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#i call this vibe 'stylish but cringe'
letdreamsbememes · 1 year
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SHIT MY COLLEAGUES SAY, PT. 2 carefully collected over the years, slightly altered to make it universal. cursing.
"You do not fuck here! This is a fuck-free zone!"
"You look like you're about to give birth."
"It's terrifying how easily you lie."
"You can get a waiver when ______ shows up."
"Are you sure you still wanna drink your drink? You left it unsupervised. For five minutes. With me."
"Make me a meme. Put it in your working hours."
"You don't need to debate them. Just send me with a bottle of champagne... to beat the shit out of them."
"Can't we ask the secret service?"
(slides a note that reads kill me kill me kill me)
"You deserve that sticker."
"Do you know how to swallow?"
"We found an office for you in the basement. Alright, it's a closet. But it's a very stylish one."
"Great, now they think I'm a weirdo who just sits in their office in the dark, looking at the hallway like some troll under a bridge!"
"To be fair, you do give off a bridge troll vibe."
"Wow, that presentation gave me goosebumps. From cringe."
"My arms are too short."
"Stop mocking my tiny arms!"
"Tits don't have a gender."
"You came out, you don't have to act like you're into that anymore."
"I am legally not allowed to read, sorry."
"They're the definition of learned helplessness."
"Dear _____, no. Best regards."
"They're so ancient, I heard UNESCO is trying to get their body declared as a world heritage site."
"Please tell me it's someone's birthday today."
"Great, now I got tangerine juice all over me."
"Jokes on them, they don't know I called them wearing a very silly hat."
"I wish there were no witnesses."
"There are some kinks I can absolutely get behind. But not this."
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kryptonitejelly · 2 years
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You seem really cool and like you have really great style. Idk why. I just get the stylish vibe from you.
Not you calling me cool 🫠 can I hug you anon?
I have been told that I have good style (jshfkdjfksjsjd feels weird saying that about myself, cringing hard). Associated fun fact (which I have mentioned before) on style - everyone thought I was dressing my bf because he is always well dressed (but I never do, he dresses himself) - took that as a compliment to me re style 😌
Send me anon thoughts on what you think about me.
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pancake-syrup · 2 years
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Prompt: They were feeling pretty confident when they walked into the room
Kennedy was known for confidence, that was their whole thing. The most confident person at any party, flirting with whoever they want and being the star of the show.
As much as they hated to admit it, they weren't immune to someone pretty flirting back. They weren't used to being left speechless. The Halloween party was really about to throw them off.
Kennedy strode in, dressed up as a stylish angel in a black suit, white feathered wings and halo to complete the look. There was no real inspiration to the costume, Kennedy just liked the vibe of it.
Feeling confident as ever catching people side eyeing them, they decided to pick someone out to talk to. Their target: a short boy in a grey hoodie, jeans and a pair of blue sneakers. Not dressed up at all, sipping from a red cup and leaning against a wall away from everyone else.
Kennedy didn't expect much when they approached the guy, maybe a glare or an eye roll like they usually got. When the boy noticed them approaching, they looked intrigued?
They leaned up against the wall next to the boy, putting on the typical confident smug look they wore to parties.
"Hey," the boy took a sip from his cup and looked up at them, "you got a name to match that pretty face?"
It was cringe and cliche, but that's why Kennedy loved it. They could admit they were cliche and a tad embarrassing, but they made it work.
The boy sighed and rolled his eyes to the sky. He leaned his head against the wall and turned up to look at Kennedy.
"Kai," he took a sip from his cup, "you must be the Kennedy my friend won't shut up about."
Kennedy raised their eyebrows at that. This guy-Kai-already knew who they were?
"Oh so you know me?" Kennedy leaned a little lower to Kai, "Anything interesting?"
Kai looked away from Kennedy in thought. He shrugged his shoulders and took another sip of his drink.
"Nothing special. I know your favourite colour is gold. That's a tacky favourite colour, by the way."
Kennedy scoffed, "Gold is a great colour! It's nice and warm!"
Kai rolled his eyes again, "Whatever you say."
Kennedy watched as the boy took another sip from his cup. How much punch did he have in there?
Neither of them said anything for a bit, just leaned against the wall in silence. Kennedy found themself feeling almost nervous. They couldn't tell what was different about Kai, but it was throwing them off. Kennedy stole a glance at the shorter man next to them. He was very pretty.
Kai could feel Kennedy's eyes on him every so often. He just smiled and chuckled to himself.
"What's so funny?" The sudden break of their silence almost made Kai jump. He turned up to look at Kennedy, who seemed to have lost their typical confidence, replacing it with an almost nervous expression.
"Nothing," Kai smirked up at the other, "you just seem very off your game right now. It's kind of amusing."
Kennedy felt their face heat up slightly. This never happened, they were supposed to be the confident one, yet they were staring at Kai completely dumbfounded.
After a moment of awkward staring and an eyebrow raise from Kai, Kennedy was going to respond, but got distracted when they heard their name.
Three people dressed as what appeared to be soldiers and a general ran up to the two.
"Kennedy! We've been looking for 'ya!" The general said, grabbing Kennedy's sleeve and tugging them off the wall.
The general kept talking while she pulled Kennedy away. Kennedy found themself glancing back at Kai, who just smiled and winked at them.
Kennedy was distracted the rest of the party. They wanted to find Kai again, but couldn't find a way to shake their friends. They just sulked around awkwardly for the remainder of the night.
On the way out, someone slipped past them, shoving something into their jacket pocket before disappearing into the night.
Kennedy took out a slip of paper with a phone number on and it and the text "call me ;P".
Kennedy saw the appeal of cliche flirting even better now.
( sorry this took so long. also sorry for it being so long. i wanted to try writing some kind of romance for practice so heres that ,:D not proof read apologies for any errors )
OH MY GOD MY MOTHER LOVES THIS AND SO DO I THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!
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mavilez · 3 years
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queen bee & vesperia for my “what if they made their own costumes” series
>ladybug & chat noir >rena rouge & carapace
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fairytheo · 3 years
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enhypen as your boyfriend.
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boyfriend!enhypen x gen!reader. fluff. 1.9k. curse words. mention of bugs, food. not requested.
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🐈 ⸝⸝ HEESEUNG ˙𐃷˙
super-duper caring !!
he’s so whipped for you — he smiles just by thinking about you
also very giggly around you
LOVES lending you his beanies
(aka. you stealing them..)
+ you steal his earrings as well ! not that he minds
absolutely adores singing for you / he loves singing you to sleep :D
hold up, is being heeseung’s s/o just being his personal ramen cook 🤨🤨
he aaalwaays bugs you to play games with him (especially wii and nintendo switch lmao)
either that or you’re playing animal crossing while eating takeout at your dinner table
you’re the only person in the world who he’ll ever do aegyo for. 
he secretly enjoys it, but shhh you didn’t hear that from me
i think he likes calling you names like cutie, cutiepie or just a shorter version of your name <3 (if there is one !)
booping your nose is on his everyday to do list ☝️
lowkey therapist & boyfriend in one ngl
WAIT he loves making playlists for you two,, 
“y/n! i made another playlist, do you wanna listen to it? i made it while thinking of you.” <//3 
the type to write cheesy lyrics about you, then later cringes at his own writing bUT then leaves it like that because you like it !
you have his cover of lauv’s “i’m so tired” either set as your alarm or play it on loop everyday 
(random but for some reason i can picture him giving you a cassette with his cover on it just for the vintage vibes)
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🐈 ⸝⸝ JAY ˙𐃷˙
the mom-and-boyfriend in one ;] 
f a s h i o n  c o u p l e 
you are literally fashion icons. no disagreements. 
you have matching clothes or accessories ! even if it’s really subtle, the gesture behind it is super adorable <//3
cooking pt. 2 :D but this time there’s a gorden ramsay in your relationship
i can just SEE how you both two impersonate gorden ramsay while cooking which makes everything 10 times funnier !! checks every 5 seconds if the food is ready tho because he doesn’t wanna risk anything
never cleans up afterwards, either you do or no one does
since you’re both fashion icons your social media followers are going 📈📈📈
literally couple goals.
he loves taking pictures of you,, but also wants you to take pictures of him 
jay gets flustered easily so please make him flustered with sudden compliments, hugs, kisses, etc. !!
he’s also the only member i can really see calling you babe
confident but shy about pda at the same time ??? he’s both LOL 
you always tease him with his RAS moments and randomly quote them when you’re in the middle of a conversation with him lmao
random and idk if this fits here, but he likes making your lunch — leaves you encouraging notes too <3
last but not least: jokingly gets angry at you when he wants something from you, and you do the same thing back ♡
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🐈 ⸝⸝ JAKE ˙𐃷˙
sweetest and softest boyfriend to ever exist. i’m so soft for him JSHSHS
definitely calls you sweetie and darling. 100%. fight me if you think otherwise. 
shows you pics of layla everyday (it’s become routine for him >_<)
a tiny bit cliché BUT lends you his jacket whenever you’re cold (even when you’re inside !!)
random thought: jake puts his hands in your hoodie pockets...
💔💔💔
it’s his personal goal to peck your cheek and forehead at least twice a day — gets pouty if he wasn’t able to do that ))):::
talks in english a lot because you love his accent !!
if you’re an english speaker, you’ll have conversations in english all. the. time.
if you’re not an english speaker, no worries, he’ll teach you !
+ reads you bedtime stories in english (jake’s australian accent >>>) 
dreams of travelling with you to australia <33  
if there’s a bug in the house you better know that jake will NOT be removing them and runs out of the house
WILL stay over at one of the other member’s houses untill that bug is REMOVED . 
so if you’re afraid of bugs as well,,, i’m sorry bae, but it’ll be your task to remove these little... creatures 😐
ngl you have more photos of layla than of him on your phone lol
(spams you with her pictures and captions them with “y/n!!! look!!! layla with a flower!!!! layla with a butterfly!!!!” it’s just so sweet aaa)
we need some “””drama””” so you make jokes about him being a “🥶💸🔥💪” boy a lot in your relationship LMAO
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🐈 ⸝⸝ SUNGHOON ˙𐃷˙
ice skating dates.
this has been mentioned in other headcanons a lot already but i just HAD to include it,,
convinces you to eat ice cream after your date LOL even if it IS winter
btw. fashion couple nr. 2 !!! 
MIRROR SELCAS
MIRROR SELCAS 
ugh the visuals and the power you two hold,,,, i can’t,,,,,
has better clothes than you ngl so you share clothes lmao
it started with him lending you his sweatpants, but then you didn’t want to return them forgot to return them and BOOM 💥 here we are
extremely awkward and shy at first — don’t worry though, he becomes much more chaotic in the later phases of your relationship
he teases you SO MUCH. LIKE. SO MUCH.
always has small smile (smirk?) on his face when he’s about to make a cocky remark (so beware)
you tease him back just twice as hard which 1.) results in him in becoming flustered 2.) fails LOL
off-topic but he’d love a s/o that has a similar style to him ??? a more elegant, classy, dark style perhaps
when he’s away / busy he’ll send you some selcas and captions them with “how r u doing??” “did you eat yet?” “cheer up :P” 
kinda shy about pda but likes showing off too ???
i mean,, men... 🙄🙄 /lh
whenever someone mentions your name near him, he’ll just try to hide his smile while biting his lip (yk what i’m talking about???) and you’ll see his dimples and the affectionate look in his eyes and just AAAAA
the type of boyfriend that calls you love~
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🐈 ⸝⸝ SUNOO ˙𐃷˙
skin care routines with sunoo 24/7 🤝
he does your hair (if your hair is long enough to do different hairstyles with it ofc !!) 
send you daily weekly skin care products he thinks you two should try out / that’d be good for your skin <3
spa nights every friday at 9pm — he only lets you in if you wear a stylish pyjama LOL
you buy him peach items because they just remind you so much of him (。•́︿•̀。)
SELCA TIME !!! his phone is always ready !!! (apart from his storage maybe?)
PARTICIPATES IN SELCA DAYS OF YOUR FAVOURITE IDOLS AAA
loves to go on walks w u
does A LOT of aegyo,, 
and i know that you knew that this point will be in this headcanon.
for eg. instead of saying goodnight or bye he’ll just do aegyo for you not that anyone minds tbh
stages of sunoo flirting (?):
a — tries to compliment you (it sounds more like a flirty remark tbh)
b — realizes then blushes
c — cringes and runs away LMAO
playfully acts jealous, so you know it’s a joke but deep down he’s actually jealous
you two match each others vibes a lot — if one is sad, the other is sad as well
+ tells you your posture is bad when you sit like a banana or tells you to go to sleep early and when you don’t listen to him, he’ll show you an article that proves that (abc) and (xyz) is bad for you and says “i told you so.” 💀
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🐈 ⸝⸝ JUNGWON ˙𐃷˙
impresses you by doing kicks (does the kick cap challenge on tiktok and/or you play kick it by nct 127 for the funzies) 
poking his dimple is a MUST . 😩😩
though gets super shy when you kiss him and also if you buy him gifts !!
cheers you up whenever you feel down or are upset
compliments you a ton ))): will randomly come up to you and tell you that your fit is cute or that you look brighter today,,, little does he know it's because of him ;]
HUGS!HUGS!HUGS
poking his dimple comes first, then hugging
the other members tease you two everytime you’re over LOL it’s like there are two koalas clinging onto each other
our yang garden gained another sheep +1
you two randomly play sheep,,,, like,,, everyday ???? sheep cosplays 👍
idk why ig it’s just fun to imitate sheep and go “mmmeEeEeeEhh” to annoy others
talking of that, even THOUGH he is a responsible leader he will not hesitate to do stupid shit with you
“hey how about we ring on that house there and yell “sheep for sale!” do you think they’ll open the door?”
“i don’t know... let’s find out!” 🤝
let’s just say that this didn’t end well..
also kinda bullies you (in a loving way ofc !!) pand teases you nonstop
either calls you asshole or love aHA
in conclusion: a very unpredictable relationship,, would 10/10 recommend.
very random but i feel like his love language is acts of service
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🐈 ⸝⸝ NI-KI ˙𐃷˙
oh look it’s our tsundere 😼
can’t go a day without dancing so you two have vibing sessions at 2am everyday ft. the others telling you to go to bed
you’re the only one that can make him soft lol
if you’re older than him, you would definitely take care of him like your own baby !! 
if you are the same age as him or younger it’d be awkward for him at first, because he isn’t used to taking care of someone younger, so he’d treat you as if you were his best friend at the beginning
you love to watch him dance !! it’s so satisfying,, LITERAL asmr.
pranks you 24/7. boy has NO mercy. will not care if the others will scold him later. he will do the prank smoothly (?) — doesn’t care about the consequences LMAO
probably sets your alarm to someone screaming or a cringy aegyo song <//3
wants to film dance covers with you !! you don’t have to be the best dancer either !! as long as you have fun ^__^ 
the other members find you really cute but are also vERY TIRED OF YOU,, two energized teens in a relationship was not a good idea ☝️
likes to randomly hold your hand and swing it around 
probably distant at the beginning of the relationship because a.) he doesn’t want to pressure you/make things awkward b.) he doesn’t really know what to do either ???
(if you’re not japanese or don’t know how to speak japanese) he’ll definitely teach you some japanese phrases and words !! introduce you to his culture as well :DD and he really wants to know more about your culture too <3
teaches you phrases like “sunoo is a dumbass” for the funzies LOL
randomly makes micheal jackson impressions,,, it’s hilarious LMFAO
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suinumi · 2 years
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GOT CALLED OUT BY LILLAMPIES FOR REMINDING THEM ABOUT MIITOPIA EY
but this got me thinking about what jobs the npcs would be. i already responded in their post but i thought id also put it here too!
massive cringe incoming
While were here, heres some other NPCs that i imagine as miitopia classes:
Elf:The guide would DEF be the Elf class for sure. >:3c Both use bows and are nature oreinted. The elf job is also easy to take down if youre not careful with them in battle simillar to how i imagine the guide strength wise which is average tbh
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Popstar: Party Girl cus of her vibes
Tank: Arms dealer? a bit if a stretch imo, but Cyborg can also count too!
Cat: Zoologist definitely unless you wanna opt for the town pets go for it lol
Flower: Dryad
Princess: ...take a guess lol
Thief: Dye Trader since some of the clothing suits him surprisingly well in addition to the daggers. the only problem was his turban. :/
Another option for his turban is to make his hair look like it, which is hard on the 3ds but hopefully easier on the Switch with wigs and makeup. you could have a middle parting fringe with a short bob and place a gem on it using makeup
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Scientist: Goblin Tinkerer or even Steampunker!
Vampire: The Travelling merchant, mainly because from experience, the bratty top hat and iirc the Stylish suit looks like his clothing. Clothier can also fit in this role well too :O
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Cleric: Witch doctor, i could also put nurse but the witch doctors method of healing being bssed on magic fits better :>
Warrior: The Hero. it just fits with how melee orientated the game is, also coulnt find anyone who weilds a sword that isnt the dye trader oops
Mage: Wizard
Chef: Tavernkeeper? another one thats a stretch however there is a chef npc in the thorium and tremor mod if that helps?
