#Hashtag trouble in paradise

[saintgoths]

ᴛʜᴇ ᴇʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ

LEVI ACKERMAN X READER - THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE. [AOT AU]

[PART EIGHT TO THE REALM'S DIAMOND SERIES].

WORD COUNT - 2,910.

RATING - 18+. [m/f sex, oral fem receiving, canon-typical violence].

[she also has other pairings thus the hashtags but its mainly levi x reader]. comments, liking, following and reblogging would be appreciated!

SUMMARY - as the day of yours and levi's engagement party has arrived, you have the urge to have every bad thing that has happened in the past as water under the bridge, but it seems as if life has another plan by allowing bygones to rush by.

previous chapter - chapter seven.

series masterlist

Violins and harps played in the spring air, favourite desserts displayed on the table and your lover sitting across you, he had looked handsome, Levi. In his signature dark blue suit, steel blue eyes looking into you, warmer than the times he would look at other people. He had outdone himself, picking the location of the date and the theme. Not far, had been a river filled with koi fish that the two of you stood by before the fare had begun.

Happily, you had looked at the engagement ring Levi had gotten you; it had shined as if it was its own star, and had caught the attention of anyone you had walked by. “I didn’t know this was happening,” you cried out and as he sipped his tea, the man had briefly shrugged.

“That’s the point of the surprise,” Levi said. “Two dates, one before our engagement party, and one after,” he shared, he had told you that it had been tradition for Ackerman men to do this for their partners before they got married. “I’ve already been thinking about the honeymoon.”

You had raised the both of your eyebrows, if he hadn’t done well with the date, you would’ve begged him to hear your ideas. “Oscaar?” You had asked and you immediately saw the way his face twisted.

“I’m thinking somewhere else, Pretty Bird,” he says as he put his cup down. “Something beautiful like a paradise, someplace like Naavia,” he suggested and immediately your eyes lit up.

“Beautiful island,” you confirmed, you had gone there a couple of times with your family, Naavia was a place where people forgot trouble in the world had existed, it was like the Garden of Eden.

“A month,” Levi had promised. “Our honeymoon will be a month long.”

You smiled. “I’ve always wanted to live there.”

“So be it,” Levi had tapped, and surprised, your shoulders had tensed.

There was an awkward laugh before you had spoken. “I can’t get away from family like that,” you stated, eyes unsure as Levi’s eyes reflected his cold thoughtfulness.

“Yes, you can,” the man shared as he fixed his position on his seat. “A fresh slate from the judgemental and prying people of Du Aurous,” Levi had said and you put your food down as you had given it a thought.

Levi had been patient, but you had been aware that he wouldn’t have minded leaving the country. Though you had wondered if Levi would be sufficient with leaving his mother here. “I’ll give it a thought,” you had smiled and with a brief nod, the dinner shared between you two had continued.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

It had been Kenny who had led you down the steps, you had felt everyone watch you, your family, his family, guests and previous suitors of yours. By the stairs, had been a live music band, with cellos, violins and harps, tall candles and bright chandeliers that had complimented the strength and richness of the Ackerman family.

It had been the engagement party and the home had been crowded by guests who had stared at you with awe.

Alan had been there, his face still and neutral, you had glanced at him, and turned away from his gaze. The moment you had stepped to the bottom of the stairs, you were greeted by Levi who had lifted your hand and kissed the back of it. Proud, Kenny watched the two of you. “She looks like she’s party of the family already,” Kenny smiled while your mother and father walked towards you, arms eloped as they grinned at you.

There had been more people who entered the building, and the hair of Mikasa Ackerman and Eren Yeager had caught your sight. You had smiled, gratified that Eren had received your invitation, you had briefly glanced at Levi, who’s lips had been formed into a thin line when he watched Eren enter his home. “He got my invitation,” you shared with happiness and with his hold still on you, Levi stiffly smiled.

“You personally invited him?” Levi questioned as he quickly locked eyes with the Yeager man who had greeted him by lifting off his hat.

“Yes,” you had answered. “I wanted everything to be water under the bridge,” you said as you had looked at Levi. “Now that Sir. Argent is gone, and the two of us are getting married.”

Levi clenched his jaw; he would’ve rather you share what you had done before you had done it. Though, it had appeared the two of you liked the element of surprise. “That’s great,” he said before he pecked the side of your cheek. “I’ll see you in a moment,” he said and with an acknowledgeable nod, you separated from him.

You had taken the moment to walk towards your brother, Alan who had been accompanied by Sir. Jean Kirstein, you had greeted them and had been aware with how Jean’s stare had smoothly glanced over you. “You look stunning, Lady van Richesse,” Jean had complimented, he hadn’t been bothered that you were being engaged to another man, but to hear you were going to be tied with Levi Ackerman had been a shock to him, almost to everyone as it was thought that he’d never marry.

“And you look rather dashing,” you had smiled before you glanced at your brother who had remained stifled. “Can I speak to my brother privately?” You had questioned Jean, and with a respectful bow, the Kirstein man had let you alone with your kin.

He had made way to Lady Jane, who had looked excellent in her light blue gown. When you had returned your sight towards your brother, he had finally spoken. “Mama and papa are happy, but I’m pretty sure they don’t know how to feel about you inviting Eren Yeager.”

“The past is in the past,” you shared as you looked into his eyes, aware there had been a flare of judgement in his orbs, you dryly smiled. “I was hoping you would do the same thing, feel the same way.”

“Sir. Argent,” your brother had reminded you.

“Old news,” you shut down, and then there was a frown on your face. “After this engagement,” you began as you had stared your brother back in the eye. “If you don’t accept my marriage with Levi and I, I wouldn’t want you at the wedding,” you declared, and shocked, Alan had remained speechless as he had then watched you spin on your heel and leave.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

You had been with Sir. Erwin and Levi, the tall man had greeted you once he had recognised your figure walk over to them. He had held out his hand to you, his expression in his usual calm state and smile short. “You look beautiful,” he greeted fore he kissed your knuckles.

“And you look handsome in your suit,” you side smiled and with a soft wink, Erwin glanced at Levi.

“Lucky,” he stated.

Levi’s face had been in its usual cold demeanour, but as Erwin Smith had been a good friend to him, the man couldn’t help but reveal an abrupt smile. “I know that,” Levi clarified before he had taken your hand. “They’re going to start dancing in the ballroom, Pretty Bird,” he called before he softly led you into the room.

There had been another live music group, though, this one had been talented in waltz music. Thus, both you and Levi had danced softly to the music, chin against the wing of his shoulder as you gently allowed your body to be controlled by him. He had smelt good, felt good, your mind couldn’t help but yearn for him to take off your clothing and touch you.

“May I take her?” A voice interrupted, and it had been the cordial voice of Eren’s.

Surprised, you had lifted your chin from your lover’s shoulder, Levi who had twisted his neck to face Eren. His usual cool eyes had shaken in annoyance as he had recognised who had spoken to you. Quiet, Levi glanced at you. “What does the Lady have to say?” Levi stated, his brief question lightly sarcastic.

You smiled. “Sure,” you accepted, and kindly, Levi had given you to Eren who had gently taken you from him.

“Thank you for the invitation,” Eren had thanked. “Do you know that your fiancé didn’t want me at the engagement party?” He poorly joked.

Your eyes lit up, amused. “Oh really?” You questioned surprised.

“Not even the wedding,” he went on, and with a dry giggle, you had continued to dance with him.

Unaware, that both Levi and Mikasa had watched the two of you, though, both had not been worried about the two of you sleeping together again, but had contemplated if the feelings the two of you used to share had still been there. “The Ackermans are protective.”

“For sure,” Eren agreed, he had then swirled you around, and within your mini spin you had captured the gaze of your family and his. Even if they might’ve not liked the idea of you and Eren dancing together, now that the both of you were marrying Ackermans, to see each other again, was inevitable.

Held by Eren, he moved his lips to your right ear. “Congratulations,” he whispered. “For everything…Mr. Ackerman…he’s a good suitor,” Eren said and with a calm look, Eren’s green eyes moved to Levi. “I’m pretty sure he’s counting the number of bullets he’s going to waste into me after this.”

You had then laughed. “Levi won’t do such a thing.”

“You’re happy right?” Eren questioned as he moved his face away from your ear, his eyes weren’t cold, but were vibrant, intent and infatuated.

You had always loved the prettiness of his eyes. “Of course, I am,” you answered, slightly taken aback that he had asked you this. “Yes…my dreams are becoming true,” you grinned and you could feel the firm hold Eren had on your hands gently tighten. “Are you happy?” You returned and with a look of honesty, Eren beckoned his head.

“Yes,” he replied.

Relieved, you had pulled your head a bit back. “Good, I want the two of us to leave on a good note.”

Brief, Eren agreed. “Me too.”

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

It was the second date.

The event after the engagement party, you had been tired, but excited to see what Levi had in store for you. “Didn’t know you were such a sweet tooth,” you joked as you watched Levi grab one of the sweets in the glass bowl that had been between you guys.

It had been dark, the sky clear while the stars twinkled by its constellations, the two of you were having a picnic, though there had been a lack of music, lack of birds singing, but the two of you had been accompanied by the lit candles he had prepared for the both of you.

“Should’ve known,” Levi said. “I eat you all the time,” he smiled as he watched you laugh at his comment. “I don’t mind clearing the table just for you,” he suggested, and from the grass, you had looked back to where the two of you once sat.

“You already fucked me before we got here,” you reminded him. “And in the carriage.”

Levi tilted his head to the side. “I fucked you with my cock, but I want to do it with my tongue.”

You had blushed as you had automatically felt heat rush between your legs. “If you’re willing to waste all the food the staff cooked for us,” you teased and Levi rolled his eyes.

“I can do it to you here,” Levi added. “On the grass,” he said as he leaned on his elbows. “That would be romantic, wouldn’t it?”

You snorted at him. “By all means,” you said and as you had unbuttoned your clothes, Levi moved towards you, his knees between your legs as he softly aimed to kiss you, he had aided you to remove your clothing, his hands then slid to the back of your thighs, firm around the back of your knees as his crouch pressed against your sex, Levi had then slipped his tongue inside of your mouth, gently whined at the taste of your lips.

You had groaned into his mouth, the pressure of his cock had circled against your sex, you had felt something solid in his pants, but you had known his body too much for you to be aware that it had not been his dick. Though, your lower garments had now been drenched by your arousal, and impatient, you had slipped off your underwear and rested your head against the grass while you felt the wet kisses of Levi trail down your stomach towards the opening of your legs.

He had stared at you as the flat base of his tongue stroked against your heat, but he had been slow with it, knowing that you had liked it intense and fast, so, you had bit down on your lower lips as you silently craved for him to pick up the pace, and hence he did.

You could feel the way the point of his tongue flicked against your nub, and with your eyes rolled back, the front of your hands held your legs back as Levi circled his lips around your pearl to suck, with watered eyes, you could feel the pleasure increase and fervour your body.

“Ah!” You had moaned once you had felt his tongue slip inside of you, his steel-blue eyes had been trained on you while the curve of his nails dug into the skin of your thighs, he had moaned against your cunt and in response, your cunt throbbed.

With one arm against your eyes, you had gently circled your hips to chase your high, you had wanted to fuck his face so bad, to bounce on his tongue while you screamed his name into the air, it had felt to so good, the warmth of his muscle that had sustained to fuck you while your legs quivered as you could feel yourself want to climax.

“Levi!” You had cried out and he hummed as kickback, his mouth returned to suck on your cunt while his hands massaged your inner thighs. “Levi!” You sat up and grabbed his hair---your juices were then immediately licked up by him, and you had sighed, leaned on the palm of your hands as you heard your fiancé unbuckle his belt.

He had been quick to pull out of his shaft, and with one hand wrapped around his cock, he gently pumped himself.

“Levi Ackerman!” An angry voice called, and immediately, the two of you had covered yourselves, eyes wide, Levi quickly covered your naked body with his suit jacket.

It had been an angry and dishevelled Sir. Argent. “How are you back?” Levi frowned as he pulled himself together. “How did you find us?” He commanded.

With a rude sneer, the man made it up the hill. “That trip you gave me was rigged!”

“I gave you fine money,” Levi calmly stated, and confused, you had looked between Levi and Sir. Argent.

“The money was a distraction, so I could get away from your whore!” He snapped. “You hired people to kill me!”

Surprised, you had raised the both of your eyebrows, you hadn’t realised how fast your heart had rapidly pounded. “Evidently, they did a terrible job,” Levi answered, his eyes had softened, but there had been a glint of arrogance that Sir. Argent hated. The same haughtiness Sir. Argent would see in Uncle Kenny’s eyes.

“My maid realised it when she was on my way with me,” Sir. Argent explained. “The suspicious men that were leading me, the amount of money you gave me, it was too obvious,” and he looked at you, you who had listened to every word that had come out of his mouth. “I can use this against you, the both you---the entire continent will spit on the Ackerman name---”

Yet, Levi was quick, so quick that the motion to whip out the weapon had almost felt like a slap on the face, Sir. Argent had been too surprised to continue his sentence as the bullet had rung through the silent night, you had now understood what was in his pocket, and once you saw the lifeless body of Sir. Argent slam against the ground, you had screamed in fear.

Quick, Levi had snapped his head towards you. “Put on your clothes,” he had commanded, but you had hesitated. “[Y/N], put on your clothes!” He shouted.

Then you did, you had struggled but impatient, Levi had helped you with your dress. “Go back to the carriage.”

