#it's been three days since that encounter and i'm still reeling from it

[vwritesaus]

you know you've made it in life when a fashion student compliments your appearance ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

#admin post #v speaks #it's been three days since that encounter and i'm still reeling from it #they complimented my hair :') #i was at work and they're obviously one of the fashion students there #SOOO fabulously dressed holy shit they were outfit goals right there #and as they were leaving the library they were like 'omg i love your haaaiirrrr - how'd you dye it??' #and when i told them they smiled so big and said 'it suits you SO much. i really love it the mint green is such a look' #(context: the underside of my fringe was dyed purple but it's faded out to a green now lol :'D) #i was screaming inside like oh my god what a compliment #went home with my heart soaring

[oftenlyshitposting]

wolfwren week day 1 | devouring heavenly bodies -biting + blood

shin has been finding excuses to let sabine feed from her, sabine noticed lately. ever since the blue moon thing happened about a whole three lunar cycle ago, the werewolf had grown somewhat drawn over her. sure, shin is still pretty irritating sometimes whenever they exchange banters, but the werewolf is lacking her usual snarl in her jabs as of late.

sabine felt shin has grown a lot more teasing.

which, of course, is still vexing in sabine's perspective, because shin is undoubtedly relentless with her teasings and remarks. sabine suspects it's because shin reels in from sabine's reactions.

shin had been teaching her how to master her vampiric powers, aside from continuously teasing her every few hours. there are some aspects of their supernatural powers which overlaps with each other's that shin could teach her to hone into.

recently, sabine learned that her claws can be elongated further than just knuckle-length, and are much stronger than she assumed. she also learned how to utilise the venom from her undead blood to hunt games quickly and efficiently. shin is still disapproving of her preference for animal blood over humans, but she doesn't really press on.

shin had, however, been making sabine to feed on her blood more instead of feeding from humans.

tonight is one of those nights.

sabine crosses her arms in front of her, unamused. "shin, i'm not going to feed from you again. i've just fed from the massive vennison that you hunted the other day!"

"when was the last time you feed on human blood?" shin retorted, relentless.

"i don't know, when we passed the laketown?" sabine groaned; shin is really not making it easier for her to control the starving vampire inside her.

it also doesn't help that the ambrosia sweet taste of shin's blood began to fill her mouth, driving her mad.

"which was four weeks ago. we will not pass anymore towns or cities for the next three weeks."

"i can manage that, shin."

shin shot her a blank look, but sabine has learned enough at this point that shin is very unamused. "absolutely you will not. sabine, you burn easier when you have not fed on human blood, even when you have the thickest coat on you during the day."

sabine was about to debate shin again when the werewolf strips out of her shirt; the same tan shirt sabine had given to her when they first met so many moons ago, exposing her chest naked. the flesh wound from their first encounter had grown to a scar still barely visible on her broad shoulder.

"shin! wh-what on five hells are you doing?" sabine feels her cheeks flush, her eyes darting everywhere but shin's topless figure in front of her.

shin tilted her neck to the side to expose more of the skin, a smirk on her lips. "go on, have your meal."

sabine wants to scream and claw at shin. how can shin be this nonchalant with allowing her, a vampire, to feed on her blood again? and why does she have to remove her shirt in the first place? sabine's mind was running faster than she could sprint in her vampire form.

sabine drew a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself down. "shin, no. put your shirt back on, i don't need to feed on you." she tries to look at shin's eyes to put up an act, but the mischief behind shin's greenish eyes is making it harder for her. sabine then bargains, "if a hunter come by us, i'll feed on them."

shin steps closer towards sabine. "we have no idea when or if a hunter will pass us again."

the distance between them is only mere inches at this point, with sabine's back getting pinned at the wall of the shack they are camping in right now. shin held an arm next to sabine's neck, locking her in, as her body drew closer toward's sabine's.

shin is warm against sabine, the whiff of her scent is driving sabine's senses over the edge. her eyes began to flicker back and forth from her usual bright browns to her vampiric ruby reds, her fangs itching to plant themselves under shin's ivory skin.

sabine's breaths began to labour, weakly pressing a hand on shin's bare chest as she whines, "shin..."

"sabine," shin husked, grabbing sabine's chin to tilt her face up to meet her eyes, padding her thumb over the vampire's bottom lip, "feed on me."

sabine's eyes were lidded, no longer flickering from browns as they glow ruby red, clouded with a concoction of hunger and lust. her tongue slicked her lips as they parted open to reveal her fangs, and she could note from her periphery, shin's teeth are already sinking into her bottom lip in anticipation.

shin tilts her head to allow more access for sabine to her neck as sabine grabbed the werewolf's shoulder, kissing the ivory skin of shin's neck before she sunk her fangs into flesh. sabine's mouth was instantly flooded with the saccharine taste of shin's blood, drinking as if shin is her last meal ever.

"sabine…" shin groans softly, the sound so deliciously enticing in sabine's ears. her hands gripped on to the vampire's hips, slotting one of her thighs between sabine's legs.

sabine squealed against shin's skin, the sound muffled and a few drops of blood leaking from her mouth as they ran down the ivory skin of shin's neck down to her collarbones and shoulders. the hunger in her mouth and the pleasure between her legs are slowly driving sabine to a euphoric high she had never felt before.

shin's thigh against her center was steady and strong, and sabine's hips had already moved in stutters against the werewolf's thigh. the overflowing ecstasy from feeding on shin's blood and the burning pleasure between sabine's legs are enough to make her pull away from the bite to exhale a strained moan as she threw her head back.

sabine's mouth was instantly captured in a starved and delicious kiss, as shin's tongue searches for the taste of her own blood in sabine's mouth. a choked moan escaped the vampire's throat, slipping right past her mouth into shin's tongue. the werewolf's fangs had pricked sabine's lower lip, drawing her own blood into the kiss.

shin had her hands all over sabine's body at this point, grabbing hold to wherever she could graze her claws at on sabine's skin. there's a low growl in her chest when sabine's fingers raked her nape, blood beginning to dry all over them and the bite mark rapidly healing.

"shin," sabine whines, breath laboured as her rubies met with shin's lust-filled vermilions.

shin flashes her wolfish smirk as she carries sabine by her hips, making her way to the makeshift bed in the shack. "my turn to feed."

#sabine wren #vampire sabine wren #shin hati #werewolf shin hati #wolfwren #ahsoka series #ahsoka #star wars #oftenlywrites #wolfwren supernatural au #wolfwrenweek #wolfwrenweek2023 #i rushed the fuck out of this HREGJFGDHKSGH #help when can offie ever plan shit out

[dollarbin]

Dollar Bin #20:

Dump's International Airport

My famous brother's always been a big deal.

I remember his first peewee soccer game. Both teams just ran after him in a pack while he scored goal after goal. "Dear Lord Baby Jesus," I asked, "why is my little brother already a bigger deal than me?"

Nothing's happened ever since to disabuse me of my inherent secondary status. Just check him out today. He's in a killer band and I can't sing Happy Birthday on key; he blogs about Pharaoh Sanders and Sonic Youth for the mad rushing crowd while I blog about him for you twelve people; he's interviewed 2/3 of Crazy Horse, Richard Thompson and Robyn Hitchcock (twice!) and my cat won't even listen to me; he has a glorious head of hipster hair on top of his six foot frame; my bald spot swells and shines far beneath his stately chin.

Even so, there are a few things we have in common, and at the top of that list is the firm conviction that James McNew is a very big deal. A good drinking game would be chugging every time my brother and I mention his name while together. You'd get plastered.

Odds are we'll ruminate on McNew's status as the best musician in Yo La Tengo (even though we revere Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley), next we'll wish he'd make a new solo record, then I'd insist we talk about our close encounters with James (my brother occasionally shares a byline with McNew on Aquarium Drunkard or elsewhere, usually when they're both talking about the Dead, and when he interviews McNew they sound like old friends; I like to wave and shout James's name from the pit, hoping he'll remember the time I helped him move his amps after sneaking into YLT's soundcheck in '95 at the Alligator Lounge; James always politely nods then resumes his job of shredding everyone's soul to pieces with his furious musical chops; humble guy, James).

For the uninitiated: McNew emerged from a parking lot ticket hut in the early 90's and began recording solo music sporadically under the name Dump; he put out three classic full records in the 90's, and since then has issued a collection of Prince covers and a few other sporadic releases, the most recent of which was only released on tape in Spain. That's right, I'm writing about a guy who issues his music only to Spaniards who still have tape decks; I guess we'd better add "obtusely" in front of "humble" when describing McNew.

Meanwhile, he's spent the past 30+ years as the cornerstone of the world's greatest, still-operational, rock band, Yo La Tengo.

If you need any proof that they are the gnarliest group of rock nerds this side of Sterling, Mo, Lou and what's his name, or doubt that James is their pillar of obtusely humble virtuosity, check this out (and please note I was standing next to the dude with the camcorder when this insanity went down; I'm still reeling from the experience, and I still have the setlist):

Please note, I think my expert moving of McNew's amps earlier that same day was a prime contributor to this all out sonic assault on everything Stephen Stills stands for on the band's part. Ira Kaplan appears to be wrestling a giant man-eating octopus while Georgia and James slay the beat.

On his own McNew can be fragile and tender, sounding like a shivering adolescent rather then a human behemoth (when seen from pit and James looks like he's 6'6 / 325; some of this is because Ira, and especially Geogia, are fairly miniature humans, but most of his heft comes from his God-like approach to every instrument you can imagine; he also happens to be a big dude).

Listen to him warble on Into Fall from '94; yes his guitar has a touch of wobbling hippo, but everything here is precious, and McNew shows us he's a later-day Brian Wilson. All that's missing is Wilson's budget, torment and sister-in-law lust:

But McNew can also produce music that's straight up violent, write rock anthems and lay down shambolic funk. In other words, he's a one man Yo La Tengo, masterful in every possible mood.

International Airport, a vinyl-only EP from 95, puts every one of these qualities concisely forward. We open with Words, a droning prayer that sounds like Lou Reed slipped out of a dull stint in rehab so as to sit in on the demo sessions for The Cure's Faith. A song like this should not be interesting. But it's awesome, and when the guitar shoulders in late we tremble and get excited about what lies ahead.

Side two features everything from an a cappella Kinks song sung out the window that comes complete with polite city applause, to a brutal, call the cops on your psychotic neighbor, track Laurdine.

But it's the 12 minute title track, which fills most of the A Side, that raises International Airport, which I bought upon it's release for probably $6, up to Dollar Bin hall of fame status. All hail this sprawling ode.

McNew opens the track with a Casio riff, taking his time. Bass and drums rise only gradually until, around the two minute mark, we suddenly realize we are taking off, the international terminal long gone as a second riff expands and swerves about the first, like joint eagles protecting their nest. It's lovely flying, and we have to remind ourselves that McNew is responsible for everything here. Had McNew taken this song to YLT, I don't know what more his band mate Hubley could have done on the drum track, and I have a hard time remembering that it's McNew, not Kaplan, who's wrestling the octopus this time around. Seven minutes into it we expect things to fade out majestically but McNew instead steers his increasingly interstellar song through a cosmic, psychedelic carwash, the keyboards, then guitars, sounding like angry droids with laser cannons.

Wow.

When McNew's vocals enter at the 11th hour/minute to serenade us and wave good-bye we wish he'd take us with him wherever he's going. But sadly, we're not invited. Rather, James is probably hanging out with my famous brother as we speak: two humble and deeply masterful dudes.

#Youtube #james mcnew #stephen stills still sucks #gloom and doom from the tomb #yo la tengo #aquarium drunkard #prairiewolf

[purplesurveys]

1783

How long has it been since you moved out of the house you grew up in?    I haven't moved out.

What color shirt are you wearing?    It's light purple.

The last time you ate leftovers, what was it that you were eating?    I think it's been a while since I have a terrible habit of keeping leftovers and then never coming back for them ever again... BUT OH I think it was a double cheeseburger from McDonald's? sometime earlier this week. I still have a handful of other paper bags in the fridge that I need to get to soon.