Imp: im a little stumped here ngl. Once again, maybe guide if you want an edgy twist to him lol but otherwise i have no idea help-
This is copy and pasted from the responses but Im now curious to see what jobs peeps would assign to the NPCs so here it is in a seperate post :O
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theinfjsilhouette · 3 years
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First Date (Gone Wrong)
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My entry for the @tagminibang. I was paired with @godsliltippy and we had an agreement. I did the fic, she did the art. Here’s it is and I believe you could make a cute piece of art with it :D
Man this fic was sooo fun to write! I had a lot of ideas but knew I had to settle on one XD. And to all who read this, I hope you enjoy it.
Little warning: it is 3k+ words long so bear with that XD.
***
Alan let out yet another frustrated sigh as Scott dashed around his bedroom, making sure everything was perfect: his tux, bow tie, shoes, the whole lot. He and his older brother had been invited on a posh state-of-the-art night out from Penelope – and Gordon.
Yep, knowing Gordon would be there really dampened down Alan’s mood.
Just why?
He had to admit, though. Penny was Gordon’s girlfriend (despite Gordon hating to face it) so it made sense as to why he was coming.
“Scoooott,” Alan moaned for what felt like the millionth time. “I’m fine. My outfit is fine. Leave me alone!”
“No little bro,” Scott held Alan’s shoulders. “You’re not fine. You’ve never been on a real date before. You’re only coming with me so you can experience it. But it’s mainly about Penny and Gordon. So my only rules are: don’t mess up, follow what I say, and don’t do anything stupid. Got it?”
“Sure… But what do you mean by “don’t do anything stupid”?”
“Hmm… maybe something like—”
“Scott! I’m ready! Have you done all your tempering with Alan?”
“Oh, shut up, Gordon,” Alan spat. “I didn’t even want to go. Why couldn’t Virgil go instead of me? He’s more relaxed at those places!”
“Alan! That’s the sort of attitude I don’t want! Pack it in, will you?” Scott shook the little blonde roughly.
“Scott, get off,” Gordon ran in-between the oldest and youngest bro. “Calm down. Even though he’s the youngest, he can’t do too much damage. It’ll be OK. Now let’s go. We’re already running late for Penelope in London.”
***
Scott landed TB1 safely on the front lawn of Penny’s stately mansion. She was dressed to the nines in a red ruffled dress that reached all the way down to her ankles. Her lipstick was deep red to match the shoulder bag she had hanging on her shoulder.
Gordon adjusted his bow tie and straightened the collar of his navy blue suit jacket before approaching his girl.
“May I offer you my hand?” he bowed slightly and held his hand out.
“Why, thank you, Gordon,” Penelope blushed a little at his gesture. She took it. Gordon led her to FAB1 and he opened the door for her.
“He’s being a real gentleman,” Alan scoffed at Scott.
“Yep. You’ll be there one day.”
“What? Ew, no!”
Scott rolled his eyes. That teen would learn one day…
“Are y’ ready or not?” Parker asked from the driver’s seat in his usual cockney London accent.
“Ready and set to go, Parker!” called Penelope from the front.
“Then hoff we go.”
Parker started the engine and FAB1 sped forwards down the long driveway. A pull of a few leavers, the press of buttons, and the pink Rolls Royce opened up its wings and it launched into the air.
Just like that, the stylish car had gone from a car to a mini plane.
The Rolls Royce zoomed through the air, past a few white fluffy clouds, over tiny villages in the countryside. The Tracys weren’t used to this scenery, so seeing fields of plain crops, woods, and the odd full town was a bit of a shocker.
It didn’t take long to get to London.
And it was just like Alan had thought.
Car horns beeping away angrily at someone, lots of traffic, busy streets, tall skyscrapers, adverts on the side of buildings.
Your normal, classic, London vibe.
“Where shall I park her, m’ lady?” Parker asked.
“Somewhere out of the public view, like maybe in a dark alleyway. And put her into stealth mode. I’ve never even told you where this place is. It must be top secret. Let’s just say that my grandpa went here multiple times.”
“Must be a posh fancy place for your gramps,” Parker mused from the front. “Tell us, what’s it like on the inside?”
“You’ll see.” Penelope’s face had cheek and nice surprise written all over it. It made the boys wonder if it was a set-up or not.
It couldn’t be. She was a Creighton-Ward. Those family members didn’t lie about anything. Not that Gordon knew of. Parker parked (pun not intended) FAB1 in a gloomy alleyway just like Penny had instructed. The place was completely hidden from the outside world, no light could get in from the sun, and it all smelt of mould.
“Are you sure this is the place, Pen?” Scott stared around in slight disgust. “Because… it’s not what—”
“You expected? Exactly! That’s why it was placed here: to keep it secret. It makes sense really.”
Penelope flipped her hair like nothing was a big deal and strutted towards an old metal door. It was coated in rock graffiti and was rusting in some parts around the hinges. Umm…
She punched in a four-number passcode and entered her full name. Suddenly there was a click and the door swung open outwards. Bingo.
“Well come on!” Penelope ushered the boys alone. “The guests will be long gone once you realise; you’re standing around doing nothing.”
Gordon shrugged before following his girlfriend inside.
“Oh my God!” he cried from inside. “Holy— This place is awesome! Bros, come on in!”
Alan shrugged at Scott, the tight-fitting fabric of his suit rubbing against his back and shoulder, and proceeded to follow Gordon into the building.
From the outside, the place looked run-down, beaten, like a dump surrounded by smelly rubbish-filled bins. On the inside, it was like Alan stepped into a whole new world.
Inside there were: glass chandeliers hanging from the domed ceiling, plush deep red sofas coating the outer perimeter, a water fountain in the centre with a dolphin statue spitting out water in an elegant way, the walls and floor were made entirely of shiny white marble so it stung the group’s eyes when they walked in because of the lights.
“Well… this was certainly…”
“A surprise?” Penelope finished Scott’s sentence for him.
For Scott, seeing top class people of society here – like members of the World Council – made him a little nervous for Alan to be there. I mean, he was just a teen…
“I know what you’re thinking,” Alan sighed as he stared around. “You’re thinking I shouldn’t be here. That’s fine. I’ll just leave.”
“No, no, it’s OK. You can stay. Just… stay at my side. Where’s Gordon?”
“Over there. With Penny. From what I can see, he’s trying to impress her. I can’t tell if she’s finding it funny or weird. But like they say: opposites attract.”
Scott glanced over to where Alan’s gaze was stuck. Sure enough, he was correct. There was Gordon at the fountain with Penelope, undoing his top blazer buttons to show off a bit of skin and chest, and flirting by running his fingers through his hair.
“I can’t tell if he’s failing or succeeding.” Scott cringed as Gordon flicked his head back expecting his hair to work itself out; only for it to come back, falling into his eyes.
“Penelope is smiling…” Alan winced at what he was seeing. “But she also is cringing. I think it’s fair to say that Gordon is neither winning nor losing.”
Gordon beckoned for the duo to come over. Finally, he’d finished with his flirty act and was redone his buttons up. Good. Poor Penelope looked a little embarrassed.
“OK!” Scott clapped his hands together to break the awkward surrounding them. “What’s there to do here?”
“Well, actually,” Penny stood up from her position sitting on the edge of the fountain, “there’s more. I bought you all on a date. So of course, a date needs a romantic environment,”
“Not really,” said Alan. “Not all dates have to be romantic.”
“In this case it does. Follow me!”
Penelope swung her bag over her shoulder again and marched off to a quieter part of the building. Once the boys scurried after her, she performed a complicated pattern of finger movements on a holographic screen. A hidden door beeped open in front of her She gestured for the brothers to go in first. Alan hesitated. What if it was a trap? Maybe Scott was right…
“Come on, bro,” Gordon tugged Alan’s blazer sleeve. “Just look at this place!”
“What?”
Alan hurried after Gordon inside. He met up with him and Scott who was gazing around in absolute awe.
Through that door was… was…
The most beautifully set scene they’d ever been invited to.
It was night time in London. The moon was up and cast a silver glow onto the open top balcony where they stood. Tables covered in clean white cloths were lit up by one or two small candles. More candles outlined the whole balcony but the moon did most of the work. Waiters and waitresses paced around with trays of food and drink orders – they had on black waistcoats and a white shirt underneath with some rich black trousers to match.
Dotted around were planted in stone pots, flowers and a few rose petals scattered the floor.
And to top it all off, gentle relaxing romantic music was playing. It summed up the whole vibe.
“Penny…” Scott gasped. “Where are we?”
“The balcony of the building silly,” she laughed. “I told you it was secret. We’re right next to the River Thames too,”
“We are as well!” Gordon had run over to the balcony railing to lean over and look at Thames’ glittering dark water in the moonlight.
“Wow. It’s so beautiful. Thank you for letting us come.”
“Anytime. Things are always made more enjoyable with you boys. Now, I think our table is—”
“Ah! Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward. Welcome, welcome. I see you’ve bought your special guests with you,”
“Indeed I have, Oliver,” said Penelope, blushing.
“Who’s Oliver?”
“An old friend of mine. He’s been working here for years. So when I told him I was coming tonight with some very special boys, he made sure everything was perfect for us.”
“That’s cool and all. But can we sit down? This fabric in my suit is making my legs itch.”
Oh Alan.
“Yes of course. Your table is right this way. Number fourteen.”
Oliver led the group to a table right next to the balcony. Around it were four wooden antique chairs with red cushioning. They sat down as Oliver left to get the menus.
“I just realised something,” Gordon blurted out after five seconds of quiet. “Dates are like sex; you’re not getting any. Or one.”
Scott gasped at his little brother’s shocking remark. “What? Ew…”
“It depends on the person though! Like with us three, we’re good-looking enough. Virgil and John aren’t. That’s why they didn’t come.”
“Not necessarily…” said Penelope.
“Gordon, you just called me handsome. Serves me right. I’ve been looking for a girlfriend for years.” Alan sank back into his seat in a huff.
“You’re just seventeen, Alan,” Scott did a facepalm. “No love or romance for you yet.”
“Says the guy who had at least four girlfriends at high school,”
“Oh, ummm…” Well, Alan had outdone him now.
“Exactly.”
“Here are the menus!”
Oh thank god Oliver came to Scott’s rescue. That particular moment was very embarrassing indeed.
“Thank you, Ollie,” Penelope opened up her menu to see what the special offer was today. Apart from food and drinks, there was the latest news. Penny gasped in excitement as she read last night’s football results, “Ooh apparently England won the football last night.”
“Oh, really? How is that relevant to us?” Alan raised a bored eyebrow as he looked up from his phone.
“Well, uh, it isn’t,” she stammered. “You guys don’t live here so obviously you’re not used to the most famous and exciting sport in Britain: football!”
“All I know is that Virgil played a hell of a lot of it at high school.” Yawned Gordon.
“Oh yeah. I remember that year. And he also—”
“Don’t Scott. Those memories aren’t nice ones.”
A few minutes of silence passed.
Alan fiddled with his shirt collar as it was tickling his neck and it felt uncomfortable. A few death glares from Scott was the only indication that he needed to stop. Gordon twiddled with his thumbs to try and pass time. Scott stared outside across London’s city skyline. It was truly a magnificent sight. The line of white light from the moon above outlined it all.
“Have you decided on your orders?” Oliver came back with a notepad and pen.
“Yes thank you,” Penelope stated what food they wanted.
“What drinks do you want with that?”
“I want a coke!” Alan replied instantly.
“Alan!” Scott hissed. “Manners! A pint of ginger beer for me.” The eldest waved his and in the air as he turned back around to face the balcony scene.
“Just a glass of tap water for me.” Said Gordon.
“And I’ll have strawberry champagne if you’ve got some.” Penelope topped it all off.
“We do have champagne. Thank you. I’ll take this to the chef right away. It should be finished within twenty minutes.”
Oliver gathered the menus and strode off back to the kitchen on the first floor.
“Twenty minutes? That’s a hell of a long time. Can we speed it up a bit?”
“No, we can’t. You can be patient, Alan.” Lady P patted the baby’s hand comfortingly.
“Weird question: Scott, if you were bi who would you date?”
“if I was bi?! But I’m not…”
“No, just if you were,”
“Umm. I don’t know. Probably still a girl to keep the tradition going, y’ know?”
“Makes sense.”
The drinks came quickly. And Oliver reassured them the food was on its way.
“YES! I wiiiin!” Alan celebrated as he won his favourite videogame he was playing on his phone. He knocked his glass of coke onto the floor as he did so. The glass didn’t smash but the fizzy drink spilt everywhere.
Some people turned to look at them which was super embarrassing for Penelope.
“Oh Alan,” she sighed, frustrated, “you being you. Don’t worry. I have a packet of tissues in my purse. It’ll do.”
“No I’ll do it,” Gordon offered.
He took Penelope’s packet and ripped it open. But the second he stood up, his feet landed right in Alan’s coke and he slipped over. Gordon skidded across the floor – out of control – and into the table next to them. As he bumped it, some of the gravy from the man’s plate spilt over the side, into his hair and onto his face.
Great.
Now his hair was going to be sticky.
“Are you kidding me?” Gordon ground out in anger. “Alan, I’m blaming this on you. If you didn’t spill your coke everywhere—”
“Why do I get the whole blame? Hey, if you hadn’t offered to help Penny then you wouldn’t slip over!”
“OK, you two knock it off. We’re in a public place here. Save the arguments for when we get home.”
“But… he started it…!” Alan began as he grabbed a handful of Gordon’s hair. They started a sibling bro fight at the table.
“Guys…”
“Oi, watch it!” Gordon slapped Alan, hard, across the face.
“No, you should’ve been more forward-thinking!”
“Guys!”
“What is it, Scott?”
“Look around us.”
Alan and Gordon stopped bickering and stared around. Everyone sitting at the tables on the balcony were glaring at them in disgust. Oof. Well, this was awkward. Alan pushed a stray strand of hair out of his eyes and smiled warmly like nothing ever happened. The gawking guests shrugged, turned back to their tables and murmured to each other.
“I can’t believe you’d embarrass us like that,” Penelope hissed in annoyance.
“Yeah, Alan,” Gordon teamed up with the Lady. “Now you’ve made ticked off my partner. So why don’t you just bog off and leave us alone for good?”
The pure shock, hurt, confusion and rage on Alan’s face wasn’t mistaken. He sucked in a breath and bit his lip to fight back the urge to yell at Gordon. His shoulders and muscles tensed. So much so that when he moved them, they were heard rubbing against the fabric of his tux.
“Fine,” his voice was wobbly like he was about to cry, “I’ll go if that’s what you really want. I knew it was a mistake to come here.”
Alan stood up with shaky legs and proceeded to walk to the door that led into the main building. But his suit had other ideas. Instead of making his life easy for once, the material stuck to his legs thanks to the sweat from the warm summer night.
The blonde tripped over his own feet multiple times, much to the amusement of Gordon, his bow tie became undone and Scott’s judgemental look was enough to make Alan lose it all.
“Argh, curse this suit!” he shouted.
Then Alan rapidly arched his back over and clenched his fists in anger. There was the sound of a rip and suddenly a whoosh of warm air made its way down Alan’s back.
Oh no.
Had he…?
“Alan?”
“Scott? Is it bad?”
“Ummm… how can I put in? long story short, you’ve ripped the back of your blazer.”
“WHAT?!”
“But-But it’s not as bad as you think—”
“Not as bad as I think? Yeah right. I’ve had enough of this rotting place. I’m leaving!”
And with that, he tore the remains of his blazer off his body, threw it to the ground and ran off in tears.
Only barely missing Oliver with the food orders.
Without saying anything, Gordon leapt up and followed him.
***
Alan bolted into the nearest mens’ bathroom. He stripped the bow tie off from around his neck as he was finally starting to feel the effects of not being able to breathe well. He darted into a cubicle, fell to his knees, and cried heavily into the toilet bowl.
A click.
The bathroom door opened.
“Alan?”
“Go away Gordon!”
“I’m so sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it—”
“Sure you didn’t,”
“I didn’t! I was just angry and annoyed at the time and it came out of me in an instant. Of course when you ran off, I realised what I’d said was wrong. I’m the failure, not you.”
“What?” Alan slowly opened the cubicle door, small tears still running down his face. “No, you’ve been on more dates than me. You should be an expert at this,”
“You’d be surprised to hear that no, I’m not. Something always goes wrong. Like for example: I remember this one time at high school. I asked out this girl called Nadine who I found really cute and she accepted then we went to the local pizza place together that night. At first it was all good but then she said she felt sick and dashed off to throw up in the bathroom. I asked what was wrong when she came out and she said she was allergic to salami and only took it just to impress me. So that blew that date.”
“Wow…” Alan sighed in amazement. “I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Bro, I only just remembered that one occasion now. Sorry again about earlier? Do you want a hug?”
“Yes please.”
Gordon opened his arms to let Alan be embraced. The hug was nice. It’s what brothers did when the other one was in distress.
“Shall we head back to the table?” Gordon mumbled into Alan’s ear over his shoulder.
“Yes,” Alan nodded while his head was rested in his brother’s collarbone. “Thank you for understanding. Will you judge me anymore?”
Gordon let out a sigh. “No, I won’t,” then he rubbed his hand up and down Alan’s back. “I promise.”
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boop-le-snoot · 3 years
Text
PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 9
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As promised, two chapters in one day! HBD to this trash rabbit. I just get thirstier with age.
Rating: Explicit.
