#i did not feel alone with the care package. and we talked after too.

[avatar-anna]

Baby Mine

or just young dadrry being a dad

Young Dad! Harry x Young Mom! Reader

Reality struck Harry in the face when he realized Y/n was showing.

The text he got from Y/n saying she was pregnant? Mind-blowing, but also a little surreal. The conversations he had with his parents and management? An out of body experience. But seeing Y/n with a baby bump for the first time, with his baby? His knees nearly buckled from the stark realization that this was actually happening.

He was going to be a dad.

It was a terrifying thought. Harry was still a kid himself—in all the ways that mattered, anyway. He played video games with his mates, he stayed out late on the weekends, and it felt like just yesterday that he'd gotten his driver's license. He could barely successfully cook pasta, let alone take care of his own child.

And Y/n, the girl he'd only known for a short couple months. The girl he really liked to the point where he still talked to her even after his trip to LA was over, she was here with him, on tour, walking around in his hotel room in one of his t-shirts, her stomach stretching the soft material just enough to be noticeable.

"I thought we could have dinner together," she said, coming over to where Harry was still holding vigil by the door. "I was craving Mexican and I remembered you saying you liked tacos, so I did a little exploring, and voila."

His eyes darted over Y/n's shoulder, and there were in fact various Mexican dishes wrapped up in foil packaging. It smelled good too, but it wasn't quite enough to pull Harry from his stupor.

"I...I'm meeting someone. The boys. For dinner," he said.

It wasn't quite enough to pull his head out of his ass apparently, either.

"Oh."

Y/n blushed, her gaze flickering away from his. Harry felt like a dick, especially since it wasn't true. But he freaked out. He was freaking out. Playing house—or hotel—with a girl he barely knew and pretending it was perfectly normal for them to prepare to have a baby together was too much. All of a sudden, it was all too much.

"Have—Have fun, then. I'll probably head back to my room, I guess."

It was painfully awkward, but Harry didn't know how to make it better. So, like the grown adult he wasn't, he mumbled a reply and skirted around Y/n to set his duffle bag down before mumbling his goodbyes and leaving again.

He was gone for maybe an hour. While he was gone, he walked around aimlessly, letting himself get lost in an unfamiliar city. And in all that walking, he gave himself time to think.

Harry knew he'd been an ass. Y/n hadn't done anything wrong, and knowing that he disappointed her made him upset. Because the truth was, he really liked her. She shared his stupid sense of humor, she liked the music he liked, she had a cute little birthmark on her right shoulder that Harry couldn't help but feel compelled to kiss whenever he saw it. She was beautiful and smart and outgoing.

And now she was having his baby.

They were both to blame for that. Both of them had been careless that particular night, but Y/n had been clear to Harry when she told him about her being pregnant. "I want to have it, but I'm also not going to force you to have it with me," she'd told him when they eventually had a phone conversation. "I don't, like, expect anything from you, but I just didn't think it would be right if I kept this a secret from you."

"How did your parents take it?" Harry had asked because her voice contained a steely nerve that was deflecting non-existent judgement.

"Not great, but they'll come around. Eventually. I hope."

She'd said the last part so quietly, as if she wasn't truly sure her parents would actually accept the fact that their daughter was pregnant.

"I want to help," he blurted.

Y/n had looked at him with wide eyes, and a pang of guilt lanced through him at her surprise. She'd genuinely thought he'd leave her high and dry.

"Help?"

"I—I want to be a part of this, or help you raise it—the baby. I want to help. Like we're a team—Not a team. Like a—"

"A team. I like that."

Harry had been glad to be put out of his misery, though to his credit, he never imagined ever having this conversation, and he at least hadn't cried yet.

"You do?"

"Yeah. I think family is too much right now," Y/n said. "But a team...a team looks out for each other. Makes each other better."

So they were a team, though clearly Harry had been dropping the ball recently.

He was just...scared. Terrified. But he could only imagine what Y/n was thinking, how she was feeling. Since she'd joined him on tour, they talked about everything but the baby. Whether that was conscious or subconscious on either of their parts, Harry wasn't sure, but he knew they couldn't skirt around the subject forever. When he first told his mum about Y/n being pregnant, Harry insisted that he could do this, that he was grown enough to raise a baby. He wasn't exactly sure how true that statement was, but one thing he did know was that he could do much better than he was now.

When he got back to the hotel, Y/n was spread out along the plush sofa, eyes closed and arm resting idly on her belly. Harry wasn't so scared at seeing the bump this time around. In fact, a part of him was a little excited.

Y/n startled a little when Harry knelt by her side, her eyes bleary and a little red. "Sorry. I was gonna go, but I sat down for a moment and—"

"Nothing to be sorry for," Harry interrupted. "I'm sorry, actually. I was kind of an ass earlier."

Shaking her head, she said, "We don't owe each other anything. It's not like we're—"

"But I want to. I know things have been a little awkward, but I like you, Y/n. A lot. That hasn't changed."

"Really?" Y/n asked, and Harry felt bad when she sounded so unsure.

"Really. We...obviously didn't expect this to happen, but I want this. With you. Even if we are a little young and out of our depth here."

Y/n laughed. "Try a lot."

Harry grinned, resting his hand over hers where she was still holding her belly. "But we'll learn. Together. We're a team, right?"

Her eyes softened then. She ran a hand through his curls, the touch delicate but comforting, and Harry couldn't help but lean into her touch. "Yeah. We're a team."

They stayed like that for a minute, maybe two, but Harry eventually straightened, his grin widening as he said, "Right then. We should welcome the newest member of our team, shouldn't we?"

Y/n giggled as Harry shuffled around until he was face to face with Y/n's stomach. He lifted her shirt gently, his breath catching when he saw the baby bump up close.

"Hello there...baby. I'm Harry. Your dad," he said, only feeling a little silly. "You don't have a name yet, but I just wanted you to know that I love you, and your mum loves you, and even though we're a little on the young side, we're gonna take care of you the best we can. And so will your uncles."

"That was sweet, H," Y/n said, her fingers tracing the side of his cheek. "And...I do have a name in mind."

"You do? I didn't know that."

Y/n gave him a smile that felt like she was teasing him. "Because I'm telling you now. I've been testing it out in my head for a few days."

If Harry thought the baby bump made all of this real, talking about potential names would definitely do that. But whether he was ready or not, this was happening.

"Alright. Hit me with it."

A small smile creeped onto Y/n's face. "Simone."

"Simone," Harry repeated, trying it out for himself. "How'd you land on Simone?"

Y/n shrugged casually, but Harry knew that she put thought into it, that this name meant something to her. "It's pretty, and, I don't know, we talked about Nina Simone on our first date. It seemed right."

Thinking about their first proper date gave Harry butterflies. He remembered how nervous he was to go out with Y/n, spending an embarrassing amount of time picking out the right clothes and fixing his hair. But when he actually met her at the spot they agreed on, all his nerves went away, and he spent the whole date marveling at the fact that he was on a date with Y/n and all the things they had in common and how he didn't want it to end.

"It's perfect," Harry agreed, then bent his head to kiss Y/n's belly. "Hi, Simone. I can't wait to meet you."

A few months later

"Do you want to hold her?"

Y/n was in her hospital bed, hair hanging limp around her shoulders. She looked tired beyond belief, but she was smiling brightly at Harry as she held a little bundle of blankets, one of which was his mother's handiwork, Harry realized.

He found himself nodding, and before he was maybe ready, Y/n passed the baby over to him, and he was holding her. His daughter.

Harry looked down, a swirl of emotions squeezing his heart. She was asleep, the world's tiniest hand pressed against her cheek while she took deep breaths. Logically, he knew she didn't have any distinguishable features yet, but Harry felt like he could see himself and Y/n in her. Just gazing at her little face, he felt like he could see the next fifteen years playing out—the first words and steps, seeing Y/n holding her backstage, recitals and sports games, school projects, first loves, all of it.

An overwhelming feeling Harry couldn't name washed over him. It brought tears to his eyes as he realized just how much he loved her, how much he was willing to bend over backwards and protect her. And when he was able to break away from looking at her for a second, he found Y/n's gaze and saw the same look in her eyes, and one of understanding too.

Harry looked back down at his daughter, that overwhelming feeling rushing through him again, and for a moment, he wondered if that would ever go away. He wasn't sure he wanted it to.

"Hi baby," he whispered. Bending his head down, he kissed her forehead. "Hi, Simone. Welcome to our little family."

He knew Y/n was listening, but he didn't mind. It felt right that it was just the three of them sharing this little moment before everyone else flooded in to see the baby.

"We're a little unconventional as far as families go, and you'll probably have a different childhood than other kids," he said, not caring that Simone couldn't hear or understand him. He needed to say it. "But I'll love you with all my heart, and so will your mummy. You'll want for nothing because we'll give you the world, but you might have to be a little patient with us because we're new to the parenting thing.

"But I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy," he continued, his voice breaking. "I'll never let you feel unloved. I'll change your nappies and wipe your tears and make you smile. I'll be the best daddy for you. I promise."

Harry didn't know what the future held, but that he was sure of. He'd been scared and anxious the last few months, but now that he was standing in a hospital room holding his newborn daughter, he didn't want to give her, or Y/n, anything less than what they deserved.

Years later

"Dad, you're squeezing too hard."

"I don't care. My baby's abandoning me."

"I'm going to college!"

"That's what I said, isn't it?"

Simone began to squirm, but Harry still wouldn't let up. He was currently in the process of blinking back tears, and didn't want her to notice when he eventually did pull away.

"I'll be back for Fall Break," she said quietly, giving into the hug and squeezing Harry tight.

Harry took a deep breath and let go, even though he wasn't exactly ready to. Mustering a smile, he said, "I know. I'm just going to miss you. You're my baby."

Simone didn't balk or roll her eyes or contradict him, she just gripped the straps of her backpack as she gave him a wobbly smile. "You have plenty of babies to take care of at home."

Harry grinned and looked behind him where Y/n was keeping watch over the rest of the Styles family, though none of them were really babies anymore.

Looking back at Simone, he said, "Behave yourself, okay? Don't do anything Uncle Louis would do. And no boys for at least a month, please?"

Simone did roll her eyes then. "Sure, Dad."

That wasn't totally convincing, but he knew it was the best he was going to get. Harry pulled Simone in for one last hug, memories of the last eighteen years playing in his mind like a fast forward reel. Part of him couldn't believe he was already dropping Simone off for her first year of college, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to let her go. When he looked at her, he could still see the little baby he held for the first time, the one he promised to protect and do his best to raise. He hoped he fulfilled that promise.

"I love you, bug. Call me if you need anything. Any time, any place, you call me, okay?"

Tears appeared in Simone's eyes as she nodded. When Harry was ready, he finally stepped back and walked back toward Y/n and the rest of his family. As everyone got in the car Simone watched, waving to her siblings from the curb until Harry eventually peeled out of his spot, feeling like he was leaving part of his heart behind.

"Can we get something to eat?"

"In-N-Out!"

"There's no In-N-Out here!"

"A burger does sound good."

"Skip the song, please!"

"Play One Direction!"

Harry smiled as he shared a look with Y/n. He already missed Simone, but he knew she would be okay. And he found that it was easier—not by a lot but easier—to miss someone when there were five other babies, who weren't really babies anymore, to look after.

#harry styles #young dad! harry #young mom! reader #young dadrry #harry styles blurb #harry styles x reader #harry styles fanfic #harry styles oneshot #harry styles imagine #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles x you #harry styles fluff #harry styles writing #harry styles one shot #harry styles fic

[hongcherry]

pretty please (stay with me) || c.sc | 3

“After being assigned a fashion show for your big senior project, you set off to find volunteers to make it successful. However, when you meet Choi Seungcheol and his unfriendly clique through your volunteers, you realize they’re an unwanted package deal you can’t escape from. Can you handle Seungcheol’s obnoxious friends, and can he handle your brash behavior?”

🍒 Pairing: businessMajor!Seungcheol x fashionMajor!Reader (afab)

🍒 Rating/Genres/AUs: M(18+); Slice of life (!!!), slow burn, drama, fluff, angst; Unrequited enemies to lovers, strangers to lovers, college au

🍒 Warnings: General tws + mention of death, mention of divorce, sugar daddy seungcheol (we love to see it)

🍒 WC: 12.6k

🍒 Betas: Sarah, Indi, Kelly, Freya 💖

🍒 Author’s Note: Already halfway through the series! Thank you for all the support I've gotten so far! (no I won't stop saying thanks bc I'm grateful for you all!). I'm really relieved people like it since I enjoyed writing it a lot ♥️

also read here: AO3 | Wattpad

seventeen masterlist | main masterlist

previous chapter \\ series masterpost // next chapter

You sit on the edge of your bed, legs bouncing with anticipation.

He will be here any minute, and like before, you’re suddenly self-conscious of your outfit. You didn’t change it as many times as you did last time, but you still thought hard about it. You end up donning a black faux fur tube top, high-waisted black pants, and black heels. 

Your red pumps are an option, but you think they’re too much—a little too dressed up for a simple dinner… But then again you are wearing a top that resembles a fuzzy rug, so the outfit is already borderline “too much.”

And Seungcheol likes red.

Your eyes dart to the discarded shoes in the corner. Does it matter that he likes red—on you, to be more specific? If you wear those, will he think you wore them for him? Do you want to wear them for him?

As the questions tumble into your mind, you barely register your door opening.

“Honey?” your father asks gently.

Your head pops up to see him entering your room. “Yeah?”

“How late are you going to stay out?” he wonders.

You give him a quizzical look. He rarely questions you on your outings, let alone the duration.

“I’m not sure. I can bring home some food for you and Seoah,” you offer, thinking he needs you to bring back dinner since you will be gone.

“No need. I’m going to take her out once you go,” he replies.

You’re never good at hiding your reactions. Your eyes widen slightly before narrowing. This is odd coming from your dad.

“What’s the special occasion?” you wonder. You can’t recall the last time he took you both for food or just out in general.

“There’s none,” he says. You stare at him in silence as you take in his appearance. His usual eye bags are still present, but he looks more freshened up than you’ve seen in a while. It also looks like he put some effort into his outfit.

“Are you dying?” you ask, thinking he is trying to leave a positive impression before he leaves this earth.

Your dad’s eyes enlarge. “No, no, I’m healthy. I just,” he sighs. “Seeing your mother again made me realize I haven’t been very attentive to you and your sister.”

“This isn’t the first time she’s come back though,” you reply, confused as to why this time is different.

“I know. I can’t really explain it right now,” he says. “Are you going out with Dae?”

“Yeah—” a buzz from your phone “—she’s here.”

You stand up from your bed. “We can talk later, if you have time.”

“I’ll find some time,” he says. You aren’t sure if that is really going to happen, but you don’t want to ponder on that now. “Come back safe.”

“Thanks,” you murmur. Talking to a caring dad has your mind-boggling. You want to feel like your father is actually going to be in your life, but he’s been out of it for years, so it’s hard to imagine that changing.

Your father nods and makes his way out of your room. 

A knock at your door startles you from your daze. Before you can overthink the decision, you hastily kick off your heels and replace them with the red pumps. You apply a layer of matching lipstick, then toss the stick in your purse while you jog to the front door. Though what you see isn’t ideal.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ln,” Seungcheol greets respectfully.

“You as well, Seungcheol,” replies your father. You can’t see his face from where you are, but he sounds friendly. Not that he shouldn’t be. He has no reason to be hostile. You just aren’t sure if he’ll try to play the tough dad or not.

Plus, a part of you worries Seungcheol will be able to see past the “perfect family” facade and see all your imperfections.

You gently push your way in front of your dad, turning to face him with your back to Seungcheol.

“I’ll see you later,” you tell him and nudge him inside so you can close the door better.

“Now, just wait a minute, Yn,” he says and looks over your shoulder to Seungcheol. Your body tenses. He is not about to give the whole get-her-home-by—

“—by eleven o’clock. I trust you’ll keep her safe.”

Seungcheol doesn’t appear to be bothered by your father’s little protective speech. Instead, he gives him a reassuring smile. One that a gentleman would wear and one you aren’t used to seeing from him. Normally you get teasing grins.

“Her safety is my top priority,” Seungcheol says earnestly.

Oh God, now you’re stuck between a rom-com conversation.

“Great. Now that you’re both done going through your lines, can we go?”

“Lines?” your dad questions. You aren’t about to waste any more time explaining your lame reference to common daughter-father-date discussions. Not that Seungcheol is your date.

“Is that Seungcheol?!” Seoah’s voice rings behind your dad. Not her, too.

“Yup, it’s slang, bye Dad!” you quickly say, and instead of shoving him back inside as you planned, you turn and shove Seungcheol down the stairs.

“Hey, wait!” Seoah calls out and zips past you to Seungcheol. Seungcheol stands at the bottom of the steps, eyeing you with confusion at your strange behavior. He looks at Seoah when she stands at the top of the stairs.

“Hey, Seoah,” he waves at her. 

What did she do to deserve one of his dimple-inducing smiles?

“It’s good to see you back,” she beams, a grin on her face.

“You too,” he chuckles.

“Back?” your father asks.

Your attention zooms in on Seoah, and you hope the silent glare you give her is recognized by her. Her mouth drops open at the realization.

“I mean, it’s good to see your back! It’s nice,” she corrects quickly, gesturing around his body. “It’s, erm, wide and cool.”

“His back is wide and cool?” echoes your father slowly in puzzlement.

That’s enough.

Seungcheol laughs, his obnoxious little deep “ha’s” ringing in your ears. You quickly grab his arm and start to drag him away. 

“Have fun at dinner,” you say to your family while you briskly walk away.

Despite Seungcheol being strong enough to pull himself out of your grasp, he lets you lead him to his car.

“Do you think my back is wide and cool too?” he teases.

You whip around to look at him, pausing in your trek. You’re standing a little too close than you intended. “No, I think it’s mediocre and dull.”

