#yes this is inspired/based off of the super business dancing night

[technicalgator]

stezus chrisler give me strength to finish this animation meme

[tanoraqui]

S&D Tier fic inspired by this video. unedited.

“Kiddo, we need to talk about something,” Alex said, and thought, Oh god, I’m turning onto my father. Parenthood was a mistake. I should scrap this all right now and pretend it never happened.

But Hawk was already abandoning its legos and scurrying over to where Alex stood in its bedroom doorway, looking up at them all expectant and a little nervous. (It didn’t project except deliberately; Alex had given themself zeranid-specific telepathy during the space war, for army-directing purposes, and only ever partly turned it off because being able to read your kid’s moods was really helpful in parenting, especially when your kid was an insectoid war machine that didn’t visibly emote like a human).

(Yeah, it was way too late to scrap this all and pretend it’d never happened. It’d pretty much been too late since Morgan first phrased “keep an eye on my core hivemind war machine” as “babysitting.”)

Hawk had scrambled up their body to perch on their head and peer down at them through bent eyestalks. It loved doing that with Alex, because most people couldn’t hold forty pounds of chitin and lethal claws on their head without wobbling.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re adorable.”

Alex patted it on the shell, then walked over to its bed, gently pried its claws out of their hair, and set it on the skateboard-patterned duvet beside them.

“Now, I know you were eavesdropping on my call with Diego earlier—”

I wasn’t! Hawk insisted, projecting innocence and injury.

“I’m an expert eavesdropper and I saw one of your spy drones in the vent,” Alex retorted. “Learn to spy better if you don’t want to get caught!”

Hawk drew its limbs in a couple inches, sulking. Alex scratched the base of its eyestalks reassuringly. This was why they planned on leaving this sort of Real Conversation With Our Kid mostly to Morgan—Morgan was better at reassuring! But obviously, Morgan couldn’t take this Real Conversation…

“I’m guessing you didn’t hear what Diego was saying too much, though?”

They kept scratching as Hawk begrudgingly shook its head.

I could hear her being angry. Do I still get to play with Ducky today?

Alright, time rip off the bandaid.

“Yes,” Alex promised. “But— Listen, you know how Morgan woke up screaming in the middle of the night last…7am today?” Which was like midnight for Morgan; even parenthood hadn’t changed that.

Uh-huh, said Hawk.

“And you know how you showed them that cool trick with the squirrel a couple days ago, you know, the one you told me about over dinner?” While Morgan looked faintly queasy and didn’t finish their food, man, Alex was kicking themself now; at the time they’d been too busy laughing and enthusing at the gory details and the little dance Hawk did to show how it had puppetted the squirrel corpse.

Yeah! Hawk’s limbs stretched back out and its eyestalks waved excitedly. I’m going to show Ducky at our playdate! I’m going to make one do the Macarena. That’s Ducky’s favorite dance.

“That’s hysterical,” Alex informed it. “Okay, but here’s the thing: you can’t let Ducky’s parents know, and you need to pay attention to if Ducky is getting scared while you show him—you remember what people are like when they’re scared?”

Hawk rolled their eyes both internally and externally. They smell nicer and I want to kill them more slowly.

“Hel– heck yeah,” said Alex. “So, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if Ducky is getting scared, you should stop your super cool squirrel trick. Even if you haven’t made it dance yet. Because otherwise, Ducky might be the next one waking up with screaming nightmares, and then Diego really would cancel your next playdate, instead of just talking sh– trash.”

What?! Hawk reared up in dismay and affront, hissing in the way quadrillions of people on thousands of worlds had learned to fear. Why?

But it was a smart kid, so it immediately connected the dots—the really important dots in this conversation; no offense, Ducky. It curled back in on itself unhappily. Did I make Morgan have a nightmare?

“Yeah,” Alex said bluntly. “And Morgan is never, ever going to admit it, because they love you so, so much, and they’d literally rather die rather than make you feel bad about anything you can do or want to do.”

Don’t kill Morgan’s parents, they reminded themself reflexively, to counter the other reflexive thoughts. Do not kill Morgan’s parents, do not kill Morgan’s parents, do not—

They gathered Hawk onto their lap and booped it just above the mandibles, to remind it that it was cute and loveable and to make sure they had its full attention.

“Morgan is stubborn like that, but Morgan is also squeamish,” they explained, in terms suited to a six-year-old. “Literally and morally. That means that when they see too much blood or wiggling internal organs or corpses used as toys or…any sort of killing, really… If they see that stuff up close, they start to feel sick. It’s very lame, I know it’s very lame, but that’s just how they are. So, because we love Morgan, there are rules of thumb—rules of claw, for you, I guess.”

Hawk projected rapt attention. Alex had noticed at some point years ago that every random monster they manifested now—not a power they used often, but it could be fun, eg, for space armies—instinctively adored Morgan as a default feature of their existence. It wasn’t a feature they felt any need to change.

They enumerated on their fingers.

“One, try not to take more than about fifteen seconds to kill a single living creature in front of Morgan, and no more than a minute for a group. If you want to take longer than that, or if it seems like you need to take longer than that, either drag your victim out of sight or drag Morgan away and come back later.

“Two, don’t play with or otherwise weaponize corpses for more than, like, casually throwing them at your enemies, in front of Morgan. Otherwise it’s fine! And Morgan doesn’t even mind if they’re watching you fight on tv. It’s just when they have to see it up close that they start to feel sick.”

I don’t want to make Morgan feel sick. Hawk wasn’t quite at the stage where a human child would be in tears—they were a ruthless killing machine, albeit one who was functionally a six-year-old with an increasingly healthy upbringing with loving parents. But it radiated distress, and hid its face in Alex’s midriff like Alex could shield it from every possible bad thing in the world. Which Alex could, obviously.

Can’t you just make them not get sick?

“Believe me, I’ve thought about it.” Alex sighed, and scratched it gently between the eyestalks again. “But then they wouldn’t be Morgan, you know?”

No! said Hawk, confused and annoyed.

“You will when you’re older,” Alex promised, with another mark on the Turning Into My Parents list.

Hawk critter-grumbled against Alex’s stomach. And Ducky will get sick, too?

“He might, he might not,” Alex said truthfully. “He’s pretty young, so he probably can’t conceptualize that you’re killing people yet, defiling their corpses, all that stuff. In which case, it’s way better to show him now, so he’ll get used to it early!”

Hawk sat back on Alex’s lap with a thoughtful twist of its eyestalks. And I can still show you, right?

“Oh fuck yeah!” said Alex. “I can’t believe you haven’t shown me yet! I love flesh puppets! No matter how your playdate with Ducky goes, you and I are going to the park again tomorrow so you can kill as many squirrels as you want.”

Hawk brightened even to the non–zeranid-telepathic eye. It mentally ran through the list of people who were in on the secret of their identity.

Can I show Barnaby and Ohio?

“Totally,” said Alex. “I want to watch you show Barnaby and Ohio. Please let me be there.”

Okay.

“Okay!” said Alex. He scratched the base of Hawk’s eyestalks again, briskly. “Good talk, champ.” Oh god, that was a pure Mom-ism. “By the way, Rule Three is all bets are off if you or Morgan, or Ducky, is in real danger. Then you should kill whoever and however you want until you’re safe—and full! No skipping meals!”

Hawk both telepathically projected and physically dramatized the rolling of eyes again. Alex and Morgan were raising one sarcastic kid. To be fair, the idea of skipping and not skipping meals did come up a lot in their household.

Speaking of…

“Speaking of, you’d better eat lunch before you go to Ducky’s, or Diego won’t get you guys ice cream at the park.” Alex scooped Hawk up in their arms and headed toward the kitchen. “How’s raw hamburger sound?”

Hawk chittered. With the blood of my enemies!

“Absolutely not,” said Alex. “And don’t try to tell me Morgan lets you drink that stuff—even they wouldn’t give Red Bull to a six-year-old.” Plain coffee, maybe, but not that monstrosity.

Yes they do! Hawk insisted.

“No they don’t.”

Yes they do!

“No they— This is a stupid argument.” They planted Hawk on the kitchen counter and spoke firmly. “You can have chocolate sauce on your hamburger, but no caffeine until you’re older.”

Okay! Hawk wasn’t the least bit dismayed by this result. In fact, it was outright satisfied.

Alex hid their proud grin by turning toward the fridge, wherein lay meat and chocolate sauce both. Their intuitive talent for slaughter and Morgan’s cunning—even if its best friend was a baby hero, their kid was going to fuck up so much shit!

[milliedazzledust]

Viens, Embrasse moi (Bucky Barnes imagine)

Request by @husherstan​: One Shot with Bucky Barnes in which he and the reader are spies. Idk if you watched The Man From Uncle - American and Russian spies together to get an intel. They hate each other and have all that sexual tension. Based on the song ,,Les Yeux Noirs" by Pomplamoose (I have no idea what the lyric says) where they dance to prove who is the best.

Words: 4.689 words

A/N: I spent the last couple of days listening to tango, Pomplamoose and the ost of tfatws, I guess I was inspired coz this is super long so be aware. Thank you for that request - I’m really self-conscious about my writing so I’ll hope you’ll it! (ps: the title mean “come and kiss me”)

The mission was simple. Get inside the mansion during a fancy party by some rich man, retrieve valuable informations about Hydra’s whereabouts and get the hell out of there. Steve had decided to pair Bucky and Y/N for this. Two spies with specific skillsets that he knew would get the job done. This is why they had landed in Paris earlier that day.

They had taken a hotel room inside the infamous Le Meurice, courtesy of Tony Stark. He thought it was hilarious to provoke them since he knew they didn’t particularly like each other. That was what everybody thought, except Natasha. She had told Y/N she could see right through their games. The frustration and the tension together were a ticking time bomb that would either lead to one of them dead or both of them in a bed.

They hadn’t talked to each other the whole flight, they were too busy studying the blueprints of the mansion they would infiltrate, rehearsing their role and getting into character to care about annoying one another.   Bucky had ditched the uniform for a white shirt and a black tie. His suit jacket slung over a chair next to the luxurious bathroom where Y/N was getting ready.

“What is taking you so long ?” Bucky complained as he sat on the bed, putting on his cuffs.

He heard the bathroom door opening behind him.

“Gotta look the part if we want to blend in” The woman smirked.

The moment he saw her, he froze. If there was an undeniable truth he would never lie about, it was her haunting beauty. She was breathtaking. She had chosen to wear a provocative dress that night, a dark shade of green falling of her shoulders, putting the tattoo on her back on full display. It was made of silk, so soft Bucky swore he could feel his fingertips aching to run through the material. The high-length skirt sat perfectly on her curves and the Sergeant gulped when his eyes trailed down her leg. The dress was slit to the middle of her thigh. He could almost see the knife strapped around her muscles, hidden just under the satin gown. His gaze finally stopped on her high heels, admiring the whole outfit. She looked feminine yet deadly and had a confident glow, a radiance he could feel across the room. She was captivating.

She sniggered, pleased by his reaction. Like a wolf hunting his prey, she walked up to him without hurry. He was still sitting on the bed, his eyes glued to her body, following her every move. His mouth was dry, no word were enough to describe how mesmerizing he thought she looked. Without breaking their gaze, she started to undo his tie. Making it roll agonizingly slow around his neck, she tossed it on the bed. Bucky felt his heart skip a beat when she opened up the first two buttons of his shirt.  

“That’s better” She whispered, adjusting his collar. He shivered when her fingers grazed his skin and tried to hide it with a cough, but she could see right through him.

“You look …”

“What ?” She coyly cut him, a hint of defiance in her voice. “Sexy ? Ravishing ? Yeah, I know”

She had a glint in her eyes he couldn’t miss. She was enjoying his bewilderment.

“Pick up your jaw off the floor, Barnes. We’ve got work to do”

And with one last cheeky smile, she was on her way out. He shook his head vigorously, swearing under his breath, before grabbing his jacket and following her to their rental car.

Nestled in the woodland, away from the noises of the city, was the mansion. It wall all concrete and tall glass windows. The architecture made it seem a few centuries old and Y/N stopped for a short moment to admire the gigantic house surrounded by trees.

“And here I thought nothing could impress you” Bucky joked as he noticed her interest.

She rolled her eyes in annoyance, letting him lead her to the entrance. Before they could step inside the venue, a man in a grey suit stopped Bucky, putting a hand on his chest to prevent him from coming in. The Sergeant tensed, hoping he hadn’t been recognized. He had told Steve earlier that day that it might be a mistake to send him inside a place filled by Hydra agents. Even with the fresh haircut, somebody that knew the Winter Soldier could have easily recognized him.

“Votre invitation, Monsieur “ (your invite sir)

Bucky didn’t move an inch. He coldly starred back at the man, not understanding a single word of french.

“Il est avec moi” (he’s with me) Y/N quickly answered.

As soon as the man turned to look at her, his whole demeanor changed. With a smirk on his face, he eyes the woman up and down. By the way he licked his lips and he puffed his chest, she could easily guess he liked what he saw. She faintly heard Bucky grunt but ignored it. Seductively, she put a hand on the stranger’s shoulder and brought her face near to his.

“Pour être tout à fait honnête, il n’est pas de très bonne compagnie” (if i’m honest, he’s not very good company) She told him without a trace of an accent.

The man snickered.

“Puis-je demander le nom d���une si belle créature ?” (can I ask the name of such a beautiful creature?)

She smiled, pretending to be pleased to talk to him.

“Eléonore Charbonnier” She introduced herself with a name that wasn’t her own, faking shyness.

“Bienvenue, Madame Charbonnier. C’est un plaisir de vous avoir parmi nous ce soir” (Welcome, Miss Charbonnier. It’s a pleasure to have you tonight) He replied, bringing her hand to his lips before kissing it lightly.

She was playing with her hair, drawing his attention and Bucky didn’t like one bit to just stand there, silent, without a clue of what they were talking about.

“Tout le plaisir est pour moi” (The pleasure is all mine) She attractively responded with a lopsided grin.

She exchanged one last look with the french man and took a step inside. Bucky followed her closely, but not without one last threatening stare toward the stranger.

“That went smoothly” She congratulated herself.

“What ? You flirting with him or him eye-fucking you ?”

She laughed at his irritation.

“Such a potty mouth you have, Sergeant” She joked.

He responded with an unpleasing grunt before offering her his arm as they stepped into what seemed to be a ballroom. The place was enormous with a checkered floor contrasting with the golden walls. Crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the ceiling, illuminating the room while marble pillars surrounded it, carrying a large upstairs balcony. The place was already filled with wealthy people, all potentials investors for Hydra. Bucky glanced around the room, trying to spot the organization’s agents hiding among the guests.

“How are we going to get to the second floor ?” Y/N asked him discreetly.

“We mingle”

She raised an eyebrow.

“That’s your plan ?”

They were aware of the noises and the crowd but even more so of the curious stares in their direction.

“Alright” She shrugged. “Let’s dance”

“No” He quickly replied, which made her smile.

She turned to look at him and playfully tilted her head.

“No as in you can’t dance … or you don’t want to ?” She elatedly riposted.

“Both” He grunted, quickly glancing at anything but her.

He groaned when he saw how amused she was by the situation.

“My, my … and here I thought there was nothing Bucky Barnes couldn’t do”

He took a tentative step toward her, placing his metal hand on the small of her back. They were now inches apart and the attraction between them became a tangible thread in the air before any of them could speak a word.

“Now is not the time to play, doll” He muttered. She didn’t know if it was his tone, his proximity or his hand moving slightly lower, but she felt the premises of desire starting to form in the pit of her stomach.

“Steve should’ve paired me with Sam. At least he’s fun” She provocatively replied.

Her answer had an immediate response. He instantly stepped back, removing his hand from her body. She watched him closely, pleased when he pursed his lips with exasperation.

“You owe me a dance” She added and winked at him.

He gave her a dirty look and she chuckled before looking around the room, trying to think of something to get upstairs without being noticed.

“There’s literally one guard blocking the access” She stated seriously.

“Think you can distract him ?” Bucky asked.

“Consider it done.”

With one last glance, she moved to one of the waiter, grabbing a glass of champagne. Leaving Bucky behind, she took a sip of her beverage, seductively playing with her hair, swaying her hips until she was almost in front of her target. She knew he was already looking at her, she could feel his eyes on her body. Pretending to lose her balance right when he was next to her, she let him catch her in his arms.

“Oh my god ! I’m so sorry !” She apologized.

“Are you alright, Madame ?” He asked her with a thick accent.

“Yes, just a bit dizzy” She answered with an alluring chuckle.

She noticed his hands on her hips, she knew he didn’t let them there to keep her steady. When she looked up at him, she purposely bit her lips and placed a strategic hand on his arm. She saw the man gulp and smiled. It was working.

“You look …” He didn’t finish his sentence but instead put one of his hand way lower than it should have been. If it was anybody else, she would have break every fingers of that hand, but right now, it was exactly the reaction she was hoping for.

She glanced back at Bucky, who was fuming. The guard caught that and tried to turn his head to see what was distracting her, but before he could do that, she kissed him. Slowly, without an ounce of passion and with force she pressed her body against his. Her eyes stayed open, and she watched Bucky taking advantage of the situation by sneaking behind the french man and quickly getting upstairs. Once she was sure he was out of sight, she took a step back. She cleared her throat, smoothing her dress.

“I should go freshen up” She shyly told him, fluttering her lashes.

“There’s a bathroom upstairs” He offered.

She smirked. She knew her plan would work.

“Merci” (thank you) She told him with a fake accent.

She climbed the stairs, pretending to look for something, while the guard resume his position. Bucky was already waiting for her in the hallway, standing against a wall where no one could spot them.

“Did you have to kiss him ?” He inquired, infuriated, as she joined him.

“If I remember correctly, you told me to distract him”

“With your lips ?” He ironically continued.

She chuckled, her fingers fiddling with his jacket. She slowly leaned toward him, her red lips tentatively grazing his cheek.

“Careful, Barnes, one might think you’re jealous” She whispered against his ear.

He rolled his eyes.

“I don’t get jealous, doll”

She smirked, lowering her eyes on his lips.

“You keep telling yourself that”

“I’m just saying …” He kept talking as they walked to their destination. “Stop flirting with every man we come across”

“Is that an order, Sergeant ?” She knew she was on thin ice and she loved every minute of it.

He groaned. He was exasperated and she could see how much it drove him crazy. It had been that way for months now, they were always bickering, ready to bite each others head off.

Walking strategically through the corridor, they knew exactly where they were going. They had studied the place. Behind one of the doors was Hydra secret files on the super soldier serum and their experiment to create more Winter Soldier. The mission was to retrieve those informations to thwart their plan.

They had no trouble finding what they were looking for. From outside, what seemed to be an abandoned storage room was in fact a huge chamber with computer equipments and piles of files. For a second, Y/N thought it was unusual there was no one to guard the place before she silently followed Bucky inside. While he was looking through the papers, she took the flash drive she had hidden in her cleavage and plugged it into a computer. It was a malware designed by Stark to discreetly sneak inside their files, break every firewall and find their secret without leaving a trace.

“Anything interesting ?” She interrogated Bucky while Stark’s program was doing its magic.

He looked up from what he was reading and she visibly saw him gulp and shut the file he had in his hands.

“Nothing that I didn’t know of already”

She eyed him suspiciously.

“Why don’t I believe you ?” She accused him, backing up against a desk.

“Because you're a spy” He answered truthfully. “You don’t trust anyone but yourself”

She hummed.

“And that’s exactly why I know you’re hiding something” She continued, crossing her arms at his reluctancy.

He stopped what he was doing and looked at her. She could see his jaw tightening and his fists clenching. For some reason, he was getting angry at her. She tilted her head, curious at his reaction. Without a word, she raised an arm, opening her hand. It was a silent request to give her the file he was reading, which he eventually did.

She started to read and realized it wasn’t about the Winter Soldier initiative but about the Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes and what had happened to him in details after he fell off a train in 1945. She didn’t go through the end of the first page and shut it before handling back to the man in front of her.

“You’re not reading it ?” He questioned.

“No. If you want to talk about it, you will.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t need to know the details of a procedure you’d rather forget”

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by her actions. He was expecting her to be more curious and try to prey informations out of him, but instead she just stood there and gave him an honest smile.

“Don’t look so flabbergasted, Barnes. I might be a spy but I’m not cruel”

“It’s just … I wasn’t expecting that”

“Expecting what ?” She asked, turning back to the computer.

“…To be given the choice not to talk about it”

She was shook by the force of his sincerity for a moment, but didn’t comment. It was rare for Bucky to share anything this personal with her. They had work quite a lot together, but it was always teasing and bickering. This was different. She could just guess it by the way he was looking back at her. He cared about her and valued her opinions and judging by his gaze, she had just given him a reason to trust her a little more. He suddenly cleared his throat, somehow embarrassed, and she grinned.

“All done” She declared, showing him the flash drive.

“Good. Let’s get out of here”

Just as he said it, an alarm started to ring inside the room. Both of them tensed, suddenly anxious.

“What is that ?” He groaned.

“They know we’re here”

“Shit”

She hid the flash drive in her cleavage before slowly backing against the wall next to their exit.

“So much for being invisible” She muttered under her breath.

Bucky half opened the door, picking outside to see what they would be up against. Armed men were already scattering the hallway, ready to launch the assault. He quickly closed it back, his expression now a mix between worry and annoyance.

“They’re at least six of them waiting for us” He informed her.

She secretly hoped they would avoid a situation like that but seeing as they had no other choice, she mentally prepared herself to give them hell. Bucky watched her with wide eyes when he saw her tearing her dress in half, making room to move freely.

“What the hell are you doing ?!”

“Mingling” She simply answered, repeating what he had told her earlier, before taking the knife attached to her thigh.

Bucky grabbed the handle and glanced back at Y/N one last time before the fight. They shared a knowing look, both of them reassuring the other with a silent nod. As soon as he opened the door, the gunshot started. The music and the people downstairs were a slight contrast to what was happening, the noises were loud enough to cover the sound of bullets shot across the room.

It wasn’t unfamiliar territory for Y/N or Bucky, they were used to fighting. Doing it together was different though. They had discovered they were a pretty good match on a battlefield. It almost felt like a quick pace tango, a choreography only they knew about. Bucky watched her smirk, and she saw him wink. They were about to give them a taste of their talent.

She let the Sergeant go first, knowing his brute force and especially his vibranium arm would most likely knock some of them out. One of them dodged her partner and went right to her. She blocked every of his punches and flipped the knife she had in her hand, stabbing the man in the gut. She rolled upside down, making him fall on the floor, unconscious. Another one tried to take advantage of the situation and decided to kick her. She twirled around, blocking him before hitting his chest with her heel, knocking him out of breath. From the corner of her eyes, she saw two of them going after Bucky. The agents would have had the time to attack, but all it took was a look between the Avengers and Y/N threw her blade at the Sergeant. He grabbed it mid-air and less than thirty seconds later, the men were on the ground, bleeding to death.

She started to make a movement toward her next target when she felt an arm wrapping around her waist. It all happened too fast. All she felt was the bullet touching her shoulder before her body was pushed against a wall and the men were out cold. Normally, she would have resisted but instinctively, she recognized the musky scent of Bucky’s colognes and the cold sensation of his metal hand against her hip. She realized he had shoved her out of the way when one of their opponents had fired, aiming directly at her.

“Are you alright ?” He whispered, making her shudder.

He was so close she could feel his heart beating. He was towering her, shielding her body with his own. The situation was quite ludicrous. They were surrounded by men they had just taken down but none of them seemed to care. She opened her mouth to demand that he release her, but the words never formed. His chest flushed against hers, he was slowly invading her senses. They were both exhausted by the effort, and his staggered breath was enough to send a fire coursing through her body. She risked a peek at his face and swallowed when she saw his blue eyes darkening with an emotion she couldn’t quite place.

“Don’t look at me like that” He spoke with such intensity she shivered.

She licked her dry lips before speaking.

“Like what ?” She teased.

Bending his head, he buried his nose in her neck. She struggled at the proximity, purely a reflex. He answered by pulling her even closer. He looked up at her again, his mouth hovering a few inches from hers. Every nerve ending inside her was screaming for his touch but she didn’t move, simply stared at him. She wasn’t going to kiss him, but there was still a strange satisfaction flowing around them, pleased that they were just as susceptible to the treacherous desire between them. She could see it in his dark crystal-blue eyes, in the thundering beat of his heart and his metal hand, possessively holding her, gently stroking her covered skin.

“You’re bleeding” He said after a while, his gaze falling on her wounded shoulder.

She didn’t even turn to assess the damage and kept her eyes focused on him.

“I’ve had worse” She told him, voice filled with need and desire.

“Y/N…” He warned her.

His human hand crept into her hair. He was inexplicably drawn to her, she was intoxicating. When he traced a path over her cheek with his thumb, she closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

“Fuck” He cursed under his breath.

He kissed her temple, the movement so gentle yet so significantly filled with unsaid feelings. They heard noises, more people coming their way, and just like that their frozen time was up. He took the piece of cloth she had torn apart and wrapped it around her bleeding shoulder quickly before grabbing her hand and leading her toward their escape route.

She followed him without protesting. He led her to a window and both of them jumped. The car wasn’t far and they sprinted to get to it. They could already hear the agents rushing, they had to hurry. Bucky glanced rapidly in Y/N’s direction, making sure she was alright. The blood had started to flow on her arm through her made up bandage of clothing. She simply nodded her head to reassure him. They drove in silence, checking every now and then that no one was following them. Apart from the altercation, the mission was a success. No one had recognized them and they had what they were looking for. Worn out and a bit dizzy from the loss of blood, Y/N let herself relax and yawned. Bucky felt himself breath a little better now that they were out of harm’s way and surprised himself when a smile spread across his face at the sleepy form of his partner.

Later that night, they safely got to their hotel room. Completely tired, Y/N let herself fall on the bed. She watched Bucky from the corner of her eyes heading to the bathroom. He came back with a few items and silently sat next to her. He unfastened the cloth around her arm without looking at her or asking her permission and opened a bottle of alcohol. When he poured it on her injury, she hissed. She tried to push back, a reflex to get away from the pain, but instantly stopped when she felt his cold hand keeping her in place. She glanced down at her shoulder and studied the wound.

“Doesn’t look too bad” She inspected.

“The bullet didn’t do any damage”

“Good” She sighed, falling back on the bed.

She watched him clean it then wrapped it up with gauze. He was methodic, every movements seemed rehearse, like he had done it many times before.

“Thank you, Bucky” She murmured.

She saw the corner of his mouth rising, forming a small grin he was trying to hide. Without a word, he stood up and started to walk around the room. Y/N observed him curiously, wondering what he was doing. She sat back against the headboard of the bed and followed his moves. He stopped next to the door and dimmed the light.

“What are you doing ?” She asked, half amused, half confused.

He held up a finger, silently telling her to wait. He took out his phone and suddenly music filled the room. He discarded his jacket, tossing it in a corner of the room, rolling up his sleeves. That simple action was enough to raise the temperature of her body. He was aware of her hungry gaze on his muscles, following his movement and didn’t miss the way she bit her lips. He slowly walked to the side of the bed, right next to her, raising his metal hand toward her.

