#I finally understand why we have those signs that are like ‘don’t look in whole class is in session it’s distracting’

[gods-favorite-autistic]

Me, just trying to get through dance and doing my across-the-floors:

Some random-ass white woman staring at us through the window in the hallway: 🙎‍♀️

[lxstfathier]

Hi could you please do sex pollen with bass or Alejandro Vargas or both with an inexperienced female reader please

Anon? anon who is bass?? i couldn’t figure out who you meant so, here it is, i did it with ale ;)

Flowers

Alejandro Vargas x Reader

Warnings: unprotected sex, p in v, sex pollen, squirting, age-gap, another fic of Ale taking our virginity cuz we love that shit!

A/N: i actually loved writing this lol, it was fun. you know english is not my first language, so there might be some errors, but i hope y’all like it 💗

You don’t remember exactly what happened. The mission went wrong, and you followed colonel Vargas into the woods, trying to scape from enemy fire, accidentally running into some bushes full of strange colorful flowers that you had never seen before. Then it all went blurry.

Now, two hours later, you’re on base again, feeling really weird. Your whole body is sensitive, as if it has been set on fire, heavy breaths escape your lips and a thin layer of sweat starts to appear on your skin. How are you supposed to deal with it? you don’t even know what is going on, but you try your best to stay quiet while a nurse examines all your vital signs.

“You’re fine” she says after making sure that you don’t have anything that could possibly affect your health. “But it seems that you’re under the influence of some… natural aphrodisiac. So i’d suggest you to, y’know, relieve all that sexual energy, it will make you feel way better.”

Natural aphrodisiac? oh, so now you finally understand why your poor pussy is so wet, clenching around nothing and practically begging to be fucked. It makes sense. However, you don’t have a problem with masturbating a few times until the effects wear off. So you thank her, and then make your way out of the medical bay, walking straight to your own room.

But you didn’t expected to run into you colonel again. Those flowers should have affected him the same way as you, that’s for sure, what is he doing in the hallway? he should be inside his room, doing god knows what to help himself with that issue.

“Sargento” Alejandro calls you, forcing you to stop dead on your tracks, even though both of you are not in the mood for talking. “What did the nurse told you?”

“She said i’m fine. It’s just the effects of a natural aphrodisiac what’s making me feel so weird.” you answer, smiling at him, trying to play it cool. “Why? do you have the same?.”

“Si” he nods, but you don’t hear the rest, all of your concentration is now looking at his pretty brown eyes, his lips, his stubbly jaw, his broad shoulders, his strong arms in that tight shirt, and that obvious bulge inside his cargo pants.

He’s always been a good looking man, you won’t deny it, but right now? he’s fucking sexy, radiating a strong masculine essence that makes your knees go weak and the heat in your belly grow more intense. Almost as if you were a bitch in heat.

All of your shyness is gone, and before you know it, you’re grabbing his hand to guide him into your room, not even caring that he’s way older than you, a colonel who is supposed to be your superior. The arousal clouds your mind, not being able to think about anything else than getting pounded by him all night until you can’t remember your own name.

And Alejandro knows he shouldn’t be so eager to fuck his sergeant, but how can he tell you no when you look so pretty and so damn needy?

Once you’re both inside, with the door locked and the lights on, he pins you to the wall, kissing you passionately as his big hands roam your clothed body. Something new to you, considering the fact that you had never been touched by a man before this.

Should you tell him that he’s about to be the your first sexual experience? maybe, but you don’t wanna ruin the mood, so you just let go, feeling your tongues dancing with each other, running your hands over his strong chest.

But, as much as you’d love to keep kissing, the heat caused by the aphrodisiac is now unbearable, forcing both of you to pull apart and take your clothes off. And it could be part of the effect of those annoying flowers, but when you finally see his muscles, his tan skin covered in sweat, and that big veiny cock springing free, your mouth waters and your pussy throbs, clearly enjoying the view.