He laughs again at your response. You flicker your eyes to the sky as you take a deep breath.

“Not another word,” you warn before guiding him to his car.

Your hand is on the passenger’s side handle, ready to pull it open, but Seungcheol stops you. He gently pushes your hand off before placing his own on the handle.

“I’m perfectly capable of opening your car door myself,” you grumble, arms crossing over your chest.

The corner of one of his lips raises. His eyes drop to your lips briefly.

“I know, Cherry,” he says, then averts his gaze back to your eyes, “but I’m chivalrous, remember?”

He pulls the door open and nods to get in. You narrow your gaze at that, wanting to challenge him on if he truly is.

“Can you guys stop flirting and get inside? I’m hungry,” Dae’s voice pulls you from your staring contest. You forgot she will be in the car already.

“You heard the lady,” Seungcheol murmurs to you.

“You’re going to get this heel stuck so far up your ass, Choi Seungcheol.”

He chuckles and leans in closer, voice dropping so only you can hear, “Sounds kinky, baby.”

You push down the fluttering of your heart at the pet name because you refuse to let him get away with that cocky reply.

“If you both don’t get in now, I’m leaving you guys and taking the car,” Dae threatens.

You glare at Seungcheol for a second longer before lowering yourself in the seat.

“Finally,” Dae mumbles when Seungcheol climbs in.

“Sorry, there was an… incident that delayed us,” you say and set your purse in your lap. Dae leans forward, placing a hand on your arm to turn you toward her.

“You don’t look sick,” she observes to herself. You scoff and brush her hand off you.

“Because I’m not,” you say.

Seungcheol starts driving as you speak with Dae.

“Are you sure?” she wonders.

“Why would you think I’m sick?”

“Because you apologized.”

You peer back at her, unamused. Dae just smiles.

“She also says please now,” Seungcheol chimes in. You groan at his addition and press your back into the seat. Your feet almost kick like a kid throwing a tantrum, but you hold back that urge.

“Well, now, she’s always done that…sort of. Have you been saying please more? I’m shocked. What about your ‘thank yous’? You haven’t forgotten those right?” Dae asks as if speaking to a child.

You sigh loudly, making it as audible as you can so they know how annoyed you are. Apparently, all Seungcheol’s outings result in your misery one way or another. “I’m not agreeing to any more of your invitations, Seungcheol.”

“I doubt that. You like my company too much to refuse,” he replies. He doesn’t appear to be bothered one bit by your statement.

“Does she now?” Dae wonders aloud. You don’t like where her mind is wandering to.

“Hush it, you two. The only tolerable one here is Yejun,” you huff, having seen him for a second when you glanced at Dae. He was on his phone then, but now he’s sitting back enjoying the bantering between you all.

“I’m honored to hear that, Yn,” he teases.

Even though the car ride consists of Seungcheol and Dae teasing you and Yejun, you’re grateful to get your mind off the troubles you’ve been having lately.

When you arrive, you quickly open the door and step out before Seungcheol can open it for you.

“I beat you this time,” you gloat as Seungcheol comes to stand by you, locking his car once the others are out.

There’s a small bounce to your step when you exit that causes Seungcheol to give you a warm smile, eyes staring at you with tenderness. 

“That you did, Cherry.”

Your elevated shoulders deflate while a pout takes over your features. His reply is too casual. You had expected something more witty.

“While you two do a round two of flirting, Yejun and I are going to go inside,” Dae says before wrapping her arm in Yejun’s and leaving you both by the car.

She walks away too fast for you to reply, so you turn to Seungcheol. He wears a red turtleneck, black pants, and a black leather jacket slung over his arm. The shirt hugs his body nicely; it outlines his muscular chest ever so slightly and makes you yearn to see more. His hair is styled a little to still look natural but gives it a different appearance. He’s really handsome tonight. Red seems to be his color as well.

“You’re not going to wear that?” you wonder while pointing to his jacket.

He shakes his head. “It’s too hot right now.”

“Then why did you bring it?” you ask, eyebrows coming together.

Shrugging, he takes your hand in his. Your first instinct is to pull away—startled at his sudden touch. You’ve never held his hand before. The act seems a little too intimate… Makes you feel a little too warm.

Nevertheless, you keep your hand in his. The feeling is rather nice if you’re being honest with yourself. His grip is firm to make the grasp feel secure but not too tight to be suffocating. It’s as if he’s just naturally used to having a strong grip on things.

“We don’t want to keep them waiting,” he says before making his way to the restaurant. You stay silent as you walk next to him.

“I’m glad you listened to me,” he comments when you are near the entrance.

“Huh?” you ask, glancing up at him.

He gives you another smile and reaches past you to hold the door open.

“Red still looks good on you. Even if there’s only a little of it.”

So he did notice.

You tear your gaze from him at his compliment, heart beating quicker. You can’t keep it steady even if you try. You feel a little proud you decided to go with the shoes after all. 

You mumble a ‘thanks’ before walking inside. He follows behind you, greeting the host. The host gestures to where your friends are all seated before wishing you a good dinner. It almost looks like they are a group of people celebrating something, but you know they aren’t. There are just a lot of you. And of course, the two empty seats happen to be next to each other at the end.

“Hi, Yn! Hey Cheol,” Joshua greets. When everyone notices you, there is a chorus of hellos. The large welcome has you smiling, not used to the friendly attention. 

All the people who are helping you with your project are here, plus a few others. They make you promise not to talk about the show before sitting down, claiming you need a break from it. You want to protest as you can talk about whatever you want, but they have a point. You probably do need a mental breather. Thus, you agree to their conditions.

You sit between Seungcheol and Wonwoo, who you just met. He’s a film production student and like Vernon, keeps mostly to himself. Despite that, he isn't shy to engage wholeheartedly in the conversation if he is passionate about the topic. You also meet Jun and Seungkwan for the first time—Seungkwan being the more outgoing of the two.

Seungcheol’s friends are a lively bunch, and although his business friends can get rowdy as well, their energy just doesn't match this group. It’s more relaxing, carefree, and so easy to slip into. However, a part of that can be because you don’t feel like you’re on defense the entire time.

For the first time in years, you are surrounded by people you thoroughly enjoy—without the stress of being the best, viewed as being the enemy, and the pressure of keeping your family together with tattered strings. It’s all so… alleviating. Comforting.

Seungcheol keeps his arm hung over the back of your chair as you attentively listen to his friends. Sometimes you would feel his hand on your back and would turn to see if he needed something. He always shook his head and nodded back to who was speaking—sometimes it was multiple, and you just picked the closest conversation you could hear.

You’re so used to hearing Seungcheol’s voice that you don’t realize how quiet he can get. At first, you’re concerned, but you realize he’s enjoying sitting back and watching his friends have fun. You don’t know how long he’s known these people, but from the fond look in his eyes, you know the duration doesn’t matter. They mean a lot to him.

You wonder if he’ll ever look at you like that in the future. Like you are someone he cherishes and adores. Suddenly, you want to try everything in your power to achieve that.

Once the food arrives, you figure the noise will quiet down. That isn’t the case. The table is still chatty even though it should be filled with munching. You suppose this is the pros of being with a large group.

Seungcheol had moved this arm so he could eat, but he put it back when he was done. When his fingers graze your back for the nth time, you finally peer behind you to see his hand. You giggle as you realize he’s been playing with the fuzz of your top the entire time.

“Sorry,” he sheepishly apologizes and retracts his arm from your chair. You grab his wrist, guiding it back to where it was.

“It’s fine. It’s nice,” you murmur.

“And cool?” he taunts, referring to Seoah’s attempt to hide the fact that Seungcheol had been to your house before.

You scowl at him half-heartedly before turning away. In spite of the loud environment, your ears still catch his low chuckle behind you.

Not once this night did Seungcheol put on his jacket. He never came close to needing it. Nevertheless, he didn’t hesitate to drape the material over your shoulders when he saw you shiver for the third time. There’s a tiny part of you that wonders if he brought it just for you. Though that’s a reach as he wouldn’t have known what you were wearing. You could have brought your own.

Despite feeling warmer, you miss his hand touching your back. Sometimes it would tickle your bare skin whenever you moved a certain way; it had shivers running down your spine. It could’ve been because of his cold hands, but you knew it was more because of his skin touching yours. You’re tempted to remove his jacket just so you can feel his touch again.

“Hey Yn,” comes a voice behind you suddenly. You glance up to see Jeonghan. He leans on the back of Seungcheol’s chair to look at you.

“Hi,” you greet. He’s sitting on the other side of the table, so you wonder what brings him over.

Jeonghan glances down at Seungcheol, one hand on his shoulder. “Seungcheol.”

“Jeonghan,” answers Seungcheol suspiciously.

“So, I heard you’re paying for some people’s dinner,” Jeonghan trails off.

Seungcheol leans forward to move away from the man.

“Emphasis on some,” he replies.

“One more won’t hurt, right?” Jeonghan asks with an innocent smile on his face; however, you know that grin is more devious than it appears. It means trouble.

“Hm, you’re right,” Seungcheol answers, then glances past you. “I’m sure Wonwoo would love a free meal.”

Jeonghan whines at his reply. “Not him! Me! Pay for mine, buddy?”

“No,” Seungcheol says with a small laugh.

“Seungcheol’s paying?” Soonyoung’s voice rings out from across the table. Their conversation, albeit not loud, catches his attention. Or perhaps Soonyoung just has a keen ear for the words “pay,” “Seungcheol,” and “free”.

“No!” Seungcheol says, louder than before.

“Seungcheol’s paying?” More voices resound this time, all heads turning toward Seungcheol.

“No, I’m not,” the man in the center of attention declines. He sends a glare to Jeonghan.

“Isn’t he so generous?” Jeonghan says, disregarding Seungcheol’s answer, and goes to wrap his arms around Seungcheol. The latter man has no choice but to accept the hug as he is trapped due to the table.

Whoops, hollers, and thanks reverberate from the group.

Your eyes scan the table. It’s covered in plates. Sure, a few meals aren’t too bad, but paying for a table of sixteen is absurd. Perhaps they’re all joking with him. Though, when they all begin to file out of the building without opening their wallets, you know they’re serious.

Seungcheol stays seated as they leave, informing you both they’ll wait outside. 

You stare at Seungcheol in shock. You figure he’d be infuriated, but he looks relaxed still. Almost as if this isn’t the first time it’s happened.

You grab your wallet from your purse, plucking out your card and holding it out to him.

“I can help pay,” you say. Seungcheol glances at your offering. He smiles at you and pushes your hand back.

“I appreciate that, but don’t worry about it, Cherry.” He sounds amused as if you just offered him a popsicle rather than money.

“But this is way too much for you to pay alone,” you argue.

Seungcheol doesn’t let you see the bill and pays for the meal swiftly. However, you don’t need to see the total to know it’s a lot of money.

“Seungcheol,” you scold when he doesn’t listen to you.

He chuckles and slides his card back into his wallet. “Put that away, and let’s go, baby.”

He gestures to your card still in your hand before standing up and adjusting his clothes. It takes you a few seconds to move, still dumbfounded by him actually paying for it all and affording it, and him calling you baby. Despite him only calling you that three times, it still has the same effect it always has.

Not that you are counting.

He takes your hand in his again as he walks out, thanking the host once more.

“There’s the man!” Seokmin greets him with open arms when he sees Seungcheol.

Seungcheol shakes his head in disapproval, but he has a smile on his face. “You all owe me now.”

“You say that every time,” Seungkwan calls out.

“Exactly. You all have a tab open,” he says.

“We were thinking of getting some ice cream, you guys want to come?” Chan asks.

Seungcheol glances at you before saying, “I’ve got to get her home, sorry.”

“What?” you ask. “No, you don’t.”

“It’s almost eleven,” he answers. You sigh and shift your weight.

“You don’t actually have to get me home by then,” you say, remembering your father’s words.

“Yes I do,” he argues. He looks at Dae and Yejun before you can reply. “Do you both want a ride back?”

“Nah,” Dae says. “We’re going to get another one.”

“Alright. See you all later,” Seungcheol raises a hand in farewell.

“Thanks for paying!” Mingyu exclaims, a bright smile directed toward Seungcheol.

“It was nice to meet you, Yn,” Wonwoo says.

“Get back safely,” Jun adds.

“Thanks,” you answer and then peer at Seungcheol. He’s giving his last byes. Dae catches your gaze, giving you a big grin and a few eyebrow wiggles. You roll your eyes at that and send her a small wave as Seungcheol starts to lead you to his car.

When your friends start driving past, waving and shouting goodbyes while they leave the parking lot, you slow to a stop.

“Why don’t we go with them?” you ask.

Seungcheol raises a brow. “You want to go?”

“I don’t see why not,” you shrug. Truthfully, you don’t want the night to end.

“You like hanging out with them that much?” he teases.

“They’re not that bad,” you mutter, “and ice cream sounds nice.”

He lets out a breath as if in realization. He slides his hand from yours, which you are about to protest, and then drapes it around your shoulders.

“I’ll get you ice cream on the way back, okay?” he replies and continues to his car.

Seungcheol keeps his promise, stopping by a place to get you both a double-scoop cone for the drive. Compared to the last time you were in his car, this ride is a lot more relaxing. It’s quieter since Dae and Yejun are absent, but the music on the stereo fills the small space.

At a stop light, Seungcheol fishes his phone from his pocket.

“Come ‘ere,” he says, lifting the phone up at an angle.

You peep up while licking your ice cream. “Hm?”

“Smile,” he instructs and puts his cone in the frame.

Your gaze drifts to his phone, a puzzled look on your face just in time for him to capture a photo. You’re a second too late to understand what he’s doing.

Seungcheol laughs at your unreadiness.

“Hey! That’s not fair,” you whine and nudge him.

“That’s not my fault. I told you to smile,” he says. He sets the device in the cup holder when the light changes.

“But you didn’t give me enough time to do that,” you grumble.

Not wanting him to have the upper hand, you retrieve your own phone. You lift the device, both your faces on the screen but only you are looking at the camera. Seungcheol is focused on the road, so you quickly take a photo.

“Did you—? Okay, that’s not fair. At least I told you to smile,” he laughs when he hears a click, taking a quick peek at you.

“We’re even now,” you smile as you click on the picture in your gallery. Seungcheol’s side profile can be seen in the background. His tongue is poking out to take a lick of his ice cream. That part was unintentionally taken, but you find the candid photo endearing.

“For now,” he replies, lips in a wide grin.

Your hands are sticky after you’re done with your treat, so you dig out the hand sanitizer in your purse. Seungcheol gives you his palm upon seeing the item. You laugh softly and place some in his hand as well.

Everything feels so normal. It doesn’t help that he places a hand on your thigh so naturally that you can’t find an excuse to move it. At some point in the drive, you start playing with his hand, running your fingertips across his skin and toying with the ring he wears. You don’t even realize you are doing it until he slowly pulls away to put the car in park.

“Did you have fun?” he asks quietly.

For once, you don’t shy from the truth with a sarcastic answer. “I did. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Again, it wasn’t just me. They wanted you there,” he reassures with a kind smile.

That’s weird for you to hear, and you aren’t sure how to respond. You still can’t wrap your mind around the fact multiple people wanted to be in your presence. You mean, it wasn’t just yours, but normally people give you side-eyes when you’re near. Or perhaps you just feel like they do.

“I’m glad you came,” he says before turning off his car. “Now, wait while I open your door.”

You watch as he walks around the car and comes to your side. You want to disobey him, just to rile him up, but you decide to let him have this win. In all his chivalrous glory, he holds out his hand when he opens the door.

“Thank you,” you giggle as you take it and climb out of his car. He keeps his hand in yours leading you to your house.

“You don’t always have to walk me to the door,” you say.

“I can’t see the door from where I park,” he replies.

“You don’t need to?” you answer, but it comes out more as a question due to your puzzlement.

He chuckles and squeezes your hand. “Of course I do. I won’t know if you made it inside safely.”

“That’s kind of you, but—”

He turns around to face you, stopping you in your tracks

“I meant what I said earlier. Your safety is important to me,” he says, eyes locking onto yours so you can see his seriousness. Heat rises to your cheeks. You try to bite back the smile though it’s no use.

Seungcheol stares at you with gentle eyes.

“I like seeing you hap—” he starts.

A loud noise startles both of you, forcing you to move away from one another. You expect to see Seoah or your dad watching from the windows, but you don’t see any faces hiding behind the blinds.

What was that?

Another loud crash.

You don’t like the doom that creeps into your mind. Worried about your family, you rush to the door—only to find it slightly ajar. That doesn’t seem good.

“Seoah? Dad?!” you call out as you push open the door.

“Yn, stop!” Seungcheol urges and runs after you. He grabs you before you can get farther in. He moves you quickly so you are behind him.

“Get out of my way, Seung—”

“Who’s that?!”

You peer around Seungcheol to see your mother, a random knickknack you have around the house in her hand. Your eyes shoot down to the floor to see shattered glass.

“Are you out of your mind?” your father shouts and snatches the item from her hand before she can presumably throw it.

You shove Seungcheol out of the way. Well, you try to shove him. He stands firm in his stance. You try again, and although he still doesn’t move away, he leans slightly over so you can see better.

“What are you doing back?” you question your mother. She turns to you, eyes puffy and lips curled in a snarl. She looks like she hasn’t slept for a few days.

“Yn, dear. Hi sweetie,” she greets, voice softer than before.

Seungcheol watches her with hawk eyes, but when you push him for the third time, he relents. Though he still keeps close.

“Dad?” you ask, hoping to get an explanation.

“She came wanting her stuff back. I told her we had to sell some of it to afford things, and she wasn’t happy about it.”

“Am I supposed to be glad?” your mother growls as she turns back to your father. “You had no right to do that without my permission!”

“You weren’t here,” you say. Her gaze on you is one of surprise as if you’re supposed to be on her side.