‼️TW: Reader is EIGHTEEN! Recreational drug use, smoking and alcohol consumption, deeply internalised self-loathing, very questionable moral standards. Daddy kink taken half-seriously. BDSM themes in later chapters - explicit content will come with it's own TWs. FIRST PERSON POV. DRUG USE IN THIS CHAPTER. Just generally an uncomfortable vibe, thread carefully.
Summary: You're Peter's classmate, a child of rich and famous but uncaring parents. Getting paired up for a lengthy project with the boy was an interesting turn of events and you don't know whether to feel blessed or cursed when you develop, seemingly, a perfectly normal, harmless crush on Tony Stark. Fueled by feelings of inadequacy and boredom, your life spirals out of control - and you're lucky your newfound friends are there to pick up the pieces even if you cannot find it in yourself to believe these amazing human (and not so human) beings voluntarily give you more than a fleeting glance and an offhanded thought. And they brought cake!
A/N: Ooh, boy. This is a whole mess. Angst. [insert drugs owl meme]. Steve doesn't pass the vibe check yet again, stupid old man. Bruce + Tony be like: I CAN'T GET NO SLEEP CUZ OF Y'ALL.
My beta, whomst I love more than cake - @miscmarvelwritings . She's so beautiful though. And so smart. Wow.
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The strobe lights pulsated to the rhythm of the music, bodies swaying, gyrating to the tune. The club was banging this time of night, people were living it up like there was no tomorrow. For me, in the VIP zone it was quieter, calmer, but no less exciting. The atmosphere here was distinctly different from the one on the main floor.
It was hard to wallow in misery even if it only took me an hour to stop resisting the gratuitous amounts of white powder on the silver platters. "It's better when you're there to watch them, they'll do it anyway but at least you can know that they're getting the good stuff!" My idiot father proudly announced, looking at me snorting a line through a rolled up hundred dollar bill.
Whiskey and vodka wasn't doing it for me. It made me feel low and Dad, being Dad, of course noticed it and immediately called a guy who knew a guy and suddenly all of his friends and their baby-faced companions had white under their noses. Cash flew like autumn leaves.
As I went out to the main dance floor to get a closer look at Billie Eilish in all of her edgy, beautiful self, the drug hit me like an avalanche. No trace of the grogginess or the mortification that had hitched a ride on me from Stark tower. I danced and sang and saw dad smiling at me in approval, his equally high and important friends all wearing identically predatory smirks. They were good at spotting the obvious - beauty, talent, money. I had no qualms about the fact that dad was off bragging about my close relationship with Tony. If my father was feeling particularly bold, he'd be telling them he knew and encouraged it all along, his buddies pretending to believe the white lie in turn.
I had exchanged my pants and sneakers in favour of a skirt and fishnets with high heels combo, a decidedly inappropriate attire for a daughter having a family night with her father but he insisted I dress trendy. I loved my dad, I really did, and I knew he meant well - I'd definitely be out of place amongst these TVscreen worthy people in my jeans and sneakers but...Tony was one of those people, and he had never ever said anything bad about the way I dress. Even when I obviously and purposely put on obscene clothing just to get a rise out of someone.Tony just smiled and played along.
Tony Stark was the heartless asshole here? Really, press? Really, haters?
"Standing there, killing time, can't commit to anything but a crime..." I sang along quietly as I hurried back to the VIP area. My dad was standing up and so were a couple of his buddies. "Where's ya goin'?" I asked, taking a seat.
"Be right back baby girl, if you find better company then go on without us," Dad winked, throwing a totally nasty glance at one of the girls. She was not much older than me but her body was stick thin and bolt-ons and Botox were her two best friends. She gave me a dirty look and I returned it, extending a waiting hand towards my dad. He chuckled, depositing a neatly rolled stack of hundreds into my palm.
"Dad, I want a new purse," I whined, just a tad. Just to see the girl's eyes go wide with acrid envy. Dutifully, another couple of stacks landed in my palm without any objections and the company retreated towards the back door.
I sighed.
Fiddled with the straw of my drink a bit, contemplating my options. I could always ditch this party and go somewhere more active, somewhere with better music and kinder people.
"Ay, baby girl, you wanna party with us?" A tall, handsome man from dad's previous company approached me. "We'll have some fun." He maintained a respectful distance but the intentions were clear.
"Nope," I popped the sound, not even sparing him a glance. A few lines of cocaine stared at me from the table beckoning with a better high, a stronger sense of euphoria, confidence and energy to dance, to sing, to be happy. I picked up one of the discarded banknotes, quickly rolling it by a sheer force of habit and cleaning up the tray. One line.
"Holy shit, is that..."
Two lines.
"The fuck?!" I recognised that voice. I have been hearing it every day in the labs, I've been hearing it in my dreams.
Tony was gaping at me, in front of me.
"Hey, Tony. Fancy seeing you here." Any other time, I'd be cringing at my lame greeting but I was feeling way too good to care about trivial things like being clever or being appropriate.
"I was looking...for you," He slowly said, putting a single finger on the tray with the last line of coke and pulling it out of my reach.
"That's funny," I snorted, hastily wiping at my nose to cover the tracks of my very bad, very immoral, very illegal activities.
"It's not, Princess, it's not funny at all," He frowned. "C'mon, we're leaving." And extended his hand. I decided to follow along - there was nothing for me to do at this club anyway, the music was lame and the people were stuck-up.
"I look like a prostitute, Tony, I'll take the back door," I attempted to pull him towards the aforementioned but he didn't budge, just stared straight ahead and towed me along like he was wearing one of his iron suits under the stylish jeans and tee get-up.
He stopped in front of the exit, giving me a critical once over. Wiped my face, again, brushed my hair back. Gave me his shades - I dutifully put them on, figuring the manic look in my eyes was anything but attractive right now. "Jesus Christ, Princess," He sounded desperate. "You're beautiful, don't you fucking worry."
And we made our exit, arm in arm, me trying not to stumble in my high heels, Tony being my rock, my solid foundation. In other words, I was hanging onto him for dear life trying not to fall over and give a reason for a sneaking paparazzi to make a scandalous headline.
"You're doing great, Princess," Tony helped me into his Tesla, slamming the door behind me and hurrying towards the driver's door. I managed to unclasp and kick off my shoes, curling up comfortably into the passenger's seat.
I watched the man as he started the engine and watched him wrestle with whatever personal demons that tormented him as he peeled off and raced into the Friday night city.
"What in the everlasting fuck..." He started, stopping abruptly mid-sentence. "How did you even get in there?"
"I came with dad. He literally ditched me to fuck some whore, like, twenty minutes before you showed up." I shrugged, eyeing the modified panel of the car. It was very obviously Tony's own design. I wondered if he could introduce me to Elon Musk someday.
"What the fuck? And correct me if I didn't hear you clearly," Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. "Your father took it upon himself to drag you to a club, get you drunk, gave you cocaine and fucked off with some groupies?"
"Yah, that's about it. My dad is all about cocaine and whores, the more the better," I replied, leaning in to take a closer look at the car's panel. "Hey, could, like, introduce me to Elon Musk someday? That would be fuckin' awesome."
Tony went eerily quiet, I saw his knuckles on the steering wheel go white. Vague expletives were muttered under his breath. "I'm guessing you're good on sleep?" He finally asked through gritted teeth.
"Sleep? Don't know her," I laughed. "I wanna dance, Tony."
"Of course you do, Princess." His smile was tired and forced and full of pity. "You know, I don't think I'll be able to sleep now, either," He admitted, taking a sharp left. "How about we get some McDonald's and camp out in my lab?"
"Sure, whatever," Not like I had much choice in the matter. What I really craved was a good, long, hard fuck (by Tony himself preferably) but if science calls... I have no choice but to comply. "Get me two Big Macs," I demanded least he try to joke and get me a Happy Meal or some shit.
He did get me the food without any usual grumbling. I didn't like this Tony. Tired Tony, sad Tony, angry Tony. Wrong Tony.
"Huh?" He said and I realized I'd said the last part out loud.
"I don't like a sad Tony,” I said. "It's the wrong kind. Sassy, snarky and perpetually caffeinated Tony is the best Tony. The only proper kind, in fact." I stated with seriousness, shoes dangling from one hand and my McDonald's in the other. Man, I have been seeing more and more of this god-damned elevator recently.
"You're high as a kite, darling," He chuckled then, a real laugh.
"Who's high?" Bruce's voice came from the kitchen.
In a state of blind panic, I jumped behind Tony. "Not me."
Tony palmed his face.
Steve came over from the fridge, leaving the rummaging to Bucky. He took one look at me and suddenly I felt small, insignificant like an ant. I didn't like it much. "Holy hell, the fuck happened? Tony, explain." The Captain demanded, giving me the world's biggest stink eye.
"It's her piece of shit of a father, dragged her off to some night club and left her hanging with his buddies, fucking off god knows where. It's not her fault so lay the fuck off, Rogers, with your self-righteousness," Tony exploded all over Steve, the pent up frustration rearing it's ugly head.
I mustered enough courage to tiptoe around the dick measuring contest to sit at the counter. My appetite was gone and my burgers were turning colder and soggier with every passing second. Just like my life.
"Hey, Princess," Bruce's gentle voice halted my train of thought. He approached me carefully, ignoring the men behind me in favour of simply wrapping me up in a quiet, comfortable hug. "You feel alright? Want some water?"
"Nu-uh," I mumbled, unwilling to part ways with the warmth of this embrace.
"... Steve, I found her snorting miles of coke all by herself while an some jackass was waiting for her to be even more out of it. It's rare that I say this but I had literally zero words." Tony punctuated his words by tapping his fist against the wall multiple times.
Bruce tightened his hold on me, a sudden influx of strength accompanied by a quiet, low growl in his throat.
I felt the sudden need to clarify the situation. "Tony, chill. It takes me a lot more to be out of it, I'm fucking coherent and I'm talking sensibly. It's not my first rodeo."
Apparently I'd gone and said the wrong thing because all the men in the room were suddenly growling. I even totally forgot about Bucky who had the uncanny ability to exist in a room without making absolutely any sort of noise.
"The fuck do you even mean by that, Princess?" Tony screeched, probably already knowing that answer.
"From one rich kid to another, you should damn well fuckin' know," I spat, unwilling to admit my misery.
He sighed, audibly deflating behind me. I refused to listen to him, refused to be humiliated and exposed like that for my perfectly human desire to be happy. To not be a disappointment, to not be disappointed in everything and everyone. Bruce was nice and kind and warm and selfless but even he couldn't love me the way I wanted to be loved. Cherished, taken care of. All that mushy stuff. I was selfish, so I snuggled in closer to him, muting the world around me, replacing it with the smell and feel of him.
Cocaine made it a whole lot easier to imagine. Maybe that's why it was so addictive.
"Guys, calm down, you're stressing everyone out," Bruce rumbled quietly. I loved the way his deep voice seemed to reverb throughout his chest.
"Get me a cup of coffee, would you, Buckaroo?" Tony sighed again. I heard the sound of him slurping at his coffee. I heard Bucky's metal arm clunk against something equally metallic before the supersoldiers bid everyone good night and walked off.
Only then I removed my face from Bruce enough to take a good look at Tony. He was eyeing me, too.
"We have a caffeinated Tony," I said, softly. "Now we just need some science to have a happy Tony."
He smiled but it came out watery. He wanted to say something but choked on his words. "C'mere," He finally said, turning in his chair and opening his arms.
I unashamedly made grabby hands, the universal gesture for ‘I want, gimme’, and Bruce delightfully deposited me into Tony's waiting arms. It was like my birthday and Christmas came out all at once. Tony's embrace was warm, like Bruce's, but tinted with an unexpected familiarity. He smelled like motor oil and fancy cologne. It was heavenly.
"You keeping tabs on me, huh? Coffee, science and sass? That's your recipe for happiness?" The engineer asked me, a seriousness that didn't match the joking tone of the conversation at all.
"I think I got you figured out. Peter, too, is important for happiness. But in controlled amounts," I said, giving it a careful thought.
Tony chuckled, sounding a little bit shocked. "What about you?" He said after a brief moment of silence passed, interrupted only by Bruce's tea kettle coming to a slow boil.
"I don't think you need me for happiness," I said, meaning it. "But let's be honest, I'm a nice addition."
He stilled under me, briefly. Bruce cleared his throat.
"Brucie needs me, I think. He's lonely," I told Tony with a sudden influx of desire to be completely honest and 100% transparent. "And it makes me happy, because I need Bruce too. He's the best," I finished.
"Is that so?" Tony sounded vaguely tearful so I attempted to pull back to take a good look at his face. He didn't let me though, gently but firmly pressing my face back into his chest. "And me?"
"I do need you, Tones," I admitted without spilling any unnecessary details.
There was a child within me, small and scared and lonely, like Bruce. I hated her, hated being so soft and needy when everybody else obviously (and understandably) was busy with figuring out their own lives. I wished, desperately so, to just boom-boom-whoosh her away like Doctor Strange magicked away unwanted visitors.
Tony said nothing but his hands betrayed him. They shook and they held onto the skimpy see-through fabric of my top like he was a drowning man and I was his only floatie. For the moment, I closed my eyes and let myself believe he needed me, too.
"I'll catch a wink or two, wake me up if you need something," Bruce broke the silence, having finished off his tea. I didn't notice the time pass so quickly, too lost somewhere between here and there and Tony. In short, I was being lovesick all over the billionaire.
"Bwucie," I leaned backwards, pushing until Tony caved and let me rest my back against the counter, elbows on top of it, legs dangling freely on the sides of his legs. It put a lot of me on display. Tony had called me beautiful earlier so none of my usual habits of being appropriate around the man concerned me. He thought I was pretty!
"Princess," Banner came over to wrap me in a hug that was quite awkward, considering the fact I was sitting on Tony. It took some maneuvering to get it right.
"Night night," I said the usual and got a brief kiss on the cheek before Bruce shuffled off, yawning.
Tony was watching us with an unreadable expression. As soon as I turned my head to look at his face instead, something in him changed. His eyes grew big and round, the crease between his eyebrows disappeared. The corners of his mouth tilted up.
On a sudden impulse, I reached over to run my palm gently over the neatly trimmed line of his beard, following from his chin to his jawline, to his soft tousled hair. His eyelashes shook, fluttered, as the engineer leaned into my touch with the grace of a cat. "Kiss him, kiss him" my brain chanted. I knew I was a coward, I wouldn't do that. "Pretty," I said instead, the word coming out in a whisper.
He gulped, audibly. "Princess, you have no idea..." Shaking his head, as if he was surrounded by a swarm of mosquitoes, Tony briefly looked away. "You have no idea what you're doing."
"Nope," I agreed solemnly. "But at least it feels good. It feels right."
"God," He frowned, one of his hands coming to nervously card through his hair. "Nothing about this is right."
My face fell. Just like I thought, Tony wanted exactly nothing to do with a clueless little teenager. It stung and tears pooled in the corners of my eyes where I stubbornly refused to let them escape and make me into a crybaby. "Whatever you say, Tony." I was ready to agree with anything he said, really, if he would just keet holding me like that.
"Don't," He raised a palm. "Don't close yourself off like that."
Now I was genuinely confused. What exactly did he expect from me? I shrugged.
"You're clever, brilliant and beautiful, you can and should do so much better than all of this," He vaguely gestured towards me, towards himself, towards us and the whole damn city.
I contemplated my answer, briefly. "A lot of people tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing. Don't I get a say?" The bitterness had fought its way out and won. "I just want to be happy for a bit. All the usual bullshit."
He looked taken aback, really. Like he hadn't even considered the option. Typical.
Meanwhile, I continued my word vomit. "I want someone to give a damn about what I want and what makes me happier. Until then, I have no other choice but to take care of myself the best way I know how. Like everybody else does," The weight of his arm landed on my waist, pulling me close to his chest yet again. I didn't resist. No fight left in me. The tiredness seeped deep in my bones, chilly.
The sudden change of altitude startled me. The engineer had picked me up and started walking off towards the elevator, directing it to the lab. His personal lab. The tiles felt cold under my feet where he put me down to make his own beeline for the bar. I would've joined if not the drug in my system - the last thing I wanted was to land in a hospital yet again.
I took the moment to browse my social media, untag myself from all the unflattering pictures, post my usual shitpost. A tiny skirt, equally tiny top and fishnets - I felt out of place in his lab although I've worn more outrageous things previously. I was raw, torn open, bleeding my misery all over the room. That was not in my plan, but then again, when did ever life go as you planned it?
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seiin-translations · 3 years
Text
2.43 S1 Chapter 1.3 - Young Yunichika
3. THIRD TOUCH
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Okay maybe I’ll try doing the dialects after all. Stop me if it gets too cringe or something.
Also Yori-chan’s voice is deep
Previous || Index || Next
The next day boys’ volleyball team could use the gym was Friday. Kuroba nonchalantly confirmed that on the notice board he hadn’t looked at in a long time. And so, after school on that day, as he was paying attention to Haijima’s movements, Haijima carried his bags over his shoulder and left the classroom as soon as he finished cleaning, as though he had been waiting impatiently. Kuroba also hurriedly pulled out his bag from his locker and was about to tail him, but…
“Hold on a minute. You’re going home? You’re the one on trash duty today.”
