#when we're sharing the same space but also lost in our own little world

[pelipper]

Me? Why yes, I absolutely adore engaging in parallel play. Please come over my house so we can sit next to each other in silence as we disassociate while playing video games.

[another-lost-mc]

Hellooooo first time requesting on your blog!

So for a long time I've wondered what it would be like if NB Satan & OG Satan were to meet & converse with each other. How would they react to each other? What questions would they ask? How would they respond? Etc. I was wondering how you would imagine this interaction would work?

Also, is it okay if I claim 🦄 anon?

A/N: Ooh that's such a neat idea. You know those “talk to your past/future self" tropes? I almost see OG Satan leading NB Satan through the present timeline version of House of Lamentation. It gives him a glimpse of what life will be like later, how things will change and what will still be the same. I kept this mostly wholesome because NB has enough angst potential without me adding to it. lol

SATAN x gn!Reader, 0.5k words, SFW.

Content: implied established relationship with gn!Reader.

The house itself is obviously a bit different. It’s older but also newer in some ways—updates and renovations over time, that sort of thing. It’s endured years of the siblings living there and all that entails. Their home is obviously loved and well-cared for, despite the little dents in the wall from their squabbles and the occasional scorched marks from some accidental fires. Those lingering remnants of the past each tell a story, and OG Satan offers to share them all.

I think NB Satan is just confused by everything he sees. There are portraits of himself on the walls, and there's lots of family photos where OG Satan looks so happy. OG Satan talks about his brothers while they walk slowly through the halls together. His voice is laced with fondness, especially even when he talks about Lucifer. He reminisces about pranks he attempted with Belphie that Lucifer managed to thwart somehow, but there’s no real bite in his tone. He can look back fondly on those memories and cherish them all, the good and the bad.

By the time they get to his bedroom, NB Satan has no idea what to think. He explores the familiar space but notices all the subtle differences: there are a lot of human world literature and movies strewn about, and he notices a jar of cat treats near the door so it's easy to grab a handful before going out to feed the strays. This bedroom feels less like a prison of his own making because it's comfortable and uniquely him and surprisingly warm.

OG Satan just kind of watches his other self with something like amusement, and NB Satan gets fed up feeling like the punchline to someone's idea of a joke.

"I don't get it. We're the same, aren't we? So why aren't you—how are you not—?"

"How am I not what?"

"How are you not angry all the time? Why are you so happy? Especially talking about him."

"Oh, I'm angry," OG Satan says, picking up a framed photo from his bedside table. He runs his fingers over the glass as he looks at the picture in his hands. "You know what it feels like, how it festers deep inside us. We're always looking for reasons to let our rage loose on the world so everyone else hurts as much as we do. But we both had to learn that there's more to life than that, didn't we?"

OG Satan hands him the photo, and NB Satan takes the frame carefully. It's a a photo of him and his family at a beach somewhere, and right there in the middle with their arms wrapped around his waist is—

"Our attendant?" he asks, eyes lingering on a familiar smile before reluctantly handing the photo back.

OG Satan nods. "If anything, you're the lucky one," he says, returning the picture to its proper place beside his bed. "I had to wait a lot longer to meet them than you did. I was lost just as you were, but then they came here and—well, I have a feeling you know how the rest of that story goes," he says, clearing his throat as a pink blush dusts his cheeks.

For the first time since they met, it feels like they finally understand each other. "...Yeah, I think I do."

[bangtanfancamp]

∴ summary: After spending a gloomy afternoon  trying to get out of your own head alone , you finally seek out your boyfriend for help

∴ masterlist

∴ one shot

∴ pairing: Kim Namjoon x reader

∴ word count: 2k

∴ rating: pg-13

∴ genre: soft angst, comfort, established relationship

∴ warnings: oc is struggling with something akin to depression, it’s alluded to but not explicitly stated

∴ author’s note: this is incredibly self indulgent and was written in one go. I’ll edit later. I’d rather have it here to share sooner in case anyone needs it as much as me.

─────────────────────

“Joonie, what are you doing? Are you busy?” Your voice comes out small as you peak around the corner into his office, sweater pawed knuckles sneaking around the edge of the door frame.

He doesn’t look up at first. Perhaps you really were too quiet. Or maybe he’s just that immersed in his book. It’s not a cover you’ve seen before so it very well may be the latter. You know how he is when he has a new thing to get lost in. Ever your astronaut adrift, exploring the moons just beyond whatever new world he’s found.

He looks so at home now. Cozy in his den of words and letters. Perfectly domestic amidst lofty thoughts and paragraphs. His skin is mostly bare today, his coordinated tank top and shorts exposing a golden expanse of toned arms, long legs . They’re folded up and crossed, a little boy lost in wonder as he sits on his futon.

His hair is a warm chestnut this week, fringe too long around the lashes but too short to pull back. The way it refuses to cooperate when he brushes it out of his eyes, trickling silkily, stubbornly back into place, exactly where it wants to be, makes you want to chuckle.

He still hasn’t noticed you’re there. Too far gone in whatever his newest philosophy is to notice the way you study the dip of his furrowed brow, how it juxtaposes against the relief of his shadowed dimples, smiling even as he frowns. He finds so much pleasure in being studious— just for fun. No matter how much concentration it takes. You’ve always admired that about him. Admired everything about him really.

Clearing your throat, though you hate to interrupt him, you try again. 

“Joonie?”

 Somehow it’s even quieter than before, and as he turns another reverent page, you know you’ll have to physically intervene to interrupt him. You sigh. You hate to break the spell. He loves days like this—with the rain trickling down the window’s glass casting shadows on his focused face— he’s so happy to read when it rains.

He leans forward then without looking up to take a sip of his Earl grey, bumbling when the steam unexpectedly fogs his glasses. He laughs at himself, folding his book so it splays across the seat to mark his place and removing his glasses. It’s the first time he’s looked up. He spots you then, his face splitting into the smoothest “there’s my girl” smile you’ve ever seen.

“Hey… how long have you been standing there?” His voices comes low, warm, soothes something in you that desperately needs rest.

“Long enough to see you blind yourself with tea, it seems.” You try to smile back, but it’s a weak, floppy thing. Your cheeks can’t seem to commit so it falls a bit too flat. His brows pinch when he sees it. Something’s amiss.

“Hey… are you okay?” His inscrutable eyes analyze you, and you let him. Too tired to resist or put up a fight.

“It’s not my day, joonie.” Your voice is pitiful, even to your own ears. You’d normally wince at sounding like this in front of anyone else. But honestly, it’s okay. It’s Namjoon you’re with. You don’t have to play games or hide things. Not here. Not with him.

“Yeah?” His eyes catch yours as his palms rub the tops of his thighs. It’s an invitation. You know the gesture by now.

