#fine quality ruby

[ghostorbz]

it's all fun and games until you develop an obsession with your friends oc @rubysundaey

[paulprestigegems]

Platinum 0.91 Ct Natural Oval Crimson Red Ruby And Diamond Halo Ring Vintage - a beautiful ring! PRICE: 1300.00 LINK ↓

[uniquethingtastemaker]

Ok, I had a hilarious idea for a Sylus x Reader fanfic, so here’s a long excerpt! (There’s another snippet!) This is the majority of the fanfic I have lol:

Once you’re alone, you stare straight at the security camera.

“If you’re going to spy on me, at least send the crow,” you declare before spinning on your heels and stalking away.

——————

Sylus sits back in his seat with a smirk and raised eyebrow. He takes out a slip of paper and jots something down.

————————

The next day, the mechanical bird appears outside your classroom window. You bite the inside of your lip to suppress a smirk. It seems the owner has taken your advice into consideration. Your watcher can be persuaded, which is a good sign. You’ve often had to take people out, so you’re glad you picked the right person to interact with.

You don’t spare the crow another glance while waiting for class to end.

Afterward, you casually walk into the courtyard where you last saw the critter. Your eyes sweep your surroundings to confirm the coast is clear. Then, you raise your forearm. The crow swoops in to take its perch.

Your lips twitch up. That was badass. You secretly summoned a high-tech mechanical bird down, and it responded instantly. Whoever is watching you gets bonus points for the rule of cool.

You look at the crow curiously, before noticing something on its leg.

“Excuse me,” you murmur, as you unwrap a slip of paper from its appendage.

Alright, kitten.

You blink.

You blink again, before you face screws up, confused.

“Kitten? Kitten??“ you repeat. “Is that his nickname for me? Why??”

You glance at the crow with a baffled frown.

“Fine, I’ll give your owner a nickname too… I’ll call them…“ You trail off.

You shuffle through your head for an idea. You want to stick with the animal theme. He has a crow and calls you a kitten. He must like animals, so you want to nickname him something with that in mind. However, you need an animal that’s beneath both. You furrow your eyebrows. Then, you remember Caleb’s nickname for you.

You snap your fingers.

“I’ll call your owner, Squeaker! Mice squeak and cats catch mice. It means I'll catch them eventually,” you declare, proud of yourself.

The beautiful black bird squawks, chortling in approval. Your eyes glint.

So this crow has a sense of humor. It seems sentient from its creator. You like him already. If this bird likes to bully his owner, you’ve found a friend.

You speak to the brilliant machine on your arm with reverence. “Although I also don’t know your name, oh great messenger. I’m sure Squeaker has already named you. However, I don’t know it, so I’ll give you one myself.”

You ponder before voicing your thoughts aloud.

“You’re more immaculate than Mr. Squeaker, so—Wait, is Squeaker a male?” you clarify.

The crow bobs its head.

“Thank you. As I said, you’re more prestigious than Mr. Squeaker, so your name should reflect that.”

The mechanical crow holds its head high, preening itself slightly. You grin. Yes, you like this bird. You’ll still be wary, but Mr. Squeaker has made a tempting offer of a friend.

“Yes, you are the best. Therefore, your name will be Ruby for your eyes. Rubies are often referred to as a symbol of royalty and wealth. You are certainly classy and of a noble status, my liege,” you praise, giving a slight bow to the black bird.

Your little crow friend wiggles happily on your arm, and you giggle.

“[Y/N], break is almost over!” a classmate calls.

You quietly scoff. “They’re interrupting my quality time with my bird.”

You toss your voice over your shoulder with the perfect tone of appreciation.

“Got it! I’ll be over in a second! Thanks!”

You turn back to Ruby with distaste. “Ugh, people. You, my dear, are the most interesting thing in my life, so I’ll see you later.”

You lift your arm, giving him a boost to fly away. Your new friend takes off and disappears into the trees. You have some research to do.

You jog back to your friends.

“Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it,” you reply with a cheery attitude.

You hate maintaining this persona, but it’s for your safety and protection. You’re taking a gamble with Mr. Squeaker, but if it pays off. The rewards will be great. It’s just a feeling.

————————

“Mr. Squeaker?” Sylus laughs. “Nobody has been that brave in front of me before. I look forward to the day we meet face to face, but not yet. They’re interesting. Also, I have to correct them on your name, Mephisto.”

———————

Ruby returns the next day with another note.

Cute name, sweetie, but his name is Mephisto.

“Sweetie?” you question before looking at Ruby. “Is he flirting with me, or does he give the impression of an old southern woman who calls everyone sweetie?”

The cute crow squawks, almost cackling at your suggestion. You smile.

“So not an old southern lady. Got it,” you comment before placing a thoughtful hand under your chin.

“Before I get into more theories about Squeaker, I have to address your name,” you state. “It looks like you don’t have a last name, so from now on your full name is Mephisto Ruby. Is that amiable?”

Your crow preens and you grin.

“I’m glad you like it just as much as I do, Ruby,” you reiterate.

(What do you think? Leave your comments. Can you tell I like Mephisto? Also side note: Sylus is technically not my favorite character, but man, do I like this fanfic. It’s just so funny. Reader is great. Anyway, tell me what you think!!)

[howi99]

A Knight second chance 10

Jaune: *in a reclining chair* ...

Glynda: *patiently waiting for her student to open up* ...

Jaune: *Sigh* Professor Goodwitch, i honestly don't know what to talk about with you. You can ask my family about my past all you want. I think i'm fine.

Glynda: Someone who is "fine" doesn't almost destroy someone's mind with memories, Jaune.

Jaune: *rolling his eyes, while internally cringing to what he is about to say* She's a simple robot, Miss Goodwitch. I highly doubt she was made with the expectations of getting flooded with memories, feelings and sensation.

Glynda: Jaune, i can see your own disgust at what you just said. *Sigh* You don't see her as a machine. You stayed with her, awake, for two days straight so you could "fix" her. *Shaking her head* People don't act like that for a "simple robot".

Jaune: Tsk, fine. But still, my points stands: She never experienced human sensation, only an approximation. And she never experienced anything bad. The worst she lived through was boredom.

Glynda: *clearing her throat* You told Specialist Schnee that Penny lived through your biggest traumas. Something that shook her so much, she changed her demeanor completely. She lost most of her wanderlust and innocence, from what Specialist Schnee said.

Jaune: Well-

Glynda: *sigh* Jaune, i-

Jaune: *cutting her* Tell me, what is your favorite fairy tale?

Glynda: *surprised* What?

Jaune: *sigh* Mine was the girl who fell through the world. *Chuckle* I loved the characters, the settings, everything... *Looking at the shelves covered in books inside of Glynda's office* It was a nice story.

Glynda: *frown* Was?

Jaune: *scoff* Well, it doesn't tell the truth. *Shaking his head* There is no knight in rusted armor, saving the day on time, there is no cat giving you advice to go on in life and there is no tree that can help you become a better version of yourself.

Glynda: *sigh* Jaune, it's a children's book-

Jaune: ... *Mumbling* And yet, you believe those one...

Glynda: *frown* Excuse me?

Jaune: *sigh* Nothing.

_ Later _

Pyrrha: So, how was your session with professor Goodwitch?

Jaune: *sigh* As good as it will be for the foreseeable future... *Looking around* By the way, where is team RWBY?

Pyrrha: *shrug* Haven't seen them since yesterday-

Team RWBY, entering the cafeteria with nice silk scarf and a confused look upon their face

Nora: *waved at them* Hey, where were you all?

Weiss: *sigh* Blake heard there was a White Fang rally near the industrial district. She thought it was suspicious but... *Look at Blake*

Blake: *Blushing* How was i supposed to know!?

Russel: *from another table* Hey, those are the scarves my girlfriends make!

Ruby: *waving at him* She was super nice too! She said she would come visit you with a new shirt design!

Russel: Thanks for the heads up!

Yang: So anyway, turns out it was a charity event made by EX members of the White Fang, those who were part of it before they turned into a terrorist organization.

Nora: Oh~

Ruby: *giving them scarves* Weiss bought enough for our class... Twice.

Weiss: They are of the highest quality and the price they asked for was ridiculously small!

[misojunnie]

KEROSENE 𖣂

there’s a fine line between delusion and reality.

jake sim was your boyfriend. park sunghoon was your best friend. neither knew about each other. you weren’t sure where your heart belonged, and you watch as your life begins to tear in half from the secrecy and guilt. but just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, an earth-shattering secret changes everything.

pairing: bf!jake vs. bsf!sunghoon x fem!reader

genre: psychological thriller, horror, love triangle (kinda… you’ll see)

warnings: violence/death, heavily implied mental illness, very psychological, cheating (?) ig, kinda hoon focused….(sorry), enha’s personalities and backstories are not a reflection of reality, it’s just a story

featuring: enhypen

playlist: it was only a dream by joey quinones, S.D.O.S by alex g, back to black by amy winehouse, somebody that I used to know by gotye, I was only temporary by my head is empty, only you (and you alone) by the platters

word count: 9.9k

taglist ! @enhacolor @jwnghyuns @adoredbyjay @theothernads @firstclassjaylee @dollschan @enreveriee @surrik-i @jwonistic @laurradoesloveu @laylasbunbunny @tmtxtf @shixna606 @kumiwon @heeaxvhhoon

network tags: @kflixnet @k-vanity @k-radio @enhypennetwork

see the trailer.

a/n: hello yall! sorry these fics are taking so long,,,pls still look forward to more, I got a couple lined up! and p.s., look for foreshadowing in this one ;) there’s lots of hints leading up to the plot twist! <3

The flames burned bright, and you couldn’t tear your eyes away from the crackling fire. The yellow and orange flames flashed like rubies, licking the dark sky, illuminating the beach as you watched them burn. It was like a dance, the way the fire swayed in the wind.

“You okay?” a voice broke you out of your trance as Jake planted a kiss on your cheek. You snapped out of it, smiling up at him as he reached for your hand, clasping it gently in his. He sat down on the sand beside you.

Jake Sim. A year older than you, the sweetest boy you had met in your entire life. He had sparkling eyes full of youth, a smile that could make angels sing, and a calmer temperament than anyone you’d seen in your 20 years of age. You were lucky enough to call him your boyfriend.

You had always been a rather quiet person, but Jake was the opposite. Talkative and popular, he had a seemingly endless amount of friends, many of which threw parties like the one you were at tonight. You grew to enjoy the nights spent at bonfires, house parties, the various celebrations Jake invited you to.

Many people thought you were polar opposites, but that was what made you perfect for each other. You didn’t make friends easily, but he was happy to share his. He wasn’t very emotional, but you didn’t mind coaxing him into confessing what he was feeling. He helped you come out of your shell, you helped him learn to love the peaceful moments. After all, they say opposites attract. And that was certainly true for you.

You had only been dating for a year and a half, but all your friends told you he was the one. And you were beginning to really believe it.

“I’m good.” you replied sweetly. You and Jake’s friends were laughing and dancing boisterously, but you didn’t feel like joining in on the fun. The fire was giving you plenty of company, and an unsettling feeling was creeping into your heart. Maybe it was the Halloween season, or maybe your doubts went deeper than that.

“I’ll sit with you then.” Jake offered kindly, wrapping an arm around your shoulder, and you leaned into him gratefully.

You were in love with Jake, you knew that. He was the first thing you thought of in the morning and the last at night, the main topic of all your conversations. He was sweet, thoughtful, smart, funny, and had every quality you ever wanted from a boyfriend. He was perfect, yet somehow, this didn’t feel right. Six months later, and you were beginning to have doubts. You had doubts in all of your past relationships, but none of them were as good as this one. Despite that, something was off. You could feel it.

For now, you tried to put it behind you, letting the fire and Jake’s warm touch comfort you as you watched the dancing flames.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

It was Sunday morning. You were looking forward to a day of no classes, and some alone time. While you loved being with Jake, you had spent everyday together for the past two weeks, and you were craving a little time to yourself.

It was a bit of a drive, but you suddenly wanted to go to your favorite bakery, picking up a fresh baguette to bring home, plus a few pastries for yourself. After that, you visited a nearby park, sitting on a bench alone.

You let the fresh air revitalize you, your hair floating in the breeze. There was hardly anyone in the park, the locals deterred by the fog and biting cold, but you had always enjoyed gloomy weather. You took a croissant out of the ribbon wrapped box, taking a bite and relishing in the peaceful feeling of being alone.

