#Perks of living in a non English speaking country

[studysquare]

Top Reasons to Study in Australia

Studying in a foreign country is a life-altering choice. Leaving behind loved ones is difficult, but deciding what and where you will study may be as daunting. Many foreign students pick Australia as their study abroad destination because of its high-quality educational institutions, beautiful landscapes, thriving cities, and plenty of seas.

While the thought of studying in a foreign country might be intimidating, the benefits to both your education and your personal growth can be enormous. We will discuss the top10 reasons to study in Australia along with a few others.

If you are looking to study abroad, this nation has a lot to offer you. Listed here are some of the reasons tostudy in Australiathat can convince you to choose Australia as your study abroad location.

Top 10 Reasons to Study in Australia

1. Premier Educational Institutions

When it comes to higher education, international students in Australia may choose from a broad range of options and this is one of the topreasons to study in Australia. Australia is home to 43 universities: 40 Australian universities, 2 overseas institutions, and 1 private institution. It’s not just a matter of numbers; six Australian institutions are among the world’s top 100 in terms of prestige.

Exciting Possibilities for Study

When thinking ofreasons to choose Australia for study, their high-qualified professors always come first. Australia’s higher education institutions have illustrious professors, innovative research facilities, and modern technological infrastructure.

Australia’s educational system avoids rote memorization of facts in favour of giving pupils more opportunities to practice and experiment. Financial and non-financial aid is available from Australian institutions if you can prove your academic quality.

A variety of cultures

Australia’s many ethnic and cultural groups make it a unique place to visit. With so many different cultures to choose from, you may expand your horizons and learn about new things, while also finding your place in the diverse community around you.

Wonderful cuisines, public international festivities, and the opportunity to pick up a new language are just a few of the perks of living in a multi-ethnic culture.

You may choose your own major

It should come as no surprise that Australia’s universities, which consistently rank among the world’s best, provide a wide range of academic programs. There is a wide variety of courses of study available in Australia, from engineering to English, medicine to mathematics. Get in touch with the schools you’re considering to find out what they have to offer and whether you qualify.

Natural resources

Australia is well-known for its varied landscape. Great wildlife is the top reasons to choosing Sydney for study due to its natural habitat. Wide, open grasslands and bizarre wildlife have made the Outback famous. There are tens of thousands of miles of undeveloped coastline, so beach bums will never be without options. The stunning Great Barrier Reef is a great place to do scuba diving or snorkeling during your vacation. Day trips, whether on foot or by kayak, are a common reality for anyone interested in exploring the outdoors.

Simple procedures for obtaining student visas

Australia’s Student Visa program is simplified and easy to use (subclass 500). Acceptance into an accredited educational school and proof of appropriate financial resources are only two of the many criteria that must be met before your application can be processed. You’ll need to make sure you have enough health insurance coverage for your time here.

No Language Barriers and a Rich Linguistic Landscape

With its diverse population, Australia is home to over 200 languages and dialects. There is no language barrier for overseas students studying in Australia since the majority of locals speak English and English continues to be the medium of teaching at all levels of education.

Availability of Internships

Internships and paid employment opportunities may be available at certain of Australia’s institutions. If this is something that interests you, check with the institution of your choice to see if there are any prerequisites.

Urban life that never sleeps

It is possible to attend college in both suburban and suburban areas in Australia. You will have easy access to a variety of nearby cities regardless of where you decide to enroll in school. From Melbourne’s eccentric shops to Sydney’s picturesque beaches, each city is packed with one-of-a-kind things to see and do.

Exceptional job openings

If you find yourself thriving academically in Australia, you may be inclined to extend your stay. Some overseas students may be able to remain in Australia and keep working thanks to the country’s Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) program. Studying abroad in Australia may provide you with a world-class education and a wide choice of enriching experiences. These 10 reasons tostudy in Australiaare simply the tip of the iceberg for international students considering a semester or year Down Under.

Scholarships

Australian universities and the federal government are well-known for their generosity in offering financial aid to students in the form of scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of aid, particularly to overseas students. The Australian government awarded $185.6 million in scholarships to overseas students in 2021 as part of its acclaimed Australia Awards program.

In general, admissions officers at elite universities look favorablyat applicants who have a well-rounded set of experiences and perspectives. Therefore, your extracurricular activities and voluntary work might get you not just a job offer letter but also a scholarship!

READ MORE: How to Get Scholarships To Study Abroad?

The Migration Plan

Permanent residence (PR) in Australia is available to students from a wide variety of academic disciplines, unlike in the United States where it is mostly offered to students with STEM and IT backgrounds.

Many students who complete a four-year bachelor’s or master’s degree do so in order to apply for a Post Study Visa, provided they fulfill the extra requirements.

Final Thoughts

In this post, we’ve tried to highlight a few of the numerous factors that make it a good idea to study abroad in Australia. The best of luck to you in all your future endeavours.

FAQ

Why choose Australia over other countries for study?

The only purpose of Australia’s educational institutions is to ensure your future success. Many of Australia’s universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Why Australia is better than Canada for study?

An education at an Australian university will prepare you to compete successfully in today’s international job market. Having a degree from Australia will make you more marketable to businesses all around the globe, not only in Australia.

Is Australia a good place to study?

Despite its rich cultural diversity and generally welcoming population, Australia is not an ideal environment for an overseas student to pursue higher education. The resources available on campus are unparalleled, and part-time work provides a comfortable living; yet, full-time employment options are few.

Website : https://www.studysquare.com/reasons-to-study-in-australia/

#Top Reasons to Study in Australia

[tyonfs]

i read smut in class bc no one will understand anyway lol

the perks of living in a non english-speaking country

LMFAOOO i have to take notes too fast to read smut in class 😭 i feel like i can’t take a break or i’ll miss something important </3

#asks #anon

[aaron78341-blog]

What You Should Know Before Working in Singapore

One of the biggest challenges businesses face is striking a healthy work-life balance for employees. This includes providing a work environment that is conducive to productivity and ensuring employees have ample time for their personal lives. Singapore is a place that has been focused on work-life balance for decades. The city-state has been recognized as one of the places that offer the best work-life balance by the likes of Forbes and The Economist. Singapore has some of the most extended working hours in the world, but they are also some of the most productive working hours in the world. This is mainly due to Singapore's unique work approach, which focuses on results rather than hours. This means that while employees are expected to work long hours, they are not expected to be present in the office for long hours.

 Travel, accommodation, and dining Additionally, Singapore's non-work perks are nearly unparalleled. Travel is a massive part of the culture; many companies offer free or discounted travel to their employees. Whether you are flying to places like Bangkok, Tokyo, or New York or taking advantage of high-speed ferry services to Bali or Lombok, traveling is highly accessible and affordable. Working at Customer Capital Consulting Singapore is easy.

 Accommodation is also incredibly affordable, especially in Asian hubs like Hong Kong or Tokyo. For example, a typical one-bedroom apartment will run you about $1,400 in central Singapore, compared to $6,300 for a one-bedroom in central Tokyo. Dining is another massive part of Singaporean culture. People love to eat, and there are restaurants of every kind, cuisine, and price range. Eating out is not only affordable but also promoted by the government, as they have implemented a tiered GST (General Sales Tax) system that makes dining out cheaper than eating at home. Learn More About Customer Capital Consulting Singapore.

 Know what Customer Capital Consulting Singapore. Singapore's culture is unique not only because it is a hub for Asian business but also because it is a truly Westernized Asian country. In addition, the English-speaking environment and the city's growing reputation as a hub for technological innovation make Singapore a great place to do business. If you are considering opening a Customer Capital Consulting Singapore Firm in Singapore, you should know a few things about the culture. Be sure to consider these factors when deciding if Singapore is the best fit for your company.

[gh0stfacesho3]

Transfer of Words

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Gender Non-Specific Reader

Word Count: +3.5k 

Warning: Fluff, mild angst. Professor x Student (College Au, all characters are +18), language, mention of abuse, mention of alcohol. 

Summary: As a Professor in the states, you were used to transfer students. You weren’t exactly ready for this new transfer student who is the son of the owner of Mike Sneakers (we don’t do free sponsors here ) 

   You were especially used to transfer students because you had a doctorate in linguistics. Being this, you knew a plethora of languages, from English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Greek, Latin, and a few native languages. You were always fascinated by languages and how people came up with these mixes of characters and words to make beautiful phrases. Since you were a kid you started to learn other languages. You had a French neighbor in your old hometown which is where you picked it up at age 7. Then, when you were 10, your family took a trip to Mexico which is when you became interested by Spanish. You fully understood the language by age 11 due to your prior knowledge of French. Then this process just continued where you would just learn languages mainly for fun. This lead to you being a linguistics professor who also taught second languages and would take in quite a few transfer kids. This lead to the journey of Jeon Jungkook and it was definitely a wild one. 

   You walked into your office at about 9:00 and placed your laptop onto the desk. You straighten up your outfit before settling in and getting to work. As you looked through your emails, you noticed an email that was about another transfer student. You kind of glanced over it, but didn’t pay too much mind to it, assuming it was just another kid from out of country. As 10:00 started to roll around, your students walked in. Some smiled, others chugged some unhealthy energy drink, some even chatted with you before finding their seats. As everyone found their seats, you looked out to see a new student. 

“You, new kid, come up front and do that cringe introduction.” You chuckle, emitting a chuckle from a few kids. He tilts his head in confusion, probably because he doesn’t speak English. Due to your gesture though, he assumes you want him to introduce himself. 

“You don’t already know who I am?” He whispered loud enough for you to hear in his first language. 

“Actually, no, I don’t.” You responded quickly as you clasped your hands before beckoning him to the front again. He was a little shocked that you spoke Korean so well, being he had no prior information on you. You were used to kids who thought they were all that but something about this kid who was ‘dressed to impress’ rubbed you the wrong way. He walks down to the front and rolls his eyes at you. 

“I’m Jeon Jungkook...23. Korean” He said in English the best he could. You smiled and introduced yourself. 

“I’m Professor Y/L/N, find your seat now.” You responded before turning to the large chalk board and continuing your lesson. After the two hour lecture, you dismissed class. Jungkook was asleep in the back, which made you walk up to him and nudge him. 

“Its lunch time, go eat.” You say as he wakes up. He shrugged off your hand before collecting his things. 

“Filthy commoner.” He mumbled as he shoved past you. You would’ve been insulted if it were true, but it wasn’t. You collect your things and head out to your favorite cafe. Being it was a Tuesday, that class was the only one you had for the day so you treated yourself to some coffee. You notice a bit of commotion outside, but you try to ignore it and sneak inside. 

“Y/N Y/L/N!! IS IT TRUE YOU’RE TEACHING JEON JUNGKOOK?!” 

“Y/N?!?!”

“DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT JUNGKOOK?” 

You were confused by all the bombarding questions so you ran into the café and shut the door along with someone else. You turned to see the brat himself, Jeon Jungkook. 

“What mess have you fuckin brought me into?” You huffed as your back pressed against the door. 

“I didn’t do anything! I just went for a walk and got lost!” He huffed back at you. 

“Why are you so popular?” You asked as you held your hand on your forehead. 

“Ugh, you’re a horrible teacher if you can’t read a simple email. I’m the son of the owner of Mike tennis shoe company.” He responded. You rolled your eyes as stood up and walked in line, happy to see police shows up to wrangle up paparazzi. 

“What? Don’t care about my father’s company?” He mumbled. You go to order your drink and the barista looks confused. You realized you just ordered in Korean. You apologized before trying again. After you pay, Jungkook walks up and tried to get a drink. 

“C-coffee?” He basically asked, leaving the barista to ask a series of question. Jungkook looks over to you for help, making you chuckle. 

“Why should I help? You called me a shitty teacher.” You faked being offended which made Jungkook embarrassed. 

“I’ll pay for you.” He said, making you more than willing to help him. Being you already bought your drink, he just handed you a 20 like it was nothing. 

“That's way to much money Jungkook.” You said as you grabbed your coffee and went to hand him the money back. 

“It’s nothing to me and my father always says to help the less fortunate.” He said before drinking his coffee, which intern made you laugh. 

“You’re a brat but you’re a cool kid.” You say as you sit down and he follows. You quirk an eyebrow at him and he does the same back. 

“Who said you could sit with me?” Making him tilt his head. 

“Who said you got here first?” Jungkook barked back at you. You held your hands up in defense. 

“You’re going to have to get used to me being I will probably be your living translator...also whos your host family?” You waited for his response as you took a sip of your coffee. 

“I-...I’m not sure.”

“You didn’t check your email?” You teased like he did you which seemed to piss him off. 

“I can’t fuckin read English!” Which made you shocked. How could a school send this kid an email in a language he doesn’t know. You hold your hand out for his phone which he reluctantly gives to you. You mumble out the email before getting to the important part. 

“Your father has entrusted Professor Y/N with your care being they have the most experience with transfer students.” You were used to hosting kids but you thought someone of such class would be with, well you didn’t know, maybe someone the kid knew? 

“With you?” He almost sounded disgusted. You were actually upset that you didn’t read that email but you had a rough weekend. 

You sighed, “Look kid-”

“I’m not a kid!” He fussed. He was right. He said he was 23 and so were you. (Seems young for being a professor right, you’re just pretty smart and graduated early) 

“Okay, sorry. But look, you either live with me for the what, 3 months you’re gonna be here? Or ask your daddy for money to live in a hotel for 3 months.” You teased, making him sigh. 

“I’m not talking to him...that's why he sent me here.” Jungkook looked down at his now empty iced coffee. 

You stood up and patted his shoulder. “Then suck it up buttercup. Lets go get your shit and move you in.” 

“Want me to call an Uver?” The boy asked. (again, no free sponsors in this house).

“Nope. My car isn’t too far from here.” You smiled as you walked closer to the college campus. You turned before getting to campus and walked up to the car park. 

He pointed to an abandoned car that has been there for years, “Is that yours?” he teased. 

You smiled as you pulled out your key fob, clicking the unlock button to see a black lambo unlock. Jungkook stopped in his tracks and stared in awe. 

“Come on pretty boy, not scared are you?” You smiled as you hopped in. He scurried into the car with a wide smile. 

“Here I was thinking you were some poor teacher.” 

“I’m a professor first of all, second” you start the engine with a loud purr, “I have my perks.”  You smirked. 

Its been about a month since Jungkook has been moved in. One day y’all were sitting at the table, awkwardly eating dinner like you guys did every night when he got a phone call. You have never seen him smile since the first time he got in the car and besides that, he’s been a pain in your ass more than anything. Good thing is, he’s actually learned quite a bit of English and can order his food in public. 

You were snapped out of your thoughts when you heard him fussing. 

“No Dad! Please you can’t make me stay here! I am studying and doing my work! This isn’t fair!” He argued, pacing back in forth before heading to his room which was a guest room. “YOU CAN’T JUST KEEP ME IN AMERICA BECAUSE YOU DON’T WANT TO TAKE CARE OF ME. MY PROFESSOR ISN’T MY BABY SITTER, THEY HAVE THEIR OWN LIFE WHICH IS BETTER WITHOUT ME!....you were only right about one thing dad... I’m a bother to everyone around me.” Jungkook finished before in went quiet. You didn’t know what to say. He knew he was being difficult because he wanted to be. He wants you to be upset and kick him out so he can go home. He wants to be out of you hair. You walked to his room and knocked, and saw something you never saw you see. Tears. 

“W-what?!” He sniffled as he turned around and rubbed his eyes. You just walked up to him and turned him around, pulling him into a hug. He was reluctant at first before he finally gave in. 

“You’re a brat yes, but you’re not a bother. And if you’d stop distancing yourself, we might be able to make this extended time more enjoyable.” Was the only thing you could say. 

“I’m sorry I’m so mean to you...I just thought if maybe,”

“Maybe if I got annoyed enough I’d kick you out so you could go home?” He nodded to your question. 

“Welp, I’m a tough cookie to crack.” You smiled as you pulled away. 

“God we are the same age but you talk like a 80 year old.” He laughed as he wiped his face again. 

The two of you then go and talk about him and his life back at home. He explains how his grades are slipping and that is why he is forced to stay here longer. How he doesn’t like going to college because it’s not what he wants to do in life. Jungkook explained that he wanted to be a singer and even showed you a few songs he has covered and composed. They were really good in actuality. You agreed with him if he can get English down pat and pick his grades up, you’d help him peruse his career. 

-

It’s now been 3 months and Jungkook is basically speaking fluent English. He is also passing all your classes and is starting to open up to you a lot more. It was Spring break so you decided to go out with a few friends to get a drink. You invited Jungkook but he said he wanted to finish a paper he got an extension on so you just went out on your own. You and all your friends were dancing in the club and downing drinks like fish. You may have gotten a little too drunk being it was your first night out by yourself. Jungkook recently started to get more friends so you had some free time, but you haven’t gone out since he got here which is why you let yourself get as drunk as you did. It was towards the end of the night and the bouncer would not let you out with your keys due to how drunk you were. 

“Move you b-big bo-ouf...” You stumbled as you tried to squeeze past him. He grabbed your arm and pushed you back. You huffed before pulling out your phone and smashing keys in and calling whoever popped up. 

“Professor? Are you okay?” Jungkook asked, concerned as to why you called him after not responding to his text asking when you’d be home. 

“I-im dr-drunk and this fuckin cunt won’t let me out.” You whined as you still tried to squeeze past him. “Don’t-...Don’t fuckin touch me.”

“Look, I’ll get an Uver and come pick you up.” Jungkook said as he got his things and hung up on you. 

You looked at your silent phone with an angry expression,”...bitch” 

Jungkook came walking in and saw you sitting on the floor poking the bouncers leg. 

“Can you get this parasite off of me?” The large man asked looking down at me. 

