#theme of the day is PR and why it matters

[bambi-kinos]

Hello! I found your perspective on the phone conversation between Paul and Hunter quite intriguing, and I've pondered over it for a long time. Firstly, I'd like to emphasize that I don't believe Paul harbored any malice. Regarding his content during that phone call, I think it was more of a defense rather than an outlet for venting. He emphasized that John had also hurt him, and we all know he was under immense condemnation at that time. Meanwhile, Hunter is a journalist and a recognized biographer. Furthermore, I think when Paul feels mentally distressed, he sometimes inadvertently engages in behaviors that expose him, contrary to his usual cautious demeanor, even putting himself in jeopardy. For instance, the arson in Hamburg and the marijuana incident in Japan. Paul even mentioned in an interview that when he reflects on what happened in Japan, he suspects it was because he wanted to end the tour but couldn't take that step, so he subconsciously did it. Paul wanted to defend himself and vent his feelings, and his conversation with Hunter might have been such an unconscious act.

I do think you are right and I see what you're saying: Paul still has feelings and he wanted to vent, maybe to a new party that hadn't heard it all before.

That being said I'm still having a hard time with the belief that Paul was completely blindsided and betrayed etc by Hunter writing the whole thing up and that the conversation was recorded. It was one thing when Heather Mills did it, but Hunter Davies the experienced biographer and media man with a vested interest in The Beatles?

I can accept that Paul was not in a great headspace and maybe he didn't think it through but I also think that a lot of his comments are specifically very pointed and even threatening. Why did he mention writing a book about John when Yoko and Cynthia were both dead and that he, specifically, knew things about John neither of them did? He knows what Yoko is and he also has that knowledge burning in his heart whenever she tries (ineptly) to be sly. Yoko claims to be John's soulmate and Cynthia could never let go of the aesthetic she carried of the man she loved (that John ultimately could never live up to because humans are people and not statues on pedestals.) But why would Paul say such a thing that creates expectations in people who keep their ears to the ground? It's a comment that doesn't get a lot of attention unless of course you are someone who is obsessed with the media and tracks everything even remotely related to you. Which John and Yoko had a history of doing, especially closely tracking Paul's activities.

I dunno. I do see what you mean and obviously Paul is a very emotional guy under all the guff. But I just don't believe he wasn't at least somewhat aware of what he was doing and who he was talking to. The threat to write a tell-all, specifically after Yoko and Cynthia kicked their respective buckets, that was just a little too pointed for me to ignore. It's not even certain if Paul really intended to write such a book, it seems more to me that this was a grenade that he was throwing at Yoko specifically. And a "leaked interview" from Hunter Davies, a credible Beatles source, would be the perfect way to sink that knife between her ribs. She always touted herself as John's soulmate and blah blah blaaaaaaaaahhhhhh but there are still things about him that she does not and will never know. I have to believe that a controlling and vindictive personality like Yoko would spend years gnawing on her own liver over such a comment. She's tried to get back at Paul for it but every time she does Paul just has to lock his eyes into the back of her head and remember all those precious moments with John that he had that no one else knows about.

Idk. It's definitely my personal bias but I just can't imagine a genius level PR pioneer like Paul not knowing what he was doing to some degree. Even if the phone call started out genuine I think it's very possible that he put together some ideas on the fly while he was talking and then spat them out because he realized at the last second what Hunter would do. And who's to say there wasn't a tell tale "click" of Hunter turning the recorder on?

Thank you for the ask, I appreciate it!

[hameesstuff]

"Until the Heart Remembers"

Pairing: Ceo! Jaehyun husband x Ceo! Reader wife

Themes: Arranged marriage, Forced proximity, Teasing, Fluff, Heavy smut, a bit of angst.

Word count: ~5k

Preview: Bound by a marriage of convenience, two stubborn hearts clash with fire—until teasing turns tender and pride softens into longing. In the quiet after the storm, they find love not in grand gestures, but in gentle touches and the promise of forever whispered beneath shared sheets.

___________________________________________

Jaehyun – One Week Before the Wedding

The conference room reeked of polished egos and perfumed power. Jaehyun sat with his fingers steepled, his eyes fixed on the digital clock above the mahogany doors. Three minutes late. Typical.

He didn't flinch when the double doors swung open.

Click. Click. Click.

The heels were sharp, designer, and unforgiving—just like her.

She stepped in wearing a power suit more tailored than a sniper rifle, eyes as indifferent as the contracts she shredded in boardrooms. And of course, that smirk.

“Apologies,” she said, though there was none in her tone. “I had a meeting with people who actually matter.”

Jaehyun smiled without warmth. “Funny. I didn’t realize your mirror was giving business advice now.”

Her eyes flashed, but her voice remained silk. “You’ll get used to losing, Jaehyun. Marriage is basically a hostile takeover with better PR.”

God help him.

He was marrying her in a week.

Reader – One Week Before the Wedding

She hated him.

His stupid, perfect suits. His stupid, unreadable face. The way he always sat like he owned the oxygen in the room.

And now, thanks to a merger between their family empires, they were the newest PR stunt of the year: the golden couple. Korea’s billionaire power duo.

The ring on her finger might’ve cost more than a private jet, but it felt like a shackle.

“I still think this is unnecessary,” she said, voice flat as she scrolled her phone. “We could’ve just signed the deal and left romance out of it.”

Jaehyun shrugged. “Our fathers think it’s good optics. If you want out, you can always run away. Preferably before the cake deposit’s due.”

She shot him a sideways glare. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”

“I’d love not having to listen to you breathe in my penthouse.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You breathe louder.”

He smiled. Bastard.

Jaehyun – Wedding Day

He never imagined he'd wear a tux just to sign his life away.

She looked devastating, of course. Like she was about to destroy his company rather than promise him forever.

He didn't say "I do" so much as he dared her to say it back.

She did.

They kissed.

It meant nothing.

But later that night, when she stormed into their shared penthouse and tossed her heels across the marble floor, he looked up from his scotch and said, “Don’t forget to unpack your ego. It takes up a lot of space.”

She scoffed. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep it in the bedroom where your charm won’t get lonely.”

Reader – Wedding Night

The penthouse was silent, soaked in shadows and too much glass. She walked barefoot across cold marble, her wedding dress hung carelessly over one arm, her hair undone but her spine perfectly straight.

He sat on the sofa like some smug painting. Shirt unbuttoned just enough to be annoying, tie loosened like the night hadn’t suffocated him the way it had her.

“You’re in my spot,” she said, eyeing the couch.

Jaehyun sipped his drink. “Didn’t realize the couch belonged to Her Royal CEOness.”

She rolled her eyes and moved to the other side. He didn’t budge.

They sat in silence. Not peace—just silence dressed up in ego.

Then he spoke.

“You surprised me today.”

She didn’t look at him. “How so?”

“You looked like someone I could actually fall in love with… if I hated myself enough.”

A laugh broke from her chest before she could stop it. “You’re going to be so lonely in this marriage, Jaehyun.”

“Why? You planning to move out already?”

She smiled, slow and confident. “No. I like watching you suffer.”

He raised his glass. “To mutual misery.”

Jaehyun – Two Weeks Married

Their mornings were a warzone.

She hogged the espresso machine. He hijacked the hot water.

She changed the thermostat to 25°C. He set it back to 19°C.

It wasn’t hatred. It was worse—it was fascination laced with fury.

This morning, she was in his seat at the kitchen island again, scrolling through reports, wearing his silk button-down like it was hers now.

“New habit? Stealing my wardrobe?” he asked.

She didn’t even look up. “You didn’t seem to want it back.”

“You’ll ruin the fabric. That shirt’s worth more than your last PR campaign.”

She finally glanced up. “Then take it off me.”

The silence after that sentence was criminal.

She didn’t blink.

Neither did he.

She arched an eyebrow, lifted her coffee, and sipped—smirking as if she hadn’t just dropped a nuclear flirtation between them.

He muttered, “You’re insufferable.”

“You’ll live,” she replied.

Reader – Late Night, Same Day

The penthouse was unusually quiet. For once, she wasn't working, and he wasn’t brooding in the corner pretending he didn’t enjoy their verbal jabs.

She padded into the living room and found him asleep on the couch, head tilted back, shirt open, hair tousled. Vulnerable. Human.

She stood there too long.

Too curious.

Too drawn.

She reached down slowly and tugged the blanket off the back of the couch, draping it over him with a sigh she didn’t mean to make.

But then—

“Caught staring?” he murmured, eyes still closed.

Her stomach dipped.

“You wish.”

He peeked one eye open. “You’re soft when you think I’m not looking.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re delusional when you’re half-asleep.”

He smiled.

God, she hated how smugly handsome he looked when he smiled.

Or maybe she didn’t hate it as much as she wanted to.

Jaehyun – Later That Night

He didn’t sleep much, not with her just down the hall.

Their bedroom was big enough to house the tension between them.

They’d drawn an invisible line between the sides of the bed—but sometimes, when the nights got too quiet, he’d hear her shift closer. Breathing in sync. Neither touching. But painfully aware.

Tonight was no different.

Except—her voice cut through the dark.

“Jaehyun?”

He turned toward her voice in the shadows. “What?”

“…Do you think we’ll ever be real?”

He didn’t answer right away.

He didn’t know how.

So instead, he whispered, “You tell me.”

She didn’t reply.

But she didn’t turn away either.

Reader – Three Weeks into the Marriage

She didn’t expect it to bother her.

Not the distance. Not the walls. Certainly not the way he looked at her like she was a deal he didn’t remember signing.

But it did.

It bothered her when he came home late, tie askew, laughing at something his assistant said. It bothered her when he disappeared into his office, door locked, like she wasn’t a living person behind the walls they shared.

Most of all, it bothered her that she noticed.

Tonight, she was curled up on her side of the bed with a contract in hand, phone buzzing beside her with messages from friends pretending she hadn’t gone missing into a marriage she never asked for.

Then the door creaked open.

Jaehyun stood there, hair damp from the rain, one brow raised.

“Reading legal documents in bed. Sexy,” he said dryly.

She looked up. “Well, my husband’s busy pretending I don’t exist. I had to turn somewhere for comfort.”

He smirked. “You always this dramatic, or do I just bring it out in you?”

“You wish you had that power.”

“Oh, I do.” He moved toward the closet, unbuttoning his shirt without a care in the world. “You hate how much you notice me.”

She stared at the buttons slipping free, the way his shoulder blades moved beneath the wet fabric.

“I don’t notice you at all,” she lied.

He paused at the closet door and looked over his shoulder. “Then why are you still looking?”

Damn him.

Jaehyun – That Same Night

She was quiet tonight.

No sarcasm, no bite—just eyes that lingered and lips that didn't quite part. And he hated how much he wanted her to say his name when the silence stretched too long.

He hated how her perfume stayed in the sheets, in his suit jackets, in his damn bloodstream.

She wasn’t just beautiful. She was infuriatingly present, like the space beside him remembered her even when she wasn’t there.

He stood at the bedroom mirror, pretending to fix his hair, just to steal a glance.

She was watching.

Not in admiration. Not in desire.

Just… wondering.

Maybe she was wondering the same thing he was: What the hell were they doing, pretending not to care, when every inch of this stupid marriage screamed inevitable?

He turned slowly. “You hungry?”

She blinked. “What?”

“Hungry. You know. Food? That thing humans consume?”

She narrowed her eyes. “You’re asking me to dinner?”

“No. I’m offering you one. There’s a difference. Less romance, more obligation.”

She stood, brushing invisible lint off her thigh. “Fine. But I pick the place.”

Jaehyun grinned. “Of course you do, Your Majesty.”

She tossed a pillow at his head.

He caught it one-handed, grinning wider.

Reader – At the Restaurant

She hated how good he looked in candlelight.

She hated that the waitress kept smiling at him.

But most of all, she hated that this dinner didn’t feel like war.

He poured her wine without asking, pushed the menu toward her like he actually cared, and listened.

Listened.

“Why are you being nice?” she finally asked.

He tilted his head. “Because I want something.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Sex?”

He choked on his wine. “God, no.”

“Rude.”

“I meant peace. Truce. Whatever version of civility your claws allow.”

She lifted her glass slowly. “I can be civil.”

He smirked. “Define civil.”

“No throwing things.”

He chuckled. “Even verbal grenades?”

“I make no promises.”

They clinked glasses.

And for the first time, something unspoken bloomed between them.

Not peace.

But something close.

Jaehyun – On the Drive Home

She fell asleep in the passenger seat.

Jaehyun glanced over more times than necessary.

She was soft in sleep, lips slightly parted, a lock of hair brushing her cheek. Vulnerable in a way he’d never seen. Never thought she’d allow.

He didn’t wake her when they pulled into the garage.

Didn’t say a word when he scooped her gently into his arms.

Her head fell against his chest.

She stirred just slightly, murmuring, “You smell expensive…”

He nearly laughed.

But he just whispered, “You’re exhausting.”

Still, he held her tighter.

And carried her upstairs like something sacred.

Reader – The Next Morning

She woke up in bed, fully dressed, the faintest memory of arms under her knees and a chest that smelled like cedarwood and sin.

Jaehyun.

He had carried her up.

She blinked against the sunlight, her throat dry and heart... confused. There was a folded blanket on the foot of the bed. And beside it, a steaming cup of coffee. Black. No sugar—just how she liked it.

The sticky note on it read:

"Don’t get used to it. I was bored." — J

She stared at the note for a long moment.

Then sipped.

And smiled.

Damn him.

Jaehyun – Same Morning

He didn’t know what the hell he was doing.

Making her coffee? Carrying her upstairs like a rom-com cliché? Sleeping on the sofa while she hogged the bed?

This wasn’t part of the plan.

They were supposed to coexist—cold, beautiful, bitter, professional. Two CEOs stuck in a marriage built for headlines.

But then she laughed the night before.

And it wasn’t mocking or cruel.

It was real. And it hit his chest like a car crash.

“Stop looking at her like that,” his assistant said, slapping a folder down on his desk.

Jaehyun blinked. “What?”

“You’re smiling like a man who bought a puppy.”

He scowled. “Get out.”

His assistant grinned. “Too late. You’re in love with your wife.”

He didn't respond.

Because the worst part?

He didn’t know if it was a lie.

Reader – At the Office That Week

She didn’t tell anyone.

About the coffee. About the way Jaehyun touched her wrist when he passed by. About the way he waited in the lobby for her after her meetings without explanation.

But people noticed.

Especially when the two of them arrived together at a tech gala, fashionably late and inexplicably... soft.

"You’re glowing," her best friend whispered behind a champagne glass.

"I’m successful," she replied.

"You're blushing."

"It’s the lighting."

"It’s Jaehyun."

She turned toward the bar, heart in her throat—and froze.

Because across the crowd, Jaehyun was watching her with a gaze so intense, it felt like it stripped her bare.

And when he walked over, leaned close to whisper in her ear, the words weren't flirtatious.

They were dangerous.

“I haven’t kissed you yet. Why haven’t I kissed you?”

She didn’t know the answer.

But suddenly she wanted to.

Jaehyun – That Night

He didn’t kiss her.

Not yet.

He wanted it too much.

Wanted her too much.

But it was dangerous, this fire growing in silence. The kind of want that made a man stop thinking and start pulling her into walls and gasping into her throat.

She wasn’t a fling. Not even a fantasy.

She was his wife.

And it terrified him how badly he needed her to choose him.

Not for the company.

Not for the marriage contract.

But for him.

He closed the door to his office that night, alone again, and stared at his phone.

No messages.

No goodnights.

No “come to bed.”

But she had worn his cufflinks to the gala.

And he’d noticed.

Every. Damn. Second.

Reader – One Month into the Marriage

It was dangerous, the way he stared now.

Not just in passing. Not in those careless, arrogant glares he used to wear like a shield.

This was different.

He watched her.

Like he was trying to memorize her. Undo her. Ruin her.

She tried to pretend she didn’t feel it—his gaze on the back of her neck during breakfast, the way he leaned a fraction too close when he passed her in the hallway.

Tonight, they were getting ready for another corporate dinner. She stood at the vanity, adjusting her necklace.

“Too much?” she asked aloud.

Behind her, Jaehyun’s reflection appeared in the mirror.

He was in a black suit, no tie, shirt unbuttoned just enough to be sinful. His jaw was clean-shaven. His voice came low.

“Not enough.”

She stilled.

He stepped behind her, fingertips ghosting the clasp at her nape.

“You’re not wearing this for them,” he said. “You know that, right?”

She met his eyes in the mirror. “And who am I wearing it for, Jaehyun?”

He smiled without softness. “Me.”

Jaehyun – That Same Night

She was teasing him again.

Wearing a dress that dipped scandalously low in the back. Laughing at another CEO’s joke while nursing wine she didn’t even like. Tossing glances over her shoulder to make sure he saw.

He did.

Oh, he saw everything.

Every twitch of her lips. Every flick of her lashes.

So when he stepped behind her on the terrace, hand finding the small of her back, he leaned in and murmured, “Keep looking at him like that, and I’ll put a claim on you no one will miss.”

She didn’t turn.

Didn’t flinch.

She just sipped her drink and said, “Possessive looks good on you.”

He growled, quiet and dark. “Don’t tempt me.”

She arched a brow. “Or what?”

“You’ll find out.”

Reader – Back at Home

They didn’t speak on the drive.

Didn’t need to.

The tension clung to them like perfume—thick and sweet and utterly consuming.

