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#am i a guy with glitter pens???

taviokapudding · 1 year

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This year my dad found & gave me the Montblac my mom misplaced in 2016 that was supposed to be my deceased grandpa’s uni graduation gift; yesterday I got to draw for the first time in 3yrs without pain & inked a Diluc with the $500 pen

I ordered normal pens right after, it’s okay to laugh and cry

I know my old man is upstairs probably cackling because he used to doodle with his fountain pens. And also I’m relieved I can still draw & didn’t lose all my skills but the numbing in my shoulder has now evolved to soreness so I’ll try to draw once a week to build those muscles up again. Tldr my dominant arm is low key fighting the urge to slide outta my arm socket because in 2019 I fell and tore my trapezius muscle next to my spine with the hold the size of my hand. Tbh I only have a functioning right arm purely out of spite & self recovery since then & only until recently don’t suffer from the debilitating pain anymore but anyways.

The way I just 💀 upon realizing the ink refills are $20 & I bought 30 pens for the same price. And like y’all don’t understand, I re-inked the drawing 3 times to build up the depth between the Five & Below $5 color pencil layers. That’s like $4-$8 in total

I knew it was expensive but I never looked into it until my dad saw what I was doing and busted out laughing because apparently he did the same mistake when he graduated law school.

My first drawing in 3 yrs accidentally turned my sketchbook into an physical asset because of the fucking pen and I gotta save up to buy the refills down the road because THE INK WAS SO NICE TO DRAW WITH *punches air* I HATE THAT IT WAS A GOOD EXPERIENCE OH FUCK ME

#mun post #When I wake up I’ll take pictures because it’s 4:30am right now #you guys can see the moment I realized on tiktok #there’s no jokes here #it’s the Meisterstück Platinum-Coated LeGrand Ballpoint Pen either in midsize or le grand I need to measure it tomorrow because it’s a full #sized pen and the difference between the 2 sizes is $25 which isn’t much but with taxes is CRAZY #OF COUSE IT WAS FUCKING #diluc ragnvindr #THAT I DREW OF C O U R S E SHIT That’s really funny #also I don’t have red color pencils apparently so I used pink and orange to mix in the red #and yes I used a glitter gel pen with the fucking $20 black ink I am SO STUPID #capitalism wins this round fellas because goddamn it’s a good fucking pen and it didn’t smear or bleed through at all and is a comfy weight #but fuuuuuuuck #also my mom misplaced the pen because she had been masking her dementia and schizophrenia since probably 2010 when I think it #so yeah shout out to my dad for never stoping to search for the pen #also it has this little case with a fancy black fabric #also fun fact if my dad never came to the us he would be a lawyer in Costa Rica #artists of tumblr

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orphicdreamers-wp · 4 months

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When You Know You Know — Quinn Hughes

Summary; In which you, Quinn and your loved ones recount the early days of your relationship

Content Warning: wedding ceremony inaccuracies, fluff

You laughed into your palms as Jack took the microphone and grinned sheepishly, “Hey guys! I’m Jack, the cooler of Quinn’s brothers.” You turned to your husband, “How bad are we expecting this to turn out?” Quinn laughed, “Almost as bad as Trevor standing up after the minister said ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ and saying ‘don’t nobody say nothing’.” Jack grinned as you turned to face you and his brother, “I have one text from a Quinn Hughes, dated December 9th 2018. Jack no joke, I just met my wife. She’s perfect.”

Jack turned to face your wedding guests, “It should be noted that the first two weeks of December that year there was a horrendous snow storm in Vancouver so I initially didn’t believe him. Until he FaceTimed me the next day trekking through the snow holding a bouquet of lavenders that was bigger than his head, which is ideally a huge thing of flowers. He told me he was going to meet a girl for dinner. He called me again the next day, this time he was demanding to speak to our mom to learn how to make pasta as he was having someone over for dinner.”

Jack’s story earned laughs from the guests. Jack smiled at you and Quinn as he continued, “This continued through the remainder of December and the majority of January. It was nearing a month he’d been needing dating advice. So he called me once again trekking through the snow, but that time he wasn’t alone.” Jack turned to face you with a smile, “I was complaining about whatever stupid crap a 17 year old boy would. And then I saw Quinn get pelted in the face with a snowball. Then I heard Y/N squeal as she and Quinn ran through the snow covered streets of Vancouver throwing snowballs at each other and giggling.”

You laughed softly as you melted into your husbands side into a warm embrace, “I quickly learned that Y/N was perfect for my brother which was unexpected because Y/N is classy, kind and beautiful and Quinn is not. But after meeting her I have never had to question or wonder if my brother made the right choice. Because from the moment I met her, Y/N has shown nothing but grace, love and support for not just Quinn but my entire family. I could not be more proud to say, welcome to the family sis.” Your eyes welled with tears as you stood to go hug Jack, “I always wanted a little brother to annoy.” Jack smiled as he hugged you, “I always wanted a sister.”

You returned to your seat next to your husband as your best friend, Gracie stood up with the microphone, “I hold here a hot pink notebook sheet of paper dated April 13th 2006, it reads ‘GG I have a secret. I have to tell someone so your my friend now that I told you. Mrs Tkachuck’s son is cute. He is always skating at recess. I think he has really nice hair, maybe my husband will too. Anyways I got peanut butter sandwiches for lunch what did you get?’ This was the first note I ever received.”

You covered your face with your hands as you heard your husband whisper, “Please tell me it wasn’t Brady.” You laughed as Gracie continued, “The boy in the note did have really nice hair. Matthew Tkachuck everyone. That note would be seen as two 7 year old girls agreeing that a 9 year old was cute and bonding over lunch. But for me that singular note written in real glitter pen by the 7 year old who had no friends because she didn’t let anyone say anything mean to her. You, Y/N changed my life at just 7 years old.”

Quinn squeezed your hand reassuringly as you blinked back soft tears as Gracie continued, “You wouldn’t know this, because I never told you. But on Friendsgiving in 2018, when I pulled the longer side of the wishbone. I wished for you to find someone who would alter your life the way you altered mine. And then 13 days later I got a voicemail from you at 3 am. You had claimed you found the love of your life and his name was win. I unanimously decided that his name probably wasn’t actually win but more likely Quinn.”

You felt your gaze soften as Quinn pressed a kiss to your temple as your best friend finished her speech, “To my beautiful, perfect, amazing and wonderful best friend. To the rest of your life with a guy who treks through the snow a day after meeting you. PS your husband did end up having good hair.” You and Quinn erupted into soft giggles as you looked at each other. You smiled up at Quinn, “I so would have written love notes to you in teal glitter pens.” Quinn laughed, “I would trek through a million snowstorms to bring you flowers.”

You melted into a kiss as your mother in law took the stage, “My biggest baby. In your entire life I have only seen you love three things. Your family, hockey and the beautiful woman that is sitting next to you. And none of those things are in order. From the moment I met Y/N it was clear to me that you loved her more than anything else in the world. It’s in the eyes. You, Quinn Hughes have very telling eyes. I could tell by your eyes when you pushed Jack face first down a slide when you were 5 and he was 3. I knew from the look in your eyes the first time you snuck out. And I knew when I saw your eyes light up when Y/N offered to take Jack and Luke to hockey practice so me and your father could have a break.”

Ellen continued as she smiled at you, “I knew that you were long gone, there was no coming back. You were head over heels for her and honestly I think I was a little bit as well. For as long as I remember you and your brothers never liked each others friends or associates. Don’t get me started on girlfriends. But Jack and Luke came home and would not shut up about how much they liked Y/N. I knew then that she was perfect for you and she fit like a missing puzzle piece of our family. So it didn’t come as a shock to me when you called me less than a year later asking me to help you pick out engagement rings.”

Your jaw dropped, you hadn’t known that Quinn had thought about marrying you so quickly. Ellen smiled at you and her eldest son, “To my beautiful son and his even more beautiful wife. Watching you two navigate life together has been one of the most gracious gifts I’ve ever received.” You smiled warmly at your mother in law as you rested your head on your husbands shoulder, “So I’m picking up on the fact that apparently everyone around us including us knew from the beginning of our relationship that we’d end up here. Is it just me?” Quinn kissed your cheek, “Nope, definitely not just you.”

#hockey player x reader #fanfic #hockey #nhl #nhl fanfiction #vancouver #vancouver cancuks #vancover canucks #quinn hughes x y/n #quinn hughes x you #quinn hughes x reader #quinn hughes #Quinn Hughes fics #wedding

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calliesmemes · 2 months

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EVEN MORE ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED COMEDIC RELIEF

ASSORTED SENTENCE STARTERS FROM AROUND THE INTERNET, including quotes from Tumblr, Pinterest, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter), for when a muse wants to lighten up the situation at hand.

CHANGE gendered words and in-universe phrases as needed.

SPECIFY muse for multimuses.