“Yeah… again. There have been so many of these lately,” you say, crossing the room to him, his arms unfolding to welcome you into them. “They come too often and stay too long. They’re terrible house guests. I’m tired of them, joon. I can’t seem to get rid of them.”

You’re scooped against him now, head on the space between his neck and his chest, fingers twisted into his tank top, bum in his lap, knees tucked up til you’re as small as you can get. There’s a broad palm of his on your back, fingertips on his other hand traveling the length of your arm in tender caresses as his cheek rests atop your head.

“Maybe we should start charging them rent. I bet even they can’t afford to pay that in this economy.” He offers the idea solemnly, fully committed to carrying out the metaphor that your mental health really is just an unfortunate airbnb plagued with hideously mannered squatters.

“You know, I love that about you, Joon.”

“My inability to pay rent?”

You nuzzle a sappy no into the heat of his neck,” dummy, your very real ability to never minimize things that are hard to me.”

The dip of his chest as he exhales is oddly soothing. It makes you feel like you’re being rocked and god if you don’t need to be cradled right now. “Things  have been really hard lately, haven’t they?” He wonders aloud.

“It isn’t just my perception?” You look up, eyes entirely too pitiful, too round to belong to a functioning adult. No, Namjoon’s heart goes soft as he realizes he’s looking at the eyes of a very scared four year old you. The haunted gaze of an innocent girl who never got told everything would be alright. Even without knowing any more than that, it makes him want to cry.

“No, my sweet girl, it’s not.” Closing his eyes, he presses somber lips to your forehead, scooping you close to shield you— from the world, from yourself, from all the insidious things that took root in you so long ago you’re not even sure how they got in. His wide hands grip you tighter, a feeble attempt to help hold you altogether.

It’s silent then. A few beats of quiet, only disrupted by the clumsy clatter of irreverent raindrops on glass. His caress stays steady against your soft sleeves, his languid fingers perpetually in motion as he attempts to soothe the wounds that sit just beneath your skin.

You look up at him again, unsure what you’ll find. 

You almost cry when you see the gentleness in his eyes. No judgment anywhere within them. Just something kind that stretches into the lines his eyes carve as he smiles. How you itch to gently peel his horn rimmed glasses off the tip of his button nose and kiss it. Bless him.

God, you don’t know why he’s so nice to you, but you’re so glad that he is. The smile you give back to him is wobbly, trembly, poorly constructed— but so so sincere that it makes your sad eyes shine. He bumps your nose with his, burying himself against your forehead as you cocoon into him.

You want to ask him what he’s reading, listen intently to him as he tells you all about it, but you know you can’t. You can’t decipher anything today. It all feels too heavy. You can’t carry the weight of anything new with hands already full. At this point, you’ve lived in this soft hoodie of his , the one you stole after his tour two years back because it smelled like him, for the past 3 days. You don’t even have the energy to change. With that kind of retention rate, seems there’s no point in asking your brilliant professor to explain anything.

Still, it’s always so nice to hear his voice. Especially with your ear to his chest like this. 

So you ask anyway.

“Will you read to me, Joonie? Life always feels better when you’re reading.” You press your face deep into the copper of his neck, an open mouthed kiss placed against his pulse.

“It’s all kind of theoretical,” he chuckles. He’s bashful. If holding you weren’t occupying his hands, you know they’d be nervously fiddling with the back of his neck. A nerdy boy with a too big brain hesitant to share his discoveries.

“Is it good though? You’ve already read Jung to me, and I stayed awake through that. I think I deserve more credit.” You poke his throat with your nose. You’re not genuinely affronted, it’s just nice to remind him you're competent too. Sometimes.

His sweet chuckle then is earthy and rich, all dark molasses. “True. You actually gave pretty good feedback for that too. Fine. Didn’t mean to underestimate you. Just… bear with me if it feels odd? I haven't read it before. I can’t vouch for it all yet.”

“Fine by me. I’m just here for the cuddles and my Kim Namjoon audiobook.”

He can feel your smile against his skin. It makes him press you just that extra little bit tighter against him, exhaling soft through his nose when he feels you return the gesture.

Scooping up his paperback, he adjusts his glasses where they’ve slipped down his nose, clearing his throat to project like the narrator he claims he’s not but loves to be. He’s quiet for a few more beats. You can hear pages rustling as you sink against his skin. You imagine he must be trying to find where he was when you interrupted, or perhaps searching for a passage that seems apropos. Which he chooses, you don’t know, but you can feel when he settles, just before his caramel voice sweetens the thin air of the room.

“It's the same with the wound in our hearts,” he begins. “ We need to give them our attention so that they can heal. Otherwise the wounds continue to cause us pain. Sometimes for a very long time. We're all going to get hurt. But here's the trick - they also serve an amazing purpose. 

When our hearts are wounded that's when they open. We grow through pain. We grow through difficult situations. That's why you have to embrace each and every difficult thing in your life.”

You aren’t sure when your eyes opened, not sure when they began to glaze over or when you started to cry. But you did. And you are. The salty things dripping down against Namjoon’s silken skin. Your sweatered knuckles try to knock them away, but to no avail. Your cheeks are still a wet mess and now his collarbone is too.

“Joon, what is this? What are you reading?”

“Oh… um, it’s— terribly long title but— Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart. Isn't that a mouthful?” his laugh is self deprecating, small, but still the most beautiful sound.

God, you hate how sensitive and soft you are right now. You don’t want to be sitting here at 4pm in your boyfriend’s lap crying over a paragraph in a book you've never even heard of before, but here you are.

“ is that… what the whole book is about ?”

“You know, I don’t know. I haven’t read it all yet. Jackson recommended it, I’m just now getting to it. Why - do you not like it? I can put this down. Read you something else if this is too heavy. You always like the poetry. I can grab that one anthology you like.”

You can feel as he starts to shuffle beneath you, eager to track down new reading material for you, afraid he’s scared you off, when the fluttering weight of your palm tethers him to his spot.

“No, stay. Keep reading. I want to hear the rest.”

You can practically hear him smile. Relieved. Can feel his dimples manifest without even trying. He kisses your hair, tilts your chin up to kiss you too. The complexity of bergamot and black tea making his supple lips even more bewitching than normal. The window in the corner is cracked open, the humidity it leaks in making your skin sticky as you lean against him.

He’s lovely like this. The rain soaked air mixing with his natural scent, a broad hand on your chin, warm thumb beneath your lip as you mold pliant into his kiss. He ends it with a peck to your lips, a tap of his nose to your nose, before hoisting you so close against him you just may fuse together.

And he reads. He reads until he’s exhausted. Til the rain has stopped, and you’ve drifted to rest pressed against the skin of his chest.

He folds the book shut once your breathing has stilled, his thumb marking the page as he tips you both to lay down sideways. As he extends his pinprick tingling legs for the first time in ages, you hoist yourself around him in your sleep like a koala, and he chuckles. That’s usually his move.