You closed your eyes briefly, and when you opened them, you were put out to discover someone standing before you.

He was extraordinarily good looking; it was the first thing you noticed about him. With his kind eyes, tall stature, and silky dark hair, he looked like an angel appearing out of the fog. He was standing a couple of feet away from the bench you were sitting at, looking at you directly with a soft smile.

“Oh,” you said, startled. “Hi.” You weren’t sure if you were supposed to address him, but he was clearly waiting to say something to you.

“Hi,” he replied. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I just liked your shirt.” You looked down at yourself, completely forgetting about your ripped tee. You noticed his neat grey sweater and ironed jeans, wearing a thin silver chain around his neck, and you grew suddenly embarrassed about your messy outfit. He smelled of lilies and fresh paper, the kind of scent that came from a cologne but seemed to be natural.

“You like Amy Winehouse?” you asked, and he nodded excitedly.

“Love her. Valerie was my top song for like, three years in a row.” He seemed eager to share his love of jazz music, and if you were a little more of a senseless person, you could’ve fallen in love right then and there.

“What are the odds?” you said, not sure how to respond. He smiled. Then he held out his hand.

“I’m Sunghoon.” You laughed at the odd gesture, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, and his hands were warm.

“Nice to meet you, Sunghoon. I’m y/n.”

“Beautiful name.” he said kindly, and you blushed, which you would never admit. You were hoping this nice stranger only had friendly intentions; if not, you’d have to tell him to go away, and you were beginning to enjoy his sudden company. “Do you go to the college down the road?”

“No, I actually live in the next town over.” you nodded in the direction you had come from. “I just drove here to visit.”

“Alone?” you looked away in embarrassment, and he gestured to the bench. “Can I sit with you?” It was an odd request, and this was a total stranger, but he seemed nice enough. So you accepted, nodding your head. “So, what's so appealing about this little old town that you’d come all the way here?”

“My favorite bakery, and some much needed alone time.” you admitted, and he raised a brow. “I don’t get much time to myself these days.”

“That’s unfortunate. I have the opposite problem.” he said jokingly, and you opened your box of pastries, removing another croissant.

“Well, you have a new friend now.” you handed it to him, and he looked at the offer in surprise, before accepting it with a wide smile.

“Thanks, y/n. I could use a friend right now.” You smiled in response.

It was shocking how easy it was to get along with Sunghoon. Most of the time, you were horribly averse to meeting strangers; you didn’t know how to act, what to say, what to do. But speaking with him was smooth, it felt as if you’d known each other for years. It was almost concerning how familiar he seemed.

At the end of your conversation, when your phone started flooding with texts from Jake, you took your leave. You offered your number to continue talking, but he told you with regret that he didn’t own a phone, a rare and oddly endearing quality. You accepted, standing to walk away.

“Y/n!” he called after you, just as you were about to leave. You turned around, and he waved at you with a smile, his dark hair blowing in the cold wind. “See you around, okay?” You smiled back, waving.

You didn’t know if you’d ever see this familiar stranger again, but you couldn’t help but hope you did. You had never felt a friendship bloom that quickly, and you didn’t want to let go of it. But you would have to leave it up to fate, hoping you would see Sunghoon again soon, wherever or whenever that may be.

You walked away in a significantly better mood, your box of pastries in your hand. As you got into your car, you noticed the ajar lid, reaching to close it, when your brows furrowed. You opened it, noticing that not a single croissant was missing. Not even the one you offered to him, the one you watched him eat as you chatted.

You blew it off, shutting the lid firmly and turning on your stereo, blasting Amy Winehouse as you drove home to your boyfriend.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

Jake was taking you on a date. Between your busy schedules and booming social lives, it was infrequent that you had time for an actual date. Most of the time, your nights would end in cuddling sessions at your shared house, watching a movie or playing your favorite board games. But today, he had a late lunch reservation for your favorite fancy restaurant, and he insisted that you both dress up in your nicest clothes. You wondered if you had forgotten about an anniversary or event, but he assured you he just wanted to celebrate your relationship.

Sometimes, you wondered how you could’ve gotten this lucky.

You put on Jake’s favorite dress of yours, a red silk dress that reached just below your knees. You hadn’t found an event that suited it in a while, and you were excited to bring it out of retirement.

“You look beautiful.” Jake said, holding your hand as you walked through the streets together. You garnered a lot of attention, a couple as beautiful as you were. Passersby stared, whispering with envy at your youth and glamor.

“You’re being so sweet today.” you giggled, your fingers clutching a single red rose that Jake had brough you, one that matched your dress perfectly.

“We don’t go on fancy dates often.” He kissed your knuckles. “I wanted to make today special.” Your heart filled up with fire as you smiled at him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Your lipstick lingered there, and you considered wiping it off for a moment, before deciding not to. You thought it suited him.

You were actually happy. Finding joy in relationships had always been hard for you; your brain decided to shut them down somehow. Whether going ghost, shutting down, even firing off a quick apathetic text, you found a way to escape your happiness. You weren’t sure why. But you were finally ready to retire from being a heartbreaker; Jake was really the only one you needed.

From behind your boyfriend, you caught a flash of something familiar. The scent of lilies, a grey sweater, silky black hair.

You craned your neck to get a better look, Jake watching you in confusion as you waited for him to turn towards you. He glanced at something, his face turning just a couple of inches, and it was indeed Sunghoon. His sharp nose, wide eyes, you’d recognize that face anywhere, it was the one you were hoping to see for days on end.

Jake followed your gaze, turning back to you in puzzlement.

“What are you looking at?” Upon his words, you shook yourself out of your trance, shaking your head with a smile.

“Oh, I just thought I saw someone I knew.” Jake nodded in relief, his grip on your hand growing a bit tighter as you continued to walk, Sunghoon left behind as the two of you fled the scene.

You wanted to reconnect with Sunghoon, but Jake was here, and he was more important to you. For now, you’d just have to hope that you’d see him again, in another time, another place.

As you walked away, Sunghoon turned around, his eyes following as you and Jake walked down the street, the red silk of your dress flashing under the afternoon sun.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

Jake was paying the bill for your meal. By now, the sun was beginning to set, fading slowly behind the horizon as the sky grew pink and orange. You had stepped out of the restaurant for a smoke break, waiting for him as you lit a burning cigarette. The flame of your lighter danced in the wind, swaying side to side before you put it out. Jake was trying to convince you to quit smoking, but old habits die hard, and you were craving a moment of peace.

Your eyes landed on the sidewalk, watching the fall wind sweep golden leaves across the pavement as you took another drag.

“You’re a smoker?” You startled at the sound of a sudden voice, but that surprise melted into delight when you saw who spoke to you.

“Oh, Sunghoon! I didn’t think I’d see you again.” He shrugged in response, tucking his hands into the pockets of his jacket.

“Must be my lucky day.” he replied, a smile on his face, one that you mirrored. You reached down to put out your cigarette, but he waved for you to stop. “No need to stop. I don’t mind.”

“Are you a smoker?” you asked, bringing it to your lips for another drag, and he watched you do so, seeming indifferent to your question.

“Not quite. But I don’t mind if you do it in front of me.”

“Most people hate it.” you chuckled, finishing your cigarette and putting it out on the sole of your heeled shoes. “I suppose the smell is a bit off putting.”

“I disgaree. I like the smell of smoke. It’s relaxing.” Sunghoon shrugged, and a smile grew on your face as you crossed your arms.

“I agree.” You found that it was, yet again, incredibly easy to talk to him. You’d only met twice, but you and Sunghoon already had a lot in common. Your taste in music, pastries, and your partiality to cigarette smoke were only a few of your many interests you’d discussed that seemed strikingly similar.

“So, what are you dressed up for?” he asked, and you were reluctant to answer. “Seems like a special occasion.”

“I suppose it is.” you said mysteriously, and he smiled. Glancing over your shoulder, you saw Jake’s dusty blond hair through the glass window as he collected his coat from the back of his chair. “I gotta go. But it was nice talking to you, again.” Both of you chuckled at that, and he stepped back to allow you room as you walked back to the door of the restaraunt.

“See you around.” he said, reminiscent of the first time you met, a grin on his face that almost looked childlike with eagerness. You smiled.

“See you around.”

And for the second time, you prayed that you would see your new friend again.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

After your recent encounter, you began seeing Sunghoon everywhere. In an empty aisle at the grocery store, the street behind your college, even in the area near where you lived. At first you considered that he might be following you, your meetings were so random and frequent, but he confessed at random that he didn’t live in the next town over after all. He lived in your town, not disclosing where, but telling you he was seemingly very close.

You began to enjoy your interactions with him more and more, your friendship growing stronger every day. You told him your genuine thoughts, and he gave you genuine advice. You didn’t often feel comfortable sharing things about yourself with people, but he weaseled his way into your mind almost concerningly easily. Other than Jake, he was the only person you felt like you could truly be yourself around. It was unheard of for you, knowing someone for only a month and feeling this comfortable around it. But you quickly transformed from strangers to the closest of friends.

Today was one of the lazy days where the two of you would lounge on the grass on your front lawn, sipping on coffee to warm yourselves in the cold. Well, you did; Sunghoon wasn’t fond of coffee. You had never invited him inside your house, it seemed too intimate of a line to cross while you had a boyfriend, who wasn’t home at the moment.

A boyfriend you still hadn’t told him about. But he hadn’t asked, so you assumed it wouldn’t be a problem.

“Are you worrying about something?” Sunghoon asked, laying on his back in the dewy grass. You were reading a book beside him while he stared at the gray sky.

“How did you know?” you asked, bemused, and he chuckled.

“I know everything going on in your head.” You nudged him in the shoulder, and he rolled over playfully, turning to his stomach.

“Maybe.” you replied vaguely, and he sat up on his elbows.

“What are you worrying about?” You didn’t respond.

You wanted to tell him about Jake, you really did. It’s not like you were embarrassed, or you wanted to hide him. You loved Jake, you’d be proud to tell anyone that. But you had this creeping feeling that it would affect your friendship, that Sunghoon wouldn’t be fond of knowing about him. Not in a romantic sense, no, you knew Sunghoon had no feelings for you, just as you had none for him. It was just a sinking dread.

“It doesn’t matter.” he said after a minute, rolling back onto his back, looking up at the sky as the clouds moved through the mist. “I bet I already know.”

“And why would you know?” you asked, your voice amused as you turned the page of your book. He grinned, but you didn’t see it.

“I told you. I know everything going on in your head.”

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

You were acting differently, and Jake could tell from a mile away.

He knew you, and he knew your heart. He could tell when something was bothering you, when you were unusually excited, he detected every minor shift of emotion. But lately, he couldn’t put his finger on what was happening.

You were spending less time with him. You used to be one of those inseparable couples that spent all their time together, but now you were ditching him for study sessions, meetings with friends, excessive alone time. You barely shared things with him anymore; it was like your emotions were all dried up by the time you got home. You were affectionate, but it seemed thoughtless. Jake didn’t want to pry into your business, but he knew he had to find out the cause of your sudden change.

Because not only did Jake know when your emotions changed, he also knew when you were lying to him.

You had just left for a day to yourself, and Jake grabbed his keys from the coffee table, running to his car once he knew you had left for certain. He didn’t want to follow you, that was for certain, but he was terrified that the secret you were keeping from him was big. Maybe as big as infidelity.

His old car crept around the corner, slowly following you from the back of the empty street as you walked. Your headphones were in, and he prayed you wouldn’t turn back and recognize his car. The pit in his stomach grew enormously when you turned the corner, heading towards the busier streets. He followed.

Jake parked, watching with suspicion as you walked into a busy coffee shop. He leaned over the wheel from across the street, squinting his eyes to make you out from the crowd as you sat down at a small table, your coffee table.

He stayed there for nearly an hour, just watching. Waiting for someone to come meet you, a man, as he feared. But nobody came, just you alone at that small table, sipping your coffee.

He sighed, turning his car back on, a flood of relief and guilt consuming him as he pulled out of his spot, heading back home. Maybe you weren’t cheating, maybe you weren’t lying to him. He drove back home, his knuckles blanching as he gripped the wheel tightly, turning back onto your street.

But despite his relief, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

It was day 365 of knowing Park Sunghoon. The year had gone by in a flash, but it seemed almost too short. To you, it felt like you had known Sunghoon your entire life.