Jungkook stoops down and helps you up. You stumble toward him before you turned to look at the bouncer and stick your tongue out. You also flipped him off before Jungkook grabbed your hand and brought you to the Uver. You sat by the window and he did the same. You two finally got to your house and he helped bring you up. You tore your arm away from him as you stumbled up the stairs. 

“I’m not a fuckin baby.” You grumbled as you immediately fell on the stairs. The male huffed as he helped you up. 

“Get OFF of ME Jackson!” You pushed him away as tears filled your eyes. “I’m not your fuckin victim anymore!” 

“Y/n?” Jungkook put his hands up and came to you slowly, “Its just me...Jungkook.” You finally started to calm down as you slowly tried to climb the stairs to your home. Jungkook helped you up and brought you to the couch. Jungkook grabbed a wet cloth and wiped the palms of your hand that were scrapped up. He then wiped your eyes and petted your head. 

After Jungkook helped you that night, there was this awkward air again. He felt like walking on eggshells around you. Who was Jackson and why did you say you weren’t his victim. Jungkook asked his classmates around campus and even a few teachers as best he could. He finally found a teacher who was willing to give him a small amount of information. 

“Now, I’m not going to say a lot because it isn’t my story to tell, but Jackson is Y/n’s ex....and let’s say he won’t be getting boyfriend of the year award.” Dr. Nick explained. Jungkook had enough information to make a firm decision. He was going to show you what a man should treat others like. He wasn’t your boyfriend or even considered you that much of a friend, but he felt guilty for living with you almost rent free (even though the school payed for his stay). 

Jungkook went to the store after he was done with classes and picked up a lot of food to make you dinner as payment for all the times you made him dinner. He bought you your favorite candy, or so he assumed because he’d always find the wrappers in the trash. He even bought you a gift card to the coffee shop you love and headed home. Being it was a Friday, he knew you would be home a little later. The more Jungkook thought about it, the more he realized he knew a lot more about you than he thought. Jungkook started to think about all the little things you did for him. How certain foods would pop up more after he mentioned them. How you would cook different meals just for his liking and make sure he had a decent environment to study in. How you would stay up late and call of work a few times just to help him study. Jungkook smiled as he started to mentally prepare himself for cooking. He also hoped he wouldn’t burn your house down because he had very little cooking experience. 

Jungkook starts cooking a dish he often enjoyed back at home: Spicy Ramen with rice cakes and kimbap. The button down shirt he wore to school was now slightly disheveled and stained. He rolled his sleeve up as he looked at the time-- 5 more minutes. Or so he thought when he heard your keys jingle at the door. He mildly panicked before setting up the food at the table and cleaning up quickly. He ran to the door as you finally started to open it and he stopped you.

“Huh?” You asked looking at his slightly sweaty face. “Jungkook if you’re having sex-” 

“AH No no no!! But I have to ask for you to stand out here for 5 more minutes...trust me.” You don’t know why but you did trust him, and so you stood there for 5 whole minutes. You thought about all the possibilities you could walk into: A girl or a guy running out half naked, your house destroyed, drugs...etc.  Jungkook came back looking a lot more put together and opened the door. You were hit with a mix of smells and were shocked. 

“J-jungkook, did you ? You didn’t- no you can’t cook can you?” You asked as you walked in and admired the kitchen. 

“I noticed you’ve been working more and I felt bad for staying here, even longer than expected... So I wanted to show you that I can be a proper man and treat another human being with respect.” 

“I don’t care the reason as long as it taste good...and it looks amazing Jeon.” You quickly wash your hands and sit down ready to eat. Jungkook sat closer to you which you didn’t think much about being the ramen was in a big shared pot. You start digging in but you try to avoid the kimbap. You didn’t know if it had seafood and you didn’t want to take a chance. Jungkook picked up a piece and brought it up to your mouth. 

“Made without seafood.” He smiled before you opened your mouth and took a bite. You smiled as you continued to eat. Jungkook ate as well before making the perfect bite. You even noticed it and tried to follow what he did, but before you could, he offered it to you. You were about to take in the food before you paused. 

“Where is all this coming from?” You asked before taking the bite You smiled and almost forgot you asked a question until he cleared his throat. 

“Well, like I said I felt bad for staying here and being a brat...I also wanted to give you a taste of my culture since you’ve welcomed me into yours.” He explained with a small blush and a smile. 

“Yeah I get that, but what's with that stuff?” You asked pointing to the flower bouquet lined with your favorite candies and snacks. 

“Oh...well the same reason.” He smiled. You were suspicious but you decided to finish eating. You heart was really warmed but he wasn’t that much of a brat. Yeah it was inconvenient on occasion, but he’s helped you a lot. He helps with chores and keeps his area clean, he is good company since you’re always alone, and well...he’s a pretty boy to keep around. Not to mention he saved you from that club when you were piss ass drunk. The two of y’all were cleaning up and things were going good...until Jungkook said the forbidden name. 

“Y/n...who is Jackson?” You almost drop the plate you were cleaning. 

“I fuckin knew you were up to something...Did you go through my room?! My fucking personal life?!” You started to fuss but by the look on his face, he didn’t. 

“When you were drunk, you called me Jackson and said ‘I’m not your victim anymore’...” He paused, looking down before looking back at you, “he hurt you didn’t he?” 

You stared at the wall, looking for the right words to say. “Yeah...he did. And I’m sorry I did that that night...but I’m not a baby. I don’t need your sympathy or your fuckin pandering.” You huffed as you started to leave the kitchen but he grabbed your wrist. 

“I’m not doing this to make up for him,...Nothing I can do can heal those scars. But I’m doing it to make up for me and my actions. And its my way of showing-....” Jungkook trailed off. 

“Showing what?” You said looking down at his hand holding your wrist. 

“It’s how I show affection to people I care about.” Jungkook said the words without really thinking. You were taken aback and pulled away from him. 

“Jungkook...I-” You started before he cut you off. 

“I know what you’re going to say. I’m not the first kid to say this am I? And you tell them all the same thing. ‘We can’t be together because I risk losing my job’ and all that...I know.” He said looking down at his feet. You were shocked he even had feelings for you. He was completely wrong because since Jackson, you kept these walls up and didn’t let anyone like you. You normally noticed when people would catch feelings and immediately turn them away...but this was different. You hadn’t realized he liked you because you were to busy pushing yourself away from him. You noticed you liked his presence more which is why you stayed later at work, to push yourself away. 

“Jungkook, that’s not it. I actually really care about you too. But there is the case with work that I don’t know if I can get passed...but I do appreciate this. And I appreciate you so much, but after Jackson...” You trailed off. 

“You don’t know if you’re ready and I understand that...but out of all the people I’ve met, your the one person I wouldn’t mind waiting for.” Jungkook admitted. He didn’t realize how strong he felt about you until he was in this moment. You also didn’t realize how strong you felt until you realized you moved closer to him. You always had your guard up around people, but you realized you were more venerable with Jungkook than with anyone else. You peered up at him to see his eyes were red from holding back his tears. 

You chuckled softly, “You’re such a baby.” You teased making him laugh before nudging you. 

“Yeah well this baby just cooked your dinner so whose baby now?” He retorted. 

“There’s that smile...”You mumbled, smiling as you two just stood there looking at each other. Jungkook’s eyes darted down to your lips before saying fuck it. He leaned in and held your cheeks in his hand. You felt this weird tension finally dissipate. You leaned in closer and placed your hands on top of his. 

“If you think about it, I graduate this year in a few months...so if we wait it out, you won’t have to worry about your job.” Jungkook reasoned as he pulled away. 

“That is true...even if you weren’t, I can always find another job.” You smiled, kissing him again. 

A/n: Sorry if this is a little rough, but I have been on a hiatus for about a year now. Writing is something I love doing but I’ve been so busy with school and have had so little motivation. I really wrote this whole thing within 2 days and I’m proud of myself. If you really liked it, hit that like and share button! If this gets enough love, I might open request again. 

#bts #bts jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook x reader #jungkook x male reader #jungkook x female reader #jungkook x gender neutral reader #fluff #angst #bangtan #bt21 #self insert #bts x reader #bts x male reader #bts x female reader #bts x gender neutral reader

[eyesforjade]

Chapter 1: prologue

Summary: Tony Stark's life changes dramatically after a trip to South Korea, where a one-night stand ends up generating a life, the billionaire never imagined being prepared to be a father, until he held his little girl in his arms, where he knew for sure, that child had his heart at his fingertips and didn't even know it.

Word count: 1914 words.

Masterlist

𓅂𓅂𓅂

Tony Stark never imagined that his life would change dramatically. Of course, he was used to all the perks of having a public life, being a billionaire and a philanthropist, Stark Industries was going well in sales, and he always had the help of Pepper Potts and James Rhodes with his personal life, which added with the help of Obadiah Stane in the Industries, he held most of the loose ends they could have.

He knew he was prepared for everything, until the day he heard the news. Tony will never forget March 3, 2001, which he thought would be just another affair with a model, through a trip in the behest of Stark Industries. He remembers exactly the nine months before that date, when Obadiah got a perfect opportunity to purchase materials for the manufacture of weapons, which would benefit everything they were doing, and all Tony needed to do was to attend that event and give a speech.

Tony always approached in subtle forms when it came to women, with Nyree Choi it wasn’t different. The New Zealander model caught his attention as soon as she stepped on the scene, he knew it was a unique opportunity, since from what the news said, the woman lived in South Korea, even though she was born in New Zealand, Tony had to take advantage of that opportunity. The night was fast, and he didn't have Pepper to get rid of her the next day, so for the first time, he stayed in bed all night.

The next morning, they said goodbye and it was as if they hadn't even met. Tony didn't think much of it, usually he was the one who pretended that nothing had happened, and it was this factor that made future encounters with a certain woman so strange, and these were the ones he regretted leaving like that. However, with Nyree it wasn’t like he was used, the woman escaped his fingers like water, and she never needed to give satisfaction to him.

The absence of the women in the media, shocked many gossip magazines. And Tony always knew deep down, but he never wanted to admit it until 3th of March in 2001, when Pepper got that call, the redhead didn't know how to react when she heard the other woman on the phone, Malibu was a trip away from South Korea, Tony wouldn’t arrive in time for the birth of his daughter, but would arrive long enough to decide what to do with the girl.

Pepper ran that day, as fast as she could, to Tony's workshop on the floor below the house. She typed her access code with shaking hands and was almost pale when she faced the man, Tony vividly remembers what it was like, and how much he feared for what the woman was going to say, Pepper was with him long enough for him to know that the woman it wasn’t easy to shake, so at that moment, he smiled, and released one of his typical comments when he saw her.

"It looks like you saw a ghost, Miss Potts." His smile remained on his face, even though the woman's reaction in front of him only got worse. "Unfortunately, Stark Industries doesn’t yet manufacture weapons for non-existent beings."

"Tony, you... Hm..." Pepper takes a deep breath, staring at the man. "I advise you to pack your things, I already called Happy, and he's already outside, waiting for you with a car".

"And what is the occasion?"

"Nyree Choi just went into labor". The little sentence was enough for Tony's heart to wake up and speed up, he never expected to hear those words, and if he did, he hoped it was about someone that he had a better relationship, Nyree had been a one-night stand, and now, it was apparently a one-night stand that generated a life. "She disappeared for a few months, Happy and I were keeping up with the news, when she called me… Well, I did the math”. Tony had already got up and was walking towards the door. “Exactly nine months since that night, Tony. I’m not wanting to bet on hypotheses, but...”

"This has to be wrong." When the two went upstairs, Happy Hogan was at the entrance of the house, the door open behind him, and a look of despair followed his worried eyes towards Tony, who didn't even bother to pack a suitcase, he just left the house going towards the car, entering without saying a word.

Pepper followed behind, facing Happy without knowing what to do. Tony Stark was many things, but neither of them ever thought of adding “father” to the bottom of that list. The trip to the Stark Industries heliport was silent, Tony had his head in his hands, and his heart didn't even beat in his chest, or he couldn't feel it right, his mind flew between a thousand possibilities, like how he was going to have a child with a person he doesn't even keep in touch with?

The unexpected arrival of the three at the heliport made Obadiah question the reasons. Not that one of the three responded, they just walked towards the jet that Happy had booked and ordered the pilot to get out of there as quickly as possible, which caused Stane's numerous calls that ended up being ignored. Tony had no head to talk to the man who helped him run his company, to be quite honest, Stark had no head for anything.

The only thing he remembers in that jet, was looking at Pepper Potts and whispering a simple "I'm not ready for this", and he will never forget the smile she gave him, and the words of comfort that were said in his direction. Pepper Potts was always his salvation, no matter the moment, it was her, it was always her.

When he arrived in South Korea, his mind was a mess, and his heart yearned for his arrival at the hospital. Everything to have that moment, the first time he held the little girl in his arms, he knew, she was his little girl, that child had his heart at her fingertips and wasn’t even aware of it. All possible DNA tests were done during that week, and Tony could be sure that the girl he held for days was really his.

And that was when the most difficult decision was made. He had to hear from Choi the cruelest words that a man — newly discovered father — could hear. Elisabeth Stark Choi, as they had decided, wouldn’t be part of Tony Stark's public world, Nyree was famous too, but being a model would never endanger her little girl's life, the weapons creation business that Tony followed, it wasn’t the right world for his newborn daughter, and even if it hurt, Tony knew it was true.

He followed the girl's growth for five years. They had a good relationship, and every week, Tony visited or called her, the child was a genius, something the man already expected, she was a Stark, she was his little girl, and Tony saw that every day that it passed, she became smarter, but just like her father, Elisabeth had to discover that people couldn't always get what they wanted.

At some point in her life, Nyree decided that her career had been damaged since the birth of her daughter. At the same time that the woman loved her, she felt that she had been left out when she got pregnant, she was only 27 years old when she had her, and even so, she thought she would never be able to chase the lost time, it was when she came into contact with Pepper about the papers of the full guard to Tony.

It was when Happy traveled to Australia, where Nyree had recently moved, it was also where he met with her and the full guard papers already signed. Elisabeth wasn’t so excited about the news, it was a strange feeling to be losing her mother like that, she was too young to understand the woman's motives, and was too scared to know what her life in Malibu would be like, everything she could feel it was sadness for the possible loss in one side, but happiness for being able to spend more time with her father.

The trip with Happy was exciting, she showed all the things she had to the man, and talked about all the things she liked, and the man couldn't be more impressed. The little girl in front of him knew many things, including two different languages, not that she knew how to speak everything perfectly, but to know that Nyree was teaching the girl how to speak English and Korean, due to the time that the two stayed between the two countries, it made Happy’s day, even if the woman didn't want to be in contact with Lisa anymore, a part of her would always be with the girl, her origins would always be there.

Happy knew at the same time, that the little girl would be everyone's doom, and that Tony was lucky enough to have something so precious in his life, maybe he would even take it easy and open his eyes to the woman he already had in his life. Pepper received them with a huge smile on her face, and while Happy unloaded the girl's bags, the woman told stories about what her life would be like in Malibu, the woman knew they wouldn’t be able to hide the girl for too long, the media already suspected a possible daughter between the model and the billionaire, and that made Pepper's mind go everywhere with the intention of protecting the girl from that world.

Obadiah Stane was a complicated person at first. He thought it was crazy for Tony to assume his daughter, and held Happy and Pepper at the heliport before they were able to go to Tony's house, Stane believed that being with a daughter for 24 hours a day would be too much responsibility, and that Tony alone wouldn’t give so much attention to Industries and feared for the time that he would reserve with a child. Happy took over the situation, and reassured Obadiah that Tony's routine would change drastically, but he would still meet all the company's deadlines, and with that the three left without giving the man any more opportunities.

That day, Pepper assumed the role of a maternal figure. She knew she was far from being the mother of that little girl, but she knew she would be there at all times of difficulty, at all times that Tony was a difficult person to deal with, she would be there, just as she was now, holding her hand, and walking towards the house. That day, she presented the huge house to Elisabeth, the girl was 5 years old when she went down to that workshop for the first time, she remembers opening a huge smile, with the various possibilities she would have learned alongside her father.

Tony's eyes met Pepper's, and then they looked down, seeing the woman holding the delicate little hand of a little girl he knew well. Her hair went just about her shoulders, brown and with tired brown eyes, he knew in that moment, that his life would change for the better, and he knew in that moment that no matter what happened, he would be with her.

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Tagged: @queenturtle2018​

#elisabeth stark #tom holland #peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter parker x stark! reader #happy hogan #avengers #spiderman #coming home #english #fanfic #marvel #robert downey jr #captain america #iron man #tony stark x stark!reader #tony stark and peter parker #michelle jones #flash thompson #harry osborn #obadaiah stane #pepper potts

[kjack89]

How Slow Life Seems

For @impetusofadream as a much belated fill for the @bishopmyrielfundraiser. The request was for a foreign exchange student AU, which somehow morphed into a study abroad AU, which somehow morphed into, well, this.

E/R, modern AU, developing relationship. Title is from the poem also quoted in the fic (in both French and English), ‘Le pont Mirabeau’ by Guillaume Apollinaire.

“How’s the research paper going?”

Enjolras glanced up from his laptop to blink at his mom, who was leaning against his doorway, looking almost as tired as he felt. “Fine,” he said noncommittally, before sighing and amending, “Ok, actually it’s going terribly. JSTOR’s great and all, but not being able to access primary source documents directly…”

He trailed off and his mom nodded understandingly. “Well,” she said bracingly, “hopefully it’s just for the rest of this semester. Once COVID calms down, you’ll be back on campus and able to look at all the primary sources your heart desires.” She paused. “And, you know, you’ll get to see your friends again, plan more protests, get put on academic probation again…”

Enjolras laughed lightly. He couldn’t pretend that he’d always gotten along well with his parents, rebelling in a million ways throughout high school and moving all the way across the country for school. But with COVID shutting down campus, he had reluctantly returned to his parents’ house, and he was surprised to find it wasn’t as bad as he remembered. 