What was the last flavor of ice cream you ate?   I had Aice's coffee popsicle when we went to Tanay over the weekend which I was super stoked about since it's my favoriteeeeeeeeeee and I haven't had the chance to have it since 2021 ehehehe. I must have finished it in 5 minutes and chewed my way through the ice cream for the most part lol.

Do you regret anything you've done in the last 24 hours, and if so, what?    Not charging my laptop last night because I had to painstakingly migrate from one outlet to another today, given that I was out all day for work.

What is your favorite type of soup? 🍜    Miso soup, mushroom soup, and this last one is more stew than soup but I love kimchi jjigae.

When was the last time you saw a beautiful sunset? 🌅    It's honestly been ages. I haven't had the time to pause and simply watch a sunset happen and silently soak in those few minutes in a while. The last time may have been all the way back in June when my friends and I had dinner on a tiny cruise boat in Bangkok.

What is your favorite song at the moment?    Cult of Personality by Living Colour for reasons that anyone who even slightly follows wrestling would know, haha.

What is your favorite board that you've made on Pinterest?    I'm not that deep into Pinterest to have boards. I only ever use it for quick searches when I need certain pegs for work Powerpoints.

Do you get on Facebook or Instagram more?    I'm on the Reels tab on Instagram more frequently than I would like to admit, lol. I'm connected to more people on Facebook but it's also still more boring, so when I'm on there I typically just look at the first 10, 15 posts on my feed to see what people are talking about then already close the app.

What color is your favorite sweater?    I don't have a favorite sweater.

What are three things people would never guess about you just by looking at the photos you post on social media?    I don't talk to my brother; I don't know how to ride a bicycle; I was deep into the British YouTuber invasion of the early-mid 2010s.

What is one thing you have too much of?    Right now that would be boxes of my fave coconut-scented reed diffuser but that's only because that's what I got my workmates this Christmas and I have yet to wrap them and give them out, haha.

What was the last thing you ate or drank that was blue raspberry-flavored? It must've been months or years now; raspberry is definitely not something I encounter a lot.

What are three of your favorite scents?    Vanilla, anything that's being baked, and apparently coconut.

What was the last flavor of tea you drank? ☕️    Lemon.

When was the last time you wore your hair in a fishtail braid?    Almost exactly a year ago.

What is one annoying thing your computer does?    I'm so attached to this laptop and it's my baby that I don't even have the heart to say anything bad about it lol. It's extremely slow and the 10 hour battery life has turned into 1 hour in the last six years and it barely has any storage left and has stopped becoming eligible for updates, but IT'S MY BABY DAMMIT.

What type of fruit do you eat the most?    I avoid fruits.

How often do you go out to eat?    Once or twice a month, I would say.

What would your dream wedding dress look like? 👰‍♀️    I'm too lazy to describe anything in detail as it is 10:30 PM and I'm too tired from work lololol but I would love anything that'd channel Audrey Hepburn. Something that'd be able to accentuate the waist with verrrrrrry subtle sleeves and a quiet yet elegant train that doesn't try to steal attention.

Which fall flavor do you prefer: pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon?    Pumpkin spice. Got to try the Starbucks drink when they were randomly giving out pumpkin spice free samples and I came out of that store a changed and converted woman.

What is the most annoying thing about your life right now?    All other PR/ad agencies are going on shutdown by the end of this week and my fuckin workplace isn't starting ours until next Friday.

Which holiday treat do you like better: candy corn or conversation hearts? Candy corn I guess, but I'm not a big candy person to begin with so eh.

What is your favorite apple-flavored treat?    Chewy candies, like Mentos.

What are you counting down the days to right now, if anything?    Our office shutdown. I'm so excited for it that I've started to stop exerting 100% effort at work lol.

What was the last book you read about?    It's an autobiography.

Have you been daydreaming a lot lately about a scenario you wish would happen?  I've been dreaming about it a lot, frustratingly enough.

What are three of your favorite things about camping? ⛺️    I've never gone camping before.

If you could choose what month to be born in, what month would you have chosen as your birth month, and why?    My birth month has never really been an issue to me and I wouldn't change it even if I could.

...and what is your actual birth month?    April.

What are three of your favorite things to do on a rainy day? 🌧️    If I had it my way I'd turn on the aircon, make my room as dark as possible, and take a long nap.

Would you rather eat strawberries 🍓 or watermelon 🍉?    Neither.

Do you prefer smoothies or milkshakes? 🍹    Milkshakes.

Do you prefer hamburgers �� or hot dogs 🌭?    Burgers.

When was the last time you felt nauseous?    I had the most awful motion sickness last Monday.

What was the last thing you ate that made you feel nauseous?    The bagnet and bone marrow dish I had two weeks ago didn't necessarily make me feel nauseous but it did give me awful heartburn.

Do you enjoy going to your local county fair?    We don't have one in my city.

How far away do you live from the place where you were born?    I'd say it's a 1.5-2 hr car ride.

Do you prefer zebra print or cheetah print?  Cheetah.

[legaciestold]

@ensnchekov gets a reply to this a year late because i suck

this is insane. it's insane. it well and truly is. and the thing is, georgie myers knows insanity. she knows impossibility and dimension traveling and all the crazy shit that's in-between. but this? this is something next-level bizarre and despite the fact her mind's already cycled through this train of thought at least three times since this man has appeared before her, she's still reeling from it. demons georgie could deal with. a troll, another day at the troll market. tooth fairies? the stuff of nightmares and something she really doesn't want to encounter again. but a fictional character showing up through magic from some parallel universe? that was.. she didn't know what to call it. further, if this man literally existed in the multiverse... did that mean that all those fictional characters from the million shows, books, and movies out there, all did too? if this was a cartoon, a mushroom cloud would be forming above her head. she takes a breath, then another as her dark hues continue to wash over him, little patters of rain still following around them. the temptation to poke him still lingers. maybe she's finally broken, completely lost her mind. yet she knows she hasn't. this is as real as the cool air dancing around them.

she can see him thinking, not needing to be a telepath to have something of an idea of where his mind might be going. (though, she knows a telepath or two if their needed.) "but it can't be the same thing or inspiration for the other. you'd know if it was. because you'd know about the show and the same people like kirk and you and sulu and spock and spock's sister michael and everyone else wouldn't exist in a tv show and then again centuries later..." this is making her brain hurt. "holy crap, you know how warp drives work! i don't know if aliens exist in this universe or not but... do you realize you could literally single-handedly give us wrap power if you wanted to? but.. i suppose that'd be a violation of the prime directive, wouldn't it? even if starfleet doesn't exist in this world.. and we haven't even made it passed the moon with manned flight yet.." she trails off, her mind jumping in a million directions at once. which, considering everything she's had to deal with in the last few years, this feeling was.. a nice change in pace from where her mind usually fell into when she'd ventured out away from people.

"but vampires, magic, demons, angels, baba yaga. all that's real. i've got powers too, except i'm human. some humans have powers. don't really know why. my little brother can heal people but he's a warlock so he's got all the cool magic too." she pauses a moment, looking back toward the book and then at chekov. "uh, not super far into looking through it really. the director isn't going to be thrilled i took it out of hq but i also think i might at least not get grounded for you popping up since he's my dad. then again, i'm almost twenty and have been going on missions since i was like fifteen, i don't think he can ground me anymore." she extends her hand out, back toward her jacket and the book, making them move into the air and float toward her and into her arms.

"i'm sure the bprd can try to help you find a way home. i just-- magic can be unpredictable and sometimes.. well, if anyone's able to try to find a way to help you, be happy i found you and some random that doesn't know about this stuff didn't. people know about magic now, that secret came out when i was younger but the government still tries to keep a lot of what people know about it limited so they don't go opening doors they can't close." she reveals. then, she circles back, his previous question that she hadn't answered finally registering.

"oh yeah, to answer your question. i can show you star trek, if it doesn't weird you out too much. i was watching the latest movie last night. it kills me every time i see the enterprise crash into a million pieces on the planet but you were cool in the movie. should have gotten to help rescue sulu instead of say on the ship though..." she pauses suddenly, realization drawing upon her features about how her words might sound. it was one thing to rattle off facts about him but now she was bringing up actual full on events that would likely bring up unpleasant memories for him. oh god, what if that hadn't happened yet for him? "oh, no. please tell me the krall stuff already happened for you and i didn't just screw up your timeline further than it's already been screwed with?"

#so idr everything that happened in the movie but i kinda remember you making a post mentioning that he didn't get a reunion hug with sulu so #she's mentioning it haha #ensnchekov #v; main #muse; georgie myers #also i think we originally had this in the secret bprd verse but i'm shifting it to her main verse where people know about the bprd #because why not?

[wrestlingisfake]

Battle in the Valley preview

This show is happening in San Jose, California. So while most New Japan shows air in the middle of the night in the Americas, this one starts at 9:20pm EST.

To get English commentary, you'll need to order it on Fite for $19.99. You can watch on NJPW World, but you'll have to pay about $22.30 on top of the usual monthly subscription fee, and it'll only be Japanese commentary. I don't get why they make it so complicated, but I've given up asking those kinds of questions about this company.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi - Okada is defending the IWGP world heavyweight title, and Tana is his hand-picked challenger. It's always a special occasion when these two square off, so I'm a little surprised they gave this match away on a show that sold out weeks ago, and was already guaranteed to sell PPV buys off the other main event.

Tanahashi was The Man in NJPW until Okada defeated him in 2012, kicking off a historic rivalry. In their fifteen one-on-one encounters, Okada leads the series 7-5 with three 30-minute draws. But frankly, there's not much left to say about this series, and almost no chance Okada will lose, and this shouldn't be headlining the show.

KAIRI vs. Mercedes Mone - Kairi is defending the IWGP women's championship in Mone's first match with the promotion. Mone, formerly Sasha Banks, debuted with New Japan on January 4 to attack Kairi and challenge her for the belt. With all due respect to Okada and Tanahashi, this is the real main event.

Mone has been under the microscope ever since she walked out of WWE in May 2022. Her first appearance in NJPW was heavily scrutinized, and there's still a ton of speculation about whether she'll stick around or go back to WWE or show up in other promotions. Everyone is waiting to find out her next move, and everyone is watching closely to see if she'll succeed or fail.

Fans who were somehow preoccupied with the size of Mone's pop at the Tokyo Dome are going to be even more confused by this show, in a dinky 3000-seat arena. You'll have to make peace with the face that Mercedes doesn't need to be immersed in the WWE big-stage experience as much as some of her fans need her to be. If you can handle that, you'll have a good time.

My hunch is that Mercedes will win the title here and go on to defend it at STARDOM's big Yokohama Arena show on April 23. The only question in my mind is whether Kairi can prove she's not an afterthought in her own title defense, and make anyone believe she's got a chance to retain.

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Clark Connors - This is for Sabre's NJPW World television title, so the match will have a fifteen-minute time limit. Sabre wants to face fresh young competitors; Connors, who was a young boy just a couple of years ago, is stepping up. I'm not expecting Connors to seriously threaten Sabre's title reign. This will mostly be about seeing him put up a valiant fight before Sabre out-wrestles him.

Tom Lawlor vs. Homicide - This is billed as a "filfthy rules" match--no count-outs, no disqualifications, no rope breaks, and no ring ropes at all for that matter. It's a plain old fight between two bitter rivals who've been feuding for months. All you really need to know is that Homicide keeps trying to stab Lawlor with a fork, and this time it's perfectly legal. I'm expecting Lawlor to win, but I haven't been following the weekly STRONG shows so I wouldn't have a clue where the story is headed.