A girl from his class blocked his path and foisted two eighteen-litre drums that were used as the classroom’s trash cans onto him. To go to the garbage dump at the back of the school, he had to change into his outdoor shoes at the entrance and go outside once, which was somewhat of a bother. Plus, it was this season.
He lost a lot of time as he ran to the garbage dump and back while grumbling about the cold. Even though he had planned to follow Haijima closely after school and observe all of his actions, his plan went awry immediately. No, it’s not really a mission that needed to be carried out exactly as planned, it was just an idea to kill time——.
“You’re into some boring stuff, huh.”
He felt a sense of competitiveness, wanting to see just what kind of “non-boring stuff” Haijima, who had stated that, was doing.
Today it was the girls’ basketball team and boys’ volleyball team that used each half of the gym. As soon as he pushed open the heavy deep-blue metal doors and peeked inside,
“Dash!” “Yes!” “Next!” “Yes!”
He ended up poking his head into the middle of a flurry of enthusiastic girls’ voices.
Girls’ basketball was a major faction in girls’ athletic department, rivalling girls’ volleyball. At a quick glance, there were about twenty members in the club. It seemed that they had just finish doing dashes and were about to move onto practicing with the ball.
But at the same time, when he looked closely at the other side of the green partition net down the middle, that side of the court hadn’t even finish setting up, much less doing warm-ups.
Next to the pole used for volleyball, Haijima was putting up the net. He was wearing plain black trainers, black shorts with a florescent stripe, and long black underpants that went all the way to his ankles. Are his sneakers Mizuno? They were probably full-fledged volleyball shoes. All of them seemed quite well-worn. It might be prejudice, but he found it irritating how refined and stylish he looked, like a middle schooler from the city. But he could tolerate it because he didn’t have an idol-like face. He could see that his fingers on both hands that were tying the net’s cords were also taped today. His thumb, index finger and middle finger on both hands were taped from their tip, covering the nail, to just above the second joint.
After finishing putting up the net by himself, Haijima started running around the court. He finally started warming up much later than girls’ basketball. Along the lines, at a fixed pace, his gaze slightly lowered…by himself… Kuroba unconsciously held his breath as he watched him come and go from the other side of the metal doors.
Finishing the light jog that mixed in side stepping or something like that, he stretched carefully before pushing the cage of balls towards the end line of one end of the court. It seemed that he was going to practice serving. The line at the back end of the court was the end line.
In six-people volleyball, each position rotated clockwise once every time the team commits a side out (gaining the right to serve), the person who came to the back right became the server. The area behind the end line was the service zone (the place where you can serve). Though imperfectly, Kuroba was a member of the volleyball team, so he was at least taught the basics.
He put the ball in his left hand, extended his arm straight before him to eye level, and stayed still for a beat. His perfectly still form was incredibly cool. He threw the ball up slightly forward with a swing of his arm and a snap of his wrist—how high was his toss? That’s right, don’t position yourself too far back from the line, he thought—he ran forward to chase after the ball and jumped, and then hit the ball with his left hand that tossed it.
A jump serve! He was surprised. He thought there were few middle schoolers who could do a jump serve unless they were a national tournament-class player.
From a high hitting position, the ball was driven in with enough force to bend his body backwards, but it was slightly too low and got caught on the net before dropping down to his own side of the court.
However, it didn’t matter to Kuroba whether it went over or not. He was entranced, feeling like he was shown something very high level. A jump serve was like spiking a ball in a serve, an offensive serve that flew into the opponent’s court with the most force. Even none of his senpais had hit one before, so this was the first time he saw one in person. Amazing, so cool…He unconsciously leaned out from behind the doors and strained his eyes to see the next one better.
Haijima himself didn’t seem pleased that it didn’t go over, and he took out the next ball from the cage while glaring at the net with a petulant face. It seemed that he planned on fetching the balls all at once after using up the balls in the cage. After all, he was “alone.”
It happened when Haijima took the serve stance once again.
“Hey hey, transfer student!”
A voice came from the neighbouring court over the partition net. He was pretty sure she was the head of girls’ basketball who was in the same class as Itoko. The other members were scattered along the wall with their towels in hand, taking a breather. With an aura of blatant annoyance rising from him, Haijima put down his left hand that holding the ball.
Basically, they were telling him to hand over the court. Come to think of it, there was no reason for the other clubs to considerately leave the spot for boys’ volleyball open, which had been neglected until now. He can easily imagine the tacit understanding that “the day we’re next to boys’ volleyball is the day we can use the whole court.” But then one day, Haijima suddenly appeared and, without even a word to his neighbors, set up the net and started practicing by himself with a face like it’s natural…The other clubs, who were under the impression that they could also use the whole court today as well stared at that with unaccepting faces…He could picture that in his mind so vividly he couldn’t bear standing there a second longer.
“You’re by yourself today too? As you can see, we’re packed like sardines over here. If you’re gonna do it by yourself, wouldn’t it be better to just do it in a corner?”
At some point, everyone from girls’ basketball gathered in front of the partition net to put pressure on Haijima.
“Hey, if you’re just playing around by yourself, then isn’t it better to go do it in a corner?” “We can practice more efficiently if we can use two courts.” “I think it’s fair if we divide the surface area according to number of members.” The group was pressing clamorously.  It was more like a group of ferocious girls than girls’ basketball. The image of a deer in Nara Park being surrounded by a herd of female African lions came to mind, but if he said that aloud, girls’ basketball would almost certainly strangle him.
Even though Kuroba was completely terrified just by looking, Haijima didn’t recoil in the slightest. He bent his chin slightly and glowered at the confronting group with narrowed eyes, as though looking down on them. Being able to take that shameless attitude in this atmosphere—are his nerves as thick as sewage pipes? No, maybe he was lacking the nerves to read the air in the first place. Yeah, I feel like that’s the case, judging by his attitude from the first day he transferred here until now.
“I can’t practice without having one side of the court. The number of people doesn’t matter. If you don’t have enough space to practice, talk with your advisor. I’m just using my rightful privilege.”
That voice, which was by no means loud but reached the ears across the space, and his standard Japanese that sounded haughty and cold compared to the local dialect, silenced the girls’ basketball club. Their complaining voices became muffled and weak, as though the volume of a TV was turned down, but they looked at each other with unaccepting faces, saying, “What’s with this kid, gives me nasty vibes…” “Why’s he actin' so high and mighty…?”
Ugh, Kuroba groaned inside his head. This was the first time he heard Haijima say a rather decently long line, but perhaps his likability wouldn’t go down yet if he didn’t speak… A sound argument was a sound argument, but the way he said it was too awful in any case.
“Hey, ya ain’t got any complaints if he ain’t alone, right?”
Even he was surprised at himself for stepping out from behind the doors and calling out to them. The girls’ basketball team looked back all at once and he flinched inwardly, but outwardly throwing out his chest to try not to give into the pressure.
“S-sorry for bein’ late…”
Even so, his face froze and his voice trailed off.
“Ain’t that Kuroba Yuni?” “Oh, Itoko’s cousin?” “Was he in boys’ volleyball?” Girls’ basketball was buzzing amongst themselves, but the one who was the most surprised might be Haijima. His brows were knitted together and he looked extremely bewildered, his face seeming to say “What the hell are you doing?” What the hell am I doing, you ask…What the hell am I doing?
He was actually told that.
⋆﹥━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━﹤⋆
“What the hell are you doing?”
Haijima stood facing the net from court end, dribbling a ball in his left hand. The ball that bounced off the floor settled into his hand like it was sticking to it. Kuroba sat cross-legged courtside and set his bag aside. A ball had rolled within reach, so he stretched his hand and pulled it in. This might be the first time he touched a volleyball in a while. It felt somewhat ticklish.
On the other half of the court, girls’ basketball had resumed practice. He could feel the vibrations of the wild dribbling, like venting anger that had no outlet, through his bottom. Even though the gym floor was always fluffy with dustballs, it was clean now, as though it was mopped before practice. By himself…? He must have taken the time before practice started.
“I just came here to watch. The stuff I do gets called boring, so I thought you must be doin’ somethin’ fun over here. But I didn’t come here to rescue you. That was just because I felt like it. It’s not about you, it’s just that twenty against one is unfair.”
“It’s still not very reassuring even if it’s twenty against two.”
“You’re not cute at all, you know. You’ll lose friends by saying stuff like that.”
The ball that was rhythmically going back and forth between Haijima’s palm and the floor viciously hit his toes and flew in an unexpected direction. …Hmm? Was he agitated just now?
With a sour face, Haijima took out another ball from the cage. After lightly bouncing the ball, he placed his left hand on it and extended his arm directly in front of him. He narrowed his eyes and stared intensely at the point beyond the ball. The rite of mental concentration was not long. It was about a second in time. He turned it with one hand and released a high set. Chasing his own set, he ran three steps, sank his knees deeply and jumped. Nimbly warping his body like it was a bow made of supple wood, he bent himself into the “ku” character and at the same time, swung his left hand with all his strength. Come to think of it, he was pretty sure he held the chalk in his left hand when writing on the board in class as well.
When the ball was precisely caught in the air and a hearty “bam” sound burst out, Kuroba let out a cheer. This time, it was a sharp serve that passed over the net and pierced into the other end of the opposing court. Oh. He might not be that agitated after all.
“That was amazing! You can do jump serves! I only saw those on TV.”
He imitated him by tossing up the ball in his hand and hitting it, but he didn’t feel like he could hit it like Haijima at all. Even though he praised him honestly, Haijima didn’t even look flattered in the least.
“I did nothing but this for three weeks, so I’d be in despair if I didn’t get even a little better. Also, I still can’t use it in a game unless I increase my accuracy more.”
“Only serves? Why?”
He got glared at when he asked that without thinking. He was just told by Yorimichi that his tendency for asking questions was annoying.
“It’s the only thing you can do with just one person.”
“Oh...” Kuroba was speechless after letting that out.
Haijima was doing this because he wanted to, so there was no reason for him to feel guilty, but he still did. Mopping the floor, putting up the net, warming up all by himself…then, practicing serves, using up all the balls in the cage and fetching them, and then doing serves again, all by himself…putting down the net, cleaning up, and then going home by himself. “What you’re doing seems fun.” ——It can’t be fun at all. What’s more, if he was doing it alone, then he was constantly being pressured to give up his spot by the neighboring court.
He rewound the conversation in his head and played it. “It’s still not very reassuring even if it’s twenty against two.”
He put the ball on the floor and used it like a prop to stand up.
“…I don’t have a jersey, but I can join you if you want. I came all the way here, and I don’t have any plans with Yori-chan today. I suck, though. I might not make a good practice partner. If it’s better for you to do it alone, then I won’t come again.”
While bending and stretching in place of warming up, he piled on the extra words like excuses. His ears were subconsciously prepared for another “What the hell are you doing?” When he finally did some back-bending exercises, he peeked at Haijima’s face as he got back up. No doubt, he’s looking down on me—
Haijima was looking at him with his narrow eyes opened so widely that it made him wonder if that was as far as they could go. He could see something wet at the back of his eyes—Huh, was he crying? I didn’t say anything bad, though? I was confused for a moment, but no—?
It was light. There was a feverish light glittering in his eyes, which you couldn’t feel something like temperature from as they were obstructed by the lens of his glasses. Like an elementary school boy who got excited about the moving life-sized Tyrannosaurus robot at the dinosaur museum he visited for the first time.
“Wh-what the…”
It was so different from his impression of him until now that it felt somewhat creepy.
“Wait. I’m getting my contacts.”
“Huh? Why?”
“I’ve been by myself after all, so I’ve actually been slacking. Also…”
He thought Haijima had turned towards the door, but he stopped for a moment and turned back, then pointed at Kuroba’s face, who was standing in place with his enthusiasm dampened. He left with high-handed words.
“The way you warm up is no good at all. We’ll have to start over from stretching. Wait here.”
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newcaptainofsquad9 · 4 years
Text
Not So Korean Drama~Park Sooyoung(Joy) x black!fem!reader
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Pairing: Sooyoung/Joy x reader
Genre: Romance, Comedy(not really), College AU, Fluff
Summary: The it girl on campus, acting major and international student, Park Sooyoung  is all you can think about. You aren’t the only one, every person has a huge crush on her too. You want to ask her out, yet in the back of your mind you know everything about it would be unconventional.
  Warnings: Anxiety, Mentions of bi-phobia (nothing major), Mentions of Microaggressions 
Word Count: 4,206
Author’s Note: Here’s some Red Velvet, I also decided to write more black readers because I want to write more for black women like me. Also I know this is very niche so I hope you guys enjoy it regardless if you identify with the main character or not. Hope you guys enjoy!
Sometimes I see this mediocre, yet funny life of mine as a television show. A world where I’m surrounded by so many generic people, well they aren’t really generic, just similar to one another. That’s usually how it goes at La Rouge University , or as most of the students of color call it, La PWI. It’s weird though, I don’t really fit in with the other black students either, nothing against them but I’m just more on the nerdy side. I know that doesn’t make me unique, but there aren’t a lot of nerdy black girls on campus. The only one I found was Brianna, who was close to Wendy and Yeri. I found my band of friends but Wendy can be a bit insensitive at times. That’s one of the reasons why I keep my budding crush on Sooyoung. Where can I begin about Park SooYoung? There’s so much about her that draws me towards her, well regardless of her sense of style, straight black hair and the ability to pull off any lipstick color. 
“Um, earth to Y/N?” Brianna asks. 
I blink up from my book, a page that I clearly checked out from. I totally forgot we were in the library of all places, whoops. Of course Brianna’s holding a smug grin while she taps Yeri. 
“Look, Y/N’s lost in thinking about Sooyoung’s eyes,” she teases.
Yeri giggles as she takes Brianna’s hand tightly. 
“I know right, I don’t know why you don’t just ask her out already,” Yeri says. 
I cringe at how loud she said it as Wendy approaches our table with her usual blue sweatshirt, tan pants and bag slung across her shoulder. She must have gotten from her English class since she’s clutching her literature book for dear life.     
“Who’s asking who out?” she asks as she pulls up a seat. 
“Um, no one,” I say quickly. 
Wendy throws a deadpan look my way. 
“It’s gotta be about you Y/N,” Wendy notes. “You’re the single person at the table and if Bri and Yeri were cheating on each other I’m sure they wouldn’t discuss it in front of each other.”
Both Brianna and Yeri shrug as they link arms and kiss each others cheeks. 
“You haven’t found someone else, have you babe?”Yeri whines. 
Brianna nuzzles against her cheek. 
“You know I haven’t jagi,” Brianna coos. 
Yeri giggles at the pet name she taught Bri, earning a kiss on her lips. They’re cute, teeth rottenly so, but I always wonder how they got together. Of course they’re in the same major and have an obsession with Boba tea but what about their obvious racial differences, with Yeri being Korean and all. I’m curious but then again, it’s not my place to ask. It’s their relationship. 
“So, are you gonna tell me who it is?” Wendy asks while she pokes me with the end of her pen.
“Nobody,” I say.“None of your concern.”
Wendy pouts as her pokes grow faster. 
“Ah come on! You were fine with telling Yeri and Bri about it!” she groans.
“Yeah, but you’ll just kill the vibe,” I explain, “plus you know them so.”
Wendy gasps. 
“Really? Ah! So it won’t be hard to guess!” she says.“Is it Minseok from the Starbucks?”
Yeri giggles. 
“Uh, it isn’t a he, Wendy.”
Wendy blinks at Yeri’s statement as I send a Brianna a knowing glare. She nods and pats my hand. 
“Oh, I didn’t know you were into women, Y/N,” Wendy says. 
“Yeah, but I’m still into men too Wendy,” I say. “But yes, this crush is on a woman.”
“Oh ok,” Wendy says. “I didn’t know that was your thing but ok.”
I hold back my words, but Brianna doesn’t. Thank God.
“And what’s that supposed to mean Wendy?” she asks.
Yeri pinches the bridge of her nose as Wendy glances at each of us in confusion.
“What?” she asks.“Aw, did I overstep again?”
I nod sharply when Brianna scoffs. 
“Took a giant step over the line,” I say. “I’m bi.”
Wendy’s eyes soften. 
“I-I’m sorry Y/N,” she says. “I hadn’t realized and you never talked about it with us.”
“It’s fine,” I tell her with a pat of her hand. 
“So,” Yeri says, breaking the tension.“When are you going to ask her out?”
Fortunately Wendy’s all smiles again, yet she goes to asking me again.
“So, who is she? Oh! is it-”
I don’t even register who Wendy’s talking about as my focus shifts towards the entrance of the library. The double doors slide open, slowly (maybe its my hyperactive mind) and steps in the woman herself. Park Sooyoung. Of course she’d step in now of all times with her stylish tan trench coat, white turtle neck and dark skinny jeans. Just like in the TV shows she brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. Ok it is my hyperactive imagination, she’s even walking this way. Shit, no that’s actually happening. Wendy pokes me again. 
“Y/N? Oh!” she gasps, realizing. 
Sooyoung steps up to our table with a tiny smile and a wave. 
“Hi Wendy, Yeri,” she greets.
Her attention shifts over to Brianna and I. Me. Park Sooyoung is looking at me. 
“Oh! This is Y/N,” Yeri says as she squeezes Brianna’s hand. “And this is my girlfriend, Brianna.”