Maybe absence really did make the heart fonder.

Or maybe it was because, on his second day back, his mom had casually dropped into conversation at the dinner table, “By the way, we’re taking in a foreign exchange student this summer. You’ll like him – he’s a non-traditional student from Poland who got a grant to come do research on populist uprisings.”

Enjolras’s mother worked with the Office of International Study at the local university, which meant as long as Enjolras could remember, there was always some random student or another who stayed with the family, normally when their own study or living arrangements got disrupted. But rarely had the student in question so perfectly matched just about every single one of Enjolras’s interests – even if he had to feign disinterest.

“Populist uprisings?” he had scoffed. “Here? Might as well come here to study Bigfoot.”

But as the days had gotten closer to the student’s – to Feuilly’s – arrival, Enjolras grew more eager. So it was with a genuine smile that he asked his mom, “Is Feuilly getting here soon?”

His mom’s smile faltered, just slightly. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about,” she said, and Enjolras’s smile faded.

“He’s not coming, is he?” he asked dully, already able to see where this conversation was going.

His mom shook her head. “No, he’s not – his university canceled all study abroad because of COVID.”

“Oh,” Enjolras said. “Of course.”

“But there is some good news!” his mom continued, in that forced way she had when she was trying to get him to agree to something she knew he wasn’t going to want to do. “There are a number of foreign exchange students stuck here who can’t go home, so you will at least have some company, for a few weeks, anyway, until we’re able to safely get them home.”

Enjolras perked up, just slightly. “So who’s coming to stay with us?” he asked, trying not to sound so excited at the prospect of any company that wasn’t his capitalism-loving parents.

“His name’s Grantaire,” his mom, sounding relieved that he seemed open to it. “You’ll like him,” she added quickly. “He’s Canadian! You can practice your French!”

Enjolras considered it for a moment. “Well,” he said hesitantly, “I suppose it could be worse.”

---------

“Oh, sorry,” Grantaire said, somewhere in between bored and awkward. “I don’t really speak French.”

It was the second thing Grantaire said to him, right after “Hi” and right before, “Oh, I don’t really care about politics.”

Needless to say, Enjolras did not like him.

Grantaire was an art student, and slept until 2 in the afternoon most days, and sat out on the back porch smoking cigarettes while scrolling idly through his phone, and openly laughed whenever Enjolras tried to engage him in any kind of political conversation, and seemed to have absolutely no interest in going anywhere or doing anything.

It was hard to say which Enjolras liked least.

Granted, in the era of COVID there wasn’t exactly a whole lot to go do or see, but even outside of the immediate, Grantaire seemed to have no ambition towards doing anything. When Enjolras asked, a little stiffly, why he had bothered to study abroad when he clearly didn’t care about expanding his horizons, Grantaire just shrugged, ducking his head to light the cigarette in his mouth. “Free trip, I guess,” he said, blowing smoke out of his nose and grinning at Enjolras lazily.

Enjolras was not amused. 

His mom didn’t help matters, encouraging him at every given opportunity to spend more time with Grantaire. “He must be homesick,” she reasoned. 

“I’m not entirely sure that Grantaire cares enough about anything to miss it,” Enjolras muttered, and she gave him a look.

“Imagine being stuck in a foreign country during a pandemic with no knowledge of when you’re going to be able to go home,” she said. “He needs our understanding, and I’d hazard that he also needs a friend.”

But every attempt Enjolras made towards conversation – he wouldn’t go so far as to say friendship – was met with mockery at worst or disinterest at best, so Enjolras gave up, figuring they were better off ignoring each other.

At least until one night, when Enjolras was up even later than usual, sprawled out on the couch with his laptop balanced on his lap and books spread around him. He jerked upright when the door banged open, though he settled back down again when he heard Grantaire swear to himself. “Oh,” Grantaire said, and Enjolras didn’t bother looking up at him. “What’re you doing up?”

“Studying,” Enjolras said, pointedly vague, but Grantaire didn’t seem to take the hint, leaning down to rest his elbows against the back of the couch as he peered down at Enjolras’s computer screen.

“Thought your semester was done.”

“It is,” Enjolras said with a scowl as he shifted his computer so that Grantaire couldn’t read it. “I’m not studying for school, I’m trying to draft a bill to create criminal penalties for racially-motivated false police calls.”

Grantaire snorted, straightening and heading into the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge. “Of course you are,” he said derisively. 

On any other night, Enjolras might have ignored him, but that night, he couldn’t quite bring himself to, instead closing his laptop and sitting up to glare at Grantaire as he settled down at the kitchen table. “Something wrong with trying to bring a little bit of justice into the world?” he asked, his voice brittle.

Grantaire just shrugged. “Not at all, but if you think that’s what justice looks like, you’ve got another think coming.”

Enjolras scowled. “What are you even talking about?” he snapped.

“I’m talking about the irony of someone who I’m sure espouses the need to abolish the the police and the criminal justice suddenly being ok with using said criminal justice system to punish the local Karens.”

Enjolras stared at him. “I don’t know—”

“Yeah, I’m sure you don’t,” Grantaire scoffed, a small smirk lifting the corners of his mouth.

Enjolras ground his teeth together, irritation making his blood boil. “What, and you’re suddenly an expert in criminal justice?”

“Not even remotely,” Grantaire said breezily, draining his beer and standing. “But when I say Fuck 12, I don’t intend to turn around and say that they’re ok when they’re enforcing my agenda.”

Enjolras opened his mouth to retort before closing it again, the sinking feeling in his stomach telling him that, as much as he might want to deny it in the moment, Grantaire might have a point.

He hated him more than a little for that.

It took him a moment to push the feeling aside. “I didn’t realize you cared,” he said stiffly, and Grantaire paused on his way out of the kitchen. 

“I don’t,” he said with a shrug. “And it’s not like Canada’s much better when it comes to police brutality against Black and brown folks, especially indigenous folks.” He paused, his expression unreadable in the dim light “But I just figured someone like you should probably think through all the sides of things.”

Enjolras eyed him warily. “I don’t know whether to be grateful or insulted.”

Grantaire scratched his neck and shrugged. “Honestly, it’s a crapshoot either way.”

Enjolras couldn’t help but laugh lightly at that as he opened his laptop again. “Well, you’ve at least given me something to think about.” 

Grantaire made a mocking bow. “My legacy, monsieur,” he said, turning to go upstairs to his bedroom.

“My mom thinks you might be homesick.”

Enjolras didn’t know what possessed him to just blurt that out, and he couldn’t help but hold his breath slightly as Grantaire froze before turning back to him. “Does she,” he said noncommittally, more a statement than a question.

Enjolras jerked a shrug, staring down at his laptop as if he couldn’t care less if Grantaire was homesick. “Yeah.”

“She’s a nice woman, your mom,” Grantaire said, leaning against the doorway and crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I get why you probably don’t get along with her or your dad, since they’re, you know, the bourgeoisie that you with your upper middle class upbringing disdain so much, but she is nice.” 

Enjolras nodded slowly. “Are you homesick, then?” he asked.

“Oh, no,” Grantaire said with a laugh, and Enjolras blinked up at him. “You haven’t leveled up far enough to access my tragic backstory or find out if I’m missing home.”

Enjolras scowled. “I wasn’t aware that asking you basic facts about your emotional state counts as unlocking a tragic backstory.”

Grantaire winked. “That’s because you don’t know anything about my emotional state.”

“Well, am I allowed to ask you about something else?”

“Sure,” Grantaire said easily, and Enjolras was taken aback for a moment. He hadn’t expected Grantaire to agree, so he fumbled for a question to actually ask.

“Where do you go?” he asked abruptly, and it was Grantaire’s turn to look taken aback.

“Where do I go?” he repeated.

“When you go out,” Enjolras said impatiently, waving a vague hand in the direction of the door. “When you disappear for hours on end – where do you go?”

Grantaire grinned. “That’s a good question,” he admitted, rapping lightly on the doorframe with his knuckles. “Good enough that you should ask me again sometime.”

Enjolras frowned. “Why?”

“Because one day I just might show you.”

He disappeared, leaving Enjolras staring after him.

----------

Something after that changed between them. It wasn’t like they were suddenly friends or anything like that, but Enjolras was beginning to sense that maybe they could be.

Underneath the cynicism, Grantaire actually seemed to share most of the same political beliefs as Enjolras – even if he chalked up said political beliefs to ‘wishful thinking’.

That used to piss Enjolras off, but somehow, it didn’t anymore. He told himself that it was because he now realized there was actual substance beneath the scorn and dismissal.

He also told himself that it had nothing to do with noticing the way that Grantaire’s eyes sparkled everytime he said it, as if it was somehow an inside joke between them.

Enjolras found that his usual late nights staying up, studying and working into the early hours, were now interrupted by Grantaire joining him, usually with a beer in hand. But it was becoming harder to see them as interruptions because somehow, Grantaire had a knack for finding ways to make Enjolras’s arguments better. Sharper. As if the teasing the torment was always intended to get him to this point.

Now that Grantaire wasn’t interrupting him, the only person that was when Enjolras’s mom would come downstairs to shush them for arguing too loudly. After one such time, a couple of weeks after that first night, Grantaire leaned back against the couch and remarked casually, “Your mom is nice.”

“You’ve said that before,” Enjolras said, highlighting something in the article he was reading before glancing up at Grantaire. “I’ll take it that your mom isn’t?”

He asked it casually, and for a moment, Grantaire looked like he might deny it. But then he just shrugged, staring moodily into the distance. “She was never cruel,” he said, something almost cold in his tone. “She and my dad didn’t beat me, or abuse me. They just—” He broke off, his expression darkening. “I dunno. Kids can tell, I think, when they were never really wanted.”

He said it plainly, matter-of-factly, and that somehow made it so much worse. Enjolras wasn’t sure whether to say something – or what to say, for that matter – but Grantaire saved him from having to. “My parents had me as an attempt to keep their marriage together. It didn’t work. And after that, I don’t think either of them was ever really that interested in being a parent.” He made a face. “Save for telling me how disappointing I was.”

“I’m sorry.”

Enjolras winced as he said it, but Grantaire just waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t be,” he scoffed. “It’s not a tragedy in the grand scheme of things. And all things, I’ve been lucky. I grew up with food on the table, a house over my head, excellent schooling– Well, until university, that is. They cut me off when I told them I was planning on getting an arts degree instead of something useful.”

He made another face and took a long pull from his beer before forcing a smile. “And there you have it, my tragic backstory. Congratulations on leveling up.”

Enjolras laughed, but only because it seemed expected of him. Grantaire relaxed slightly at that, though he froze when Enjolras added, in what he hoped was a casual way, “Neglect is still abuse, you know.”

“Maybe,” Grantaire acknowledged before smiling again, this time a genuine smile. “But honestly it may have been for the best. After all, regardless of whether it was a tragedy in the grand scheme of things, somehow or another, it still got me here.” He paused, his grin widening. “Where I can annoy you until all hours of the night.”

“Aren’t I lucky,” Enjolras said dryly, and Grantaire laughed, the moment between them ending almost as quickly as it had started.

But something about it lingered with Enjolras, and it took him a few days to realize what it was: he did feel a little bit lucky, all things considered. He was surprised to find that he liked Grantaire, liked spending time with him. Grantaire made him laugh, and rage, and on occasion, scowl and sulk when Grantaire knocked down one of his arguments.

Grantaire made him feel what previously had always been reserved for his causes.

And even though Enjolras knew Grantaire would have to leave eventually, when once he would’ve given anything to get rid of him, now he was surprised to find that he didn’t want him to go at all.

----------

“What are you doing tonight?” Grantaire asked abruptly, and Enjolras didn’t even look up from his computer.

“Same thing we do every night, Pinky,” he murmured. “Try to take over the world.”

“Hilarious,” Grantaire said dryly. “But I meant it.”

Enjolras sighed and looked up. “Well, I’ve got about a half dozen articles I need to read, not to mention there’s some really interesting case law coming out from Clay County, Illinois, regarding suing a governor over executive powers, and—”

“So nothing important, in other words,” Grantaire interrupted with a grin.

Enjolras’s eyes narrowed. “And what more important thing did you have in mind to do tonight?”

Grantaire’s grin widened. “Ask your question from before,” he said, and Enjolras stared at him for a long moment before remembering.

“Where do you go?” he asked, and Grantaire’s grin softened.

“Let me show you,” he said, holding his hand out to Enjolras. “With your permission, of course.”

Enjolras hesitated for only a moment before taking Grantaire’s hand and allowing Grantaire to pull him off the couch and out the door, face masks in hand.

The answer to Enjolras’s question, it seemed, was everywhere. Enjolras had grown up in this town, but he had never seen it like this, following Grantaire down alleys and through neighborhoods he didn’t even know existed. Their first stop was a little corner liquor store that Enjolras must’ve passed hundreds of times without every going in, and Enjolras even drank some of the wine Grantaire offered him, shifting their masks to drink straight from the brown paper bag-wrapped bottle as they made their way across town to some dingy dive bar.

But instead of going in, Grantaire led him over to a man selling tamales by the front door. “Best tamales in the city,” Grantaire assured Enjolras, who found that he didn’t doubt him.

From there, they crisscrossed the entire town, it seemed, pausing in a back alley to listen to a band playing some tiny venue Enjolras had never heard of, or swinging past the local movie theatre, which was projecting old films on the side of the building, turning their parking lot into a mini drive-in.

Enjolras didn’t say much, other than to comment a few times on mask compliance and social distancing, but he didn’t feel like the silence between them was uncomfortable, mainly because there wasn’t much silence. Even with a pandemic, there was still people on the sidewalk, talking loudly with each other, and cars crowding the streets, and even the sound of cicadas turning the quiet night into a cacophony.

They ended in a park, where Grantaire helped Enjolras over the temporary fence set up to block access to the playground, and they sat down on the swings, Enjolras facing one direction, Grantaire facing the other. “So this was…” Enjolras started, trailing off as he searched for the right word.

“Stupid?” Grantaire suggested, with a self-deprecating laugh.

Enjolras looked over at him sharply. “The opposite, actually,” he said. “I think I saw more of this city tonight than I have in my entire time living here.” He shrugged, glancing around them. “I’ve spent almost my entire life here, and I’ve never seen it like this.”

“You should try sometime,” Grantaire said, and there was something serious in his voice, so much so that Enjolras looked over at him, searching his expression. “Sometimes I think that you’re so focused on what needs fixing that you don’t stop and see the beauty in the brokenness.”

“Well, that’s your job,” Enjolras said, aiming for a joke but falling flat. “As an artist, I mean.”

“I knew what you meant,” Grantaire said quietly.

For a moment, they both sat in silence before Grantaire told Enjolras, “I’m leaving in two days.”

“What?” Enjolras asked blankly.

“Your mom told me today. I finally got cleared by my university to return to Canada.”

Enjolras’s entire chest felt like it was being squeezed. “That’s—” he started, his voice coming out a croak, and he swallowed, hard. “I mean, that’s what you’ve been waiting for, right?”

Grantaire jerked a shrug. “I guess.”

There were a million things that Enjolras wanted to say to him, but none of the words seemed to come. Instead, he asked, hesitantly, “Is that...is that why you decided to show me this? Because you’re leaving?”

“No.” Grantaire shook his head, something almost urgent in his tone. “I wanted to show you this because you needed to see it. You are so focused on changing what’s out there that you don’t take the time to stop and see what’s right here.”

“And you do?” Enjolras asked.

“Maybe.”

Enjolras was suddenly aware of how close they were, brushing against each other in the dark as they had twisted in their swings to face each other. “And what do you see?” he asked softly. 

Instead of answering, Grantaire leaned in and kissed him.

----------

It was somewhat of an answer in its own way, and judging by the chaos of packing that followed the next day, it was the only answer that Enjolras was ever going to get. He wanted desperately to talk to Grantaire, to talk about what had happened in that park, or about the millions of other things he had just assumed they would have time to talk about, but time was the one thing they didn’t have.

Not during the day, anyway.

But in lieu of their usual late night bantering, Enjolras crept into Grantaire’s bedroom after his parents had gone to bed. “Enjolras?” Grantaire asked, sitting up. “What are you—”

Enjolras kissed him, a little desperately. “I wanted to do that,” he said, his voice breathy.

Grantaire’s hands dropped to rest against his waist. “Is that all you wanted?” he asked, his voice low.

“I also wanted to talk.”

Grantaire groaned softly. “Of course you do,” he said with a sigh, dropping his hands and flopping back down on the bed. “Let me guess, about what this means, or what this is between us?”

Despite himself, despite not wanting to ruin what little time they had left, Enjolras scowled. “Why do you say that like it’s a bad thing?”

“It’s not, it’s just—” Grantaire broke off with a sigh. “It’s predictable. Remember what I said about you being too busy trying to fix what’s out there to focus on what’s right here?”

Enjolras’s scowl deepened. “I don’t think this—”

“No, but I do.” Grantaire sat up again, his expression serious. “Look, if you can honestly tell me that talking about this will make the fact that I am leaving tomorrow easier or better, then I’m happy to spend this entire night talking.” He paused as if waiting for Enjolras to attempt exactly that. “But if you can’t, then don’t make me waste this night.”

Enjolras bit his lip. “Well, then what do you want to do?” he asked, hastening to add, “Besides, you know, that, because that’s not happening tonight.”

Grantaire half-smiled. “All I want is to hold you,” he said simply, holding his hand out to Enjolras. “Can we do that?”

The breath seemed to catch in Enjolras’s throat. “Yeah,” he said. “Yeah, I’d – I’d like that.”

He let Grantaire pull him onto the bed, curling reflexively against him and tilting his head up so that Grantaire could kiss him, slow and sweet.