You spent a lot of time together. Attempting to fit him and Jake into your schedule proportionately had proven to be hard, but Sunghoon always managed to show up when you least expected it, yet exactly when you were thinking about him. Sometimes you wondered if he could read your mind, he knew you so well.

365 days had passed, and he began feeling more like your best friend with every day.

Today, you were at the park you first met at. Coincidentally, you had happened to be craving your favorite croissants, and Sunghoon, who conveniently showed up to your dorm just beforehand, had come with you. Now, you were sitting on a park bench, croissants in hand, eating and chatting as the sun began to set.

Dozens of people walked by, but they didn’t seem to pay any attention to either of you. As you watched a pair of twenty-something girls walk past, you wondered why girls never noticed your exceptionally handsome best friend. Maybe getting a girlfriend would be good for him. You wanted him to experience the same happiness that you had with Jake, who you were realizing you hadn’t seen in a while.

“Why don’t girls ever notice you?” you said without thinking, and Sunghoon snorted, setting down his croissant.

“Gee, thanks.”

“That’s not how I meant it.” you said defensively, and he smiled in amusement. “I mean, you’re tall, handsome, sweet. Girls should be all over you.”

“Well, you’re not.”

“That’s different.” you said cynically. “I’m your best friend.” He looked at you seriously, and you shrugged. “What?”

“Nobody knows I exist except for you.” You met his serious gaze, before laughing, and he smiled in response.

“You’re so weird.”

“I’m totally serious. Nobody notices me but you.” It was a strange thing to hear, but it was seemingly true. When you were with Sunghoon, nobody really seemed to notice him, to even see him. He was enormously skilled at fading into the background, going unnoticed by passersby. As he had told you, you were the only friend he had, which only made him more endearing in your mind. You had always had issues making friends, and with your main company being your outgoing boyfriend, it was nice to know someone who went through the same struggle.

Sunghoon was Jake’s complete opposite; he was much more like you. His dark hair contrasted Jake’s dusty blond. He was calm and quiet with a strange sense of humor, not constantly joyous and amused like Jake. In moments when Jake would’ve laughed, he frowned. When Jake would’ve frowned, he laughed.

“And why is that?” you finally replied, and he smiled mysteriously.

“That’s for you to find out.” You snorted, shouldering your bag as you got to your feet, brushing off your pants. “Going somewhere?”

“Yeah, I should start heading home.” you said, checking the time on your watch and disappointed to see it was 7:45. You had plans with Jake at 7:30, and he wasn’t going to be pleased if you were any later than you already were. “Do you need a ride?” Sunghoon shook his head, leaning back against the bench as he looked up at you.

“No. I’ll make my way home.” You cocked your head at him, chuckling as you turned around, waving him goodbye.

“Suit yourself.” you said, and he waved at you as you walked down the street towards your parked car, a few blocks away, eager to get home to Jake before you miss more of your quality time. As you walked, you turned suddenly, gazing down the street at the park bench you had been just a moment before.

Sunghoon was gone.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

“You’re late.” Jake grumbled as you met him outside your home, a sheepish grin on your face. His hands were on his hips, but his disgruntled attitude faded when you pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek, and he rested his hands on your waist. “What took you so long.”

“I got caught up with a friend. I hope I’m not too late.” you said, and he smiled, taking your hand as he led you down the driveway onto the sidewalk.

“Better late than never. Ready to go?” you nodded, and you began to walk, heading towards your favorite diner. You both had cars, but you preferred to walk. It allowed for more talking, more eye contact, more intimacy. It felt more real.

“You look really handsome today.” you said, pressing a hand against Jake’s cheek as he immediately grew warm at your compliment. Two years after you’d started dating, and sometimes you still made him feel like a schoolboy with a crush. He smiled with lovesickness.

“Mm, really?”

“Really.” you said, and he pressed a kiss to your lips, your hands swinging together in unison as you held them all the way to the middle of town.

You knew you loved each other, more than anything in the world. And virtually nothing could make you doubt that, or doubt each other. But what you didn’t know was that someone was watching you.

Sunghoon stared unrelentingly as you and Jake walked together. He walked twenty paces behind or so, his footsteps silent, so soft that not even grass bent upon him stepping on it. He watched as you talked, laughed, kissed, reveled passionately in each other's love. It was enviable, he thought.

As you shifted onto busier streets, he followed. Not a single passerby or stranger turned to look at him, nobody noticed as he weaved intricately through the busy crowds, following you and Jake who stumbled through them clumsily. He went completely undetected by everyone, even by you and your boyfriend. He was right when he said nobody noticed him but you; outside of you, his existence meant absolutely nothing.

He watched from outside the diner as you and Jake sat by the windows, sharing a milkshake with two straws like the cliche you were. You assumed Sunghoon didn’t know about your boyfriend; in fact, you’d been purposefully keeping it from him. But of course he knew about your boyfriend, as well as his name, as well as everything else there was to know about him. Sunghoon knew everything about you, and that even included your cheesy, hopelessly romantic boyfriend. As you laughed at Jake’s milk mustache, you looked happier than you’d ever been. Sunghoon frowned.

He knew he had to shut down that happiness somehow, he just wasn’t sure how to. Yet.

He eventually grew tired of seeing you smiling at your boyfriend, sharing meals and stories as the two of you laughed. It began to rain, but the falling droplets never touched his head, and he turned around to walk back home, to wait for you.

To wait for the next time you called for him.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

Burn.

Burn.

Burn.

Let it all burn.

You awoke with a start, sweat matting your hair to your forehead. You sat up in bed, wiping the sweat off your face, looking beside you, flooded with relief when Jake was sleeping beside you peacefully.

You were having a nightmare. Your house was on fire and it was raging, the flames seemingly reaching the heavens as it slowly burned to a crisp. The fire was pulling you in, and for a moment you almost walked inside the burning building, until you heard Jake screaming. You snapped out of whatever trance you were in, running to the front of the house where the sound was coming from. In your front yard, Jake was bleeding, pools of blood surrounding him as he went still. And standing above him was Sunghoon, a bloody smile on his face as he slowly turned to you.

The image of his evil expression was burned into your memory, and you shook your head, carding a hand through your hair as you checked the time on the clock. It was 3:00 in the morning, but you knew you couldn’t go back to bed.

You crept out of bed as quietly as you could, careful not to wake your sleeping boyfriend as you pulled a sweater over your pajamas, walking down the stairs as they creaked, the sounds muffled underneath your slippers.

The cold morning breeze bit at you as you stepped out the front door, careful to lock it behind you. You were hoping a walk and a cigarette would help to clear your mind and calm you down.

You weren’t the type to be freaked out by nightmares, but this one felt hauntingly real. You could feel the warmth of the fire as your house went up in flames, the pure fear as Jake’s screams rang through the empty night. You tried to ignore it, lighting a cigarette and propping it in the corner of your mouth as you wandered the streets.

In your mindless wandering, you found yourself at a grassy park, ten or so streets down from your house. Nobody was here at this hour, and you walked through the trees and playgrounds until you reached a grassy hill that contained a familiar face.

You raised a brow in surprise as you watched Sunghoon sitting at the top of the hill, his back resting against a tree as he read a book, flipping the pages casually.

“What are you doing here? It’s 3 am.” you called to him, taking a drag when he turned to look at you and smiled.

“I don’t sleep.” he replied, his attention shifting back to his book. You climbed the hill slowly, your cigarette propped in your mouth as your slippers grew stained with the green dewy grass.

“What are you, a vampire?” you joked, sitting down beside him when you reached the top. You were hesitant to talk to him after your dream, but you did regardless, his hand reaching out to take a hit from your cigarette, his smile just as vivid as it was in your nightmare. You tried to brush it off. It was just a dream, after all.

“Not a vampire, no.”

“What are you reading?” you asked, and he shut the book, showing you the cover.

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” he replied, and you nodded at him, impressed as you took your cigarette back from his hands.

“Ken Kesey. Nice.” He shrugged.

“It’s interesting. The main character hallucinates all kinds of shit.” You snort.

“I’ve read it.” He smiled, tucking the book away behind him. That smile, which had once seemed so pure, seemed malicious through the lens of your dream.

“I know.” You both grow silent, the sound of burning ash and your breathing being the only sounds in the quiet morning. The two of you watched the grass sway in the wind, completely undisturbed by the presence of other people.

“We run into each other a lot.” you said finally, Sunghoon turning to look at you. You were pensive, your cigarette burning out in your hand until the ash reached your fingers, and you crumbled it in your hand. “Do you sometimes wonder if we can read each other’s minds?” Sunghoon leaned back, closing his eyes against the breeze.

“I’ve never wondered that. I’ve always known it.” You looked at him, your brows drawn as you nudged him with your elbow, him laughing in response.

“You’re pretty strange, you know.”

“You’re pretty strange too. That’s why we like each other.” You couldn’t argue with that, so you didn’t. You just leaned back against the trunk of the tree, your shoulders touching as you and Sunghoon sat in silence, watching the sun slowly rise in the horizon.

���� 𖣂 𖣂

Jake was saying something to you, but you weren’t listening. Lately, you’d been having a hard time focusing on just about anything.

Your nightmare was persisting, coming back to haunt you every night. Ever since that first dream, your mind had been preoccupied with the image of that fire. The fear you felt in your dream crept up on you in your waking hours, the image of Sunghoon’s face burned into your eyes every time you closed them. And it certainly didn’t help that he’d been showing up more than usual, taking more of your time away from things that mattered, like the man in front of you.

You found that you were thinking about Sunghoon more than often. For the past year, he had been your best friend and nothing more, but now, you weren’t sure. His silky hair and mysterious smile kept you up at night, and the gleaming blood on his face as he smiled woke you up in the morning. There was something about him; you couldn’t explain it, but he drew you in just as strongly as that fire in your dream. And the guilt you felt for thinking about him so often was doing nothing to improve your mood, or your relationship.

“Y/n? Are you listening?” Jake asked frustratedly, snapping in your face. You came out of your trance, startling awake as you dropped the tea bag you were holding, the one that had been steeping in your tea for more than a couple minutes now. You threw it into the trash, your angry boyfriend following you as you sat down at the dining table. “I swear you don’t even listen to me anymore.”

“I’m trying to, Jake.” you said, running a hand through your hair. You didn’t even remember what you had been talking about, why he was mad at you in the first place.

“For the past week, you’ve barely spoken to me,” he said. Jake was rarely angry, almost never, but you could hear the resentment in his voice. “You don’t even look at him half the time when we’re together.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.” You felt hazy.

“Where are you going at dawn every morning?” Your gaze snapped to him, and his eyes were filled with a flurry of emotion; hurt, anger, sadness. “Every morning, you wake up at 3:00 and leave. You think I haven’t noticed?”

“I’ve been having nightmares. They wake me up.” you dismissed him, taking a sip of your tea and finding it had grown cold during your argument.

“You’re not cheating on me?”

“God, no, Jake.” you said, rubbing your forehead in frustration. “I’m just…I’m just confused right now.”

“Then please, tell me what’s going on!” he said, gesticulating in annoyance. “You won’t even speak to me lately. We used to talk all the time.” You considered telling him about Sunghoon, but this was not the time, nor place. It would only make him angrier, and you hated fighting with Jake more than anything.

“I can’t have this conversation right now.”

“Well, when are we going to have it? I mean, do you even love me anymore? You’ve been avoiding me nonstop.”

The past you would’ve fled, would’ve told yourself that this wasn’t worth the conflict and decided to run. You were used to running, but you were tired of it. The new you loved Jake, and you would get through whatever was stopping your relationship, regardless of how hard it was. And you knew you were the one to blame.

“Of course I love you. I’m sorry.” you said, standing up and abandoning your tea on the table. “I’m just going through a weird spot right now, and it’s hard to explain.” You placed a hand on Jake’s face, and he immediately softened. “Soon, I’ll tell you everything. I promise. I’m just in my own head right now.” He put his hand over yours, smiling tightly but accepting what you said, despite how much it hurt his heart to see you struggle in silence.

“Okay. Okay, that’s fine.” He pressed a kiss onto your hand. “And next time you have nightmares, please, wake me up. I’m happy to keep you company in the morning when you can’t sleep.” You smiled, kissing his cheek as you released him, grabbing your mug of tea and dumping it in the sink.

“How did I get so lucky?” Jake grinned at that, walking with you to the kitchen just to hold your hand, walking you to the living room as the two of you cuddled up on the couch together.

You tried to put it out of your head, but something was off. That little, self-sabotaging part of your brain was screaming, begging to be released, and you knew that somehow, it would manifest itself eventually.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

Burn.

