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sommerbueckers · 19 days

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My Brother's Best Friend Pt4

I immediately disregarded my homework at the sound of my phone ringing. I had been expecting a call from Paige ever since her game against Xavier went off, Uconn coming out with an unsurprising win.

Her smug face appeared on the screen, she had changed into her pajamas and the camera was propped up on what I assumed to be a desk or table.

"Summer Collymor."

"Paige Bueckers."

"Did you watch the game?" she asked.

"Nope," I said, "tv was unplugged as promised."

She leaned back in her chair and laughed, shaking her head. "Whatever you say."

I laughed as well, nervously toying around with the pen I had previously tossed aside with my notebook. This was the first time ever that Paige and I had facetimed, and despite our track record of never having a dry conversation, I couldn't help but worry that I'd run out of things to talk about.

"So..." she said with a smile.

"So...?" I repeated.

"How was your day?" she asked softly.

"Hmm it was okay. Practice was really great though, we got a few new girls who tried out for the second season and they're really good. I'm hoping they'll tryout again for the comp squad in the spring."

"That's good. You're pacing yourself right?"

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

"With putting the routines together and studying for midterms and all, I just want to make sure you aren't stressing yourself out" she shrugged shyly.

"Aww, are you worried about me?" I smiled.

"Definitely not, who am I gonna make fun of if you're all busy and stressed?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Girl bye, look in the mirror and you'll find all the jokes you need" I laughed.

"Ohh you thought that was good huh? You weren't saying all that when I was all over you the other day" she replied cockily, crossing her arms and staring at the camera.

"So you admit that you were all over me?"

"We were all over each other."

"Mhm. If I remember correctly, it was you who made the first move," I reminded her, "so shut all that shit up."

She playfully rolled her eyes and grabbed the phone, moving to lay down on her bed. A moment of silence washed over us as I watched her watch me, both of our smiles slowly growing at the eye contact. I didn't want to be the first to back down but I could feel the tension becoming too much for me to bear. I pretended to read over a paragraph in my chem textbook, not wanting her to notice the blush that had crept onto my face. It'd go straight to her head.

"What're you wearing?" her voice was low and suggestive through the phone, but her face displayed an expression of innocence.

"A t-shirt" I said, tilting the camera up as I displayed my 2019 cheer championship shirt.

She smirked, "What else?"

"Just my underwear" I said innocently.

"Oh yeah?" she raised her eyebrows. When I nodded my head she continued, "Can I see?"

I thought about it for a moment, lifting up to make sure my door was closed before making my decision. I pulled my covers down and raised the camera, showing off the bright pink thong that I had on.

"Mm mm mm!" Paige exclaimed dramatically, shaking her head with her fist to her mouth.

"Oh God shut up!" I laughed, putting the camera back down.

"What? You look good" she complimented simply.

"Thanks, wish you were here to prove it though" I said lowly.

I didn't know where my sudden boldness came from, maybe it was because I knew Paige wasn't actually here and I had no reason to be nervous. Anything I said or did right now would surely be forgotten by the time she returned for Christmas break.

"Just touch yourself and pretend its me" she laughed, but her eyes carefully scanned my face for my reaction.

"You would say something like that" I shook my head.

"Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures" she defended with her hand up. She went quiet for a moment when I didn't say anything. "Are you doing it?" she asked with high eyebrows, surprise laced in her voice.

"No! You're so dirty," I laughed, "I was getting comfortable."

"Mhm" she nodded.

"...Did you really want me to?"

She shrugged her shoulders, not looking at the phone. She definitely wanted me to. I bit my lip as I considered it. Paige was staring at me quizzically through the phone with one of her eyebrows cocked. I was getting turned on at the thought of pleasing myself, the thought of Paige's voice in my ear as she told me what to do and how to do it.

"Okay" I said, letting out a breath.

"Huh?"

"I'll do it" I elaborated.

"You don't have to, I was just-"

"I want to" I interuppted, rubbing my legs together under the covers.

"Really?"

"Yes, what do I do?" I asked.

"Wait, have you never done it before?" she sounded surprised.

"No...is that bad?"

Paige laughed and sat up a little straighter in her bed, "No Summer it's not bad it's just...surprising?" she corrected.

"Why is it surprising?"

"I don't know, I don't know."

"Alright whatever," I smiled, "you ready to do this?"

"Are you ready?" she redirected the question.

"Yeah go, go" I encouraged.

Paige laughed lowly, shaking her head. I moved to switch off my lamp and then laid back down. Paige had gotten comfortable as well; her head rested back against her pillow and her wrist was draped over her forehead.

"Okay now...run your hands up and down your thighs" she instructed after thinking for a moment. "Just your fingertips, slow" she added quickly.

I did as I was told, softly trailing my fingertips up to the edge of my underwear and then trailing them back down to my knees. It felt like electricity coursing through my fingers and leaving burn marks on my skin where they touched. I imagined it was Paige's hands, touching me with utmost delicacy as she always did.

"You like the way that feels?" she asked.

"Yeah" I answered.

I couldn't help but feel embarrassed at what I was doing. Not only was I masturbating for the first time in my life, but I was doing it on the phone with Paige. She couldn't see me, my phone sat next to my head facing toward the ceiling, close enough to where she could hear any noise that I made.

"I want you to move your hands up and down your cunt...be gentle" she said.

I bit back a laugh at the bluntness of her words and moved my fingers over my clothed clit. I was gentle like she told me to be, hardly pressing into myself at all.

"Do it three more times, and then I want you to stop."

I could feel myself growing wetter, hotter, needier. I bit down hard on my lip, preventing shaky breaths from leaving my mouth. My clit was becoming swollen, my entire pussy throbbing with the desire to be touched by me...by Paige.

She had fucked me so good before she left and I was aching for her to do it again. I wanted to feel every inch of her, her sweaty body on mine as we went round after round.

"Take two fingers and rub in that circular motion that I know you like" she said, I could practically see the smile on her face as she spoke. "Think about me when you do it, think about my fingers touching and teasing you."

I was even more turned on at the thought of Paige hovering over me, her long blonde hair falling like a curtain over me and tickling my face.

"How wet are you Summer?" she asked lowly.

I could feel my wetness grow and begin to drip out of me, if I told her how wet I was right now she'd never let me hear the end of it. A small whimper slipped past my lips, a cry of desperation.

"So wet" I breathed out.

"Yeah...good."

"Let's get those pretty panties out the way then" she smirked.

I pushed my hand down into my underwear all too quickly, dying to feel a more intense friction.

"You're rushing, I can hear you. Slow down or I'm gonna stop" she warned, her voice serious.

I stilled my motions.

"That's a good girl" she cooed condescendingly.

I was going to come quick, I knew I was. Paige talking me through this had to be the hottest thing ever. After a good game tonight I knew she deserved to unravel me the way she was, to listen to me crumble to pieces from instructions she was giving me.

"Slowly...put your fingers in. I want it so slow it almost hurts to do, you hear me?" she said.

"Mhm..."

"Words."

"Yes, yes I hear you" I whined.

I didn't waste anymore time inserting my ring and middle fingers, a dragged out gasp filling the room. I tightly pressed my lips together, that gasp turning into a moan.

All I could think about was Paige's proud face smirking down at me as her finger repeatedly pushed in and out of me, hitting all the right spots. I imagined her lips as they connected with mine, and then they moved to my jaw, and then to my neck, and down my chest...

"Go faster for me."

I ignored the slight stinging pain I felt as I pumped my fingers faster, it was enough for me to clench my jaw, but not enough to stop.

"Fuck you sound so good" Paige grunted, running her hands through her hair. "God I miss you."

I didn't bother to stop the smile that pulled at my lips, there were so many feelings running through me that I didn't know what to do with myself.

I ran my hand up my side to my chest, using it to squeeze my tits. I could hear my fingers going in and out, my juices running down my hand.

"Do you wanna come?" she asked.

"Uh huh" I moaned out desperately.

"I want to see you" Paige said, staring at the phone.

I didn't make a move for my phone, I could feel my walls tightening around my fingers. I would come any second.

"Summer," she called out, "be a good girl and let me see you."

I snatched the phone off the bed and held it in my hand, sitting up to lean on my elbow so she could see my face.

Her eyes were dark when they met mine through the screen, she licked her lips and smiled. "Come for me pretty baby"

That'll do it.

My mouth fell open as I released all over my fingers. It was almost as if my entire existence was slipping away, like everything I had accomplished was becoming undone. My body shook for a moment, and it felt like I was lying on clouds taking shots of Pink Whitney with Jesus Christ. Nothing was real.

If that's what giving myself an orgasm felt like, I was upset that I hadn't done it sooner. I laid there for a moment, coming back to my sense as I came down from my high.

"You okay over there?" Paige asked, her voice laced with amusement.

I laughed and brought the phone closer to my face, playfully narrowing my eyes. I got up from the bed and headed into the bathroom, setting up the phone to wash my hands.

"I've actually never done that before...like, talked someone through it like that I mean" Paige confessed.

"Aw, I took your phone sex virginity" I teased, rubbing the soap into my hands.

She snorted, "You're a cornball."

"Yes, yes, so I've been told."

IM SO SORRY THIS IS SO FKN RUSHED LIKEEEEE

but at least i tried yk

i haven't been in the smut mood ??????🫨🫨🫨🫨🫨

but like I told yall I need a little more practice, I just can't tell what's too much and what isn't enough WHERES THE LINE ????

but okay like any suggestions like...what do yall want to see next🙄?

#paige bueckers x reader #brother's best friend #paige bueckers #uconn wbb #wlw post #smut #ilovepaigebueckers

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azaleaniath · 1 year

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~ ROTXO X FEM! SULLY READER ~ (MODERN AU)

Unexpected

synopsis: You and your siblings are invited to a party with Ao'nung. You had expected a calm evening at his house, without Rotxo. Turns out it wasn't anything like that and you have to face your crush sooner or later.

warnings: flirting, alcohol, mild mentions of sex, jealousy aged up to 21

SFW | 4.5k words

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How great. You had totally forgotten that it was friday and Ao'nung had invited you and your siblings over to party with him. Until Lo'ak had stormed into your room to tell you to get inside the car, you were totally unaware that this party would take place tonight. You heard your older siblings car honk in the parking lot as Lo'ak told you that they've been waiting in the vehicle for 15 minutes.

You checked the time on your phone. 08:42 pm

two missed calls from: skxawng bro

3 minutes ago

new message from: big bro

'u coming? We're in the car waiting for you'

Fuck.

A quick look in the mirror followed.

Beige plaid flannel pajama pants and a brown hoodie, unbrushed hair in a messy bun, that was definetly not the perfect fit for a party. But it was just Ao'nungs house, right?

"There's no time to change, we're already late! Hurry up girl, Tsireya already asked where we're at!"

"Have you seen me?!" you barked at him, quickly grabbing your most important belongings.

"You promised me you'd come with me! If you let me down now I'll tell mom and dad about the exam you fucked up last week!"

You only growled at him before slipping out of bed and letting him drag you downstairs. He barely left you any time to get into some shoes as he urged you outside and into the car. Neteyam started the vehicle as soon as he caught sight of you in the back mirror.

"Yo bro, you got the address?"

Lo'ak asked his brother once he got in and clipped the buckle of his passenger seatbelt. Neteyam tipped around on his the display of his built in navigation system, furrowing his brows.

"Yeah, it's only a few miles but I don't think I've ever been there before..." A cold shower ran down your spine.

"Wait. We're not going going to Ao'nung house?" You tried fixing your hair, checking yourself in your front camera of your phone. Neteyam shook his head. Wonderful.

"So we're going to this unknown destination and I look like shit. Why am I even coming with you..." you questioned, not expecting an answer.

"We'll just have a fun night, okay? Lo'ak, I'd appreciate if you and Ao'nung wouldn't fight this once." Neteyam said, steering the car with one hand while checking the upcoming redlight.

"We're friends bro, it just makes me wanna puke to see how he touches you, especially in public- ugh!" Lo'ak shook his head in disgust, to which Neteyam only blushed.

"Oh shut up, don't make me start talking about you and Tsireya. Your staring makes me uncomfortable too, baby bro."

Lo'ak, definetly feeling offended by this, tried to draw the topic away from himself, instead of that he brought you into the conversation. "Well, at least I talk to the person I like, other than y/n."

You gasped, feeling your cheeks flushing at his comment right away. "H-hey, what's that supposed to mean?!"

"Oh come on, you know who I'm talking about~" your brother cooed, Neteyam grinned to himself silently. Your blushed cheeks only deepened in color as you caught his expression in the mirror.

You decided to stay quiet as well, there was nothing you could say to your defense anyways. These feelings you held for Rotxo were undeniable. He was just the cutest, most caring metkayina you had ever met. This boy had owned your heart for some time already. The way he would look out for his friends was most adorable. It probably would be an unsolved mystery to you why he and - out of all people - Ao'nung got along so well. They were like salt and pepper, moonlight and sunshine. Yet they had been the closest friends since childhood. It truly made you wonder.

You stayed silent until the arrival. When Neteyam pulled up to the parking lot you could only stare at the building of the club, jaw dropped.

It wasn't just any towns club as it seemed. Instead, Lo'ak and you gasped at the sight of the bougie looking, black building. The music could already be heard from outside, loud booming basses causing your ears to twitch.

"Is this the right address?" you finally asked. Neteyam explained that Ao'nungs father had some connections and therefore knew the owner of this club.

Great.

The three of you got out of the parked car soon and walked towards the long entrance line. Again you looked down on yourself, nibbling on your bottom lip in nervousness. "They'll never let me get in there, guys..."

Neteyam patted your shoulder, giving you a reassuring look.

"If Ao'nung says 'don't worry-"

"Then I'm especially worried." Lo'ak finished, before your older brother corrected him with a scolding look.

"Then there's no reason to worry."

You didn't even bother getting your ID out, pretty certain that they wouldn't let you in either way.

After some time, you were finally next in line. The bouncers checked the three of you up and down, trying to swallow their laughs.

"You're most definitely not getting in there like that, young lady." One of them huffed, lowering their sunglasses a bit to muster you once again.

"We're invited to the lounge." Neteyam spoke calmly, but the two men only crossed their arms in front of their buff chest, letting out a hearty laughter.

"In your dreams maybe, boy."

Neteyam's face got a bit more serious as they started laughing and he copied their pose.

"We're guests of Ao'nung. I don't think his parents would like to hear about this occurrence."

They immediately froze in their laughter, then checked the digital list again. Your eldest brother leaned over their little tablet and pointed out your names. You too peaked over to the screen, feeling a cold shower slowly run down your shovering spine.

Rotxo status: present, arrived at 08:28pm

The very first name on the list. After that followed Tsireya, then Neteyam, Lo'ak, you and also Kiri. She had decided to stay at home and study. Oh how much you wished you could swap places with her right now.

You punched Lo'aks upper arm rather unpleasantly, and he exactly knew why.

"I thought he isn't here tonight?!" you hissed in anger, "You said he wouldn't come?!"

Your brother rubbed his arm in pain before your brothers showed their ID's.

"I'm sorry okay? I didn't want you to leave me alone with Ao'nung and Neteyam!"

"You know I can hear you?" Your oldest brother growled, getting his wristband as well as Lo'ak.

"You'll be fine. Let's get in and find them."

Your heartbeat quickened just at the thought of meeting Rotxo tonight. Especially since you looked like you just woke up and this club was worth more money than you'd possibly ever make.

"I'll get myself an uber and go back ho-" Just then you got interrupted by a loud, familiar voice. Ao'nungs head appeared from behind the bouncers, giving them a quick nod and pulling the three of you in with a loud, happy cheer.

"My favourite guests, finally! Eywa, took you long enough! Did Lo'ak drive?" Ao'nung chuckled, pecking Neteyam on his cheek before his blue eyes fell upon you. He checked you up and down, starting to laugh in disbelief.

"I invited you to party with me, not for a sleepover!" You simply sighed, eyes rolling back slightly.

"But hey, whatever. Let's go guys, let me show you around, just follow me."

Not only Ao'nung noticed your eyecatching wardrobe. Some people who passed you turned back to you, pointed at you, laughed at you.

How fucking embarrassing.

Part of the tour of course included the fancy bar close to the lounge. Your eyes shot wide open at the sight, and you quickly decided to climb onto a bar stool, clawing at the surface of the bar.

"I'll stay right here. You go have fun!" Your voice fought against the loud music as you leant closer towards the three men, then over the surface towards the bar table. Ao'nung simply shrugged and pulled a tab card out of his pockets, handing it to you.

"All drinks are on me of course, but don't go too crazy or my father will kill me!" He gave you a warning look before his expression softened again and he lead the two other Sully's into a more calm area. You could spot your brothers and Ao'nung from back there, sitting down on the expensive furniture next to two other figures. It didn't take you long to identify them as Rotxo and Tsireya in the neon light.