He opened the penthouse door. She stepped inside.

But this time, she didn’t head to the bedroom.

This time, she turned back.

“Why haven’t you kissed me?” she asked softly.

He froze, closing the door behind him like it hurt.

“I told you,” he said, voice rough. “I want you to want it first.”

Her heels echoed as she crossed the floor toward him.

Eyes locked. Mouths close. Inches apart.

“And if I want it now?”

His breath caught. “Then I’m already losing.”

She reached up.

Tugged his collar.

And whispered, “Lose.”

His mouth crushed into hers like he’d been waiting his whole life to be ruined.

Jaehyun – The First Kiss

It wasn’t soft.

It wasn’t careful.

It was months of denial crashing all at once—teeth, tongue, breathless gasps between bites of longing.

She moaned into him.

He pressed her against the nearest wall, hands gripping her waist like it would anchor him.

“Say my name,” he demanded against her lips.

She did.

Over and over.

Jaehyun, Jaehyun, Jaehyun.

And when they finally broke apart, flushed and dizzy, he rested his forehead against hers.

Breathing hard.

“What now?” she whispered.

He smiled.

“A very slow, very long mistake,” he said.

She laughed, breathless.

And kissed him again.

Jaehyun – The Morning After the Kiss

She was gone when he woke up.

Not that she’d spent the night in his bed—he knew that. They hadn’t gone that far.

But still… he’d expected her to be there.

Coffee in hand. A smirk on her lips. Some quip like “You kiss like you fight—desperate to win.”

But instead, silence.

Just the ghost of her laugh in the hall and the memory of her mouth on his.

He showered in frustration. Dressed too sharply. Glared at the mirror until it cracked his mood.

She was driving him mad.

And the worst part?

He liked it.

Reader – That Same Morning

She needed air.

Not because she regretted the kiss—no, never that.

It was everything a first kiss with Jaehyun should be. Fiery. Greedy. A little dangerous.

But now? She felt exposed.

That kiss had stripped something. Peeled back armor she’d spent years building.

And now, here she was—standing outside her own company’s tower, pretending the CEO she was married to hadn’t kissed her like a promise last night.

“Ma’am?” her assistant interrupted gently. “There’s someone in your office.”

She blinked. “Who?”

“He said he’s your husband.”

Oh no.

Jaehyun – In Her Office

He was sitting on her desk.

Her desk.

Reading her agenda like he paid the bills. Which, annoyingly, he partially did.

She stepped inside, glaring. “How did you get past security?”

He shrugged. “I’m charming.”

“You bribed them.”

“Same thing.”

She crossed her arms. “What do you want?”

He looked up slowly. “Your attention.”

“You already have it.”

He smiled like the devil. “Good.”

Then stood, walked around the desk, and leaned in too close.

“About last night…”

She raised a brow. “Which part? The kiss? Or the part where I left you breathless?”

He chuckled, low and dangerous. “You think you won?”

“Didn’t I?”

Jaehyun leaned down, lips just grazing her ear.

“Sweetheart,” he murmured, “I’m still playing.”

She shivered. And hated how much he saw it.

Reader – That Night

She didn’t kiss him again.

Not yet.

But she let him brush her hair off her shoulder at dinner. Let his fingers linger too long on her waist when they passed in the hallway.

Let the heat build.

And build.

And build.

Until one night, he cornered her in the kitchen, midnight light painting them in silver and sin.

“You keep looking at me,” she whispered, daring him.

Jaehyun stepped closer, voice thick. “You keep walking away.”

“I’m testing you.”

His hands slid to her hips. “And what do you want me to do, wife?”

She swallowed.

He leaned closer.

“I can be patient. But eventually…” he whispered, lips brushing her jaw, “…I’m going to wreck you.”

She closed her eyes, head falling back slightly.

And whispered, “Promise?”

Reader – Three Months In

The marriage had rules. Unspoken, but clear.

Don’t fall first.

Don’t show weakness.

Don’t stay the night.

And yet—

She found herself waiting for him to come home.

Her phone lit up with his name more often. Sometimes it was business. Sometimes it wasn’t.

Sometimes it was, “Did you eat?”

Other times, it was, “Your smile was lethal today.”

And sometimes… nothing at all. Just a missed call at 11:47 PM.

A silent confession.

An ache wrapped in pride.

She never called back.

But her heart did.

Loud. Every time.

Jaehyun – One Night Alone

The penthouse felt too cold without her in it.

He hated that.

He wasn’t soft. He was a shark in Armani, built on ambition, cash, and steel.

But she made silence feel like failure.

He stared at the door longer than he should’ve.

Waited.

Hoped.

She didn’t come back that night.

So he poured himself a drink. One finger of whiskey. Neat.

Then poured another.

And muttered to himself, “You’re falling. Goddammit.”

That Weekend

She walked into his home office late on a Friday night.

He looked up, surprised. Shirt sleeves rolled, tie undone.

“Lost?” he asked.

She held up a folder. “Board documents. Needed your signature.”

He reached for it—but didn’t take it.

Instead, he stepped around the desk and walked right into her space.

“You could’ve sent an assistant,” he murmured.

“I wanted to see your face when you read it.”

Jaehyun grinned. “You missed me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Too late.”

She turned to walk away—but he grabbed her wrist.

“Stay,” he said, softer.

Not commanding. Not smug.

Just… asking.

She didn’t say yes.

But she didn’t leave either.

The Storm

She stormed into the penthouse, slamming the door behind her.

“Don’t even try to act innocent,” she snapped.

Jaehyun stood from the couch slowly, face darkening. “What are you talking about?”

She threw the magazine at him. The headline screamed "CEO Jung’s Late-Night Rendezvous with Old Flame?"

“You told me you don’t see her anymore,” she hissed. “That she was history.”

“She is,” he snapped, tossing it aside. “That photo’s ancient. They dredged it up to sell stories!”

“But you didn’t tell me! Why didn’t you warn me something like this could resurface?”

“Because I didn’t think I’d have to!” he yelled. “Because I didn’t think I’d have to explain myself to someone who knows me!”

“Well, maybe I don’t,” she seethed, chest heaving. “Maybe this whole thing is just a game to you!”

He paused.

Then said, too quietly, “You think I’m faking this?”

Silence fell like a bomb.

And it hurt. Visibly.

Jaehyun’s jaw clenched. “You really think I could touch you like I do, look at you like this, and still not mean it?”

She faltered—but pride kept her mouth shut.

So he stepped back.

“You know what?” he murmured. “Maybe I was right in the beginning. Maybe marriage was a mistake.”

Her heart dropped.

She turned and walked away.

Not because she didn’t love him.

But because if she stayed, she’d shatter.

Aftermath: The Quiet Hurt

That night, neither of them slept.

Separate rooms.

Separate worlds.

Regret sat heavy on both chests—but neither broke first.

Until the next morning.

Reconciliation

The next day, she found him on the balcony—wet from the rain, coffee cold in hand.

“You’ll catch a cold,” she said gently.

He didn’t look at her. “Maybe I deserve to.”

She sighed, walking toward him. “I didn’t mean what I said last night.”

He turned finally, eyes tired. “But you said it.”

A beat.

“I get scared too,” she whispered. “But I don't want to lose you over my pride.”

His expression cracked. Just a little. “Then come here.”

She stepped into his arms.

He held her like she was breakable for once.

And when he kissed her—it wasn’t fire this time. It was water.

Soft. Cleansing. Needed.

They moved to the bedroom without a word.

No games. No power.

Just mouths on skin. Just hands saying I’m sorry. Just moans that sounded like don’t go.

He laid her down with reverence.

Undressed her slowly, worshipfully, kissing every inch.

And when he slid into her, it wasn’t about dominance or tension or release.

It was love.

It was forgiveness.

It was home.

She held his face as they moved together, whispering, “We’re still learning.”

He kissed her back. “I’ll keep trying.”

They came together gently, with a sob between them.

And that night, they didn’t just sleep together.

They stayed.

Epilogue – One Year Later

The contract was gone.

Their marriage? Very much alive.

She still teased him in meetings.

He still smirked when she got flustered in boardrooms.

But now, the teasing ended in kisses.

In touches beneath the table.

In long, luxurious weekends spent wrapped in sheets and morning coffee.

Their penthouse had changed.

There was art on the walls. Her work. His pride.

Plants she bought lined the kitchen windows. Half of them thrived. The other half he kept alive with silent determination.

Every Sunday, he made her breakfast in just his sweatpants.

Every Friday, she brought him coffee and sat on his lap during late-night calls.

One night, curled into each other on the couch, she looked at him and whispered,

“I can’t believe I almost walked away.”

He brushed her hair back, smiling softly. “You almost did. I almost let you.”

“But we didn’t.”

“No,” he said, kissing her hand. “We found our way.”

A pause.

“Still think this marriage was a mistake?” she teased.

He leaned down, kissed her lips slow.

Then murmured, “Only that we didn’t fall sooner.”

The End.

___________________________________________

[slaaverin]

I was thinking with all the discourse on x about Jimins letter, and the cult and solos trying to scramble to debunk his own words, how they are this or that, just bros, they don’t sleep togetherness, don’t see each other before bed yadda yadda.

If it’s common practice in the military to be in group dorms, to shower together, why scramble to say that Jikook don’t do that, they don’t see each other?

Why the scramble to say they aren’t close?

What is it that people are so afraid of?

Because you’re not telling me if it was Yoongi and Jimin who enlisted, or Jimin and Tae, or Jin and Namjoon, or Hobi and Yoongi, etc etc, that people wouldn’t be celebrating it

So why not Jikook? What is it that has them so unhinged that they are literally resorting to calling them both liars, that Jimins letter was written by PR at Hybe, that cooks sleep elsewhere and have different bed times, when Jimin himself said ‘before bed’.

What is it that makes people shout ‘they are brothers!!!!!!’ Over and over and over again.

Because where is the line?

What would tip them over the more than friends category in SK skinship terms, or even say if they were a man and women?

Would it be the hugs? The constant need to touch, to be together? The cheek to cheek selcas? The spending special days together? The tones they use with each other? The teasing, bickering and flirting? The coy looks and smiles? The way they know what the other is thinking? The way they have their inside jokes? The way they are so domestic in the kitchen, JK cooks and JM being Sous Chef. The comfort and companionship they have sought out with the buddy system. The love they exude?

am I missing anything?

I mean I probably am, that’s the quick notes version of their bond. My point being that all of that alone is striking, means their relationship is specific to them and them alone, it stands out, it’s beautiful. It should be celebrated and cooed over, the very least it should be respected.

Is it then that this is what they fear? That they do in fact see all of that, see Jimin writing that he and JK are having (read: deep) conversations about life before bed, and think oh hell no, gotta make up a lie to stop that being true! As if that is how it works.

I don’t know what the futures holds, what the comeback will be like, I just actually hope everything will work out the way each of them want it to. That they are allowed to mature, that they can hold space for each other to grow, to be themselves more than ever. That boundaries are put in place and respected between the members themselves, and the fans. That this will be a new era, as they said in Festa and since; that they won’t hold back things they have wanted to say but couldn’t. It’s a reoccurring theme, JK has said it in lives, Jimin in his last live, now this letter.

I just want them to be loved, and to allow themselves to be love in return. They deserve it.

Anon, I truly feel the same way.

I think solos, antis and tkkers trying to disprove jikook's bond is for many reason. But the simple main one is that they don't want it to be true.

It all comes from desire, they want a different story, because they have this fantasy, because homophobia, and other reasons. They want something else, something that will never be true because it is just that, a story they told themselves because it makes them feel safer and more in control. It's their ego telling them "it should be another way instead!" "This isn't right" (homophobia again), and you know how powerful the ego can be. When someone wants something so bad, some people might go to extremes to get it, no matter the cost.

They believe their little scenario (that they don't like each other, that they are not close) for different reasons and each person think they are totally right about that. Each person thinks their perspective is the best one.

You know that wars have been fought over different perspectives?

Belief is a very powerful thing. Most people cling into some beliefs because it makes them feel more safe, their ego overcompensating over some internal lack.

At least with the scenario they can control the narrative. It is known and comfortable. Because the alternative is unknown, it's wild, it's unpredictable, it's scary. They might lose control, you see? it all comes from fear. Fear of something being different. And jikook ARE different. Their relationship stands out a lot within the group.

And you know what I don't think they actually see the same things as we do when they watch jikook.

Because they made up their mind already, they made up their own story, their ego doesn't care what's actually real! They watch the content through their already skewed lense, and they are so sure they are right. So every single detail will be used to reinforce their belief. To say, "See, I am right! He said this, so they are not close! They can't be"

Ohhh, to what extent the ego would go to be right. You know I don't think they are even aware they are twisting things and making up lies (well of course some of them do) but I think the majority genuinely believe what they see is true. It's true because they absolutely want it to be true. They don't want jikook to be close, to have this special bond, because it doesn't align with their personal selfish desires. "I want JK with Tae!" "I want jikook dating girls and not boys!" "I want my fave to be this way instead!"

I think jikook truly unsettle them to their core. It triggers something inside that they don't want to look at, because it's uncomfortable, so they reject it entirely. They choose something else to believe in, because that makes them feel better. It's less dangerous.

That's why many tkkers are also homophobic, weirdly. They have this ship idea in their heads, but since their ship never happens on camera, they believe it exist somewhat outside of camera, outside of reality. It's a pocket where they can project any types of ideas within the relationship, they can explore their inner fantaisies, let their imagination run wild, and create what they want instead of what is. It escapism, it's dreaming, and it helps them cope with reality that is different.

Because the reality is that jikook have this incredible bond, here, tangible, real, with a incredible depth, and it makes them scared shit. Because that's not something they can control, because it is different, and actually gay. Like for real. Not in a hypothetical "what ifs" scandalous and a little taboo way. No, it's real. But it's so outside of their scope of what's "socially acceptable" that they simply will never accept it. "Because it's BAD" mind you. It's bad and wrong and shouldn't exist. Because they think righteousness is something else entirely. Because they believe their sense of right from wrong is correct.

Of course it's not.

Trying to reason with them is absolutely pointless. It will always be a battle of ego, or different perspectives clashing. These people will not change, it would be too scary to them.

I'm afraid jikook will absolutely never be loved by them the way they deserve. And the hate and the lies and the toxicity is always going to be here. Because you know how much time it takes to actually grow in awareness? To change beliefs? To evolve towards more love? Guys it could take several lifetimes no joke.

I get your sentiment anon, I do.

I think jikookers in general spend too much time fighting with all of them, because it frustrates us so much that jikook are not loved.

But forget it guys, our frustration will only grow if we focus on them too much. They are where they are at, these people. They can't see anything else. I'm not even sure they are able to. Ego and beliefs are so strong, it's very hard for someone to go against it.

They will never see it our way.

Oh, in an ideal world, everyone would love jikook and celebrate them.

But we are in a world where we're thrown with people on different levels of consciousness, and it's just something we have to deal with. It's not comfortable. It can be horrible. But that's just the way it is.

It all comes from fear in the end. Fear of something being different than you, fear of losing control, fear of the unknown.

These guys, beneath layers of piled up beliefs and lies and stories within their psyche, are just scared, that's all. And they might not be aware that they are.

Fear keeps them from seeing things from their heart unfortunately.

And overcoming fear is one of the hardest thing to do in this world.

So, don't be too frustrated with them. It sucks, yes. Of course I wish it would be different. Of course I would want them to *see the light* at some point, but it's not very realistic or easy. None of this situation is easy. People are very complex.

These people will remain here, battling for their ego, burning twitter with their hate, twisting things, making up lies. There's nothing we can do about it, they are here to stay. The only thing we can control is how we react to them. Because I see so many times jkkers also using animal names and insults, battling them with their own ego and hate, and that's just not it. It is so futile. It will never change anything. And we can be better than this. I'm not saying I have a magical solution, I don't. I think it's up to each individual to discern what's right for them in their heart.

In an ideal world, we would all come together in harmony, and praise and celebrate jikook's bond for what is it, something wonderful, magical, beautiful, and see it with our heart and soul, and bask in love and share it between ourselves, and just revel in the magnificence. All of us. How great that would be. It would be a little bit like heaven, right?

Well we're not in heaven anymore, and if we wanted that we would have stayed there and not come here on this earth. Here things will inevitably be flawed, because humans are not and never will be perfect.

But the best we can do is stay within groups of like-minded people, people sharing the same love for love, and create our own little paradise here to enjoy jikook's bond and celebrate it.

It will not be the world's, but it will be ours. Which is already something, I guess?

I went on a long tengent I'm sorry

I can't wait to see what the members will say after military. It's going to be very interesting. Haters are gonna lose their minds (which is funny at this point XD)

Let's each of us love and support jikook, for the people who can't. Let's share their love so it might touch somebody else's heart.

And do our best to be good humans, right?

No matter what happens.

Love you my fellow jikookers 💜

[gothamnewsnetwork-official]

Gotham Recap - Nakano vs Joker, who will be the next Mayor of Gotham City?

When one thinks of the Gotham City Municipal Government (see related articles), or any government for that matter, it’s not typically members of the Rogue’s Gallery (see related articles) or celebrity figures that come to mind, but in recent days the seemingly stable, if not mundane, scene painted by our municipal government has been turned on its head. Why? Not only are multiple celebrities running for Mayor, but the Joker (see related articles) ( @jokerwithcrowbar ) himself.

