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#i don't like it when someone acts like i owe them because they complimented my work
shivunin · 10 months
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Because I have just seen this specific thing for the second time, I would like to say:
If I reblog your art, I do not expect you to reblog (or share!) my fic in return
If I comment on your fic, I do not expect you to comment on (or read!) mine in return
My enjoyment of anyone's work does not come with strings or expectations
My friendship is not a bill that you will have to pay later
That's it!
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olderthannetfic · 8 months
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I found myself rereading an old discussion about AO3 commenting culture (ye olde "Authors aren't owed comments" vs. "Readers aren't owed fic either" wank). And you know, it strikes me that a lot of the drama in such discussions is rooted in the fact that people only ever seem to engage with the worst things the opposite side says. And of course that leads to miscommunication, because the extremes are not generally applicable to most people.
Like, for instance. Someone going "I comment so regularly I practically gave myself burn-out commenting". Authors complaining about people who act entitled to stories aren't talking about you, I promise. They're talking about people who genuinely can't be bothered or go on flippant "Why don't you just write for yourself?" rants, while still enjoying other people's work. Ditto on the other side: people get offended at being called entitled authors, but odds are good the person isn't referring to you, who would simply like to not shout into the void, odds are good they're referring to the asshole authors they've met who'd throw hissy hits over comments that weren't phrased exactly to their liking, because yes, people like that do exist so it's simply flat out wrong to say "Just comment, authors are always happy to see comments, no matter how short! :)"
Also, a particular comment jumped out at me:
"It's not a consumer's job to compliment a promote an artist's work"
I generally agree that acting like people are owed comments is useless and stupid, but if I had to pick a phrasing that sums up my misgivings about common commenting culture, it's this. So many people seem to act like authors are getting a paycheck for this and don't need any additional motivator.
The other thing that bugs me is when people talk about all the reasons they don't comment (low spoons, anxiety, tired, etc.), but ignore the fact that authors have to deal with all of the above, too. And not just in fanfic. It seems any time there's any kind of social conflict being discussed (like, say, replying to a friend's messages in a vaguely timely manner) a ton of people will trot out excuses for why they can't do [insert what's generally seen as the vaguely courteous thing to do], but inadvertently act like that makes them special and like they're the only ones who have these legitimately valid excuses.
This started in one place and led to another, sorry. I guess I'm just frustrated with the Tumblr mental health culture of "I have a semi-specific reason I struggle with this so I'm not even going to try". I think people overcompensate too much for "Just don't be disabled!"-style ableism and swing too hard in the embraced helplessness direction.
Back to fanfic, every time I see the "I can't do it because of X" thing in the context of commenting, I can't help but think of how many authors also deal with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, low spoons, etc. and how easy it would have been for them to give up, but they got through it and posted the fanfic anyway, and how often they're then met with silence because the prevailing attitude among their audience is e.g. "I read this before bed and was too sleepy to comment, and too forgetful to comment the next day". I think about some of the fic I've written, often fic written when I maybe should have been doing something else, or fic written at the cost of sleep, or hyperfixating at my keyboard for six hours instead of going for a nice hike with my family, and it's hard not to get a little bitter, you know? Talking about legitimate reasons for why commenting is hard just so often comes across as "You're free to make sacrifices to write the stuff I read, but I won't make any"
I also feel a bit bitter that it's impossible to even discuss these things in a vacuum without someone going "Discussions like this are why I've stopped commenting", as someone inevitably will in the notes of this post. "Just shut up and make your Content(TM) and don't complain about anything", is what it feels like.
--
The entire phrasing of reward and owing is stupid.
The reality is that lots of people won't produce work unless they feel like someone cares. No amount of moralizing or excuses will change that.
It's also the reality that posting to the masses on AO3 or tumblr will result in maybe one like or other interaction per hundred hits if you're really, really lucky. The rate has never been much better than that, and it never will be. It's often very much worse.
If one personally wants to encourage people, sure, go out and do that, but any call to action that ignores the above two realities is like fighting the tide.
I do think "It's not my job to promote you" typically comes up in the context of meltdowns about letting artists "languish in your likes" instead of being reblogged onto your actual blog and/or contexts where the artist/author/etc. is selling their work.
Here's the thing: people who never comment do not count.
They think they're part of a community. They're not. If you don't participate, you're a ghost.
When some author moves to a more enclosed space, a lot of people who saw themselves as part of something are suddenly left out in the cold, wondering why. But the fact is, if you don't pay the entry fee of socializing with others, you're nobody to them.
The entitled randos don't matter. If they bug you enough, take your toys and retreat to a discord with your friends.
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kanonavi · 7 months
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Something that will never cease to rot my brain is just how brilliantly mhy have developed Xiao's character over the past three years. I'm lucky enough to have started playing Genshin before he was added to the game (which does of course mean newer players have probably had a different experience of him, I'll get into that later) so I've been there for every single moment that Xiao appeared and it's always so amazing to me just how much effort has been put into him. (Long rant and Mild Spoilers for the Poetry Gala Event below lol)
Xiao in the Archon quest and in 1.3 (both in his character quest and 1.3 Lantern Rite) compared to Xiao in the most recent event is truly like night and day, and what's most impressive about that is that how he acts in the poetry event feels completely true to his character. Xiao has earned this gentleness over the past three years, as the traveler but also the other people he's met have urged him to open up and interact with others more often.
This really couldn't have been achieved without mhy taking advantage of every scrap of screen time Xiao has gotten. They absolutely have favorites and Xiao is for sure one of them. I'll use Moonchase as a comparison to the Poetry Gala. Back then we saw Xiao on screen for maybe 5 minutes at most, appearing because the traveler called him, tasting Xiangling's dish and giving her a compliment (at least for his standards for giving compliments) and then disappearing. But now we see him at the poetry event being invited to join by Venti and Hu Tao (and him not outright refusing!!), and then staying to socialize with Chongyun's group when everyone (not just the traveler) asks him to.
3.4 Lantern Rite and the Poetry Gala have felt like the biggest steps due to the fact that we see Xiao actively participating in activities of his own volition. Most of his appearances before 3.4 (and even after, counting Baizhu's quest) are dictated by about 2.5 factors. The first is his duty: protecting Liyue from evil, more specifically keeping its people safe from these evils. The second is being called by the traveler, an act which I would consider a symbol of their friendship later on, but in the beginning and probably still in a lingering capacity now I think can be attributed to a sense of debt towards them. They helped save Liyue in a time of crisis, after having no obligation to do so, and someone like Xiao who takes his duties in protecting Liyue so seriously would absolutely feel like he owes a complete outsider like the traveler a debt after they kinda did his job for him. So much of Xiao's character is about debts, after all. That even ties into the 2.5th reason, where he would probably feel some obligation to appear at Lantern Rite because Zhongli would be there, though it's unclear if Hu Tao mentioned he would be so it might not even count in that case.
Now we see Xiao participating in events on the invitation of Hu Tao and Venti who are seeking him out because they see him as a friend. We see him taking not only the traveler's feelings into account when asked to participate, but also Chongyun and Diona's. It's such a far cry from his "I don't associate with mortals" attitude that we saw back in 2021.
That barely even touches the shift we've seen in his demeanor either. Back in 2021, Xiao always spoke very curtly and in as few words as possible, always seeming displeased any time he had to hold a conversation, but now he's loosened up so much that the difference is honestly staggering. It even shows through in his birthday letters from 2021 vs. 2023 (And even here we see him going out of his way to socialize of his own volition, so proud of him!):
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I've gone back and forth between EN and CN voiceovers in the past year, so some of Xiao's appearances I've only experienced in CN, but hearing him in the Poetry Gala event in EN I can only give his voice actress a thousand kudos for how amazing her performance is. Xiao's voice has softened with time, and it's such a small detail, but I honestly think that it's what hammers his growth home more than anything else for me. He's not only willing to have full conversations with people he's less familiar with now, but he also doesn't feel the need to speak as harshly to them either, and that's really amazing to hear play out in the game.
Xiao's voicelines are so fascinating to me for that very reason, because they act as a time capsule for how he was back in 2021, and that's just not what he sounds like anymore. Obviously, voice actors' performances of their characters will shift with time but Xiao is the only character for which I can say that his demeanor really has just changed with time. Of course, I think that in some cases this does actually make sense, namely if a newer player pulls Xiao and has only gotten to experience the Archon Quest and maybe his Character Quest. In that case, all of the time that has passed simply doesn't exist. But at the same time I can only imagine how funny it would be for a long-time player who simply never pulled Xiao for one reason or another to pull him and listen to his lines and hear his older, edgier self lol
Though on that note I do also need to point out the biggest downside of all of this, and what is perhaps my greatest sadness about Xiao's character development, which is that new Genshin players simply won't have the chance to experience it. There are many characters who get the short end of the stick with the nature of Genshin's serialized storytelling and limited-time events (Albedo, Kazuha, and a plethora of 4 stars who don't get featured much, just to name a few), but I think Xiao's actually saddens me the most, because I believe the time that has passed is the greatest strength when it comes to this development. People will get to see his arc from the Archon Quest to Perilous Trail (and thank god they preserved Perilous Trail as an Interlude), but even that is still a shadow of Xiao's actual progression over the years.
These days, newer Genshin players may have only seen Xiao in the Liyue Archon Quest before playing the Poetry Gala event (unless Perilous Trail is a prereq, which I don't know off the top of my head), and I can't even imagine how jarring it would be to see how he acts there and then immediately see him in this event. The way that time works in this case would probably just make it seem like mhy doesn't know what they're doing with Xiao when in reality three years of development have been compressed into a matter of weeks. Knowing that, I'm grateful to have been able to experience his story in its truest form, but it also cannot go unacknowledged that some aspects of Genshin's story have a shorter shelf life than others. It's a major problem with the game, from some perspectives, but at the same time it's just a consequence of how it's being developed.
Anyway, I just needed to gush after seeing Xiao absolutely steal the show in part 2 of the quest with his quiet participation and little smile (crying). He's so good and I love him so much, and it's so nice to see what they've done with him after he finally got some semblance of closure after Perilous Trail <3
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IM SORRY I ASK SO MANY MARVEL CROSSOVERS I JUST LOVE THEM.
Bakugou x spiderman reader who doesnt show his face :3
DONT APOLOGIZE, I LOVE THEM
AND I LOVE THIS UGH
𝔅𝔞𝔨𝔲𝔤𝔬𝔲 𝔵 𝔪!𝔰𝔭𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯-𝔪𝔞𝔫 ℜ𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔢𝔯
Warnings: mentions of death, the reader is kinda an asshole at the end my bad, angst cause I got carried away
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Let me start this off by saying that he did NOT mean to fall in love with you.
You had crashed into his room while handling a villain.
The villain of course decided to use Katsuki as a hostage, because he was just there, and your villains never seem to give you a break.
You saved him, thankfully.
You dropped him off at his house, quickly telling him to stay safe as you tried to run off and go change
"WAIT!"
You stopped, worried that the blonde angry guy had been hurt.
No, he just felt the need to go on a long rant about how you didn't save him and how he didn't need your help.
Not everyone in the city liked you exactly, but never once had you saved someone and get this as a response.
You found it entertaining for a moment
You kinda tuned out for the most part
Just more Spider-man slander, the usual that you had to deal with
Until he said
"So that's why you owe me!"
You raised a brow, your cartoonishly huge mask eyes following the movement, "I owe you? I think I repaid you by saving you."
The spikey man scoffed, "Yeah and you destroyed my house. And you were the reason why I was in danger in the first place. If you hadn't crashed into my house like a dumbass, we wouldn't be here!"
You stared at him
Was he being serious???
"So," he continued, "make it up to me by checking out my designs."
"Designs?"
"Yeah. I made...designs...for gadgets. They aren't for you, but I guess you could find them useful."
You did in fact check out his designs.
You soon learned that Katsuki Bakugou, the same man who cursed you out, was an absolute genius who had been designing gadgets for you in hopes you two could partner up some day (though he never would admit it).
You visited him regularly to test out his latest idea, web bombs.
You visited him so often that you often forgot that you were supposed to be a superhero, and he was supposed to be a civillian
You both had grown so close. Equals at this point because he did demand that he'd also become a vigilante.
He also demanded that he'd learn on his own and that he would surpass you.
Bakugou was insane, but you loved that about him.
You loved him in general, you soon realized.
And that was bad.
You couldn't do that.
Using his gadgets was bad enough, but to date him?
You'd be putting him in danger.
You tried to hide how you felt as much as you could.
And thankfully, Bakugou was more of a fighter than a lover, so he made things easier by not reciprocating.
At least that's what you thought.
Until Mr. Tough guy started blushing whenever you got too close.
God forbid you compliment him, then he curses you out.
Other than his embarrassed outbursts, you realized that he was...different around you
He didn't yell as much.
He was calm...it was weird.
You tried to ignore the signs, but you couldn't.
Not when you both had been sitting on his bedroom floor, fixing up a few pieces of equipment that had gotten damaged.
"Why won't you take it off?"
You nearly choked, "Excuse me?"
"The mask. Why won't you take it off? That shit can't be comfortable." He wasn't looking at you, instead focused on fidgeting with his tools. He tried to make it seem like he was fixing it, but he wasn't. You could tell.
"I don't get a date first? Jeez, chivalry really is dead."
"Shut up, I'm being serious." He finally looked at you, with those blood red eyes of his. "How come you won't show me your face?"
You frowned. You knew eventually this would be brought up, you just wished you could stall it a little longer.
"It's too dangerous. You know that, Bakugou-"
"Katsuki. Call me Katsuki, damn it. Stop acting like we're just business partners or something! I know how you feel about me, so why won't you show me who you are?"
You froze in place.
So your worst fears had been true.
Bakugou Katsuki fell for you.
Just as you had fallen for him.
It was a shame that Spider-man couldn't afford to fall.
It was a shame that Spider-man had already promised his commitment to his city.
It was a shame that you had to promise your commitment to the city.
"It's not that simple." You set the tools down and stood up. "It's too dangerous."