He kisses your hair then, traipsing fingers tenderly through the escaped bits of it that brush across your cheeks. He wonders if you know how madly in love with you he is. How often he’s wondered what he’d do without you. Today, like most days lately, your light was dim, but still kelvins brighter than anyone else’s.

He sends a silent thank you to whatever deity arranged things in such a way that he can hold you to his chest like this as the daylight saving’s darkness floods his studio office. You seemed so sad today, but he knows it won’t last forever. It’ll pass. It always does. He’ll just hold you until it does. And then some.

[whitestaghere]

I'm here - Edmund Pevensie x reader (Chapter 8)

Here's chapter 8! Hope you guys are enjoying reading this❤️ thank you for all your support! I appreciate it a lot.

Song :- Electric Love by BØRN ⚡

Y/n's Pov

Breakfast.. was awkward.

And when I say awkward I mean, really awkward.

From the small glances, blushes and smiles exchanged between Edmund and I, to Peter sending occasional smirks in both our directions and Susan and Lucy letting out giggles here and there. Just us being completely flustered.

Lucy had told me to talk to him to which I had stared in horror, thinking of the million ways I could embarrass myself in front of him.

I was just too shy.

The shyness actually increasing the more Peter shot me teasing looks everytime I'd try to look at Edmund.

"So, y/n.." Oh great.

"Yes Peter?"

"How's your morning?" he wiggled his eyebrows at me.

I cleared my throat, "umm well its umm.. it's good. And you?"

"Oh yes. Splendid. How about you Ed?"

Ed looked like he was going to pounce on Peter. He shrugged in reply, catching my eye for a second. But honestly speaking, that second felt like an hour. It felt like time had stopped. It always did. Of course when it's him.

He turned attempting to hide the blush that began to run across his face. That, obviously not going unnoticed by Peter and I.

After waiting for a while, Peter decided to break the silence, "alright then.. I suppose we ready ourselves now, to get y/n home." He sent me a warming smile which I gladly returned.

One by one everyone left the room, that including Edmund of course. Him sending me a shy smile and disappearing into his room.

Timeskip >>>

Peter's Pov

Mind sickening.. that's what it was.

Not searching for y/n's house.. but the awkwardness in the air. Let me emphasise that. IT WAS SO THICK. The 'couple in progress', being the cause of it.

I had noticed all the failed attempts since we left the house.

How Edmund tried to go up and make conversation with y/n, only to chicken out the next second. Y/n on the other hand, speed walking away from him.

At this point, Edmund was staring her down like a hawk. Literally.

We had been walking for a while now.

Y/n remembered how to get back rather well, just not so clearly. So we had to stop a couple of times for her to familiarise, or ask about.

Susan, Lucy and y/n walking infront of us while Edmund and I were following closely behind.

I eyed Edmund again. Yes. He was in his own world. It was rather amusing to see him like this.. but at the same time, a part of me just wanted to smack some sense into him and get him to man up.

Walking closer to Edmund, I attempted to nudge him, but instead elbowed him. A little too hard. My bad.

"ASLAN!" he shrieked, earning a bunch of looks in our direction. The girls looking back at us in alarm too.

Edmund's ears turned a bright red. "What was that for?!" he scowled at me.

"I'm sorryyy!!"

Rubbing his side he sighed, "well.. what did you elbow me for?"

I rolled my eyes. Sassy pants. "I wanted to tell you, to you know.. go talk to-"

"Guys, I think we're close now!" y/n exclaimed grabbing Edmund's attention immediately.

"Later," he mumbled. I sighed watching Edmund proceed after them.

"Really? Are you sure?" Lucy questioned, with a slight tone of excitement.

"Yes, I'm sure! It's all clear now.. I remember running out from..." she dragged, "HERE!" she picked up her pace and took a turn down a road ahead of us.

We ran after her, only to see her standing in front of a house with her eyes wide open and her mouth slightly parted.

"Is this it?" Lucy ran upto her, grabbing onto her arm in the process. The excitement evident on the two's faces when they looked at eachother.

She turned back to me nodding her head with a look of excitement, "I'm home.." I motioned for her to proceed in response.

She slowly made her way to the doorstep. Standing there in silence for a while, she placed her hand on the doorknob trying to open it. Only, she turned back in frustration.

Y/n's Pov

I walked upto the doorstep. Taking in a breath I placed my hand on the doorknob.

It's locked. I furrowed my eyebrows. I don't remember locking the door behind me that day.

Finally Edmund spoke up, "what's wrong? Is this the wrong house?"

She shook her head, "no, no.. its just that.. its locked? I-I don't remember locking it the day I left."

Susan looked at me in confusion.

Edmund now coming beside me, "maybe there's someone inside?" he rang the doorbell.

No response.

Ugh. Was I wrong? Oh no. As if I hadn't given the Pevensie's enough of work already. I couldn't be more stressed. My mind was literally everywhere. I couldn't focus. A stray tear leaving my eye, I quickly wiped it away. Not wanting the others to see.

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked at Edmund he smiled at me softly, "it's okay love.. don't worry, I'm here" He pulled me into his arms.

He stroked my hair gently. I layed my hands on his chest, pushing him away, "Edmund, I'm so sor-"

The door opened, "Y/N?!"

I widened my eyes in shock, "Y/F/N!!!"

Pulling away from Edmund's hold, I faced her completely only to get tackled into a hug.

Edmund backed away with a laugh.

"Oh my God! Y/N!! I was so worried! Where were youuu?!" she pulled away from me scanning my entire body.

"I.. umm it's.. it's a long story love.." I looked behind her and into my house. "When did you get here??"

She looked at me in confusion and widened her eyes in realisation. She laughed, "well, I had gone with my parents on a sudden family trip. I couldn't text you sooner because I the signal was just terrible. But when I was finally able to get better connection and texted you, I didn't get any replies."

Ah yes... I had left my phone at home.

"I got super worried since you weren't picking up my calls nor answering my messages. So since I had come home yesterday.. I decided to you know.. come by today, only to find the door unlocked and you nowhere to be seen."

Oh the guilt. Not only had I troubled Edmund and his siblings, but also my best friend.

"Gosh I'm so sorry I worried you. I-I'll explain everything that happened.. just- just give me a minute."

I turned around to face the Pevensie's, "I'd like you to meet my friends, the Pevensie's.. Edmund, Peter, Susan and Lucy, this is my best friend y/f/n.."

Y/f/n sent them a small wave, which the Pevensie's gladly returned.

"W-would you like to come inside?" I asked hoping they'd say yes.

Lucy jumped in excitement tugging at Peter's shirt sleeve, "can we?"