As we are undoubtedly all aware, Gotham City (see related articles) is holding a snap election in the coming weeks. This comes only a few days after the initial announcement, with the public in an uproar over who should be trusted to lead our beloved city. This comes only a few short months after allegations levied against our current mayor, Christopher Nakano (see related articles) and his elected council ( @gotham-city-municipal-government ), over potential contamination of the Gotham water supply (see related articles).

Currently on the ballot we have the aforementioned Mayor and Rogue, as well as Jason Todd ( @jason-t0dd ) (see related articles), also known as famed Rogue of the people - RedHood (see related articles), Autumn Sweets, also known as Enigma ( @duchess-of-dilemma ) (see related articles), Lady Arkham ( @accidentaldccharacter ), Alfred Pennyworth (see related articles) ( @teatimealfie ), and Kaleb Doran ( @worldshapercalibus ). Of these candidates, four of the six have presented their policies, so our interns have been working overtime to bring you the most thorough, unbiased , and credible picture of the upcoming election possible, and each candidate’s platform will be linked at the end of this article -

Many of the candidates have similar ideas on what to do with the city, running themes of equality, inclusivity, and tolerance, as well as promises across the board to raise the minimum wage (see related articles) in Gotham (though by what amount varies significantly), making healthcare more accessible (again to significant degrees), as well as several promises to clean up Gotham’s streets.

Standout campaign points include -

“ Free food for every broke person every FRIDAY from 9 am to 9 pm ”

- The Joker (read full statement here)

“ School tuition will also be free, funded by me personally. ”

- Jason Todd (read full statement here)

“ Oh and cant forget, [we will] burn down every hot topic in gotham. ”

- Autumn Sweets (read full statement here)

“ I will also double the amount of blimps in Gotham. ”

- Lady Arkham (read full statement here)

“ We, the GCMG, strongly believe in the rights for all consenting adults to be able to duel each other in public, so long as there is a pre-written contract signed between all parties. We believe sometimes actions do speak louder than words, and your actions deserve to be heard! ”

- The Gotham City Municipal Government’s PR department on behalf of Christopher Nakano (read full statement here)

While looking over the statements it’s clear that some candidates are more prepared than others, with some (such as the crown-prince of Crime) having little-to-no plan for his seemingly impossibly ambitious goals, and others not yet having a statement at all. Though, in true Nakano fashion, the GCMG has already put out a statement alongside detailed plans to coincide with each point in their campaign. However this has not stopped surprising amounts of support for the lesser known, and less clean-cut candidates being mustered up by Gothamites across the city.

This journal would also like to note that there have been some legal concerns as well with several of the mayoral candidates, outside of the obvious. For instance, in candidate Jason Todd’s platform he ends the statement with an offer of a free leather jacket (see related articles) for all that vote for him, also known as electoral fraud (see related articles), the offer being a serious offence to animal rights activists, democracy, and the courts.

However this is not the only issue brought forward by concerned Gothamites and netizens; many argue that another candidate, Autumn Sweets, cannot qualify to run for mayor given that they are only 16, a minor. Though it is often we see children performing roles typically reserved for those above the age of 18 in Gotham, specifically in the city’s infamous vigilante scene (see related articles), many have called into question if a minor can truly be fit for the level of responsibility afforded to the city’s mayor.

Many also call into question the fact that Lady Arkham has admitted in her campaign to consorting in an illegal Kryptonian Visa (see related articles) Scheme, though it is unclear if that can disqualify her from the mayoral running.

With that, the upcoming 2025 mayoral election for the greater Gotham municipal district (see related articles) is looking to be one to remember. For those wondering more about the voting process, please visit @gothamcity-mayorelections for more details.

Gotham Reports is certified in fair, unbiased, and reliable reporting

Let us know your thoughts on the topic (here)

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

So I think I managed to create the some sort of timeline for the Stationary Trio AU:

Pre UA:

Izumi and All Might are overheard (you mentioned it in one ask, and it lives rent free in my mind.)

Izumi blackmails Bakugou into leaving get alone.

Bakugou starts therapy.

1st year:

The Publicity stunt happens. This is after Kamino (where All for One died as he should have, when taking United States of Smash point Blank as he did. The Police is then called to The Hospital by a concerned nurse who noticed one Doctor mumbling about his masters death and how it affected his research) when UA is in need of good publicity. So around September, if my research on the Japanese school year is right.

The Stationary Trio start full steam ahead with their romance, after confessing that they did like each other, they just didn't know how to breach the subject. (I recently saw the 'Save! Rescue Training' OVA and Momo's "I think it's wonderful, it's not a laughing matter." line regarding how serious Tenya is has left it's grip on me.

Some days after, the Mineta Incident happens where Momo and Izumi go on a rant about how great their boyfriend is.

The 1st date happens.

October.

The 1st Cafeteria Incident happens. A week after the famed Stationary Shop Date happens, and they gain their official Ship Name.

Izumi is called for an interview with All Might's PR, and dresses up for it. Tenya walks into a wall seing her, and Momo notices.

The clothes shopping date happens, followed by the girls making sure Tenya was okay with their teasing.

The Second Cafeteria Incident happens.

The Trio confront Monoma on how Kendo treats him, after reading some comments and realizing some things. He's left with much to think.

Hagakure and Ojirou start dating. As do Kaminari and Jirou.

Last week of October, the Kendo Incident happens, with the girl getting transfered from the Hero Course to Gen Ed until a therapist says that she can be moved back. Monoma is also required to take some sessions.

November.

Hagakure and Ojirou split up on amicable terms, the boy confused as to why.

Bakugou notices some things about the Kamijirou relationship that make him pay closer attention.

December.

The week before Winter Break, the class, after being informed by Bakugou that something wasn't okay, stages an intervention for Kaminari and Jirou with Midnight as backup. The pair breaks up and are BOTH put in therapy.

January.

Momo, inspired by the relationship problems they've seen so far, puts the idea forward of using their status as Heroes to promote healthy relationships. Tenya adds that maybe a psychology degree might help. The notebook of ideas is started.

February.

The Valentines Day of Disappointment for most UA girls, due to how the boys react to their chocolates. The girls make Tenya home made chocolate, where Momo uses a bit more of the dark chocolate, with hers ending a bit too bitter, and Izumi puts a bit too much orange extract on hers. Tenya eats them all anyway.

Jirou also gives Kaminari chocolates (his favorites, she asked Sero), the Class takes this as growth. It is.

March.

The White Day of Breakups. No really, other than the Stationary Trio and some select couples, no one in UA has a good White Day.

Tenya gives his girlfriends custom made (research says that White Day gifts are often more expensive so) keychains: Momo gets a black Swan with little red details, while Izumi gets a green rabbit that has white detailing.

Kaminari gets Jirou a box of music themed chocolate. They're both VERY awkward at this point.

The rankings come out and Ojirou finally understand what Hagakure was talking about when they broke up. He apologizes to her, but says he isn't ready to date while focusing on his studies, which she understands.

All is calm until they end of the school year. The Stationary Trio is seen pouring over notebooks often.

*reads up* I think I'm going to need a second ask for the second year are this point...

Gorgeous yes beautiful. This is what happens!

[duckprintspress]

9 Queer Reads We Love for the Holidays!

The holiday season is upon us! No matter what you celebrate at this time (if anything at all), what better way is there to spend those long, cold evenings—or hot, summer afternoons—than curled up with a great book? That’s why we compiled a list of 9 of our favorite queer, holiday-themed books, including works about the Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Hanukkah, and some with just general winter vibes (our reccers didn’t know any Kwanzaa books, sorry!). Grab a cup of tea and enjoy! The contributors to this list are: Nina Waters, polls, Shannon, Rhosyn Goodfellow, E. C., Mikki Madison and an anonymous contributor.

To Drive the Hundred Miles by Alec J. Marsh

Serendipity, WA is filled with Christmas cheer, beautiful mountain views, and trans man Will’s feminist Wiccan family. Home for the holidays, he avoids their clumsy attempts at support by hiding in the local coffee shop and flirting with Bea, a friend from high school.

The beautiful landscapes can’t make up for the the realities of being queer in a small town, and Bea wants out. Will grabs for a prosperity spell, and finds a new way to connect to the magic he’s become estranged from. New romance and optimism get them through the holidays, ready to face their next problems.

-

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

One year ago, recent Portland transplant Ellie Oliver had her dream job in animation and a Christmas Eve meet-cute with a woman at a bookstore that led her to fall in love over the course of a single night. But after a betrayal the next morning and the loss of her job soon after, she finds herself adrift, alone, and desperate for money.

Finding work at a local coffee shop, she’s just getting through the days—until Andrew, the shop’s landlord, proposes a shocking, drunken plan: a marriage of convenience that will give him his recent inheritance and alleviate Ellie’s financial woes and isolation. They make a plan to spend the holidays together at his family cabin to keep up the ruse. But when Andrew introduces his new fiancée to his sister, Ellie is shocked to discover it’s Jack—the mysterious woman she fell for over the course of one magical Christmas Eve the year before. Now, Ellie must choose between the safety of a fake relationship and the risk of something real.

-

How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

It all starts when Shani runs into May. Like, literally. With her mom’s Subaru.

Attempted vehicular manslaughter was not part of Shani’s plan. She was supposed to be focusing on her month-long paleoichthyology internship. She was going to spend all her time thinking about dead fish and not at all about how she was unceremoniously dumped days before winter break.

It could be going better.

But when a dog-walking gig puts her back in May’s path, the fossils she’s meant to be diligently studying are pushed to the side—along with the breakup.

Then they’re snowed in together on Christmas Eve. As things start to feel more serious, though, Shani’s hurt over her ex-girlfriend’s rejection comes rushing back. Is she ready to try a committed relationship again, or is she okay with this just being a passing winter fling?

-

Eight Kinky Nights by Xan West

Newly divorced stone butch Jordan moves into her friend Leah’s spare room, ready, at 49, to take on a new job and finally explore kink and polyamory. But moving to NYC during the holidays sends grief crashing through her, and Jordan realizes that when she isn’t solely focused on caring for others, her own feelings are unavoidable. Including her feelings for Leah.

-

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR façade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make- out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night. But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess and his brother’s not-so-secret crush. A situation that has disaster written all over it.

Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess’s hand…and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the Prince of Halloween.

-

Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera

Kiskeya Burgos left the tropical beaches of the Dominican Republic with a lot to prove. As a pastry chef on the come up, when she arrives in Scotland, she has one goal in mind: win the Holiday Baking Challenge. Winning is her opportunity to prove to her family, her former boss, and most importantly herself, she can make it in the culinary world. Kiskeya will stop at nothing to win , that is, if she can keep her eyes on the prize and off her infuriating teammate’s perfect lips.

Sully Morales, home cooking hustler, and self-proclaimed baking brujita lands in Scotland on a quest to find her purpose after spending years as her family’s caregiver. But now, with her home life back on track, it’s time for Sully to get reacquainted with her greatest love, baking. Winning the Holiday Baking Challenge is a no brainer if she can convince her grumpy AF baking partner that they make a great team both in and out of the kitchen before an unexpected betrayal ends their chance to attain culinary competition glory.

-

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

After a disastrous blind date, Darcy Lowell is desperate to stop her well-meaning brother from playing matchmaker ever again. Love — and the inevitable heartbreak — is the last thing she wants. So she fibs and says her latest set up was a success. Darcy doesn’t expect her lie to bite her in the ass.

Elle Jones, one of the astrologers behind the popular Twitter account Oh My Stars, dreams of finding her soul mate. But she knows it is most assuredly not Darcy: a no-nonsense stick-in-the-mud, who is way too analytical, punctual, and skeptical for someone like Elle. When Darcy’s brother — and Elle’s new business partner — expresses how happy he is that they hit it off, Elle is baffled. Was Darcy on the same date? Because… awkward.

Darcy begs Elle to play along and she reluctantly agrees to pretend they’re dating. But with a few conditions: Darcy must help Elle navigate her own overbearing family during the holidays, and their arrangement expires on New Year’s Eve. The last thing they expect is to develop real feelings during a faux relationship. But maybe opposites can attract when true love is written in the stars?

-

Make the Yuletide Gay by Ivy L. James

Junior editor Grace Taylor is doubling as the temporary assistant to senior editor Nicola Valentine…and harboring a secret crush on her. Grace is devastated when a work conference forces her to miss her big family Christmas. However, she gets a gift she doesn’t expect when a snowstorm strands her and Nicola at a small B&B.

Nicola has no idea how to handle sharing a room with her gorgeous, vibrant assistant. As she learns to share her heart as well, her fear threatens the blossoming relationship. Can she let Grace in, or will Nicola’s past sabotage her chance at happiness?

-

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

That book. It was about two women, and they fell in love with each other. And then Lily asked the question that had taken root in her, that was even now unfurling its leaves and demanding to be shown the sun: Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can’t remember exactly when the question took root, but the answer was in full bloom the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. 

America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lily. With deportation looming over her father–despite his hard-won citizenship–Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day.

What are YOUR favorite queer holiday books? Maybe you know a Kwanzaa one we could check out?

See something you’d love to buy? Check out our queer book lists on Bookshop.org and pick your new favorite book through the Duck Prints Press affiliate shop!

You can also access this list as a shelf on Goodreads.

Come chat with us about your favorite holiday books in our public Book Lover’s Discord server!

[cacoetheswriting]

celebrity skin. (part six)

pairing: rockstar!eddie munson x popstar!fem!reader word count: 6.2k summary: moving on is not as easy as it may seem. unless, of course, revenge is in the mix.

a/n: this chapter also features steve harrington x popstar!fem!reader

content warnings: 18+, minors dni: suggestive & mature themes, adult language, post-breakup emotional hurt / very little comfort, minor use of pet names, mentions of recreational alcohol & drug consumption — if i missed anything in this chapter, pls let me know!

& psa: images used in the header don’t depict readers physical attributes! these are also described vaguely in the story, only that she’s a little shorter than eddie.

celebrity skin. masterlist

Falling in love was not nearly as magical as you grew up to believe. 

Turns out, not everyone is as lucky as your parents. Not everyone gets to find the person they want to be with and just live out the rest of their time together, just like that. No muss, no fuss… no pain.

And recently, all you’ve felt was pain. 

Heartbreak caused by the man that’s done it before. You should’ve been smarter than to let him do it a second time, but lost in the chocolate of his eyes and the softness of his skin, you believed in the love you so desperately craved since you were a kid. You believed in his love. Believed he wouldn’t hurt you again, simply because he promised he wouldn’t. Hushed mantras in between the kisses he trailed along your jawline. “You make me the happiest I’ve ever been,” he’d repeat like a prayer. In reality, a fool is what he made you.

For the whole world to see at that.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

EVEN HONESTY COULDN’T KEEP THEM TOGETHER

WHY HEAVEN AND HELL DON’T MIX

The list of borderline patronising, and also rather sexist, articles on the downfall of your short-lived relationship with the Corroded Coffin frontman haunted you for months. It didn’t help that they were all lies. Figments of journalistic imagination that only had one thing in common: you were nothing but a lovesick girl, and Eddie ever the conqueror of Hollywood’s elite. Gone was the title of America’s favourite popstar. Replaced instead by “Oh, you’re Eddie Munsons ex, right?”.

Your management team was scrambling to get out of this PR nightmare as quickly and effortlessly as humanly possible, because they didn’t grow your career to the superstardom level it was at, only for you to be regarded as an ex-girlfriend of someone far less popular than you. The team did everything, from pushing brand advertising campaigns forward, releasing a previously stashed single with no promotion, and even faking sightings of you with New York’s most eligible bachelors — (it was actually Val in disguise, more than willing to help). 

While all of this was going on, you resigned to rotting away in bed.

The New York apartment you called home yet again, was cold in comparison to Eddie’s mansion. Every item of furniture, every decorative piece, all carefully picked out by you back when you first bought the place, seemed out of place. No longer bringing you the intended joy. You missed the blank walls of Eddie’s living room, the feel of the hardwood floors underneath your bare feet, the once unused kitchen, his display of vintage guitars. You missed his California King. Missed the way it would form perfectly around your frame every time your head hit the pillows. Most of all, despite desperately trying not to, you fucking missed him.

Eddie Munson was your downfall, yet every fibre of your being ached to be close to him once more.

Memories of your time with the metalhead flashed before your eyes every minute of every day that’s passed since he stomped all over your heart, making it bleed. What made matters worse, you were convinced Eddie didn’t miss you, didn’t think about you nearly as much as you thought about him, if even at all.

The reality couldn’t have been more different, but you didn’t know that because the morning Eddie broke you for a second time, his actions were accompanied by a conscious decision to stay out of your life for good. It wasn’t what he wanted. He just didn’t see an alternative, your grandmother’s threat ringing in his ears as the look on your face visibly changed in front of his very eyes from awe to despair.

In the months that followed the split, Eddie also thought about you all the damn time. 

Everywhere he went, there you were. Or rather the ghost of you. A memory so vivid, he instantly felt nauseous. He screwed everything up for a second time and even if he wanted to somehow fix it, he knew the only way to do that would be by telling the truth, but even Eddie Munson wasn't an asshole enough to come between a girl and her Nana — no matter how evil the old hag was.

Instead, Eddie focused on his music. 