"And coming to my house everyday isn't? I don't see you giving me a speech about how a villain could follow you here? My safety isn't what you're worried about!"
Perhaps he was right.
Maybe his safety was a scapegoat.
Something you could blame to avoid the underlying problems you had
But if there was anything you hated more than seeing Bakugou upset,
It would be to see Bakugou dead.
Dead like a past lover who you had stupidly thought you could protect.
"I'm sorry, Bakugou."
You turned around, heading to his window.
You opened it, pausing
You wanted to take it back
But you couldn't
You had to do what was right
Bakugou cursed you out.
That was fine
He had every right to
You'd rather him be mad at you than see him get hurt
So you left
And you hoped he'd forget everything the next time you'd need to get gadget updates.
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inkabelledesigns · 9 months
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Can't believe it's almost the end of July. I still have a small number of pieces I want to do before art fight is over, and we will hopefully get there. But even if not, can I just say, I'm really proud of myself? I've never done art fight before this year, and I have improved as not just an artist, but as a person. My goal was to get better at doing traditional line art, and mission accomplished! I've gotten so many kind words about my line weights looking great, and that means a lot.
But also, I've started to untangle some of my complicated feelings about drawing for others. I've been in so many groups over the years where art (and the people who make it) was something transactional, where if you had something made for you, you were expected to make something back, at the same quality or higher, and it was this huge obligation. Alternatively, if you drew for one person, you were expected to draw for everyone you were friends with, and that weighed on me a lot. None of that is healthy. I don't like feeling like I owe people, in art or in any other circumstance. I've discovered over the years that I barely have the energy to create for myself sometimes, and I just, can't make stuff for everyone, not enough hours in the day. So it was easier to never draw for anyone ever, even when I wanted to, that way no one could be disappointed, but even that's fruitless and untrue. There has always been someone that's felt entitled to my art and time, even when I didn't give that part of myself to anyone.
The reason I could do as much for this month as I did is because I put down some very reasonable guidelines for myself: only line art so I didn't burn myself out, not working on other art forms so my focus was in one place (save for voice acting because I owed people lines), all traditional because I was gonna be traveling, grabbing references beforehand so I had a clear idea of everything I wanted to draw. I was prepared, I was kind to myself, and it was good. And I've let myself draw what I want to draw, that was the big one. This was a gift that I was allowed to give freely, on my terms. And ultimately, that's what's made it rewarding. The people I've chosen to draw for have been so excited over what I've made for them, and it's left me feeling like I did a good job. I MISSED the feeling of bringing someone joy over something unexpected. It's why I purposely told no one I was making something for them, so it could be a pleasant surprise. It leaves me feeling really good, and I get the sense it's the same on the other side too. And the amount of feelings I've gotten over the art I've received are through the roof. I read every description, thank you for saying such nice things about my character designs, it makes me so warm and fuzzy to know that you enjoy what I've made enough to want to play with it on your own, that is a massive compliment! I spent a lot of my life never being told that I did a good job with my art or characters, so getting to hear it a lot this month has made me happy. Everyone's pieces have been rotated in and out as my backgrounds on my phone and laptop all month, I love turning them on and seeing all the love that went into this art. Everything is so beautiful!
It's not about the points or who wins, I'm here for seeing people light up. I'm here for celebrating fun character designs. And I'm so glad I did this. I'm crying because I didn't think I'd ever be ABLE to do this. But I was, and it's been great. Now -twirls pencil- we have some work to do!
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sheloooveswomen · 2 years
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smexy situations - headcanon
masterlist
prompt: different kinda sorta roleplay related scenarios with your girlfriend.
includes: billie dean howard, lana winters, cordelia goode, sally mckenna, ally mayfair-richards, wilhemina venable, diane sherman, alice macray, tammy, and xandra terrell.
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☆ billie dean howard ☆
sugar mama !
• billie buys you special lingerie whenever she plans to take you to an event, sort of a signal of the roles taking place
• "spin around for me. i wanna see all of you."
• she'll pick out your clothes (or have stylists do so if it's an award show)
• opens doors and orders your meals/drinks (somehow she always knows what you want)
• the look in her eyes- immediate gay panic
• always a fun evening filled with dirty talk, explicit praise, and light degradation whispered in your ear (more than the usual)
• a night where she consistently tries to make you stammer/blush
• "Who owns you?"
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☆ lana winters ☆
artist + muse
• idk why i picture lana banana painting (like i said in the quarantine headcanon)
• i see her dabbling in watercolors or charcoal drawing, something loose to take her mind off of writers block
• it transforms from a pastime to a hobby
• she moves from landscape to still life to figure drawing
• who better to study than you, her beloved girlfriend??
• she's a bit shy asking you to pose, only because she's a perfectionist and she'd want you to like her work
• but this is lana mf winters so when she gets the nerves over with she asks you to strip and lay on the couch so she can loosely drape a sheet over you
• studying your form soon turns to admiring your figure and quickly leads to hands on exploration- in the name of art of course...
famous author + fan
• AU where your gf is a romance/fiction writer
• despite writing countless interactions this version of lana is quite the introvert so she has you accompany her to writing conventions
• you always have her sign a book for you to commemorate each event
• slip each other flirty notes when you pass her booth throughout the day
• the woman loves compliments and you lay it on thick at each event (signings, meet and greet, wine and cheese, lunch, dinner and dancing)
• obviously fans and other writers hit on her but because she's so private they don't know she has a partner
• you act like one of them before you eventually get to retire to your shared hotel room for the weekend with your favorite author
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☆ cordelia goode ☆
head mistress + teacher/student
• she didn't know being addressed as miss/mistress/ma'am was a turn on but here we are
• classic 'punishment' for your work not meeting her standards (just for fun because you'd never dissapoint your supreme)
• or a reward for work well done
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☆ sally mckenna ☆
strangers at a bar
• she uses all her best pick up lines
• loves when you play hard to get
• "Make me really work for what i already have."
• the pride she feels when you turn someone else down
(hotel) maid + guest
• oh no! you came to tidy the room and she's laying naked on the bed what ever will you do
• she goes absolutely feral for the maid costume and it's equally as satisfying when she puts it on
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☆ ally mayfair-richards ☆
nanny + parent
• starts as a joke after a day of babysitting Oz
Ally: "Thank you for keeping an eye on him, honey."
Y/n: "It's no problem."
Ally: "His camp starts next week so he'll be off during the day."
Y/n: "I really don't mind. You owe me, though."
Ally: "Do I?"
Y/n: "Would you like to know my going rate, Ms.Mayfair?"
Ally: *smirks* "Ms.Mayfair?"
Y/n: "Mhm."
Ally: "Uh huh...what would you like in return for your services?"
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☆ wilhemina venable ☆
boss + secretary ?
• starts as a way to tease her
• you hand deliver her mail to her home office...then a snack, then tea, then lunch, and linger a bit wanting some attention
Y/N: "Your afternoon tea, Miss Venable."
MINA: *smirks but doesn't look up* "You don't work for me anymore, you know."
Y/N: "Force of habit." *takes a seat*
MINA: "You're leering."
Y/N: "Admiring."
MINA: "Mhm..." *continues to type*
Y/N: *continues to stare*
MINA: "No."
Y/N: "I didn't even say anything!"
MINA: "We're not having sex on my desk. My desk is for work."
Y/N: "But you're not working right here..." *points to empty spot on the desk*
MINA: *looks at spot for a long time* "Not happening."
• you tried and that's all that matters
monarch/royalty + servant/bather
• her medieval time period books are a comfort so this feels the same for her
• when Mina has a rough day (emotionally or work related) she likes to be taken care of
• instead of closing herself off completely she sheds her clothes along with the days problems and let's you pamper her
• the roles allow her to put some distance between the weight of her emotions and fill the space with intimacy instead
• when she's finally unwinded and you're turning in for the night she may say what's wrong or a simple (yet meaningful) thank you
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☆ diane sherman ☆
repairman/handyman + home owner
• happens when you're renovating your garden/yard together
• planting flowers/pulling weeds, laying out gravel/flat stones for the walkway, repainting the benches, hanging fairy lights
• sure she helps but she often stops just to watch you
• she cheekily asks "how will i ever repay you for your hard work?"
• when you laugh she continues with the cheesy porno lines "i have no money but i'm sure there's other ways i could show my appreciation?"
• *bats her eyelashes and unclips the top of her overalls*
• leads you to the shower to get all cleaned up
• make out in between? yes. although naked time sounds nice, she wants you to relax~
• fav dinner and fav movie and maybe a little more making out and lowkey grinding on the couch with your fav (non-kidnapper) gf
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☆ alice macray ☆
the stars of your favorite movie/book
• the price of salt was a guilty pleasure book for Alice while discovering herself
• she admired and disliked parts of Carol and Therese for not only what she saw in herself but also how she wanted to be, what she wanted in her life
• it was a dream of hers to road trip with her lover like her beloved characters
• embodying Carol's class and sugar mommy energy as an almost alter ego with you makes her feel sensual, powerful...h word...
• long drives, stopping to eat in little diners, exchanging gifts, then glorious merry christmas and happy new year sex in a cute little hotel
• (all without a husband/divorce/custody battle/being stalked and recorded/a breakup!!)
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☆ tammy ☆
yoga instructor
• your girlfriend always tries to get you to do yoga with her
• she'll put on an incredibly flattering sports bra and spandex set, make smoothies, and lay out two mats
• takes a very hands on approach to guiding you into proper form for each position
• turns your hips, pushes you lower, bends your legs a little farther, runs her hand down your back
• activates praise kink: "just like that" "perfect" "there you go, honey"
one shot version
jock + nerd
• starts as a couples costume reminiscent of your relationship in high school
• tammy puts her hair in a high ponytail and wears a volleyball jersey, short shorts, and knee high socks
• you wear a classic (but lowkey hot) nerd costume
• tam tam keeps up the roles as she leads you by your clip on tie to go make out in one of the spare bedrooms during Loubbie's party
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☆ xandra terrell ☆
customer + bartender
• she loves when you come in on nights she's working late
• pretend you're a random customer like the other men and women fawning over her
• she makes sure to let you peek down her blouse when she leans over the counter to flirt with you
• will write dirty/flirty/sweet notes on the napkins delivered with your drinks depending on her mood
pool cleaner + housewife
• her actively trying to distract you while you tend to the pool
• she really leans into the cliches of this dynamic
• coyly asks you to apply her sunscreen
• brings you fresh lemonade
• tells you to keep quiet while she dips her hand in your shorts
• "wouldn't want the neighbors to hear, would you?"
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the-down-upside-finch · 5 months
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Happy WBW! Today's is incredibly niche, but what does your world's gratitude look like? Are large acts of thanks required or scorned? Do most people find it polite to express thanks? Or, if that's a little much, how about your characters? What are their feelings toward giving and receiving gratitude?
So, the funny thing about this ask is that this is literally what my colleagues and I were discussing yesterday with pragmatics in languages afsaoijDSFUSDJ Anyways, doing this late but here we go--
Because I'm a linguist, I always think extensively about speech acts in my worldbuilding, and gratitude is a huge one that I've played around with! Anyways, I'm going to use my WIP Stained Integrity for this ask!
In Elmal (where the MC is from), straightforwardness is the norm, so it's kind of weird to say thank you unless someone REALLY went out of their way to do something for you. Then you can thank them and not sound like you're trying to butter them up. But you should definitely try to return the favor! Just make sure you don't go overboard, or else the individual that you're trying to thank will just end up having to pay YOU back.
HOWEVER! This is not the case for every skyland.
In Firipo, thanking someone is as natural as blinking. If someone steps aside for you, you thank them. If someone holds the door open, you thank them. If someone brings you a snack, you thank them. It would be weird not to say "thank you" to a teacher at the end of class. This would be considered very insincere in Elmal.
Wudail, Laua'awn, and Goyak have similar norms when it comes to gratitude! You can say "thank you" pretty casually, but you're expected to show your gratitude a bit more for bigger favors (like if someone covers your shift at work, you should probably buy them lunch or something). Ocaa is this way too, but you have to really emphasize the "thank you" to show just how grateful you are.
In Veydof, Nepvae, and Jara'uë, you're actually expected to deflect! If someone thanks you, you need to reassure them that it's no big deal and there is no need to thank you. (Same thing with compliments! If someone compliments your clothes, you need to assure them that they are very normal clothes and not special at all.) However, not thanking someone for even the smallest tasks would be weird, even though you're expected to deflect.
In Ardal, gratitude is way more casual, and completely accepting the thank-you is expected! It's kind of the culture of establishing dominance by making sure the other knows that yes, they SHOULD be thanking you. So it's kind of the reverse of Veydof; you kind of try to avoid thanking people (and avoid asking for help entirely) because it's a pretty big deal for someone to go out of their way to help you. (It's also kind of this way in Brizendeb! But nobody there wants to owe anyone anything, so nobody ever admits they need help.)
Morunto is... kind of different when it comes to gratitude. You're expected to pay the other back, but discreetly so the other never knows that you felt like you owed them something. You can say thank you, and act like it was no big deal so that the other doesn't feel embarrassed, but you should definitely leave a treat in their bag without them knowing it, or something like that.
OKAY LAST ONE... Zeelex is probably the most complicated because there are two entirely separate cultures that make up the population (I promise the weird culture separation of each skyland makes sense in the story). For the humans, they've mostly adopted the same gratitude norms as Ocaans. The lazourls are less casual with gratitude, but they are not very willing to accept help from others—even going as far to give reasons (real or fake) as to why they DON'T need help. Funnily enough, lazourls are often very willing to help others at the drop of a hat. (Seriously, they'd risk their life to help someone they really care about.)
Aaaaand that's all of the skylands haha. Thank you very much for the ask! I love getting these in my inbox, even if I have trouble finding time to respond!!