“I was coming back,” she says, shoulders sagging.

“And then leave after a few days. This isn’t your home anymore.”

“You’re my home, baby girl,” she replies and starts to come closer. Seungcheol takes a step forward.

You put a hand on his arm to stop him, telling him quietly, “This isn’t your problem.”

This doesn’t make him move, and you sigh. This is exactly what you wanted to hide from Seungcheol. To hide from the world.

“Who is this? You’re letting our daughter see this disrespectful man?” your mother questions your father. 

“He’s a nice young man,” your dad defends. There’s an annoyed spark in you that wants to ask how he could know that. He met him for five minutes or less, and suddenly he knows Seungcheol? However, you don’t want to ignite another argument.

“Yn, take Seoah with you and go book a hotel room. You can take my wallet,” your father instructs.

At Seoah’s name, you realize she’s been home while all this has been happening. You’re used to her being somewhere else when fights like these occur. 

Without another word, you nod and start toward her room. You don’t get far before you remember Seungcheol. You stop to peer at him. 

You’ve never seen him so mad yet worried.

“Thanks for the meal. I’ll talk to you later,” you dismiss, hoping he will turn around and leave so you can focus on Seoah. You should’ve known he wouldn’t do that.

“Yn,” he says.

“Boy, get out of this house right now,” your mother declares.

“You’re the one that needs to leave,” your father exclaims.

Sighing, you grab Seungcheol’s hand and pull him down the hall. You knock on Seoah’s door. Your parents fighting can still be heard.

“It’s me,” you say. The door creaks open.

“What do y—Oh, Seungcheol!” Her eyes widen when she sees him.

You move in front of him more so she’s focused on you. “Eyes on me. Pack a bag. We’re going to a hotel.”

“Again?” she sighs. “I don’t want to. I can just put my headphones in.”

“It doesn’t matter. Pack. We’re leaving in fifteen.”

“I said I don’t want to!” she huffs.

“I don’t ca—” you hiss, only stopping when Seungcheol places a hand on your hip.

“You can stay at mine.”

Seoah’s eyes light up at this.

“Really?!”

“Absolutely not.”

You and your sister say in unison.

“Why not?” Seoah whines.

“We don’t need his help.”

Seoah stares at Seungcheol for a moment and then at you. Finally, she nods solemnly. “Alright, I'll be ready soon.”

“Good,” you reply, then walk to your room. Seungcheol follows you.

“You shouldn’t have said that in front of her,” you scold as you grab a bag, not bothering to look at him. He quietly closes your door to block out the noise outside, though you don’t hear it shut fully.

“Maybe not, but I meant what I said,” he replies.

“And I meant what I said,” you pause while putting a shirt in the bag, eyes glancing at him. He leans against the wall near your door; his arms are crossed. “We don’t need your help.”

You go back to tossing clothes in the bag in a rush. You kick off your heels and trade them for socks and tennis shoes. You don’t hear Seungcheol move until a hand is gently placed on yours.

“Just stop for a minute, Yn,” he says.

“I don’t have time.” You brush his hand off and go back to your closet. Seungcheol grabs your reaching hands and turns you to face him. He leans in so you can see his face easier.

“Stop,” he instructs, using that firm tone of his. It has you relenting. “It’ll be faster to just stay over. You won’t need to deal with a hotel. They may not even have an empty room.”

“You shouldn’t have to deal with us,” you reply, chest jumbling with overwhelming emotions. You were happy with him just minutes ago. Now, you feel embarrassed and frustrated.

He shakes his head. “I want you to come. You won’t be bothering me.”

“Do you have a roommate? What would they say?” you question, thinking back to how some of his friends are rooming with each other.

“I live alone. I have a spare room Seoah can sleep in. It’ll be more comfortable there.”

“What about me?”

“You can have my room.”

“I’m not going to kick you out of your own room, Cheol.”

He smiles, yet it doesn’t reach his eyes. “It’s nice to know you care about me.”

“I don’t,” you huff. “I just don’t want you to give me a hospital bill from the back pains you’d get from sleeping on the couch or floor or wherever.”

Seungcheol chuckles softly and watches as you take a deep breath. The playful moment disappears as quickly as it came.

You bow your head; wrists still clutched in his hold as you ponder his offer.

Staying at his place rather than a hotel does sound nicer, and he has a point there may not be any openings. Not to mention, it’s the cheaper option. But will this be crossing into territory that you aren’t ready for? You’ve hung out with him enough times to consider him your friend, but even then, that’s new to you. Friendship doesn’t come easy to you. Despite you clashing heads with his business peers, you feel Seungcheol has slid into your life too readily. Like it’s too good to be true, and he isn’t going to stick around permanently. Something in you doesn’t like that thought, but that’s an issue for another day.

Seungcheol places your hands on his chest before moving his own to cup your face. He gently lifts your head up to see you. Your eyes are glossy, not yet crying but can easily if one more thing goes wrong.

For the first time, your veil of confidence lifts.

“Stay with me,” he whispers.

He’s talking about going over to his place to get away from your parents. You know this. That’s what this whole discussion is about. But why does your heart tell you he means something else?

There’s a knock at your door, and you move away reluctantly. Seoah shuffles inside with a backpack on her back.

“He’s still here,” she says, surprised at Seungcheol’s appearance.

You clear your throat. “Yeah, we’re,” you pause as you do one final debate in your head, “we’re going to his place for the night.”

From your peripheral, you see Seungcheol’s lips lift in a faint smile.

Seoah’s sad face brightens at the news. You aren’t too sure why she’s so excited to go to his place, but you figure it’s similar to your reason—it isn’t a stuffy hotel room.

“You convinced her! You’re so clever!” she exclaims to Seungcheol.

“I am, huh?” he agrees to which you nudge him.

“Seoah, will you go grab my toiletries, please?” you ask.

“Hm, fine, but only because I forgot mine,” she replies and hurries to your shared bathroom.

“I’m clever, did you hear?” Seungcheol gloats while you finish packing.

“I’m pretending I didn’t,” you mumble. 

You zip the bag and toss it over your shoulder. As you expect, it doesn’t stay there for long. Seungcheol carefully slides it off your body before putting it on his a few minutes later. You had opened your mouth to protest, but he shook his head to tell you not to argue. Sighing, you nodded because frankly, you’re done having and hearing arguments for now.

You meet Seoah in the bathroom, and you all walk to the door. 

The yelling has stopped. 

Your mom is sitting with her head in her hands, and you can hear her sobs filling the room. Your dad is cleaning the mess she made from tossing things around. They are talking, but you don’t stay long enough to hear the topic. The few words you do hear make it sound like they’re talking about their marriage, which is a conversation long overdue.

Seungcheol ends up carrying all the bags to the car. While he sets them in the trunk, you and Seoah sit inside.

“Woah! This is fancy,” Seoah admires, eyes scanning the small space.

“Thanks,” Seungcheol laughs lightly as he drives away.

Seoah talks for a while before eventually falling asleep. You aren’t surprised as it’s late, and she probably doesn’t realize how much the drama took a toll on her.

“You can sleep too,” Seungcheol offers quietly. He keeps his hand to himself this time, and you wonder if it’s because of Seoah or because he wants to distance himself from you. You can’t blame him if he did. Who wants to deal with other people’s problems? He only offered for you to come over out of courtesy.

“I’m okay,” you reply, gaze cast out the window.

As if sensing your thoughts, his hand comes to rest on your thigh again. His thumb brushes against the material of your pants, offering some comfort and reassurance. You place a hand on top of his gently. He flips his over so he can curl his fingers around your hand. You both gaze at each other with a small smile before turning away, hands still clasping in each other.

Seungcheol carries Seoah and her bag once you arrive. He offers to carry your bag too, but you’re stern in your refusal. He’s helping enough. He directs you quietly to his apartment number. After retrieving the keys, you open the door.

His apartment is spacious.

The interior is polished and decorated nicely. Similar to his car, it’s enough to tell you it’s luxurious but not obnoxious to shove it in your face. And man, is he wealthy. From his car, his clothes, the dinner bill, and now his apartment? His pockets are definitely not empty. You’re sure he could rent or buy a house, so why he decided to live in an apartment is unknown. 

Seungcheol leaves to put Seoah in the guest bedroom while you lock the door. You place the keys in a bowl near the entrance. Some of his shoes are left by the door, so you take off yours before walking any farther.

“Cherry?” he calls out. A small smile forms on his lips when you respond to the name. He nods for you to come over, and you follow carefully as if you could break his flooring. You don’t think you can afford the repairs if you do.

“You act like you’re walking on glass,” he chuckles. He watches you with amusement.

“I don’t want to break anything,” you explain.

Seungcheol glances around where you are. The path you take is pretty much empty, but you still act as if you are going through a maze of porcelain vases.

“You’ll be fine. Now walk a little faster, please,” he says.

You don’t listen to him and keep your pace. Seungcheol eyes you as he leans his back against a wall. His head is tilted and his arms are crossed while he waits.

“You’re cute,” he comments when you come closer.

“Be quiet,” you hiss and take a few more steps before stopping in front of him.

“No,” he says defiantly, then guides you to another room. Although you don’t see the room he put Seoah in, you’re positive you have just stepped into his room.

You were so caught up with your family drama that you didn’t think twice about Seungcheol being in your bedroom. Now that you are in his, it dawns on you how much of your life he has seen in a short period of time.

It isn’t a big deal. At least, it shouldn’t be; however, bedrooms are personal. They often described the resident, and you and Seungcheol have seen each other's spaces in the span of an hour.

“The bathroom is over there,” he points out. “You can set your bag anywhere. I’ll be out there on the couch.”

“I should take the couch,” you say.

“Cherry, don’t argue. Not tonight. You’re sleeping here.” His words make it seem like he is tired of your complaints, but he talks so softly that it doesn’t feel like that.

“Fine,” you comply.

Seungcheol rewards you with a smile. “Goodnight then. I’ll see you in the morning,” he says and starts for the door.

“Cheol,” you murmur, reaching out when he comes by.

He stops as soon as he feels your hand grazing his arm. “Hm?”

Your eyes rise to meet his, and the look on his face has you needing to catch your breath. He is worried. Worried about your well-being. Worried about what would happen tomorrow. You don’t want him to stress over you.

“Thank you,” you speak softly, “for a lot of things.”

He chuckles and raises a hand to the nape of your neck, thumb caressing your cheek. “Care to be specific?”

“For dinner. For this. For not… leaving me.” Yet.

“I don’t think I would if I could,” he murmurs.

“You can, though?” you say, skepticism evident in your head tilt.

Seungcheol’s mouth curves into a small smile, eyes searching yours for something you don’t know. “You’ll know one day.”

That doesn’t help your puzzled state, but that doesn’t seem to affect him. Slowly, he leans in. His lips press against your forehead tenderly, lingering there long enough for you to close your eyes for a second. It’s gentle and sweet. You wish it was on your lips instead.

“Sweet dreams, Cherry.”

He leaves without another word, and you’re in such a stupor that you don’t have time to say anything before he shuts the door behind him.

Using Seungcheol’s bathroom and changing in his room is strange. Yet what’s more strange is that it doesn’t feel all that… weird? Not like you thought it would be. 

Is it another illusion you cast upon yourself? 

Seungcheol would stroll through the door, dressed in sweats and a loose shirt… or maybe not one at all. He would kiss your mouth in greeting. His broad body would press against yours, and he’d smile that smile that had you wanting to do anything to keep it there. He’d slide next to you in bed, whispering teases in your ear that would annoy you, yet you wouldn’t want him to stop.

Oh, hell. What is wrong with you?

Irritated at the mini story you conjured in your head, you kick at the jacket on the floor. However, you recall you didn’t bring a jacket tonight. Seungcheol had let you borrow his. You just kicked his jacket.

Oh no.

But it’s just a jacket. Why are you getting upset over it? You can kick it again. It isn’t going to come alive and bite you. Seungcheol will never know you fought with it, but something in you feels guilty about the action. Perhaps because it belongs to him, and you feel responsible for it since it’s under your care.

Shaking your head, you grab the item and hang it over his dresser. You’re losing it. Your marbles? All gone. Rolled off to another dimension, never to be seen again.

You move to his bed, carefully pulling back the covers to climb in. Your body sinks into the mattress, and a sigh leaves your lips at how good it feels under you. It’s comfortable, soft, and way too big for just you. You feel like royalty.

Leaning over, you switch off the night light, snuggling deeper in the covers and taking a deep breath.

Sleeping in his bed is surely a bad idea. His expensive cologne is lingering on his sheets and is a strong reminder of where you are. Nevertheless, you pull the covers closer to you as you close your eyes. You need a break from your tiring thoughts.

The morning comes sooner than you’d like.

You open your eyes expecting to see your pegboard of sewing supplies and instead see a black dresser. It has you jolting up and frantically glancing around. When you spot the black jacket on the dresser, you remember you aren’t home. You’re at Seungcheol’s.

You reach over and flip your phone to view the screen. It’s nearly ten.

You linger in bed, mindlessly scrolling through social media until Dae texts for a favor. You’ll fill her in on what happened later, for now, you’re forced to go to your gallery to send a reference of something she needs. The act has you stumbling upon the picture you took last night.

The stretch of your lips happens involuntarily as you stare at Seungcheol through your screen. Even though the night ended poorly, at least you have something to remember about the good times.

Having caught yourself staring at the photo for too long, you quickly exit the app and send Dae what she needs. That’s enough phone usage for now.

Reluctantly, you haul yourself from Seungcheol’s (beyond) comfortable mattress, fix the bed, and then go to the bathroom. After a quick change, you carefully open the door and pad out to the living room. You anticipate seeing Seungcheol sipping on something warm on the couch, but what you see instead has your heart tightening.

Seungcheol lays on his back, one arm resting across his eyes and the other across his chest. Some of his hair is trapped against his forehead due to his arm, and the rest dangles off the side. His lips are slightly ajar due to the position of his head. The blanket that was once over his body is now situated half on the floor.

You recognize his clothes from last night, and a pang of guilt hits your heart. He could’ve knocked on your—his—door and asked to get a spare of clothes, yet he left you alone. It was a selfless act, and you stare at him with newfound affection.

You shuffle in your spot, unsure of what to do. A part of you wants to be a creep and stare at Seungcheol longer—he looks too cute not to—and another wants to go back to his room until you hear some movement. Neither of these happens when you hear Seoah’s voice.

“Are you plotting his murder?” she whispers, though it’s louder than one.

You snap your eyes to her, feet moving farther from the sleeping man. You scoff, muttering, “No!”

“Then why were you staring at him like that?”

“I was not staring,” you argue. Seoah’s eyes narrow, unbelieving you.

“Were to! You weren’t even blinking.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“And you’re lying.”

You both eye each other down from across the room, sending invisible daggers each way.

“Go get dressed,” you finally say.

“Why?” she questions. “We’re going now?”

“Soon, yes.”

“But it’s so nice here. Don’t you think we should, I don’t know, cook him breakfast for letting us stay here?”

“We can give him a granola bar when we get home,” you sigh. Just once, can she listen to you?

“A granola bar? I didn’t think you hated him that much,” she gasps, overexaggerating her expression.

“You’re right. I don’t. I’ll give you the granola bar instead,” you threaten.

She giggles, and a frown sets on your lips at the sound. “You can’t. They’re all gone. I gave them to Dad.”

There’s a small puff of air somewhere in the room that doesn’t come from you or Seoah. The only other person in the room is… Your eyes go to Seungcheol. Sometime during your bickering, Seungcheol had woken up. He doesn’t have his eyes open or has even moved his body, but his lips were definitely not in a smile a few minutes ago.

“Did you hear that, Seungcheol?” Seoah asks. “Yn’s trying to kill you with granola bars.”

“Hm, I heard,” he chuckles softly, still a little sleepy. He peels his eyes open and leans his head to the side to look at you. The arm that was once over his eyes has shifted to rest on his forehead. 

“That’s not very nice of you.”

You should be irked at being ganged up on. They’re teasing you, yet your mind gets foggy from hearing Seungcheol’s deep timbre. He already has a deep voice, and you’ve heard it go deeper when he’s teased you, but this is different. 

And goodness, do you find it attractive.

“I think we won,” Seungcheol continues playfully and looks at Seoah with a smile.

“I think so too! She doesn’t have anything to say,” she giggles.

You blink a few times and then look at Seoah. “Why aren’t you getting changed?”

“This is why you don’t get invited to parties. You ruin the fun,” she huffs, smile dipping into a frown at your words.

“Parties aren’t fun in general,” you counter.

“Speak for your own parties!” she says.

“What do you even know about them?” you question. Seoah opens her mouth to answer but stops when Seungcheol speaks.

“Seoah, go get dressed, and we can get some breakfast. One that doesn’t include granola bars,” he chuckled.

“Oh?! Okay! Sounds good,” Seoah replies excitedly and turns to go back to her room.

“You listen to him and not me?” you scoff.

She stops in her tracks. “He’s nicer.”

“I’m your sister,” you answer as if that holds more weight.

“Right,” she drags out. “I revoke that privilege!”

She hurries inside the room and shuts the door.

“Privilege,” you repeat with a scoff and cross your arms over your chest.

“You should’ve been a lawyer,” Seungcheol says as he stands from the couch. You focus your attention on him, almost forgetting he’s there with how quiet he is being. His hair is sticking in different directions, and you have to force down a giggle.

“What? Why?” you question.

“Because you like to argue.”

“Hmph!” you sound and give him your back. A childish move, but Seoah isn’t here to mock you for it later.

Seungcheol laughs and comes up behind you. He places his hands on your hips, leaning his head to your ear. Your heart begins to race at how close he is. His breath tickles your ear, and you squirm at the sensation. Seungcheol holds you tighter.

“I think you would’ve been a good one,” he murmurs, voice still deep from his sleep. You want to listen to him more.

“Really?” you hum.

Seunghceol’s hair brushes against your cheek when he shakes his head.