“What is this ?” She interrogated him, her voice so small she wasn’t sure he heard.

“You said it yourself, I owe you a dance”

She starred back with doubtful eyes but took his hand nonetheless. He led her to the center of the room and began to slowly sway with her.

“La bohème” She recognized the song.

“You said you loved it”

“Didn’t think you’d remember”

“It might come as a shock, Agent Y/L/N, but I do pay attention” He flirtatiously sniggered.

Her breath caught in her throat when he pulled her closer and sneaked an arm around her waist. Spinning and circles and shuffling his feet to the rhythm, he made her laugh. He surprised himself thinking he wished he could carve that sound into his head and never forget it. They danced together, their body close, and she knew she must have been blushing. It only made his smile grew bigger. He stood looking down at her with a hint of danger in his eyes. There was so much more she saw in him than an experiment and a super soldier, but she would never admit that. For some reason, she wanted to find a flaw in him, something that would level the field between them. Until she realized that with him, all bets were off.

“I’m not sure I like that” She said, hating the note of anxiety in her voice.

“What ? Dancing ?”

“Us not being at each others throat” She sincerely answered. “But I’ll admit, you’re a pretty bad dancer”

She felt the rumble of his chuckle against her body.

“You can still fight me if you’re up for it” He replied, smirking down at her. She smacked his chest and he pretended to be hurt for a second. She rolled her eyes at his antics.

He made her twirl and she felt an adrenaline rush when he drew her close to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck and made a movement to brush her hair away but his hand stopped hers. Instead he carefully laid it on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, what were you saying about my dancing ?” He smirked as he made her spin once again.

“That you had no sense of rhythm” She joked.

He laughed and dropped his head, studying her.

“I like it” He confessed, an answer to what she had admitted earlier.

A surprising sense of comfort suddenly settled in her stomach at his admission.

“This stays between us, Barnes” She warned him.

“Is that a threat ?” He laughed.

“Exactly” She whispered, laying her head against his chest as they continued to move together, too lost in the music to halt. “One word to Steve and you’ll be on the wrong end of my knife”

She felt his smile when he lowered his head to kiss the naked skin on her uninjured shoulder.

“You have my word, Agent Y/L/N” He winked. “And just so you know, I’m a better dancer than you are”

“No you’re not”

“I guess I’ll just have to prove you wrong”

“Is that your way of asking me out ?” She smugly smiled with a hint of seductiveness in her tone.

“Maybe… is it working ?”

“I still haven’t decided if I want to fight you yet”

He grinned, he couldn’t help himself but felt at ease around the dangerous woman. After a while, they stopped moving. Bucky felt her body relaxing and her weight getting more heavy as she started to fall asleep against him. He buried his nose in her hair, closing his eyes to enjoy their moment out of time. When he was certain the woman was asleep, he carried her to the bed. He made sure she was comfortable enough under the covers, taking extra precaution not to touch her wound. Then he sat next to her, already knowing the moment they would get back, he would go to Steve for advices. She would be mad, most likely with a newfound desire to kill him. They would probably fight, but strangely that perspective only made his smile. He was ready to wrestle if it meant they would both win in the end.

[call-signvalkyrie]

Save Tonight

A/N: This was inspired by “Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry. I’ve had that song on repeat for DAYS so I figured why not! This is also my first Star Wars fic! I hope y’all enjoy. (Flash backs and inner though will be in italics). 

Pairings: Poe Dameron x Mechanic!Reader

Warnings: Language

Word Count: 2,250

Go on and close the curtains Cause all we need is candlelight You and me, and a bottle of wine To hold you tonight (oh yeah) Well we know I'm going away And how I wish, I wish it weren't so So take this wine and drink with me And let's delay our misery

Poe remembered the day he met you. He got up early that morning to give his X-Wing a good look over after the rough patch he had gone through the night before. He wasn’t much of a mechanic, but he could get the job done. He took a step into the hangar and there you were. Grease suit tied around your waist; white t-shirt stained from your using it as a rag. Your hair in a double braid down your back, elbows deep in the engine. He had never seen a more beautiful sight. At least he thought that until he saw you smile. He had to steady himself on a nearby fuel container before he doubled over completely.  

“Hey! Sorry to scare ya, I’m Y/N.” You said, sliding off the side of the craft and down to the hanger floor. You grabbed a rag out of your pocket to wipe away some of the grease before offering your hand.

“And I’m...”

“Poe. I know.” You flashed that smile again. Maker, he could have kissed you right then and there. He had never thought his name could sound so beautiful but there it was.

And here he was. Standing at the door of your room like an idiot. It had been almost two years since that first meeting and nothing about the way he felt about you had changed. He had teased, dropped hints but you never seemed to get the message. There had been a time when he tried to get you off his mind but he just couldn’t shake his feeling for you. He had been almost convinced you would never feel the same way until about a week ago.

One Week Earlier

“Finn! I’m serious! You can’t tell anyone, not even Rey.”  

“Y/N, I’m sorry to tell you but everyone already knows.” Finn gave you a cheeky grin that made you want to slap him. There was no way anyone knew how you felt about Poe. He was your best friend and had been for the last two years. You had done an amazing job at keeping your secret. Well, you thought so anyway.

“What do you mean everyone already knows! I’ve literally never told anyone. Shit, I've barely even admitted it to myself.” That was completely true. Poe would never feel for you in any way other than a friend and you were okay with that. You just weren't ready for everyone to rub it in your face.

“Whatever you say Y/N/N, I’m just telling you what I know.” Finn threw his hands up in mock defeat.  

“Whatever, Finn.” You said, sticking your tongue out at him as you walked past and into the hanger.  

“Finn! Finn did she just...” Poe came around the corner, catching his friend by the arm.

“Did she just say what I think she did?”

“Maker, Poe. You both really are so blind!” Finn rolled his eyes, putting his hands on his hips. “You two just need to get your shit together. I’m tired of this!” Finn threw his hands up in real defeat this time.  

“I know, man. I know. I just don’t know how to tell her.” Poe ran his hand down his face. He had to tell her.  

“You have to tell her. Soon.” Finn grabbed his friend by the sholders, shaking him gently.  

“You’re right. I will, soon. I promise.”

Save tonight and fight the break of dawn Come tomorrow, tomorrow I'll be gone Save tonight and fight the break of dawn Come tomorrow, tomorrow I'll be gone

Well, Poe. It’s now or never. He took a deep breath and knocked.  

“It’s open!” Your muffled voice came from deep within the room. Poe punched in your security code and stepped through the sliding door. You turned to see him, still wearing your grease suit.  

“Hey, handsome! When did you get back?” You grabbed your friend in a hug and gave him a good once over. “You take any damage this time?”

“No, thankfully. I’m fine.” Poe said, giving you a soft smile.

“I was talking about the X-Wing! I worked way too hard on that motivator for you to fuck it up again!” You said, winking at the taller man.

“Ha-ha, you’re so funny.” Poe said in with a fake laugh. He was so nervous. Get it together, Poe. “Anyway, you busy tonight? I’ve got a debrief in about 20 minutes but after I thought we could do something. Maybe take a speeder out to the edge of the base and hang out? Just you and me?”  

There was a twinkle in his eyes that you couldn’t place. Something about him was different today. He had more of a spring in his step but he almost looked nervous.

“Sure. That’ll give me some time to shower and change. Meet you back here after the brief?”  

“Sounds perfect.” Poe smiled then and pulled you in for another hug. “See you in about an hour?”

One Hour Later

After scrubbing most of the grime and grease from your body, you climbed out of the shower feeling relatively clean and refreshed. You stepped into your room, letting your y/c/h fall out of your towel. After pulling on a pair of black leggings and a grey tunic, you slipped on your favorite boots and a light jacket. Swiping on a bit of mascara, you let your hair fall freely over your shoulder, opting to wear it down instead of in your usual braids. Something felt different about tonight but you couldn’t put your finger on it. Taking a look at your data pad, you realized there was a comms message.  

------------------------------Communications Log 7189443------------------------------------

-------------Communicatons

     ------------------Messages

                    --------------One (1) Unread Message

--------- Dameron, Poe

Y/N/N,

Running late, explain later. Meet me in the hanger at 22:00. Bring caf, please.

P.D.

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

There's a log on the fire And it burns like me for you Tomorrow comes with one desire To take me away (oh it's true) It ain't easy to say good-bye Darlin' please, don't start to cry Cause girl you know I've got to go (oh) And Lord I wish it wasn't so

Running out the door, you had just enough time to get the caf before getting to the hanger.  

“He, Y/N. Sorry about the short notice.” Poe called to you as you walked through the hangar. He was leaning against a borrowed speeder, a blanket draped across the seat.  

“Everything alright? I got here as quick as I could.” You walked up to the taller man, handing him a cup and taking a seat in the speeder.

“Yeah, um. Actually, no.” Poe climbed into the speeder, turning to look at you full on. “There’s something I need to tell you but I want to show you something first.”  

15 minutes later you were on the farthest outskirts of the base. There was a small clearing, mostly made of scrubby brush and a few spindly trees. Above the clearing, however, was the most incredible light show you had ever seen.  

“Poe, what is that?” you stared up in amazement. It was like the stars were playing tag across the night sky. Zig-zagging and blinking back and forth, changing every color and then back again.  

“They’re native to the planet. Completely harmless and virtually undetectable during the day but at night. Well, they do this.”  

The whole time you were staring at this mesmerizing light show, Poe couldn’t do anything but look at you. The way your eyes sparkled as the colors danced across the sky, your lips slightly parted as a soft smile spread across your face.

“Beautiful.” Poe said aloud. He couldn’t help himself.

“It is. I’ve never seen anything like this in my whole life.” You said, turning to look at him.

Poe stepped closer, filling the space between the two of you.  

“Y/N, I didn’t just bring you out here to show you this. I need to tell you something.” Poe took both of your hands in his. His heart felt like it was going to explode right out of his chest. He took a deep breath.

“My debrief earlier, the reason it went over. We’ve been sent on a new recon mission starting first thing in the morning. I leave at first light.”

“Okay, and you brought me all the way out here to tell me you want the galaxy’s most incredible mechanic to hitch a ride out with you?” You giggled, squeezing Poe’s hands in yours.”

“I wish it was that simple. No, Y/N...” Poe paused. Why was telling you how he felt so hard?  “I brought you all the way out here to tell you that this mission is different. I’ll be infiltrating enemy lines. I’ll be working on important intel that could help end this war. Leia says it could take up to 5 weeks to get the information.”

“5 weeks? Holy shit, that’s a long time, Poe. Is Finn at least going with you? What about Rey? I...” you were starting to feel a bit uneasy. Why was he doing this? He had gone on long missions before. Just last cycle he had gone on a 3-week recon.  

“Poe, what are you not telling me? What's wrong?”  

“Hey, hey. Calm down, everything is okay.” He stepped closer, cupping your jaw with his hand and caressing it slightly.  “Rey has to stay here and continue her training. Leia wants her to be almost finished by the time we get back. Chewie and Finn will be with me, yes but I wanted to tell you before everyone else started talking.” Poe shook his head. It was now or never.

“Start talking? Poe what do you mean? What happened at the debrief?” You pulled away from him, suspicion taking over everything else.  

“So, I might have asked if we could push our leave time to first light instead of immediately. And the General may or may not have read me the riot act after she dismissed everyone, causing me to be late.”

“Poe, why would you do that?! This mission is obviously super important, why would you...”

“Because, Y/N...” He stepped closer again, taking your hands back in his larger ones.  

“Because I wanted to spend possibly my last night here on this planet with the girl of my dreams. Because I couldn’t bear to leave this planet for 5 weeks without telling you how absolutely head over heels in love with you I am. I couldn’t be half way across the galaxy knowing that I was willingly putting myself in harm's way every single day and I never had the balls to tell you how I feel. I’m completely and totally in love and I don’t want to go one single second longer without you knowing.”  

You stood there, stunned. Was this a joke? This had to be a joke. There was no way that, Poe Dameron, THE Poe Dameron just said those words to you. But he did and here you are and HOLY SHIT you thought you might faint dead away on the spot.  

“Y/N/N, you okay...”

Before he has the chance to finish you grabbed him by the collars and pulled him into you, crashing your lips into his. He wraps his arms around your waist, lifting you to the edge of the speeder. Running your hands up to his curls, you give them a soft tug which pulls a low moan from deep in his throat. Your tongues dance together in perfect synchrony, both of you not wanting to break this perfect moment. Eventually you both pull away, lips swollen from the contact.  

“I really thought you’d never say it. I’ve felt the same way about you for so long now but I never even imagined you felt the same way.” You flashed him your signature smile.  

“So, you feel the same then?” He asked, a silly grin spread across his face. “Why didn’t you ever say anything? All this time we’ve spent together, all the time I spent trying to get a read on you and never could.” He smiled, kissing your knuckles.  

“You’re joking right? You’re asking me if I feel the same. Were you there five seconds ago? Do you not remember that kiss?” You laugh, lightly slapping his chest. “I never wanted to tell you how I felt. I thought it would ruin our friendship. Figured we’ve lost enough due to this war. Didn’t want to make us another casualty.”

“Yeah, I remember. I just want to hear you say it.” He smiled, kissing your lips again. “I understand. I’ve thought those same things all this time but, I don’t know. I just... This time is different. I needed you to know. And I’m overjoyed to know you feel the same.” he smiled that damned smile of his.  

“I love you, Poe. I have for a long time. I’m glad to finally let you know that. Ya know, to your face?” You giggled, deepening the kiss.  

“So, did you really ask Leia if you guys could leave at first light?”

"I did,” Poe said, “So just get ready for all that teasing that’s heading your way.” He gave you a wink.

Save tonight and fight the break of dawn Come tomorrow, tomorrow I'll be gone Save tonight and fight the break of dawn Come tomorrow, tomorrow I'll be gone

[clemkaplan]

[ CLEMENTINE KAPLAN. 32. CIS FEMALE. SHE/HER ] is here! They’ve lived in Silver Lake for [ TWO MONTHS ] and are originally from [ BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS ]. They are an [ EVENT PLANNER ] and in their downtime love [ GARDENING ] and [ HORSE BACK RIDING ]. They look a lot like [ LUCY BOYNTON ] and live [ ON SILVERWOOD TERRACE ]. (ooc: nel, 20, she/her, pst )

hlo besties, i’m nel and this is clementine !! she’s inspired by marie antoinette and is a new muse, but i’m super stoked to be playing her !! this all got a bit long, so love you if you read it all <33

here’s her pinterest board xx

ABOUT.

tw: drugs, overdose, death

the youngest of four children, clementine kaplan was used to being spoiled. she loved her mom. she loved her dad. she loved her brothers. she loved her sister. it was the perfect life.

she was a jester, wanting to make her family laugh, whether that was creating dances or one woman plays, she wanted to entertain. they’d indulge her, congratulating her and encouraging her.

her heart was full. full of love and toys and dresses and bows and friends. she got everything she asked for. one glance of her big, blue eyes and the world fell into her hands. it was all she knew, not knowing how lucky she was. her older siblings protected her and guarded her, keeping her safe from the pains of the world, while she skipped through fields and picked the neighbors’ flowers.  

she did well in school, but she was always distracted by her friends. if they wanted to go to the park, she’d drop everything to go with them. and when they were in high school and the park turned into a party, she’d be the first to say yes. she danced the most and laughed the loudest and smiled the widest, capturing the attention of everyone around her. it was bestowed upon her like a crown created only for her head. she was indulgent. she was wasteful. but she didn’t even realize it was wrong. she left a trail of hearts in her wake, from friends and lovers alike, growing bored after she filled her stomach. it wasn’t meant to be hurtful, but she only wanted to be so full of joy that it was leaking out of her ears.

she was accepted into boston university for hospitality administration. it was the best news. she could stay home and live with her family forever. her jubilation was tampered as her sister sophie started dating alex. he was trying to take her precious sister away as she spent more time with him than with clementine.

at the last second, she decided to stay in a dorm at college and that spurred her long nights of drinking and doing drugs. she was gluttonous, ravenous, and completely blind to the fact that she had a problem. she’d come home high. she’d go to class high. by some kind of miracle, she managed to graduate with her b.a. and moved back home, where her parents accepted her with open arms. she was their baby after all.

it all came to a head when sophie announced her engagement. that was it. that was the end. she had found a new family. she went to the club with her boyfriend at the time, and the next morning, she woke up in a hospital bed. she had overdosed. she cried for hours after her parents told her, sending them out of the room. she was embarrassed to have been brought so low.

clem went to rehab and was there for a month. her parents gave her a job working at their event management firm. it was low responsibility, but her first true responsibility nonetheless. she went n.a. meetings and started gardening. she went back to riding horses, her sport of choice from elementary to high school. she was doing well. she was stronger than before. she still went out with her friends and she still danced, but the only high she got anymore was from all eyes being on her.

the world came crashing down when sophie died. sophie. her sister. her best friend. one day she was there and the next day she wasn’t. close to relapsing, one of her brothers found her before she could. she went about her daily life as a ghost. it was like a raincloud followed her wherever she went. clem threw herself into work as a distraction and moved up the ranks of their business. she cherished every time she got to talk to someone. she reached out to everyone she met and tried to be kind, but she was always dragged down by her own problems.

it’s been hard for her. it still is hard for her, but she worked so hard, her parents have put her in charge of their expansion to l.a. she packed up her bags and moved, excited at the prospect of a fresh start.

PERSONALITY.

being the baby of the family, she was sheltered growing up, getting what she wanted when she wanted. she knows she’s privileged, but so used to this, she can be a bit insensitive sometimes because she doesn’t always grasp the extent. she is selfish and likes to take, but she is kind and inclusive. she is confident and outgoing and blunt, but she is scared of outright calling someone out. though, things don’t always come out the way she means them. she enjoys having fun and meeting new people, but she can be a bit of a flake because she wants to constantly be entertained, and can’t properly communicate about wanting a relationship to end. she’s a hard worker, but she also loves not having to work.

HEADCANONS.

her love language is acts of service.

since she just moved out here, she doesn’t have a pet, but she always had dogs growing up. her parents would end up taking care of them, but she always called them hers.

she is incredibly lucky. will find twenty dollar bills on the ground. has a collage with all the four leaf clovers she’s found hanging up on her wall. she can still drink without wanting to relapse.

every morning, she goes for a walk on the beach. she likes to start her day off with fresh air and the feeling of sand beneath her toes.

every sunday night, she takes a bubble bath and does a face mask. she finds it relaxing and thinks it’s the perfect way to start her week off right.

she actually hates clementines. she only likes berries.

does NOT talk about her past drug problem.

she was closet with sophie. she’d understood clem in a way no one else did because she understood her heart, and seemed to always knew what she was thinking. she’s trying to be her happy self again, but it’s hard without sophie, made even harder knowing that alex is out there alive and well. it’s not fair, and she and the rest of the kaplans still blame him. she’s hell-bent on never forgiving him and never letting it go, the one grudge she has and one she’ll nurse until she’s six feet underground like her sister.

WANTED CONENCTIONS.

she hasn’t been here long, so she probably won’t have a ton of established connections.

enemies: someone who is jealous of her because she lives in her own little bubble, and it rubs them the wrong way that she so easily gets what she wants.

friends: coffee buddies or bar buddies or walk buddies, etc

neighbors: maybe she’s tried to recruit them to help with her garden.

someone who has known her from her past. friends from boston. enemies from boston. exes from boston. someone who knew her in college and saw how wild she got. people who knew her sister.

crushes!

a plot based on this!!!

i’m so down for not plotting nd just seeing how the thread goes <33 bt also if any of y’all have a dream plot you really want nd think she could fit, i’ll be so down for it. or if you wanna plot bt don’t have ideas, i love quotes nd applying them to rp situations, so hmu if that’s what you want !!

[yoongi-sugaglider]

Forget Me Nots

A wealthy young man falls overboard while vacationing with friends only to find himself with amnesia and a pretty young wife who seems determined to remind him what hard work and dedication really mean.

Warnings: Strong language, angry Min Yoongi inaccurately portrayed based upon the writer’s imagination,angst, eventual super fluff.

Pairing: Eventual Min Yoongi x reader

Word count: 2304

A/n: Wow, it’s been forever and almost quite literally a year since I revisited this. Apologies for taking so long to update it. I ran out of inspiration and then put it on hiatus just because I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take the story. It’s pretty obvious by the tone of this chapter that fluff is the way. And I knew it was meant to be because as I was typing the last sentence So Far Away came up on random on my itunes lol. I will warn there’s mention of Yoongi in a towel down there at the bottom somewhere so prepare to be semi blinded lol. Other than that, no she’s not off hiatus (the story) But there is more content made available in the form of this chapter! Lemmie know what ya’ll think yeah? Any feedback is always appreciated~

<<Chapter 7---Chapter 9>>

As the evening wore on y/n offered to cook dinner while allowing Yoongi to take a shower, citing that he might want to wash off the antiseptic funk of the hospital.

“If not for your sake then at least for Champ’s.”

He’d chuckled, eyes gazing at the two goofy dogs in adoration before he finally agreed that the hot embrace of a shower sounded good to him.

She hummed as she worked,cutting up various ingredients as she went about making up a quick stew. A thought gave her pause though and filled her with a moment of panic as her eyes darted to the dark recess of the hallway leading to her bedroom and the showering man beyond.

“Shit...what if he has food allergies or something…” The moment of panic had her scrambling for the purse that lay forgotten where she’d discarded it in search of her phone. Memory served her well enough in that he was an idol and therefore surely his food allergies had to be somewhere online. Things like that spread far and wide in the social media frenzy that was idol worship in modern society.

Thankfully her search eased her anxiety as it turned out that he seemed adventurous when it came to trying new food so long as it had plenty of meat. She smiled to herself, glad that she’d decided on a stew. 

There were plenty enough sites that had different facts about him that would come to be useful later on so she bookmarked a few before returning to the kitchen to finish up the meal.

“Angel? You wouldn’t happen to know where my deodorant is?” His deep rumble of a voice sounded from behind her and she thought for a moment as she scraped a cutting board full of chopped carrots into the large pot simmering on the stove.

“Um...I don’t remember. Hang on and I’ll come help you find it.” She finished adding the last of the carrots before turning to his voice.

The cutting board dropped to the floor and she let out a tiny shriek of embarrassment at the sight before her. He stood, leaning against the fridge with his arms folded over his bare chest, large white towel wrapped snug around his waist and nothing else on.

His sugar pale skin seemed to glow under the lights of the kitchen, and the little she’d seen of it before she turned away to hide the glaring flush of her cheeks was enough to burn the image forever in her mind. He wasn’t overly muscular by any means. But he seemed to be lean and well built,barely any body fat to be seen as if he spent a large amount of time dancing or something along those lines.

Well toned arms reached for her, slowly turning her to face him as he voiced his concern.

“What’s the matter? Is something wrong?”

“Ah...n...no nothing’s wrong.” She gulped, steeling herself and mentally bracing as she slowly looked up to meet his worried gaze. “I just, wasn’t expecting you there is all. I thought you had gone back to the bedroom.”

He tilted his head, pink tongue darting out to wet pale lips as he contemplated her still flushed face.

“Hmm...sorry I scared you.” He dropped his hands, brow still furrowed as he watched her hurriedly step out of his grasp and head towards the bedroom.

“S...sorry. I’ll go find your deodorant.” She squeaked over her shoulder as she disappeared into the bedroom.

***

Dinner was spent in relative silence. Him complimenting her on her cooking to which she replied with an appreciative squeak and her avoiding his questioning gaze as much as she could without it seeming rude.

He wondered at it as he stood at the sink, having offered to wash dishes though she’d fought him on it up until he’d insisted after a yawn tripped her up mid sentence. She’d finally relented with another yawn tearing through her and said she was going for a shower herself before retiring to bed.

After putting away the last dish he’d taken a moment to let the dogs out into the spacious backyard. They’d raced around for a while, taking care of their business before spending a bit sniffing at as many nooks and crannies as they could find in the dim light cast on the darkness from the open back door.

By the time he’d made it back inside she was already curled up and asleep in bed, hands tucked into the crease beneath her thighs similar to the way he himself slept. He’d smiled to himself, offering her sleeping form a gentle kiss to her cheek to which she sighed.

Sleep didn’t seem forthcoming and so he decided to spend some time in the living room, comfortably sprawled on the sofa with Kaia tucked between his legs and a pouting Champ sleeping on the floor beside him as there’d been no more room for him.

It felt at once comfortable and yet unfamiliar and a wave of sadness washed over him. Memories begging to flood to the surface and yet still hidden away from him causing him to groan in frustration at their elusiveness.

What was it that had caused his wife to act so strangely towards him? She’d seemed flustered and shocked when he’d come from the shower in just a towel. Surely she’d seen him at least naked before if not at least partially so. They were married after all right?

And then it came to him. She’d mentioned before that the night he’d been injured they’d been fighting. Was it possible that they’d been having a rough go of it? Was it possible that he’d been pushing her away before everything went down and that they could have been on the verge of divorce?

Though he couldn’t remember much he knew that he wasn’t exactly an easy person to get along with. It was just a feeling he had, that he wasn’t the easiest to approach, or like right off the bat for that matter.

Was it possible that she’d been acting that way because they had become estranged in their marriage?

It didn’t sit well with him. Much less so because she seemed to be such a sweet and loving person. The dogs alone attested to that, not to mention the way she’d been caring for him the past few days.

He spent some time staring at the ceiling, eyes unfocused as he thought over what he could do to fix this. To fix their marriage, to fix whatever he could have possibly done to cause her to be so uncomfortable around him.

“It sticks a little.” He remembered the issue he’d had with opening her car door, as well as the front steps and the other issues she’d mentioned about how the roof leaked and how the front step was dangerous to walk on.

“This won’t do.” He muttered to himself as he sat up, disturbing a sleeping pair of pups in the process. After a few whispered words to settle them back down he got up, determination filling him as he began to look for the tools he would need to fix his home, and maybe even fix his marriage.

***

The next morning dawned bright and filled with life. Dew glistened on the window panes, sunlight reflecting off the tiny water droplets in a sparkling dance that shimmered with iridescent prisms off the walls and greeted her with a warm and welcoming feeling.

Her arms stretched high over her head and she let out a groan of appreciation at the pleasant stretch of muscles and sinew. The smell of fried eggs and warm toast filled the room, causing her stomach to grumble and complain that she hadn’t gotten up yet to investigate.

A moment of confusion filled her, trying to place who could have cooked for her. Rose and Dev hadn’t slept over so...who?

“Angel? You awake?”

A sleepy eyed Yoongi peeked around the partially open door, shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips as his eyes met hers.

Ah, right. Her “husband”. 

Her heart fluttered at the sleep tussled state of his hair, spatula still in hand as he motioned for her to follow him.

She shuffled from bed, smoothing the overly large t-shirt she’d gone to bed with over her curves as she shuffled down the hall and around the corner of the kitchen.