“W---what about him?” You pointed and with your eyebrows furrowed, you could feel your heart continue to thump, as if it had wanted to leave your body out of fear. Your mind tried to understand what had been going on, but the adrenaline that had pumped through your body had been tangled with confusion and fear of who stood in front of you.

You didn’t want to fear him, he did this to protect you, the both of you, the Ackerman name, the van Richesse name. “I’ll handle it, but go, now,” he commanded and immediately on your feet, you had rushed back to the coachman.

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[avengerscompound]

Plus Two - Chapter 19

Plus Two:  A Pepperony Fanfic

MASTERLIST PREVIOUS //

Buy me a coffee with Ko-fi Word Count: 2010

Pairing:  Pepper Potts x Tony Stark x F!Reader

Warnings:  talk of pregnancy

Synopsis:  Tony Stark- Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist, Pepper Potts, his long-serving and overworked assistant, and you, their on-again/off-again girlfriend and lead singer of the hit band, Arctic Fire.  Three very different people navigate a world of fame, addiction, betrayal, and superheroes, while they move from having a plus one to a plus two.

Chapter 19

After coming out with Tony and Pepper the three of relaxed into the comfort of your relationship.  It was nice not having to hide it - even when it did mean every interview involved someone trying to sneak a question in about how things worked between the three of you.  Or that occasionally there would be some trending hashtag about how you were sinners.

The three of you all fell back into work and events again, living the life you’d all lived before, only now when you each went home, it was to two people who loved you.

It was the best kind of normal you could have hoped for.  After living this life you had of fame and parties and drugs and liquor and being alone surrounded by people, now you had people who were yours and you never felt alone - even when there was no one around.  Tony and Pepper were always there in your heart, keeping your bed warm and your house a home.

For two years the three of you just enjoyed your time together, Pepper running SI, Tony building things in his lab, and you writing your music.  In the second year you released a new album with Arctic Fire and you did a world tour.  While most of the tour you were just with your bandmates, it was the first one you had been on where the call to party with them wasn’t overwhelming.  You were just as happy to go back to your hotel room and video chat with Tony and Pepper until you fell asleep.

The album won awards and you were called to both present and accept awards.  There were invitations to the Met Gala and other big-name events, and at every single one, you had a plus-two.  Going to events with Tony and Pepper on your arms gave you a kind of joy that was hard to describe.  Each time you went out publicly it was like you were telling the world that there was another way to do things.  People didn’t have to just pair off.  Love came in all sorts of shapes and sizes and no one else had a right to tell you how to be happy.

Toward the end of those two years, there seemed to be a shift in your family dynamic.  Things were good but talk of events that used to seem so far off was starting to become talk of things happening soon.

“I had a dream last night.”

The three of you were taking a run through Central Park.  Happy was in a golf cart doing laps of the three of you to keep the paparazzi away.  Even after two years of being public about the fact you were in a polyamorous relationship, they still liked to stalk you when you were doing day-to-day things.  Photos of the lead singer of Arctic Fire and Iron Man together would have sold a lot on their own.  Adding the Ceo of a Fortune 500 company to the mix only made those photos worth more.  They especially wanted to get photos of anything that looked like there was trouble in paradise.  Anything to prove to everyone that there was no way your arrangement was either real or could work.  Catching you looking bored or with resting bitch face always carried headlines implying things were over, even if every other photo in the reel was the three of you looking happy and in love.

“Was it the one where all your teeth fall out?  I really hate that one,” you asked as you kept pace with Pepper.  Tony had started to fall behind and you, and Pepper kept having to look over your shoulder to make sure you didn’t lose him.

“Slow down, slow down. I’m totally not kidding,” Tony babbled, picking up his pace so he caught up to you both.

You and Pepper laughed and she turned to face him.  “You’re totally rambling.”

“No, I’m not,” he argued.

“What’s going on?” you asked.  “I’m lost.”

He stopped running and you and Pepper dropped down to a walk.  He was clearly wanting to discuss something with you both that he thought was important.

“Look,” Tony said.  “You know how you’re having a dream, and in the dream you gotta pee?”

“Yeah,” you and Pepper both agreed.

“Okay, and then you’re like, ‘Oh my god, there’s no bathroom, what am I gonna do?’  ‘Oh!  Someone’s watching.’  ‘I’m gonna go in my pants,’” he continued.

“Right,” Pepper agreed.  “And then you wake up, and in real life, you actually have to pee.”

“Yes!” Tony agreed excitedly.

“Yeah,” Pepper said.  “Everybody has that.”  She looked at you as if to confirm her statement.

“Yeah.  I’ve had that,” you agreed.

“Right!” Tony cheered.  “That’s the point I’m trying to make.  Apropos of that, last night, I dreamt we had a kid.  It was so real.  We named him after your eccentric uncle, Pep.  Uh, what was his name?”

“Right,” Pepper said, nodding as you tilted your head to look him over.  He thought one of you was pregnant.  You wondered which one he thought it was.

“Morgan!” he said, snapping his fingers.  “Morgan.”

“So you woke up, and thought that we -” she gestured to the three of you “-were…”

“Expecting!” Tony finished.

Pepper looked at you with her eyebrow raised before turning back to Tony.  “Yeah.”

“Yes?” Tony said, reaching out to touch her stomach.

She shook her head.  “No.”

He looked at you hopefully.  “Honey?”

“Sorry, baby.  No baby on board here,” you said, taking his hand.

“I had a dream about it,” he said.  “It was so real.”

“We can go buy pregnancy tests to make sure,” you said.  “But I can tell you, that’d be some miracle baby.”

Pepper took his free hand and looked him in the eye.  “Did you want to try for a baby?”

Tony shifted nervously on his feet and swung both yours and Pepper’s hands back and forth.  “Don’t you think that would be great?  The three of us with a little mini us?  Raising him together.  One of you can be mommy, the other one mama or something like that.  I can be the stay-at-home dad while you both go to work.  You can teach her to play the piano.  We can move out of the city.  Get a little farm.  Like Barton.”

You looked at him with your eyebrows knitted.  None of you had ever spoken about this before.  You certainly hadn’t ever considered having kids with the life you led.  But now, if you thought about it, the idea of Tony with a baby made your ovaries hurt a little.  “You’ve really been thinking about this, huh?”

He nodded emphatically.  “Yes.  Yeah.  I mean… I’ve been home most of the time lately.  I’ve been happy.  I want - I want the next bit.  The quiet life and the family part.”

Pepper looked over at you with her eyebrows cocked.  “What do you think?  I mean… I hadn’t been thinking about it, but I always pictured having kids sometime.”

“I think we should start moving again - before the paps photograph us deep in thought and speculate that we’re breaking up again,” you said, nudging them on, and taking off in a jog.

“What?” Tony said, chasing after you and tugging on the hem of your shirt.  “What was that?  You don’t want kids?”

“It’s not that.  I’ve honestly never even thought about whether or not I want them since I was in my twenties and even back then it was just ‘one day.’  The whole overdosing and multiple trips to rehab made me put all those thoughts on the backburner,” you admitted.

“But you’ve been clean for years,” Tony said.

“I know, I’m absolutely not saying no,” you said and looked at him out of the side of your eye.  His eyebrows were knitted together and he was frowning.  “Fake smile please,” you added in a fake cheery tone.

Tony smiled and spoke through his clenched teeth.  “You just don’t seem very open and receptive right now.”

“No,” you said.  “No, it’s not that.  This just came right out of the blue.  We have never spoken about having kids in the future in any real way, and there’s so much to consider. I mean - which one of us gets pregnant? Or will neither of us?  If it’s neither does that mean adoption or surrogacy?  Neither Pepper nor I are getting any younger - no offense, Peps.”

“None taken,” Pepper said, holding up her hands.

“We’d both be considered high risk for pregnancy.  Me even more so than Pepper because of my history with drugs.  Even if it is a surrogacy - our eggs…” you sighed and slowed your pace so you could meet his eyes.  “There’s so much to consider and I don’t want to have this conversation in the park when it could get emotional and there are paps taking our photos.  Okay?”

“But it’s not a no?” Tony said, hopefully.

“No honey, it’s a ‘please god, I don’t want to read about how we’re breaking up this week.’  That’s all,” you said.

“Let’s go home,” he said, excitedly.  “Right? We can go home now.  Let’s.”  He waved over to Happy and pointed back to where the penthouse was.

“God.  You’re really excited about this, aren’t you Tony?” Pepper teased.

“Uhh yeah,” he agreed as he picked up his pace, leaving you and Pepper behind.

Tony had practically sprinted home.  You and Pepper came in a little after him, sweaty and out of breath and you collapsed down on the couch and drained the last of your water in your bottle.

“So,” he said.  “What are we talking about?”

“Well…” you said, looking over to Pepper for help.

She took a seat next to you and crossed her legs as she thought.  “There are a lot of things we need to consider,” she said.  “And not even counting the part of who are the parents, I think we have the kind of money to pave the way to have us all named as their parents.  But - we are getting closer to fifty every day.  There’s going to be a lot of risks.”

“So… so we adopt?” Tony asked.  “I’m okay with that.  I can do that.”

“You know,” Pepper said, almost as if she was thinking out loud more than talking to either you or Tony.  “I pushed back all the thoughts of being a parent when I pursued my career.  I mean, aside from you two, I didn’t even date.  It was just all work all the time.  But I think there was a time I pictured having it all.  And part of that was one day being pregnant.  I think I’d like to at least explore that.”

“Really?” Tony said, sitting down next to her.

“Yeah, really,” she said.  “I know we might have left it too late, but I’d like to talk to a fertility expert.  Assuming we’re all on board.”

She gave you a searching look and you closed your eyes for a moment.  It was so much to process so fast.  To decide immediately felt like you were being rash about the life of another person who wasn’t asking to exist in the first place.  Yet, wasn’t it a good sign that you knew right away that the answer was; yes, you did, in fact, want a family with Tony and Pepper?

“Yeah,” you said and sat up.  “Yes.  Let’s do this.  If I don’t actually have to do the pregnancy stuff, the other stuff with the two of you?  I love that.  I want to be a mama.”

Tony looked like he was about to vibrate himself right through the couch.  “We’re going to do this?”

“We’ll look into it anyway,” Pepper said.  “But if it’s not -”

Whatever Pepper was going to say was cut off, by Tony pouncing on you both.  The three of you were going to start a family and there was nothing that could take away from the excitement you all shared.

// NEXT

[doctortwhohiddles]

Aw, look at that, there's trouble in paradise. Hator is losing her Queen of the Septics crown, isn't that sad? Given just how few notes her posts about her new tea party get, I'd agree with the anon. Hator has gone too far, even for them.

What cracks me up is that she's still trying to look like she relevant on Twitter. She said she gained new followers (she hasn't) and that people are desperate to stop her tweeting. Since she was flagged as spam, no one can see her stupid hashtag. But hard for her to gain new followers. If she's talking about Tumblr, then it must be porn bots and sockpuppets account. Hator is so desperate for attention, she can't seem to see people are stepping away from her.

And where is Aeltri? She's been silent for almost 2 weeks, that's weird. Maybe this time she really is getting the help she needs.

[nsheetee]

Can you do a Jaehyun x reader where she's a foreign idol and also his crush and bff, and then SM makes the two sing and dance together?

warnings/details: female reader, best friends to lovers, light fluff, and just a tad bit of suggestive dancing/kissing at the end

you and jaehyun have been best friends for longer than you’ve been idols

when you moved to south korea, you were a bit nervous to go to school and to make new friends

your korean wasn’t the best, and you weren’t sure if people would accept you

however, you met jaehyun

the one thing you knew you would always love about him is his kindness

his thoughtful and considerate heart, even at a young age, made you comfortable around him

you thought he would get annoyed by how you stuck to him throughout your younger years

but he never did, and you became best friends

although you didn’t join SM entertainment at the same time, your friendship never diminished because of your new careers

in fact, it only furthered the cohesion between NCTzens and your own group’s fans once people found out about your and jaehyun’s long friendship

people absolutely loved how you would sometimes spill embarrassing stories about jaehyun from his childhood

and whenever the two of you interacted at award shows, it warmed people’s hearts and at least a few hashtags trended worldwide over the interaction

however, jaehyun has a secret

one that he has kept from you and even from his own members

he has a crush

a major, heart-wrenching, always-on-his-mind, hands sweating, and heart palpitating crush

on you

his best friend

what hurts him the most is that he thinks he’ll never be able to act on it

so many things seem to stand in the way:

the physical distance between you and him

the amount of fans he has solely for his bachelor status 

and his career

but one day, during a meeting, your careers are surprisingly the factor that brings you two together

“you’ll be doing a duet, jaehyun.” his manager explained, “with y/n.”

“oh? cool.” he tried to sound indifferent, but the excitement in his voice didn’t fool anyone

“it’ll be a station, with a music video, and you’ll have to learn some choreography with her.” 

other than being excited to spend so much more time with you, jaehyun is also excited to be sharing his passion with his best friend

no matter what other activities jaehyun does, singing and dancing is his first priority amongst all of them

and getting to share that with you, who he knows is also passionate about your career, is thrilling to him

he doesn’t get nervous until he hears the demo of the song

hearing the slower tempo, the heavy bass, and reading the lyrics, his ears turn red at the thought of sharing this song with you

his best friend, and his crush

“wow.” you exclaim after the first listen to the demo, “I love it!”