Burn.

Let it all burn.

Flames were eating away at your bed, and you stood in the doorway as it burned. The fire consumed the walls, your house and all its belongings being consumed by golden flames licking the sky with their enormous size. You watched as your closet, then the bed sheets, then the clock on your nightstand table reading 3:00 am. The fire spread until your room was consumed whole. The house was burning down. And there was nothing you could do to stop it.

“Wake up!” a voice screamed, and you recognized it to be Jake’s through your trance. “Y/n, wake up!” You were confused, turning around to see him behind you, tugging at you, shaking your shoulders with vigor. There was desperation in his eyes, his eyebrows drawn as he shouted at you, desperately pulling, but you wouldn’t budge.

Shouldn’t he be dead by now? This wasn’t how the dream was supposed to go.

“Y/n, wake up!”

Something snapped, and suddenly you were awake, but the house kept burning. Wrathful fire ate away at the furniture and your bed, the walls beginning to collapse in on themself as the house moaned with the effort of keeping itself upright. The house shook, the walls caving in, Jake standing behind you in his pajamas, shocked awake, desperately trying to pull you away.

“Please, we have to get out! Now!”

“This isn’t how it’s supposed to go.” you murmured, still in a sleepy haze. “Am I dreaming?” But it didn’t seem like a dream, no, it was all too real. Your house was on fire, and you began to cry, tears streaming down your face as you stared at your burning bedroom, paralyzed with grief.

Jake pulled violently on your arm, leading you out of the bedroom and through the house. It was full of fire, your staircase burning the bottoms of your feet as you both ran to the front door, flames licking your skin until you finally made it outside.

“What just happened?” you asked, your voice trembling as you both watched your house burn down, the framework being the only thing left. The fire let out a roar, the roof creaking before it crashed in on itself, the walls crumpling to the floor. The flames ate at the grass, igniting your yard and everything around, the ravenous fire slowly spreading across the ground. Somehow, only your house was the one ignited. Nothing else. “How…how did this happen?”

“I don’t know.” Jake replied mournfully, and you began to cry, your shoulders shaking as sobs wracked through your body, and Jake held you close, tears running down his cheeks as well.

You both watched the house you had so dutifully loved, and the relationship you’d made inside of it, burn to the ground, turned to ash and dust. It was all lost. And you knew it had something to do with you, the dreams you’d been having.

Somehow, you had this creeping feeling that the man with the bloody smile, the man who haunted your dreams, was at fault.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

The police said the fire was likely due to a pilot light and an excess of gas, some logical, reasonable explanation, but you weren’t listening. Jake was nodding along to their long-winded speech, but you were staring off into the distance, eyes zoned out on the wall of the police station where you sat.

You felt Jake grasp your hand, his thumb rubbing circles on your skin, but you were too enraged to even feel it. Sunghoon was at fault for this. You knew it. Your brain had been warning you, sending you fire-filled nightmares until they finally became reality. It was his fault. It was his fault.

And you were going to find him.

“Smoke break.” you muttered when your boyfriend and the police looked at you questioning, standing up in the middle of their explanation with your fists tightly clenched. You strode out, Jake covering for you, telling the police you were a smoker, you were stressed, all the things they wanted to hear. Their voices went silent as the door closed behind you and you walked right out of the station, not sure where you were going but knowing you’d run into him somewhere. You always did.

“Are you looking for me?” Sunghoon said, and you shrieked at the sound of his voice, startled. You had walked nearly five streets away, to that empty park you had seen him in just a couple of days previously, and there he was, sitting against the same tree at the top of the hill. You slowly walked up to him.

“Sunghoon.” your voice trembled as you spoke, with anger or fear, you weren’t sure. “Was it your fault?” He cocked his head at you, shutting his book.

“Was what my fault?” You shook your head at him.

“You know what I’m talking about. You always know. So tell me, was the fire your fault?” For a minute he didn’t respond, until his lips spread into a crooked grin, and you felt a shiver of fright run down your spine. You had never been scared of Sunghoon, not since you met him that day on the street, but now you felt pure fear when you looked into his eyes. That haunting smile had come to life, from your dreams into your reality, and although there was no blood, you could feel it in the way he looked at you.

“You ruined everything.” you said quietly, your shoulders trembling. “My house is gone. Burned to the ground.”

“C’mon, don’t tell me you actually cared about that house.” He stood, and you backed away from him, stumbling down the hill as he pressed towards you. “Or is it Jake that you’re really worried about?”

“What?”

“Don’t play games. I know about your boyfriend, I’ve known since the day we met.” You never told him about Jake, you were certain you had never slipped up.

“Have you been following me?” you asked, confused and frightened, and he smiled again, that same bloody smile.

“I don’t need to. I told you, I know everything about you.”

“I’m done with this. You’re crazy.” you said with finality, dizzy with rage and fear as you turned and walked away from him, your slow pace turning into a run as you sought to be as far from him as possible.

“No, I’m not. You are.” he called after you, but you didn’t hear it, running against the wind as the sun just began to come up, peeking over the cloudy horizon.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

You didn’t see Sunghoon for a while after that. You and Jake rented a studio apartment at the edge of town, it being the only thing you could afford after you lost all the money that was tied up in the house. You were both depressed, but at least you were together.

Sunghoon’s actions weighed heavy on your mind. You didn’t tell Jake that he was the one to blame for the fire, you were afraid of how he would react. If you revealed you had been keeping Sunghoon a secret for this long, he might blame you for the house burning down, and where would you go from there? You had already lost your best friend, and you weren’t willing to lose your boyfriend too.

“There’s something you’re not telling me.” Jake said quietly. He was sitting on the couch, head in his hands, as he usually did when he had nothing to distract him. “You’re keeping something from me.” You didn’t respond, because you knew he was right. You were keeping something from him, something enormous, and it was eating away at you. “You won’t talk, you’re smoking more than usual, you’re withdrawn-”

“My house just burnt down, Jake.”

“It was my house too.” he said sharply, and you didn’t reply. You could feel a distance growing between you and Jake, getting wider with every day, and you didn’t know how to fix it. You were desperate to resolve this issue, but how could you tell him that you were to blame for the fire being lit?

“Tell me about your nightmares.”

“What?’ you said, your brows lifting in surprise. He looked up at you, his eyes pleading with you for any kind of response, something he could work with.

“You said you were having nightmares. Tell me about them.”

You didn’t want to, not at all, it would make you have to explain everything to him. But you owed him that, so you sat beside him. And you told him.

“Our house burnt down in your dream? Every night?” he asked, in shock that you could’ve predicted what happened. “And I died?”

You swallowed down your guilt. You kept out the part where Sunghoon was the one to kill him, just saying he had died somehow, but lying to him out loud felt much more horrible than just keeping things from him.

“Yeah. I don’t know why, it just happened.” You expected him to yell, to blame you, to say anything, but he didn’t. He just nodded, like he understood, and you heaved a breath of relief.

“Okay. Okay, I get it.” He abruptly stood, grabbing his keys, and you looked at him with confusion. “I’m going on a drive to clear my head. I’ll be back.”

As he said it, he walked out the door, and you prayed that he was right, that he really was going to come back.

After all the occasions of lying to him, it was Jake’s turn to lie to you. He attemped to keep the wheel steady as he searched for a psychologist, anyone who might be able to give him an answer about what was going on with you. He felt guilty, but that guilt began to slowly disappear as he pulled into the garage of a towering building, walking into the lobby and attempting to find someone who could help him. The secretary led him into a white room, a man sitting at a desk who smiled at him warmly, a kind gesture he was happy to receive.

“Jake? Sit down.” the man said, and Jake sat. “I’m Dr. Yang, but you can call me Jungwon if that makes you more comfortable.”

Jake nodded nervously, looking around the room, scared of the stale, white appearance. It was frightening, an unfamiliar territory that felt foreign to him. He felt like he was selling you out, like he was putting your fate into the hands of another person, but he couldn’t help it. He knew he had to do something.

“So,” Dr. Yang said, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair. Jake gulped with anticipation, a mix of fear and guilt running through his veins as the psychologist’s judging eyes landed on him, narrowed. “Tell me about your girlfriend.”

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

You were wandering around town, as you had often been doing. It’s not like you had anything better to do, with Jake busy and your mind distracting you from getting any work done. There was a flurry of thoughts running through your head, a synthetic blur of fire, blood, and everything you wanted to suppress. It was overwhelming you.

You were on an empty street. You found that lately you wanted to avoid running into other people. You didn’t want to hear their conversations, see their judging eyes, no, you wanted to be alone.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” Sunghoon said, and you nearly jumped in fright. His ability to seemingly come out of nowhere was jarring, and it was beginning to frighten you. Not only did he appear whenever you wanted to see him the least, he always knew exactly where you were. Every minute of the day, down to the exact location. How was that possible?

When you recognized him, you narrowed your eyes, turning away and walking as fast as you could. With long strides, he easily caught up to you.

“What? Are you ignoring me?

“I don’t want to see you ever again.” you spat back at him, and he seemed amused by your vitriolity, eyes crinkingly up into humorous crescents.

“Oh, don’t you get it?” he smiled, and you felt that same fear run up your spine, the fear you felt when you first confronted him about lighting the fire. With every day, he was becoming more like the man you saw in your dream and less like your best friend. “You can’t get rid of me.”

“Please, just go away.” you said, your angry voice tinged with desperation, pleading with him to leave you alone so you could return to the peaceful life you used to have, and for a moment, it looked like he almost pitied you.

“Why? Did I cause problems between you and Jake?” You whipped around, furious that he was still able to read your mind in moments like this.

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“So I was right. I am causing issues between the two of you.” he seemed happy at the prospect of his meddling, and that only made you more concerned, watching the way his smile grew. “Exactly as I expected.”

“Stay away from him.”

“I can’t guarantee that.” He was the exact vision you saw in your dream, smiling with malice and hatred like you had never seen in a human face. You feared for Jake’s life. If Sunghoon had managed to make your fiery nightmare come to life, who was to say he wouldn’t kill Jake as well? Maybe your mind was trying to warn you about him, to tell you what he was going to do next.

“Please, don’t hurt him.”

“Don’t worry. If he dies, it won’t be me that kills him.” You didn’t understand what he was saying and you didn’t want to, so you walked away, refusing to speak as tears began running down your face. Luckily, this time he didn’t follow. You turned to see him staring at you, that smile on his face.

Maybe you were to blame, for blindly trusting a stranger. Sunghoon had managed to worm his way into your brain. He knew you inside out; your behavior, your thoughts, he almost knew you better than you knew yourself. He was living inside your mind. He had infected every part of your life, even your dreams, and you were suddenly wishing that you had never let him sit down next to you on that bench a year ago.

When you looked back at him again, he was gone.

You ran back to your apartment as quickly as you could, praying that Jake was back from his drive. You were relieved to see him safe and sound, sitting on the couch. But something was off; he was staring at the wall, completely silent, his eyes glazed as he clutched a half-empty beer in his hand.

“Jake?” He turned to the sound of your voice. “Is everything alright?” He didn’t respond for a minute, like his brain was processing your question.

“I’m fine.” he said after a moment, turning back to the wall, staring at the peeling wallpaper with rigor. Unable to turn his attention to you.

That night, you went to bed with a heavy heart and a buzzing brain. You were grateful to see that Jake had climbed into bed next to you as usual, but you were much too scared to sleep, no, you were afraid to even close your eyes. You watched the new clock beside your bed as the hours flew by, and suddenly it was 2:30 am. You still hadn’t fallen asleep.

You buried yourself further under the covers, Jake’s light snoring comforting you as you tried desperately to get to sleep. But your mind was racing. It was a flurry of images, most of them Sunghoon. You rolled over towards your bedside table, reaching for the bottle of sleeping pills your boyfriend had bought you in hopes of easing your vivid nightmares. You popped one in your mouth, swallowing it dry before you closed your eyes, praying for the sweet feeling of sleep.

As you drifted off, you stared into the image of Sunghoon’s bloody face carved into the back of your eyelids.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

You awoke with a start. The house was completely silent, no evidence of anything that could’ve woken you from your sleep, but you were on high alert. Your heart raced as you looked around the room, falling on the empty space next to you in bed. You immediately sat up in bed, searching the room with your eyes.

“Jake?” you whispered, and heard no response. You slowly got up, your feet padding softly across the floor as you came around the bed. As you stepped forward, you felt your skin grow wet. When you looked down, you were horrified to see the source.