“No,” he teases before slowly slipping his hands from you. You whip around to look at him.

“Where are you going?” you ask. Why do you sound so desperate? You don’t need to be near him. It doesn’t matter he’s leaving.

He smiles as he walks back toward his room.

“To get ready. Don’t miss me too much,” he replies, sending a playful wink and shutting his door.

Seungcheol comes back dressed in a simple black short-sleeved shirt and jeans. It’s not a combination you haven’t seen before. In fact, it’s really common, yet your eyes can’t tear away from him.

“Is it stained or something?” Seungcheol questions, glancing down at his outfit as he walks to you.

“N-no,” you reply and avert your eyes from him.

“You know you can tell me when I look nice, right? My ego will only inflate a little,” he says.

He plops down next to you on the couch, swinging an arm behind you and spreading his legs a bit. Your gaze drifts down to his thighs. They’re thick, and you wonder if they will be soft or firm under your touch. Your body instinctively inches closer to him like the temptation is too strong to ignore.

You hear Seungcheol try to stifle his laugh, causing your eyes to move away.

“A little?” you echo when you recall the active conversation. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

He smiles and shrugs. “Well, what can I say? A pretty girl giving me compliments makes my ego grow bigger than usual.”

“Cheol,” you whine, glancing away, wishing he wouldn’t say things that make your heart do somersaults. You had put those thoughts under lock and key because you are definitely not developing an infatuation with Choi Seungcheol.

Seungcheol tucks a finger under your chin and turns you to face him, so he can see your flustered expression clearly.

“My pretty girl,” he murmurs so low you have to strain to hear it.

Silence looms over you both. You swear he can hear your thudding heart. His hand glides from your chin to your upper thigh.

“You gonna’ give me that compliment now, baby?” he prompts lowly while his hand gently massages you.

“You look good,” you reply quietly, fighting to stay calm.

“Only good?” he hums.

“Really good.”

Seungcheol chuckles. “I guess that’ll do for now.”

Your lips tug down when he pulls away from you, making Seungcheol pause and smile.

“Don’t be sad, Cherry. You can compliment me more later,” he says. You have a feeling he knows the true reason for your pout but decides not to mention it.

You’ll have to work on hiding your expressions better. For now, you focus on making sure you and Seoah don’t leave anything before heading out the door. You don’t fight with Seungcheol when he takes your bags again. It’s just easier not to.

As promised, Seungcheol drives you all to a local breakfast diner. It’s lively—filled with all different walks of life. You see couples, friends, families, and some loners who don’t actually look alone. They seem content.

Seungcheol must come here often as most of the workers recognize him. They’re happy to see him with new people this time. You think you catch sight of one of them giving him a thumbs up, but it could’ve been directed to another patron.

“This tastes amazing!” Seoah exclaims, another fork full of pancakes entering her mouth.

“Don’t eat so fast,” you scold when you see her cheeks full.

She brushes you off with a wave of a hand but waits until she swallows what’s in her mouth before taking another bite.

“Is yours okay?” Seungcheol asks from across the table.

You had wanted to sit next to him, but Seoah had pushed you inside the booth and slid in after before you could have a say. Though Seungcheol doesn’t let the distance stop him from giving you affectionate touches. He has been brushing his leg against yours slowly under the table for the past ten minutes.

You glance at him and nod. “It’s great,” you say.

“I’m glad,” he responds before taking another bite as well.

The rest of the meal isn’t anything exciting. You all eat well, and when it comes time for payment, Seungcheol beats you to it. You try to pay, even going as far as trying to distract him, but he remains adamant. You reason he just paid for a hearty meal last time, and the least you can do is pay as a thank you for spending the night. He only shakes his head.

Seoah is much more awake on this car ride. Her mouth almost never stops running. She gives Seungcheol so many compliments on his apartment you figure his ego is bursting at the seams. He’ll be full of them for days. Then Seoah talks about you—well, tries to. You shush her every time she attempts to tell an embarrassing story.

“But he should know how you can’t eat more than three egg rolls before throwing up—” Seoah says from the backseat.

“Seoah!” you huff for the umpteenth time.

“Seriously, Seungcheol, she ate so much one time that her body can’t eat a lot anymore,” she continues. You rest your head against the headrest with a groan. You don’t want to go to jail. Deep breaths.

Seungcheol laughs, taking a quick glance at you. “Fully noted,” he replies.

“Good! You should know this stuff since you’re her boyfriend,” she says. “Well, not yet, anyway. You’re going to ask her out, though, right?”

The question has you holding your breath. You don’t expect him to answer as it isn’t any of her business, but there is still some hope that he’ll respond.

Seungcheol makes a small choking noise while he tightens his hold on the steering wheel, obviously startled by the sudden question. His face becomes flushed, and his ears turn a light shade of red. It isn’t often you see this side of Seungcheol, and you almost let Seoah continue. Almost.

“I—” Seungcheol starts.

“You’re five seconds away from being kicked out of this car,” you threaten Seoah as you turn in your seat to glare at her.

“Seungcheol wouldn’t do that to me,” she protests defiantly.

“There’s always a first for everything,” you smirk at her. “Plus, it’ll build your character.”

She gives you a shove on the arm and pouts.

“Don’t worry, Seoah. You’re safe with me,” Seungcheol says after he collects himself.

Seoah straightens at that, sticking her tongue out at you. “Told you so!”

You mutter a “yeah” at her as you shake your head and glance at Seungcheol. He gives you a lopsided smile before looking back at the road.

That night your mom and dad discussed their relationship.

It’s been delayed long enough, and all that pent-up anger finally bubbled over, resulting in your mom becoming the Hulk for five minutes. You had never seen her so mad, but you’re grateful she was throwing the objects on the floor rather than at your dad or Seoah.

They agreed to break up officially. It’s always been a cloudy subject with them. You didn’t really know where they stood, but it’s clear to you now. Whatever hopes of getting your family back won’t come true. Your parents have some money and plan to file for divorce papers soon. You aren’t sure how custody will work, but you figure Seoah will stay with your dad. Your mother is too busy traveling to take care of your sister. Despite your dad also being busy, at least he’ll be home more. Though, you get the feeling you’ll still have to look after her. 

As promised, your father put aside some time to talk to you. It wasn’t a lengthy conversation, but it was… nice, regardless. He apologized again for not being there for you and Seoah and said he’ll try to be better. He’s honest in that he tells you it will take some time, but you’re grateful he wasn’t feeding you fairytales. 

Two weeks pass by with the same schedule—wake up, homework, class, homework, dinner, sleep. You meet with Dae a few times to work on your project, but that’s all. You have a quarter of your outfits completed for the show, which feels good, but you still have more to finish. You’re on track with your own deadlines, but barely.

You haven’t seen Seungcheol much during the weeks. If you do, it’s only through passing. Texts with him have also been minimal due to your schedules. You should be fine with that. You’ve seen and talked with him plenty that weekend to last weeks, yet you can’t get him out of your mind. 

You’re not sure when you’d grown so attached to the man, and that makes you worry. You’ve only known him for nearly three months. It’s too soon to feel this strongly. To feel like you need him. You need to focus more on something else. Anything but him. You have repeated this in your mind, trying to make it stick. 

Though it isn’t too successful, considering you are sitting on your bedroom floor with Seoah stringing beads as a thank-you gift for Seungcheol. You want to blame this on Seoah, but you had come up with the idea. Seoah is here because you know she has been wanting to do something. However, if you are being honest, the main reason is you need an excuse for why you are making a bracelet for him. The idea is silly, but you found a bunch of beads in your room and needed to do something with them. Maybe this is too childish for someone like Seungcheol. You were going to back out of the plan, though Seoah was over the moon at the suggestion. Needless to say, you couldn’t change your idea even if you wanted to.

“These beads are too small,” you grumble as you try to pick up a bead for the third time.

“You just want to complain,” Seoah replies, having no issue with plucking beads from the container. You glance at her work. She used pink and blue beads only, alternating between the two. There’s also an “S” dangling in the middle.

“‘S’ for Seungcheol?” you wonder. Seoah glances at the letter and then at you.

“No. ‘S’ for Seoah. I want him to know it’s from me,” she explains. You laugh a little. A two-for-one use.

She tilts her head at yours. “Why the cherries?”

Your body warms at the question. It’s simple. Innocent. Nothing inappropriate or difficult to comprehend. Though the answer is more complicated, or at least, it’s too personal to share.

“They matched my colors,” you shrug, acting as if it has no significant meaning, but you know otherwise. 

You want him to be reminded of you any time he sees it. You want to be on his mind as much as he is on yours. It’s only fair. Plus, in a weirdly possessive way, you want to feel like he’s yours. Even if that isn’t true.

“There are strawberries, too,” she points out.

“I just grabbed the first charm I saw.”

“Ah,” she examines the unfinished bracelet. The beads are alternated in a different pattern than Seoah’s. It consists of mainly white beads, a few red and green ones scattered between. “It’s nice.”

As you tie the string, you consider the chance of him not wearing it at all. Is yours too much? Too cheesy? Should you just have given him money and left it at that? Why did you spend an hour planning a design and ensuring the beads you picked weren’t scratched or chipped? Seoah had finished hers minutes ago but stayed watching you.

It’s been a while since you hung out with Seoah alone. You hung out more when your mother was here, but even then, it wasn’t too often. You aren’t as close as you feel you should be. You glance at her once you are done. She’s been growing fast, slowly discovering her personality and interests. You know you will never win the Best Sister Award, but you can try to be an honorable mention.

“Seoah?” you call, fingers toying with the finished bracelet.

She’s staring at your hands, but you can tell she isn’t really registering what is happening around her. Somewhere lost in her thoughts.

Still, she answers and looks up. “Yeah?”

“Do you,” a pause, “want to sleep over in my room tonight?”

It isn’t a big deal. You don’t plan to have a pillow fight and do each other's nails, but you would have company.

She looks happy for a split second and then narrows her eyes. “What’s the catch?”

“There’s none,” you shake your head.

“Then why did you ask?”

You bite the inside of your cheek. Not quite ready to fight through the awkwardness of a sappy conversation.

“I thought it’d be nice to have some company, but you don’t have to,” you answer and grab her bracelet. You slide them inside a sheer bag you found, pulling the strings to close the opening. You stand up and place it in your purse. You’ll give it to him tomorrow.

“I want to!” Seoah says quickly when she feels like you’re changing your mind. “Let me go get changed.”

“It won’t be like the sleepovers you have,” you warn when she gets to your door. You don’t want her to get false ideas. She smiles at you.

“I know, but I don’t care.”

After you both are ready for bed, you lay staring at your ceiling. She talks about her classes, friends, and even a few crushes she has. She’s a social butterfly; unlike you, people enjoy talking to her. She is quirky enough to put some fun in conversations, but not excessive to come off rude or overbearing. You’re not sure how she grew to be such a good person because she sure as hell didn’t learn that from you or your dad. Whoever it was, though, you’re grateful. You’ve stopped feeling close to your family, so you quit putting effort into getting to know them more. 

Maybe you should change that.

This feels like walking in a tiger’s cage.

You are surrounded by people dressed up in suits and others in plain jeans and a shirt. The majority have neutral colors on, and it’s different from what you’re used to. At least in your building, there are more colors.

There’s no way you’re going to be able to camouflage yourself in your all-pink plaid outfit, so why try? 

You keep your chin high as you try to find the study room, ignoring the many stares you receive on the way. You texted Seungcheol earlier and asked for his location. When he asked you why, you simply said it was a surprise.

Room 526.

There’s a window in the door, and you peer in to see if he’s there. He is. Though he isn’t alone. Hajun, Hana, and Doyun are there as well. They’re silent, heads bowed, as they all work on something in front of them. Seungcheol seems deep in thought.

That is until Hajun makes a comment while glancing at Seungcheol. He smiles, chuckling at whatever she said before they both go back to their work. 

It’s odd to see him in this environment. He acts so casually with the very same people who only spit insults at you. You know Seungcheol has never stopped talking to them. You didn’t tell him to, and they were his friends before you. Yet, there is still a twinge of disappointment that he remained friends with them. 

Dae’s words ring in your ear from weeks ago—he could have left you. Then there is the devil on your shoulder telling you he should have. However, you tried that already. You made that decision for him, but he came back. And you let him.

“Yn?” says a male voice behind you. You jump, turning on your heel quickly and moving from the door.

Vernon stands with his backpack hanging off one shoulder.

“Vernon,” you say, startled. “What are you doing here?”

He smiles shyly. “I’m late for a study group.”

“I thought you were changing majors?” you question.

“I am, but I figured I’d stick it out for the classes I have. Don’t want to waste any more money than I already have by withdrawing,” he chuckles sadly.

“It’ll be worth it once you find something you like,” you reassure.

“Thanks,” he replies and gives you a toothy smile. He looks so young with that grin. “I should go in before they text me again.”

You step aside as Vernon moves.

“Hey, can you tell Seungcheol to come out?” you ask quickly before he opens the door.

“Sure,” he replies.

“You took your time,” Hana teases when the door opens.

“It’s not my fault my phone died overnight. I didn’t hear my alarm,” he pouts. There are a few chuckles that echo in the room.

“Oh, Cheol?” Vernon says. There’s silence for a second. “You’re needed outside.”

“Why?” Seungcheol asks; he sounds distracted.

“Yn’s here.”

“Yn?” Hajun questions, surprised. “What is she doing here?”

“I’ll be right back,” Seungcheol says as you hear the sound of a chair scraping the floor.

“She’s probably just here to recruit you for her stupid project. You don’t need to help her. Let’s just get back to work,” Hajun reasons. “Vernon’s here so we can get done faster.”

“I’m sure you can wait five more minutes,” he says. You listen carefully as his footsteps become louder. The door squeaks when it’s pushed open more.

You look up at the noise and meet Seungcheol’s eyes. 

Your breath gets caught in your throat. 

His hair is pushed off his face, a few pieces hanging down deviantly. He wears black slacks and a tucked-in white button-down. The tie around his neck is loosened and the first few buttons of his shirt are undone. 

His once-stressed face soon brightens as he lets the door shut. He moves closer.

“Hey, Cherry,” he smiles.

“Hey,” you reply, a little breathless from having held your breath.

“It’s good to see you,” he murmurs, leaning a forearm against the wall. You notice he’s keeping his distance, and you’re unsure if it’s purposeful. Perhaps you’re just overthinking again.

“You too,” you reply. Your eyes take one more quick sweep of his attire. How he makes a simple fit look so remarkable is beyond you.

“I can tell you want to give me another compliment,” he haughtily says.

You huff, trying to disguise your panicked expression with faux annoyance. “Not when you tell me that.”

“I can wait,” he says and disregards your comment. He lays his head against the arm that’s on the wall as if he’s taking a rest. You want to wipe that smug smile off his lips.

“You’re insufferable,” you whine.

“No, baby, I’m patient.” He speaks slowly as if to emphasize his statement.

You glare up at him but soon relent with a huff. “You look good.”

“Oh, come on, you used that last time. Don’t you have another adjective? Maybe one that rhymes with pot?” he smirks, an eyebrow rising in challenge.

He wants you to call him hot.

You aren’t going to at first, but then you decide you’re done with him having the upper hand. You recall his shocked and reddened face at Seoah’s question in the car. It would be nice to see that again.

You close the space between you, hand grabbing the end of his tie. Slowly, you wrap the material around your palm. His smug smile slowly disappears with each inch you tug him closer. He pushes his forearm off the wall and sprawls his hand on it instead. His other hand grabs your hip so he can’t tumble forward.

“I’ll say something even better,” you purr lowly. Your faces are so close to each other that you can faintly feel his breath. “You look very sexy, Seungcheol.”

The hand on your hip squeezes you, and you can see his Adam’s apple bob from his harsh swallow. It feels good to put him on the other side for a change. You smile triumphantly at his reaction before letting his tie unravel from your hand.

Taking a step back, his hand slips from your body, and you dig into your purse for the jewelry bag.

“Here, I came to give you this,” you explain and hold the bag up. His eyes drop from yours to the item. He still looks a little dazed.

“It’s a thank you for letting me and Seoah stay the night.”

Seungcheol takes the bag, flipping it over in his hand. He brings it closer and examines it through the sheer material. His lips slowly tug up. Before he can say anything, you hastily continue.

“It was Seoah’s idea. You don’t have to actually wear them, we—she just wanted to give you something.”

Seungcheol starts opening the bag, and you swiftly put a hand out as if to stop him. “You don’t have to open it now, you can do that la—”

He takes out the two bracelets, twisting them until both charms are facing him. You drop your hand and start playing with the strap of your purse, resisting the urge to tap your foot as you stand in silence watching him.

“T-the ‘S’ is for Seoah, not Seungcheol,” you explain. You’re not sure why you do it in the first place. It doesn’t really matter what the ‘S’ really stands for.

“And the cherries? What do they represent?” he questions, eyes flickering to you with a faint smile.

Your heart hammers in your chest. He doesn’t need to ask that. He knows what they represent.

“They’re just cherries. Don’t think too muc—”

“That’s not true and you know it,” he scolds gently. Your eyes focus on his hands as he carefully slips both bracelets on his wrist. They fit around him perfectly. They aren’t too tight to dig into his skin, but they are loose enough to allow a finger or two to slip through.

His gaze moves back to yours. When he notices your averted gaze, he leans in to catch your attention.

“What do they represent?” he repeats, a hint of sternness to his voice.

You meet his eyes reluctantly. “Me. They r-represent me.”

“Yes, they do,” he says, finally letting his smile show more. Seungcheol slips the bag into his pocket. “They’re nice. Tell Seoah thank you.”

“I will,” you answer, clearing your throat. “I’ll let you get back to studying.”

“Don’t you want your thank you?” Seungcheol chuckles and takes a small step forward.

Your body freezes in place. “I don’t need one.”