Jay White vs. Eddie Kingston - A couple of days ago, on Wrestling Observer Live of all places, these two agreed that the loser of this match must leave NJPW. White is already reeling from a huge defeat in a "loser leaves Japan" match last week, which exiled him from NJPW's home territory. If he wins, he can try to rebuild in the US by dominating the STRONG brand, but it's hard to believe that's the long-term plan here. It's also hard to believe AEW regular Eddie is going to be barred from working for AEW's top partner. So it's feeling more and more like Jay is finishing up on his way to WWE.

Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs - The West Coast Wrecking Crew (Nelson and Isaacs) are challenging for the STRONG tag team title on the line. Sabin and Shelley (the Motor City Machine Guns) are also the Impact men's tag team champions, but those belts aren't at stake here. I don't think it makes much difference who wins here, so I'll flip a coin and go with the Machine Guns.

Fred Rosser vs. KENTA - Rosser is the STRONG openweight champion, which is supposed to be the top title on this brand. But he's in the second match of the main show and his challenger got beat by Hiroshi Tanahashi last week. To make matters worse, I don't think anyone buys Rosser as being in Kenta's league. Fred needs a big win to change that perception, but I don't think he's getting it tonight.

Josh Alexander & Rocky Romero & Adrian Quest & Mascara Dorada vs. KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight & The DKC & Volador Jr. - Alexander is the Impact men's world champion. Rocky is pretty much the point man for New Japan's American business. Kushida and Knight have been working in Impact lately. The other four guys are basically undercard guys on the weekly STRONG show. I'm thinking Alexander's team should win, unless Kushida is getting a title shot soon.

David Finlay vs. Bobby Fish - This is scheduled for the pre-show. If you're an NXT or AEW fan wondering why Fish fell off the face of the earth, well, now you know where he's been. I'm more of a Finlay guy, so I've been wondering why he fell of the face of the Earth after getting a decent push over in Japan last year. I guess the winner gets to crawl back out of obscurity. That's probably good news for Finlay, not Fish.

Alex Coughlin vs. JR Kratos - Another pre-show match. Coughlin graduated from being a young boy when he defeated Kratos in December 2021. Which, um, doesn't seem to mean much considering both guys are working in the pre-show opener, but oh well. I assume Coughlin wins.

#njpw #njpw strong #battle in the valley #mercedes mone #kairi hojo #kazuchika okada #hiroshi tanahashi

[yostresswritinggirl]

Abandoned By The Altar

Part 3.1; were you really meant to be? VIBE

A timeline oriented story focused on your once perfect childhood relationship as Diluc’s bride to be, soon becoming estranged after the death of his father and his neglect. You only wish now that he looks at you the same way he did when you heard you were supposed to be together forever when you were young.

Pairings -> Diluc x Reader

Word Count -> 3510

Themes -> Reconciliation, Cyno was here, estranged relationships everywhereee

Series -> Part of Sojourner and Bonafide (event masterlist) Part 2

Warnings -> Goddamn violence

In the winery empire of the city of wine and freedom, this world is ruled by two unmatched tycoons that never fall from the top pedestal, with the mastery over wine-making and business marketing. Truly when it comes to this matter, Diluc Ragnvindr and (Y/N) (L/N) are the scariest and most charming duo to befall such economical prowess.

So when parties and gatherings are held in the Winery, noblemen and businessmen all over Teyvat scramble for a chance of invitation to level themselves to at least a humble chat with the prestigious business duo.

Yet even if they were witness, they will never be privy to the true secrets those two hold within.

"Apologies, esteemed guests. Master Diluc must excuse himself for a while," your stare shifted to the side over the rim of the glass you were cradling. His ruby eyes meeting yours after sparing the wine glass a stare, a meek nod you then reciprocate as he goes past your side with the Fatui Harbinger, the Seneschal and all other company joins him at a private room.

"But there is no cause for concern. The party shall continue under the supervision of the Mistress," you set down your drink upon hearing your name, stepping up to offer a humble yet radiant smile. You hope things work out on his end, was your thought as you finally entertained the remaining guests who recognize your prowess.

Behind your back you flicked your wrist as the Albino silently slinks away from the limelight to prepare.

The intervention was not as long as it was in terms, and yet the moment was painstakingly slow for your side. Many noblemen seeked not only your prestige as the master practitioner of economics but also the perfect wife ready for the taking. Your fingers uneasily fumble with the infinity ring on your hand, something they barely paid mind to as they continued their attempts to woo you, something you can only sigh over.

Unfortunately your 'relationship' with Diluc was still something only a few people know. There was no need to make it public yes, but it also caused a lot of unpleasant interactions that you wished you could easily avoid by telling, something you couldn't do to ensure your safety. Diluc was still a huge mystery to you despite the assurance of your encounter in the garden of cecilias.

But you thought to yourself with a sigh, a promise ring is different from an engagement ring.

A hand suddenly slides around your shoulder as you were distracted, and your head whipped to the side where the presence was with your elbow read to break a rib- "I hope I'm not intervening an important discussion," Diluc’s eyes bore straight ahead to the Fontaine businessman you were half-heartedly conversing with and your arm immediately drops to your side, "But I must discuss an urgent matter with the lady as well."

The Fontainian grumbles as he pries his head away from the hand on your head, producing his best smile in forced understanding as Diluc sweeps you away to the back. This is for a serious matter but the consistent grip on your shoulder had your mind reeling. It was only when he revealed his equipped Delusion did you have the mind to finally focus and work on your own attire.

"Guards! Take down the assassin!"

The blunt end of your polearm smacks painfully against the back of the chest plate of the guards, knocking three out as you look over to the Darknight to see him dispose the two nearest him. You then watch in awe as he summons chains from thin air, gripping them as he expertly throws it at the escaping Master Krupp, and like a lasso he was captured by the slithering cage.

Diluc's power always intrigued you since the day you were first witness of it. Not a Vision but definitely not far from it. He's also in the dark of its true meaning but even you know that he had a little bit of information from his four years of isolation, something he didn't want to tell you.

As your raise your head from staring at his Delusion, hearing their grunts of interviews, a glint to your right suddenly alerted you of another presence. "Wait-!"

"Master's planning to-"

You muffled your horrified gasp at the sight of the blood shooting out of Krupp's side, your polearm shakes in your hand before tightening your grip once again as you two turn to the assassin. Il Dotorre stands there in great poise two giant needles hovering by his sides.

He just killed his own companion, such thoughts made your face twist under the black veil that covers your identity as much as it could. And those thoughts distracted you from the one-sided conversation in front of you, "Keep up the good work and hone your unimpressive powers.

But this visionless one," an arm slinks around your waist in a blink, a masked face inches away from yours that forced you to hold your breath, "is much more remarkable than you."

Before Diluc could even reprimand him, he disappears within seconds after bidding his farewell. And your knees would have buckled if not for your fiancé catching you in the nick of time, collapsing at the tense situation that had passed.

You could have died like Krupp.

But the feeling of Diluc's arms squeezing you protectively reminds you of your existence.

Not even a day old of cecilias were swept off the stone slab in place of newly harvested ones, both batches can be mistaken to be the same with how healthy they still seem to be. This was Diluc's observation as he watches you replace the flowers on his father's grave. Crepus Ragnvindr.

Perhaps it was his own neglect and adamant refusal that made him forget about this isolated cemetery. He expected the grave keeper or at least a member of the Winery to keep it well-kept, not you who seems to have come to this place on a daily basis.

The smile he enjoys and dreads is wiped from your face as you offer a silent prayer. Eyes closed and hands together. Next to you Diluc only stands with his arms crossed as his gaze continues to linger at the engraved words.

Lisa was at the mansion earlier to investigate about the recent Fatui incident, and as the interrogation ensued by the gazebo of the Cecilia gardens, Diluc realized that you lingered in the distance to eavesdrop. In the span since your arrival and before his, did anyone else explain the accident to you? What did you hear? Did anyone actually tell you anything?

And maybe these questions were the reason that he willingly accepted your invitation to visit his father's grave just like that.

Four years without your constant touch and smiles had broken Diluc into who he is now, an empty shell of a man who once had high hopes. A helpless puppet who struggles to grasp the man he was before. And as he moves closer enough for your shoulders to touch, it was an unconscious gesture that cries for your help in the turmoil that spirals in his head.

But when you look at him with a reassuring smile— Diluc's walls fortified by four years of hatred and isolation all came crashing down with the heavy wave of his tears. The pain of that day pours out of his lips as he felt small within your arms, eyes painfully avoiding your face.

The true story of his father's death, the disaster that lead to his resignation from Ordo Favonius, his quest to find answers in all the years he had abandoned his life in Mondstadt.

There were details that you were unaware was truncated from his confessions, the only ones that mattered were those he spilled.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," words the both of you repeated for the pain you two couldn't confide to with one another ever since that day.

No, things wouldn't be fixed in one day. Hearts destroyed for years cannot be melded back today, but it is that moment that solidifies the trust between you two:

That deep within the abyss of your souls lie the desperate desire to reach out to one another like they used to before.

The petals of the Cecilias on Crepus' gravestone tilts in respect, but within it blooms a new hope you were both not witness to.

Only the elderly and close acquaintances knew of your original existence in Mondstadt, and only a few ever recognizes your prior occupation and childhood before you left for Sumeru. Even if you had only been gone for two years, changes so drastic happened in your wake.

The most painful one always lingers in the back of your mind, never failing to bring a frown to your face.

"You loved Ludi Harpastum when we were children, so what's with the long face?" Your eyes that lingered on Amber and her new friend looks up to the ones next to you, eyes also distant as it comes upon yours.

You couldn't tell him or even ask about Crepus, not now at least. But the words he spoke washed away the melancholy off your face, smile brightened at the idea that he still remembers such precious memories. He looks away immediately. "I do, but I'm not a kid anymore, the festival caters to children's participation."

Diluc hums in agreement and the talk ceases like so. He's not into small talk but the short conversation still had you feeling light and euphoric.

Soon enough Amber had come over to introduce the two of you to her demure friend Collei, shy and hesitant but still trying her best to be polite. An imagined arrow pierces through your heart at the cute child in front of you, and you couldn't help but coo and oogle at her.

So adorable with beautiful green hair, unique and paired perfectly with her wide eyes. Every compliment makes her face redder. This only makes your fangirling worse, already hugging the flustered child who's having an internal mental breakdown.

"Oh, I wish I could have a child as pretty as youuu!"

Amber looked up upon the sudden shift of his posture, absolutely baffled at the sight of Master Diluc's face as colorful as his hair as his gloved hand desperately tries to hide it. The knight felt like she had witnessed something she shouldn't, immediately snapping her head back to you and Collei with her lips trying its hardest not to break into a smile.

You were on your knees to be eye-level with Collei as you held her hand, placing on it a bag of mora as you told her to use it to enjoy the most out of the festival. Her previous embarrassment still lingers as evidence on her still flushed cheeks, yet her eyes had in it a gaze of awe.

There was hesitance when Amber finally dragged Collei away to venture through the festival more, leaving you in exaggerated tears at the departure of 'a little angel' with a still silent Diluc next to you. The sun had already set, and yet you two stood in place for a little longer.

The thought of having children passing by your minds.

If there's a recipe for a good time in Angel's Share, Kaeya knows what it is.

A cold glass of Death After Noon, raucous laughter spurred on by joyous tunes, and just the right company. It was a while since he'd last felt such comfort with company, he thought as he holds back a smile and grimace as he sips the sour grape juice in his mouth, eyes twinkling as he watches your already flushed face intensify as you down your drink.

When Kaeya had heard from multiple yet scarce accounts from the servants of the Winery on how you act drunk, he felt it was his mission and privilege to find out how such moment happens. And so one night when you two had the time to sit down at Angel's Share, what should have been a night of a single drink and grape juice after switched around to nothing but liquor.

"You've been looking at us weird the whole day, do you want to fight?" The Cavalry Captain reached for your hand to settle down your glass, but when you literally threw your drink against the wall with a loud bang, he knew he was done for when at his peripherals he saw the horrified look of your Fiancé as he was immediately alerted with the breaking of glass.

