project. Alhaitham is supposed to be a part of it, but he decided to drop out.

“Ah… is it because she is participating?”

The last thing Alhaitham wants you to think is that he's favouring you because of the relationship. Besides, it's not like your relationship will remain a secret forever. Rumours would spiral out of control if you got chosen and people found out he was part of the judging panel. Alhaitham knows no one can control what other people say, so don't give them a chance to say something you don't want them to.

"Yes. It would put both of us in an uncomfortable and awkward position if people found out that I was on the team that decided the next project."

His grandfather sighs. “That’s true. I suppose people will look back and say you were favouring her if she got chosen.”

“I don't want to give her a hard time.”

“Well, I understand. It’s a logical reason. But, I guess that would mean you’re seeing her with the intention of marrying her.”

“Is that all you can think of?” Alhaitham deadpans. “Marriage?”

“Is it wrong of me to want a grandbaby?”

No. But Alhaitham also has an agenda of his own. “I’m seeing her with the intent of taking this relationship seriously. If we do get married, we’ll let it happen naturally.”

After getting off the phone with his grandfather, Alhaitham heads out of his office and takes the elevator to the lobby. Once he does, he sees Childe, Ayato, Thoma, and a small camera crew. Ayato must've been here for a project. As soon as the men see each other, Ayato waves him over.

“What a nice surprise,” Ayato says.

Once the camera team leaves, Childe says, "Well, the cat crew's all here."

“...I guess you told him everything,” Alhaitham says to Childe.

"Not quite," Ayato says, looking at Childe. "Frankly, I'm still interested in the conversation between you and your mother. That could be the key to why you changed."

Childe crosses his arms. “Since both of you think that’s so important, long story short, my parents are moving back to Snezhnaya. I’m not going with them. If that’s all it takes for someone to turn into a cat, we're all screwed.”

“Oh, wow. What’s everyone doing here?” You’ve just walked into the building with a cup of coffee. “Secret meeting?” you joke.

Alhaitham swears he sees something move out of the corner of his eye. When he looks in that direction, nothing seems out of place. Maybe he imagined it, but then he remembers you mentioning the feeling of being watched this morning.

“Something like that,” Ayato says, playing along. “The Strays are thinking of their next move on what to do with the curse.”

"Didn't think you'd come up with our band name that quickly," Childe says. He nudges Alhaitham. "But this guy ain't a stray. I guess you can say he's already adopted."

Alhaitham looks at him. “I guess I’m the secret member.”

Ayato laughs. "I never expected you to play along, Alhaitham. I guess you have a sense of humour behind your icy facade, after all."

Childe snickers. “He’s definitely a tsundere.”

“Sounds like someone watches too much animation," Alhaitham says.

“What? I’m a proud geek,” Childe huffs.

“Seems like The Strays have good chemistry,” you say, looking at the three bickering men in front of you. “That’s a good sign.”

“Ayato, we should go,” Thoma says. “You have a schedule coming up.”

“Right.” Then, Ayato smiles at the group. “Well, if you’ll excuse me.”

Thoma walks beside Ayato as they leave the building and asks, "It seems like you're getting along well with them."

“I would say so. All of us have a common goal, after all.”

“...But, regarding her, are you… okay?”

Ayato glances at his friend. “...Are you asking if I’m okay being around her?”

Thoma nods. "To be honest, I wanted to ask her to stay away. I was afraid she would bring up bad memories."

Ayato admits there's still a sense of… nostalgia when he looks at you. But you're not her. Besides, he knows he cannot live in the past forever. He needs to move on.

“There’s no need for her to stay away,” Ayato says calmly. Before he gets in the car, he looks Thoma in the eyes. “She is a friend.”

Thoma gives him a small smile and nods.

Back in the building, you and Childe part ways with Alhaitham. However, it doesn’t take long for you to receive a text from him.

Catman: If you sense anything strange, call me.

Anything strange? You suddenly remember the feeling you got this morning. Did Alhaitham sense it just now? After you hit a reply, you notice an uncharacteristically serious expression on Childe’s face. He’s staring at his phone.

“Hey,” you say. He looks at you. “Everything okay?”

Childe slides his phone into his pocket. “Do you know someone named Kaeya?”

It takes you a moment, but the name finally rings a bell. “Oh, yeah. He’s Lumine’s senior. Why?”

“...He invited her to a beach party. She also said that he invited you and Aether, too.”

“And is that something to be all down in the dumps for?” You chuckle. “Hang on a minute… are you… are you jealous, Childe?”

The elevator doors open, and you and Childe step inside just as he points to himself. “Me? Jealous?" He presses for yours and his floor. "I’m not that petty." The doors close. "I’m not your CEO boyfriend who didn’t want his girlfriend to hug a cute, innocent cat.”

You smile. “Well, someone’s defensive.”

After a moment of silence, Childe sighs softly. "Who is this Kaeya guy anyway? I’ve never heard of him, and I’ve been friends with you and Lulu for years.”

"I only met him a few times, so I don't know much about him. But from what I remember, he's a fun guy. He tutored Lumine at one point."

“He tutored her?”

You glance at him. “Yeah… They had a few private sessions.”

“Private sessions?” Childe quickly clears his throat. “Are… are you going to go?”

"A beach party does sound fun. Why don’t you go with Lumine?”

“...It’s an evening party.”

“...Ah.”

A pause.