Peter smiled at her softly, "as much as we'd love to, I suppose it's time we go home." Lucy's smile dropped. "Mother is coming home today remember? So, another time for sure?" he looked at me.

Honestly I was a little disappointed. But he was right.. they could always come by. I nodded my head giving him a smile. Peter gave me a warming smile in return.

I looked at Edmund clearing my throat I began, "I owe you all a lot.. thank you so much for getting me home. I'm not just saying this, I mean every single word. I truly appreciate everything you've done for me the past few days. You're welcome to come by whenever." He gave me a soft smile, nodding.

"Your welcome. But you really don't need to thank us, it's what friends are for," Peter ruffled my hair.

"Can we come by some time Pete? We don't live that far apart either.." Lucy turned to him giving him puppy eyes.

"Of course we can Lu.."

Lucy squealed running upto me and into my embrace, "come by and visit us too, will you?"

"Definitely Lu," I swung her a little in my arms. We pulled apart breaking into a fit of giggles. Susan giving me a hug right after.

I finally turned to Ed.

Cue the blushing.

He gave me a soft smile, "I- umm.." he cleared his throat looking around nervously. Probably unsure of what to say.

I couldn't help but giggle. Cute.

He furrowed his eyebrows, a playful smile forming on his face, "what's so funny?"

I shook my head, "oh nothing.." I fought back the urge to laugh. Going upto him I pulled him into a hug, "you don't have to be so nervous you know?"

His chest rumbled with laughter, slowly wrapping his arms around my waist. He laid his chin on my head. "I'm going to miss you.." he whispered.

"This isn't goodbye silly," I slapped his arm gently letting out a laugh.

"I know, I know.. its just.. it's not going to be the same at home without you."

My heart fluttered at his words. Of course I'm going to miss living under the same roof as him, "well you heard me before.. you can come visit whenever."

He hugged me tighter humming in agreement. Finally after what seemed like an hour, we pulled apart.

"Well then, we'll be off now," Susan smiled at me. "It was nice meeting you, y/f/n."

"You too.." Y/f/n shook hands with them, going back inside. We bid eachother goodbye.

"Come visit us soon!" Lucy yelled. I laughed, "see you soon Lu!!"

Edmund gave me a small smile, waving his hand at me. I sent him a soft smile in return. Turning to face my house I sighed.

Wish there was a little more to it than that.

Just as I was about to go back inside, I heard footsteps behind me and soon I felt a hand grab onto my wrist.

Turning around I met those eyes. Those eyes that I always tend to get lost in.

"Edmund what are yo-"

Everything happened so fast I couldn't even process what was happening anymore.

He cupped my face, placing his lips on mine. Cue the sparks of electricity. Just like how we shared our first kiss. But this time, it was just us. It was as if time had stopped around us.

He snaked an arm around my waist, pulling me closer until there was absolutely no space between us. I wrapped my arms around his neck, slowly running my hands through his hair.

He sighed into the kiss, tilting his head a little to deepen it. The kiss was slow but passionate. Passionate enough to show me how he felt the last couple of days.

I couldn't believe this was actually happening.

Eventually we pulled apart catching out breath. Leaning his forehead against mine, he let out a laugh.

"Well that was..." I began.

"Amazing," we said in unison.

I giggled.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to do that.." he pecked my lips once again.

"Let me guess.. since yesterday? If I'm not wrong, I remember you kissing me back then too," I teased.

At this his face flushed a bright pink

"Well that was not how I wanted it to go initially.. I wa- oh you know what I mean!" he snapped jokingly.

I laughed.

"Y/n.." he cupped my cheeks once again. "I know it's only been a couple of days. But I honestly have never been so happy. Each and everytime, just one look at you and I'd be smiling like.. like oh gosh I can't even find the words to explain," he let out a low laugh shaking his head.

I couldn't stop smiling.

"I want to be here for you everyday. To listen to your worries, to make you happy. I want you to know, I'm always here for you, no matter what."

His gaze softened, "I really, really like you y/n.. heck no, what am I even saying? I'm so in love with you y/n! W-would you let me court you?"

I nodded my head at the verge of crying happy tears. He picked me up hugging me and slowly swinging side to side.

"I love you too Ed.. I really do," he showered my face with kisses and finally placed a chaste kiss on my lips.

"I can finally call you mine.. you don't know how happy I am right now."

"I bet I do.. trust me, I'm just as happy as you are," I giggled.

He rolled his eyes playfully, nuzzling his head in the crook of my neck. Placing a kiss there, "Eddd that ticklesss!" I whined.

Our moment interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

We pulled apart only to see Peter smirking at us. With Lucy and Susan staring in awe from behind.

"It was about time," Lucy giggled.

"Ooh I didn't know their was a couple amongst us.." y/f/n entered the scene curious to know what was taking me so long.

"Oh Aslan..." Edmund sighed.

"Guess we're going to have to deal with two Peter's now," I laughed. Edmund raised his eyebrows. "Well, as long as you're with me, I'll learn how to deal with it," he winked at me. "Always," I nodded my head, "and forever" he mumbled.

"Oh my God, when did Ed get so cheesy?" Peter groaned in the background.

The others laughed. While Ed nuzzled his head back into my neck, me stroking his hair.

Well, I guess that marks the end to this series. I really loved writing this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it! Thank you for all the love and support guys❤️

Feel free to send in requests!

@graciehams

[damejanai]

Dameraji

2020.12.16

S: It's here

K: It has come

S: It's here. And did you know? Around the world now, there have been monoliths sighted?

K: As expected huh

S: And? The first one was in America or something, Utah huh?

K: Hmm

S: And then in Romania, Holand, and England

K: Those are the things that appear, disappear, and then appear somewhere else right?

S: Yeah, what, are they?

K: That, was me

S: Eh? You?

K: That was me

S: That was your, YouTube project?

K: That was for promotion

S: HAHAHAA Well well if you think about it sensibly it's probably it right

K: It's promotion for outer space

S: Ahhh for outer space. If people are behind it, it's probably not just one person right

K: Well yes, it's controlled by organisation by me

S: Hehehe, for you

K: HHAHAA

S: You are quick to reveal it then, if that's the case

K: I thought it was quite about time i reveal the information

S: This is, unexpectedly, my friends from university were also going on about it

K: Oh i see, they were helping to promote it?

S: Eh? You're still continuing that? Ahahaha

K: Coz, you casually brought the topic away, so i didn't know how long should i continue this

S: You know I like occult stuff, and many things happened in 2020 so, i was thinking, what, at the very last part there's something this mysterious happening too?

K: Me too, you know what shocked me most about this monolith talk was that, Yasumoto san was here before our recording, and I was talking to him. We talked about Hosoya san

S: Right

K: and how he is in ascension now. Of course he loves occult stuff and.... what? myths

S: Uh huh, yes

K: And Yasumoto san said, "Isn't Soma getting into that phase soon too?"