Sooyoung grins, flashing a few of her teeth as she bows slightly, reaching for Brianna’s hand, shaking it then holding it out to me. I. My skin flares as my words begin to disperse. 
“Nice to meet you,” Sooyoung says. “Brianna. Y/N.”
Her attention is back on me, her eyebrow raised as she notices that I haven’t taken her hand yet. I grip it quickly and shake it just as swift.
“N-Nice to, meetyoutoo!” I manage to blurt out. 
Sooyoung turns back to Wendy. 
“I just wanted to ask if Professor Philip put the PowerPoint online,” she says. “I had to miss lecture today because of rehearsals.”
Wendy waves her off. 
“You’re in the clear,” Wendy reassures. “He’s going over it again next class.”
Sooyoung releases a breath of relief, another smile engulfing her striking features yet again. 
“Thank you Wendy,” she says.
It’s as if the entire library started to notice Sooyoung, guys start to pop up that I don’t even know. I know one of them, Jackson Wang, a friend of mine, we aren’t close, yet I didn’t know he knew Sooyoung.  
“Yo Y/N!” he greets. “Bri, Yeri, Wendy!” 
He then turns back to Sooyoung.
“We should get going,” he says. “JB and Bam Bam are waiting.”
“Ah, you’re right!” Sooyoung exclaims. “It was nice meeting you both, see you guys around!” 
And just like that Sooyoung’s gone and around the corner with Jackson flanking her. Are they a thing? Last time I checked Jackson was endlessly flirting with Namjoon, the library’s part time receptionist and full time genius. I’ve confided in Jackson about my sexuality before, but I’ve never talked to him about Sooyoung. Oh God, they must be dating.
“Y/N, Y/N you still there?” Yeri asks.
I turn my attention back to the table. Brianna holds a shit eating grin as always, Yeri tries to stifle a laugh while Wendy narrows her eyes at me.
“Sooyoung,” she says. “You have a crush on Park Sooyoung.”
“Not just a crush,” Brianna notes. “A school girl crush, I know you saw how nervous Y/N got. She could barely speak.”
I hunker down further in my seat as my face flares again.
“Shut up,” I groan. 
Wendy giggles. 
“It’s cute Y/N, but I’m not sure if Sooyoung’s-” she pauses prior to continuing. “You know.”
I get an uneasy tingle from Wendy’s words. She’s right, what if she isn’t into women. What if she doesn’t like black people? Another stab that would hurt more.
“What Wendy?” Yeri asks. “Gay or Bi? it’s ok, you can say it.”
Wendy frowns. 
“Guys, I don’t mean to come off like that,” she groans. “I just don’t want her to get hurt. Sooyoung hasn’t been here in the states for a while, I’m not sure if she’s-accepting.”       
“Well if she’s hanging out with Jackson, who’s big bi energy by the way,” Brianna explains. “She’s got to be somewhat accepting.”
Yeri’s eyes soften at me as she reaches for my hand.
“That doesn’t mean you should give up,” she says. “Just talk to her.”
I slip further down into my seat, it’s easier said than done. Sooyoung’s an international student which means she only hangs out with other international students. I only know two of them: Wendy, born in South Korea but studied in Canada prior to moving here and Jackson who moved here from China on a football scholarship.  They’re friends of course, but even they blow me out of the water with their style and the looks they get from students. Sooyoung especially. 
“I guess, ah look at that!” I say while getting out of my seat. “I got class in ten.”
Brianna grins. 
“Your class doesn’t start until 3:30, it’s only 3:05.”
I nod with a quick smile.
“I know!” I say. “I just need to get away from this conversation. Talk to you guys later!”
I’m out and away from the table before they can utter a goodbye.
***
Class was dull as usual. Thankfully it ended before my eyes glazed over and I can grab some dinner before heading back to my dorm. The classroom empty's out quickly, I rush to the exit of the building, ready for that cool air to hit me. 
“Ey! Y/N!” a booming voice calls.
I turn to see Jackson. He’s clad in his black and red Letterman jacket with the letters L and R embroidered on the front. His hair’s also gelled back to perfection, it looks awesome might I add. 
“Hey Jackson,” I say. “What’s up?”
I slow my pace for him to catch up with me from down the hall. The cool air hits my face, I sigh, then turn to Jackson, who’s already behind me as I hold the door for him. 
“Thanks,” he says as he stuffs his hands into the pockets of his jacket. “You done with classes for today, right?”
I nod sharply. 
“Yep, you?”
Jackson chuckles.
“You know I don’’t have classes on Thursday,” he notes. 
I roll my eyes. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have asked. That’s what I want to say, but I restrain. I find myself doing that a lot here at La Rouge University. Don’t want to come across as that kind of black girl. Sure, Jackson and I are cool, I just don’t want him to put a thought into his head. I’m sure he’s seen many stereotypes of black women, black people in general. I don’t want to put that risk out, especially when Brianna and I have to had many talks with Wendy about it.       
“Hey,” Jackson says softly. “You good?”
I blink up at him as we stroll through the courtyard with the wind nipping at our skin. 
“Yeah, uh, I’m fine.”
Jackson smirks and leans closer to throw an arm around my shoulder. 
“So, Miss Y/LN,” he starts. “Tell me, how long has your little crush been a thing?”
I jolt at his words.
“Huh? C-crush? Nah, uh what do you mean a crush?”
Jackson chuckles and bats his eyes jokingly. 
“Don’t play coy!” he exclaims. “You looked like you were going to pass out around Sooyoung.”
My skin burns at his words. I wasn’t that obvious, was I?
“I-I, um, Sooyoung, who? Never heard of her.”
“Sure Jan.”
“When the hell did you watch the Brady Bunch?” I ask.
Jackson shrugs.
“I watched it with Yeri last weekend, you should have came over. I heard its a major part of American slang and memes which are hilarious.”
I nod in agreement. 
“Yeah, let’s discuss memes instead of Park Sooyoung oh-”
Jackson jabs his finger at me.
“You even know her last name, ha!” Jackson says. “You’re totally crushing right now.”
I sigh in defeat. 
“Fine, yes I like her all right. It’s not a big deal anyway.”
Jackson frowns. 
“It totally is,” he says. “Sooyoung and I are friends, along with classmates. I even know her schedule, for class and drama rehearsals.”
“Oh nice,” I say.
“I know that she’s free right now. Chilling at Reveluv Cafe, going over her lines, drinking some coffee or what not, looking stunning.”
I flush and cross my arms. 
“Yeah, probably flocked by drooling people,” I say. “She’s too stunning for her own good.”
“Yes, but unlike those drooling losers you’re going to talk to her.”
“I’m sorry, what? Jackson, no way,” I say. “She’s an actress, didn’t she act in a couple of K dramas?”
Jackson nods.
“Four actually,” he clarifies. “The first three were cameos, but the latest one she played a huge supporting role, over shadowed the male and female leads.”
“That doesn’t make my situation any better,” I deadpan. “she’s got status in her home country, gorgeous features and a promising career ahead of her. What the hell do I have?”
Jackson’s arm tightens around me.
“You’re sweet, pretty and nice to talk to,” he says. “You also have a career ahead of you crazy, that’s why you’re studying remember?” 
“You’re a friend,” I groan. “You’re inclined to say that.”
“Yeah, but even before we became friends, I always found you hot,” he admits.
I elbow him playfully in the ribs.
“Jackson Wang! Stop playing!” 
Jackson shakes his head.
“I’m dead serious, black women are sexy. And you definitely aren’t the exception.”
“Stop!” I laugh and playfully push him away. 
“What?” he chuckles. “look I know you find Asian guys attractive too! And I know good and well you like Asian women.”
He narrows his eyes and wiggles his eyebrows.
My face heats up as we enter the library for the second time today.
“Is there anything I can do to make you stop?” I joke.
Jackson nods.
“Talk to Sooyoung,” he suggests. “Hey, I can help! Start the conversation!”
I just stare at him as he puts his hands together. 
“Please?”
“Fine.”
***
Reveluv cafe is bright, a little too colorful for my taste, but still homey and comforting. The walls are covered in various fruits, some hand drawn and neon to bring, I guess variety. It’s cute. Even the floor is bright red, leading up to the counter that’s decorated with other tropical themes, the employees even wear sashes and white uniforms with fruit based buttons.
Jackson leads me to the lounging area of the cafe which has an area of circular tables and higher tables near the windows. Sitting at one in the corner at the far back is Sooyoung, her straight hair spills down her cream colored turtle neck. Her head’s down in a book, she’s transfixed on the page. 
“Jackson, maybe we shouldn’t-”
“Sooyoung, hey!”
Damnit Jackson.
Sooyoung’s head jerks up as a soft smile graces her lips. 
“Jackson, hi!”
I watch from behind Jackson. He walks up to Sooyoung, she stands and engulfs him in a hug. 
“How are lines going?” 
Sooyoung giggles.
“Great so far! What brings you and-” she pauses to look at me. “Hi, Y/N, right?”
I nod sharply. God, she remembered my name.  
“Yeah, hi Sooyoung.”
Jackson smirks with a knowing glare at me. Hasn’t this man clowned me enough?
“Y/N here was just nervous to speak to you.”
My hands start to tremble as Sooyoung looks to me with confusion.
“Why?” she asks. “You’re friends with Wendy and Yeri, so by default I think you’re cool.”
Wow. Park Sooyoung just called me cool. 
“Oh, she is,” Jackson declares. His mouth opens to say more, yet a slight buzz in his pocket stops him. 
“What is it?”
Jackson takes a look at his phone quickly before grinning back up at me, then Sooyoung.
“Sorry ladies, I kind of have a study date with Mr. IQ 148!” 
Sooyoung’s brows furrow. 
“Um, who?”
“Namjoon,” I say. “Jackson! Ah!”
I take his arm and whisper.
“You can’t leave yet,” I groan. 
Jackson pats my arm. 
“You got this babe, I promise to give you all the details with Namjoon if you give me the details you get with Sooyoung.”
God, this man is incorrigible.
“If I fuck this up you owe me so many smoothies.”
Jackson chuckles.
“You got to try first sweetie, she’s cool, you’ll see.”
Jackson says a quick goodbye to the both of us.
I turn back to Sooyoung who’s looking dead at me with her hands behind her back. 
“Would you like to sit?” she asks with another bright smile.
“Yeah, uh sure.”
She gestures to the empty seat across from her, I slide into it quickly, Sooyoung follows. 
“So, are you an English major like Wendy?”
I shake my head. 
“No, actually I’m a creative writing major.”
Sooyoung’s face lit up as she took a swig of her coffee.
“Really? So, you write your own books and stories?”
I nod, and try to hide a smile behind my hand. Her attention is fully on me. 
“Yeah, but mostly poems though,” I say, pausing once I meet Sooyoung’s eyes. I don’t finish, God I can hardly face her. If Jackson can see it than its got to be obvious to her.
“Y/N?” she asks. “Are you ok?”
“Y-Yeah, I-I I just-”
Sooyoung’s eyes soften as she takes my hand, which is already starting to get clammy and sweaty. 
“It’s ok, breathe,” she coaxes. “Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?”
I giggle, the action eases some of the anxiety. My heart rate goes down a bit, just a bit because Sooyoung’s hands are still over mine.
“I-I guess not to judge me, or freak out even,” I say. “I know we’re different, ok. And we’re both women.”
Sooyoung giggles, teeth baring rather sweetly.
“You’re cute,” she coos. “Yes, you’re American and-”
“Black,” I blurt. 
Sooyoung nods.
“Oh, I didn’t even notice,” Sooyoung jokes. She raises our interlocked hands together drawing my attention to my brown hand and her lighter, almost porcelain one. “Why? Is that an issue? Is that what’s making you so nervous?”
“Part of it, the truth is, I like you,” I admit. 
Sooyoung’s eyes widen, forcing me to pull my hand away from her own. She draws back to as she tucks a piece of her hair behind her ear. My trembles don’t die down, but the flaring in my chest does. I nod as my eyes travel down to the table, I can’t look at Sooyoung right now. Of course I made a fool of myself.
“I uh, I can leave you alone now-”
“Wait, Y/N!”
She grabs my wrist before I can get up, it startles me. 
Our eyes meet again, Sooyoung giggles, the confidence she oozes makes me glance down at the legs of her chair. 
“Can I admit something too?” 
I nod, she then sighs lowly. 
“Can you look at me? Y/N?” 
Before I can register her question warm fingers juts my chin up, forcing my attention on her face. She smiles and I swear her eyes lingers down at my lips for a moment prior to moving back up to my eyes. 
“I’m flattered,” she whispers. “You’re really pretty, I’d love to go out. Maybe next week, if that’s ok?”
“I, um, yeah,” I mutter. “I-I’m looking forward to it.”
***
Weeks come and go. The teasing from Jackson, Brianna, Yeri, even Wendy (surprisingly) continues as the dates with Sooyoung get frequent. We’ve start to hold hands even, which is a huge step for me (Sooyoung initiated it first of course).  Dating Sooyoung has been surprising to say the least, she’s even more flirty now that we know more about each other, which makes me more anxious to be around her now. It’s fun to be around her, she’s interested in aspects of American culture that she doesn’t know much about. One in particular being memes, thanks to Jackson himself and even slang. It rubs me the wrong way to hear her say, ‘sup sweetie’ at times but she’s still learning. Right? I’m just thinking too much into it. I’m sure she won’t start talking black and Jackson learned not to from me, along with a quick, yet needed scolding from Brianna.  
 I arrive at Sooyoung’s apartment a sweaty mess. This is the first time I’ve been to her apartment and I already feel like I’m gonna mess this up. She talked about living with someone, but what I didn’t expect was a stunning woman with straight, blonde hair to answer the door. I don’t remember seeing her around campus, I’m sure the people would flock to her as much as they flock to Sooyoung too. 
“Hi, uh,” I pause at how intimating she looks. “I-I’m uh, Sooyoung invited me.”
The woman chuckles as she gives me a quick once over. 
“You must be Y/N,” she notes. “Come in.”  
She steps aside for me which I do. 
The house looks like a loft inside: a low, white couch sits in the middle of the living room, a flat screen hugs the far wall, the carpet is clear and fluffy covering most of the floor, leading to the staircase. 
“Joohyun!” Sooyoung calls while rushing down the stairs. “Y-Y/N, hi.”
I give her a tiny wave as Joohyun chuckles. 
“Well, I’ll leave you to your date,” Joohyun says with a quick wink at me and a narrow eyed glare at Sooyoung. 
“How long are gonna be out unnie?” Sooyoung asks. 
Joohyun giggles and raises an eyebrow.
“Why?” she asks. “You both aren’t going to have too much fun, are you?”
My eyes scan down to the carpet to memorize how spotless it is. 
“Joohyun! Y-You’re so embarrassing!” Sooyoung exclaims. I see her black sock covered feet next to mine. 
“All jokes Sooyoung,” Joohyun explains. “I’ll be staying at Seulgi’s tonight. It was a pleasure meeting you Y/N.”
“Same here,” I say. 
When I meet Joohyun’s eyes her intimating demeanor disperses. An easy, toothy smile now replaces it. Once she waves and is out the door, Sooyoung’s hands are on my face. 
“I’m so sorry about her,” she groans. “She didn’t frighten you too much, did she?”
“Not really,” I admit. “Does she always do this to people she doesn’t know?”
Sooyoung giggles.
“Yeah, she’s just protective is all,” she explains. “Now, would you like to watch the show here in the living room or.”
She steps up to rest her hands on my sides. 
“My room could work, I have plenty of stuffed animals,” she suggests. “We could cuddle.”
She smiles, my heart flutters as she intertwines our hands together. I lose my breathe as she steps closer, our faces suddenly an inch apart. She’s using a bright, red lipstick, perfect at this distance. Kissabl-
“Can I kiss you?” she asks.
I nod, she tilts her head to the right before our lips meet. Her lips are smooth, with a cherry taste. I didn’t even know lipstick could taste this good. She smiles against my lips, her hands wind themselves around my waist in order to deepen the kiss. Sooyoung’s fevered kisses keep my lips moving with her, it continues until I run out of breath, forcing me to pull away. 
“How was that?” she asks prior to biting her lip. 
“It was I-”
It takes me a minute to gather my words. I never kissed a woman before and that was-
“Amazing,” I manage to say.  
Sooyoung chuckles lowly, takes my hand and leads me to the couch. 
“Yeah, would it be dope if we continue?” 
I cringe at the word dope, she notices right away.
“What is it? I’m rushing things aren’t I?” she asks.
I shake my head, but think about it for a moment. I want to have this conversation about our different cultures. Of course it’s something we’re got to talk about but why do I feel as if its so awkward? It’s just a few words, right? I just don’t want to come across as that kind of person. That kind of black person especially. 
“Y/N,” Sooyoung says. “Are you ok?” 
“Yeah, it’s just uh,” I pause to finally form coherent words. “Slang, it’s um kind of weird when you say it-not saying that it’s bad or anything its just.”
I pause again to sit next to Sooyoung, who listens intently. 
“It’s your thing, right?” she asks. “As an American?”
“As an African American, as a black person,” I say. “I just don’t want you to use certain terms without knowing where they come from. I’m curious about Korean too, but I want to go by it respectfully. I want to respect you.”
Sooyoung’s eyes lighten up, her fingers play with my right hand as a smile spreads across her face.