The resounding success that was Honesty, a song about you, performed with you, made the pretext of spending day and night at the studio a little more realistic ‘cause “the band needs a few more songs to complete the album”, he’d say to Marianne. She knew the real reason behind the hours Eddie spent locked inside the recording booth was the sudden, and by all accounts, unexplained breakdown of his relationship with you. She also knew not to say anything.

By all accounts, things were going quite smoothly for Eddie. Sure he felt like a fucking prick for hurting you the way he did — yet again — and on most days, the guilt was eating Eddie alive, but his actions, and their unfortunate consequences, fueled an endless supply of songs he couldn’t deny were about you. Songs that would undoubtedly make the album the best thing Corroded Coffin have ever released. Shit. Did that also make him selfish? He wondered if it was fair that his creativity blossomed while you were hurting. He wondered if profiting off this heartache was the right thing to do. Would it make you more mad? Would it break you even more?

Then he saw it.

MISS AMERICANA MOVES ON 

What the fuck.

-

“Did you forget that you promised to come help me shop for dresses?”

You groan at Val’s question, pulling the blankets over your head until your face is entirely hidden and a faint darkness envelops around you. This is your safe space now. This is where you wish you could stay for all eternity, but alas, the universe always seems to have other plans.

“Val,” you mumble under your breath, “I say this with all sincerity, please fuck off. I’m clearly in no shape to hold up to my promise, so just take my credit card and ask a friend to go with you instead. Please.”

She huffs, and even though you can’t see her, you know she’s rolling her eyes. Then, without skipping a beat, she does the exact opposite to what you asked her to do, opting to yank the covers off you entirely with a wicked grin. 

“I am done letting you wither away, okay?” She states, “It’s been months of self-pity and I’m fucking sick of it. Everyone is sick of it. Jesus, he broke your heart, big deal. People get their heart broken all the damn time and you don’t see them wasting away in bed.”

“Because they don’t have the privilege to.” 

It was the wrong thing to say.

“Nana calls you an ungrateful brat all the time, behind your back of course. I think you just proved her point.”

The sting of Val’s words causes you to visibly grimace, but you can’t say you didn’t deserve her hostile push back. You were acting like a brat. Saying the wrong things in the heat of the moment, you knew better than that. You were taught better than that. Just like you were also taught to uphold your promises, keep your word and do the things you said you would do. 

With an exaggerated sigh, you stand, and for the first time in months, you go get dressed in something that’s not an overpriced pyjama set. Val cheers you on, proud of  herself for being the person that could convince you to leave the confines of your apartment, even if it was only for one afternoon.

Fifth Avenue is a Manhattan staple. Stretching from Greenwich Village, where you grew up, all the way to Harlem, a secret favourite, if anyone ever asked. Personally, you opted to steer clear of Fifth Avenue as much as you could, though, being one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, it made sense this is where Val asked Hank to escort you two. Especially, since after hours of browsing stores your little sister normally couldn’t afford on her own, your journey’s end is Saks.

“Tell me again why we’re dress shopping? You hate dresses.”

“Because, since you’ve pretty much turned yourself into a recluse, Nana asked me to join her at the upcoming charity function she’s throwing. Her one demand was that I need a dress.” Val explains, browsing through a carefully crafted selection of garments. “Preferably expensive.”

“She didn’t say anything to me,” you say, furrowing your brows.

“Like I said, recluse.”

You sigh. Nails, overdue a manicure, now at the brim of your lips, threatening to push through at any given moment. It was a bad habit. Something you’ve recently done a lot because speaking your mind clearly wasn’t good enough and only led to misfortune. This was the only way you could ease the anxiety surrounding the mess you’ve made of your life, as gross as it was.

“Well, I didn’t want Nana, or anyone else for that matter, saying I told you so, or thinking I had it coming since apparently I was the only person that had blinders on when it came to…”

His name got stuck in your throat like a bad apple. A choking hazard that brought tears to your eyes and caused your chest to heave suddenly with bated breaths. Clearly, you hadn’t gotten over him, otherwise you wouldn’t spend your days locked up in your apartment. What you didn’t realise though, was that you hadn’t said his name out loud since that fateful morning in his kitchen.

“Fuck you, Eddie.”

The vile tone behind those three words rings in your ears. Of course he deserved it then, there’s no denying that. He still deserves it today. If you were ever to see him at any Hollywood function, you’d either ignore his presence entirely or greet him the same exact way you said your goodbye: “Fuck you, Eddie.”. But for a split second, you feel sad that this is the way you remember his name on your tongue.

“We wouldn’t have made you feel worse, sis.” Val says, oblivious to your inner turmoil. “What do you think of this one?” She proceeds to steer you further away from your deprecating thoughts by holding up a simple red dress. Single strap, maxi length. Exactly the opposite of her usual style, primarily because it was a dress and Val always said she’d rather be caught dead than wearing something designed to limit her movements.

“It’s gorgeous,” you compliment, “Exactly your style.”

If she detected your tiny, white lie, she didn’t say anything. Although, judging by the elated look on her face, no one's opinion really mattered anyway. Not even the one she asked for. The one from her famous older sister.

“It really is, isn’t it? I’m gonna try it on.”

Wanting to see your genuine reaction to her wearing the garment, Val asks you to momentarily join Hank, and wait outside the private dressing suite. You giggle at her, missing the fact that this was the first genuine laugh you let out since Los Angeles, and step outside the heavy door without protest.

Hank greets you with a tight lipped smile, but doesn’t say anything. He never does. You liked that about him, especially considering everyone else in your life always had too much to say. Hank’s silence was like a breath of fresh air. However, unknown to you yet, this time, Hank should have been talking, saying literally anything, repeating any old story, ‘cause then, his deep voice would mask what unfortunately catches your attention next.

It’s not really a squeal, not really a groan either. It’s honestly not really any distinct sound, just something that echoes down the hall, reaching your ears and causing Hank to stop the tune he was quietly humming. Both your heads snap in the direction of the noise, just in case it is something you should worry about, like a paparazzo that somehow snuck in, despite the heavy Saks security. Unfortunately for you, the person that comes rushing around the corner is a lot worse than any ol’ shutterbug.

Suddenly, at the end of the hallway, in all her redheaded glory, appears Max Mayfield.

Recognition feigns across her features as her movements come to a halt the second she sees you perched up against the corridor wall. Her mouth parts in shock, proving that she’s clearly just as surprised to see you here. 

Having never officially met, Max still knew exactly who you were. And not because of your fame, the articles about you and her brother. No. Judging by the look in her piercing eyes, Max knew you more intimately. She knew you from the stories that fell directly from Eddie’s lips. She knew details of your relationship that were kept secret from the public. Hell, she might’ve even known more than you.

You don’t get to ask her though. You don’t even get to say ‘hello’ because she glances behind her shoulder, your gaze following just as quickly. Holy shit, you think, knees now wobbling underneath you. If Eddie walks around that corner you might… Well, frankly, you don’t know how you’d react. You also didn’t really want to find out. Not now. Not here. Not like this.

So your fingers reach for the door handle and you’re just about to push it open, retreat back inside, when the person that’s with Max comes into view.

The disappointment that briefly rushes through you is unmatched. Even if you didn’t really want to see the rockstar, you still wished he was actually here. Instead, you’re now face to face with another brunette with hair just as wild as Eddie’s. Only his attire is different. The suit that’s perfectly tailored to his slender frame is also undoubtedly expensive. Armani, you notice.

“Jesus, when will you learn not to—”

He sees you then. The same exact look that Max is currently sporting spreads across his sharp features, so he must know you too. Difference being, you don’t know him.

“Oh shit. Sorry. We, eh, we were told no one was here.” He apologises, glancing between you and Hank, who’s posture is proper. Intimidating.

You step out in front of your bodyguard. An unspoken signal that says he doesn’t need to tell these people to get lost just yet. 

“That’s okay,” you reply to the stranger, quickly weighing your options in terms of what the next words to spill from your lips should be. One more glance in Max’s direction solidifies your decision. If her brother is going to repeatedly break your heart and get away with it, you’re going to play dumb and pretend he didn’t really matter to you.

With a polite smile and a swift extension of your hand, you introduce yourself. First to the mystery man, then to Max. The redhead is slightly more apprehensive about the hand shake, but she takes your extended fingers in hers regardless before saying her own name, as if you didn’t already know it.

The guy you now know as Steve clears his throat. 

“We’ll come back.” It’s simple. Meant to ease the awkwardness since the three of you clearly knew what — or rather, who — you had in common, but none of you seems willing to say the name aloud first.

“That’s okay,” you repeat, “Stay. We’re nearly finished anyway.”

And right on queue, Val calls your name from inside the private dressing room. You excuse yourself, leaving the two to exchange a knowing glance, and a whisper, undoubtedly about what they should do next.

Val, of course, looks breathtaking in the dress she picked out. Hand on your heart, you stare at your little sister in awe, wondering, probably for the first time ever, when the hell did she grow up so fast. And it’s an odd feeling that spreads through you. Pushing down the heartbreak momentarily, is melancholy for all the time you lost with your siblings because you were too busy being a star. It brings tears to your eyes, but you push them down quickly since you’ve been called dramatic enough for one day, and right now, it was all about Valentine.

“I think I understand why you’re always wearing skirts and dresses,” she says, spinning in front of the large mirror with the biggest smile on her face.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I feel like a fucking princess.”

A soft giggle escapes your lips. You agree with her sentiment, then add, “You look like mom.” Meaning it as the highest of compliments and her eyes twinkle at your words. 

“She’s going to love this dress.”

You nod. “She’s going to love you in this dress.”

It’s decided, just like that. The dress is being bought and Val thanks you ten times over for offering to pay for it, along with a pair of Louboutins to compliment it. You tell her it’s the least you can do for finally getting you out of bed, then you tell her that you’re glad you did this together — biting your tongue when it came to the apology for missing so many key moments in her life, because again, this moment was about her, not about the guilt you suddenly felt for focusing too much on your career and too little on your family.

Using the phone inside the private dressing room, Val calls for one of the Sales Assistants to come up, and while you two wait, you leave her again to get redressed in her normal clothes. 

Max and Steve are gone. 

That’s the first thing you notice when stepping back into the corridor. Hank doesn’t say anything as to their departure, unsurprisingly. He does, however, hand you a receipt from a nearby coffee shop. There’s scribbles on the back of it: ‘MEET ME’, along with an address in Brooklyn.

“From the redheaded girl,” Hank admits.

-

Max Mayfield has tolerated a lot of shitty behaviour in her lifetime.

The list of people that hurt her, and the people closest to her, was quite long, especially for a twenty-something year old. But her upbringing had a lot more downs than ups, and because of that, for the longest time, Max considered herself to be the most unlucky person on the planet. So she blamed the people around her for it, because how else is a kid supposed to judge universal injustice?

To this day, she remembers every single individual that has wronged her in any way, along with the associated place, and most importantly, the how. Max was never entirely sure what she’d do with that information, but she stored it at the back of her mind regardless — hence her thick skin and inability to tolerate any sort of bullshit. 

Which is why it sucks ten times more when it is the people close to her doing the hurting, with no rhyme nor reason.

If Eddie asked, that’s why she left you her address. If Eddie asked, that’s why she wanted to talk to you. He did the hurting. Then he spewed bullshit as to why he ended things with you. Max didn’t believe any of it. Anyone with half a brain wouldn’t believe it.

“I think she’s the love of my life,” Eddie announced one day, out of the blue. 

He called Max every Tuesday, when it hit four in the afternoon for him. Usually, the two of them talked about Max’s adventures in New York. How she’s doing with her studies, what she’s been up to with her friends (old and new), and if Sinclair has been driving her crazy, which he usually is. The odd time, Eddie would drop in some details about his whirlwind of a life, though he never talked about dating.

That is, until her older brother met you.

Then he wouldn’t fucking shut up.

Max liked this side of Eddie. A truly happy Eddie. And the redhead knows, better than anyone, the rockstar hasn’t been truly happy in all the years he’s been in a set presence in her life.

So to say she was surprised when the news broke, NO MORE SWEETHEART FOR EDDIE MUNSON, would be a vast understatement.

“Dude, what the fuck?” Max questioned her brother.

“Nothing,” Eddie answered plainly, as if it was the simplest thing in the world, “turns out she wasn’t anything special.”

“Eddie,” Max breathed, “you’re acting like a prick.”

She heard a sigh on the other line. Defeated. A little annoyed. Maybe even… sad?

“Whatever,” he brushed the comment off. “Listen, Red, I really don’t wanna talk about this, ‘cause if I did, I would’ve told you it ended myself.”

“That’s another problem I have—”

“Let’s not, okay?” Eddie snapped. “I really don’t wanna deal with shit from you, on top of everyone else, okay? We were never a real item, so it’s not a big deal.”

Max dropped it then and she swore she’d never bring it up again, but then, she bumped into you. She imagined meeting you many times over. The girl that made her brother happy. She wanted to know that girl. She wanted to thank her.

When it all went to hell, Max thought she’d never get the chance. Especially since, seemingly, you seemed okay with the downfall of your relationship with Eddie, spotted out on dates all over New York City. For a brief moment, Max let herself hate you. Clearly, you weren’t upset, which means, clearly, you didn’t care about Eddie nearly as much as he would have believed.

But then she saw you.

Max noticed how your face twitched with recognition the second your eyes locked together, how your hands shook slightly when Max looked behind her shoulder, the brief disappointment when it wasn’t Eddie who came around the corner, and how you tried to plaster on a pristine smile when you introduced yourself.

And now that she saw you, one thing was clear. Eddie hurt your feelings. He may have even broken your heart. That sort of behaviour, Max couldn’t stand for.

“Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for inviting me,” you say with a delicate smile.

Your moves are apprehensive when Max further pushes her apartment door open, allowing you into her home. She leads you down the long hallway and offers up the couch for you to sit, while she steps towards the kitchen cabinets to grab a couple of wine glasses. 

In the time that Max opens up a bottle of Cabernet, you allow yourself to glance around the space. The furniture is all mismatched, definitely vintage, probably thrifted. There’s a fireplace, but you think it must be disconnected since instead it houses cream-coloured candles, all of different burn degrees. Otherwise, the decor is minimal, and it makes you think of Eddie and the empty walls of his Los Angeles mansion.

Though there is one prime feature. A framed Corroded Coffin poster, signed by all the members.

A faint smile circles your lips as you trail the details of the image. Though you haven’t been a fan before, having dated Eddie for a couple of months, you now knew the poster was from their first headline tour. The poor scribbles on an old photo, something that could one day be worth thousands. You’re sure though, that to Max, the value of this is priceless.

So your nerves bubble to the surface. Your leg starts to bounce, thumb back at your lips as you stare at the poster in front of you. The question of why exactly Max asked you to meet has been circling your mind ever since Hank handed you the address. It’s only intensified now that you are here. Now that you are looking at an A3 print of the brunette rockstar in his sister’s apartment. The guy that, despite your best efforts, you still cared for quite deeply.

“Here you go,” Max hails you back to reality by handing you a glass of wine. “It’s nothing fancy though, I eh, don’t usually host celebrities,” she tries to joke.

“Don’t worry about it,” you say and take the drink out of her grasp. “I-I actually prefer the cheaper stuff. Keeps me rich,” you try to joke.

Max seems to like your efforts ‘cause she huffs out a laugh while making herself comfortable on the armchair to your right.

“If only my idiotic brother carried the same principles as you,” she says. And just like that, the air is tense again. Your attempt at a joke is turned into an uncomfortable reminder of what the two of you have in common, and the reason for why you’re here tonight.

There’s a brief moment of slightly awkward silence. Then Max sighs softly.

“You’re probably wondering why I asked you to come.”

“The thought did cross my mind, yes.”

Max smiles, it’s small, yet genuine. 

“Look, Eddie has never been one for chatting about feelings. That’s one of the things we actually have in common, which is probably why we’ve always gotten along so well.” She pauses.

“Full transparency, I don’t know what went down between the two of you. All I know is one day, he’s telling me how he’s crazy about you, and the next, I’m reading in the tabloids how it’s over and Eddie’s not willing to give up any reasons why.”

Your face falls momentarily. Something Max picks up on instantly.

“You thought I knew more.”

“That obvious, huh?” You smirk.

“Just a little.”

There’s another moment of silence.

“I’ll be the first to say that Eddie can be a bit of a dickhead sometimes. Especially recently, when the money started rolling in and apparently no one in Hollywood understands setting boundaries, his ego has grown for sure. But I also know what he’s been through. Hawkins wasn’t the kindest to him.”

“Why are you telling me this?” It comes out as a whisper.

“He hurt you,” she’s blunt.

You don’t mean to, but you scoff. “No offence to you, or your brother, but I’m sure I wasn’t the first person he’s hurt, and I certainly won’t be the last, so do you sit down with all his ex-flings?”

Max sucks her bottom lip between her teeth, chewing down momentarily, as she drops her gaze to the wine glass in her grasp. For a moment, you think you came off too bitchy and a little dismissive, after all, she hasn’t made her intentions known yet. Your instinct is to apologise, but then she clears her throat and looks back up at you.

“You’re the only one he’s ever talked about.”

-

“Do you wanna hurt him back?” — Max's question dings in your ears like the alarm bells you should have heard when she first asked it. 

Not now. Not the next night, after you had already agreed to her plan. After the plan was already in motion, you were simply just waiting for the other person to arrive.

Waiting for Steve Harrington.