S: Hahhaa

K: We were talking about that and here you have it

S: HAHAHAA

K: I thought, whoa as expected you talked about Monoliths

S: First ascension after a few years break. But truthfully, like at one of the previous Damerajis, I said, "Ahh i feel like I'm going to go through ascension again". And honestly I think our moods for these few episodes were weird. Weren't we in rather high spirits?

K: Really?

S: Yeah so, it is starting

K: Just as expected huh

S: It's baddd eh?

K: We'll be going over together

S: You know it's the age where we can share our brains so

K: I know right, our databases are connected, by 5G

S: Totally....Can, we start?

K: Shall we

S: Saito Soma

K: Ishikawa Kaito's

S/K: Damejanai Radio

----

"in bloom"

S: We're gonna play one song later so it's not a bad radio

K: WooHOOOO Wowoowowow

S: You're reacting like that?

K: Hahhahaa

S: I've never even seen that on TV

K: Really? But isn't it common in anime?

S: No!

K: DoHYAAA!

S: What is that?

K: Album's out next week, DoHYAAAAA

S: AHHHH Ohooooi!

K: Such a happy thing~ happy~

S: So one song will be played here~

K: Come on if it isn't played here, where else would it be played?

S: Right? Dameraji has really been promoting it a lot for me

K: Amazing right

S: More than me promoting it myself

K: If i knew Dameraji was promoting this much I would think about it more.... Well I'll only THINK but that doesn't necessary convert into actions~~~ ahhaa So today we will be playing a song, and hearing some insights... but for the song, it won't be available in the archives

S: Yes, just that

K: So please just enjoy the insights

S: Yes~~

K: Only today guys~~ that you will be hearing the insights of the song while listening to it~

S: Well I've not really talked a lot about the songs.... well I have in interviews but in my own natural voice

K: Natural voice...

S: That doesn't mean anything... really.. it hasn't started (ascension)

K: Monoliths and natural voice....

S: HAHAHAA

---

~"Carpool"~

S: Ah yes, thank you, many have mentioned that, No Licence Driving

K: That's true right?

S: No no, all I did was sit in the driver's seat

K: Uh huh uh huh

S: I wasn't driving

K: But you know, those with no licence have no right to sit there

S: I was properly sitting in the driver's seat, not driving, but reading a book

K: Hahhahaha

S: Very properly

K: Seriously?

S: Uh huhhh. But this MV has been released and I've received quite a lot of comments.... many were saying that, " Isn't this a song about Kaito kun?"

K: Ohhhhh

S: I want to say it loud and clear, NO

K: Oh it's not a song from my point of view?

S: No no no, totally not

K: Hmmm

S: One thing was that, when i was writing the lyrics, i was thinking that i wouldn't like it but people might think that way

K: Don't say you wouldn't like it

S: wwwww

K: Whatever happened to the things you said last last episode?

S: www Well but you know, whenever i write songs, i don't really want to decide what kind of song it is about, and would like it to be interpreted differently

K: True

S: This "carpool" to me, is about youth. But it may be youth in your teens, or youth like us, before 30

K: Ho ho ho

S: So i think that hearing that the theme is "youth", you could still have different ways of interpreting it

K: Makes me want to hear the different interpretations

S: Yeah yeah yeah, at this point, it has one chorus and a little bit of the second part. But if you listen to the second part of the song, you'll probably think of it differently

K: Ohhhhh

S: Yes yes

K: That's interesting, so afterwards when we're not on air, you'll be telling me, "Actually I wrote it with this meaning in mind" (soma voice)

S: What, me secretly telling you stuff, sounds like that?

K: Huh?

S: No no

K: You don't realise it?

S: Nooo, "I wrote it with this meaning in mind"

K: "You know, I don't know how many people will get it though"

S: Don't do that your hair like that

K: That's what you do

S: That's true i tend to do that, well thank you, my album will be out next week

Song played: Carpool

K: I understand now, you know, when i was searching my name on Twitter, there were a lot of stuff that came up that made me go, "ah!"

S: Hahahaa, Like?

K: Isn't it about Kaito kun?

S: No

K: Ehhh!!

S: It's not a song about Ishikawa san

K: But you know, I don't mention it a lot but, my car is an open car, you know?

S: AHHAHAHAa..No.. STOPPP!! Doing what i'm good at

K: Screaming

S: STOPPPPP!

K: Ahhh that's when you really hate it, when your life's at stake

S: This song... when I wrote the song, the lyrics came to mind at the same time. It's true since I don't have a driver's licence, so the driver's seat is "your special spot"

K: Yes, my special spot

S: Hahaha! But if you listen to what comes after, the last chorus, you'll have a different interpretation of it

K: Don't tell me.. it's death?

S: Ohhhhhhh

K: Ohhhhh?

S: Kaito kun, how do you always know?

K: AHHAHHAA

S: It has begun huh

K: Right? Ahhh... is that it.... is that it...

S: That'll become like Kaito kun dies

K: So I actually recorded all of this before I died

S: You're a hologram? ( O.o! Just like one of the Mangas that Soma recommended on his daily recommendations)

K: I was told to record myself talking as if i was talking to Soma san

S: If that's the case then our conversations complement so well. Well rather than dying, well, I welcome everyone to have different interpretations but it's like singing about something you lost

K: Uh huh uh huh, I see

S: But youth, like what i mentioned earlier, at our age, we're still continuing to be youths but in a different form

K: I see

S: There's something you lost, but there's also things that are continuing, it's just singing it from a unique point of view

K: In "Date", you also went to the sea right

S: wwwww Right? I personally don't go to the beach at all

K: Because you get all sticky , you said

S: So, am I really going to the beach?

K: Oooooh

S: Well well, you can interpret it in many ways

K: This is scary....

S: Rightt www

~Dameraji Photo Studio~

Pose like a present box

Guests next week:

Nakajima Yoshiki

Sakakihara Yuki

81!

[littlemsstark3000]

Whatever It Takes

Avengers: Endgame - IronWidow fix

Something happened.

Tony knew it. He figured it out through the empty space beside him, the discarded pillows, his bare body under the sheets, and her scent mixed with the vodka which they shared.

Natasha was there. And she was gone before he woke up.

He shut his eyes again. Scenes from the previous night started replaying in his mind. They had more than enough liquor but they were not drunk, he was sure of that. He was aware of what was happening from the time he leaned dangerously closer towards her and planted a chaste kiss on the corner of her lips. If she tried to stop him, he would have backed off. She did not.

He groaned, mind blurred of what to do next.

Was he supposed to call or message her? Check where she was? Ask why she just left? Say he was sorry?

But he wasn't a bit sorry for what happened. He wanted it... since when, only heaven knew. The question was if she wanted it the same way, or she has regretted it the moment she woke up and realized what they have done.