The smaller man looked into your direction after a quick talk to his best friend, his eyes started searching for you desperately. For a second, you met his gaze. The butterflies in your stomach went crazy at the mere sight, causing you to turn back around with a heated face, calling out for the bartender as soon as he was free. You needed something strong, and preferably a lot of it.

~~~

A few drinks for confidence later you looked back to your group, just as you noticed Ao'nung pushing himself through the crowd, only to lean against the bar next to you. By his look alone you could tell that he was definitely up to something. This smug grin was nothing new.

"You're not enjoying yourself?" he almost yelled so you could hear him despite the loud music.

"Come sit with us, y/n! We'd love to have you around!"

You pursed your lips, looking back at the group. Lo'ak and Tsireya made their way to the dance floor and you knew your brother way too good. By his walk alone you could tell he was already tipsy as he chased his girlfriend through the dancing people. Rotxo and Neteyam were currently talking on a couch, but that didn't keep the smaller metkayina from looking up to you with a shy smile. That alone caused your heart to throb in your ribcage.

"I don't know..." you mumbled, but Ao'nung could read it from your lips.

"Come, I'm sure it will be fun! And I think Rotxo could use some company too, huh?" Your eyes lit up at his words instantly, but you could only stare at the empty glass your hands clenched around. Ao'nung was indeed spoiled, but definitely not stupid or blind. He knew why you hesitated.

As you slowly turned to the man besides you, he took the empty glass from your tight grip and shoved it away. "I'm sure he'd be happy to have you around!" he reassured loudly before he gently dragged you towards their corner. Eywa, it was humiliating to pass all these people in your outfit. Some of them you knew from college or high school, others from Ao'nungs circle of friends. What had you gotten yourself into? You assumed to be drinking at his house, without so many people, without so much pressure, without Rotxo. But here you were.

As soon as you dropped yourself next to Neteyam you tried to hide from Rotxos eyes behind the rather broad figure of your brother. By eywa, your heart was about to burst just at the sight of him.

Ao'nung noticed immediately and asked Neteyam to get a drink with him. In shock you froze, wanting to keep Neteyam here for a while longer, but he excused himself for a minute. And now you were there, with Rotxo and a few people you barely know.

He greeted you with a sweet smile, waving at you. Of course he too was wondering about your wardrobe. Yet he found it rather cute, but confusing. You pulled your knees closer, trying to hide in that oversized hoodie of yours.

He scooted closer to you, but you could only look to the ground in embarrassment. "I didn't know you'd come today?" he asked, which made you purse your lips, not knowing what do say. It wasn't the first time he was talking to you, not at all. You had known him since your freshman year and instantly set your eyes on him. You were simply not prepared to look at him right now. Not after Ao'nung had figured out you liked Rotxo and 'accidentally' dropped it in the group chat.

Oh how much you'd give to just disappear, even more as all of a sudden a wonderful, pretty girl just dropped down next to him with a wide, confident smile. Unlike you, she was well dressed in a tight dress which left nothing to the imagination. You could tell she had spent hours getting ready, smelling her strong perfume from across the leather couch. Rotxos face twisted immediately.

"Hey gorgeous, you don't mind if I sit here, do you?" she asked loudly, getting really touchy really fast.

"Actually I'm talking-" Rotxo couldn't nearly finish before her high pitched voice interfered. "Your friend Ao'nung told me that you're single so I thought we could get to know each other? I'm Iliya!"

Iliya. Eywa, you already hated her. But you had to admit, she probably didn't even need that full face of makeup to look that good. You could only clench your teeth, averting your gaze in jealousy as soon as she placed a hand on his shoulder, the other resting on his thigh. Rotxo leaned back to look past her, shooting an annoyed and fed up gaze at his best friend.

"Ao'nung says a lot, especially when there's alcohol involved." Rotxo simply stated, then he reached out to his virgin strawberry colada that stood on the glass table in front of the couch. Not like he was thirsty- he actually just wanted to get her hands away. But as soon as he sat back up again, her hands landed on his body once more.

He wasn't really experienced in talking to women. Most females he knew drooled over Ao'nung. Why not after all? He was tall, had gorgeous long hair, was built like a god, his charm was unmatched. On top of that, he had a lot of money and influence, thanks to his father mostly. But still, Ao'nung was everything Rotxo wasn't. It was hard for him to believe that anyone would ever see him as long as he'd stand in Ao'nungs shadow. If anyone ever was interested in being close to him it was for his best friend mostly. But as Ao'nung had sent this one message into the group chat, he nearly bursted oit of excitement. He liked you too.

"Hey, why don't we play a game, huh? If you guess my age correctly I'll give you a free kiss! And if you like it, i don't know... We could go somewhere more private?"

This fucking Iliya-bitch.

She made your blood boil so easily.

You had seen enough. Without a word you stormed outside to the nearby balcony, unable to watch this girl hitting on the boy you liked any longer. It was frustrating, really. If only Rotxo would notice you and see you as more than just the sister of his best friend's boyfriend.

Yet you doubted that he'd ever take you seriously again after that group chat situation. You remembered the message just too well, word for word.

'I don't understand why y/n doesn't talk to Rotxo if she' s crushing on him lmao'

Apparently that message was meant for Neteyam only. Neteyam only my ass, you thought. Ao'nung knew exactly what he was doing.

The breeze in your face immediately cooled your hot head. Fuck, why did you even come here?

"Great, what a fucking night..." you groaned, gripping into your messy hair.

"Can i join you here?" A gentle voice asked from behind, making you turn instantly. There he stood, Rotxo. Alone.

You only hummed in response, uncertain if you wanted to be alone or not.

He stretched his arm out to you, holding his drink into your direction.

He wanted to share his drink with you? Not that you would mind, but the thought of an indirect kiss did make your heart flutter somehow.

"Thanks..." you mumbled before Taking a quick sip from his straw. The taste of cold cream and strawberry melted on the lightly numb tongue of yours which the alcohol had caused. You quickly swallowed giving Rotxo a tight lipped smile afterwards.

Rotxo watched the lights of the city in the distance. It was a pretty sight to him, but by far not as pretty as the sea. Or as you.

"What was that..." the metkayina shook his head in disbelief.

"You mean... that girl?"

"Yeah" he huffed, eyes combing through the horizon.

You frowned. "Sounded like she was very interested in you..."

He didn't fail to miss the sound of disappointment in your voice and hope sparked in him. Maybe Ao'nung was right about what he had said in the group chat? Soon his phone started buzzing, so he decided to take a look.

new message from: Ao

'why did you send her away man? Not your taste? ;)'

two new messages from: unknown

'hiii'

'that big metkayina hottie gave me your number. Wanna meet me at the bar in 5?'

"Seriously?" Rotxo cursed, deleting the message from the unknown number after blocking them.

reply to: Ao

'dude, stop it please. It's not funny. you know I like y/n...'

He waited for a few seconds after that and he instantly got a reply.

new message from: Ao

'just tryna make her jealous and confess since you ain't doing it bro'

Rotxo furrowed his brows reading his message. 'Because that's the way to do it...' he thought. He decided to turn his phone off instead. Ao'nung could be such a pain in the ass sometimes. Soon Rotxo put the phone back into his pocket, taking a sip from his drink.

His eyes mustered you up and down, yet not in a judging way at all.

It surely didn't go unnoticed by you, so you quickly spoke up before he could say anything first.

"Don't ask, okay? I didn't know we'd go here."

His eyes lit up as you excused yourself for how you looked.

"N-no, I wasn't gonna say anything against it. Actually... I think you look good in this. It may not be suited for this location but it's way better than these girls in their dresses that really show off everything."

You instantly felt your cheeks heating up at his compliment.

"You think so?"

"Of course! You look quite adorable." he admitted, tugging gently on your oversized hoodie. It made you giggle, heart exploding from this small gesture. As much as you wanted to enjoy this moment, it felt weird since he had probably read the messages in the group chat concerning you. He hadn't said anything but he had been online ever since. Well, it was now or never to find out.

You cleared your throat as quetly as possible."I'm glad you're not like Ao'nung. He can be happy to have such a good friend like you."

A friend. Was that the way he saw you too?

"Thanks, huh..." he mumbled. Your eyes met for a second and your heart skipped a beat. For some time, both of you only stood in silence.

"So..." he finally broke the silence again, "you're not looking for some summer fling or something like that, right?" You quickly shook your head, huffing shyly. "No. That's nothing for me..."

"Good, me neither." Wow, that answer came quicker than he wanted to. He blinked a few times, wishing he'd be able to keep himself more calm. Your phone kept buzzing in your pockets so you decided to take a look.

new message from: fish lips

'justmake the fucck out'

You shot a daring gaze over Rotxos shoulder, seeing a tipsy Ao'nung watching the two of you from the other side of the glass door. He pointed at you and Rotxo with a wide grin, making the most unholy and obscene gestures. How the fuck did he even bag your brother, seriously?

Ao'nung paused for a moment to send you another message.

'isyou gettin layed tonight??"

Rotxo turned to see his best friend continuing to mimic to him and you. Your teeth bit down onto your lower lip. Yeah, there was no way you could have a serious conversation with Rotxo like that. Fuck, it made you uncomfortable. The floor beneath your feet would do you the greatest favour by opening up and devouring you completely.

"I think I'm actually gonna call an uber..." you mumbled, tipping around on your phone screen.

"You're going home?" There was indeed a touch of disappointment in Rotxos voice but he could understand your choice just too well. This was getting ridiculous.

"Then I'll drive you home."

In no time your eyes met again.

Oh, how much he lost himself in yours.

"No need, really. I'm calling Kiri or dad to pick me up or something."

"I didn't drink, y/n. It's no big deal, I'll gladly do it if that means you're getting home safely."

His reassuring words left you considering.

"You have a car? I didn't even know?"

Rotxo grabbed into his pockets, revealing a matte black Benz key.

"It's Ao'nungs car, not mine. But I take it all the time, I'm sure he doesn't mind."

You hesitated for a moment. This would only work like oil to the fire of the rumors concerning the two of you, but in the end you gave in. Mentally preparing yourself for the stupid looks, you made your way back in with slow footsteps. Rotxo followed, keeping an eye on anyone that might bump into you.

By now, Ao'nung and Neteyam sat on the couch again. The metkayina had pulled your brother onto his lap, spreading a few sloppy kisses along his neck.

You cringed and pursed your lips awaiting the bad jokes as their eyes lifted up and fell upon the two of you.

"I'll be back in a bit, I'll just drive y/n home." Rotxo explained, keeping you close to him. Ao'nung nodded with a proud grin, but his best friend only waved it off.

"I'll drink to that! Finally losing your v-card!" Ao'nung slurred, Neteyam shook his head. You pulled your sleeves over your hands and turned away slightly, unable to look at anyone after that comment. Neteyam turned to his boyfriend and gave him a scolding look. Rotxo was a good guy who wouldn't even think about anything like that. But instead of starting another argument, Rotxo decided to ignore his best friend's comment.

"Imma take your car, just so you know. I trust you're in safe hands with Neteyam?"

"I trust y/n is in safe hands with you?" his best friend countered, his drunk smirk only widening. "If you need anything, there's condoms, lube and some other stuff in the glove compartment! But don't get my seats messy!" Rotxo only facepalmed, his visage twisted in disgust.

"I'm not interested, Ao'nung. You should know that. I'll turn my phone back on. If there's anything, Neteyam can text me." He growled as the two of you got ready to leave. Rotxo ensured that he'd be back in a bit after bringing you home safely, then come back to play the designated driver for Ao'nung, Neteyam, Lo'ak and Tsireya as soon as they were done having their fun.

Once he had guided you out of the club, he led you towards his best friend's car. He just wanted to get away from here. This entire evening, apart from talking to you, was nothing but a torture to both of you. Rotxo would've preferred anything with you. A movie night, cooking together or even studying with you. Anything that would not include anyone mocking him or you for your feelings. Just him and you. That sounded a lot more enjoyable.

You thanked him as he opened the passenger door for you, letting you hop inside and closing the door carefully. Before he got in, one of your hands slipped under the hook of the glove department. Curiosity killed the cat they say, but Ao'nung didn't lie. You instantly regretted looking as you quickly shut the door again, hoping Rotxo hadn't seen. Again you wondered how the hell your brother had found interest in him, but with that new information engraved into your brain, you didn't actually want to think about that anymore.

"You need the address?" you asked once he got in, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He leaned his head against it with a loud exhale, relieved he had gotten out of the club alive. He had sworn he'd die as Ao'nung had told him that you were coming too.

"I've dropped your brothers off some times already, I know the way. Listen y/n, uhm... I don't know what to say exactly, but I'm sorry. I didn't want you to be uncomfortable with that whole situation tonight..."

Your breath hitched at his sudden words. For a moment there was only silence, though you could hear your heart pounding loud and clearly.

Then you decided to speak up about it.

"It's not your fault, you don't have to apologize-"

"Yes I do. I should've talked to you about this earlier. I, uh..."

How fucking embarrassing that he brought this up now, but he had to talk this through once.

He managed to overcome himself, finally.

"I... I like you."

Did he really just say that?

Just like that?

You felt your heart pounding in your chest. Your lungs burned from holding your breath in shock. But the surprise was most pleasant. Luckily it was already late at night so he couldn't see how madly you blushed and vice versa. His face felt as if it was on fire, up to his ears. His grip around the steering wheel tightened, yet his words made you more confident.

There was no point in hiding your wide smile as you searched for his eyes, gently placing a hand on his knee. At first he jumped, unsure if that touch was intended, but how could it not be? His eyes landed on yours before one of his hands layed to rest on yours. "I like you too, Rotxo."

It wasn't a huge surprise to him, but it still felt wonderful to hear it from you personally.

He smiled brightly, taking your hand from his thigh only to lift it up to his face, placing the most lovely, soft kiss you could ever imagine onto your knuckles.

A warm feeling was spreading throughout your entire stomach as his lips gently pressed against your hand.

A loud growl from your stomach came up all of a sudden. You hadn't eaten anything all evening. With pursed lips you turned your head away, embarrassed by the noises your empty belly gave off.

Rotxo huffed silently before his lips kissed your knuckles once again.

"Let's get some food before I'll get you home, okay? Let's let the others wait."

As hungry as you were you contemplated. "You know if we take only a minute longer than needed there will be even more rumors..."

Rotxo shook his head, he didn't care about that. "Doesn't matter to me as long as it doesn't matter to you."

You too shook your head quickly and he placed your hand back on his thigh. "It doesn't. Food sounds great." Then he inserted the keys and started the car with a bright smile.

"So, burgers or pizza? You choose."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🏷️list: @luvlykrispy @zatarias-pandora @vviolaswrld @yeosxxx @lilgurlbeoncrack @philiasoul @itszzmoon @simp4ff @itsnotme02 @et-j-art @lovekeeho @mayhemories @cavvedin @ducks118 @lov3rluna @im-in-a-pansexual-panik

#rotxo x you #rotxo x y/n #rotxo x reader #atwow rotxo #rotxo #avatar rotxo #rotxo imagine #Rotxo headcanons #Avatar au #avatar modern au #avatar x reader #avatar x y/n #avatar x you #avatar x female reader #Rotxo x sully reader #avatar fanfiction #Avatar 2022 #ao'nung x neteyam #lo'ak x tsireya

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imaginidol · 10 months

Text

Taemin: Scored

As requested. Please feel free to send in any requests!

Unbelievable, Taemin thinks to himself as he watches the television screen in front of him.

You had just scored your second goal for your team, putting you in the lead for the final of the Women’s World Cup.

Taemin’s eyes followed you across the screen as your team celebrated you, chanting their country’s name and pointing to your shirt number.

Your goal is replayed several times in slow motion. Taemin bit his bottom lip at the sight of your unbelievably accurate precision as you launched the ball swiftly under the goalie’s legs.

Damn, he searches the screen for your name, she's really thriving now...

Not more than two quick minutes had passed when the fanatic had found your profile again on Instagram, curiously scrolling through your posts one by one.

She even got prettier. How long ago did we break up...?

Taemin was so indulged into your profile that the loud interruption on screen caught him by surprise: the football narrator had announced the end of the game and declared your team as the official winner of this year’s Women’s World Cup.

Damn! Taemin’s attention focused back to the screen, very pleased and shocked at the final results. Two of those goals had been met by you.

Taemin looked back down to his phone screen, an idea sprouting in the back of his mind.

What if... what if I congratulated her?

It's not like she'll read it. But... it doesn't hurt to try, at least.

And so, Taemin decided to DM you for the first time in a long time, congratulating you and your team for your grand final, as well as to praise you highly for your performace.

Once the message was sent, he curiously looked over towards you again through the television screen, wondering....

A couple weeks go by, and Taemin had forgotten about his DM altogether. He was sitting in his dressing room as his hairstylist was trimming the ends of his hair for an upcoming photoshoot.

The boy was mindlessly scrolling through Twitter when suddenly an unfamiliar Instagram notification popped up.

He had received a new messagae... from you!