"Oh shit, she's feral," Kaeya breathed incredulously with a small, small hint of awe as he watched you pull up your sleeves to throw hands.

"What the hell is going on here?"

"Luluuuu!" The swordsman did NOT miss the minute detail of Diluc's red stare recognizing the switched drinks on the table, exposing his involvement on the matter. If it were not for your intoxicated self barreling towards your fiancé, he would have been given a scalding glare.

A jumbled mess of a conversation transpired before the captain, made up of hushed grumbles and slurred whines sometimes filled with begging or with rage from the random person you'd set pure hatred upon seconds ago. Your hand clutched his sleeve as his other one was placed on your shoulder to ground you, somehow this proximity and interaction... made Kaeya remember the first time he met you.

"Alright, that should be enough for tonight," the third wheel clapped his gloved hands together as he stood from his table. "This commotion is on me, I'll take her home-"

"What gave you the idea that I'd let you?"

The same hostility that started four years ago made the man of frost- freeze where he stood, challenging the accusing glare with a playful squint. The mini stand-off already made the other patrons too curious as all attention was caught by the trio, while you had your face buried to Diluc's fluffy ponytail as his bargaining chip for calming/distracting you.

Diluc isn't familiar with taking care of a drunkard, only kicking them out. If he were to leave you at your current state, he'd be clueless as is on the mistakes that would pile up.

Kaeya raised this point as he reached over to take your arm, the redhead publicly wrapping his arms around you protectively in response. The blunette wasn't even wary of the increasing agitation his sworn brother wore but the scandalous gasps and gossips the customers around them now speak at the action.

Get a grip, Diluc, you wanted to keep this hidden, didn't you? By some miracle, he managed to communicate this telepathically through side glances and gritted teeth.

But if there was one thing the Ragnvindr had inherited from being with you for more than ten years:

It was your stubbornness.

...

When you roused from your slumber, you were in an unusual place yet one so familiar. The nostalgia hit you tenfold more than the headache your hangover dangerously inflicted, "How did I get here even?" It was four years since you've last seen this place, set foot in this room even.

The moonlight hitting through the room's balcony tells you it's around midnight.

The room didn't change a bit last you remember it, as if it was well-kept despite being abandoned. The lamp that was tilted a little bit, books of stories you've read long ago were arranged the same way you'd left it. Not a single dust catches on to your soles as your feet touched the wooden floor of your room in the Ragnvindr's home.

It was still creaky at some parts of which you expertly maneuvered around bare, shoes discarded in place for stealth as you exited to the corridor. No sounds or light emanates from the underside of Diluc's room across from yours, without checking you weaved through the hall to climb down the main stairs.

You find your man seated by the fireplace. You may not live here anymore but even you were well aware of his insomnia that stretches past sunrise.

"You're awake," he speaks when you reached the main floor.

"Look who's talking," you mumbled cheekily as you sat adjacent to him, noticing his quick glance at your bare feet.

Tight lipped as it may, you saw a little quirk to the edges of his lips that lifted up your spirits through the small chatter and mostly silent time after that. The crackles and embers of the furnace was good company too, and yet it was not enough to distract you from the obvious stare he was giving to your leg.

Anxiously you hid one your foot behind the other, folding your legs under the chair's shadow when his gaze didn't waver. Perhaps it wasn't that bright of an idea to leave your room barefoot, maybe it was too childish, for him especially if it was bothering this much.

You opened your mouth to excuse yourself, or maybe defend your actions,

"Can I touch you? Nothing- Nothing sexual, there's just something I need go check."

You didn't have to ask, was what you wanted to say. But you held back your tongue in favor of giving a meek nod, curious and faintly doubtful of whatever it is that he would do.

Yet when he kneeled down and gently took your leg upon his hold, you can't help but smile solemnly as his gloved touch reached your thigh where the scar from long ago lingers. Diluc's eyes stayed on that spot, soothing the long lost pain with rubbing circles.

Ticklish, as he leans down to graze a soft kiss to it. It almost made you cry with how gentle this Diluc is in front of you.

"I promise... I'll do better. With every heartbeat I have left, I will defend your every breathe."

You're crying now.

One faithful morning in a miraculous setting where Diluc was the only one available to tend to the reception, a young man presents himself by the entrance with a passive look. This unfamiliar man was someone he knew, something he realized when he finally looked down for a better view past the black hood.

"I am here in the guidance of an old address. Is this where (Y/N) (L/N)?"

"I'm (Y/N)'s fiancé, what do you want?"

"... That does not answer my question, but I am only here to see how life has been faring since two years past."

Diluc never felt discomfort in silence as heavy as this. Having to walk with Cyno the whole way to Mondstadt from the Winery was not part of his itinerary, nor did he wholy agree to the arrangement. Perhaps it was because he knew how you two were good friends back from his 'observations' in the Academia that he felt responsible.

Or it was his pride to not let the shorter guy know that you were in fact, not resident to his home despite being betrothed.

It would have been very weird.

"What the actual- Cyno?! Is that really you?!" Why you were near the gates that day was a mystery to them both, but at the sight of the familiar figure had you barreling towards the foreigner, tackling him into a hug with a laugh so carefree it almost pained him.

That was your signature move to when you always met him excitedly in your childhood. Diluc shakes away the thought as he stood at the side to watch and eavesdrop. You're around the same height as the Sumerian, although the hood and ears? makes it hard to distinguish who was taller between you two.

"What are you doing so far out from the Academia? Aww, did you miss me?" Playful as always to those you are close to.

Scarlet eyes found its way to him in a split second. "I came here under the request of Lisa, she needed scholarly help over an important matter," your pout had him smile a tiny bit, "but it is relieving to meet you once again."

In a honesty, it was a curious case as to why he was even there, lingering. He has work to do, the Tavern's first shift was his. But when he took a step away Diluc found it very difficult to leave you be, to leave you with this... person.

He has no business here.

He shouldn't idle.

He's not the type to idle.

You turn your head at the sound of footsteps as you realized Diluc approaching, who you honestly thought already departed during your reunion with Cyno. "Ah, senpai, I wanted to introduce to you my-" full and pale lips captured your words in a quick swift dip, a grip on your waist to steady you before he stood back too quick for you to react.

"I'll get going, stay safe."

Quick and concise like his kiss, Diluc left in hurried steps as you stood there, a mess. He'd never- he has never-

"How amusing," the words the Sumerian uttered barely registered into your short-circuiting brain.

I can't believe this. I'm actually cutting this to a fourth part what the fuck, I swear the next one is the last,holy-

@optimestick @moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre @traveler-lumine @nonniechan @creation-magician @hanniejji @gojos-baby @just-some-stars @volleybloop @mortifiedmoon @dankchikorita @endeavors-big-dick @karlitaburrito @bunniesrorange

#genshin impact x reader #Genshin impact Diluc #Diluc x Reader #exile.flower #exile.pocketwatch #gender neutral #female reader #sojourner special #I hate tumblr

[dreaming-in-alicante]

Chapter 3 is finally done! Sorry it took longer - finals week happened and it was a harder chapter to write for some reason. I'm excited to finish this story though - we're half-way through :)

Chapter 3: Lighting the flame

Christopher met his friends outside, where they piled into a carriage and set off for the Devil Tavern. The atmosphere between them was still tense; James and Matthew, sitting across from him, were quiet. Christopher wished, as he so often did, that he understood people better. He hated it when they all fought, and now it was partly his fault and he didn’t know how to fix it. Thankfully, James took the initiative.

“Kit,” he began, “we’re sorry for being so confrontational. It’s only you have to understand how it looks from our perspective. Grace’s actions, even if she regrets them, caused a great deal of pain.” James looked troubled.

“Thomas shared some of what you all learned yesterday talking to Jesse,” Matthew said softly. “About how bad things were for her with Tatiana. And it…well I still don’t trust her but it sounds like she’s trying to be – to be better. And I out of everyone should be sympathetic to that.” His hand moved unconsciously to his jacket. He had stopped carrying a flask everywhere but after so many years of drinking, it was still a reflex to reach for the alcohol.

James seemed to notice this motion, and clasped his parabatai’s shoulder briefly in support, then returned his attention to Christopher. “I suppose what I’ll say is that I cannot soon forget what Grace has done, and I prefer to avoid her,” James said carefully, “but I – none of us – should be trying to control who you spend time with Kit. I am sorry. If you trust her, then we shall trust you.”

“Oh, jolly good,” Christopher said, immensely relieved. He hated conflict, especially with his friends. “I am sorry that I didn’t think to mention her helping. She’s the first friend I’ve ever made.”

His friends all looked suddenly gut-punched for some reason. “Kit, do you not think we’re friends?” Matthew asked, appearing quite distressed.

“Of course we are! Aren’t we?” Christopher was, for a second time that evening, horribly confused.

“But you just said –” James began, looking stricken.

“Do you mean she’s the first friend that you personally have made, on your own, Kit?” Thomas asked, understanding Christopher best as usual.

“Precisely!” Christopher said, then realized, “Ah, I understand now how that sounded. I meant that – well, I’m related to two of you and we all just sort of fell in together didn’t we? I have never made a friend on my own.” The rest of the Merry Thieves relaxed visibly.

“Fair enough,” Matthew said, looking relieved. “Honestly Kit, Grace Bla – sorry , Cartwright – out of everyone you could choose for a friend.” He shook his head but there was a teasing glint in his eye.

“She’s really a wonderful lab partner!” Christopher assured them cheerfully. “She’s been organizing everything and making an inventory. And she had a wonderful insight the other day about this reaction with sulfuric acid.”

Thomas shifted on the seat next to Christopher as he said “I never would have expected scientific curiosity from Grace of all people, but she was right at home in that laboratory today.”

“Honestly, it took me a second to recognize her – wearing a dark dress, and those ridiculous goggles that you also wear in the lab,” Matthew said, gesturing at Christopher.

“They may not be fashionable, but they are very important as protective gear,” Christopher told him.

Matthew shuddered slightly but smiled good-naturedly as he said, “And that is why I will never pursue science. Terrible field for the fashion-minded.” This started him on a wild story about finding a new waistcoat earlier that week. Christopher was quite satisfied that peace had been restored, and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the night with his friends.

_________________________________________________________

The following Wednesday, Christopher was even more eager than usual to get to Grosvenor Square – Henry was due to arrive back in London that morning. He was keen to get Henry’s thoughts on several projects, especially the runed guns and the fire messages.

Christopher started the morning by testing another rune combination on a message. This attempt ended, as many did, in a small explosion. He was still putting out a fire on the lab table when Grace arrived for the day. She greeted him briefly before starting to set up a reaction flask. During her organization of the lab she had come across a vial with some mysterious white powder. Christopher had no idea what it was, so they decided it would be an intriguing exercise for her to determine the contents.

Soon after Grace’s arrival, a humming noise sounded, then a whistling, signaling that the elevator down to the lab was in use. Christopher hurried over as the doors opened. “Welcome back, Henry!” he said, grinning.

Henry looked just the same as always, with perhaps a bit more gray in his hair after the stress of the past few months. “Kit, my boy!” he greeted as he maneuvered his Bath chair out of the elevator and towards the lab table. “How are things going? Any progress on those guns with the pithos? And you must help me examine this sample of water I brought back from Alicante, I wonder if we could try using it in another version of demon repelling ointment. Being around so many wards, it may be imbued with some demon-repelling properties.” He reached the work table and paused as he finally noticed Grace standing there. Henry looked bewildered and Christopher struggled to remember whether he had mentioned Grace in his letter to Henry. He was fairlysure that he had.

“Hello!” Henry said to her pleasantly, “You’re the one with the demon powers that was briefly engaged to my son. Gladys, yes?” Well, letter or otherwise, at least Henry remembered her.

“Grace, actually,” she replied, looking tense, her posture stiff. “I do want to apologize again for…everything.”

Henry waved off her concern and said, “It all ended alright didn’t it? Charles Buford will find someone else. And Kit mentioned you’ve been a great help in the lab recently!”