“Do you think I should tell her? About… the situation, I mean. I don’t want to tell her because I don’t want to risk the secret getting out. I know Lumine can keep a secret, but I'm afraid it might accidentally slip out, you know.”

“Answer me honestly, Childe. Do you like her?”

Childe likes being with Lumine. He enjoys her company just as much as yours. He also likes teasing and messing around with her. However, Childe has never heard Lumine talk about other guys besides Aether, so this is a foreign feeling. But maybe he's bothered by Kaeya's intentions; maybe Childe just wants to look out for her. Whatever it is, Childe admits he feels a little annoyed by Kaeya. Does this mean he likes Lumine in a different way than he likes you?

"If you like her, you should tell her. Or else she will get the wrong idea, and then it'll be too late. I don’t think you want to be a part of The Strays forever.”

The elevator doors open on Childe’s floor.

Childe smiles. “Who knows? Maybe I’m going to be the Professional Bachelor now.”

“Oh, I doubt that.”

Childe gives you a wave and steps out. Then, the doors slide shut.

◆◆◆

It's almost time to get off work, and you've been feeling accomplished for what you've done. Your team proposal for the company's project is almost complete. It just needs some finishing touches. You're heading to the lounge to get snacks when you see some employees coming down from the opposite hall. You happen to overhear their conversation.

“Yeah… it’s scary. There’s apparently some people from our company on that forum.”

Forum? What forum?

“Do you think it’s run by some noisy tabloid reporter?”

“I don’t know… but some of the rumours on there turned out to be true!”

Their conversation is now out of their earshot, and you feel a little uneasy. That’s when you hear Alhaitham say your name. 

“What brings you here?” you ask, smiling.

“I had a meeting.” He hands you an expensive drink and a snack you recognize from one of those high-end bakeries. Then, he gives you a soft smile. “I thought you might like this on one of your breaks.”

You take it from him. “Why thank you, Mr. CEO. You read my mind.” Then, you say jokingly, “I don’t have to give anything in return, right?”

Alhaitham slides a hand inside his pocket. He has a slightly mischievous smile as he quietly says, "Your love is all I need."

You pretend to gag. “Cliché.” But then, with a smile, you say just as quietly, “I would gladly give you all my love in the world, Mr. CEO.”

Alhaitham is clearly not expecting this flirtatious response, and a faint but visible blush appears on his cheeks. He quickly composes himself, however. Then, his expression turns serious. “The text I sent you earlier today.”

“Ah, right… did something happen?”

“...I thought I saw something. I wouldn’t have thought much of it, but I remembered you told me you felt like you were being watched this morning.”

“...I really hope it’s nothing.” A slight pause. “I overheard something about a forum… apparently there’s some information about people from the company?”

“I’m aware. The most recent incident is what brought it to the leadership’s attention.”

“...What happened?”

“There was a statement that a company employee was stealing funds for illegal activities.”

Your eyes widen. “...Did they have evidence?”

“There was. So, we’re looking into it.”

“Putting it positively, it sounds like this person did the company a favour.”

“It does sound like they did a good deed,” Alhaitham says. “If only there weren’t other information on that site.”

“That doesn’t sound good….”

"We had the security team look into this site, and information, including the private lives of employees, have been leaked. Employees at this company aren't the only ones being targeted."

You raise a brow. “It would be too much for one person. Sounds like it's a group effort. But what are they trying to accomplish? Employees aren’t celebrities.”

“...That’s a good question. But whatever their motives are… not all of them are with good intentions.” Alhaitham almost takes your hand but stops himself in time. “So… be careful.”

You nod. “You as well.”

◆◆◆

“Have you thought about what you want to do after graduation, Lumine?”

Lumine came to seek her professor's help for an assignment that evening when her professor brought up an unexpected question. Well, maybe it isn't that unexpected, considering she's in her last semester. So, it's definitely time she starts thinking about her future plans.

"Sort of… I'm interested in making character designs for games and stuff. So it's a little different than what I'm doing now."

Her professor takes out a colourful poster from her drawer. “Well, you’re in luck. The university’s participating in a regional design competition where your work will be evaluated by renowned companies looking to hire. It’s the latest initiative to help graduates get jobs.”

“A competition?”

“Are you interested?”

Lumine looks down at the poster. She is. But… what if she's not good enough? While she doesn't think she's bad at what she does, she definitely doesn't think she's amazing like her classmates. Lumine describes herself as average. Just talented enough to get by or at least… survive.

"You don't have to answer now," her professor says. "But let me know by the end of the week if you're interested."

Lumine nods and puts the poster and her assignment into her bag.

As she heads for the bus stop, she glances at her phone. Aether had already said he was going to the party. You've also agreed. The only person who hasn't said anything is Childe. It's strange, she thinks. She thought he would jump at the opportunity to attend a party. She never thought he would be silent.

Just as she gets to the bus stop, her phone buzzes, and her heart suddenly beats a little faster. But one look at her phone and her jitteriness turn into an entirely different feeling.

Isn’t this your sister?

It's a text from one of her classmates. When Lumine opens the message, she sees a screenshot of two women. Lumine has to look closely to see which one you are, as you and the other women look like twins.

She looks SO much like Ayato’s ex. Omg.

Ayato’s…ex? Before Lumine can even question or process what’s happening, she sees another message.

Is she dating Ayato?

And then comes another photo. Lumine wasn't there, but she's sure this is taken at the Awards Night with how everyone's dressed and the venue. But this time, it's you and Ayato, with him holding your hand and you looking back.

What is going on?

Chapter Sixteen

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