The kitchen was filled with the smell of breakfast. Yoongi stood at the stove, spatula in hand with one of her frilly pink aprons tied around his small waist as he patiently awaited the browning of what looked to be chocolate chip pancakes.

“Well..good morning?” She moved into the kitchen, taking mental note of the sudden shade of pink gracing the tips of Yoongi’s ears.

“I...ah th...thought you might like some breakfast? There’s coffee made if…”

“Oh gawd yes!” Y/n groaned. Moving forward like a zombie looking for its next meal she made grabby hands at the steaming mug Yoongi’d pointed to with his free hand. Leaning against the counter she sighed, eyes closed as she inhaled the scent of roasted bean water filling her nostrils.

Yoongi watched her out of the corner of his eyes as he flipped a pancake. A soft almost fond smile threatened to creep over his features as he hummed along with her.

“I don’t remember but...you seemed like a cream and three sugars kinda girl...I hope it’s…”

“It’s perfect Yoongi, thank you.” The smile that lit up her whole body as she gave her thanks was doing all sorts of strange things to him. For one his palms had suddenly grown incredibly sweaty, making holding the spatula that much harder as he slipped the now cooked pancake onto the ever growing stack on the plate beside the stove.

For another it seemed his heart wouldn’t stop racing, not that he wanted it to stop at all. It was just… the racing of his heart seemed to have caused a migration’s worth of butterflies to awaken in the pit of his stomach.

Despite his doubts from the previous night he was sure his heart was trying to tell him something. The domestic feeling that spread through him as he turned off the stove and fondly watched his wife walk over to the dining room table and curiously lift the lids off of several of the dishes he’d prepared for her felt so foreign. Maybe his fears had been right and their marriage had been strained. He shook his head, attempting to dispel the thoughts and the looming headache that came along with them.

“You made all this?” She asked, eyes sparkling like diamonds as he brought the plate of pancakes over and sat them on the table before sitting down himself.

“I couldn’t sleep last night so I worked on a couple things. By the time I was finished the sun was coming up so I figured I’d make you breakfast to surprise you.” He shot her a bashful smile, scratching at the hair on the back of his head before nodding at the food in front of them.

“Worked on some things?” She tilted her head, confusion lacing her words as she pulled the bowl of eggs towards her. Yoongi had covered everything with bowls to keep it all hot and fresh for her and he smiled, proud to know that the ploy had worked.

“You mentioned that the passenger side door stuck on your car so I thought I’d take a look at it. Turns out the latch had a bit of rust on it so I took care of that.” He looked up from the piece of bacon he’d been placing on his plate to see her staring at him wide eyed.

“Oh...but Yoongi the doctor said…”

“That I needed to take it easy, yeah. I managed that and getting the step on the front stairs fixed up before the dizziness set in. I took a break after that before making breakfast I promise.”

She shook her head, frown tugging her lips down as she sat back in her chair. “OH...Yoongi you didn’t have to do all that.”

Anything he’d have said was interrupted by a large shepherd snout wedging its way into his lap, chocolate brown eyes staring up at him from beneath the table. “Well hi there handsome.” Yoongi chuckled. Slender fingers threaded through the fur on top of the goofily grinning animal’s head.

“I don’t know buddy, I’m not sure Momma would appreciate you sneaking my bacon from me.”

He glanced up at y/n through his eyelashes, smirk barely restrained as he watched the subtle dusting of a blush raise to her cheeks.

“Mo..he...I…” She cleared her throat, clearly trying to force her flustered state down. “It’s fine just...don’t let Kaia have any...she’s on a diet right now…”

“Hmm…” Yoongi shook his head, a deep rumbling chuckle rising from his chest as he slipped the begging dog a morsel. “Poor girl’s being deprived of my excellent cooking. Really a shame isn’t it Miss Kaia?”

The lab in question gave him a loving flop of her tail from the pillow he’d placed for her in the warmth of the early morning sun. He winked at her conspiratorially, having shared a few bits of cooked unseasoned egg with her earlier.

A joined sigh escaped the two as they continued with their meal, unbeknownst to either of them as they enjoyed the quiet and peace of the morning. Neither realized that they were both sharing the same thought, that they could get used to living like this if it meant enjoying the shared company of the person sitting across from them.

[independentartistbuzz]

Good News, Good Music 1.0

Here we are at the end of 2020. We don’t need to tell you that this has been a very hard year. We are feeling beaten down by the bad news and music is the one thing that lifted our spirits again and again and saw us through. We have partnered with our friends at Cyber PR Music to bring you a series of GOOD News from artists who carried on making music in spite of all of the insanity that was happening and continues to grip us.  We have cried listening to some of the tracks, felt deeply inspired and yes we laughed as well.  What we have seen is the Cyber PR artist community is rich and varied - there are artists from all across the USA included as well as Jamaica, Australia, South Africa, France, Sweden, The UK,  Germany and Scotland.

So - we bring you part 1 of our 4 part series GOOD NEWS, GOOD MUSIC.

Please Follow the Spotify Playlist below to hear all of these amazing tracks.

Thanks to all of the artists who shared their music AND their good news.

JVMIE & Lionel Cohen | “We Will Rise Again”

Started A Collaboration From A Quarantine Hotel Room and Got Nominated For A Major Award

We had a crazy year but some great things came out of it! I was forced to leave LA and head back to Australia until things ‘calmed down’ but started a remote collaboration with LA based film composer Lionel Cohen - we received a grant from HOTA (Home Of The Arts Gold Coast) to create an album and we were just nominated for a HMMA Hollywood Music In Media Award :) The whole process of collaborating and talking every day was what helped me keep my sanity throughout this crazy year!

Perle Vybz | “Electric Dancefloor”

Almost Lost Her Partner To COVID And Took The Leap Of Faith To Release Music 

My debut single 'Electric Dancefloor' was released on Dec 8th, against the odds. A few months ago , my partner almost lost his life (to COVID). He was hooked up on a ventilator and had a really rough time. At the same time, I lost my main source of income and so, during the pandemic lockdown I had more time on my hands to focus on my music. So I'm glad that in spite of what was happening around me I was able to take that leap of faith and get my music out there.

Arielle Silver | “What Really Matters”

Became Music Connection's Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands and Top Prospects 2020 lists in their year-end issue

As COVID shut everything down in April, I leaned into my commitment to authentic connection and inspiring creative expression with the creation of two weekly livestreams: Tomes & Tunes, a weekly show where I interview songwriters about books, and Arielle's Acoustic Happy Hour, both of which are going strong. In June, I released a new album, A THOUSAND TINY TORCHES, along with two official music videos (one shot entirely during quarantine), which have been featured in American Songwriter, Music Connection, and more.And in September, in the wake of closing studios, my sweetheart and I launched a new online yoga studio, Bhavana Flow Yoga, with online classes, workshops, and retail. 

Alongside my own sorrow at the pandemic, I have been living a year of creative expansion, and was recently featured in Music Connection's year-end issue on both their Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands and Top Prospects 2020 lists.

Hannah Judson | “Deep Sea Diver”

Launched The Backwards Record Release Concept  And It Worked!

The 2020 lockdown was an exploration of new ways of doing and connecting. Everything became an experiment as new processes were developed to replace the no longer actionable old ones. I launched the Backwards Record Release for "Stingray," a rock/folk collection of songs. The 8 week campaign started with a socially distanced concert in a chateau courtyard, was fueled by my new podcast the Hannah Judson Beat, conversations with women in music, and concluded with a capstone edition of MUSEfest Online, a music festival I normally produce in major cities that promotes women in music, film, art and culture. I stayed connected with colleagues and fans, envisioned future projects, and maintained momentum and enthusiasm for creative projects, present and future. 

Evan Mazunik | “Comfort and Joy”

Funded, Recorded & Released A New Holiday Album

I’m grateful that I was able to successfully fund, record, release, and sell my new holiday album this year.

Eli Lev | “Anywhere We Can Go”

Released A Touching Global Fan Driven Music Video 

I had a powerful experience this year when my music community from all across the world helped me create the music video for 'Anywhere We Can Go.' I was in happy tears editing it and seeing all these wonderful faces come together and make something truly special. Here it is and I hope it brings some joy to folks.

Jeff Oster | “Five Great Mountains”

Found Solace (And Music) In Mother Nature

I was lucky to spend three months in the fall of 2020 up in Vermont. In the midst of all of the turmoil, Mother Nature just kept on shining. I was able to create this video on my iPhone, in an attempt to capture her beauty.

Beca Dreams | “Calm Before the Storm”

Had A Creative Burst That Resulted In Ad Campaigns & New Singles

It’s been a very challenging year, and yet I’ve somehow managed to have some awesome wins I am super grateful for. 

Partnered with Bounty to write/perform Quicker Picker Upper, currently streaming on all major platforms and has gotten over 7M views on Tik Tok and 150K streams on Spotify so far. Composed/performed song for an ad campaign for fashion designer Asher Levine on launching his new groundbreaking LED outerwear line (who’s recently worked with Doja Cat, Lil Nas, Lady Gaga). I also released 2 singles “Calm Before The Storm” and “Taking Time For Myself” and  most recently was featured on “Dance Party In The Living Room” by UK producer Fritz von Runte, about making the most of the quarantine.

I feel so lucky to be making music and doing what I love, which has been a huge silver lining during these dark times.

AfriCali | “The Struggle”

Turned An Eviction Into A Special Retreat & Healing Place 

Our landlord lost her pilates practice and couldn’t afford her Oakland home so

Our family of four with a baby due any month now had to figure it out and find the humanity in moving out before the lease was up. In the magic of mother earth and without knowing we were blessed with a beautiful place to be away and seven thousand feet above the mountains where we could have this beautiful bundle of joy. Which would turn into a special retreat healing place after our departure this past October.

Akira AK | “Pearl”

Completed His New Release Remotely Over Zoom

My "good news, good music" story is simply how I was able to release 2 major projects this year despite everything that is going on: putting out my second EP and my first music video.  The EP in particular had been in the works for 3 years and was SO CLOSE to being done when everything started to shut down, so with the work of my engineer, we set up remote sessions via zoom that helped put the last song over the line and get the release out there! From there I was able to promote it with it's adjacent merch.

As far as my first music video is concerned; I was able to safely show up in person in NYC and film it with the help of a great videographer. The conceptualizing of the video is very special and I think speaks to the experiences some of us have had about going to that special place inside your head where you feel most powerful/comfortable/fierce to deal with whatever is going on externally. The promo for the video was also a success in terms of being able to schedule it on time and put it out there to hype the video itself. And once it was out it was really (unexpectedly) well received!

Those are just my personal success stories and I'm excited to see others' as well!

Monsterboy | “Ain’t Worth the Dime”

Played 60 Livestreams That Reached 7,000 Households

When my husband and I found ourselves without gigs and our small business closed, we decided to go live with our music and stay in touch with our fans. We cobbled together equipment from our home studio and gigging rig, going live in that first week. We really didn't know what to expect. The messages we got from people were so heartwarming, we built a little community for them night after night, reconnecting with existing fans and finding new.  In total, we did over 60 live streams during the shutdown and reached over 7k households on some streams. Entertaining and interacting with people was our way to do our part for our community. A podcast found us via the streams and started hiring us to produce music for their shows from it.

Artist: Crotona P., Producer: Pablo Brownbeats | “Silk”

Forged An International Collaboration South Africa and the USA via A Chance Facebook Meeting

I'm Pablo Brownbeats, a producer  who has been producing  since my youth and creating music for the last 12 years. I just released my new Ep with Crotona P from Rochester New York featuring Street Da Villain, Dj Shawn Touch, KING Flamez all from Rochester New York and SOLO MAJITA from Free State South Africa. The African Ep is available on digital stores and Bandcamp.  I enjoyed making this project and it will be an honor to share the leading single Titled Silk.

This project was recorded during the  early days of Covid19. Me and Crotona met over Facebook and exchanged some few words and he agreed to do the single (silk) then African EP was born.

Scott Whitfield | “A Bi-Coastal Christmas, Vol. 1, by Scott Whitfield & Friends”

Released A Christmas Album That Features Artists Who Have Passed That Started Recording in 2004.

Despite the challenges, I was able to release a Christmas album on Bandcamp!  It's available as a digital download OR a physical CD.  This is the culmination of MANY years of work (some tracks date back to 2004, and, sadly, a few of the artists who played on them are no longer with us).

John Maksym | “Drinkin’ & Thinkin’”

Worked With 22 Collaborators Spanning 7 Countries and 16 Cities

I kicked off this year as a solo recording artist for the first time in my life and had an ambitious goal of releasing music every 5 weeks. When the pandemic struck, I had just started recording my 4th single in the studio and everything got shut down. Within a couple of weeks I was able to pivot and invest money into building my own little home studio, to continue to create. With every musician in the world stuck at home, I was able to connect with a dream team of collaborators who helped me finish the song that I had started and go on to record 8 more songs through remote session recording from their own home studios. All in all I worked with 22 collaborators, spanning 7 countries and 16 cities, which I would never have thought of doing had the world not been in lockdown. It also allowed me time to revise my original release plan and build a more robust plan to release a number of singles and eventually an album throughout 2021.

Stay tuned ...There’s more Good News Coming!

[straykidsuniversal]

The Phoenix and The Fallen Star⭐️

Pairing: Seo Changbin x Lee Felix

Genre: Angst x Fluff

Warning: Swearing

A/N: Shoutout to my friend for the inspiration and guidance ⭐️

Summary: Lee Felix (20) is a student studying at Yonsei Law School. He is a very intelligent and independent student who works mornings during the week to pay off his massive amount of debt at a local dance studio teaching kids aged 5-10 years old how to dance. After an unexpected death of not only a co-worker he’s been working with for years, but also a close companion of his; he decides that he has to keep their memories alive so, he does something quite unconventional for a law student and gets a tattoo in his best friend’s honor. Seo Changbin (22) works at the most popular tattoo parlor in Seoul, Korea. (Seoul Ink Tattoo Studio) Changbin has one of the biggest names in the industry; everyone wants this talented tattoo artist to tat them up. His name gets thrown around like the L o v e word. Everybody knows his name, except for Lee Felix. Will the two cross paths? Keep reading to find out.

As Felix walks down the narrow streets of Seoul in a bit of a haze; he somehow manages to focus on an older man who is puffing a cigarette outside the gas station. Felix is the most anxious he’s ever been in his life. He’s getting his first tattoo today. What would his family think of their son who is studying law? Is he now rebelling against the system? Will he ever get a job in the work force? Felix snaps out of these negative thoughts and decides to walk over to this man. “E-excuse me sir” he stumbles over his words. “Would you happen to have an extra cigarette and a light?” He’s never even taking a sip of beer in his life and now all of a sudden he’s giving into the nicotine. The man doesn’t say more than one word. “Yeah.” He pulls out the box of Marlboro and hands the shaky boy a cigarette. Felix thanks him and places the cigarette between his quivering lips. The generous man lights it up for him and he’s on his way; he has somewhere to be after all. He inhales the strong smoke and starts coughing like crazy and watches as all the smoke leaves his mouth and into the crisp air. Felix comes across every store you could ever imagine before finally making it to his destination. Felix reads the sign in bright neon lights and big bold letters SEOUL INK TATTOO STUDIO. #1 TATTOO STUDIO IN SEOUL.

Felix puts out his first cigarette and takes a deep breath before opening the door and entering this foreign place. This is all for you. He thinks to himself as he looks around at all the pictures and tattoo designs on the wall. The blond haired boy listens in on the heavy guitar based music which sounded so unfamiliar from his classical pieces he’d listen to while studying. He notices the people around him aren’t dressed in a white button down shirt and a pastel pink cardigan like himself. They are drowning in black clothes from head to toe. Just when he thought his heart couldn’t beat through his chest any faster it could. Just when he thought his sweaty palms couldn’t get any sweater they did just that. Felix gulped as his eyes landed on the handsome man working behind the counter and his eyes went into full focus. One of the first things Felix noticed about the dark haired tattoo artist was his smile that sparkled like sunrays on fresh powdered snow to every single customer he spoke with. His eyes were like a magnetic force. Felix wanted to follow his chestnut brown eyes wherever they wandered. His soft and lush raven like hair went along with his whole e boy look. He had an eyebrow piercing, a lip piercing, and his ears pierced with diamond studs. His tattoo collection was pretty impressive as well. He had a whole sleeve complete and who knows what else.

“Next in line please” the tattoo artist calls to Felix who seems to be in his own dream world. “Hello” he waves his hands in front of his face. Felix snaps out of his thoughts and makes eye contact with the man realizing he’s first in line now. “O-oh sorry” he stumbles across his words and bites down on his knuckles. “How can I help you today? Are you looking to get a tattoo?” He says in an excitable tone assuming he’s a newbie to the tattoo world. There he goes again flashing that charming smile; perhaps his heart melted right there. “Yes, actually I have an idea for a tattoo that I want.. to put on my body.” Felix scrunches his nose as he cringes at his choice of words. “May I have a look?” Changbin asks politely as he looks at the cutie before him. He looks into Felix’s pure Bambi like eyes and his blond locks that fall near his eyes. He also notices his bright appearance in choice of clothing and the dark piercings in his ear. He tries not to giggle at the boy attempting to be darker than he truly is. “Ah yeah sure.” Felix pulls up a picture of two stars and shows it to the professional. “It’s Peter Pan inspired. Second star to the right.” He smiles and waits for the raven haired guy’s response. “Easy enough I can take you back right away. I’m Changbin by the way.” Changbin starts leading him to the back. “You can sit right here. Is this your first time getting inked?” Changbin points to the seat. Felix takes a seat in the chair and shyly responds, “yes, this will be my first tattoo ever.” He looks closely at all of changbin’s dope tattoos. “You have quite the collection.” Felix smiles up at the older who is busy sketching out the stars with a pencil and paper. “Tattoos are like a gateway drug to me once I got this one it was never enough and now here I am covered in tattoos.” Changbin giggles as he points to his first tattoo that’s only partially showing. It strikes interest in felix and he stirs up another question for the artist. “May I ask what it is and what exactly it means to you?” Changbin puts down the sketch briefly and rolls up his sleeve revealing a Phoenix. “This was my first ever tat. I’m really into Greek Mythology and I love the Phoenix and what it symbolizes. It was at a time in my life when I had a rebirth. I wanted to start again. I didn’t have the easiest upbringing. My mom had me at seventeen and prioritized the party life and drugs over me and my dad you know how that story goes.” Changbin looks down to the ground. Changbin has never opened up so much to a stranger in his life. What has gotten into him? Felix listens intently to everything Changbin says and admires his monumental tattoo along with his muscular biceps. “Wow, I love that. I’m so glad you turned something negative into something positive.” Felix shakes his head.

Changbin shrugs his shoulders, “I guess so. So what’s the Peter Pan Star inspired tattoo about?” He asks curiously as he finishes up the sketch. Felix freezes as he flashes back to the recent traumatic event. “The one star is for my grandmother who passed away a few years ago and the..” Felix pauses for a moment since it’s still a very touchy subject for him. “The second star is for a good friend of mine who recently passed away.” Felix’s voice breaks as he spills the words out. “Oh my gosh.. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to trigger you.” Changbin unconsciously places his hand on his arm to comfort him. “It’s alright. It’s not your fault. He was my best friend.” Felix can still hear his cries when he found out the news. “His name was Taemin. He had a seizure in his sleep and ah it killed him unexpectedly.” Changbin can see the pain in Felix’s eyes and caresses his arm. “Wow, this world can be so damn cruel! I’m so sorry for your loss. I know I’m just some random tattoo artist, but I’m here for you if you ever want to talk about it. What’s your name?” Changbin grabs some purple,blue, and yellow to add some color to the stars that mean the world to the Bambi eyed boy. “Thank you that really means a lot to me. So, overall the stars to me symbolize my siruis. They are the brightest stars in my night sky and they give me guidance when I feel alone and lost. Sorry I forgot to mention that my name is Felix” Felix smiles as he gets the words out. “Would you like to see what I’ve come up with?” Changbin sticks his tongue out slightly due to concentrating on final touches to the the beautiful sparkly purple, blue, and yellow stars he’s sketched out. Felix admires how cute the dark boy looks when he’s deep in thought and concentration. “I’d love to!” Felix claps his hands excitedly and tries to peek at the paper with the sketch on it not being able to contain his curiosity. Seo Changbin turns the paper around revealing his hard work to Felix. “What do ya think?” Changbin raises an eyebrow. Felix’s eyes water as soon as he sees what he imagined for himself come to life. “I-it’s absolutely beautiful. I love it. That’s exactly what I want.” Felix shakes his head and places his hand over his heart. “Really? I’m so glad that you love it.” Changbin feels euphoria overcoming him seeing how touched Felix was. “The next question is where would you like this tattoo? It could go on your hand, wrist, arm,leg wherever you desire.” Changbin brings the words to life by touching his hand gently; sliding his hand down his wrist onto his arm.

Felix feels butterflies in his tummy. What does this mean? He hasn’t felt butterflies in his stomach since Taemin. Does he really have a crush on some random tattoo artist he just met today? What’s not to like though? He’s one of the most handsome men he’s ever seen besides Taemin. He’s super sweet too for someone’s who attire could point to other darker directions. “Well, I was thinking in a place that’s kind of hidden.” He bites his lip nervously. “I’m a dance teacher I work with little kids.” Felix doesn’t want to reveal he’s a law student that might change changbin’s perspective of him completely. “Why not? What’s so bad about stars? You should show them off.” Changbin giggles. “But, if you really want to hide them.. I’d say your thigh or back.” Felix thinks for a moment. Yeah what’s so bad about a little tattoo for my grandmom and best friend. “Fuck it dude. L-let’s just do this. I want it on my left forearm.” Changbin is a bit shocked and his eyes widen. “Yes! I’m so excited to do this. You also must have done some research because your forearm is one of the least sensitive spots to get a tattoo, but it may still be a bit painful.” Changbin preps the area with things he will need and hands off his sketch for someone to put it onto a stencil transfer. He cleans the needles and rubs rubbing alcohol onto Felix’s forearm. “Are you nervous?” Changbin asks as he looks up to Felix. “Just a little bit.” Felix says only a little when in reality he’s actually extremely nervous. “You’ll be alright” Changbin takes the stencil transfer and places it in the middle of his left forearm. “Is this good? Where exactly do you want it?” Felix looks at the placement and approves, “that’s perfect.” He smiles as it sets in that it’s actually happening. He can’t believe he’s rebelling against his parents beliefs. Changbin places some soap on his arm. “This will help it to stick better to your skin and it will allow the image to appear a bit darker, so when I’m ready to actually come in with the tattoo gun I can trace it with ease.” Changbin explains thoroughly to the younger as he presses the stencil down. Felix listens in on every word, but can’t help to get distracted by how attractive he is. “Yeah? Okay.” Felix says with no emotion. “Are you sure you want to do this? You can still say no it’s not to late yet.” Changbin looks at Felix who seems uncertain. “Oh hell no. I want to do this.” Felix sounds determined this time around. Changbin grins as he pulls off the stencil transfer and places an ointment over the temporary like tattoo. He then gets his tattoo gun ready along with the ink and turns on the tattoo gun. “I’m now going to trace along these lines.” He gets closer to his skin. “Okay. I’m ready.” Felix closes his eyes and relaxes as he focuses on his breathing.”

Felix feels like he just closed his eyes when he hears the tattoo gun go silent and Changbin’s raspy voice. “It’s all done. It looks fantastic dude..You did great.” Changbin wipes off any remaining ink that wasn’t suppose to be there and smiles at Felix. Felix slowly opens up his eyes and looks down at the permanent ink on his forehead. It’s a masterpiece. Felix’s eyes become glossy at the sight. “Thank you thank you soooo much!! I love it.” Felix gets up and hugs Changbin carefully not to touch his tattoo. “You’re so welcome. It was my pleasure.” Changbin pats his back. “It has to be one of my favorite tattoos I’ve ever done.” Changbin tried not to get emotional himself. “Would you mind if I take a picture?” Changbin pulls out his phone. “I want to remember this one.”

“Of course, but ah first..” Felix bites his lip as he grows some confidence and takes Changbin’s phone and puts his phone number in. “Text me it.” Felix winks handing his phone back to Changbin. Changbin is a bit stocked by how bold his customer just was and tries not to reveal how flattered he is. “Ah sure no problem.” Changbin opens the camera and snaps a couple photos of Felix’s new tattoo. “Please, come back to me if you want more tattoos. It would be my honor to work with you again.” Changbin rings him up and Felix goes on about his day with a new crush and a brand new tattoo.

10:33 PM

Changbin got done his shift at 10:30 and hops in his car and curses to himself realizing he forgot to text Felix the pictures of his new tattoo from earlier. He searches for Felix’s name in his phone and texts him.

Changbin: Hey ✋ sorry I forgot to text you here’s that photo you wanted. *inserts photo of Felix’s stars tattoo* btw, I heard tonight is a full moon 🌕 you wanna come see it with me?

Felix notices his phone light up in his peripheral vision and groans into his massive law textbook. He opens the message and reads it knowing it’s changbin. He falls out of his chair and his classical music stops playing. Changbin wants to go out with me.. is this a date? No way. What do I say? Felix’s mind races. Changbin waits patiently and uses his steering wheel as his own custom made drum.

Felix: Thanks I really do love it. I think it would only be appropriate to see my Sirius in the night sky tonight along with the queen herself the full moon. 😁❤️ Pick me up at 0325 Daehangno Street. What are you wearing tonight? I have no clue what to wear.

Felix sends the text message and does a happy dance. Changbin receives the message and can’t wipe the smile off his face. Changbinnie puts the address into google maps.

Changbin: I’m only 15-20 minutes away from your apartment I’m leaving now. This is the outfit I’m wearing.

15-20 minutes?! Felix starts panicking and looking through his roommates clothes for an edgier look like Changbin’s. He somehow manages to find something and snaps a selfie.

Felix: okay I’m ready and waiting outside. 😌 my look for tonight 🖤

Changbin just about crashes the car when he sees Felix’s very attractive selfie and places his phone back down as he spots the edgy blond outside waiting for him. Felix looks in the car to make sure it’s Binnie before getting inside.

“You look quite ah” Felix tries to think of a word. “You look quite ravishing tonight.” Felix facepalms once again at his word choice. “Thanks that’s really sweet. I didn’t know you were a man who could pull off both a pastel pink cardigan cutesy look and a sexy dark look.” Changbin can’t hide his blush this time around and giggles. Felix immediately feels his ears burn up and his face turn a bright pink. “T-thank you for that compliment. I’m very unpredictable.” Felix notices the lion tattoo on Changbin’s hand. “Are you a Leo?” Felix asks out of no where. “Yeah how the hell did you know that? Are you a psychic or some shit?” Changbin glances over at him surprised. “Your tattoo.. it’s a lion which are Leos spirit animal.” Felix giggles at Changbin being clueless. “Oh yeah. I forgot I had that for a second. I also have the sun Leo’s ruling planet on my ankle. What’s your sign?” Changbin glances at him before pulling into an open field. “I’m a Virgo one with the bears. This is a really pretty spot.” Felix looks around him and hops out of the car before Changbin even has time to turn off the engine.