Good, Christopher thought, I did remember to include that in the letter.

“I would actually be quite interested to hear about your power and how it worked. Especially through a bracelet, fascinating!” Henry continued as he maneuvered towards the rack of chemicals.

Grace appeared exceedingly uncomfortable, but quickly warmed up to Henry throughout the day as he described various project ideas to her and took a look at her reactions. By that evening, when all three were involved in a lengthy discussion about runes and the application of runes to invention, it was as if Grace had always been part of the team. Christopher was delighted anew that Grace understood both he and Henry in a way that very few others did.

They finally finished for the night after Charlotte had called down the stairs three times with increasing insistence about coming up for dinner. Grace left to catch a carriage home with a smile on her face. Christopher wished briefly that she could stay longer, but he was comforted by the fact that she would return in the morning.

_________________________________________________________

“Hullo Grace!” Christopher said happily as she entered the lab early the next day. He then bent back down to examine a glass slide under the microscope. Henry was occupied entertaining some visitors with Charlotte, but Christopher was already hard at work. “You must come take a look at this sample of water from Lake Lyn that Henry brought,” he told her. It was fascinating watching the microorganisms move about in the droplet under the lens. When Grace did not immediately respond, he looked up and actually got a good look at her face. “I say, is something wrong, Grace? You’re a bit –” He was about to say ‘splotchy’, for her normally pale face was quite red in parts. He caught himself at the last second however, remembering his mother saying that a gentleman should never remark on a lady’s less-than-favorable appearance. “You look upset,” he said instead. She was not her normal cool and collected self.

He thought that Grace would brush off his concern, and she indeed stiffened and started to turn away. Then she met his gaze and her shoulder slumped in resignation. “I encountered Charles on my way in,” she explained.

“Ah. I forgot that he would be returning with Henry,” Christopher said, wincing. “Things are still awkward after ending the engagement then?”

“More than awkward,” she answered, expression still pinched. “He is still extremely upset that I manipulated his mind. Said I’d made a fool of him and he doesn’t want me in his house.” She set her coat and hat down on the stool with more force than strictly necessary.

Christopher frowned and said, “Technically it’s Henry and Charlotte’s house.”

A faint smile rose on Grace’s lips. “That’s precisely what I told him, and I mentioned that I worked with Henry just yesterday. He then called you both ‘trusting fools’ and made some…unflattering statements about my personage.”

“Well perhaps if we give him some more time, he’ll come round!” Christopher said optimistically. “I suppose it’s easier for me to say since you only used your power on me once or twice compared to the many more times you used it on him.”

Grace looked at him, pale brows drawn together in puzzlement. “I never used my power on you, Christopher,” she said slowly.

Christopher was wholly astonished by her statement. “You – never? Really?” he asked, mentally reeling. “What ho! But the night you came to the laboratory and helped me figure out the pithos I – are you sure?”

Grace shook her head. “Never. I’m completely sure,” she said firmly. “I would have apologized if I had, I –” she stared at him, looking almost indignant. “You really invited me here, have been working with me, and all this time you though I had manipulated you that night? And never gave you a formal apology?” she asked incredulously.

“When you asked about joining me in the lab that first day, you apologized for everything again. I assumed that included any time you used your power on me!” Christopher said, thoughts racing. He had been so eager to help her that night. Although now that he thought about it, they had discussed a lot of science, which he now knew Grace was genuinely interested in. “Why didn’t you?” he asked her, very curious.

Grace hesitated before saying, “I didn’t need to. You weren’t bothered by my being there and you were happy to show me around.” Something flickered in her pale eyes. “I never liked using my power when I could avoid it. I suppose because I knew that it was wrong,” she added. She looked as if she might say something else, but at that moment a whistling noise from the elevator indicated that Henry was on his way down to the lab.

They were soon absorbed in experimenting and discussing theories but at points Christopher found his focus drifting back to their conversation, and even farther back to that first night in the lab. It seemed like Grace had used her power on nearly everyone at some point, yet incredibly, she had never used it on him despite numerous opportunities. Christopher didn’t know what to make of that.

_________________________________________________________

It was just Christopher and Henry in the lab the following day. Grace was training with Jesse, and then planned to take a tour around the city with her brother, Lucie, and Ariadne (who was apparently going by Kamala these days). Christopher could never be bored working with Henry but after having Grace’s constant companionship for nearly a month it was…strange, to be working with only Henry and not her.

The day’s work proved incredibly successful, however. Upon Henry’s suggestion, Christopher added a bridge rune to the fire communication rune he had been tinkering with for months. He was thrilled to observe the message burn up and reform a few feet away. Henry, delighted, helped him replicate the results numerous times to prove that it was a repeatable phenomenon. Henry demonstrated it for a startled Charlotte (she had been interrupted in the middle of writing a letter in her office). She beamed, proud of them both, giving Henry a congratulatory kiss.

Christopher could not wait to share the good news with Grace. He wished she had been there to see it the first time, but no matter – there would be plenty of time to demonstrate it tomorrow.

He and Henry spent the rest of the afternoon trying to get the messages to travel farther than a few feet. Although foiled in these attempts, the breakthrough left them both very pleased as they finished for the day.

_________________________________________________________

Christopher was waiting at the entrance for Grace the next morning, eager to share the news. She looked startled to find him right behind the door as it opened, which he supposed was unusual given that they always met down in the lab. She had barely finished saying good morning before he could not contain his excitement and exclaimed, “You must come see the breakthrough Henry and I made yesterday, Grace! We’re so close to having a working fire-message!” He caught her arm and hurried her to the stairs down to the lab. She seemed a bit disoriented by his sudden enthusiasm but listened intently with a bemused smile as he explained the thought process behind the rune combination they had tried.

They reached the work table and Christopher quickly traced out the new rune. The paper burned up and reformed a few feet in front of them. When it reappeared, Grace grinned widely. “Incredible!” she declared, and she snatched the paper to study the rune. It occurred to Christopher that Grace had a very nice smile. She normally had a serious face, but smiles had become more frequent as the weeks had passed.

“What have you tried adding to this so far?” she asked. Christopher grabbed his notebook and they reviewed what he had recorded the previous day.

“Do you mind if I try some things?” Grace asked. “I’ve been studying that book on runes that Henry gave me – I think I may have a few ideas.”

“By all means!” Christopher told her, delighted. “I could use a break from runes after all the work yesterday. I think I’ll experiment with the Lake Lyn water today and try a demon-repelling ointment again.”

“All right, then,” she said, and set to work with a determined expression.

Later that afternoon, Henry already finished for the day and off to some important dinner, Christopher was checking the now-complete inventory list. “Blast!” he said softly, then called over to Grace, “Do you remember seeing nightshade anywhere when you were organizing?”

She pursed her lips in thought, then shook her head. “No, none,” she answered.

“I suppose I’ll be taking a trip to the Shadow Market tonight then,” Christopher said. He was determined to try combining some nightshade extract with the new demon-repelling ointment he was developing.

“The Shadow Market?” Grace queried, eyebrows raised in interest. “Do you go there often? I wanted to go before when I was looking for something to help Jesse, but I was never confident that I could find my way around.”

“It’s a wonderful place! I have to go fairly often for ingredients that are, er, not strictly approved by the Clave,” he explained. “Oh!” he said, struck by an obvious thought, “would you like to accompany me tonight?”

“I would love to,” Grace said, looking excited. She sent a letter to Jesse to inform him of the change in plans, and eagerly questioned Christopher about various aspects of the Market.

They each wrapped up their work as the sun began to set, the changing sky visible from a high window in the basement. Christopher was locating his coat and hat when he realized he should ask Grace about weapons. It was unlikely they’d face any demons in the carriage or Shadow Market, but it was good to be prepared. She had daggers on her already, but he offered her a seraph blade in addition. Ready, with ingredient list in hand, the set out to the carriage.

Christopher offered Grace an arm up, then followed her in. Their knees brushed together as he settled on the seat opposite Grace and the carriage began moving. Christopher noticed that she looked somewhat flushed. “Would you like the window open?” he asked. “You look a bit warm.”

“No, I’m perfectly comfortable, thank you,” she said, appearing discomposed. “What are you hoping to accomplish with the nightshade that you’ll be getting?” she asked.

Christopher happily launched into a lengthy explanation of his thought process and the previous attempts at demon-repelling ointment, and the discussion lasted them all the way to the Shadow Market.

#tlh fic #tlh #gracetopher #grace blackthorn x christopher lightwood #my fic

[quirkdotcom]

The Arrangement //

Shoto Todoroki x Fem! Reader

Part One: The Mall Incident

Part Two

Summary: Your father is a particularly strong pro hero, and owns his own agency, however, he seemingly has picked an opportunity for you to be the tie between his agency, and pro hero Endeavor's agency.

Authors Note:

One; I'm planning this to be a three part fic, my next update hopefully on Friday May 15th ! Let me know if you'd like to be on this specific taglist, or even a taglist for anything I post !

Two; I wanted to have a little fun in this, so I added in an OC of mine! I made the reader attend an unnamed school, where her friends wouldn't be main characters from MHA, and decided to throw in Maiko (my OC) anyways, I hope you enjoy !

"A student from UA? Is father okay? I thought he hated that school?" You had to stop yourself, had you really heard your mother right?

She sighed heavily, shaking her head slightly, "He does, however, your father is willing to look past the fact as long as everything goes according to plan" 

This time, it was your turn to sigh.

This 'plan' was one of you meeting some student, your parents meeting, and at the end of the day, agreeing to a marriage after graduation.

You knew that you really had no choice in the matter, which is why you had never put up a fight about it, but it didn't mean that you were particularly happy about it.

Quietly, you stood up, excusing yourself from the table and your mother, leaving the dainty tea cup where it sat.

"Well, since the meeting with this student will be this weekend, I'm going to go out and buy an outfit for it." You bowed your head slightly before turning and leaving the room.

Now out of sight of your mother, you stretched, stifling a yawn as you made your way to your room, grabbing your phone from your pocket, sending a quick message to your closest friend, asking if she'd accompany you to the mall.

The two of you attended a private academy focused on teaching it's students to not only strengthen their quirks, or accelerate their academics, but also in etiquette and manners. Everything was about being proper and elite.

It was the very same school that your father had transferred to after his time at UA.

You personally didn't quite like it there, at times some students tried to pick on you, or the teachers would reprimand you for even the slightest mistake.

But, just like the marriage arrangement, you had no choice in what school you attended, your father was hellbent on you following his steps, and staying the hell away from UA.

Regardless, you had eventually made some friends, and for the first few years, you scored in the top of your class.

"Oh, (Y/n) while you're out, would you mind picking up a few things for me?" Your mother's voice rang out from behind your door, breaking your train of thoughts.

"Just make me a list, and leave it on the counter!" 

It didn't take long for you to change out of your uniform and into something comfier, or for you to grab your messenger style purse, or to find the list from your mother. With your father gone, there were no distractions or unnecessary lectures.

What took the most time was getting to the mall. You could have driven, but it was nice out, the sky was clear of clouds, and there was a light breeze that flowed through the leaves in the trees.

So, you took to walking. Though, when you got to the mall, your best friend was standing with her arms crossed and a bored look on her face.

"(Y/N)! There you are! I've been waiting for hours!" She gave a dramatic sigh as you walked over.

"Calm down Maiko ! " you chuckled, she was almost always over dramatic, something that had drawn you to her in the first place.

She gave you a playful wink, and nodded her head to the doors, starting to walk inside, "Whatever, we both know that I can't calm down," she paused, giving small jazz hands, "I've got constant anxiety" 

"Ah, the curse of having a third eye quirk," You followed behind, then moved to the side of her. 

"Oh! What's the occasion for today's trip?" Maiko tucked a piece of light brown hair behind her ear, eyeing you as she waited for a response.

You hesitated, she still didn't know about the whole arranged marriage, and it had been about a month since you had found out.