“Like what you see, mi amor?” he asks teasingly, and you just nod. “Cause i really do, who would have known my sergeant had such a pretty body? huh?”.

Now that Alejandro sees you all exposed for him, admiring every detail of your being, he’s sure that you’re the most beautiful girl he has ever met. If he had known what was he missing on, he would have pushed you into those bushes way earlier.

You don’t really know what to do next, you’re flustered and too inexperienced, so when he notices your hesitance, he gently guides you to the bed, telling you to lay on your back and relax.

Alejandro kisses your neck, and then slowly goes down to your tits, playing with your nipples between his teeth. It’s almost like a torture, you want more than that, involuntarily bucking your hips to get at least a little friction, anything.

“Just fuck me already, please” you beg in a high pitched voice, desperate to feel him inside you.

“Such a needy little whore” Alejandro says, mocking your pathetic cries. But you don’t care, even less when he drops to his knees, prying your legs apart to have a good look at your perfect pussy before devouring it like a starving man.

He licks and bites at your slick folds, savoring the sweet taste, dives his tongue into your hole and goes up to your clit, sucking hard. It feels really nice, better than any of those times where you played with yourself at night, and it’s not long until you’re moaning, feeling that familiar knot in your lower belly while tugging at his dark hair.

You cum easily, arching your back off the bed, almost crushing his head between your trembling legs. But that doesn’t stop him, he keeps eating you sloppily until you ride out that first orgasm.

When you come down from the high, Alejandro is already on top of you, holding your legs on his shoulders, guiding his cock to your tiny wet hole. And, without a warning, he slides inside on a singular hard thrust, making you scream at the new sensation.

He’s big, so the sudden stretch is a bit painful, but once you get adjusted to his girth and he starts moving slowly, your pained cries turn into whimpers filled with pleasure.

“F-faster Ale, please, ah- god-“ you moan into his ear, going literally stupid on his cock that you can’t even say a simple sentence.

“Yeah? you want me to destroy this pretty little pussy?”

He starts thrusting harder, pounding your tight heat in the most delicious way, hitting that sweet spot inside you over and over. It’s good, way too good actually, and you can’t help but writhe under him, digging your nails on the nape of his neck.

Another orgasm is near, you know it, and he can feel it too by the way you’re clenching around his cock.

“That’s it, preciosa, you’re taking me so well” Alejandro growls, one of his large hands going down to find your clit, rubbing it fast in circular motions. “Cum for me again, come on.”

His words, mixed with the stimulation and the way he’s ramming into you, is just what you need to see stars. You come undone once more, feeling the intense pleasure in every inch of your body, moaning so loud that probably the whole base heard.

“Fuck, look at the mess you made” he says, looking at how your sweet juices are coating his abs and pubes. Did you just squirted? hell, that’s new, you didn’t knew you could do that.

Alejandro doesn’t take long to reach his own orgasm, thrusting a few more times until he’s cumming inside, filling that pretty pussy of yours with his thick seed as he bites your neck, letting out an animalistic grunt.

You both stay like that for a minute, too fucked out to move, catching your breath. And you’re feeling better, but the effects are still not gone at all.

“That was amazing” you say, stroking his beard, pulling him in for a quick kiss. “Can we do it again?.”

“As many times as you want, preciosa.”

[cheemscakecat]

AI Art mistakes Episode 1: Gravity Falls as an 80s mystery movie.

Like usual, AI struggles to replicate text. There are a number of reasons why an AI generated background image is a bad idea under most circumstances, especially as a final draft.

Here is an actual picture of the Mystery Shack from the show. This design was based off of research done by the team working on the show. They travelled to actual tourist traps in order to find objects to draw as background details, like the signs and decor around the shack.