Felix immediately finds the perfect spot and lays down in the grass and looks up to the beautiful night sky. The stars looked like a mess in an art class; someone accidentally spilled a bottle of sparkles and glitter all over the table; except this beautiful mess was in the night sky. Nothing was one hundred percent perfect about the stars alignment, but that’s what made it so damn surreal. The moon was shimmering off in the distance letting everybody know that she’s still the starring role. Changbin looks up at the sky and takes in all it’s breathtaking features, but he gets completely lost in how stunning Felix looks in the moonlight. He lays down next to him. “Clearly, you know I’m a bad ass tattoo artist and I know that you teach dance to little kiddos. What is that like?” Changbin turns his body so he’s facing Felix. “I love dance and I love kids so putting those two things together is the best of both worlds. The kids are always so excited to learn something new and I’m always excited to teach them. It’s also where I met Taemin. He was one of the best dancers I had ever known in my life.” Felix glances over and notices changbin looking closely at him.

“I bet he was. I wish I could have met him. He sounds like he was a great guy. You gotta show me some of your moves sometime. I’d love to see your skills brought to life.” Felix looks back up to the stars. “Yeah, he really was one of a kind. The really crazy thing about all of this is that you remind me of him so much.” Changbin looks down at Felix’s shaking hand and holds it caressing it with his thumb. “Maybe it was destiny that we met. Every thing happens for a reason Lix and I strongly believe in my core that we met for a reason. I never ever talk about my past especially growing up parentless, but with you I felt so free.” Changbin squeezes Felix’s hand. “Yeah, I think you are right. I believe in destiny and I believe you’ve come to me at a point in my life I needed someone like you the most.” Felix caresses Changbin’s cheek having no clue on earth what in the hell has gotten into him. This boy does something to his heart and he can’t hold back anymore. He’s held back on so much in his life. It’s time for him to make a move. Changbin locks eyes with Felix in this moment. Felix finds himself briefly glancing down at Binnie’s kissable lips. Changbin wants this kiss just as bad. “How crazy would I be if I said I feel I’m destined to kiss you right now?” Felix inches himself closer to Changbin. “Just a little bit” Changbin plays with Felix’s fingers and leans in to Felix’s touch as he caresses his cheek. Felix takes this moment to go for what he wants and he leans in slowly and kisses Changbin’s lips gently like a delicate flower. The instant moment their lips touched they both envisioned fireworks going off like the Fourth of July. Sparks were flying. It was very magical to say the least. Felix pulled away remaining only a few inches from his face and leaned into Changbin’s cute nose and gave him an eskimo kiss before flopping down shyly into his chest. Changbin contently wrapped his arms around Felix and kissed his head.

“For the first time ever, I felt something when someone kissed me. You’re a special one Felix.” Changbin whispered softly as he played with Felix’s hair. “Only you and Taemin.” He replied and then covered his mouth realizing what he said. “No..no it’s cool I figured there was a romantic connection there. I’m honored that I can be on his level.” Changbin rubs his back. Felix looks at the time and realizes he has to wake up early tomorrow so he can study for an important test coming up. “Look, I really hate to cut this short, but I really have to get some sleep I have dance lessons early tomorrow morning.” Felix quickly sits up. “Ah okay it’s not a problem at all.” They arrive back outside of Felix’s apartment complex and they say their goodbyes and Changbin grabs Felix’s hand before he leaves. “Promise me that you will let me take you out on another date?” Changbin looks into his eyes sincerely. “I promise. I had so much fun.” Felix kisses his cheek before running off inside. “Goodnight Changbin.” Changbin mumbles, “Night” before taking off and heading home.

The next morning Felix dreads the sound of his alarm clock. “Shut up.. I know” he whines as he rolls out of bed and puts on his yellow hoodie and ripped blue jeans along with his vans and his glasses. He takes the fake earrings out and grabs his backpack with all his books to study and heads to the local coffee shop. Changbin gets up and goes about his daily routine and drives to the coffee shop to wake him up for his long shift at work. He spots Felix in the coffee shop and his eyes light up as he enters with confidence. “Oh hey! I didn’t know you like coffee and whatca reading there hmm?” changbin raises an eyebrow at Felix’s studious appearance. “Yeah yeah coffee is great” Felix slams his law book closed and stretches across the cover of the book letting out a big fake yawn. “Oh you know just a book about canines.” Changbin looks very confused at Felix’s odd behavior and notices the glasses and no piercings. “Nice earrings they suit you.” Changbin pinches Felix’s earlobe and walks up to order his coffee.

God damnit Lee Felix just tell him the truth. Do you really think he will care? Changbin walks back over and sits down. “I’m a law student at Yonsei Law School. I didn’t tell you because I thought you would lose interest in me because I’m some nerd and not this cool dude.” He spills it all out and looks down avoiding eye contact. “Felix, never and I repeat never ever change who you are for someone else. Stay true to who you are. I don’t give a shit that you are an intelligent individual who wants to have a successful career and that you are going to one of the top schools in Seoul. I think that’s awesome and I’m proud of you. You need to have more pride in who you are. You might be a nerd, but you’re a cool one. This doesn’t change the way I see you. I like you for you.” Changbin places his finger on Felix’s heart.

Felix shakes his head and wipes his tears. All his life his family never allowed him to truly express himself or show his true emotions. “T-thank you so much.” Felix hugged Changbin so tight in that coffee shop and for once in his life he didn’t give a shit who was looking or who the hell was judging him. This was who he was and no one would change him for a damn thing. This was Felix’s rebirth. It was the rise of the Phoenix and The rise of the Fallen Star.

[espship18]

Kpop ship for stayxdontxstray

Hello amazing people! I am back once again with a ship, and this time it is for @stayxdontxstray ! I had a lot of fun with this ship so without further a do, let’s go sailing on the boat of ships! lol 

Based off your request, I learned these things about you: 

Around 5′4 with a petite frame and toned legs 

Long brown hair and hazel eyes

You can be headstrong and a hothead 

But you’re actually a smol bean who hates confrontation omg girl same

Very loyal

Lowkey craves affection and attention but can also be shy 

A case of RBF

You have a good sense of humor 

Loves to make the most out of life 

You also tend to procrastinate and daydream 

And in your request you have asked to be shipped with Monsta X, NCT, Pentagon, and VIXX! You sound just wonderful so I’m so excited to ship you! 

Monsta X: Minhyuk 

Okay so you two are the cutest beans in all the land, so therefore I ship. I have substantial evidence to support my claim as well. When you two are together, there is sunshine all around- even when one of you is having a bad day, you two just make each other happy. You each were bitten by the lovebug when you met, and you two always continue to never have a dull moment. Evidence number one as to why I ship you two is that not only did you get yourself a lover, but you got yourself a best friend. Minhyuk always knows 1)what to do, 2)what to say, 3)how to make you laugh, and 4)how to surprise you. He would just know you like a book. If you’re ever stressed and need a pick me up, Minhyuk’s gotchu. Date night? He’s gotchu. He’ll go buy pizza ingredients and you made homemade pizza and binge watch the latest show, it’s great. Minhyuk would be able to see past the RBF by the way. Hyuk would be really good at reading your facial expressions, so he would always know what mood you would be in. Like I said, he knows you. He always 110% there for you when you need support. Whether it be for work, or for school, or simply get the courage to ask for a pizza with specific toppings, He’S gOT YoU. He is also your personal comedian. He’s got the best corny jokes you could ever imagine. The joke can be absolutely awful tbh, but if it gets you to smile, he keeps that joke in the memory book for future use. You also love to crack jokes with him. You also like to prank him every now and then bc he’s easily scared. So you’ll hide in the clothes hamper and give him a little surprise. We all know he is a huge goofball, so like, he’s always doing something weird and goofy, and the moments where you both are alone at the apartment just not giving a crap and being goofy are some of the best times. Moving along, he loVES giving you affection. You know Minhyuk with puppies, right? Girl, you are like that puppy in the Buzzfeed video. Whether it be PDA or even simply talking/touching each other, he loves to focus on you, know what’s new and fresh in your life, and he loves seeing your eyes light up when you get excited. He’s also the king at surprising you. Flowers, a road trip, your favorite take out, he will always surprise you! A lot of spontaneous trips, mostly because when he see’s a place with good restaurants, he’s like ‘LET’S GO’ so you go. Lastly, king of PDA. So many snuggles, and kisses, and hugs, and hand holding. He loves to kiss your forehead and hold your hands, the way you fit perfectly around his arms makes him so happy and calm, he never wants to let go. 

NCT: Haechan

Okay so, there are literally so many options I could choose from, but for some reason why, Haechan is getting in my face like ‘PICK ME WOMAN’ so, here we are. You two would be a very domestic couple. Simplicity at its finest, and you’re just love sick puppies for one another. You two also joke around a lot. Right off the bat, I know Haechan would like to poke at your RBF. Similar to Minhyuk, he would know how to read your face so he would know if you were mad or not, but he does like to poke. You equally poke back at him but you’re always laughing by the end of things. You two can also be quite spontaneous. There is a good balance of wild and mild between you two, and if you’re down to go out on an adventure, you’re out in the city with no plan, some money, and hearts set for fun. And then if you’re not feeling going out, you have a karaoke party in the apartment, which can be equally as fun as to going out in the city. And then there are times when you want to be spontaneous and go to a new area. As long as you’re together, nothing else matters. Haechan would also be very affectionate towards you. This technically isn’t PDA so, I’m touching on this now. Haechan is a sweet bub by nature, so don’t be surprised if he goes on these rants about how much he adores you or how happy he is to have you in his life. Haechan would be very open about his feelings since the beginning, and you’re not against it, in fact that’s one of the reasons you fell for him anyway. You also love giving affection back to him, so you two would be very in tact with your feelings. You’re sweet and soft, but again, you can be spicy and sassy. I literally laughed out loud at the thought of this, but your hotheaded nature and his savageness results in a lot of playful bickering. The best times to bicker is when you’re with Chan’s fellow members and when you two bicker with each other, it’s always hilarious to have the members side with one of you, then you have a whole debate about the topic. Idk why I love the thought, I just do. Moving along to date night, date night is side and sweet. For you two, date night is a form of relaxing and bonding, because you both can get really busy and you never want to take your stress out on each other, so you two like to order take out, trying out new restaurants every time, and you’ll play some video games or watch a movie or two. You two also enjoy going to parks! PDA wise, I think Chan would be a little shy tbh. He’s not scared to be judged, but he just gets nervous to see other peoples reactions. He loves to hug you and give you cheek and lip kisses, he also loves to hold your hands, and rub his thumb over the top of your hand. Ugh you two are so cute. 

Pentagon: Kino

When I think of you and Kino, I think of shy beans who love to go out and have a ball. Again, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to you, but the more I thought about you and Kino together, the more my heart went uwu. Starting out, you two would be very shy with each other. He wouldn’t want to be too forward and make you uncomfortable in any way, and you wouldn’t know when to hold his hand or compliment him. You two would be this cute bundle of red cheek mess, and I’m living for it. However, you both come out of your shells and you got super close when you did. I’m gonna lay this on the table right now, he is your personal snuggle bear. He loves it when you hug and snuggle on him, so like if you want hugs in the mall while you’re eating in the food court, he’ll tuck you into his side. Or if you’re at home, you will literally bend his arms and body in a position that you want to get snuggles. He doesn’t entirely mind it though. You also do not have to worry about getting motivation to get things done. Idk, I see Kino as someone who has the energy to take on big tasks at once and he easily becomes the perfect person to help you get motivation. You two can be such a proactive couple, and that is super cute to me, don't judge me. And honestly it doesn’t matter if you two are working on something together, like working on cleaning the apartment, or working on something separately, like tasks for jobs, you two work well together. You both help each other out a lot, so you would work well together, almost complimenting each other in a way. I also have this thought about you daydreaming, listen. One day Kino would catch you zoned the f out as you’re daydreaming about something. Your facial expression sort of worried him, and he would give you a light shake to wake you from your trance. When you settled down from nearly being scared to death(like I said, you were zoned out), Kino would still be worried. But as soon as you tell him that you were daydreaming, he instantly relaxes and he is very intrigued on what you were daydreaming about. You’d be a little shy to tell him but his whole face would light up when you told him what you were thinking about. He would want to know the little details, he just loves to hear what’s going on with you. He also loves to have your attention in general. Date night is always him, but what happens during date night depends on your moods- sometimes you go out, sometimes you don’t. But you’re always giggling and laughing, hands holding one another at some point. You two also slow dance to your song every time ;). PDA wise, if you’re not wanting the affection, he tends to be more reserved with PDA. He enjoys saving the sweet stuff behind closed doors. 

VIXX: Ravi 

So when I was choosing a member, I wanted to go with Ken, but then I was like nah nah boy and I thought harder. Now, here we are. I love you and Ravi together, like I love it a lot. You would compliment each other nicely, much to people beliefs. I love comparing couples to things, so you and Ravi would be like ying and yang, you’re just too cute! And I just love the thought of this, you two would have good girl-bad boy aesthetic going on. Is my mind going back to the 50s? Yes. And am I ashamed of it? No. Ravi is also helplessly in love with you, so you will not change my mind on that. He is so whipped for you, you can crush his tough guy stature like a walnut or any other nut that is easy to crack lol. He is just so soft for you, and I am here for it. You would give him so much motivation and inspiration for things like staying happy, for motivation, or for lyrics for his songs. I can see a lot of his inspiration coming from memories that you two have made together. From your travels, to dates, to simply looking at each other, Ravi can get so much inspiration- which by the way you would have endless songs dedicated to you. Ravi would also be constantly scared to lose you. He would allow some of his anxiety to take over and he would always want to be the very best for you, so he could be a provider for you and he could take care of you. Ravi wouldn’t always admit that he is scared to lose you, but a lot of his actions speak for itself. You love to call him out on it, mostly because that’s one of the times that you can make him flustered. You love to cup his cheek, give him a kiss on the lips and tell him how much he means to you. Then he just wraps his arms around you and it’s so soFT anD I NEED A TISSUE. He’s also so quick to stand up for you on social media. He takes no bulshit from haters, and he is very quick to shut a hater down. He also highkey loves it if you ever get pissed off at one of his haters and you pop off. It’s funny for him when he see’s how your ears glow red or just simply loves to see you rant about something. Moving right along, pet names are your shit, listen up. You two have multiple nick names for each other and they get changed often. Again, I can really see Ravi being whipped for you, so he wouldn’t be afraid to call you some cute ass nickname like lovebug or baby doll, whatever he see’s that fits the most. You love to take it one step further and have joking nicknames, but those nicknames mean the world to him. I want to touch on this super quick- two words. SLOW. DANCING. I love this concept so much. He loves to have you wrapped in his arms with his cheek resting on your head, eyes closed, dancing to an old school love song. My 50s dream is living right now, but dear lord it is so sweet. PDA wise, I think Ravi would be possessive. He would always like to keep you close, and he ain’t afraid to make out with you in front of a guy who looks at you the wrong way. Don't mess with his girl. 

~STA

[theythinkimabitch]

Ah! I’ve never been tagged in something like this! 😂I’m honored, thank you @meetmeatthecoda​! 💖

Favorite snack: This is a hard one! I struggle so hard with favorites! 😂 I suppose I don’t like peanuts or trail mix for snacks because they make me thirsty but if I had to chose fruit or gummies or vegetables! :)

Favorite place to go on vacation: Unpopular opinion: Texas. More relatable answer: New York!

What’s a song that makes you dance immediately? “I Feel Good” by James Brown has NEVER not worked! The place I work sells a teddy bear that sings it when you press it and it’s the mightiest of challenges to not react because everyone presses it!

Tea or coffee? And what kind? Neither? (Don’t kill me!) I’ve never gotten into the taste of tea and coffee makes me so sleepy! 😭But I like to pretend I like coffee--really, it's just an exorbitant about of sweet and condensed milk with just a drop of coffee.😂

Do you play an instrument? I used to play piano when I was bit a wee little babe, but I lost it when school actually took time! So, no. I’m not that cool!

What’s your favorite type of personality? Again, I suck with favorites, but I love extroverts because they most often are super funny and make me just feel super comfortable and good since I’m so awkward. But the smart, nerdy geeks are just the greatest. As long as someone is kind I just feel happy and immediately love them.

Favorite comedian? Kevin Hart is amazing Kate McKinnon is my all time favorite SNL star. James Cordon is just the sweetest diva and I my favorite late night host. But, I find everything funny so...

Gummy candy or chocolate? Gummy candy! Chocolate is GREAT, don’t get me wrong but gummy candy always makes me feel like a kid again, and recently I just found out that sour gummy bears are a thing and I’m gonna get a cavity from it...

What did you wanna be when you were a kid? Everything. Any kind of scientist, a painter because I used to be a self-professed professional. A singer, an actor, a ballerina--I actually still wouldn’t mind being a ballerina--a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher was a big phase. As you might be able to tell, I struggle with decisions...

What’s your favorite physical feature about yourself? I won’t lie, I’m still battling to love myself but maybe my hands...? I like my fingers which I feel like is a weird thing. But I’m TINY and just recently I’ve begun to LOVE that. I get to climb things, people still think I’m a kid, I get discounts, it’s all great! So my height, then! 😆(Or my lack thereof 🤣)

When was the last time you watched a show, or movie on a TV? If you mean like an actual show that I’ve dedicated time to following then a few months ago with The Blacklist season six finale. If it’s just like mindless browsing and exploring then a few seconds ago. I’m thinking of watching When They See Us which, fine is technically on Netflix, but if it’s connected to the TV that counts, right? (If not, then a day ago with the last five minutes of Olympus Has Fallen.)

Unpopular opinion: Okay, fine, I wear socks to bed every day and it’s great. Sue me!

Are you scared of bugs? YES! (Is there anyone who isn’t?👀 )But I’m also the one that kills them, and finds them, and disposes of them no matter who I’m with! 😭😭😭

Cats or dogs? Cats maybe? Dogs are for when I’m feeling hyper and cats are my general mood.

Are you allergic to any foods? I don’t think so...I used to be! But I grew out of those allergies...I should probably be better with that but nothing’s killed me or given me an allergic reaction yet! 😁

Does the description of your star sign match your personality? Sometimes. I don’t really know how reliable that stuff is but I’m born on the last day of one so supposedly I’m kinda a combination of both...? I’m not sure how it works to well, sorry!

Favorite type of accent? I have no idea. I love all accents except my own. I’m oddly intrigued with them. I love the differences in letters, the subtleties that lie within. The way they poke out when you’re feeling a base emotion, the cadence and rhythm. How for some reason, people with more regional accents can pick up the mainstream accent of their country but people with mainstream accents can’t so easily pick up regional accents...Honestly, I don’t have a really answer, I’m sorry again, but I love accents so much! But for the US--Southern and Bostonian.

Name the first song that comes to your head! “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake but only because I had to look up the description for my star sign!

Who is the sexiest famous person to you? Argh, I don’t know! It changes every time I see a new sexy actor! Off the top of my head, Chris Pratt.

Cake or pie? Both! I love cakes, I love pies. Pies are usually better in smaller cities, let’s be real, but when there’s sugar involved, I’m game.

When’s the last time you read an entire novel? I tried to read East of Eden by John Steinbeck but I’m so busy lately that I renewed the book the maximum amount, and returned it overdue. I’m going to try again, however, with a new book so I’ll let you know how that works!

Favorite junk food? ALL JUNK FOOD IS GOOD JUNK FOOD! :D But perhaps v.

Do you like your height? Yup, I’m beginning to love it! :)

Apples or oranges? Little Cuties are the best! They’re like mini oranges so I’ll go with oranges.

Do you like salad? YES! I love salad! :D Salad is tasty. The only salad I don’t like is the kind that contains cranberries and walnuts and fruity stuff like that. :) 

What person inspires you the most? My dad! He’s my favorite person in the world.

What’s a song that has made you cry? I’ve never cried while listening to a song! Or watching a movie, or anything of the sort. Sometimes I wonder if that’s weird, but I very rarely cry.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! I’m sorry I’m boring, but I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed yours! I promise you aren’t boring! <3 I had so much fun! For the tagging part: @isa-renee / @lotrluvr922

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Get Famous: Pets, Fame, Lots, Careers & More Twitter (Q&A)

SimGurus respond to questions on Twitter regarding The Sims 4 Get Famous Expansion. 

I think Get Famous has some of the most visually outstanding elements. The pack is very visual, funny, and looks beautiful. I also think the world is super inspired and incredibly well made. https://t.co/wmPsEwzv4J

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 11, 2018

You can get famous anywhere if that is the story you wish to tell. https://t.co/yIuPpUSZmg

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 11, 2018

We don't have a "main size." We choose the lot size as needed for the story we're trying to tell at that location. https://t.co/18xm38ySkr

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 11, 2018

I don't know off the top of my head. It's a big, typical world. I'd say it's consistent. https://t.co/534gYcbKFp

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 11, 2018

Nah, this is us trying to present it as a full story with all the features combined. https://t.co/mtIvvMTTAp

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 11, 2018

Said this the other day, but I think the world is really inspired. But, also, the acting content is insanely visual, gorgeous, and diverse. It's really well done. https://t.co/UMi5TQtyn2

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 13, 2018

I've never been personally huge on celebrity culture. I'm all about Seasons...City Living... BUT. I get legit excited making something the fans want so much. https://t.co/iztVYG3QhV

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 13, 2018

Get Famous does not add cars. https://t.co/RfYRMeZKDF

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 13, 2018

We have "fake" cars in most of our worlds. https://t.co/0fRx5ZER6S

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 13, 2018

We were super inspired by southern California. https://t.co/ZPaGPMze0y

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 13, 2018

There are a TON of acting gigs. https://t.co/v9obc7jy9s

— Grant Rodiek (@SimGuruGrant) October 13, 2018

There are a bunch of different paths to becoming a celebrity. Various careers and skills all feed into stardom, as well as different objects, interactions, and other aspects that haven't been unveiled yet.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 9, 2018

Yes, children inherit fame based on the fame of their parent or parents. If their parents are famous, they'll automatically gain some percentage amount of their parent's fame each time they age up.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Your Sim's public image is saved and shared through the Gallery. Their Reputation, Celebrity Level, Fame Points, Fame Perks, and one other aspect of fame--that I don't believe has been shared yet--will be preserved through the Gallery.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Certain skills can contribute to your Sim becoming famous. Different skills are more tightly integrated into fame than others. Singing is a supported skill, if you have City Living. As you sing in public and earn tips, your Sim will earn fame and start to attract larger crowds.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

No, vehicles are not coming in Get Famous, or at any point in the near future.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

You could become famous simply by developing your Sim's writing skill and publishing your books, yes. You don't have to specifically join the Writer career, although that is an entirely separate path you could pursue to become famous.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

We didn't change the Celebrity Level or Reputation of Sims from older worlds, or Sims that are already in your game. Players may have already established stories for them that we didn't want to override. You'll be able to turn any of those past Sims into celebrities though.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

"They said you can gain celebrity status by performing at open mic night or by performing music, but what about dance off, busking, karaoke, djing, selling art, etc.?" Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

If you accept being dared to streak, yes. Simply walking around in the nude, no.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Sure, it's an icon that ties into reputation. I think it's cute.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Many of them, not all of them. Some just don't do anything that logically made sense in contributing towards a Sim's fame.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

We haven't shared details on this yet, so I'll decline discussing it for the time being. I'll simply say there should be zero cause for concern; it's something we've accounted for. If you don't hear more soon, it'll be shown in-depth during the Fame & Rep livestream on 11/2.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

For a player who also owns Jungle Adventure... giving archaeology lectures, identifying artifacts, and writing archaeology books can help a Sim become a famous archaeologist, yes.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

We took a lot of lessons from what players didn't like about celebrities in Sims 3 when considering how fame progression would work in Sims 4.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

I don't believe we've revealed information about music in the pack yet.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

The current selection of ownable businesses (Retail, Restaurant, Vet Clinic) don't contribute to your Sim's fame.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

I don't believe we've shared specifics about fame progression yet. Happy to discuss during the Fame & Rep livestream on 11/2 if more info isn't revealed before then.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

A Sim can have a reputation without being a celebrity. We'll reveal more about how that actually work in the Fame & Rep livestream on 11/2.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Let me be as clear and straightforward on today's topic as possible... Where your Sim lives has zero bearing on if/how they gain fame, or their reputation. You don't have to live in or travel to Del Sol Valley, and living in Del Sol Valley does not force anything unique on you.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

You can become famous no matter where you choose to have your Sim live.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Yes, I guess @SimGuruNinja did utter those words. Fame Quirks were the last thing I was referencing in that tweet.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

Yes, if you own City Living your Sim can develop their singing skill, and will earn fame when performing in public and earning tips. This will lead to larger crowds gathering to watch them perform.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 11, 2018

If you beat another Sim by bowling a perfect game, that sure sounds worthy of fame to me. So... yes.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 12, 2018

Vampires can become famous, the same as any other Sim.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 12, 2018

No, this pack doesn't offer a way for pets to become famous.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 12, 2018

You can experience every aspect of the Acting career in Get Famous without having to own the Get to Work expansion pack. So yes, it's a full active career that lets you follow your Sims to work and play with them at work.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 12, 2018

You can join the Athlete career and pursue fame from that, yes.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 12, 2018

Yes, you can send them off to work without following them if you want.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

Yes, both if you have the career from City Living, or by increasing the followers through various interactions on your social media account.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

No, that isn't something we're adding in this pack. There may be some other things relating to money that you'll find interesting in Get Famous though - keep an eye out for more information being revealed.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

Where you live doesn't affect anything about your Sim's public image.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

All Sims will have a public image. "Public Image" is just our term for how other Sims around the world perceive you. If you were to have a neutral reputation and no fame, it would be no different from how you currently play... which is a totally valid path.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

All Sims have a reputation. If your Sim's reputation is neutral though, it'll be no different from how your game currently plays.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

It functions differently than those other things you mentioned. It's not obtrusive. We'll cover it during the Fame & Rep livestream on 11/2.

— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) October 13, 2018

You can make any lot exclusive! We'll tell/show you how soon!

— Dave Miotke (@SimGuruNinja) October 12, 2018

She lives in Del Sol Valley.