“ It’s sea shanty time once again my fellow bastards of the ocean! ”

“ Partner, I reckon that I ain’t been feeling very yeehaw lately. ”

“ I don’t study; I consult the lore. ”

“ Yeah, I understand women — they all want daggers and swords. It’s all quite simple, really. ”

“ Lord forgive me but I may have to make a nonessential purchase. ”

“ Those are bold words for someone in stabbing range. ”

“ Yes I’m a gatekeeper and a hater. I’m also God’s most favorite princess and the most interesting girl in the world. ”

“ My primary motivations are fear, spite, and aesthetic longing. ”

“ Man — if I had a sword, I wouldn’t be worried about shit. ”

“ It’s not blood that runs through these veins but glitter gel pen ink. ”

“ If I was in a Jane Austen novel, I would be the one sent to the seaside for my health. ”

“ Half of me is a hopeless romantic, and the other half of me is … well … an asshole. ”

“ I am the nicest, sweetest, most rage-filled person I know. ”

“ I hope I give off the vibe to all animals that I am their ally and their friend. ”

“ I see you’re paying attention to someone who is not me. Why is that? ”

“ Normalize letting me talk without making any sense. ”

“ Don’t care, didn’t ask, plus my psychic visions have predicted the outcome of this encounter. ”

“ I could be so much worse. For example, I could start acting like my father. ”

“ Sorry for acting so strange and irregular; It will happen again. ”

“ i love sitting in my room.....alone....a girl in her cave....scheming and plotting and drinking tea. ”

“ These man made horrors are beyond YOUR comprehension. I get it though. ”

“ I’m a goth girl on the inside. On the outside? A father figure. ”

“ I don’t need to face reality; I’m not just that type of girl. ”

“ DO I LOOK LIKE I GIVE A frickle-frackle? ”

“ I’m about to cha cha real smooth off a fucking cliff. ”

“ Sorry I told you about my trauma. Do you still think I’m hot? ”

“ My priorities aren’t straight and neither am I. ”

“ I have felt permanently guilty for no reason since I was like eight years old. ”

“ Of course I have a lot of pent up rage, you fool! I’ve been the same height since I was twelve years old! ”

“ I was born for shock value. ”

“ Good morning! God has let me live another day and I’m about to make it everyone’s problem. ”

“ Oh, I slept miserably because I was tormented by terrible visions all night. I hope none of them were prophetic! ”

“ Be the surreal nonsense that you want to see in the world. ”

“ Being smart has never stopped me from being a complete fucking idiot. ”

“ My hobbies include knowing things and being right. ”

“ This is good advice, but don’t tell me what to do. ”

“ I hate the idea of authority. What the fuck is someone being superior to me? Bitch I’m gonna take your kneecaps. ”

“ Stop forgiving my crimes! I worked so hard on those! ”

“ My hobbies? Uhhhh, symbolism mostly. Metaphors and implications and the like. ”

“ I may not have any braincells, but I make up for it by having many heart cells. ”

“ I can’t mansplain manipulate manwhore my way out of this one guys! ”

“ Not all your life decisions have to be smart. Some can be purely for cinematic value. ”

“ Sometimes I wish I looked more fragile and feminine like a dainty flower, but I do enjoy looking like I hate everyone. ”

“ Any dream can be a prophetic dream if you’re willing to do some really weird shit. ”

“ girl help there is not enough enrichment in my enclosure. ”

“ BRO, you NEED to stop SUMMONING DEMONS in the FRAT HOUSE. ”

“ I just gave your address to some spiders! ”

“ I disappoint my father as a hobby now. ”

“ I think that the dark circles under my eyes add to my aesthetic actually. ”

“ Good news! I’ve successfully replaced all of my emotions with jokes! ”

“ I have half a braincell left and I’m very scared to use it! ”

“ Listen, son — in this world, it’s either yeet or be yeeted. ”

“ I appreciate the advice, but I think that I’m old enough to make my own bad decisions. ”

“ I’m disappointed in me too. Y’all aren’t special. ”

“ Running from your demons is the best exercise! ”

“ Sorry; I can’t commit any crimes with you. My mom says that I have to study. ”

“ Time flies when you don’t know what the fuck is going on. ”

“ If I run out of tacos, I can no longer maintain my human form. ”

“ Bestie, I don’t think that I can girlboss under these conditions. ”

“ Yeah I’ve had combat training; I can do anxiety attacks! ”

“ Swag is earned, not learned. ”

“ Contrary to popular belief, violence solves a lot. ”

“ I CANNOT STAND YOU ALL so I will SIT DOWN. ”

“ Please God no … I don’t need any more character development right now! ”

“ If you can’t beat ‘em, yeet ‘em. ”

“ Do not put me in a situation. I’m at my limit and I am very tired. ”

“ I may be depressed, but at least I’m not basic. ”

“ It’s MY LIFE and I’ll sabotage it myself, thank you. ”

“ Think twice? Bold of you to assume that I think once. ”

“ At the next inconvenience, I will start biting people. ”

“ Oops I think that I just experienced an emotion. ”

“ Did you know that rats spelled backwards is star? ”

“ One day, I’ll be reincarnated as a pigeon, and I’ll shit on your head. ”

“ On the outside, I’m a baddie — but on the inside, I’m a saddie. ”

“ My grandma bullies me through the Ouija board. ”

“ I’m a cool person if you can just look past my personality. ”

“ Beetles don’t have to do taxes, and I think that is a beautiful way to live. ”

“ I hope that you get your character development arc soon. ”

“ Those are some nice kneecaps … It’d be a shame if someone stole them … ”

“ I’ve wanted to be a trophy wife ever since I was a little boy. ”

“ I’m done being baby; I want POWER ”

“ Wait, “Just Standing There Ominously” doesn’t count as socializing? ”

“ Yes I am smart, and yes, I am stupid. It’s called being flexible. ”

“ I am NOT delusional!!!!! I am OPTIMISTIC! ”

“ I deserve compensation for not being the menace to society that i could be, like i'm skipping out on a lot of fun here. ”

“ Do not ask me if you should or shouldn't do something !!! Before I am a friend I am an enabler !!! ”

“ i am the WORLDS PRETTYIST PINK PRINCESS and im gonna KILL YOU WITH MY HUGE FUCKING HAMMER ”

#askbox meme #askbox prompt #rp ask meme #ask box #roleplay sentence meme #sentence starters #roleplay prompts #roleplay sentence starters #* sentence meme #rpc help

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mechahero · 2 months

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♡- DEAD I AM THE ONE, EXTERMINATING SON!

Hi! It's Mocha here with a little text post promo type of thing! This is an independent, semi selective OC blog featuring the world's most overpowered loser. Glitter pens, cute clothes, and guts are abound here with a guy that tends to be more slasher than superhero. (Blood, death, gore, cannibalism, and body horror are present here.)

. playlist ♡ rules ♡ divider credit .

#//made this for when i do not feel like rbing the image promo post #//idk if i did this right but here lol #//do not like how the link text wasn't playing ball with the spacing but it's whatever! here #rp promo #oc promo #superhero rp #horror rp #slasher rp #//by technicality #monster high rp #mh rp #//you know what i will add those tags there as well since i do have mh interactions on here #brand new frightening faces {promo}#//i'll put it in my promo tag as well i suppose

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marblegroves · 8 months

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Just saw your sketchbook post and I am amazed at how clean it all looks O_O /pos

So I was wondering, what materials do you use for your traditional drawings (all the stuff from sketch to final piece)?

BOY AM I GLAD YOU ASKED THIS *ahem*

Behold 😌

For the sketchbook pages, I mainly stuck to these materials though ^^ these guys are my…

PRIMARY MATERIALS

The green mechanical pencil on the picture on the left has 0.7mm colored lead in it! I alternate between blue and pink colored leads depending on what fits the overall color of the piece better.

Once I finish up the sketch, I line it with the black pilot ballpoint pen! I really like the control and feel of ballpoint pens for traditional lineart, because it gives a sort of variety in pressure I can’t seem to achieve with normal fineliners. I like to switch up the colors of the lineart too sometimes, hence the pink and red ballpens.

Then once the linearts done, I color them in with the stabilo highlighters, as pictured on the right! These guys are my FAVORITES. Sometimes when I’m just freely sketching I use the grey or peach mini stabilos. Although, they do tend to be a bit runny, ‘cause they’re meant for quick highlights and not multiple strokes over an area ^^; so you do have to be careful and quick when coloring with them to get an even coat of color!

Sometimes, though, when there are other colors or textures I want in a drawing, I use my…

SECONDARY MATERIALS

Pictured above are all my alcohol based markers! The four on the left are neon sharpies for when I need that extra eyestrainy kick. The three promarkers with the pointy cap were from when I was a freshman in uni and wanted to collect a full set of alcohol markers, but these were the only colors they had in stock and the college supply store ✌️ I’ve since given up on that dream because they were really expensive ;; they’re really good for sunny grassy scenes though! The last dark blue marker was from a set of other blue markers, but the others have since dried out… I use it when I really wanna darken up a page, like for night scenes!

This is my prismacolor set! I like to pair these with the markers, going in after the initial layer of color to give a bit of variety or shine. Some examples of when I use them would be for adding blush or giving hair a glossy sheen 👍

These ones are my “fuck it” materials lmao

I use these when I really just wanna scribble something down wildly. I had these since I was in gradeschool and its quite frankly a miracle they still work? Oh, and the red and yellow twistable crayolas are missing because I vaguely remember giving them to some childhood friends for some reason 🤔

My fineliners and gellyrolls! Haven’t used these much recently tbh. I’d used them for class before, but I never really likes how flat the thickness tends to be :/ the brush tips and chisel tips are cool though. I used them for that one yellow bdubs doodle to try and see if my opinion of them has changed ^^ it hasn’t. Moving on…

Lastly, we have the special materials! The ones that don’t really go into any sets, or have nice applications. In order from left to right:

Wink of Stella - A brush pen that applies glitter through some sort of black magic. No idea how she works but I love her

Red Marvy Art Director 1400 - A red fine tip marker. Can’t go wrong with a bright red marker 👍

Golden Posca - My only posca marker. Figured if I should get one it might as well be something special.