The AI version doesn’t scream tourist trap house, it screams random gas station [which is what I assume the rectangles in the far bottom right are supposed to represent]. The scale of the signage on the real design gives us insight into Stan Pines, the owner of the business, and what we can expect to find on a tour. The moss, missing S laying on the roof, and big board underneath all tell us something important: This is an old building, and the owner is cheap.

The scale of the full shack is much larger than the little AI version, so much that the Gift shop area feels around the same size as the whole thing. The AI version isn’t believable as a house/shop combo because of how small it is, and the broken window!

There’s a room big enough for two children to have separate beds and a large room with a window nook in the attic area of the mystery shack. We don’t know where this bathroom is on the ground floor, but given the fact that there’s an outhouse, we can assume this is meant for the family living at the Shack, not tourists.

The detail of the non-suspicious triangular windows is lost in the AI image, and since none of the posters even spell words, there’s no good details gained from including them.

This support on the porch roof doesn’t connect back to the building, it connects to this tree trunk. And the supposed gas pumps don’t make sense either because there’s usually only one or two, and they’d all be the same height.

AI Dipper Pines just looks like that one kid from Stranger things.

Another issue with AI art is that the texture on “Dipper’s” hair is super soft and fluffy like a cat’s fur. You can see this actor’s curly hair leaves actual gaps and is more wiry and shiny… because it’s human hair. Also, the image from the show has this grainy texture on the skin and cloth, because the show is set in the 80s and cameras weren’t high definition. AI art looks too smooth and buttery because it doesn’t have the human understanding of aesthetics and texture.

He also looks like Frodo, but I don’t know why the AI would pull from a non-80s themed film.

That ain’t Journal 3, thats Diary 9!

The AI didn’t even make it red! Made it massive and square, but the rest wasn’t allowed.

“Dipper” isn’t looking at anything because an AI drew this and had no plan for what he’s supposed to be staring at. Also, one of his nostrils is smaller and his right eyebrow is trying to escape AI purgatory.

Don’t let ro-bro cook, AI “Mabel” looks like Minecraft Brett Cooper.

Naw, because why is AI Mabel’s jawline stronger than her Twin Brother’s?!

That is NOT Mabel bro, that is a thirty year old married woman on Pinterest!

With a sock puppet for a thumb.

They made Stan into a fusion of Walta White and Stan Lee, which makes sense. But his empty black eye socket and deep wrinkles give me a fight or flight response.

This is what real eyes and wrinkles look like. Once again the text on Stan’s jacket makes no sense [and being AI has no design thought put into it], and the hair looks like cat fur. Walta’s beard is a good example of what “Stan’s” mustache should look like texture wise.

This isn’t Soos, this is Deter Diffin!

Literally what is the same? Got bro out here looking like a slapstick mobster with 3 offended brain cells.

Look, I know Mabel saved that 8 legged cow, but even she’s wise enough to get stranger danger vibes from bro. AI waddles looks like one of those cursed 3-D Peppa Pig animations from the depths of YouTube.

So this next one, I didn’t even know who it was supposed to be, but the video had timestamps in the description…

…..

…..

….

So Ford… isn’t a ginger, first of all. Second of all, he’s literally wearing a baseball cap with a beanie over it. Because that would do anything for you.

Doesn’t look like AI Stan. Doesn’t even look like his painted self, much less the actual Ford. The AI latched onto the author thing and made him do a book signing or something. I promise you, if Ford got the chance to do a book signing he would not look this depressed. Maybe he can feel the disappointment through the screen, IDK.

AI Bill Cipher. Apparently. Bro looks like a Demonic Discord Mod who found out his Lemon Demon concert ticket is counterfeit the night of the event. I’m not even going to waste time explaining this one.

So yeah, that was episode one of critiquing/roasting AI art.

[klaprisun]

One Sunny Day

(Stardew Valley) (Haley x Female Farmer)

Chapter 26

For some reason, I wasn’t brave enough to venture over to Haley’s house and confront her just yet. Part of me was still mad at her actions and doing a 180 with her feelings. She is hardcore playing with my feelings but I have been dying to hear her say those words. I wanted her to admit that she wants to be with me and that she is attracted to me.