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tips for self confidence? 💓
random af ask but WOO!!! I LOVE ANONS
i've got one main philosophy when it comes to self confidence and that is that insecurity isn't real.
im a person. if I see another person, I would think something about them for like a few seconds then move on with my life. that's literally how I treat myself. "oh i'm ugly" cool thought that lasts 2 seconds. "i'm so damn gorgeous" lasts 5-10 seconds max. onto the next.
my advice is to redirect your doubts away from yourself as an entire person and instead see it as parts of you that you can always improve on. today, you may feel that you're not a worthy person because you got a bad grade on an exam or made mistakes at work, but try to isolate that single aspect away from "you" as a whole. if you wouldn't define yourself based on one good day, you shouldn't for a bad one.
remember that you are not one thing. you are not just your looks, and if you find yourself unattractive, you don't need to be intelligent or funny in order to compensate for this. you don't owe anyone anything, and you don't need to earn the right to exist.
that's in terms of self-love ofc. for the confidence part, it's practice tbh. approach people randomly and give them a compliment. don't overthink before you act, and just do it ™. it is never as deep as you think it is. ask yourself if you saw someone else doing this, what would you think? and when I say that it's practice, I mean try to do more and more little things until it becomes second nature.
I'll give a concrete example: I've been on crutches for the past 10 weeks and take public transportation for a few hours almost daily. when I get on, sometimes there aren't available seats, and I was never able to ask someone to get up and give me their seat. "what if they have a disability I can't see? I'm only on crutches it's just temporary, it's not my right to ask someone to stand up for me. I don't want to be rude" writing it out, I sound pretty stupid, but honestly it took someone else (who was also standing) asking a seated person to get up for me to make me realize I'm lacking confidence for absolutely no reason. If the roles were swapped and I was sitting and saw someone in crutches, I would be the one feeling embarrassed if they asked me to take my seat, not the other way around.
all of this to say that it's always worse in your head than it really is. write out your fear or say it out loud or just verbalize it in your mind and you'll realize how silly it is. I believe that self-confidence is exaggerated nowadays because everything is about the self and the way you're perceived by others, but it really isn't. yeah I'm not the most eloquent person out there. I tend to talk too much when I should really keep things to myself. so what? what's so wrong with that? I work on myself and hope to get better at it someday, but I know my worth. on a fundamental level, I know I'll never be satisfied with myself, but I never equate that with what I am or what I deserve, and that's the essential message of all of this. love isn't about cherishing something perfect and neither is self-love. now read that sentence again.
ty for your ask anon, and I hope whoever you're asking this q for, got even a crumb of what I said and it helped them a little. I'd tell you that you're gorgeous and slay and all that jazz but I think it's more pertinent to tell you that someone, somewhere in this world is creating an oc that looks and acts just like you, wanting to BE you. have a GREAT day and remember to commit tax fraud cutely while hydrating your veins.
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sharffffff · 1 year
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Day 3. Rival
Oh no. Not here. Not right after a tiring battle with a corrupted version of themself, not right before the battle with whatever legendary that resides within this tower. Why was he here? Aeris didn't have much against Fern, not after his revelation in the Victory Road, but last time they've met him outside of Nightclub wasn't that good, with him acting much more bearable than before, but still being quite a pain. And fighting him, like he always loves to do every time they meet, wasn't really on Aeris' mind right now.
However, Fern also looked quite surprised to see Aeris here, as if he expected something else, something worse to appear when he entered this room, his look was quite troubled instead of usual cockiness - and he didn't have his signature smile, the one that annoyed Aeris so much before, partially because it was as fake as the one they put up, they just masked it better. But the lack of this smile was more concerning than its presence would've been. Something was wrong.
"Oh shoot- Just you, huh? I was expecting something else to jump out, but seeing you is almost... calming. Don't take it as a compliment, bad for your ego." A smirk has almost appeared in his facial expression, but disappeared even quicker, once he realized that he tried to smile again. Fern's gaze sunk into the floor, away from Aeris.
"Look, no hard feelings about last time- Actually... No, uh, s-sorry about last time. I lost my cool. It wasn't kosher." He clearly wasn't used to giving apologies, but Aeris wasn't going to pressure him anyway. He clearly felt bad, just didn't know how to express it in a better way. And, well, everyone kept telling Aeris that they were too forgiving, so why break the character now?
"Don't worry, apology fully accepted. The last time wasn't as bad as before, after all, and that Mew tricked us both. Some of those legendaries are more slippery than the others." Aeris gave him a little smirk, but didn't know what much else to say.
Fern turned away for a second, clearly not knowing how to respond, maybe lamenting on a correct way to react to someone accepting his apology, and, probably not finding such a way, decided to change the topic instead.
"Hey, did you have to fight one of those stupid clone things too? Dunno where the hell those came from but I am not a fan." Ah. This makes sense as to why he wasn't smiling now. Staring in a mirror and seeing how you are might do something to your understanding of yourself. Aeris knew that perfectly well, since they've just met their reflection as well, and didn't enjoy it in the slightest.
"Yeah, I had to fight whatever that was. Can't say I'm a fan of them either, and would rather not meet one of those again. Staring at a copy of myself is not something I've enjoyed." After their experience in previous room, keeping a joking, lighthearted attitude was much harder than Aeris would've expected. At least they clearly weren't the only one who was met with a lot of self-reflection.
Fern didn't seem to react much to Aeris' answer, he didn't even look up. He was clearly contemplating whatever happened in his battle with himself, while Aeris instead tried to forget it as quickly as possible, hiding all their feelings behind a fake relaxed attitude. He was doing more than they were to reflect on what happened.
"For all my talk, I always find it hard to smile at myself in the mirror. And that was forty times worse. 'Am I always that bad?' Part of me wants to ask you that, but I already know the answer. I don't think I want to hear it again. I heard it enough just then, and from my own mouth. I owe you a few for putting up with me." Aeris couldn't really see Fern's expression, with him almost drilling the floor with his intense stare, but something seemed to catch his attention, him intently looking right behind Aeris. When they turned around, however, whatever was behind them had already disappeared, them only seeing a glimpse of pink go behind the corner. Could it be?
"Whoa! Hey, hey hey hey! I don't think so- not again!" Fern has rushed into the next room after what Aeris has guessed must have been a Mew, most probably the same one from that horrible toybox. They couldn't just leave Fern to go fight that legendary rat alone, in case something went wrong, and hurried after him, where he was already making a speech directed at giggling Mew.
"All right, end of the line. Let's do this for real now. I have not forgotten what you've done in those woods, and now you'll finally get what was coming." Fern was about to send out his first pokemon when something appeared with an incredible from the side of the arena, sending him flying straight into the wall.
"Fern!" Aeris didn't know what to do, that must have hurt, a lot, but they didn't know how to help, and they were certain that unless stopped, the wrath of this creature would turn to Aeris next. The force that sent Fern flying was none other than a Mewtwo, covered in an anomalous aura. This wasn't going to be an easy fight.
That Mewtwo wasn't pulling any punches, with the little pink rat Mew helping it make Aeris' life living hell. They had to stall quite a few times, resorting to using quite a few max revives and full restores and not knowing how they would make it up to their pokemon afterwards. This was one of the hardest fights they've ever faced, and it being 6v12 fought in doubles didn't help in the slightest.
They did, however, pull through in the end, with only two pokemon still standing even after all the items used, being incredibly tired from juggling all the commands to give their pokemon, from healing others to attacking the opponent. But at least it was finally over, and they could take a breath before proceeding to catching those two.
"Aeris, watch out!"
Fern had heatbutted straight into Aeris, pushing them out of the way of what was apparently Mewtwo's final attack - an energy ball that instantly turned Fern into stone.
Aeris froze. This couldn't be happening. Not now, not ever. What, why, how? Why did he have to sacrifice himself? Why did he interfere only to be turned into a statue? Why, why, why?
Aeris turned towards the sky. This arena was covered, but they knew that that wouldn't be an issue for Lin. She is always watching, she can hear everything that happens in the New World. So if she decides not to answer...
"Lin, bring him back. I know you can do this. You've done it before so many times with people who were gone for much longer. Spill your dark juice over him or something, just bring him back. He didn't deserve to die, he didn't need to sacrifice himself to save me. You know it as well as I do. So do it. Bring him back."
Aeris waited for ten seconds, then twenty, then a minute. Their only answer was silence. They were getting annoyed, mostly because they didn't want to process any other emotions they might have had. They didn't want to acknowledge him actually being dead, and Lin's silence was making it even worse.
"I know you are listening, I know you are watching. You wanted me to be on your side, you were always doing things that you thought that I wanted, and I am grateful for everyone else you brought back. But I have never asked you for anything. I'm asking you now. Bring him back!"
Aeris felt wetness on their cheeks. The tears were rolling down their eyes, even with them trying to put any emotions away, even with them trying to reason it not being permanent. He was gone. He was gone. He was gone. He was a jerk, but people don't deserve to die because of being jerks. He changed, he reformed. He sacrificed himself to save them. Them, of all people, the one who needs being saved the least, and he knew it, and still decided to do it. They felt guilty for everything that happened here, and the guilt was consuming them whole. And then another thought occurred in their mind, a thought that made them freeze, a thought that might lead to complete reverse of so much progress:
They had to tell Florinia.
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yrigami · 1 year
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Inner thoughts
Pt.2
Welp... I never thought this day would come. If I’m being honest, I was honored and so humble to have this happen to me. I honestly couldn’t have done this without the help of my dear mother and father.. they’ve helped me come this far in life, without them none of this would’ve been possible. I’d also like to thank my grandmother for helping and blessing my mother and I with these incredible features. Thank you for this moment. Truly <3
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ANYWAY.. now that, that's over let’s get to the real reason why I’m making this post.
I've been working in retail for about 3 years now, so I've seen my fair share of people. I have many customers that I enjoy seeing, I love seeing my little baby customers and their parents watching us interact, it's cute and honestly makes my day. I also enjoy seeing the many older customers that compliment me about my hair, makeup, or even my eyebrows. They also make my day as well.
What makes me want to leave my job and quit most days is when I have customers that think that I owe them something. Like this is the first time I've seen you, why do you think I'm obligated to do you're every command? I always think it's funny when they give me the "nice side" of themselves, then when they don't get what they want, they immediately drop whatever act they were doing. Make it make sense. Like why not act like that from the beginning? Do better honestly...
One of my many examples of this type of behavior happened not too long ago. It was a regular day at work, I believe I went in early and left around 6-7 o'clock. After I had my break for lunch everything was going ok, that was till a certain customer came in. she came to my line with a medium-sized order, not too small but not a cart full of groceries. She bought 6-7 bottles of wine that evening. when scanning the wine, I noticed a certain tone in her voice (a not-so-nice one at that). She didn't ask for the bag we have at my store for wine, she basically demanded it. When I told her we were out of the bags and had been for a while, her whole mood changed. I ignored it and kept doing my job, but then... Her order is finally done!!
A FEW MOMENTS LATER... *in SpongeBob narrator voice* I go to hand her the receipt and while she grabs it she begins to say, with a tone to try to be sly (what seems to be under her breath at this point), "I come here for a specific reason, to get service with a smile" and then proceeds to walk out the door with my bagger at the time. After that interaction, I was left thinking to myself "did I really hear that, or am I imaging things?"
Turns out I didn't imagine things after all. A little while later my bagger comes back inside. At the time there was a bagger already at my register, but the previous one said he could take over for her. I thought it was a bit suspicious and it turns out that was correct. He had some words to tell me about the lady he helped outside...
Once he started talking, the things he said made me sort of giggle, mostly because the stuff he said sounded a bit odd and weird especially for a kid to hear from an adult. He told me that she was ranting about putting together stocks and talking about cryptocurrency. LIKE WHAT!? Why would you rant to someone about things that like? The kid is still growing! But that wasn't even the best part of the story. The best part was when he told me of her saying ⚠️ curse word ahead ⚠️
"When you get back in there, tell that b!tch to smile.."
...Words I never thought I'd hear about myself..a "b!tch"? All because of not smiling at a customer? My resting face, which looks upset, is normal. I constantly get asked if I'm okay by my coworkers, just because my face looks upset when I'm fine. It's normal to me now, I'm not going to change my appearance for anyone. Why would I smile at someone whos being rude to me? How do people use those words so easily?
I just can't understand them...
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pattytacuri · 2 years
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6/2/22
It's almost the end of this Mercury Retrograde and I've managed to make the 3 Joe's from my life dissappear. The funny thing was that I wasn't in a relationship with any of them, yet, I get to experience all of the grief, hurt, and guilt from what feels like 3 breakups. 😭🤣 Except I'm not going to go into this crazy phase where I start posting healing videos on tik tok and create loads of blog content about it. Its not that serious.
I just need to process in my last safe space on the internet.
The first Joe who is a play partner who I've had an open communication with. He invited me to this event for the local kink community. We usually go together to these kind of events cause we're both socially awkward. Well I show up and he brings his new play partner. I wasn't warned beforehand and my trauma trigger button is pushed but I make it through the experience. I didn't mention anything to him about it. I ignored him and I've basically ghosted him. I don't want to have a conversation about why it bothered me. My interpersonal and communication skills suck and I don't have the energy to explain triggers or BPD to someone I was seeing casually.
On to Joe #2 who is my on and off casual whatever ship partner and has been for almost 4 years. Well, I messaged him Monday night on fb trying to tell him my phone was messed up and I found out he blocked me. Well, I got angry and in true BPD fashion I erased all of our fb messages which included vids and our text messages which were 496. I deleted his contact info and I'm basically done. I don't hate him or wish him bad things on him. I just can't tolerate any more of our drama. He's moving to another county soon so hopefully he starts a new life and doesn't think about me. The only thing I'll miss is my white jacket I left at his apt. Oh well.