True to what Grantaire said, that’s all they did, lying there together, wrapped up in each other and in the millions of unspoken could-have and should-have-beens. Enjolras rested his head against Grantaire’s chest. “‘M falling asleep,” he murmured, and Grantaire smoothed the hair away from his forehead.

“Then sleep,” he said, his voice low in Enjolras’s ear. “I’ve got you, I promise.”

Enjolras believed him.

And as he drifted off into sleep, he could’ve sworn he heard Grantaire whispering into his ear, “L'amour s'en va comme cette eau courante, L'amour s'en va, Comme la vie est lente, Et comme l'Espérance est violente.”

----------

Enjolras only just made it back to his own bed the next morning before his parents woke up, not that it mattered in the chaos of getting Grantaire’s stuff packed into the car so they could drive to the airport. Enjolras and Grantaire sat in the back seat, neither seeming to want to break the silence, though once, when Enjolras’s parents weren’t looking, Grantaire grabbed Enjolras’s hand and raised it to his lips to kiss Enjolras’s knuckles.

Still, the reality set in after Grantaire checked his bags and rejoined Enjolras and his parents, who tactfully gave them some room to say their goodbyes. “I spent most of my summer counting down until you left,” Enjolras told him, and Grantaire laughed.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel special,” he teased, but Enjolras didn’t smile.

“But now that you’re actually going—”

“I know,” Grantaire said softly. “But I have to go. Besides, someone’s got to be ready with a place for you to stay for when you inevitably try to overthrow the government and need to flee the country.”

Enjolras half-smiled. “Depending on how November goes, that may be sooner rather than later.”

Grantaire shuddered. “Don’t even joke about that.”

“Sorry,” Enjolras said, before adding, a little desperately, “I’m going to miss you.”

Grantaire ducked his head. “Who knows,” he said, “maybe I’ll look into transferring schools.”

“Really?”

Grantaire shrugged. “Yeah, it’s not like I have much to look forward to back home.” He nudged Enjolras with his elbow. “But I do have a really compelling reason to come back here.”

Enjolras shook his head, his throat tight. “Don’t transfer just because of me.”

“Don’t you have a high opinion of yourself,” Grantaire said mockingly. “I was referring to the tamales.”

But Enjolras didn’t laugh. “I mean it.”

Grantaire raised an eyebrow. “You and I both know that you need me, too. So it’s only half for me.”

Enjolras did smile at that, a little reluctantly. “Maybe.”

Grantaire nodded, and glanced towards security, his expression darkening. “Well,” he said, clearing his throat. “I guess I should be going. And I’ll, uh, see when I see you, I guess.”

Enjolras nodded as well. “Yeah,” he said, his voice thick.

Grantaire hefted his bag onto his shoulder and turned to leave when Enjolras said, “Oh, and Grantaire?”

“Yeah?” Grantaire said, turning back.

“Always joy comes after pain.”

Grantaire blinked. “Beg pardon?”

“From the poem you recited to me last night.” A slow grin spread across Grantaire’s face, and Enjolras said, mock-accusatory, “You said you didn’t speak French.”

“I lied,” Grantaire said, and Enjolras shook his head.

“And what else did you lie about?” he asked, putting his hands on his hips.

Grantaire didn’t hesitate, closing the space between them to kiss Enjolras. “Well,” he said, “I said I wasn’t going to do that, for starters.”

“I think I can forgive that,” Enjolras whispered, kissing Grantaire again before asking, “Anything else?’

Grantaire grinned. “Let’s save that for the next time we see each other.”

Enjolras smiled as well. “I’m gonna hold you to that,” he warned.

Grantaire pulled him into a hug, one that Enjolras was only too happy to return. “I hope to God you do,” Grantaire whispered in his ear before kissing his cheek once more.

“I will,” Enjolras promised, and this time when Grantaire turned to head into security, Enjolras didn’t stop him.

He didn’t have to, because for once, Enjolras saw things exactly as they were right in front of him.

But he also knew he’d find a way to fix it, and for them to be together again.

One way or another.

#enjolras #grantaire #exr #enjolras x grantaire #enjoltaire #fanfiction #les miserables #modern au #developing relationship #study abroad au

[onyxiana-is-obsessed]

Notes | Denki Kaminari x Foreign!Reader

Summary: You’re super new to Japan and you barely know the language. You’ve transferred into class 1A and you have your own translator! Except, you start to like a certain electric blond!

It’s long; 4.1k words

Pronouns used: She/her

Name: (f/n) (l/n) Quirk: You're the avatar, jk but you can control all 4 elements and all of them together for a short period. Age: (14/15)

She didn't have much of a choice, she was told two weeks prior to her leave. Here she was, in Musutafu, with her translator, Ryu Kyoji, right next to her. Her frown was prominent as the two waited on their cab.

"What's wrong, (f/n)?" He inquired, earning a scoff from the girl.

"I just... I just hate how I'm in this situation." She mumbled. He gave her an understanding nod. It must've been hard. She didn't know any bit of Japanese, only English, she was here in a different country, different cultures, different laws. Just because her parents believed she would fair better at UA instead. The cab arrived only a few minutes later and the two got in.

~**~

They arrived at Ryu's house and placed (f/n)'s luggage in her bedroom. The girl was left alone to unpack while Ryu's sister prepared dinner. Ryu was a 20-year-old translator that worked with the heroes association in situations like this. (f/n)'s parents were high ranking pro heroes in North America and they were quite close with some pro heroes in Japan, including All Might. That's when the number 1 hero suggested that their daughter attend UA. She would be with a personal translator who would help her in school and whatnot. Her parents were quick to agree.

They failed to realize how it would affect (f/n) though. She would have to attend a school filled with people who didn't speak her language. Just the thought brought tears to her eyes. She had friends back in America. She had a life... all she was forced to drop.

After unpacking, (f/n) looked at her phone. She had gotten a text from her mother telling her to purchase an app that was the best translator app in the world. The girl sighed and did so and now had a way to text any new friends or whatever. She glared at the ceiling. How unfair.

~**~

(f/n) stood in front of the large door with Ryu next to her. Inside, she could hear the pro-hero Eraserhead talking and Ryu was translating for her. He was introducing her.

"We have a transfer student here from America. She's really shy and she doesn't know any Japanese but she has a translator here with her. Please be nice to her and welcome her, future heroes." With that, Aizawa approached the door and opened it, his eyes landing on the two people. He said something and a second later, Ryu translated.

"Welcome to our class, please introduce yourself." The two walked in and (f/n)'s eyes widened in fear as everyone stared at her. She froze up, clenching her fists in order to calm herself. She looked down when Ryu whispered something to her. "Just give them a light bow and introduce yourself, I'll translate for you." She inhaled and did so.

"Hello. My n-name is (f/n) (l/n). P-pleased to make your acquaintance." Ryu then translated for her and she looked at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. Aizawa then walked to her and spoke, Ryu translating it afterward.

"Take your seat at the back, this will allow your translator to speak with you, without disruption from the other students." She nodded and moved to the back, where she shared a desk with Ryu.

Throughout the class, Aizawa did his best to slow down and accommodate for (f/n) in class. (f/n) did her best to take notes based on what Ryu would translate for her. Ryu was also taking notes of his own, which allowed him easier translation.

The class was out for lunch and (f/n) watched as everyone started to get up and get into groups and leave. When they were alone, Ryu let her know that he was going to the bathroom and that he'd be back right away. She nodded and got her phone out, in case she needed help. After he left, her eyes traveled to the window and she stared at the sky. She could feel the anger build up. How unfair. How dare they?!

The girl stared at her notebook, where she made little doodles in. She grabbed her pencil and started to sketch a moon. While she did that, the door opened and her eyes shot up, expecting Ryu, but seeing someone else. He was blond with yellow eyes and a black lightning bolt in his hair. He seemed surprised to see her there. He gave her a smile as he approached his desk and grabbed something. She watched him silently and as he started to leave, she stopped him. He looked back at her and she looked down, feeling stupid but wanted to help nonetheless.

She stood up and approached him, her (e/c) eyes meeting his. She cautiously reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling it gently, signaling him to turn. He did and she pulled off a sticky note off of his back. She turned him back around held it out to him. His eyes widened and he looked over it, a frown replacing his shocked look. However, he looked up at her and gave her a nod.

"Arigato." She knew that to be thank you. She'd heard it plenty of times, so it stuck in her head. She gave him and nod and watched as he left, Ryu returning through the open door.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah, he just had this sticky note on his back. I stopped him to give it to him." Ryu nodded and with that the two were off to get some food.

~**~

The class was currently waiting for Aizawa to show up and during that time, (f/n) and Ryu sat in the back going over some notes and whatnot. Aizawa had already told Ryu what he was planning for the day so that it would be easier for (f/n).

During their time, (f/n) watched as five kids were chatting away. She sort of knew them. She knew their names, thanks to Ryu. Katsuki Bakugou was the ash blond, Mina Ashido was the pink girl, Eijiro Kirishima was the redhead, Hanta Sero was the raven-haired male, and last but not least, Denki Kaminari the cute blond.

"Hey Ryu, what are they talking about?" They were quite loud but (f/n) noticed how the others actually ignored them.

"It's a private conversation, (f/n)." The girl rolled her eyes.

"Doesn't sound very private." Ryu only smiled at her and translated.

"The group is making fun of the one you think is cute for not being able to get a date with anyone." She recalled the sticky note, unfortunately, it was written in Japanese, so she had no idea what it said, but it made him frown.

"It must've been something similar..." She muttered.

"What?"

"The note, remember a few days ago when you saw him leave. I told you about the note. He made a similar face."

"Well, now they're making fun of him because he likes someone who they don't think would like him back." (f/n) watched as the group laughed, causing Kaminari to frown and look away. Ryu's eyes were on his notebook while (f/n)'s were on her phone, both avoiding looking at the group so they wouldn't be able to tell that they were listening. At one point, Ryu perked up. "How cute, looks like you're the one he likes." At this, the girl turned red. Her eyes were on her screen, but her head was elsewhere. Her phone buzzed and she noticed she had a text from her friend back home. It was a picture message of all of her friends. Her mind was now off of Kaminari and returned to the memories she shared with her girls. Tears started to well up as stared at their smiling faces.

She clicked on the little camera icon and turned the camera to face herself. She moved her hair around and tapped Ryu's arm.

"Take this picture with me." He happily obliged and she raised her arm. A couple of classmates caught sight of them and some caught sight of the tears as well. She ignored them as she took a couple of pictures and giggled, saying something to Ryu to which he let out a chuckle. She turned the phone to show him and for once, it was the opposite. Instead of her wanting to be in her classmates' world, they wanted to be in hers.

Aizawa had arrived and explained that they would be training with their quirks. He didn't do much explaining until they were at the training grounds. When they were, the first the Aizawa did was pair up the students. They were all split up into five groups of four. Unfortunately for (f/n), Ryu was not allowed to participate but her group was given earpieces. Her group included herself, Midoriya, Kaminari, and Todoroki. Aizawa handed all four of them, including Ryu an earpiece.

"These will do nothing but make it so that Ryu can translate for (f/n)," Aizawa explained to the class, so it didn't seem like everyone was at an unfair disadvantage. Aizawa then explained that they were all going to be facing another group and were basically sparring. It wasn't too difficult but this would test how well everyone would work together. For (f/n)'s group, it would test how well they could fair with a foreigner.

They were going up against Kirishima, Tokoyami, Shoji, and Momo. (f/n) didn't know too much about them so through the earpiece, the group heard Aizawa tell Ryu to explain who their rivals were briefly to (f/n). This was because everyone in the class knew each other and (f/n) had just arrived, so she didn't know anyone.

"I won't say much here, forgive me. Tokoyami's quirk allows him to summon Dark Shadow. Kirishima's quirk allows him to harden his skin, Momo can create any non-living material through exposed skin. Shoji's quirk is called Dupli-arms and it allows him to re-create body parts such as eyes, ears, mouth, etc." The girl nodded from where she stood.

"Thank you." Aizawa then proceeded to explain what type of training this was. It was going to be tournament-style where two groups go and the winner of those groups will be facing the next group. In this case, there were five groups, but the fifth group was going to have to sit out until the first four finished their fight. Each group had a number that Aizawa would draw randomly.

(AN: This is awful I know, but everyone needs to see how cool the transfer student is and this is the best I could come up... what a bad start xD)

Another component of this training was a flag. Aizawa had placed two flags somewhere that would represent a team's color and they had to retrieve it, on top of fighting another group.

So far, (f/n) was ok with everything as the group waited until (f/n) called out through the ear-piece.

"Hey, Ryu?"

"Yes, (f/n)?"

"Can you ask the guy with the two hair colors if he can freeze water?"

"Sure." With that, (f/n) listened to the two talk for a moment before Ryu called back through the earpiece. "He says he can only create ice from his body and that's it. Once it's outside, he can no longer control it." (<- I think that's how it works)

"Is he allowed to demonstrate for me?" Ryu, who was right next to Aizawa, asked him if that was ok. Aizawa agreed and encouraged the three to show her their quirks.

"Yes, would you like to see them all?" He then asked all three to show their quirks off with Todoroki going first since she was most interested in him, with Kaminari, and Midoriya. "Todoroki's quirk is half cold half hot. He can basically create ice with his right side and fire with his left. Midoriya has a simple strength-enhancing quirk, it allows him to hit really hard and move very quickly. Kaminari quirk is electricity, he can use up to 1.3 million volts, but if he uses too much, his brain short circuits."

"Just Todoroki's. Do they know mine?"

"I don't think so, allow me to inform them." With that, Ryu went on to explain her quirk. She watched as their faces went from interested to shocked. She didn't think it was that special. He added that (f/n) wanted to see Todoroki's abilities, especially the ice. Then Ryu let her know, she'd see that demonstration now.

Todoroki created an ice sheet in front of him and then used his fire-side to melt it. She then asked if he could create another one, but leave it up, Ryu translating it a second later. He nodded and did so. The girl placed her hands on the cold ice and attempted to see if she could melt it a bit, enough to turn it into water.

The heat from her hands started to melt the ice and slowly, the entire thing was melted, but it turned into a giant ball of water. She then moved her arms, causing the water to swirl around above her head. She moved back a little and they watched as she held the water up with one hand and with another, caused the earth to shoot up, creating a platform-like structure. She then returned to the water and they watched as it swirled around then seemingly sliced through the rocks. Nothing happened at first, but then they watched as she cut rocks slipped off of each other and fell to the ground.

That was the only thing she could do though. Her quirk was a bit more than that. She stood in front of them all and waved her hands around the air and they watched as she pulled water from the air. She then froze the water and melted it again. Impressed was too simple of a word to use, but they were beyond impressed.

Soon it was their turn and the group approached their starting positions. They had made a simple strategy, for which Ryu was there with them. Todoroki and (f/n) were going to be their offense and their way up to the flag, since (f/n) could fly using her air quirk. Kaminari and Midoriya were going to be bait while they fought. (f/n)'s job was to trap them in the earth structures she had made earlier, especially since some of their opponents were dangerous. Her and Todoroki needed to use light to keep Dark Shadow down since they were the best qualified. (f/n) more than Todoroki due to him neglecting his fire quirk for so long.

The training had begun and the groups were off. The first thing they did was a search for their flags, but ended up running into each other instead. The fight wasn't too long and for the most part, (f/n) avoided attacking back. She also avoided talking since the other group didn't have an earpiece.

However, in the corner of her eye, she noticed Shoji and Kirishima both attacking Midoriya. He was doing fine and it allowed her the perfect opportunity. She bent down slightly and raised her arms, causing the earth to shoot up and trap them both. She made sure it was strong enough and that they couldn't escape.

Tokoyami's dark shadow was under control due to Todoroki while Momo was busy prepping something. Not wanting to give them time, (f/n) used her Ultimate form (There you is: Avatar (f/n)). Her eyes glowed white and her hair caught fire as she was lifted up off the ground. She used her air quirk to pull both Tokoyami and Momo to her and then slammed them into the structures holding Kirishima and Shoji. She pulled her allies away from the fight, levitating them in the air beside her. She trapped Momo and Tokoyami as well, but created a moat around the small island they were on. She pulled water out of the air and trees around her, filling it up and then looked at Kaminari and pointed to the water. He knew exactly what she meant.

Kaminari landed on the ground and he released some of his electricity into the water. Now the other group couldn't leave. She then raised Kaminari off the ground and the group flew into the air, searching for the flag.

Todoroki quickly spotted it and she landed on the ground, releasing herself from her Ultimate form. As she approached the flag as well, her legs gave out, but both Kaminari and Midoriya caught onto the girl, holding her upright as Aizawa declared them the winners of the training.

~**~

As the group walked back to class, (f/n) stopped. She was behind everyone with Ryu next to her. He stopped as well, which caused the group to stop and look at them. (f/n) kicked the ground and a slab of rock shot out, landing in her hands. It wasn't too big, but it was perfect for what she needed. Once she noticed the group looking at her, she spoke up.

"Personal project." Ryu translated and Aizawa gave her a lazy nod as they continued back to class.

**

It was lunch break and instead of leaving for lunch, Ryu and (f/n) stayed in class. Ryu offered to go get her lunch to which she accepted. While she waited, she decided to proceed with her "personal project". It was going to be a gift for Kaminari.

She waved her hands, pulling the moisture from the air and used the water to cut the slab of rock into a heart. Once she was happy with the shape, she used the water to smooth it down some more. Using the water like a knife or some sort of carving utensil, she perfected her shape.

Once it was to her liking, she grabbed a marker from her little pouch and sketched out Denki's name. She then grabbed a ballpoint pen and took out the ink, leaving the pen empty. She touched the pen to her fingertip, causing it to heat up immensely, then used it to carve out Kaminari's name into the rock.