The whole rest of the day was just me daydreaming about the morning. It wasn’t until just after dinner that I decided I’m going to go to the saloon for the night and see if they are all hanging out there. They’ll freak out when they hear the news.

“Howdy!” I say, announcing my arrival to the arcade. Just as I thought, everyone has decided to meet up. We were just missing Haley and Abigail unfortunately.

“Hi!” A chorus of their voices call out.

Trying too hard to keep the excitement in, I keep trying to stifle my grin. As good as I think I’m doing, everyone clocks me immediately.

“What’s up with you Danny? Why are you smiling funny?” Maru questions me.

“Ahhh you know. This and that,” I slyly say, trying to act cool.

“Something is up. What are you hiding from us?” Leah gasps, “Oh my god are you pregnant?!”

This causes the whole room to erupt with laughter. I just shake my head and laugh along with them.

“No seriously. What is it you are hiding?” Elliot cuts the laughter off with a serious tone.

“Well if you MUST know…a certain someone may have finally dipped their toes in the water with me…” I say nonchalantly.

A million questions start being asked that I can’t keep up with. I try listening to each person but everyone talks over each other.

“It might’ve been more of a dip. More like a splash. But not in the physical sense of us doing things…it was just a confession. A really big one. She let it all out to me today that I’m still processing what she said exactly,” I say, hoping to answer everyone’s questions.

Everyone had finally quieted down to hear my explanation. Sebastian lets out a hoot of excitement and the rest join in. They really are a loud bunch.

For some reason, my eyes drift towards Alex alone in the corner. I see him smiling brightly and joining in with everyone else on the hollering. He seems genuinely happy for me, and I hate that I was ever mad at him. I understand he was in a tough position with his feelings and was in the same boat with Haley. The two of them have come so far and I hope they both feel more like themselves.

He sees me looking at him and shoots me a wink and a thumbs up. I send a thumbs up his way in return. I mouth the words thank you to him, hoping he can read lips. I see his face contort into a look of confusion but he shrugs it off and keeps smiling.

“You know what you need to do now? Bring her a bouquet of flowers from Pierre’s!” Penny chimes in. “Bringing someone a bouquet indicates romantic interest in Pelican Town. It’s a tradition!”

“Why have I never gotten a bouquet?” Sam’s face falls as he looks to Sebastian. He starts giving Sebastian the sweetest puppy dog eyes, trying to make him feel bad for not getting him a bouquet.

“Fine I’ll get you a bouquet,” Sebastian gives in, rolling his eyes playfully. Sam pumps his fist in the air.

“It’s just like if you were to get her a Mermaid Pendant. Pelican Town folks give our partners a Mermaid Pendant from a creepy Old Mariner that shows up on rainy days,” Elliot smiles menacingly.

“As a sign of romantic interest?” I question him.

“Oh don’t listen to Elliot. That’s how you PROPOSE to someone in Pelican Town,” Leah informs me while giving Elliot a scolding nudge.

“I’m still creeped out by the story of the Old Mariner. None of us have ever had to go see him but we’ve heard stories,” Maru adds.

“Well I think I’m going to start with the bouquet,” I say sarcastically to Elliot.

“If you think that’s best,” Elliot shrugs as he lets out a laugh.

“You can get one from Pierre first thing tomorrow,” Penny tells me.

“So have you guys done anything freaky yet?” Sam all of a sudden asks. My face goes beat red.

“That’s never going to happen any time soon. She only just accepted her sexuality. She isn’t going to want to do anything let that. We will probably take it slow,” I nervously reply.

“Well you guys already made out to some extent whether you remember it or not. That counts for something,” Leah adds.

“I give it a week,” Shane grumbles from his usual place beside the fireplace. He has been eavesdropping the whole time. I feel my face heat up even more.