“me too.” jaehyun admits shyly, hoping no one notices his bashfulness

he really does, but he can’t contain his erratic heart at the moment

the song is seductive, about two people overcoming boundaries to be together

he can’t help but think the song is perfect for the situation he’s in

jaehyun enjoyed recording the song with you

he knew he would have fun and be able to be himself in the studio while you were there

his crush on you grew bigger, if possible, at seeing you passionately singing and asking to give your parts another try when you didn’t like how the last recording turned out

you’re a perfectionist, and it’s a characteristic that jaehyun secretly adores about you

it was all fun and games until the time to learn choreography came

jaehyun mentally psyched himself up all morning

he added an extra shot in his americano and put on some extra cologne, doing just the little things that he knew would give him a confidence boost

the choreography, just as you and jaehyun expected, is hot

lots of dancing close together, your bodies holding barely any space 

jaehyun’s shyness flies out the practice room’s door the second he becomes more comfortable

his hands, which have never felt foreign to you before, strategically wander on you as if it’s the last time they’ll ever touch you

even during learning and practicing the choreography, he’s intense, and his large stage presence almost dominates you

until you wordlessly fight back with your own confidence and assertiveness

it only makes jaehyun’s heart beat harder

the hours of dancing leave sweat dripping down your necks and chests heaving from exertion 

the choreographer leaves, telling you and jaehyun to take a break to get lunch, but you both decide to work out a move that has been tripping you both up before getting food

the move isn’t super complicated; jaehyun uses one arm around your waist to dip you down and swing you across the floor

“so… what’s the problem here? it’s not that difficult, or off-beat…” you ask 

“it’s just… your head is really close to the floor, and you’re not holding onto me while I swing you around… it’s kinda nerve-wracking. I don’t want to drop you.” jaehyun explains, making you smile at him gently

“hey,” you tap on the beak of his snapback, “I trust you completely. I know you won’t drop me… and if you do, I’m not made of porcelain. I’ll live.” you joke, and jaehyun reluctantly nods 

you start the music, completing the moves that lead up to your trouble spot

the fear of hurting you makes jaehyun freeze, and he wraps his arm around your waist, stopping you from throwing your weight towards the floor

“jaehyun?” you pout, holding onto his shirt, “what’s wrong?”

he doesn’t say anything, his one arm still wrapped around you and his other hand resting on the curve of your waist

the music continues, heavy bass shaking the wood floor and permeating what little space is in between you and jaehyun

he looks at you, lips pursed and eyes flickering over your face

his head subconsciously leans closer to you, his soft hazel eyes shining even in the dim lighting of the practice room

you don’t know what has suddenly gotten into him, but you’re not about to stop it at anytime

it would be ridiculously hard to spend your whole life around jaehyun and not fall in love with him, you’re sure you’re not the only one who has such feelings

but right now, you are the girl in his arms, with his lips ghosting over yours, and his heart beating along with your own 

and so you take the chance to show jaehyun your own feelings by making the first move

rising on your toes ever-so-slightly, your lips meet

your hands immediately find jaehyun’s hair, throwing his hat somewhere on the floor to run your hands through his dark blue locks

your lips crush against each other, like the collision of two cars, but way less disastrous and way more beautiful

kissing someone usually requires a lot of effort, but the way jaehyun moves with you and the way you let your mind relax into the situation feels like you’re in paradise

no need for thinking, only feeling and loving and enjoying

you pull away first, but jaehyun has not had enough of you yet

he kisses your cheeks and jaw, making you giggle from the ticklish feeling

he rests his forehead against your sweaty neck, not minding the heat between you two at all

you both take a minute to calm down, realizing what just happened, and waiting for the other to make the first move

“do you hate me?” jaehyun asks into your collarbones, his voice like a small child 

he’s not really sure what to expect from you, hence his apprehension to turn his face to you

“yes, I hate you so much.” you reply sarcastically, pulling at his hair gently for him to face you, “that’s why I kissed you like that.”

“well, then that means I hate you, too. I absolutely despise you.”

[green-eyed-whumpster]

Rowan’s Masterlist (Maybe)

There is many a Rowan chapter so I’ll ‘Keep Reading’ this biznitch, and mark the ones containing non-con.

Also as I continue to update my dash this will disappear, so looking up the hashtag ‘masterlist’ should find it, but if not then I’ll pin it.

Rowan Chapter 1 -  Rowan is a poor boy who gets caught in a trap while running away from pursuers. He is saved by a secluded hunter named Peter.

Rowan Chapter 2 - Rowan wakes up in Peter’s home and meets his friend, Cordelia.

Rowan Chapter 3 - Rowan and Peter bond as Rowan’s injuries heal and Peter gives Rowan an offer he couldn’t possibly refuse.

Rowan Chapter 4 - Trouble in paradise as soldiers come to collect tax from Peter

Rowan Chapter 5 - Rowan realises what the soldiers took him for. And what will happen to him if he’s disobedient. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 6 - Rowan gets thoroughly abused and misses Peter. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 7 - Rowan finally catches a break! This break comes in the form of the cool, and cruel, crown Prince. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 8 - Rowan endures the last week in the barracks and is taken to be cleaned up before meeting his new royal master. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 9 - Rowan finally meets his new master and the Prince breaks in his new toy. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 10 - Rowan realises that the Prince isn’t as kind as he first appeared to be. William punishes Rowan for disobeying him, and Rowan weighs up the worth of fighting to survive. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 11 - Rowan wakes up pleasantly and William offers him a way to repay his kindness. William gets visited by the royal advisor, who says something that catches Rowan off-guard. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 12 - Rowan learns of the Prince’s arranged marriage, William reminds Rowan that he is, in fact, an asshole. 

Rowan Chapter 13  - Rowan meets a servant and tries to make some friends in the cold castle. But he soon realises that the position of consort does not make him very popular with the other servants. 

Rowan Chapter 14 - Rowan struggles to convince himself of how to behave for the Prince. William quite likes Rowan asking for forgiveness. Rowan learns that he really isn’t popular among the servants and has to deal with drunk William. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 15 - Rowan wakes up to a rather delighted William. Rowan receives a present during the day and attempts to fix his relationship with the servants. It doesn’t go well. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 16 - Rowan deals with the alienation of the castle. William offers Rowan something he could never refuse

Rowan Chapter 17 - Rowan gets cornered by some overly-friendly guards and barely manages to escape. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 18 - Rowan struggles to suppress the events of that afternoon and fails to hide them from the Prince. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 19 - Rowan faces the Prince and discovers how he reacts to people touching his consort. The Prince doesn’t appreciate Rowan hiding the event from him. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 20 - Rowan plays the submissive and adoring consort while the screams of the guards ring in his ears. William takes advantage of Rowan’s desire to play with his psyche more. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 21  - Rowan finds out how the Prince decides to keep Rowan from trouble. An essential visit to the kitchen revealed the layers of hatred that are held against Rowan.

Rowan Chapter 22 - Rowan gets a bit of time to himself outside and allows himself to enjoy some sunshine. Oliver reminds the boy not to stray too far. And the leisure is interrupted by William. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 23 - Rowan feels icky after being with the Prince and hides in his room to avoid having to reveal his hatred to the Prince’s soldier. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 24 - It’s been a while since Rowan was saved by the Prince, and the royal engagement slips closer. The Prince offers his consort an invitation to the engagement ball and Rowan comes face-to-face with someone familiar. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 25 - Rowan prepares for the ball and finally meets the Prince’s fiancée. Tensions rise as Rowan realises how little they get along, and gets to see an old friend again. 

Rowan Chapter 26 - The Prince manages to get some relief from Rowan and leaves him be. Cordelia manages to find a moment alone with Rowan, which is interrupted by Oliver’s overprotectiveness. And to avoid being left alone Rowan is forced to remain with the Prince. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 27 - Rowan decides that he would somehow be more comfortable with William, does whatever it takes to remain by the Prince’s side. This allows William to take complete advantage of him. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 28 - Rowan struggles to dissect the fractured memories of the night before. And comes to the horrifying realisation that he had forgotten himself before the Prince.

Rowan Chapter 29 - William has a chat to Merek on their way to breakfast, a chat that strikes fear into Rowan’s heart. Spending time with William was hard enough, but when Marie is with him, Rowan finds out how much more trouble the Prince can be. 

Rowan Chapter 30 - Rowan becomes overwhelmed early in the day as he realises the Prince will never be satisfied with him. After an altercation at a council meeting, poor Rowan is faced with a suggestion that makes his stomach roll. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 31 - Rowan accompanies William to the baths and manages to ask him a potentially dangerous question.

Rowan Chapter 31.5-32 - After the bath Rowan follows the Prince to lunch, where William inevitably gets into an altercation with Alexander, and Rowan gets hurt again.

Rowan Chapter 33 - Rowan remains asleep throughout this chapter and William and Marie have an interesting talk. Which allows Marie to gain more information about the Prince’s consort, and to sow some ideas in William regarding his treatment of the boy.

Rowan Chapter 34 - Rowan wakes up to find an alarming shift in the Prince’s behaviour towards him. And for a while he basks in the change. But of course, the kindness doesn’t last long.

Rowan Chapter 35 - The Prince and his friend have a discussion regarding the terms of Rowan’s service. Rowan quite obviously deplores this and struggles to hide his disdain now that the likelihood of being shared has become so much more real.

Rowan Chapter 36 - Rowan’s last-ditch attempt to sway the Prince against being given away doesn’t work. And Oliver makes an attempt to understand the boy better.

Rowan Chapter 37 - Alexander isn’t quite as kind to Rowan when William and his mother aren’t around. And the surprise visit causes an argument between Rowan and Oliver. 

Rowan Chapter 38 - Rowan is forced to visit the Prince’s friend. It’s his first attempt at being disobedient. One could argue that it . . . didn’t go well. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 39 - In a quiet moment Rowan is allowed to process what happened after he angered Charles. It won’t be received well by the Prince

Rowan Chapter 40 - Once someone comes across Rowan, and Charles, panic sets in. He tries to run, but doesn’t manage to get far before being caught and returned to the Prince.

Rowan Chapter 41 - Rowan is taken to the dungeons and Merek begins his punishment. The Prince returns to him and, after hearing Rowan’s side of the story, decides on an ‘appropriate’ punishment for him.

Rowan Chapter 42 - Once the Prince leaves any comfort he offered Rowan leaves with him. Because Merek isn’t going to pass up the opportunity to thoroughly break Rowan.

Rowan Chapter 43 - Rowan endures an unending amount of torture from Merek, who knows how to bruise the mind just as well as the body. Finally William comes to free him from the punishment, and Rowan realises he missed the Prince far more than he would like to admit. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 44 - William leads Rowan to the baths and gently cleaned the boy. Rowan responds very positively to the Prince’s kindness, so much so that he misses the warning signs given out by William.

Rowan Chapter 45 - Marie isn’t pleased to see Rowan at the dinner table, and William can’t turn down an opportunity to argue with her. Back in the Prince’s room Rowan is surprised to be afforded a pleasure that has been denied him for far too long. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 46 - Rowan gets woken up by the Prince after having a nightmare. He finds out that it’s a pretty big day for William, and his first interaction with Oliver again goes, less than ideal. Non-con

Rowan Chapter 47 - Rowan is mad. And Oliver realises pretty soon how wrong his statement was... Also Oliver’s relationship with Matilda is revealed and Rowan is still a sad boii.

Rowan Chapter 48 - Rowan meets Marie’s consort and it is revealed that he and Oliver have a past together.

Rowan Chapter 49 - The wedding night.

Rowan Chapter 50 - Everyone has to adjust to the ways in which the castle is changing. From William and Marie’s relationship to Jonathan and Rowan’s continued discomfort around the newly crowned King.

Rowan Chapter 51 - It’s been far too long. Rowan’s grown used to kingdom life, as disgusting as it is, but suddenly things are beginning to change.

Rowan Chapter 52 - The King finally learns of how the servants are treating Rowan, and he doesn’t like it. Luckily Rowan has learned how to think on his feet and can save them from the punishment William promised. 

Rowan Chapter 53 - Rowan realises that it was worth being kind to the servants. Rowan is attacked. 

Rowan Chapter 54 - Rowan finds out that Maria has something to do with what is happening to him, and that William is also present.

Rowan Chapter 55 - William didn’t love Rowan. As sad as that is, after everything, is it really so surprising?

Rowan Chapter 56 - Rowan and William suffer through their first night as prisoners and are visited the next morning by their captors.

Rowan Chapter 57 - Rowan obtains a seemingly perfect opportunity to speak to Cordelia alone. Or as alone as they can be with William sulking nearby. She’s his only hope for survival at this point.

Rowan Chapter 58 - Sweet, sweet, sexy catharsis! Rowan finally snaps in the face of his abuse.

Rowan Chapter 59 - Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Rowan taking William down a few pegs. Except William, of course. And it may have been the most beneficial time to snap.

Rowan Chapter 60 - Cordelia takes Rowan from the dungeon, and gives him some nice clothes.

Rowan Chapter 61 - Rowan really badly wants to stay with Cordelia now that he knew she would protect him. Except, Cordelia isn’t really made for babysitting.

Rowan Chapter 62 - Rowan definitely shouldn’t be left on his own. 

Rowan Chapter 63 - Cordelia realises that thanks to William’s conditioning of the boy, Rowan is going to be a bit more maintenance than first thought.

Rowan Chapter 64 - Rowan is a broken little creature. Sad boii. 

Rowan Chapter 65 - A short little scene of their night at the inn. Rowan suffers from another nightmare and is very eager to leave. Rowan Chapter 66 - 

Rowan Chapter 66 - Rowan struggles to convince Cordelia that he’s okay. Because he very obviously isn’t.

Rowan Chapter 66.5 - Cordelia asks Rowan some hard to answer questions, which he somehow manages to answer.

Rowan Chapter 67 - Cordelia gives Rowan a few more hours of rest, and considers some information about William’s punishment. 