Blood. Red and thick streaks of it running across the floor, leading from your bed to the door to your bedroom, which was slightly ajar. The door you remembered firmly shutting before you went to sleep.

Your heart felt like it was burning in your chest, buzzing with fear as you followed the trail of blood, a sob escaping you when you saw it ran down the staircase, and you clapped a hand over your mouth.

“Jake?” you said again, calling out for him, your voice breaking as it rang empty in the night. He didn’t reply. You dialled 119 on your phone, your hands shaking as it rang. “Hello?”

“119, what’s your emergency?” a voice answered on the other side, and you trembled, slowly descending the blood soaked stairs.

“There’s blood all over my house. I…I think someone killed my boyfriend.” you said, your voice cracking as you broke into a sob, clapping a hand over your mouth to silence yourself. “Please, please hurry.” You followed the blood further, a horrible, debilitating sense of deja vu striking you as it led to the front yard. You prayed this wasn’t true, that it was just another cruel dream, but it felt as real as anything.

“We’re sending units to your location. Stay where you are, we’ll be there soon.” You wanted to listen, to follow instructions, but you dropped your phone, the call ending when you saw what was waiting for you in the front yard.

The closer you got, the more you could see that it was Jake, laying in the grass, his mouth and eyes open in a silent plea. His right fist was clenched shut, and he was covered in blood, and you abandoned all caution to run to him, collapsing onto the ground, blood wetting your dress and your hands as you cradled him in your arms.

This couldn’t be true. You’d had this dream over and over, night after night, but you never thought it would become your reality. You felt like your entire world was shattering. You had lost Jake, you had lost him permanently, and it was all your fault, for welcoming a stranger.

“I told you.” Sunghoon said, his voice quiet as he stood behind you, watching you hold Jake’s body as you sobbed. You could barely address him, too concerned with grief. “I told you he’d die.”

“This is all your fault.” you said, your voice shaking with fear, anger, grief, all the emotions you could imagine were running through you at one time. “I never should’ve befriended you.”

“Oh, you didn’t have a choice.” Sunghoon said, kneeling next to you, his hands resting on his knees. The sound of sirens began to ring through the air, blue and red light shining across the street as cop cars pulled up in front of your house. “We didn’t meet that day. I’ve always been with you.”

“What are you talking about?” you asked, but he didn’t respond.

He got to his feet, his eyes dark and filled with pity as police officers ran out of their cars and towards you, straight past Sunghoon. You pointed to him, eyes wild as they looked at you, then the direction of your finger.

“That’s him! He killed my boyfriend!”

“Ma’am, we’re going to need you to let go of the body.” They ignored you, prying Jake out of your hands. Sunghoon watched as they dragged you away from Jake, inspecting his body while you screamed at them, pleading with them to catch the killer, to arrest him for what he had done to your boyfriend. You still didn’t understand. It was almost pitiful.

You were still screaming and pleading when an officer approached you, a note in his hand, almost illegible through the sheen of blood that covered it.

“Are you y/n?” he asked, and you only cried harder, which seemed to confirm his question. He raised the note, displaying it to you, and you attempted to read it through your tears, your eyes going dry when you processed it.

Y/n killed me.

It was Jake’s handwriting, you knew it. After two years, you’d recognize his handwriting anywhere, the distinctive scribble, the way the letter y looped at the tail. Your heart felt like it would stop in your chest as the officer stared at you scrutinizingly.

“You’re under arrest.”

“What? No, you don’t understand.” you said desperately, struggling against the rough hands of the officer as he attempted to cuff you, wriggling desperately. “I didn’t kill him, Sunghoon did! He killed him!” you screamed, pointing at the dark haired man standing in the shadows, watching.

The more you looked at him, the more you realized that you didn’t know anything about him. Sunghoon always had the ability to read your mind, but you couldn’t name a single thing about him apart from what you had in common. Where did he live? What was his last name? What was his family like? Where did he go to school, where did he work? You couldn’t recall anything, and your eyes widened in terror as he stared at you from the sidewalk, casting no shadow on the pavement.

Then, he smiled, that bloody, horrible smile, the one that haunted you in every sleeping and waking moment.

“Sunghoon killed him!” you cried desperately, the officer staring in confusion at the empty space you were pointing to, the only thing in the silent night being the trees and bloody sidewalks. He turned back to you, and the next three words he spoke made you feel like you could die on the spot, you were so filled with dread and fear.

“Who is Sunghoon?”

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

back to the masterlist.

[razorblade180]

9 Days of Lancaster Day 4: Injury

Ruby:Y’know if there’s one thing I like to brag about when it comes to you Jaune, it’s how cautious you are. Strong shield, quick thinker, lots of aura, and practical armor! The modern definition of a tank. Haha, clearly that went to your head cause…

She gestures to left broken arm and right foot trapped in a medical boot. The bruise ridden boy slowly turned his head away as he laid miserably in bed.

Ruby:Don’t turn from me! In what world do you block a head bash from a Goliath!? You’re lucky your shield took the impact! That was reckless!

Jaune:Gee, I wonder if I’ve had bad influences? Who would face a giant grimm head on in the heat of a crisis?

Ruby:So did you blackout on the parts where it didn’t work!?

Jaune:We were spread thin and couldn’t give an inch. Hey, at least I killed it. That’s gotta be worth something, right? In the moment I felt pretty cool.

Ruby:…Sigh You did look pretty bad ass.

Jaune:Learned that from my friends too.

Ruby:Well now you’re gonna learn something I got from a dear friend; don’t rush in! If your calculated risk involves charging in then it’s a bad idea. *crosses arms* If you weren’t you, these injuries would be a lot worse. Trust me, you wouldn’t be laughing if your ribs broke, or if you got more tusk than trunk. It’s not fun seeing a person you love go flying before hitting the ground.

Her pout was in full effect. Not as a means to guilt trip, but because the scene replayed in her head. Jaune quit trying to make light of the moment upon seeing her genuine concern all over her face. He reached out to her to the best of his ability.

Not wanting him to strain himself even further, Ruby automatically got closer. The boy dared to have the nerve to wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her ever closer until she had not choice to set next to him on the bed. She turned her nose up at the embrace, feeling his head rest against her stomach and lap like some sort of golden retriever.

Ruby:I’m still mad at you.

Jaune:I know. I’m sorry. I’m glad I get to see you be mad though. I’m happy to be seeing you at all.

Ruby:*red*….That’s so unfair. The Goliath couldn’t have knocked out some wit? *rubs his head* It really did get crazy out there. I need to up my speed.

Jaune:Can’t be everywhere at once, Rubes. This is all on me. We all make our calls.

Ruby:Yeah. It just sucks when there’s not many to choose from. I like to think I’m clever in my own right, but it pisses me off I don’t see another call you could’ve made. Jaune, you were awesome out there, but I wish you didn’t have to be.

Jaune:Pfft, wow. Never in my life did I think I’d hear that. It’s like a sad gold star. Look at the bright side at this. Everyone is safe. This was a live and learn opportunity. Not to mention now I have a month of you doting on me. I

Ruby:I miss when this was the other way around.

Jaune:Haha, learning experience. I gotta say, I kinda like the lap pillow experience.

Ruby:*red* You could ask for this whenever! Just wait till you’re good enough to stand on your own; I’m making your physical therapy hell.

Jaune:Please don’t…

Ruby:To late. I’m also going to be a hard ass about your medication and rest.

Jaune:Will nurse Ruby be wearing the outfit as well?

Ruby:*squints*

Jaune:*red* It’s the medication. Ignore my nonsense.

Ruby:I swear, maybe this is karma leveling itself out? Looks like I got my hands full.

She bends down and kisses his head before getting up to stretch and make her way. Towards the door. Honestly she should be more upset, but found herself appreciating those silver linings. No time like quality time. That’s what her mom used to say anyway.

Ruby:You hungry? I’ll make you something.

Jaune:I’m fine, thanks.

Ruby:Then I guess I’ll be back in about five minutes.

Jaune:Grabbing a snack?

Ruby:Getting the bath ready. Somebody is gonna need helping hands for awhile~ *leaves*

Jaune:…*lays down* ✨silver linings✨

[simpinformonkies]

Hiiii I love your writing! May I request some MK and Wukong who are their normal selves until the reader gets threatened/hurt/captured/idk and they go absolutely ballistic

DUDE I FUCKING LOVE MK SO MUCH HE'S LIKE MY FAVORITE MAIN CHARACTER NEXT TO LLOYD GARMADON AND AANG... BABY....

I got you bro

WARNING: SEMI-GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF BLOOD AND VIOLENCE! THERE ARE ALSO SPOILERS FOR S4 SPECIAL! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

~~~

WUKONG

-First off, Wukong loves you so fucking much that it physically hurts him sometimes. Not in the 'oh im in pain', but more in the 'heart repeatedly struck by cupid's arrow'.

-Or maybe that just makes him a simp, idk

-Wukong definitely takes you nice but casual places- be it quiet but quality diners, a picnic in his hidden grotto, a field of flowers to relax in (read: a field that he uses so that he can nap on your legs and cuddle you while basking in the sun)- just the whole nine yards, really

-So imagine his indescribable rage when he finds you've been kidnapped, and later follows your scent (he has it memorized by this point, plus he scents you, its obvious that he can find you) to see you getting attacked by demons, your clothes ripped and fresh wounds that drip droplets of crimson to the beautiful flowers and green grass below, staining them red.

-And just like that, Wukong fucking lost it- he flew off the handle so hard that his mind blacked out, and he only 'came too' when the demons were half dead covered in their own blood, his hands and claws stained the very same crimson.

-As soon as Wukong came too, he's checking you over worriedly, careful not to aggravate your wounds further.

-He didn't even notice his glamours dropped until you said something, and before he could even attempt to slip them back on, you cup his cheek and tell him how beautiful he is, both with and without the glamours.

-You even smiled, "Your eyes really do gleam like rubies and gold, huh?"

-Wow, way to catch his heart again, damn.

-...Wukong stops wearing glamours around you, dropping them as soon as the two of you are alone, and he's always cuddling you in some way or form.

-He will not lose you again.

-He refuses too.

~~~

MK / QI XIAOTIAN

-First off, let's get it out of the way that MK is the most loving and sappy boyfriend ever, who is either rizzing you up or being controlled by his anxiety. It depends, really.

-He's always doing the most basic but sappy couple stuff, and despite how cheesy it all is, it's genuinely flattering.

-MK is also incredibly protective of you- he tries not to control you with his protective instincts, and let's you do as you please because you're his beloved, and you deserve to do as you please.

-You're both adults! It's fine! He can handle this!

-He cannot.

-It's post S4 when MK gets notified of a demon causing problems, and goes to take care of it when he sees who the demon has as a hostage.

-You. Chained up, with ripped clothes, deep cuts, and teary eyes.

-Oh, MK fucking loses it.

-He goes full monkey at the drop of a dime, and is scratching and punching the villain (the bastard) that dares hurt his beloved.

-MK is a merciful hero that loves to help!

-But even HE has a limit to his compassion and mercy.

-Once the villain is gone, MK picks you up and just... holds you in his arms, hissing and just staring people down if they come anywhere near you- his tail curled around your leg and puffed, eyes slit and ready to attack at any given moment.

-It takes nearly an hour to get through to him, but when you do, you're treated by Sandy as MK sobs in your lap about not protecting you well enough, while you simple pet his hair gently, careful not to tug or snag on his hair as you stroke it.

-MK... is a lot more protective of you from then on- but he doesn't force himself into your activities. More so watches than anything else.

-If it keeps you safe, he'll do whatever he needs too.

[howlingday]

The Confession

Neptune: So... Let me get this straight... There's some kind of evil computer program that only you can see and for some reason it's trying to force you to hook up with your super-hot sister-in-law.

Jaune: Step-sister.

Neptune: What?

Jaune: Yeah, it... turns out I'm adopted.

Neptune: Huh... Y'know, personally, I think it would be funnier if you were blood related.

Jaune: ...Not for me.

Neptune: I mean, I don't see what the problem is; I'd smash, too!

Jaune: Yeah, well... Terra can be kinda... crazy...

Neptune: What do you mean?

--------------------------------------------------

Terra: Where are you going, Jaune? I was about to make lunch; a footlong sub with TWELVE INCHES OF THICK, PREMIUM QUALITY MEAT... and I might need your help with the meat part.