Faber Castell Blue Highlighter - I use this alongside the stabilos. It has a really nice deep blue color ^^

And well! That should be everything! ^^ Thanks for giving me an avenue to gush about my materials lmao 🥰

#well that was cathartic #ramblegroves

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themetalvirus · 5 months

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ok, if you're a beginner and are interested in getting into fountain pens, i recommend jetpens' beginner guide because it's pretty alright

note: i don't recommend shopping at jetpens - they aren't bad by any means, but goulet pens is family owned and gives you a lollipop and sticker freebie with every order! i prefer them because of that. they also just have better customer service and, like, actually do sales sometimes. jetpens never does sales and when they do the deals are Bad

for beginner pens i personally recommend, if you wanna go REALLY cheap, get a jinhao shark. they use international standard cartridges AND include a converter for under five dollars! people seem to really like the pilot metropolitan for beginners, but i personally hate it for its garbage converter, proprietary fill system, and slippery grip section. the lamy safari has a triangle grip that some people hate and it also uses proprietary lamy fill systems, but it is far superior in my opinion. if you want to play it safe, i would go with pilot - lamy has some quality control issues. if you want to cross your fingers for a really good batch and experience, go lamy. for other options, check out the beginner pen selection on goulet's site! if you have any questions about specific pens in that selection then send an ask, i am insane and will probably have more information for you

do not buy disposable fountains as your first pens - they aren't representative of the experience.

info on different ways to fill your pen are here! i will always recommend bottled ink over cartridges - there's more options and bottled ink is better for the environment!

for inks, i'll always recommend waterman intense black if you want a black ink. it's nothing if not reliable! for more colorful options, try the pilot iroshizuku line. they're amazing!!!! please note that SHIMMER INKS are NOT for beginners. if you want glitter, make sure to practice with other inks and pens first so you know you like the hobby... glitter is not for the faint of heart in the fountain pen world. do not buy any NOODLER'S INK, the guy who owns it is a trump supporter and conspiracy theorist.

for paper, i would recommend not using something super textured or fibrous, as the fibers can get caught in your pen and cause a clog. printer paper is crummy but not the absolute worst - your ink WILL feather and bleed somewhat, but it won't be terrible. for dedicated paper, try rhodia, tomoe river paper (MY FAVORITE), or clairfontaine! you don't have to worry too much about this if you're a beginner, just make sure not to use your pens on highly textured paper

there's a lot more i could talk about, so again, feel free to ask! this is just the basics =)

#exoticbutterstxt

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autismhellhole · 3 months

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Hello everypony, you are all sick in the head,

Jeon Jung-kook (전정국) -

you imitate the feline friends, you ignored your responsibilities as a military soldier, and you left your friends. (BTS - Bangtan Boys)

translation :

"당신의 고양이 친구들을 흉내낸 군인은 당신의 임무를 무시하고 떠났습니다. (방탄소년단-BTS)"

Papyrus (Sans' Brother) -

you've played the foolish game that I play and kidnapped a child, and tried to unalive an innocent newborn. (Frisk Undertale)

Lord Boxman (John [NOT canon] ) -

hate crimes (will not elaborate). You are an active danger to the civilians that roam this basement so I tied you up like a doggie.

Barney Calhoun ( Half-Life [not HLVRAI DON'T mix them up] ) -

not patriotic to the free American States, how sickening. I actually can't think of anything else right now so I'll come back to you (maybe).

Kowalski (Penguin of Madagascar. The Smart One) -

Kowalski, Kowalski, Kowalski. You're a nerd dork, and endangered the entire world. But your worst crime was becoming an internet meme. And you're bi.

Jerma985 (Jeremy Elbertson. The SUS guy from the game Among Us) -

Oh, Jerma. Sweet, sensual Jerma. The crimes are infinitely endless, like the formula to Pi. (I don't know if that's correct). You threaten 'chat' and to 'ban' members on the platform Twitch™. My ink is travelling hold on oh it's smudging holdon.

Oh, Jerma. Your worst crime of all is being so handsome and delectable. However. I'm currently not on the market.

Shadowy Venomous (Professor Venomous' heterosexual repression) -

My, Oh, My. My Sweet Darling. You are so Yaoi and Sugoi. I'm bethrothed by your immense dedication and passion, and I would like to further our relationship. I'm handing you this note, please tick yes. *hands him a note with 'do you like me' on it, with 2 boxes, one being yes, the other being no* please say yes. I am YANDERE AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH ME!

The scene is set with a large group of individuals ranging from short to tall, from all different section of the Fandoms (#Tumblr). Please BTS fans do not come for us, this is just a bit of tomfoolery. From left to right: Stinky gay homeless, Stinky gay homeless again, Tied up chickie (stinky gay homeless), Jungkook (BTS stans please dontgetmad at me) saying 'What the FLUFF!' because he is a kawaii catboy, Skeleton (Sans' Brother), and Half Life the game smoking a fat blunt (I don't know why.)

Please refrain from any comments about the accomodation, I am short on funds (The government has cut my benefits). We are in an economic crisis. I'm hashtag WOKE.

I'm writing this with my Glitter Gel pens and feelin' girly! ₊˚୨୧·₊ ♡·₊

YOU ARE ALL HERE TO BE PAWNS IN MY BIG GAME OF HUMAN CHESS (plus skeleton and catboy and chicken and snake and penguin). Enjoy the RIDE because it's BUMPY. You must ALL post on the torturous HELL that is TUMBLR.COM. buhehehehehehe~

I will KILL you if you do not OBEY.

- Billy ꔛ‬♡

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ceilingfan5 · 1 year

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'BEEF BUTTON' AND 'THE FEAR' PLEASE (I'm yelling because I'm excited) with Taakitz.

Thank you so much (both for the list and all the fabulous writing you give us to devour!)

Kravitz can do this. He can. It’s easy, probably. Normal people would find it easy, and he’s normal enough, ergo, fucking, do it, coward. He squeezes the pinback button a little too tight in his hands and inhales when the stupid thing pokes him, because it’s sharp, because it’s a button. Stupid. Normal, though, so normal, and regular? Categorically.

Hey, you dropped this. Easy. He can use that smoldery voice he practices in the shower. Hey, you dropped this? Minor edit, more inviting. Maybe? Is this yours? I found it on the floor. Very sexy. Tenouttaten, layable. Bangtastic. His fuckable nature and awkward swag are legendarical. He’s gonna floor this whole fucking cafeteria with just how awesome this interaction goes.

God, he is sweating. If it was some rando, it would be easy enough. Well, not like, Easy easy. He’d take it to lost and found. Or? Honestly? Keep it. It’s not like some show or a dumb thing. This button is bright red and just says BEEF. That rules, what the fuck? Kravitz needs to understand. So he has to interact. It’s math. Probably. He graduated and never looked back, honestly.

Why the BEEF? Why? What could possibly necessitate such a strong statement?? But this guy isn’t just some rando, he’s Dreamy…. Like, legitimately. Like, magazineworthy, like, commercially, like Kravitz has run into him four and a Half times and thinks of him OFTEN, you know, #normally, and is categorically regular about imagining what that long pink hair looks like out of that thick braid that could be a weapon, and that charming gap in his teeth, and the bootyshorts that say CONSTANTLY ALIVE, or that skirt that left glitter all over the floor, or the platform shoes that rattled full of actual aquarium gravel and gummy sharks, or- or- or- or-

Beef. It’s what’s for winners. Winners who best social anxiety and return the cool button to the hot guy. Winners who can talk words good and do tasks and complete objectives.

He’s rooted to the fucking spot with The Fear ™. But he can do this. He’s gonna do it right now.

Aaaaand go.

Nope. This time. AAAAAAAaaand go. Shoot, one more. Third time’s the charm. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand-

“Oi-” he says, wincing internally at the sound that comes out of his face, but somehow he has…already committed to the bad accent. “Did you drop this?”

“Huh?” he gets in return. Taako looks up at him from his book and wrinkles his nose, and his freckles dance, and he is the sun, and Kravitz should have worn sunscreen today. “What?”

“This button, the BEEF button, it’s yours? Seems like something you’d have. On your person. Or objects you possess. Is it?” He is sweating. Why did he wear all black today? Well, he always wears all black, but why?

“Oh, yeah! Thanks, man.” Taako holds out his hand to take it. Kravitz is pretty sure his name is Taako. When he orders his iced coffee drinks he half-sings T-double A- K- O. And Kravitz has NOT been writing it in his journal like a lovesick middle schooler. That would be sad. And he doesn’t even own a gel pen. So there.

“No problem,” Kravitz’s accent warbles and changes, and Taako kind of tilts his head at him. “What’s it for? What- what’s the BEEF?”

Taako laughs.

“It’s vintage,” he says. “God knows. This ancient beef rose before me and will fall after I am gone. The BEEF is eternal, you know? What’s your handle, scented candle?”

“Kravitz,” Kravitz manages. “And…cinnamon sugar, maybe.”

Taako blinks.

“F-, uh, for the candle? Did you not-”

“Ohh,” Taako says. “Taako.” He jabs a thumb at his chest. “Mmmmmm…Spice rack.”

“Spice rack?” Kravitz is so taken aback he drops the accent entirely. “Like…oregano and garlic powder?”

“Absolutely,” Taako says. “Everybody is like, what smells so good, what are you cooking? And you hit ‘em with the fact that they wanna eat wax. Hilarious.”

“Avant garde, even.” Kravitz shakes his head. “I, uh,” and nothing else comes out of his mouth. Taako lets him hang there for an uncomfortable amount of time, and then snorts.

“You busy later, homeboy? I’ve been meaning to go to that new restaurant, but I thought it would be weird to go alone?”

“Burrito Boyfriend? I, hadn’t, plans- yes? I would love to get a boyfriend- I mean- I would love to get a burrito with you. Taako. Yes.”

Taako laughs hard enough that he makes a beautiful noise, and he covers his mouth, but too late. Kravitz is in love with him.

Fuck. And all because of a little ground beef.

#taakitz #tazb #the adventure zone balance #fan5fics #taz balance #taakitz fic #the adventure zone #taz #thank you!!

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odiesbun · 1 year

Text

...♡You are the author of the book...♡

There may be errors in the text, as my native language is not English. Thank you for your likes!

genre: fluff.

warning: established relationships, food references, guys are proud of you, some misunderstandings with Seungmin, work, writing, books.

w.c: 2.3k

a.n: If my parents and in-laws were as proud of my writing as the Stray Kids in this chapter, I'd be over the moon.

♡Chan♡

Your number one biggest and most loyal fan is Chan. But he's also the spreader of new news about your books, including he's also your manager and salesman.

- „Oh, yes. The new chapter is coming out this Friday.“ - You were walking past your living room when you heard Chan proudly telling the boys about your book. No doubt they admired your work as much and were just as eagerly awaiting it.

- „Oh, I can't wait any longer!“ - Han cried out loudly, clinging to the armrest of the sofa. Everyone laughed and nodded positively.

- „By the way, do you happen to have two extra copies of the first part? I'd like to give them to my sisters, they like that genre very much.“ - Felix moved closer to Chan. Chan seeing that you were already standing under the door eavesdropping on them, turned to the door with a smirk.