Once she was done and happy with the outcome, she traced over it, causing her to get nervous. Wh-what if he didn't like it? What if he didn't like her back? What if this was just a cruel joke from Ryu? Or he heard wrong?!

As (f/n) stared at her creation, she heard the door slide open. She didn't even bother looking up as negative thoughts took over her head.

"Ryu, what if you heard wrong?" She heard someone respond in Japanese and her head shot up. N-no way. It was Kaminari. She was shocked at first, but gave him a smile and shook her head. He said something else, approaching her and she held her hand up. She had used the translator app with Ryu to see how well it worked and according to him, it was amazing.

She opened up the app and stood up, walking towards Kaminari. She held the phone close to him and pressed the microphone button. He got the hint and asked his question again. It took seconds before it was translated for her through text.

"Why do you always stay in the classroom for lunch?" She gave him a light smile, before repeating the process and letting him read the text.

"I have no here besides Ryu." He grabbed her hand, his warm touch causing her cheeks to heat up. He pressed the microphone button and spoke again, giving her a second to read it.

"You could always sit with me and my friends." She gave him a smile.

"You're sweet, but I don't wanna impose on you and your friends."

"Nonsense! It'll be fun! I'll be your friend, if you'll have me." She let out a giggle and nodded. The door opened again and their fun was cut short by his friends joining him. They said something and he gave them a smile, returning to his desk grabbing something. During this time, she watched as they teased him again. She pressed the button on her app and watched as it translated what they were saying to him.

"It's a lost cause, Kaminari. You still can't get a girl, especially not her. She has standards." Sero laughed.

"Oh shove it. She's my friend, ya know." Kaminari responded as he dug through his desk.

"So you've been friend-zoned?" Mina laughed, causing Sero and Kirishima to laugh as well. (f/n) rolled her eyes as she returned to her seat, but not before spotting her little creation.

"What is this? An attempt at getting out of the friend zone? Listen, you're a bit better than Mineta, but you can't get her!" Sero laughed, causing Kaminari to grumble something. Once had what he needed he let them know and they walked towards the door, but Kaminari walked towards (f/n). She quickly cleared the previous conversation she had heard and gave him a smile, hiding the little rock. He pointed to her and phone and she handed it to him. He spoke and held it out to her.

"Last chance to join." She took her chance. Whether he truly liked her or not, at least his friends would stop bugging him. She grabbed his hand causing his cheeks to flush a bit. She reached into her desk and pulled out the little rock and placed it in his palm. Her fingers released his hand and he inspected it, eyes widening. Grabbing her phone, she spoke.

"I made it for you. I hope you like it, Kaminari." Although he didn't understand what other words she said, he liked the use of his name. He read the text and a smile fell on his lips as he gave her a slight nod. She grabbed a pen from her desk and opened her palm, which inadvertently asked Denki for permission to write on him. He gave her a nod and followed her actions. She wrote her number down then made a little heart next to it.

The two failed to notice Kaminari's friend approach until Mina let out a small scream as she caught the numbers, causing them both to jump.

"SHE GAVE HIM HER NUMBER!"

"So she does like him?!" Sero yelled in disbelief.

"No way! Wait till Bakubro hears about this!" As their conversation overlapped, Kaminari stopped them.

"Chill! You're gonna scare her, she doesn't understand us, remember?" It was adorable how he cared for her.

"Lemme talk to her!" Mina cheered. Kaminari pressed the talk button and held it out for her. "Hi! I'm Mina Ashido! Nice to meet you!" Kaminari then handed (f/n) the phone and the girl read the text with a smile.

"(f/n) (l/n), nice to meet you. You have the acid quirk, it's super cool." Mina then read the text and gave her a smile and nodded.

"Arigato!" The only word she understood so far, so she gave a smile and nodded.

"Lemme talk to her too!"

"Me too!" While they were talking, they heard someone yelling.

"HEY! What the hell is taking so long?!" It was Bakugou. He entered the classroom and saw his friends standing around (f/n).

"Bakubro! Say hi! Look! She has this translator app and you can use it to talk to her!" Bakugou approached and listened as Kirishima explained the app, his eyes flickering between the phone and (f/n). So he decided to 'talk' to her. He said something and (f/n) watched as his friends grumbled, Mina even slapping his arm, which caused him to scream at her but Mina didn't seem phased. (f/n) read the text as the group bickered.

"I saw you earlier. Just know, I'm gonna kick your ass and be the number 1 hero!" A smile took on her face and their bickering was interrupted by her laughter. They watched as she laughed until her cheeks turned red and she was wiping tears from her eyes. She spoke and then turned it to face him.

"Challenge accepted, Katsuki Bakugou. I look forward to beating you." This only caused his friends to laugh as Bakugou almost lost it. (f/n) pressed the microphone button as he went on a rampage. She laughed as she read the text which only made him angrier.

Her eyes flickered to Kaminari who was laughing as well. The two looked at each other and smiled. A language barrier didn't matter, they could easily overcome stuff like that, especially for each other.

#mha #mha imagines #mha denki #bnha #bnha imagines #bnha scenarios #kaminari denki #mha kaminari #bnha denki #denki kaminari imagine #denki kaminari #denki x reader #bnha kaminari #kaminari x reader #mha x reader #bnha reader insert #bnha x reader #kaminari fluff

[coreastories]

Hi author! I don’t know about your world but here where I live my government has just signed a law that practically curtails all our freedom. With that, would you know what the migration policies are for KOC? I want to get out of here because not only is our government incompetent and corrupt, our president’s pretty horrible looking too. Corea sounds like a perfect to live + you have a gorgeous King and Queen. I hope you can help me out! Thanks!

Hi Ms Patitsee! 

That’s a very good question, and one for which I have so much sympathy. It’s a monumental shame when a government fails its people in the very foundation of modern civilization: freedom. 

I’ll share with you what I know of Corean immigration. 

I have a working visa myself and I remain here at the graces of the Royal Public Affairs Office under His Majesty’s authority. I know not everyone can be as lucky-- and there can only be one international correspondent on the Corean royals-- so here are your options, darling.

A student visa 

 What you need: 

Certificate of C1 or C2 Advanced Level Proficiency in the Corean Language

TOEFL Certificate, whether or not you come from an English-speaking country 

Acceptance into any Corean institution of higher learning

Once you have the two language certificates, you can go to the website of Higher Learning in Corea for comprehensive assistance, from picking your university to submitting your requirements and scheduling your online admission tests and interviews.  

Once you have been accepted at your school or university of choice, you will get assistance again, this time for your student visa. 

If you’re married and your spouse didn’t apply as a student, s/he will get a spouse visa. 

To help with your living expenses, both the student and spouse visas come with 20 to 40 hour/week working permits. 20 for student, 40 for spouse. During school breaks, your working permit automatically updates to 40 hours/week, if you decide to use it. 

The spouse visa can be upgraded to a working visa upon settlement in Corea. 

A working visa 

What you need: 

Certificate of Employment or Job Offer in any business, institution, organization in Corea

Approved Petition for Non-Immigrant Working Visa with the Ministry of Labor, placed by your current/prospective employer

Certificate of C1 or C2 Advanced Level Proficiency in the Corean Language

TOEFL Certificate, whether or not you come from an English-speaking country 

Again, that’s it. Once you have the above, the Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship will review your documents (everything your employer would have required from you in the first place) and schedule your online interview. 

If you pass the interview, they will issue your working visa within 2 weeks and even offer to book your flight and arrange your accommodations. I swoon. 

What you need to know: 

They take the Corean and English language proficiency seriously. And you get mad points for your visa candidacy to know both languages.

To be an acceptable candidate for the student or working visa, you need C1 or C2 level proficiency for both Corean and English. 

Normally, B2 is accepted for studying abroad in most universities accepting foreign students, but Corea wants all of its citizens and residents to have a complete grasp of the language so you can enjoy the culture of Corea. 

You’ll need C1 or C2 level to appreciate the literature and arts. 

English, of course, is important in the professional environment. 

Mandarin and Cantonese would also make you a strong candidate. They don’t require it, but if that’s in your CV, that’s points for you! 

Many, many businesses in Corea are in the global and digital sphere. That means there are jobs to be had just translating everything into English and customer-facing jobs where you write or speak in English. 

At the moment, Coreans are still too proud of their own language and culture to learn English themselves. Many of them do know English, but it’s still uncommon. You won’t easily find someone in the street who can converse in English. 

So if you can articulate yourself in both Corean AND English, doors are open for you. 

The student and/or working visa is/are your ticket/s to permanent residency. 

A sad note for anyone with fantasies with their oppas-- marrying a Corean won’t make you a Corean citizen. 

Only the student and working visas evolve into permanent residency, and then into citizenship. 

This means you had to have steeped yourself in Corean culture to be considered a permanent resident. 

If you hold a student visa, you can/should apply for a working visa after: 

Graduation from a four-year undergraduate degree in an institution of higher learning in Corea

Achieving a post-graduate degree (1 year to 3 years) from any institution of higher learning in Corea

Once you hold a working visa, you can apply for lawful permanent residency after: 

Continuous full-time employment of 3 years in any in business, institution, organization in Corea

As permanent resident, you have access to Corea’s unbeatable comprehensive healthcare service. You pay for nothing if you need anything for your health. 

It’s your choice to apply for citizenship--and all its wonderful perks (like the powerful black and gold Corean passport)-- after you become a lawful permanent resident. 

What industries you can get into: 

Pretty much any of them. Unlike other countries with labor-focused immigration where you either cook, farm, wipe butts, or operate machinery, Corea currently welcomes working visa holders in ALL fields of work. 

Of course, they do have that stringent language requirement. So the welcome is merited, because if you get past that language requirement and the interview, you ARE deserving of your Corean residency, because you would have proved you already know Corean culture well. 

Good luck, darlings! 

#CoreaNews #CoreaFiction #Corean immigration #the king eternal monarch #the king: eternal monarch

[thisiswherewestart]

I Remember (1/?)

Today had started out like any other Tuesday. I had woken up, logged in to work remotely for a few hours and then moved to a café for a change of scenery and to grab some lunch.

I usually frequented cafés close by my apartment, but my friend had highly recommended this quaint, newly opened one with an extensive pasta menu that was a half-hour train ride away. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for good pasta, and her rave review of their squid ink spaghetti had haunted me for the past week.

And so there I was on a Tuesday afternoon, after checking that they welcomed lingering customers. My laptop sat open across from me so I could monitor my inbox and I surveyed the simple decorations that created a homely ambiance. The fact that I was the only customer helped complete the serene scene. If this café were within walking distance, I would come again just for the atmosphere.

Ten minutes after giving my order to the waiter, my food finally arrived. The dark sauce coated the noodles beautifully, the seafood peeking out between the long strands making my mouth salivate in anticipation. As I picked up my fork, a tinkle of a bell sounded from the café entrance.

"Hello," a soft but confident voice greeted the approaching waiter. "One salmon aglio olio to go please. Thanks."

My fork stopped halfway to my mouth. My back was to the entrance but I would recognise that voice even in a noisy room.

"Tasha?"

And that confirmed it. It was him.

"Dongyoung," I greeted, standing and turning around to face the man. "It's been a while."

"When did you come back to Korea?" His tone was accusing now.

"How are you? How's Taeyong? How are the kids?" I shot out question after question, hoping he would forget the one he had asked.

"We're all fine. When did you come back?"

So much for that.

"Oppa…"

"Don't you 'oppa' me. We're basically the same age."

I sighed, dropping onto my seat and turning away from him. "I've been back for a year now."

He took the seat opposite me. Uninvited, but not unexpected.

"One year." The hurt in his voice made me wince. "A whole year and you didn't bother to call."

"Dongyoung, please."

His laugh was void of mirth. "So we're back to this, huh? The last time I saw you, you exclusively called me Doie."

I looked up at him.

"I guess that's what four years of silence does between friends."

*~*

"Five, six, seven, eight…"

The 7th Sense NCT U unit was made up of my favourite fellow trainees. 

Mark, who was the same age as my little brother whom I dearly missed. His naive sense of humour and bright eyed wonder had me growing fond of him in no time at all. Our shared love of story writing also brought us closer, as we encouraged each other to keep up with writing even as we were busy with idol training. He was my happy pill during our years as trainees together.

Ten, my fellow international school kid. We were different in that he came from money while I was the daughter of a diplomat. PSA: not all diplomats are wealthy! They are still government officers and don't earn nearly as much as you think they do. One of the perks was getting subsidised education, which made it possible for my siblings and I to attend international schools in non-English speaking countries we lived in. Ten and I hadn't known each other prior to becoming trainees, but he and I found that we just clicked. We even found several mutual friends in our international school networks.

Jaehyun and I took a little longer to warm up to each other. I was a fairly quiet person, only talkative around people I was comfortable with, so I was never one to initiate conversation. Jaehyun never approached me to start talking either, so a few months after we first met, our relationship had not progressed beyond a polite greeting when we bumped into each other. It took Taeyong to help us break the ice, but once we got to talking we found that our interests overlapped and they were the foundation to our pretty solid friendship.

Taeyong is the one trainee to whom I’m most grateful. I entered the company shortly after he did, and he seemed to decide to take me under his wing upon our first meeting. It didn’t matter that our training schedules didn’t overlap; he would always check in on me and help me when I struggled with getting dance moves memorised. In time, as Taeyong started writing and producing more songs, he would include me in his process and get me to record demos with him and Dongyoung.

Dongyoung was an enigma to me. I knew he had a kind heart because he would do things like invite foreign trainees home during holidays so they would have somewhere to go. I could see the warmth in his interactions with other trainees but he was only ever cordial to me, so I always thought he did not like me very much. It was, once again, thanks to Taeyong that we got closer. Dongyoung and I were both vocalists, but I dabbled in some rapping and Taeyong seemed to enjoy writing songs that featured the three of us. Studio sessions with the two of them became some of my favourite memories of my time as a trainee.

I was looking through the lyrics of the latest song Taeyong had written when the group finished their practice run and paused for a water break.

“Tash,” Taeyong greeted as he flopped down next to me, leaning his back on the cool mirror.

“You guys are looking really good,” I praised, handing him a water bottle. “The modifications you guys made last week improved the overall performance a lot.”

“Right? I’m so glad the choreographer let us do that.”

Dongyoung approached us, sitting on my other side. I passed him the last of my stock of water bottles. “Hey.”

“I’m beat,” he sighed. “But we look good right?”

“Yeah I was just saying that.”

The three of us sat in amicable silence for a few moments, the two of them gulping down the cool water as I finished perusing Taeyong’s lyrics. I shut my eyes as my thoughts turned to my own debut, or lack thereof, and my family’s increasing worries. 

“Hey, you okay?” I opened my eyes to find Dongyoung peering at me in concern.

I gave him a half smile. “I guess.”

“You’ll debut soon,” Taeyong assured me, guessing the subject of my thoughts correctly. I appreciated his vote of confidence, but we all knew that was a lie, at least if I stayed at SM. Having debuted Red Velvet two years ago, it was highly improbable that they would debut another girl group so soon. And besides, they were all tied up in NCT’s official debut, with two U units, 127 and Dream all training hard to perfect their debut performances.

“We should probably get back to training,” Taeyong said apologetically. His eyes were kind as he briefly grasped my shoulder with a comforting hand before standing up. “Tell me what you think of that song later,” he nodded at the printed lyrics in my hand. “I want your verse by the end of the week!”

Dongyoung sat studying my expression for a bit longer.

“I’m fine, Doie. Really.” I pushed his shoulder gently. “Go. They’re waiting for you.”

“We’ll go out to eat after this, okay?” he offered, standing. “We can get pasta. My treat.”

“Man after my own heart,” I proclaimed, clutching my chest in jest.

He grinned as he walked to his starting position. 

I watched as Taeyong counted the boys into yet another rehearsal. Meeting Dongyoung's eyes in the practice room mirror, I could see the nerves he increasingly felt but rarely showed for their debut performance, only seven days from now. I smiled as brightly as I could, hoping he couldn't tell my heart was breaking knowing I would be leaving in five.

*~*

The Doyoung that sat before me today was a fully fledged kpop star, hair perfectly coiffed and clothes fitting his comfortable but stylish lookbook. He had truly grown into his looks, and seeing him was making my heart ache. With pride? With longing? I didn't even know myself. I had just started developing maybe-more-than-friends feelings towards him when I had found myself back with my family.

"You look good. Healthy."

"Where have you been for the last four years, Natasha?"

His use of my entire first name hurt more than I expected. Was this how he felt when I called him Dongyoung?

"I went back home."

"As in back to your home country?" he asked, incredulous.

"Yes."

"Why? And don't tell me it's because you didn't debut with Red Velvet."

"You're kidding, right?" It was my turn to laugh humourlessly. "Has SM debuted another girl group since then?"

"Well no, but-"

"Don't say they might have added me to the group like they did Yeri. When I left, it had been one year since that happened and two years since they debuted!"

"But why did you have to leave?" Doyoung's voice was rising. "You could have moved to another company. You know you had the skills to debut."

"I just… had to, okay?" 

I guess he heard the pleading in my voice because he switched to another line of questioning after studying me for a minute.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” His voice was quiet. “Taeyong and me, especially,” he sighed. “We missed you. We still miss you.”

“I’m sorry. I know it was shitty of me but I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of me leaving.” I did not want to give you guys the chance to persuade me to stay.

There was a pause. “Did you miss us?”

Tears I thought had dried up years ago threatened to fall. “You have no idea how much,” I whispered, willing myself not to cry.

“Oh I think I do-”

“At least you guys had each other,” I blurted. 

“Excuse me?” Doyoung narrowed his eyes at me. “We were not the ones who stopped talking to you! I called until your number went out of service! And then we looked for you online but there was absolutely nothing. Why did you fall off the grid completely?”