“I want to respect you too jagi, ah! To be honest I got most of those words from Jackson anyway.”
I roll my eyes. 
“I’m not even surprised.”
“So, can we still watch the drama?” she asks with a playful frown.
“Of course!”
Sooyoung lets out a delighted giggle, presses a quick kiss to my cheek and moves to turn the flat-screen on. Maybe dating Park Sooyoung wasn’t going to be so difficult after all. 
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purplesurveys · 4 years
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924
Do you have a taste in your mouth right now? What of? Just the faint taste of coffee since I have a cup at the moment but haven’t drunk from it in the last few minutes. Which is your least favourite day of the week? I’ve lost the concept of the days of the week for a few months now, man. Back when we used to do things, though, I hated Sundays as I felt loneliest on that day. It was always an automatic thing too so I had little control over it. If told to clean the house, would you be more inclined to clean one room really well or clean all of the rooms with hardly any effort? Clean all rooms with maximum effort. I’d be really bugged if I didn’t strive to be perfect with the whole place lol. Do you put glue on the object you're sticking down or on the paper? Object, so that the amount of glue I’m putting would be accurate. What was your last dream about? I don’t remember the details anymore but at the very least, I know it was very vivid since I remembered it throughout the morning. I’ve been having very detailed dreams lately – it’s the depression for sure. 
What is your favourite part of the last movie you watched? Haven’t seen a movie in a while but the last thing I watched in full was The Crown; Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret really shone through in the last episode I saw. Have you stuck any stickers to the computer you're using? I put all my stickers onto my laptop case but not the laptop itself. I haven’t had the case on for a while now though, since I’m always just at home now. Do you ever write or talk to yourself in your head when you're bored? Yes or when I’m feeling upset, as long as I’m alone. I’ve found that talking to myself is a healthy way to address and deal with my emotions. What interests you the most about other people? What I find interesting always varies. I have friends who I find interesting for their music tastes; some others for their knowledge of random trivia; some for their jobs, etc. It’s always different. Do you ever take random pictures out of boredom? What of? Not really. If I take photos it’s because I want to remember a moment or because I find something cute or funny. Basically anything that elicits a strong emotion out of me, I’m bound to take a picture of. Do you prefer listening to things through headphones or speakers? Headphones. How many siblings do you have? Do you get on with them? I have two siblings. I only get along with my sister; I have not talked to my brother since last year and have no desire to again. Would you rather live in a log cabin or a brick house? Mmm I’d take the brick house. Log cabin would be nice for a quick getaway, but I wouldn’t want it to be my permanent home. There’s a psychological factor in there and I just think that staying in a log cabin would make me feel suffocated eventually, haha. Do you have a calendar up for this year? I have a ‘Job Applications’ calendar that I’m currently monitoring, and it tracks the applications I’ve sent out to different companies and how long I’ve been waiting for a response from each of them. Really needing some positive vibes and energy since I actually just got my first rejection notice today. Other than that this year has been pretty fucking boring and there’s been little need to keep an active calendar. What was the very first CD you bought? The first CD I remember asking my parents to buy for me was like the High School Musical official soundtrack. I was big on Disney as a kid and wasn’t a big fan of any solo acts or bands up until I was around 10. Do you keep things like old train tickets, etc? Yessssssss. Do you like your smile? Why (not)? I like it; I find my smile friendly and warm. I just hate smiling with my teeth at the present since one of my front teeth protrudes. Can’t wait to get braces again. Would you rather be able to sing or dance? Why? Dance. Dancers are super hot, lmao. What was your favourite colour when you were a kid? Do you still like it? It was purple/violet and it was mostly influenced by my great-grandma who lovedddd the color and had it everywhere in her home. When she passed away, my love for the color slowly faded away and I don’t think too much of it now. Have you ever said 'lol' in real life? Haha yeah sometimes. I pronounce it as ‘lohl’ and never ‘el oh el’ though. Do you like your friend's parents? I like most of their parents, though I’m aware that some have abusive tendencies. Most of the parents are super nice, though. JM’s mom cooked a big lunch for us once and his dad buys like four party-sized boxes of pizza every time we come over, Angela’s parents treat me like their own kid, Gab’s mom constantly tells me she loves me...it’s in the little things. How many times have you moved? I can remember just the two times, but I know that we moved several times more when I was an infant. Have you ever refused to try a certain food? Which? Most stuff with fruits, hah. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, like when a sushi roll has mango or if I’m having banoffee pie, but I almost always refuse a meal with some kind of fruit in it. What's your favourite type of soup? Not really big on soup. I just like miso. Very occasionally I’ll have mushroom soup too. What is your favourite candle scent? I don’t buy candles nor do I know people who regularly get them, so I’m not very familiar with the different scents. Does the sight of blood make you feel ill? In real life, it would. I always have to look away whenever Gabie gets a nosebleed ha. But I have no problem watching bloody wrestling matches and I actually enjoy the bloodier ones. Super weird quirk of mine. What do you call it when you're sick anyways? (Sick, ill, not well, etc) If I’m referring to a fever I call it sick/ill/not feeling well. If I feel like throwing up I say I’m getting dizzy/need to vomit. I’ve never referred to puking as ‘getting sick,’ and it took me a very long time to realize that it was a common American saying, haha. Did you ever really believe in the tooth fairy? I did, and I felt super betrayed when I put my tooth under my pillow only to see it again the next morning. If you had to appear in a movie, which genre would you choose? Coming of age. What do you do with unwanted gifts? I keep them, since I still appreciate the effort of the gift-giver. Are there any clothes you haven't worn in ages, that you've suddenly started wearing again? HAHA yes. There will be rare instances where I get to go out and I always take the time to look stylish as all fuck, even though I’m only running an errand and wearing flashier pieces would be so unnecessary. I just miss dressing up and looking cute, man. Do any keys on your keyboard stick? Like, if they’re sticky? No. Would you rather own a laptop or a computer? Laptop. Love it when things are portable. Do you think you'll look at old photos of yourself and be embarrassed? My teenage years are definitely bad especially with regard to my fashion choices lol, but so are everyone else’s so I’m not super embarrassed. I cringe at the photos but I wouldn’t mind if my friends poked fun at them because chances are I’d join in too. What was the worst hairstyle you ever had? I always hated it whenever my mom took me to the salon to have my hair rebonded. That kind of look has never worked with my face shape and so I usually did everything for my hair to start curling up quicker and go back to its original form. Do you like t-shirts with sayings on them? Why (not)? Not really. It’s just not a personal preference. I like plain or slightly printed pieces. Do you click on the adverts at the side of the screen? No. Have you ever coughed and sneezed at the same time? I’m sure it’s happened before. Are you embarrassed to show people your ID photo? Nah. Whatever dude. Have / would you ever become a cheerleader? I haven’t, but I would have loved to. We don’t have a cheerleading club or varsity in my old school though so I was never able to hone my skills, if ever. What's the longest you've gone without eating? Maybe a little more than 24 hours. What is one of your biggest irrational fears? Commercials airing at night. I find jingles and graphic effects unsettling by a certain hour lol. What comes up when you press Ctrl + V? “I reeeeally miss seeing you and your purple things and seeing you give glares to people who deserve it. what a lodi <333” omg aw. It’s Jane’s birthday today and I copied that bit of my greeting to move it to another paragraph so that my message would flow better. Out of the bands you listen to, were most of them around before or after you were born? After. When did you last jump out of fright? I don’t remember. Are you currently waiting on something? What? For a company to take me in. Does time pass slowly or quickly when you're on the internet? Usually it’s quickly, but now that I feel more and more useless around the house, time’s been more slow and for the first time the distractions of the internet haven’t been working. What about when you're at school / work? Depended on the amount of stuff I had to do and whether I’m enthusiastic about them or not. Does the thought of being pregnant gross you out? The thought of giving birth does, but not pregnancy. What was the last thing you made with your hands? I mean I made myself a cup of coffee tonight, but the coffee mix itself was already pre-packaged. I just mixed it with hot water. Are you good at making shadow puppets? I’d say no. Are you more hungry or thirsty right now? Neither. I’ve been so anxious and depressed these days I’m actually skipping every single meal except dinner, and even then I eat very little. I don’t even do it on purpose; my anxiety has simply stopped me from feeling hungry. No idea what the weighing scale’s gonna tell me the next time I check, sigh. Someone hire me plz. God it really sucks being a fresh grad in this current state of the world. Are you prone to headaches? No. They only come out during hectic schedules and stressful weeks. Do you forget things easily? The little and everyday things, like forgetting my school ID at home or where I placed my keys. But I don’t forget things that are more bigger-picture, like birthdays or faces or memories. Do you enjoy going out to dinner? I enjoy it and I terribly miss being able to do it. Would you ever go on a cruise ship holiday? I would and I have. Lots of fun. Would do again and again. What's your favourite sea animal? Dolphins and whales. Do you get coughs or colds more? Coughs.
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pinksvnt · 5 years
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Tumblr media
pairing: reader x minghao
genre: fluff
word count: 1,468
sypnosis: meeting minghao in the past leading to the start of a new life.
theres a marrige proposal here and y/n is an artist lmao. Honestly not my fave but all work is good bc I still managed to write something I dont totally cringe at sorry I dont title my work orz
-
You remember the day you met Minghao. You came to Seoul for an exchange program from your university and as your senior year thesis you held an art show. Work in all different sorts if media all revolving one central theme. Your self discovery. Who were you as a person, the good and bad.
Your thesis was held in a small studio place and the general public was encouraged to take a look. You remember what it was like hanging up posters and trying to get people to take one for themselves. You had never done anything like that but sometimes you meet people who were interesting and you'd sketch them up real quick if they promised to show up.
Minghao was one of those people. It was nearing sundown and you were ready to head back to your dorm but had an unexplainable urge to get one more person to promise to visit your show. That's when you saw two men walking with other, one with a camera and that's when you knew you could definitely get them to come. Shyly walking up to them you interrupted their little photoshoot were having between themselves.
"Sorry to bother you two but I was wondering if I could just, sketch a portrait for you two real quick in exchange for a favor" The taller men of the two immediately started smiling at you.
"What's the favor and where should we sit for the portrait!" You had them sit down on a bench nearby and quickly went about sketching their image.
"You see, I have an art show coming up, and the more people that go, the better I look! So I was wondering if you or just one of you really could show up and just take a look at my work?" You spoke to them without really looking them in the eyes as you were busy trying to capture their image.
"What kind of art do you do?" Finally the other of the two finally spoke. He had a weirdly mysterious vibe from the get go especially since he didn't speak to you from the start. He had on a simple yet stylish track suit on and dark hair that really contrasted against his fair skin. He seemed really intrigued in knowing what it was you'd answer.
"All kinds of work really, I work in tons of different media but I love focusing on myself and emotions. Emotions are such an interesting thing to try and visualize but I like the challenge. I'm almost done here so it won't be much longer and then you two can leave!"
The two turned towards each other and gave a sort of approving look to one another over your answer which made you smile. Although they didn't look it at first that fact that one of them asked about your work shows they at least have a good appreciation for art. You ended up signing their portrait and handing it to them along with a clean piece of paper. That was just to keep the graphite from smudging.
"Now that that's done, I hope I can see you two again at my art show! I'll give you this flyer and I'll even write down my personal number for if you two get lost or something. I'll appreciate it if you two just swing by, so please think about it!" You put away your pencil and sketchbook and gave them a smile.
"Yeah yeah. We might just go, I don't think we have anything scheduled that day!" The taller boy smiled at you "Oh! By the way, my name is Mingyu"
"And my name in Minghao"
"Nice to meet you two! I had fun drawing you two, my name is y/n. Hope to see you two soon, stay safe"
Now initially you didn't think much of those two. They were just another pair of really attractive people you met today. Though you really wanted them to show up for some reason.
Fast forward to the day if your show, you're exhausted and caffeinated beyond space. The anxiety you were feeling was probably a good reason as to why you shouldn't have drank so much coffee. But here you were, an anxious jittery mess. You had to pull yourself together as much as possible so that you could great visitors when they come in. If people would even show up.
Looking up at a portrait of yourself looking confident and somewhat menacing you sighed.
"Alright y/n, you've had plenty of art shows before. Even though this is your senior thesis, you'll do just as good as your previous shows. Nothing to fear"
The moment you unlock the studios doors you're met with so much uneasy you feel weak in the knees and on the verge of passing out. Why were you so nervous? You're so occupied in your mind with worries that you don't even notice when people start trickling in. You had to get it together.
"Are you alright?" You look up to see Minghao, a pleasant surprise in all honesty.
"Oh yeah. Yeah, I'm fine just a little stressed. I'm glad to see you came though!" He smiled softly at you and for some reason you felt a bit at ease. "I can give you a sort of tour of my pieces if you'd like?"
"I'd love that" He continued smiling at you and you couldn't understand but the more he looked at you that way, the better you felt better about the entire situation.
You walked with him showing him your work and explaining the meanings and feelings. It brought you so much joy because he wasn't viewing your work to critique it as your professors would be soon. He looked at each piece intently and said 'this is my favorite' to every piece you showed him.
"Your work is amazing y/n" Minghao scanned every inch of the studio and sighed to himself. It didn't sound bored. It didn't even sound as if itd lead to an awkward silence. "Can we talk more? Not here but like, a date or something?"
That initially caught you off guard. At the moment you were just happy how intrigued he was about your work. Most people (men) would dismiss your work or make you feel less than about it. And just as suddenly as he asked you responded in a way that even surprised you.
"Yeah, that'd be great. I'd love to" You smiled at him and that was that.
That was about two years ago now. Minghao became one of the most important people to enter your life. Being an artist himself he would always confide in you when showing you his work. You would show him yours and you had nothing but support for each other.
It was just another day in your small little studio when Minghao visited during his time out to the convenience store. This wasn't an out of character for him to do. He'd do this quite often and you loved the times where he would find a way to see you during the day during his busy days. What you did find odd though was the fact that he barged in painting, a bit sweaty, and looking disheveled.
"Mingha-"
"Y/n... it's felt like an eternity since I met you. The person you are is more beautiful than any piece of art I've seen in my life"
You were speechless, Minghao often told you he loved you but this felt different and so sudden. What's worse is that you're a mess, messy hair, paint covered smock and dirty paint covered hands.
"Hao I-"
"Please let me finish. I love you y/n, I want to paint the world with you. Will you marry me?"
Complete and utter shock. You felt weak in the knees and the world felt as if it was spinning. Even though you know the answer you couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. You looked at him and he seemed anxious, looking at you so longingly that that brought you back to your senses.
"Minghao I-" You felt the tears starting to fill your eyes as Minghao took a box from his pocket and presented you with a ring. It was stunning. Nothing flashy, it was simple and more than enough. "Of course I will!"
Minghao pulled you into a tight embrace, laughing and if you swore you could feel a few tears from him too. But those could've been yours. Finally he pulled away and placed the ring on your finger. Minghao made everything in your life better. The idea that not too far into the future you would be able to call him your husband, flooded you with happiness. With Minghao in your life. Everything will fall into place.
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believerindaydreams · 5 years
Text
the one that happens after the Baker one
"We're going to be okay," Tuco promises Angel Eyes, as he shuts and locks the broom cupboard. Wishes he had a name to call the man, that wouldn't sound so stupid to say aloud in public.
(trigger warnings: in which various racist comments are made, and Tuco is bratty and unwoke on the subject of feminism.)
He ought to have known better than taking Angel to such a questionable joint- but a part of him had already been itching to get back to a place like this, sizzling neon lights and watered beer, girls who'll spit in your eye once they notice who you're with and why. Living at the hacienda's so safe. And Angel had been the one to suggest it.
"Blondie told me stories. But countrified, prettied up for my benefit-" this with a sardonic look in his eye, the one Tuco used to think was bitter but has since decided is Angel's idea of humour. "I wouldn't mind getting a notion of what the scene looks like to you."
"You promise not to talk too much?" Anybody else, he'd be on pins and needles, ready to cringe at an overplayed hand (it's different for him, that's the whole shtick). But by now they've gotten to know each other; Tuco has a rather definite idea that if he told Angel to shut up, he'd actually shut up. At least in this particular context.
"Easily done. Lay out any ground rules that make sense to you."
Simple as that, eh? "If I say we leave, we go and no argument. Let me take the lead unless some damn cowboy decides that beating me to a pulp sounds like a fun Friday night out, then you do whatever makes sense. Even if that's just leaving, I don't want to look after somebody in a fight when they don't want to be there. And since it's your idea," Tuco had said, drawing just enough irony into his voice- "I'll let you stake us out for it."
"Fine," Angel had said. Before adding, "Anything you win, keep for yourself."
Now that's where the trouble had come in.
Being so broke they'd started dipping into the stake for tequila money, that had not been a good state of affairs. Not that the best room and board he's had since leaving Brooklyn is anything to sneeze at- who's he kidding, the hacienda's way better than that rusty tenement. But there hasn't been a word about the green stuff since meeting Angel, and while that's strangely reassuring, it also worries him what'll happen if the bubble bursts. (How the hell is Blondie managing alone, with only half their cash? Maybe his partner will come back when he gets hungry enough).