On to Joe #3. Joe #3 told me he had a crush on me and fell in love with me by reading my blog. He also has been promising a blogging job in Europe. Idk, I wanted to believe that maybe this could be my life. Well, he started to make these advances towards me that I tried to not encourage in a nice way. But he was so pushy and put so much pressure on me that finally I gave in and put out virtually just so he'd leave me alone. And idk he seemed like a "nice guy" and I felt maybe I owed him something for him having feelings..telling me he loved me . But it was annoying, the endless compliments, the endless requests for phone sex. And I did tell him over and over again , I'm not responsible for how he "responds" to my pics or writing. But he kept on drunk texting me and after the incidents with the first 2 Joes, I was honest and told him I wanted to be treated with respect and like I'm a married woman and I've shelving any romance in my life to focus on my kids. He blew up at me and basically gaslighted the fuck out of me and acted like I owed him something because he loved me. He told me he didn't recognize me. All this because I said, "I'm uncomfortable when you want phone sex " or "I don't like that you sent me an unsolicited dick pic". Nope, I'm the fucking crazy one for trying to be honest. And the thing is I have empathy for him. I understand better than most people what pain he's in. So I sent him this response,
"I've been trying to come up with a response all day because I feel that at least I owe you. When I restarted my blog, it was just this scream out into the internet universe. I didn’t expect anyone to like it or to get feelings for me through it. That was the farthest thing from my mind. In fact, the blog goes through this series of adventures about how horrible I’ve been in relationships and I’m brutally honest about this. Throughout the essays I’ve written, I’ve explained how I need to be alone and I’m not ready for any kind of relationship. The person you know through the blog is just a fraction of who I am. My real life is me juggling 2 jobs, 3 kids, therapy and making sure I’m okay with my meds and my mental health. I also have to take certain weekends to spend with my parents so my sister doesn’t go crazy. I also make writing a priority because that’s what makes me happy and brings me peace. Of course, I’m going to be tired A LOT. One reason me and my ex didn’t make it was because I couldn’t give him the time and energy we needed to sustain our relationship. This year has been me trying to prioritize my kids and myself over everything else instead of chasing love or having a romantic interest. The past few weeks with the mass shootings in the U.S has made me reflect on how short life is and how I’m not safe at my 2nd job or my child is not safe at this school and my priority will be to spend time with him or my loved ones. IF that makes me a terrible person, I don’t know what to say to you. I know I fucked this all up and that I hurt you but I’ve also tried to dissuade you at different times from liking me. I take responsibility and accountability in my part of it .I know the message I put out there to you with the sexy pictures and selfies.However, when it comes to my blog and me putting those images out there, it’s not my responsibility how anyone feels about it. I put up those pictures not to feel ashamed of myself like I have for the past 4 decades.
If you feel like you’ve done nothing wrong and this is all my fault, that’s fine. I can’t control how you feel or think. I was trying to be honest with you about how I felt today but apparently my communication skills are lacking somewhere. Your narrative is going to be different from mine and that’s okay. And you’re right, you don’t know the real me. The real me is a stranger to you just like you’re a stranger to me. Except you’ve seen my face, you know a lot of things about me and I feel I know next to nothing about you. I’m sorry for the pain and hurt I’ve caused you. Take care."
I also told him that I'm taking my blog offline and I'm taking a social media hiatus. I'm sad that blogging which felt like my "safe space" is now tainted because somehow it got fucked up from it. I'm sad that aside from him, there have been many men who've looked at my blog and like a post or make a nice comment about it but Joe #3's hurt stands out in my mind. How do I prevent this from happening again? And why would anyone look at this crazy ass blog from this middle age mom of 3 with BPD and "fall in love" with that?
And 2 thoughts have run thru my head today:
1. I'm joining the convent when my youngest turns 18.
2. I'm so bad at anything resembling relationships that if I was in a relationship with a chicken nugget, I'd find a way to screw it up. 🤣😭
At the end of this Mercury Retrograde, I just want a boring life. I want to look forward to watching a show with my youngest or having discussion with my middle child about the objectification of women in Anime or celebrating my oldest on his first promotion. I want take joy in the simple things in life. 💞💞💞
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➳who cursed the bludger? ♡
in which the reader's dominant hand is injured badly after a rogue bludger slams into it and none other than fred weasley is behind it. who cursed the bludger?
fred weasley x fem!reader
word count: ± 2k
tw: serious injury, a little bit of swearing
drop a follow if you wanna see more of this content!!
my masterlist:D
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ft. penny clearwater
who cursed the bludger?
y/n was currently draped lazily over her broomstick, haven given up trying to teach penelope clearwater how to fly. said prefect was on the grass, smirking as y/n embarrassedly looked around.
"penny that's not ok to ask!"
"fine, fine," she pondered for a moment, "hey, what's up with you and fred weasley, huh?"
"nothing at all," y/n answered a little too quick for penny's liking.
"c'mon, y/n, you're younger than me, i should know all that happens. you two are very...flirty."
"yeah well, my dear pennysylvania, we have flirty personalities. duh."
"no, you don't."
"okay, i don't. he does."
"but he seems like he means it."
"of course he means it? he says it in a joking way? y'know, he means it as a joke."
"hmm, nope, i don't think so, y/n. he's looking your way right now."
"i'm probably blocking the space, let's move outta the way."
"you're not gonna play with them?"
"already play in matches, why now? let's chat."
fred was silently eavesdropping on their conversation as he heard his name.
"sooo you and perceeee??" y/n dragged out, grinning as she did loop-do-loops with her broomstick.
penny blushed, but looked disappointed, "he likes oliver."
"oh. well, f percy, what about marcus??"
"he's just marcus. we're best friends, y/n."
"my fav trope of romance is best friends to lovers," y/n wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and penny shook her head in amusement.
"my one is the opposites attract."
"hmm yeah, that's a good one too, it's really cute! say, aren't you and mar-"
"i was meaning you!"
"huh?"
"you and fred."
fred smirked as he listened, flicking back the bludger harshly at angelina.
"oh yes because we are totally meant for each other," y/n sarcastically replied.
"what's that supposed to mean?"
"yes."
"you're doing this on purpose!"
"hmm? what?"
"oh my goodness, merlin you're stupid bro!" penny said exasperatedly.
"and you just realised. congrats, penny."
"anyway, what i'm saying is you and fred are rather like opposites. although he's extroverted and you're extroverted, you're a cute little nerd," y/n huffed at this 'i am n o t a nerd for the last time!' "and he's a class clown in the most charming way. you like reading and he likes pranking people and quidditch. you're a goody two shoes, an adorable one, but he's this foolish jock," penny looked proud with her argument so y/n laughed, "you're modest and he's very confident. and you're both hot."
y/n smiled, "i am not hot!" she giggled, "that's stupid."
"oi, ange!" penny called to angelina who looked over at her in amusement.
"yeah?"
"is y/n hot?"
"oh, totally!" angelina casually threw the quaffle into the hoop, "10/10."
"guyyys you flatTer me," y/n stretched out as the three of them laughed, "i'm bLushIng."
"you actually are," angie quipped.
"it's a command thing. if she wants to blush, she'll blush," replied penny.
they burst into giggles again.
fred watched y/n. a rosy pink, sure enough, had spread across her cheeks. that was enough to get her blushing?
"oi, l/n!"
y/n's head snapped his way, her eyes narrowed as if expecting an insult being thrown her way.
"your lips are pretty!"
her form relaxed, "thanks! yours are too!!"
penny giggled as angie rolled around laughing.
"what?" y/n looked around.
"the way you return flirting is hilarious."
"a compliment for a compliment, isn't that what they say?"
angelina snorted, "no one says that."
"oh well i say it, so deal with it."
"hey, i have an idea!" penny brightened up.
"let's hear it!"
"let's teach y/n pick up lines, ange!"
"oh you're a genius, penny!"
"okay, so-"
a bludger came whizzing at y/n as she screamed, trying frantically to dodge it. it hit her hand and a crack was heard.
luckily she immediately hopped off calmly, taking out her wand shakily and stunning the bludger, before penny and angie helped her over to the hospital ward, fred lagging guiltily behind.
she was ordered to stay in bed rest and with drowsy eyes she drifted off.
fred watched her feeling so terrible as he saw her heavily bandaged hand, imagining how he was going to tell her that he was in fact the one that had charmed it.
the next day, she was out and about, gently cradling her hand which was broken.
"um, hey, y/n," he nervously approached her.
"oh, hello!"
"i might have jinxed the bludger to go wild," he confessed abruptly, "i'm really sorry i didn't mean to-"
"no, it's fine, really." she gave him a reassuring smile and walked off.
he noticed that she couldn't write in class. usually she was scribbling away, but she just sat awkwardly at her desk, trying frantically to get anything legible down with her non-dominant hand. the fact she was so courteous and forgiving about everything just made it worse.
by now, y/n was dying inside. she couldn't write notes, and even though she wanted to ask any willing person for a duplicate of their notes, she'd have to explain the whole broken hand thing.
"ange?"
"yep?"
"do you have history of magic notes?" y/n did puppy eyes.
"nope, you forgot i dropped out."
"oh."
"do you want mine?" fred asked, smirking as he looked y/n up and down.
"you take notes?!!!" y/n was shook.
"only for you, 'cause i felt bad."
"you didn't need to!"
"i did. you want them?"
"yes please, thank you so much, you're a lifesaver!!"
"you're acting like you're not the one the bludger hit," angie quipped and y/n frowned, completely forgetting fred was still there, browsing the notes.
"c'mon, it was just an accident. and i've always wanted to be ambidextrous."
"lovely, you were struggling. i'll take all your notes. my handwriting isn't neat but i owe you."
y/n ducked to hide the light blush she could not control at all.
immediately she got a confused look from fred.
and instantly she thought of something that might make the blush go away. he didn't mean it, it slipped out, she thought and she felt her face cooling down, a slight frown appearing on her face.
"o-okay, thanks fred."
"no problems, darling," he flirted.
"that's good, darling," she flirted graciously back, bravely tilting her head up and looking him in the eye.
he took it well.
"where did you learn how to flirt so well, my little love??"
"why, freddie," she joked flirtatiously, "from you of course!"
he coughed and excused himself.
"he should really be careful with who he's flirting mindlessly with," y/n rolled her eyes.
angelina laughed, "flirting mindlessly? do you see the way he looks at you?"
"personality," y/n stated simply.
"or not."
true to his word, notes in fred's flurry of handwriting appeared neatly stacked every day. they were far too thorough and consisted of stupid flirty notes by the side. sometimes a little note, written in class, was jammed in there probably by accident:
hello freddie!
i have a crush on you 0-o, hogsmeade at 7pm on sunday?
-jamie <3, boy who sits in front of you in arithmancy
jamie,
i already have my eye on someone :) not you, sorry, y/n cringed at the bluntness of his words
you are very nice, perhaps try trera rivera if you swing that way? or illinois ann if you swing all ways?
oh i'm so sorry, i didn't know that! i'll talk to both. was the gracious answer
-jamie
and again! the lucky boy! this time from a girl.
weasley-
i know we hate each other but give me a chance to explain myself? broom closet at 9 tomorrow ? it trailed off to something that y/n didn't even want to think about.
k.o
fuck off. i don't fucking like you, i like someone else, ffs.
was the reply as y/n laughed and made sure to give the note back to fred.
it wasn't everyday someone confessed to you, right?
she underlined all the words that simply weren't legible to ask fred about.
and aNOTHER ONE?? how did this boy have so many admirers? y/n had received 0 love letters from any boy, let alone people of the same gender. you knew you were good with the ladies (and the gentlemen) when everyone sent you these letters.
dearest frederick-
it droned quite sweetly on about him and loving him and the writing was really magnificent.
margaret perrer
hi marg
i'm really really sorry. you seem like such a nice person, and it's not you, it's me. i, however, have a friend who really adores you: kenneth. he'll be an amazing friend and maybe more.
i also already am interested in another girl, so it really isn't you. thank you for your beautiful letter, hopefully we can be friends!
fred
oh he was very nice. feeling like she had overstepped the boundaries, she put them aside, discovering more and more but putting them all in a stack. she felt slightly insecure, especially when they all looked relatively neW?? the perfume on the flowers still smelled fresh?? who was this guy?
she sighed, finishing her read through and being thoroughly impressed with the sheer quality of the notes.
but there were around 100 words she had underlined. she skipped down into the great hall where she spotted two gingers. as soon as one (she couldn't see which one) saw her, he got up, whispered to the other something, and left.
when she approached the one that was left behind, she saw it was george.
"hi georgie!" she greeted him and thrust the papers into his hand, "where's fred?"
george shrugs, "left, for a date or something."
"oh, okay, could you translate these for me, the underlined words?" if y/n was disappointed, she didn't show it.
"oh yeah, sure, his handwriting's rubbish, isn't it."
"yes it is, i can barely read half of it."
george finished scribbling words next to the underlined ones.
"oh! and give these back to him? i'm pretty sure he dropped them in, probably got mixed up." she gave him the pile of letters, now neatly bundled in rope she had found.
"oh, yeah sure," george smirked, "of course."
"nice, well that's it, thanks for the help!"
"anything else?"
"tell fred good luck."
"right, right, mhm."
"yea."
once she'd left, george took out his walkie talkie.
"got that, freddie?"
"crystal clear."
"you're pining, pffft, hahahahah," george smirked as fred sighed.
"it didn't even work?"
"which plan?"
"the one to drop the letters in."
"i'm pretty sure she read like two, she didn't seem that disappointed?"
"exactly."
"you're an idiot. just tell her."
"but that's boringggg."
"well drop the hints then, merlin fred you're terrible at this."
"i haven't dated a billion girls like you!"
"then learn how to date my goodness."
"true."
"come fucking back."
"hickies or no?"
"eh go for it. i wanna see her reaction and then we can decide whether she likes you or not."
fred strided handsomely in, neck littered with little hickies and his top had two buttons open, freckles and pale broad shoulders showing.
george rolled his eyes, muttering, "drama queen," as he subtlely watched y/n. she managed not to look so surprised, her eyes widening then looking down quickly at her hands.
he would have thought she felt nothing for his twin if a light pink had not dusted over her face and if angie had not nudged her with a concerned look on her face.
y/n was wondering what the hell happened, disappointment rising slowly in her.
"okay, she's into you," george whispered as fred began removing the spell, leaving the unbuttoned shirt unbuttoned.
"cool beans."
"oh and she gives these back," george smirked.
"oh look at how she bundled it! so adorable georgie!"