“Hm,” he says. He takes a quick glance at the study room’s door before cupping the back of your neck gently. Warmth spreads from that area to the rest of your body. You stare at him with wide eyes.

“Thank you, Cherry. Really,” he murmurs and then kisses your forehead for the third time since you met him.

You truly aren’t keeping track. Definitely not.

“I’ll text you later?” he says, though it sounds like a suggestion.

“Okay,” you agree with a small nod.

“You going home?” he asks and slowly walks back to the door, hand grazing your skin as he leaves.

“No, I have a class. Do you have a test or something?” you wonder, recalling how serious he looked earlier.

“A presentation,” he says. That explains his attire.

“Ah. Good luck,” you wish.

You’re not sure what comes over you, but you quickly added, “Oh, and Seungcheol?”

His hand is pressed down on the door handle when you call. He turns his head to you, waiting for your reply before he goes inside.

“You do look sexy.”

Seungcheol laughs, less flabbergasted about your compliment this time.

“Thanks, Cherry. You look beautiful.”

He says it as if it’s as easy as breathing. There’s no hesitation or delay in his comment. You wonder how long he’s been thinking that.

Seungcheol pulls the door open before you can reply and slips inside. As the door is closing, you hear Hajun ask, “Goodness, was she trying to get in your pants? You took forever!”

“Enough, let’s just...”

The door clicks close as Seungcheol speaks. You’re tempted to press your ear against it to hear the rest of the sentence, but you remember you’re in public. You inhale slowly, pausing for a few seconds before exhaling gradually. 

Why does every conversation with Seungcheol leave your heart racing?

previous chapter \\ series masterpost // next chapter

A/N: brb swooning 😪 also if i knew how to draw well enough, i would def conjure up the pic mc took of cheol bc in my head it's just SAUR CUTE D:<

For my “shy/silent” readers, I’ve created a feedback form where you can share your thoughts on my fics in a more anonymous and private way. ^-^

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[seahagart]

Okay okay okay!!!

Drífa asks!!!

What did she think about Auntie Ethel?

Did she save the Zhenterim traders and help deliver the package?

How did she recruite Karlach and how did she difuse the situation between Wyll and Karlach?!?

Does she prefer hot foods or warm foods?

How much does she weigh???

Can other people draw Drífa?!? And post it with credit of course!!

Fave animal?!?

Biggest fear??

What does her dream visitor look like?!?!

Can we draw her interacting with other Tavs?!?!

Does she have any missing teeth??

What companion does she get on with the least?

Whats her opinions on marriage??

And finally and personally for me most importantly: if she was an animal, which would it be and why?

Thank you~♡

Oh my goodness! Thank you!!!

What did she think about Auntie Ethel?

I think she is a bit superstitious, doesn't trust her, but also is of the mindset that 'you made a deal with a hag, what did you expect?'. She is distrustful for things that are 'too good to be true'. She likes elderly women, so she probably liked her until it was put together she's a hag and then was weary.

Did she save the Zhenterim traders and help deliver the package?

She probably saved them, and then that was about the amount of interest she has, money doesn't really do it for her. She probably doesn't even remember that.

How did she recruite Karlach and how did she difuse the situation between Wyll and Karlach?!?

She saw a big lady on fire and was like 'wow... that is so crazy... ok anyway-' then once talking to her, probably likes her and notices her strength. Drífa was like 'Karlach, you only one that not small or fragile like others...' and recruited her. Then to diffuse the situation is like 'idk karlach seem pretty cool lady, seems like she's right' Drifa likes Karlach

Does she prefer hot foods or warm foods?

I doubt she could handle anything particularly spicy, but she likes warm meals.

How much does she weigh???

Probably like 500+ lbs, she's 8ft tall

Can other people draw Drífa?!? And post it with credit of course!!

Absolutely! I would be honored and want to see it!!!

Fave animal?!?

Bears. I think she relates to bears, especially polar bears, and sees herself as one. Solitary, only coming into contact with other in times of conflict or to mate. She believes herself destined to be alone, secluded, isolated, it is her purpose... not that she doesn't feel alone. She raises her 'cub' alone like bears do. I think she probably has a kinship while a female bear in the area who she used to want to kill but eventually it's more of a 'that bitch over there' with more respect. 'That bitch over there' eats the animals out of her traps, and takes her food, so she gets kinda heated and curses them out a lot.

I think she also like foxes and enjoys watching them, and birds, listening to their songs.

Biggest fear??

Losing her kid, which already happened. Her biggest fear was not being able to provide/keep her child alive, and then losing them to the wild, which happened (dw he comes back!) so after she experiences that, there really isn't anything she's really afraid afraid of. General fear is just being alone, never leaving the temple and eventually she won't be able to take care of herself. She is fully like 'ya when i get too old I'm going to walk into the woods and thats that' which to her is normal. I think

What does her dream visitor look like?!?!

Like a big mountain man, he kinda looks like pan. A big mountain man is the only person she's ever had intimate contact with, so that'd probably what she defaults to. But she does like people in all varieties :)

Can we draw her interacting with other Tavs?!?!

Yes Please!!! i love seeing her with other tavs! They can be friends, you can ship them, idc, I wanna see!

Does she have any missing teeth??

Probably, she's broken her tusks which grew back and are short because she uses them like a wild animal to open things, probably cracked a tooth, gotten a tooth knocked out falling down a mountain.

What companion does she get on with the least?

I think Laezel and even then I think it'd be because everything Laezel says goes over her head. She doesn't really know why she's so mad, or what she's talking about, but eventually I think they would get on well #warrior bond

I think she'd annoy the shit out of Astarion (not on purpose, just the way she is) and she would think he's a lil annoy... eventually though I think he is the first to get her to laugh and by laugh i mean she nods and says 'that was very humor'

Whats her opinions on marriage??

She is aware of marriage, doesn't really have any thoughts on it, doesn't quite get it maybe.... She doesn't have experience with romance, she doesn't really get the idea of loving someone romantically (I think she would feel it, and would do romantic things without thinking about it) I don't think she'd know what it feels like to have love or be loved, the first experience she has is with the people who raised her in the temple, left here there to guard it, never returned, and then her son. She'd need to be taught in the ways of romance, and maybe realize she wants that... I don't think she'd be interested in getting married, but if her partner wants to then sure whatever, she just doesn't have an opinion to it other than being confused why they want to marry her.

And finally and personally for me most importantly: if she was an animal, which would it be and why?

Polar bear hehe :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THESE QUESTIONS!!!

#thank you for the ask btw!!! #drífa

[loverdrew]

Love You More | r.c

I love him, but I’ll always love you more. - Lyrics by Ashley Kutcher

1 year ago…

 I watched them play from a distance, my heart shattering at every movement. Her skin glistening with ease, and his muscles rippling. I stayed near the shoreline sitting on a lawn chair, my sunglasses just low enough to see everything in clear view but hide my distain. Sarah was talking nonstop about John B in my right ear, and I nodded along as if any of it made a difference to me. I love Sarah, she’s been my best friend since we were younger, but hearing about how she got the guy only made this moment hurt that much more. She had no idea, no one did, about the love I had for the one and only Kook king. And there he was, water fighting with another beautiful blonde that he always seemed to attract. 

I knew I was wrong for him from a young age. I knew I would never catch his eye. So for years I’ve tried to grow into the woman I wanted to be. If I couldn’t get the attention from the guy I wanted, why not the rest of the Kooks on the island. Sarah and I were a package deal; if one was there, so was the other. Parties, midsummer, school, etc. We both got much attention, some we liked and some we didn’t, but Sarah still went after the guys that had shown interest in her. I never did. The question always came up, ‘Why don’t you go out with him?’ when referring to anyone who asked me out. I would shrug and say I didn’t like them like that. It confused her. As a best friend you want your girl to be happy with another person, but no one could compete with him. He took my breath away. He was my living version of poetry. 

“Y/N!” Sarah shook me. I jumped slightly at her hands on my arm. The book I held up to block their view of me fell on the sand. I shook it off with a sigh.

“What Sarah?”

“I knew you weren’t listening.” 

I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Look I’m sorry, seems like I got lost in my book.”

“I was just telling you John B is coming by to get me so we can hang out, is it okay if you’re here by yourself?”

I thought about it. Maybe it would be. I could wallow in my self pity or I could leave and go somewhere by myself. Now that Sarah wouldn’t be with me, they wouldn’t care. He only cared when it came to Sarah since she was his responsibility.

“It’s fine, Topper and Kelce are here too.” I gave her a small smile. She got up and hugged my hug laying her head on top of mine.

“Love you. I’ll tell you what happens later!” And she started running to the front of her house before anyone could tell her to stop.

 When I turned my attention back to the open ocean, he still wasn’t paying any attention to my direction. I brought my book back up to its place and mindlessly read the words. My distraction soon was pulled down from my face, revealing a standing Topper who was dripping wet. I swatted his hand away.

“Ew top, now my book is going to be all wet.” I shook the pages. He only chuckled.

“Where’d Sarah go?” I gave him a side eye.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“I still care about her Y/N. Despite everything, I care if she’s safe. Same as you.”

“You know it’s not the same.”

He sat in Sarah’s old seat, leaning over to close the gap between us.

“Since we’re alone, can I tell you a secret?” He looked around to make sure we truly were alone.

“I love a good secret.” I said sarcastically, laying my book down on my legs.

He locked eyes with me and licked his lips. I found his fingers playing with each other. He was nervous.

“Topper what’s wrong?”

“You just said it’s not the same between you and Sarah, but Y/N you’re wrong.”

I sat there with furrowed eyebrows.

“When we met in 9th grade, I didn’t just see you as my new friend. I saw you as the cutest high schooler I had ever seen. I had known Sarah for a little bit and I would talk to her about my feelings for you. She always told me how reserved you were about dating. And through talking to her about you, I found I had some feelings for Sarah too. If I’m being honest, it was easier with her. But, I don’t want easy. If that’s what it takes to be with you, I promise you, I’ll show you why I can make you happy. It sounds like you’re a second choice but trust me, you were always the first.” He poured it all out while looking at the ground. My throat felt like it was closing, and my brain would explode from the pounding. 

I huffed out some air I didn’t know I was holding in.

My eyes shot to the playing couple in the water, his arms wrapping around her, her laugh echoing back to me. I held back tears as I looked back to Topper.

My head and heart finally had the same answer: Why not?

So, I put my hand over Topper’s and gave a tight lipped smile.

“Okay.” I told him. He smiled wide, gripping my hand back.

 Today…

There was a party happening once again at Topper’s house. I swear his parents go on business trips just for him to have parties. The pool lit up the night air, music blasting so loud you could feel it in the walls. It seems everyone from our side of the island were here. Some kissing, some doing drugs and drinking, some running off to do who knows what. 

 I stood outside on his porch, Top’s arm around my shoulders. He whispers the sweetest words of ‘you look beautiful’ and ‘I’m so happy you’re here with me’. Sarah’s standing in front of us laughing at something one of our friends said in our circle. When I told her the day after Topper confessed his feelings, she was more than happy. She remembered his feelings for me and said it was mainly why they broke up, that and the John B situation of course. She had a theory that he wasn’t as upset about it because part of him always longed for me anyway. She was just happy I was finally dating.

 It took some adjusting. I started to see the good in Topper. He would open doors for me, always paid for our meal even after I offer, bought me books to fill up my shelves, watered my plants if I fell asleep and forgot. He was thoughtful, kind, and actually very funny. He was everything good I wanted in a guy, everything I wished he could be. It never compared.

I felt eyes around me all the time, someone’s in particular.

Since he and Topper were best friends, any time I met up with Top, he’d be there. His eyes never use to gaze at me for more than 2 seconds, but now he would stare at me shamelessly without stopping, even when I caught him. Instead of giving me a slight nod any time he said hi to me, I just cocked his head in the opposite direction. His aura became cold around me. You would think that would make the love I have for him go away, especially in this new relationship. But it only made me question everything. What could I have possibly done to bring such distain from him.

 At the party, I scanned the backyard for any sign of his presence. He was nowhere to be found. I sighed and took a gulp of whatever jungle juice someone probably concocted in their bathroom. It burned, but at least it helped me forget.

We continued to talk amongst ourselves, when suddenly everyone got loud. I instantly looked up and saw the man of the hour. His hair masked by a backwards cap, his standard polo and tan shorts. He shook all the guy’s hands and hugged Topper. He only nodded to Sarah and I when I realized, he wasn’t alone. 

Attached his side, hanging off his arm, was the same blonde from a year ago. I never expected her to be a regular but somehow, she got the king wrapped around her finger. I quickly turned my body 180 and chugged the rest of my drink before anyone could see. This wasn’t just a burn but a stone that now sank to the body of my stomach. My heartbeat instantly picked up as I felt tears prickling the sides of my eyes. I tapped Sarah telling her I was going to use the bathroom real quick and get some air by myself. It was common knowledge between us that sometimes parties made up anxious, so she understood and let me go, telling me to text her if I needed her.

 I sneaked away without a trace, using the stairs to go into Topper’s room. There I knew I would be alone. Once inside his bathroom I locked the door with a loud bang and sank onto the floor. My hand fell over my heart feeling the beats, understanding that this moment was real. Not a fever dream or a bad nightmare, but a real moment in time. It grounded me in reality but didn’t make reality better. I couldn’t stop myself from crying. A small but audible groan escaped my mouth. Since no one was even upstairs absolutely no one could hear. So I could cry in agony in peace.

 When I started dating Topper, I thought all my troubles would disappear. I thought I would forget the world that I once lived in surrounded by the Kook king. I thought I would forget the days in the pool when he would teach me tricks on how to swim when I was 12. I thought I would forget when I had my period at the Cameron residence, and he slid a pad under the door without a word because I forgot some at my house. I thought I would forget the one day he showed me physical care by carrying me bridal style up the stairs to Sarah’s room when I fell asleep one their couch at 14. He was not my biggest fan, but he showed he cared. It only made me gush at him more. When Topper first took me on a date, I had to stare out the window a few times to regain my focus and stop picturing his face on Topper’s body. When I first kissed Top, all I felt was his lips on mine and it almost made me want to kiss Topper more. Every aspect our relationship has been me imagining how it would be if it was him instead. It never felt completely real. I couldn’t give up that piece of my heart no matter how badly I needed to.

 I felt two taps on the bathroom door suddenly that pulled me out of my trance. I continued to stay quiet and maybe that person would go away. It scared me thinking it was Topper and I’d have to explain why I was crying and grieving over his best friend and his new girlfriend, or that it would be Sarah and I’d have to tell her I’ve always been secretly in love with her older brother. But 2 more knocks came without a voice. I groaned and quickly stood up. I wiped the remaining tears on my face and just accepted that whoever it was would know I was crying.

 As I stepped out of the bathroom, I ran into a broad chest. Too familiar. My heart stopped.

 I tried to keep my stare at his chest because the second I looked up I’d be brought in by those stupid blue eyes. I couldn’t let it happen, I have a pair waiting for me downstairs probably worried about where I’ve gone.

 “Why’d you run away.” It wasn’t much of a question, more so a way of demanding an answer. That’s how he always got what he wanted.

“I threw up. Whoever made that jungle juice was heavy handed.” I still didn’t dare to look up and instead side swiped him and headed for the bedroom door. He easily gripped my arm, holding me back.

“I got up here as you closed the door, I heard nothing. Now can you tell me why you ran away and cried?” 

I shoved his hand away from me and decided to walk towards Topper’s balcony.

“Leave me alone Rafe.” I said annoyed like a child. I felt his presence follow me.

“Not until you tell me who made you cry.” I fake laughed at him, so incredibly oblivious to the situation at hand.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. They’re not worth my tears, I know that now.” I still couldn’t stare back at him, so the stars would have to do. But the stars in the sky could never compare to the ones in his eyes.

“So I’m not worth it?”

He said it so bluntly and harshly, as if he’s known all along. This time I finally faced him. How dare he challenge me. How dare he follow me and demand answers to something he clearly already knows. 

“I don’t know what you mean by that. Since it seems you already know something, tell me.” I crossed my arms.

“The second I came in you left with tears in your eyes. How was I not supposed to pick up on it?” He crossed his own arms. Both of us showing how closed off we are.

“I don’t know Rafe you don’t pick up on 99% of shit that goes down around you!” He chuckled at me looking away.

“I pick up on a ton of shit Y/N.”

“Oh then please grace me with your knowledge.”

“Fine. I picked up on when you were struggling in math in 8th grade, so I snuck some flashcards into your backpack that I used that year, you thought they were Sarah’s. I picked up on when your dog Daisy died because you came over to our house and your jacket wasn’t covered in dog hairs. I have watched you every day for almost 10 years, enough to know that you feel something toward me that isn’t just being your best friend’s brother. That’s why you never dated anyone or even talked about another guy because there never were other guys. There was only me.” He had walked up to me, so close our noses were almost touching and he stared at me with those damn blue eyes. I was lost at sea. I had no words. Typical, he always took me breath away. But this time it was different. I would’ve never guessed in a million years that Rafe Cameron paid attention to me in any capacity. How could he capture all of those details in the .2 seconds he would stare at me when I walked in the door.

“There were so many times you weren’t looking when I was. So many times you slept over and Sarah’s door was open and I passed by just watching at you. You were like art.” His fingers traced my cheek, pushing a strand of hair behind my ears, his eyes never leaving mine. It almost felt like he was getting closer.

“Tell me, why are you dating Topper.” Another command.

“Because you’re with her.” He shook his head a few times, his lips becoming tight in a line.

“I won’t be, if I can be with you.”

Tears began appearing in my eyes again. It had been everything I’d ever wanted to hear from him for almost 10 years. But not this way. Not at the expense of someone else’s feelings. I will not ruin a friendship for a man.

“Rafe, I can’t give him all of me, you still have every part of me.” My hand fell on his and he squeezed harder. “But, I can’t do that to Topper.”