Eight months ago, they lost to Thanos. He snapped and gone was 50% of the living, including the closest people to him and to her. Peter was dusted in his arms in Titan. Clint lost his whole family, which eventually led to Natasha losing her bestfriend in him also.

When Tony was rescued in space by Nebula and Captain Marvel, he returned to a very quiet compound. Natasha, Steve, Bruce and Thor were the only ones left there. Rhodey and Pepper came the soonest they got the word about his return. They arrived as he lay in the med bay with the only female Avenger left watching over him.

The reunion was a lull before the storm that was his confrontation with Steve. The pain, the betrayal, the anger he harbored in his chest for their Cap since Siberia made him snap, too. What remained of his belief that they could avenge for the earth when they could not protect it - dusted. That night, Natasha went to his room and apologized for the hurt that she also caused him. He has long forgiven and understood her, and he let her stay until he slept.

The next day, he learned that the team has traced Thanos and attacked him to retrieve the infinity stones, in high hopes that they could still revert what happened. They did not get them... not even one.

Days later, Tony got well and chose to move on, opting to live alone this time in a lakehouse far from the city. He worked for Stark Industries, his own company still managed by Pepper, remotely. He enjoyed a more private life.

Among the then-Avengers, it was only with Natasha that he communicated. Bruce and Thor disappeared to somewhere he did not mind knowing about. They needed to rest, too. Steve stayed behind but opted to lie-low from being a supersoldier. While she, keeping herself together, continued to do work and organized a new team which could look after what was left of the world. With much respect for her choice, he made it clear that even if they were already far from being teammates, he was just a stone throw away especially for her, always.

And it was because of that mutual understanding that Natasha knocked on his door last night and broke down after a few glasses. Both of them were still grieving for their losses, no matter how hard they hid it. Both of them were still looking for answers even if it looked like they have moved on. Both of them, at the back of their minds, were still hoping that they could bring everyone else back.

Vulnerable, they succumbed to the temporary aid which they could get from each other on his bed. It wasn't hurried, but every touch, every move, every moan was desperate to satisfy their need for comfort. Once was not enough. They gave in again. And again...

Tony cleared his head with a cold shower then decided to go to her at the compound. He did not know what to say; he just had to see her first.

Natasha sat on her work desk, going through whatever she was doing on her laptop, when he entered her office.

"Tash," he stood before her table.

"What's up, Stark?" She did not even look up to him.

It felt like a kick on his gut. "So we're back to surnames only. That's cool," he replied with pure sarcasm.

"If you're here to talk about what happened, you shouldn't have bothered."

"Why not?"

She chuckled. "We're two consenting adults. It's done and over."

He followed her with confused stare and rising irritation as she walked to the side table and made a sandwich.

"What the fuck did you just say?"

Natasha raised her eyebrows to him. "Why? Oh don't act too modest on me. That's the least I will expect, especially from you."

His fists balled inside his pockets, he filled his lungs with much-needed air. "I'm not here to say I am sorry for what happened because really, I am not."

"Then? Don't tell me you worry about me getting..." She paused but he got it. "You know that's impossible."

"Natasha -"

"I'm not gonna run after you because of what happened, Stark. It was just good sex."

His face heated up and his teeth clenched so tight that it already hurt - whichever hurt more, his jaw or his heart, he didn't care. Before he could do something he would regret more, he turned to leave immediately, shutting the door loudly behind him... missing to catch Natasha's rattled expression, trembling lips and teary eyes.

That was the last time they saw each other.

*****

Four years later, Natasha appeared at his doorstep again - this time, with Steve and Scott Lang, presenting a possible way to get back what they lost to Thanos.

Quantum realm. Time heist.

"The stones are in the past. We can go back. We can get them," Steve said.

"We can snap our own fingers. We can bring everybody back," she added.

"Or screw it up worse than he already has, right?" he quickly countered, eyes bore into green ones.

His two other guests tried to justify some more, but each argument, he had an answer to.

Finally, Natasha spoke again. "Tony, we have to take a stand."

Great, she just called him by his first name again, reminding him of the good relationship they shattered with one steamy night followed by a more heated encounter.

"We did stand. And yet, here we are," he couldn't help being straightforward.

She turned her head, looking away.

He sighed. "I wish you'd come here to ask me something else. Anything else."

Natasha never looked at him again until the three of them left. His chest tightened even if it was him who declined their proposal. He knew he hurt her by crushing her hope. But he was actually scared to try again and fail. There was a bit of probability that they might do it right but he could not risk, could he? It would be too painful, if they would be lucky to even live after, that is.

When he lied down that night, in the same room where they spent that one night together, Tony still could not rest his case. He remembered Peter. He remembered Clint's lovely family. He thought about Natasha... and how she would have looked happier if he said yes to their idea that afternoon.

Those thoughts and the tiny bit of probability pulled him up from his bed to his little workshop.

*****

He made it work and they did it. They, the Avengers, won this time around.

After they collected the infinity stones from the past, with Clint's inevitable sacrifice in Vormir, and despite the accident that brought Thanos and his troop to the present, they managed to pull through in the battle. Bruce as the Hulk snapped with the gauntlet that Tony made and the bad guys turned to dust.

They lost two heroes in one day... but the ones who have returned, together with the four Avengers left, swore to their gravestone that the earth, with their loved ones in it, would be protected again at all cost.

Steve went back to the past to return the stones in their respective places. But he did not come back. They should have figured it out when he said goodbye to Bucky and left his shield to Sam before he stepped into the time heist.

Thor, sober and with renewed determination after he has spoken with Almother, led the New Asgard with Valkyrie.

Tony and Natasha promised to keep the rest of their team together whatever it takes. But it had to start by fixing what was between the two of them...

Like the night of Tony's return from space five years ago, she went up to him. He was awakened by movement on the bed in his room in the compound. The next thing he realized, the redhead was snuggled up on him, her arms around his neck, hands clasped on his nape.

"Tash..." He called her name softly and kissed her hair.

"Thank you, Tony."

Natasha looked up to him, and as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he caught her eyes shiny with tears.

"I don't and won't ever take full credit of our win, if that's what you are thankful for," he smiled as he wiped her eyes with his thumb.

She shook her head. "I thank you for trying one more time. It wasn't a simple decision, I know. You've left this life behind for a more peaceful one and moved on," she caressed his cheek. "Now you're back here with us."

Tony shifted their positions so he was half hovering comfortably over her.

"When I was trying to figure out how we could pull off that quote-unquote time heist, you know what was on my mind?"

"What?"

"Oh, it wasn't a what but a who," he tapped his point finger on the tip of her nose. "You."

"Tony..."

"I haven't said it yet but I really like it better when you call me by my first name."

She sighed. "I'm serious."

"Same here. So serious about you that I risked screwing up reality."