“Guys chill! It’s not going to be anything like that. You guys see how Haley is with me,” I try to explain. Everyone raises an eyebrow and awkwardly scratches their head. I hear a few faint coughs as well.

“Yeah, that doesn’t really help your case. We do see how she is around you that’s why we are giving it a week…” Elliot whispers to me.

“I don’t know what you guys are seeing but you gotta get your heads out of the gutter,” I disappointedly shake my head but let out a chuckle to let them know I’m only joking.

“Alright, you better get home before you burst with embarrassment. I know you are dying to sleep so you can run over to Pierre’s first thing in the morning,” Leah takes me by the shoulders and turns me to the door.

“Damn right. Bye guys!” I yell back as I speed walk to the door.

I’m hoping that when I get home and my head hits the pillow I can fall right asleep. I don’t want her waiting another day for me to show my interest in her. She may start thinking I don’t like her back!

What if I'm too late and she has changed her mind? I begin overthinking.

Will she still like me tomorrow? Maybe she was just in a state of delusion and she didn’t know she confessed?

I try to shake the thoughts from my brain but I can’t help overthinking. I really want this to work out. This is the first time I have ever put effort into trying to be with a girl. Haley is different from everyone I have ever met and I don’t want to mess this up.

[lady-lostmind]

You Jump, I Jump.

Love is: Stealing an RV together.

a @steddielovemonth prompt Thank you @oh-stars for betaing this!

WC: 1,105 | Rating: T

ao3 link

Steve knows he’s being stupid. Knows he shouldn’t be taking this so seriously. But he really thought he finally had it figured out. He thought he found the thing he’d been searching for this whole time. Something he was actually good at. That he enjoys doing. 

And he never thought it would actually go anywhere, when he started. He thought he could just play shitty bars and open mics and that would be enough. That even if he had to work some shitty job he hates, even if he ended up having to finally take his dad up on his offer to work at his company, at least he would have this. To keep him sane. To keep him fulfilled. 

But then there had been the talent scout, and offers to be flown out to California, and talks of record deals and labels. And he let his hopes build. Thought that maybe he could actually do this. Like, make this his life. He should have known better. 

He should have known to read through the contracts he signed. He should have known it was too good to be true. 

He stares at the door of Eddie’s trailer feeling like dirt. All his dreams of whisking him out of this shitty town thrown out the window. He doesn’t even know how to break the news to him. Really doesn’t want to talk about this at all. 

Steve sighs and knocks on the door. Isn’t even sure Eddie will hear it over the music blasting inside. But the door swings open, and Eddie’s face drops in shock before pulling into a wide grin. 

“What are you doing here, sweetheart? I thought you couldn’t get away for another couple weeks.” Eddie steps back, making room for Steve to come inside. 

Steve glances around, feeling antsy. He doesn’t want to go in. If he goes in they’ll sit down in the living room, and Eddie will light a joint and look at him with those big brown eyes, and he’ll ask. He’ll know something happened and he’ll ask, and they’ll talk. And Steve doesn’t want to do that. He wants to be moving. He wants to go.  He wants to–

“Can we get out of here?” His voice is strained and he watches Eddie’s eyes track what he’s sure is distress on his face. 

Eddie nods, leaning back in to grab his jacket. “Sure, where do you want to go?” 

Steve shrugs as Eddie pulls the door shut and hovers near him on the steps. “I don’t know just…away. Let’s go on a road trip. Just the two of us.”

Eddie’s eyes go wide. “Uh– in what? My van is still fucked after I hit that tree last month. I’ve been walking everywhere.”

Steve looks around again, spotting a shitty, beat up RV in the corner of the trailer park. He points at it. “That.”

Eddie chuckles. “Uh– In Mr. Jenkin’s shitty old RV?

Steve nods. “He moved last year, right? He’s not using it anymore. It’s just sitting there”

A grin pulls at Eddie’s mouth. “Still not really ours to take, Stevie.”