"Oh...my family and I are meeting another family for some business thing, so I needed to get a new outfit in case they have a son or daughter our age, " You spouted off a lie, knowing that she'd fall for it, only because she trusted you.

"Ooooh another potential merger for your dad's hero agency?" 

You nodded, pausing as your stomach gave a quiet rumble. 

Despite the lunch you were having with your mother earlier, you didn't really eat. 

"Hey, let's get something to eat first," You point to the nearest food outlet.

Before you know it, Maiko and you are each tossing fries to the other, both failing to catch most in your mouth, but you are having a good time regardless.

Once out of fries, you and her are left with your milkshakes, hers chocolate, and your's strawberry. Something kind of impulsive as you haven't had one strawberry flavored in a few years.

"Hey, I think we could probably take these with us to go look for an outfit," Maiko picks hers up, already a third of it gone.

With a nod, you stand up, grabbing your shake and bag, waiting for Maiko before heading off to your favorite store.

"Hey what about this?" She held up a pleated, light blue skirt, it would stop just above your knees, and complimented you very well, "It even has real pockets!"

"And I could wear it with this shirt...and maybe the jean jacket we found earlier?" You smiled happily, holding up a plain white t-shirt, a small v neck cut, nothing too extreme but not too plain.

Your friend placed the skirt into your basket, and you followed suit with the shirt. All that was needed now, would be to grab the jean jacket from earlier.

However, as you turned, you ran into a...hard surface and along with you, came your half finished milkshake.

You stumbled back, eyes wide as you realized what had just happened.

"Oh my gosh, I am so-"

But the male cut you off, his voice monotone as he did, "Save it, just move out of the way, I need to clean my shirt," 

You quietly moved to the side, watching as the moody stranger walked away, leaving you and Maiko to recover.

He had red hair...well only half of his hair was red, and the other half was white, leaving you to wonder how much hair dye it had taken to get it to look so perfect. 

"Well...I wish I could've helped you see that coming...but uh..I got the jacket?" She smiled sheepishly, causing you to let out a nervous laugh, releasing the tension you didn't know you had.

"Okay, cmon lets go pay!" You turned, still reeling from the encounter with that guy..but hey, at least you wouldn't be seeing him again! 

So, with that thought in mind, Maiko and yourself brought your chosen outfit to the front counters, paid and left the store.

"Hey, are you doing anything tonight?" You turned to Maiko after some five minutes, a thought in the back of your mind, nagging at you since you had left the house to meet her. 

"I don't think so! Why, is your mom cooking tonight? Anything she makes is always better than your dads...or yours," she poked her tongue out at you.

"Wha?! Hey! Im not that bad of a cook!" You pouted and crossed your arms, turning away from her, "Well I did have something to tell you but now its not happening," 

She immediately moved in front of you, "Wait no! Your cooking is good! Just tell me the news!" 

"It'll have to wait for my house, it's kind of big news…"

And with that, the two of you set off for your house, Maiko calling her mom and letting her know where she'd be for the night. 

The walk was spent talking about anything and everything, and at one point Maiko tripping and you having to catch her, but hey, that's what friends are for. 

As you approached your house, you spotted your fathers car in the driveway, causing you to screw your face up in dread. 

Hopefully he didn't have a lecture for you, especially if Maiko was here. You had always hated how he seemed to pick on you whenever your friends were over.

And much to your dismay, when you walked inside he met you with a sour look, "(Y/n), where have you been? Don't forget about this weekend's meeting, not to mention the exams coming up," 

You bit back a response about how the exams were two months away, and instead just nodded your head, busying yourself with slipping your shoes off, "I was buying a new outfit for our meeting. I told mother before I left."

He paused, now eyeing you and Maiko, "And came home with...Fujino was it?" 

She nodded, even though she practically lived at your house for a week at a time due to the amount of sleep overs you had, your father had barely bothered to remember her name. 

"Im sorry for not telling you ahead of time, Sir." She bowed her head slightly, only really apologizing because she knew that if she didn't, it would come down on you. 

"Make your way to (Y/n)'s room, I still need to have a few words with her," he commanded, waiting for her to go up the stairs before he continued.

"And (Y/n), do not forget how important this marriage arrangement is. The Todoroki family is powerful, Endeavor is rising in his ranks as a hero, and his son will follow suit. You have to make sure that you are seen as exemplary, no mistakes can be made. Do you understand?" 

You paused, heart hanging heavy, "Yes father…" 

Once he let you go, you made your way to the top of the stairs, seeing that Maiko was waiting for you, a worried look in her eyes, "So...a marriage proposal?" 

"Welcome to the news I had for you…" 

You two moved into your room, the bag of clothes dropped onto the floor, and you climbed onto your bed, grabbing an orange bunny plush, hugging it to your chest.

"Okay so I wanted to tell you about the arrangement but...I dunno, its hard. I'm having my choice taken away from me and for what? So my father and this other hero to have a more powerful agency?" 

"(Y/n)...im so sorry that you've been going through this alone. I'm here for you, whatever you need!" She moved to a swinging chair you had, sitting in it carefully as she thought for a moment, "So, you've never met this guy or his family?" 

"At most I know his family name. But Im too busy focusing on school work to pay attention to how his father is "So high up the ranks" or whatever. Its like my father thinks that this 'Endeavor' guy is the number two pro hero or something…" You puffed out a breath of air, pursing your lips as you thought quietly. 

Maiko stared at you for a few minutes, blinking a few times as she tried to break the news to you. 

"Uhh..Endeavor...as in Enji Todoroki?" 

You looked up, nodding quietly at her puzzled look. 

"(Y/n) he is the number two hero...or wait..if All Might retired a few years back... then number one actually!" She hummed as she herself started to think but eventually shook her head, eyes widening. 

Maiko quickly pulled out her phone, typing hurriedly into it and gasping, "(Y/n) wait! His son goes to UA! His son is reportedly one of the Big Three of his class!" She stopped, scrolling, "uh oh…" 

At this, you scrambled from your spot to her, pulling the phone from her hand to look at what the cause of this 'uh oh' was. 

It was a picture.  A picture of Endeavour's son. He had red and white hair, and a glare so deadly it probably would kill someone on sight. 

But what got you more was the fact that this was the guy from the mall earlier.  You had totally spilled a strawberry shake all over the number one hero's son, and the guy who you would be marrying after graduation. 

"This is...this is fucked. Im so screwed! Not only did I embarrass myself but now I've probably made it seem like im a clumsy girl who likes to shop all the time and now this...Todoroki guy is going to tell his father about me and then it'll ruin the arrangement and my father will kill me." You spouted off more worries until Maiko grabbed your shoulders, shaking you lightly.

"Hey! We aren't planning your funeral yet! Maybe we can meet up with him before you have to meet with his dad! I think I know one of the students at UA!" 

You looked to her, your breathing returning to normal as you nodded along, maybe that could work after all.

"Okay so, we ask whoever you know to get his number and text him about how it was me who spilled the drink and I wanted to apologize...and that Im also the girl he's meeting this weekend!" 

Maiko punched her fist into the palm of her hand, "Okay, lets set this plan into action! I'll text Kirishima!" 

You eyed her, realizing that you had never questioned how she knew anyone at UA, "While you do that, mind explaining to me about whoever this Kirishima is?" 

She only smiled for a moment, putting her phone down after sending him a message about Todoroki, "Oh! He and I work in the same coffee shop! Not everyone is super rich you know, but he's pretty nice guy, kinda cute too. But, you know how my mom is. Im surprised that she let me be friends with you, I swear, she's scared of anyone!" 

You gave a 'Mhhm' to her, knowing full and well that this was the coworker who she tended to talk about but never named, knowing that you'd probably show up to her work to try and get more information.  But hey, you'd leave it at that for now. 

"Well...I guess that now we wait for Kirishima to hopefully send us Todoroki's number?' 

"Now we wait! And with our good luck, by Wednesday we can smoothen out what happened at the mall…" 

You nodded once, as much as this plan seemed rickety, you were willing to take the chance. While you hated the idea of a marriage to whoever this young hero may be, you know that if you messed it up, your father would never let you live it down. 

#The Arrangement #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #boku no hero academia x reader #shoto todoroki #shoto todoroki x reader #todoroki x reader #my hero academia x reader #mha todoroki #bnha todoroki #bnha shoto todoroki #mha shoto todoroki #mha shoto x reader #Todoroki shoto #x reader #mha #bnha #bnha fanfiction #bnha x reader #mha x reader #shoto Todoroki fic #mha fic #bnha fic

[takethisroad]

i'm bad at giving prompts but i would love something about what you think happens after the show ended (could be flint and thomas or silver or whatever you like)..? treasure island dOES NOT EXIST IN THIS HOUSE

Thank you so much for the prompt! There are a couple post-finale snippets floating around (in this house we say FUCK treasure Island!)

WHEW this has been a long time coming! So sorry for the delay. Have it today, on this most auspicious of days ( @pyrateflint‘s bday) and also to celebrate the giant orange turd no longer being in office.

Below the cut: a continuation of the Silverflintham post-canon ficlet I’ve been toying with since last summer.

+++

Three steps take Flint down the ladder. Two more strides take him within an arm’s length of John; almost far enough away to draw a gun, almost close enough to embrace.

The sun pours down, drenches them. John is reeling: from the light, from the heat, from Flint’s sheer presence before him, from the realization that shakes through him with every beat of his heart. You know why. Fuck. He does. He does.

It’s all too much. John lurches forward, pulled by something greater than gravity. There’s no gentleness in their collision, no grace, but James is steady to the last and John thinks weigh anchor, and hard to port, and you tied yourself to the fucking ship’s wheel, and then their lips meet and John stops thinking altogether.

He doesn’t know what he expected this to be like. Maybe he’d pictured it once or twice aboard the Walrus, when the nearness of a dozen other bodies belowdecks made it impossible to sleep: what it would be like, kissing the captain. Kissing Flint. A rushed encounter in the captain’s cabin, perhaps, the rough scrape of a beard, the relief of a mutual tension. Perfunctory at best, simply a body as a means to an end.

This is nothing like that. This is terrifying.

Flint – James – kisses with an unassailable certainty. John crashes into him, breaks like a wave against a thrice-damned rocky promontory. Flint tastes of salt and sweat, an iron tang; but there’s something softer underneath, the hidden sweetness of an early-summer peach. John chases it, dashes himself against James’ chest and hands and tongue, uncaring of how clumsy and desperate he must seem. There’s a heady thrill spiralling through his veins, massing like clouds before a thunderstorm, and he’s nearly panting when James pulls back for breath.

“Well,” he tries, “that was. Something.” It’s a far cry from his usual eloquence; he pretends his voice isn’t shaking.

James is looking at him intently, gaze not wavering from his own. It’s piercing scrutiny, like he’s seeing into his soul, and John feels a pit of terror open up in his stomach at the thought. He pastes on what he hopes is a roguish grin, though it feels more like a grimace.

“I,” James starts. He pauses. The pause is interminable. Every part of John’s being is straining towards him, drawn like gravity over the edge of an abyss. Holding himself back is a nearly intolerable effort.

James straightens, squares his shoulders. His jaw is clenched, mouth set in a hard line. The familiar furrow is etched between his brows, and John’s hand clenches into a first on his crutch, as he tries to resist the urge to smooth it away. His gaze flickers over John’s face, and John sees in his eyes the same grim determination that had commanded fifty men to their deaths on a beach, that had set the ruins of Charlestown ablaze. John’s heart is hammering in his chest. This moment feels almost more dangerous than either.

“There is no coming back from this,” James warns. His voice is completely steady; his eyes are blazing.

“I know.” Sweat is breaking out on John’s palms, trickling down the back of his neck.

“You plan to stay, then?” It’s impossible to read James’s expression.

A thousand easy, sly remarks clamour in John’s throat. He forces down years of habit; what comes out is the truth. An hour, a day, a month, a year. Forever. “As long as you’ll have me.”