This was all honestly a little too crazy, but again, you thought so a little too late. You should have been second guessing the idea the second Max presented it to you, like a pretty little gift, wrapped in a big bow known to most as ‘revenge’. Though last night, two bottles of wine in, you would have agreed to anything the redhead said. You did agree to everything ‘cause you realised that she just needed someone to vent her own feelings to, same as you.

She said Eddie didn’t want to talk about it, and she wanted to be sympathetic towards his feelings, but seeing you reminded her, he wasn’t the only person involved in this situation. She needed to talk to you. And honestly, you were glad for the opportunity, hence why you showed up at the scribbled address. Since all you got from your close circle was judgement, it couldn’t hurt to spend time with someone who’d refrain from commenting on how foolish you were.

As the night progressed, so did the topic of conversation.

The two of you had moved on from small talk relating to the person you both knew, and to the real reason Max asked you to come over: “Do you wanna hurt him back?”.

“I-I…” Clearly, the redhead caught you off guard, “Well, I-I haven’t really—”

“If you tell me you haven’t thought about it over the last few months, then I will say you’re full of shit, because no girl of your status gets her heartbroken so publicly, only to let the other person scot free.”

She moved from the armchair and sat back down next to you, then continued, “And I’m not saying this is about your career. It’s about principle. Taking away the fact that Eddie’s my brother, he’s an entitled rockstar who thinks other people’s feelings aren’t as important! Which personally, is just so baffling considering what he went through with Chrissy—”

“Who’s Chrissy?”

Max didn’t really answer your question, though the look in her eyes gave some of it away. Chrissy was, at one point in time, someone very important to Eddie. The name slipped out, you weren’t supposed to know it, that much was definitely clear. And you were smart enough to deduct that Max wasn’t going to tell you much else about this mystery girl, but maybe, whatever she had planned, would allow you to learn it from someone else. Maybe even Eddie himself.

“Okay,” you agreed, “What do you have in mind?”

That’s how you found yourself at Minetta Tavern, fifteen minutes early than agreed with Max ‘cause you knew you’d need a glass of wine before Steve arrived. There was a pit in your stomach. This whole situation was honestly so twisted, even for your standards. But you kept repeating to yourself how it was too late to back out now. Too late to call off this whole thing since the paparazzi you asked  Holly to arrange were already lurking outside.

Steve shows up about ten minutes before the agreed time.

The hostess walks him over to your table and you immediately notice how nervous he seems. He still offers you a charming smile and bends slightly to your level, greeting you with a half-hug. When he sits across from you, he’s quick to order a Jameson on ice, and only when the waiter is out of sight, Steve looks at you.

“Even if this is a fake date, I do have to say, you look really beautiful tonight.”

A timid smile circles your lips at the unexpected compliment. “Thank you, Steve. You look rather handsome too.”

“Nah,” he brushes you off with a smirk, “Not to be overly forward, but I’m all sweaty after a whole day’s work. Wanted to change shirts. Ended up running late this morning, so I didn’t take a second one with me. Then I tried to bribe one of my colleagues to give me his spare shirt, so he told me he’d bet me for it with a game of pool, which I clearly lost. It was a whole thing.” Steve dramatises, the smirk ever present. 

“Bet you’re regretting calling me handsome now, huh?”

“Not at all,” you reply honestly, “Actually, surprisingly, quite the opposite.”

He raises a brow. “Oh yeah?”

And you nod. “Not to be overly forward,” you repeat his earlier sentiment, “But I’ve never been on a date with someone that had a real job.”

Steve laughs. “I just told you I played a game of pool at work to win a clean shirt. That’s a real job to you?”

It’s rather effortless how he makes you laugh too.

“Well, I’m assuming that didn’t take the whole day, so for at least six hours today, you worked, no?”

Still smiling, he bops his head in agreement. “You got me there.”

Celebrating your mini victory, you take a sip of your wine. 

“So, what do you do, Steve?” You ask after the waiter brings over his drink and takes your food orders.

“Wall Street,” he answers plainly.

“Shit,” you reply with a grin, “You’re so right. That’s not a real job.”

When Steve laughs again, you forget why you’re both really here. When he laughs again, the slight shake of his head causing his hair to bounce in compliment, you forget the circumstances surrounding your date. As the night continued, with every spoken word, every little joke and giggle, you end up forgetting a lot of things actually.

You forget to ask Steve why he agreed to do this with you. Forget to ask about Eddie and what their friendship meant to him, since he’s here, acting out a revenge plot. Most importantly, you forget to ask about Chrissy, who she was, and what she really meant to the rockstar.

This fake date with Steve turned into one of the best dates of your young-adult life.

Apparently, you two had a lot in common, more than you could have ever imagined. You both came from families that always lived above the norm, which in itself was a challenge only people from similar backgrounds could understand. Steve had said how the weight of the world was always on his shoulders whenever he was around his parents, and that’s how you felt with your Nana. Nothing was ever good enough, yet you kept trying to impress them regardless. He shared the privilege you’ve always felt, so you bonded. Without ever meaning to.

It wasn’t until after dinner, which Steve paid for, by the way, you remembered the circumstances that brought you here together. He seemed to understand the apprehensive look in your eyes ‘cause he was quick to offer to leave first, before you, and not with you — just in case you had second thoughts — but you just shook your head, Max’s question humming in your ears once again: “Do you wanna hurt him back?”.

“He really hurt me, Steve.”

The brunette nods. “Let’s go then.”

The next morning, Page Six features a spread about you on a date with “a mystery brunette”. In the picture, Steve’s got his arm around you, hugging you close, as the two of you push through the paparazzi to get into his vintage car.

When Steve calls your apartment a few days later, you ask him if he regrets being put on blast like that.

“No,” he answers quickly, “Real or not, I had a really good night with you. Which honestly made me think about all the possible reasons Munson might’ve had to do what he did.”

“What did you come up with?”

“That he’s a fucking idiot. You’re incredible.”

You damn well know he can picture the smile you’re sporting right now as you wrap the cord around your wrist, like a little school girl talking to her crush. If your Nana saw, she’d tell you to snap out of it. Although, unlike Eddie, Steve was exactly the type of guy she’d want you to end up with.

Intelligent, charming, kind — and those were just the qualities you learned in a single night. The more you thought about your not-so-fake date, the more you found yourself wanting to learn even more about the handsome brunette.

There were just a couple of other questions you needed to get out of the way before you asked Steve out on a real date. Things you should’ve asked the first time around, instead of getting caught up in the moment.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“If Eddie’s your friend, why did you agree to Max’s plan?”

There’s a brief moment of silence. Albeit, very  brief.

“I guess the same reason Red even put this in motion in the first place.”

“Chrissy?”

You can hear him sigh into the receiver, but you don’t get to actually hear him confirm it, or ask any of the follow ups you should have actually asked him during your date, because there’s a knock on your door. Then again, only louder, more intense.

“Steve, I gotta call you back,” you say, attention now focused on whoever it was that’s on the other side of your front door and the eagerness behind their knocks.

“Sure thing, darling. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, someone’s just at my door. I’ll call you in a couple minutes, okay?”

“Okay,” Steve agrees, “Speak in a few.” 

The next thing you hear are three beeps, so you hurry to put the phone back before approaching your front door. You don’t really think to check who it might be through the peephole, since there’s only a limited number of people that would get past your doorman with no prior notice. That was a mistake.

On the other side of your apartment door, drenched from the September rain, stood none other than Corroded Coffin frontman himself, Mr Eddie Munson.

Your mouth parts slightly in shock as Eddie slides his hands into the back pockets of his jeans, meeting your wide gaze. He tries to smile, though the corners of his lips don’t really move that far upward.

And you’re not sure how long the two of you stand there, just looking at one another. It’s only when one of your neighbours comes out of their apartment, into the shared corridor, that you snap out of whatever spell you had found yourself under.

The panic sets in. 

He’s actually here. Eddie is standing in front of you. Now, Mrs McAllister has seen him, and she’s got a big mouth, yapping to the ladies at bingo about all your activities, gossip that somehow always travels back to your Nana — the last person you needed on your case, again.

So without really thinking, you slam the door shut.

Right in Eddie’s face.

thank you for reading! really appreciate the endless & continuous support!

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& tagging some cool ppl that expressed interest: @eviethetheatrefreak , @thirddeadlysin , @haylaansmi , @nope-thanks , @tlclick73 , @vintagehellfire , @ashlynnkennedy , @avalon-wolf , @sidthedollface2 , @astheni-a , @bebe07011 , @aysheashea , @papillonoirsworld , @vol2eddie

[thatgreyjedi]

As voted on by you guys, today’s episode of “ThatGreyJedi’s Song Analysis” is the ever iconic yet actually pretty emotional song if you listen the acoustic version (yes, the one from Deadpool 2)

Take On Me by A-ha

Now, I was already considering this as Buddie song WAY before the Contagion Arc, but let’s just say that recent developments have more or less heightened it?! I have quite a bit to talk about, so get comfy while I bring you another English teacher’s pet interpretation of an 80s song in relation to a medical procedure t.v show (and a superhero movie, because why not?).

Let’s start from the beginning of the song:

We're talking away

I don't know what I'm to say

I'll say it anyway

Today is another day to find you

Shyin' away

Oh, I'll be comin' for your love, okay

Now, I can imagine what a lot of you are thinking right now and you’re right! The constant FaceTime calls after Eddie left for Texas. Yeah. That.

No matter what happened that day, whether they’re having the best day or the worst nerves or even going through one of the most absolutely devastating losses of the series, they’re always there for each other. They’ve shown us that for the past 7 seasons, even if it’s for just a few minutes, and it reflects how far one would go for the other, even if it means letting them go (but only for a little bit).

Alright, the next part of this song also SCREAMS 8b:

Take on me

Take me on

I'll be gone

In a day or two

When I sat down to write this analysis, I couldn't stop think about the underlying theme of love, specifically a love that goes beyond the bounds of time and space. A love that isn't simply restricted to warm fuzzy feelings or romantic outings. A love that isn't always easy but endearing through sacrifices and compromises.

Buck and Eddie? They not only reflect love, but they show all aspects of truly loving someone. It's easy to be angry at someone you love for choosing to leave, but there's always the option to be happy for them. Will you be upset? Angry? Hurt? Those are common emotions for any human being to endure and it's alright. Was Buck hurt by Eddie's decision to leave? Absolutely, but he let him go so he could be with their his son. Plus, it was obvious to most of us and the general audience watching this show that Eddie wasn't going to be gone for too long, but we just didn't know when he'd return, with or without Chris. Buck was in that same scenario, TWICE (The first with Abby and the most recent with Eddie)! However, the biggest difference between Abby leaving and Eddie leaving is that the latter's was only ever going to be TEMPORARY. Sure, he would be gone for a time, but Eddie was always meant to come back to LA. Abby, well, she never had any true intentions of staying in LA after her mother died and she never had any reason (at least in her mind) to come back permanently.

So, what's the purpose of this? Why am I even taking the time to even analyze this? Why did this immediately ring a bell in my head as a Buddie-coded song?

Well, as we move into season 9 in the fall, I know that many individuals have strongly stated that they will not be returning to watch the series as a result of Bobby's death. I understand why people are angry at that decision and I can't lie, I was a little upset about 9-1-1's PR response to the beloved captain's death. However, I want to remind people as to why we're here in this online community. We are here because we all share a common belief: Buddie going Canon before the series ends (which is hopefully not for a long time). We have rode this bizarre and insane at times roller-coaster that is one of the slowest burns in all of television history, and I promise you that the fruition of this relationship is coming soon.

[george228732]

Hot take

Kirby lore is great, but has SO MUCH lost potential

Don't you see the amount of amazing content that could be taken in depth thanks to the lore it has? The most we see of Kirby Lore being utilized in more games than the one it was introduced in is the Dark Matter Trilogy and mere call backs from other games that follow.

Then comes the part where HAL brings more convoluting lore like what we know of the Magolor epilogue, and HAL just doesn't do anything else with it. But I think this is shown better with FL, PR and TD. To this day, Star Allies is the one most discussed regarding Kirby Lore, not only because of Void Termina but also because HAL ACTUALLY made some exposition of Kirby Lore like Hyness' speech and such. Not everyone will be able to see it but at least it's not subtext anymore, just text. Thing that doesn't get seen basically at all with the other games I mentioned

I get the "Use subtext for your story", but you overuse it and you get the most vague lore humanity has ever seen. Sure, in some games and shows it works in their favor thanks to the theming of those stories but Kirby never struck me as one of those, at least in my opinion.

Maybe this is why many artists and writers have made an insane amount of AUs for Kirby trying to give more lore with actual dialogue - compare the amount of exposition heavy AUs Kirby has with the amount of exposition heavy AUs franchises like Mario, Metroid or Zelda have. See the difference?

My point is, Kirby should REALLY do more with its lore instead of leaving some of the most intriguing topics I've seen stagnating and catching dust.

[gayloringinplainsight]

why is all of your "evidence" so contridictory? if she came out on lesbian visibility day and all her past relationships are pr beards, why does it matter the bisexual hints she drops? AND if she IS bisexual, why come out on lesbian visibility day and have so many lesbian flag themed hints? why would she be in pr beard relationships if shes openly bisexual?

I DONT CARE ABOUT TAYLOR SWIFT. I DONT CARE ABOUT HER SEXUALITY. IF SHE IS OR IS NOT LGBT DOESNT HAVE ANY BEARING ON MY LIFE UNLESS SHE STOPS POLLUTING THE EARTH WHEN SHE COMES OUT. JUST EXPLAIN HOW THE EVIDENCE WORKS. NOT IN LYRICS. NOT MUSIC VIDEOS. NOT PICTURES FROM INTSTAGRAM. NOT SOMEONE ELSE'S TIK TOKS. NOT HINTS. JUST TANGIBLE PROOF.

Okay first idk why you need to scream at me. Calm the fuck down. And if you don't care about Taylor Swift then I'm not sure why you're on my blog screaming in all caps about her, but let's do this anyways cause I'm in a verbose mood.

Second, it's not my evidence, it's her evidence and her flagging, and I have eyes and a brain capable of a modicum of critical thinking.

And I don't think any of the evidence is contradictory but I kind of understand what you're getting at.

So let me begin by saying that I have no strong opinions on if she's bi or pan or lesbian or fluid or whatever. I think there was a lot of bi flagging in the 1989 era, both bi and pan flagging during the Lover era, and then there's been a lot more lesbian flagging during the Midnights/eras tour period. So if I had to venture a guess I'd say she used to identify as bi and now identifies as lesbian, but I don't feel super strongly about it and I also don't think there's really enough evidence to say for sure one way or another, only that there's more than enough evidence to be certain she's some flavor of queer.

What additionally contributes to the lack of clear answers on labelling is the fact that she does flagging on lesbian visibility day, and then mixes bi flagging and pan flagging in the same music video. But I don't think it's fair to say that if she's (for the sake of argument) bi, then she can only do bi-specific flagging. She can do any kind of flagging she wants, and that doesn't diminish the queer message she's coding. It might also be that she simply identifies as queer or unlabeled, and therefore feels free to mix and match all of these things. Or maybe her label is more complex and reliant on the split attraction model, like bi-romantic lesbian, or homo-romantic bisexual/pansexual.

To address some of your specific statements, she didn't "come out on lesbian visibility day". At least not explicitly. But she flagged very hard and said something that could be construed as coming out in a glass-closeted kind of way.

We also don't know that all of her public relationships have been PRships. They might have been, and I think a lot of them were, but we don't actually know. I think you're also asking, if every public relationship with men was PR, why would she ever flag as bi? But just because the relationships we know about were potentially PR doesn't mean there couldn't have been relationships with men that we don't know about. A great example of this is Martin Johnson, who many people think was a real relationship (and the muse for Dear John).

All this goes back to the point that she can do any kind of flagging she wants. She's not restricted to bi flagging if she's bi, or lesbian flagging if she's a lesbian. Perhaps she vacillates between labels. Perhaps her labels are more complex like bisexual lesbian. Perhaps in addition to whatever her own label is, she wants to give visibility to other queer identities.

Just because we don't know her exact brand of queer doesn't mean the evidence is contradictory. It means we don't know her exact brand of queer.

Lastly, to address your final demand where you want tangible proof except not lyrics or videos or social media posts or hints. Which is a request that's not really based in reality. Because that's exactly where the tangible proof lies. It's in the enormous pile of queer flagging that can't be explained away. It's in the performances where she sings "I want her midnights." It's in her panoply of rainbow outfits. It's in statements like "Gay pride…makes me, me!" It's in all the mv scenes of glass closeting. It's in Jack accidentally outing her. It's in the rep prologue. It's in lyrics that reference hairpin drops and secrecy and religious guilt and fear of being found out. It's in her literally telling us "I prefer hiding in plain sight." This is all queer flagging and if you know how to read it then you can read it. And if you can't or refuse to, then that's on you. If you want to wait for her to shout her identity from the rooftops before you think there's tangible proof, then feel free to wait for that day. I think it will come. But in the meantime, queer flagging IS proof. And the sheer volume and scope and clarity of it makes it tangible.

[chilagliasnsfwblog]

I've come as you requested.

Hear me out demon Ronin x Reader right right. Let him use rope to hold reader up and you have the creative rest.

deep inhale

I’m collecting all the ronin simps and im thriving off it—

ANYWAY

Cause I suck at doing unisex pronouns without accidentally getting confused halfway. This is gonna be a female reader so…yeah—

This version of Ronin is going based off the Kpop demon hunter movie because he looks fine AF in that universe.