Tuco knows better than to stare and lick his lips, watching Angel count out enough money to keep him and his partner for months- but the notion crosses his mind, to just grab the cash and run. Not gonna happen. It's a bank, and there's such a thing as cops, and he could confidently set his life expectancy at three days pus or minus a couple, after a play like that. Doesn't stop him thinking about it. It's a free country.
"We're not doing the hustle, obviously," he explains once they're on the street. "I only do it with Blondie, and anyway we'd have to split up for that. And I'm not dressed for it."
In lieu of his usual eye-catching gear, he's plumped for the skirt-chasing outfit: khaki pants and matching drip-dry jacket and a shirt with just two colours in it, something Angel's been giving him weird looks for ever since they left the house. It's slightly uncomfortable, wearing it for a night like this. Somebody who looks too crazy to fuck doesn't have to worry about anybody trying. Not like Blondie, fending off the offers with a stick whenever people notice he's pretty.
(In a way he's always been jealous of that. But also, it'd just be another problem, make him more vulnerable than he is already, and he'd just as soon give that a miss.)
"Then what did you dress for?" Angel asks.
"A few drinks, a few hands of poker, nothing too messy- I guess you're not looking for a girl at the end of the night, huh? So we won't do this by the book."
"Certain companionship wouldn't necessarily go amiss," Angel Eyes says, taking him by the hand. Thin white gloves for a change, suitable for cardplay, and he's guessed that someone must be getting fairly horny in his partner's absence, but this is almost comical. By Angel's usual standards, they’re practically fucking in the street. He should have gone with that blue-toned Hawaiian shirt after all.
Then again, Baker finally getting the hint and going yesterday means that he's fresh out of options again. And deprivation always gives him an appetite.
"...see how the night goes," Tuco mutters, in a deniable fashion; and then takes his hand away because there are about fifteen good reasons for them not to be seen like this. "And we'll have a few drinks, like I said."
"I don't often drink in public," Angel Eyes says. There's a vibe of transgression there, that he would expect, but maybe not with that much wryness to it. As though it's a private joke instead of a statement of fact.
"Why, you want people to think you're on the wagon?" Plenty of good reasons for that. He's done it himself with girls a couple times, if he hasn't ordered yet and it looks like that'll impress them. "I know you're not a teetotaler, with all the red wine that goes into your soups."
"Believe it or not, the way I cook them burns the alcohol content off. There's no risk of intoxication from my venison stew, I can assure you."
"Oh. That's a little disappointing, I thought it made it more fun...well, if you don't want to, you don't want to. I can fix you up, there's a couple tricks so nobody will know the difference."
"Just the one...shouldn't hurt. No."
Cue a sudden warmth washing through his gut. The tense, attractive quality of that rueful craving- somebody who knows better, not even trying to resist temptation- that doesn't sound like buttoned-up Angel Eyes one little bit, that sounds like him. Or somebody who's been listening to him an awful lot, the last couple months.
Skirt-chasing gear, yes. The clothes he wants other people to see him in, when he wants to fuck them. Damn his instincts.
And damn you too, Blondie. I hope you get back soon...
Which had been the last thought he'd spared for his partner that whole evening, two bars and three nightclubs and a few hands of poker. That he thinks had gone a little better than usual, without having to juggle the hustle and betting and trying not to drool over Blondie looking zesty, although Angel Eyes proves more of a distraction there than he'd like to think. Angel’s certainly never going to cut it as a cardsharp; he’d easily been the weakest player during that Carson foursome, and calling his playing tonight desultory might be kind. Too busy staring at the room, like a wet-behind-the-ears tourist. 
Him ordering the expensive mixed drinks, the ones he'd never had the money to risk trying before. Angel had held off for a while, until they'd accidentally landed up somewhere halfway clean, with a bartender willing to open a new bottle of whisky on request, and had downed the shot in one.
That had been a good two hours ago, but if Angel's not drunk enough to be desperate now, Tuco's at a loss for what's wrong with the man. The moment there’d been a crash on the door downstairs,  Angel had grabbed him and made for an exit as though he’d be rehearsing. 
"Look, these police raids happen all the time. They round you up, you're in the slammer for a night, all a man like you has to do is pay bail and get out." He glances at the door again. Sooner or later somebody's going to look in here and then they're going to be in for it.
"I am not going to let anyone take me anywhere," Angel says, flipping a gun out from somewhere under his coat. No doubt it's loaded. Tuco's positive he knows how to use it.
"You said you'd listen to me, huh? You gonna break a promise? Right now it's just a raid. The cops shove some people around a bit, somebody gets beaten up, they'll survive that. You start shooting, they start shooting, people end up dead. And I'm the kind of guy who's ready made for a target."
"If I have to, I'll use it," Angel says stubbornly; but he shoves the gun in his pocket, and actions always matter more with him. "I can't afford a run-in like that."
"Okay. I said to trust me, I'll get you out of this."
His mind's been working on it, while his mouth's been busy; there's shelves of cleaning products, buckets, a mop cart. Too bad he didn't bring his Duluth- damn it, this is exactly what's wrong with wearing something too stylish to pair with a canoe pack. "You see any rubbing alcohol?"
Wordlessly, Angel takes a bottle down from a high shelf, wraps his fingers around it when they won't cooperate. It occurs to Tuco he might be drunker than he realised.
But the basic idea's solid, he just has to make it work. "Now- um. We take everything off the cart, put it back on the shelf, you hide inside under the tablecloths. Pour some alcohol on me, I'm going to be drunk."
"You are drunk."
"I know, I want to look it. Make me messy."
There's something much too sexy and familiar at once, about the way Angel Eyes almost chokes in disbelief- Blondie ought to know better but still does the same thing, when he's caught off guard. There's something even worse about how fast Angel intuits what he wants, mussing up his hair but good and trickling alcohol down his shirt and adding an artistic scruff of dust to his collar. Fuck it, he's getting a hard-on like nobody's business. Tight pants too, that's not going to help.
"If I were a janitor," Tuco says, with what he's aware is a slightly exaggerated dignity. 
Glances around, paws hopefully at the ventilation duct. Out comes- yes! a beat-up but serviceable edition of Playboy, two of them in fact, and it's not quite what he had in mind but maybe the detail will sell it even better. "Now Angel, you hide yourself in the cart, and for the love of- of somebody or other, don't sneeze."
"You're sure you know what you're doing."
"I better be sure, or with a trigger-happy idiot like you I'm dead. Get movin'," and the last sentence sort of slurs into a yawn, but Angel must get the idea because he disappears from sight.
Now all he has left to do is dab on alcohol like a 'specally good cologne, arrange the magazines in a convincing position and fall asleep on top of the cart, his legs dangling down. Easy.
So easy, in fact, that the next thing he knows is a click of a door unlocking. He snuffles noisily, inches his position slightly so his face lies against the cart's hard plastic; it's easier to fake sleep that way. His breathing's nice and loud when the door opens.
"Hey, you. You work here?"
He keeps snuffling away, happily enough. Two cops, maybe? Not more than that but there must be more around within earshot.
"I guess this idiot's been snoring his way through the whole raid. Stole a magazine to look at the dirty pictures- well, he probably can't read."
"Lusting after them white women," somebody else says, in a mock high-pitched tone. "All right, get him cuffed and bring him down to the station, we're done here."
"Fine. Wake up, you-" at least he's not being handled too harshly, the cop doesn't seem to want to touch him. He sits up after a bare minimum of shoving.
"What's your name, bud?"
"Janitor! Janitor- comprehende? Americano," Tuco says with considerable eagerness, and offers up his stupidest smile. It's one he's practiced in mirrors. "No speaka English."
"Oh christ, you're one of those...."
They take him out to a squad car, him blathering cheerful Spanish for every step; shove him inside. Could be worse, Tuco figures; he's done Angel Eyes enough of a favour that he can probably count on a bailout. He listens to the engine start up with no small satisfaction.
He's just settling against the seat to recommence that nap, when a familiar voice pipes up.
"All right. If you're here, where's Angel?"
"Baker?"
"One and the same. Now think about that question very carefully, because if you don't have an answer by the time I round this corner, you won't live long enough to worry about getting arrested."
"Back inside," Tuco says immediately. "I left him in a broom cupboard."
"Right. We're going back to get him."
"...so, you were a cop all along?"
"Good lord, no," Baker says. "I'm only borrowing this squad car. We'll use mine for the real escape."
The fact that they get away with the operation scot-free says more about the damn improbability of anyone stealing a police car and then giving it back inside of two minutes than Baker's street smarts, Tuco figures.
************
"You were following me," Angel says, once they're back at the house. He looks dead on his feet and Tuco doesn't blame him. "Baker, if you ever do anything like that again, I will-"
"You'll what?" Baker asks, in a jaunty, top-of-the-world fashion. His enthusiasm fades at Angel's frozen glare; Tuco finds himself watching the interplay with genuine curiosity.
Angel turns his head, glances at him. "I will never go on a hunting trip with you again. Ever. Understood?"
"Angel, you wouldn't- would he?"
Now they're both staring at him. "Yes. I think he would," Tuco says.
"Okay, okay! I promise. But you have to admit, I came in handy."
"You were not, and I don't owe you a damned thing. You're needlessly theatrical, it's going to get you killed one of these days, and as for Tuco, my partner and I had it under control."
(He doesn't like the notion, that he might be claimed as anyone else's partner; but he does enjoy the way the words make Baker droop in his tracks.)
"...understood."
"Good," Angel says, casually wiping his knife clean on the cuff of his shirt. "Now go away. Don’t call me, I’ll call you."
"I still say you need a better bodyguard."
"I'll take your opinion under advisement."
"You really are awfully happy together, eh?" Baker asks. "Well. I guess I'd better just go and tell that sweet Blondie he ought to take up with me, since it looks like you two won't be needing him any time soon..."
Tuco eyes Angel; Angel eyes him back.
Baker's bluffing.
He doesn't know what brought Angel to that conclusion, but to him it's obvious enough- Blondie's pushing up their value a little, reminding Angel the two of them have other options. They know each other well enough to trust the other's play, even at a remove.
It's a smart thing his partner's doing, a good move. Maybe he wouldn't have thought so this morning, but that'd been before realising he was still this desperate, that the mere chance to grab a little hard cash had made him stupid enough to stick around in a place long after his instincts had told him to leave. If they'd been smart and kept moving, they never would have been at risk in that raid in the first place.
Then again, he wouldn't have found out that Angel is a gun-happy maniac, and that's worth knowing. And Blondie's coming back. He's bound to.
"Give him my best regards," Angel Eyes says, languidly. "He's welcome to a bowl of soup here whenever he likes."
Tuco opens his mouth. Shuts it again. Years of habit are strong; they don't tell people they're partners, or the whole hustle doesn't work...so he'd better not say anything. Blondie's the one who's always the most worried about secrecy, anyway.
"I'll let him know," Baker says.
He looks rather hurt when he goes.
***************
"Here, you'd better take this back," Tuco says at dinner, pulling the remains of Angel's stake from his pocket. So much for turning a profit; he'd blown through it rather freely, what with drinks and tips and prairie oysters.
"You might keep it for next time," Angel says, in a distinctly abstracted way. Twice already, he's dipped the spoon into his coffee cup instead of his soup bowl, sipped it without apparently noticing the change in flavour. 
"No, no." If this is the way Blondie wants to play it, this is the way they'll play it.
Though it proves an awfully hard thing, to sleep alone that night.
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eirenare · 6 years
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“Send me a character” ask meme — Ardyn Izunia (FFXV) edition + drabble
Got asked by @desfraisespartout to answer with certain Final Fantasy characters that I love, and one of them was Ardyn Izunia! (YESSS thank you dear! 💛 ) 
I’m going to start with him, and I’ll make it a character per post.
And yep, you read it right, there’s an Ardyn drabble below. Between the fact that it’s very hard for me to write summaries (one of the questions was “idea for a story”), and that inspiration broke down the door... Well, I guess it’s my first finished FFXV fanfiction *shrugs* Thanks x2 to my pal, because if it wasn’t for this request I wouldn’t have written that drabble, haha.
[WARNING! Since there are spoilers for FFXV (including Episode Ignis) ahead, going to put this under a “read more”.]
First impression: 
the 1st time I saw Ardyn Izunia was some years ago, watching that old trailer in which he appeared for the first time. It’s funny because back then I didn’t get from him the vibes that he would be the “villain”. In fact, I thought he was a secondary character, haha, albeit a very handsome and excentric one. I loved his looks from the very moment I saw him.
Impression now: 
Ardyn has become one of my favourite FF characters ever and he gives me a ton of feels. I just love him and how complex he is SO much.
Whenever he appears he owns the spotlight with his flamboyant and stylish moves and speech, and he puts up such shows. Ardyn’s very dramatic, both in that sense and in the angsty one, and I like that a lot. Not to mention that he looks gorgeous as heck, and that he’s even more an impressing character when you see that he’s one of the few villains that has achieved everything he seeked.
Gods... My precious broken man. 
Whenever I think about his past... Abskdbngkg I would LOVE to kick his brother’s ass. And Bahamut’s. Ardyn deserved none of the shit he went through. I can’t wait to know more of his DLC and I know I’m going to cry hard for him, just like I did through all the ending, and specially when he died.
Favourite moment:
This one was a bit tricky... But I choose that scene of him at the ending in which he’s laying on the ground, drawing his last breaths. It’s a touching scene because it’s then when one can see the Ardyn behind every layer of poison, rage and pain that consumes him; you get to see an Ardyn that’s relieved to finally get an ending to an existence that’s too long for a tortured soul.
And HIS SMILE, that little smile when he tells Noctis that he’ll await him in the Beyond... *sigh* Feels got me while writing this, haha.
Idea for a story AKA I don’t have much ability to write short summaries and I somehow ended up writing a drabble:
“Many years may have passed since Ardyn lost everything; many years avoiding to read history books and records like it burns, lest the grim reminder of his nonexistent existance makes him lust further for a closure he can’t have yet...
And one day, something happens: Ardyn can’t remember how or why but he’s somehow peeking at a warped past, settled down in ink and lies, and the wound’s suddenly too fresh and bleeding way too much for a man that can’t bleed any longer.
It is then that, fueled by anger and frustration and torn apart by sorrow, his quill rages against old paper —against oblivion— with such strenght it almost rips, and it would have made his past self cringe and dismay, for he loved books so.
But his past self was buried so who cares anymore for him, for what he did or what he’s doing, for what he’ll do. Ardyn Lucis Caelum was alive no more...
But Ardyn Izunia would be. And silence would not cover his name...
Silence would not cover him.”
Unpopular opinion:
Hum... If it’s “unpopular” as in, an opinion that’s shared very little on the community, I would say that I ship him with Gilgamesh, if that counts. 
If it’s “unpopular” as in, an opinion that’s badly looked at by people in general, that’s tricky because I’ve tried to look only at the positive part of the fandom and I don’t know if any thoughts of mine would fit this.
Favourite relationship:
I would say with Noctis. It’s confirmed in Episode Ignis that Ardyn does not hate him nor holds any personal grudge for him, and besides his interactions with Noctis are quite interesting (being all mysterious at first, then fueling the prince’s hatred towards him even in the last fight and, lastly, having while he dies that soft little talk with a very understanding and empathic Noctis). I would love to really know what Ardyn thinks of Noctis, if he maybe sees the prince as “his savior”, the one that’ll set him free, or if he’s just a tool for him.
Favourite headcanon:
Hum... There are some that I like a lot, but I would say that my favourite probably would be that I headcanon past!Ardyn to be best friend to Gilgamesh (even lover, because I love these two character togethers as both friends and more). Chances are they may have been just comrades in canon, buuut “headcanons” are called like that for a reason, right?
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thepapers · 7 years
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GATM//2: Bloom
I cringe. #backatitagainwithattemptstowrite
A chapter of attempting to develop some character devices cause its needed. But I really just want to skip to the meaty bits already gah.
Here’s to a multichapter fanfiction attempt of my current fave ship.
Previous: 1-A Fateful Meeting
It seemed like plate upon plate upon plate of food being set onto the table was never going to stop coming. An older woman with short stature and a ready smile on her face adorned with a plaid, navy blue apron was humming as she walked back to the kitchen once again to retrieve another serving of food to put on to the dining table.
"Eyyyy, Eomma! This is too much! You're overworking yourself," Ji Chang Wook playfully protested as he hovered between the kitchen and the dining table, watching it slowly get filled up with numerous dishes and sides until the surface could almost not be seen. He was pleased to see his mother in her element but was also partially, genuinely concerned at the time-consuming and hard work his mother must have put in to make the feast being laid in front of him.
"My son that I miss so much has come back from the army! All the mothers of Korea would be do the same thing. This is normal," Chang Wook's mom called out to him from the kitchen. After scooping a ladle full of soup onto a big bowl, she cautiously exited the kitchen. Chang Wook hurried to his mother to help her set the bowl on the table.
"A mother's joy among many things, is to feed her child food that she's cooked. And I haven't been able to cook your meals in a long time! Consider this a favor for your mom that's been lonely cooking meals just for herself, ne?" Chang Wook smiled affectionately at his caring mother and gave her a hug.
"My mom, you worked hard. Thank you very, very much."