[New DM: Thank you for your kind words, Taemin. It's been so long since we've talked... I'm sorry I couldn't answer your message sooner. I've been busy since the final...]

Taemin smiled cheekily, biting his lower lip in wonder. He decided to respond.

[Taemin: That's okay, you should prioritize your career, anyway. Enjoy your win, you really deserve it...]

Your response came in much quicker this time.

[New DM: Thanks, Taemin. I hear you're touring right now, is that true?]

[Taemin: You still keep up with my activities? But yeah, I'm touring right now. About to head to Tokyo next weekend, actually]

[New DM: So I've heard. I was asking because I noticed your Tokyo dates align with my trip to Japan with my team... we're getting invited to interviews all over the world.]

Taemin gasped excitedly, feeling a small yank as his hairstylist re-positioned his head and told him not to move too much.

[Taemin: Oh that's great! If you accepted it, I'd love to invite you to my concert dates in Japan...]

[New DM: I'd wholeheartedly accept that invitation... :)]

And that was that, your first interaction since the breakup had finally happened.

It wasn't that bad. At least we weren't petty about anything...

Taemin couldn't help but smile at the pleasant surprise of texting you again, and how perfect it was that his concert date aligned with your Japan trip.

Taemin fixes his mic as his team is finishing up their styling, preparing to set the artist off on stage for the long-awaited Tokyo show.

On stage, the lights finally dim and the familiar opening beat of WANT starts blasting throughout the venue.

He's still got it, you think to yourself from the floor seats he'd reserved especially for you. Cameras and eyes from fans were not only on his hot performance, but they were also on you.

[BREAKING: Women's World Cup Champion attends Taemin concert in Tokyo]

Your name was already plastered all over the internet again, this time followed by speculations of you and Taemin possibly getting back together. Some speculated you were still good friends, and you were simply supporting him whilst on your trip to Japan as it aligned perfectly with his show. Others suspected something more.

After the concert, you were privately escorted backstage where you could meet up with the concert artist of the night formally.

I can't believe it. I hope I look okay, you think as a bodyguard made your way to Taemin's dressing room.

When was the last time we even saw each other after our break up...?

You knock lightly at the door, and a couple seconds later a distantly familiar face opens it, smiling.

"Taemin?" you hear yourself say, voice shaking. Am I nervous...?

"It's so good to see you, please come in," he invites you inside. He offers you a few drinks and snacks as well as a seat on a couch.

"It's good to see you, too. You did amazing tonight, Tae," you smiled.

"Me? No, the one whose performance we should be talking about is yours at the final. I haven't stopped talking about it with my friends since that night," he excitedly responds.

"You're just being nice," you laugh.

"I'm being genuine," he smiles again.

I missed your smile, you think.

I missed your voice, he thinks as well.

You spend the next half-hour catching up the way two old friends would, noting that nothing awkward existed between you both since your breakup.

He then invited you for dinner, to which you lovingly accepted. You could feel a long-awaited rekindling friendship sprouting once again after many years of not interacting.

It was both you and Taemin's last day in Japan, having shared two concert dates in Tokyo and now one in Osaka. You were set to leave for a football interview in Rome in two days, and Taemin was set to prepare for his next concert all the way in Beijing.

"Taemin," you begin that night's dinner conversation. It was rather quiet tonight between the two of you, probably because you both knew it'd be the last time you'd see each other, indefinitely.

"Yes?" he looks up from his wine glass.

"I've enjoyed... talking to you again. I've really enjoyed all these days I've spent with you. Thank you for... for being the one to reach out, first."

Taemin smiled, settling his glass down. "I can't thank you enough for the time we've gotten to spend together these last few days. It almost makes me really... upset... that it'll be the last time I see you."

Your eyes move towards the end of the table, noticing his hands fidget with his fork. He used to always fidget when he was nervous.

"What if... this wasn't the last time," you whisper slowly, your eyes searching his.

He looks up curiously, wanting to ask a thousand more questions, though the look in his eyes did it for him.

"I'm saying," you clear your throat again, "what if... there was a second chance?"

"Second chance?"

"Second chance... at us."

The boy's eyes brightened, but he didn't say a word.

You keep a prolonged moment of eye contact for a few seconds before he finally speaks up.

"You're suggesting," he begins, "that if you had a second chance to start over... you'd take it?"

You smile awkwardly, nodding in assurance.

"I think I would," you say.

He scoffs, but not in a rude way. More of like, in an I can't believe what I'm hearing sort of way.

"I think," he whispers quietly, "I would, too."

He smiles at you, reaching his hand across the table to take yours. You intertwine your fingers around his, feeling more secure in your decision of dating Taemin again this time than you had felt the last time.

Maybe this time will be different. Maybe this time it'll last... way more than just a year. Just as long as we find appropriate time to set aside for us and prioritize our relationship healthily, everything's going to be okay.

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astriexxe · 1 month

Text

Here is my very long post about what I think of Les Misérables (2012) after watching it again recently

Tldr: the music which should be great somehow just isn't, the camera angles are fucking weird, Russel Crowe isn't as bad as I expected, Hugh Jackman was worse than I remembered

When I watched Les Misérables (2012) the first time it was the first experience I'd had of Les mis other than the odd YouTube video of one day more (or occasionally do you hear the people sing). I didn't know what it was about I didn't know many of the songs.

I found it fairly boring, the music was ok, the middle section with the revolution was the highlight. My favourite character was Javert followed by Enjolras (but that's biased because I'm a moulin rouge and n2n fan and it was Aaron tveit).

When I watched it back I entirely expected to hate Russell Crowe as Javert but have more respect for the music and the rest of the film as I have since watched the staged concerts and been to see it live and it's fucking great I love it.

I was wrong the music still sucked and I still found it kind of boring despite absolutely loving the stage production.

The orchestra is too quiet I think which means the music loses a lot of it's grandeur and the bad singing is more obvious.

Russel Crowe has a weird tone when singing (this we already knew) and when compared to other Javert's he sucks but when compared to Hugh Jackman it's a relief whenever it's his part because holy fuck Hugh Jackman was bad. Russel Crowe honestly wasn't that bad, I quite like his Javert from an acting perspective and the singing was alright, I know when I first watched the film stars was my favourite song (just imagine how amazed I was when I heard Philip Quast's version). I wish Javert's suicide was better in the film.

Hugh Jackman was far worse than I remembered him being perhaps I have more to compare him to now, bring him home was awful that's not how that should be sung and he had me bored for like the entire bit at the start where it's basically just him (end of prologue/ VJ's soliloquy).

One day more was a bit messy but not as bad as I was expecting.

The scenery was pretty epic like they had some great cinematic shots (ship at the start, the Seine, the cliff during VJ's soliloquy) like a big musical like Les Mis deserves some cool shots like that.

The camera angles were fucking weird. I find how shows use different camera angles quite interesting but I can't figure Les Mis out, it doesn't enhance the story or characters or anything it's just distracting and adds to how boring it is. I thought the camera angles during VJ's soliloquy looked like he was vlogging. Some dramatic shots could have helped that scene a lot I think. The camera angles got a little more exciting but the weird close ups were a theme and I personally think they were poorly used and distracting.

The Thenardiers were pretty good the first time I watched it but like having seen the show since it just doesn't work they're nowhere near as funny.

When my friend watched Les Mis and said she didn't like how all the dialogue was sung and I was like ok maybe she just doesn't like sung through musicals fair enough. No the film is just weird. They like added bits of sung dialogue but they seem to have forgotten to give these bits any tune.

VJ got a new song which was a bit of a shock because honestly I don't remember it from the first time round, I think the concept of the song is pretty cool but poorly written (it was sort of boring and didn't feel like it fit with the musical).

Les Amis were once again a highlight, the pace picks up, the singing gets better, all in all it's a good chunk of the film.

Fantine was better than I remembered and Anne Hathaway went for acting over singing in I Dreamed a Dream which worked but only because it was a film.

Eddie Redmayne was good as was Sam Barks I enjoyed their bits.

Aaron Tveit was also good you can tell which of the actors are theatre actors because they can act and sing at the same time (/hj). And of course respect to George Blagden.

The child actors (I don't know their names) were also great!

Yeah I think that's it if anyone read this to the end congrats on making it

#les miserables #i really wanted to go into watching the film again with more context and try to enjoy it #but it was worse than i remembered

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scarletsaphire · 8 months

Note

DRAGON FLAME TOO PLSSSSS

"So, what's the verdict?" Ember asked.

"It isn't the same as I remember," Dora said. "Much dryer. It isn't terrible, however." She took another bite of her turkey leg. Though she was in her human disguise, she was fully dressed in her princess regalia. She blended in wonderfully with the elaborate dresses the other passerby's at the Renaissance faire were wearing. Ember hadn't worn a dress; it wasn't her style. Instead she'd dressed up as some kind of hunter, with some help from Dora to make it semi accurate, and help from Sam to make it look not lame. The outfit wasn't comfortable, but the show must go on and all that.

"Not surprised," Ember replied, picking at her not renaissance themed funnel cake. "If they'd been cooking them the same way for that long I'd be concerned."

"That is true," Dora said. "I do prefer the ones from home."

"Yea, I would too," Ember said. It was a little disappointing. She'd planned to take Dora to a Renn Faire as soon as she'd learned of its existence. A nice treat, a walk into her past in the living world. But as soon as they arrived, Ember had realized that it wasn't a reenactment like she'd been led to believe. It was more of a performance, with stages and games, all themed after the medieval ages, but it wasn't trying to replicate it. If it had been just her, she might've enjoyed it more. But she'd promised Dora a reenactment, a way to relive a part of her life that the living world had nearly forgotten. Instead, they got some dude singing sea shanties while the audience pointed their cameras at him.

"If you're not having a good time, we can split," Ember said. "We don't have to hang around here."

"Of course I'm having a good time," Dora said. "I'm here with you."

Ember rolled her eyes. "Yea, but you can be with me somewhere else. Somewhere that isn't like..." Ember took another bite of funnel cake to give herself time to think of the word. She couldn't. "...this."

"If you are talking about how horribly inaccurate this all is," Dora replied. "I don't mind."

"Yea?"

"Yes. I will not lie, some of it is rather frustrating, but a great deal of it is... charming. It isn't like going home, but it is enjoyable." Dora smiled her soft smile at Ember, and Ember returned one of her own.

"Then we can hang around for a little while longer."

"Wonderful. Would you accompany me to the axe throwing stand?" Dora stood and offered her arm for Ember, who took it and stood. "I believe there was a dragon there calling my name."

"Hell yes! I'll totally win you that dragon, throwing sharp objects is my jam!"

#danny phantom #danny phantom fanfiction #ask game #ember mclain #princess dorathea #dragon flame #ember/dora

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whentranslatorscry · 11 months

Text

Hitagi Honeymoon

008

The next day would greet us with clear, blue skies— except in my hometown. As an aside, the weather in Washington, D.C., where I currently have a foothold, also seemed to be quite pleasant.

What a convenient age we live in, being able to confirm the conditions of various localities through weather cameras online. Presently, at least, there was no rain in Tochigi Prefecture; there were no approaching typhoons, no signs of tornadoes.

It seemed that the ominous prediction— or should I say, the gracious advice— of the Eleventh Witch Oikura, was not an immediate cause for concern.

However, a low probability of rain is not necessarily the bare minimum condition for activities such as glamping or car camping. After all, we weren't going to be roughing it outside with no shelter, so we wouldn't need to cancel our honeymoon trip unless there was torrential rain, relentless snowfall (in summer), or anything equally pressing— that is, if stargazing wasn't the main event.

When stargazing is concerned, the problem isn't just rain; even a hint of cloudiness would be enough to render our plans null and void.

It had been quite some time since I had last gone stargazing. In fact, the only time I could recall doing so was the starry date with Senjougahara Hitagi. And even that had been a sort of surprise attack. I had completely forgotten that, when it comes to the conditions of the sky, one can only truly leave it up to fate. While we can try to predict whether it will rain or not by resorting to long-term weather forecasts, the matter of whether the sky will be clouded over is still, quite literally, up in the air.

“Don’t worry, I knew all that beforehand— that's what makes it an authentic experience of stargazing, including the looming uncertainty. To enjoy such thrilling moments, knowing that it could all turn out to be a wild centipede chase, is what makes a visit to the land of the giant centipede even more compelling.”

“That’s not what the giant centipede is about.”

“Even if it happens to be cloudy or rainy, there's nothing to worry about, really. It's not like we're in New Zealand; we can always make a return trip within our country whenever we please.”

That's how Hitagi comforted me as I fumbled around in a flustered panic.

It was something an astronomy enthusiast would already know, after all.

“Family is about repeating the cycle over and over again, getting another chance to make things right no matter what. That is what makes a family.”

Yeah, that was a good point.

Although I was happy to inadvertently learn that little bit about Hitagi's notion of family— and it became even more poignant when I thought of what her family had overcome— at the same time, I couldn't help but be painfully aware of my own shortcomings. No matter how well I'd thought to prepare for this trip, meticulously assembling the itinerary and drafting the roadmap, the harsh reality was that I still couldn't shake my lackadaisical, go-with-the-flow personality even at the age of twenty-four.

It's better to feel pain than nothing at all, right?

If, on our honeymoon, we went stargazing only to be met with impenetrable cloudy skies or rain so heavy that we couldn't even open our eyes, at least we could laugh about it later. Of course, it's always best if the sun is shining.

The uncertain future looms ahead.

“But what I'm most happy about is finally being able to meet Shinobu, after all this time. My dream has come true. I've missed so many opportunities to meet her, ever since that close call at the abandoned cram school. I was starting to doubt if she was even real, or just a girl from your imagination.”

Wouldn’t that be great.

It was a big deal to be suspected of such a thing, but at any rate, Shinobu, a very non-imaginary girl, was shy, so the process of persuasion— or rather, convincing her— proved to be quite difficult.

Even with my blood-related family like Karen and Tsukihi, she had managed to keep her secrets, so she argued that it wouldn't be a problem to keep the same secret from Hitagi (quite a sound argument). It was a pretty tough task to break down her reasoning. The former Fire Sisters had not known about aberrations, let alone the existence of vampires, but for Hitagi, aberrations were already an open secret; there was no reason to keep hiding them. Eventually, I managed to convince her through reasoned arguments.

Even so, if it had been old Shinobu, she would have probably withdrawn into the shadows like the elusive Sun Goddess herself. Nonetheless, she not only chose to reveal herself in this candid manner but even declared that she would accompany us on our honeymoon. Maybe she, too, was changing in some ways.

Admittedly, I failed to persuade Oikura to join us on this trip (truth be told, I genuinely wished she would have come even though I knew she wouldn’t). But, regardless, our quartet's journey to Tochigi has taken shape, with the Nasu Highlands as our destination. It's not exactly ideal, but we can only hope that at least in the open field of Senjougahara, it will be sunny.

When it comes to family outings, the time it takes to get everyone out the door can feel excruciatingly long. So long, in fact, that the hapless sort who forgets to check the weekly weather forecast might be tempted to just hurry up and leave, regardless of how well-prepared they are. But as much as I didn't want to keep everybody waiting, there was still one more thing I had to take care of while we were in town.

Before heading to the rendezvous at Kanbaru’s house, I needed to pay a visit to the very place where Hitagi and I had held our wedding just a few days prior— North Shirahebi Shrine.

There hadn’t been any remarks from Oikura about it, but it suddenly hit me while I was chatting on the phone with my childhood friend. Having held our wedding at that fateful shrine and pledging our eternal love, would it really be permissible for us to visit a shrine of marriage in another prefecture, even if it was a World Heritage site? It was a question that crossed my mind, right at the brink, due to my skeptical nature.

This was something Hanekawa had taught me when I had been studying for exams: praying too much for success at multiple shrines and temples might cause the gods to quarrel amongst themselves, so it's better to focus on just one. Now that I think about it, that advice might have been a subtle criticism of my usual carefree attitude rather than being a mere tip about praying for success. Well, besides, an attitude of indiscriminately relying on divine intervention might not be all that praiseworthy and it’s maybe better not to indulge in it.

That said, I couldn't help but feel that it would be a little excessive to go out of my way to respectfully avoid places like Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futarasan Shrine, which we had already incorporated into our roadmap. Hence, I decided to settle the matter by informing the somewhat temperamental god of North Shirahebi Shrine about our plans before leaving.