She fell silent as she just stared into his eyes.

"Guess that's another way of saying I love you, Natasha. I've always cared so much about you... Damn it, I can't even stay mad at you for 24 hours straight."

"I'm not good with words, Tony."

"Not a problem."

His hand trailed from her side to her hips to the small of her back and pulled her closer to him, the same time that Natasha lifted her face to meet his lips that instantly opened up to hers.

That one night long time ago was never enough. They gave in again. And again. And again.

[lee-donghun]

Friends Don't

Fandom: hotel stars

Pairing: Neungkay

"They don't cancel other plans

Have conversations with nothing but their eyes

They don't hear each other's names and forget to concentrate

Hits a nerve and lights you up like dynamite

Friends don't call you in the middle of the night

Couldn't even tell you why

They just felt like saying "hi"

Friends don't stand around, playing with their keys

Finding reasons not to leave

Trying to hide the chemistry

Drive a little too slow, take the long way home

Get a little too close

We do, but friends don't

They don't almost say "I love you"

When they're downtown somewhere, just a little drunk

They don't talk about the future and put each other in it

And get chills with every accidental touch

Friends don't call you in the middle of the night

Couldn't even tell you why

They just felt like saying "hi"

Friends don't stand around, playing with their keys

Finding reasons not to leave

Trying to hide the chemistry

Drive a little too slow, take the long way home

Get a little too close

We do, but friends don't

I keep telling myself this might be nothing

But one look in your eyes and, God, there's something

You can lie to me and say you don't

But I know you do, and I love you too

Friends don't call you in the middle of the night

Couldn't even tell you why

They just felt like saying "hi"

Friends don't stand around, playing with their keys

Finding reasons not to leave

Trying to hide the chemistry

Drive a little too slow, take the long way home

Get a little too close

We do, but friends don't

Uh uh uh

Friends don't"

("Friend's Don't"- Maddie and Tae)

Kay supposed the timing of the song to come up on his playlist was the universe trying to tell him something. He couldn't even count how many times he listened to the song, wishing, hoping that the words would ring true; that Neung could actually like him back. He liked Neung for years, but the possibility of it being mutual has always just been a fantasy. Then suddenly, Neung leans in to kiss him. He should have been bursting with joy for he has always dreamed of that moment. Yet, he panicked and pushed him away. For this, he felt terrible. Neung wouldn't even look at him afterwards and his out in the bathroom.

He couldn't tell you why he panicked, truly. Realistically he knew that Neung would never do anything to hurt him. He wouldn't play a trick that cruel on him. Neung knew what he was doing, and it had no malicious intent. Yet, Kay still pushed him away.  He wished he could take it back because even if he was fooling himself- at least he would finally get a real kiss from him. Not an accidental one, not one from a game of "spin the bottle", not one from being under a mistletoe either, but a real kiss. He knew though, that he couldn't go back. He had to live with the fact that he lost his chance- and maybe even his best friend.

He didn't even why he was scared. As previously said, he knew that Neung wasn't cruel- not to him anymore. He also knew that their friendship had always been different. No else hand fed their friends, always had an arm around the other, smile at touches, nor do they get lost in their own little world together. Yet, the part of Kay that never let Kay make a real move was winning by telling him that 'all best friends are like that. Kay must have just never noticed it. Neung could never like him- or any guy for that matter. He's just confused"

Kay sighed as he tried to shake away his thoughts. He wanted to believe Neung liked him, he wanted it more than anything, but he couldn't.

Kay checked the time, and noted that it was past midnight already. How long had he been laying there? How long has it been since Neung left not only the bathroom, but the room as well?

Worriedly, Kay texted Neung.

Kay

Where are you??

It's late.

Read

Kay got no reply, which only worried him further. They have had arguments before that drove the other away for a night, but both have always made sure the other knew where to find them. Immediately, he knew that time wouldn't solve the problem. The boys needed to talk this out and fast. He couldn't risk losing Neung. Not now, and not ever.

Kay

Neung?

Please answer me.

We need to talk.

Read.

O

nce again, Neung did not reply. He texted several more times, but it was no avail. In fact, Neung stopped reading the messages all together after the second one. Still, Kay wouldn't let this be the last of it. All of Neung's things were here- including the uniform he needed for his shift tomorrow. So he knew that even if Neung avoided the break room, that the two would have to meet up at some point. Until then, Kay would just have to wait. Soon, they'd be laughing together again- they had to be.

Although, Kay did have an idea until then so he would at least know Neung was safe. He texted the others, asking if Neung was with any of them. Fortunately for Kay, Kin swiftly replied that Neung was in his and Pong's room. Kay did wonder how that would work with 2 beds and 3 people, but he rationalized that the beds were probably pushed together to allow for more space.

Kay pulled his covers over his eyes, as he tried to ignore the empty bee beside him. To the sound of his music though, he was eventually able to drift off to sleep- even if it was a fitful one.

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

For most of the day, Neung had successfully avoided Kay as excepted. However, at the end of the night, Kay had trapped Neung in the room. He had made sure none of the others allowed Neung to stay with them by explaining that it was crucial that him and Neung had a talk. Though no one knew what had expired between them, they understood what he was getting at. With nowhere to go, Neung was left to sleep in their shared room.

"Neung- you can't keep avoiding me!" Kay started as soon as Neung had settled on his bed.

"It's what's best Kay."

"No it isn't! What's best is us talking about what happened."

"It's too late for that. Besides, I'm doing you a favor by staying away."

"What do you mean? We're friends- friend's dont-"

"FRIEND'S DON'T HURT EACHOTHER!" Neung yelled, before continuing in a broken voice, "Friend's don't kiss their friends"

"Neung-"

"Friend's don't fall in love with the other."

Kay didn't bother replying. Instead, he went up to Neung before he could be stopped and he kissed him. Before he knew it, Neung was responded and both of their hands had started to move on their own accord. Kay didn't know how Neung was feeling, but he was in pure bliss.

'Neung was right about one thing' thought Kay, 'Friend's didn't kiss eachother, but mutual crushes did.'

Soon, both pulled away, panting slightly to retain their breaths.

"I'm sorry I pushed you away. I just- I panicked. I wanted to kiss you for real for song but I didn't think you felt the same."

"Of course I felt the same. I admit that I didn't realize my feelings until the program started, but I do feel the same. When you pushed me away though I thought-"

"I know Neung. I'm sorry for giving you the wrong idea."

"No- I'm the one that should be sorry. I should have talked about my feelings first- or at least asked before kissing you."

"Let's call it a draw, alright?"

"If you agree to be my boyfriend?"

"I thought you would never ask."