Hugging her son just a bit tighter, she felt herself tearing up at the thought of all the things that her son had to endure. Beyond the army, there were months that he would barely be in contact knowing full well he was giving his all to another project often to the neglect of his own health by not having proper meals and eating ramyun after ramyun instead. For what its worth, she wanted to show her son her love and support in as simple as preparing food for him to make him feel that she was always there for him. Though he may love his job,  she knew it must have been difficult to always keep people at a distance due to the nature of the industry he chose to be in.
Working to stop the tears from falling, she decided to take the conversation into a lighter tone by slyly remarking, "…if only my son can finally give me a daughter in law to help with the household and keep me company around the house…" At that statement, Ji Chang Wook briefly stiffened. "Didn't you have that girl you always went out with? What was her name…lemme think..I think it started with a J? J-J-"
"Ah, eomma! Now, now! I wouldn't want the food that you worked so hard on to get cold," Chang Wook hurriedly worked to change the topic at hand. He put on an exaggerated act of enthusiastically sitting down and putting on a face of awe at the feast in front of him.
She shook her head at her son and settled the topic to be brought up again for another day and sat down at the table.
In front of them was truly a feast that bring about awe. On the table laid home staples sides that ranged from a fluffy rolled egg to all kinds of seasoned vegetables (bean sprouts, spinach, radish, perilla leaves, kimchi) that were sure to renew one's health, cucumber pancake, hearty slices of bossam and a murky, meat filled soup at the center.
"Sundaeguk! Sundaeguk! Hwa~ I missed that the most!" Chang Wook beamed and already had a spoon at the ready to dig in. ------------------------------ Ji Chang Wook sighed contentedly while rubbing his stomach. Settled comfortably on the couch with the remote on one hand and the other on his stomach, the handsome actor looked every bit of a newly released and unemployed army man lazying around in mismatched house clothes  that he was rather than what one would expect from someone who is a fashion icon, a sponsor and face of products ranging from luxury brands to face masks that millions of people go crazy over.
"Ah, I'm so full…," Ji Chang absent mindedly murmured as his concentration was on the soccer game that was airing on TV.
After his early lunch with his mother and the clean up afterwards, she had insisted on him resting whilst she went out for errands though he had suggested accompanying her. Since then, a few hours have already gone by spent watching the replayed soccer tournaments and the usually active man was starting to feel restless.
Getting up from the couch to retrieve his phone in his room, he dialed his manager's phone to see if he was available to go for a motorcycle ride around the city later in the day along with some of their other friends.
The quiet beeps of the flash sounding from the camera could be occasionally heard cutting through the music sounding in the studio.
"Good! Ji hyun-sshi, just tilt your head to the right a little bit…neh, neh. And your hands…..good, good," the photographer took a photo as he crouched in the ground to take a photo of Nam Ji Hyun in a better angle. Taking a pause to review the photos taken on the computer screen, people from Ji Hyun's styling team took the opportunity to retouch her makeup and add further volume to her tousled hair with a hairspray and a comb in hand.
Nam Ji Hyun stood from her position on the floor for her stylist to better fix herself, the trail of her off white, chiffon dress fluttering behind her. Rearranging the relaxed waves of hair strategically on top of the flower crocheted V-neck lining of her dress, the actress exuded the perfect example of simple elegance and innocence as her outfit highlighted her youthfulness and delicate features. And yet when it was time to resume the photoshoot, the versatility of Nam Ji Hyun's gaze brought out by the photographer's directing showcased an allure that wouldn't be expected from a fledgling of a former child actress. Delivering looks ranging from one of coquettish curiosity to pained longing to hesitant desire with ease, young though she may be, it could not be refuted that she was still a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry with the control she had over her expressions.
The photographer murmured in approval as he prompted Ji Hyun to make slight changes on her poses. "Just one more...And...we're done! Good work everyone! Good work, Jihyun-sshi!"
Jihyun bowed her head humbly to everyone around her saying, "Thank you everyone! You've worked hard. Thank you," before she approached the photographer to personally thank him.
"Thank you for your care and guidance, photographer-nim."
"Thank you too, Jihyu-sshi. The photoshoot today will be for sure be a success with the quality of shots you've allowed me to take. You are truly amazing. It's going to come out great."
"Ey, photographer-nim. Anieyo. I just tried my best. Thank you for acknowledging my effort," Jihyun bashfully and humbly responded to the photographer's compliments.
"It has been an honor to work with you, I hope I can take more of your pictures in the future and oh! Good luck on your movie," the photographer shook her hands and left to further review the shots that he took.
Meanwhile, Jihyun went to go change out of the sponsored dress for the photoshoot and go back home as her schedule was done for the day.
Rambunctious laughter filled the café as Ji Chang Wook and his friends entered the place with their helmets in hand. The barista standing at the wooden counter illuminated by the metal light fixture and the letters spelling out PEACE overhang against the wall, greeted the crowd with familiarity and set out to do their usual drink orders.
They collectively passed by to head to the stairs where there was a private seating area in the upper level for the owner and his friends to hang out as they wish. The retro coffee shop by day and bar by night, Carnaby St., was the regular hangout for the handsome actor, especially on days when he went out to for a ride on his motorcycle or vespa. The vibe of the shop was stylish, bright and yet approachable with its eclectically designed British memorabilia that makes one feel like they're at the heart of London.
Everyone was settled on to the wooden table placed amidst the string lights and hanging vines upstairs as the owner of Carnaby St. brought them their drinks. With the owner joining in, they updated each other on the going-ons of their life that had been busy lately and prevented them from getting together sooner. Their conversations were boisterous and filled with teasing and jokes especially to the expense of Ji Chang Wook as his release from the army was one of the main topics to talk about. A lot of his friends had already enlisted long before he did and knew from experience the difficulty of adjusting back into society once again and wanted to ease their friend back to the way of things. It made Ji Chang Wook really appreciate his friends as he saw their efforts and love the bond they all had despite being in different working industries.
Bringing himself out of his thoughts, he tuned into the conversation to hear about Gil Bok who worked as a camera director talking about the new movie he had been busy with to Chi Gu.
"Are you guys going? I'm sure the higher-ups expect you guys to come to the VIP Premiere since Chang Wook-ah is back and he's worked with the actors of the film before."
Chang Wook looked at Chi-Gu in inquiry.
"It's still a couple of months away so that's probably why the company hasn't confirmed with us about the scheduling quite yet," his manager responded.
"Ah okay," Ji Chang Wook said to Chi-Gu and then turned to his other side. "Hwa~ Gil Bok-hyung, this is rare for you to suddenly bring up work. That's strange."
"Yeah it is not typical of me but you guys have to watch it when it comes out! This old man's heart has been moved," Gil Bok jokingly patted his chest with a mockingly teary eyed expression, his mouth skewed in a comical manner.
The actor and his manager laughingly jeered at Gil Bok's antics.
"Oh, are you guys talking about Jihyun-ah's new movie?" Choi Tae Joon interjected into their conversation. "She was telling me about it when I happen to meet her in a café with Khun (his cat)."
"That's right. Yah~…Nam Ji Hyun-sshi," the camera director shook his head. "It's amazing. She is completely different in this one," thinking of how the young actress's role in her new film was a complete and utter departure from her roles in the past. "The set would get goosebumps in some of her scenes."
"Jihyun-ah?" Ji Chang Wook tilted his head in thought.  "I didn’t think she'd be doing another project yet. We lost contact after my first year in the army but I remember she told me she was taking a break to finish school."
Tae Joon shrugged. "I didn’t get a chance to ask her but we're probably going to see each other again in that cat café since she's a regular there so I could ask for updates."
"Oh! Jo Jae Yoon-Hyung is also part of the production by the way," Gil Bok mentioned.
"It's the same movie that you were working on? I know he mentioned he was busy with a movie that's coming out soon. I didn't know it would be the one you were also in," Tae Joon said.
"Yeah, he's not playing a bad guy this time," Gil Bok laughed. "Did you know his wife is pregnant again?
"Wow, again? Incredible," Chi Gu remarked. "I don't know how he does it..."
"Hyung! Have you seen the game last night?" Kangwoo, who had been busy talking with the Carnaby owner, Jin Su, excitedly brought up the soccer game that aired to Gil Bok and the others.
And just like that, the group got swept up by talk of their favorite sport, they fervently discussed the moves of the players and moved on from discussing work matters.
While Ji Chang Wook joined in on his friends' conversation, he couldn't help wonder at the back of his head how his lovable costar was doing and be especially curious as to what she was working on to have made his hyung react in such a way.
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micaramel · 4 years
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Not every fictional TV apartment is created equally, according to interior designers.
Interior designers liked some of the apartments seen on "Friends" and "The Mindy Project."
But apartments from series like "Gossip Girl," "Sex and the City," and "How I Met Your Mother" weren't as popular. 
Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
Television is filled with some truly eye-catching abodes, but not all on-screen apartments are created equally when it comes to style.
Insider had a group of interior designers critique some of the most famous living areas on TV. 
Here's how the pros reacted to the apartments, plus what they loved or hated about each.
FOLLOW US: Insider is on Facebook
Experts thought Monica and Rachel's apartment from "Friends" had plenty of personality, but needed a few updates.
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Few television spaces are as iconic as the New York City apartment where Monica and Rachel lived during the early seasons of "Friends."
Katie Stix, design director of Tennessee-based Anderson Design Studios, told Insider that she appreciated the vibrant walls and eclectic styling of the classic sitcom abode.  
"The purple walls are bold but iconic.  The mismatched furniture properly relays the women's young, single, New York lifestyle in the '90s," said Stix. "Though I cringe every time I see the table lamp; it's too old looking for them. Maybe Monica's aunt left it behind."
Another interior designer praised the apartment's floor plan but thought some of the styling details needed a second look. 
"This apartment layout works because it leaves a circulation path from the bedroom," Lonni Paul, an interior designer based in Los Angeles, told Insider. "However, the unruly plant on the TV cabinet looks like it needs some help."
Paul also said she didn't like the red and yellow pillows on the small chair off to the side since they "stand out and feel out of place."
Read More: We had professional stylists rank 'Friends' characters from least to most fashionable
  Designers thought the layout of Frasier Crane’s apartment from "Frasier" was confusing.
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The swanky Seattle apartment of television's most famous radio psychologist may have been Frasier Crane's pride and joy, but NYC-based interior designer and former TV writer Alec Holland told Insider that the apartment's floor plan and styling could use an update.
"Why would anyone have their furniture facing away from that fireplace? I'd turn everything around, and open the living space up," said Holland. 
He also suggested giving the coffee table a face-lift.
"If you replaced that horrible coffee table with something more modern and square, stacked some picture books on it, and added a few [art objects], it would up the elegant vibe," Holland told Insider. 
Stix took issue with the bland color palette of the apartment and also vetoed Frasier's eye-catching coffee table. 
"A little color would be welcome in this room, it is just so vanilla and beige. I wish they placed the Eames lounge chair in a more prominent place and got rid of the heinous coffee table," she said. 
Ted Mosby's apartment from "How I Met Your Mother" was not a hit with designers.
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Although Ted Mosby may be employed as an architect, some of his design choices left interior designers scratching their heads. 
"Yikes! I don't even know where to begin on this one. The clutter is out of control and every inch of space is filled with something. The red everywhere is overwhelming," said Paul. 
The layout of the apartment also seemed counterintuitive to Holland, who suggested rearranging the furniture and adding curtains to make the space more functional.
"This is another example of a TV apartment where the fireplace isn't the focal point. I'd flip this room around pronto. If the office has to stay, I'd hang a good drape that can close it off so you don't have to look at it," he said. 
However, interior designer Kobi Karp of Miami's Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design appreciated some aspects of Ted's abode.   
"I do see a drafting table in the back of the room near the window, which is exactly where I would place it if it were my apartment," said Karp. 
The designer also said Ted's apartment could benefit from some hidden-storage solutions to help him creatively hide all of his clutter. 
The loft from "New Girl" inspired mixed reactions from designers.
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The apartment from "New Girl" is a huge space with a distinctly masculine vibe — but it's not perfect.
For starters, Paul told Insider that the furnishings of this apartment might be out of sync with its massive proportions.  
"Everything here feels out of scale. The sofa is too small as well as the coffee table. The chair and ottoman feel too big by contrast. The side table to the left of the sofa is too high. I wish the sofa was a lighter color to brighten up the place. The apartment is too dark," she said. 
However, Stix raved about the roomy loft and its "fresh" vibe. 
"I really love everything here. The space itself is amazing and I love the sectional. The 'found' collected items are hip and fresh," she told Insider. 
Although the designer did like the combination of the sofa and a bookshelf, she conceded that the apartment could benefit from brighter light fixtures or additional floor lamps.
Stylists found Mindy's apartment from "The Mindy Project" to be totally trendy, especially her home office.
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Mindy's combination brownstone apartment and medical practice seems like a stylish marriage of elegance and maximalism — and designers love it. 
"This space is on-point and on-trend for current design styles. I like the decorative molding and the two-tone wall colors in her office," Joe Human, NYC-based interior designer of Designs By Human, told Insider.
That said, even though the Lucite desk is cool and works well with the room, it's not exactly practical, Human pointed out. 
Paul also gave Mindy's office a big thumbs up, praising the color choices and soft character of the furnishings. 
"This is a super chic office and the transparent desk makes the room appear larger than it is. The light colors mixed with the pastels also give the room a feminine vibe," said Paul. 
Carrie Bradshaw's apartment from "Sex and the City" earned mixed praise from stylists, who especially had issues with her bedroom.
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Fans of "Sex and the City" know Carrie Bradshaw for her fashion obsession and cavernous closet, but her apartment, in particular, her bedroom, provoked mixed reviews from interior designers.
"The asymmetry of the room denotes that the owner has an artistic mind," said Karp. "I like the placement of the bed, allowing the morning sun to act as a natural alarm clock for the person sleeping."
Karp also pointed out the magazine problem in Carrie's bedroom, saying perhaps she could benefit from another bookshelf so she could cut back on the tabletop clutter. 
Holland, however, wasn't in love with the casual vibe of Carrie's bedroom, calling it "lackluster."
"I'd get a good shag rug, put a headboard on that bed, and maybe wallpaper behind it to create a more interesting focal wall. I'd also lose the off-center bookcase above the bed — a disaster waiting to happen — and paint that radiator a glossy black," he said. 
Jerry's apartment from "Seinfeld" is surprisingly modern but also a little boring.
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Even though "Seinfeld" debuted in 1989, designers say Jerry Seinfeld's apartment has actually aged pretty well.
"I've always liked this apartment. It's orderly with everything having a place to go. The sofa color pops making the room brighter and the modern style gives the room a point of view," said Paul. 
Of course, there's always room for improvement. Stix told Insider that she would have liked to see more personality in the apartment's styling.  
"My first thought is that this apartment desperately needs art. I love the couch color but it drives me nuts when the accent pillows match the couch," said Stix. 
Although Stix approved of the sofa color, she disliked the apartment's muted color palette.
"The wall color is drab and looks too much like a TV set. it would have been better if the paneling and trim was a deep olive green," she said. 
The Humphrey loft from "Gossip Girl" needs a total makeover, according to designers.
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On "Gossip Girl," the Humphrey family's Brooklyn loft is meant to be a cool and quirky living space, but designers didn't appreciate its awkward layout and confusing combination of furnishings.
"This is such a weird space. The window and rattan-type shades are awesome, but everything else should be a start over," said Human. 
Stix also found the apartment to be a little unappealing, and noted that it didn't feel like a real family's home.  
"This set seems too 'decorator' and staged. I don't care for the tile floors; a stained concrete or distressed hardwood would be more appropriate," she said. "The entry area takes over the entire space and the sitting area is squished in the corner."
She suggested that adding ceiling beams would help accentuate the "warehouse" vibe that the designers may have been going for.   
Read More: The first and last outfits of 12 characters on 'Gossip Girl'
Sheldon and Leonard's apartment from "The Big Bang Theory" was a total flop with interior designers.
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Although Sheldon and Leonard may be bonafide brainiacs, designers told Insider that the design of the physicists' apartment is anything but genius. 
"This is an eclectic bachelor pad that is begging for a makeover," said Paul. "The leather sofa looks really lumpy and uncomfortable, and the wooden chair next to the lounge chair looks out of place. There's also too much clutter." 
Karp was also not a huge fan of the apartment's styling, especially its eclectic mix of furniture. 
"This looks like a very simple apartment that is very organized. However, the mismatched collection of furniture and décor makes the apartment look a bit like a thrift shop," he told Insider.
The designer added that the apartment could use matching pillows, and that the items displayed on the shelves could use better integration into the space as a whole. 
Read More: 10 plot holes and inconsistencies you never noticed on 'The Big Bang Theory'
  Don Draper's apartment from "Mad Men" is the epitome of mid-century style.
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It doesn't get more mid-century modern than Don Draper's Manhattan apartment on "Mad Men."
Paul told Insider that the advertising guru's home is a great visual representation of the character's personality. 
"This retro-style apartment is masculine and perfect for a type-A personality. It's organized and nothing feels out of place," said Paul. 
That said, Paul has some suggestions, pointing out that the apartment would look much better with a patterned rug. 
Holland was also taken with the sleek styling of Draper's urban abode.
"There's not much wrong here. I could see a more festive fabric on the sofa, but those stools are perfection. The hanging light and wood features are also all a big 'yes' for me," he said. 
Read More:
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14 celebrities who got rejected by 'Saturday Night Live' and went on to become famous in their own right
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