Now that’s out the way…enjoy—

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

Perilous Curiosity

(Demon!Ronin X Reader)

Warnings: Explicit sexual content, light BDSM themes (bondage, power dynamics), mild stalking/surveillance, swearing, etc

——————————————————————————————————

This was a mistake. A dumb, reckless mistake that anyone else would’ve warned her against, if she’d bothered to tell anyone in the first place.

But it wasn’t really Y/n’s fault. Not entirely.

She was just doing her job, chasing a lead, trying to snap a photo of the newly popular mutant idol who had exploded onto the street performance scene like a firework, bold, dazzling, and impossible to ignore.

Ronin.

A name that now echoed through social media feeds, screamed from the mouths of swooning fans, and plastered across every screen the city had to offer, promoting him and his crew. 

A mutant turtle with flair, swagger, and a devil-may-care attitude that made him magnetic. He was untouchable. Perfect, even. Or so people thought.

But Y/n didn’t believe in perfection.

Behind every charming smile and crafted mystique was something hidden. Something real. She had seen enough of the industry to know that. And while the world fell head over heels for Ronin’s enigmatic persona and dazzling eyes, she had one goal…

Find out what he was hiding.

Of course, this wasn’t some personal vendetta. She wasn’t one of those gossip-blog jackals, clawing for drama. She was a reporter, a real one. 

And this? This was the kind of scoop that could push her out of the shadows of her editor’s dismissive glances and into the spotlight. A payday. A promotion. A headline that screamed “EXCLUSIVE.”

Still, she didn’t feel great about it.

No one else in her department wanted to go near the story. They called it a dead-end or brushed it off with dreamy sighs and muttered things like “Ronin? Please, he’s a sweetheart. Don’t ruin it.”

Y/n would never say it aloud, but she understood their hesitation.

Because even she had been enchanted by him. She’d watched one of his performances live once—just once—and it had been enough to keep her thinking about him for weeks. The sharp movements, the effortless confidence, the way he laughed like the world was a game he already knew how to win.

But tonight, none of that mattered.

Perched on a rooftop above the back alley behind one of Ronin’s usual haunts, she had been stalking him for a few days now, getting used to his routine.

She adjusted the lens of her camera with chilled fingers, the night breeze tugging at her coat. Her breath misted in the air as she peered down at the quiet alleyway below. According to her source, Ronin always ducked out this way after performances, alone.

That was odd in itself. For someone who seemed to thrive in the spotlight, why leave like a shadow?

She wasn’t sure what she expected to find. A secret meeting? A shady deal? Another identity?

Her heart pounded with every second that passed. This wasn’t like the cushy interviews or scripted PR fluff she usually handled. This was real, gritty, invasive reporting and part of her hated it.

But she needed the money.

Rent was due. Her boss was breathing down her neck. And Ronin, with all his fame and secrets, had become the perfect opportunity.

So Y/n kept her camera steady and waited.

And thank god she didn’t need to wait all that long, crouching low to not be seen as she witnessed the star of her reporting, Ronin, walking along the valley, dressed in a grey hoodie as he strolled without a care in the world.

He didn’t seem like he knew of her presence so that was good. And Y/n would like to keep it that way.

Peeking down, careful to not make loud noise she spots Ronin stopping, sighing as he rolls his neck and shoulders as though he was stiff.

“How long do I need to keep this up anyway…?” He spoke to no one but himself as he pulled up the sleeve of his hoodie, making Y/n peer down curiously, her eyes widening and she spots markings suddenly glistening against his green skin.

Not only that, his entire appearance seemed to have change, his eyes slit and looked as though they glow in the dark, his skin and face covered in those purple like markings, his nails becoming sharp.

“Who knew being an idol would be hard work…” He muttered, voice low, almost amused.

Then, with a lazy turn of his head, he tilted his gaze upward, and directly toward her.

Y/n froze.

Her breath caught, her heart jolting into her throat as her eyes locked with his. He couldn’t possibly see her up here, tucked behind the metal piping and shadows of the rooftop. She was careful. Quiet. Hidden. Right?

But those eyes, slitted, glowing faintly in the dark stared right into her like she was standing under a spotlight.

Her fingers instinctively tightened around her camera, half-tempted to pull away, to duck down, to pretend she hadn’t been seen. But it was too late. The smirk on Ronin’s face widened, those sharp fangs glinting beneath the faint moonlight glow as he lifted a hand and gave the smallest wave.

Mocking.

Like he knew.

Like he’d always known.

“Oh, you poor thing…” He said softly, but his voice traveled, carried on the wind like a whispered warning. “You’ve been watching me for days and still don’t know what you’re dealing with?”

Y/n couldn’t breathe. Every instinct told her to run. But her legs refused to move. Her camera, her tool of safety, felt suddenly useless in her hands.

What was he?

He didn’t look like the performer she had seen on that stage weeks ago. That Ronin was cocky, cool, and charming. This Ronin? This one looked like something ancient. Something cloaked in glamour and masks and mystic markings that weren’t just for show.

He rolled his shoulders again, casually. The glow from his skin pulsed faintly, like the markings had a rhythm, a heartbeat of their own.

“I get it.” He continued, almost conversational now. “You wanted the truth. The real story.” His grin stretched wider, those glowing eyes narrowing. “Well… congratulations, sweetheart. You found it.”

And then—

He disappeared.

Not walked away. Not jumped up to the roof in some dramatic stunt.

Just vanished. Red smoke? Mist? Curling into the night, a ripple in the air where he once stood.

Y/n jolted back with a gasp, nearly dropping her camera as her breath came in ragged, panicked bursts. Her hands trembled, knees threatening to give out beneath her. She staggered back from the edge of the roof, eyes wild, scanning the darkness for movement, anything.

Nothing.

Nothing but silence and the whistle of the wind.

And then—right behind her ear—a whisper so close it made her skin crawl.

“Next time you want an interview… just ask.”

She spun, heart slamming against her ribs. Her footing slipped, making her squeak out in terror when she was falling, unable to find balance on the rooftop.

But then a strong hand weaved around her waist, preventing her from falling off the rooftop as she stared at her saviour.

Ronin just cockily smiled at her, clearly amused.

Y/n stared, wide-eyed, breath caught in her throat as Ronin held her firmly by the waist, one hand gripping her securely while the other dangled casually at his side as if catching someone mid-fall was just another part of his nightly routine.

The city’s neon lights flickered behind him, casting purples and reds across his sharp features. Up close, he was even more unreal. The strange markings glowing across his beautiful green skin pulsed gently, as though responding to his heartbeat… or hers. His eyes, still slit and luminescent, tracked every twitch of her expression, every ragged breath that escaped her lips.

She tried to speak, to ask something, anything, but the words jammed in her throat like stones. Was this still the same mutant who danced in the streets like he had the world wrapped around his finger? The same Ronin whose name trended online every other day?

“Careful now…” He drawled, his voice low and warm with amusement, like silk hiding the blade beneath. “Would be a shame if your big story ended with a splat on the sidewalk.”

His grip tightened slightly, just enough for her to feel the strength in him. Like steel wrapped in smooth skin. And he knew it. He was making sure she knew it, too.

“Wh-What are you?” She finally managed to whisper, barely audible over the pounding of her pulse in her ears.

His smile softened, but it didn’t become less dangerous. “Now that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he looked her over, his head tilting ever so slightly. Not in a leering way but with a kind of curiosity. Like she was the one under the microscope now.

“You’ve got guts.” He spoke. “I’ll give you that. Following me around. Snooping in shadows. Risking your neck for the truth...” He leaned in a fraction closer, voice lowering. “Or is it just the paycheck?”

Y/n swallowed hard, unsure which answer would get her tossed off the roof faster. “Both.” She said hoarsely, surprising even herself.

Ronin blinked once. Then snorted, a short, sharp breath of laughter through his nose. “Honest. That’s rare.”

He slowly helped her back onto steadier footing but didn’t let go of her waist just yet. His proximity buzzed like static electricity under her skin.

“I’m not mad, by the way.” He said, casually brushing a strand of hair behind her ear like they were friends, or something else entirely. “Curiosity’s part of the job. I get it.”

Y/n blinked up at him, still stunned. “Then… why scare me like that?”

Ronin’s smirk returned, but there was something darker in it this time. A flicker in his gaze that made her skin prickle.

“Because—” He murmured, “—you’re playing with things you don’t understand. I wanted to make sure you felt that.”

A beat passed. Cold wind rushed between them.

“But…” He added, with a shrug that almost made him seem casual again, “I also kind of like you. So, I’m going to give you a freebie.”

Y/n frowned, her voice steadier now. “A freebie?”

He reached into his hoodie pocket and pulled out a card and pressed it into her hand.

“Here. If you’re ever interested in doing an actual interview. To keep you from publishing lies.”

She stared down at the card, then back up but he was already walking away across the rooftop, his hoodie fluttering behind him.

Raising an eyebrow at him curiously she gazed back at the card in her hand. Thick, matte black, with nothing on it but a stylized R embossed in metallic violet. No address. No number. No contact details. Just the symbol, shifting faintly under the moonlight like it had a pulse of its own.

"What the hell…?" She whispered.

When she looked up again, Ronin was gone, no trace, no sound, not even the echo of his footsteps on the gravelled rooftop. Just empty space where moments ago he had stood holding her like she weighed nothing.

The wind howled across the rooftop, colder now. Or maybe it only felt colder, after everything that just happened. Y/n’s knees buckled and she let herself sink down onto the roof, breath coming in shallow gasps. She held the card like it might explode, like it was cursed, or alive, or both.

The whole rooftop felt wrong now. The city noises below carried on as usual—honking cars, distant chatter, the soft rumble of trains, but it all felt muted, detached from reality. As if she’d stepped into someone else’s dream and hadn’t figured out how to wake up yet.

She looked at her camera.

Still clutched tightly in her other hand. Still recording.

With shaking fingers, she tapped through the screen, pulling up the playback. Her stomach churned. The lens had caught it. All of it. The markings on his skin. The voice that didn’t need a microphone to reach her. The shift in his appearance. The flash of red smoke. The whisper in her ear.

And most importantly…

His eyes looking straight at the camera. Like he knew it would be rolling.

A slow, crawling dread slithered down her spine. He let her film it. On purpose.

Which meant he wanted her to have this.

Which meant… what?

Was this a threat? A warning? A twisted invitation?

Hurriedly she got down the roof and raced back to her apartment that needed a major upgrade.

She grabbed her laptop, connecting the camera to it through the connection cord. She was making sure to back the footage up to the cloud, fingers fumbling in her hurry, encrypting it with a password only she would know. 

Y/n sat, warily, like she was expecting him to suddenly materialize again behind her. But her room remained empty.

Still, her thoughts refused to settle.

Why give her anything at all? Why warn her about getting too close but then leave her breadcrumbs to follow?

And why did a small, reckless part of her, the same one that dragged her up here in the first place, already want to see him again?

She looked down at the card in her hand. The R shimmered again.

Not just an idol. Not just a mutant.

Ronin was something more.

And now she was part of whatever came next.

-----

The coffee in Y/n’s hands had long gone cold.

She sat at the far end of the street café’s outdoor patio, her chair tucked into the corner like she could disappear into the bricks if she wanted. The city bustled around her with cars honking, conversations flowing, music spilling from a nearby busker’s speaker, but her focus was fixed on the matte black card resting on the table in front of her.

She hadn’t slept. Not really. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw those glowing slitted eyes staring through her like glass. That smirk. That voice. It looped in her head over and over like one of his songs stuck on repeat.

She had almost convinced herself not to come.

Almost.

But the card had warmed in her pocket when she got up this morning. Like it wanted her to go.

And now… here she was. At the café listed on a note tucked beneath her apartment door this morning. A note with her name. A note she hadn’t heard being delivered.

Today. Noon. Same curiosity, fewer rooftops.

Signed with the same stylized R.

She thought he might not actually show. That this was a game. A test. Maybe he wanted to see how far she’d go.

And then she felt it.

Not a sound. Not a shift. Just… the atmosphere around her changing. Like the shadows had subtly pulled inward. Like the wind inhaled and didn’t exhale.

“Mind if I join you?” Came his voice.

She didn’t jump this time.

She turned her head slowly, gaze already knowing who she’d find. Ronin. Dressed like any other city dweller, black jacket, hoodie up, sunglasses perched lazily low over his nose, but that smirk was unmistakable. So was the energy that radiated from him, like he didn’t belong in this world but had decided to conquer it anyway.

“Thought you’d ghosted me.” Y/n said, trying to keep her voice even, her heart from slamming in her chest.

“I did.” He replied, dropping into the seat across from her like this was a casual brunch and not a collision of two dangerously curious lives. “But I’m trying to be more... approachable.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Is this your idea of approachable?”

He took her coffee, sipped it, grimaced. “No sugar? No wonder you look miserable.”

“You left a note under my door.”

“You pointed a camera at me and stalked me.” He grinned. “Call it even.”

She leaned forward, gripping the edge of the table. “Why did you let me film that? Why didn’t you stop me?”

Ronin took his time answering. He set the coffee back down, adjusted his sunglasses, and finally leaned in close enough for her to see the faint purple glow beginning to pulse beneath the collar of his jacket.

“Because maybe I wanted someone to finally see.” He said. “Not the image. Not the show. The truth. Even if she was a nosy reporter.”

Y/n didn’t flinch. “And what exactly am I seeing?”

His smile faded into something more serious. Not solemn. Just… real. Like the mask had slipped again.

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” He said. “And now that you’ve stepped into this… world of mine, you don’t get to walk away without answers.”

He tapped the card still sitting between them, then after some time of thinking he stood up, dropped a folded slip of paper beside the card, and turned without another word.

“Wait!” She called after him. “Why me? Why not just keep hiding?”

Ronin paused mid-step, turning just enough to flash her a glance over his shoulder, those sunglasses now hanging off the edge of his fingers.

“Because you asked the right question.” He said, voice dipping low with something electric. “And you didn’t run when you should’ve.”

Then he was gone. Not vanished this time, just melted into the crowd, swift and fluid, like a ripple in the current.

Y/n stared down at the slip of paper.

On it, in the same careful handwriting…

Midnight. Come to this address.

Next to it was an address to an apartment complex.

And beneath it, one final line.

You wanted the truth. Let’s see if you’re brave enough to keep looking.

-----

The apartment complex was older, worn in the way city buildings often were with graffiti on the brick, a fire escape that rattled in the wind, flickering overhead lights in the hall that buzzed like an old neon sign. It didn’t scream celebrity. It whispered secrets.

Y/n expected something more…expensive. Ronin is after all a popular celebrity, but maybe this apartment was one of his many to invite guests over?

Y/n hesitated at the door labeled 3C, her fingers curled around the card still warm in her coat pocket. Her heart pounded, not just from nerves but from anticipation. From curiosity. From something deeper—something she couldn’t quite name.

She knocked.

No answer.

She raised her hand again, but before she could knock a second time, the door creaked open. A hand had unclasped the lock from inside.

Ronin stood there, silhouetted in the low light of the apartment, his frame relaxed but watching her closely. He wasn’t wearing the hoodie this time just a loose black t-shirt and dark grey sweatpants.

Ronin also wore his signature grey mask, the tails of it hanging over his shoulder.

“You came.” He said softly.

“You did ask me to come.”

His smile was quieter this time. Not smug. Not mocking. Just... warm.

“Come in.”

She stepped past him into the apartment, eyes adjusting to the soft lighting. It was sparse but strangely personal, music equipment in one corner, an open balcony door letting in the breeze, scattered papers with lyrics and notes scribbled in ink.

“Homey.” Y/n murmured.

“I try.” He chuckled, shutting the door behind her and leaned against it for a second, like he was debating something. Then he spoke, low and steady. “You wanted the truth. I figured the least I could do is let you ask your questions… without smoke this time.”

She turned to face him. “What are you?”

He chuckled quietly, not unkindly. “To be blunt? A demon.”

Y/n tensed at his comment, gulping before gazing her eyes towards the markings that shimmered. “Those markings…”

“Are a curse. Or a gift. Depends on the day.” His gaze dipped toward her camera bag, but he didn’t comment on it. “Tonight, though? I don’t want to be a mystery.”

He stepped closer, slowly, like he was giving her time to back away. She didn’t.

“You could’ve run. You should’ve…” He murmured, voice low and smooth like butter. “But you didn’t.”

Y/n’s breath hitched. “I didn’t want to.”

They were standing close now, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension. Her hand was trembling, and she wasn’t sure if it was from nerves or the way he looked at her.

“I don’t know what this is…” She whispered, voice shaking just slightly. “But I can’t stop thinking about you.”

His glowing gaze softened.

“Same.”

Ronin reached up slowly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch so gentle it sent shivers down her spine.

“You’re not scared of me anymore?” He inquired curiously.

“I still am.” She admitted. “But I want to know you more than I want to run.”

That made something flicker in his eyes, something raw and real and unguarded.

“Then stay.” He said. “Just for tonight. No roles. No lies.”

She nodded, lips parting to say something, she wasn’t even sure what, but he leaned down before she could. 

The kiss was soft at first, tentative. Testing. But it deepened quickly, and when his tridactyl hands slipped to her waist, pulling her closer, she let him.