- „I'm kind of a manager and salesman, but check with the author of the job for any questions.“ - Your cheeks instantly puffed up and you lowered your gaze bashfully to the floor, stepping over the threshold and entering the living room as if nothing had happened.

- „Do you need something from me?“ - You smiled innocently. The boys' glances of amazement turned to you, begging or praising you for a new spoiler.

- „Ah, yes. Felix wanted to ask you something...“ - Chan muttered, jokingly nudging you with his elbow in the middle of the room, so that you not only solve the question about the two copies, but also tell additional facts about your book, which will only fuel interest.

He's very proud of his girl. So soon the guys won't let him in their dorm because he either does nothing but talk about your new book or starts giving spoilers relentlessly, which many people don't like.

♡Minho♡

Minho has several stacks of your books laid out on a small folding table, setting it right in the middle of the street. There were always a lot of people coming to the spring fair, so Lee Know thought it was a great chance to sell some second pieces of your books. People were excited about it, and copies were flying around almost every minute.

- „Oh, guys!“ - Jisung and Jeongin, who were passing in the crowd, waved and slowly walked over to you. Noticing the second part, I.N instantly grabbed the penultimate book, holding it tightly to his chest and clearly not intending to give it back.

- „You, too? Damn, why is everyone always talking about this book? Am I the only one who hasn't read it?“ - Jisung frowned, turning to look at you. Minho hummed, shoving the earlier part into his friend's hands.

- „Read it. It's good for you.“ - Minho nodded his head, accepting the money from Jeongin before returning to his seat and continuing to speak. - „Especially since my girlfriend is the author of these books.“

Jeongin and Jisung looked at each other in surprise. Yang, with a shy smile, held out to you his packaged book he had just paid for and the black pen he had in his belt pouch pocket.

- „Would you please sign my book? It's an honor to know you not only as a beloved author, but as a friend...“ - Jeongin whispered, shyly lowering his gaze and hiding it under his lashes. You smiled, squinting and accepting your book pen.

Minho raised his eyebrows, smiling. A glint of pride glittered in his eyes, for he, too, was involved in the creation of your first and second books.

- „Of course, here.“ - You quickly signed in the corner of the book, then handed it to a happy Jeongin. The boys said goodbye and thanked you before walking off into the depths of the fair.

- „Wow, baby. You got your first autograph!“ - Minho chuckled with delight. He rubbed his hands to his sides as he continued. - „Soon you'll be hosting your own fan meetings.“

- „Yeah, and then we'll make a collab and we'll be world stars.“ - You hum, smiling. Minho's heart skipped a beat at your sweet smile.

- „Great idea, let's do that.“ - Minho nodded, squinting against the sun.

♡Changbin♡

With delight in his eyes and a sly squint, Changbin leaned closer to you, softly touching your cheek with his lips. You giggled, arching an eyebrow as if silently asking what Changbin was up to this time.

- „I got in touch with a big writing agency...“ - From afar, he began, wistfully sweeping his eyes around the room, and then taking a couple of steps forward and sinking into a chair, continuing. - „And... They're very interested in you and your work that I sent them in an e-mail.“

You gasped. Your eyes widened in amazement, and your heart began to pound with redoubled force. You were a little flattered that Changbin had done this for you.

- „What kind of work did you send them?“ - You smiled, twiddling your thumbs nervously.

- „The last three you've released to the general public at the moment. And another one of your old drafts.“ - Changbin smiled, averting his gaze awkwardly. Perhaps the fact that he sent away your unfinished work wasn't right, not only to the agency but to you, but the managers were delighted with it.

- „Okay, and?“ - You nodded, fixing your hair and waiting for the end result. Changbin took a deep breath.

- „And they asked that you come in for an interview the day after tomorrow.“ - Quickly he blurted out, gathering air into his lungs again and continuing. - „What they are interested in at the moment, they clarified in an email. So I'm going to help you prepare.“

Changbin put his arm around your shoulders encouragingly, and then gently stroked your hands, as if to soothe you. His gaze fell on several books of your authorship that were on the middle shelf in the closet.

- „You will succeed, I believe in you.“ - He whispered.

♡Hyunjin♡

Finally, after so many days and months of agony and suffering over the book, it was ready. You leaned back in your chair with a sigh, watching Hyunjin place a cup of tea right next to the keyboard.

- „Congratulations on a job well done.“ - He smiled. He had the same cup of tea in his hands, and he pulled another chair closer to you and sat down next to it. You thanked the guy.

- „By the way, I wanted to offer you something...“ - Hyunjin pursed his lips and took a sip of his tea. You looked at him questioningly. - „How would you like it if I drew the covers of your books?“

Your eyes widened in surprise, and you almost choked on your drink. You opened your mouth in mute surprise, not even finding the words to say.

- „Thank you so much, Hyunnie. But you've got your hands full as it is, and I don't want to burden you any further...“ - You smiled, dropping your gaze into your cup. Hyunjin chuckled as his dog stepped closer to him, then harnessed to his lap.

- „It won't be much work for me. I like to paint and I like to help you.“ - He explained, propping his cheek with his hand, reasoning. - „Besides, your work is of excellent quality. If you really want to get international recognition, you have to have a good cover. People pay attention to a pretty picture first.“

Of course you said yes. Not many people would refuse that offer, especially since Hyunjin has very good drawing skills, which he's working hard to develop.

***

A few weeks later, you held up your book with the cover that Hengjin had drawn and made himself. You looked at the book enthusiastically from every angle, not believing that Hwang really did it.

- „Do you like it?“ - Hyunjin smiled hopefully, clasping his hands behind his back. You nodded vigorously, turning your face toward him.

- „It's the best thing I've ever seen in my life. Thank you so much, Hyunjin.“

♡Han♡

Han couldn't believe until the very end that you were the author of his favorite work. At some points he saw similarities between you and your writing personality, but he literally couldn't believe it.

It wasn't until he saw an open draft of the sequel to your first book on your computer desktop. Jisung ran his eyes cursorily over the text as his text slowly reached his understanding of the whole situation and his pupils enlarged lovingly. You leaned against the doorjamb, wrapping yourself in plaid and humming.

- „Why didn't you tell me before that my favorite author I've told you so much about is you?“ - Han slowly turned his head in your direction. He darted quickly toward you, placing his hands on your shoulders.

- „I thought it would seem too obvious to you... Especially since I wasn't ready to talk about it with just one book out.“ - You shrugged, smiling. You really weren't quite sure that Jisung REALLY liked your work.

- „At some point, I really started to guess that it was you...“ - Jisung took a deep breath, averting his eyes. His heart was jumping out of his chest, and his hands were shaking with joy and excitement. - „But I didn't think my idol really lived in the same house as me.“

You slumped back in your chair, turning to face the laptop. Your fingers scribbled on the keyboard again, and Han stood beside you, watching meekly until you broke the silence again.

- „Would you like me to tell you another interesting fact?“ - You squinted slyly. Jisung was silent for a few seconds, and then he nodded his head vigorously.

- „The main character was based on you.“ - Jisung's eyes doubled after your statement and his eyebrows went up. You continued. - „I spent a long time studying you and your psychology, and I ended up with this.“

Han opened his mouth and then theatrically put his hand to his heart and leaned the other against his forehead.

- „Ah, this girl is the love of my life and my dream! How do I give you an Academy Award for the best role of my life?“

♡Felix♡

Your new book was a bestseller in almost every country in the world, so you and Felix were a little shocked that your fame came so suddenly fast.

- „I can't believe my book's hashtag still hangs at the top of most social media...“ - You blinked your eyes twice in surprise, staring at your smartphone screen. Felix smiled, nodding.

- „By the way, Chan was already asking when the second part would come out.“ - He chuckled, remembering his enthusiastic friend who kept saying the same thing this morning.

- „If I release another part, is there any chance I'll start getting recognized on the street like you?“ - You smiled, resting your chin on the armrest of the couch and stretching out. Felix thought for a moment, then squinted and smiled, patting your hair.

- „Sure. We'll be a famous couple. I'm an idol, you're an author. We were made for each other! It's all fate, Y/n!“ - He spluttered his arms, slumping back in his chair. Felix immediately became confused, telling you about his plans for your next five or even ten years of relationship.

Of course, Felix is very happy for you. But he's also very proud and pleased that you had such a high-profile start to your first book. He considers you his little star, which at the moment shines not only for him, but for others the brightest.

Maybe to help you with money and popularity in the same way, he will promote these books to fans(and maybe even sell some exclusive copies himself to band members or other idols/interns in their company).

♡Seungmin♡

Seungmin had known about your hobby for a long, long time, but he obviously didn't expect the main character in your book to have the first and last name «Kim Seungmin».

- „Is that a coincidence?“ - Kim arched a questioning eyebrow as you sat in the kitchen at breakfast. He took a sip of his coffee, staring at you.

- „What? What do you mean?“ - You raised your eyebrows, and then moved them to the bridge of your nose in a grimace of misunderstanding.

- „I read a new chapter in the book while you were asleep...“ - He began thoughtfully, looking down at his half-empty plate and biting his lips nervously. - „And I'm not quite sure why the main character ended up being named Kim Seungmin? Is it a coincidence or did you brazenly copy my name?“

You laughed as you watched how serious Seungmin was about the main character's name situation. He looked incredibly cute when he didn't understand or was outraged.

- „It's just a joke, Seungmin. My friend just joked that it would be cool to create a fanfic with her boyfriend, which is why this book was originally something of a romance fanfic. I really did put your name in the draft“ - You explained. Seungmin listened with seriousness, not daring to interrupt and absorbing every word like a sponge. - „And I had planned to change the main character's name later. But everyone said the name was super appropriate, so I decided to leave it as is.“

You shrugged, popping a small bite of food into your mouth. After a long silence, Seungmin finally got up to put the plate in the dishwasher.

- „Great.“ - He said, setting at the door and throwing a glance at you over his shoulder. - „But it's just unimaginable. I mean, it's literally a fanfic about you and me?“

You laughed again, covering your face with your hands.