I opened my mouth to respond but was interrupted by the waiter bringing Doyoung his food. Doyoung thanked him and handed him a card. “I’ll take care of her bill as well.”

“Don’t,” I protested. We were in the middle of an argument and he still wanted to take care of me. “Just charge him for his food, please,” I asked the waiter.

“I’ll pay for her,” Doyoung insisted. “Thank you.”

The waiter left, an awkward smile on his face as he retreated.

“I have to go now, so we’ll put a pin in this conversation.” Doyoung stared hard at me until I nodded my assent. "Does anyone know you're back?"

I shook my head. "I work in software now. I don't run in the same circles anymore."

"You know we have these things called phones, right?" He gestured at his Samsung with exaggerated motions. "They're amazing. You can connect with anyone, anywhere. Even if they're in a different country." He looked at me pointedly.

"I'm sorry, okay? I know I could have, should have, kept in touch but I just… I couldn't."

"Why?"

A million reasons. "I don't want to get into it right now."

"Fine. But you know I'll keep asking until I get answers."

I smiled, thinking about his habit of persistently badgering us until he got what he wanted. "I know."

"In fact," he grabbed my phone, which had been lying next to my rapidly cooling plate of pasta. "I'm going to call myself so I have your number."

Before I could protest, he had held my phone up to unlock it with my face and was dialling.

"Wait, I-"

He clicked the dial button and automatically put the phone up to his ear, before slowly lowering it again, staring at the screen in disbelief.

"So you kept my number. This whole time. And you still never called."

I didn’t know what to say to that. All I could do was apologise again. “I-”

“Just save it, Tash.” He put my phone back on the table. “I’m going now. Pick up when I call, okay?”

“I don’t like talking on the phone. Can you text me instead?” I joked, trying to keep my tone light.

“Do not test me,” Doyoung glowered. “Answer when I call.”

“Okay,” I murmured, but he was already walking to the counter to pick up his card.

He left without looking back.

#nct #nct fic #doyoung #doyoung fic #nct scenarios

[joontier]

“One-Love”

--> Summary: Love translates to zero in the tennis scoring system – the only thing keeping the scoreless player on the court is his love for the game. 

--> Pairings: jung hoseok x female reader; kim seokjin x female reader 

--> Genre/warnings: tennis player hoseok! au; tennis player seokjin! au; crazy rich asians inspired! au; fluff, humor (as usual), eventual smut; more warnings as the story progresses

--> Words: 2.2k

--> A/N: AAAAAAHHHHH this story really hits home and is inspired by true life events,,, please tell me whatcha think <3 I'll try to update this next week too!!  

“One-Love” MASTERLIST

Chapter 1: The First Day

You continue to gawk at all the cars lined along the driveway and those parked in an open area nearby. Each vehicle seemed costlier than the last and… was that a Bentley?! People drive Bentleys to school? You’ve lost count of how many other luxurious cars you have passed by as you watch the other kids get out of their customized vans while their chauffeurs hold the doors open.

These people were rich, rich. In big, bold letters.

Sure, it was a different feeling when you first visited the school a month ago – when no one else was here. Now that you see students in specks of blue, identical to the uniform you’re wearing right now, you suddenly feel out of place. A simple girl from a small town, you, _______, officially a Thames International student? Doesn’t exactly have a nice ring to it.

You shrunk in your seat. How were you supposed to fit in with these people? Truthfully, the only thing that reassured you when you migrated was that you got to study in an international school specially in a country whose language was far from yours and barely spoke any English but the sheer grandness of this school afforded you the least solace.

Your dad speaks up when he notices you’re awfully quiet beside him. “You okay, kiddo?” You give him a small nod in reply and he gives you a short rub on the back to soothe you. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure there are plenty of nice kids inside,” he assures you, yet you still feel that glint of worry laced in his voice.

How exactly did you end up here again?

Your father had been a tennis coach for the longest time. Life used to be okay, but with the arrival of your younger brother, who’s eleven years younger than you, things were harder to get by. You love your little brother to bits though, no doubt.

With a decreasing number of students wanting to learn tennis with each passing year and your mother giving up her career to take care of Carl, your brother, some sacrifices had to be made. Your family moved a lot (this wasn’t new to you then, the only difference this time was that you moved to a different country) which only meant you transferred schools a lot of time too. Your father made enough for your family to get by every day.

One day, a good friend from his golden days came to visit your father along with the chance to work as an instructor in an international school. Your dad couldn’t pass up the opportunity. He had left a month after he had finalized his work papers. Two years later, he got to petition the whole family to come live with him and that’s how you ended up at Thames International.

One of the many perks that came with being an instructor was that he could have one child study for free at the school, provided that he won’t be having a basic salary like the regular employees but he was given a daily allowance, and he earned extra money from private lessons with the students.

Hence, here you are, sitting in the passenger seat of your family’s Honda CR-V, sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the European cars you’ve passed so far.

You weren’t born into wealth and you are not nearly a hundredth of how much worth these people probably are, but it makes you all the more proud that you’re here right now, just a simple girl from a small town probably ten thousand miles from here and yet your breathing the same air as they are, you’re in the same uniform as they are, and you are just as human as they are.

Truth be told, your father was more concerned about the sudden change in environment you had to cope with. It’s only been a couple of weeks since your family has migrated; there were a few cultural differences that had to be adjusted to, you’re also learning a few phrases here and there to get by your daily living, and now you’re going to be attending a school that not one of you even dared to dream of. To say that he was worried was an understatement.

Back home, your parents had enough to send you and you brother to a private school but Thames International was clearly on a different level. The richest kid you knew in school owned a restaurant. Here at Thames though, you recall your father mentioning that these kids have parents who own and run multinational corporations – so much for a teensy restaurant.

Your dad parks by the tennis court and you give him a quick kiss on the cheek as you head off to the main building with only twenty minutes left before classes start. Although you’ve already had a school tour when you registered your classes, there’s a completely different feel now that the hallways are packed with students.

The school’s corridors seem narrower than usual with students loitering the hallways, talking about their summer vacations. The floor has been polished so well you reckon that a few more waxing will have you staring at your own reflection when you look down. You thought hallways like these only existed in movies, except this one is way better.

There’s a faint chattering as you near the classroom and you take a deep breath before entering through the back door. This is it. When you step in, silence breaks throughout the room and you’re suddenly all too aware of the small squeaks of your sneakers against the polished floor.

Some kids stared at you while the others went on with their own businesses. Fortunately for you, the awkward air didn’t last for long. You take a seat near the back, setting your bag and taking out your binder. A boy with bowl-cut hair approaches you from the front.

“You must be new here,” he starts with an achingly wide smile and his head out for you to shake. “The name’s Jimin. Jimin Park.” You reply with your name as your hand reaches out to return the gesture.

Jimin then proceeds to point out each of the other students’ names and informs you that he’s been elected class president for the school year and wants to make sure that every student, new or old, settles in nicely.

“Like he’s been for the past seven years!” Another guy butts in from the same row where Jimin came from and the rest of the class snickers at the comment.

“Don’t mind Mark, he’s just pissed he had to spend his summer here instead of the skiing trip to Switzerland he’d been talking about non-stop last year,” Jimin shoots back while the class goes into a series of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ at his remark.

-

“So how was your first day?” your dad takes a seat beside you, removing his cap momentarily to fix his hair underneath. Your first day at Thames went…unexpectedly well. After Jimin introduced himself earlier this morning, the other kids briefly greeted you before your first period started. You had also met Nadia who was thankfully in the same year as you so you shared plenty of classes together.

She had filled you out most of the students complete with family backgrounds, who was dating who, who used to date who, the friend groups. She had also given you a brief tour of the school, definitely more animated this time compared to the monotonous lady who gave you a tour a month ago during registration.

“There’s so much to tell! And I think I’ve made a new friend today.” He smiles at that, relieved that your first day went better than what he’d expected. You continue to tie your shoes on when you see a boy come down from a sleek, black, BMW van, clad in an all-white tennis ensemble, accompanied by a duffel bag on one shoulder and a tennis bag on the other.

Any stranger passing by would’ve mistaken this guy for a professional athlete – complete gear and an outfit to match, however, you recognize the boy, Hoseok Jung, the numerical genius from your Math class. You recall earlier how a seatmate jokingly asked the unsuspecting boy what was the product of 351 and 624 and the latter responded with the correct answer within ten seconds. How he managed to answer that quickly though was beyond you.

However intimidating at first, Hoseok’s athletic aura comes to a quick end as he misses the small gap between the pavement and the court, and almost falls on his knees if he didn’t grab onto the metal fence surrounding the area. Your father sends you a glare from beside you when you fail to hide the snicker that falls from your lips. This day was bound to get interesting.

Once Hoseok has settled down his stuff on a bench, your dad calls him over and introduces you to each other, which was more of a few nods exchanged and in a blink your dad sends you off to the other court to let you warm up on your own. Turns out, the boy has never even touched a racket before, let alone know a single fact about the sport. Hence, your dad had to start from the basics – proper warm-up, the racket and its grip, the rules of the game, and the lines of the court.

You take a break from your warm-ups just as Hoseok starts to head to the court to start practicing so you take a seat on a chair across the court they were staying at. “Okay Hoseok, we’re going to start trying to hit the balls now,” your dad says from across the net and Hoseok gets into position, swinging his racket gently as he stands on the service line opposite your father.

Your dad then throws a ball in his direction, and as Hoseok swings his racket backwards but completely misses the ball as he lets go of the racket. He mutters an apology as he picks up the forlorn instrument. Your dad waves it off, reassuring Hoseok that it was normal for first-timers.

“One more time then.” Your dad throws another ball, Hoseok thankfully hits it this time but now with too much power that he sends the ball flying straight to your father’s head. Your father being the charismatic person that he is, pretends to lose balance and stutters backwards, slapstick comedy at its peak.

Unable to control your amusement as well, you laugh along with the two, glad that Hoseok isn’t the type of person to dwell on embarrassing moments like these. When a few more students arrive for their lessons, your dad tells you both to take a break first so you both head to the water dispenser right outside the court.

The two of you walk in comfortable silence, passing beyond the lines of the courts so as not to disturb the other players. “So, tennis huh? I never thought you’d be one to play the sport.”

“Are you implying I don’t look athletic?” Hoseok asks, holding out the chain fence open for you to get out first. “N-no! Absolutely not! I just- I…” You’re at a loss for words, worried that you might have offended him and moreover, lose a student with potential.

He laughs loudly at your unnecessary worry, assuring you that no offense was taken. You can’t help the smile that etches in your face when you hear his laugh. There is something infectious about how he laughs – pearly whites on full display, his eyes turn into tiny crescent moons as he throws his head back, and the way he claps excitedly all the while.

“Mom thought it would be nice to stretch my limbs more, as if waking up in the morning isn’t enough strain for my muscles…” he sighs dramatically. “Anyways, I’ve been passing by the courts since last year because our driver started parking there. One day, while I was walking by, there was this one guy who was playing, I think his name was Andrew, and he looked so cool hitting the balls like ‘peeeuw’ and then ‘paaang’ and his opponent was hitting it back just as strong. Plus, I used to watch Prince of Tennis so…” You’ve never seen anyone so… for lack of better words, animatedly bright.

This boy could easily render the sun jobless with his charisma and energy.

The short water break ends quicker than you’d expected, your father calling you both to the court so that you could practice together. Much to your dismay though, the rest of the lesson goes by pretty quickly with Hoseok’s determination to learn the sport.

Your dad sees Hoseok’s van around the corner and decides that tennis is over for today. “Hoseok, your driver’s waiting for you.” He looks up from a corner with a frown, still trying to figure out how to pick up balls by slotting it between your shoe and your racket. “Can’t I skip my violin lessons just this once?” He calls out to the chauffeur and the latter shrugs, not wanting to tempt the kid.

Hoseok drags his feet towards the bench, your dad chuckling when he sees the forlorn expression on the boy’s usually bright facial features. “Ah, don’t worry kid, we’ll see each other again on Wednesday.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow too Hoseok!” you add, waving your goodbye.

“You can call me Hobi,” he replies with a smile. ‘I’m looking forward to see you too tomorrow.’

#hyunglinenetwork #btswritersnet #bts fic #jung hoseok #kim seokjin #hoseok x reader #seokjin x reader #hoseok fluff #bts athlete au

[studysquare]

Top Reasons to Study in Australia

Studying in a foreign country is a life-altering choice. Leaving behind loved ones is difficult, but deciding what and where you will study may be as daunting. Many foreign students pick Australia as their study abroad destination because of its high-quality educational institutions, beautiful landscapes, thriving cities, and plenty of seas.

While the thought of studying in a foreign country might be intimidating, the benefits to both your education and your personal growth can be enormous. We will discuss the top10 reasons to study in Australia along with a few others.

If you are looking to study abroad, this nation has a lot to offer you. Listed here are some of the reasons tostudy in Australiathat can convince you to choose Australia as your study abroad location.

Top 10 Reasons to Study in Australia

1. Premier Educational Institutions

When it comes to higher education, international students in Australia may choose from a broad range of options and this is one of the topreasons to study in Australia. Australia is home to 43 universities: 40 Australian universities, 2 overseas institutions, and 1 private institution. It’s not just a matter of numbers; six Australian institutions are among the world’s top 100 in terms of prestige.

Exciting Possibilities for Study

When thinking ofreasons to choose Australia for study, their high-qualified professors always come first. Australia’s higher education institutions have illustrious professors, innovative research facilities, and modern technological infrastructure.

Australia’s educational system avoids rote memorization of facts in favour of giving pupils more opportunities to practice and experiment. Financial and non-financial aid is available from Australian institutions if you can prove your academic quality.

A variety of cultures

Australia’s many ethnic and cultural groups make it a unique place to visit. With so many different cultures to choose from, you may expand your horizons and learn about new things, while also finding your place in the diverse community around you.

Wonderful cuisines, public international festivities, and the opportunity to pick up a new language are just a few of the perks of living in a multi-ethnic culture.

You may choose your own major

It should come as no surprise that Australia’s universities, which consistently rank among the world’s best, provide a wide range of academic programs. There is a wide variety of courses of study available in Australia, from engineering to English, medicine to mathematics. Get in touch with the schools you’re considering to find out what they have to offer and whether you qualify.

Natural resources

Australia is well-known for its varied landscape. Great wildlife is the top reasons to choosing Sydney for study due to its natural habitat. Wide, open grasslands and bizarre wildlife have made the Outback famous. There are tens of thousands of miles of undeveloped coastline, so beach bums will never be without options. The stunning Great Barrier Reef is a great place to do scuba diving or snorkeling during your vacation. Day trips, whether on foot or by kayak, are a common reality for anyone interested in exploring the outdoors.

Simple procedures for obtaining student visas

Australia’s Student Visa program is simplified and easy to use (subclass 500). Acceptance into an accredited educational school and proof of appropriate financial resources are only two of the many criteria that must be met before your application can be processed. You’ll need to make sure you have enough health insurance coverage for your time here.

No Language Barriers and a Rich Linguistic Landscape

With its diverse population, Australia is home to over 200 languages and dialects. There is no language barrier for overseas students studying in Australia since the majority of locals speak English and English continues to be the medium of teaching at all levels of education.

Availability of Internships

Internships and paid employment opportunities may be available at certain of Australia’s institutions. If this is something that interests you, check with the institution of your choice to see if there are any prerequisites.

Urban life that never sleeps

It is possible to attend college in both suburban and suburban areas in Australia. You will have easy access to a variety of nearby cities regardless of where you decide to enroll in school. From Melbourne’s eccentric shops to Sydney’s picturesque beaches, each city is packed with one-of-a-kind things to see and do.

Exceptional job openings

If you find yourself thriving academically in Australia, you may be inclined to extend your stay. Some overseas students may be able to remain in Australia and keep working thanks to the country’s Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) program. Studying abroad in Australia may provide you with a world-class education and a wide choice of enriching experiences. These 10 reasons tostudy in Australiaare simply the tip of the iceberg for international students considering a semester or year Down Under.

Scholarships

Australian universities and the federal government are well-known for their generosity in offering financial aid to students in the form of scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of aid, particularly to overseas students. The Australian government awarded $185.6 million in scholarships to overseas students in 2021 as part of its acclaimed Australia Awards program.

In general, admissions officers at elite universities look favorablyat applicants who have a well-rounded set of experiences and perspectives. Therefore, your extracurricular activities and voluntary work might get you not just a job offer letter but also a scholarship!

READ MORE: How to Get Scholarships To Study Abroad?

The Migration Plan

Permanent residence (PR) in Australia is available to students from a wide variety of academic disciplines, unlike in the United States where it is mostly offered to students with STEM and IT backgrounds.

Many students who complete a four-year bachelor’s or master’s degree do so in order to apply for a Post Study Visa, provided they fulfill the extra requirements.

Final Thoughts

In this post, we’ve tried to highlight a few of the numerous factors that make it a good idea to study abroad in Australia. The best of luck to you in all your future endeavours.

FAQ

Why choose Australia over other countries for study?

The only purpose of Australia’s educational institutions is to ensure your future success. Many of Australia’s universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Why Australia is better than Canada for study?

An education at an Australian university will prepare you to compete successfully in today’s international job market. Having a degree from Australia will make you more marketable to businesses all around the globe, not only in Australia.

Is Australia a good place to study?

Despite its rich cultural diversity and generally welcoming population, Australia is not an ideal environment for an overseas student to pursue higher education. The resources available on campus are unparalleled, and part-time work provides a comfortable living; yet, full-time employment options are few.