"you're disgusting."
y/n hurried to the library at 6pm. she had heard the book she had waited for was finally available.
as she settled down with it, a paper aeroplane hit her.
"ahh!" she screamed as she caught it.
it read:
forbidden forest, 8pm.
huh? was this meant for her? it was in neat handwriting and on the smoothest parchment, with a single flower that smelt like fresh rain.
322 notes · View notes
mingkii · 3 years
Text
LOVE AGAIN ─✎ 송.민기
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❖❳;Pairing; Song Mingi x Fem!Reader (ft. P1h's keeho, itzy's ryujin, and wooyoung)
❖❳;Genre; Greek mythology au, angst, reincarnation au.
❖❳;Words ; 6.2k
❖❳;Warnings; Mentions of death.
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❖❳;Synopsis; A mission to find your lover who was reborn in the mortal world became a mission for heartbreak as you watched him fall in love with someone else.
❖❳;A/n; I honestly don't know what happened near the end, very disappointing but oh well. Not very proud of this so im sorry and don't get your hopes up.
❖❳; Note; My entry for @/sleepylixie and @/delicatewerewolfsoul 's hamartia collab. This might contain inaccurate representations of greek gods but for the sake of the story, just go with it. Slightly modernized as well.
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The sun rises on the horizon, casting light all over Olympus, waking the gods in slumber, reminding them of the work they need to do. However, you wanted to fight the sun for rising so early. The rays piercing through the depths of the ocean, just enough to peek through the windows of your room.
You stir under the covers, not wanting to get up. The light blinding your closed eyes, preventing you from going back to sleep. You were honestly hoping you won't wake up the next day. You didn't want to wake up in agony knowing there's nothing to wake up to. You still picture his crescent eyes when he smiles, his laugh that echoes in your ears as if he is there with you. His hands that felt soft and warm left a mark on your skin, reminding you of how he held you in his arms.
Every night you see him in your dreams— for a while at least. Your heart was hurt, it wanted to remind you of all the things you could've done, but it knew that if you kept dreaming about him, you would have died grieving years ago.
A loud knock on your door suddenly erupted, a groan escaped your lips. You rolled to the other side trying to bury your head under the covers to drown out the sound. Then, your door busted open, making you sit up in surprise.
"What the fuck," you furrowed your brows, watching your father fix the dislocated door hinge.
"Don't use such language on me, young lady," he leans his trident beside the door. "You have a very important schedule to meet your suitors today."
Your eyes widen, "Suitors?!" You shrieked, your father's face contorts.
“Father, I think this has gone long enough for you to know that I am not interested.” he let out a sigh. He’s well aware of that.
"Look, I understand, but I will not have you sulk for the rest of your life just because that good-for-nothing son of Athena died," your blood boiled at his words.
"No father, I don’t think you do understand," You said with resentment.
You tried to bury the tears back down, not wanting to cry in front of your father. The pent up anger made you want to lash out like what he said was the last straw but your pride was much stronger.
"It's rude to keep them in line, they've travelled far just to get here, so I suggest you make yourself presentable and be there as soon as possible," his last words before shutting your door closed behind him.
The knick-knacks on your shelf shook as your father slammed the door shut. He wasn't mad, he was just….strict, as your father and god of the sea, you are under his territory thus, giving you no choice but to follow him.
You laid back on your bed, pulling the covers, letting out a muffled scream into the blanket. Only kids get treated like this, he acts like you aren't already a hundred years old.
You didn't want to meet another batch of mermen with plastic smiles and fake personalities. They were only after you because of your title, daughter of Poseidon, god of the sea, with a legacy that soon passes unto you. You had sisters and brothers, you didn't understand why it had to be you, but Poseidon himself already had it all planned.
You swam near the big stadium-like structure, with large pillars that were carved so intricately in quartz.  The end of the stadium planted Poseidon's throne where he sat so elegantly. You hid behind the pillars, spotting the men that were seated to the side, waiting for your arrival, but you already decided you weren't going to attend. Not this time.
You took the longest route to Olympus, making sure no one spots you, escaping the suffocating vast seas that used to be called home.
=
"You know one day I could get killed by your dad," Wooyoung set the teacups filled with hot liquid on the dining table where you sat.
It's been a while since you set foot on land, you didn't miss it, the painful after-effects of walking for too long did make you wonder how land dwellers live.
"He won't since I made him promise it," your cheeky smile made him roll his eyes.
"But won't he easily find you here?"
"He will but he couldn't be bothered to travel all the way here," you took a sip from the cup, hot liquid running down your throat.
"I'll be home by sundown, can't have him wash Olympus just to find me," you force out a laugh, wooyoung giving you a sympathetic look.
He knows you are still mourning. Deep inside you are still in pain, but you try to keep it hidden.
"You know, it's been years and he is still bringing me these men I barely even know and he wants me to pick one to marry?" You planted your forehead on the table, hiding your face in frustration. "It's getting annoying." After those annoying years of having to pretend you are ok and just sitting pretty in front of dozens of merpeople, making yourself look like a prize in a glass box waiting for a winner to take you home.
But of course, it's still your choice and you chose to be with none of them.
"Were any of them attractive at least?" You hear the familiar charming voice. You look up to see Wooyoung's mother— aphrodite— adorned in her usual attire, laced with gold sequences, a headpiece in gold, and jewellery that complimented her skin.
You shook your head as you gave her a soft smile, "They always have this forced appearance to look strong and the wide creepy smiles that they think will help attract me to them," she listens to your rant, pouting slightly, "What a shame, you know your father's taste was never that good," she winked. You knew she was talking about your mother, whom you didn't know that well since she is always focusing on your brothers.
"I thought you went out early," Wooyoung questioned. Aphrodite cupped her son's cheeks, kissing the top of his nose.
"I just forgot something dear," you giggled at her ways of babying her son. Fixing his hair and touching up the light makeup he puts on every day. You can't deny how attractive Wooyoung is, you could see the features that he inherited from his mother.
"Poseidon won't stop what he is doing though, I suggest you do as his wishes y/n, or you'll face his consequences," strips of memory to that day cross your mind again. It was truly painful to recall, it made your heart clenched and you wanted to scream your head off.
"Look, whatever it is you want to do, just make sure it isn't something stupid," Wooyoung held your hand in his, rubbing your skin with his thumb. You remembered the last stupid thing you did.
You were grateful to have met someone like Wooyoung, he has always been there for you. Even though your father had been skeptical of him for so long, he still let you be around him.
But you can't promise him this time because another stupid idea just popped up in your head.
=
"Are you kidding y/n? Didn't we just talk about this?" Wooyoung follows you from behind as you walk through the forest. The last time you were here was the day your world fell apart.
You swore to not cross paths where it reminded you of him but right now, it is important.
"Look, demigods are bound to be reincarnated, there's a chance I could see him again," you explained, stepping on sticks and pebbles, slashing through vines and large leaves with your bronze dagger. Mingi wasn't like you or wooyoung who had both parents that are gods. Like Athena, he was created by her from her mind. He wasn't born….normal.
"And then what? What will you do if you see him?"
In all honesty, you didn't plan that far, all you thought of was to meet mingi in the mortal world. Wooyoung's concern for you just became worse when the silence answers his question. You have no plan, you just wanted to see mingi again.
You ignored Wooyoung's continuous nagging until you reached your destination. The tree that grew sweet magical berries that can only be found deep in the forests of Olympus. The berry that could help the gods enter the mortal realm.
"Y/n…." Worry settles in, Wooyoung knows the side effects of these berries. You weren't as powerful as your parents who were able to visit the mortal realm on your own, you needed help and you were certainly not gonna ask your father.
"I'll be fine," you picked a few handfuls of berries and stuffed them in your bag, "Atlantis won't be that far, If I need to, I’ll just come back." You smiled at Wooyoung.
"I leave tomorrow."
"What about your dad? Won't he get mad?" You two made your way back out of the forest, taking the path of where you came from.
"I just told him I'm sleeping at your place for a while," Wooyoung freezes in place. As expected of his role as your best friend, he's responsible for covering you up.
"You owe me big time."
=
Arriving at the mortal realm, alone and slightly scared. But the sight of what seemed to be the city made you giddy all of the sudden.  
You walked around exploring the beautiful structures of the city. Tall buildings surrounding the area, billboards, and giant screens with lights and flashing colours. You were overwhelmed at first but it was quite interesting. It was nothing like you have seen before.
There were tons of people who wore casual attire, some wore suits as they travelled to work. Big buses and cars drove by in the streets— you almost got run over by one, not knowing the purpose of the blinking traffic light; the horrendous sound of the car horn almost did make your ears bleed.
Settling down on one of the park benches, you took a break from walking. The sandals you brought weren't doing any justice for your feet.
Your surroundings were peaceful, pink flowers scattered across the concrete, different coloured leaves decorating the trees, getting ready for the fall season. Suddenly, you felt a gust of wind. The eerie grey smoke rising in front of you. Chills running up your spine, your mind having a clear idea of where it's coming from.
A cold mischievous laugh emitted from within, your initial reaction was to pull out the dagger from your side, clutching the handle tight until your knuckles turned white.
"Relax, it's me," the same annoying voice you dreaded hearing.
"Ryujin, what are you doing here?" You scowled. She was bad news— the spirit of mischief lives within her, wherever she goes, chaos follows.
"Hmm, are you not happy to see me?" Her Cheshire cat-like smile plastered onto her face as she took a seat beside you, crossing her leg on top of the other. Her hair was shorter than the last time you saw her, eyes still full of mischief.
"I was hoping to not see you again after the incident 20 years ago," you spat, hatred lacing your words.
"Right, the poor boy, died so soon," her face turned into a sad look before smiling once again.
Ryujin was the main cause of his death. Your father just made it happen. Leading Mingi to that place in the forest where she knew your father was there, he hated Athena's children, he wouldn't hesitate to kill one in sight.
You wished there was a way to go back in time to stop Ryujin from leading Mingi to his inevitable death. But as expected, she felt no shame or guilt whatsoever.
"What is it that you plan anyway, there is a reason for you to come here, right?"
You kept your mouth closed, not wanting to possibly give your plan away for the spirit of mischief to take its course. And so, you kept quiet. Ryujin clicked her tongue in annoyance. She wished she could read minds, but that's her brother's power.
"Fine, keep it to yourself," she stood up, grumbling something under her breath, "Just so you know, I am not leaving without having a bit of fun," another gust of wind blowing in your direction leaves swirling in a circle on the concrete just below her feet, the puff of smoke covering her figure as she disappeared.
Your mind was in shambles. Usually, she would try and pressure you into answering but she brushed it off so soon.
You let out the breath you didn't know you were holding, the weight suddenly leaving your chest. Sometimes the presence of Ryujin gives you this uneasy feeling, but it was better than getting a visit from her brother. He is ten times worse.
=
You finally adapted to the mortal world, got a place to stay all by yourself. There were obstacles on the way but you got over them easily.
You lay quietly on the bed, and to be honest, it was a bit uncomfortable. The covers are placed over you up to your neck. You stared at the ceiling, counting rams in hopes of helping you fall asleep. And on your 1117th ram, your eyes finally grew heavy.
But to your dismay, your throat decides that it was parched. You sat up from your bed, wearing your slippers, and made your way to the kitchen. Grabbing a glass and filling it up with water, but before you could take a sip, you saw a figure on your couch.
You dropped the glass, shattering across the floor. The figure whipped his head around and you couldn't believe your eyes. Is this a dream? You must be dreaming… You might have even gone mad.
"Mingi?" You stuttered. You haven't called out that name in so long.
"Y/n, be careful you'll hurt yourself," he stood from the couch, making his way to you. You took a few steps back. Mingi's face shows a look of confusion.
He stepped on the glass unfazed by it. Did he not feel that? Of course, this is a dream, he's not real.
"What's wrong?" His arms out to reach for you.
"N-no, I'm dreaming, this can't be—" you shook your head, tears pricking your eyes. You felt warm hands cup your face, it was so real, your knees so close to giving out.
"What do you mean?" His eyes were the same shade of brown. His hair is styled the same way he always has it in.
"You're real?" Your voice croaked, mingi chuckled. The same smile you saw years ago, but as expected, his face started to fade. This is definitely a dream. It was impossible to have mingi physically there, you saw him….die, right in front of your eyes.
"Of course I'm real," his voice was soft, comforting even. You were really hearing his voice, this is his voice. He pressed his forehead against you, kissing the top of your nose promptly.
At this point, you couldn't stop the tears from falling. You sobbed making mingi pull away and look at you with worry in his eyes.
"Please don't leave me again," you pleaded. You wished it was real, your chest grew even tighter. What kind of cruel punishment is this?
"Why would I leave?" He wiped the tear on your cheek. "I'll always be here," he said in reassurance as he pulled you in his embrace. You missed it so much—you missed him so much. The same warmth was still there, but it eventually started to feel cold. Like Hades was paying a visit to take him back to the underworld.
You finally got to see him again, even if it was only a dream, it really felt like he was there, body and soul present. You didn't want to let him go, there's no way you are losing him again.
His image starts to fade, you start to feel the emptiness again. His hold on your body began to feel like nothing, it was cold like ice. You tried to grip his shirt, keeping him from disappearing. You spewed out pleas, begging him to stay. At Least for a little longer.
But then you woke up, hot liquid running down your face.
You were crying, something you haven't done in a long while. Slapping your cheeks, making sure you were really awake.
"Come one y/n, it was just a dream," you said to yourself out loud.
20 years and you thought you were over him. But those agonizing years were torturous. Everything seemed to remind you of him. Wooyoung almost didn't see you for 18 years until you finally decided to visit him. You wouldn't know what to do if wooyoung was never in your life, you might as well have been asleep for the rest of your life.
=
The clamshell that sat on your bedside table glowed. It was a magic shell that sends messages back and forth in writing. You gave one to Wooyoung so you could communicate from a distance.
"Did you find him?" The letters glowed as they appeared.
"Not yet." you wrote back, watching the writings disappear indicating that he is reading it.
"Time is ticking y/n." Anxiety washes over you again. Soon the berries won't be enough to hold you there and you'll be needing to come back home.