Rowan Chapter 68 - Rowan and Cordelia have a talk about how to deal with trauma.

Rowan Chapter 69 - Rowan and Cordelia share another bed, and Rowan has a nightmare.

Rowan Chapter 70 - Rowan and Cordelia have another deep discussion as Rowan reveals the lingering fears that the image of Peter conjures up.

Rowan Chapter 71 - Rowan has a final little panic before reaching Peter’s home. 

Rowan Chapter 72 - Rowan doesn’t react superbly to his and Peter’s reunion. Peter is very distraught by this.

Rowan Chapter 73 - Cordelia and Peter have a heavy discussion about the boy sleeping in Peter’s room.

Rowan Chapter 74 - The next morning Rowan confronts Cordelia about what she said the night before.

Rowan Chapter 75 - Peter sets up a bath for Rowan, and Rowan struggles to acknowledge his discomfort thanks to the kindness of Peter and Cordelia.

Rowan Chapter 76 - Rowan gets a nice little bath.

Rowan Chapter 77 - Peter and Cordelia have a chat while Rowan sleeps.

Rowan Chapter 78 - Peter interrupts a nightmare Rowan has.

Rowan Chapter 79 - Rowan works up the courage to ask Peter to keep him company while he rests.

Rowan Chapter 80 - Rowan can’t help the memories that rise up and turns against old friends.

Rowan Chapter 81 - Cordelia finds Peter outside and attempts to calm her friend.

Rowan Chapter 82 - Rowan struggles to handle life on his own while Peter and Cordelia talk.

Rowan Chapter 83 - Rowan finds something important to Peter that he kept hidden from the boy.

Rowan Chapter 84 - Peter and Rowan try to rekindle their relationship.

Rowan Chapter 85 - Rowan uses his safe-word.

Rowan Chapter 86 - Rowan doesn’t really know how to handle trauma, but Peter can help him.

Rowan Chapter 87 - Having collapsed by the water’s edge, Peter can begin to unpack the emotional baggage Rowan carries with him everywhere. 

Rowan Chapter 88 - Cordelia figures out a way to help Rowan feel safe.

Rowan Chapter 89 - It doesn’t matter that Rowan has never had a pet before, he loves her anyway.

Rowan Chapter 90 - Peter and Cordelia have an important conversation about an intimate subject.

~

I also realised that I reused Tagliatelle as a Tag title three times. What do you guys see in me? I’m clearly not original. 

[shannonsaid]

Metamorphoses.

Summary: Set five years in the future; Sam, Robin and Olivia’s lives are a lot different than they had planned or expected. Follow their stories from their past and their present. 

“The Oneiroi Triplets. The Oneiroi were the immortals who traveled through dreams appearing as certain types of images.”

Morpheus (god of dreams) — Robin Icelus (god of nightmares) — Sam Phantasos (god of fantastical dreams) — Olivia

Notes: A thanks to infinity and beyond to @txemrn​ for reading this in its infancy, and helping me bring it to fruition. Without you, I doubt this fic would even exist (and Robin would definitely not be hopelessly in love, so he thanks you too!).

Companion Pictagrams:

Robin. Emily. Olivia. Cassian. Sam. Jenny. Casey. Bryce.

Chapter 1: Icelus

NOW

Sam stood in the never ending line at Starbucks, typing feverishly on his phone. Even after five years of successfully co-heading Dalton-Russo Enterprises with his wife, his father still deemed it necessary to micromanage every single decision. He had half a mind to tell his father to shove it, but knew he never would. Mickey and Mason’s future depended on his complacency in business, as much as it did his personal life.

A coquettish giggle from behind Sam, pulled his attention away from his phone and self destructive thoughts, and he sighed. The sound a mixture of annoyance, jealousy and longing. He didn’t have to turn around to know who had laughed or why, he already knew. The comedian was his brother and his audience was his brothers fiancée, Emily. Ever since the pair had gotten together, it had been nothing but secret giggles and stolen glances, and a love that had Sam’s stomach knotting in sadness and regret.

Sam wanted to hate his brother for choosing love and happiness above all else, but he couldn’t. It wasn’t Robin’s fault that Sam chose to walk down the aisle that day, to profess his love for a woman he hardly liked, to not chase after the woman he did love. Sam only had himself to blame. He had made a choice that day. Where Robin had chosen love and happiness, Sam had chosen loyalty and legacy.

The overly cheery voice of the Starbucks barista dragged Sam away from his thoughts. Placing his order, he stepped to the side and turned his attention back to his phone, his eyes instantly rolling at his fathers words. Cursing to himself, he slid his phone into his pocket.

Sam had known it would be hard for his father to step away from Dalton Enterprises -- it had been his life’s blood for the entirety of Sam’s life. And yet, he claimed to have handed the reigns over to Sam and Sofia the evening of their wedding, wishing them luck and happiness. Only he hadn’t really let go. Five years later, and he was still questioning every move Sam and Sofia made.

Releasing a frustrated sigh, he shook his spiraling thoughts from his head. He grabbed his drinks from the counter and moved his way through the crowd and back to his table. Setting down the drinks, he slid into his seat beside Robin.

Robin raised an eyebrow at the look at Sam’s face. “Trouble in paradise?” He asked, a slow smirk lifting his lips.

Sam grumbled, taking a long sip from his coffee. “Dad.”

“Still can’t let go, huh?” Robin commented, his smirk falling from his face.

“Apparently a lifetime preparing me to take over wasn’t long enough.” Sam shrugged sardonically. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to come back?”

Robin laughed, smacking his hand down on Sam’s shoulder. “Fuck no!” He shook his head, laughter still alight in his cerulean eyes. “I love you, but no. Never.”

Sam huffed his brothers hand from his shoulder. “You honestly prefer running Kamilah Sayeed’s Twitter account over everything you had at Dalton Enterprises?”

Robin slung his arm around Emily, pressing a kiss against her temple. “I don’t run Kamilah’s twitter, I run Ahmanet’s Twitter — which happens to be in a loving relationship with the New York Islanders twitter — as well as all their other socials.”

“You’re just a glorified Millennial.” Sam grumbled.

“Don’t blame me for your misery, Sam.” Robin said softly, his voice tipped in venom. “Kamilah gave you an out too, one that would’ve let you live your life - your way, and you didn’t take it.” His fingers traced small circles on Emily’s arm, as he stared down his brother. “Your misery is of your own making.”

Sam’s hand tightened around his coffee cup, hating that Robin was right, and hating himself more.

Kamilah Sayeed had approached Sam, at Robin’s suggestion, with a tempting offer before Italy. Before the impromptu wedding. Before Olivia left. She had offered him the COO position at Ahmanet Financial. She had wanted to take a step back from the limelight and decision making and boardrooms filled with needy and demanding board members.

“I know you have a legacy you think you have to uphold, Samuel.” She had said in her soothing, enchanting voice. “But who says you can’t start your own legacy? Follow your own dreams? Bask in your chosen happiness?”

The offer had been more tempting than Sam would ever admit to himself. It was the opportunity to finally live for himself and his sons and no one else. To be the man he wanted to be, the one Mickey and Mason and Olivia believed he could be.

But fear of the unknown, of disappointing the man he grew up idolizing, of facing his feelings for Olivia head on with nothing standing in their way — had him turning down Kamilah’s offer.

She smiled a serene smile at him, and promised that, if he should ever change his mind, Ahmanet would be honored to have him.

Instead of chasing his dreams and reaching for happiness and love and forging his own destiny, he chose what he knew. He chose complacency, imagined loyalty and the Dalton legacy.

“One day,” Robin’s voice echoed into his thoughts. “You’re going to wake up and find your life filled with nothing but regrets, Sam, and by then, it’ll be too late.”

Before Sam could do more than wave away his brothers advice, a happy gasp from Emily had both brothers turning their attention to her.

Emily grinned, turning her phone to face Robin. “She said ‘yes,’ Rob!” She exclaimed, excitement glimmering in her slate blue eyes.

Robin’s mouth dropped open, the same excitement shining in his gaze. “Took him long enough!” He chuckled, shaking his head. “He fights bad guys for a living, you’d think proposing to his lady would be a walk in the park.”

Emily bumped her nose against Robin’s cheek. “Leave him alone. He did it, and she said yes, the end justifies the extremely long wait.”

Robin shrugged, twirling a piece of Emily’s blonde hair around his finger. “I should’ve taken that bet a couple years back. I would’ve won.”

Emily pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “Assuming they don’t beat us down the aisle.”

“Touché.” Robin nodded, a smirk lifting one side of his mouth.

Sam cleared his throat, subtlety reminding them he was there. “Who’s getting married?”

The pair shared a pointed look, before glancing at Sam. Emily held her phone out to him, and Sam took it.

The photo was a close-up of a woman’s hand, with what was clearly an engagement ring centered on her left ring finger. Behind her hand, was a sky splashed in the purples and blues and pinks of a sunset, and the shadowed figures of a man and a woman kissing. The caption read: C.Keane: She said yes! #TwoKeaneOnLove #luckiestmanalive #myforeverstartsnow #ihatehashtags

Sam smiled at the photo and the happiness that radiated from it, until he read the first few comments, and his smile fell from his lips.

ollieollieoxenfree: how long did it take you to come up with that hashtag? #TwoKeaneOnLove

ollieollieoxenfree: what would you have done if I said no? #OneKeaneNotInLove

ollieollieoxenfree: thanks for choosing me, and letting me choose you. I love you.

Olivia was engaged.

[mymelodyheart]

Starting Over Chapter 25 ~The Not So Wee Misunderstanding~

Geillis and Claire were sat in the waiting area of the A&E holding each other's hands. The doctor assured them, to their relief, that uncle Lamb had suffered only a severe case of indigestion, but they needed to do more test and find out why he'd collapsed outside his apartment. Claire surmised uncle Lamb must have thought he was having a heart attack and had decided to settle himself on the floor where he was more likely to be found. Uncle Lamb was clever and practical like that. Except of course for instances when he refused to have a mobile phone, and it frustrated the hell out of Claire whenever she couldn't reach him.

"Good ol' Lamby is going to be just fine," Geillis reassured her, squeezing her hand.

"Of course. Uncle Lamb is a tough cookie," Claire agreed, nodding. "I can almost see him fretting about all the fuss once he finds out he's only had indigestion. It's a good thing they're looking him over. He's far too stubborn to go and see a doctor or let me check him when something's not right. I worry sometimes." 

"Aye, and not to mention, he gave us a hell of a scare!" Geillis added, clucking her tongue.

"That he did, indeed." 

Geillis shook her head in amusement and checked her phone. "Still no answer from Joe. But dinnae fash lass ...he will see our message soon. He's usually always checking his Twitter account."

Meeting her eyes for the first time since they'd left the club, Claire gave her a small smile. "Thank you, Geillis."

She huffed. "For what?"

"For being such a great friend. For jumping into the taxi and coming with me without a second thought." Claire's eyes began to water, but she had a small grin on her face. "I'm sorry you're missing out on chatting up some cute guys in the club."

"Ach, ye would've done the same for me," Geillis remarked with a wave of a hand. "Jamie would be miffed though when he finds out ye're missing. But I'm pretty certain he'll understand. Lamby is yer family." Geillis gave her a dimpled smirk. "And save those tears for Jamie when he gives ye a hard time for running off just like that. He'll be out of his mind knowing ye're here at Frank's workplace."

Claire laughed nervously. "About that ...Jamie told me Frank is suspended from work and under investigation by the board. He even suggested I can probably come back and finish my residency program here." She sighed. "Jamie's lawyer is compiling a case against him so he wouldn't be able to hurt me in any way anymore. Frank will probably just end up going back to England to save face."

Geillis let out a huge breath. "I can so see Frank doing that. The board might be mostly his friends, but those hoity-toities wouldn't want to be dragged into his legal problems. Joe told me, Jamie's lawyer is a beast in court, and he'll pull all the stops to win. And ye have a solid case, and there's a picture of Frank attacking ye from those reporters who were lurking outside yer house. Frank's cronies will probably advise him to move to save himself from a full-blown scandal, especially now that they ken ye have the media's full attention because ye're with Jamie. Ye ken what Frank is like ... he's all about maintaining that clean image."

"Jesus, I wish it didn't have to come to this. I don't want Frank to lose his licence. He's too much of a brilliant doctor."

Geillis put an arm around her. "Dinnae feel sorry for him, hen. He made his own bed ...ye ken what they say. Just think of all those years Frank made ye miserable. Sometimes I wished it had been me who threw the vase at his smug face."

Claire laughed. "Enough of that talk," she gently chided. "Any news from the lads yet?" 

Geillis had left Joe several messages earlier that explained where they were and what had happened and asked him to call back before charging into the hospital. It was Joe's night, and Claire didn't want them worrying or ending their celebration. Nor did she want Jamie to leave the party abruptly when there was nothing he could do at the hospital.

Geillis shook her head. "He's no' picking up. I left him five voicemails already. I'm sure he'll get back to me when he sees it."

So they settled down in their seats, grabbed a couple of magazines left lying about and browsed while they waited.

After two hours, uncle Lamb was wheeled out, ready to be taken home. 

And after all this time, there was still no call from Jamie or Joe. So they decided to take uncle Lamb home and help him settle for the night.

..........

It was 2:00 AM, and uncle Lamb persistently refused to go to bed. After they all arrived at his apartment, much to Claire's mounting frustration, her uncle immediately went to his study to go through some paperwork. Resigned, she and Geillis sat in the kitchen drinking herbal teas, the alcohol from earlier already wearing off.