— Dave Miotke (@SimGuruNinja) October 12, 2018

Yup

— Dave Miotke (@SimGuruNinja) October 13, 2018

Nope Sims can be famous no matter what world they are in. https://t.co/yV8wmFvMoa

— SimGuruMrE (@SimGuruMrE) October 11, 2018

100% this... design pillars, product pillars whatever you want to call them just be sure to have them to keep everyone on the same target. https://t.co/AzJGK8u1uT

— SimGuruMrE (@SimGuruMrE) October 12, 2018

When we first did this stuff pack we actually did a lot of work on the back end to keep track of and store your score for a game...so this had to be a thing! of course famous bowler here I come! https://t.co/SuYEeU70nm

— SimGuruMrE (@SimGuruMrE) October 12, 2018

[aharris00britney]

ASKS 11

wip pic, complements ;-;, some meshing questions, and other stufffff

Anonymous said: Would you ever consider doing a version of your Sam and Briana hairs with the halo braid but as a pixie cut?          

hehe this ask inspired me to make something kind of similar but not a pixie cut SORRY ;n; here is a pic ; this will be the next speed meshing video/hair

@bluupxels​ said: what's ur opinion on dance the night away (TWICE comeback)?

I don’t hate it but it is in the bottom 2 for my title tracks ranking for them :( (OOH AAH is the bottom lmao ya’ll hear somethin?) The MV was pretty though and I like the side tracks on the album

Anonymous said: post selfies more often ;)

i never take photos of myself edfhvnb here is a pic i took a few nights ago bc i was wearing the same shirt Lucas had on in some pic of him lmao he just had some sweater over it

Anonymous said: Hey, for your meshing videos, are all the hairs yours? and are they WIPS? they all look great!

yeah they’re all my WIP hairs! I just do stuff a lot earlier than they get released and hairs get released through a voting system so it is kind of out of my hands on which/when hairs get released.

Anonymous said: AHH AJSHFL u are so cute hehe u have a pretty face :')

thank you omg ;n; I don’t think I do but ill take the complement XD

Anonymous said: r u gay? ♡

yes

Anonymous said: Not a question, i just want to say that i LOVE your cc hair's they are stunning <3

thank you so much!!! I am glad you like them <3

@garoto-estelar​ said: u're one of the best mm cc creators!! pls we need more male hair with bangss

I am super bad at doing male hairs @ayoshi-sims​ can vouch for me on this omg I am just... not able to do any good ones egdfbv I will try something though :P also ur header is gorgeous

Anonymous said: OMG THE SIM IN YOUR LATEST TUTORIAL LOOKS LIKE FANTINE FROM THE STAGE MUSICAL OF LES MISÉRABLES LMAO

had to look this up but omg the hair looks super similar rgfgbrgfdc

Anonymous said: where did you get blender from?

S4S has them linked but : Blender 2.76 (32x)  |  Blender 2.76 (64x)

Anonymous said: Oh gosh your content is perfect 💖 really love your blog ~alesimmers

thank you!!!! <3

@lrby01​ said: your sims are so prettyyy!! whats your secret?

most of the time i get a random off the gallery and use that as a base tbh, duplicate one of my main 3 sims, or use one of @ayoshi-sims​

Anonymous said: Hiya! Would the accessories you made in your newest speed meshing video also work w your Paige and Jennie hairs? Since they have the same headband? Thanks!

I think I moved the headband shape some so I’m not entirely sure, I will check before release though.

Anonymous said: WHY U SAY  IN JULY WHEN IT JULY

??

Anonymous said: You are f*cking perfect! love you

thank you ;-; I am no where near being perfect though lmao

Anonymous said: Sorry of you already are going to do this but will you upload that cute hair from your speed meshing video you uploaded? The half up half down one? It's so cute!!! I love your cc 😍😍😍

depends on voting :( currently I don’t think it will be released in August (there are 4 hairs that have more votes then it). Voting ends the 24th though so go vote if u want it :P

Anonymous said: do u watch reacttothek or like other kpop react channels? seems like ur into kpop haha and they’re my fave

I have seen some of the reacttothek videos!!! mainly just when someone I stan releases something new

Anonymous said: omg how ur soo organized 😂

I like neatness ;-;

Anonymous said: Hi, what's your ID? There I can find the sims that you use for every hair? Thank you <3

origin ID is aharris00britney

Anonymous said: I adore your hairs! I have so many of them in my game and it makes me so happy when I see what you have coming up. I was wondering if you have ever considered converting some of the hairs for kids as well as teens and older? I would love some kid hairs from you. Thanks for all that you do! <3

me and @ayoshi-sims​ are talking about collabing again and if we do then it will have some kids hair conversions :P

Anonymous said: Does the anathema palette you use for ur hairs have one for eyebrows?

I don’t think so :( not many people use the palette but I use the WMS eyebrows and then someone recolored the CC eyebrows I use in the WMS palette too. Links are on my resource page (which i know is broken rn but links still work)

Anonymous said: hi im sorry but are you a boy? ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

yeah! i am a boy lmao :P

Anonymous said: when i go to your resources page none of the pictures work?

I know ;n; all of my photos broke a few weeks ago (including all 140+ of my download page photos) so I had to change the links of the images from imgur to tumblr and it was a huge mess. I’m not happy with my current resource page so I am planning on redoing it eventually.

Anonymous said: Are you wcif friendly? If so where can I find the fruit choker on your last lovely sim. If not no worries. Hoping you’re having a rad day friend ❤️            

@ayoshi-sims​ drew it on, sorry ;-; thank you btw

Anonymous said: how close are you with ayoshi?

we’re engaged, wedding in winter

Anonymous said: let me just say I love the kpop references like the Minnie hair cause  kpop is my spirit animal but anyways I love you

yasssss

Anonymous said: f(x)?🧡💛

yeah i went to the funeral, what about it?

Anonymous said: So I just watched your speed mesh video and found myself wondering, what is the purpose of using edge split? I'm currently learning blender and though I've googled for various explanations, I'm unsure of what it achieves in terms of TS4 meshing.

sometimes when you remove doubles from the entire mesh, it makes weird shadows (you can see them in solid mode) that are super dark. Edge splitting gets rid of them without causing a seam to show in the mesh

Anonymous said: Wow, I've never sent an ask to you but I thought I'd just send some love your way! Your an amazing creator and I love that you take your time with each one of your creations. I love your edits and they inspire me to do better with mine! I love that you not only do straight hair but also curly, wavy and braided hair! Your sims are so beautiful and so are you! I always look forward to your cc too! :) Hope you have a great day/night!

thank you so so so much omfg i really appreciate it!!!

Anonymous said: hope this doesn’t sound rude, but why don’t you just release all the hair? I don’t know much about making custom content but it looks to me as if they’re finished, but I could be completely wrong of course. I was basically just wondering why you choose to do it this way if you don’t mind me asking :-)

I am trying to make sure I have enough to release if college gets super busy and releasing 3 a month is enough to have a pretty good amount of 36 hairs a year. Wasn’t a rude question at all btw :P

Anonymous said: OH MY GOD YOU'RE ADORABLE Anonymous said: omg you are literally the hottest thing ive seen all day and its 100 degrees outside *heart eyes motherfucker*         Anonymous said: ur cute    

i choked at these omg XD thank you

[btsinspirationtakesme]

King of my heart (1)

Everyone and their neighbour knows that your crush on Taehyung has been the source of several cringe- worthy moments.  Too bad it’s unrequited, right? 

AN: Originally, this was planned as a super long one shot, but it will now be two super long two-shots! This is not too heavy, it’s really relationship, personal fear based and will generally be just a cute fan-idol two part fic. Guilty pleasure stuff for the world of fanfics. 

You were 16 when you first met Kim Taehyung. 

He was 18, in a band, and you didn’t know much other than that. You mostly knew of him, from his grandmother who your mother had made friends with ever since you both moved into the new neighbourhood a year ago.  

As soon as your mother learned that the grandmother was a fan of your mothers cooking, she had made it a weekly thing to send some stew or whatever delicacy she was cooking that week. She would also send you to check on her every week when delivering the food, not that you minded. You liked hearing her new stories about her grandson, they seemed much more interesting than life in this village.  She also sent you home with a basket full of sweet, ripe strawberries that would power you through homework. For a 16 year old, you actually liked having chats with a grandmother.  

This time, when you knocked to deliver some stew, the door had opened almost immediently. Thrown off, you wondered if everything was okay because it usually took the grandma a good couple of minutes to get to the door. Poor hearing had made her naturally less quick to respond to you. 

“Hello, who are you?” The boys deep voice pleasantly caressed your ears, and you looked up to find a really, really, strikingly beautiful face. 

You hoped he wouldn’t hear your heart. It was thumping more than it had ever in your life. Well, you swore it hadn’t thumped like that. 

Your mouth felt sweaty. 

He was tall, tanned and armed with a kind smile. 

“I…is grandmother here?” You asked, thrown off by his simple question. You felt some red stir inside your face. 

“Yeah, she’ll be back in a few minutes. She’s just gone to her friends house. Why don’t you come in? Are you the girl she’s been talking about, the one who brings delicious stew every week?” He asked, chatting away. Instantly, you felt yourself relax. He didn’t pick up on how nervous you were, or he wanted to put you at ease. 

“I’m her grandson by the way, her favourite one! My names Kim Taehyung.” He said, introducing himself. Ah, so this was the grandson the grandmother was always telling you about. The one that had recently joined a boy group all the way in Seoul. 

“Do you know Exo?” You blurted, without thinking. What did you do? You put your hands up to cover your mouth in embarrassment. 

To your relief, he laughed. He laughed in the most melodic, jazzy voice you could hear. 

‘Not too well…do you know Bangtan Sanyoedan?” He asked, hopeful. You figured going inside for a few minutes wouldn’t hurt too much. You could get to know who this boy was, and he looked like someone that wouldn’t usually be in a place like this. He looked so cool, and you just wanted to know everything about him. A fan had already been born. 

“Will you give me concert tickets?” You asked, hopeful. You were both sitting with his grandmother as she was picking strawberries to send you back home with. 

“Of course he will! My Taehyung will even show you the concert venue!” His grandmother said, excited. Taehyung smiled shyly.

“I will, as long as you remember all the lyrics to our songs!” He joked, and you eagerly accepted. 

That was the first day you met Kim Taehyung, and you thought it would be the last considering he was in an actual kpop group. Stuff like that just didn’t come into your world. That was why you let yourself fantasise about meeting him again, because you knew it would never happen. He was really funny, and he kindly told you to keep up the good job caring for his grandmother. You, being the 16 year old that you were felt infatuated with everything that he was doing. He would no trouble getting fans, you thought. He had just found one in you. 

You saw his band debut, and started rooting for him alongside his grandmother whose home had slowly become a house of Kim Taehyung’s achievements. You started to fall in love with someone that probably forgot you existed, as a fan. You learnt more about Taehyung from behind a screen, and slyly managed to get information from his grandmother about what his likes and dislikes were. You felt like you knew more about him than other people, secretly. Of course, you kept your information a secret. The last thing you wanted to do was expose yourself as the girl who lived next door to Kim Taehyung’s grandmother, and spill out personal information about him. 

Kim Taehyung had created a place for you inside your heart, and it would never quite go away. 

A year later, and the thanksgiving break had brought into your village a stream of tourists and people visiting their relatives. The streets were lined up, busy with people coming in and out of small boutiques and stores. You were inside on of these stores, an apron on as you were working a part time job with your friend at the local art store. 

“Can you believe all your pieces have sold out, already?” Hay-Jeon looked through the stock that was left. The pieces you had painted were indeed nearly all sold out, and you felt a burst of pride shoot up your body. You weren’t good at many things, but art was where you felt most comfortable. 

“Well, there’s still one piece left.” You said modestly. It was the piece that you figured only a BTS fan would purchase, and since this was a small town, kids usually went to the city to buy anything kpop related. No one would really suspect there to be an oil based canvas of the face of the boy you had met a year ago. 

“Ah, the BTS one? I’m sure that’ll go soon too, it looks amazing. “ She said, taking the canvas and putting it straight into view from the store window. 

It really did look amazing, you were proud of yourself. You remember creating the piece, and it was when you were in a state of wonder. You had seen and heard so much about this Taehyung, who you had met once. It had also become the moment of several cringe worthy moments, as your grandmother neighbour had always made a habit to point out how you seem flustered everytime she spoke about him. Now, your entire neighbourhood was convinced that you had a huge crush on her grandson. Not that you didn’t, but you didn’t want everyone to know.

“Y/N! Can you help me move these boxes!” Your thoughts were interrupted by your boss calling out from the back.

“Make sure it holds properly! I’ll be back.” You said, before rushing out the back. Your boss had set you the task of moving some boxes of paint into the storage room, which you were doing when your buzzer rang. A customer, Hay-Jeon was probably busy serving someone else so the buzzer alerted you of a customer that needed serving. 

You moved back to the front of the store to find where the customer was. 

You recognised him from his height alone, and that probably said something about how many times you had memorised things about him, like how tall he was. 

“Hello?” You said, catching his attention. He was dressed in a dark hoody in jeans, like a cover incase someone noticed him. 

“You really got every detail right, didn’t you?” His voice had become deeper, a sound of delight as he looked through the portrait of his face. 

“How did you know I painted it?” You asked, and he said his grandmother had told him you were really good at art. 

“Do you like it?” You asked, your heart thumping faster and faster. 

“Yes, you’re so talented.” He smiled brightly at you, like he was almost at peace seeing his portrait and being in this small little art shop. 

You beamed, praise from him sounded so genuine and interested. 

“I really like the way you figured the tone here and here…” He began talking about the nuances of oil paint, and you were surprised. He could sing, dance, act, look like an angel and now this. 

“That’s exactly what I was trying to do! it’s so nice to see someone understand.” You admitted. Taehyung gave a pride filled smile, like he was happy to understand you. 

“I hope you can wrap it up nice for me, I want it.” He said, winking. You probably felt light headed, he shouldn’t be able to do stuff like that and act like nothing had happened. 

“Really?! No problem.” You said, taking the canvas off the wall and taking it behind the counter. Taehyung followed. 

“Are you here for thanksgiving? Your grandmother sent us some really amazing rice cakes this morning.” You said, re-calling the delicacy that she had brought over. 

“Yes, I have a break for a week and today’s my last day. I’m spending it with grandmother and wanted to see the village, and she told me you worked here so I thought I’d come and see how you were doing.” He said casually, leaning against the counter. 

Kim Taehyung had remembered who you were and came over to say hello to you whilst you worked your little job. 

You hoped the smile from your face wasn’t too bleeding obvious to be seen as something else. 

“That’s really nice of you, you’re so busy now and making really inspiring music.” You said. “I really didn’t think you’d remember me.” You laughed. 

“I remember everyone I meet, especially the ones that help my grandmother out with her grocery shopping.” 

“Plus, grandmother told me how you’ve really become a fan. I wanted to personally give you these tickets too, like I promised.” Taehuyng pulled out two golden envelopes from his pocket. 

“VIP tickets, you can also bring a friend.” He said, and you could have hugged him in excitement. 

You tried your best to stop fangirling. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! God, you have no idea what it’s like to get out of this damn village for a while.” You admitted, excited you could go into Seoul even for a night. 

“Hey, hey, I’d be stuck here too if I didn’t move to Seoul. You’re talented, so keep working hard and you’ll be out of this place soon too.” Taehyung said, giving you a piece of advice. Little did you know, you’d cling on to that advice for a long time until you could move. 

Taehyung had bought the canvas and said goodbye, leaving you to work the rest of your shift. Hay-Jeon had come over straight after serving her customer, and nudged your elbow. 

“It was him, wasn’t it? The grandson of the grandmother next door to you, the kpop group one? Gosh, he’s so handsome! Y/N, he knows you too!” She said, putting her hands on her face in excitement. 

“Look, we’re going to Seoul next month!” You fluttered the tickets in front of her face, causing her to grab one and read the details. 

“Seriously, these are amazing- VIP tickets too, and for next month!” 

A month had passed quickly, and Hay-Jeon and you were currently outside waiting to get in line to be seated at the venue BTS would be performing at. You were both quickly ushered to show your tickets, and as soon as the lady saw, another woman came over and directed you both into a different direction.

“It’s always exciting for friends to come and watch their friends perform, you’ll both be given seats and then you can go ahead and meet the boys.” She said warmly, leading you to both a booth situated right at the top of the arena, giving a birds eye of everything down below. 

“He must like you, Y/N! He didn’t have to give VIP seats, but he did.” Hay-Jeon said after the lady had left. You were both secluded from the excitement of fans further down the arena. 

Your heart thumped again, at the mention of him. 

“You like him, don’t you!” Hay-Jeon picked up. “No, you really like him. Your neighbours weren’t just teasing you…yah, Y/N. You should do something, he probably likes you too if he invited you out here.” She said, trying to get you to act on your feelings.

“Aish, don’t give me any ideas.” You swatted off her ideas, but inside you were contemplating what you saw as the impossible. Did, Taehyung think you were pretty? Would he even like you?  

The lights had dimmed down, commencing the start of the show. You had no idea how those three hours had passed, but they flew by. You were mesmerised, dancing and just having a really fun time seeing BTS perform. Taehyung was always catching your eye, even when your tried to focus your attention on every member. It was the way he smiled at everyone, and just carried himself with an almost regal presence. It was admirable. 

“We get to meet them, Y/N. Did I tell you how much I love you? Honestly, I’m naming my first kid after you.” Hay-Jeon said after the show had finished, and you were both directed back stage into the resting rooms for the members whilst they cooled down. You laughed, linking arms with her as you both entered the room Taehyung and his bandmates were in. You were feeling worried about meeting him again earlier on, because you didn’t have anything to thank him with apart from the stuff his grandmother packed for him. Hay-Jeon had pepped talked you before, you had nothing to worry about. You liked him, of course. Could there be a small chance he liked you?

“Y/N!”Yeah, totally nothing to worry about. You loved his voice. 

You were about to answer, when someone sweeped into your view at strode over to him, planting a kiss on his lips. 

Oh. A foreign feeling pushed your thumping heart into a slow beat. 

“You were amazing today, baby!” Well, there went any chance of being liked. 

“Thanks, I invited a friend from my grandmother’s village today, you think she liked it?” Taehyung beamed down brightly at the girl he just kissed. She was beautiful, and they looked so well put together. You hoped no one noticed the slight frown on your face, you quickly took a glance around the room. Two of his other band mates were there, Jeon Jungkook and Jung Hoseok. You really felt star struck in that moment, and Hay-Jeon herself was shying away as she glanced at the other two. 

“Friend? Oh, I thought some fans got in back stage.” The girl laughed, before settling her eyes on you. You noticed her disinterest in you immediently, but she was a good actor. 

“Ah, Hyunaah, you can’t pull jokes like Jin-hyung!” The voice belonged to Jungkook, who sensed your discomfort already. 

“What can I say? He taught me well!” She laughed Jungkook off. 

“Y/N, what did you think? Would grandmother like the show?” Taehyung asked, still beaming from the kiss he had with his- girlfriend, you assumed. 

You felt like you were interrupting something, and by Hay-Jeon’s lack of speech, it was probably an awkward situation for her too. You needed to get out of here. It’s not like he was planning on taking you out, you should just thank him for the tickets.

“She loved it. I wanted to thank you for the tickets actually,-” You were cut off by his girlfriend again. 

“Taehyung, that’s so nice of you!” Taehyung didn’t even notice how she spoke over you, smiling down at her like he was in love. 

“Y/N’s a really talented artist too..’ He said, but his girlfriend started to distract him with some faces she was pulling. You figured it would be too difficult to get his attention on the gift his grandmother had passed on to you, so you hesitantly looked to his bandmates. Jungkook had waved over, so you walked over to him. Your legs feeling like jelly from all this idol interaction.

“I’ll pass it over to him. Thanks, he hasn’t seen Hyunah in a while so this is why he’s like that.” Jungkook said after introducing himself, you managed to come back with a thank you.  Hay-Jeon next to you clearly had a case of cat stuck in your mouth after her usually bubbly personality just disappeared. 

Jungkook noticed, waving his hand cutely in front of her face. 

“Hello, nice to meet you two.” He said, and Hay-Jeon snapped out of her little shock. 

“I love you, please eat more, and please don’t work yourself, and please just be you. I love you.” She blurted, causing Jungkook to laugh. 

“Got it.” He said, a crinkle in his eye from his embarrassed laugh. 

“I’ll see you guys soon, fighting!” Jungkook was awfully perceptive, for someone who came off as aloof from your fan-idol perspective. 

You took one last look at Taehyung, serenading his girlfriend before you left the room. On your way to the metro station, Hay-Jeon had sighed about ten times. 

“What is it now?” You asked, feeling slightly down from your evening at the end. 

“Nothing, I’m just wondering why Taehyung is such an idiot.” 

“Really? I’m wondering why I crushed on him for two years when he was so out of my league.” You said instead. Everyone probably knew of your crush on him. 

“Well, look at the bright side now. No crush, just focus on you.” 

“You really think he’s out of my league, then?” You asked hesitantly, a small part of you wanted to hear a no, you shouldn’t give up Y/N. 

“No, you’re out of his league. Y/N, they’re all cute, but we belong in different worlds.” 

That night, you let Hay-Jeon’s words sink in. Different worlds. She was right, your life and his life were different and he was just being kind giving you tickets to see his show. He had a life, and you were only in it because you knew his grandmother. 

The dull ache in your heart didn’t stop for quite some time though, and you loathed the sensation. Infatuation with someone who was just being nice, you felt awfully low. 

Another year had gone by. You were home for the summer after an intense couple of months studying fine art in Seoul, where you lived for the term months. A lot of things had changed in the past year, including being in one of your ‘real’ relationships. Sun-ah was a finance analyst and had been introduced to you through your aunt’s husband, who he worked for in the city. He was charming, a gentleman who really knew how to be…the perfect boyfriend. It was almost too good to be true, he would know when you were cold, when you needed time alone and when you wanted him. A small part of you asked why you wanted time alone from him usually, especially when you only saw each other during the holidays because of your schedules. You knew inside it was because of your crush on Taehyung that never went away, so you convinced yourself to find someone that could make you forget about him. 

After you had finished unpacking for the summer at home, you knew instantly who you wanted to see. 

“I’ll be back mother!” You said coming down the stairs.

“Are you going to see Sun-ah?” Your mother asked from the kitchen. You stopped in your tracks. No, you were actually planning to see your neighbour grandmother. You realised Sun-ah obviously, should be your first…person to see. 

“I’m going to just say hello to the grandmother!” You said, and your mother sighed before coming over to you. 

“You’re not in love with that boy, are you?” She asked before handing you a small sack. 

“I’m just not clingy!” You countered quickly for her comment about Sun-ah. You knew he had just gotten his yearly break from the office so you should want to see him, but you didn’t for some reason. You convinced it was because you had just gotten here from a 6 hour journey and could only manage something light like seeing the grandmother. 

“There’s stew there, make sure she has it.” Your mother said rolling her eyes. 

“He’s a finance analyst, he works for a big bank, he’s good looking, what are you waiting for?!” She pointed out. You knew she was right, Sun-ah was pitch perfect. Anyone else would try and make your relationship much, much more serious. You technically should. 

So why weren’t you?

The answer came in the form of who answered the grandmother’s door. 

Today, you noticed his doe like eyes first, perfectly shaped as they met yours that always seemed to be caught in headlights seeing him. 

“Hello.” He said, calmly. 

You pushed your hearbeat down. Wow, you hadn’t felt that in over a year. 

“Hi.” You smiled. 

He doesn’t like you, Y/N, doesn’t like you, doesn’t like you…

“Are you on a break?” You asked, trying to stop yourself just looking at him. 

He nodded. “We’re all taking a break before the next concept. I’m spending some time with grandmother.” He said, and you were reminded from memory that their next comeback was in a few months. They’d just wrapped a world tour too. Of course he was taking a break. 

“I saw some of the footage online, it looked really fun. You must be tired now though.” You said, and he nodded. He told you how he loved the tour, but that he was glad to have the chance for a break now. You didn’t want to know why you felt slightly relieved hearing that. You shouldn’t care, not when he had a girlfriend. 

Taehyung invited you in and you made your way into the grandmothers living room to find her. 

“Fresh stew, grandmother!” You said happily, seeing her sat down comfortably on the couch.

“Ah, just what I was craving!” She said, before coming up and taking a good look at you.

“Oh my, my, Y/N! Welcome home for the summer, I can’t wait to see more of your art.” She said, taking the stew from you. 

“I heard you’re dating the city boy, the finance analyst- is that true?” She suddenly asked, causing you to fee like crawling in a hole. Why didn’t you want Taehyung knowing? 

“Yes, Sun-ah”. You clarified. 

“Ah, excellent! He’s a fine man, like my Taehyung. He’ll take good care of you.” 

This had suddenly gotten awkward for you, since your crush on Taehyung had never quite died down, and now you really shouldn’t be thinking about him. Your heart shouldn’t be feeling so alive because of him. 

This was unrequited. 

“Ah, shy! Young love.” She took your lack of response for shyness, going into the kitchen to put the stew away. That left you and Taehyung. 

Taehyung smiled. “Finance”. He said, smiling, looking down. 

You nodded, trying to put a smile on your face.

“I should actually be going, I told Sun-ah I’d see him tonight.” You said, and your eyes had deceived you because you swore you saw Taehyung’s smile wear off quickly.  

Really, you wanted to just to talk to him. You wanted to know more about him, because you felt like this feeling of tension that you had inside of you, would never quite go away unless you got to know Kim Taehyung. There was something almost magnetic about him, and the way he smiled at you made you feel like he was shooting lasers inside you. 

There was something far too oddly person for now in his stare and that frightened you, and intensified your curiosity. 

You belonged in different worlds though, Hay-Jeon’s voice rang inside your head. 

“Really? Have fun, it’ll be great if we can hang out. I’m here for a while.” Taehyung said, bringing his boxy smile back up. The thought of hanging out with him sent butterflies to your stomach, and you tried your best to get rid of them. 

“Just call me, I’m two doors down.” You said in a friendly voice, hoping it would disguise all the other feelings inside you, like how your crush never did die. You were disappointed in your self, this wasn’t how you wanted to feel. 

You had gone to meet Sun-ah later that evening, at the local bar that the entire village frequented. He greeted you with a gentle kiss on the cheek, and told you how beautiful you looked tonight. You wanted to feel light, and fluttery, and all those feelings a girlfriend would feel with her boyfriend. You hadn’t been feeling like that for some time, and you assumed the long distance would make you feel better. Here, you felt worse. 

“I made a huge deal before summer break, jagi. It was honestly amazing, around $300,000 in real estate. You should have…” You needed to be a supportive girlfriend here, as your conversation with Sun-ah had gone into how his work was going after you were seated and ordered food. 

You smiled, encouraging him. You knew you didn’t care a damn about his deals, but you tried to. 

“So what have you been doing?” He asked, now playing with your hands as he listened to you. You noticed how he had a few drinks, which wasn’t really like him from what you knew. Maybe it was because he was working all the time, and finally had a break so decided to let loose. 

“I had my first exhibition. It was at the art gallery in Gangam, a mystery buyer bid $500 on my piece.” You started telling him about the exhibition, but you knew he wasn’t interested. You knew a good actor when you saw one. 

“What are you thinking of doing after the art school thing, it’s kind of…aloof right?” 

Aloof. 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean, it’s cute but you’re a smart girl. You’d do well in something like business, or law, or even finance. Art’s cute, but you need to be able to do something that really proves your worth.” 