Website :https://www.studysquare.com/reasons-to-study-in-australia/

#Top Reasons to Study in Australia

[qqueenofhades]

Hi there. I've been scrolling through your "school stuff" tag but thought I'd ask directly - how did you find the transition to actually moving outside of the U.S. for your PhD? I'm looking at something similar and I'm wondering about your experience with the logistics (finding somewhere to live, visa, etc!). Thanks in advance, and congrats on being a doctor!

Oh lord. Why would you do that to yourself? I feel like that tag is mostly just intense kvetching, bogglingly obscure nitpicking complaints, and existential despair, and/or yelling at various institutions and/or people who could not do their god damn jobs. If you have read that and still actually want my advice, I salute you. I’m presuming you’re asking in regard to the UK, since it’s the only experience I can speak on, so hopefully that’s applicable?

In my case, I studied in the UK for a year as an undergraduate, at Oxford, so I was already familiar with the process (at least somewhat) when it came time to do it again for the PhD. Upfront, we must acknowledge the ugly deformed rabid elephant in the room that is Brexit, and the idiotic reform of UK immigration policy currently ongoing. Long story short, they seem to think they can function without low-skilled migration, that the domestic UK workforce will just happily lark off to do the jobs that working-class EU migrants have been doing, that this won’t totally bomb-crater the NHS, that they can run a country by basically only allowing in PhDs in STEM making over £30,000 a year, etc… so yes, this is a complete joke of an immigration policy and it’s what happens when you elect floppy haired xenophobic douchewads and their nightmare party as prime minister! ANYWAY, they’re introducing a points-based system from 2021, which may not affect you for an application under Tier 4, but UK immigration policy is going to have a lot of very stupid reforms and you’ll want to keep on top of those. If you have an offer in hand from a UK university, it is made somewhat easier, but you’ll still need to budget for processing costs, an NHS subsidy paid in for every year you will be there (something like $300/year), and a trip to a UK visa office to have your fingerprints and biometric information taken. If you don’t live near one, that will be travel expenses and so forth. You then have a temporary visa issued for first entry into the country, and a Biometric Residence Permit which you pick up at your university.

That, at least, was the process the last time I applied for a student visa, and it may all have changed by the time you do it. As noted, there are a lot of upfront visa costs, so you’ll want to be aware of those. You need a number of supporting documents, including offer of study, proof of income or ability to financially support yourself (since most Tier 4 visas either don’t let you work or only work a limited number of hours), proof of English proficiency (as a native English speaker/person from an English-speaking country, you won’t need this), and so on. You can’t start the process before you have the offer, but you’ll want to start it as soon as possible afterward, because it can take several months, and obviously needs to be done before you can travel. You will also want to open a UK bank account as soon as you arrive, which can be done once you have your residential address and a certificate from the student services office at your university verifying that you are in fact a student there. It’s pretty difficult to pay out of non-UK accounts, at least for monthly/recurring transactions, and there are international fees. You will also want a UK phone. I still have my UK phone/phone number despite my current hiatus in America, since most carriers offer free or low-cost roaming in Europe (though subject to change with EU trade negotiations), which is nice. I pay only a little extra to have Global Roaming in North America, so I can still use my phone as if I’m in the UK. If you’re planning to be traveling, this is a nice perk to have.

As far as finding programs goes, I’m sure I don’t need to give you advice on what you’re interested in and where you’re looking. Obviously, universities in the UK are grouped as “Oxford and Cambridge” and “everyone else,” though there are also rankings within those. I have been at both of these; Oxford as an undergrad, and then I did my PhD at a large public university in the North that ranks within the top 10 in the UK. The North will be much lower, living-cost wise (actually, if you can swing it, just… don’t do it in London, the cost of living in London is out of control. Of course, if the program you really have your heart set on is in London, then go for it, but just be aware of what you’re getting into). It’s also a rule of thumb that you don’t go anywhere for a PhD unless they’re paying you. Don’t self-fund a PhD, it’s just too expensive, and any decent university will give you some kind of financial stipend. I had a scholarship that covered three years of full tuition at international rate, which was good, though I had to take out some living-cost loans. So if you’re trying to decide between two programs that have both accepted you, a situation I was also lucky enough to be in, it sounds crass, but: take the money. One university had already offered me the tuition/scholarship, while the other had accepted me but wasn’t sure about funding. So I took the one that paid the scholarship. You need every penny you can get. You will be comically, absurdly, unbelievably broke as a graduate student. I was looking back on it like “wow I really lived for four years on BUTTFUCK NOTHING.” It is not for the faint of heart; you will have financial stress along with academic pressure, and while I was lucky enough to have generous friends and family contributing to my living costs, I still barely scraped through. It is something you should be aware of.

I don’t know if you’ve studied in the UK system before (I’m assuming not), but the structure for a PhD is much less determined than in the American system. It will also vary from university to university, so it’s worth establishing contact with a potential faculty supervisor to ask questions and refine your project proposal. I made contact with my eventual supervisor at my PhD university before I actually applied there; I gave him my (much too broad and pretty unrefined) project proposal and what I was interested in, and he helped me tailor it into something that could be done in a feasible time frame and which would make use of his expertise and contribute to the field. Whatever you’re thinking about pitching as a thesis topic, you probably need to make it more specific. I don’t know what field you’re in; I’m a humanities/history person, obviously, so the rule always seems to be WRITE MORE, INFIDEL. But the point is, the UK system has much less structured time, and basically relies on you to have the self-motivation to go out and conduct the research and write it up, and if you’re someone more used to rigid requirements and classes and so forth, you might find it a little hands-off. If you’re like me and can just be set loose in your field of interest and do your own thing, you’ll like it. I feel like anyone who is serious enough about their subject to want to do a PhD has to be primarily self-motivating, but some people function better with clear guidelines, and those are not always forthcoming. I can’t count the number of times I wished my supervisors would just TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK TO DO, but they usually highlighted something and had me work to figure out how exactly to fix it. They weren’t negligent or uncaring or unsupportive, and the project became much better as a result, but yes, it’s on you to do, and it can again be frustrating.

As far as living, I didn’t try to rent a flat from afar, sight unseen, in my first year. I just registered for postgraduate campus housing, and lived with four predictably horribly messy roommates (why???!) before I managed to escape and rent a private flat for the next three years. You will need a guarantor with a UK address (i.e. not your parents in America) to sign on the lease agreement, especially if you fall below a certain income threshold, and go through the usual background checking and approval. If you want to have the place to yourself, it will be, as noted, much cheaper to find something you can afford in the North and not-London in general, though southern England and the London commuter belt will all be expensive. If you’re okay living with roommates, or you make friends during your program, it might work to room together and share costs, but I am a pathological introvert and don’t like people, so I lived by myself. 

Anyway. Right now, I am in the second round of applications for a Big Deal UK postdoctoral award, which would be for three years starting this fall if I got it, at another high-ranking large public university in the south of England. (So yes, everything that I just said about how much it costs to live in London/London suburbs is me playing myself). I would be applying for a Tier 2 visa (i.e. the permanent/settlement track/full-time work visa) if I got this, which would be another barrel of laughs and different requirements from a Tier 4. That is definitely unhatched chickens which we can’t count yet, as this is a highly competitive/prestigious award and there is absolutely no guarantee that I would get it, but it would mean that I would go through the international moving/visa application process for a third time, so I would once again become too unfortunately familiar with whatever bullshittery is happening now. Le sigh.

I don’t know if any of that is helpful; hopefully so. Let me know if you have more questions, and good luck.

#school stuff #anonymous #ask

[presidentsclubkrp]

Our crime tale begins with HUANG ZHIRUO, a THIRTY-ONE year old member of THE PRESIDENT’S CLUB. SHE works as their ART EXPERT, better known as the infamous ZHAO. JOIN THE HEIST? 

PART ONE; the basics

Name: huang zhiruo

Alias: rue (for any english speaking people/contacts who continue to butcher her full name)

Code name: zhao

Faceclaim: ni ni (chinese actress)

Gender/Pronouns: she/her

Date of Birth: august 19th

Age: 31

Hometown: guangzhou, people’s republic of china

Occupation: forensic artist

Canon: the art expert

PART TWO; about

Biography ( tw: n/a!)

THE ANATOMY OF A FAKE // HOW TO FIND A FORGERY

1. ESTABLISH THE PROVENANCE…..find the chain of ownership and custody of an artwork from the contemporary ownership back to its origin

there are perks to being adopted at an older age; she’s nine when it happens. generally, less affected by adopted family trauma or divorces, but the downside is that most come with a chip on their shoulder. infants are preferred, but sometimes there’ll be a family that wants an older kid. call it pretty privilege, but zhiruo only spends five months in the system before an older, doting, couple sees her big eyes and gentle smile. within two weeks she is adopted into an affluent family as an only child. it’s a good position to be in, and her smile turns sharper with the years as she realizes this.

she goes on to only attend private schools, receives an education like no other, and takes the opportunity to finish her university studies abroad. zhiruo lands herself a job in a field that most in her position wouldn’t even consider - criminal justice.

but it’s just a stepping stone.

after obtaining her degree, four year are spent doing her due diligence in a forensics laboratory as an assistant technician processing evidence from crime scenes. it’s a waste of her time, a waste of her mind, but more than that it’s a waste of her eyes. but she sticks to it because people underestimate her and assume she’s just a pretty face so they keep her around for the eye candy, unsuspecting that she’s paying close attention.

she absorbs a lot.

2. VISUAL ANALYSIS…..look closely at the painting to find anachronistic materials and techniques, something that would be uncharacteristic of a given artist or period of time

life on the streets with parents who heckle tourists to come check out their wares - it’s boring. she doesn’t like the people who walk by with their noses upturned, likes the ones that enthusiastically come and handle every bag with disgusting fingers even less. so, she turns her attention to the handbags and scarves themselves. every now and then they’ll get someone who comes in, trying to flaunt the fact that theirs is real, as if approval from some random local will elevate their status as a legitimate world traveler.

pathetic.

rarely does she touch, but she is a precocious, highly observant, child. by the age of eight she is able to decipher a fake louis vuitton from a real one on some blonde lady’s shoulder from a meter away (literally), based on the outside seam and hemming alone. call it a gift, but zhiruo considers it a hobby at this time.

when her parents get shut down permanently, one actually gets arrested for other outstanding charges and the other just disappears one day a few months after that.

so she’s alone, and she cries for three days, but then takes herself to the nearest police station four months from her ninth birthday.

3.. X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS…..art forensics uses tools to emit a small amount of x-rays to excite electrons in the pigments of paint, allowing identification of what elements exist

it started with the different patterns of fake designer handbags. then it was the art history education during her formative years courtesy of her parents (thanks, huang kaijie and feng lairan!). and then it was the visits to any and every museum out there. and then repeat visits to galleries whenever they’d get new exhibits. then an almost obsession over the classical painters of all different eras across countries — and then she’d turn her attention to the modernists.

by the time she enters college she’s certified obsessed, and she plays it off as a hobby but it’s a lifelong passion; she feels it in her bones.

but art isn’t a field that can guarantee a good future, so she defers to the next best thing in her eyes, the forensic arts.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY & ULTRAVIOLET ANALYSIS…..are there any sketches or under-drawings under the paint?

the case that changes things for her involves a purported jackson pollock piece, a mysterious fax with a chain of information, and a missing person. her supervisors struggle. immensely. the fact that it’s an abstract drip piece confounds them, and after a few hours staring at curved drips of paints and small puddles of collected alkyd enamels, they give up.

she timidly asks to take a look, and they step away, gloves snapping off as they entertain the idea of her giving a try.

within less than two hours she’s able to determine that although there is titanium pigment within the paint, which WOULD validate it as a pollock piece, there’s under-drawings that aren’t within his usual sketch, and that the canvas itself is re-purposed.

within another 3 months, she quits her mindless job, and contracts out her specialty. she generates buzz and makes connections for the next two years, traveling from country to country, lending her skills to both criminal and personal cases (because rich people have the most expendable income to throw at a pretty lady).

she appears commonly at high profile art auctions, and when you see her there, you know that there’s bound to be some rare pieces in the auction rotation. when a piece receives her seal of approval, the bidding is bound to go up by a few million.

the excess is almost disgusting, especially considering where she came from, but it’s enough for her to be selective in her projects for the next three to four years.

then, she’s approached by tall dark and handsome (eh, kind of) with a two part posse and they make her an offer that’s almost too good to refuse.

she doesn’t, but zhiruo makes them sweat it out for a few days before she accepts.

5. MICROSCOPY…..take tiny non-destructive microscopic fragmentary samples of bits of paints to test both the pigment and the binder (what kind of paint is used?)

you live your life in extremes. it’s all or nothing. you’re in gaudy, ugly, baggy clothes with your oversize glasses on or you’re in tight-fitting dresses that cost upwards of the hundreds. your mouth is either in an almost permanently straight, unimpressed line, or red lips are pulled wide in a smile that reveal perfect teeth. the only thing that remains expressive and fluid are your eyes. for as much as you try not to reveal too much to the outside world, your eyes give you away and you may hate it but it’s not something you’d pour energy into changing.

there are bigger and better things to think about.

like…if that new museum will have enough pull to borrow a monet from the metropolitan.

now that — that’s something delicious to sink your teeth into.

–

#prclub:the art expert

[a-writing-bear]

[AmeriPan - Summer Thunderstorms]

This is a Request fic written for @mochimochas !

Note: Thank you so much for the request, I;’ve got a huge heart for AmeriPan so this was a delight to write!

Ao3 Link:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15723681

This Has been cross-posted onto FF & Ao3 under Aliases: BearBooper

You can read this Fic on Tumblr under ‘Keep Reading’

Fandom: Hetalia Axis Powers

Pairing: America and Japan

Word Count: 2,695

Age Rating/Mature:  All Audiences :)

Prompt:  “Ciao! I just dropped by to say I LOVE your writing, and was wondering if I could maybe request an AmeriPan summer story? Maybe stuck in a thunder-storm? ^^" Grazie! (Sorry for my English... ^^; )”

It seemed as if mother nature would not relent with the sunshine this year, and although Alfred was used to Californian summers and Arizona’s hellish heat waves, he had become somewhat sick of the rising temperatures. Even in Japan, the weather seemed to mock him- global warming at its worst he supposed. Although a pleasant upside to the whole situation, He figured, was seeing the usually professional Kiku drabbed in shorts and a thin T-shirt; it was amusing if not for Kiku’s deadpan yet sweaty face (He’d seen the man in his home sweats, but this outfit was completely different). Luckily his reddened cheeks after such a sight could be attributed to the weather and not to any sort of inappropriate attraction; God he was cute. He himself could feel the sweat creeping down his neck as he sat on the step of Kiku’s summer home; the blond had long abandoned his leather jacket for a comfier tank top and some khaki cargo shorts. Both had laughed about the lack of formalities at this point but what could you expect? Their need for diplomatic formalities was over hours ago and as of this weekend, they weren’t America and Japan- they were Alfred and Kiku. Distracting himself he fixed his eyes on the blooming flowers of blues instead. Purple petals had also flooded the long tall grass of the Japanese countryside- much to Kiku’s delight of course, however, a recent drought made the flowers droop a little. Alfred had noticed his friend’s strong inclination to the plant life and admired the Japanese man’s garden, including the patch of familiar buds of hydrangeas (or ajisai as it was known in Japanese). He wondered if sunflowers grew in Japan just like the ones found in Texas.

In actuality, Alfred had flown over on duty to check up on some old naval bases and Kiku had obliged with keen companionship, eager to offer a trip to some cultural sites and the summer countryside. Alfred had made this diplomatic visit into a short vacation of sorts (His bosses wanted to give him a break for a few days, something that was well deserved if Alfred said so himself). They found themselves in one of Kiku’s summer homes, in a small village surrounded by the calming countryside. The kind of village that hosted all it’s community meetings in a local coffee shop, where everyone knew everyone else, and where only one train came in and went out; literal countryside isolation, It reminded Alfred of the first few years when he had met Japan. It was nothing compared to the hubbub central of Tokyo, or the busybody streets of New York and for the 2 nations, it was a perfect break from paperwork and constant global duties. As he contemplated in the hot summer haze, Kiku was pumping water from his traditional pump (Kiku had insisted it was traditional, not old) into some bottles for the both of them.

“Are we going somewhere?” taking the bottle Kiku had pushed into his arms, the American got up, dusting off and stretching.

“A walk, I wish to get some watermelon.” the smaller man yawned a bit, bending down to touch his toes as he too stretched his muscles. Thank god they had young bodies for their old souls.  The American pouted, it was hot and although they both took naps earlier he was still feeling lazy and could do with another short slumber. However, at the mention of some fresh watermelon Alfred had perked up and with his typical energetic demeanor and had already started charging ahead. After a few steps, he had turned to let Kiku catch up with his leisurely pace, finding a rather cute accessory on top of Japan’s heat attracting black hair: a straw hat that was slightly crooked. Alfred could only imagine seeing Kiku like this during summer as if this relaxed personality of him would only be visible during months where the man was enjoying sunny skies, alone and undisturbed like the nature around them. He had known Japan for a while, a longer time than some of the other nations, and he wondered if Kiku ever dressed like that when he was with the other guys. It was adorable. It was enjoyable to know the usually more reserved man felt comfortable enough around him, even if it was just because of such balmy weather.

When they arrived at a homemade stall beside the road, a tiny old lady had greeted Kiku with a huge hug- which startled Kiku a bit and had made him a bit embarrassed in front of America- according to Keeks, he had known the woman since she was very young, a child. This was one of the only towns where the occupants and residents knew of his immortal nature; it was hard to avoid not letting them know considering he had lived here for hundreds of years. Alfred lamented at how he wouldn’t be able to do that in his home country, even in big states and generic towns he had to find the most isolated locations to build a house so not to disturb the locals. Politely they paid for an uncut watermelon, despite the lady offering it for free, and made their way to a nearby stream to ‘cool it down’. The two had barely walked 10 minutes enjoying the idle conversation of everyday pleasantries when Kiku stopped, looked around before looking up at the sky. With one hand holding the bag with the fruit, and the other up to his face, he squinted at the sudden large clouds, feeling a breeze hit his back.