She didn’t think about her boss, the story, or the camera. Just the heat of his touch, the press of his plastron against hers, the hum of mystic energy that danced beneath his skin like it could burn and heal at the same time.

He whispered her name against her lips, reverent.

She pressed back, fingers threading into the grooves of his shell, memorizing the shape of him, the texture of something not human—but still him. Still Ronin.

When he led her gently toward the couch, she followed without hesitation.

The city below buzzed on, unaware of the two figures tangled in shadows and warmth.

The kiss had left her breathless. Not just because of its heat, but because of the way Ronin handled her like he knew her body better than she did. Every glance, every brush of his fingers was measured, deliberate, a musician playing a melody only they could hear.

And she let him.

Her back met the couch cushions with a gentle push, her camera bag thudding softly to the floor, forgotten. Ronin hovered above her, the glow of his markings casting soft. 

They pulsed gently, especially where his green skin met hers, down her wrist, across her waist, ghosting over her collarbone.

Y/n reached for him again, but he caught her wrists with a low, amused hum. “Easy, sweetheart.” He murmured, his non-existent brows quirked as he held her arms above her head. “You’re quick to trust. That’s dangerous around someone like me.”

She licked her lips, eyes locking with his. “I’m not helpless.”

“I know.” He said. “But I like to take my time.”

From a pouch near the side table, barely noticeable at first, he pulled something dark and silken, rope, dyed black, with hints of violet sheen threaded through it. It shimmered subtly in the low light, like it wasn’t just rope but something more, woven with energy, intention, mysticism.

Her breath caught.

“You can say no.” Ronin said gently, his voice stripped of all his usual teasing. “Right now. No questions, no judgment.”

Y/n stared up at him, at the rope in his hands, at the look in his eyes, intense, unreadable, but not cruel. His presence was overwhelming, yes. But it didn’t feel like a trap. It felt like an invitation.

“Do it…” She whispered.

Something shifted in his gaze. Approval. Hunger.

With slow, reverent movements, he looped the rope around her wrists, never pulling too tight, always watching her face. It was soft at first, like a test, but the knots were firm, confident. When he was done, her arms were bound gently but securely above her, pressed against the armrest of the couch.

The sensation made her breath stutter.

He hovered above her on the couch, the glow of his demonic markings casting soft light over her skin. The rope wasn’t tight, it was just enough to remind her she’d given up control. Given it to him.

“You’re brave.” He whispered against her neck, his breath hot. “Braver than you know.”

His hands trailed down her sides, slow and steady. Measured. Deliciously unhurried. She arched into him, needing more, and he rewarded her with a low hum of satisfaction.

His tridactyl fingers slipped beneath her shirt, dragging it up inch by inch. The air felt electric. Her skin prickled at every touch, every brush of clawed fingertips tracing her ribs, her waist, her stomach.

“You okay?” He asked, voice husky, ragged around the edges.

She nodded, breath caught between her lips. “Yes... I want this.”

That changed something in him.

He kissed her hard.

No more hesitation. No more patience. His mouth was heat and hunger, tasting her like she was something forbidden. His tongue slid against hers, dominant, claiming. His body pressed between her legs, grinding against her with a slow, aching roll of his hips.

She gasped at the friction—God, she could feel him. Hard, and not just from his plastron. Needy. Controlled only by a thread.

“Sorry.” He muttered into her mouth, smirking. “Guess I’m being a whore now, huh?”

Y/n didn’t even blink. She locked her legs around his waist, rolled her hips against him with a need that left them both breathless.

“If you’re going to fuck me—” She said, voice sharp, desperate, “—stop teasing and do it.”

Ronin blinked and then laughed, low and wicked.

“Oh, sweetheart.” He breathed, pulling off his shirt and tossing it aside, revealing the toned lines of his plastron, shell, and green skin beneath. “You don’t know what you’re asking for.”

He traced a clawed finger from her navel up between her breasts, pausing at the hollow of her throat. She trembled beneath him. The ropes at her wrists pulled taut as she shifted, instinctively pressing up into his touch.

His eyes glowed brighter.

“I’ll show you what a demon like me can really do.”

Ronin moved with purpose, like he knew her body better than she did. Every kiss, every touch, every grind of his hips against hers felt designed to unravel her. He worshipped and dominated in equal measure, hands reverent one moment and commanding the next.

He kissed down her body with aching slowness, tugging fabric away, baring her inch by inch like a present meant only for him.

His mouth was on fire. His fingers—sinful.

She moaned when he licked a stripe down the curve of her breast, when his hand slipped between her legs and found her already soaking through her panties.

“Fuck…” He groaned, pressing his forehead to hers, his breathing ragged. “You’re dripping. Is that seriously for me?”

She whimpered, nodding, arching.

“Use your words.” He growled.

“Yes!” She gasped. “It’s for you. Only you.”

That earned her a feral kiss and a finger curling just right inside her. Her head fell back. Her thighs trembled around his hips.

“Good girl.” He purred. “Let me hear you.”

She gave him everything, opening her legs for him to take her there and then, and Ronin was more than happy to, stripping off her panties, and then his own pants, his dick springing out from his cloaca as he aimed it at her hole.

Then he finally thrusts into her—slow, deep, filling—Y/n saw stars. His large hands gripped her thighs tight, his movements fluid, powerful, like every roll of his hips was meant to brand her from the inside out.

Bound beneath him, gasping his name, Y/n realized she wasn’t just fucking Ronin.

She was falling for something she couldn’t explain.

His demonic markings glowed bright where their bodies met, pulsing with the same frantic rhythm of her heartbeat. 

He bent to her ear, voice hoarse and hot.

“You feel so fucking good…” He hissed. “Tight. Wet. Mine.”

And she was. In that moment, she was his, tied not just with rope but with something deeper.

“More!” She begged, hips bucking.

He gave her more.

Faster. Deeper. Harder.

Until all she could do was moan and cling and cry out his name like it was the only truth she knew.

And when they came together it was explosive. Messy. Perfect. A crescendo that tore through them like fire, left them shaking, gasping, collapsed in a tangle of limbs and sweat and glowing skin.

-----

They lay there in the dark, still tangled, the rope now loose around her wrists.

His head rested against her shoulder, his breathing evening out slowly. One of his hands played lazily with her hair, the other draped protectively across her waist.

She should have felt ashamed. Or afraid. Or something.

But all she felt was alive.

Ronin kissed her shoulder, soft and lingering.

“You still scared of me?”

She smiled, dazed. “A little.”

He chuckled. “Good.”

A long pause.

“Still want the truth?”

Y/n turned to face him, cheeks flushed, hair wild, body sore in the best way.

“Yes.” She whispered.

His golden eyes glowed again. But this time, the light in them wasn’t dangerous.

It was inviting.

[frangipanilove]

A Certain Lincoln Continental...

At The Crux Of The Three/Tree/Trunk Symbolism

I’ve talked about the three/tree/trunk symbolism since the Trunk Resurrection posts from back in the day (here and here). Many TD’ers, myself included, believe Beth somehow was put in the trunk of a car after TWD 5x8 Coda. Of course we don’t know the specifics yet, but it was foreshadowed in 4x12 Still, and there was a callback to it in 5x11, when Maggie found a female walker trapped in the trunk of a car, and had a very strong emotional reaction to it.

I think specifically, the trunk symbolism at its core is about the actual trunk I believe Beth was put into after coda. Generally speaking, the “trunk” represents a “tomb” or a “grave”, and in the show, we see different variations of what that can mean for different characters.

When TD claims that Beth is a “Christ figure” in the show, we mean that, among other things, she was “resurrected” much like Jesus. A lot of the "Christ" symbolism around her is "resurrection" symbolism.

I recently did a post on Carol’s Ford Mustang from TWDDD 1x6 Coming Home, where I talk about the three cars we've seen, with identical LC6M187 license plates.

Carol’s car in 1x6 had license plates that pointed us towards 5x2, which is the episode when Carol and Daryl left to search for Beth. And they left in a car with the LC6M187 license plate:

The LC6M187 licence plates were also seen in 2x1 What Lies Ahead:

…as well as on the car Merle drove as he was about to sacrifice his life so that his brother and TF could live. Merle was never a saint, but in his final sacrifice you could say he took on the properties of a Christ figure.

In the Trunk Resurrection posts I explained why I believe symbolism around the number “3”, symbolism around “tree trunks” and symbolism around the “trunks of cars” are used interchangeably. I call these types of constellation of symbols “synonymous symbolism”. When I say “three/tree/trunk” symbolism, I mean a certain constellation of symbols tptb use to illuminate the subtext of scenes that on the surface seems to be about something weird and random, like for exemple the blue painted trees from FTWD, but in reality is about resurrection symbolism.

In my opinion, that’s what the weird Coda symbols on the tree trunks we saw around Morgan in 5x8 Coda truly was about (among other things, I’m sure. Symbolism in TWDU is always multilayered). It was more about symbolism than anything tied to the narrative.

There were three of them, and they were symbols on trees, specifically on the tree trunks (three/tree/trunk).

Morgan showed up in the coda of 5x8 Coda, strolling through the woods, admiring the trees with the X/coda symbols, before entereing Father Gabriel’s abandoned church. Once inside, he made a point out of “resurrecting” a cross, in case anyone were missing the heavy theme of “resurrection” permeating the scenes showed directly after Beth was “killed”.

And if you’re opposed to interpret the carved symbols as “coda” symbols because these crosses are on an angle and a coda symbol isn’t (I don’t think that matters though), why don’t you just interpret them as X symbols, which are basically crosses. X = cross. Simple as that. I also talked about the etymology of the word “cross” in the Trunk Resurrection posts, and why in some translations of the Bible the word “cross” became synonymous with the word “three”.

Speaking of the coda symbol, @bethgreeneprevails made a fantastic discovery in TWDDD 1x6 Coming Home. High up on an ornate column inside The Nest, we saw this:

This is a behind-the-scenes photo. I chose it because it's clear, and you can fully see the column with the coda symbol in all its glory.

"The Nest" was always symbolic of “home” in TWDDD season 1. It was heavily tied into the north symbolism which I have discussed many times (here). And once we finally got to see it, it was obvious that it was a kind of "holy place", like a "place of worship", where we saw representations of probably every religion under the sun, be it Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, we saw Jewish symbolism, we saw pre-Christian/pagan symbolism…it was like a home for the soul, independent from boundaries of any specific religion.

In this particular setting, what we in TD will interpret as the coda symbol, could probably also be meant to be a kind of Celtic cross, but like I say all the time, symbolism in TWDU is always multilayered and can (and should) be interpreted in multiple ways. Because just like the coda symbol from 1x6 is similar to a celtic cross, the symbols on the tree trunks from Coda have much in common with a sun cross, or a wheel cross, known from pre-Christian and even pre-historic times. They're symbols widely understood to represent the sun, and Wikipedia says:

“The cross-in-a-circle was interpreted as a solar symbol derived from the interpretation of the disc of the Sun as the wheel of the chariot of the Sun god"

Or basically "three/tree/trunk" symbolism, as I would say. Chariot = car/vehicle. With a coda symbol as the cherry on top!

These different interpretations compliment each other. They are interconnected in theme and origin, and together they form the multilayered symbolism tptb love to use.

The coda symbol on the ornate column (I want to say it's from a Greek-Corinthian tradition but I’m no expert) was like a perfect parallel to the coda symbols on the tree trunks from Coda. And the column with the acanthus design elements appears as a stylized representation of a tree.

Interestingly, we saw a similar type classical design element in 5x13 Alone, the palmette.

A palmette is a decorative element from classical art and architecture, and as the name suggests, it is a reference to a palm three, which is arguably a tree. So again, it's three/tree/trunk symbolism.

And if you think that's a little too random and just a tad too reachy, take a look at this:

This is from the opening scene of 1x1 Days Gone Bye, it's literally among the very first things we see of the entire franchise. I've talked a lot about Rick's Ford Crown Victoria (here).

The sign is a bit blurry, but it says "Cascade Palmetto Hwy". And sure, it's perhaps a bit random, sometimes a street sign is just a street sign. However, we have seen over and over that symbols that may not have had a ton of meaning when they first appear, are brought back in later seasons, and what they point back to gives them new meaning.

And here, in 1x1 Days Gone Bye, we see a reference to a palmetto/palm tree, as we did in Alone. And ultimately, we saw a similar tree reference, in the form of a Greek-Corinthian column with a coda sign in TWDDD 1x6, a callback to the three/tree/trunk symbolism around Beth and Morgan in 5x8 Coda.

And it feels appropriate to bring Rick's blue Crown Victoria back around, because like I suggested initially, this is ultimately another post about car symbolism, namely that of a certain Lincoln Continental.

Yup, this one. The trunk from 4x12 Still.

In the director's commentary of 4x12 Still on the season 4 DVD set, Julius Ramsey confirmed that it was indeed a Lincoln Continental they used for the trunk scene. And my hypothesis is that the LC of the licence plate LC6M187 of the tree cars I mentioned above (the yellow Mustang from 2x1, Merle's car and the car Daryl and Carol drove in 5x2), stands for "Lincoln Continental".

LC!

As in "LC6M187".

As in “Lincoln Continental”.

(full disclosure, some sites list it as a Lincoln Towncar, and they could be correct. However, the Continental and the Towncar are basically the same car, the name change mostly reflects their year of production, as well as some slight modifications in measurements. Director Julius Ramsey described as a Lincoln Continental, and that's what I will do too. Either way, the LC abbreviation still stands, as the Lincoln Towncar is still a Lincoln Car, or LC)

It's also interesting to note that in 4x15 Us, Daryl first approaches a different Lincoln Continental, this one the same shade of yellow as the Mustang from 2x1:

He ends up sleeping on the floor between the yellow Lincoln Continental and a blue Ford with a licence plate identical to the one on the car I believe could be THE car they put beth in, Officer Lichari's Dodge Magnum from Coda:

And the XH6-S781 licence plate is a rabbit hole in its own right, but that's a story for a different day,

I believe the three/tree/trunk symbolism points to the trunk Beth was placed in after Coda. I think there will be a third trunk, completing the "three trunks" story told by:

1) the trunk of the Lincoln Continetal from Still:

2) the trunk of the car Maggie opened in 5x11 Them, where she found a female walker that reminded her of Beth (confirmed in The Talking Dead)

Both of these two examples are tied to the symbolism around the LC6M187 licence plates. The trunk in Still was that of a Lincoln Continental (LC), the one from Them in that Maggie was able to open the trunk using a key with a yellow sea horse attatched to it. A sea horse is a horse reference, and a reference to the yellow Mustang from 2x1 What Lies Ahead. You could also argue that the sea horse key ring is shaped like the number three.

The third trunk will be the one we see when Beth returns. And in my opinion, there's a chance we will see her emerge, alive and well, from Officer Lichari's Dodge Magnum:

I could absolutely be wrong, and we'll find out when we find out. But in the meantime, let's speculate!

[purplesurveys]

1898

Do you ever wonder how Atheist people raise their kids? I do. There's admittedly some envy in there somewhere lol, but it's mostly intrigue about what the dynamics at home must be like. I live in an overwhelmingly Christian population where every single aspect of life is influenced by religion; so considering I've identified myself as atheist in a place where it's virtually nonexistent, it's something I find myself thinking about once in a while.

If you’re atheist, would you raise you kids believing in God or not? Absolutely not. They can explore, ask questions, even pick a faith to go by if they want to; but I will not be the first one to tell them anything about gods.

How long does it usually take you to finish answering a survey? Usually anywhere from 40 minutes to one hour, depending on the length or how fast I can think of my answers.

Do you spell it gray or grey? Gray.

If you make surveys, how do you decide about its title? I don't make them. I'm terrible at coming up with questions.

When are you going back to school? I don't need to; I graduated four years ago.

If you don’t go to school anymore, what do you do? I work in public relations; agency side.

Do you care about other people’s status messages? Like on Facebook? Sure. It's always nice to know what people are up to, the new places they've been traveling to or the life goals they've been reaching. The only theme I don't particularly like encountering are warfreak posts? like when they still subtweet (idk the equivalent term on Facebook haha). Come on sis we're in our mid 20s.

Do you like reading self help books? No.

What is your opinion on sex change? Your body, your choice. Glad to see there's been more opportunities to let this happen for those who need it.

Do you think that this will take away the essence of gay pride? ...What?

What do you do when you tell a really bad joke? I let it eat me up anywhere between 3 to 7 days, lol.

If you’re still a virgin, how important is your virginity to you? Not much, it's never mattered to me. I gave it up when I was 18 and never thought twice about it before or after.

If you have lost it already, do you regret it? No.

Do you believe in marriage? Why or why not? I believe in it, I don't believe it's a life requirement.

Do you like having a huge group of friends or would you rather have few close friends? Few close friends. The older I get, the more I enjoy my own company. That said I only let very few people in my circle now.

Do you have any goals for this summer? If so, what are they? Summer's over, but I didn't set goals. I did travel abroad, which wasn't something I specifically set out to do but was still nice to have done.

Or do you plan on getting a summer job? Or do you already have one? I've had a job the last four years.

If so, where do you work and what do you do? I work in a PR agency, doing PR work for consumer brands. Some of them you definitely know about and consume; some of them more up-and-coming and aptly needing the help.

Do you watch the TV show Skins? If so, who’s your favorite character? Never watched it.

And which generation do you prefer? Or do you equally love both?

Do you know someone who still typpe thiszz wayy? No.