When I had visited the shrine one early morning during high school, I had experienced a bizarre encounter with a huge sword supposedly slicing me into pieces. It felt like an appropriate time to overcome that trauma.

“What a surprise! If it isn't the newlywed Sakuragi Koyomi-san.”

“Although I'm honored, don't compare me to the recently made-into-a-film red-haired basketball genius. My name is Araragi.”

“Sorry, I stuttered.”

“No, you did it on purpose.”

“I stubbed.”

“It wasn’t on purpose?!”

“I slam-dunked.”

“Are you talking about the manga?”

“I read it back in the day without paying too much attention, but having Sakuragi, Akagi, and Miyagi all on the same team, don’t you think their surnames are quite the curious coincidence?”

“Don’t criticize an epic manga like that.”

Speaking of Akagi, the protagonist does have red hair… that, in a way, might actually make it more realistic.

“Real is also a basketball manga, isn't it?” remarked Hachikuji Mayoi, the shrine's resident deity, displaying her keen insight.

Although I'd like to introduce her as the same Hachikuji as ever, she appeared in her adult form in the shrine maiden outfit, just like when I saw her at my wedding. To me now, she appears to be of a similar age, but why? Isn't she supposed to be a lost eleven-year-old fifth-grader god?

“Didn’t we explain it at the wedding? From the moment I first met you, Araragi-san, time has continued to flow without interruption, public opinion kept being updated, and it was concluded that it's not desirable from a compliance standpoint to have a grown man and a school girl with a backpack in the same frame. So, this is how my character design was changed.”

“Is compliance stronger than even divine power?”

“Child labor isn't a good thing either, so we changed how I look, even if just visually. My essence is still that of a fifth-grader.”

While that could be a difficult setting in itself, I suppose it's true for everyone. We may have matured in appearance, but inside we remain fifth graders.

Since turning twenty-four, my character had not changed much from when I was a high school senior. I couldn’t plan a trip properly and I genuinely enjoyed the Slam Dunk movie.

“Yes, it was just a bit confusing with Sakuragi and Akagi.”

“That does feel like an adult perspective, but when it comes to last names, there's quite a bit to think about in recent times. It's the perfect topic. Would you listen, Hachikuji?”

Since we had a meeting time and couldn’t spend too long in conversation, I got straight to the point. This, too, might be the mark of being an adult. When I was a high schooler and Hachikuji a fifth grader, we would have spend three hours just talking about Slam Dunk. We would get carried away with Rukawa’s story.

And now, as I transitioned into describing the ever-flowing theme of honeymoon, I couldn’t help but feel a certain melancholy. The days of being able to control time, back when it seemed impossibly long, had slipped through my fingers.

“I see. So, you're going to Mount Akagi.”

“Listen. To me. Properly.”

“Mount Nantai, then? I can't really discourage you from going there, I guess.”

She may have had a complicated sentiment as a god, as Hachikuji had been living in such an unknown mountain. But she was a novice deity, and she takes pride in having protected the town from an infectious disease, even leading the virus astray. She’s done some pretty scary things, when you think about it.

“Personally, I think if you’re going to introduce Shinobu-san to Senjougahara-san— pardon, it was the missus.”

“The missus? Are you also taking the stance of Lieutenant Columbo?”

“If you're going to introduce Shinobu-san to Mrs. Araragi, I'd really like you to introduce me as well, and soon.”

“But didn't you more or less meet the other day at the wedding?”

“She can’t see me at all. That means she’s completely devoid of doubt. It seems she’s gone through a lot, but maybe, she’s never lost sight of her home.”

“Her home.”

“Or her family.”

That made me wonder if I had always been just floating aimlessly— from the day I first met Hachikuji Mayoi, the day I had that fight with my sisters and up until today when I was leaving for my honeymoon.

“If you were to remove your doubts, there would be nothing left of you, Araragi-san.”

“Spoken by you, it sounds like it’s over for me, like a divine prophecy. Well, honestly, it would be a sad story if my doubts were gone and I couldn’t see you anymore. From morning until night, I want to gaze upon you only.”

“Even the adult version of me?”

“I wouldn't be deceived by appearances, you see.”

“That means you see a fifth-grader in the adult me as well.”

Though the image of a high school senior and a fifth-grade girl messing around together may indeed not be modern, the reason for such a bond could be the length of our relationship, and how we've grown to have such conversations— sitting side by side at the shrine.

I wouldn't want to lose this. This sense of who I am.

“It may be for the best that doubts, like feeling lost, stay hidden. But it seems that you continue to be lost, both at home and abroad, so this ill-fated bond may persist for a while longer. I said it myself but I must admit, ‘ill-fated bond’ is quite the phrase.”

“Fateful alone would already be exceptional, but this is a persistent illness, It almost seems like I'm about to become unfaithful.”¹

“There's danger in using the word ‘unfaithful’ as a newlywed. In your case though, you’ve been unified with Shinobu-san for a long time, and so, regardless of your doubts, you might be able to see me. Being a member of the Hearsay Department makes you almost an expert, I’d presume.”

“Mhm. I hope that’s the case. It’s undeniably true that I’m feeling lost at the moment. You could say I'm wandering aimlessly— as ever. I’ve had a wedding, and we’re legally married, of course. The honeymoon we're about to go on could also be called a product of this hesitation.”

“It’s admirable that you’re pondering over a surname so much, Araragi-san. After all, names are very important.”

“Really? You say that after you just called me Sakuragi-san? And for that matter, all eighteen years of mispronouncing my name?”

“I've over-chewed it, and my jaw is growing tired.”

“Don't go chewing someone's name like it's gum.”

“I've brought it up a few times before, but when my parents divorced and my last name changed, I was bothered too. I was really fond of the name Tsunade, you see.”

“Yeah. It may sound strange to say, to me, you’ve always been Hachikuji, so now the name Tsunade feels new.”

Tsunade Mayoi.

Maybe for a snail, that might be more fitting.

“Well then, why don't you become Araragi Mayoi at this point?”

“Isn't that being too wishy-washy for the Araragi family? Are you trying to create a legitimate Araragi Harem?”

“Although there has never been such a dubious organization, now the mere thought of one is incredibly exhausting. It feels like there wouldn't be a single fun thing about Araragi Harem.”

“It’s so sad seeing you withered away completely… I can't bear to look at you, Araragi-san. I feel like saying I hate you. Please don't talk to me.”

Being told this by her adult version carried a different weight. On the other hand, the memory of a full-blown fistfight with a fifth-grader was far from becoming for a police officer.

“I'd like to bury you just to erase that memory.”

“What on earth are you saying in these harrowed grounds? Anyway, the idea of adopting Shinobu-san far outstrips the former Araragi-san.”

“So I thought I'd adopt you as well at this point, but it just doesn't work out.”

“Please, don’t create a project like a philanthropic attempt to adopt orphans from all around. No, you may create such projects, but… In your case, Araragi-san, the impression that you are indiscriminately collecting these orphans isn't a good one.”

In any case, adopting an adult version of Hachikuji as my child had a completely different sense of criminality than adopting a fifth-grade girl.

“If anything, I’d rather become your adopted son, Hachikuji. Hachikuji Koyomi— doesn't it sound dated and cool?”

“It certainly slides smoothly like the Iroha slope. There's a miraculous appeal to it… but what's a vampire to do by joining the ranks of god's retinue?”

“What’s more,” Hachikuji said while looking at my shadow that had fallen within the shrine grounds. “What does Shinobu-san think about it? I doubt that she’s very keen on the idea of meeting your wife, let alone becoming an adopted child to you.”

“Should we just ask her? Would have to wake her up, though.”

Since the early hours of a human morning were the late hours of a vampire night, Shinobu was currently fast asleep inside my shadow.

“You could say she’s sleeping bloody amd dead, completely exhausted from our debate.”

“There’s a debate going on? What do you mean, sleeping bloody and dead— is that some kind of vampire slang?”

“It's ‘cause we're family that we fight like that, you know.”

“Oh, you sound like you know what you’re talking about, coming from a dysfunctional family.”

“Who’s from a dysfunctional family?”

Actually, me.

Now, I may be slightly exaggerating with my words, but it was true that, especially during my first and second years in high school, the Araragi family had a tendency to lose its functionality as a family.

The sixteen-year-old Araragi could barely imagine a future where he could enjoy a carefree dinner with his sister— let alone one where she works the same job. I fell on hard times in high school, I had no expectations from my parents, and I had fallen out with my sisters. On graduation— or dropping out— I planned to move out of the house immediately.

It was a mess, pretty much.

“A mess, huh.”

“And it's not like we're functioning even now. My parents have both been dispatched to Tokyo, I’ve based myself abroad, and my other sister is nowhere to be found. The family's dysfunction is barely being maintained.”

“Please don’t maintain it.”

As I pondered repeatedly, Karen, the most untamed and liberated person I know, was beyond my imagination, protecting our home all alone.

“And that's precisely why I want the home I build to be filled with warmth and ceaseless laughter. Is that too much to ask?”

“A home filled with laughter? It's undoubtedly better than one filled with ceaseless abuse.”

“Don't even try to joke about that. You can't compare laughter with abuse.”

“In all seriousness, though, I'm rooting for you. Make sure that nothing like the cycle of abuse continues. Here's to proving wrong the ridiculous notion that children raised in dysfunctional families can't build healthy homes. Show them what you're made of.”

“I never thought I grew up in a dysfunctional family, but that's probably what it was.”

If anything, it might be that this reflects Hitagi's unwavering resolve. It wasn't about function or dysfunction, her family had already crumbled once before. And even as a single-parent household afterward, they were far from well-balanced or stable— there was a time when Hitagi was losing weight and had to continuously visit the hospital.

So, the idea of building a new family must have been a great leap that she resolutely took. It was for these reasons, her view of what makes a family, that I wanted to respect and support her.

If we really wanted to, we could have chosen to move in together, have a common-law marriage, or live together without changing our names to leave an escape route should things turn sour. But maybe she wanted to cut off any chance of escape entirely.

It wasn't like I was completely devoid of such sentiment while deciding to marry, after all this time of being together since Mother's Day during our third year of high school.

I can’t be a student forever.

“I still see you as a student of sorts, going to the FBI Academy and all.”

“When you put it that way, I can't really deny it…”

“Still, once you and the missus start sharing your life together, it's clear that you can't just leave Shinobu-san as she is.”

“Isn’t there any other way to call her? It's a bit confusing for a goddess to call her missus.”²

“Should we call her your spouse?'”

“Weird how wife doesn't seem appropriate, but spouse does.”

“Your wife knew about Shinobu-san and accepted her proposal with that knowledge, so I think there must be some understanding between them.”

“Yeah, she looks enthusiastic. Even said she was looking forward to meeting her today.”

“And she approved of the adoption too?”

“I have that prepared as a surprise for our honeymoon.”

“Sounds like a recipe for divorce.”

Hachikuji showed a concerned look.

With her adult version, it didn’t feel like a joke, there was a serious impression.

She really was a talented actress.

“I'm just dumbfounded. Making big life-changing decisions in some surprise. Regardless of whether or not it’s Shinobu-san, adoption is a major step that will steer the direction of your married life. Are you planning to push through with such a monumental decision just because of the starry, romantic atmosphere?”

“Maybe I should mention it beforehand?”

“It's not a ‘maybe,’ it's a must. If you don't bring it up beforehand, you'd do better not saying anything at all.”

Oh, such grown-up advice.

If she were still in fifth grade, she would've most probably gone along with the mischief and agreed enthusiastically, “Yeah, let's surprise her!” But being chastised seriously, she did make a point.

This wasn’t a conversation to have under a starry sky, and besides, it might be cloudy anyway.

“But… as long as you’re considerate of your wife's feelings, I do believe that adopting Shinobu-san into the Araragi family would be the best course of action.”

“As a friend?”

“A god.”

Quite the grand scale we're talking about here.

I made things that way, I suppose.

“I've been training with Gaen-san, so I've learned a thing or two about sealing away powerful aberrations simply by knowing their names. Shinobu-san was sealed away by Oshino-san more than six years ago, and yet, Oshino-san himself has been away from this town for a long time. The seal grows weaker.”

“It does?”

That's certainly not a comforting thought.

In other words, it suggested the potential revival of Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade, the iron-blooded, hot-blooded, cold-blooded vampire— an event that a god could not overlook.

I hadn't considered this possibility. Not considering it felt practically like inviting risk.

“If anything, it's a miracle that Shinobu-san stayed restrained with Oshino-san’s name, the wandering specialist. If she were a Killing Stone, she would've broken free long ago.”

I’m not overly keen on singing his praises, but it's impossible not to recognize that Oshino was a remarkable specialist— it would be off the mark for an amateurish FBI agent to think that Shinobu's seal would break if the current situation was left unchanged, and it may be nothing more than a novice deity’s unfounded fretting.

I didn’t expect it to last for one or two centuries, but it could very well endure until Oshino’s death. In any case, I believe that time has come. Rather than allowing the seal to continue under the name of a random old man, it was only right that she was sealed under my name, both as the responsible party and her guardian.

“Well, yeah, there's no denying he was also a participant in that hell. Even if we leave out the name Oshino, it's perfectly fine to keep the Shinobu part.”

“That's an exceedingly condescending attitude toward our benefactor. But from a divine standpoint, it's probably for the best that Oshino-san’s name isn't completely removed. For example, giving her a name like Araragiaaaa wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“From a human standpoint as well, that would be a bad idea.”

This isn’t some RPG, after all.

However, once it's brought up, the matter of what name I should give Shinobu became a tantalizing question. This wasn’t mere whimsy. In fact, it was the pureblood vampire who had transformed her— or rather, Princess Acerola, or Lola— into a vampire: Deathtopia Virtuoso Suicide-Master had fully designed her current name.

While I had no intention of defying the divine advice that it's better to retain Shinobu's name, it might be amusing to play with the idea as an idle pastime— like considering names for my own child, what about giving her a new one?

“Hmm. It's not derived from anything in particular, but how about Araragi Tsubasa?”

“That’s too heavy! Besides, I think your wife mentioned something similar a long time ago.”

Was that the case? Well if so, we were a couple cut from the same cloth.

“Araragi Nadeko?”

“Not just heavy, that's a precursor to a dysfunctional family. Please don't name the adopted child after a woman you've cut ties with.”

“It's not just the names of women I've cut ties with.”

“I guess you’re going to say Araragi Sodachi next?”

“I was going to say that, yes, but I'm not actually estranged from Oikura. She's more of an ill-fated bond.”

“Whether you call her a childhood friend or an ill-fated bond, it certainly changes things quite a bit… Who else? Any other estranged women in Araragi-san’s life? Tsukihi-san, maybe?”

“Though her whereabouts are indeed unknown, I have no intention of severing ties with her. She's my sister.”

“You've always been consistent in that regard. Well, it's not ideal to name a living acquaintance after a great figure, a deceased one or the like.”

“Right, it isn't.”

“Oshino-san didn’t name her something like Oshino Mememe either.”

“Mememe?”

Shinobu’s character would have been quite different. She might not have been as shy.

“Who knows, she might've been a young girl who loved neatly prepared mackerel rather than donuts.”

“Shinobu Shimeshimeshime³ doesn't sound right either. So, in the spirit of you who is not only a great figure but also a divine being, how about Araragi Mayoi?”

“Terrifically heavy. And it's just plain creepy if you name your daughter something like that. Why are you so desperate to bring Araragi Mayoi into existence?”

“If we take you and Shinobu, divide by two, we might just end up with the perfect little girl.”

“What's with this little girl idea? It's creepy when you look at adoption like that. No one like that should be a foster parent. It's not cunning, it's just recklessly said.”

Hmph.

We had come up with many thought experiments, but in conclusion, Araragi Shinobu seemed to be the most suitable choice for now. There was no sign that an idea greater than that would emerge, whether in terms of this process or sealing.

The world works in wonderful ways, doesn't it?

“But you know, I can't help but think that if my name wasn't Araragi Koyomi, I might have turned out to be a completely different person.”

“Yes, you may have ended up dating someone else entirely, too.”

Although I didn’t want to believe that fate could be so drastically altered by a single name, actually, even during my junior and senior high school days, a different attendance number could easily change my position within the class.

Having a starting letter “A” in my name, my attendance number was always either one or two, and just after the class change, it was inevitably a conspicuously awkward position for self-introductions.

I had thought of it like a vile, loathsome four-syllable word that smeared on my beloved wife’s name, but I found myself grateful for the name given to me by my parents: Araragi.

And technically, it was the name of my father's father's father's father— maybe. It may have originated from a grandmother somewhere along the line, but the further back in time we go, the more unlikely that becomes…

“I should get going, though. I may not go on as many tangents as before, but I still lose track of time when I talk to you.”

“It's such an honor for a goddess to hear that.”

“Do you want to come with me? To Senjougahara?”

“Even the adult version of me is still a novice. I dare not venture into Takamagahara.”