Your worth.

Art was your life. All this time he had tried to sound really impressed with your art, like when you first me him. But, he thought it didn’t prove your worth? 

You looked at him down the last of his soju, and decided it was probably the alcohol taking over his brain. You were not looking forward to the meal with him, but decided to stick through it because that’s what good girlfriends do. 

“I think you’ve had one too many, Sun-ah”. You laughed off his last question, even though it really hit a nerve. 

Your worth. 

It was uncharacteristic of him, you decided it must have been the alcohol talking. 

After the meal, you had called a taxi home. You were slightly put off by Sun-ah’s advances, even though you knew you shouldn’t be. You dodged your head when he leaned in to kiss you, and you wanted to find his pout endearing. You really did. 

He was gorgeous. Anyone would want to volunteer to make sure he was taken care off, so why weren’t you? 

“Ajusshi, this is his stop.” You said to the driver, helping Sun-ah get out. 

“Mmmm, my little artsy girlfriend. Cute.” He said in a patronising voice, and you rolled your eyes. You helped him find his keys and kissed his cheek before making sure he got inside properly. 

It felt like a duty. 

That night, you couldn’t sleep. All you could think about was how the summer would go. Sun-ah was wonderful, but you knew he wasn’t making you feel wonderful. The first few months of dating had worn off, and now you just didn’t feel interested knowing about the deals he was making, or the office politics of his life. He was gorgeous, but your physical attraction could only go so far. When you managed to sleep after 3, your mind had decided to fill itself with the eyes of a certain person down the street from you. The one that you had to remind yourself belonged to a different world. 

The following day, your mother had announced she would be having a small get together. A BBQ with a few people invited, just to make use of the good weather and have a nice afternoon. You texted Sun-ah to come by, and had gone last minute grocery shopping at your mothers request to make sure she had everything she needed. After you had come back and settled the groceries in the kitchen, you made your way over to the garden patio to see who had turned up. 

You smiled and said hello to a group of your mothers friends seated, before you eyes had settled on three people you didn’t picture would be together. 

Sun-ah, Taehyung and his grandmother on one table. 

“Jagi!” Sun-ah waved over to you. You put on a smile, walking over to them and taking the seat next to him. 

You were opposite Taehyung, whose skin looked like the sun was caressing it out of love. How did he glow? 

“Omo, don’t they make the loveliest couple? Sun-ah’s lovely, Y/N. “ Taehyung’s grandmother was gushing over him. Everyone did, he was the epitome of a successful, kind, bachelor. 

“Ah, grandmother, you’re too much.” Ever the charmer, you thought. You were filled on what the three of them had been talking about, and it was mainly to do with Seoul life. Both Taehyung and Sun-ah lived in the city most of the time, so the conversation was pretty neutral up until Sun-ah asked Taehyung about being a musician. 

“But creative things…they’re a risk. I was telling Y/N this last night, she needs to find something that makes her worthy.” 

You suddenly felt embarrassed. Your neutral smile had just disappeared, and Taehyung was the first to pick up on it shoot a stare to Sun-ah. 

“I’m sorry, but what do you mean?” Taehyung asked, suspicious, teetering on the edge of his usually kind voice. 

“You know, things like music and art aren’t real industries. Maybe for you, it worked. You’re good looking, you sing well, but over here, after art school Y/N doesn’t have a job ready for her. With art, she’s not worthy.” He explained as if it was a matter-of-fact. Last night, you thought he was just drunk. Clearly this was how he felt. 

Taehyung’s grandmother was shocked. 

“There’s more to life than just money, Sun-ah.” She said, trying to explain. 

“Ah, yes grandmother. But sometimes you need to be practical.” He countered quickly.

You felt tears line up your eyes, since when did your perfect boyfriend become so mean when it came to the one thing that gave you hope?

“I think what you’ve said is wrong. Why is someone’s worth defined by what job they love doing?” Taehyung said sharply. He looked seriously at Sun-ah, losing all signs of the boxy smile you loved. 

“Y/N’s art work has been praised by a lot of people, especially one of her water colours of the sky line.” Taehyung said passionately. Your ears popped up, the water colour of the sky line was the piece that got bought by an anonymous buyer at your first exhibition?

Before you could say anything, your mother had come round bearing food. 

“Ah, too much talking will make you all too hungry! Eat up!” She had joined you all, halting the previous conversation, and set food on all your plates. This was the first time she took a look at Taehyung too. 

“Ah, you look even more handsome in person, no wonder Y/N had a poster of you in her room a couple of years ago!” Your mother didn’t have a mental filter clearly, and you felt the insides of your cheeks grow hotter. 

Taehyung laughed, breaking away earlier tension and glanced up shyly at you. 

“Really? I see.” He mused, chuckling. 

You were mortified. You prayed this lunch would be over quickly, because you had strong words to have with Sun-ah and questions for Taehyung. 

Sun-ah and you had gone on a walk before the little get together had ended, at your insistence. You wanted to find out why he thought your worth was defined by your art, or lack of worth in his view. 

“Why do you think art doesn’t make me…worthy?” The words were difficult to come out of your mouth. 

Sun-ah sighed, “it’s nothing personal, jagi. It’s just one of those things you need to get your head around. You’re good, but you’re no Picasso.” He said, like he was shooting down a business offer. 

Memories flashed of your childhood looking up to great artists, and aspiring to be like them. You remember begging your mother for one of the best art-sets to get you started, and how she had worked over time just to get you it. 

You remember crying and not eating over your art school submission into Seoul’s top institution. 

The emotions were too much, you felt too much and that’s why you couldn’t coherently tell him you had just reached a deal breaker in your relationship.

“I think we need time apart, Sun-ah.” You said what you could manage.

Sun- ah looked at you in confusion. 

“Why? Jagi, I’m helping you see sense here.”

No, you’re not. You thought. 

“No, I think we need time apart.” You forced out again, hating being next to someone that thought you weren’t good enough to be a good artist. He really underestimated how important art was to you. 

He noticed the tears bundling in your eyes, and instead of comforting you, Sun-ah sighed. 

“I’ll see you soon.” You moved away from his kiss, and he huffed. You watched him get in his car and drive away home when you reached the end of your walk, leaving you to walk the short distance back home. 

The tears had made themselves known far too earlier though, as salty water dripped down your face. You wanted to wait until you got home to ugly cry, but your mind had other plans as everything replayed inside your head. 

As you were about to unlock your door, you whipped your head around to see whose voice had just shouted to you.

“Wait!” Taehyung was a few doors down, walking over to you. 

He took in your teared face, which was speechless because of your silent cries. 

“Would you like to walk with me?” He asked softly, reaching your face with his smooth hands and swiping a stray tear. 

“I’m embarrassed.” You admitted. Taehyung took that as a yes, and gently pulled your arm in the direction you had just come from. 

“Why? Do I look that unfriendly?” He asked, a gentle smile on his face. 

“No.” You sad quickly, wiping some tears away. You both continued to walk in silence, and it was oddly comforting as you focused on the green grass, daisies and blossom trees on the route. 

Taehyung sighed. 

“Hes…kind of a douche, Y/N. “ Taehyung said, beating to the chase. You snorted. 

“He wasn’t always like this.” You said. “I thought he liked what i drew first.” You said. 

“Why did you like him then, was it his face?” He asked. 

“No.” You quickly countered. 

“His body? He works out.” Taehyung continued. You shot him a look in disapproval. 

“Then? What’s the substance to him? That man can’t appreciate beauty if it hit him in the face.” He said through gritted teeth. 

“Not only that, what kind of a boyfriend puts his girlfriend down like that? You’re better than that,” Taehyung stopped in his tracks and made you stand shoulder to shoulder to him. 

“I know I am.” You said. 

“Have you ever heard, how people live, get up out bed, go to work, all for the hopes of the arts?” Taehyung said insightfully. 

“Don’t let anyone demean what you make by saying it’s cute, Y/N. You deserve more.” He said seriously, trying to explain his point. 

Taehyung was awfully insightful, making you nod in agreement. 

“Then why are you with him, Y/N?” Taehyung asked, slightly frustrated. He said he understood Sun-ah’s appeal, but you striked him as someone with a little more…to look for. 

“He was nice to talk to, and I really needed to move on.” You said, but embarrassment hit you as you knew what it was you needed to move on from. 

“Who did you need to move on from?” Taehyung asked, fearing whoever it was must have left a mark for you to move on to someone you clearly didn’t like, just for the sake of it. 

You, you thought. You were in love with someone who you only saw out of luck. How pathetic. 

“He was a musician.” You said, lying through your teeth. 

“Ah, you have a thing for people who make music?” He joked, but you felt a hint of jealousy come out if you weren’t too confused. 

Y/N, he had nothing to be jealous of. 

“Yeah.” You said. “He…it was kind of a one sided thing, and I fell too deeply and it was impossible for the relationship to be returned.” You said. 

“What a blind guy.” He said, surprising you. 

“Blind?” You asked. “You see something that they don’t?”

“A friend with so much to give.” Taehyung said, and it gave you some idea of where you now stood with him. He saw you as a friend. 

“Thank you.” You said. You were friends, with Kim Taehyung. 

“Friends don’t let other friends cry.” Taehyung said, wiping another tear from your face. You wanted to lean into his touch, but you stopped yourself. Friends, right?

“Friends also tell friends when they need to ditch bad partners.” He said, stronger. 

“We’re having some time apart.” You said. Taehyung was about to say something else but he stopped himself. He wanted to say that you should just end it there, but he realised these were your decisions to make. 

“Good, that means you can spend some time with me.” Taehyung said in a playfully possessive voice. 

Your heart wouldn’t stop itself jumping. 

“What do you want to do?” You asked, quickly recovering from your tears. 

“I want to have a summer that people dream of…of eating ice cream at sunset, and going to the beach and going to art galleries and drinking iced tea…” Taehyung painted an aesthetic picture that sounded like the summer you wanted too. 

As friends, you might be tortured but it was what you were getting. 

You promised to not let yourself, fall for him even more than you had. 

“Yes?” He asked, taking your hands and holding them as his boxy smile and bright eyes gleamed. 

“Just pay for my ice cream.” You lightly joked, causing Taehyung to put his arm around you and embrace you in a friendly hug.

“All the ice cream you want, you’ll need even more when you break up from that douche of a bo-” Taehyung suddenly put his fingers to his mouth cheekily. 

“I didn’t say anything, let’s get you home Y/N. Our summer starts tomorrow.” He said, turning your directions again. 

Summer was about to get a lot more interesting. 

The course of the summer had seen you and Taehyung become, very close. it was becoming difficult to find boundaries. It didn’t take too long to break up with Sun-ah, who was convinced you were sleeping with Taehyung after a while and accused you of cheating. You were also having your own crisis, you knew you lied to Taehyung about what caused you to go to Sun-ah in the first place. It was eating away at you, you wanted to get it out because secrets could only hold for so long. 

What scared you most about this summer was how invested you had become in Taehyung, and how invested he had become in you. Taehyung knew where your art pieces were going, and you knew what songs he sounded good covering, and what themes he was trying to reflect through his song writing attempts. 

It had also made everyone in the neighbourhood convinced that you were both together. You reminded yourself how being friends was okay, but anything else would cause heartbreak. He had a girlfriend that you hadn’t asked about yet, and you both belonged to different worlds. 

Hay-Jeon had reminded you of it again when you ran into her last week. 

“Just be careful, remember how he forgot you last year, and how sad you were after?”

The thought never left you when you spent time with him. Everytime he turned his back, to get you extra straws or extra ice cream, you briefly thought about how wonderfully natural this would feel if you were both together. Then you were reminded of how that was impossible. 

“I have a question.” Taehyung asked this time. You were both having an evening picnic.

You told him to go on. 

“You said the guy you liked was a musician. Was…he notable?” He asked, curiously. 

You felt caught in headlights. 

“I guess so.” You admitted, fearing where this was going. You had dug yourself deep when you said he was a musician. 

“I see.” Taehyung paused. 

“What an ass.” He said. “How could he be so blind?” Taehyung shook his head in disbelief. 

“You’re really feeding my ego, here.” You joked. 

“Seriously though! Who was he, I need to have a word with him. How dare he do that to my friend?” 

“He had a girlfriend.” You added. 

“Yeah, but he shouldn’t had led you on like that!” Taehyung countered. 

“He didn’t lead me on, I was just stupid.” You said. 

“Why? What did you do?” He asked. 

“I thought I had a chance with him, but our worlds we’re too separate.” 

“How?” Taehyung pressed. “Is he an idol?” He asked, surprised. 

You nodded, exposing yourself. 

“Who is it, did one of my members contact you after the concert that you came to?” Taehyung said, protectively. 

“Nope.” You popped the ‘p’. You were going towards breaking point, potentially about to damage the beautiful summer you had been having so far. 

“Taehyung…” You drawled. 

“It was you.” You admitted, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted of  your shoulders. You knew he probably still had a girlfriend that doted over him, but you couldn’t keep it in any longer, especially now that you were both friends. 

Friends don’t keep secrets like that.

“Are you sure?” Taehyung asked, acting confused. You were thrown off, hesitantly nodding. 

“That can’t be right.” He said further in contemplation. 

“Why? You think I’ve mixed you up for someone else?” You shot. 

“No, you said his feelings were unrequited.” Taehyung said, coming closer to you. He searched your eyes, and your heart sped a thousand more than you had ever thought it could. 

“He-you- you have a girlfriend.” You reminded him. 

“I had someone for a month, a year ago. I broke up with her a week after you left.” Taehyung said, twirling your fingers in his hands. 

“Maybe you can decide if these feelings are unrequited.” 

Taehyung’s soft lips met with yours after he had scanned your eyes for any hesitation. At first you were confused with what had just happened, before your lips adjusted to his taste.

“Can I continue?” He asked, breaking away slightly. 

You didn’t reply, instead pulling him closer as his body had slowly positioned itself on the grass over yours. Your mouths kept themselves on each other, and as soon as  Taehyung had let a breathy moan out you had spread your hands to feel his broad shoulders and muscular arms. 

“Why are you so tempting?” He asked, breathily before pulling away and bringing you up with him. You exhaled, feeling dizzy with what just happened. Your heart was going into over drive and you felt yourself crave Taehyung’s body. His muscular arms and broad shoulders and just made you think of everything else he had to offer.

“Unrequited. Silly girl.” Taehyung said.

“Why did you have to be so complicated? You think I smile like this for every girl that comes by.” Taehyung teased. 

“You think I want to spend my summer with just any girl?” He said further.

“You think I invite any girl to my concert?” Taehyung loved teasing your lack of foresight. 

“You think I’ve asked my grandmother about any girl for the past three years?” 

“You’re not any girl, Y/N. You’re now my girl.” 

That was how things were looking now, and the rest of your summer was going to get even more exciting. You thought about how Hay-Jeon had said you were from different worlds, but you just wanted to live in the moment for now. Maybe it was because touching Taehyung had made you feel more alive than you ever had, and you had gotten to understand the ins and outs of his mind, and for some reason he understood yours too well. 

Maybe you were from different worlds, and that meant you could never quite be two people harmoniously in sync. 

For now though, he was in yours and you felt that was all you really needed. 

[jesbakescookies]

Here’s an old Christmas smut one shot. 

This is a AU featuring Merle and Sam from Sweet Hereafter, an if they met before type fic (you don’t need to read SH but it’s kinda fun to see them before).

If you’ve read Sweet Hereafter this is based ten years prior to the zombie out break. It is pretty much smut, fyi. This is a stand alone one shot that may or may not turn into something depending on reactions. Let me know your thoughts.

I don’t own the walking dead etc. OC and non canon stuff is mine.

Story contains lyrics and title is inspired from “If you want trouble” by Nick Waterhouse

On any given day Merle could find trouble. Whether it was booze, blow or broads, if he wanted it, he could find it. Trouble came easy for most Dixons but Merle was a professional hellion.

He could saunter into any shithole bar, in any asscrack of Georgia town and walk out with not only a goodie bag full of drug cocktails but a piece of tail to do them with.

It was easy, always was and probably always would be but that Christmas Eve night when the bars door opened with a groan and slammed shut with a obnoxious screech, a type of trouble walked in that would have Merle on his knees begging for it.

He stood at the end of the long sticky bar top, a beer bottle hanging loosely in his hand and cigarette tucked behind his ear. He had just finished working an odd job at a nearby packaging warehouse. They’d needed extra help for the holidays and he made a quick grand loading 18 wheelers with over priced bullshit for suburbanites. He was at the bar blowing through some of that hard earned cash when he saw her. His head lolled to the side, his piercing baby blues taking in the lean blonde swaying her way through the crowded tables. She sided up to the bar ordering a Jack and Coke from Martinez the resident pint slinger. Her blonde hair was haphazardly pulled back, tendrils falling onto the shoulders of her leather jacket.

Merle peered over and saw her curved ass painted in worn denim perched on the barstool, her boot clad foot braced on the kick rail. She was pale but her cheeks were flushed from the cold air whipping through the darkened streets. Her plump lips cupped the glasses rim as she sipped her drink. She was sexy as fuck and looked like she could chew a man up and spit him to the side.

He wanted her. 

Wanted her bent over a stationary object so he could rail into her. Spread open and wet for him.

Fuck, his cock throbbed at just the thought of seeing her soft thighs and perky tits. He hadn’t seen such a good looking woman in the whole state of Georgia, which said a lot since he spent most his time drifting all over those rolling hills.

Merle smirked at Martinez who was leaning towards her, his Latin charm in full swing. He could tell the blonde was unimpressed but gladly taking her free refill from the overconfident man.

Deciding it was time to see just what kind of girl he was checking out, Merle strolled over, sliding into the seat next to her. He leaned in close, his arm braced on the back of her barstool.

“Martinez botherin’ ya Sugar?” He drawled a slow grin curling his lips. She cocked an eyebrow and asked, “Your name Martinez too?”

Snorting Merle rasped sarcastically, “Do I look brown enough to be a fuckin’ Maaaartinez?”

“I figured Martinez was a code word for asshole or something.” She snarked sipping her drink. Merles eyes narrowed and asked, “Ya callin’ me an asshole Sugar?”

“Yes. Now can I drink in peace?”

Merle waved a hand dismissively and grunted, “Nah it’s Christmas Eve. Nobody should be alone on Christmas.”

“I don’t believe in Christmas.” she grumbled her finger swiping through the sweat on her glass. Chuckling Merle rasped, “Ya should. Saint Nick hooked ya up this year, ol’ Merle’s here t'keep ya company.”

“Oh really? Sounds like I got jipped.”

“Now that ain’t nice Sugar.” Merle pouted, his lip out before slowly grinning, “How bout ya tell me your name and we get t'know one anotha.”

“Names none of your damn business and I prefer to drink alone.” She growled, her eyes cutting to his angrily.

“Ya know what they say bout drinkin’ alone dontcha?” Merle teased, raising his eyebrow comically.

“No what?” She retorted, her lip curled into a sneer. Merle couldn’t get over how sexy she was while being a bitch. He wanted to suck on her snarling lip, maybe even bit it until she squirmed.

“That it’s boring as fuck.” He spoke plainly then suggested, “Now how ‘bout I buy ya another ‘n we go play a round of pool.”

Rolling her eyes, the woman threw back the last of her drink and conceded, “I’m not one to turn down free booze. Pony up old man.”

“Hey now! I ain’t no old man. Sugar.”

“It’s Sam not Sugar and I don’t give a shit s'long as you’re payin’.” She responded before sliding off the barstool and sauntering over to the pool tables. Merle watched her sexy ass sway over to the green felt tables and lean a curved hip against the edge. Two men were playing and only half way through the game when she batted her gorgeous blue eyes at them. Merle snorted as he watched them trip over themselves to set the table up for her and get her a cue.

“She looks more dangerous than you Dixon.” Martinez commented setting down another round of drinks.

“Pfft. I’ll take ‘er home by last call.” Merle rasped with a cocky grin, adding, “Bet ya tonight’s tab she walks out on my arm.”

Chuckling the bartender nodded, “A'right I’ll take that bet and a counter, I bet she lays you out flat when ya try.”

Rolling his eyes Merle joked, “Ain’t no girl knockin’ a Dixon out. Got a jaw of steel.”

Walking away with their drinks he met up with Sam at the tables. The two men currently trying their hand at winning the blonde over gave him the stink eye when he handed her another drink.

“Bout fucking time. I’m going crazy listening to these numb nuts try and teach me how to play pool.”

“Well ya heard the lady boys, fuck off and find some other cooze to hassle.” Merle dismissed the men, giving them a cocky sneer.

“Are you calling me a cooze?” She asked with a irritated wrinkle in her forehead.

“Well ya got a nice pair of tits 'n I’m just assumin’ but I bet ya got a nice slice of pie too. So yeah cooze.”

“I’m gonna need a whole lot more alcohol to put up with your shit Merle.” Sam sighed before gulping her latest drink. “Better keep your tab open.”

“My pleasure, now get your sexy ass over there and break.”

Sam took the cue from the table and stood at the end, her lithe body leaning over to break the triangle formation of balls. He licked his bottom lip, biting it almost bloody as her shirt dipped showing off delicious looking cleavage. The thought of licking up the curve and biting down on the narrow column of her neck had Merle adjusting his jeans. He watched as she broke the table up, the balls spreading out and a solid falling into a corner pocket.

“Good girl,” he rasped, sipping his beer watching her move easily around the table. The woman was hot and could apparently play a mean game of pool because it took a few shots before Merle had a turn. He watched her lean casually against the table, her ass perched on the edge while she gulped the last of her drink.

“Should slow down Sugar. I want ya walking out on my arm not thrown over my shoulder.” He gave her a toothy grin while sinking a stripe into a pocket. Sam rolled her eyes and retorted, “Who says I’ll be leaving with you of all people.”

“Well you’re stickin’ around to play a game with me, drinking my booze.”

“So you buy me drinks and I owe you?” Sam sneered.

Chuckling while taking a shot he drawled, “Nah just means you’re enjoyin’ my company.”

Snorting she dead panned, “No it means I enjoy booze.”

Laughing gruffly Merle nodded while shrugging lazily. “S'pose so but ya coulda drank at the bar but now you’re playin pool with me.”

“So I like pool doesn’t mean you’re getting anywhere near my 'slice of pie’.” Sam imitated his drawl while repeating his catch phrase. Merle grinned and swaggered closer, his head cocking to the side as he approached drawling slow and thick, “I guaran-goddamn-tee you’d enjoy me being reeeal close to your pie. So much so you’d ache for me later.”

“Oh really?” She breathed clearing her throat and suggested, “maybe I’m a lesbian.”

“You? A carpet muncher?” Merle laughed gruffly, rubbing a hand over his rough jaw, “Nah. I got a feelin’ most broads don’ like ya. I see all the other cats hissing in the room. They don’t seem t'like the competition.”

“Yeah well maybe I don’t like sex at all. Maybe I’m celibate.”

“Doubt it.” He drawled, his finger curling in her belt loop, pulling her closer. He listened to her breathing kick up and watched her cheeks flush. He could feel the heat radiating off her as he rasped quietly, “Ya like sex. I can tell these things.”

“Pffft.” Sam huffed pushing him away while picking up his beer and taking a swig “Like booze more.” She muttered as she dropped another ball in a corner pocket.

They played two games, both of which Merle won by the skin of his teeth. Sam drank more than he thought possible for a woman her size and was still on her feet. Her words were slower but she was far from a slurring drunken mess. She either drank heavily often or had some super powers that burned off alcohol rapidly.

“I wanna dance.” She announced turning on her heel to saunter over to the jukebox. Merle watched her scan through all the different available tracks and drop a few coins in, her fingers pushing her choice.

The music picked up a guitar and horn sounding song with jazzy drums. It wasn’t something Merle would ever listen to, being more of a hard rock stereotypical redneck music fan. However it made Sam sway her little ass across the dance floor so it might be the best song Merle had ever heard. He felt his feet moving before his mind caught up, the idea of holding onto those supple curves while she gyrated intoxicated him.

“If you want trouble

You got it”

Merle had never heard a more accurate song lyric in all his life. Fucking hell he didn’t just want it, he needed it. He watched her turn as he approached, her eyes hooded and predatory, her hips swaying and dipping. Her hands were sliding up her curves and over her head, twisting together into her hair seductively. Reaching forward Merle grabbed her hips, his fingers curling under her belt to yank her against his front making her squeak and giggle. Merle grinned wolfishly at the sound, “C'mere Sugar. Wanna feel ya.”

“Said you been thinking all night about it

Well if you look you know where I’ll be”

Sam’s soft body stretched out along his broad frame. Her hands slid up his chest to grasp the back of his neck, her blunt nails scraping along the back of his head. He grunted at the overwhelming sensation and warned, “Careful girl.” Sam smirked at him while swirling her hips to the bass.

“If if you want trouble yeah, trouble

If you want trouble.”

Her damn blue eyes looked dark as pitch and the friction of her lithe body swaying against his had Merle rock hard.

“Sugar, ya got no fuckin’ idea how sexy ya are.” He drawled softly, his breath ghosting over the curve of her ear. His hand stroked its way to her lower back, fingertips sliding under the hem of her shirt to touch soft skin. Applying the barest of pressures had Sam plastered to his chest, a tiny gasp catching his ear. Merle didn’t dance and probably never would have but Sam had him shuffling with her to the music, her body curling around his. She let her hands drag down his broad shoulders, her nimble fingers touching the edges of his shirt sleeve. Merle swallowed thickly as his groin pulsed with need. She wasn’t doing anything sexual, just the warmth of her fingertips was enough to cause a throb inside him. Soon her hands were sliding along his stomach making his abs twitch until they curled into the leather of his vest, pulling him closer.

“You got moves old man.” She rasped, her voice low and breathy. Merle chuckled and whispered hoarsely “ya got no fuckin’ idea girl. No fuckin’ idea.”

Letting his lips graze the sensitive skin behind her ear Merle heard her panting, the sexy woman obviously as turned on as he was. The song slowed and eventually ended, leaving them standing there staring at each other, both sounding breathless.

“Let’s get outta here. Got some party favors back at my place.” Merle rasped hoarsely, ticking his head to the exit door as his fingers stroked her lower back. Sam hummed to herself, lips pursed slightly. He could see her tossing the idea around in her pretty little head before she responded, “I gotta make a stop first.”

“A'right.” Merle agreed quickly, anything to get her alone and with less clothing. He, gripped her hand and began pulling her out of the bar. Giving Martinez the one finger salute and a cocky grin, Merle hollered, “Thanks for the drinks Marty.”

The man’s eyes narrowed and he shook his bald head while drying a pint glass. “Fuck you Dixon.”

The couple headed outside to Merle’s motorcycle as Sam looked at him dubiously. “Are you too drunk to drive this thing without killing me? I kinda like having skin on my face.” She asked with a worried expression.

Merle chuckled, “Girl I’ve been ridin’ drunk since before you were a twinkle in you pa’s eye.”

“First off, there ain’t been no twinkle in my sperm donors eye in his whole goddamn life and you aren’t that much older than me.”