- „Seungmin! It's just a book on the internet, don't take it too seriously!“ - Seungmin just fake-rolled his eyes at your laughter and tsked.

- „I was expecting anything but this...“ - He said before finally leaving the kitchen.

Lol, he's actually really pleased and proud that you named your main character after Seungmin.

♡Jeongin♡

Jeongin quickly ran his eyes over your text that you were about to publish. He squinted his eyes, his pupils enlarging slightly as a light bulb went on above his head and he looked up at you.

- „You!“ - He exclaimed enthusiastically, poking you with a sheet of text. You drew back reflexively, batting your eyes in surprise. - „It was you!“

You arched your eyebrows in bewilderment, completely unaware of what he was talking about.

- „What are you talking about, I.Nnie?“

- „The girl who won first place in our school's writing contest...“ - He began, his smile slowly spreading across his face. Understanding instantly struck you and you looked away bashfully, nodding. Jeongin continued to speak. - „I was fascinated by your work... And I was the secret buyer who emailed you and bought all the original books...“

Your eyes flew open. You quickly grabbed I.N's cheeks, pulling his face closer to yours.

- „So you were my savior!? Ah, damn, then I thought God had decided to take pity on me...“ - You exhaled, smiling. Your hands were shaking from too much emotion, so Jeongin gently took hold of your palms, intertwining your fingers.

- „The style of your work is unique... I'm very glad you didn't end your career as a writer... Because I was so upset when you stopped writing after graduation...“ - Jeongin raised his glistening eyes to you, gently smacking you on the forehead.

- „I didn't stop writing. I just changed my pen name and created another account to publish my work.“ - You shrugged, chuckling.

You stood in silence for a while, hugging and kissing, until your boyfriend started talking about your writing again.

- „You know, I didn't believe in the theory that people can meet their destiny at least three times in their lives... Well, with you I'm willing to believe anything.“ - Yang smirked before kissing you on the corner of your lips.

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october-writes · 3 months

Text

It took a few minutes for a booth to clear but when it did, Leon and Ada sank into their seats with muffled groans. The booth was... well if Leon was being polite he’d call it ‘cosy’. He had to readjust his legs under the table twice to keep from treading on Ada’s toes.

Ada. She’d barely looked at Leon on the drive up. In fact, she hadn’t said much at all since they’d left that alleyway in Evansville. He thought he’d caught her staring at him a few times, but otherwise all he was getting from her were waves of disquiet beneath a blanket of icy silence.

Their tender truce had barely begun and already he could feel her second-guessing her decision to join him on this hastily sketched-out crusade. He tried to think of something to say that would reassure her, but how could he? He wasn’t sure himself. All he knew was that he hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours, he didn’t smell great and he still felt like a stranger in his own body and, sometimes, even in his own mind.

So Leon sat there, absently scratching his forearm and willing her to acknowledge his existence so he could begin to persuade her that he had a way out of this fucked-up situation. He opened his mouth, waiting for the words to fill them like rain blessing a dried riverbed.

‘Hi! Welcome to Burk’s!’ trilled their waitress, ‘May I take your order?’

Leon flinched so hard that his knees knocked into Ada’s underneath their tiny shared table. His head snapped up and he blinked at the young woman standing ready at their booth in all her candy-cane red and white glory.

Ada hadn’t moved an inch at the interruption. He sighed. They must look like they were auditioning for America’s Most Awkward First Dates .

Their waitress loomed over them with a curious and faintly guarded expression that suggested she had already clocked them as strangers; of the establishment as well as with each other. The woman was short, petite and looked to be in her early-thirties. She wore white sneakers, dirtied but with cute, stubby laces coated in pink and purple glitter. Her socks were white, but they didn’t match.

Her curly auburn hair was tussled, maybe windswept though she looked pale like she hadn’t been outside in days. Her crown was dotted with little white hairs, but they lent her a charming ethereal glow, which along with her wide freckled forehead and pale green eyes spoke of simple home comforts. Her nail polish was nibbled almost down to the cuticle. There was a greasy orange stain on her apron in roughly the shape of New Jersey. It looked like chilli sauce.

Leon’s gaze flickered to her name tag, ‘Hey, nice to meet you, uh... Christie . We just got here-’

‘I can read you the day’s specials,’ Christie announced, popping her hip as she began reciting them from memory, ‘Let’s see. We have the chef’s signature clam chowder served hot from eight AM to midnight. Or if you want breakfast, I can recommend our maple waffles with toasted hazelnuts and whipped vanilla bean cream with chocolate sauce-’

Leon studied Ada’s profile while their waitress sang the breakfast menu.

‘You know, I think we could both use a coffee,’ he said, turning to Christie with a lopsided smile.

Christie made a breathy ‘uh huh’ noise, her pink cheeks turning three shades darker. She plucked her pen from behind her ear.

‘Did you know Berk’s has the second best coffee in the state?’ she asked him, lowering her voice like this was exclusive gossip and she didn’t want the guys at the next booth to hear about it.

Leon leaned over the table and dropped the volume of his voice to match hers, ‘You know, Christie, that’s actually why we’re here...’

Her green eyes darted nervously around their booth, ‘Wait... really?’

‘Yeah, the two of us,’ Leon jabbed his thumb at Ada, ‘We make the third best coffee in the state. We’re here to scope out the competition. I’ll tip you whatever you want, but please don’t give us away!’

Christie’s eyes went wide and a laugh exploded from between her puckered lips like a gunshot. She almost dropped her pen, ‘Oh my God, you’re so funny!’

Ada let out a groan that was just loud enough for Leon to hear.

---

A sneak peek of Icarus, the WIP sequel to Pandora. Read the rest on Ao3.

#ada wong #resident evil fanfiction #aeon #leon x ada #ada x leon #leon s kennedy #fic: icarus #wip

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messy-gemini1 · 2 years

Text

RDR2 incorrect quotes cause I said so

Y/n: Life is a party and I am a Piñata Arthur: you really need some therapy Y/n: no :) ______ Young Y/n: *not liking Dutch being touchy with Hosea* ....Thou shalt not marry each other, for thy art both sinful... Dutch: I just wanna fucking marry Hosea! Hosea: Dutch! watch your language! ______

Y/n, writing in their diary with a glitter gel pen: I'm losing my sense of humanity. Nothing matters. God is dead. There's blood on my hands. _______ Y/n: Do you even know what an amulet is? John: Of course I do! I eat amulets sometimes. I like the ones with cheese and onions! Y/n: John, those are omelettes. John: Oh. Then I’ve got nothing. ______ Y/n: Sometimes I like to place my hands on someone’s cheeks, look into their eyes... Y/n: ...And violently jerk their head until it snaps. Arthur: ...That took an unexpected turn. John: So did their neck. ______

Hosea: * yelling at young Y/n and Young John* Y/n! you better not be trying to drown John! Y/n: I'm not! I'm baptizing him! John: help me! *literally drowning* Y/n: In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit , I send you back to hell!! *dunks him as he screams while Arthur and Dutch run to help* ______

John: Guys, my friend here is bilingual. Arthur: Yes. John: Which means they like both boys and girls. Arthur: Ye- wait, what- Y/n: John, that's not what bilingual means- John: Shhh, it's okay Arthur. I still love you, man. Arthur & Y/n: ... John: bUT NOT LIKE THAT- ______

Y/n: That’s the longest worm I’ve ever seen. Arthur: That’s a snake. Y/n: oh... Y/n: Arthur: Arthur: *struggling to hold them back*DON"T GRAB IT!! ______

Arthur: Y/n... you've been cuddling with me for over and hour now. Y/n: *muffled* mm hmmm :) Arthur: Fuck. I should be annoyed but you're adorable. ______

Y/n, washing the dishes: Who the fuck used this pan?? Y/n: Wait. I the fuck used this pan… Arthur: It was you the fuck. Y/n: It was I the fuck… Charles: Who cooks rice in a pan? Arthur: They the fuck. ______

Abigail: Okay, what does A stand for? John: Arson. Abigail: Aw, you're so good. Okay! B! What does B stand for? John: Barson. Y/n: *laughter* Abigail: What stands for C? John: Commit arson. Y/n: Oooo. Abigail: D! John: Don't come near me, I'm going to commit arson. Y/n: *more laughter* ______

Abigail walking into the kitchen and seeing all their limes peeled: John, I love you but, what the h-e-double FUCK. John, sipping coffee happily: I love you too :) ______

Y/n: Yes, I'm adopting Jack and you cowards can't tell me no! Abigail: I'm his mother and I said no! Y/n: Your no fun!! ______

Y/n: I am literally evil incarnate. Y/n: I’m not actually, I just enjoy being evil. Y/n: Which I think actually makes it even more evil because I’m making a conscious effort.

#rdr2 incorrect quotes #incorrect rdr2 quotes #rdr2 john #rdr2 arthur #charles smith #arthur morgan #john marston #abigail marston #dutch van der linde #hosea matthews

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jsehungergamesau · 4 months

Text

Against All Odds

CHAPTER 4

The sun finally breaks over the mountain horizon and it seems to bring the train to life with it. Attendants glide in and out of the dining car, bringing in breakfast foods and drinks and replacing the broken vase and glasses without a word.

Around 10 AM Teefee and Ivy join Jameson and Chase at the table. Ivy looks like she didn't sleep a wink and Teefee is bewildered to find the two of them covered in wood shavings. Chase can't help but flick a shaving at Ivy with a small grin as she takes a seat next to him, giving a weak attempt at a grin as she rubs her eyes tiredly. Teefee huffs and pours herself a large cup of coffee with half of it being cream.

"Today is going to be so much fun!" Teefee sings like a chattering squirrel. Today's outfit was just as ridiculous as yesterday's, this time giving her the appearance of a blue cotton-covered cloud with, of course, streaks of pink glitter. "Once we arrive in the Capitol you will immediately be sent to meet your prep team and stylists so they can prepare you for the opening ceremony!" The woman explains, and Chase wonders two things: how she can hold a pen with such ridiculously long and decorated nails, and how any human being can be this chipper so early in the morning. He's tempted to try the coffee, but it smells far too bitter, even with only a dash mixed into a mug of hot chocolate.