Jaune: NO.

Terra: Where are you going, Step-Bro? I was just about to do a HUGE LOAD of laundry and I might need your help in case I get stuck~.

Jaune: NO.

Terra: Dammit! Why can't I date my step-bro in this video game?! Ugh! This game sucks! JAUNE, I NEED YOUR HELP~!

Jaune: NO!

--------------------------------------------------

Neptune: I'm still not seeing a problem here.

Jaune: Well, it's also trying to have me hook up people younger than me.

Neptune: YOU SICK FUCK! THEN YOU AND RUBY DID-

Jaune: NOT do any of that! The mission was offered and I rejected it. Because of that, I had to fight a demon version of an American rapper.

Neptune: How'd that go?

Jaune: The post got deleted by [tumblr] for "going against community guidelines".

Neptune: Oh... Whatever happened to Ruby anyways?

Jaune: Well...

--------------------------------------------------

Jaune: TERRA! YOU KIDNAPPED RUBY?!

Terra: She was gonna get you sent to jail! What else was I supposed to do?! KILL HER?!

Ruby: (Muffled, In the closet) It's okay, Jaune~! I'm okay with being locked up in here if you're here~!

Mama Arc: Aw~! She's like another addition to the family~!

Ruby: Yeah! I can be your step-sister, too, Jaune~! I can stay here until I'm officially canonically legal, then we can be together~!

Jaune: ...What the fuck-

ROUTE UPDATED~! Jail Route -> Prisoner Route

Jaune: You have got to be fucking kidding me.

--------------------------------------------------

Neptune: Right... Next you'll tell me there's a route for me, too...

This route is still available... BRO ROUTE Would you like to accept this route?

Jaune: NO!

Neptune: Psh! Fine... Then who else is the system trying to hook you up with, Romeo~? Your mom?

Jaune: Uh...

Neptune: ...You didn't.

Jaune: You're right, I didn't. I rejected the mission, so I wouldn't have to.

Neptune: If you can just reject missions, then why not do it all the time, like with your sister?

Jaune: ...FUCK.

Neptune: Wait, wait, wait! Let's say I buy all this and this invisible stat building system really is real; you rejected hooking up with Ruby, and you were punished by fighting a demon Merican Wrapper, or whatever the hell you said...

Jaune: Yeah...?

Neptune: Well, what about your mom?

Jaune: What about her?

Neptune: You rejected the mission, right? Aren't you worried about the punishment?

Jaune: ...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH

--------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in the Darklands...

Salem: The world does not understand the true love of a mother... That's why I created you~!

???: (Claw tears free of pool, Digs into stone)

Salem: You, my child, will show them the bond between mother and son...

???: (Crawls free of pool, Stands)

Salem: The show them the horrific strength of A MOTHER'S LOVE~!

--------------------------------------------------

Jaune: ...I'm sure everything will be fine.

[aurorasgate]

knight!kaveh x princess!reader

you vividly remember the day kaveh had given his oath to remain by your side, to protect you in all ways, to devote his life to you and your cause. he was so beautifully breathtaking as he knelt before your mother and her sword, clad in white armor with accents of gold and a cloak of reds and greens flowing behind him, blonde hair framing his face perfectly and partly held back by neat braids. the sun shone on him through the tall windows of the throne room, illuminating his entire being in warm golden light and his ruby eyes gazed upon you with such adoration as he spoke his undying vow. 

he was just as lovely now too, on the back of his white horse trotting next to your own through the city, a cool summer morning breeze against his skin, and just like he had then, he utterly captivated you. he again wore white, though still beautifully detailed, it was not as formal as what he had worn that day and in the rising sun his hair looked like an ethereal halo surrounding his smiling face. 

townspeople getting ready for the day, pulling out carts and preparing their stalls, greet you both with friendly faces as you pass by. your knight wishing them good mornings and well days while you nod shyly in reply under such attention but seeing their love for kaveh, their excitement to see him, keeps your anxieties low and your attention on the man beside you rather than those in the streets.  

he always made you feel so safe, so cared for and you knew it was not only you he showed those qualities to. while his duty was to you in the time he’s spent by your side, you had come to see how truly selfless your knight was, even if it meant he went without. something you deeply protested, insisted on making up for, but he had always refused.

you’re sure it wasn’t just the princess at his side that brought the gazes of many in his direction either. they often saw you two out and about but the kind, handsome knight brought nearly as many looks your way as does the person he protects and you could not blame them. it was only under your attention however that his eyes widen and his face flushes a lovely shade of pink. he looks over when he feels you staring even after you had left the busy city street and worried something was wrong but he sees anything but panic painted on your visage

“my lady..” he says, quiet to try to hide the shake in his voice at the sight of your soft eyes staring at him as if he was the only thing to ever exist. he knew that look well, for he had seen it in the reflection of your eyes whenever he stared down at you. “are you alright?”

you can’t help but giggle, tearing your gaze from him, embarrassed in your own right from being caught but so very elated to see him react to you in such a way while still worrying for you. “i’m fine,” you smile, knowing he would see it. “promise.”

the sun rises higher and higher from behind the trees, gleaming against your iris’. you squint at the bright light, flutter your eyes closed, but don’t move away when the sun feels so recharging against your cheeks after having spent the last several days in the castle. it's a perfect day, the perfect breeze on a warm day. the dress you picked to wear is light and flowing, letting the sun kiss your skin and with kaveh next to you, the familiar clink of his armor in time with the steps of his horse, there was nowhere else you would rather be. 

“m’lady,” slender fingers that you never got to feel enough of brush along your jaw, easily coaxing your face from the sun and when you open your eyes again, the world is painted in golden locks and rose colored eyes through your adjusting vision until kavehs face is clear. you hadn’t realized how close he was or that your horses had nearly stopped. “you shouldn’t be in the sun so long.”

your heart stalls for so long as you take him in and continue to feel his ungloved fingers that linger on your face, the close proximity between you that always seemed to be there. when your heart finally beats again at the tender smile he offers you, you swore it would leap right from your chest and into his hands that you hoped would be awaiting for you. 

[onionbug-critical]

"You hate to see a woman winning!"

Oh of course, it's ALWAYS gender and identity politics and NEVER the shit THAT SHE DID? There's several other women creators that GOT hate because... You guessed it they suck or at least have qualities that DOESN'T have to do with their genders or because people do it for the lulz, let's get down the list...

J.K Rowling, obviously self explanatory. She was a TERF, LGBTQ+Phobic, Queer Baited numerous times... All in all terrible woman.

Gooseworx, the same community that her friend created had eventually shat on TADC (Still does it to this day.) while the same community within Glitch has also shat on it (Murder Drones) decided to bring up a trans womans weird drill fetish that HAS NOTHING to do with them, while also apparently either photoshopping evidence of them grooming a minor? Neither was confirmed or denied so it's false allegations. All because she was at the right place at the right time. In this case Goose was cancelled for no reason because people genuinely hates seeing something thrive.

Steph Myers had written Twilight which was a crime in of itself which spawned FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, then profited off of a struggling Native American tribe, WHICH STILL NEEDS SUPPORT. She also wrote a child imprinting on a grown ass adult from when the child was a baby, pedophilia basically.

Rebecca Sugar got hate from people who genuinely didn't like the LGBTQ+ themes, while also harping on her for not making "good enough" POC characters when the relationship between Ruby and Sapphire is seen as Interracial, is this not good enough representation? Didn't help that 4Chan was trolling the community and Lily "I didn't write stolkholm, and my sisters mentally insane and she was the one who raped ME." Orchard shat on it's already beaten down corpse. Funnily enough Sugar doesn't go online to argue with critics and neither does the crewniverse usually telling the fans they are being trolled and to ignore the offensive edits which never worked.

Amy Schumer is to put it bluntly, unfunny. Almost as unfunny as Viv, but the reason why everyone hated her was because she stole jokes. That's it. And everyone thought her humor sucked. Stupid reasons but those are criticisms.

FlowerFell's Creator only got hate because of kinnies and shippers. They were so overwhelmed that they abandoned the project and left entirely. This is what the Hazbin Hotel Fandom's turning out.

PartyCoffin is the creator of Welcome Home, they got hate because of NO other reason other then people harassing the creator and being genuinely rude.

Lily Orchard gets hate for legitimacy good reasons and will continue to receive it.

SaiScribbles ALSO gets hate and is older then me. For good reasons.

Sophie Labelle / AssignedMale drew over children to make cub art. And most of their comics are seen as aggressive as well.

BlogueTheGreatRogue had did some proshipping SNCA if they weren't marketing it towards kids.

Naimei the creator of TCOAL was a person who had a history of making incest related things, marketing off coomers with the fetish and providing EPI for little children and making apologia regarding the concept of Incest.

And you all think they get hate because they are women, Nigga PLEASE.

God forbid you criticize someone, they gotta bring up they are women/man/trans/black/white/mixed/have autism/bpd/npd/did/whateverthismay.

I DONT CARE IF YOU ARE ALL OF THE ABOVE YOU ARE NOT FUCKING EXCEMPT FROM CRITICISM. WHAT DO YOU WANT A FUCKING COOKIE FOR BEING ALL OF THOSE? IT'S COMPLETELY FINE TO HARASS AND CRITICIZE A TRANS MAN OR MAN FOR THE SAME ACTIONS WOMEN DOES, BUT WHEN WE DO IT? ITS NOT FINE. DOUBLE STANDARDS! DO. BETTER.

[roadtohell]

finally saw the lotr musical!! thoughts under the cut

my expectations were to have fun and enjoy the music. frankly i was thinking the book was going to be a total hot mess from a theatrical point of view. it was, in fact, perfectly serviceable! pacing-wise it felt just a little rushed especially in the final push towards mount doom - the actual destruction of the ring in particular really needed more gravitas. but overall issues were nowhere near as much as i feared. while plot points were very condensed the only thing i felt was super handwaved was gandalf reappearing just fine after being trapped by saruman.

i loved the music, i knew i would ever since i got obsessed with lothlorien a decade ago. but i was really impressed with the quality of arrangements and playing. onstage bands with actors playing seems to be increasingly common but this is the first musical i've seen that tries (and succeeds) to evoke a full orchestra at points. the brass in particular adds such an important richness to the score. and i loved the fact that it was completely unapologetic about things like gimli whipping out a guitar in the mines of moria (and not one that could be considered an axe). it truly added to the sense of collective storytelling. also, bilbo playing the harmonica is perfect. also also, ent boomwhackers.

costumes were somewhat hit-and-miss for me, boromir's being by far my least favourite. why was that breastplate so loose! i didn't mind the gas mask orcs though. and i really dug the colour-coded kurta-like elf costumes, as well as gimli's design (distinctly earthy and dwarvish despite the actor being one of the taller members of the fellowship from what i could tell).

i liked the stage design, particularly the wood knot at the back doubling as a door, projector screen and eye of sauron. special effects, like the script, did the job and not a lot more. which i understand given the scope of the production. the introduction of shelob was really sick though. and sometimes one moment like that is all you need.

the cast was overall a very solid ensemble cast. of note, on this night stefanie caccamo was on for galadriel and ruby clark on for arwen. they both had a lot of presence and sounded phenomenal. i'd always kind of wondered why those two characters had such prominent songs in the musical but i get it now.

gollum was perfect, 10/10, no notes. while i think the audience took him a bit more comedically at certain points than they should have, imo it was really more down to the script than him.

frodo and sam were excellent and had great chemistry. no notes for them either, though i suppose they could have upped the homoeroticism lol

i really enjoyed gandalf and bilbo, both nailing their respective brands of old man humour.

i was kind of lukewarm on strider and boromir, however rob mallett did sell me on his kingly speeches. i think rohan campbell felt like the weakest link acting-wise - boromir came across as more boyish and inexperienced than strongwilled and proud to me.

idk if there's a better way to sheath daggers but poor legolas always seemed to take a while to do it properly. but maybe it's just a practice thing. otherwise there's no way you'd realise it was his first performance (afaik) compared against anyone else, standing up well to gimli who was great.

all in all this show exceeded my expectations! i had a blast and i would definitely recommend it to both lotr fans and people who enjoy somewhat novel musical experiences.