“A girl with daddy issues, surprise surprise.” He muttered before asking, “How old are then?”

He climbed on and held an arm out to help her balance. Sam swung her leg over and replied, “22.”

“Well I got a dozen years on ya, girl.” Merle replied, his eyebrows raised.

“Fuck off Merle.” She sneered playfully.

“Ya always a bitch?”

“Nah. Just to assholes like you.” She quipped from behind him, her arms squeezing him tightly.

Merle could tell she was smiling and didn’t let her rude words effect him. Instead he chuckled and drawled, “A'right where to, smart ass?”

“Fifth and main.”

Merle cocked an eyebrow at the location. His dealer was located at fifth and main but it seemed odd for her to know Crowley. He’d never seen her in town before, let alone hanging out at that low life’s place.

“What ya gotta do there?”

“Just dropping something off.” She answered vaguely, “Sooner we get 'er done the sooner we can relax for the evening.”

Merle could picture her eyebrow cocked suggestively, her lip bitten pink. Kick starting the bikes engine they peeled out fast and hard, gravel spitting out behind them. Ten minutes later they pulled up to fifth and main and sure enough she strolled towards Crowley’s. “Stay here.” She told him as she slide off the bike expertly.

“I don’t think ya should go in there alone darlin’.”

“Stay here.” She repeated over her shoulder without a backwards glance.

Merle watched her lean against the doorframe and knock, waiting for the scumbag to answer. When the door opened Crowley looked irritated at first but then frightened. Merle climbed off instantly but watched in rapt attention as Sam punched he dealer in the face and pushed him back inside. Merle jogged up the steps and made it inside before she kicked the door closed.

“I said stay outside,” Sam growled before pulling out a handgun from her purse.

“Jesus sugar. Whatcha doin’?”

“Dropping off a message.” She growled, her gun aimed at the dealer’s head.

Crowley was sitting on the staircase holding a bloodied nose. Sam stood in front of him and spoke evenly and calmly. “Now Fuckhead, I’m sure you’re aware of why I’m here…”

The lowlife drug dealer nodded and mumbled through his hand, “Yeah. Look I’m sorry.”

“Fuck your sorries. He wants his fucking money. Not next week, not tomorrow. Right fucking now.”

“I don’t…”

“You do. Don’t lie you nutless bitch. I didn’t travel 100 miles to the armpit of Georgia for no goddamn reason.” She growled kicking him in leg, “now get your dumb fucking ass up and take me to your hideyhole and get me the fucking money.”

Crowley sighed and crawled to his feet, pushing himself up with a groan. Merle stood there shocked at the dramatic change in events. He’d planned on getting high and fucking the day lights out of Sam but now Merle stood as she threatened some assholes life for some kinda of crime boss.

“Stay Merle. I fucking mean it.” She ordered following the guy into the back of the house. Merle stood there feeling awkward for the first time in a long time. He wasn’t used to being bossed around but the bitch had a gun and didn’t seem to mind threatening people with it. Moments later he heard her returning, her gun tucked away and her bag slung heavily over her back.

“Don’t try this again Crowley or I’ll come back and be less than nice to you.”

“Ok, ok. I promise.”

“Fuck off.” She mumbled walking out of the house and towards his bike. Merle looked back at his dealer and drawled, “Hey man, I didn’t know she was… Whatever she is.”

“Run from that bitch Merle. She’s a goddamn psycho.”

They pulled up in front of Merle’s apartment complex and climbed off the bike. Merle looked her over and watched as she pulled out a cigarette and lit up, blowing smoke to the side. He took her offered smoke and cupped the flame of her lighter, inhaling slow and deep. Staring at Sam he spoke through his exhale, “So who are ya and whaddya do?”

Rolling her eyes she teased, “I’m Sam and I pick things up and drop things off.”

Snorting he drawled, “No shit. Who do ya work for?”

“A boss just like everybody else. I’m not here to fucking gossip Merle.” She responded before flicking her spent butt away and tilting her head towards the building, “We going in or am I calling a cab?”

Merle sucked the last of his smoke away and dropped it to the ground. He strolled inside, climbing the narrow stairway with Sam following him. They got to his door and he unlocked it, ushering her in first. His brother was drinking a beer and watching some program about cars. Daryl’s narrowed eyes took in the sight of Sam and then his eyes land on Merle. He could see his little brother was shocked at the quality of girl he brought home. Merle was the first to admit he didn’t have high standards of the quality of his pussy, he was a quantity not quality type guy. Sam was not only beautiful but she had turned out to be quick as a whip and unafraid to trade barbs. It didn’t even piss him off when she jabbed back at him. It was refreshing. Not to mention he now knew she was straddling the line of the law just like him.

“I don’t do three ways Merle if that’s your plan.” She snarked throwing her bag onto the chair by the couch. Daryl’s eyes widened and he looked like he was going to run away.

“Don’t worry bout Daryl. He ain’t no ladies man.” Merle rasped heading into the kitchen to grab a couple beers. Daryl huffed out an angry breath at Merle’s comment but didn’t respond. Sam however spoke up, “Why the fuck not? He’s the better looking brother.”

Merle stomped out and growled, “Now that’s fuckin’ bullshit and mean.”

Sam snorted, “What? He is, maybe I wanna trade up.”

“Sugar I bought fucking drinks all night. Ya ain’t swapping brothers.”

“First off I don’t owe you shit for buying me drinks all night. Second you didn’t even fucking buy them, you won a bet on if I’d leave with you sooooo technically my ass bought the goddamn drinks.”

Daryl watched them argue before picking up his beer and strolling into his room, his door shutting with a resounding click.

Sam smirked and asked, “He always shy?”

Nodding Merle flopped down on the other side of the sofa he asked, “So come on, who do ya work for?”

Huffing out an indignant breath, “No offense but fuck off. I’m not telling you shit.”

Merle rasped, “Sugar, ya owe me an answer.” Laughing she took a gulp of beer and sighed, “I don’t owe you shit.”

“Crowley’s my connection, he ain’t gonna be too pleased with me now. Ya owe me.”

Rolling her eyes Sam sipped her beer before stating, “I work for his boss. I take care of some deliveries. Messages or packages. I’m not telling you names and shit.”

“Fine. How the fuck did ya get involved in this shit?”

“Crowley’s boss is… was my boyfriend.”

Merle eyes widened and he shot up, “What the fuck?! Ya didn’t tell me ya got an old man let alone some fuckin’ drug lord.”

“Pfft. Drug lord my ass. The guys an asshole who I’m dumping now that I got cash to take off with.”

Furrowing his brow he drawled, “So what, you’re takin’ Crowley’s money and runnin’?”

“Yeah. So no worries about him coming after you, he’ll be too busy chasing me.” Sam joked but he could see the strain behind her mask.

“He gonna come after ya?”

“Well I’m stealing from him and dumping his stupid ass.”

“Where ya goin’?” Merle asked wondering if she actually had a plan of if she was just winging it.

“Don’t know. North. Tired of this shit hole state.”

Merle hummed the knowledge and leaned back chugging his beer. Setting it to the side he pat his lap an rasped, “C'mere Sugar. Let’s celebrate your last night in town.”

Sam smirked and set her bottle down asking, “Where are these party favors?”

“Whatcha want? Weed, a lil crystal or oxys?”

Sam snorted, “Weed. I like my teeth and Oxys are for fucking hillbillies.”

Merle glared at her and drawled, “Fuck you.”

“That’s the goal right?” She quipped pulling off her boots and tossing her jacket to the side. Merle got distracted as she sat back down, her shirt highlighting her curved tits and narrow waist.

“Gonna just stare at me all night old man? Ya havin a stroke?”

“God you’re such a bitch.” He muttered pulling out his weed stash from the coffee table. He packed the tiny bowl and handed it over with a lighter. He watch Sam pull a deep hit, her eyes closed as she held it for a few seconds. Her eyes slide open as she blew the pungent smoke to the side. Handing it back Merle took a deep pull and relaxed back into the sofa. After a few passes the bowl was spent and the pair were zoning out. Merle’s head lolled to the side and he saw her smirking at him.

“What?”

“I was lying.” She stated with a tiny grin.

Raising an eyebrow he drawled, “Bout what?”

“Trading up.”

Smiling widely he asked, “Oh yeah? He ain’t better looking?”

“I didn’t say that I just meant I wouldn’t trade up. I kinda like your big mouth. He’s too quiet.” She joked with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Pffft. Such a twat.”

Sam laughed loudly and sighed, “I love that word. Twwwwwat.”

Merle snorted and reached out, pulling on her wrist. Sam crawled over to straddle his lap. He groaned as her ass pressed against his semi. She cocked an eyebrow and the rolled her hips against his obvious arousal making him moan loudly, his head falling back against the couch cushion.

“What? Been showin’ off your tits, which by the way ya got a nice set on ya.” He slid his hands up her ribs, his large palms cupping her breasts as his thumbs ran across her nipples. Merle felt them harden under his touch making his hands flex, squeezing her chest firmly. Sam moaned leaning forward, her mouth delving into his. Merle cupped the back of her head, tangling his fingers into her blonde hair. He pulled her closer, fisting the soft locks as he ravaged her mouth. “Goddamn you taste good.” He groaned, his hips thrusting upwards in between her thighs.

“Mmhhm.” She moaned, pulling back to strip her shirt off. Merle growled at the sight of her full creamy tits almost overflowing out of a see-through black lace bra.

“Jesus Sugar. Your tits should be illegal.” His hands stroked her shoulders before curling his fingers under the straps of her bra, dragging them down her arms. The cups of her bra fell and out poured her pale breasts. Merle groaned before cupping her, his mouth sucking and biting the delicate curve of her tits before sucking her pink nipple into his hot mouth. Sam moaned at the motions, her hips rolling against his lap. He couldn’t help but thrust upwards, his hands gripping her hips to push her down against his rock hard cock.

“Fucking Christ Sugar.” He muttered, moving his mouth up her neck until he reached her swollen lips. Their tongues battled for control as their hands gripped onto each other. Merle wrapped his arms around her waist before standing up to head to his room. Sam secured her legs around his body and braced her arms across his shoulders. He grasped her ass, his fingers kneading the flesh as he walked, his mouth nipping and sucking on her neck. Once in his bedroom he tossed her onto the bed making her giggle.

Merle smirked and pulled his shirt off, his hands going to his belt instantly. He watched as she unhooked her bra and then peeled off her ridiculously tight pants. She was completely naked, spread out across his mattress. He drank her in, the soft line of her thighs and dip of her waist. Her hair was splayed out on the dark sheets like some kind of angelic temptress. She was so goddamn beautiful Merle could barely keep his hands from grabbing her like a desperate crackhead on payday looking to score.

“Fucking christ you’re sexy.” He rasped stepping out of his jeans. Crawling onto the bed over her, Merle let his nose graze her thigh and waist. His tongue tasting her warm skin and his teeth nipping along the way. Sam moaned as Merle’s large palms stroked and squeezed her ass while rutting against her wet heat.

“Fuck old man, you still have moves.” She groaned as he placed open mouth kisses along her neck before sucking and biting her earlobe.

Merle chuckled, rolling his hips between her spread thighs. “Ain’t done anything yet girl. M'gonna make you scream my name Sugar.”

Sam kissed him deeply, her tongue sliding against his while her hands gripped his neck. Merle was drowning in her scent and taste. She was a siren and he couldn’t help but want to fall to his knees and worship every fucking inch of her.

“Please… more.” Sam begged, her legs wrapping around his waist to squeeze him closer. Merle groaned as his overheated skin slid against her wet lips.

“Fuck. Lemme. Git somethin’.” He growled his accent thick and slow, pulling away to get a condom. Merle hated to do it but he wasn’t getting Sam knocked up or giving her something from his checkered past.

Soon he was sitting back on his heels to watch his cock slid inside her tight body. Merles mouth dropped open as he panted, the sight of her engulfing him was the most erotic thing he’d ever seen.

“Jesus.” he gasped while rocking into her slowly. Sam’s whole body arched off the mattress and a deep flush crawled up her chest to her cheeks.

“Oh my god.” She moaned her nails biting into his shoulders, red marks blossoming on his tan skin. “Fuck.. Merle. Move goddamnit. ”

Laughing he began rocking faster, his hands gripping her hips with bruising force. Merle clenched his jaw and his neck muscle strained at the intense sensation of her hot walls sucking him in. “Sugar. How the fuck…” He panted, sweat dripping along his temple, “are you so.. goddamn… tight.”

Sam laughed breathily, her pelvis rising off the bed to meet his snapping hips. He couldn’t figure out what was overwhelming him more, her tight hot walls or the look in her eyes. The deep blue was almost non existent with her blown pupils. A sharp gasp exited her parted lips before every muscle in her lithe frame seized. The tension snapped and Sam came harder than any woman Merle had ever felt. Her walls gripped his dick by the root making him growl like a feral animal. The sounds she was making made his eyes roll back in his head.

“Mother of..” He groaned while plunging as deep as physically possible, his body bowed over her. His jaw snapped shut as brilliant light flashed behind his clenched eyes. Within moments his body released, his cock pulsing and throbbing, every muscle and bone becoming gelatinous.

Blood pounded in his ears as he blinked sweat out of his eyes. Sam was panting, her hooded gaze looking thoroughly satisfied.

“Well fuck.” She muttered letting out a snort. Merle cocked an eyebrow and rasped hoarsely, “Whatcha laughin at.”

“I guess age brings experience yeah?”

Barking out a dry laugh Merle rolled off of her and reached for his cigarettes. “Bes’ not question my prowess again Sugar, I’ll tan that sexy ass.”

Sam’s laugh was a combination of a giggle and a snort. Obnoxiously cute. Merle couldn’t stop from trying to make her do it just to hear it again. He’d never spent much time with a woman after sex, it was a new situation but not unpleasant. They lay together tangled in sheets chatting about nothing and everything.

“I swear t'christ I never seen so much blood come outta a guys nose before.” He chuckled finishing up an anecdote about a bar fight. Sam smirked and crawled over him, straddling his hips. “My big tough redneck.” She purred with a playful glint in her eye. Merle chuckled gripping her face to pull her mouth to his. He twirled his tongue against her, the taste of her sweet mouth filling his.

“Fuck old man you know how to kiss.” She moaned as his mouth trailed along her soft neck.

“Girl ya haven’t even felt these lips between those soft thighs yet..” He drawled, trailing his tongue down the curve of her collarbone. “Got no idea the things I can do to ya.”

“Fuck Merle.” She moaned at the statement, her hips rolling against his. “Show me… Please.”

Muffling a laugh against her chest Merle rasped, “since ya said please.”

Merle woke to the smell of something cooking and the thump of a cabinet door. He wrinkled his brow looking at the mattress to see it empty. Rolling out of bed he pulled on a pair of boxers and tank top before sauntering into the kitchen. Sam was standing at the stove cooking potatoes and some kind of meat. She was wearing his beat up flannel that landed mid thigh and nothing else. He licked his lip at the sight of her bare legs and the memory of what was underneath the worn cotton.

Daryl was sitting at the table his head resting against wall as he watched her cook. Merle cocked an eyebrow and asked, “whatcha cooking? We don’t got shit here.”

She smirked and snarked, “yeah I noticed, you two live on pizza and beer Huh?”

Laughing Merle walked up behind her, his hands sliding along her hips and his chin resting on her shoulder. Looking down he saw she had found some frozen venison and was making a hash with potatoes.

“You had two potatoes and some kind meat. Deer?”

Grunting in response he reached over to grab a piece but she smack his hand with the spoon and snapped, “Hands off old man.”

Daryl snorted and got the stink eye from Merle for it. “Bes stop calling me old man after last night.”

Laughing she bumped him with her hip to reach the cupboard with plates. Sam served them both a pile of meat and hash before giving herself a smaller portion. They sat at the tiny card table eating silently.

“So what’s on the agenda then? Ya skippin town?” Merle asked wiping his hand across his mouth when done. Sam shrugged and mumbled through a mouthful of food, “yeah. S'pose I should high tail it the fuck out of here soon. Words Gonna get back I picked up cash.”

Daryl’s face looked confused but he didn’t ask. Merle rolled his eyes and drawled, “Sam here is on the run.”

Before he could explain the sound of a phone ringing in the living room had Sams fork pause mid bite. Standing up she grabbed her bag, pulling out the black device. Pursing her lips she answered, “ lo”?“

Merle watched her roll her eyes as the person spoke and answer, “I needed a couple days to myself. I picked up and I’ll be back tomorrow night probably.”

There was a long pause while she listened before she snapped, “well I don’t give a fuck. I’m not some goddamn house pet.”

Merle looked at Daryl who asked, “Who she runnin from?”

“Some drug dealer, she fucking rolled Crowley last night for money.”

Daryl’s eyebrows almost touched his hairline at the statement. “Ya just watch?”

“What could I do? She had already punched him and had him at gunpoint.”

“Jesus Merle whatcha getting involved in this shit.”

“You seeing what I’m seeing baby brother? Look at that fucking ass and let me tell ya she knows what to do with those goddamn curves.”

“Yeah I heard.” He muttered finishing his food. Merle chortled at the statement and went back to listening to her. The conversation had cooled off and she was placating the boyfriend, “alright. I’ll call you tonight and be home tomorrow evening.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She muttered hanging up without a goodbye.

Strolling back into the kitchen she sat down and drawled, “well I’m gonna head out soon. Can I get a ride back to my car?”

Merle rode over to the bar with Sam wrapped around him, her hands splayed across his taut stomach. She was drawing small circles along his tshirt making his jeans tighten and groin ache. He didn’t want her to leave yet which was an odd feeling to have since he didn’t give a shit about most people. It had always been him and Daryl against the world and the idea that he wanted more was foreign.

As they pulled up they found that her car was gone and there was a pile of broken glass where her window had been busted out.

“Well fuck.” She muttered climbing off the bike. “That sucks.”

Merle laughed at her bored tone, “could say that again. We reporting it to the cops?”

“Fuck no. It wasn’t even mine.”

“What do you mean?”

“I stole it a few towns over,” she confessed shrugging while pulling out a pack of smokes, “guess I’m looking for a new ride.”

Merle barked out a gruff laugh, taking her offered smoke and drawled, “I’m thinkin’ ya may be trouble, Sugar.”

Sam smirked while exhaling, her lips curled and eyes bright, “You’ve got no fucking idea how right you are, old man.”

[king--flvcko-blog]

A$AP Rocky Talks New Album, Under Armour Deal, and His Deep Love of Flowers

Our interview with A$AP Rocky was supposed to take place backstage after an A$AP Mob concert in Philly, in a quiet, empty room, but in the moment, Rocky had a better idea. “We need to capture this chaos right here,” he said, gesturing around his dressing room, still packed with Mob members, girls, security guards, other unidentified loiterers, and even (according to A$AP Ferg, anyway) a loose mouse. “Let's embrace the chaos,” Rocky suggested. “Rolling Stones in 1967, feel me?”

He took his spot in the middle of a leather couch, surrounded by his old friends from Harlem—Ferg, Nast, Ant, and Twelvyy—and started methodically breaking down a small mound of weed as he spoke in a post-concert rasp. Every so often, he'd tease me for asking so many questions. But some of them he didn't mind so much: GQ Style had collected them from a few of Rocky's notable friends and admirers, with a promise of bringing back answers.

The chaos Rakim Mayers attracts is a result of his charisma, which is raw and uncut. It is el puro, perhaps the purest of any star in pop culture—Hollywood, music, fashion, whatever. And given that Rocky's mom named him and his elder sister, Erika B. Mayers, after Eric B. & Rakim, it was only natural that a kid who seems to crank up the color saturation whenever he walks into a room would channel his God-given wattage into rap music. From the beginning, though, Rocky also established himself as a style innovator and made fashion an inextricable part of his music. In his breakout video, for “Peso,” he repped hard-edged, gothic-leaning streetwear like Black Scale, as well as more established avant-garde fashion like Rick Owens and Y3, while rapping, Raf Simons, Rick Owens usually what I'm dressed in. That was back in 2011, long before he cemented Simons's unlikely hip-hop-icon status with the song “Raf” this July. It's not a stretch to say Rocky is partially responsible for making European high fashion as much a part of hip-hop and pop culture as streetwear.

In the six years since he first appeared on YouTube, everything he's touched has taken on a sort of magical flyness. He's put out three successful solo albums; recorded hit songs like “L$D,” “Yamborghini High” with the A$AP Mob, and “Fuckin Problems” with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz; stole scenes in the surprise-hit indie film Dope, co-starring Shameik Moore; and launched a creative agency, called AWGE. Later this year, he'll appear in Anthony Mandler's Monsterand he'll begin a wide-ranging, long-term collaboration with Under Armour. He's become a rap star, a fashion godhead, a music mogul, an actor, a designer-entrepreneur-influencer—a true creative in universes where everyone calls themselves creatives.

Now, after two years spent racking up all those hyphens, he is ready to return to the first thing that made him: rap music. But things are a little different this time. In January 2015, Rocky's best friend, business partner, and mentor, A$AP Yams, passed away in bed at his Brooklyn apartment from an accidental prescription-drug overdose. Rocky was there the night of Yams's death and was among those who found him. A few months later, in May, Rocky released At.Long.Last.A$AP; on the album cover, Rocky's face bears Yams's signature purplish red birthmark. This new album will be Rocky's fourth, but his first ever made entirely without the guiding presence of Yams.

When we met in London for the GQ Style cover shoot, Rocky was deep in his work zone, trying to finish the record. He was keeping his phone turned off, more or less, so he could try to complete the LP before jumping to Milan for the Gucci runway show and then returning to the States for a long tour with the Mob. He's 29 now—he's seen a lot, and even his friends have questions about where he's been and where he's going next.

GQ Style: The first question comes from Mahershala Ali: “Considering you were named after Rakim, one of the greatest MCs of all time, what legendary MC would you name your child after?”

A$AP Rocky: Wow, that's a good one. Let me think on it.

You're punting on the first question?

Yeah, but only because it's so good.

All right, we'll come back to it. The second question comes from Dior designer Kris Van Assche. You may have heard of him.

Rocky: Dior boys.

A$AP Twelvyy: From Paris!

Kris asks, “What was a typical Friday or Saturday night out for you like when you were a teenager?”

A$AP Ferg: Fighting in clubs.

Rocky: Oh, you want me to tell them the Santos story?

Ferg: You love telling that story.

Rocky: All right, one time in Santos [Party House, a New York City nightclub], it was like 2008. We took the train from Harlem. I had on this Marc Jacobs shirt, these D&G pants—'cause I was wearing D&G back then—and Marc Jacobs sneakers. Ferg, you had on the black Acne pants, with the blue jean jacket, and Nast, you had the blue jean jacket with the seam, with the black Acne pants, and the black Timbs, with the Super glasses on, with the 'fro, 'cause you was on your Jay-Z shit, trying to wolf up. A lot of A$AP members were there that day. I'ma come clean, we was in the club, and A$AP Bari was trying to talk to some dude's girlfriend. Next thing you know, the dude got mad. He looked like some wrestling dude. He was big, with long hair. He's like, “What?!” to everybody. We was like, “Yo, chill,” but he kept going crazy. So [Harlem-based visual artist] Jay West put him in a headlock, I snuffed him, he fell, everybody kicked him, we all dispersed, we ran.

A$AP Nast: Let's talk about the Ferg punches.

Rocky: Don't forget about the Ferg punches! Ferg said, “Don't touch my friend!” Boom, boom, boom! [laughter]

Ferg: I did not say that.

Rocky: That shit was echoing through the man's body! When the dude got up, the first person he spot was me with the pink shirt on, so he just start charging, like a mad raging bull, and he grabbed my head. Now we on the motherfucking dance floor, fighting like females, pulling each other's hair. I'm biting this motherfucker's thumb and pinkie and shit, going crazy, snuffing him. This motherfucker must've been on mollies and liquor. Next thing you know, I just see feet running my way. Ferg came through. Nigga said, “Get off my friend!” Ferg was mad concerned. It was sincere. He was like, “Get off my friend!”

Ferg: I did not say that.

Rocky: So then, we all leave out the club. We outside. Your man, he was a manager of the club, so he come out, bugging out with his security guards. He throw ice at all of us and hops in a cab. We run down on the cab, take him out the cab, and start beating him up while we're screaming “A$AP!” So that's how everybody knew us back then. Next question.

What's your number one priority?

Right now, it's music. Last year was businesses and developing all our new artists. Playboi Carti went platinum. Smooky MarGielaa is on the rise. Twelvyy album came out. A$AP Ferg mixtape came out—he always got number ones and bangers. Nast, Addie, up next. Cozy Tapes Vol. 2 is out right now. Now it's all about me making music again.

What do you say to people who say that you're “more fashion than music”?

I can see why they think that sometimes. I really wanted to take time out to show people I was an entrepreneur. I'm a businessman—you gotta take me serious. I can't help that I look good doing it. But if you just look at my catalog from this year, everything I get on, I body. I'm selective about what I get on. I'm particular. I wasn't really featuring with other artists. But this year, I'm showing niggas stop playing me, stop sleeping on me. I'm the god of this shit.

So when we saw you in London recently, you were on a phone-off lockdown, making an album. What was the vibe—the starting point for the new album?

My new album is really about testing new sounds. People are scared to test new sounds, so they go with what's current 'cause it's the easy thing to do. The top 100 songs sound a certain way. People cater more to that because it's a bigger demographic behind that, or it's a guaranteed demographic behind that. I prefer to experiment and have my crowd grow with me and to reach new crowds. I don't just rap—I actually make music. That's why it takes time. These sonics represent me.

Did you go to London for the sound of London, or was it more just getting away so you could focus?

Both. London has a cool sound. I always record in London. But I needed to get away. London's my second home.

When do you want to put the album out?

ASAP—no pun intended.

This year?

Yes, sir.

Your travel schedule is intense. When you're always on the move, where's your center, or your home? Do you ever wake up in another hotel room and wonder, “Who am I?”

Fuck no. Sometimes I do wake up like, “Where the fuck am I?” But not “Who am I?” I'm the same nigga I was when I went to sleep.

You've had relationships with Dior and Gucci. You seem to have a personal relationship with Raf. How do you characterize those connections?

Sometimes it's business, and sometimes it's friendship. Raf had me flying out to Antwerp so I could smoke my weed and just catch a vibe with him back in 2012 and 2013. I've been looking at him and [Rick Owens's wife and muse] Michèle Lamy for advice. Michèle Lamy is like my fairy godmom.

What do you and Michèle talk about when it's not Paris Fashion Week double-kiss time?

Art. She's the reason I got all these diamonds in my mouth. She had hers since 1985. She puts me on. She tries to make me evolve as an artist. She encourages me to do more things outside of musical arts—more contemporary art. She taught me the difference between masters and Renaissance and contemporary and Pop art. It's been a journey. Raf, we talk about collections, we talk about his favorite scenes—what rave scenes inspired most of his career.

Do you talk with them about, like, feelings and personal stuff? Or is it mostly art and the industry?