His hand dropped and he slightly backed away, almost in shock that I rejected his advance.

“I want it to be you, I’ve always wanted it to be you. But it’s Topper, I can’t do that to him. You can’t do that to him, he’s your best friend.” I think in some part of his brain he never considered his friendship with Topper crumbling if he and I ever got together. He had been so selfish with me that he never thought of anyone else. I should feel good about that, but now it just feels awful. Especially if Topper found out I had been practically lying to him for our whole relationship. 

“He treats me really good Rafe. He’s a great guy. He doesn’t deserve that after what happened with Sarah. I don’t want to be the next girl that hurts him.” Rafe is backing away more in an effort to hide his tears from me, but I pick up on stuff too. 

“N-no you’re right I just…I didn’t think of that…” His hands cup the sides of his head.

I stride to him placing my hands on his cheeks, both of our tears mixing in our hands.

“I like him, but I’ll always love you more. It just can’t be.”

I rushed out of the room before I could do something I would regret. I left him in his best friends room to grapple with the new found feelings and information. I knew Rafe would go on a rampage later in order to let out his anger, I would just hope none of it is aimed at Topper. 

 But as for now, I had to stay where I was. I had to keep the peace. No matter my own feelings.

#rafe cameron #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron x reader #rafe obx #outer banks imagine #drew starkey x reader

[apple-stims80]

So this is Love? (3/?)

Frank woke up alone in bed once he noticed this he felt money, like something was missing. He got up walking into his bathroom to get ready for the day. He had to go to Howdy's first thing to buy more jars so he could get butterflies and put them in so he could carefully study them of course he would release them after he was done he wasn't a monster after all, and as for the rest of the day he planned to look at the new insects that came with spring and maybe even have a picnic with Julie, Poppy and maybe Wally, he would invite the rest but they all would be caught up in work during the afternoon till the stars shown. He groaned looking at himself in the mirror fixing his butterfly bow tie before giving up and letting it hang a little loose to the left, his day was too filled to be fixing a tie in the bathroom for hours on end. He walked downstairs and before he left the house he noticed a note on his kitchen table

~Thank you for letting me stay the night we have to do it again.

Eddie~

Frank smiled to himself putting the note in his pocket as he walked out his front door. "Sooooo~" Julie said teasingly getting Franks attention, he walked over to her as she was tending to her flowers, he signed shaking his head making her smile drop "whaaaa, no one came clean" she said pouting, Frank couldn't tell if he was more disappointed or if she was until a lightbulb flickered in her head "Eddie! He has to know, he wouldn't deliver a letter or package if it didn't have who it was going to and who it was from, he would only do that if it was a special request" Julie said smiling. That did make sense "we'll ask him later I have too much to do right at this moment, good talking to you have a good rest of the day" Frank said walking away from Julie, leaving her to her flowers, and headed for Howdy's.

"Hello~" Howdy chimed as he heard the bell ring through out the store "good morning" Frank said to the overly tall caterpillar, how could something so small turn into something so big, that was a main factor the questioned Frank about the man another was "when would he turn into a butterfly" from the moment Howdy came to town Frank had spied on him fascinated by him until Howdy had asked Julie to tell Frank to stop looking at him 24/7. "Ah Frank, what can I help you with? " Howdy asked fixing the apple display "same old same old" Frank said walking to an aisle he knew a little too well, no matter what he did he would always break the jars he got within a few days. "I feel like I should charge you more for those seeing how much you can't keep them" he said to Frank jokingly, Frank would have been worried he would do it but he knew that raising prices on things wasn't in that caterpillar's blood, Frank groaned rolling his eyes "this time I'll be more careful" "uh huh sure you will" Howdy said meeting him at the register "just for you 50% off" he said smiling making Frank roll his eyes, he was thankful for Howdy prices and how kind the tall puppet was but he'd never say it maybe behind closed doors where no one could hear him. Frank handed him 10 cents as Howdy carefully wrapped the jars in paper and placing them in a bag "thank you, came again" he said smiling Frank nodded before walking out the store.

Frank walked along the dirt paths that we're made in the forest trying to find some kind of new insect. He looked in bushes, trees, plants, and even under rocks but nothing not even a rolly polly nor a worm. He sighed packing up putting his jars and books in his a bag calling it in early as he headed home unaware of the rushed mailman running his way. Before any of them could react they had already crashed into each other sending mail, books, and jars flying Frank had ended up falling on his own things feeling a jar break under him "I'm so so sorry" Eddie said quickly pulling the smaller one up "it's alright" Frank said taking small pieces of glass out of his hand "your hand! " the tall mailman exclaimed taking Franks hand in his own looking at it before gently and carefully taking the glass out. Frank could've laughed at the man for being so worried but at the same time it was kind of nice seeing someone's face scrunch with worry for you. Eddie looked at Frank's face smiling "all better" normally Frank wouldn't care for Eddie's smiles but this time it made his heart skip a beat "oh uh, thank you" he said pulling his hand back and looking at the ground "let me help you now" he said kneeling down and helping Eddie pick up the mail, they made small talk Eddie did his best at jokes but he wasn't the best and yet it still made Frank smile a little. "Oh" Frank muttered seeing another light pink and red envelope with a heart stamp he went to grab it but Eddie had the same idea their hands met each other Frank couldn't help but feel his face heat up as his heart started to pound in his chest "sorry" Eddie mumbled letting his hand up Frank smiled at him giving him the letter "no need to be sorry" he said as Eddie took it from him.

Frank made the decision to help Eddie with his runs as a thank you for getting the glass out my hands and he would never say it but he wanted to spend more time with the taller man. "Thank you for helping me" Eddie said dropping Frank off at his house "it was my pleasure" he said back Eddie smiled at him before handing him a small pile of mail "here last ones" "thank you" he said taking them from the mailman, Eddie smiled again before tipping his hat and walked away.

"Well are you gonna open it? " Julie said crossing her arms, her and Frank had decided to have a little get together with Poppy and Wally. Frank had brought the letter he knew if he didn't Julie would nag him all night long over the phone about it" "now he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to" Poppy chimed in bring a plate of cookies "but I have to knowwwwww" Julie said pretending to faint "know what?" A small calm voice asked walking into Julie's flower garden in her backyard sitting down with the rest "Frank has a secret admirer and won't open the letter he got" Julie said whining to Wally "why do you want to know anyway? Wouldn't that be considered an invasion of privacy?" He asked Julie as she gasped dramatically placing a hand over her heart "I just care for my friend so much, is it a crime wanting to know their soon to be lover" Julie said pretending to be hurt "you're just nosey" Frank said opening the envelope "excuse me!" She exclaimed looking at him.

~My Dearest Frank,

I've tried to keep my feelings at bay but not matter what I do I fall harder and faster you're just too intoxicating you're like a drug to me if I'm far away for too long I began to long for your eyes, smile, hair, and smell. I've wanted to tell you for oh so long but I'm afraid you won't return the feelings and I'm scared of being pushed away from you until I know you'll absolutely return my feelings I'm afraid I can't give myself away.

Your Secret Admirer❤~

#welcome home #frank welcome home #welcome home puppet show #welcome home fanfic #welcome home eddie #fanfic #welcome home arg #wally welcome home #wally darling #welcome home poppy #welcome home julie

[oxydiane]

All Too Well (10 Minute Version) Jegulus AU.

James is a musician who releases the song to both a Wizard and Muggle audience.

‘And there we are again when nobody had to know, you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath.’

They start dating during Hogwarts, and it’s a secret. James agreed, he liked the thrill the first few months but being unable to hold hands with the person he loved amongst others, and especially around his best friend, his chosen brother, grew old quickly. Regulus insisted, it was their secret. James never liked being someone’s dirty little secret.

‘Well, maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much, but maybe this thing was a masterpiece ‘til you tore it all up. Running scared, I was there, I remember it all too well. And you call me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest. I’m a crumpled up piece of paper lying here ‘cause I remember it all, all, all.’

The very first time they ‘split’ is because of a fight after James suggests they stop hiding their relationship, or at least let their close friends know. Regulus doesn’t bite his tongue, his words feel like a knife, tearing up what they had built in the past months. But it doesn’t matter, because tears can be sown back together, and that where Regulus didn’t make mistakes, where he carefully weighted his words for James: he had a habit coming back at night and talk his way into the other’s arms. The Blacks’ were never taught to be honest, because that was messy.

‘The idea you had of me, who was he? A never-needy, ever lovely jewel whose shine reflects on you.’

‘You’re the better half of me, Jamie.’ is what he would say when hugging James from behind. Because that’s what their relationship stood upon, wasn’t it? ‘You make me the better version of myself, James. You are so good, James. You take such good care of me, you take such good care of everyone, you’re sunshine.’ But he never felt quite like sunshine itself, just a nice, shiny prop for others to lean onto and reflect their own light.

‘You who charmed my dad with self-effacing jokes sipping coffee like you’re on a late night show, but then he watched me watch the front door all night, willing you to come. And he said, ‘It’s supposed to be fun turning 21.’

Neither Fleamont nor Euphemia received an official announcement, James never told either of them about Regulus but they just knew because James had always worn his heart on his sleeve. Neither of them ever pressed, because their son never shared it with them, and Regulus Black stood as the elephant in the room of Potter Manor. The only time either of them acknowledges Regulus’ presence, or lack of thereof, is on James’ 21st birthday. The one he spends waiting ong Regulus at the window.

‘Time won’t fly, it’s like i’m paralysed by it. I’d like to be my old self again, but I’m still trying to find it. After plaid shirt days and nights when you made me your own, now you mail back my things, and I walk home alone. But you keep my old scar from that very first week, ‘cause it reminds you of innocence and it smells like me. You can’t get rid of it, ‘cause you remember it all too well.’

It’s the day James gets a big morning delivery. When he catches the name of the sender his heart falls, and when the package is open he thinks Regulus may as well have torn it out. But, no matter how long he searched for it, around the sweaters and sweats and bits of jewellery thrown into the mess of things he had left at Regulus’ flat, he could not find the Gryffindor scarf he had forgot at Sirius’ place. That, Regulus had kept.

‘And did the twin flame bruise paint you blue? Just between us, did the love affair maim you too? ‘Cause in this city’s barren cold, I still remember the first fall of snow, and how it glistened as it fell. I remember it all too well.’

James still hates snow. He still hates snow, despite loving it as a kid because when he was small and innocent seeing a blizzard meant snow fights and flying without a care in the world because even if he fell, it wouldn’t hurt too much. Now snow does nothing but remind him of the fall that left a lifelong bruise. Snow does nothing but remind him of the first time they kissed, and the first time Regulus hushed him and told him this needed to stay between them, and the first time James sat late at night after a fight, watching it hail as the weather matched his state of mind with a striking accuracy.

‘Just between us, did the love affair maim you all too well?’

The day they reconnect is not long after the song is released to the public. James really did not expect to walk in the kitchen to a far too familiar owl handing him a small piece of parchment. The only thing it read was ‘Yes.’

#yayyy a happy ending!!!! #sorry i had brain worms #soo writes #ish? #soo talks #prompt #harry potter #sirius black #james potter #remus lupin #regulus black #marauders #jegulus #starchaser #jegulus au #starchaser au #angst #taylor swift #all too well #all too well au #euphemia potter #fleamont potter #jegulus prompt #secret relationship #james potter is NOT ur sunshine!

[5ivebyfive]

Prompt: "I’m a real adult, just last week I bought a vegetable." for Trimberly please!

Trini let herself into the house that she shared with her wife. Almost immediately, she tripped over a pair of shoes. Strewn around were three more pairs of shoes. Every single on belonging to her wife. She muttered under her breath and kicked them into a corner and out of the public walkway. "Babe, I'm home!" She called out. She dropped her briefcase into a nearby armchair and shed her jacket on top of it.

"Kim?" She unbuttoned her shirt more for comfort as she walked though the house. "You here?" She peeked into the living room and saw Kimberly flopped on the couch with an Xbox controller in her hands. She looked intense, mashing her buttons, red in the face. All around her were empty snack and candy packages and empty soda cans. "Kim." Nothing. "Kim."

"Oh, hey, Trin. When did you get here?" Kim asked, without looking away from the screen.

Trini rolled her eyes and huffed. "I texted you to order dinner. Did you?"

"Huh? I haven't checked my phone. I'm on a roll! Yeah!"

"Kimberly!" Trini's shoulders sagged. "I've had such a long day, I didn't feel like cooking."

"Aw, but I'm tired of take-out. We've been having it so much recently."

"Yeah, well I've been tired a lot recently," Trini argued. She sighed and walked out of the room and into the kitchen. There were dirty dishes everywhere. She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. She turned and walked back into the living room. "Couldn't you have washed your dishes? Or put them in the empty dishwasher?"

"No time, baby."

"Dammit, Kim!" Trini walked further into the room and stood between Kim and the TV. "Can you act like an adult for one second?"

"Hey! Hey! Move!" Some sounds played and Kim groaned. "I died. Thanks a lot. She cut her eyes up to Trini. "I am a real adult. Just last week I bought a vegetable!"

"You bought an eggplant, put googley eyes on it, called it Aubergine Nightshade Hart, and said it was our daughter. Then carried it around all week treating it like a baby!"

"Aubie was our baby! How can you speak about her like that?!"

"Yeah," Trini said dryly. "The baby I found starting to rot in the washing machine. Is that how you'd treat our real baby?"

"I lost her! She knows how sorry I am and I gave her a propel and loving funeral."

"Do you hear yourself?!"

"Do you?" Kim sat up. "Did you have a bad day? Cause if you're takig it out on me, I'd like to know."

"I just wish you would...help me," Trini said. "Clean up after yourself all day, order dinner when I don't want to cook...play less video games."

"What else do you want me to do all day? I get bored."

"I know," Trini sighed. "And we both agreed that my job could support us both, but..."

"But I'm being useless?" Kim kicked her blanket off and stood up. "Well, I feel useless!"

"I don't hate taking care of you," Trini said gently. "But I need you to take care of me some, too."

"I take care of you every night when we go to bed."

"Not that."

"Then what?"

"Maybe...you could get a part time job, just to give yourself something to do."

"I don't want a part time job!"

"You don't want a part time job, you get bored home alone all day, then what do you want?"

Kim stood up and started pacing. "I want...I want...I want a real kid."

Trini was stunned for a moment. "You...do?" Her brows wrinkled. "I know we've talked about that in the future, but...I didn't realize you're ready."

"I didn't realize it, either. But I do. I want a little guy or girl to play with all day. An awesome little friend that I can take to the park and playdates. Someone to call me Mama..." She stepped close to Trini. "I'm ready."

Trini set her hands to Kim's arms. "You barely take care of yourself when I'm not here. You're ready to take care of every need a kid could have?"

"Well, I'm not saying I wanna get pregnant and take care of a baby, but...a little older, yeah." She smiled softly. "Someone to make forts with, and...push on a swingset in our backyard...someone to help me make you cards for when you come home from a long day...hearing him or her call you Mami..." Kim brought her gaze. up to meet Trini's. "I want a family, Trin."

Trini gently ran her fingers through Kim's hair and behind her ear. "I think...I could be ready for that, too."

"Really?"

"Really."

Kim beamed and threw her arms around her wife and hugged her tightly. "I love you so much. I'm sorry I've been a pain."

"I have one condition," Trini said.

"What?"

"We are not, under any circumstances, naming our child Aubie."

"Deal!" Kim grinned and cupped Trini's face to pull her into a kiss. She paused before their lips met. "Did you know eggplants are actually berries?"

"Yes, dear," Trini replied. "You told me a hundred times last week." Kim giggled and kissed her.

"And, I have good news for you."

"What's that?"

"I still have pizza rolls, and I'm allowed to use the microwave, so I can make you dinner."

"Ooh, fancy," Trini said with a grin. "And wine?"

"All the wine you want, baby," Kim said huskily. "And then...maybe we can work on making that kid."

"Kim, that's really not how it wo-"

"Do you wanna have sex or not?"

"Well, there's a first for everything. May as well try, really really hard, to make our own kid."

#trimberly #trimberly fic #power rangers 2017 #my fics #prompt fill #prompt fill tag

[rivertalesien]

People are still sharing their 9/11 memories but it was hard revisiting that day. Mine started with hearing Donnie Bonaduce on the radio screaming about what was going on until I had to turn on The Today Show to figure out what that idiot was on about now...and there it was. I remember Katie Couric's sobriety as they all tried to hold it together for their audience. Watching that second plane hit the tower. There's no words for that.

In the first hours after, there was so much chaos and so many rumors, and we heard very little from any government officials. Bush did make a brief statement in the morning, but then all we heard was of him on Air Force One flying around the country (he doesn't return to DC until later that evening). He basically up and disappeared. We heard Cheney was giving orders and this only made Bush seem even more removed: we all knew who was really in charge.

From the false reports of other bombings and hijackings around the country, this really seemed like something enormous and there was no one out there to calm anyone's nerves or tell us what the plan was. Not even their spokesperson, Condoleeza Rice, made a statement.

Osama bin Laden's name was everywhere on the news, though it was just speculation. It's the GOP who are sending up the "act of war" card and blaming it on bin Laden. We heard Congress was being taken to an undisclosed location and the government was still operational.

I remember the first couple of hours after the planes hit as being significant for the country's trauma and how it would all play out later: the longer we went without a serious breakdown of the events and the scope, without any sign of reassurance or any official details, the deeper the trauma set. The whole country was being shut down. Airplanes everywhere had to land (that week of no planes in the air? That silence was haunting). New York City was being evacuated. We'd never experienced anything like this. My grandparents said even WWII seemed less dramatic by comparison. It felt like we were being spun too fast on a blood-soaked merry-go-round and couldn't get off. My grandfather said at least they'd had Churchill and FDR. We talked like this was the start of World War III.