Claire's thoughts drifted to Jamie, getting more worried that Joe hadn't responded back. At first, she thought maybe Joe had lost his phone, but then Geillis had already left two messages on Jamie's number after she'd given it to her. Perhaps they're all too drunk and having too much of a great time to realise they're missing.

"Ye're staying here for the night?" Geillis asked in-between bites of shortbread cookies. "If ye are, ye willnae be able to charge yer phone."

"I'll stay here for the night, and I'll just have to do without a phone. You already sent a message to Jamie and Joe we're here with uncle Lamb. No need to chop and change and confuse them unnecessarily, especially if they had a lot to drink."

"Weel, then if ye're staying here, I better get going soon ..."

"It's late Geillis. You can stay. There's plenty of room. And I have a few clothes here you can borrow."

Geillis shook her head and smiled. "Thanks but no thanks. I like my own bed. I'll finish my tea, and then I'll go."

"Uncle Lamb makes a mean fry-up, and he's got proper coffee," Claire proffered, making a funny face at her friend.

Geillis laughed. "Aye, he does too. The breakfast is tempting, but I have a few gigs coming up for a back to back children's party, and I really need to organise that tomorrow."

"Fine, let's finish up and get you a taxi. I'm getting tired, myself."

They were just washing down their butter cookies with tea when the phone on the table began to vibrate non-stop. Thinking it could Joe or Jamie, Geillis quickly swiped the screen. 

Claire apprehensively watched her friend's face changed from eagerness to read the message to utter shock. "What? What is it? Is it Joe?"

"Holy Mother of God! My friend just messaged me. Ye're never gonnae believe this," she muttered, furiously swiping the screen. "There's a photo of ye circulating in Twitter saying ye left the club hastily because Jamie was caught cheating on ye. Someone must have recognised ye at the club, took a picture and posted it ..."

"Oh, bloody hell!" Claire bristled, raising her hand in the air in frustration. "Turn that off, Geillis. Jamie was right. I shouldn't read what's written about him online. People will always translate a photo into something that's not. Let them speculate. By the time weekend is over, Jamie's fans will be onto something else."

"B-but ..." Geillis face had turned red.

"What?!?"

Geillis handed her the phone.

Claire glanced at the grainy photo of Jamie with Morag leaning close to his ears as if she was whispering something, and she enlarged it to get a better look. She shrugged and thought nothing of it as it had been evident from the start, blondie was openly throwing herself at her boyfriend. Then she read the comments, skimming through every hashtag about Jamie.

Jamie Fraser getting cosy with a blonde who is most definitely not his girlfriend.

Already trouble in paradise for new couple Fraser/Beauchamp.

Poor Beauchamp left the club crying.

We all know how the saying goes: "A leopard can't change its spots."

And then more photos began to emerge, and what she saw next, she definitely didn't like. "Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ ...I swear to God I'm going to cut off his balls and make Haggis out of it!!"

..........

"Hey, buddy, wake up!"

Joe?

Jamie tried to push through the haze and open his eyes, but the mounting pressure on his skull was like a balloon slowly being inflated under his cranium. Efforts to move, to breathe or to think, made the ache in his head ebb and flow like a cold tide and caused nausea to tumble in waves. 

He felt deft fingers pressed the pulse on the side of his neck and heard the scuffling of shoes. 

"I think we should get him to the hospital or call the emergency," an unfamiliar voice said.

"I'm a doctor. He'll be alright. Can you get him a bottle of water please?" 

Joe's calm response soothed him. Knowing he was in good hands, Jamie began to relax and tried to slip back into the depths of unconsciousness where his head didn't hurt. Joe had been his former rugby team's doctor and had mended him countless of time during sporting injuries. Without question, Joe would take care of him. 

He felt a light tap to the side of his face. "Jamie, I need you to wake up. Can you hear me?"

He forced his eyes open. "W-what? ..." he rasped, the brightness of the light above him hurting his brain.

"Alright, easy now, buddy," Joe hushed, helping him sit upright.

He squinted at Joe's worried face, and then slowly scanned his surroundings. He was half-lying on the club's sofa in the VIP room. Through the glass wall, he saw Willie and Rabbie talking to a distressed-looking Morag and the bouncer. The place was lit, the music low and all the clubbers were gone except for the staff who were busy clearing up. He jolted up, and the sudden movement brought a stabbing pain to his head.

He groaned out loud.  Christ Almighty, how much did I have to drink?

Joe took the cold bottle of water from the bartender, opened it and gave it to him. "Here, drink this first."

Nodding gratefully, Jamie took the bottle, pressed it against his temple before drinking the whole thing to the last drop. He slumped back and grimaced. He felt like he had been run over by a truck. "Where's everyone else?"

"How do you feel?" Joe asked, ignoring his question and taking the empty bottle from his hand and placing it on the nearby table.

"I feel like shit," Jamie muttered. Then he looked up when Willie and Rabbie walked into the room. They didn't look any better than he did. "Where's Claire?"

"Listen," Joe cut in before Willie or Rabbie could say anything. "How about you go to the bathroom first and splash some cold water to your face? And then we'll talk."

Jamie frowned. "Joe," he said in a low voice. "I asked where Claire is."

There was a long silence as Jamie watched his brothers and Joe gave each other a knowing look.  Why couldn't they just give me a straightforward answer for fuck sake?  Jamie began to worry as his breath got caught in his chest and knew fear for Claire's safety was rapidly gaining in on him.

"Oh for crying out loud! I asked a simple question! Where is Claire?" Jamie pressed, hoping that their behaviour had to do with Claire having had too much to drink and wanted to hide it from him. "I swear to God if I..."

"She's with Geillis!" Rabbie finally said, throwing his hands in the air like he was annoyed or something. 

The look Willie and Joe gave Rabbie didn't go unnoticed. Straightening himself up, Jamie gave them all a warning look. "And where are they?" he demanded, raising his voice a notch, even though it hurt his head to do so.

"Look before anything else," Joe began, "We have a bit of problem we need to address. I think your drink has been spiked. In fact, I'm a hundred per cent sure your drink was spiked."

What the fuck?  

"What?!? What do ye mean spiked?" he shouted, shakily pushing himself up to his feet and ignoring the sharp pain that shot through his brain. He faced Willie, who seemed to be looking at him oddly. "Where is Claire? Why isn't she here? Please tell me I didn't do anything stupid," he said in a low voice to his brother.  Please, please let Claire still be here!  But Willie's face was already telling a totally different story.

"What was the last thing ye remember?" Willie asked calmly, searching his face.

Jamie cudgelled his brain, trying to think back, but something was off. Where there should have been recollections was a blank space, like a white wall bereft of photographs.  What the hell was the last thing I remember?  He remembered entering the private room with Claire and the rest of the group. He remembered Geillis coming to take Claire away and watching them head to the main bar. He hadn't liked the looks from men that followed them, but Claire seemed oblivious and so happy. He also remembered refusing the champagne given to them by the club, opting for a bottle of water instead. And then Morag came in with someone in tow.  Fuck! That was it?  That was all he remembered, and after that was nothing.

Jamie shook his head, hoping the action would clear some of the cobwebs in his addled brain. "I remember everything up to ye giving me grief for drinking water, and Joe ordering whisky and then Morag coming in with someone behind her. But that's it. The rest is blank."

"That's it?" Willie asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Aye. The rest I cannae remember."

"Sit down," Willie ordered.

Jamie hesitated at first but did as he was told. He plopped down on the sofa and massaged his temples, steeling himself for whatever was next.

"It was Forbes that came in with that blonde hostess," Willie explained. 

Jamie's head shot up. "What? What was he doing here?"

"Shut up and listen, will ye," Willie barked. "When ye asked Forbes what he was doing here, he said he'd seen Claire and thought to go looking for ye. He apologised for his behaviour at the awards, and then ye both shook hands. And then Forbes insisted on ordering a round of drinks as a peace offering. When both of ye started to talk shop, we all got up and headed to the dance floor to meet some lassies, and Jen and Ian left." Willie looked at Joe. "Want to take it from here, mate?"

Joe nodded, taking the seat opposite Jamie and bracing his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands. "After a while out there at the main bar, I started to wonder where Geillis and Claire were. Rabbie and I looked everywhere, and we couldn't find them. We even checked the ladies' room. So I pulled out my phone and realised I had missed calls from Geillis. She left a voice message saying she and Claire had gone to the Royal Infirmary because Quentin was taken ill and that Claire's phone battery had died. Since it was an emergency and the club was crowded, they've decided not to waste time and took a taxi. They didn't know how serious the situation was, and Claire wanted to be by her uncle's side without further delay. Geillis instructed me to relay the message to you as soon as possible. Knowing you would want to know immediately, I came here at once and saw ..." He jerked a thumb towards the main bar outside and swallowed hard. "...blondie sat on your lap. It looked like you two were making out. Her hands were all over you."

"What?!?" Jamie's eyes widened in shock, and his heart began to pick up speed, hammering so hard he thought his chest would burst. He got up from the sofa and clenched and unclenched his hands, unsure what to do with them. He noticed the bartender from earlier had already slipped out of the room, and Rabbie unusually quiet, was sitting with his head bowed. "Are ye all messing with me? This better be a fucking joke!" he roared. When no one replied, he clasped his hands behind his head. "Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck! I wouldnae! I swear to God, I didnae. I wouldnae do that to Claire!" He picked up a whisky tumbler that was on the table and threw it at the glass wall, bleakly watching it smash into pieces. That's when he saw Morag being escorted out of the club by the bouncer.

"Jamie for fuck sake! We believe ye!" Rabbie finally spoke up, making Jamie spin around and look at his younger brother. "I was right behind Joe when we saw that lass in yer lap. Ye didnae look like you were doing anything except leaning back and looking daze. But she was all over ye and Forbes was gone. The look in yer face made Joe realised yer drink was spiked. Ye didnae look yersel', and ye were muttering, Sassenach. Even if ye werenae with Claire, ye wouldnae have made out at a place like this. I was about to punch the daylights out of ye, but Joe convinced me ye were acting weird. As soon as I asked the lass what the hell she was doing, she just jumped up from yer lap and left the room. Willie and I warned her already that if we found out she had something to do with spiking yer drink, she'll never work in Edinburgh again."

Jamie absorbed what his younger brother just said and let out a sigh of relief. He didn't know what he would have done if his own family and Claire's best friend accused him of cheating on his lass. "Have ye tried calling Geillis again?" he asked Joe, calmly this time, his breathing and heart rate somewhat back to normal.

Joe winced, and Jamie didn't like the look. "Yes we've tried several times, but there's no answer. And..." he added hastily as if afraid Jamie would explode all over again. "I tried Claire's phone too just in case she managed to charge it up. But no answer as well. They're at Quentin's apartment now. The last update I got, he suffered severe indigestion mistaking it for a heart attack. I'll keep calling, and maybe ...meanwhile, you can head ..."

"Tell him the rest of the story," Willie said in a solemn tone.

"What rest of the story?" Jamie glanced between the three of them.

Rabbie sucked in his breath and grimaced as Willie's face remained impassive.

Joe gave Willie and Rabbie a look of exasperation. "Fine, I'll tell him." Then he turned to Jamie. "A photo of you and blondie has already leaked out on Instagram and Twitter, and some moron with a fake account tagged you. It's only a matter of time before the news outlet gets hold of it and they ran the story of you cheating. We reckon it was Forbes who spiked your drink after catching on blondie having the hots for you and took the pictures. That man is a snake and is set to ruin you. We should have thrown him out when he came in here and ..."

Before Joe could finish his sentence, Jamie was already out the door. He needed to find Claire and sort this mess out. He didn't want to wait the following day because there was the possibility if he did, it would be too late. 

...........

Jamie rang the doorbell of Claire's uncle's apartment. He figured Claire and Geillis would still be up after reading what's been going on the social media. To his surprise, he was immediately buzzed in. By the time he reached Quentin's floor, the apartment door was open, and Claire's uncle was in the hallway waiting for him.

"Quentin, ye're alright. Thank God." Jamie had been expecting resistance, anger and probably at the least, Quentin's disapproving look. But there was none of that. He'd come prepared already bracing himself for the retribution that he expected to come his way. But there was nothing.

"Yes, yes. Just indigestion. Must have been the curry takeaway I'd eaten," Quentin dismissed with a wave of his hand. "I suppose you're here for my niece."

Jamie swallowed hard. "Aye, is she still here?"

"She's asleep already. Come in, come in, I have the kettle on for tea."

Jamie warily followed the older man inside and closed the door behind him. "Ye're not by any chance making stock at this time of the morning are ye?" he asked.

Quentin laughed. "No, don't be daft," he replied, leading the way to the kitchen. "I'm just about to crush some walnuts, and while I'm at it, ye can tell me what the hell is going on."

Jamie winced at his reply the moment he saw a handful of walnuts in a ziplock bag on the kitchen counter, all ready to be crushed with a hammer.

[dekuimagines]

(i am the anon of last ask) Did you said... Fatgum?? I love him!!! So, could you please please do some hc's of Fatgum and his fem!sidekick, where their fans sees them as a couple?.. like "They're look so cute togheter, they're my otp couple!" (and Tai already has a little crush on her..?) Thank you! ( ^ 3^)💛

♛ Taishiro was known to the public as a carefree, friendly hero who just really liked to eat all the time. Though that wasn’t all the knew him for now. 

♛ (Y/N) had been a sidekick under Fatgum for about a year and a half now but she already had a large following, not just because she was a strong hero but well her close bond with the large hero. 

♛ It wasn’t uncommon to see them patrolling together, a conversation came easy between the two of them with large laughs from fatgum and tiny giggles from (Y/N).