Yeah, Michèle Lamy be hooking me up with all type of models—not all type of models, but her friends who she thinks is sweet. She says, “You need to meet her, she's a nice girl…,” and I go meet her. They either crazy or nice.

Here's a question from Raf Simons.

Oh, it's lit.

“Dear Rakim—”

Oh, that's my guy. That's the lord right there, big bro.

“If you could not do what you're doing now, what would you do? What's another life dream of yours?”

If I wasn't doing this, to be real with you, I'd probably be an interior decorator.

Nast: You could be a florist.

Rocky: Yeah, I could. I have such good taste. I love flowers. I think decor value and feng shui is important. If not, I'd be a video director or a film director. But my whole life, I just wanted to be a rapper. That was it.

The Balenciaga sneakers that you wore in our shoot: They're a little controversial, and I would like to know why you like them.

I seen those early, and I like them 'cause they remind me of a Raf Simons sneaker, and on top of that, those shits are fire—

A$AP Ant: Shit is trash—

Rocky: He's hating 'cause he got the fake Rick Owens Balenciaga shits. I don't fuck with them shits. I only fucks with the ones I got. I call 'em the Larry Davids, you feel me?

You've been wearing a lot of yellow recently—shoelaces, hoodies, et cetera. What's the deal?

You ask a lot of questions. I'm just preparing for a final test, that's all.

Okay, well, the next question is from Shameik Moore.

That's my son.

“What advice do you have for getting more creative with your personal style?”

Nast: Wear what suits you and not what's trendy.

Rocky: Yeah, but when we wear stuff that suits us and not what's trendy, it becomes a trend. So that might be confusing for people. I would just say that everybody's different. Everybody got different body shapes and whatnot, so I would say stick to what you know fits you best and what you feel comfortable in, even if it's not in style. Just wear whatever makes you feel cozy.

Nast: That's kind of what I just said.

Your creative group, AWGE: First of all, how do you pronounce it? Second of all, what is it?

Nast: That question we don't speak of.

Rocky: The first rule of AWGE is you never repeat what AWGE stands for. Second rule of AWGE is, whenever in doubt, refer to the first rule. So there you have it.

Is it not “A$AP Worldwide Global Enterprises”?

Nah. You on some bullshit. That's sacred.

What have you learned about leadership since the Mob's rise into the public consciousness?

Fellowship. Brotherhood. I try to manifest leadership into anything I do as an entrepreneur, as a businessman. But when I'm doing music, it's the element with the brothers. We all lead by example and lead each other, so I lead and follow, too, you know?

You just announced a new deal with Under Armour. Why Under Armour? And what can we expect?

People would assume, with me going into a business deal with a sports brand, that it would be all about designing or curating a line—making things more lit. But what I liked about Kevin Plank, the CEO of Under Armour, was that he had a vision. He gives, gives, gives. When you donate or you do charities, it's not about showing people “Look, I'm doing this.” I was in a shelter myself. And I know that when people be donating and shit, you ain't get no fly shit at Christmases and all that. You don't see no money. Pardon my French, but you don't see no money. So I really want to make a difference. So I got with Kevin and Under Armour so we could open up real rec centers with fly shit in them. Not hand-me-down toys and technology—new stuff. And programs for kids to learn to become entrepreneurs, designers, athletes. They can screen-print their own tees and sell 'em from the store, get that commission on it. I think it's smart. Those kids need laptops and phones today—that's their platform. So I want to do something that's really gonna make a difference, as opposed to fronting with the cameras like, “Ah, I'm doing this, doing that.” We gonna show and prove when we go and design uniforms. We're gonna start in New York, the tristate area, 'cause that's where I'm from. And then go to different junior high schools and high schools throughout the country.

But commerce being commerce, you're going to have to sell some stuff to fund those programs. So are you gonna design a line with Under Armour? A$AP Rocky sneakers?

I'm talking about giving away to schools. That's not selling, bro—you don't make any money off of that. What are you talking about? I want to facilitate ways for kids to get better education without calling it education, 'cause that shit sounds boring. I want to make a way for being smart to be cool. There's nothing wrong with being a thinker. Where I'm from, being smart has a negative connotation—that means you sold out, that means you're a geek. I'm just trying to say, “Fuck all that. This is the plan: You are the future, that other shit is the past, so let's make a better way.” And if I feel like designing some shit with Under Armour, I will.

Question from André 3000.

Oohhh, it's lit.

“What hidden talent do you have that only your parents or close people know?”

Twelvyy: He's good at playing Pokémon and shit. Yo, you see him with like 500 Pokémon cards.

Nast: He's the best at double-Dutching.

A hidden talent—something maybe only your mom knows.

Well, we might have to call my moms, then. [pauses to think] I display mostly all my talents. Right? I'm creative, intricate—angelic at moments. You gonna make me sound real conceited right now talking about myself. Why don't you tell me what it is?

Well, there's a second question from 3000: “What hobby or craft would you like to be doing that is completely outside music or fashion?”

I want to design furniture. Maybe a sofa. Or a bed.

Ferg: You did design one of your beds in the house.

Rocky: I know I did, but I want to sell my joints. That was just me testing.

Switching gears: What does God look like?

Everybody has a different God. I don't know if God is a female, male, or even in human form. I pray to somebody. Religion is deep. Everybody got a different God, but I just respect everybody for their beliefs. It is what it is. I'm more spiritual than anything. Because I find flaws and contradiction in a lot of religions, respectfully, and I just take the good out of all religions and try to practice to be a better person.

You pray every day?

Yes, I pray every day. I pray over cookies. I say my grace, straight up and down.

You've experienced loss in your family. A few times over the years, as far as I know, and then you guys as friends and collaborators and a crew experienced the loss of Yams. Do you feel like you've grieved, or did you just keep working?

Keep working. I'm not gonna lie. Because if we grieve it, it might take everything out of us. [long silence]

How'd you get the scar on your face?

When I was 15, I had a fight with some niggas in the Bronx, on Arthur Avenue. This older guy gun-butted me while we was fighting. He was trying to rob my Pelle Pelle jacket. I still kept it, though. It was bloody. My sister Erika bought me that for Easter. I wasn't about to give my shit up. Fuck outta here. If you've ever seen Jim Jones's “Certified Gangsters” video, he had it on in black. I had it in white with the colorful Easter P's on it.

All right, so we're back to where we started—the question from Mahershala Ali. “Considering you're named after Rakim, one of the greatest MCs of all time, what legendary MC would you name your child after?”

Twelvyy: Yambo?

Ferg: Yami's not a MC, though.

Twelvyy: What you mean?

Rocky: No, he was a singer, bro. He was an R&B singer. As far as rapper…I'd probably name my child Pharrell.

Ferg: I knew he was gonna say that.

[duhragonball]

[FIC] Luffa: The Legendary Super Saiyan (74/?)

Disclaimer: This story features characters and concepts based on Dragon Ball, which is a trademark of Bird Studio/Shueisha and Toei Animation.   This is an unauthorized work, and no profit is being made on this work by me. This story is copyright of me. Download if you like, but please don’t archive it without my permission. Don’t be shy.

Continuity Note: About 1000 years before the events of Dragon Ball Z.

Previous chapters conveniently available here.

[2 March 234 Before Age.  Tingi V]

There was a conference room on the second floor of the resort, which the building's architects had included more out of habit than necessity.    On the off-chance that a high-powered executive wanted to hold an important meeting in a noisy and hedonistic pleasure palace, there was a place ready and waiting for just such a purpose, with room for at least a dozen humanoids.  

Zatte was walking around the table, admiring the tantalum-plating on the trimmed edges, when Luffa entered the room.  She was two minutes early.  

"Dr. Yokan, welcome to Tingis V," Zatte said with a professional nod.  She crossed the table to shake Luffa's hand.   Both women were dressed in whatever business attire they had been able to find the night before  The coat of Luffa's pantsuit was a little big on her shoulders, but it wasn't like she planned to wear it often.  

"A pleasure, Ms. Dracham," Luffa said in an even tone.  

"I must admit, it is strange to see you like this," Zatte began.  "You seem to be adjusting well to your... transplant."

Luffa snorted.  "Compared to my original body, anything would be an improvement," she said.  "I've always found Saiyans to be very useful.  This one makes a most effective vessel."

"And quite attractive, if I may say so," Zatte added.   "If you need money to fund your experiments, Doctor, you could always give up mercenary work to pursue exotic dancing."

"I'd prefer to get to business," Luffa said coldly.  

"Of course,"  Zatte said as she sat on the edge of the table.  "I've been reviewing the profiles you sent me for your team.   I'd like to discuss them before we begin negotiations."

Their roles were fictional, but the 'business' was real enough.  In reality, Luffa and Zatte had spent the last month training a band of Saiyans who had been trying to follow in Luffa's footsteps.  Until recently, none of them had ever met Luffa, and their leader, Zaperc, had based most of his teachings off of a self-help book that had been marketed as an unauthorized biography of Luffa.   The book was wildly inaccurate, and Luffa had been so disgusted with their practices that she resolved to straighten them out herself.  Zatte was happy to help, since she considered herself to be a disciple of Luffa's in a manner of speaking, and she was hopeful that she and Zaperc's group could connect over this.  

The trip to Tingis V seemed like a good opportunity to review the Saiyans' progress, and so they had planned to discuss it over dinner, until Luffa suggested this scenario instead.  "Dr. Yokan" was a compromise.   Luffa was uneasy playing non-Saiyan roles, so Zatte suggested an alien whose brain inhabited a Saiyan's body.  

"Let me be clear," Luffa said.  "I won't be joining these Saiyans in the field.   Zaperc will be in command of the mission."

"He's certainly experienced enough," Zatte said as she shuffled a stack of papers.   "And I admire his idealism.   It's good for employees to have their own motivation."

Luffa sat in one of the chairs and crossed her arms.  "He's fixated on the Super Saiyan legend," she said.  "He knows how to inspire the others and keep them working together, but he relies to much on what he's read in books.  And he favors his son over the others, which could be a problem."

"Then let's talk about the son," Zatte said.  "Brockle's the strongest, yes?   And very resourceful.   He's shown a lot of improvement over the past month.   Your pet Dorlun speaks very highly of him in her reports."

"She's too charitable," Luffa muttered.   "Brockle's strong, but unprincipled.  He doesn't care about anything but himself, which means he doesn't care if he wins or loses."

"There's nothing wrong with a healthy sense of self-preservation, is there?" Zatte asked.  

"Not at all," Luffa said, "but too much self-interest can lead to problems in the mercenary business.   Brockle has to be willing to take other people's problems as his own.   He wants your money, Ms. Dracham, but he doesn't want to be responsible for your interests.   I'm trying to break him of that."

"I see," Zatte said.   "Let's move on to Bodi then."

"He has promise," Luffa admitted.   "His constant flirting is a problem, but only if you happen to be in the same room with him.  I didn't know a Saiyan could be so shameless until I met him."

"Agreed," Zatte said.  "He's conscientious in a quiet sort of way, but not exceptional.  He keeps their base clean, and gets along well with the others.   I wouldn't put him in charge, but he seems to have become a good team player.  Which is more than I can say for Hijik..."

Luffa looked up at the ceiling in frustration.  "Hijik," she groaned.  

"His attitude has improved over the past month," Zatte offered.  

"I'll be blunt, Ms. Dracham," Luffa said, "Hijik's contempt for women is typical for the Saiyan race.  What's really astonishing is the way he tries to turn his insecurities into some sort of hare-brained political manifesto."

"Some would say that a soldier's opinions don't matter," Zatte suggested.  "As long as he gets the job done, he can hold whatever toxic worldview he pleases."

"A sick mind infects the entire body, sooner or later," Luffa replied.  "He blames women for all his problems, because it's easier than confronting his own weaknesses.  If he was actually stronger than all women, he'd just find some other thing to blame.  As it is, he can't beat me, so he makes excuses.   The only thing he ever respected was the Super Saiyan, but only when he believed the Super Saiyan was a man who would have been just like him.  He refuses to learn anything that contradicts what he already thinks.   Prove him wrong, and he just gets resentful about it."  

"But he has shown you greater respect recently,"  Zatte observed.  "He even defers to the Dorlun now."

"Only out of fear," Luffa grumbled.  "A dog can learn that much.   You want soldiers defending your holdings.   I'm not sure Hijik qualifies as one."

"You think he'd fold at the first sign of adversity?"  

Luffa nodded.  "He's the worst kind of loser, the type who embraces defeat and tries to justify it with a lot of philosophical rambling.  In a pinch, he'd abandon your cause, Ms. Dracham.  Then he'd claim that you had set him up to fail, and that he was right to lose the battle because you were trying to emasculate him somehow."

"All right," Zatte said.  "Let's move on to the women.   Lesseri seems to be the most professional of the team.  She reminds me of another Saiyan mercenary I knew once."

Luffa raised an eyebrow at this.   "I'm not sure your friend would take that as a compliment," she said with a harrumph.  "Lesseri's disciplined enough.  She knows her way around military hardware.   Not as strong as Brockle, but she makes up for it in common sense."

"You're right," Zatte said with a smirk.  "Those are terrible qualities.  I should apologize to my friend the next time I see her."

"My point is that she lacks the passion to drive those qualities to their fullest potential," Luffa went on.  "Brockle's immature, but at least he wants to get stronger, even if it's just to please his father.  Lesseri wants to be successful, but she doesn't want to put in the work.   All she's interested in is stuffing her bank account with credits and racking up victories any way she can.    Self-improvement for its own sake doesn't mean anything to her."  

Zatte stroked the tip of her chin with her thumb.   "Another loser who justifies their failures, is that what you're telling me?"

Luffa nodded.  "She's not as delusional as Hijik, but it amounts to the same problem.   A potentially great warrior who's content to remain average.  I blame it on her upbringing.   A brat needs parents to teach them these things."

"What about Vigurd?" Zatte said.   "I'd say she's taken your lessons to heart.  As much as Hijik hates the idea of taking instruction from a woman, Vigurd seems to relish it."

"She's too ruthless," Luffa muttered.  "She uses it as a crutch.   Thinks raising children is a waste of time, as if there's nothing to be gained from reviewing the basics with a kid.  And is she really any stronger for all the shortcuts she's taken?"

Zatte waited for her to continue, and when the pause was long enough, she decided to move on.   "Well, that just leaves-"

"Honestly, I think they're all looking for a shortcut," Luffa suddenly said.  "Zaperc discovered that book and thought it would help him or his son get stronger, and the others threw in with him for the same reason.   They'll follow orders, and they'll train, but they'll never get it.   They want a set of instructions to follow.   A secret formula that skips all the hard parts."

Zatte screwed up her face as she regarded Luffa.  It wasn't surprising that Luffa should be so hard on her students, but it sort of conflicted with the characters they were playing.   "Dr. Yokan" was supposed to be selling this team's services, but so far she seemed to be talking herself out of a contract.  

"Does that analysis cover Jikama as well?" Zatte asked in an effort to keep Luffa on track.   "I've found him to be... er, your Dorlun aide tells me he's handled the training very well."

"Of course he has," Luffa said.  "He's only half-Saiyan."

She had stopped looking at Zatte, and had put her elbows on the table so she could lean forward and rest her head on her hands as she stared pensively at the surface.  Zatte waited for Luffa to explain, but she never did.  

"I... know he's half-Saiyan," Zatte said.   "His mother is Chezzi.  That's how Zaperc chose Nat-Chezz for their base of operations.  What about it?"

Luffa sighed.  "It means that what works for him may not work for the others," she said.    Mixed-bloods are tricky to measure.  They're often less powerful than full-blooded Saiyans, or they lack the Saiyan fighting spirit, or both.   Jikama seems motivated and attentive, but that might only be because he's protecting his planet and his mother's people.   That won't carry over to the others, and whatever will work for them might not be effective for him."

"You make it sound like you've already given up on him," Zatte said.  

"I already have," Luffa said.  "He's welcome to learn whatever he can from me, but I'm keeping my expectations low."

"He's one of your own people," Zatte objected.  Now she was the one breaking character, but that no longer mattered in light of what she was hearing.   "Are you really writing him off because he's half-alien?"

"There's going to be things he can't do as well, Zattie," Luffa said.   "I don't hold it against him.   He's got the makings of a fine warrior.   But among Saiyans, he'll always be second-class.   He knows that as well as I do.   I wouldn't expect you to understand."

"No, I suppose I don't," Zatte said.   "All right, fine.   So we've been working with this bunch for a month.   They've tightened up their teamwork and they've got a better handle on how to fight a defensive war, but that's about it.   Their attitudes still stink, and they'll probably never live up to your expectations.   Where do we go from here, xan'nil-Dor?"

Luffa groaned as she leaned back in her chair.  "I don't know," she said.   "I like Planet Nat-Chezz's prospects, at least in the long term.  They could always hire a more professional squad to defend their planet and use what they've learned from working with us.   And Jikama's descendants could end up becoming a nice little warrior tribe in a century or two.   Hell, Bodi might settle down and start a family himself.   It's the Saiyans I'm worried about.  I don't mean these seven.   I mean all Saiyans, everywhere."

Zatte sat down beside her and took her hand.  "You've been saying things like that since we first met Zaperc's gang," she said.  "I keep thinking you're just in one of your moods, but this is different.   What's eating you, Luffa?"  

"You remember that fight we had a while back?" Luffa asked.  

Zatte laughed.  "Only the last thousand or so.   You'll have to narrow it down for me, buster."

"Eight months ago, I think.   I read your mind and picked up something about how you thought I'd changed so much since we first met.   And I didn't take it very well..."

"Oh that one," Zatte said.   "I thought you were going to put me off the ship, you were so angry."  

"I was upset because I didn't want it to be true," Luffa said.  "I've become so different from other Saiyans already, and everyone keeps trying to make it out like I turned into something else, like a mutant or a goddess or whatever.  I'm stronger and... glowier... but I'm still a Saiyan.  I'm still me."

"I know," Zatte said.  

"But I have changed," Luffa said.  "I was just afraid to admit it, because it felt like I was giving up my identity.   Like that green haired guy you were flirting with last night."

"You're still worried over him?" Zatte asked.  "Look, all I did was talk to him--"

Luffa shook her head  "I know.   What I mean is, I felt bad for the guy because we were doing this silly character thing and he wasn't in on the gag.   He probably doesn't even care, but somehow it still bugs me."  

"Well, when you put it that way," Zatte said, "I suppose it was a little unfair to lead him on, even if it was just for a few minutes.   I only did it to get a rise out of you, and I guess it worked, but this wasn't quite what I had in mind."

"What I'm saying is, I don't even know the guy," Luffa said.  "A few years ago, I would have just as soon killed him if he got in my way.   Now I'm worried that we might have hurt his feelings."  

She stood up and pulled her hand away from Zatte's.   "At first I thought it was this telepathy thing, that I was contaminating my mind with other people's thoughts, but it's more than that.   I had to be extremely careful when I first turned into a Super Saiyan.   I've gotten used to being this strong, but I still think before I act a lot more than I used to.    It's given me a perspective that most Saiyans wouldn't have.   Meeting Zaperc and the others, it's hard to ignore that."  

"That doesn't mean you're not a Saiyan anymore, Luffa," Zatte assured her.   "You've grown as a person, that's all."

"No, there's more to it than just that," Luffa said.  "I've always been different.   Kandai knew it, and I think my father did too.  I love fighting.   Every Saiyan does, but they were never as excited about it as I was.   I used to think they were just being mellow, or that I was trying to compensate for how weak I used to be, but now..."

"I have to admit," Zatte said,  "You always made Saiyans sound more noble than the ones I've met.   It's like you're following a different set of rules than the rest of them."

"Yeah," Luffa said.  "My mother taught me everything I know about the Saiyan race.  Who we are, where we came from.   Sometimes I don't think even she took it all seriously, but I did.  I thought everyone else did too.    When my father betrayed me, I thought he was the exception, but then Kandai was in on it, and..."

"You were hoping Zaperc and his followers would be different," Zatte said.   "They already sort of admired you, so you thought they might be more like the kind of Saiyans you could get along with."

Luffa crossed her arms and turned to face her.  "I mean, it's stupid, really.   I'm whining to you about all this, when you're the one who's really alone.   We haven't come across another Dorlun in over a year."

"Part of me is grateful for that, to be honest," Zatte said.  "I decided you were a xan'nil-Dor, someone sacred.   The rules say I'm not supposed to do that on my own, but I don't have a choice right now.  If we ever do find a Dorlun settlement, the first thing I'll need to do is submit you to a council of community elders and let them make the final decision.   I always worry what might happen if they reject my claim."

"Why?" Luffa asked.  "It's not like you need to be right about this."

"But I am right," Zatte said.  "I know I am.   And if they don't agree with me, I'll have to turn my back on them, and then I'll be just as alone as I am right now.   As alone as you probably feel in a room full of Saiyans, I suppose."

Luffa considered this for a minute, then tugged at the collar of her blouse.  "That's why we're really wearing these disguises, isn't it?" she said with an amused sniff.   "It's not so we can escape.  It's so we can blend in, and pretend we're not alone for a while."

"I hadn't thought of it that way," Zatte said.  

Luffa took Zatte by the hands and pulled her gently out of the chair.  "Let's go back to Nat-Chezz," she said.  

"Right now?" Zatte asked.  "We've got two more nights reserved."

"We'll get dinner first, at least," Luffa said.   "But I think we ought to get back to work.   Maybe we can figure out how to get through to these Saiyans."

"You seem confident all of a sudden."

"Well, it's been about sixteen hours since our last argument," Luffa said.  "If we can communicate with each other that well, then anything's possible."

*******

[2 March 234 Before Age.  Awlnee III.]

Things hadn't gone well for Yarrow since his partner had died.  At the time, he had written off Okartish as weak.  Any Saiyan who could be slain so easily deserved his fate.    Okartish's assassin had tried to take out Yarrow as well, and Yarrow had killed her almost effortlessly.    Clearly, Okartish was dead weight.  Their partnership had been fruitful, but this was a sign that it was time for Yarrow to strike out on his own, or so he had believed.

As things turned out, Yarrow gained a new appreciation for Okartish's contributions to their team.  As a solo operator, Yarrow had no one to watch his back in battle.  Once, while looting a planet in the Narl Cluster, a thief broke into his ship and stole key engine components.  In the time it took Yarrow to recover the parts and repair his ship, the planet's defenders had summoned reinforcements.  In his haste to escape, he had been forced to leave most of his plunder behind.  Yarrow had dealt with other hassles, too, but the worst of these was the long trips through space.  Okartish always had a joke or a story to tell, and he knew his way around alien women, which came in handy at spaceports.  He used to enjoy the downtime between missions, but now he dreaded the long days of solitude.

But it couldn't be helped.  Okartish was still dead whether Yarrow appreciated him or not, and Yarrow was still greedy enough that he wasn't in any hurry to share his spoils with a new partner.  Instead, he saved his money and purchased a state-of-the-art entertainment system for his ship.  Now, instead of staring at the stars on the main viewscreen, he could watch movies, sporting events, cockfighting tournaments, and anything else he could pick up on the ship's subspace antenna.  It even included a library of interactive games, though he had no idea how to play them.  It hardly mattered, since he would have plenty of time to practice.  His next target was a rich and isolated world in the Coldin Sector, and it would take nearly two months for him to reach it.

For the first time in what felt like ages, he was actually looking forward to a long trip.  When he had finished his meal, he barked for the waiter to bring his bill, and rushed out the door to get back to his ship.    He couldn't decide what to watch first, but there was no hurry.  It would be fun just to navigate through the multitude of options for a while.  Once the hatch of his ship was finally opened, he hurried inside and headed straight for the cockpit.

He was halfway down the corridor when he heard voices... and music.

Yarrow reached out with his senses, but the only life energy he could detect aboard the ship was his own.  He moved cautiously down the rest of the corridor and found the cockpit dark and empty, except for the movie playing on the viewscreen.  He turned on the lights and found an assortment of empty bottles and food containers on the floor, and the seat of his chair was covered in crumbs.

His first assessment was that someone had broken into his ship again, but it didn't make sense for a thief to lounge around and watch a movie.  He pulled up a diagnostic report on the ship's computer to see if any parts were missing, but everything was all accounted for.  The intruder might have tampered with the diagnostic sensors, but why bother?  If he was long gone, it didn't matter if Yarrow knew what he stole.  And from the mess in the cockpit, he certainly wasn't trying to cover his tracks.

This suggested that the intruder had broken in just to watch some movies and eat Yarrow's snacks.  But that was ridiculous.  There were dozens of larger vessels with better accomodations, and none of those involved risking the wrath of an angry Saiyan.

Then he heard someone say the word "Saiyan" on the viewscreen, and he finally noticed which movie was playing.    It was that ridiculous Luffa movie.  He had never watched it himself, but he had seen enough  advertisements to recognize the lead actress playing the title character.  She was an attractive girl, but too young and thin and delicate to look like a credible warrior, and her tail was all wrong.

A lot of Saiyans considered Luffa to be a myth, or an alien posing as a Saiyan.  No one could ever agree on the details, and even Luffa's gender was hotly disputed in some circles.  Yarrow had no opinion on the matter, except that the movie he was now seeing was a lousy depiction of how Saiyans actually lived.

He wondered if the intruder was an obsessed fan of the film.  Perhaps they had picked his ship because it belonged to a Saiyan, out of some delusional hope that it would bring them one step closer to the imaginary world of the movie.  But how did they get in?  For that matter, how did they get out again?  After the trouble in the Narl Cluster, he'd rigged the ship to require a security code to open the hatches from the inside.

And just as he started to wonder if the intruder was still on board, he felt a pinprick on the back of his neck.  Instinctively, he swung his arm around to strike back at whatever had hit him, but there was nothing there.  He looked around the cockpit desperate, rubbing his neck with frustration, and then he started to become woozy.  He stumbled towards the ship's computer terminal, though he wasn't sure what he planned to do once he got there.  When he finally made it, all he managed was to drop to his knees and slump over the controls.

"The poison will finish you in a few minutes," announced a familiar voice.  "It'll be less painful if you lie still, but it's entirely up to you."

He felt a burning sensation in his muscles.  In spite of her warning, he forced himself to look up to find the source of the voice.  And there she was, perched on the seatback of his chair, looking as if she'd been there the entire time.

"In case you're interested," she said, "Okartish preferred to lie still."

"Y-You!" he gasped.  It even hurt to speak, and he was having trouble breathing, but he was too horrified to stop.  "I killed you...!"

"The joke's on you, Saiyan," she said as she picked up a bag of snacks on the armrest and began to eat.  "I was already dead."

He wanted to know what that meant.  He wanted to know how she had found him and why she was doing this, but the burning sensation in his body finally became too intense, and he fell to the deck.  A few feet away, his murderer sat in his chair and watched the rest of the movie while she waited for him to die.

"Aw, this is my favorite part," she said as she rustled the bag in her hands.  She continued to comment aloud on the movie as she watched, but Yarrow would never hear it.

NEXT: Trial by Fire