Would you take a break after graduating from high school (like, postpone going to college for a year or so)? I didn't do that. Where I'm from, a gap year is just for the super rich who have safety nets no matter what they do or pursue, so...ew. Most need to fight to live.

Do you feel tired after stretching? No, it feels nice.

Can you get a strike at bowling? Only on Wii Sports, haha.

Do you use Facebook? If so, what is your favorite application there? Yes, but apps stopped being trendy there yearsssss ago.

It seems like everyone’s addicted to Twitter these days - are you? I fucking hate Twitter. I keep it to stay updated and to read translations for all BTS releases, but I stay the fuck out of any conversation. Everyone's always dragging, cancelling, bullying, shaming, discriminating someone else these days on there.

[weddingtassel]

Event Management Company in Delhi for Corporate Success

Corporate events are more than formal gatherings—they’re powerful platforms for networking, team building, branding, and business development. Whether it's a product launch, leadership summit, annual celebration, or conference, each detail contributes to the event’s success.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, partnering with the best event management companies ensures your brand makes a lasting impression. This guide walks you through the essential components of corporate event planning, tips for success, and why hiring corporate event organizers in Delhi can transform your next event.

Why Corporate Events Matter More Than Ever

Well-planned corporate events drive growth, foster relationships, and boost employee morale. Businesses host events to:

Showcase products and services

Celebrate milestones and reward teams

Build internal and external relationships

Educate employees and clients

Position themselves as industry leaders

The best events are tailored experiences. They reflect a company’s values, resonate with the audience, and align with business objectives.

The Role of an Event Management Company in Delhi

Organizing an event requires coordination, creativity, and expertise. That’s why most successful businesses outsource the process to professionals. A reputable event management company in Delhi will handle:

Concept development and theme creation

Budget planning and vendor coordination

Venue sourcing and logistics

On-site event management

Marketing, branding, and PR

Guest experience and post-event analysis

With the right partner, your corporate event can be seamless, innovative, and ROI-driven.

Key Components of a Successful Corporate Event

1. Set Clear Goals and KPIs

Define what success looks like. Are you aiming for brand exposure, sales conversions, or internal team alignment? Establishing objectives will guide the planning process and help measure results.

2. Create a Realistic Budget

Include all aspects:

Venue rental

Food & beverages

Audio-visual requirements

Speakers or entertainers

Branding materials

Transportation and accommodation

Emergency fund (10–15% buffer)

3. Choose a Strategic Venue

Delhi's top event management companies emphasize the importance of selecting venues that align with the event’s scale, theme, and accessibility. Popular choices include luxury hotels, convention centers, or unique outdoor locations.

4. Plan Engaging Content

Break away from monotony with:

Keynote speeches

Panel discussions

Interactive sessions

Live entertainment

Gamified experiences

Great content creates conversations and keeps your audience engaged.

5. Leverage Technology

The best event management companies use tools to enhance user experience and operations:

Event apps for agendas and interaction

QR code-based check-ins

Virtual & hybrid event platforms

Feedback forms and live polling tools

Incorporating Sustainable Practices in Corporate Events

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s an expectation. Clients and attendees increasingly value eco-conscious events.

Green Event Planning Tips:

Use biodegradable decor and cutlery

Go paperless with digital invitations and programs

Partner with local vendors to reduce carbon footprint

Arrange for carpooling or shuttle services

Donate leftover food to NGOs

Pre-Event Promotion: Creating Buzz Before the Big Day

Promoting the event is as important as planning it. Tactics include:

Social media marketing using relevant hashtags

Email marketing campaigns

Countdown posts and teaser videos

Press releases and influencer outreach

Partner promotions

Use platforms like LinkedIn to directly reach professionals in your niche.

On-site Management: Ensuring a Smooth Experience

On the day of the event, corporate event organizers in Delhi ensure that everything goes according to plan. From registration to catering and guest flow management, their role is to troubleshoot issues, coordinate with vendors, and ensure the event runs smoothly and on time.

Post-Event Strategy: Measuring Success and Follow-up

Post-event analysis helps understand what worked—and what didn’t.

Key Metrics:

Attendance vs. registrations

Lead conversions

Engagement levels

Social media mentions

Survey results

Send thank-you emails, post highlights on social media, and share event recaps. This not only extends engagement but builds anticipation for future events.

Top Corporate Event Trends in 2025

To stay ahead, Delhi top event management companies focus on these emerging trends:

Hybrid Events: Mixing physical and digital audiences

Personalized Experiences: Custom agendas, 1-on-1 networking

AR/VR Integration: Immersive product demos and tours

Wellness Zones: Meditation, healthy catering, ergonomic seating

Sustainability Reports: Sharing carbon offset data post-event

Choosing the Best Event Management Companies

When evaluating potential partners, consider:

Experience with similar-scale events

Client testimonials and portfolio

Range of services offered

Technological capabilities

Why Choose a Delhi-Based Event Management Company?

Delhi is a hub for corporate excellence. Partnering with a Delhi top event management company gives you access to a wide network of premium venues, vendors, and production resources.

From intimate team-building retreats to full-scale international conferences, these professionals bring expertise, local knowledge, and innovation to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does an event management company in Delhi offer for corporate events?

Event management companies in Delhi provide end-to-end solutions, including concept development, logistics, marketing, vendor coordination, on-site management, and post-event reporting. They streamline operations and enhance attendee experience.

2. How do I choose among the best event management companies?

Look for companies with a proven track record, client references, robust service offerings, creativity, and strong vendor networks. Check for portfolios that include corporate events of similar scale to yours.

3. Why should I hire corporate event organizers in Delhi instead of planning in-house?

Hiring professional organizers saves time, ensures quality, and leverages expertise. These experts have access to vetted vendors, better negotiation skills, and are equipped to handle emergencies, freeing up your internal team to focus on strategy.

Conclusion: Let’s Plan Your Next Event—Together

Corporate events reflect your brand’s values and ambitions. Make them count by partnering with an experienced and creative team.

Contact us:

F595+HC7, Jona Pur, Juanapur, New Delhi, Delhi 110047

+91 9999244859

info@weddingtassels.com

[pearllemonpr-co]

Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs and Executives A Powerful Strategy for Success

London, UK – In today’s digital-driven economy, the line between personal and professional identity has blurred more than ever before. As the business world becomes increasingly competitive and interconnected, personal branding has become not just a buzzword, but a vital strategy for entrepreneurs and executives who want to build influence, trust, and credibility. At the forefront of this movement is Pearl Lemon PR, a dynamic public relations agency that is transforming how thought leaders are perceived in the public eye.

Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever

Personal branding is not just about having a polished LinkedIn profile or an aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed. It is about defining your unique value proposition who you are, what you stand for, and how your experience and insights bring value to your audience. In a marketplace where people connect with people before they connect with businesses, a strong personal brand can open doors that a company logo alone cannot.

For entrepreneurs, personal branding is essential because often, the founder is the face of the company. Investors, customers, and partners want to know who they’re doing business with. A clear, compelling personal brand communicates leadership, confidence, and clarity of purpose.

Executives, meanwhile, can no longer afford to sit in the background. From LinkedIn thought pieces to conference keynotes, the leaders who are visible, articulate, and consistent in their messaging are the ones who command attention and respect. Whether it’s attracting top-tier talent, engaging shareholders, or navigating crisis communications, a powerful personal brand is an executive’s most valuable asset.

 Elevating Leaders Through Strategic Personal Branding

Pearl Lemon PR, a London-based agency known for its cutting-edge PR campaigns and bespoke personal branding strategies, has been helping business leaders elevate their presence across digital and traditional platforms. With a proven track record of working with clients from startups to Fortune 500 firms, Pearl Lemon PR understands the nuance and complexity involved in shaping a personal narrative that resonates globally.

What sets Pearl Lemon PR apart is its commitment to authenticity. Instead of manufacturing a persona, the agency focuses on amplifying the genuine voice and values of each client. This includes tailored media outreach, thought leadership content, interview coaching, and strategic social media management all aligned to build a consistent and engaging brand identity.

The Key Elements of a Strong Personal Brand

Building a personal brand is not an overnight project. It requires clarity, consistency, and strategy. Pearl Lemon PR approaches personal branding with a 360-degree methodology. The first step is defining the core message what are the themes, causes, or ideas the individual wants to be known for? From there, the focus shifts to visibility getting that message in front of the right audiences through targeted media features, speaking opportunities, and a dynamic online presence.

Equally important is authenticity. Today’s audiences can sense when something feels inauthentic or overly curated. The most successful personal brands are those that feel real flaws, quirks, and all. That’s why Pearl Lemon PR works closely with clients to create content and communication strategies that reflect not just professional achievements but personal stories, values, and experiences.

A Competitive Edge in an Oversaturated Market

With more entrepreneurs and executives entering the digital space every day, the challenge is not just standing out, but staying relevant. Personal branding gives professionals a long-term advantage. It builds trust, which is often the deciding factor in business relationships. A well-managed personal brand enhances credibility, boosts SEO, drives engagement, and strengthens business performance.

Pearl Lemon PR understands that in today’s reputation economy, perception is reality. Their expert team combines PR expertise with deep industry knowledge to ensure that each client’s public persona is aligned with their business goals. Whether launching a new company, pivoting into a new industry, or preparing for high-stakes investor meetings, a compelling personal brand is the foundation upon which success is built.

Success Stories That Inspire

Pearl Lemon PR’s client success stories speak volumes. From tech founders who went from obscure to industry influencers, to executives who’ve become go-to sources for international media, the agency’s impact is tangible. Through strategic storytelling and relentless media placement, clients have secured features in top-tier outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, and CNBC, cementing their status as thought leaders in their respective domains.

But it’s not just about media impressions. It’s about building legacies. Clients consistently report increased inbound opportunities, improved networking outcomes, and greater professional confidence all of which stem from having a clearly defined and well-executed personal brand.

The Role of Personal Branding in Crisis Management

In moments of uncertainty or controversy, a strong personal brand can act as a stabilizing force. When challenges arise be it public scrutiny, organizational change, or reputational threats a well-established personal brand can provide a buffer and facilitate transparent communication. Pearl Lemon PR has guided many leaders through high-pressure situations, ensuring they not only weather the storm but emerge with their reputation intact, or even enhanced.

Looking Ahead  The Future of Personal Branding

As we look into the future of leadership, one thing is clear: personal branding is no longer optional. It is a strategic imperative. The rise of AI, automation, and digital noise makes human connection more important than ever. People want to connect with leaders who are not just smart, but relatable. Not just successful, but intentional.

Pearl Lemon PR is committed to leading this evolution. By empowering entrepreneurs and executives to take control of their narrative, the agency helps shape the future of leadership one brand at a time.

In a world where your online presence is often your first impression, and your story determines your opportunity, the question is not should you invest in personal branding. The question is, can you afford not to Visit https://pearllemonpr.co.uk/

Contact Information

Name: Pearl Lemon PR Address: Kemp House, 152 – 160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom Phone Number: +44 7454 539583

[kgsupsccourses]

UPSC Current Affairs: The Ultimate Guide to Stay Ahead in the Game

Introduction to UPSC and the Role of Current Affairs

What is UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of India's most prestigious and competitive exams, the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This exam opens the doors to elite services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. It's not just an exam; it’s a life-changer.

Why Current Affairs Matter in UPSC Preparation

Think of current affairs as the “real-time application” of what you study in books. From Prelims to the Interview, current affairs are woven into every stage of the UPSC journey. A budget announcement today can pop up as a mains question tomorrow.

Understanding the UPSC Syllabus

General Studies Papers Overview

The General Studies (GS) papers are where current affairs play a huge role. GS Paper 1 might include social issues, GS Paper 2 deals with polity and governance, GS Paper 3 dives into economy, environment, tech, and GS Paper 4 even includes ethical examples.

Importance of Dynamic vs Static Syllabus

Current affairs breathe life into your static knowledge and help you tackle unpredictable questions with ease.

Sources for UPSC Current Affairs

Newspapers

Reading The Hindu or The Indian Express is a daily ritual for UPSC aspirants. Focus on editorials, policy news, Supreme Court judgments, and government schemes.

Monthly Magazines

Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and compilations from platforms like Khan Global Studies provide a filtered summary of the month’s most relevant topics.

Government Websites and Reports

Stay updated with PIB, PRS Legislative Research, NITI Aayog, and various ministry portals for authentic info.

YouTube Channels and Online Portals

Visual learners, rejoice! Channels like Khan Global Studies, Unacademy, and Study IQ break down complex topics into digestible videos.

Khan Global Studies – A Rising Resource

Khan Global Studies has become a go-to platform for many UPSC aspirants. Their current affairs analysis, daily updates, and quizzes help you stay exam-ready.

How to Read and Analyse Current Affairs for UPSC

Reading with Purpose

Don’t just read – read smartly. Ask yourself, “How is this related to the UPSC syllabus?” Keep a critical eye.

Note-making Strategies

Keep your notes crisp. Use digital tools like Notion or OneNote, or stick to a register. Divide notes based on GS Papers or themes like Environment, Economy, etc.

Linking Current Events with Syllabus Topics

A bill on labour reforms? That’s Polity and Governance. A cyclone warning? That’s Geography and Disaster Management. Draw these connections to enhance retention.

Monthly Breakdown of Important Current Affairs Topics

Here’s a rough guide of what kind of topics emerge through the year:

January to March

Budget, Economic Survey

Republic Day and related developments

April to June

Environment Days

Pre-monsoon reports

International summits

July to September

Independence Day

Monsoon updates

UN reports

October to December

Nobel Prizes

Winter sessions of Parliament

Annual reports by government agencies

UPSC Current Affairs Topics to Focus On

International Relations

India's stand in global affairs, trade agreements, conflicts, and diplomacy.

Polity and Governance

Bills, constitutional amendments, and government schemes.

Environment and Ecology

Climate change reports, conservation efforts, and environmental laws.

Economy and Budget

GDP trends, Economic Survey highlights, and budget allocations.

Science and Technology

ISRO missions, health tech, and innovations in AI, biotech, etc.

Social Issues and Welfare Schemes

Education, health, gender issues, schemes like PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat.

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Current Affairs Strategy

The Ideal Daily Routine

1 hour for the newspaper

30 minutes for online summary

15 mins for note-making

Weekly Revision

Every Sunday, revise what you read all week. Use mind maps or quick quizzes.

Monthly Consolidation

Download monthly PDFs from trusted sources like Khan Global Studies to consolidate and revise.

How Khan Global Studies Helps Aspirants

UPSC-Focused Analysis

No fluff. Just precise, exam-relevant updates and explanations.

Monthly Compilations

Their monthly digests cover everything you need in one go.

Test Series and Quizzes

Test your understanding with topic-wise and full-length mock tests.

Role of Editorials and Opinions

Analytical Thinking

Editorials help you develop a multi-dimensional view on issues – a must for Mains.

Enhancing Answer Writing

Using examples and arguments from editorials can give your answers a competitive edge.

Integrating Current Affairs into Mains Answers and Interviews

Value Addition in Answers

Mention schemes, committees, and real-time stats – it impresses examiners.

Citing Real-World Examples

Use case studies and current incidents to justify your arguments.

Facing Interview Questions with Confidence

When asked about ongoing issues, your depth of current knowledge can make or break your score.

Mistakes to Avoid in Current Affairs Preparation

Overloading with Too Many Sources

Stick to 2–3 reliable sources. More is not always better.

Ignoring Revision

If you don’t revise, you forget. Simple as that.

Not Linking with Static Syllabus

Don’t isolate current affairs from static subjects. Integration is key.

Smart Tools for UPSC Current Affairs Prep

Mobile Apps

Apps like PIB, Khan Global Studies, and CivilsDaily make news accessible on the go.

PDFs and Digital Notes

Use Evernote or Google Docs to save and sort information.

Flashcards and Quizzes

Make flashcards for schemes, personalities, etc. Use platforms like Quizlet or Anki.

How to Stay Consistent and Motivated

Scheduling and Discipline

Follow a daily routine. Use planners or study timetables.

Avoiding Burnout

Take breaks, do meditation, or light workouts.

Staying Connected with the UPSC Community

Join Telegram or WhatsApp groups for peer learning and updates.

Success Stories and What Toppers Say About Current Affairs

Insights from IAS Toppers

Most toppers credit current affairs as the make-or-break factor in their success.

Real-Life Strategies That Worked

From daily newspaper reading to structured note-making, each topper has their unique method, but consistency is common to all.

Conclusion

Current affairs aren’t just an add-on; they’re the backbone of your UPSC preparation. With the right strategy, sources, and dedication, you can master them and stay miles ahead in the game. Platforms like Khan Global Studies make this journey smoother with curated, relevant, and timely updates. So, gear up, stay informed, and conquer UPSC one current affair at a time.

FAQs

1. How much time should I spend daily on current affairs?

About 1.5 to 2 hours, including reading, note-making, and revision.

2. Are current affairs more important for Prelims or Mains?

Both. Prelims need factual knowledge; Mains demands analysis.

3. What’s the best way to revise current affairs?

Weekly and monthly revision using notes and compilations is the best way.

4. Is reading one newspaper enough?

Yes, if it’s a good one like The Hindu or Indian Express, combined with a monthly magazine or online summary.

5. How far back should I cover current affairs for UPSC?

Minimum 12 months, ideally 18 months before the exam.

Originally published at http://kgsupsc.wordpress.com on May 21, 2025.