"Y/n, you there?" A voice startled you, making you almost drop the shell. It would be bad if you did, it was a fragile thing, you could risk shattering it and won't have anything else to communicate with.
"In here!" You called out, quickly hiding the shell in the dresser.
"I brought lunch," mina smiled, holding up a paper bag filled with takeout.
The day you moved in, still exploring the apartment that you rented, you heard a knock on your door.
You peeked through the peephole. A woman stood in front of the door patiently, short brown hair— half of it tied into a ponytail— dressed in a leather jacket and denim pants. She looked about 20, maybe 21 but she doesn't look older than 25.
You almost pulled out your dagger but resisted, remembering that they are mortals and you could get in trouble. You slowly twisted the doorknob open, opening it slightly so your body is visible but not the room.
"Hi, I'm mina!" She said in a bubbly tone. Her energy made you slightly overwhelmed. "I'm your neighbour, just next door." She pointed to the apartment beside yours.
You nodded, not knowing what to reply. "Have you finished unpacking?" You tilted your head in confusion. "Do you need help with boxes or anything?"
You looked back in your apartment, body moving aside just enough for Mina to have a clear view.
"Did you not bring any stuff?"  You shook your head.
"I only brought a satchel," you gripped the strap that hung across your body. She gazes at the small bag attached to your body.
"Well, it looks like you need help settling in, why don't I cook dinner for you? You don't seem to have any pots or pans or food either." Your stomach grumbled at the mere mention of food.
Mina giggled, making you heat up in embarrassment. "I'll take that as a yes."
Since then Mina has been your source of food and company. She's been a great companion for the past few days. You told Wooyoung all about her and he just replied coldly. The thought of your best friend getting jealous of your new mortal friend made you laugh.
"So, I just started my 3rd year of college, and honestly, I am tired of it— I've been thinking of dropping out but then my mom might whoop my ass…"  Mina rants while you sit there, zoned out watching the floor like it's the most interesting thing in the world.
"Earth to y/n," mina waves her hand in front of you, snapping you out of your daze.
"Oh sorry, What were you saying?" The girl pouts, eventually brushing it off to discuss other things.
"Oh right, so I met this guy on campus and he is like, really cute. He is super tall and like, maybe a bit built..." You listened to her attentively but still in the back of your mind you couldn't help but discuss your plans on how to find mingi to yourself.
"Should I ask him out?" You blinked— you weren't paying attention again.
"I'm sorry?"
"The guy I met on campus on my first day, should I ask for his number?"
"Oh totally, you should," you said plainly, you feel really bad for not paying attention but you couldn’t help it when your mind is being occupied with something else. Mina just brushed it off, not noticing your spaced-out expression. She continued rambling while your mind wandered.
Time was running out, you needed a plan.
=
"Remind me why I am on your college campus again?" You said, mina dragging you by the arm. She woke you up at an ungodly hour just to travel early to her college campus. Few students were walking around campus, on their way to their scheduled class.
"Look, I barely have friends, also do you go to college? You look to be around my age," your eyes widen. Atlantis doesn't have schools, you had to travel to Olympus just to make it to class, but you only had to go until you turned 18. And you are immortal, you haven't been to school for a hundred years.
"I graduated," you just said. Hoping she won't ask further questions.
"Oh so you're older than me then," you nodded. She stopped to sit by a tree in the campus garden, patting the grass beside you. You sat beside her, leaning on the tree.
"I don't have class 'till after lunch, we can grab something to eat before you can go back to your apartment," she took out her textbook and paper to finish what she didn't the day before.
"Sorry for dragging you, You are always locked up in your apartment so I thought why not take you here with me," you were planning on exploring more of the city, just to take note of the possible routes to get around.
"Won't I get in trouble? I don't go here."
"You are fine, besides, it's an open college, anyone can visit here," she explains as she gets back to her work.
Your eyes wandered off somewhere else, spotting the students who were early, sitting on the grass as they got some sleep under the trees. Some were reading books and some were having their breakfast.
It makes you sleepy after a while, deciding to lean your head against the tree, closing your eyes for a brief moment.
A pair of shoes tapping against the grass, crunching the leaves on the way. You didn't bother to open your eyes so you just stayed and listened. Must be one of mina's friends as you hear her voice ushering for them to sit.
They sat on the other side of the tree beside mina, talking about classes and homework but something about that voice tingles your brain. The familiar deep husky voice made your heart ache. You were confused as to why you were reacting that way.
Soon the person left and you were forced to open your eyes when mina shook your shoulder abruptly.
"Guess who just gave me their number," she said, grinning from ear to ear.
"Who?"
"The hot campus boy," she squealed, waving the paper in her hand. "His name is mingi and it's kinda cute and his voice was deep, not that deep, but like...deep."
Your eyes widen, "mingi?" She nodded. You felt like your world stopped spinning. Your mind is in shambles, processing the information. Your ears deafened the sounds around you, muffling mina's continuous babblings.
You thanked the gods that he's here, but then reality hit. He doesn't know you for he is only a reincarnation of the mingi you knew. He is no longer the son of Athena, he is just human.
=
"Are you sure it's the mingi?" Wooyoung's message appears from the clamshell. You lay on your bed, a book on your lap as you were reading just a while ago.
"Yes, Mina's description fits so perfectly," you bit your lip, anxiously fidgeting with your necklace. What if it wasn't him? You can't confirm that it really is him, he has no memory of his past life.
"Ok, so what are you gonna do now? You found him, what's the next step?" You mentally slapped yourself for being unprepared. You wanted to see him again, that was your main goal, and now that you know he's here, you have no reason to stay.
You want to be with him but it's impossible, you are immortal, he'll age while you stay young. Well, nothing much was changed when he was a demigod, but he had the opportunity to become immortal. It's not like there is some way a mortal can become immortal.
…..or is there.
"I'm coming back," the writing disappeared letter by letter as wooyoung's message appeared right after.
"Really? So that's it?"
You shook your head as if he could see you. "I have a plan"
"Oh no," wooyoung thought. Letting out a deep sigh. "She's gonna get into more trouble isn't she?" Wooyoung wished that somehow something would knock some sense into you.
=
"Y/n!"
"Mina, hey," she threw herself at you, engulfing you in a tight hug.
"I'm gonna miss you," she squeezed around your neck, restricting your airflow.
"Mina," you patted her back, making her apologize with a sheepish grin, "I'll be back soon though, you don't have to miss me too much."
"I know— wait, are you free right now? I was wondering if you wanna go eat before you leave," you thought for a second. Though it isn't difficult to travel back to Olympus, you're unfortunately on your last berry.
"Sure," you hoped it'll last you for another few hours.
Arriving at a restaurant with mina, ordering food as soon as you sat down. Your eyes wandered around. The restaurant was busy, waiters quickly passing around, trying to get to the customer's table as soon as possible.
"Finally," Mina says, standing up on her seat. You turned your head to the person she was referring to.
"Sorry I'm late, I got stuck in traffic."
"I invited mingi, I hope you don't mind y/n," Mina says with a sorry smile.
"I don't mind at all." That unsettling feeling soon washes over you, seeing mingi stand in front of you, face to face. You find it weird to see him like this like he didn't die. He looks like the same mingi years ago, it just felt….different.
You took your seats again, Mina helping mingi order his food. The three of you waited for your orders, chatting about anything that comes to mind. Mina talking about classes and homework that is due and mingi asking if any of you were free to a party this weekend.
Of course, you can't go.
"So, Where are you from y/n?" He asks you. His voice sounded so natural to you but at the same time, it felt foreign, like you just heard of it now. Technically you did but, the way demigod reincarnations work is they get reborn the same. Meaning they'll look the same, speak the same, and their personalities are most likely the same. Nothing will change once they get reborn— except, they won't remember anything from their past life.
"Atlantis," you blurted out, panic rushing through you. You can see the confusion in their faces.
"Like, the lost city of Atlantis?" Mortals, what are they teaching them?
"I mean Atlanta," you corrected yourself, body stiff as stone.
"America? That's far, do you have a flight?" Mina intervened. You didn't even know where that was, you just so happened to remember that book you read before coming here and the main character lived in a place called Atlanta.
"Uh yeah, sure," you felt cold sweat trickling down the back of your neck. You just hope they won't ask any more questions.
You let out a sigh of relief as the two of them get back to chatting with each other.
Finally, the food arrived and the sooner you finished the sooner you got to go home. And with your last berry, you popped it in your mouth after the meal.
Leaving the restaurant with mina and mingi you were finally able to go back to Olympus.
As you are ready to part ways, Mina engulfs you in a tight hug, cutting off your airflow. "Mina, you're squishing me," you said in a choked out voice. "Be quick ok," she gives you a final hug before walking in the other direction.
You waited until the coast was clear and hid somewhere secluded.
=
You arrived safely and with just a minute to spare. You were gonna go to wooyoung's place first before going back to Atlantis when you saw a lightning strike. A gust of moist air blows your way, a growling thunder piercing through your ears. Your mind immediately assumed that it was Zeus but when the clouds cleared you saw your father, sitting on a cloud with his trident on his lap.
"Father," you said, greeting him with a bow. Though he didn't look pleased with seeing you at the gates of Olympus, he still gave your hair a ruffle.
"You have me worried sick y/n, where were you?"
You expected yelling, hearing these words and this kind of tone shocked you. Especially even after telling him that you were staying at wooyoung's but still found you at the gates
"Look, I know I may have gone too far— with...you know, the marriage," he admits. Avoiding eye contact with you as much as possible. Not that it wasn't sincere, he just wasn't used to admitting he was wrong. But he loves you dearly and he'd do anything for you.
"It's ok, I actually forgot those happened." there was an awkward silence. Then, Poseidon left, after informing you of what time dinner was gonna be.
You finally arrived at your best friend's house and instead of a worried wooyoung, you were met with a furious wooyoung.
"I knew this was a bad idea, your father almost killed me!" He said. You rolled your eyes at the exaggeration.
"Relax wooyoung, nothing happened," you placed your bag onto his bed, taking out the souvenirs you got.
"Did he say anything to you? You are still alive so I'm guessing you haven't met yet?"
"I met him at the gates and he said he was worried." Thinking back to that moment made you shiver, it's like someone replaced your dad with someone completely different.
"Huh, well ok then— Ooh what are these," he was quick to change the topic as his curiosity fills in. Wooyoung takes the bag of candies you brought, ripping it open to take one of the wrappers with the sugary treats inside. You chuckled, watching wooyoung chew on the candy.
He notices your gaze stuck on the floor while you get lost in your own thoughts.
"Hey, did something else happen there?"
You snap back into reality, taking a while to process what wooyoung just said. You shook your head in response.
"Actually, is there a way to stay there without the berries?"
He stares at you for a moment, he honestly thought you were done and you weren't going back there. It's dangerous for you since you are not as strong as your father. Even with something more efficient than a magical fruit, you are bound to get in trouble.
"My mom has a necklace," wooyoung says, he didn't want to say it but he knew how important this is to you. Eventually you'll stop, knowing mortals and gods cannot stay together forever.
"She used to make me wear it when she let me go to the mortal world with her."
"Can I borrow it?"
=
"Y/n!" Mina ran to you with open arms, "I missed you so much," you giggled at your friend.
"I've only been gone for a week."
"A week too long," she pouted.
She takes your hand in hers, pulling you to whatever direction. You arrived at the airport, making it look like you got here by plane. Passing security check out and exiting the building.
"You still remember mingi right?" She asks.
"Of course, I left for a week, it doesn't mean I forgot anything that's here," she grinned.
"Why, what happened?" You asked, hiding the hint of fear in your voice.
"Oh nothing," she sing-song, trying to stop her lips from smiling too much.
You both stopped at the front of the main entrance, waiting for you-don't-know-who. Until a car stops in front of you. Mingi came to pick you two up, giving you a ride to your apartment.
"So, what's it like in your hometown," she asks, taking a bite of her food.
"Uh, It's….you know —uh…. there's trees and buildings."
Mina nodded slowly as she continued eating her food.
After you two finished eating, Mina left to finish her college work— probably with mingi.
You didn't want to think the worst but considering mina's behavior around mingi, you couldn't stop the thoughts running around your mind.
You gripped the pendant that was tied around your neck. It's pearly white color glowing due to the light reflecting on it. Its sharp edges indicate that it was shattered into parts.
The other half is with mingi.
Atleast, when he was still with you. It symbolizes your promise to always be together and be there for each other.
But fate just wasn't on your side. And it still isn't.
As you walked out of your apartment to get some fresh air, you spotted the two by the parking lot. Their faces are inches away from each other.
You didn't know why but you felt your heart sink. Tears welling in your eyes. You reminded yourself that this mingi isn't the same mingi that promised to be with you. He wasn't the same mingi that helped you run away from home whenever your parents were arguing again.
That gave you a reality check, you can't be with him anymore. You have to let him go.
Your gaze still stuck on the two, not noticing the sudden appearance of another spirit.
This time, it made you feel chills.
"Keeho," you said in a whisper. You didn't bother to look in his direction.
"Oh, I'm glad you recognize me," he said, a mischievous smile growing on his lips.
"Ryujin would have loved to see this, after all, this was her plan." You curled your fist into a ball, tight enough until your nails dug into your skin.
"Why?" You managed to let out. You didn't want this to affect you but it does. After everything you did, it all didn't matter in the end.
"I don't know, ask ryujin. I'm just here to relay a message."
Keeho pushed himself off the wall that he was leaning on and came over to you.
"Don't try to bring back something that was meant to be taken away, it'll come back to bite you in the ass," he whispered against your ear, sending chills down your spine.
Then he left, disappearing into the mist again.
Even though you just came back, you were already itching to leave. Packing your bag and locking the apartment. Giving the keys to the landlord.
Mina notices you in a hurry to leave, running after you to catch you.
"Y/n! Where are you going?" She grabs your wrist making you stop. You didn't turn around, you stayed rooted to the ground. Swallowing the thick lump in your throat before speaking.