♛ It was common knowledge to most of the public that they would make an amazing couple. 

♛ Tai first caught on hearing a couple of girls squeal saying “ Oh my god it’s Fat Gum and ( Y/H/N) they are totally my OTP” he wasn’t sure what that meant at first and that night he looked up the strange word OTP. 

♛ Cue a blushing mess, even after only three months of working with (Y/N) he had developed a crush on her. It was hard not to, she was funny, carefree and they seemed to almost always be on the same wavelength. 

♛ After overhearing that conversation, he started to hear more and more things about how people thought that they were already dating. People would stop them just a get a picture between them and then post it on Twitter with the hashtag of what he had gathered was their ship name? He really did have a lot to learn. 

♛ What he didn’t realize though was that (Y/N) knew too, she knew but wasn’t sure how to bring it up. 

♛ A silent tension grew between the two of them and their conversations got more awkward while each of them skated around the elephant in the room. 

♛ This would only bring up more attention with tabloids asking the question of if there was trouble in paradise for the two love birds. Even though they had neither confirmed or denied that they were dating.

♛ This tension was broke when Tai couldn’t take it anymore he missed his best friend and even if he had a crush on her they couldn’t just avoid the obvious. “ Hey, (Y/N) y’know, i was thinkin’ maybe we should talk about the elephant in the room”

♛ ( Y/N) would be so relieved when he said that since she was so scared about talking about it herself. “ You mean how everyone thinks that we’re dating Tai?” she would ask

♛  Giving her a nod of the head to confirm that was his exact thought she smiled even more. “ Yeah, it’s a little weird… ya know calling me out on my crush and everything” she said her cheeks tinting a bright pink

♛ Tai giving her wide eyes would just be grinning. “ They callin’ me out too, “ he would respond though his voice would be quiet and not his usual loud confident self. 

♛“ Well if the public thinks it’s so obvious maybe we should give this whole dating thing a try then what do you say?” 

♛ ( Y/N) would nod saying, “ I’m free saturday, “ 

♛“ It’s a date “

[mirkatdaily]

DAiLY CONVERSATiON 06: “MiNORiTiES” ARE THE MAJORiTY.

I’m tired of hashtags and RIP’s.

I’m tired of candle light vigils.

I’m tired of seeing families in pain.

I’m tired for all people of color (Blacks, Latinos, Arabs & others) who continue to get put in a crab bucket, and the moment we unwind ourselves out of their grip, something magically surfaces to set us back.

I’m tired of all of these fake ass “activists” and “influencers” who love leveraging these situations for their own benefit. — Excuse my language.

Death & Bondage was pre-designed generations ago.

Truthfully, it’s not the first nor the last time this will occur. Check the books.

What can we do? In practical sense, what can we really do? Cause talking about it ain’t changing nothing.

COME TOGETHER. That’s the solution. Put all our cultural differences aside, and resonate with love and unity to show the common enemy, “them” that we won’t continue to play into their traps.

This has been repeated by a long list of people, but I will repeat it once more. The longer we continue to kill one another, the longer we have continue to hate each other for no other reason except tradition— what was taught to us, the longer the bullsh*t will persist. The day Trump was inaugurated into office should’ve been a sign that turmoil was bound to escalate.

— What can we do today? LOVE each other as what they consider “minorities” what I consider the “majority”, cause if you look around WE are all around.

But, without love and a common goal to cease our own troubles amongst each other, they will never respect us.

Respect doesn’t have to come from violent protests. Realistically, that’s just another reason for them to kill us in the street, and get acquitted for it.

But if Black, Brown, Tan, Orange or whatever color you are came together, it would make a difference.

Anyways, Rest in Paradise to all of those who’ve lost their lives to senseless murder.

The sooner we realize that we are stronger together, they will have no other choice but to respect us.

✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊.

[classybunnies]

This is the second time I’ve worked on firefly. The fist time was for a challenge too. It’s hard. I have trouble extending my legs when my hips are compressed so getting my feet off the floor is hard. It also takes a lot of core that I am still working on. I tried using props to help me out. I started with my @feetup behind me to give a little support to my bum, a wall might have worked too. I also used blocks under my hands to give my feet some more space from the floor so I can actually lift them. I also used a bolster behind me to bring the floor closer. My tendency is to fall backwards so having it there made it a little less scary to try and fly. …………… Day 6: Firefly May 6th-15th ⁣ #AloYogaPlayTime⁣ ⁣ How do you make challenging yoga poses less scary? You play around with them! Join us as we break down 10 standing balance, arm balance, and inversion poses that might seem intimidating. We’ll offer lead up sequences, propping methods, modifications, and alternative poses that you can play around with! We want you to feel more confident on your yoga journey, and we hope yoga playtime will help 🙏🏻💗⁣ ⁣ Hosts:⁣ @colleenmichellelewis⁣ @marens_om⁣ @freckled_yogi⁣ @crizia_rn_yoga⁣ @yogijazporter⁣ @charlottesyoga_⁣ ⠀⁣ Sponsors:⁣ @aloyoga⁣ @alomoves⁣ ⠀⁣ Goal Poses:⁣ ⁣ 6 Half moon 🌗⁣ 7 Dancer⁣ 💃🏻 8 Bird of paradise⁣ 🌾 9 Sage Visvamitra's pose (flying warrior)⁣🤺 10 Crow⁣ 🐦 11 Firefly⁣ 🔥 12 Sage Kaundinya's pose (epk)⁣ 13 Fallen angel⁣ 14 Forearm Stand⁣ 15 Handstand⁣ ⠀⁣ How to play:⁣ 1. Follow all hosts and our sponsors⁣ 2. Repost the graphic and tag some friends to join⁣ 3. Post a photo (or video!) of yourself practicing the day’s pose, tagging all hosts and sponsors in each post, using the hashtag #aloyogaplaytime⁣ 4. Show some love to your fellow challenge participants by clicking the hashtag and liking each other's posts or leaving encouraging comments⁣ 5. Remember to listen to your body!⁣ ⠀⁣ #yogachallenge #aloyoga #alomoves #yoga #instagramyogachallenge #aloyogachallenge #fun #fireflypose #armbalance (at Boulder, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CADZsZZD4HE/?igshid=p6rgj5k2hygh

[fassanda]

Jan’s Eindejaarslijstje

Naam: Jan

Leeftijd: 26

Beroep: Booking Agent

Beste gerecht in 2019 (waar, wat, wie?): oesterzwammenstrudel in mijn huis van mij.

Meest memorabel moment van euforie onder invloed in 2019?: een voor mij tot op dat moment onbekend iemand zei tegen mij: ‘hey jij met je blauwe trui.’ waarop ik zei; ‘ben je blind, die is grijs’ en toen zei zij; ‘ik kan het niet zien je moet wat dichterbij kome’. en toen kwam ik dichterbij en toen sprake we kort en toen vroeg ze of ik wilde danse en toen zei ik; ‘alleen als ik binne 5 minute verliefd wordt’ en toen zei ze; ‘dat scheelt want dat ben ik nu al’ en toen gingen we danse en zoene en toen vroeg ik of we in een hotel gingen daten en toen gingen we dat plannen: Hotel V in Oost met die mooie, warm gele V. alleen toen werden we dagen daarna nuchter en onCker en toen gingen we maar daten bij Pickles & Gossip in de Intratuin en kerstcadeautjes voor elkaar kopen. doordat ik kerstcadeautjes schrijf realiseer ik mij dat dit in 2018 was maar dit was en is mijn liefde en tevens het meest memorabele moment van euforie onder invloed in dit decennium en we leven nog lang en gelukkig en zijn nog steeds verliefd. bless.

Meest aangename verrassing in 2019?: Meetsysteem.

Ik heb voor het eerst ....... In 2019?: ge-Nidra Yoga-t.

Beste reis(spot) in 2019?: Tingsryd, Urshult in Zweden.

Beste collabo(s) in 2019?: QP & Ziyech

Beste aankoop in 2019?: QP

Meest hinderlijke social mediapersonality in 2019?: anonieme twitteraars met NL vlag.

Top social mediapersonality in 2019?: @meaningful.images.only

Beste televisie/YouTube programma uit 2019?: Familiediner

Beste influencercampagne uit 2019?: lol, weenie? Wish ads op IG denk ik.

Domste influencercampagne uit 2019?: sws Wish ads op IG.

Domste Vice artikel uit 2019?: kan ik mij niet herinneren. maar ik vind het stuk van Emma over MH17 sick.

Beste klantenservice in 2019?: Jimmy Joy

Nepste klantenservice in 2019?: Belastingdienst

Beste podcast uit 2019?: VPRO: Bob & dipsaus

Beste meme uit 2019?: https://www.instagram.com/p/B48tdtNFm4p/?igshid=1hdlnumwyxjeg

Beste Instagram(profiel, post) uit 2019?: @p4p4_p4rk

Gemiste kans in 2019?: totale ban van Zwarte Piet

Beste artikel in 2019?: interview met Zack van The Peanut Butter Falcon in LA Times

Beste expositie in 2019?: janet cardiff & george bures miller: the instrument of troubled dreams (oudekerk) en Daniel van Straalen: Medieval Minded (Stigter van Doesburg)

Grootse deceptie in 2019?: laatste secondes van Ajax - Tottenham.

Het meest hoopvolle in 2019?: Greta Thunberg

Persoonlijke overwinning in 2019?: ben wat meer sporty spy geworden.

Gezelligste feestje in 2019?: ik ben een zeef dus herinner me nu even alleen Closing Party van Chapter 2WO in Het Hem.

Gezelligste festival in 2019?: Lowlands 4ever.

Beste #hashtag?: #reaaja

Nepste #hashtag?: #ajatot

Beste concert in 2019?: Jenny Hval in Schouwburg Utrecht & FKA Twigs in Carré

Tofste clips uit 2019?: FKA twigs - cellophane

Meest belabberde clip(s) in 2019?: catatonic youths

Beste film(s) uit 2019?: Shoplifters, Manta Rey & Midsommar

Beste documentaire uit 2019?: die over Aretha Franklin

Beste boek uit 2019?: weenie, ik was erg onder de indruk van Paradise Rot maar dat heeft niks met 2019 te maken.

Muzikale hoogtepunten uit 2019?: LYZZA - Tangerine Dreams.

Muzikale dieptepunten uit 2019?: het missen van Aldous Harding

Beste mixtape uit 2019 (artiest, dj, radioshow)?: TisaKorean, Aïsha Devi voor RA, United in Flames 2 & Jessy Lanza voor Hyperdub terwijl Elvin de @ifyouhigh page ging bingescrollen.

Nepste bitch in 2019?: Mark Rutte

Beste bitch in 2019?: Jeppie (Newfoundlander van m’n ouders)

Doelstellingen voor 2019?: ik flow gewoon. ik ben de zee.

Uitkijken voor ....... in 2020?: slangen

[sortblog]

Nørrebro Pride

It is difficult to know where to begin. It is difficult for me to know what to say and where to start. 

Last year Andrea Coloma and Cecilie Viet drank too much wine and hyped each other enough with talks about marching down Nørrebro. These beautiful people were tired and wanted something new. And I was tired too and foolish enough to join them. Last year we were overwhelmed by your power – but this year! Holy shit!

This year – please put your hand up! Give your self a round of applause. This year a lot of people are coming together. This is something else now. There has been so much effort into the community kitchen, to the security team, to outreach, to meeting with different groups the past six months. There are many lessons we have learnt organising this year, are learning right now, and have to continue to learn for this to continue. Thank you. 

And there’s a reason that you’re here; there is a reason why I am here. First of all, Pride is political! Queer and trans folk face hardships – both locally and globally. Isolated from families we create our own. For wanting to live in the bodies that we desire; for wanting a world in which we can desire, we are shamed, silenced, institutionalised, sterilised, assaulted, raped, and killed – either by others or the straight world order leading us to kill ourselves at extreme rates. Sometimes going outside is the hardest: being reminded of what limited place you have. Even if I am privileged I am reminded that the public is a hetero public, it is a white public – this was made totally clear to me just days ago when a man told in the calmest voice that if only I followed him, he and his friends could burn me alive – with no police watching he added. Repeatedly he told me of his intended crime. Repeatedly I witnessed how no one intervened. Repeatedly I was reminded that my black body, my black queer trans body is a body that can always be transgressed and don’t belong in this world. Reminded that I do not know how old I will get, faced with the reality that way too many black trans and gender non-conforming folks do not live to see 40. 

What ever reasons you have felt to come here today; whether it is to grieve loved ones you have lost or the lives that you cannot yet live; if it is to be joyous with friends and comrades; or you do not yet know why you’re here –  know that you belong, on this earth. That you deserve to belong here. 

But there are also other reasons why we are here. 

Nørrebro is a battlefield. It is one of several places politicians like to legislate on and against. When the government legislates against the homeless it’s also about the people here in Nørrebro; when the government makes squatting illegal it’s about the political extra-parliamentary movements in Nørrebro; when the government and police agree on stop-and-searching and special zones it is about brown and black boys in Nørrebro; when the government wants to privatise and limit social housing it’s about controlling Nørrebro & Nordvest (Gellerup, Vollsmose, etc); when it allows for Rasmus Paludan to be paraded around it is about provoking Nørrebro, and earning cheap political points in the rest of this fucking racist country; when the government legislates against muslim women wearing the veil it is concerned with Nørrebro. We could go on.