As if speaking to himself Kiku murmured: “It’s...it’s going to rain.”

“No, it's not dude! It’s way hot right now, there’s no-” Just as the words left the Americans mouth, Kiku had held his free hand out and no doubt a single raindrop hit his palm.

“We should find a place to shelter Alfred-san”

“It’s just one raindrop! so what?!” It was typical for a nation to feel their own weather patterns before they occurred but as of today, it seemed impossible for it to rain it had been so dry and- Oh.

Suddenly a strong breeze proved him wrong and the air seemed to cool down as the rain began to fall, kissing the ground and the greenery that had been deprived of water over the drought week. It was a quick turn of weather, and still, the sun shone through the rain creating a strange combination of hot humidity. This would not last for long though as thunderclouds rolled in, at least that’s what Kiku had said as the two had pounced ahead trying to run along the road back to the household. Alfred naturally with his athleticism had been further ahead, he figured that would also due to the fact he didn't need to carry anything, so as he turned around to check up on the fast footsteps behind him he noticed through the darkening skies and from the strong winds that Kiku’s straw hat had been blown of as they were preoccupied. He stopped confusing his friend as he raced back quickly to retrieve the non-essential item, shit he wished they had brought an umbrella.

“I don’t need it! Come on we need to go America..” Alfred had already caught back up to the black haired nation, smiling as if it was not such a big deal. Alfred wasn’t going to admit he liked the hat on Kiku, so instead, he just shrugged and the two continued their retreat. The rain had only gotten stronger and by then it had become really dark; a stark difference to the blistering sunshine from earlier in the afternoon. Soaked and slippery with the rain Kiku noted there was a nearby gazebo they could sit at to wait out the rain and before he could even point and yell out the directions Alfred had grabbed his hand and already started rushing, following his directions.

The two staggered under the cover, drenched in a summer-storm-in-the-making. Back bent forward and hair ruffled like a dog, Alfred tried to get rid of the water and fix his shirt that had clung to his chest. Looking back up he saw Kiku wringing the water through the corner of his shirt, and just as he was about to comment gladly about how cool it would be, a loud boom of thunder made him jump. Kiku himself sighed as the rain fell heavier, the pitter-pattering on the clay roof tiles of the temporary shelter vocalizing the incoming storm very loudly. Always the optimist, Alfred settled onto the stone bench the gazebo had and patted the space next to him, inviting Kiku to relax a little bit.

“I apologize America, I didn’t feel the storm coming earlier, we may be here a while considering it has not showered in this region for quite some time this month.” The Japanese man sighed a little, feeling bad he had subjected such an important guest to running in puddles and storm clouds. Alfred instead only laughed and said he should just be glad the drought would be fixed for a bit, and so the two sat breathing in the comforting smell of wet dirt. The two were seated close, shoulders touching and although neither acknowledged this out loud they both figured it was okay- This was one of the times Kiku didn’t care much for his personal space... not that Alfred would care about personal space, to begin with . Within a few moments, thunder had come, opening up the skies and was accompanied with posturing lightning which seemed to dance violently in the distance. Both focused on the sound of the rain hitting the ground and found themselves snuggled up, huddled together in such a way reserved for the quiet nights that they didn’t usually talk about.

Their relationship, like most of the relationships between the personifications, was incredibly complicated. Well, in theory, it was simple: the two were good allies. they’re past still held grudges but with such good trade and close partnership in the modern century, it was easier to work past those bad memories. Besides, allied or not the two enjoyed each other’s company. There were nights after those long UN conferences where the two would meet up for drinks, mostly as a group, sometimes just a pair and perhaps ending up in one of their hotel rooms; where hurried footsteps fled through the door at sunrise the next morning with nothing except silent agreement to not take note of it in front of the others. They decided a while ago to forgo speaking of their crumpled shirts and crooked ties whenever it happened. In the world of international relations for personifications like them, such interactions were just another form of… strengthening partnerships as they say.

Alfred soured. Whenever he shared those nights with Kiku he was always the one to watch the other sneak out, and he wasn’t going to lie to himself; he hated waking up and feeling that heat of the bed disappear. Kiku was- Kiku and he was something else and most of the time their shared conversations where more than just business. It was immature to hold a crush- fuck it. he admits it has been a  long-standing crush. Like, come on! Alfred was over 200 years old! hell, Kiku was much older despite their young faces... schoolyard crushes were idiotic when you’re immortal. There’s no escape if you like a fellow nation, unlike humans, they stick around and that meant the regret or the rejection sticks around. It became such a mess to try and keep relationships personal when you are literally a representation of thousands of civilians. Nations were fickle. And yet, despite all of this he harbored such strong feelings for the shorter man, the man who had at some point rested his head on his shoulder.

He had been so lost in thought again that Kiku had fallen asleep, obviously enjoying the colder air so much he had fallen subject to slumber. The fruit had been left on his side and America chuckled at the fact the rush to eat it was stalled because of such sudden weather. Conjuring such a pitiful excuse that Kiku might get the flu from the cold, he wrapped his arm and pulled his friend(?) closer. The rain was dying down but the thunder and lightning were still performing strong. America saw himself as the thunder, the loud pounding noise that fueled the fear and the fury whereas Japan was the lightning- the one to be silent yet deadly, present, beautiful, fierce and forceful when needed. Smoothing his palm into Kiku he gently shook his company’s body a bit, waking him up with such a doe-like expression.

“Yo Keeks, I think the rains gonna be gone soon. Wake up man” the two gazed at each other, as if only just noticing their compromising position; faces close enough to feel warm breaths and feel the heat radiating off each other's red cheeks. Alfred cursed in his head- he can’t blame his blush on hot weather anymore.

“Yeah. Hold on.” They sat still, leaning forward inching closer unprompted. Alfred couldn’t stop looking at his face, almost as if he was hypnotized by those dark brown eyes that seemed just as lost as him.

“Kiku, uh...Thanks for letting me stay” the words came out slow as the two soaked in each other’s closeness. God he missed being this close, he missed seeing Japan so calm, he loathed having every other nation take up his time, he hated how Japan didn’t visit often anymore. He brought his hand up to Kiku’s face, which in turn made Kiku shuffle bit, either uncomfortable or surprised by the gesture. Alfred hoped it was the latter.

“You should have visited during autumn. Or fall as you call it Alfred-San.” Was Kiku dodging his advances? He couldn't have, seeing as the two were still only inches apart, maybe Japan was- warm lips met him in such a quick soft manner, Alfred wasn’t even sure it even happened, maybe he had jumped to conclusions in his head. His doubt soon melted though as Kiku had bowed his head into the crook of Alfred’s shoulder as if defeat and sheepish shyness. Before the smaller man moved apart to apologize for such rude actions Alfred had pulled him in for another kiss, nothing that developed further but something that was confident and had the taste of longing. They never kissed except behind doors or in the privacy of each other's homes but at that moment they seemed to forget to care- there weren’t any other nations to act around or bosses to be wary of, professionalism had been left ages ago. The two embraced a bit longer before pulling away, only just realizing the sky was clearing up and that the thunder had become silent in its song.

“Forget the diplomacy Keeks. I- we should do this more often, just hanging out...I would enjoy it.”

Japan only smiled lowly to himself, as if thinking about it even though his hand had already sneaked its way into Alfred’s. He nodded, not one to talk about it too loudly, even in things like romance he was quite undemonstrative if not aloof. The older nation knew to maintain their relationship, while difficult and would be regarded as a ‘big deal’, would prove to be worth the bright smiles on the younger nation’s face. He could hold on longer, what a few thousand years compared to a few hundred... or a few seconds?, what mattered was when they were together- immortal or not, they were Alfred and Kiku . With that peace in mind, both stood up, hands still knitted together and made their way back to the summer home.

America decided that the report he would send back to his bosses later that afternoon, would not only be a notice that he would be gone for a bit longer... but also an update that any more relations with the country of Japan, at this moment, were at the best they could be.

#aph japan #aph america #ameripan #hetalia axis powers #hetalia fanfics #hetalia fanfiction #prompt fic #fanfic #oneshots #request #america x japan

[provincianx-blog]

what i learned from unlearning everything that i know

lessons from middle school, aurora, and beyond. 

at the age of fifteen, my mom forced my brother and me to leave our home in hayward, ca upon discovering that my dad had been using meth again and wasting all of his money on catfishes on the internet. 

my mom and dad had been separated for longer than my brother and I were aware of, but my mom finally had the courage to really leave him in july of 2011. she loved him her entire life, but she was done taking care of someone that wasn’t taking care of her. she was done taking care of someone who didn’t love her enough to take care of himself. she was done. 

while this seems incredibly simple, leaving hayward prompted what would turn into a 7 year identity crisis. 

as an outcast at every school i transferred to, i found a community on this website with my best friends from middle school and random strangers who loved harry potter and other fandoms as ridiculously as we did. true commitment to friendship would transcend from anonymous messages on tumblr to mutual follows on twitter. and here we are: in the age of twitter.

upon switching up different meds, after over a decade of looking for mental and emotional stability, i found out that i have bipolar-1, which still doesn’t make that much sense to me, but i’m beginning to understand it more than i did before.

i’m grateful to have been obsessed with star wars when i first saw revenge of the sith on opening night because of my tita and her husband’s work perks. i loved padme and she was my first crush but also my first example of a strong girl in mainstream film in addition to mulan (bruh i used my mulan costume for like 3 years and never gave a single HECK). i would then beg my dad to take me to blockbuster to watch the original trilogy, where i met carrie fisher/princess leia, who would radically transform how i saw the world and myself.

i grew up with my tita and tito. they took care of me when they were in college, and they’re still taking care of me now. i want to be able to take care of their kids and love them as much as they loved me growing up. i love them with all that i am and all that i can give. 

i studied politics because i wanted to make sure that my younger cousins and my baby brother would have a better world to grow up in than i did. it seems that my undiagnosed mental illness of nearly 14 years has been exacerbated by the political climate we live in today in 2018. 

i learned so much about life by learning about my own history, and i hope that everyone has this opportunity in their lifetime. it feels great, and the only one who seems to really get it is ariana grande. 

so here are 14 things i learned from being mentally ill and emo while being passionate about wanting to make the world a better and more habitable place. 

1. don’t trust the feds: a lot of 2nd amendment boys actually don’t trust the government as much as people think, and the 2A comes from settlers’ distrust in colonial Britain. the problems we see today are because the GOP has lured these same people and their kids (and their kids) into their corner by advocating for organizations like the NRA; gun control has reached the Supreme Court, but the 2nd amendment took precedent (i believe). gun control must come from the state and local governments, but political participation in these arenas are very low, especially for younger voters. i, as someone who has been involuntarily hospitalized despite voluntarily seeking medical help, am not allowed to buy a gun in the state of california for 5 years. and honestly, i really don’t care because i don’t want to need a gun anyway, but the poor and the middle class in the south feels that they need guns. 

2. stay woke: deray said this nearly everyday after michael brown was shot by darren wilson in ferguson, missouri. michael brown was my wake up call to reassess my complacency in the status quo and my participation in reinforcing anti-blackness. in the bay area, the n word was used so casually in places like union city/hayward that we became so desensitized to it. it’s still used casually, but non-black people like myself have no agency in saying it because we’re not black. it’s as simple as that. i began noticing how my family reacted to what would turn into the Black Lives Matter movement, and for the first time, i felt that i could no longer trust my relatives if they were complicit in the murders of black youth simply because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. i couldn’t even talk to them without crying because of how upset i got from the anti-blackness i would hear. i began to isolate myself and found community on twitter. 

3. our youth is a reflection of how good things were and how good things can become if we learn to build community: in addition to the community i found on tumblr through avatar, harry potter, and the beatles, i found community with all the losers who had xbox’s instead of ps3′s. we would hang out and play search and destroy (which i still cannot succeed in after all this time smh agjhgarhdfhre) or 1v1 each other on rust. my nerd friends would let my brother and I play with them regardless of how much we sucked, and they hyped me up even when my KDR was trash. these friendships would then transcend from mw2, halo 3, and into runescape. my brother is now really good at overwatch, and the friends i made in middle school are also really good at overwatch. the difference now is that they’re making money off of it, and i’m just like, “let’s get this bread, nerds!” thank you for being there for me even though i sucked at everything i tried doing. i was reminded of this when i watched “mid90s” by Jonah Hill. our youth was such a pure period of time, but it was also the time we lost ourselves through imposing harmful social norms onto each other, such as the idea that a girl cannot be “just friends” with a boy. but - here’s the kicker - i’m queer, and i don’t really like cis-het men hahahahahahahahaha but whatever. 

4. becoming american made me forget who i am: our immigrant parents teach us that the only way is to assimilate into white America, which is essentially what happened to black and brown people following the civil rights movement. the notion of egalitarianism/equality has been nothing but harmful for all of us nonetheless, fueling debates on affirmative action and pitting black people against asian people. one of my best friends from elementary school is in prison for trying to make a living with the resources and skills made available to him. he was apprehended in thousand oaks. he is a black man, and we grew up in the same environment, but his life has been so different since we were in elementary school. the concept of equality/egalitarianism stemming from civil war gains (13th-15th amendments) has manifested into the racial inequality we see today; in other words, the idea that white americans and POC are equal has been harmful because this has never been true and continues to be untrue. my filipino friends and i would get bullied by white latinos for not speaking english in america, which is why i learned to hate myself and my culture. i love myself and my culture, and i am fighting so that i can return home to the philippines someday. 

5. our bodies are different, and that’s okay: can y’all believe that i got bullied for not having boobs in the 3rd grade? this is what happens when young girls are sexualized so early. boys participate in this, and they turn out to be shitty boyfriends later on. girls will be girls. girls just wanna be treated like human beings instead of sexual objects. i don’t think this needs to be explained further. 

6. america is a settler-colonial state turned global power, and that is problematic: this country began with the murders and deaths of indigenous people because of imperalistic pursuits. it was built on the backs of slave labor from africa. it was reinforced by colonialism through the conquering of countries such as the philippines. we’re socialized to believe that there’s no place like america and that america is such a good place to be in, but that is only true for white Americans and POC who have integrated into white American suburbs. 

7. know history, know self: - jose rizal 

8. if my life wasn’t funny, it would just be true, and that is unacceptable - carrie f. fisher

9. at times, being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you’re living with this illness and functioning, it’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of - carrie f. fisher

10. rebellions are built on hope - princess/general leia organa + jyn erso

11. we have nothing to lose but our chains - assata shakur

12. keep ya head up - tupac shakur

13. everything i’m not made me everything i am - kanye west

14. i remember you was conflicted

misusing your influence

sometimes i did the same

abusing my power full of resentment

resentment that turned into a deep depression

found myself screaming in the hotel room

i didn’t wanna self destruct

the evils of lucy was all around me

so i went running for answers

until i came home

but that didn’t stop survivor’s guilt

going back and forth trying to convince myself the stripes i earned

or maybe how a-1 my foundation was

but while my loved ones was fighting the continuous war back in the city

i was entering a new one

a war that was based on apartheid and discrimination

made me wanna go back to the city and tell the homies what i learned

the word was respect

just because you wore a different gang color than mine’s

doesn’t mean i can’t respect you as a black man

forgetting all the pain and hurt we caused each other in these streets

if i respect you, we unify and stop the enemy from killing us

but i don’t know, i’m no mortal man

- kendrick lamar

#star wars #fandoms #reflection #politics #writing

[yuzuria]

you knooow what i’ll do all the questions in the meme ask i reblogged, thx violet for the idea 

📱 Show your phone lock screen and/or home screen

i don’t have a phone so this is from my ipad mini

💕 Your two top fave fictional characters

imai nobume and maybe... jin guangyao

🕹 Video game you are currently playing

i was playing food fantasy in my phone before i lost it smh, still not finished playing portal 2, drae, and amnesia (the otome one)

🌡 Fave season

there’s only dry and wet season here so wet season

🏫 Are you in school, what grade

supposedly in my 4th year but my situation right now is complicated™ i’m not graduating any sooner is what i can say

🎒 Are you in college, major area of study

previously computer engineering now non major

🏢 Your job (You don’t have to be specific) or dream job if you don’t work

i’d like to be an artist??

📷 Post the 12th photo from your phone’s gallery

basic hoe exposed, also wtf this looks so bad

📅 Your birthday

04/18

🎂 How old are you

20 years old

📏 How tall are you

156cm

🔑 Key to your heart

surprise me //////

📖 Fave book

i've finished like 5 books in total and 3 of them are the hunger games series so among them maybe, the perks of being a wallflower

📝 Fave quote

none

🌐 Languages you can speak and/or are learning. Which are you fluent in

filipino and english

💻 Desktop/Laptop/iPad/other

📔 Do you keep a traditional diary

no, i tried but it only ended up having 5 entries i think

☠ Something that angers you

unkept tables with sticky fluids

🐷 Junk food you can never get enough of

v cut?? cassava chips, and honey and butter chips

🌼 Fave flower

peony

📺 Fave anime

fullmetal alchemist: brotherhood

🎥 Fave film

none in particular

📻 Fave song currently

unknown mother goose (particularly this cover) 

🎙 Can you sing

so-so

🎁 Best gift you ever received and why

my mom gave me a laptop...and many things, she’s the only one who regularly gives me presents despite our rship lol

👾 Do you believe in aliens

yes, do people still find it weird that we’re not the only ones who live in this massive black space???

👻 Do you believe in ghosts

no

⛪ What is your religion

girls’ strong thighs

🌎 What country do you live in

philippines

📸 Post a selfie

nah

#jen personal