"I'm sorry Mina," you pulled your wrist away from her and left. You felt guilty, she was your only friend and she felt betrayed. You left without an explanation.
=
"Y/n? You're here, did something happen?" Wooyoung read your expression.
You shook your head, clearing your thoughts as you replaced the sad look with a small smile.
"I'm great, I just didn't like the whole vibe there," you lied.
You removed the ruby crystal around your neck giving it to wooyoung, muttering a thanks. Alongside you removed the pendant that was tucked under your shirt. Wooyoung was shocked as you never took it off and you swore you never would.
You tucked the necklace into your pocket, taking a mental note to put it away when you get home.
Although you didn't accomplish your original mission, you did realize that it's always good to let go of something. Never let anything or anyone tie you down. You are still heartbroken, but you are sure you could get over it soon.
Of course, the siblings that stared at you through the window, mischievous smiles on their faces, will not let you live just yet.
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wifeboys · 3 years
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Third Time’s the Charm // Wilmon
Summary: Wilhelm kisses Simon three times before he gets the hint.
Word Count: ~2600
A/N: A little in-universe fic to tie us over. Based on prompts from this prompt list *shamelessly plugs my prompts blog @deity-prompts *. Also I haven’t written fanfiction is a while so I’m a little rusty.
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gif credits: @princewilhelm
Wilhelm kisses Simon three times before he gets the hint.
The first time is at Rosh's soccer final. The pair (and Ayub) had gone to every single game of the season, rain, or shine. They stood at the side lines. The night air gripped them through their puffy coats. Flood lights illuminate their breaths. Wilhelm and Simon pressed shoulders to 'help keep them warm'.
The game is intense. The ball is sent over and back again and again. Fouls are left and right. Fights even break out. The crowd hold their breath, each moment electric. Simon is so focused on the game that he forgets where he is. He forgets who he's with and who he is. All he can concentrate on is Rosh.
The whistle blows, once, twice, three times. Rosh punches the air with a victorious scream. The crowd erupts. Everyone rushes onto the pitch. They clutch each other into hugs, exchanging "congratulations!" and kisses on the cheek. Simon sprints to Rosh, grabbing her tightly. She slaps his back and yells something he can't hear. Ayub pushes him out of the way and hugs Rosh. Simon staggers back with a laugh. Wilhelm is in front of him. His eyes sparkle with happiness and Simon can't help but smile. Before he can hug him, Wilhelm places his hands on Simons cheeks and quickly kisses him. The kiss barely lasts two seconds, but time seems to freeze. Simon short-circuits.
Before he can process or kiss him back, Wilhelm is already hugging someone else and Ayub is grabbing Simon. "SHE DID IT! FUCKING YEAH!" The night moves on. Everyone goes out to celebrate, still full of energy until they part in the early hours. As Simon celebrates, he can't help but think about Wilhelm kissing him. Did he kiss him or did he imagine it? No, it definitely happened. He can't imagine the electricity pulsing through him. He can't imagine the rush and heat he felt.
But that doesn't mean Wilhelm wanted to kiss him. It was an intense game. Everyone was celebrating. It was probably just a "hey bro, we did it! let's celebrate!" kiss. Wilhelm would've kissed anyone, Simon just happened to be there.
That's what Wilhelm is acting like. He's hugging everyone he comes across. Simons not sure if that's because Wilhelm is a hugger or because he's buzzed on celebratory drinks. Either way, he's not treating Simon any different. He's still talking to him like they're regular bros who like regular sports and other regular things.
It was nothing, Simon decides.
• ❤︎ •
The second time is at Felice's birthday party. She spares no expense. The common room is decked with streamers, balloons, and stocked with alcohol. Everyone is wearing the most extravagant outfits they have. The birthday girl has braided her hair short as a boys, and wears a purple robe that reaches her heels. Simon wears a black, glittery blazer over his bare chest with waist high black trousers. The lack of shirt was probably a good idea, considering people keep bumping into him and spilling their drinks.
The music is practically deafening. You can't walk two steps without knocking shoulders with someone. Simon keeps to the back of the room, fiddling with the hem of his blazar as the party unfolds in front of him. Sara keeps him company, chatting his ear off about something he can't hear. The only thing he can focus on is a certain prince across the room.
Simon barely notices when Sara tugs at his sleeve. "Si! I'm going to find Felice. Don't just stand here for the whole night. Go talk to someone"
She disappears into the sea of drunk teenagers. There's no way Sara was telling him to go talk to Wilhelm specifically, but that's all Simon wants to do. Actually, he wants to skip the talking and pin Wilhelm against the wall.
But Simon can't do it. He's glued with his back against a wall as people make out around him. He can't mess things up with Wilhelm. He can't scare him off. He can't lose a great friend on the tiny chance he might get a boyfriend. Simon repeats this like a mantra to the beat of the music.
None of this stops him checking out Wilhelm, the crowd acting as a safety buffer. His simple yellow shirt is plain considering the occasion. He made up for it by covering his hair with glitter that has fallen onto his face and shoulders.
He watches as an already tipsy Wilhelm finishes his drink. He's surrounded by people (probably his friends). He suddenly cracks up at some joke they say. Glitter explodes into the air with the quick movement of his head. A shiny halo illuminates his face. God, he's beautiful when he laughs.
"Simon! Simon Simon Simon" Felice nearly falls on top of him. "I'm so glad you're here- and you look amazing"
"Thanks, so do you- and happy birthday" Simon has never been good at taking compliments.
"You're too kind. I'll admit, I can't get enough of my cape. Hey, you should try it on! Purple is definitely your colour"
"Oh no I couldn't-"
"Oh yes you could. Let's swap jackets. I promise I'll give it back"
Next thing Simon knows, Felice is slipping off her cloak-y thing to reveal a white blouse and black skirt. She takes Simon's jacket, even giving him a spin. "We look stunning" she says as Simon wraps her robe around him. It looks a bit weird on him, but it's soft and smells nice. Felice sips her drink, and frowns. "My cup is empty. Can I get you a drink?"
"Uh- sure"
Felice disappears into the crowd. Simon goes back to looking for Wilhelm, but he's nowhere to be seen. He scans the crowd carefully. Wow, there's a lot of people here. A lot of bodies. The air is thick. The music is too loud. The room is too small. Simon needs to get out.
He excuses his way towards the door, not stopping until he's breathing in the night air. He leans next to the door, careful to keep Felice's robe clean. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Simon can only handle parties for a short while before he needs a break.
He stares up at the sky. Deep breath in, deep breath out. The stars are like glitter. The moon shines brightly at him. Deep breath in. He can't find Wilhelm, but at least he can spot the Man In The Moon. Deep breath out.
He's grounded again. He knows he should go home soon, but he figures a bit longer inside wont hurt. He gets up to go inside and find Felice when the door swings open. A yellow shirt stumbles into the night, glitter sparkling in the moonlight.
Simon finally found Wilhelm- or, rather, Wilhelm found him.
Wilhelm finds his footing, looking around. He finally spots Simon by the door.
"There you are!" He exclaims. There I am?
If Simon moves fast enough, he can slip back inside before Wilhelm even notices him. He can grab Sara and pretend he never came to the party. Before he can put his plan into effect, Wilhelm is cupping his face again.
Wilhelm kisses him. Simon is quicker to react this time. He kisses back, his plan to escape already forgotten. Wilhelm pulls back for a moment to tilt his head to the side. Simon holds the back of his neck, running his fingers through his hair. Glitter falls around them.
Wilhelm's hands slip behind Simon's robe, pulling him closer. Simon shivers as his hands run up and down his back. He drowns in bliss, finally getting to kiss Wilhelm the way he always wanted to.
When Wilhelm finally pulls back, his eyes stay closed. "Oh" he sighs softly. "Oh . . . I'm about to throw up. Excuse me"
Without even looking at Simon, Wilhelm turns and staggers around the corner. Simon hears retching. His escape plan kicks in. He practically runs back into the party, nearly knocking people over as he finds Felice.
He finds her giggling with Sara, who's cheeks are blushes deep red. They swap their clothes back, re-completing Felice's outfit. She truly looks stunning, tonight more than ever. Up close, her hair is woven more intricately than he realised. It's as short as his but looks ten times better.
Oh God- with the short hair and purple cloak, he probably looks just like Felice. Especially to someone who's drunk. Wilhelm didn't mean to kiss him. He meant to kiss Felice. Now Simon feels like he's going to throw up.
• ❤︎ •
The third time is after Parents Day. Simon spent the days leading up to it avoiding Wilhelm. He probably doesn't remember the kiss at all but Simon wont chance it. He won't give Wilhelm the opportunity to reject him. This doesn’t stop him from looking at him for a little too long from across the room. This doesn’t stop Wilhelm looking back.
His ingenious “if I ignore him he can’t reject me” plan fails, however, when Wilhelm sits with his family as they eat. Simon can't take his eyes off him as he chats with Simon and Felice's family. Wilhelm combs his fingers through his hair, licks his lips, laughs along to jokes. Simon soaks up every minute of it.
Dinner plates empty. Belts are loosened. Waiters come around to collect dishes and Simon starts to panic. Wilhelm has been glancing at him again and again throughout the dinner. He's definitely going to corner Simon and let him down. Tell him to forget all about the kiss (if he even remembers it). Simon pulls out his phone.
Simon I need you to pick me up
Ayub Thought you were at the parents dinner Cant ur mom take u home?
Simon I'll explain later If you pick me up right now I'll be forever grateful
Ayub I'll be outside in ten You owe me one
Simon I love you more than life itself
Simon rests his phone on the table, slightly less panicked. As soon as people start getting to their feet, he bolts. Out the door. Our of the school. He only slows when his feet crunches on the front road's gravel.
Ayub arrives right on time. Simon jumps on his bike before he can ask what's going on. It isn't until the next day that Simon comes to a shocking realisation: he left his phone at Hillerska.
• ❤︎ •
"Didn't think I'd be back here so soon" Ayub says as he drops Simon off.
"I'll be in and out, I promise. Everyone's gone home so I'll be able to find it and grab it"
"Here, call yourself on my phone. You can follow the ringing"
"Where would I be without you"
Ayub tosses his phone and gestures for Simon to go. He pushes open the doors. Hillerska feels haunted without students bustling through the halls. It's like a museum. Simon opens Ayub's phone and calls himself.
It's probably in the dining room where they ate. He walks towards it, listening intently for his ringtone. What he doesn't expect is for someone to pick up.
“Hello?”
Simon stares at the phone for a moment before pressing it to his ear. ". . . Hello?"
“Simon? That you?”
“Wille!" Perfect. The one person he was trying to not talk to. "Sorry, I didn’t recognise your voice”
"Don't worry about it, I don't think you were expecting me to answer"
"Yeah, uh, you have my phone. That's why I was calling it. I must've left it here yesterday"
"Where are you? I can drop it off"
"I'm already at Hillerska so I can just grab it. Want me to come to you?"
"Just start walking, we'll find each other"
Simon decides to go in the general direction of Wilhelm's dorms. It really does feel like a museum. Each alcove is like a display he can't touch. His footsteps echo.
“So . . . what’re you doing with my phone?” Simon asks.
“I actually didn’t know it was yours. It was left on one of the tables, so I took it in case the owner came looking for it”
“And here I am”
“And here you are”
Simon can't help but smile. He's sure he can hear Wilhelm smiling too.
Wilhelm takes a deep breath. “I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you”
“Talk to me?”
“Yeah. Um . . . it's about Felice's party"
Simon stops. Here it is. Everything has backfired and now the one thing he didn't want to talk about has come up.
"Simon? You there?"
"Yes! Uh yes I am." He rubs a hand across his face. Play it cool. "What about her party?"
"I'm sorry that I was so drunk that night. I figured I'd need some . . . liquid courage but I guess I had too much"
"Yeah. It was a uh, a wild night" Simon feels like he's choking on his own heart. He distracts himself by looking around at the hallway. He's not even sure where in the school he is. He's more focused on not throwing up.
"Do you remember that night?"
Play it cool. "Anything specific you want me to remember?"
There's a moment of silence. Simon can hear Wilhelm's footsteps through the phone. "If you want to forget that night and move on like nothing happened, we can definitely can"
Simon doesn't want to forget. It's all he can think about.
"Do you want to forget about it?" Simon asks, swallowing.
Wilhelm's walking slows as he thinks. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable"
"I don't . . . I wasn't uncomfortable"
There's a beat. "I'm glad. That-that you weren't uncomfortable"
"I'm a little uncomfortable now" Simon laughs awkwardly. His tension eases a little when Wilhelm laughs too.
"I'm sorry. I just don't know how to talk about this" Simon kicks his feet against the floor.
"I have to say, I didn't think I'd be talking to you about this over the phone"
"I didn't think you'd want to talk about this at all. I thought you were going to avoid me forever"
"Hey, you're the one who was avoiding me"
"Yeah yeah I know" Simon smiles.
Wilhelm takes a deep breath and exhales. "I really wanted to kiss you that night. That's why I got so drunk I needed a confidence boost. It uh, it didn't help that you ignored the kiss at Rosh's game"
Simon's jaw drops in a smile. "I didn't ignore it! I just panicked. I figured it was a spur of the moment celebration"
"None of it was spur of the moment. I've wanted to kiss you for a while"
"You have?"
"You didn't notice?"
"Not at all. If I did, I probably would've kissed you"
Simon hears him stop and smile. “Simon, you are the smartest idiot I ever met”
He hangs up. He hangs up? Simon looks at the phone as if it holds the answer. His brow furrow as a hand grabs his shoulder from behind. He turns, that there he is.
"Hi" they say in unison.
Wilhelm's hands are on Simon's shoulders. He holds his gaze with a smile. Simon completely forgets how to breathe. All he can think about his Wilhelm being so close to him and his lips being right there because really they're right there-
"Can I kiss you again?" Wilhelm asks. Simon nods.
Wilhelm kisses him for the third time. It's hesitant- like he's testing the waters to see if Simon is willing to swim. Before he can pull away, Simon yanks him back in. His hands thread through Wilhelm's hair as Wilhelm wraps his arms around his waist. They pull each other impossibly close. It's their third-first-kiss and it is perfect.