---

cast (this list maaaay not be completely accurate as i didn't see the At This Performance tv. but i was second row so i got a pretty decent look)

frodo - rarmian newton sam - wern mak merry - cameron davey pippin - hannah buckley gandalf - terence crawford gimli - connor morel legolas - hanlon innocent strider - rob mallett boromir - rohan campbell gollum - laurence boxhall saruman - ian stenlake bilbo - laurence coy galadriel - stefanie caccamo arwen - ruby clark elrond - andrew broadbent

[precuredaily]

Precure Daily's Seventh Anniversary

Seven. Years. I never fathomed this. Granted, it's not that I've done a whole lot in the last year except make empty promises, but I'm still alive, that counts for something. Precure was in an entirely different era when I began this, and now we are halfway through the third decade of the 21st century, and the third decade of Precure.

I know I say this every year but I didn't think I'd still be around this long when I started. The reason why has changed, but nonetheless, I didn't think I'd be here, and I'm still here, and that's pretty cool. I only published a handful of reviews last year, and have been kicking the last 4 episodes of 5 GoGo down the road for the better part of a year, but I have a plan.

I know I've spoken about my history before, but if you're new here, it goes something like this. I had the idea of watching all of Precure from the beginning kicking around in my head for a year or two before it finally came to fruition. As the 15th anniversary at the time, HUGtto felt like a good time to start going back April 10 was not a special day by any means, it's just the day I decided to sit down and watch FWPC episode 1. Initially I was just sharing my thoughts in a Facebook group, but I wanted it to be searchable and easily archived, so after about a week I moved over to Tumblr. FWPC season 1 is the only series I was able to watch consistently on time, around the time of Max Heart I began slipping a little more, Splash Star was hard to juggle with a new job, and I'll use COVID as my excuse for 5 and GoGo taking as long as they have. Also, the increased screenshots and desire to say more and contextualize more... it all got out of control, it's a beast of my own creation, and that's also why it fell apart. But I'll see it through to the end of GoGo.

As for what's happened in the last year of Precure for me....

Me and my friends finished Delicious Party as promised. I was being overly hard on it, the last arc was pretty good. I still don't think I'd rank it in the top 10, but it's fine. I didn't like them completely sidelining Black Pepper for the final fight, he could have been their Tuxedo Mask, but it we would get Wing the next year, so as a half step it's at least good that he was around for a lot of the show.

I was initially very dismissive of Wonderful, but even by this time last year I had started to warm up to it. I said then: "I don't think it's going to crack my top 10 but it should be a solid middle of the road series." I don't know where I'd place it, ultimately, but it's a quality series that broke some boundaries for the franchise. I haven't seen the movie yet, I hear it's very good.

Precure celebrated 1000 episodes! That's incredible. It's up there with One Piece and Case Closed in length now.

I still have not watched Otona Precure, I intend to watch if after I finish the reviews for GoGo and maybe share my thoughts on this blog as an epilogue. I HAVE watched....

Maho Girls Precure Mirai Days. I should rewatch it, in fact, because I kind of lost the plot at the end, but the central message about growing up and not getting stuck in the past is nice. I needed it. My main complaint are that the short length means the new designs for Ruby, Sapphire, and Topaz style don't get much time to shine since they so often go back to their primary Pink Diamond style; and that their young adult designs do not look different enough from their middle school designs, despite how drastically people tend to change between those ages.

I also rewatched Go! Princess Precure with my friends recently, which I consider my personal favorite series. It holds up quite well. Maybe I'll write about it someday.

I watched up to episode 3 of You & Idol Precure, but have not yet had the opportunity to continue. I hear good things about it, and it seems like a nice return to form for the series. I'll try to pick it back up soon.

Since I haven't seen much precure, I'm going to go ahead and talk about another project that's consumed a lot of my free time. I actually began this in 2024, but didn't mention it last year. I have been on a daily binge, watching the first entry of every tokusatsu franchise in order, since January 2024. I've gotten through Ultra Q, Ultraman, Kamen Rider (1971), Goranger, Kikaider, Red Baron, Space Sheriff Gavan, Gridman, and I'm currently working on Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, the 2003 live action series. This has certainly contributed to the delay in PCD. I haven't been 100% consistent with watching every episode of that project ON the day, I've fallen behind and caught back up, but what's important is that I HAVE caught up and been able to maintain the schedule. It helps that I'm not writing about it. It makes me think of an alternate timeline where PCD never moved off of facebook, or where I kept watching but stopped writing about it, maybe I would have caught up. But whatever. I don't regret the choices that brought me here, I made some real friends through this project, and I'm forever grateful for that.

Lastly, here's my TV and film recommendations from the last year.

Dan da Dan

Delicious in Dungeon

Brave Bang Bravern

Girls Band Cry

Look Back

Flow

Thanks as always to my friends that I made through this project and those who continue to support me: SailorZombieStar, VertixScribe, Painted Outlaw, Amara Wolfe, and Nono-Bunny; as well as all my followers. I wouldn't be here without you.

Previous posts:

First Anniversary

Second Anniversary

Third Anniversary

Fourth Anniversary

Fifth Anniversary

Sixth Anniversary

[spahhzy]

Jaune and Ruby are enjoying some quality time together.

Ruby scrolled rang.

Ruby: Yes, Weiss, I haven't been gone for more than a day. How may I help you?

Weiss: Yangs In jail...again.

Ruby just sighs.

Ruby: Alright I'm on the way...

Ruby hangs up her scroll and groans.

Ruby: And I was just getting the snuggles I deserve damn it. Why can't my team be self sustainable like yours.

Jaune: I have no idea what you-

Jaune scroll rings.

Jaune: Hello?

Pyrrha: Hey, Jaune, just checking in on you.

Jaune: I'm fine Pyr, how's everyone else?

Pyrrha: It's okay, same old stuff we always deal with, Did some training together, Ren made lovely beef with a side of rice, and Nora managed to piss off another eldritch monster but we took care of it!

Jaune: I can always count on you pyr, thanks, I'll be back soon.

Pyrrha nods, a slight twinge of red gracing her cheeks at the praise before waving before hanging up.

Jaune: Again, I have NO idea of what you're talking about Rubes. No self sustainability at all.

[aihoshiino]

So what are your thoughts on the OnK dub? I checked out a bit of it because I'm considering asking a family member who's usually not into anime to watch the first episode with me and she has an easier time watching dubs than subs (even if she doesn't want to watch the whole series, I think the first episode works REALLY well on its own).

Anyway, I'm kinda disappointed with what little I've heard. I feel like Rie Takahashi so thoroughly embodies Ai to me that her English VA just really isn't hitting (no disrespect to her, ofc). I really dig Aqua's VA, but Ruby is another one where I just feel like they don't embody the character very well.

I haven't watched the whole thing yet, just episode 1! I was mostly interested in getting a feel for Ai's English voice performance since that helps me with feeling out dialogue so I didn't really have any motivation to rewatch the series just for the dub past that LMAO

That said... I think it's a bit of a mixed bag! A big part of that is just that the script suffers from Literally Just The Subtitles-Itis which is kind of a big handicap for anyone's spoken performance, because the subs are just not really written to be delivered out loud by performers in a natural way. It also means nobody really has a distinctive character voice in terms of like, phrasing and vocab choices the way they do in Japanese - which is another reason I'll always champion YenPress as the best translation of the series, since it actually retains all that stuff in a very natural sounding way BUT. THAT'S FOR ANOTHER POST...

Another issue is that some of the performances are a bit hit or miss across the board. Generally, I think Ichigo and Miyako were really great, Ai and baby Aqua were good, Ruby was okay but a bit shrill at times and everyone else was just kind of Unmemorably Fine but they definitely all felt stiffer than I would've liked. This has always been kind of a problem with HiDive/Sentai's dubs (at least imo) even when the actors themselves are totally fine in other shows, so I assume this is an issue with the direction they get as opposed to the performers themselves being an issue.

That said, I did hear a few clips of dub (grown up) Aqua and... I don't really think he's a good fit...! Which I feel bad for saying because I know his dub actor is really passionate about the series, but I just think he sounds way too old for him (and yes, I sense the irony). Ootsuka's voice for Aqua is very low and level, yes, but I think he has a very believably teenage boy tone that you can especially hear during his more lively moments. Whereas dub Aqua fully sounds like, a guy in his 30s with a 9-5 and a mortgage to worry about. It's a good performance, it just doesn't sound right coming out of Aqua (to me, anyway).

ALL THAT BEING SAID..... I actually have really come around on Ai's dub actress! I think Takahashi's performance would've been kind of impossible to live up to no matter who it was because it's so iconic and, as you said, such a thorough embodiment of everything Ai is as a character. But I think Donna's take on Ai is really cute and really likable in her own way! If she had a better script, I think she'd really shine.

I also think she absolutely knocked Ai's final scene out of the park, no notes. In fact, ask me on the right day and you might even catch me saying that I kind of like Donna's take on the scene more than Takahashi's. Rie's performance is, I guess, more technically proficient and it has this breathless, angelic quality to it but Donna's is so incredibly raw and human. The way her voice breaks as she says the twins' names and the way she seems to genuinely struggle to get the words 'I love you' out.... ouughhhh it's so good... the first episode kind of is the words 'Aqua, Ruby, I love you' and I think that was the scene it was the most important for them to get right and they absolutely did.

So yeah, overall, I don't think it quite stacks up to the Japanese audio track but I think it's serviceable. A lot of people seem to spend a lot of time performatively shitting on it as The Worst Dub They've Ever Heard, which. fellas, this isn't even the worst modern dub i've ever heard. It's fine. It does what it has to.

[misojunnie]

KEROSENE (trailer) 𖣂

jake sim & park sunghoon.

the third installation of fright night.

click here ^

there's a fine line between delusion and reality.

summary: jake sim was your boyfriend. park sunghoon was your best friend. neither knew about each other. you weren’t sure where your heart belonged, and you watch as your life begins to tear in half from the secrecy and guilt. but just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, an earth-shattering secret changes everything.

pairing: bf!jake vs. bsf!sunghoon x fem!reader

genre: psychological thriller, horror, love triangle (kinda… you’ll see)

warnings: violence, mildly disturbing behavior, substance use, heavily implied mental illness, very psychological, cheating (?) ig, nobody’s really evil in this one (phew) enha’s personalities and backstories are not a reflection of reality, it’s just a story

join the taglist ! @enhacolor @jwnghyuns @theothernads @adoredbyjay @firstclassjaylee @dollschan @enreveriee @surrik-i @jwonistic @laurradoesloveu @laylasbunbunny @tmtxtf @shixna606 @kumiwon @heeaxvhhoon

more under the cut!

The flames burned bright, and you couldn’t tear your eyes away from the crackling fire. The yellow and orange flames flashed like rubies, licking the dark sky, illuminating the beach as you watched them burn. It was like a dance, the way the fire swayed in the wind.

“You okay?” a voice broke you out of your trance as Jake planted a kiss on your cheek. You snapped out of it, smiling up at him as he reached for your hand, clasping it gently in his. He sat down on the sand beside you.

Jake Sim. A year older than you, the sweetest boy you had met in your entire life. He had sparkling eyes full of youth, a smile that could make angels sing, and a calmer temperament than anyone you’d seen in your 20 years of age. You were lucky enough to call him your boyfriend.

Many people thought you were polar opposites, but that was what made you perfect for each other. You didn’t make friends easily, but he was happy to share his. He wasn’t very emotional, but you didn’t mind coaxing him into confessing what he was feeling. He helped you come out of your shell, you helped him learn to love the peaceful moments. After all, they say opposites attract., and that was certainly true for you.

You had only been dating for six months, but all your friends told you he was the one. And you were beginning to really believe it.

“I’m good.” you replied sweetly. You and Jake’s friends were laughing and dancing boisterously, but you didn’t feel like joining in on the fun. The fire was giving you plenty of company, and an unsettling feeling was creeping into your heart. Maybe it was the Halloween season, or maybe your doubts went deeper than that.

“I’ll sit with you then.” Jake offered kindly, wrapping an arm around your shoulder, and you leaned into him gratefully.

You were in love with Jake, you knew that. He was the first thing you thought of in the morning and the last at night, the main topic of all your conversations. He was sweet, thoughtful, smart, funny, and had every quality you ever wanted from a boyfriend. He was perfect, yet somehow, this didn’t feel right. Six months later, and you were beginning to have doubts. You had doubts in all of your past relationships, but none of them were as good as this one. Despite that, something was off. You could feel it.

For now, you tried to put it behind you, letting the fire and Jake’s warm touch comfort you as you watched the dancing flames.