Those words break the tenuous thread of self-restraint; they fall back into each other. When they part for breath, the very air tastes sweeter. John wonders if this, too, is a power Flint has.

He doesn’t realize he’s spoken aloud. “I thought I told you to call me James.”

The smile in James’s voice thrums through him, something new and fierce and bright. “James,” he says. And then again, because he can: “James, James.”

+++

SURPRISE!! also bonus Flint’s POV because I genuinely can’t decide which I’d rather for the final edit

The three steps down the ladder are the longest of his life. The oppressive heat and the buzz of flies and the heady golden sunlight have all fallen away and the only thing in the world is the creak of the wood as his weight shifts. James feels hyperaware of every sensation as his foot hits the dirt; the impact of his bootheel on the earth, the compression of foot and ankle bones beneath skin. He can imagine the echoes of his steps reverberating down below the grass into the dark loamy earth.

Silver is still looking at him. His hand is still outstretched, palm up, frozen in position like he’s forgotten it there. His words thrum in James’ chest, in the heat-soaked air between them.

You know why.

James stops just out of reach. The whole orchard is hushed, reverent. Waiting. His skin is buzzing, blood rushing to the surface like an alive thing. His chest feels too small to contain each breath.

Silver, he realizes, is holding his. At James’ approach, he drops his hand back to his side; his heavy rings glint in the daylight.

For an impossible moment neither of them moves. James feels the thundering of his heart in the strained silence. He works to say something – anything – but all he comes up with is the cut of steel against his teeth and the almost imperceptible tremor in Silver’s wrist when he’d raised the gun. You know why.

“Will you say something?” Silver’s voice is a gutted rasp, with all the subtlety of a bone saw.

A peach pit crunches underfoot, and it is only then that James realizes he is moving closer, pulled toward Silver as if by some inexorable force, some unknown tide. Silver hasn’t moved. He’s holding himself preternaturally still, barely breathing.

James says, “You’re still watching my eyes.”

He watches the phrase hit, watches the way Silver’s eyes widen as the words sink in. “You fucking –“

Silver crashes into him like a wave against the shore, and only the instinct to rail and fight keeps James standing. He braces for the blow, but it’s not Silver’s fist that makes contact; it’s Silver himself, surging up against him and claiming his mouth in a brutal kiss.

For all he’s lauded for his silver tongue, there is no eloquence in the kiss. Silver kisses like a drowning man, like he’s been gasping for air his whole life before this moment. There’s no finesse in the embrace; Silver kisses James as if he’s claiming him, like if he stops, James will disappear. Their teeth knock together and Silver bites his tongue, causing James to pull back with a wince.

“Fuck,” Silver says, and it sounds almost like an apology. His eyes are wider than James has ever seen them; wide enough to swallow the sky. He hasn’t let go of his death-grip on James’s shirt.

James realizes he’s still holding Silver’s elbow. He drops his hand and moves to step back –

“No, don’t.” Silver looks horrified at his own words.

The sun pours down, drenches them.

+++

#bs bs #black sails #james flint #john silver #thomas hamilton #silverflinthamilton #snippets #asks #there's one! more! part! to come!!!! #someday!

[rosaetae]

2 + 27 w jk??💞

+ #12 with kookie please 👉👈

☇ prompt: 2. things you said through your teeth + 12. things you said when you thought i was asleep + 27. things you said through a closed door

➣  pairing: jungkook x reader

➣ genre: fakedating!au + postbreakup!au 

➣ synopsis: jungkook asks you to be his date for his sister’s wedding because his family doesn’t know that you guys broke up 

“You’re late,” Jungkook whispers as you sat next to him, preparing for the dinner rehearsal set.

“Well excuse me if I was working,” your narrow your eyes at him, fixing your posture as you took a sip of the glass of water from the table, drained out by your job at the hospital.

“I had to order you the salmon and potatoes.”

You look at him as you set down the water back onto the coaster, scrunching your eyebrows at him. “I’m allergic to salmon.”

Jungkook pauses and looks at you, blinking. “No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am. I think I would know what I’m allergic to.”

You nearly feel your eye twitch when he shakes his head. “But you’ve had salmon before.”

“No, I haven’t,” you look at him incredulously. “Are you fucking serious right now, Jungkook?”

“Chill, okay, fuck. You can have my steak.”

“No, because then I’d feel bad,” you reason, knowing how taking other people’s food always made you feel a little guilt inside of you. “I just won’t eat.”

“Don’t be so stupid, it’s food,” Jungkook rolls his eyes.

“Don’t call me stupid.”

“Then just eat my goddamn steak—”

“Do my eyes deceive me?”

A voice immediately ends the bickering you and Jungkook were having, creating a quick facade of two lovers who have been together for 2 years. Your eyes immediately land on Aunt Lily, the one relative who absolutely adored you and Jungkook’s relationship. You remember her intruding you with questions about you and gushing about you and your relationship with Jungkook all the time to her friends. 

With wide eyes, you meet Jungkook’s exact same facial expression, immediately plastering a smile on your face at the relative approaching.

“How are you two?” She asks, immediately grabbing hold of you and Jungkook’s hand in hers. “Oh, it is so refreshing to see two familiar faces still together.”

“Aunt Lily,” Jungkook feigns a laugh. “It’s nice to see you as well. We're—”

“You know I was scared that you two wouldn’t stay together because well,” Jungkook’s statement was cut off by Aunt Lily, a blame can be thrown to her lack of hearing, and short attention span. “Well, I know how scary it is to be in love with someone.”

You hear Jungkook nearly snort, a snort that referred to her three divorces in the past 20 years.

Scowling at him, you look back at Aunt Lily, her cream cardigan keeping her warm just like her heart. “Yes, it is very scary,” you agree, giving Jungkook the side eye.

“And commitment is frightening— oh, I lost my first husband because of that but ironically, he was the one that proposed!”

Eyebrows shooting up, you nod slowly, ignoring the fact that Jungkook was shifting beside you uncomfortably.

“Yup, commitment,” you repeat through gritted teeth. “Such a scary thing— even for men.”

“Oh, but you guys seem to make it work,” she cleans, eyes creating crescents as she was genuinely happy. “It really is nice to see you two together still. Especially since you were in Amsterdam for awhile, I was scared that I would never see you again.”

You peer over at Jungkook, who had his gaze trained somewhere else before you peer up at Aunt Lily, who chuckles lightly. Amsterdam was the one place that you dreamed about going to and hearing that Jungkook brought it up to his family as to where you had been or gone, you felt a churning feeling in your stomach.

“Okay, I won’t bother you two anymore, I’m going to bother Seulgi now. That damn girl, I didn’t think she would land on a man like Taeyong,” Aunt Lily shakes her head and looks at you and Jungkook once more. “Well I hope you two treat each other well. Hopefully I’ll live to see you two get married.”

And with a sad smile, you nod as she was on her way to bother the bride to be who was busy laughing about something Taeyong had said.

You turn your head to face Jungkook who was slightly flustered at the situation, but once the food came, you notice that he was quick to switch his plate with yours, and silence was the only thing between you two.

Later that night, less than 24 hours before the wedding, Jungkook’s thoughts were as loud as day. 

Kicking and turning in the hotel bed sheets did him no good, and even closing his eyes to force sleep upon him was a meek attempt.

That was until his heart decided to take place of his own mind, and suddenly, he was getting up out of his hotel bed, shoving his feet into one of those cheap hotel slippers and walking down the hallway to your room.

He takes a deep breath, not wholly realizing that he was knocking on the wooden door and waiting a moment for the door to open. But as he did, he became completely conscious that the door might not even open.

Scratching the back of his head, he decided to knock his knuckles on the door once more.

“___?” he asks quietly. Jungkook felt a bit queasy talking behind the door when he knew that the probability of you being asleep at this time is at a high, but he didn’t care. He needed to let whatever his mind was keeping him up at night out. “You’re probably asleep, but I just wanted to thank you for doing this— pretending to be with me for the sake of this wedding, even though we really aren’t. I know it’s not your ideal scenario as your first experience of being a bridesmaid but I really do appreciate it and once the wedding is over, I’ll let everyone know that we broke up, including Aunt Lily. And uhm…” Jungkook’s began to trail off before he finally swallowed his pride and decided to say what he couldn’t a long time ago. “Just sorry. For everything. For this and for never telling you why I left. I don’t know if you could forgive me for the past.”

He pauses for a moment, before his lips are curling upwards. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning—”

And just then, the sound of the door opening has him raising his eyes and his hopes, but when he saw that the person who opened the door was not you, but someone in pajamas staring back at him with a confused and tired look, he felt all sorts of awkward crashing over him.

“Hey, man,” the stranger tiredly says, a yawn following after and it hits Jungkook just then that a total stranger has heard everything that Jungkook racked up to say only for your ears— not like he was expecting you to actually hear it, but it still horrifies him that a complete stranger has witnessed his vulnerability. “Sorry to ruin your moment, but you got the wrong room.”

“Shit, yeah,” Jungkook says, completely mortified. “Sorry you had to hear that.”

“Nah,” the stranger nonchalantly waves him off, letting out a tired chuckle. “If anything, I’m sorry that I was the one to hear it, not her.”

Jungkook shook his head, letting out a laugh of embarrassment.

“Look man, from the looks of it, she was willing to pretend to be with you for the sake of a wedding… hopefully not yours,” he lets out a dry chuckle. “I think if the girl was willing to put up a facade— I think she can forgive you,” he states simply.

Jungkook, staring back at the stranger who was rather wise for someone who looks a year older than him, gave a single nod, to which he did the same and closed the door. Jungkook’s mind was reeling, but what calmed him down was the stranger’s words, and he at least had that to thank for the embarrassment of an encounter.

And suddenly, when the door closed, another door opened.

“Or she already has.”

Jungkook thought he was crazy, but the minute he twirled to see your form behind him, his heart dropped.

So she did hear it.

“___,” he breathes, but barely. “Look, I'm—”

“I heard you,” you cut him off before you’re leaning against the door. “And don’t worry, I already forgave you.”

He was hesitant, and unsure as he stared at you and the way you were peaking your head out from the doors. “And you’re not just saying that?”

“I might be,” you jokingly began, but the way the look on his face fades, you immediately shake your head. 

“I forgave you awhile ago because it just makes my life easier than to hold a weight of a grudge,” he watches you tiredly shrug. “But to be disappointed that you left me without a reason? Slightly… but we all move on, right? Your reason isn’t mine and I’ve came to terms with that. To blame you for apologizing just now? Absolutely.”

Hearing all of that, he couldn’t help but to express that little feeling of elation and relief as he let his lips curl into an amused smirk. “Better late than never.”

You smile. “Better late than never.”

And there was that banal moment, standing there, both of your minds alert and awake at the middle of the night before a big day. But it was nice, sweet, and— as Aunt Lily would say— refreshing.

Then after having his time to cherish that little minuscule moment, he let out a sigh that he felt like he was holding since forever. “Okay, I guess I’ll just let you sleep tonight. I know how long you take getting ready.”

Rolling your eyes, you shake your head. “I don’t take that long.”

“You take up my whole lifespan.”

“And you overreact too much,” you say before you’re offering him a sleepy smile. “Goodnight, Jungkook.”

“Goodnight, ____.”

That was what Jungkook liked a lot about you. 

You were quick to forgive as you always preach about never holding grudges that weigh you down. Once, you had a toxic best friend, constantly trying to one up you, constantly trying to put you down, constantly giving you hell for all the mistakes you did, but even then, the minute she apologized for being a terrible friend after accusing you of ruining her relationship with her cheating boyfriend, you were quick to forgive, but you managed to keep your distance from her ever since then. 

Jungkook silently hoped, as he was walking back to his designated room, that you wouldn’t do the same to him— the distancing away yourself part, but knowing that this situation was all sorts of odd and nostalgic and bittersweet and—

He forgot his hotel room key inside his own hotel room.