Takamagahara? Oh right, that sacred place at Futarasan Shrine. Everyone's so knowledgeable about Tochigi Prefecture. If only I had paid more attention in geography class…

“Right, I’ll pray from this distant mountain for a sunny day at Senjougahara.”

“That's thoughtful of you, but you're the god of lost children, not the god of weather. Or are you going to make me a teru teru bouzu to ward off the rain?”

“Oh, no, although I now serve as a goddess at this snake-themed shrine, I was originally just a lost snail. I may not be as powerful as the sun goddess Amaterasu, but I still have some control over the rain.”

Hachikuji's smile was radiant, like that of a child, filling me with warmth like the sun itself.

“Rain or shine, it remains elementary for me.”

Prev Chapter | Next Chapter

腐れ縁, bad (but inseparable) relationship and 不貞腐れる, to become unfaithful.

The kami in 上さん、one’s wife、 sounds like 神、god.

忍野〆〆〆<- this weird symbol called shime, looks like katakana メ.

#ikusamonogatari #monogatari series #translation #araragi koyomi

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elizabethplaid · 5 months

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Tryin' to get some nice family portraits, and this gal just walked right in front of the camera.

I get so frustrated as I try to find "just the right" pose for my sims. I use CC pose packs, but the facial expressions are either too serious or too goofy for my needs. The serious ones don't look so great on elders.

I've started futzing with combining single-sim poses and (partial) group poses. The draped-arm pose is from a group pose, while the hand-at-head is a solo one. I keep coming back to @ratboysims pose packs, as I can often interchange poses, as long as they're in the same position (eg left, middle, center)

If I wasn't so stubborn about getting "physical" copies of the pictures (eg objects you can display in their house), I'd work on getting more family portraits. I had some really pretty ones from Harper Ivey's family. Alas, with 8 sims in the family, there's no one left to work the camera!

Pics of Harper's family below the cut, as I seem to have forgotten to post them:

Obligatory body horror of everyone standing in the same place.

The Henford-on-Bagley world is so gorgeous. No need for a fancy background. They're just in their front yard.

I think this was 3 separate poses. You can tell by how they're each clustered together.

Middle kid was sorta plunked down in the middle, using a separate solo pose.

Harper's 3 older daughters are in more of the "group model" poses, but each from a different pose.

I really liked this family portrait, centered around the couch. There were a lot of options, and I really liked how many spots there were for toddlers and kids.

Iirc, I had multiple sims in the same pose, so they could hold all those toddlers.

Again, had the 2 children in the same pose, so the "line" could be extended. Otherwise, I think the original pose had 1 child and 3 toddlers.

I really love Harper's kids, but I think playing in that world made it extra fun.

Fun fact: When you "take photos" in the game to get photo-objects, the game takes a wide-view screenshot at the same time. So whatever cropping you had in mind is lost.

You also can't make more "prints" from a photo, so you have to take multiple at the same time if you want different sizes.

But wait, there's the photography skill! Some of your pics turn out like shit if your skill is low. What do you do?

... Suffer

On the bright side (sarcastic), I have tons of screenshots of my game that I never bothered sorting through, cropping, or deleting. So many I never posted, after my big spree a couple years ago.

#sims 4 #sims #Norma's legacy #Harper Ivey

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mysteriouslybluepirate · 1 year

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Vengeance Is Mine- Day 3 of watching Con's Filmography

I'm live posting my reaction cause I don't think this one will be as thought-provoking to need an essay as Telstar.

Love to hear your thoughts down below!

If you have any Con recommendations, I'd love to hear them. I've watched Telstar, Uncle, OFMD, Chornobyl, and Blood Brothers. Planning to watch Cucumber, though I've heard mixed things.

Content Warning for car crashes, suicidal imagery, suicidal ideation, gun violence, murder, explicitly shown drug use, wounds, and overdosing.

the effects are what they are. Keep expectations low; we're here for Sad Con, not anything else, really.

LOVE the DIY suicide chair. It's definitely not how I, or anyone, would do it. Was the plan to bleed out? He'd stumble over the legs, then fall onto the ground. There's a good chance the tape wouldn't hold.

I know he hates himself, but that church has to be freezing cold. My guy, throw on a hoodie and some sweats.

If only you could go to therapy or a support group. Like the one, you watched creepily. Probably couldn't afford it.

You know, that getting-hit-by-a-car effect wasn't as bad as I expected.

I like that since he doesn't talk to people when he talks, it's all cracked and unused.

WHY WOULD YOU GET IN THE CAR OF CRIMINALS. I know this guy you're following was an accomplice to a hit-and-run, and you have no self-preservation. BUT HOLY SHIT, MAN.

Con is too good at playing depressed dissociation.

Imagine being a criminal, and you aren't hunted down by cops but by a guy whose family you accidentally murdered 5 years ago.

Most sturdy switchblade to ever be invented.

GUN TIME, BABY. Does he know how to use, shoot, or take care of it? Who knows? The idea that British people know how to use a gun based on American media and general pop culture is odd.

You probably aren't meant to eat the decoy sandwich. That's to hide suspicion. Not for eating.

GET IT CON! I can't do a single pushup, so this is enough of a training montage for me(I don't think we learn his name, so Con it is. If we were supposed to learn it with the letters in the beginning, I've already forgotten it)

Love the candle imagery/ holding your hand close to a candle for no reason. This makes 2 characters of his that do this shit. why is he doing this? Does the fire make him stronger?

I know this is the first kill, but babe, anyone could grab that gun out of your hand. Wandering around with it out isn't smart either. LOVE THE SHAKING.

OW. That looked like it fucking hurt. Also, the camera angle makes it look like he gets stabbed anywhere from the arm, chest, neck and eye. Which is great. I think he gets it in the shoulder.

"That's my pen." Priorities

I love that Con looks as messed up about murdering a guy as the guy getting murdered

"Just like we killed those bitches" Well, that sealed the deal

I don't know why he's standing up to clean his wounds like that. He could sit, or lie down. STOP EATING THE FUCKING SANDWICHES.

Love interest? Okay, I'll roll with it. Maybe the best time to hit on her isn't when she's talking about her dead husband.

Love the hoodie, chest half out look con.

She immediately went for the tits in the make-out session, a wise option.

Good to know Con-the actor does the whole mouth staring thing to indicate interest. Putting that in my back pocket.

"Still Married?" "Separated." BITCH she literally told you her husband was dead. BOND. make a single friend. I know it's probably just in case so his crimes can't be returned to him, but Jesus Christ.

"Do you know what they (the French) call an orgasm?" WTF. Why are you like this? I will have that line in my brain now. It's definitely going into a fic.

Murder Con vibing to pop music on his way to a kill is just funny.

Say what you will; I'm impressed they got so many locations to film this.

You are in a grassy field, in a dark black winter coat and baseball cap. You should have been spotted ages ago.

CHARGE!

Well, he's got maybe half of them so far. Screwed the pooch a bit on that one. Please deal with your knife wounds. New gun acquired.

If only shotguns worked like that.

GO TO A FUCKING HOSPITAL AND SAY YOU WERE MUGGED

Okay. So in the pharmacy, I think he wanted the controlled substances to kill himself? Maybe? I don't know why else he'd want them.

OH, GOOD. A pharmacist shouldn't do that. Unless Pharmacists in the UK are so much different. Also, he's going to get addicted to morphine, isn't he?

"I'm getting old." MAM, you are WRONG. Not a single gray hair or wrinkle, or crows foot, what are you on.

Also, Sans Undertale Con look.

HARRY. Love the name. Love that they were polite enough for her to leave the room to threaten him.

FROM THE 2nd STORY ONTO A TABLE. RUN. RUN MY MAN.

"He fucking bit me" ICON

I don't know what he's doing, but he's doing it, and he's about to get himself killed. (He's just running through a field wounded for some fucking reason)

Oh no, half-naked wounded Con, whatever will I do.

I like that British people always seem to offer cookies. It's very lovely. In a Paddington sort of way.

WHY DOES HE OWN HORSES. Oh, he left this life to go become a church person for the past 5 years. Funny that he passed out, got rescued, and then insists to be housed and left alone.

WHAT IS THIS WHIMSICAL MUSIC. It's legit from a Breath Of The Wild soundtrack to visit his family's graves.

GET SUITED UP FOR MURDER BITCH.

That definitely isn't how you hold a shotgun, but it looks fucking badass, and he has a shit arm, so I'm cool with it.

Well, the deeds have been done, is he going to kill himself or move on....

HE'S SMILING YEY!

Nvm. Morphine overdose on their graves. Damn. Thought he'd move on once they were all dead. Damn.

Wait

Love interest on the beach?

He joins her?

Is he imagining this before he dies? Is that her dead husband?

Music: 8/10. Not a big action piece that covers the acting. Besides the music at the end everything fit really well. I think they should have swapped the end song at the graves with the first grave song.

Film overall besides Con: 6-7/10. Very self-contained story. Shame he wasn't able to make a new life, but at least he found peace in the end. Con is the only real standout just because it's so short and mainly focused on Harry.

Effects: 6-7/10 This had a budget, but the only stuff that really took me out was the gun stuff and the opening gun fight.

Con:8 maybe even a 9/10. Even with a script where he doesn't talk, he radiates the vibe. He's sad, and not afraid to have those 'ugly/embarrassing faces' I love so much about his work. He knows he's breathing with his mouth open, grunting, and looking half dead and rocks it. He can do so much with just his face. It's impressive. It lets the audience not see him as an actor but as a character in a shitty situation. Loved the scenes between him and the love interest. Loved that he kept up how injured he was throughout the film. When he's stabbed in the arm early on Con makes sure to keep it braced, it's a good touch.

At first I gave him a 8 until I remembered I've watched blood brothers then Telstar then this. Then I remembered the OFMD pannel video I remembered that he is genuinely a fun and happy person, which bumped the rating up higher. He just seems so fucking sad in all his roles.

Movie Overall: 7/10. Would watch again, and wished he got to live a happier life after.

I'd love to see everyone's interpretation of that ending.

#Vengeance Is Mine (2021)#con o'neill #Watching all of Con's stuff cause I'm bored #and genuinely want to see all his work #con oneill #Vengeance Is Mine #Con's Conography #Harry Kane

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koulakoukoula2003 · 2 years

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Filler Episode: Meanwhile, in Koula's and Slav's secret hideout...

Tagging: @slavanimesimp @nighttimescribbles @shrekisshrimpthesimp @tonaken @ushiwhacka @dassmyname @killerbananas @nathalunalune

"Right." Slav chuckled, not quite convinced. "Ms. Career-maker doesn't have any time for that normal people stuff."

"We're not normal, Slav."

Slav shrugged. "Normal is overrated." She typed hastily on her keyboard until she found something interesting. "OOH! Check this out!"

Koula rolled her chair beside her partner. It was the school forum with parents talking about the teachers of Saint Clementine's school in Ohio. Koula read the conversation, until it took a turn at Levi. Koula arched an eyebrow.

She'd never seen people openly thurst so hard for a man. Not even the members of kabal.

"It seems Mr Ackerman has stolen many, many hearts out there." Slav grinned. "Is he really that hot?"

Koula certainly agreed with all those comments of all those deprived mothers but she wasn't about to throw her ego away and start admitting to it.

"Meh." Koula shrugged. "He's alright."

"Then why did you ask me to find his number?"

"BECAUSE he is the fucking CLEANER!"

"Doesn't that somehow make him even hotter?!?!?"

Koula frowned. "Well if you find him so hot, he's all yours!" She returned to her computer and continued typing down. "I got some digital drug trafficking to route here."

"DRUG TRAFFICKING?!" Now it was Slav's turn to roll her chair to Koula's side, but only cuz she wanted to grab her by that dark blue hoodie that she was wearing, trying to knock some sense into her. "YOU SAID YOU'D STOP THIS STUFF!"

"How else will I be making 200k USD per day?" Koula arched an eyebrow and Slav frowned.

"You don't need that much money, plus, it's illegal."

"I'm just writing code, I don't kill people LIKE A CERTAIN SOMEONE."

Slav huffed. "How many times have I told you? Levi seems to have stopped doing Pavlov's dirty work."

"You can never know for sure." Koula clicked her fingers when she realised she had forgotten about something. "Did you manage to hack Erwin Smith's smart car?"

Slav smirked. "Of course, I did. He's a got an Audi GT."

Koula laughed. "You know he's an old man when he buys a smart car. People these days don't know how easily hackable their cars are."

"Right?! The business for car hacking is booming."

"That's why I tore out all the smart electronics from my camaro."

Slav arched an eyebrow. "And that's why you've been driving a beetle car from the 40s until that generous Chinese crime lord gifted you the Camaro."

Koula turned and looked at the picture of her old car. A beautiful, vintage beetle. One of the very first ones. She sniffled. Tears gathered in her eyes.

"I miss my baby."

"Aw, partner, it's alright. I'll make you feel better. I'm about to blow Mr Smith's car."

Koula's eyes widened and she immediately rolled her chair beside her bestie. "Do you got a footage?!"

"Yup, CCTV camera of a coffee shop."

"He's not in it, is he?"

"No."

"Good. You were right, bestie." Koula frowned. "I'd never kill someone's father no matter who that is and what they've done."

Slav smiled. Two years ago, Koula would do it without hesitation. So long as she was getting paid. She patted Koula's back. "See? There is a road for redemption. What if Ackerman has actually taken it?"

Koula sighed. "Fine. If he has, then good for him. But as long as people like Erwin and Zeke are around, I don't think I'm ready to leave the underworld just yet."

Slav shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe they'll get redeemed as well."

Koula thought it impossible but Slav would definitely urge her to reconsider.

Today had been a great day for State Secretary Erwin Smith. His daughter had finally awoken. His wife was happy. Work had just finished. He had a dinner to attent with DA Nanami and after that he'd head straight for his daughter.

His bag at hand, he walked down the stairs and made his way to his car, resting by the sidewalk nearby. Before he even had the chance to get closer, it blew up. His Audi was engulfed in flames and the impact of the explosion had him take a few steps back.

Erwin's phone rang as he watched flames consume his car. He knew exactly who had done this. He brought the phone to his ear while people gathered around to see what had happened.

And with that, the call was over, leaving an enraged man.

He fisted his fingers around his phone. Honestly, if he had either of those hackers in front of him right now, he would strangle them with his own hands and he would enjoy it more than anything.

#YES PLS CHOKE ME DADDY LMFAO #see how badass we are bestie #the kabal #kabal multiverse of madness #kabal kronicles #the kabalians #keep up with the kabalians

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nothoughtsjustcalciatorifregni · 2 years

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(you say you're honest but) love is for thieves

Pairing: Nicolò Barella × Alessandro Bastoni

Characters: Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Marcelo Brozović

Genre: 10% plot, 90% smut

Summary: Story inspired by Inter Christmas video

Nicolò knew that the new mission given to him by Mancini was not one of the simplest, but still not impossible. And then he had his best friend Alessandro on his side. What could possibly go wrong?

"Are you sure you can do it?" Alessandro asked.

Nicolò, too focused to look in the mirror, had forgotten that he was already wearing the headset, and Alessandro's voice almost caught him off guard. He smoothed his hair one last time, then brought the watch to his lips, "Are you by any chance questioning my seduction skills? Did you see me right?" he asked him before doing a pirouette in front of the mirror, "And then these pants make my ass look great, don't you think?"

Nicolò loved to tease him with questions of this kind and in fact he heard Alessandro laugh, embarrassed. Too bad he wasn't there in Paris with him because he wanted to see him blushing, obviously just to make him blush even more. At that moment Alessandro was in their secret Coverciano headquarters, in his den full of hyper-technological nerdy tools ready to monitor his every move. In fact, Nicolò not only had a headset and a watch worthy of James Bond, but also a pair of glasses which, in addition to giving him an intellectual vibe, hid a camera.

"Bare, if you're done looking in the mirror, I'd say go over the plan."

"I will go to the opening of the exhibition playing the role of Michele De Bianchi, a young art historian, I will seduce the Croatian magnate Marcelo Brozović with some coaxing, clearly he will fall at my feet and invite me to his house and, after doing what I have to do, I will run away with the statuette. Under the house there will be others who will recover me and the plan ends here. Am I prepared enough? Can I go? "

He heard Alessandro sigh, "Go!"

Just as the plan had predicted, after only two hours Nicolò entered Brozović's attic. To make him capitulate a glass of champagne and some notions of Italian Renaissance art were enough, including spicy anecdotes about the artists of the time, provided by the precious lessons by Matteo, the professor of the group who knew everything about all possible topics.

"Bare, I got into the apartment's surveillance system, if he takes your glasses off I'll keep an eye on you from here and don't worry, I'll cancel all the surveillance videos at the end of the mission. But now you have to find the statuette. I see the living room is full of works of art, maybe-", but Nicolò could not hear the rest because Marcelo pushed him against the wall and started kissing him.

Nicolò returned the kiss with enthusiasm, eager to want more. It had never been a problem to seduce millionaires for a second purpose. He loved having men of power unaware of everything, he loved having sex with charming older men, but most of all he loved doing it thinking of doing it with Alessandro.

He knew it wasn't a very elegant thing to do, but he couldn't do without it since the time he had been in bed with a rich industrialist who couldn’t roll his Rs, and had imagined that it wasn't him who was whispering filth to him, but his best friend. He didn't know why he did it, or maybe he did and he didn't want to admit it to himself for fear of getting hit. And certainly knowing that Alessandro could listen and sometimes even see what he was doing made things even more exciting. For him, perhaps a little less for Alessandro. Watching your best friend have sex with strangers probably wasn't the best.