---------- END OF ONE-SHOT ------------

-to heal our hearts until Neung and Kay talk things through

-So I was going to not even have Kay push Neung away- but then I remembered that fluff is not my strong suit

-I wrote this all at once so expect errors

-Kin and Pong absolutely subconsciously clung to eachother in their sleep while Neung was there

-i can't dialogue so uh- pretend they not only sound like themselves but also like actual human beings

@stickers-on-a-laptop @petra-dragneel (I mentioned what happened in the episode I believe to you Pet)

[dalemeetsworld]

Chef Anthony Bourdain once said, "If you're young, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel- as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them wherever you go." Those words inspire me and impacted my whole being. I'm 25 and fortunate to have traveled the world and absorb what it has done to me. Through it, I realized that traveling is a better investment than more material things. Why? It's because there are so many life lessons you can learn from it. I can tell you some of my favorites.

1. IT IS OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

There is nothing more like diving out of your comfort zone to make you realize that you are a newbie in life no matter what your age is.

When I was younger, middle eastern countries used to be terrifying and scary to me. Maybe because the way these countries are portrayed by media can sometimes be negatively biased. But that has all changed when I visited Abu Dhabi and experience it first hand.

It's exhilarating to forget what's familiar for a bit and expand your horizons. Once you do, there is no better feeling than taking on unfamiliar territory and making it familiar. All it takes is pulling the trigger, and you'll come home with endless stories.

2. IT DE-STRESSES YOU

It helps us break our behavioural patterns when we feel like too many days look the same. It's also a great way to add a new dimension to your life, which makes the hustle bearable.

As cliche as it sounds, sometimes we don't know how to handle issues and what we want to do, until we step away from our family, friends, workmates and tune in to our inner voice. Travel gives you the space to just be you and think alone in a way you could never do back home. It's so much easier to deal with issues and solve problems when you look at them from the outside. It gives you a lot of time to think without destructions and make healthy decisions.

3. YOU GET TO TASTE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD

Life is too short to eat the same type of food every single day. Imagine there's a book with thousands of pages and you read over and over the same first page never turning it once, that's how most people live their lives. I never thought that pelmini, sushi and kimchi would become some of my favorite dishes in the world until i tried them country to country. Try a restaurant serving ethnic food and avoid the touristic ones with equivalent food from home.

As a cook, I cannot go to a restaurant in a foreign country without mentally reverse engineering the food that I am eating. Many times your waiter will tell you the recipe. Afterwards, I try them out in my kitchen. Not only it gives me the pleasure of eating the food, but also helps me become a better cook.

4. IT IS A MORE ADVANCED FORM OF EDUCATION

Traveling is like condensed education. So many scales and new forms of interconnected knowledge merged together in a travel experience. It gives you a detail of insights whether about Geography, History, International events or even Language which others only study in school books. It makes you realize how much you don't know, and it opens your mind and broads your perspective. These absorbed information will stick around a lot longer than what you learn from school. After all, experience is the best teacher of all.

5. YOU MEET NEW PEOPLE

The best part of traveling is the people you meet along the way. I've found out that it is extremely rare to come across another traveler who isn't eager to hear your stories, where you've been, or where did you come from. You listen to their stories, tell yours, share the same interests, hear various opinions and experience things together with people.

Some of my favorite friendships are the ones I found from traveling. To name a few: with a Mexican guy called Arnold and a Danish old man named Ben. During a carnival in Veracruz, a man named Arnold approached me and asked stuff about my camera, turns out he is a blogger from Tampico who came to celebrate the carnival. He gave me a liter of local beer and took me to his group of friends and partied all night. The other one is with Ben, who offered me a lift to Esbjerg downtown because he was worried that I'd be walking longer than i thought. And the list goes on. Who would have thought that simple situations like these help you build relationships that would last a lifetime.

It is a beautiful thing to say that you're friends with people around the planet.

6. YOU START TO UNDERSTAND OTHER CULTURES

Living somewhere completely different gives you a new perspective that's different from just hearing or reading about it. People fear what they don't know or don't understand. Just because someone lives in another geography than you do, their skin color is different, and they believe different religion than you, it doesn't mean they don't share the same emotions. When you travel, you'll find that most people are good and welcoming, and they'll share with you what they have in order to make you feel good.

The act of being somewhere new allows you to fully immerse yourself and appreciate that new place, from the people, the language, the clothing, and everything in between. Taking the time to interact with the local culture is the way to experience and appreciate it fully. Again, this can't be taught, only experienced.

7. YOU'RE EXPOSED TO NEW IDEAS

Whether you are staring at a menu realizing you have no idea what the items are, or jumping on a bus that you hope will get you somewhere familiar, traveling is exciting. It forces you to do new things, and it's gonna be easy after the first couple of times which eventually makes you learn the system. Being in new territory will probe new ideas and curiosities- what the local customs are, the local food, what language is spoken and religious practices. It gives you a better understanding, and therefore turning these curiosities into discoveries. This will then make you hungry to learn more, ask questions and completely immerse yourself into a new place.

8. IT MAKES YOU MORE INDEPENDENT

One goal in life is to be independent. Meaning, if it comes to it, you're own set of tools is enough to keep you going. Most parents are overprotective and do not allow their children to face the hardships in life until it's too late. You grow up in a bubble, and the reality hits you like a brick on the face. When you travel, you will learn one of life's most important skills, self reliance.

I remember the first time I visited Venice, I was alone by myself, only got 2 euros in my pocket (I had enough cash but in a different currency which isn't acceptable in the local area), without an internet connection and even got lost, since the city was pretty sketchy. It didn't bother me. Instead, you'll find it more valuable. Nothing like being lost in Venice where every corner has beautiful little bridges that serves you a very peaceful view. One's paddling the Gondola, while some walks slowly and taking their time, with their eyes mesmerized. You have to trust yourself and understand that life's circumstances aren't bad at all and sometimes it'll lead you to somewhere even more beautiful.

9. IT FORCES YOU TO BE MORE SOCIAL

People says we're always connected because of how technology develops. But a digital world is an invisible world. Sometimes, people lack of personality because they no longer go out to form one. Due to our indoor existence, we are forming our personalities based on almost the same type of pattern provided on the internet, until we become products of what companies wants us to be. When we travel, we get to have real life conversations, talking to people we don't know and learning from them. Our connection should be invested in real people, from our neighborhood to the world.

10. THERE WILL BE NO MORE WARS

It's only when you travel that you will realize how big and diverse our world really is, but also how similar we are as one people. What if world war III would happen. The people that will be harmed are the people you became friends with, the people you met in the cafe, or in carnival, people who gave you a lift, gave you recipes, people who smiled at you on the streets, or the receptionists who are very courteous, the children you saw on their way to school because they have dreams. You will realize it's never going to be okay to see them injured or get killed. I think, even world leaders would feel the same.

People are our most treasured gifts in this life. Go meet them. Let them see we are all one too. If we could do that, we can change the world. One traveling peace maker at a time.