Jameson had retrieved his thimbles when Ivy and Teefee first arrived and he continues Miss. Whispers’ description of the day to come, "Don't resist what they do to you in the remake center. It will hurt a bit, but these are professionals and know how to make you look pretty for the people," Chase caught Jameson actively resisting rolling his eyes at his own words, "We talked about it a little yesterday, but did we decide what angle you two are going to present yourselves? Bold and hostile, clever and witty, charming and sexy?" He does allow himself a grimace at that, "Unfortunately you're both a bit rugged to pull off sweet and innocent, so we may have to pivot.”

It's obvious he despises talking like this, especially since Chase has seen a truer side to Jameson. But with Teefee in the room, Chase assumes he has put his pleasant mentor mask back on tight and talk Capitol to get by. Poor guy.

"The choice is yours but we need to send word to your stylists so they can make adjustments to fit your performance demeanor." Jameson finishes, taking a sip from a cup filled with amber-colored tea.

“I-I honestly don’t know. But back in Seven a lot of people thought I was pretty handsome and fun,” Chase shrugs, unconvinced by his own words, “I got asked out a lot but I only really had eyes for Stacy so I always said no.”

The idea of flirting with Capitol citizens honestly wasn’t the worst idea. He’s seen the Careers do it about a dozen times through this life and flirts always got the biggest sponsors. He remembers one year when a tribute from District 1 won in five days because he kept getting sponsor after sponsor. Food, water, new weapons, he got it all. All because he played up the charm with a pretty face to boost.

"Yeah, a real ladies' man back in school!" Ivy jokes with a chuckle as she looks over the breakfast table, "I also had my fair share of getting asked out, though I think guys saw me as more naive and.. fragile." Ivy grits her teeth as she says that.

“But I’m also gonna be a dad, I think that I have more to lose than just my life. I don’t think many other people can say that.” Chase offers.

“Well, the two flirts of District 7 might be a halfway decent angle.” Ivy groans, pressing her forehead against the table. Chase slides the plate of the orange fruit towards her and when she looks up he nods toward it. You should eat.

Ivy looks between the oranges and Chase, her eyes asking if it's really ok to take it. He nods again and nudges the plate closer. She gives Chase a weak smile and hesitantly picks up an orange wedge. She examines the rare fruit and pops it in her mouth. Eyes sparkling the same way Chase's must have looked when he first tried it.

Jameson sighs quietly across from them, "Seems like it's probably our best shot. Okay, Miss Whisper, please send notice to the stylists as soon as possible." He skewers his fork through a sausage and pops it in his mouth. "Just be aware that if either of you make it out, these personas will follow you forever. Do you understand?"

Chase and Ivy glance at each other, orange slices in each of their hands. Where did that come from? Jameson probably knows what he's talking about, but it was somewhat hard to grasp the context outside of what they can only assume.

“Well, having a kid is pretty permanent too. I’d say that part of me would follow me, games or not.” Chase shrugs and lets the fruit burst on his tongue.

Ivy's attention fixed on Jameson, she gives a sad nod, “I-... I understand. But it's what we gotta do to survive, right?”

Jameson's expression was stiff, but he gave a nod in return.

Before the silence broken up by forks scraping against plates could stretch too long Chase speaks up, “Speaking of stylists, is it going to hurt? Jameson mentioned it hurting.”

"Oh not much!" Teefee exclaims, leaping at the opportunity to fill the quiet, "Jameson, the jokester, was just kidding! It's not so bad." She takes a sip of her coffee, pinky out, and picks up her little silver clipboard to look over the schedule absent-mindedly. "It can even be quite relaxing! I went and got my eyebrows done a week ago and it only hurt a little!" She smiled brightly.

Jameson levels both of the tributes a flat look but says nothing.

“Okay, are we talking ‘splinter pain,’ ‘I just feel from 10 feet’ pain, or ‘Holy fucking shit a tree just fell on me and my ribs are broken’ pain?” He barely even acknowledges Teefee as she talks, keeping his full attention on Jameson. This annoys the woman, but Chase tries to ignore her.

Jameson looks up to the roof of the train car to think before signing in response, "Intense bathing, waxing off all your body hair, nail filing, hair cut..." He trails off, and Chase wants to reach out but keeps to himself this time, busying his hands with loading a ham steak and some kind of fried potato onto his plate.

Chase can see Ivy's eyes widen before Jameson drifts away, “Sooooo splinter pain times 10 and all over our bodies... greeeeaaaaat,” She says sarcastically as she peels another orange with subtly trembling fingers.

“Here, Iv, let me.” Chase mumbles and takes the fruit from her, but before she could protest he was already peeling the rind off and laying the slices on her plate. She fidgets with her necklace again and nods towards him with a small smile. Thanks, her eyes say silently as Chase picks up the talking, “So, stylist, parade, training, then interviews? Is that right?” He asks Jameson, but he's still unresponsive.

"Yes, that's the short of it!" Teefee nods, teeth white as snow as she takes over the conversation, not wanting to be left out. "Each event takes its own day and then training takes roughly under a week."

“So in total, we have seven-ish days to win the Capitol over. Right?” Ivy asks quietly.

“Right! So at this time be prepared to do your very very best for the cameras! Everyone will be watching you.” It's hard to tell if she was trying to comfort or threaten the two of them, but with Teefee it seems like it could go either way. The image of sugar-coated barbed wire flits through Chase's mind as he watches the two talk.

Quickly Chase tunes out their conversation with an internal roll of his eyes and reaches over to quietly take Jameson's still hand in his. That seemed to work before. Maybe James needs as much comfort as he does right now. Watching potentially two kids die year after year must be draining, to say the least.

Jameson doesn't immediately respond, but he does squeeze Chase's hand in return.

"We'll be at the train station by nine, so you both should be dressed and ready to greet the people of the Capitol! The city is dazzling, children. You're going to love it!" Teefee giggles. Actually giggles. It's high-pitched like a young schoolgirl's. Playful and innocent despite coming from someone who watches children slaughter each other for entertainment every year.

The entire train car getting plunged into darkness is what seems to jolt Jameson back into his own body and Chase holds his hand a bit tighter. Their eyes are locked in mild fear as the train pulls back out of the tunnel, spitting them all out into the mountain-surrounded boundaries of the Capitol.

°○°○°○°

Jameson's electronic words bounce around Chase's head as he clenches his jaw to suppress a yelp of pain, Don't resist what they do to you. Grit your teeth and bear it and it'll be over sooner.

"You kids from District Seven always have so much body hair!!" One of the members of the prep team with their skin dyed purple, Toynia, exclaims as she prepares another wax strip while two others buzz around Chase like tracker-jackers.

He's lying down on a table with his skin glowing a raw pink from being scrubbed down hard. His nails were filed into perfect ovals with no more cracks to be seen, and much to his dismay his beard was completely gone. They shaved most of it off before rubbing a thick cream that smelled like chemicals on the stubble and shining a weird light over his lower face. With another wash of more goo, Chase felt like he was more akin to a prepared turkey than an 18-year-old boy.

They haven't allowed him to look at himself just yet, trying to get him to a "beauty base zero" state so his stylist can see exactly what she's working with in his natural state. If the Capitol's standards of natural beauty were looking like he rolled out of bed looking ready to get married and smelling like roses, Chase wonders what their standard of being grubby-looking meant. Because certainly he's heard one of his prep team members chattering on about how one year a girl had so much gunk under her bitten nails she gagged.

The only way Chase was able to keep his mouth shut was by locking his jaw shut.

By the time these strangers are done, he feels completely exposed. His face was as fresh as the day he was born, and every inch of him scrubbed to sparkling. They took all his clothes from his home, including his father's flannel he gave him years ago, even after he begged them not to. He pleaded for them to at the very least give it to Jameson to hold onto. The prep team just laughed in his face and giggled amongst each other. Little chattering birds and probably with the same amount of if not less empathy.

Chase sat there on the table completely naked except for a nice thick robe that they were kind enough to supply. Thank god for that at least.

He felt bare without his stuff, without his beard, and without his things. He twists Stacy's ring around his pinky finger as he stares at the wall across from him, thanking whoever was listening that he was able to at least hold onto this one precious piece of home.

To Chase, the completely white chamber felt almost akin to a cage. A small, bare cage you’d maybe keep a dog in. But even the dogs here seemed to be treated better than all of the tributes. Certainly, they were more well-fed than any of the humans were back home.

Oh god, home. Chase would give just about anything to be back home right now. To have a peacekeeper shouting at him to climb faster or to stay in line. Hell, he’d even let them flog him again if it meant that he’d be back in District 7. His body itches to run into the familiar woods and get lost in the trees. He knows he wouldn't get far, but getting shot amongst the pine sounds far more merciful right now than getting paraded around before his inevitably much more gruesome demise. At least at home, he could die with some dignity. Will they even recognize him when his body gets returned in a box after the games?

It takes a while for Chase to even consider that they had forgotten about him here, until eventually, somebody enters through a nearly invisible door. Chase schools his face to not instantly glare at the woman before him who was to be his stylist.

She was tall, very tall, and fashionably thin as opposed to the dying-of-starvation thin Chase was personally more acquainted with. She wears an oversized fur jacket that hangs off her slender shoulders. Blonde hair was styled into two triangular buns on top of her head that brought to mind some kind of animal in Chase's head. Was that her real hair or just a wig? It was hard to tell the difference. Her spiked heels added even more height to her figure so she towers several inches over Chase even when he finally stands reluctantly to greet her.

He doesn’t know whether to stick his hand out to shake her hand or just wait for her to speak. He just stands still as she examines his body and does his best not to squirm.

The woman at first doesn't say anything as she just circles chase, eyeing him, taking him in. Like an animal circling its prey, which is fitting with her facial tattoos making it look like she is in fact some kind of cat. A tiger is the first thing that comes to mind, though Chase has never seen one in person. Maybe it was a photograph? Whatever. She stops circling and stands in front of him about two feet away. Chase has to tilt his head up to look her in the eye.