How the government acts when it sees Nørrebro and other places like it, is nothing short of fascism; a place infested with brown and black people and migrants who should be deported, vilified and discriminated against; a place where working-class communities are to be punished with higher rents and costs of living and cuts to social infrastructure. Until all of Copenhagen is free of single-mothers, muslim women and men, the sick and homeless folks, working-class folks and impoverished folks, black and brown folks, the government will not rest. The government wants many of us – some more than others – gone, and this neighbourhood turned into a paradise for the white middle- and upper classes. 

It does not make sense to talk about what Nørrebro Pride is – because it is nothing yet –  but all of the things it wants to be and could be.

Nørrebro Pride wants to be anti-commercial and anti-gentrification, but for this to happen we have to find ways of making sure businesses don’t just pinkwash themselves with our lives, but also to make sure that everyone – with or without papers – in this neighbourhood, in this city, in this country have access and the right to housing, transport, health care, safety, and workers rights. If we want a Pride which takes gentrification seriously, we have to think of how to stop global capital mangement funds like Blackstone’s undercover assault on the neighbourhood, as well as be ready to put our bodies on the line when people in Mjølnerparken soon will be evicted. We need to prevent and stop this.

Nørrebro Pride wants Black people, Indigenous people and People of Colour to the front, but, as it was stressed during the community kitchen thursday, must acknowledge the limits of this when even marginalised communities aren’t even equal between each other; when anti-Blackness runs through society and every community; when Greenland is still colonised; when Denmark sold 100.000 black caribbean people to the USA, who still cannot vote to this day; when muslim communities are targeted daily; when adoptees are ignored and their lives made into accessories for white heterosexuals and increasingly the lgbt community; when there are people in camps. In order to organise together, it will require work; it will require staying with the trouble; it will require conscious effort. It will require time. It will require white people decentralising themselves. 

Nørrebro Pride wants to be accessible but is not. There is work to do in making the City of Copenhagen to make a place for people without homes or living on the streets; people unable to attain shelter and health care because of their lack of cpr-numbers; people who are racialised and denied access to even the smallest resources to make our communities accessible; people with disabilities facing an infrastructure that tries to deny and limit their agency at every moment. 

Let Nørrebro Pride be one of many places where we can conspire about our next actions! Let it be the place where lovers meet, kiss and fuck!  

But most of all do not walk away from today without anger, pride or a plan. We need to build; we need to organise; and we need stronger communities! If every poor person, homeless person, working class person, migrant, black person, person of colour is not to be driven from this neighborhood or the next or the next – we need to ask questions and act on them.

Close your eyes *insert joke*

There are things we need to ask ourselves and act upon together.

Who gets the right to have a home? 

What kind of people have a right to claim a home? Home is often defined by white heteronormativity, but who are all of the other people that do not fit into that box? 

What do we have to leave behind to be welcomed home? 

How can we reclaim home? 

What does home mean if you cannot leave it, are forced to stay in it, or do not have access to it? 

How do we keep our cultures and histories alive when separated from our roots? 

How do we connect across generations? 

How do we make sure that our movements don’t just become the next hashtag that you can sell on a t-shirt? 

How do we make sure that it isn’t about individuals who can earn money of the struggle? Liberation doesn’t pay; it costs. 

How can we create sustainable economic structures that allow marginalised communities the time to have their voices heard and their own power grown? Survival is no joke. 

What do you have access to that others do not? Are you sharing it?

How do those of us privileged outside the asylum system, create sustainable structures that are capable of fighting for justice together with those imprisoned in the camps? 

How do we make sure our own communities stop accepting the premise of border regimes? 

How do we make sure our own communities stand in solidarity with sex workers? 

How do we prevent the lives of queer and trans folks from being marginalized in the struggle? As we have been in every struggle, in every political space, on every continent. No matter the movement, no matter the time. 

How do we ensure that queer and trans lives don’t become excuses for bombing, sanctioning or further exploiting the countries all diasporic folks are part of? 

How do we expand? How do we sustain? How do we lift each other? As a close friend and comrade says: How do we learn to organize with intention? What shall we do to remind each other of the fact, that we once too believed in the lies of the system? 

Open your eyes. And dream. 

Thank you. 

[c-k-mack]

Commercial: Breaking Stacie Conrad

Jessica:

So I heard you two finally kissed! What happened next?

Stacie [under her breath]:

Yeah, ixnay on the isskay

Beca :

Not exactly the reaction I was expecting.

Ashley :

Yikes. Sounds like trouble in paradise. [Leans into Jessica]

Beca :

It’s not all bad. I broke Stacie by flashing her.

Jessica:

Wait, seriously?

Ashley :

Dayum! High five bruh!

Stacie [whispering to Jessica]:

Don’t tell her, but my brain freezes even when she’s wearing a half-shirt. #DemAbsTho

Jessica [giggles]:

If you wanna know what really happens, catch up with Stacie Conrad on AO3 or by using the #scdol hashtag. See you soon!

Ashley :

Wait, are we going to be in the story,too?!

Stacie : *winks*

It’s possible!

[emeraldwaves]

Title:  #pinkwall Chapter 2 Pairing:  Promptis Rating: T Word Count:  2,580 Read on Ao3 Summary: As a last hurrah before graduating college, Prompto suggests he and Noctis take a road trip to L.A during their 2 week spring break. Prompto is desperate to snap pics in front of the infamous Pink Wall of Instagram and Noctis is hoping to finally confess his feelings for his best friend. Will either of them find what they’re looking for on their impromptu cross-country road trip?

Full fic under the cut! thanks to @liziscribbles and @youaremynewdream for reading this ahead of time!

Ohio is flat.

It’s so flat, Noctis wonders if he's going blind when he squints at what seems to be the never-ending road in front of him.

Driving through New York and Pennsylvania wasn't as bad, since there were mountains and scenery to look at, but Ohio is so flat; Noctis is trying not to fall asleep.

It's nearing 11 AM, and they're still almost 3 hours out from Cleveland. Noctis can't believe they've been driving for 5 hours.

Prompto's been doing his best, but there have been a few time he's fallen asleep. Noctis can always tell when it's about to happen because Prompto's voice starts mumbling, turning into ramblings about Instagram and pictures and graduation. He jerks himself awake usually, "I'm awake! I swear, Noct!" he insists multiple times.

Noctis can't be mad, because he looks so damn cute when he falls asleep. His head slowly tilts, his mouth drooping open against the side of the car.

"Suuure," he smirks. "That's why you were snoring so loud just two seconds ago?"

"I was practicing... my pig impression!"

Noctis takes a quick glance at him, raising his eyebrow. "I'll keep that in mind when we drive past the next farm. Maybe I can sell you off," he smirks.

"Noct!" Prompto gasps. "You wouldn't dare!"

"I dunno, if you're gonna sleep for the whole car ride..."

"I promise, man, I promise! No more sleeping ever!"

He pushes himself up on the seat, and leans his arm against the window. Noctis' eyes flick to the side. Driving with Prompto next to him is a little difficult; if only Noctis didn't wanna stare at him 24/7.

"Man," Prompto sighs. "Whoever said Ohio was flat wasn't kidding."

"You're telling me," Noctis grumbles. He taps his thumbs against the steering wheel. "At least you haven't been staring out at the empty road for hours and hours."

"True," Prompto groans, scrolling through his iPod to pick a new song. Noctis hopes he'll pick something that will simultaneously keep them awake and not give him a headache.

"Alright! Time to look up what there is for us to do in Cleveland!" Prompto says, pulling out his phone. He taps his finger against the screen, waiting for the page to load. "Maybe we can find some good places to take pictures! I want to document everything! But it's hard when all you see is flat farmlands," he mutters.

"What? You mean this scenery isn't the perfect subject for your Instagram?" Noctis says, gesturing to the flat plains in front of them. "I find it riveting."

"Ha-ha, very funny Noct," Prompto snorts, letting out a long sigh. "Dammit," he groans.

"What?" Noctis asks, not liking the tone of Prompto's voice.

"Ugh you're not gonna be happy about this," Prompto says, and the car moves ever so slightly with the shaking of Prompto's knee up and down.

"You have to go the bathroom again?" At this point, Noctis wouldn't be surprised; they've stopped almost three times for that in the past 5 hours.

"No... but... I'm starving!" he whines, flopping his head back against the seat.

"Prom..." Noctis mumbles, and he wonders if this entire road trip is going to be him dealing with what is basically the equivalent of a five year old. "That's why we bought snacks."

"Yeah. I'm hearing ya' Noct, I'm hearing ya', but I really want some real food!" Prompto begs.

Noctis sucks at saying no.

"What counts as 'real food'?" he snorts.

"I dunno, we stop, get out of the car, eat something good! You're getting grumpy," Prompto teases, nudging him with his elbow. "I think we both could use a quick break. It's not like we're in a rush to get to Cleveland!"

Prompto has a point. Neither of them are wanting to see anything in particular in Cleveland, and Noctis' eyes could honestly use a break.

"Alright," he sighs. "Look up somewhere to eat around here."

"Gotcha! Siri, find food near me!" Prompto says, shouting into his phone.

"Okay, Lionheart, looking up food near you."

"Did you... tell Siri to call you Lionheart?" Noctis asks, raising his eyebrow at his best friend.

"Uh duh! It's a badass name!"

Noctis snorts. "Sure okay..." It's damn cute though. Prompto has a way of making the dumbest things seem amazing.

"Oh! Here's a place! Five stars... only a few miles away... cheap prices... It's called Iggy's Place," Prompto looks at his phone. "It... says it's a diner but all the reviews say it's some of the best food they've had in all of Ohio."

"Guess we gotta go then," Noctis smirks.

"Woohoo! Food adventure time!"

~~

They arrive at Iggy's Place twenty minutes later, and Noctis has to admit, he's starving too. The place is a couple miles off the main highway, and they haven't seen a car for miles. Noctis assumes it's because they're all parked at this damn restaurant.

"Man, this place must be real good if this many people are here," Prompto say. He holds up his phone, snapping a picture. The sun glints against the sign on the building, and Prompto gives Noctis a thumbs up. "Hashtag no filter needed."

Noctis rolls his eyes. "Come on, you were the one who said you were so hungry."

"Hell yes!" Prompto says, zooming past him as they both head into the restaurant.

It's no surprise it's loud in there. People are laughing and talking, most of the booths are occupied, and 50s music booms from a jukebox in the corner.

"Crowded..." Noctis mutters. He supposes it only makes sense for a popular restaurant to be crowded around this time.

"Awesome!" Prompto laughs, snapping a few more pics on his phone.

"Good morning!" A cheery looking waitress greets them. "Right this way!" she smiles and leads them to a table directly next to the kitchen. She places the menus down. "The coffee is one of our specialties, so if you need a good boost, I highly recommend it!"

Noctis twists his lips as he sits down. He's not the biggest fan of coffee, but they still have a few more hours to Cleveland, and it might be a good idea if he wants to stay awake.

"Dang this menu is huge!" Prompto says, snapping a picture of it. "We gotta document being at the most famous diner in all of Ohio!"

They both laugh as they flip through the menu. Noctis is currently torn between ordering breakfast food and ordering a sandwich.

"NO, NO NO!" A loud British voice yells from the kitchen. "I simply cannot allow you to quit right before the lunch rush!"

"Too frickin' bad! You're so picky about how people make your recipes, and I'm not dealing with it anymore!" The man storms out of the kitchen, followed by a man wearing glasses and hair spiked up in the front. The quitting man throws his hat on the ground by the front doorway, and Noctis blinks.

"Shit..." he mutters. "Maybe we won't be eating here."

"Trouble in paradise..." Prompto says, leaning over.

"Goodness... what am I going to do?" the man sighs tapping his forehead.

Prompto looks to Noctis, a familiar, dangerous glint in his eyes. No, Noctis thinks. He can't be...

"You're in luck, good sir!" Prompto says and jumps up from his spot at the table.

Dammit, Prompto...

"In luck?" the man blinks.

"Yup! Me and this guy here, we're... culinary students! I'm Prompto and this is Noctis," he lies and Noctis already knows this is going in a horrible direction. "We're taking a road trip to try out all the best restaurants in the country!"

The man frowns for a moment, but then looks shocked. "My diner is on that list?"

"Oh! Are you... Iggy, of... Iggy's Place?!" Prompto asks, grabbing the menu and pointing at the title.

"Indeed I am. Ignis is my actual name," he says. Noctis wonders why a British man is the owner of a random diner in the middle of nowhere in Ohio, but who is he to judge really. "I'm honored my diner has made your list," Ignis continues. "However, my main chef just quit so I'm afraid the service is going to be... slower than usual. I do hope you won't hold that against me."

"But see, that's where we can help! We can make your recipes!" Prompto says with a confident smirk. Noctis has 0 idea where this confidence is coming from however, since neither of them are chefs, and both of them have been eating ramen day in day out since they started renting their apartment together.

"Hm..." the man looks between both of them. "Normally, I would absolutely never agree to something like this, but I do love a good learning opportunity, and I need to make some phone calls anyway to see if my backup can come in earlier... so... why not!"

And here Noctis thought this was going to be a quick pit stop.

"Prompto," Noctis hisses under his breath. "What are you doing?"

"I dunno! Tryin' something out!" he says.

There's no way this won't be a disaster.

Ignis leads them to the kitchen, handing them aprons. "Alright. The recipe books are here," he says, patting a few large binders with his hand. No wonder the menus are huge.

"The servers pick up food here, and all the ingredients are either in the fridge, or on these shelves. Please don't try and do anything you think you can, just assist me when I need it."

Prompto is smiling, looking insanely excited for something that is going to go horribly wrong. Noctis is just waiting for Ignis to figure them out and eventually kick them out of the kitchen, and probably out of the restaurant.

The worst part is, Noctis still hungry.