With difficulty he pushed Marcelo away and tried to catch his breath, "You promised me you would show me your art collection. How about doing it now?" he asked him in perfect English.

"Perfect, let’s hope he wants to show off by showing you the stolen statuette immediately."

Marcelo nodded and, putting a hand on his side, accompanied him into the hall.

Nicolò tried to give Alessandro the best view of the room, slowly turning his head and showing the whole hall through the camera of his glasses.

"Here it is! Have you seen it?"

Nicolò imperceptibly moved his head first to the right and then to the left, to tell Alessandro that he, no, he hadn't seen it.

"Look to the right. More to the right, right, right," Alessandro snorted, "Bare you went further! Left, a little more ... Here it is!"

And indeed the statuette was right in front of his eyes. The Amorino was positioned on an alabaster column next to one of the large windows of the attic.

"Ready to start the show? I'm here for anything you need, good luck Bare."

I was born ready, Nicolò thought as he walked decisively towards the Amorino, "But this..." he said, pretending to be surprised, to Marcelo who was looking at him pleased.

"Can I?"

"Of course."

Nicolò took the statuette in his hand. Heavy, but not so heavy that he couldn't run away, "I studied this for my exam on the illicit cultural heritage market. Amorino con delfino, from the Hellenistic period, but found in Pompeii during the excavations of the late nineteenth century in the... " shit, what the house was called. He remembered a flashback of him telling Matteo that it was obvious that he would remember such a name, he wasn't stupid but he was really stupid.

"House of the large fountain."

Nicolò breathed a sigh of relief, "In the House of the large fountain and stolen from the Archaeological Museum of Naples after a few years," Alessandro had saved his butt as always to perfection.

Marcelo's hands slipped onto his hips and he pulled him close, "I am pleased to note that besides being a little slut, you are also doing your job very well."

A giggle escaped Nicolò's mouth, "And I assume this is not a copy." he said, pushing his ass behind to press it on Marcelo's erection.

"You guess right, little one," he whispered before licking his neck, "If you only asked me, I'd be willing to steal the Mona Lisa for you," Marcelo's fingers had now reached the last button of his shirt and were already trying to loosen the belt of Nicolò's trousers.

"Be careful what you desire Marcelo, because I could really ask for it."

Nicolò could feel the hot breath of the magnate behind his ear, "You. I want you."

Nicolò smiled to himself, pleased. The very thought of having him in hand and being able to add another criminal to his list of conquests made him aroused enough to feel his bulge growing in his pants. He turned to Marcelo and slipped his hands from his chest to his shoulders, then, with a sudden gesture, gave himself a light push and wrapped his legs around Marcelo's hips. He brought his face closer to him, as if he wanted to kiss him, but at the last second he changed direction, teasing him. Nicolò closed his eyes, it was already in his personal fantasy, the one that helped him to move forward and protected him from reality. He brought his lips to Marcelo's ear, "Fuck me," he sighed in a whisper, adding in his mind only, fuck me Alessandro.

Marcelo took him in his bedroom, their mouths glued together in a wet kiss, all tongue and saliva. He threw Nicolò on the bed, then he grabbed his ankles and pulled him towards himself, to the edge of the bed.

Nicolò's legs were wide open and Marcelo was standing between his thighs, his fingers caressing Nicolò's smooth skin under the already unbuttoned shirt.

Nicolò narrowed his eyes, feeling Marcelo's fingers dance delicately between his shoulders and neck, then with a gentle move he slipped his shirt off, leaving Nicolò harmless under Marcelo's touch.

Marcelo rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt, revealing the tattoos on his forearms, then knelt between Nicolò's legs. While he started to stroke his thighs, Nicolò reached out, trying to unbutton the top button of his shirt, but Marcelo clicked his tongue, "Not now," and with one hand he encircled the back of his neck, while with the other he took off his glasses and threw them away. Marcelo tightened his grip on the neck, making Nicolò moan shamelessly. It was at that moment that Marcelo launched himself on his mouth. At first, Nicolò was taken by surprise, but it only took him a few moments to return to himself, biting his lips and letting him suck on his tongue.

Nicolò could feel drops of saliva dripping from their mouths and sliding onto his chest and he couldn't stop thinking about how would it be to be kissed like this by Alessandro, to have sore lips from his desire to devour him, to feel his tongue explore his body just like Brozovic was doing, but obviously better.

Marcelo covered his chest with butterfly kisses until he reached Nicolò's right nipple and used the flat of his tongue to give it a long lick, then he put it in his mouth, starting to suck noisily.

Instinctively Nicolò put his hands on Marcelo's head, pressing his mouth even more on his nipple, imagining that he had his fingers entwined in Alessandro's curls. He was so into his fantasy that he could almost hear Alessandro groaning.

What would have he given to have Alessandro between his legs, to feel his hands taking off his pants and feel his lips on his thighs, sucking and biting them. Nicolò almost hoped that Marcelo could leave some bruises on his thighs, so that he could think of Alessandro every time he looked at them even if those marks had been made by him only in his imagination.

Marcelo gave to Nicolò's erection a slow lick, from balls to the red tip of his dick that was poking from his underwear. He repeated a few times, then Marcelo concentrated his attention only to the tip of his cock, moving his tongue in circles and sucking it.

Nicolò let out a muffled groan, fuck Ale, I need more please, he thought, but the only sound that escaped from his mouth was a loud 'fuck' in Italian.

Marcelo moved away his mouth from Nicolò's cock and looked at him, "I don't understand a word of Italian, but you are terribly sexy when you speak it"

"And then shut up and suck me," he said, pissed at being interrupted from his fantasies.

Marcelo looked at him, not understanding. Nicolò rolled his eyes, then he looked at his neglected cock, still trapped in briefs.

As soon as Marcelo took the invitation, he took off Nicolò's underwear and launched his mouth on his cock, swirling his tongue and pumping his shaft leisurely.

Good, now he could return to the thought of Alessandro's big mouth engulfing his cock. God, why did this fantasy seem so real? If he concentrated enough, he could hear the soft moans of his best friend. If he concentrated enough, he could hear…

"Mmh, Nic, I want.. Mmh…"

Nicolò's eyes widened. What was happening? This wasn't a fantasy. He could hear Alessandro groaning in his ears. He was masturbating thinking about him and above all, he left the microphone on.

Nicolo raised his watch to his lips, "Basto?"

The moans stopped abruptly.

"Shit, shit, shit! I'm so sorry, I'm- I'm… God, Bare, I'm so sorry. I swear it's the first time, I don't know what's gotten into me. I'll turn everything off and I'll go away!"

Nicolò dropped onto the bed, to speak more freely to Alessandro, hoping that Marcelo would not notice anything. After all, he wanted to hear him speak Italian, right?

"Please, please, please stay with me. Don't leave me Ale," Nicolò whispered to his watch.

"Okay, I'll stay," Alessandro said, after a short silence.

At those words, Nicolò put a hand on Marcelo's head and started thrusting into his mouth, "Ale talk to me, I want to hear your voice, your moans, the wet sound of your hand on your cock."

"Like this, Nic?" asked with a shaking voice.

Probably Alessandro had moved his microphone near his cock because Nicolò could clearly hear the sound of his erection being pumped, "Yeah, oh God, yeah."

"Can you feel my mouth on you? Yeah, I love it when you thrust your cock deep in my mouth. God, you're too big even for me, I'm doing my best to take you all in at once, but I hope you don't mind to feel my saliva running down between your ass crack."

Nicolò was in pure ecstasy. He had gotten to a point where he could no longer understand if things were happening in reality or in his fantasy, "Keep going, Ale, please."

"Why don't you turn around? I want to see your ass up in the air."

Nicolò obeyed immediately, without finding any resistance from Marcelo. He put his head on his hands, keeping his watch attached to his lips, "Do you like what you see?"

"You don't know how many times I thought of your ass," Nicolò could feel hands touching it, "Mhmm, your skin is so soft. Let me tongue-fuck you, Nic. Please, can I?"

Nicolò didn't have the time to answer because he was surprised by Marcelo's tongue in his arsehole. How the fuck did Alessandro predict Marcelo's every move? Then in a moment of clarity he remembered that he had entered the apartment's surveillance system and that he could look in any room. Clever. And sexy, "I can't take it anymore, put it in!" he screamed at both.

"What?" said Marcelo, resurfacing from Nicolò's ass.

"Put your cock into my butt right now," he said in English.

"But the lube and the condom…"

"Put it in!!"

Nicolò gasped when he finally felt Marcelo's cock entering him, "Ale, Ale, Ale," he whispered like a mantra, "why aren't you here with me?"

"But I am, Nic. I'm there with you."

Nicolò, no longer doing it, began to move his ass back, increasing the speed of the thrusts, "I'm so close, oh God… Ale, tell me that you want me. That you need me… please."

Alessandro groaned loudly in Nicolò's ears, "Fuck, I need you Nic, I need your smiles, your your shining eyes looking at me, I need your hands touching me. I know I'm going to regret it, but fuck, I need to be loved by you!"

Those words caught Nicolò off guard and instead of helping him calm down they made him take his cock in his hand, pumping it hard. But it was only when Alessandro came, whispering his name, that he came too, his cum spread on his chest and on the sheets.

After a few seconds Marcelo collapsed on him, without strength, "Well, it was fantastic" he said laughing and lying on the bed, then Nicolò heard a drawer open and close, "Let me clean you up", and, with a handkerchief, he cleaned Nicolò's back from his cum.

Nicolò sat on the bed, knowing what time the second part of the plan started, "I'm thirsty, can I go get a glass of water?"

"I'll do it!"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," he said smiling. He headed for the kitchen, still naked, wiggling.

As soon as Nicolò left the bedroom, he ran to his jacket and pulled out a bottle. It was a sleeping powder. He picked it up and carried it into the kitchen where he poured it into a glass of water.

"I thought I'd bring a glass for you too."

"Thank you so much, Michele," and he drank it all in one gulp, "Will you ever tell me what Ale means in Italian? I hope something nice, since you've repeated it over and over again."

This was the first time that Marcelo made things difficult for him and suddenly Nicolò felt self conscious about what happened with Alessandro who hadn’t spoken a word since their orgasms, "Of course, it's the most beautiful word," he said, playing with the edge of the sheets, but when he lifted up his gaze, Marcelo was already sleeping.

Without wasting time, he got up and dressed, picked up his glasses from the floor and put them back on.

Then Nicolò ran into the living room and grabbed the statue and in no time he was already in the elevator.

Now that he had finished his mission and was holding the Amorino in his hand, he was swallowed by the silence that was dividing him from his best friend, "Ale, it's okay if you don't want to talk to me anymore, but I'll be honest and I want you to know that for me it wasn't the first time. Whenever I slept with someone, I thought of you. Because you were my refuge, my moment of happiness when I was doing the worst things. I'm sorry you found out like that, but I like you."

The elevator had reached the fifteenth floor and the only thing Nicolò heard was the silly background music. He was aware that he had made a mess, but he hoped he could clear it up soon. He didn't care if Alessandro didn't reciprocate his sentiment, the only important thing was not to lose his friendship.

"You don't know how long I have wanted to tell you I like you, Nic, but I never had the courage because I thought I wasn't your type. I kept it all inside and watched you from afar flirting with others, then in bed at night I imagined that I was the subject of your desires, but when I woke up everything was as before. But now I'm sick of keeping it all inside and I'll tell you again, I've liked you since you smiled at me the first time. God, right now my heart is still beating fast like that first time… Maybe now it's better if you get out of the elevator and run to the van," Alessandro said, trying to play it down.

Nicolò, petrified by those words, had not even noticed that he had reached the ground floor.

He came out of the skyscraper calmly so as not to attract anyone's attention and as he turned the corner two headlights flashed.

"So how did it go?" Domenico asked.

"Well I'd say," showing him the Amorino.

Domenico started screaming and clapping his hands on the dashboard, "Fuck, you're too much Bare!"

"Will you stop being crazy?" Giovanni blurted out, while he threw a finished cigarette out of the window and started the van.

In the darkness of the van, Nicolò curled up in the seat, thinking back to Alessandro's words. He couldn't believe they had been two idiots and waited so long before confessing their feelings.

"Ale, I'm in the van safe and sound. "

"Good. Now that you are with the others I'll turn everything off."

"Wait a minute," and then he leaned towards Giovanni, "Where are we going?"

"To Gianluigi's headquarters, then tomorrow we leave for Italy."

"No, no! Can you take me to the airport now? I have to get back to Coverciano as soon as possible."

"Did something happen?"

"Yes, I have to go and kiss Alessandro." and the last thing he heard, before the avalanche of questions from his friends, was Alessandro giggling.

#bastonella #my writing

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gayaristocrat · 3 years

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I Got Everything I wanted...

Episode 1: Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience...

Pairing: Vision x Male Reader

Taglist: N/A

‼️Authors Note‼️: I'm finally at a point where I can write this story. I know that It is long overdue, so I hope this can make up for it. This story is going to be breaking the 4th wall a lot since they tend to do that in the actual show. Also, please let me know in my Inbox/Askbox if you would like to be tagged every time I upload a story to this series. While reading this, you may realize that it seems rushed, and that's because it was. I wanted to put this out as soon as I possibly could. Also since you guys voted that I just divide it up into parts for you to read. I will be uploading part 2 whenever I am able to.

Summary: (Male Name) and Vision struggle to conceal their powers during dinner with Vision's boss and his wife

Time Period: 1956 (So everything in this chapter is going to be colorless and in black and white)

Word count: 4k+

Word Key:

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Have you ever dreamed of living the life you always wanted? Have you ever dreamed of something so bad to the point where you would do anything to get it. Have you ever dreamed of something so bad to the point where all of your care for others went out the window? Have you ever dreamed of wanting something so bad to the point where you would stop anyone who gets in your way.

"(Male Name), I love you so much. Please don't do this, cant you see that everyone is hurting, that everyone is in so much pain?"

"I'm sorry Vision, but I can't. I can't loose you...not again. I never meant for things to be this way, but now I can't go back. Not without you"

---REWIND MANY EPISODES BACK---

For a second, everything is black. The TV clicks on and a burst of grey static illuminates the screen. Everything is black and white, not a single drop of color is in the area. A happily little tune starts playing as a colorless 1956 Buick Special drives up a tiny hill and back down past a sign which says 'Speed Limit 35'. The camera angle changes to the back of the car, showing a banner above the license plate, 'Just Married'. Next, the camera cuts to us, (Male Name) and Vision, newlywed husbands.

It finally happened, we finally got married! Both of us turn take a quick look and smile at each other with nothing but love and glee, it seemed like nothing could go wrong in this moment.

🎵Oh~

A newlywed couple just moved into town,

A regular husband and husband,🎵

Vision turns his head back to the road and continues driving until we turn down a happy little neighborhood. Each house on the street has a pattern of different color greys with black roofs, their yards decorated with equally bland colorless flowers and grass. Children playing outside, and adults chatting with one another while they tend to their gardens, or while walking their dogs. Everyone is just so cheery and happy, even the mailman waves at us as we pass him. Everything is exactly the way it's supposed to be, perfect.

🎵Who left the big city,

To find a quiet life,

(Male Name)Vision!🎵

Vision drives into the driveway of our new home. We quickly hop out of the car and approach the house, but before we walk in I take notice of the 'For Sale' sign still in the yard. I quickly flick my hand and use my magic to change the sign to 'Sold'. After that I dust my hands off with a proud smile on my face as Vision scoops me in his arms bridal style, opens the front door, and carries me inside. I flick my wrist again and the front door closes and locks as we both move to the Livingroom of our already decorated 2 story home.

🎵He's a magical boy,

In a small town locale

And a hubby who's part machine,

How will this duo fit in and pull through?🎵

Once Vision puts me back on my feet, we start swaying with the jingle playing in the background while title cards pop up of written words that I don't care to read right now since I'm too busy enjoying this happy moment with my new husband. Vision then gives me a little twirl before wrapping his arms around my waist as we both dip into a loving heartfelt kiss.

🎵Oh, by sharing a love,

Like you've never seen

(Male Name)Vision!🎵

---SCENE CHANGE---

The scene suddenly changes as the lights flick on and cameras start rolling. You start the scene off by walking into the kitchen and start making your way to one of the grey drawers next to the oven and you grab one of your favorite aprons. Humming a little tune, you wrap the white cloth around your waist and start observing the kitchen to see what needs to be picked up or cleaned. Deciding to work on putting up the dishes, you raise your hand and the newly cleaned plates start levitating off of the counters and float off to the display racks, you then raise your other hand and a dark colored dish cloth floats out of the cabinet and it begins drying a glass cup. You then turn your back to the cup to observe if it had been cleaned good enough, suddenly you jump as a loud crash echoes through out the kitchen. Turn to see what the problem is, you only to find Vision looking up from today's news paper and glances at the shattered plate at the ground while a laughing crown erupts out of nowhere.