"It's very nice to meet you, Chase. My name is Tigris and I will be your stylist. I hope the process has been... bearable for you."

Her voice sounds very different compared to the prep team members. Their voices were so high, cheery, and posh. While Tigris sounds calmer and more serious. Calming in a weird, level way. Each word was carefully chosen like every sound had to be run by a council before coming out of her mouth.

“Well I’m not dead yet, so I’d say it was bearable enough.“ He tries to joke it off, trying to see if she can smile under all those tattoos and Botox. “So do I meet the Capitol’s standards yet, or do you need to send more people to scrub another layer of my skin off?”

The corners of Tigris' mouth go up a little. Chase assumes that's a smile. Does she have any idea how terrifying she actually looks? "The prep team is done cleaning you for now. I will say, you and your teammate are both a rarity. Most, if not all, other tributes are the complete opposite of each other but.. you both complement the other.”

Chase has no idea what on earth she's talking about. So, cleverly, he responds, “Uh, thanks?”

Tigris makes a motion with her hand. "Can you de-robe? I need to see you."

Chase rolls his eyes to the heavens and removes his robe, letting it drop to the floor unceremoniously. Any dignity he had has been stripped away from him. Which he guesses is the point. Strip them of everything they are so they become animals in a zoo. Animals that tear each other apart for their entertainment. “Your team was very thorough don’t worry.” He can't help but snark.

Tigris doesn't say anything. She just circles him like before, slowly. She stops abruptly and gently takes his hand, noticing the small metal band on his finger. She pauses and looks at Chase with a surprisingly sad expression. “You must think we're despicable, don't you?” Tigris doesn't say that sarcastically, or jokingly, or even tauntingly. She says it genuinely as if she truly pities him and this situation.

“Yes.” Chase doesn’t hesitate. He’s held hatred for the Capitol his entire life. Selfish awful people who take pleasure in watching children die. People who take and take and take and don’t ever give back. They say they provide order and security, but Chase knows they provide fear and danger. They’re monsters. They’re the animals, not the people from the districts. "But I don't think I'm allowed to say that while in your care."

"You can with me, dear. I do not mind. Between you and me, I feel like you could say worse if you wished. As long as you are clever, what else can they really do to you? President Snow has already sealed your fate. And I'm certain he has heard worse as well.” She lets go of his hand and finishes pacing around him. “You can put your robe back on and follow me to chat." Tigris walks away, motioning him to follow.

She just committed treason. Chase thinks to himself. Saying anything negative about Snow or the Capitol was considered a rebellious thought. Rebellious words. And considering what they did to 13, rebels were not welcome in Panem.

Tigris leads him to a room with two big black plush couches facing each other, in the middle is a low table with a small banquet of food. Lunch. A silver chandelier that looks like rain falling hangs overhead. Three of the walls are normal aside from the ugly pale green paint while the fourth is entirely made of glass, a window looking over the Capitol. Tigris sits down and invites Chase to do the same with a graceful wave.

He sits across from her, making sure as much of him is covered as possible with the robe. At the very least they could give him his reaping clothes back. They might not be up to Capitol standards, but they're home. Home and better than absolutely nothing.

“Can I have proper clothes?"

"Don't worry, your outfit for the ceremony won't be as uncomfortable as you fear. And the clothes you came with are safe. I made sure of it." Tigris says, pouring herself some wine. Chase's mouth waters at the spread despite his reluctance to indulge.

He's never had seafood before. Chase subtly watches Tigris as an example of how to eat the unfamiliar things on his plate and follows her lead on slurping the soft meat and sauce directly from the shell. Oysters, his mind supplies. The slippery texture was a bit much for him, and it was weird eating it seemingly raw, but he moved on to a shrimp dangling on the edge of a glass filled with thick red sauce and found the texture much more tolerable. Delicious.

"So, as you know, each of the tributes wears an outfit representing their District in the opening ceremony. Since you're from lumber we want to lean more towards nature and the wood. Not just throw a tree costume on you and call it a day. We want you both to look remarkable.” Tigris practically purrs as she interrupts their eating.

Chase nods along, trying his best to focus on this stranger's words as he bites into a roll consisting of seaweed, some sort of unfamiliar grain, and fish. It was incredible even if the roll fell apart in his fingers. "Okay, sure. So what do you have in mind?" He asks with his mouth full. A part of him really wants to believe that she wants to help him, but another more reasonable part knows she's here for her own gain. The best stylist of the year probably gets all the Capitol citizens clamoring after their clothes. Even more so if the tributes they clothed win.

Tigris takes a concerningly big sip of wine before addressing Chase again. “Your outfit will echo a… romanticized lumberjack. Your escort called ahead to us so I've made the proper adjustments to your costume already. My partner and your fellow tribute stylist have already done the same for her." Chase's dread sinks in. Oh god, they really are going to dress him up like a fucking doll. But at least he won't be entirely naked with only a maple leaf covering his junk and skin painted like bark. He remembers that already being tried a few years ago.

Remember what Jameson said. Chase grits his teeth and smiles with an encouraging nod, hoping to get a better idea of how ridiculous he is going to look.

“It shouldn't be too cumbersome. A corseted tank top, tastefully baggy work pants, and boots. I had quite a fun time designing your flannel to be made out of actual wood tiles of different colors, but it will be worn around your waist instead of an actual shirt. You'll practically feel right at home.”

That’s what the Capitol citizens think they look like back in Seven? Yeah, they wore flannels but they were thick and isolating for those cold winters and kept them safe from the rough raw bark as they climbed. It wasn’t a fun fashion statement. Everything they do in the districts, it’s to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and alive to the next day. Here, your clothes were just to show how much wealth you have. How much money you can spend to make yourself look as tastefully poor as possible. But not too poor because you didn't want to actually look like you clawed your way out of the districts.

But whatever. It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s for the Capitol, it’s for survival. It’s to play a game he has to win in order to get back home to his fiancée and future child.

“Okay. When can I change into that because this whole situation isn’t exactly a pleasant one.” Chase deadpans.

"In a few hours. My team needs to make the final touches on your outfit and then we have to give you back to the prep team for hair and makeup. What happens after the ceremony is your mentors' responsibility, but more comfortable clothes will be provided for each of you in your rooms."

But Chase just nods, pretending that he cares.

For a long while they just sit in silence. Chase polishes off his plate and asks Tigris if there are any oranges available. With a push of a button, she summons a small bowl containing miniature versions of the fruit Chase secretly delighted to have on the train. He peels and eats them while staring out the large window, not even bothering to try and make conversation with his stylist. He just watches the colorful dots that were the Capitol citizens move around like painted ants. An idle curiosity flits through Chase's mind if he could break the floor-to-ceiling window if he threw the table at it. He pops another miniature orange in his mouth before the idea can stick.

At some point at what Chase assumes to be around 4 pm, Tigris sets down her empty wine glass and stands. He follows her through the hidden door as he tries to savor the last orange wedge on his tongue as they walk. She leads him to a new room and releases him to the same prep team as before. He tries to crane his neck and silently beg Tigris for help when they grab his wrists, but the lanky woman is walking away.

Don't resist.

It takes everything for Chase to not have a permanent scowl on his face as these freakish people paint his face and tug at his hair. He feels one of them painting some kind of varnish on his fingers, but when he glances down it looks like there's nothing there at all. What's even the point?

"Here we are," Tigris says smoothly as she enters the room again an hour later with a large black bag.

Unzipping it, and the faint smell of wood wafts up and it actually catches Chase's attention. "I was experimenting with some new... materials. Hopefully, it's not too uncomfortable." If she had a real tail, Chase thinks it would be swishing around her in the way cats do when stalking prey.

Tigris shoos off the preps and helps him into his outfit personally. The tanktop was the worst part: made of some kind of stiff treated canvas and boning so it could be laced up in the back like a tight pair of boots. Chase felt like his air was getting cut off almost instantly. Everything was textured like rough bark which strangely brought some comfort, but the worst offender of the entire outfit was the "flannel." It wasn't even a real shirt. The "sleeves" were just two decorated flaps that clicked together under the "knot." It resembled more of a shingled roof with alternating squares of different wood samples, all held together by some flimsy shimmering orange material under it. The tiles all rattled together as Chase moved, and he felt ridiculous. Even more so when Tigris took some orange cord the thickness of a finger and started weaving some strange harness or belt around his hips.

To avoid cussing out these people for how stupid this all was, Chase just stares off into space, trying to think about how Stacy was doing. Was she home in front of their small television with her moms, or with Birch? Or will she be out in the square to watch the broadcast in public? He hopes that Willow is okay under all of the stress Stacy might be going through right now. Is Stacy eating? She had a bad habit of not taking care of herself properly when she was worrying about something too much. Birch should be able to convince her to eat. They're soft-spoken, but when Birch is heard they have a convincing way with words. Words that have comforted Chase so many times before. He wishes they could speak again. He wishes he was home-

The tightening of the laces behind his corset brought him back with a small gasp.

Before he knew it, Tirgis was finished. She and the team all stepped back to admire their work and Chase just stood there unmoving. Tigris gestures a manicured claw to the mirrors behind Chase and…

Chase looks almost nothing like himself. It’s like they stripped him of all that made him, him. Not just physically but emotionally as well.

His clean-shaven face was painted with harsh shadows that sharpened his face more than it naturally was. Some kind of brown eyeshadow that he thinks was supposed to be a “natural” eye but did manage to make his blue eyes pop out brighter. The makeup followed down his neck and to his exposed collarbone where everything seemed to be unnaturally accentuated as if he was more an exaggerated drawing than a person. Were those supposed to be branches in his hair? Ugh.

The outfit was tacky as hell. He registered bits and pieces as they were being put on him but all together it was terrible. The “tanktop” had a birch wood texture decorating it and it made his chest squeeze even more with the thought of his best friend. The dark brown pants were baggy with the printed bark texture of some tree Chase couldn't immediately place, and black boots with leaf designs laced up just under his knees. The bright orange cord laced around his upper legs and hips were obviously meant to frame and draw attention, so Chase was at least thankful that most of that gets obscured by the least functional flannel ever to curse the earth.