Steve grins at him, letting his eyes linger on his lips before flicking back up to meet his gaze. “Come on. Think about it. You, me, the open road. We can just drive. Just…go.” 

Eddie’s eyes flash with understanding, like he knows why Steve needs to escape. Like he doesn’t even have to explain. 

He dips into a bow, arm pointing in the direction of the RV. “Your chariot awaits, my liege.” 

Steve’s face pulls into a wide smile, a weight lifting off his shoulders as he walks backward, keeping his eyes on Eddie as he moves to follow him. Watches as his face twists into a menacing grin and he picks up pace, making Steve shriek and turn to run from him, laughter bubbling up from his chest. Eddie grabs him around the middle and hoists him over his shoulder, running into the shadows along the back of the RV. Steve smacks his back, trying to catch his breath as Eddie sets him down and presses him against the RV, leaning in close, and dropping his voice.

“Okay, baby. I’m going to climb in through the window. You go around to the door and I’ll let you in, okay?”

Steve nods, his heart racing as he watches Eddie take one last look around the trailer park before scrambling up the side and popping the window open with his shoulder. He falls through, landing inside with a soft thud. Steve makes his way to the door, bouncing on his feet as he waits for Eddie. 

The door swings open and Steve is hauled inside and pushed into the passenger seat as Eddie flops into the driver’s and starts pulling wires down from the dash. Steve stares at him with wide eyes. Can’t deny the fact that this is turning him on. Watching Eddie’s hands work quickly to fucking hotwire this thing. Like it’s nothing. Like he does this everyday. 

Eddie glances over at him with a smirk. “What’s that look for?” 

Steve shakes his head. “Nothing just…It’s one thing to know you used to steal cars with your dad. In theory. To know you have the knowledge. It’s another to…see it.” 

Eddie huffs out a laugh. “Like what you see, big boy?”

Steve rolls his eyes. “Oh, shut up. You’re hot. We get it.” 

The RV roars to life and Eddie lets out a victory whoop as he throws it in gear and steps on the gas, lurching them forward. 

–

Steve stares out the window, dark fields rushing by in a blur. He rolls down the window, the cool night air rushing in. Steve takes a deep breath and leans back, turning his head to stare at Eddie, drumming his hands on the steering wheel, hair flying all around him in the breeze. Steve feels his heart swell. Doesn’t think he’s ever felt more loved than right now. Knowing this man would risk it all, just to take Steve on a drive to distract him from whatever it is he’s running from. That he didn’t even ask. Just jumped. 

Steve knows he can’t run forever. Knows that eventually, he’ll have to face this. That he’ll have to accept that he failed. That he got so close just to see it all slip through his fingers. But for now, he sticks his hand out the window, feels the air rush past and sings. He sings along to the radio, sings to the man he loves, sings for himself, and sits back while the road takes them forward. 

[i-am-baechu]

Chapter Two

Wishes (M) (Season One) 

Summary: After a long day of classes, Min Yoongi decides to take a break at the music hall that has become his second home. He walks in with his cigarette lit and his blank expression quickly changes when he sees a girl playing his piano. The moment their eyes meet, their lives become complicated and Yoongi blames himself for her future pain. Was the love we had honest? 

Genre: Gang au!, college au!,  strangers to enemies (one-sided), strangers to lovers, slow burn, friendships, romance, angst,  little comedy, and smut

Main pairing: Gang leader! Min Yoongi x Pianist! Reader 

Warnings: Explicit language, smut, mature themes, gangs, violence, smoking cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol usage 

Warnings for this chapter: Murder

⇜ Masterlist ⇝

L/N Y/N loved the morning sky. It was a pretty color palette and she sometimes wished that she had the colors archived when she painted. The mornings reminded her of new beginnings like the stories her dad used to tell her when she was younger, hopeful. She continued to stare outside her window with a soft smile until the door opened. She slowly turned her head and smiled when she saw her maid, Sua. 