Groaning in frustration but realizing he had to keep it down, he let out a sigh before he cursed under his breath silently, knowing that the groom is probably in his own suite and knowing that he was stuck, he had to trudge his way back to your front hotel room, painfully knocking on the door— the right one this time.

What caught him by surprise wasn’t the fact that you opened the door, but you opened it within a millisecond.

He was slightly amused, but his amusement would have caused him to be cocky, and his cockiness will most likely get a door slammed to his face, so he covered his slight mirth by scratching the back of his neck.

“I kind of…” he barely starts before the cockiness he had possessed earlier that moment was transferred to you when a curl of your lips and an eyebrow arch painted your face. “I may have forgotten my keycard in the room, and uh…”

That shit-eating grin on your face as you watch him awkwardly attempt to finish his sentence was very well evident, and he couldn’t help but to narrow his eyes at you.

“You know what, I’ll sleep out here.”

Bursting into fits of chuckles, you shake your head before you catch him by surprise as you grab ahold of his wrist.

“You can stay the night,” you roll your eyes. “But if you try something, Jeon.”

He immediately rose his hands up. “The groomsmen would like to show up to his sister’s wedding.”

Giving that smile he hasn’t seen in awhile, you turn around and let him in, immediately climbing into your bed and creating enough space for the two of you.

And it was that little glimmer of hope, that silver lining that sparked something within him— and gave him just a little bit of courage.

Jungkook woke up that morning, early enough that none of the other parties had woken up yet, including you.

You were snoring softly beside him that he couldn’t help but wonder what it was like to wake up to you every morning, like this.

He wouldn’t say guilt filled his body, but he did wish he didn’t leave someone like you with not a single reason as to why he did. Admittedly he felt regretful, watching someone so beautiful and so forgiving could be in front of him. To say that he cared a lot about you would be an understatement.

He stares, one hand resting behind his head and the other reluctantly hovering over your cheek, before he allowed his knuckles to just barely graze over it, careful enough not to wake you up.

“There were nights where I wished I never left you,” he whispers, quietly, eyebrows scrunching. “You once said that something that can be so bad could be so good. I guess I never really thought about that until I left. You know, letting the relationship go a little more steady and letting that little thing that felt like hell to me become a safe haven. I guess I never gave us a real chance.”

He lets out a light scoff, retracting his hand from your face as he indulges in the art of your image in front of him. You were talking about something you learned about called The Nova Effect, and though almost 98% of it was pure gibberish along with your dash of nerdy expertise, he took note of what he could.

“I guess asking that little chance now would be a stretch,” he smiles, humoring himself to the thought that maybe you would give you and him a chance. “But you also said that something that can be so good could be so bad.” He purses his lips before he lets out a sigh when he realizes that this moment— you sleeping soundly, that feeling of chance in his stomach— will probably be the last; that after the wedding, he was going to fully and completely let go of you.

“It was good while it lasted.”

The wedding went great, other than the fact that Taeyong accidentally walked in on Seulgi when she was getting her makeup done that morning. Fortunately, they were able to make it to the “I do” part and not a single curse of “seeing the bride before the wedding” was casted upon them— at least not yet.

For Jungkook, he felt a bit queasy when he couldn’t get his eyes off of you when in front of him during the wedding ceremony, looking all beautiful and lovely in the color of lilac. When you caught his eye, you had gleamed at him with the smile of your eyes and even then, he refused to remove his eyes from you. He wished that he didn’t have to say goodbye to you again.

At the reception, after everyone had taken their fill of the buffet, it was at the moment when everyone was slightly buzzed and the performer who sang lively jazz music had everyone swinging and dancing on the dance floor, including yourself.

Jungkook, being sober and sitting at his designated table, was talking to one of the other groomsmen until he was grabbed by whom he assumed was his girlfriend and was left alone.

That was until you showed up, plopping yourself onto his lap, and by the whiff of your smell that consisted of honey and a bit of the champagne served, he knew you were tipsy.

Your arms were wrapped around his neck and he found his hand instinctively holding your waist and the other holding your thigh, and he didn’t realize it until you leaned into his touch.

“You’re tipsy,” he observes and you let out a laugh.

“Not really,” you retort back, crinkling your nose before you immediately pull back to look at him, big beady eyes staring into his. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“A secret?” He laughs amusedly, knowing that something from your tipsy mind would probably be something dumb or mind blowing.

You hum in response before you lean in again, bringing your lips to his ear. “I heard you.”

Jungkook, furrowing his eyebrows, pulls back to look at you. “I know, you told me.” Did the champagne block out her memory of what happened that last night where you heard him express his apology to another stranger?

You laugh, shaking your head. “No, no. I heard you this morning.”

“Did I wake you up when I was leaving?”

“No, idiot,” you sigh. “The Nova Effect. You remembered.”

And it hits Jungkook right in the head, another set of mortification when he realized that you actually heard him.

Maybe he shouldn’t be expressing his thoughts out loud anymore.

“What?”

“Something so bad to be so good. Something so good to be so bad,” you repeat. “I heard everything.”

Jungkook was silent as he was blinking at you, like a lost puppy.

“And you know, this good doesn’t have to be bad,” you start slowly. And maybe he was confused and maybe he wasn’t hearing you right, but either one, you couldn’t help but laugh at his blank expression. “This,” you say, referring to him and you. “Doesn’t have to be the last.”

Jungkook opens his mouth, lost at words. “So you’re…”

“We… can start over,” you began. “I’m willing to, if you are.”

Jungkook manages to smile. “Better late than never.”

Laughing at that, you shake your head at him, continuing to enjoy the night while Jungkook was being his usual joking and cocky self.

“You two look pretty cozy for being broken up,” Seulgi says, a smirk forming on her lips as she grazes her eyes at the two people in front of her.

“What?” You ask, immediately sitting straight up in Jungkook’s lap, your laughter over something he mention beginning to die out. He sat back up straight as well and blinked at his sister who was smiling into her champagne glass in hand.

“Fucking hell,” Jungkook rolls his eyes, resting his head against your shoulder before he looks up at his sister. Meanwhile, you were confused. “You knew?”

“Oh please, what type of sister would I be if I didn’t know that my own brother was heartbroken,” Seulgi scoffs, shaking her head.

“Then you just let me believe that you didn’t know?” Jungkook asks in disbelief. “What the hell?”

“Hey, you not telling me that you and ___ broke up was all you,” Seulgi defends. “I invited her because she’s the only girl you’ve ever dated that I actually like.”

You smile at her. “Is it too late to get you to marry me?” You felt Jungkook squeeze your hip, causing you to laugh a little.

“Great, I just keep embarrassing myself left and right,” Jungkook sighs as Seulgi shrugs her bare shoulders.

“Kookie, the fool.”

Laughing at that, you lean back into Jungkook’s touch as he was sighing in embarrassment of this whole wedding weekend. He was truly debating on keeping his thoughts closed off, but he realized that in the end, everything turned out okay. Besides the fact that a stranger heard what he had said.

“Alright, lovebirds, unless you’re planning to get a room, get your damn asses on the floor,” Seulgi says, point the rim of her empty glass to the both of you, stalking away to find her other half.

As she does so, you stood up from Jungkook’s lap, taking Seulgi’s advice and grabbing his hand and realizing that maybe, just maybe, you already found your other half.

this drabble is apart of my drabble series 

the given prompts are from this list 

#did i.... #kill two birds with one stone? #yes i did #ahahahah #ok #jungkook #jungkook scenarios #bts #also i just got back home and that was the longest layover ever my back hurts #spontaneous writing

[prefixing]

aaaa so i start college in 10 days, it's on the other side of the country, and 82% of the time i'm caught between being excited and happy and terrified and literally panicking at 2 AM when I should be asleep.... i know i /should/ be excited and also nervous but i had a huge change in my life early this year that truly and honestly left me reeling and dissociating, and i'm terrified that this will trigger the same response but worse.. god okay i'll also be meeting my best friend of two years 1/?

- so im also nervous that she won’t like me but also excited out of my mind because holy fuck it’s like my brain can’t decide if i’d like to have her be more than a friend ajdjfk Anyway…. things’re just,, not fun :’)) and im just scared, im never sure where to look for advice for handling extreme change especially after previous change went so horribly :\ i Am looking forward to classes tho and i can’t wait to see what new friends i can make or what my job will be like but aaaa there’s a lot 2/2

hi!! thank you for sending this and confiding in me! i don’t know what kind of response you expected, but this was all i could think about for my 1h long yoga pass and i think i might have gone overboard. also just a note that the only thing that i 100% can relate to is meeting an online friend, but i am planning to move country in 2019 and i can already feel that kind of stress creeping up on me.warning: long post ahead!!it’s probably not news to you that the big trig to freak outs/dissociating is stress, and that you should try to avoid it, but honestly that’s pretty rubbish advice. i guess what you can do is prepare yourself mentally? you know that big changes are what triggers this response in you so perhaps you could look back at last time and try to recognise what helped in that moment, and what you could try to remember if things go badly again?

in general, when it comes to big changes (bear in mind, the biggest change in my life is moving from the suburbs into the city, which only really meant that i had to switch schools for the third time and i wasn’t even mad abt it because i hated my old one) these are some things that might help to think about:

you’re not alone!! you mentioned your best friend that you’re meeting (does she live close to where you’re moving? if not, she’ll most likely still be available online like before), but there are also more people at your college in similar position as you; and they are most likely terrified as well. when my ex moved city there was a facebook group for people new in that city who shared tips with each other? perhaps there is something similar available for you? perhaps you have friends from before that are taking similar steps in life? (i’m also available for potential updates if u wanna rant)

the positives; it will not all be sunshines and rainbows but you’re excited about your classes, there are friends to be made and you have a job that you’re actually looking forward to! wow!!

it usually helps me to kind of “jump into the future”; think about were you were a few year ago and how quickly that time has passed. then imagine a significant moment in the future (e.g. graduating college!) and how you will then look back at where you are now as if no time has passed. this is a weird tip idk

now to what i actually have experience of; meeting internet friends. fun fact: it is terrifying!! and will always be!! 

i have two particular encounters that stand out, let’s call them #1 and #2. when i met #1 back in 2011 we hung out for an afternoon in the city centre and we are still really good friends (i’m actually visiting her this weekend!!)

with #2 we hung out for two whole weekends in 2015 with about three weeks in between, this sent me into panic mode, i ghosted her for a good half year and we haven’t really spoken the same way since. this is the wrong thing to help you not freak out but honestly, it was shit for a while but we’re on good terms now and enjoy life separately.

main differences between these meetings (getting scientific)

#1

a 3h train ride away

we hung out for a short period of time

our parents were with us to check that the other was a legit person but then we were left to our own devices

#2

a 24h flight away

we hung out for about 48hours straight twice in a short period of time (considering the circumstances)

both our families and my other friend were with us at all times

i guess my advice is to meet in smaller doses first to not overwhelm each other? its exhausting to feel like you have to “live up” to whatever personality you’ve displayed online, however honest it may be, and keeping that up for long period of time will tire you out (unless both of you are superhuman extroverts (which i though i was but apparently am not)). since you’re moving away it might not be a problem but having family around made meeting #2 way worse than it might have been otherwise. i’m not the same around my parents as i am to my friends, and here i favoured my parent-friendly side, which differed greatly to how i interacted with my friend online and made the tension weird. with friend #1 we were alone and i could let myself go, only worrying about one persons response as opposed to lk 10

as for potential lovey dovey feelings, don’t stress about that for now!! leave that as a nice surprise for when things have settled a little. love may be terrifying but it’s also an amazing feeling to be in love, so savour it when it’s truly there. sorry to be blunt and negative, but the potential for love that you’re feeling right now might change when you meet (or it may blossom!), so i’d say to leave it on its own for now and deal with it when it happens.

sorry for hitting you with a novel for a response and good luck!! if you feel like it, you’re more than welcome to send me updates

#ask #anon #this was unexpected but lovely #ur struggles arent lovely #but that you chose to trust me with them is #long post