Now that he looks like this he has to go out there and pretend like he’s happy- like he’s grateful for this opportunity and all of it.

At least he gets to keep Stacy's ring on a copper chain Tigris provides him.

“It looks…nice.” That’s all he could muster up without showing any true emotion.

Tigris purrs from her chest, "You look ravishing, Chase. They will love you. Oh, one more thing." She slides a piece of green paper out from her work table and begins delicately folding it strangely. Chase can't help but watch as her pointer finger presses against each fold so it comes out crisp, folding and creasing the paper into different triangles until finally it takes a shape.

It's some kind of bird.

"There is a very old legend," She explains as she walks over to Chase again, "That if you fold one thousand paper cranes you get a wish." She says slowly as she carefully attaches the little paper bird to his shoulder. "My wish is for your..." She looks into his eyes, and he notices her pupils are ever so slightly slit. Were they contacts? Or did she pay to get them physically altered? "What is her name?"

"Stacy." He replies, trying not to grit his teeth at the whole ordeal.

"I wished for Stacy to be safe for you." Tigris finished simply, stepping back to take in her work with pride.

“Thank you.” He tried to muster an ounce of sincerity in his voice. But after the last two days, he can’t. He can’t feel anything except anger and disgust. Even this act of kindness felt fake. Like he was just a prop for Tigris to feel better. Oh, she made a beautiful outfit for you! She made you stand out! Her outfit is the reason you’re gonna get so many sponsors! Please. This whole thing, these games, were so ridiculous.

Tigris steps back, heels echoing in the room as she gracefully turns to the door, "Your chariot awaits."

°○°○°○°

Chase finds Ivy standing with Jameson and their horses in the closed-off corridor. The doors to the audience barely muffled the cheers and chatter of the Capitol civilians just beyond. Everyone is dying to get a first look at this year's tributes! And Chase was dying to get out of these stupid clothes as soon as possible.

The other tributes stood by their simple chariots and this was the first time Chase was seeing any of them in person. He tried to block most of them out when they were forced to watch the recaps of all the Reapings, but most if not all of them were.. younger than Chase. His stomach sinks. Was he one of the only 18-year-olds drawn this year? That is nearly impossible. But no, he looks around again and locks eyes with another boy seemingly around his age.

He was skinny, all lean muscle and his dark brown hair almost spiked up. If it was natural or gel Chase couldn't tell from where he stood. Brilliant green eyes seemed to illuminate with mischief and he held himself tall but a little off-kilter. He looks different for someone from District 2. Typically they're much more bulky from their (illegal but ignored) training. But this kid looked fast and lethal rather than hulking and brutal. The word sharp leaps to the front of Chase's mind.

Chase breaks eye contact first but can still feel the other boy's eyes on him as he approaches Ivy and Jameson.

Jameson was showing her how to carefully pet the horse with brown fur and white spots so they didn’t get spooked.

"Gently like this," His voicebox said before using the backs of his knuckles to pet the horse's muzzle where it could see them. "If you try petting them from the back they could get scared and kick your teeth out." He chuckles silently, allowing Ivy a turn.

"I've never seen such a beautiful animal like this.. they can do that and you guys just keep them as pets?!" Ivy says to Jameson gently petting the horse the way Jameson showed her, amazed.

Ivy’s gaze lands on Chase, and by the way her lips curve up into a smile, Chase could tell she was holding back a laugh. “Oh, my- is that really how they view lumberjacks?”

“Apparently.” He looks over Ivy’s outfit, her head nearly engulfed by her namesake. They put her in a skin-tight dress that must have had some kind of padding to make her curves more pronounced. It was all brown, textured with, obviously, bark patterns and fake vines wrapped around her like long snakes. Like ivy growing on a tree. Most of it crawled up her form and spilled into a ridiculous collar that swooped above her head to look like a tree canopy, but on closer inspection, it was more of those little paper cranes making up the leaves. He had to hold back a snicker at her outfit. “Well, at least no one will forget your name!”

“At least you look somewhat normal while I look like a fucking tree.” Ivy sticks her tongue out past the bright red lipstick. “Covering me in ivy. Not exactly subtle.” Small green gemstones shimmer on her face as she rolls her eyes.

Jameson laughs through his nose and gives them a small smile, "Yes I think that's the idea."

Chase gives a smile to Jameson in return as he joins in petting the horses. He really was the only one keeping them both sane. The only person from home and the only one who had an understanding of what they were going through. He didn’t glamorize a single moment of this, just explaining what would happen and being as sympathetic as he could. It was nice to have him through all this.

Tigris and Ivy's stylist, Jeuon, join them and help the two tributes step onto the chariot.

"Be sure to hold on tight." Jeuon explains with a lopsided grin, showing off a golden canine, "These carriages aren't the most stable." His black hair was styled in a collection of small braids that wrapped around each other in a large round bun on his head. Lips painted green to match Ivy's vines, but it was a shade too light. "Smile and wave to the crowd! Blow kisses, flirt. If we're going to sell your angle of sensuality then you have to play the part." He explains with a flourish of his hands for emphasis, showing an example of a coy wave with lowered eyelids.

"Smile and wave, flirt with the people. You're going to be great." Tigris purrs at them both.

"The horses know where to go. We'll meet you on the other side." Jameson explains as the grand doors begin to open at the end of the large hall. "Good luck." He and the stylists step back as the horses begin to pull the chariot.

Chase just shrugs, any words he could say would just be drowned out by the roaring crowd.

He grips the carriage as it starts to move, the constant wobbling throwing him off his balance. He can’t imagine what it must be like for Ivy in those heels.

The bright lights hit him hard and fast, nearly blinding him at how dazzling everything was. And the crowd, god he might go deaf from how loud it is. Chase has seen this whole show on television his whole life, but it does not truly capture the grandeur and noise of it all. He forces himself to smile and wave at the crowd, even winking and blowing kisses to every woman he can see. He watches as the girls his age, and even the older women and men, catch his kisses and even blow kisses back. Roses of all colors are thrown onto the ground and in his general direction. They all look as ridiculous as he feels. His face, his smile is on all the screens, his name and district underneath them. His smile grows wider, but it isn’t genuine. He tries to smile the way he would with Stacy, a goofy grin that she says makes her stomach do flips, but it just isn’t right. It’s too forced, but no one besides her will notice. He looks happy to the cameras, and that’s all that matters.

Chase feels Ivy’s grip tighten on his arm. The constant wobbling of the chariot paired with the high heels must be making her feel like she could fly off any moment. He grabs her hand on instinct, gripping it hard making sure that she doesn’t fall out. There was no need for District 7’s future victor to get trampled by horses on the avenue of tributes.

Eventually, their horses park in front of the grand white stage where President Snow stands over all of them, commanding attention and respect. Chase was so grateful that he could put his arm down and stop smiling. There was no way that the human body was meant for 30 minutes of constant waving and kisses. Even if it was, his body was not meant for it. The screens around them flash to each pair of tributes in their chariots as the fairly young president speaks to the nation.

"Welcome," His voice echoes and slowly quiets the crowd, "Welcome, tributes, to the 32nd annual Hunger Games." The crowd cheers, and Snow looks across the 24 children in costumes with a deadly smile, "May you bring honor and glory to your districts in these games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."

He’s watched Snow make announcements before, and everyone has agreed that he looked and acted like a snake. But now, in person, he could confirm it. His lips were puffy, yes, but his eyes were like that of a predator. And Chase was just a mouse scurrying away trying in vain to avoid his fate.

The president continued talking about the glory of the games like he did every year and wishing the tributes good luck. But Chase couldn’t hear it, all he could focus on was those eyes. Tigris’ were slits like cat eyes and Chase can’t be sure, especially from a distance, but Snow’s almost matched it. They were blue, an unnatural blue but those pupils, they were the real mystery. He never saw it on TV, but those pupils weren’t human. At least not in the way Chase would describe them. They were one of a beast, of a monster. A mutt.

Chase grabs onto Ivy making sure she doesn’t fall off as the chariots lurch into motion again. The crowd roars as the horses lead all the carriages away, plunging the pair back into darkness. But even then all he could think about was the cold and unforgiving eyes of that little man.

As promised, everyone met Chase and Ivy in the holding area, the prep teams ecstatic and chittering away like multi-colored songbirds. Chase tenses up as the flock crowds the two of them, all their hands clambering to touch them.

"Oh, you looked fabulous!"

"My heart stopped at that wink, you're a natural!"

"I was so sure those cranes would take flight! Along with my composure!" They all laugh but Jameson steps up and holds out a hand to help Ivy off the chariot.

"Well done. You didn't fall." He smiles, but his grey eyes look tired.

Teefee comes up and holds Chase's face in her hands, it takes everything in him not to smack her away like a fly, "You both look like a fantasy!" She gasps in wonder, her smile wide with pride, "Everybody will want a piece of you." The woman giggles, releasing him with a pat on his cheek, and leads everybody to the elevators. “I’ve already heard some sponsor talking~”

Tigris walks past Chase and nods approvingly but says nothing, sauntering on with her fur collar up high and long legs bare aside from some striped tights.

Chase looks around the room again while following his team, seeing the boy from District 2 again as he looks up. And the boy smiles at Chase. But before he could decipher if it was friendly or a threat, Chase was pulled into the elevator as the glass doors shut behind him.

Chase rests his head against Jameson’s shoulder, he didn’t know that a seemingly simple thing could be that exhausting. The attention, the cheers, the giggles, and the laughs drained him of everything he was. He feels like a hollowed-out tree, eaten alive by beatles and left with absolutely nothing inside.

“I want to go home, James.” He whispers just enough for Jameson to hear it. “I want to get out of these clothes. I can’t breathe.” Jameson doesn't say anything, but he takes one of Chase's hands in both of his and soothingly pats it. And that’s all he can do.

#jse hunger games au #chase brody #jameson jackson #jacksepticeye #jse fanfic #jse egos #mod parker #writersofjack #Ivy cinders #against all odds

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