The first real statement with any substance that we heard from a world leader on the matter was Tony Blair, then Prime Minister of the UK. He wasn't Churchill, but his words and his voice were something of a calm in that storm: we weren't alone. For all I cared, Blair could have been president at that moment.

The whole day was a nightmare, mostly for New York, and it didn't end with Bush's press conference that evening, promising vengeance. I believed it then and I believe it now: it was the wrong thing to say and it set the Worst Timeline in motion.

It didn't take long for the flags to come out, to see them on every door or waving from the back of pickup trucks. It didn't take long before the first stories of attacks on Muslims in the US. It didn't take long for terror to become a way of life, to see it packaged and sold on TV. It didn't take long for our government to give unprecedented power to Bush jr. to wage war wherever he liked for however long he liked. Each day felt like the walls were closing in.

We knew the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, but two years later we were invading Iraq on the false pretense of them having weapons of mass destruction. They had nothing to do with 9/11.

In the streets that March of 2003 we got a preview of the future: filled with militarized police and media as the mouthpiece of an authoritarian regime. It was the first time being on the wrong end of a can of pepper spray and feeling nothing but disgust at how easy it was to spot all the lies. Media calling protestors "strangers" and "violent" when the only violent aspect was the police. It felt like we'd wandered into the Twilight Zone.

We had eight years of non-stop revelations of what monsters we were becoming.

Obama's tenure wasn't a reprieve. It might have been the commercial break.

But we've never left that purgatory and the far-right is even more determined to keep tunneling us into hell.

I keep wondering if we'll break out of our collective trauma and start over, but if its out there, maybe it's waiting for the next catastrophe.

#9/11

[tdalejandro]

Bonsar posting time

TTI spoilers, btw. I know more and more people are reading it so I think i might start tagging spoilers for it. Just in case, you know

With my reread of the first 10 chapters of tti complete, I can see why people thought of them as platonic at first. The way they acted with one another, they were close, but definitely not the way we view them now. They were more casual, more of the friendly banter that you can see within friends. And yeah, maybe that was what they were at the start, but not anymore.

I think the dynamic of their relationship changed at Caesar's elimination, episode 10. Before then, they were friends! Friends who did everything together. Like Caesar said during the cooking episode when Mclovin was missing, Bonnie and Caesar are a packaged deal. You cannot have one without having the other. But there, the moment they had on the docks, Caesar taking Bonnie's hand, telling them to be strong and he'll be with them in spirit was when it changed into something deeper.

I believe that they didn't have enough time on TTI to explore the dynamic of their relationship. But, I would not change Caesar's eliminated. It was a good spot, and it proved to be a strong motivator for Bonnie, given how far they gotten. So yeah, those first 10 episodes, they were friends. Nothing more, nothing less.

Now, bear with me here, because I have yet to read episode 11 of my TTi reread, so this is all based from memory.

Bonnie's initial reaction to Caesar's elimination is that they're upset. So upset. Because yeah, they might have been friendly with Courtney, but it was Caesar who they spent all their time with. Basic Straining showed that Caesar alone was a great motivator for Bonnie, with the second Courtney bringing him up, they started to do better.

It's the little moment like that that proves to me that Bonnie and Caesar had something more between them after Caesar's elimination. And there were a lot of moments like that. I can't think of any right now, because you know, I have to finish my reread, but I remember there being the smaller wins every now and then.

And then. The Playa Del Losers episode. I have a lot to say about this episode. This episode means so much to me, even with the elimination.

First of all, the way that Caesar talks about Bonnie. “Personally, I’d be torn apart if my Bonbon didn’t win. After all the work they’ve put in!?” "Like, morally? Um, no,” he laughs. “I entered perfect, and I left perfect. If we’re talking tangible, physical stuff, then Bonbon would definitely be up there. I’ve never made friends with anyone so fast in my life, we’re like soulmates!” “We don’t do labels around here,” Caesar shrugs. “We’re meant to be, and let’s leave it at that.” “Bonnie is the greatest thing to ever happen to this terrible show, and if they don’t win I’m killing myself on live TV!” Caesar shouts. “...Okay, not really, but I’ll be really upset.”

GOD. "We're like soulmates!" THERE. RIGHT THERE. CAESAR SAID IT HIMSELF. SOULMATES.

And yeah, I could be reading too much into the moment, but I don't care! He cares deeply about Bonnie as well! The way he talks about them, you know he misses them! But he wants them to win. And god the feeling I had when reading this fucking episode is coming back to me god fucking damn it Bonnie should've won tti

OKAY. ANYWAY. SORRY. The reunion. Short and sweet. The HUG. That is something that prior to episode 10, prior to Caesar's elimination, they would not have done. And yeah, maybe it's because they just missed each other, but it's also because there's something more. And it's not romantic, no. I'm not calling their relationship romantic. It's something more than that. Caesar said it. Soulmates.

And TTA. Sure, they weren't in it for that long, but the moments we got? Yeah. They're more than friends at this point. The bond they have, it runs so deep, and you can tell that they love each other. They are each other's person. And it all comes out during the romcom episode.

Bonnie struggling with romance doesn't surprise me. Not at all. From the fact that they just got used to having friends, I think they struggle with the fact that they friendship they have with Courtney and the bond they have with Caesar are so wildly different, and yet they're scared to label Caesar as something more than a friend. And maybe that's just me saying bullshit, but also. It's fits. I feel like them labeling Caesar as more than a friend is a completely new experience to them, something they have never done before, and it's just so fucking scary because what if they're doing it wrong? Caesar having a better handling of his emotions also makes sense, and I feel like he has to be the one to start the conversation of what they are.

Like I said, I like the idea of Bonnie not watching their TTI elimination episode. Why would they want to watch that? Everyone voting for them. God, I would not want to watch that either. I would be pissed. But because of that, they missed out on what Caesar said. Soulmates. And maybe if they did watch it, things wouldn't be so complicated like they are now. Because no, they aren't friends. They aren't lovers. They aren't partners. Caesar is not Bonnie's boyfriend. They're soulmates.

And when the time comes for them to explore their relationship, they're both happy with the outcome because they both know that they care deeply for each other. That's the only part that matters. And here, in our TTA times, we aren't going to get that unless Joner dedicated an entire section of the aftermath about it. But I feel like it's too early for that. And yeah, they're going to talk about it, and when that moment comes, they're going to take it slow. As long as they're aware that the bond between them is something more than platonic, or even romantic, they're happy with that.

Because in the end, they have each other. They're soulmates, destined to find each other in all of their lifetimes. Made from the same stuff, like Nie said. Bonnie and Caesar's bond is something that makes sense to them, and them only. (and me)

#tti spoilers #tta spoilers #bonsar #mod fnaf bonnie #mod caesar #sorry for this. i keep thinking about them

[aajjks]

don’t worry. she’s pretty mild compared to 🤫

mommy issues!JK

“ew, you’re no fun” chaeyoung groans but he’s definitely ‘packing’ under there. just his toned chest was enough to get chaeyoung wet and it makes her want to see just how big his package really is. jungkook is so fine in her eyes and is definitely a bottom because there’s no way a guy with those kind of eyes top women but you’re a bottom too. she so desperately wants to top the both you and jungkook but he’s set in stone about making you his. fine, if he wants to play that game, she can play too.

“that’s a shame. good luck winning her heart, i guess” chaeyoung shrugs “a little insider, y/n is bisexual. likes girls and boys but likes girls a little bit more. which means, i’ve got a better chance at scoring her than you do”

the door opens and finally you return with little seol on your hip with a bandaid on his knee. “sorry, mr. jeon” you apologize “seol had fell and scrapped his knee pretty bad but you handled it like a big boy, didn’t you?” seol nods his head before getting down and jumping into his father’s arms. you mouth a ‘thank you’ to chaeyoung who nods her head and leaves you alone with jungkook who looks to be in shock at the revelation he found out about you.

just when he begged for you to not be into girls, turns out you are. he still has a fair shot at your heart but chaeyoung said you like girls more. he wonders if alina knew about this but she probably didn’t. she would’ve warned him about this, about your preference.

“why don’t you just come over and we can talk about your dinner there? i keep forgetting we’re neighbors sometimes” you say but you have no idea just what the meant to jungkook. not only did you accept his invite and agreed to be his date to this dinner but you’re inviting him to your home too? he can’t let that surprise get him down, he’s going to win your heart one way or another, even if it means making some enemies along the way.

“i gotta get back to work, sorry. bye you guys” you say as you ruffle seol’s hair and watch the duo leave your classroom. once they’re out of your classroom, once again chaeyoung comes in to bother you and you’ve got a feeling about what she’s about to tell you.

“let me guess, you got his number?” you ask your curious co-teacher who is probably dying to know what you and jungkook talked about but you remember chaeyoung and jungkook being alone too.

“i wish. did you get his?”

“no”

“then what were the two of you talking about? or did you finally fuck him?”

“wha-no! we just talked about seol’s behavior, that’s all”

“that’s all? sure, y/n. you know he’s got that crazy baby mama drama, right?”

wrong.

“yeah i know. that’s why i’m steering clear, remember? and you should too”

“thought you didn’t care if i wanted him?”

“i don’t but i doubt you’ll get a chance since seol wouldn’t even let you put a bandaid on him”

you joke but before chaeyoung could reply, you take her hand and lead her back outside, thanking the teacher who stepped in to watch both of your classes. you know you didn’t make a promise to jungkook, but you will not tell anyone what he told you. it’s private information that he trusted you with and you feel as though you owe him that privacy.

you’re a teacher that cares about their students after all but now you’re a teacher that cares about their students and well-acquainted with a parent.

once the day is finally done, you bid all your fellow teachers a goodnight and head to your apartment where you can finally relax and breathe.

~🫧

He cannot believe that you invited him over to dinner. Jungkook and Seol do stop for ice cream because he’s a little stubborn just like his daddy.

And frankly jungkook cannot stop thinking about the fact that you held his hand, you even intertwined your hands together- IT IS THE BEST DAY EVER.

He’s forgotten all about chaeyoung & Nara.

And just like that once they get home after a little trip to the grocery store, Seol has started with his tales of you.

And like always, Jungkook doesn’t mind at all. “Yeah? You put a flower in her hair?” He can’t help but Wonder how you must be looking with that beautiful hair cut of yours. you’re so different and that’s what attracts him to you.

“Daddy!!! you said you would be going to dinner with Ms yn??? Can I come too???” As jungkook finishes bathing his little kid, his question catches him off guard.

he’s a little confused, because he’s not sure if it would be good to bring him along.

One step at a time and he doesn’t want to overwhelm you. “Umm… how ‘bout you stay at uncle eunwoo’s for a little bit? Gonna play with areum?! it’ll be fun.” He knows that you’re a little bit disappointed with the four year old. And he doesn’t want you to think that you’re doing something wrong by agreeing to go on a dinner date with him and and inviting him to your home.

Seol pouts but he loves to be at his uncles place, “okay daddy- you can play with mommy instead.” Seol says a weird sentence that he cannot help but laugh.

Oh, he’s so excited to meet you for dinner tonight. You must be exhausted because handling kids isn’t easy and he knows that his is a very naughty one.

Also, he’s a little tense about his encounter with chaeyoung earlier, because she’s got her eyes set on you.. he doesn’t like her at all… what if she steals you away from him? She say you like girls more than guys..

He’s so sad, but he won’t give up. He will win your heart regardless of your preference. He knows he can.

Jungkook knows he’s going to buy you a beautiful dress, for the dinner date next weekend with some accessories. He hopes that you won’t deny. “Okay champ! Let’s get you to eat something.” He finishes powdering Seol up and soon he’s running to the dining room.

Jungkook runs after him and he swears to God that his kid is really a handful.

_____

It’s 9 PM right now and he has just come back from dropping Seol to eunwoo’s place, and the guy insisted that jungkook stay over and get a few drinks for him but he told him about the dinner with you tonight and it is safe to say that Eunwoo gave him his blessings.

Even though it is school day tomorrow, but, he will be back to pick Seol up once he’s done with the dinner. And now he’s back on his way to the apartment complex.

Jungkook did dress up quite nicely, because he really wants to impress you, he does take care of himself and his appearance, because he wants you to find him attractive, do you find him attractive? You’re just such a professional with him- he doesn’t think that you like him like that.

You definitely won’t date him. That makes him a little sad, but then he always gets what he wants. And he will have you.

Soon, The tall man gets off his car and he’s wearing a nice shirt with jeans, he is sure you’ll notice his tattoos today because it’s not a full sleeve.

He wonders if you like guys with tattoos? What do you like in guys? He doesn’t know… but he does know that you were in a really bad relationship a few years back.. that’s all he knows because alina told him and.. it was really bad.

But he’s gonna prove to you that he’s not like your ex-boyfriend, he would never ever make you sad- just by her expressions when she was telling him about your ex, she looked pretty horrified.

Even though when he’s in the elevator, he’s nervous. You get him so nervous. And the funny thing is that he’s pretty confident around women, but ever since he saw you, he is a changed man

It takes all of him to not run to your door, and he slowly walks towards your apartment. Knocking gently, Jungkook eagerly waits for you to open it.

He hopes that you’ll give him something to eat because he really wants to taste how you cook, you do seem really domestic, so he’s a little curious.

#ask: mi!jk #fun fact about MI: yn what is going to be bisexual in the fic but then #Since I am not I was a little concerned about the fact that what if I get her characterization wrong as a bi woman 😭 #But now that you’re here I think you’re gonna do great 💗😭

[compassionatereminders]

That ask about the loss of a best-friend-ship really hit home. The circumstances are different -- our interests are still the same, and I'm the one that actually introduced them to their new fixation -- but I still got replaced, too. They tried to tell me it wasn't really happening, but I stopped being included, stopped being talked to, stopped being chosen. After a year of feeling miserable, I broke the friendship off, but I guess they think I'm the bad guy. I didn't handle it as well as I could have, I'll admit, but I never said a bad word about their new friends, or tried to separate them. I tried so hard to hold on to the friendship, to be fun and entertaining for them, but it became so one-sided, like nothing I could do could possibly interest them anymore. I just can't stop wondering why I wasn't good enough, and now I wonder if I'm good enough for anyone. I'm probably aro and my close friendships are so, so important to me, so for this to happen to a long-term friendship has made me wonder if I can ever have something that lasts. I just...wanted to be cared for and chosen the way I was before. I wanted to have fun the way we did. I tried to tell them that, but it just drove them further away. I'm sorry, this got a little much, so feel free not to answer. I've got a therapist, I'm just having a bad week. The anon from before -- you're not alone in how you're feeling.

I really don't blame you for being hurt and upset, but this experience does in no way mean that you aren't good enough. Sometimes the whole package gets delivered at the wrong address, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great package. It just means it belongs somewhere else.

#chat with kat

[drebur123]

Promptober: Day 10

Let's Make a Deal | CC!Charlie Slimecicle X Reader

Prompt: "Zombie"

(wc: 996)

Tw: Zombies (is that a trigger warning?), mentions of death.

~~~~~

I gasp, seeing the building before me. In a world where the undead outnumber the alive, it's quite rare to find a structure in a decent condition. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of the flesh-eating monsters.

Their appearance is enough to make you lose your lunch if you're not careful. I step through the doors of the abandoned grocery store, weapon in hand. I find the bow to be most effective against this particular enemy.

Even the training arrows can slow them down for a moment. My eyes survey the empty building. The shelves are empty. Well, almost. All the food is gone, but a few non-essentials are left behind. Such as sponges, pens, coffee cups, you know. They're almost out of those too, but I'll take what I can get.

After roughly checking the store, it's determined that I'm alone. The only real thing of value left over is a half-empty package of water. There's still five bottles. I pack all of them up in my backpack. Just as I zip up the bag, a soft pitter-patter starts of the roof.

After a few minutes, the rain is coming down hard. It looks like I'm staying here for a bit. It's probably better to sleep here than in a tree. That bruise from yesterday has been a quite annoying all day.

I set my backpack in the very back corner of the store, which happens to be in the pharmacy. It still has that odd pill sent in it. That and dust. I unpack my blanket and cover up with it. My blanket is one of the only things I was originally able to pack.

My hand gently rests on the handle of my pocketknife. It's the only weapon I trust myself to not set off in my sleep. In the movies the main character never dies from tiny mishaps like that, so why should I?

And typically, the main character in the movies is in a group of survivors, or something. Even if it's just a flashback you're shown, they were once part of something. Sadly, that's not me. I came into this world alone; I'm going to make my exit alone too.

I have met a few people before, but they weren't out to help me. That's an understatement. They were rather out to hurt me. Take food, water, something. It's never worked out for them.

I normally have troubles falling asleep, but it wasn't too bad tonight. It was actually quite easy for once. In a matter of fifteen minutes or so I could feel myself start to drift off.

"Hey." I can barely hear someone whisper. The male's voice is light, almost airy. "You alive?" The voice says a little louder. Something softly tugs at the blade in my hand. I startle awake, ripping the weapon away from whoever's there, holding it up in a defensive manner.

The next thing I know, my arm is being twisted into some awkward position, making me release the knife with just a small pull. My eyes meet the other person's.

They're an icy light blue color. The right lens of his glasses is a bit chipped, and his cheek bares a tiny cut. "Hello, I'm Charlie." Charlie says with a smile, placing my pocketknife just out of my reach.

"Hi— I'm Y/n." Charlie hums, standing up. "We don't get a lot of visitors around here." He claims, holding out his hand for me to grab. I do, and he helps me to my feet. "What do you mean by we?" I ask.

"Only me, myself, and I, of course," He replies with a small chuckle.

Charlie turns out to be a pretty good guy. He used to be a part of a group. They called themselves "The Chuckle Boy's", in honor of the podcast of which they ran together.

There was Ted, the leader of the three. He also was the one who was picked on the most. Then there was Schlatt. He was the jokester. He did most of the picking on. Then there was Charlie. He... I'm not too sure about his role. Come to think of it, he didn't want to talk about himself too much.

Charlie claims the three of them were sitting around in a studio, while the out-break begun. The news interrupted their recording session, and unluckily, for them it started in L.A. That's also where I live.

I first heard about it while I was watching a movie. Just got home from work and was just trying to settle in. Little did I know I wasn't going to be doing much settling in the foreseeable future. Anyways, Charlie says he got separated from the group shortly after they saw the first zombie on the streets.

He claims he's been staying in this very store, awaiting the days where the "monsters" (as he calls them) have all died, or until he thinks it's safe enough to come out. The whole times he's been in here I've been wandering the streets, looking for some life form to become friends with. 

Mind you, it's been three months. I lost track of the exact date though.

Same with time, but with the position the moon is in, I'd have to say it's roughly twelve o'clock. I first fell asleep at dusk. "Y/n?" Charlie says. "Yeah?" I redivert my attention to him from the moon.

"Can we make a deal?" "What kind of deal?" I ask. "Well, if you want to stay here with me, I think we should have a little agreement. What do you think about, no secrets, no lies, and no betrayal," He proposes, holding out his pinky finger. "Sounds reasonable," I agree, linking both our littlest figures with each other's. 