Ignis immediately gets to work, shouting orders at Noctis and Prompto to get him various ingredients.

"Noctis, eggs! I need eggs!" he calls out, and Noctis is far too tired for this.

He glances at Prompto who is putting together some sort of salad. The set up is messy, and he can see Ignis' horrified face as he rushes to Prompto's side, explaining that lettuce should really go in the small bowl first. Prompto gives a sage nod, as if he's learning the world's knowledge in this small diner in Ohio.

When he's done, he snaps a pic of his salad creation and he looks rather proud of himself.

The lunch rush is intense and it lasts for far longer than Noctis expects. He drops a few plates, and as the hours continue on and on, Ignis seems to get more and more frustrated. Noctis keeps expecting some sort of outburst, but the man keeps taking deep breaths, pressing his glasses up against his face. It seems to calm him every time.

But for Noctis, watching Prompto has been the most fun he's had in awhile. And Prompto is screwing up every order. Somehow.

"Apparently even a grilled cheese is beyond you," Ignis sighs, shaking his forehead.

Prompto laughs. "Are you kidding? This is my specialty!" he says. "Everyone loves their ends a little burnt."

"I can guarantee you they do not," Ignis says. "Make it again, and hurry."

Even though it's 'ruined' Prompto still takes a picture of it, as he has of every single dish he's either made or put together.

As if to prove a point, Prompto picks up the ruined grilled cheese and takes a large bite of the burnt crust. He winks at Noctis.

Noctis is mostly surprised Ignis hasn’t kicked them out yet. He feels bad for anyone who came here looking to try some of the ‘best food in Ohio’, because he has feeling it's not up to their standard today.

He mostly feels guilty for stressing Ignis out more. He's flitting from station to station, checking on other stressed out workers.

"No, don't chop diagonal!" Ignis says, shaking his head as Prompto chops through chicken. Ignis stands next to him and gently covers his hand over Prompto's. "See?" he explains, "Like this..." He pulls Prompto's hand up and down, showing him the correct motion.

Jealousy stirs in Noctis' chest, especially seeing how Prompto's cheeks are dusted with pink. Noctis is frozen, daydreaming about covering his own hand over Prompto's. He's sure it's warm, and the first few times Noctis would definitely be nervous-

"Noctis, let's focus!" Ignis calls out, and he's snapped from his daydream, focusing on the dessert plate in front of him.

By 4 PM, the lunch rush is finally starting to calm down. There are only a few customers left in the diner and Ignis lets out a sigh, cleaning his glasses on his apron.

"...Boys," he says, looking to Noctis and Prompto. "Now, I don't want to sound ungrateful, but the two of you... you are not culinary students... are you?"

Prompto bites his lip. "We are... students?" he says, his voice all high pitched and squeaky.

Noctis isn't the least bit surprised they got caught.

"I thought so... but I have to admit. I admire your ability to charge in and take a chance, and even with all the mistakes, it was... helpful to have extra hands in the kitchen, so... I do thank you."

Noctis' lips pull into a small smile. Leave it to Prompto to somehow get away with his insane lie. And as nerve-wracking as it was, Noctis actually had fun all day working in the kitchen. It's certainly something he never would have tried had it not been for Prompto. Never a dull moment, always an adventure...

"I suppose I owe you... so pick a meal from the menus and... it's yours on the house," Ignis smiles. "I won't even force you to make it."

Noctis is pretty sure they should owe Ignis, after breaking all his plates and messing up some of his patrons meals.

But he can't say no to free food, and it really is some of the best food he's ever had in Ohio. Actually, it's some of the best food he's had period. Prompto’s got a grilled cheese, made correctly according to Ignis, and Noctis has the most delicious burger… though it’s completely plain, much to Ignis’ dismay. He claims it doesn’t taste as good without all the toppings but Noctis still thinks it tastes perfect.

"This is amazing!" Prompto says, his eyes sparkling as he takes a bite of his small piece of cake. "We gotta come back and try other stuff next time we're in Ohio!"

Ignis chuckles, leaning against the bar counter. "Feel free to come back anytime, but don't be surprised if I don't let you in the kitchen."

"Aw," Prompto sighs.

"No, we understand," Noctis snorts. Even though the food is free, Noctis still leaves a good tip.

"Guess we’ll see you around Iggy!" Prompto waves as he head out the door.

"Do try and drive safe!" Ignis calls out. Noctis is certain that man will never trust him with anything.

"I can’t believe you did that, Prom," Noctis chuckles, sliding back into the car.

"Did what? Helped in the kitchen?"

"Helped is a strong word..."

Prompto frown and pushes Noctis’ shoulder. "C’mon man! The whole point of this trip is to have adventures! I figured, why not!"

Noctis can’t argue with that.

They get to Cleveland after the sun sets, but Noctis is so amused by their day, he can't bring himself to care.

[miraclejin1204]

I’ve been hearing that Chrissy and Matt are getting a divorce. She posted a picture of Bubba recently and in one her hashtags, is said #jamabeautycollege so maybe that’s why she was asking for a roommate on her story.

Of course, we cannot confirm until there's some concrete evidence of them splitting for good like I mentioned earlier. But it is painfully obvious that there is trouble in paradise. They did not even spend Christmas together. Anyway, good for her if she is going to attend a beauty school. In the end, I hope that they are happy in their own lives.

[nickyschneiderus]

Trump fans are starting to realize his tax cut isn’t helping them out

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was the largest reform to the American tax code since 1986, and there was no clear consensus among economists and tax experts as to how it would actually impact the bulk of taxpayers. A number of studies determined that its truncation of tax brackets, increasing of standard deductions, and rolling back of the ability to deduct state and local taxes would allow high earners to keep substantially more money, but would actually cost the lowest earners money.

But until at least one tax season had passed, the actual effects of the sweeping changes would still be unknown. As economics professor Joel Slemrod put it��in a paper about the TCJA’s impact, the law was “a wonderfully generous gift because it provides scores of natural experiments that could help provide credible estimates of the causal effects of tax policy.”

If the reactions of taxpayers on Twitter are any indication, these “natural experiments” are going to be failures for the Trump administration, and possibly cost the president votes in the next election.

A number of extremely viral posts have claimed that while making the same amount of money, people now owe much more in taxes—going from large refunds to owing amounts that, in some cases, they don’t have.

Last year I got a tax refund. This year, with unchanged salary, I owe $1300.

I’m middle class.

Yet the very wealthy got huge cuts. #ThanksRepublicans

— David Hoffman (@atDavidHoffman) February 3, 2019

Last year I got $3700 back. This year $745. It’s not just lower withholding. My effective tax rate went up by almost 5% YoY. I got a tax increase.

Screw Trump, the GOP, and everyone who voted for them. Watch: As people do their taxes, Trump’s gonna lose even more support.

— Andrew F. Herrmann (@ComDoc_H) February 4, 2019

#ThanksRepublicans I’m paying $3000 more this year than last. Same income. Glad I was able to help the 1%. F#*k you, Donald Trump and Republican Party.

— Jim Bjork (@JimBjorkPPOA) February 4, 2019

@realDonaldTrump , thanks for removing the per member household deduction from your tax code ya twat. Last tax return we got $10 back, now we owe $2,100!!!!!!! But you’re for the middle class, right?

#Congress #TaxScam

— Godless Mama

(@JANDREWS2013) February 4, 2019

Wait, what happened? My tax refund is half of last year.

I thought we were all going to get an additional $4k. LIES! Has anyone seen any improvement?

— George Capen #VetsResist (@george_capen) February 3, 2019

Trouble in MAGA paradise?? Say it isn't so…

pic.twitter.com/NfNftnrRJ3

— JΞSŦΞR ✪ ΔCŦUΔL³³º¹ (@th3j35t3r) February 5, 2019

Last year I got a $750 federal refund. This year I owe $5000. I usually file early but you can go fuck yourself all the way until April @realDonaldTrump and @SenMajLdr and @SpeakerRyan and @SenateGOP and @HouseGOP. I still have $100,000 in student loans but sure I'll find $5k.

— Ben (@notsince1973) January 31, 2019

It’s important to note that these individual stories can’t be confirmed. Many didn’t respond to requests from the Daily Dot. And plenty  come from accounts with anti-Trump hashtags. But it’s not just #resist Twitter that claims to be seeing its tax hit go up despite the TCJA’s massive cuts.

Many people who claim to have voted for Trump in 2016 have been rewarded for their support with a whopping tax bill, or at least less of a refund.

Wait til you file your taxes. Middle class just lost half their return. Lowest refund I have ever had and I am 50yrs old. No wall and now this tax reform sucks too!! Starting to doubt Trump. I voted for him and trusted him too.

— Speziale-Matheny (@Speciale3886) January 27, 2019

I voted for this crack pot President, what a mistake I made, getting screwed on my taxes, loosing roughly $3,500, my mortgage interest is not deductible, wtf? #TaxScam #goptaxscam #taxrefund #presidentsucks #TaxReturns

— Nick (@nickyd6865) February 5, 2019

@realDonaldTrump I just got back from my tax accountant. All I can say is you phucked us bad. On the same income as 2017 I went from getting a ~$6,000 refund for both state and federal to owing ~$2,000 total. I will not vote for you again. Your tax changes SUCK!

— Jeff Dearborn (@JeffDearborn) February 1, 2019

Worse tax return I had in a decade! I admit I voted for @realDonaldTrump but he has officially lost my vote for 2020.

— A9N7G3 (@973angie) January 23, 2019

As statisticians and skeptics are fond of pointing out, the plural of “anecdote” is not “data,” particularly when the anecdotes come from anonymous Twitter accounts, some of which display the posting tendencies of bots.

Beyond that, it’s hard to tell whether these experiences will be repeated across the board, as tax filing season has only just started, and people who usually get refunds are more likely to file early.

But it’s clear that nobody knows what the impact of the TCJA on the majority of Americans’ tax refunds—or even who will be getting back what. That extends to the tax professionals whose careers are built around knowing stuff like this.

Thanks to the @GOP #TaxReform we went from getting $1200 in refund to OWING $2400.

Give corporations and millionaires a tax break so Americans have to pay for it, huh?

Burn the GOP down. Salt the earth where they stood.

— Plastic Man (@Almondrobopanda) February 2, 2019

“It’s still early to determine how everyone is being affected on the new tax laws, California CPA Gerry Andrade told the Daily Dot via email. “For the few returns that have been completed, the refunds have been less than the previous year, due to the adjustment of the tax withholding tables. Federal Income Tax Withholdings were reduced to increase employee take home pay. However, the elimination of the exemption deductions, employee business expenses and the limits on the property tax and state income tax deductions, have impacted tax refunds compared to previous years.”

While Andrade couldn’t predict exactly how everyone’s individual taxes will shake out, he did confirm that the outage seen on Twitter represents something very real “We anticipate that some of the taxpayers who have always planned on breaking even, meaning no tax due or refund, will be disappointed,” Andrade wrote. “They will probably owe more than they anticipated.”

One government study, done by the General Accounting Office, found that as many as four million more filers will owe the IRS money this year, and another four million will receive smaller or no refunds, compared to the system that had been in place earlier.

The culprit, economists agree, will be under-withholding—not adjusting one’s W-4 to take into account the new tax brackets and changes in deductions. Essentially, they’ve been getting less taken out of their paychecks week-to-week, and will have to make up the difference now.

For 2017, 102 million tax filers got at least some money back, having withheld too much from check to check, and getting it back with a refund. But with the TCJA, this number could drop dramatically—and if one goes by Twitter, it already has.

Welp. I missed the memo and have a large surprise tax bill thanks to the Tax Jobs and Cuts Act. #taxrefund #nonexistent @forbes @WSJ @SenAlexander https://t.co/yfcqHvDhRy

— Jacy Warrell (@JacyWarrell) February 3, 2019

But despite the avalanche of angry tweets from tax filers, it’s not clear at all that most middle-class taxpayers will owe money or see lower refunds. A number of sources claim just the opposite, that refunds will be higher and more frequent this year.

One Morgan Stanley economist told the New York Times that refunds for the average taxpayer will be “much higher than they expected,” with the firm estimating that taxpayers will be getting back as much as 26 percent more money this spring compared to last spring. In fact, that Morgan Stanley study found that taxpayers not only aren’t under-withholding, the changes in the tax code have led to more over-withholding, essentially loaning money to the government interest-free.

Other economists believe that the impact of the new tax laws will vary from family to family, with wide variations. Because child tax credits are higher, families with more dependents will likely see more money coming back. It will also vary region to region, as states with higher income taxes will see fliers be able to deduct less due to a cap on state and local tax deductions.

Thanks to the #TrumpTaxScam I am middle class and my tax refund has decreased by over $3000. I live in one of the most expensive states in the nation. Super excited that the tax burden on the super wealthy and corporations has been lessened and shifted to the middle class.

— ChilCollins (@johnprugh) February 4, 2019

An H&R Block report generally estimates that “those who itemized deductions in 2017 and have no dependents are one of the groups most at risk of owing instead of getting a refund,” as well as homeowners in states with high tax rates, and “employees who deducted unreimbursed business expenses for 2017” as business deductions have been curtailed.

So if you’re a small business owner or self-employed, with no dependents, and live in a state with a high tax rate; you’re probably going to get hit hard by the changes. Is this the category that Twitter tax complainers belong to?

The only thing that’s clear is that nobody knows for sure. With tax filing just having gotten underway, it’s likely that social media will see more accounts from both people who owe more, and from those who are getting more back. Every individual’s experience will vary.

from Ricky Schneiderus Curation https://www.dailydot.com/layer8/trump-tax-cut-twitter/