"My husband and his flying saucers" He says in his thick English accent (or is it British🤔), with a joking tone.

"My husband and his indestructible head" I reply back in the same tone as another laugh erupts from the crowd.

He then folds his newspaper and walked over to your direction, giving you a kiss on the cheek when he arrived, causing you to chuckle while twirling your finger, making the plate form back to it's original round shape before it floats off to it's designated spot.

"Vision, honey, what do you say to silver dollar pancakes, crispy hash browns, bacon, eggs, freshly squeezed orang juice and black coffee?" You say while walking over to the refrigerator, opening it and bending down, getting ready to grab out everything needed to make the meal for him.

"I'd say 'Oh, I don't eat food' " He says smiling at me, while the crown laughs again.

You look inside the fridge and hum to yourself in surprise while putting all the pieces together in your head before saying "Well, that explains the empty refrigerator then"

"(Male Name), my darling. Is there something special about today?"

"Well, I know the apron is a bit much dear, but I'm doing my best to blend in and have the 'Perfect House Husband' look." You say walking to meet him, assuming he's talking about the apron.

"No no, you don't have to try, you already are the perfect house husband." He says as he lightly grabs your chin with his pointer finger and thumb and lightly giving you a 'boop' on the nose. "But I was referring to the calendar. Someone's drawn a heart right above today's date." You then looked at him as you cluelessly try to figure out what he's talking about, so he puts his hands on your shoulders and turns you around to face the calendar behind you and he rests his chin on your head as you both look at the heart.

Trying to act like you know what day it is, you say "Well...d..dont tell me you've forgotten Vis?"

"Oh silly (y/n), I'm incapable of forgetfulness. I remember everything. That's not an exaggeration. In fact, I'm even incapable of exaggeration" He rambles boastfully.

"Hmm, well then if that's true, then maybe you can tell me what's so important about today's date"

He pauses for a second and thinks before he blows a slow puff of air out of his mouth, then deciding on saying "Uhhh...what was the question again? Oh well, no matter, perhaps you've forgotten yourself"

"Me? Heavens, no, haha. I've been so looking forward to it."

You both have actually been looking forward to day. Today you are celebrating...The first time you...uhhh...have ever celebrated this occasion before. It's a special day indeed, perhaps an evening?...of great significance?...to you both, naturally.. obviously...exactly! Well done for the both of you.

You two ramble on for a few more minutes trying to drill the other into spilling on what was so special about today, but you two couldn't since you were both obviously unknowing about it, then Vision remembered something.

"Well, sorry darling, that's me off to work, then." Vison says fixing his grey suit jacket and grabbing his suitcase walking to the front door. You quickly grab his hat hanging on the coat rack and place it on his head, fixing it to make it look straight.

"Also don't forget-"

"(Male Name), my dear how many times do I have to tell you I don't forg- oh you mean my face right?"

You nod letting him know that was what you were getting at. The audience laughs again as he quickly shakes his head and his face and hands transform from cold metal to warm flesh. Vision then puts his palm to his face and pretends to blow you a kiss, while you play along and pretend to catch it and put it over your heart.

Once he leaves out the door, you lock it a return to the kitchen, and make your way to the calendar, chewing on your polished nails (if you don't want nail polish then skip that part) as you try to remember the symbolism of the heart. Not even a second later your thoughts get interrupted as a loud knock at the door startles you back to 'reality'.

Going to go see who it is, you push the door that separates the living room and the kitchen, closer to the knocking. You quickly open the door and see a woman with a dark plaid dress and a styled black hairdo holding a grey plant in a white pot.

"Oh hello, dear. I'm Agnes, your neighbor to the right. My right, not yours" She says in a sing-song tone as she uninvitedly makes her way into the house. The eruption of cackles echo as you look at her in confusion as to why she decided to step inside, but decided to keep a calm attitude and not say anything about it.

"Forgive me for not stopping by sooner to welcome you to the block. My mother-in-law was in town...so I wasn't!" she says laughing with the audience once more as her dress sways with her movements. She rushes the potted plant into your arms and you smile and take it as she makes her way into the living room to continue her snooping. "So what's your name? Where are you from? And most importantly how's your bridge game, hon?" She says not loosing a single breath, and of course not giving you time to answer in between questions.

"Umm...Well I'm (Male Name)" You say reaching your hand out to shake hers

"(Male Name)? Charmed!" She joyfully says and returns the gesture.

"Golly, you sure do settle fast! Yes sir you did indeed! Did you use a moving company?"

"Why I sure did. Those boxes don't move themselves." The audience laughs as your inside joke, because let's be honest, the boxes did move themselves since you used your magic to decorate everything. (Damn (Male Name), you really are a powerful sum' bitch)

'"So (Male Name), what's a single boy like you doing rattling around this big house?" She says siting on the couch.

You laugh to yourself and dreamily look at the finger your ring should be on that Vision gave you to claim you as his, (He liked it so he put a ring on it.....sorry...anyways) but paused as it wasn't there. That's not right, because you could have sworn that it was there when you created this rea-

"Oh no, I'm not single I-"

"Well I don't see a ring

"Well I can promise you, I am indeed married...To a man. A human one and tall too! A a matter of fact, he'll be home later tonight for a special occasion just the two of us." You say putting emphasis on 'occasion' with a wink.

"Oh is it somebody's birthday? A holiday?" Agnes questions bouncing up and down in the couch with her legs crossed like a 'proper lady'.

"Well, no and no"

"An anniversary then?"

"Ye-uhh...yes, Its our anniversary!" You shout, finally able to remember what that heart meant.

Agnes waves you over to come sit on the couch with her and you obey, sitting down she grabs and rests both sets of you two's clasped hands on your apron.

"Sooo...tell me, how many years" She asks letting out a little squeal.

"Well..uhhh..it...it uh feels like we've always been together"

"You lucky man-" She shakes her head remembering about her own husband "-the only way Ralph would remember our anniversary is if there was a beer names June 2nd." She chuckles as the audience laughs from nowhere again. "So what do you have planned?"

"How do you mean?" You questioned her. I mean you never really did have time to come up with anything since you just realized, or assumed, what today was.

"For your special night, (Male Name)! A young boy like yourself doesn't have to do much, but it's still fun to set the scene. Say-" she says standing up to slowly make her way to the door "-I was just reading a crackerjack magazine article called 'How To Treat Your Husband To Keep Your Husband', and let me tell you somethin'...what Ralph could really use is, 'How to Goose Your Wife So You Don't Loose Your Your Wife'. She kidd's as her and the audience laugh. You look at her and shake your head trying to hold back your own laughter. "Hang on, I'll go grab it and we can start planning. Oh, this is gonna be a gas!" She shouts running to the door so she can leave and run to her house.

-----Time Skip---

Both Agnes and you are back on the couch, looking through her magazines trying to find ideas for the anniversary dinner you planned for you and Vision to share, when out of nowhere, the phone started ringing interrupting you two. You got up and rushed over to it hoping you don't miss the unknown caller, you pick it up and put it to your ear and then start talking.

"Vision residence how may I help you"

"(Male Name), darling I-"

"Vision, my dearest husband. How are you sweetheart?" You say cutting him off from his obviously panicked and frantic voice. I mean come on, you are just excited to hear your husband's voice after a hours of him being gone.

"Listen about tonight-"

You cut him off again, already knowing that he was going to talk about the anniversary. "Don't worry, dear, I have everything under complete control"

"Oh, well, that is a relief. I must confess, I'm really rather nervous" He says over the phone.

"Nervous? Whatever for?" You question.

"Well, you know, darling, I still get a little tongue-tied."

The audience coo's and aww's at how a dust of grey creeps up on your (dark grey/grey) cheeks. "Vis, after all this time..." you giggle out.

"There's a lot riding on this (Male Name)! If tonight doesn't go just so, I think this could be the end.

'Wait what' you think to yourself

"Well, it's just one night. There's no need to get dramatic." You say in a worried tone as you grasp your now queasy stomach.

Vision's tone begins to get more serious as the conversation continues in his attempt to express how important this is to you. "Look, I think the best course of action is to impress the wife."

"Well, first, I think you mean husband. And secondly I also think the best course of action is to impress the other husband too." You look over and give Agnes a thumbs up and a wink in her direction, and she does the same while sipping her martini.

"Glad to know we're both on the same page, love. Until tonight, then, my sweet little husband" Vision says making two smooching noises through the phone to you.

"Until tonight...my robotic husband" You return, whispering the last part so Agnes doesn't hear you. She couldn't hear you anyways, being too busy sipping her drink and flipping through the pages. You finally gently put the phone on the hook and return to the couch.

---Time Skip, Later Tonight---

Before Vision made it home, you set the big dining table that was next to the living room and tossed colorless silk scarfs on all of the laps in the room to set the mood and made your way to the bedroom to get dressed to surprise him for when he gets home. When you heard the door open and heard his voice, you tip toed your way out of the bedroom and into the living room, dressed a long fluffy white lingerie robe with white fur that wrapped around the arms of it which was trailing behind you, exposing both of your (dark grey/grey) legs. You then went all the way to Vision's black silhouette and gently wrapped your hands around his eyes, causing him to jump form the sudden contact.

The audience laughed again as they know your mistake. 'Where the hell is that laughing coming from, and whey is it happening right now of all times?' you thought to yourself in confusion.

"Guess who~" you seductively whispered to your husbands.

Suddenly the lights turn on and you hear Vision's voice that was filled with a mix of shock, embarrassment, and irritation at your recklessness. "(MALE NAME) WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"

You gasp and look in his direction. "Vision? What are you-" then it hit's you, if Vision is right there, then who's-

"Oh! Oh my stars, I'm so sorry!" You say to the man you mistook for your husband. You quickly uncover his eyes and stumble away from him as he stares at you in shock. Then you look down at your attire and try to cover your exposed leg as much as possible.

"What is the meaning of this!" The bald headed mad says appalled, as his wife stands behind him looking around cluelessly.

Vision interrupts with his stammering voice just as confused as everyone else. "Well..uh yeah (Male Name) what is the meaning of-" Suddenly it hits him and he tries to comes up with an excuse off the top of his head. "-Oh, the meaning of it! You want to know the meaning of it...and...the meaning of it is...that this is the tradition of (Random Foreign Country/Continent) greeting of hospitality. Uhh...guess who???" Vision says as he runs behind you and overs your eyes.

"Oh is that my host being me?" You say playing along.

"It certainly is, darling. Lovely to make your acquaintance" Vision says vigorously shaking your hand. "See i forgot to tell you my husband is from (Random Foreign Country/Continent)" he giggles along with the audience.

"Oh, how exotic!" The man's wife cheerfully laughs.

"I never knew such a place as that existed" He says in a dark yet serious tone.

"Oh hush Author, have you no culture. Oh and the robe, I absolutely love it!" His wife replies trying to lighten up the awkward mood.

"Thank you so much ma'am-" you march through the living room and snatch off the silk scarves from all the lamps and tightly grab Vision's hand. "-Can I just see you in the kitchen for a moment, sweetheart?"

You both then slam your way through the kitchen door and it swings closed behind you, leaving Vision's boss and his wife behind as they sit down on the couch and patiently (more like impatiently on Arthur's end) wait for your return. You then turn around and look at each other before throwing questions.

"Who are those people?!"

"What are you wearing!?"

"Why are they here?"

"What are you wearing!?" Vision questions again boldly

"Well, it's out anniversary, that's why I'm wearing this!"

"Our anniversary of what?" Vison says, desperate to know what the hell you were talking about. Eventually you had enough of these shenanigan's and throw the scarves down at his feet stomping your way to the kitchen chairs. "Well if you don't know, I'm not going to tell you!" you exaggerate, crossing your arms and pouting like a child

"(Male Name), darling! That...that man through there is my boss Mr. Hart! And his dear lady wife Mrs. Hart! The heart on the calendar was an abbreviation!" Vision whispers, roughly tapping his hand on the black heart drawn on the dull colored calendar.

You grab your head and shake it trying to put everything together. "Vision sweetie, you move at the speed of sound and I can make a pen float through the air. Who. Needs. To. Abbreviate!?"

Vision grabs both of your shoulders in an attempt to collect his thoughts and calm you down. "Darling, listen, it's all romantic to do the candles, the music, that stunning outfit. I don't wanna be unappreciative, but right now-"

"Your boss and his wife are expecting a home-cooked meal. Correct?" Vision nods his head while muttering 'exactly' while look around the kitchen in order to find somethin to serve to the unwarned visitation of guests. After looking around for a but, your eyes land on the mini round table that held a plate and food on it. "Well, does your boss and his wife have a hunger for a single chocolate-covered strawberry, split three ways?" Vision hisses while clenching his fists and shaking his head no.

"Oh wait, I might have better ideas" Without hesitation you raise both of your sands and snap your fingers, magically changing your outfit to the one you were wearing earlier that day, a pair of dark high waisted cuffed slacks and a white blouse to match (you can change if you don't like), and the audience claps in astonishment at your transformation whilst you tie your apron in a bow behind your back. Vision gives you a quick peck on the cheek and runs back to the living room to keep others company while you figure out what to serve everyone.

---Time Skip---

After minutes of looking, you couldn't find anything in the kitchen, and the refrigerator was empty, so you decided to call your good neighbor Agnes to see if she could pick up some things from the store and bring it over. A couple of minutes pass and you finally hear a familiar knock on the back door in the kitchen. As soon as you open it Agnes rushes through with her hands full of groceries stacked to her chin as she stumbles through the kitchen. Before you could even mutter out a 'thank you' she stops you dead in your tracks and puts all the food down on the table. "Before you can say anything don't think about it. I mean, what kind of housewife would I be if I didn't have a gourmet meal for four just lying about the place. Not that Ralph wants to eat anything other than baked beans, which explains a lot about his personal appeal, mind you." The audience laughs one more at her silly humor as you quickly render to her aid to grab some of the groceries before they could fall. Unfortunately, it seems like the Universe was not on your side since the large cooking pot crashed and hit the ground, echoing throughout the kitchen, while Agnes yelled out an overexaggerated 'oh my'.

You had to get rid of Agnes and as quickly as you can, so you decided to just push her out the back door despite her protests to help you cook. "Thank you so much Agnes but I can take it from here-"

"Are you sure dear, many hands make light work. And many mouths make good gossip too!"

"Oh ahahaha, you are so naughty! But-"

"Oh, shall I preheat the oven then? hmm?"

"That won't be necessary, thank you for your time!"

Somehow she managed to escape your grasp on her waist and make her way back to the counter to crab some kitchen tools to start cooking for you. "Well, I know you're in a pinch so this menu can be done in a snap." She says snapping her fingers before continuing her rambling. you run back over to her and snatch the utensils from her, setting them on the counter, and grabbing her arms to march her back to the door. "Lobster Thermidor with mini-minced turnovers to start. Chicken à la King with twice-cooked new potatoes for your second course, and Steak Diane with mint jellies for your main. Oh wait! Do you set your own jellies, dear?"

"Yes Agnes I do, now can you please-"

"Ah there you go, good boy! Recipe cards are all on the counter there. Bon Appétit!"

"Haha, yes will do, thank you so much again Agnes! Bye now!" You say slamming the door, making the audience laugh at your exhausted expression. Now that she's gone, you run to the middle of the kitchen and throw your arms around, making all of the drawers and cabinets in the kitchen fly open, the dishes start floating out, and the food starts cooking. Out of no where the doors to the island bar swoop open to show Mrs. Hart, but before she could see Vision distracts her by breaking out and singing Yackety Yack by The Coasters, causing her to break out into a little dance, making her way back to the couch. Dear gods and goddess', how lucky are you to have a savior like him.

But little did you know, that the night was only just beginning.

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Finish the fic? Leave a like and comment if you enjoyed it. Also, give it a reblog too! Once again, I'm so sorry it was rushed! Please don't be afraid to let me know if there are any typos or errors. I will go back and edit this

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gyucore · 3 years

Text

to reach a happy ending

pairing: beomgyu x reader

tags: fluff, childhood friends to lovers

word count: 1.6k

warnings: beomgyu swears like once

prompts:

017: "A fairytale with a happy ending always brings a smile to my face."

023: "Do you believe in love at first sight?"

— requested by ⛅ anon! sorry this took so long to make. i hope you like it!! ♡

"Ew, look at this." You hand the dusty old photo album to Beomgyu who's sprawled across the floor by your side.

"Wait—" He stops you, rolling away before letting out a sneeze so loud that it managed to echo off the dusty untouched walls of his old room. The poor guy couldn't help it, his room hadn't been cleaned since he moved out in the middle of high school, and his mom preferred to keep things as they were— dust and all. You wonder if it was simply an excuse to clean one less room.