~~~~~

Maybe I'll do a part two soon. It was originally supposed to be longer, but I got a little bored with it.  

#charlie slimesicle x reader #chuckle sandwich #promptober #day 10 #dream smp #dreamsmp x reader #dream #charlie #slimecicle

[cinemaspoppycornuwu]

[Another work for Giogio month. @mrsgiovanna this is for u. Sorry if it is too short]

[Prompt: in pink]

"One more push, Mrs. Giovanna! I can see the baby's head already! Once the head is out, it will be easier!"

"Bria, my love, you can do this..."

"A-Alright..." within all of her strenght she had left, Bria did what the doctor said, but still letting out a painful cry from a mother bringing it's child to the world. And in less than one minute, she could hear their baby cry before the medical team could take the baby away to do the protocol of a normal birth. As she panted, Giorno gently kissed her sweaty temple and told her he'd be right back in a moment. "G-Giogio... Please... I don't wanna be alone here..."

"Bria, I won't take too long... I'll just check how the baby is..." he gently held her hands, gazing at her teary eyes with long lashes. He ordered something to the nurse who had been taking care of his wife and ran after the doctor and his team. And then Bria was all by her own.

. . .

The raven haired woman woke up in her room and Giorno had layed his head on her bed to rest closer to her. Her hands gently caressed his hair. As soon as he felt the movement, his head rised up and carefully held her hands as if she was at this moment the most delicate thing, like if even the lightest wind blowed could make her fall. "You did it, Bria... It is a healthy young Joestar-Adal..."

"Our healthy young Joestar-Adal..." she smiled and wipped one tear. Giorno and Bria dreamed of building a family together. On this day, december 10 [2010], this dream came true. From the moment she did the surprise of the baby reveal to Giorno until now, these moments were special. Even her golden retriever, Oro, gave all of the support to her, laying his head on her belly, trying to feel his "baby human brother". Once Bruno knew, he even screamed for half a second and hugged tight both of them (of course, Bucciarati still was trying to have one with his beloved Aria, but was happy for the two of his "apprentices"). Mista and Narancia were excited saying "SIAMO ZIOS" (WE'RE UNCLES), while Leone smiled in aproval of the new incoming member of Passione. While Fugo, he was also impressed, even letting his favourite teacup fall on the floor.

"My apologies to interrumpt, mr. and mrs. Giovanna. But little one wanted to see you!" the nurse said in a soft tone.

"Please, come in!" Bria feel her eyes getting wetter as each step the nurse took with the tiny 'package' on her arms.

"He is such a beautiful baby, mrs. Giovanna... If you two need anything, please, just call me." She said before leaving to help some old lady walk with their walking cane.

"H-Hello, sweetie... It is mommy..." her tears began to drop when the little baby held her finger "Yeah... I am so glad I can finally meet you here... Your daddy and I were so excited!" While the young queen of Passione spoke to her little prince, it was Giorno's turn to have his emerald green eyes wet. Two angels were in front of him right now at that exact moment. And he couldn't be more happier. It was one of the best moments in his life and nothing could replace that "Giorno, look! I can see the Joestar birthmark! It is exactly like yours... It's matching...!"

"Y-Yeah..." he kissed his son's tiny hand and said "Hey, piccolo ragazzo... It's me... Your papa... You resemble your mom... That is great, because she is really really really gorgeous..." slowly, he got more and more emotional with the baby getting more calm with their two voices. Giorno made sure to keep doing belly-talks sessions when he could, that's why he recognizes quite well his father's voice "Bri... I can't believe we did something that amazing..."

"We did it, amore mio..." she kissed his cheek. But their mini romance moment was cut when baby boy started crying because of hunger "I am sorry, little Giogio!" She kissed his head multiple times "You get kissies too and food! Giorno, could you help me untie this?"

"For sure" doing as he said, he helped his wife adjust her breast and her posture to properly breastfeed him.

"There, little Giordano..." it was the name both had decided, to keep the traditions "Hmm... What if he doesn't feed himself proper enough?"

"It must be normal on the first three days. But he needs to keep this stimulation. Feeling any discomfort?"

"It is my very first time doing this so it is a little bit strange. But I'll get used to it~♡"

The blonde young don sat closer to his golden hearted empress and thought: so this is happiness.

"Your family would be happy to meet him..."

"They would... But you're my family too. The one I currently need to protect and take care of..."

"Oh, Giogio..." she gave a quick peck on his lips before turning her attention back again to Giordano, closing and opening his little baby hands.

#Giorno Giovanna x Bria Adal #giorno month 2023 #OC: Bria Adal

[spark-gem]

who are your favorite top ten black clover characters & ships (platonic or romantic)? talk about them!

Anon, I owe you my life!

I did this based on characters since I don’t particularly have ships.

Now, in a somewhat(because I am garbage at ranking things I love) particular order let us begin.

Top 10 Black Clover Character Appreciation

Fuegoleon Vermillion

Who's surprised that this man ranks #1? I'm not since I'm a biased simp. Its really funny though that the first time I watched Black Clover, I didn't have a thought about Fuegoleon to me he was just there. That is until me and my friend started to pick characters we would date if real and I choose him. Like 'yeah he seems like a nice guy' but as I got to know more about him from the franchise I started falling for his character more and ultimately he holds the position as my favorite character in this anime. Fuegoleon Vermillion is the whole package: confident yet can be vulnerable, a strong heart, attractive, socially awkward, family man, caring, and just absolutely wonderful.

Mereleona Vermillion

She was intense from Day 1 to me and she still is...and I love it. There's something truly therapeutic about watching her beat the shit out of everyone and everything. Every time she has a fight scene I stop what I'm doing to watch. She's strong and she knows it. Sometimes I forget myself the she keeps her more softer side under wraps and only lets a few people see it. I wish we could've gotten something like her training with Acier or straight up only kidnapping Noelle to train her. Also I love that no nonsense way she talks to people, its great.

Leopold Vermillion

Leo's journey is something I've enjoyed from the sidelines. Most of the time he's introduced as a sibling of the Fire Vermillions but that's not all to his identity. He's a strong and capable Magic Knight who gives it his all in battle and always looking for a way to get better. Seeing the fruits of his labor during the Heart invasion was incredible because...holy shit. Also, I don't see many people making the connection that Leo was the first Clover citizen to unknowingly tap into Mana Method back in the Volcano dungeon. He fucking did it!

Gordon Agrippa

Literally my first thought seeing him was....panda. I guess he still kinda is. I always feel bad when the Bulls accidently forget him at base or don't even know he's gone. He just want's some friends to talk too. Honey, I will sit with you and you can teach me how to make dolls and as a fellow person who burns in the sun after 5 seconds, I'll sit with you in beach episodes. He's my buddy.

Charmy Pappitson

While she is mainly provided as a comic relief character, there's no denying that Charmy is her own strength and source of positivity that I highly admire. As someone, who is trying to fix their relationship with food, Charmy is a bit of a comfort character in that she eats whatever she likes from all food groups to channel her energy into power for herself. Even when people in show make a comment about her weight, she's quick to clap back with a comment like 'admiring my beautiful curves?' or 'now there's more of me to love!'. I can't wait to see more Charmy content.

Mimosa Vermillion

In the Royal Knight's Exam, I quite enjoyed learning more about her through the character interactions with her brother (fuck you Kirsh). It was also nice to see her beginning to see her developing more offensive spells to use in battle as to not rely on her team mates for protection. She took charge of her team when they were off topic and carried her weight all the way to the Spade Arc. And she won't take crap from her brother either, she manages to throw his own critiques back at him! You go girl!

Henry Legolant

He's so cute! He's a walking bird cage lol! Also I loved the Lego reference in his name. Another boy I would like to befriend. Henry is a kind soul who will quite literally use the power of friendship to beat his enemies.

Magna Swing

Ngl Magna first drew me in by his design alone. And boy was I not disappointed. If you're currently caught up in the manga then you know what I mean. His rivalry with Luck is also something entertaining to watch in itself and when push comes to shove he's definitely the man for any job. Plus he's always looking to get stronger for himself.

Asta

Asta comes in with the gall, audacity, and determination that I am here for! While most people would be in a situation and just let things happen, Asta really does enter the room and essentially go 'why are are you so bitter? why are you such a stupid and mean person? why are you being unreasonable?' The directness is something I love and then when he shatters people's way of thinking of the world...a masterpiece.

Charlotte Roselei

I honestly haven't thought that hard about why I like Charlotte. I think it's the persona she puts up. Being seen as this independent woman leader when she really is an awkward woman who doesn't know how to ask for a date is kinda nice. Regardless I also like to see the progress of how Charlotte uses her Blue Rose magic. Especially if you consider it to be a more weakened version of her original Red Rose magic. Imagine the kind of power she can unleash without the curse.

#black clover writing #black clover #top 10 #black clover event #the hype and return #august #august event #fuegoleon vermillion #mereleona vermillion #leopold vermillion #gordon agrippa #charmy pappitson #mimosa vermillion #henry legolant #magna swing #asta #charlotte roselei #black clover fuegoleon #black clover mereoleona #black clover leopold #black clover charmy #black clover gordon #black clover mimosa #black clover henry #black clover magna #black clover asta #black clover charlotte

[allbeendonebefore]

i decided to open a new blank doc to go at the ruperts land thing from a different angle just for fun and i’m already suffering from scope creep because. yknow. balancing characters all with their own unique histories that i could go super in depth on each but that’s not the point.

so for the sake of avoiding scope creep lets establish what this is and isn’t if i actually ever do bother to do anything about it

- dominion day was about the founding four provinces that Did join confederation AND the two that did Not; likewise ruperts land is about the provinces and territories that came out of the nwt (3 in the 19th century, 3 in the 20th)

- so, back in iamp the ruperts land fam was treated as siblings even though they were never established as such by sherry. this treatment bothers me for a lot of reasons and it’s not a reading that i bring with me because i just feel like its an extension of the Canadian tm view of a place that was full of very different people lumped together for convenience and colonization. i do treat them like found family, sure, but they are ambiguously related because again its. a Lot of different people and cultures that kind of are treated in canadian history as “land we Wanted and land we don’t care about but need to have or else”

- the reason i bring that up is that in nwt’s bio she’s referred to as everyone’s big sister, and you could take that in a literal or a metaphorical sense. i Personally like the idea that part of her character arc was being alone and independent since ‘birth’ and then her like. mellowing out and learning to actually take care of others as she encountered them. so her relationship with NT is completely different from how the others remember her growing up lol, with nunny she is like you’re sure you’re ok? are you eating enough at home? and yukon starts talking about how when she was growing up it was just nonstop chores and occasionally fighting lol.

- i think the central focus of this story is how nwt is hella ambiguous, i don’t think she came into the world knowing who her people were, she knew that there were people like her but they already had meaning. so it’s kind of the story of her getting definition (mostly from others but i think she finds herself too)

- like its also obviously the story of the others but mostly its about her. and how. right after all the drama and politics of dominion day. she was literally. bought. and the others just appeared as part of the package deal. and that sets the tone for all of western and northern canadian politics up to now, and a particularly big elephant in the room is the numbered treaties.

- ALL THIS SAID i know i have a tendency to lose sight of the big picture because i am so invested in this history and its somewhat personal to me so i need to not do a deep dive. i have to sort of imagine it from an outsider perspective too, so the next thing i need to decide is how to tell the story and what questions to answer and what questions that just get hinted at or asked without being directly addressed. one of the smaller ones that still is pretty big is what is the difference between a province and a territory, and while i want to be cynical about it i guess that’s really the root of the story im telling at the end of the day

- i was initially going to do it chronologically and pick up from where i left off with dd but it occurred to me it would actually make more sense to bookend it with more contemporary history, because again Nunny’s relationship with confederation is also entirely different from the rest of rupert’s land. so really i’m also structuring it around her too.

- anyway that’s enough rambling for now shout if you have questions and i’ll do my best to answer. none of this is or should be considered Canon it’s just how i personally view the history so [radical guitar solo] nothing matters! :)

#iamp #iammatthewian #projectcananda #hapo rambles #balancing 6 characters was hard enough last time lol #but i think narrowing the focus of the relationship to two is very helpful #cuz lets be real i could put the prairies as an entirely separate story arc #hell i could put bc alone as an entirely separate story arc #or at least compare and contrast her with pei who entered confed around the same time but then like. MANI!!!!!!!!!!! #so anyway. this is dedicated to that person at anime north who asked for more about the territories THIS IS FOR YOU!!!!!!!! #love the one person in the entire project who actually lived in one lol not that it really counts #I STILL HAVE MY YUKON HEALTH CARD THOUGH :) AND ITS IN BETTER SHAPE THAN MY ALBERTA ONE #i said this was a one man show but windex agreed to translate french for me lol

[twstinginthewind]

✍ + Joker + earrings.

✍️ send a word, get a story!

"Knock knooock!" A tall, slim boy with longish strawberry-blond hair stood in the doorway of the freshman girls' dorm room, a small package in one hand. "Mail call, freshies. Which one of you was Joker, again?"

Joker looked around the room, and found herself alone. Funny, she could have sworn she didn't hear her roommate leave. "That's me, I'm Joker. Hi, Diamond-sempai. Do you usually take the mail right up to the rooms like this?" She pushed her chair back from her desk and met him at the doorway.

"Just call me Cater, okay? Or Cay-Cay, my friends call me that. It's too formal the other way, oof." The boy laughed, waving the package slightly. "And no, I don't usually, but I was curious to see which of our little newbies was already getting care packages on their second day on campus. Did you forget something, or do your folks miss you that badly already?"

"Possibly both," she admitted, catching the padded mailer as he tossed it to her. "But I can't remember what it is I forgot, if that's the case. Which I guess is part of the point of it." She looked at the return address and smiled. "Aw, it's from Pops. My father was so excited for me and my brother to come here. We're kind of a legacy family for Heartslabyul, he says. Except..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "Sorry, Dia—CATER. Cater. I'm monologuing, aren't I?"

"A little," he responded cheerily, leaning against the doorframe. "I'm a little curious about what's in the package, though. Is it ok if I see the unboxing?"

"Oh, sure. Yeah, c'mon in. Leave the door open, though." She brought the mailer over to her desk, and pulled the tab to open it. "A little box, and a card. Awwww, Pops is feeling sappy, I guess? Let's see, what'd he write."

Cater stood casually, holding his phone in one hand as she opened the card. He nodded to her as his thumb danced across the phone's screen. "Nothing too cringey?"

"Well, it's my Pops. Of course it'll be a little," Joker laughed. "Okay. 'Dear Jo, I would have packed this with your stuff but your mother insisted we wait to hear your assignments before I sent anything. Tell your brother to expect his next week; I'm gonna have to change things out a little, haha. Oh and if anyone asks, no, those aren't stolen from the old light fixtures and repurposed' oh em SEVEN what is he talking about??"

"Does he go into detail?" Cater leaned in, curiously. "Because that's some weird goss."

"Nah. But he does go on to say, 'Welcome to Heartslabyul, cookie. Show everyone you're proud to be there. Love, Pops'. Huh." She picked up the little box, and shook it gently. There was only the tiniest noise from inside.

"Well, let's unveil. If it's from Dad, it's gotta be good."

"Right!" Joker nodded at the upperclassman, and opened the box. She gasped, sitting up straighter. The small box was lined with soft white velvet, and resting inside were two bright red, tiny, crystalline roses. She picked one up, noting the "stem" was an earring post, and twirled it between her fingers, letting the light reflect from the cut-glass surface. "Wow," she breathed.

"Ain't those cute!" Joker heard a little click, and realized that Cater was taking a photo of her as he fussed over the gift. "And a perfect Queen's Red, too. They'll match your dorm uniform perfectly!"

"They really will," she said, dreamily. "I gotta put them on. Can... can you send me that pic, Cater? I wanna show Pops."

"Absolutely. Can I put it on MagiCam? Folks love to see heartwarming stuff like this."

She paused, her hands already busy removing her old hoops. "Yeah, but after he sees it, all right?"

Cater placed his hand on his heart. "On my honor, little lady. You choose the time for the reveal, and I'll post it up. What's your name on there, I'll tag you!"

"I don't have one yet."

"GIRL. Okay. Get those on and your new favorite upperclassfriend is gonna give you the rundown, okay? Let's get you started."

Joker laughed, and put the earrings on. She looked at the mirror next to her desk, tilting her head to admire the view of her new accessories. "I really feel like I belong here, and this just seals it. Wow."

"Of course you do. You're one of us, little card soldier, haha!"

#twisted wonderland #cater diamond #twisted wonderland oc #joker carder #heartslabyul feelings #punch was gonna get matching cufflinks but Wild didn't wanna rub it in so he's getting a pocket watch instead #anyway that's the story of the little earrings I try to draw on her every time :-3 #story