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

It was Sunday morning. You were looking forward to a day of no classes, and some alone time. While you loved being with Jake, you had spent everyday together for the past two weeks, and you were craving a little time to yourself.

It was a bit of a drive, but you suddenly wanted to go to your favorite bakery, picking up a fresh baguette to bring home, plus a few pastries for yourself. After that, you visited a nearby park, sitting on a bench alone.

You let the fresh air revitalize you, your hair floating in the breeze. There was hardly anyone in the park, the locals deterred by the fog and biting cold, but you had always enjoyed gloomy weather. You took a croissant out of the ribbon wrapped box, taking a bite and relishing in the peaceful feeling of being alone.

You closed your eyes briefly, and when you opened them, you were put out to discover someone standing before you.

He was extraordinarily good looking; it was the first thing you noticed about him. With his kind eyes, tall stature, and silky dark hair, he looked like an angel appearing out of the fog. He was standing a couple of feet away from the bench you were sitting at, looking at you directly with a soft smile.

“Oh,” you said, startled. “Hi.” You weren’t sure if you were supposed to address him, but he was clearly waiting to say something to you.

“Hi,” he replied. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I just liked your shirt.” You looked down at yourself, completely forgetting about your ripped tee, suddenly embarrassed about your messy outfit.

“You like Amy Winehouse?” you asked, and he nodded excitedly.

“Love her. Valerie was my top song for like, three years in a row.” He seemed eager to share his love of jazz music, and if you were a little more of a senseless person, you could’ve fallen in love right then and there.

“What are the odds?” you said, not sure how to respond. He smiled. Then he held out his hand.

“I’m Sunghoon.”

𖣂 𖣂 𖣂

a/n: hey y’all! my last fic in this series took foreverrrr but the rest will be coming out faster <3 please boost these posts I worked super hard on these fics and trailers!! love you all 💋

[bakudekublogblog]

They’re dangerously drunk, Izuku realizes about three shots too late. His body is warm and buzzing, and Katsuki is rosy-cheeked with a wonderful glitter in his ruby gaze. God how Izuku loves looking at him. His sharp jawline, his clear skin, the way the light catches in his hair. He’s perfect in the way only Kacchan can ever be. They’re side-by-side on Izuku’s couch when Izuku whips out his camera. Katsuki sets down his drink with a flat look. 

“Oh come on,” he says. “Really?” 

Izuku shakes with his giggling. 

“Kacchan, just one more?” 

“How many do you need?” Katsuki demands, and oh his outraged face is so cute. Izuku takes three pictures in quick succession. Katsuki sticks his tongue out and Izuku takes a picture of that too. “Wow.” 

Izuku shrugs, smiling helplessly. He pets his camera like a well-loved pet. 

“Gotta put this baby to use somehow.” 

Katsuki scoffs, but his eyes betray his genuine amusement. God, just look at him: Izuku loves everything about him. His clear skin, the way his throat moves as it works down his whisky, the low husky quality of his voice as it deepens with his intoxication. Izuku takes another picture and a slow grin spreads across Katsuki’s face. 

“You’re dumb,” Katsuki says, and Izuku’s heart skips a beat. He fiddles with the lens, zooming in on the way the backs of Katsuki’s knuckles rest against his soft-looking cheek. “Izuku.” 

“Just a few more,” Izuku says quickly. He zooms out to catch the way Katsuki’s pecs swell under his shirt, straining against the fabric like they mean to escape. A sigh shudders out of him. “Wow.” 

Katsuki snorts. “What?” 

“Nothing,” Izuku says quickly. Fuck, he needs a new angle. Would above or below be better? How many pictures would Kacchan even let him take? Izuku has to think about this carefully, strategically. Katsuki’s fine blond brow arches at him through the lens. 

“You’re mumbling again, nerd,” he warns in a low, sultry voice. He brings the whiskey glass back to his lips and Izuku takes a picture of that too. 

“Sorry,” Izuku says. His smile is sheepish as he lowers the camera. “Kacchan is just so photogenic.” 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, but he must be in a good mood because he only mutters whatever and takes another swallow of whiskey. Izuku lights up with an idea.

“Here, take one with me,” he says, flipping the camera around and leaning back. Katsuki snorts. 

“Izuku,” he scolds. 

“C’mon!” Izuku urges. Ugh, they’re still not close enough. Izuku scoots over and leans in once again. He’s near enough to feel the heat of Katsuki’s chest against his back. “Get in the picture Kacchan.” 

Katsuki sighs. But dutifully ducks into frame, chin hooking over Izuku’s shoulder and frowning deliberately. Izuku gives the camera his sunniest smile to compensate. 

“Sayyyyy All Might!” 

Katsuki laughs. Actually laughs. Snorting and nose wrinkling and everything. Izuku shoots him a glance, taking a picture of that moment too. They’re so close Izuku’s nose brushes the side of his face and their breaths mingle. Katsuki shoves him off with a shoulder bump.

“Seriously, stop!” he cries, eyes alive with amusement. 

Izuku grins. He swivels around, half in Katsuki’s lap as he looms above him. He aims his camera again and Katsuki collapses against the couch, sighing up at him irritably. 

“Really?” he demands. Click, click, click. He scowls, but somehow that is sexy too. “I didn’t agree to a photoshoot.” 

Izuku makes a pitiful sound. 

“I wish you would,” he admits. “Hagakure-san and Sato-kun did.” 

“Don’t remind me,” Katsuki says, face contorting in disgust and Izuku giggles mischievously. If he didn’t know any better he’d think Kacchan was jealous. “I don’t need anymore randos thirstin’ after me.” 

“Mmmm,” Izuku says, the roll of possessiveness in his chest agreeing heartily. He’s so fucking lucky he gets to see Katsuki laid out like this, half underneath him and lax with booze.  “I won’t share with anyone.” 

Katsuki’s eyes dilate slightly at that. A soft exhale escapes him like he’s surprised. He shakes his head. 

“Nerd,” he scolds. 

“Just a couple more,” Izuku says. He scoots up to straddle Katsuki’s hips for a better angle. And then, pushing his luck, he adds, “Tilt your head up for me?” 

Miraculously, incredibly, Katsuki obeys. Oh. A shiver rushes through Izuku. The long column of his throat is exposed like this, his sharp jawline emphasized, just a taste of his clavicle getting into frame. Izuku takes the shot.

“Beautiful,” Izuku says. 

“Izuku.” 

“Just one more,” Izuku begs in a whisper. He’s drunk enough to be bold. One trembling hand lowers to press flat against the mounds of Katsuki’s pecs. Firmly, like he’s holding him there, Izuku lowers the camera just a touch to take the shot of that too. 

“Izuku,” Katsuki rasps. 

“Sorry,” he whispers, transfixed on where his hand rests on Kacchan. “Sorry I--” 

Long, lithe fingers encircle Izuku’s wrist and cut him off. Katsuki’s wide, carmine eyes stare up at him, shiny with intoxication and earnestness. His pink lips are parted; his hold on Izuku’s wrist is hot. For a moment, it’s all Izuku can do to breathe, still perched on Katsuki’s lap. 

Slowly, so slowly Izuku might have imagined it, Katsuki maneuvers him. Guiding Izuku’s hand until it cups the fatty flesh of his pec. Izuku gasps. 

“Kac--” 

“Take the shot,” Katsuki says, low and sultry. 

Izuku’s trembling so hard he almost can’t. He can’t believe what he’s seeing, what he’s feeling. Katsuki’s chest heaves underneath him and Izuku can feel it. Katsuki’s heart is pounding under Izuku’s palm, the soft tissue of his pec moulds perfectly to his hand. Izuku wants to squeeze it, massage it like a proper tit, find his nipple and see if it’s sensitive. He can, can’t he? Isn’t this why Kacchan had guided him here? 

“Kacchan,” Izuku says his name with reverence. His fingers spread, relishing the way they push divots into Kacchan’s plush pec. Katsuki arches for him, throwing his head back and sighing like he’s pleased. Encouraged, Izuku slides his hand back down, palming Katsuki and relishing the heavy weight of it. “Kacchan, oh my god.” 

Katsuki’s breath stutters. When he looks up at Izuku, his eyes are glassy. 

“Take the shot,” he says again and Izuku almost chokes. Yes, yes right of course. Izuku has to capture this, has to remember this forever. Click, click, click. He moves to give Katsuki’s other pec the same attention and ah fuck. There go his nipples, poking through his soft grey t-shirt. Click, click, click. Izuku squeezes hard and Katsuki’s groan is the most beautiful thing Izuku has ever heard. 

“You like that, shitty nerd?” Katsuki grouses and the unintelligent sound that comes out of Izuku’s mouth would be embarrassing if he wasn’t so aroused. Katsuki’s hips roll underneath him gently. “C’mon. What else you like?” 

Izuku moans. He grinds on Katsuki unthinkingly and Katsuki’s lashes flutter shut, head lolling back like he’s pleased. 

“Just like that,” he whispers, still holding Izuku’s wrist in place. “C’mon, baby.” 

Izuku takes so many pictures he loses count: their bulges rubbing against one another, the taut line of Katsuki’s abs as he shucks up his shirt, the way Katsuki’s arms flex as he rids himself of the shirt entirely, how Katsuki reaches to grab his hip so they can rock against one another more easily, the fierce look in Katsuki’s eye as he stares up at Izuku. They’re a little motion blurry with their gentle grinding, but Izuku thinks each shot is a masterpiece. Katsuki plays with his own nipples, moaning needily, and fuck. Photo, after photo, after photo. 

“Izuku.” And Katsuki almost sounds pleading. “Izuku, touch me.” 

Fuck. Arousal is so potent it feels like a punch hits Izuku and suddenly he’s tossing the camera like it’s garbage and grabbing Katsuki with both hands. His meaty shoulders, his thick pecs, his lithe waist.  Fuck, the contact is so good. It’s like Izuku has been dead all along, and only now that he’s touched Kacchan can he truly begin living. He thrusts up against Katsuki’s crotch desperately and Katsuki cries out. 

“Fuck!” His face is red, brow furrowed and mouth gaping. Izuku stares at him, completely transfixed. “Agh, Izuku, holy shit.” 

“Kacchan likes it,” Izuku mumbles, more to himself than anything. “Kacchan likes it? Kacchan wants more?” 

Katsuki’s hips buck underneath him, so hard he nearly throws him off. 

“Don’t you dare fuckin’ stop,” he hisses. Izuku rolls his hips rhythmically, obediently, with single-minded purpose. Kacchan likes it, Kacchan likes it, Kacchan likes me rubbing on his cock, Kacchan, Kacchan, Kacchan. It’s all spilling out of his mouth as they rut against one another, hot through the fabric of their jeans and rough with the added friction. Holy shit, it’s so good. Kacchan glitters with sweat and Izuku gapes at him. Kacchan, beautiful Kacchan. 

Katsuki’s hands grip his waist hard.

“Izuku,” he rasps. “Gonna--” 

And then he breaks off gasping. His shoulders drop, his mouth forms a perfect ‘o’. Izuku drinks in the sight of Katsuki as he cums and he’s so erotic, so perfect that Izuku only has to thrust twice more before he’s following after. Fuck. His orgasm rolls over him, warm and blissful and intense. Izuku has never cum so hard in his life. The pleasure pulses on and on and on. 

Izuku is still lost to his high when warm hands coax him down. Izuku falls forward, laying across Katsuki’s chest and breathing hard. Fingers frame Izuku’s face, tilting his head up until their mouths meet in one soft kiss. 

Oh. 

Somehow, that rushes through Izuku like nothing else has. Starlight prickles over his skin, every hair on his body stands on end, a brilliant thrill flutters in his chest. His lips part for Katsuki and they kiss again and again. Soft kisses. Savoring kisses. Mouths caressing one another slowly and lovingly. So unlike the animal frenzy of the moment. Happiness swells inside Izuku so quickly he feels like he might explode. 

“Kacchan,” he says against Katsuki’s mouth. His hands come up to cradle Katsuki’s face. “Kacchan, Kacchan.” 

And Katsuki grins against his lips.

Later, after they’ve showered and changed and collapsed onto Izuku’s bed together, Izuku retrieves his camera. He flips through the photos, relishing how Katsuki’s blush intensifies between each picture and his stomach fluttering at the memories. He looks to Kacchan now: on his belly in bed, wonderfully shirtless, and fluffy head smashed into Izuku’s pillow. God, Izuku’s heart is so warm and full.

Izuku raises his camera and takes the shot. 

[READ ON AO3]