Beomgyu did say he had dropped in yesterday without notice. You'd think he'd want to spend some quality time with his parents first, but he'd decided to invite you over after spending a single night under this roof. Having heard nothing but radio silence from your best friend in years, you were thrilled to get to see him again. And what better way to shed off the ever present awkwardness in the beginning than to go through old photo albums?

"Okay, show me." Beomgyu rolls back to your side, scooting in closer to rest his head on your lap.

You turn the photo album, pointing at one photo in particular of you and Beomgyu dressed as a knight and damsel in distress— Beomgyu playing the role of the latter. Contrary to the roles, you were pummeling Beomgyu to the ground as if having caught a thief, and Beomgyu was shoving his handkerchief to your face, blocking your eyesight. The context behind the photograph alludes you, but this might just be a case of seven-year-olds doing whatever they want whenever.

"The fuck you mean ew? I look great in that dress!" Frowning, Beomgyu grabs the album to stare longer at his past self's glory.

"Lying to yourself isn't good for you, Gyu." You jokingly disapprove. It was fun seeing his reactions right after.

"Oh, look at these."

Beomgyu points at a photo of you and him on stage, wearing the same costumes as before. You figured it was for a play back in first grade when you two had been classmates. The next series of photos included one of you holding out a sword towards a kid in a cheap dragon costume, one of Beomgyu holding back his tears after tripping over and ripping his dress, and ones of you rushing to Beomgyu and kissing away his tears.

"This takes me back." Beomgyu lights up with a smile, failing to notice the surprise on your face. "Remember when your mom made us believe that kissing any injuries we had would make it go away? I knew you wanted to help me back then but I couldn't stop crying and tell you were it hurt, so you started kissing all over my face hoping it'd go away."

You find yourself laughing at your past self's foolishness. "But did it work?" You ask in between laughs.

"Well," Beomgyu chuckles, getting up from his position on your lap. "I don't think it would've worked if another person had done it. But since it was you— Wait." He takes one last look at the album, letting slip a wheeze before placing it back in its box. "Mom wrote something right below the photo."

"What did she write?" You ask, holding out your hands for Beomgyu to grab.

"A fairy tale with a happy ending always brings a smile to my face." Beomgyu tells you as he helps you up, trying his best to keep a straight face after delivering that line.

The two of you burst into laughter at his mother's words. You knew she'd been fond of fairy tales all her life but the caption was taking you out. Beomgyu was literally crying in the photo yet somehow this, to her, was a happy ending.

You eventually take notice of all the photos plastered around his room, some framed, and some simply stuck to the walls— memories of happier times. Most were of you and him, and in some, just you. He'd shown off the Polaroid camera his mother bought for him in seventh grade, proclaiming he'd only take photos of moments he'd want to keep in his memory forever. It never actually crossed your mind that a lot of them would be of you.

Beomgyu notices your wandering eyes and chuckles, placing an arm around your shoulder. The distance between you shrinks as he holds you closer. And at that moment, you take note of everything that's changed.

He'd gotten taller since the last time you saw him. Gone was the lanky boy you knew, evident in the way his muscles flexed with every small movement you wish you hadn't noticed. Beomgyu had grown his hair out; the thick, wavy locks tucked behind his ears, covering the back of his neck. The deepness of his voice had been a surprise when he greeted you at the door earlier, but you held back from pointing it out.

You feared that if you acknowledged all the changes, you'd be forced to face reality. That things weren't the same anymore, no matter how hard you tried. After all, Beomgyu wasn't the only one who changed. You had quite the few character development arcs yourself, and experiences which Beomgyu remained oblivious of. And somehow despite that, in his presence, you started to feel like your old self again.

Beomgyu's invitation had come as a surprise last night. You thought he'd forgotten about you, what with all the silence these past few years.

Life continued on as it should even without Beomgyu by your side, but you could argue that all the amazing experiences you've had on your own would've been better if he were there to experience it with you. And now here you were in his old room, pretending everything was the same as he'd left it.

You look up at your old friend, wanting to tell him what had been plaguing your thoughts the entire day but find yourself tongue tied when his dark eyes stare back into your own. And you wonder, how many times had it been that you'd stared into each other's eyes just like this? How many times had he pulled you close into his arms all those years? And just how many nights had you spent wondering if your feelings for him had grown into something more?

"I missed you." Beomgyu speaks first, his gaze never faltering.

Hearing his voice, you swear you could've melted right then and there. Part of you had wished he'd tell you those exact words, confirming that it hadn't been just you who'd been wanting to see him all these years.

"I missed you too."

Beomgyu could only smile at your response.

His arm leaves your shoulder— hands slowly finding their way to your own. His hold was gentle as he slowly guided you to face him.

"Don't laugh, but," Beomgyu starts. "Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"Love at fir—"

The question throws you off.

"What?"

"I heard you the first time!" You cut him off, wanting so bad to cover your face from the secondhand embarrassment. "I can't believe you just said that. What even happened to you in college?"

"Hey! At least hear me out before you make fun of me." Beomgyu bursts out laughing at your reaction, his thumbs caressing the back of your hands to help you calm down. "Judging from your reaction, I'm guessing your answer is a no. And I honestly felt the same too until a few hours back."

"Okay, you lost me there."

"Shut up. What I'm saying is," Beomgyu squeezes your hands, leaning in closer. "I'm sorry I haven't been in touch the last few years. I had a lot of trouble adjusting, and it took a while for me to really get the hang of living alone. I wanted to talk to you as soon as I got there but then I thought that maybe it would've been better for you if I left you to live your own life for a while too."

"Beomgyu.." You squeeze his hands back, sensing the sincerity in his eyes.

Beomgyu shakes his head. "I know this sounds silly and all, but I didn't want you to feel the emptiness I felt when I left. I wanted you to go and make experiences of your own without me."

You frown, refraining to speak until he's done.

"But then I couldn't stop thinking about you. Everywhere I went, I'd think of you and how the place would've been better if we got to hang out there together. Every time I had fun or ate something that tasted good, I wanted you to share the experience with me."

Beomgyu sighs. "Honestly, I thought I could make it through my visit home without seeing you but I passed by your house on my way home yesterday and I just.. I couldn't hold back. And when I saw you for the first time in years at the front of my doorstep.. I knew I had to tell you."

Half of you knew what to expect, and the other half doubted the reality of the situation. But all the doubts instantly melt away as soon as Beomgyu closed the distance between you, pressing your foreheads together.

Face flushed, you stare at him in awe and notice he had his eyes closed shut. "Cute." You thought.

He whispers in a voice so quiet you could barely hear.

"I like you."

You couldn't hold it in any longer, the rush of emotions crashing into you like raging waves against a cliff. The next moment, you find yourself inching closer and closer, face heating up even more as you press your lips against his as a reply.

Beomgyu's eyes widen, body freezing in place. He hadn't exactly expected you to respond so soon, especially not like this. And he couldn't be happier.

You feel Beomgyu returning the kiss, his hands going up to cup your face— his hold gentle. The two of you wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment for as long as life permits, because for once, you could finally see the path to your happily ever after slowly unraveling.

This was just the beginning.

#txt #txt imagines #txt x reader #txt fic #beomgyu #beomgyu x reader #beomgyu imagines #beomgyu oneshot #beomgyu scenarios #beomgyu fluff

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vivisextion · 3 years

Text

I first saw Slipknot at age 14.

No one knows how I managed it. I'm not sure I even remember. These days, you have to be 16 or 18 to get into Standing areas. I do know I had to buy tickets on the phone, back in the old days (2005, that is). A singular ticket, too - none of my friends, not even the classmate who had gone with me to see Linkin Park the year before, was that into Slipknot.

But I HAD to see them. This was the Subliminal Verses tour cycle, and Vol. 3 was my first and favourite Slipknot album, even to this day. It's the reliable old warm blanket for my soul whenever I need it. It's on right now, as I write this.

My memory isn't that good, but luckily I unearthed a livejournal (livejournal!) diary entry about the event I made the next day.

August 16, 2005. I went right after school. I went to a very conservative Anglican secondary school, too. I tried not to get caught in the bathroom, as I coloured my nails black with permanent marker (I know, don't laugh) and changed into my standard metalhead baby outfit - Slipknot band shirt, black cargo shorts, and my pride and joy: steel-toe boots I somehow managed to cajole my parents into letting me own.

I caught the bus to the open-air war memorial park where the gig was going to be. I got there at 4pm, 4 hours early. A couple other maggots were already hanging around. I found myself surrounded by tombstones, and I read them all. It was the middle of the Hungry Ghost Festival, too - a very fitting time for Slipknot to pay a visit to this godforsaken hellhole of a small town I lived in. (Especially given the paranormal circumstances surrounding the making of Vol. 3.)

While I wandered around the venue (no security or sound guys were around at all), I spotted two white vans pull up to the stage, in the middle of a clearing. It was them! I spotted Joey and missed him by a hair's breadth. I was quickly ushered behind the stone archway entrance by security then.

(Funnily enough, while walking around, I got mistaken for Joey more than once. I am the same height as him, had the same long black hair, same pale skin, and was wearing almost exactly what he had been. One person claimed from behind, I was a dead ringer, apart from when I turned around, and they realised I was Chinese.)

It was soundcheck time. A sound guy testing the mics would say random things, like "testing one two three two one.... fudge fudge, I like fudge...." The band even did Purity, so us earlybirds were given a rare treat, and we screamed along from the entrance, and drummed our fists on the sides of nearby porta-potties. I hope no one was in there at the time. Whenever we got a glance of any of them, we'd scream and cheer. Finally they left again, but were soon to return.

This was the first time I'd been a part of the metal community. I was barely allowed internet in those days. But here, random strangers were friendly, striking up conversations like they'd been friends for years. Two big guys, called Trevor and Ted, looked out for me the entire gig after, keeping other big dudes from crushing me too much (I'm 5'3, remember). Other people commented on me being so baby, because I was only 14, and said they would take care of me.

When we were finally let in, right after the usher cut the rope, I ran in, screamed "WOOOHOOO!" along with a few friends I'd made. I only briefly stopped to receive this RoadRunner Records compilation CD from a roadie, then resumed running like a madman screaming and dashing into the VIP cage.

I was right up against the barricade - the first time I would ever be at a gig. People from assorted magazines and press took photos of us, and I think I got my photo taken about 10 times at least.

(This is how I got in trouble with my parents the next day. My photo had ended up in a local paper - you can see examples of that here. They had no idea what I'd been to see the night before, and were horrified when they saw what Slipknot looked like.)

We saw Sid filming us from the stage with a camcorder and screamed at him. We saw Jim and screamed at him too, and he flashed the victory sign back at us. I remember Metallica playing at the time, another one of my favourite bands.

The concert was a brutal religious experience I will never forget. People with their arms outstretched, crying and screaming out loud, moving like the devil possessed them.

The new friends around me made sure I was alright after every song! There were huge guys fainting behind us who had to get carried out, but I endured, a tiny 14 year old child. We got a family speech as per tradition, of course. "Are you guys out there all looking out for each other? We're all one big family, and we gotta look out for each other." What Corey said held true - strangers hugged, shook hands, talked, and made friends. I was heartened by how close-knit the maggot community was. It really did feel like a family, and it's felt like that ever since.

Of course, I did my first Jump The Fuck Up. It is possibly the most euphoria I've ever experienced all at one go. (Later, in 2020, I was extremely disappointed that I didn't get to do it again in London.)

They did the death masks for Vermilion, and I remember Chris helping Sid fix his mask and shirt when they'd changed back. Sid hung out near Clown's drums for most of the time too, and hugged him from behind and just latched on at one point. It was pretty adorable.

Fun fact: The version of Eyeless you hear on the 9.0 Live album is from Singapore, as is Eeyore. There are very few photos and videos from the crowd of this gig, because in 2005, very few people had camera phones. The crowd at the Slipknot gig in 2020 was a sea of arms with phones, filming the gig rather than experiencing it. Yes, I'm going to be that cranky old geezer who complains about the good old days.

Joey as usual, was fucking amazing and never failed. However, due to the fact that I was right up front, only his tiny head was visible behind his vast drum set, I couldn't see him the entire gig.

Amazingly, the government told Slipknot they were not allowed to do obscene gestures, curse, vomit (possibly due to the decomposing crow pre-show ritual), simulate humping on objects, throw faeces, or jump off stage (looking at you, Sid). I don't think our totalitarian government knew who they were dealing with, because watch what happens next.

Near the end of the gig, Corey tells the crowd “your government has given us a laundry list of things we aren’t allowed to do, your government has told us we are not allowed to swear”. Crowd goes “BOOOOOOOOO” and Corey goes “BUT WE DON’T GIVE A FUCK!!” And they launch into Surfacing, the last song. Everyone riots. Best night of my life.

You can find the setlist from that gig here. It had everything I wanted and more.

This story later got immortalised when Kerrang asked maggots for gig stories, for an article which came out in 2020. I had forgotten entirely, until people began messaging me to tell me, and one friend sent me a scan of it!

On the way out, I managed to get a shirt. I remember calling my best friend at the time, and got everyone at the merch booth to go "IF YOU'RE 555 THEN I'M 666" for her. This shirt has since been lost to the landfill, because my Christian mother took it upon herself to dispose of it the first opportunity she got. Needless to say, our relationship is not very good.

After that, I even managed to get that Roadrunner compilation album they were giving out signed. The band was staying at the Carlton. Unfortunately, Joey wasn't there, neither was Clown, and Mick was swarmed by guitar nerds so, 6/9 it is. It is a great regret of mine that I'll never have anything signed by him, nor will I ever get to see him perform ever again.

The next day, I went to school, my head swimming. Yes, I went to see Slipknot ON A SCHOOL NIGHT. I was a giant bruise, from my ribs and my chest, to my hips and knees, from being slammed into the barricade like a screen door in a hurricane. Most of all, my sore, headbanged-out neck could barely hold my head up. Classmates thought I had been in a fight. I was torn between battle-scarred exhaustion and hyperactive ranting about the most amazing gig of my short life (it still is, to this day). When teachers spoke to me, I wanted to reply, "Fuck trigonometry! I've just seen SLIPKNOT. Do you not understand that my world is different? Do you not understand that *I* am now different?"

My country was a small, conservative town that Slipknot had graced with their unholy presence. Corey Taylor once said that where he grew up in Iowa had a way of making a 16 year old boy feel like a 36 year old man (or something to that effect). I felt that in my weary bones as a teenager, being from a place just like that. Years later, Watain would run into worse trouble, and wouldn't even be allowed to perform. The Christian stranglehold is stronger than ever. It was a good thing that back then Slipknot had the element of surprise, striking serpent-fast and choking this society by the neck for a too-brief time, before they departed.

After that, my desire to play the drums only grew like a weed. Joey Jordison had, has, and will always inspire me as a drummer, and seeing the beast live (or what little I could spy behind the massive riser) had only spurred me on. I had always been a noisemaker, be it driving my parents mad with chopsticks on pots and pans, or driving my teachers mad with pencils on my desk. But of course, my parents wouldn't have any of it. I'd have to wait a good 14 more years before I'd be able to afford lessons and later, a kit of my own. Better late than never, right?

There will never be enough words to describe the impact Joey has had on my life. And it isn't just Slipknot, either. I could write another essay on his time with the Murderdolls and its influence on my own gender-non-conforming ways. Suffice to say, my wardrobe doesn't look too dissimilar to his during the early Dead in Hollywood days.

I told my boss I could not come into work today. I was grieving. I said that my music teacher died, as I didn't think she'd understand the magnitude of my loss. In a way, it's true. And I am not the only one Joey has nudged on the path to being a musician, that much is certain. To the rest of us, I wish strength and love for you in this difficult time. The best way to honour Joey, who truly loved music, both the creation and appreciation of it, is to pass that gift on. Teach it to someone. He is the reason I picked up the sticks in the first place, and one day, they'll be handed on, the heavy metal baton for the next generation.

And finally: remember that the ones we have lost are never truly gone.

Vinnie

P.S. See if you can spot me in the crowd photos in this post!

#Joey Jordison #Slipknot #Murderdolls

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