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beforeoursunsets · 3 years
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Uhm,,👉🏽👈🏽 could I request a lil smth for draco who maybe has a crush(?) on a hufflepuff who's rowdy but acts like a sweetheart once you're close enough to them? Very much someone who play fights but will also hold hands an kiss their friends, if u don't wanna it's okay! sorry if this is a bit much <:0
Owl Me. {Draco Malfoy x Hufflepuff!Reader} 
(if you wanted this in the reader’s pov i sincerely apologize)
Warnings: fluff, maybe one curse word, jealous!draco
a/n: this is legit my first request ever, and I had so much fun writing it. however, I’m not really sure if I like the final product so please leave some feedback if you can.... anyways,, enjoy!!
She is holding my hand.
She is holding my hand.
SHE is HOLDING MY HAND.
Don’t screw this up, you bloody idiot.
“Malfoy, you need to hurry! We’re going to miss the announcement!” Y/N dragged me along, leading the way down to the Great Hall. 
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, L/N, I’m sure McGonagall is still fixing her hair--” Letting go of my hand, she whacked my shoulder, “--ow!”
“Can it.” She narrowed her eyes. However, her glare softened up quickly as her amused laugh filled the corridor. I stopped dead in my tracks, crossing my arms, nevertheless she began yanking at me once again.
“Okay, I’m sorry!” Y/N surrendered, “But seriously? Move faster.”
Deciding to oblige with the incessant Hufflepuff, we ran down the last of the corridor, making it to the Great Hall just in time. Enveloped by the awkward silence, we parted ways, sitting at our respective tables as Professor McGonagall began her speech.
“Sneaking off with the ‘puff?” Whispered Blaise.
I immediately scoffed, rubbing my shoulder, “I wouldn’t call her that…”
“--The Yule Ball is first and foremost, a dance. I expect nothing less than standard behavior, and I will be most seriously displeased if any Hogwarts student embarrasses the school in any way…” McGonagall continued.
From across the room I could already see Cedric Diggory staring at Y/N, who kept her eyes trained on the professor, completely oblivious. I wanted to get up, say something, be jealous, do the dramatics. But something stopped me.
Diggory was clearly the better match. The rest of the happy-go-lucky Hufflepuffs would surely encourage them to go together, and I’m sure it would be best if I chose a girl of my own house to escort. But the simple truth was: I didn’t want to.
Yes, it would be easier. And yes, it would involve far less courage. After all, I am no Gryffindor, right?
Catching my stare, Y/N sent a dazzling smile in my direction before turning away.
Merlin help me.
---Five Days Until Christmas---
“I don’t understand why we can’t just go together, Draco, it’s not like either of us have dates yet.” Said Pansy as my friends and I walked out into the Courtyard.
“It’s because he’s too busy pining over L/N, can you imagine?”
“Piss off, Nott.” 
Pansy rolled her eyes, “Well good luck with that, because it looks like Diggory is stealing your date”
Our heads snapped over to the columns, where the two had been talking back and forth. Irritation flew over me, my dislike for the supposed ‘Quidditch Star’ intensifying. To make things worse, their conversation ended with Y/N planting a kiss right on his cheek before walking away.
“Ooooh,”
“Yikes.”
“Better luck next time...”
I was no longer in the mood for my friends’ sympathetic jests, so I left, trying my hardest not to hex Diggory on the way back to the common room. He’s probably picking out ties right now, planning out all the ways he can win Y/N over.
The mere thought of them dating filled me with such envy, to the point where it felt embarrassing. I, Draco Malfoy, a bloody Slytherin of all houses, am giving up my crush without even trying? What a painful thought.
Y/N has been on the forefront of my mind since the fifth year, when she suddenly approached me after a Quidditch game. To my utter surprise, she complimented my abilities as seeker, despite her house losing badly just minutes prior.
“Draco?” The slapping footsteps behind me caught my attention, “Are you alright?”
Unclenching my fists, I turned around, only to see Y/N completely out of breath. “You just stormed out of the Courtyard, did something happen?” She asked, stepping closer.
I avoided her question, crossing my arms. “You and Diggory, huh?”
Her face dropped, suddenly confused by the passiveness, “Diggory?”
“Yes, him.”
Y/N’s face flashed with first embarrassment, then realization, “You saw that, didn’t you.” She tried going in for a hug, but I quickly stepped back. “What the hell?” She asked. Sensing the silence, she began to explain, “Draco, I turned him down.” 
“You did what?” I asked, basking in the slight mental relief.
“I said, I turned him down. Cedric and I are just friends. I really don’t understand why you’re so upset by this.” She said genuinely, tugging at the sleeves of her robe.
But she kissed him on the cheek, is that a Hufflepuff thing? I seriously cannot wrap my head around this girl, “It didn’t look like you were turning him down.” I responded, relaxing my stance. “You know, I’m sure this won’t be the first time someone asks you to the dance.”
“Really?” She asked, suddenly sheepish.
Right then and there, I wanted to tell her everything, and just face my fears. It took every last bit of courage within me to blurt out these words. Even if she does reject me, at least I can sleep at night knowing I gave my full honesty.
“You know, Y/N, around you, people feel safe, that's just how you affect us all. I'm sure there are a lot of people who have a crush on you. I'm one of them. I realize this could all have been platonic, like it was with Diggory, so I won’t blame you if this is all unrequited.  But by any chance, if you feel the same way, if any of this resonates with you. Send me an owl.”
By the end of my speech, my hands were stuffed into my pockets out of nervousness. Without another word, I pulled them out, despite their shakiness, and gently placed them beneath her ears. After pressing a singular kiss to her forehead, I walked away, unable to face any immediate rejection.
The next morning, the Slytherin table was harassed by incoming letters. Nearly ten of them, all addressed and written with the same scraggly handwriting, were dropped directly in front of me. And yet again, from across the room, the most breathtaking sent my heart into shock.
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nexyra · 3 years
Text
RWBY's Love Language - Part 2
Hello friend ! I'm back at it with a second part and whatever character I can think of ! (Among which best boy Oscar because he deserves it, and also more adults)
Let's go !
***
Oscar Pine
So ! While I love Oscar with my whole heart, honestly guessing his Love Language is no easy feat. One thing for sure : touch isn't is thing even if it's how everyone else chose to communicate their love.
I saw a post a while back detailing how Oscar is always putting his hands up as a barrier when he's scared or uncomfortable and that makes me cry a little instead but it's true TT. Anyway...
In the latest volumes we've got quite a bit of comforting Oscar-talks but I have to wonder how much of that is due to Ozpin's influence really. As a result I've decided to settle on... Acts of Service or Quality Time ! This is based on a few details : when people are upset with him in one shape or form, Oscar was always very eager to prove himself useful, give some aspect of concrete help (such as cooking a Casserole, ringing any bell ?). Plus I imagine that's the exact brand of help his Aunt would have needed most on a farm. Added to that, he always seems fairly happy to be included, be with the others no matter what's going on. Training ? Yay ! A movie with Jaune & Weiss ? Smiling puppy look. Fancy party ? Shenanigans together ! So yea, I love seeing my boy loved and hugged but please everyone settle for the loving he's most comfortable with <3
“She made a choice! A choice to put others before herself! So do I.”
“Oh, uh, yeah. I thought you guys would appreciate a hot meal after... spending all day looking for me, apparently.”
“No, it's okay. These past few days, I've been scared of the same things you were. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be... me. But I did some thinking, and I do know that I want to do everything I can to help with whatever time I have left.”
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Ozpin
For our favorite immortal wizard aka not quite dead Headmaster... I think the answer is rather obvious. When you're so careful with your words, but also so fiercely devoted to humanity, Words of Affirmation is a must. Ozpin constantly does his best to calm, to reassure. He's good at controlling the conversation and getting people where he wants... Except he more often than not use it to make them think and help them reach an healing ore motivating conclusion. This man is so insisten on giving and cultivating hope, so painfully aware of just how much words can change... There's no doubt in my mind that it's through these very same words that he tries to fight the darkness in others' mind, even when they don't want to let themselves be persuaded. And with some help from the farmboi, Ozpin is gaining in honesty and earnestness. And that can only help in giving comfort.
But to be honest... If you offer him a hug I doubt he'd refuse, and he definitely deserves one. Also therapy. For Oscar too. Everyone in therapy 2k21.
“Ruby. I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on this planet. But at this moment I would not consider your appointment to leader to be one of them. Do you?”
“It's not every day that friends are able to come together like this. Time has a way of testing our bonds, but it's nights like these that can help keep them stronger than ever. Nights like these are ones we'll never forget.”
“Don't worry, Mr. Arc. Your journey is far from over, and the same might be said for all of you. Unlocking your Semblance isn't the end. It can still grow and evolve. Providing you are willing to put in the work, who knows what could happen?”
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Emerald Sustrai
Now here I'm gonna go ahead and say that the way Emerald has been taught to express her love and the way SHE would rather preffered to be loved most likely do not align. At the side of someone like Cinder, and even Mercury who isn't exactly the most emotionally vulnerable person; the only brand of love that gets an easy pass is Acts of Service, and that's probably what Emerald is the most used to. I can go on a mission with you. I can help. We go right back to the "I can be useful" mentality and I'm not sure she's been shown any other way honestly. Let's be real though : if someone offered a hug or some gentle words ? She'd probably pout & fuss but I hardly doubt she'd object.
“I don't care about Salem! But I owe Cinder everything. You want to fight her that bad? Be my guest.”
“I just... Cinder was the only family I ever had. She cared about me, taught me things... But without her here, I don't know if what we're doing--”
“I've been working on my Semblance. I can help. I won't tell anybody.”
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Pyrrha Nikos
What's with everyone and dedicating their whole love toward just helping their teammates anyway they can ?! Stop ! But any way, you guessed it. I'm pretty sure one of Pyrrha's top way of showing love is Acts of Service, and nothing means quite as much to her as Quality Time. For someone who's been put on a pedestal and has a hard time relating to people; both touch and words can be a bit awkward. But if they're wrapped up neatly in a training session or semblance explanations ? Well that's already a more familiar area. Pyrrha gives her whole to her friends and those she cares about. And in exchange, if anyone can simply... be there and spend time with her... May it be at the ball or simply sitting in the courtyard... I'm sure our girl would be delighted.
“Jaune, you know if you ever need help, you can just ask.”
“I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise; but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place. But thanks to you, I've made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
“I'll do it. If you believe this will help humanity, then I will become your Fall Maiden.”
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Qrow Branwen
If I say Gift Giving for the corvid, is someone gonna hit me ? Come on it's fun ! Okay, more seriously... I think this kind of love conversation is kind of a necessity for Qrow. With a semblance such as Bad Luck, making everything complicated... Qrow tries to keep his distance from those he cares about. And since he's an emotionally repressed (but caring) asshole on top of it... Well that kinda narrows down his option. You know what DOESN'T put anyone at risk but can still bring smiles on their face ? GIFTS. Shiny things, souvenirs from his missions all over the world to give to 2 smol nieces. Sounds safe right ? That said, as any good emotionally unavailable character in this show, I gotta say Qrow probably has a thing for helping out and making himself useful in relation to Oz, Tai or the rest of the inner circle. So you know what that means *whisper* Acts of Service.
That said ! When it comes to receiving some love back... Qrow probably likes everything he doesn't allow himself to have. Soft touches, loving & comforting words, spending time with a friend without his semblance making everything complicated... We know that's all he wants.
“You idiot. I know you didn't do this.”
“Look, pal, I'm not sure who you are, but you need to leave my niece alone.”
“No one wanted me... I was cursed... I gave my life to you because you gave me a place in this world... I thought I was finally doing some good...”
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Clover Ebi
And among our newbies (and gone too soon) friends we have Clover ! Clover was a very good contrast to our dusty old crow but also a great help. Kind-hearted, perceptive and honest; he knew just how to put Qrow's self-loathing in his place and push him to give himself some credit. He always had a nice word or a joke for everyone, and visibly the rock of the Ace Ops : an expert a keeping the moral up and the mood companiable. Evidently, Words of Affirmation was his expertise. Had things gone differently, I'm sure we'd have had time for many more earnest and helpful conversations with this teal-eyed fisherman.
“It's a good thing they had someone to look up to and get them through it. Not everyone is so lucky.”
“I meant deflect a compliment. Those kids wouldn't be where they are without you. You've had more of an effect on them than you realize.”
“We don't have to fight, friend.”
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Winter Schnee
And today in the "emotionally unavailable" category we have... Winter Schnee ! TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS PEOPLE ! Just - I would say look at Ruby but even she doesn't talk about her bad vibes... Nor does any of the "Words of Affirmation" peeps. Honestly what's wrong with y'all people ? Anyway Winter cares so much. Is it hidden behind professionalism and a stern *big sister* demeanour ? Sure. But it doesn't negate just how much she loves her closed ones. She's fiercely loyal, and even if she doesn't let her personal feelings get in the way of her duty and doing what needs to be done, no one is allowed to say she doesn't care. Countrary to Weiss, Winter doesn't seem as good nor as aware of the love that exists in simply *being* with people. Rather, she's dutiful and ready to help any way she can when given the chance. You guessed it, yet another Acts of Service kind of love... Maybe I'm doing this wrong XD. I'm on the fence about Words of Affirmation as well. Despite her standoffish looks, Winter has always been very open & reassuring during her discussions with Penny. But she's more stern when it comes to Weiss so I dunno x)
“I don't recall asking about your ranking, I'm asking how you've been. Are you eating properly? Have you taken up any hobbies? Are you making new friends?”
“You've grown up a bit, haven't you? You're not the little girl clinging to the family name anymore.”
“You can't just buy trust like everything else! You have to earn it!”
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And that's it for Part 2 ! I might do some other characters if people suggest some but I don't have a pressing need to right now. I have many ideas of songs to apply to various characters however so that's prob what my next posts will consist of (or fun templates)
If anyone has tips to create RWBY gifs or links to download the eps in good quality I'll take it ! Good day everyone !
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