“Good morning, Sua. Did you sleep well?” 

Sua set the tray on her table and gave her a smile, “Yes I did. It was rather warm last night.” 

“It was but at least it wasn’t cold. Dad hates the cold.” 

Sua let out a small laugh as she poured the tea into her cup, “Which means you hate it as well?” 

“Yes. Are you going to eat with me?” 

“Sadly not today. I have to tend to your mother, she needs help with the party coming up.” 

Y/N rolled her eyes and shook her head, “I hate those parties. Mom always tries to set me up with someone.” 

“I’m sure she means well, Y/N.” 

“I know she does but I don’t like those people.”

“And what do you like?” 

Y/N glanced down at the cup and then back at Sua, “I’m not sure.” 

“I’m sure you will figure it out. I’ll see you after classes.” 

“Bye Sua.” 

She watched Sua leave and she was left alone in her room. Y/N is the only child of William and Arabella Lynn L/N. Two powerful Ceos in business and devoted parents. They loved Y/N with their whole hearts but they could be overprotective at times. They would invest in anything Y/N was interested in. When she was five, she was interested in coloring, so they built her a wing where she could learn how to paint. When she was seven, she was interested in music and dance, so they signed her up with the best teachers. That’s how she became the number one pianist in her division. Being twenty-two, she accomplished a lot. 

She loved her parents but she didn’t want to rely on them forever. When she turned eighteen she started working in a restaurant, her parents disagreed with this but she continued. She also got a side job as data analytics for a bank, something her parents didn’t know about (if they did, they would probably have a heart attack). Everyone at her school thought she was weird for wanting to work when she had the richest parents in the school, they wouldn’t understand. She finished her tea and glanced outside with a smile, the sun looked pretty today. 

She changed into her uniform putting her hair in a ponytail. She headed downstairs to see her parents sitting on their couch watching the news. She smiled at them and gently waved at them, “Good morning.” 

Her dad looked over and smiled at her, “My flower, did you sleep well?”

“I did, why aren’t you at work?” 

Her mom let out a small laugh and kissed her dad’s cheek, “We wanted to go in late, breakfast date.”

“That sounds fun, I’ll be heading to school.” 

“Be safe!” 

“I will!” 

She walked on the paveway, saying good morning to all the gardeners and the other workers. They loved working for the L/N family, they treated them so kindly and sometimes they don’t even feel like workers. She went through the gate and went towards the camera to give one final goodbye to her staff and parents. 

School was a weird subject to her. She had friends and all the teachers loved her but she still felt like an outcast. She didn’t know how to explain it. No one bullied her but she did know people talked about her, it was something she couldn’t stop. It was just human nature. Her best friend, Nam Dawon, was the same as her. Both parents are powerful Ceos but never let their titles get to her head. She was more on the quiet side, which is why they get along so well. Y/N was more outgoing and “troublesome” (that’s what Dawon called her). 

She walked through the gates and ran towards Dawon with a wide smile, “Good morning~.” 

Dawon smiled at her and wiped her hands on her skirt, “Good morning, you're late by the way.” 

Y/N rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders, “The bell didn’t ring so, we're fine.” 

“That’s not the point...how was your piano practice yesterday?” 

The two girls walked inside the building as the chatter from everyone filled her head. She looked at Dawon with a small smirk, “It was...fun.” 

“Fun? How so?” 

“I guess the better word would be unpredictable.” 

“Y/N, just tell me.” 

Y/N let out a small laugh and shook her head. She wrapped her arm around Dawon’s, “There was a guy...he was interesting.”

“Really? What was he like?” 

“Unpredictable...” And that scares me but it intrigues me...annoying really. 

They walked up the stairs but were stopped when Choi Jessica looked at them with wide eyes and panting, “Did you guys hear?” 

Y/N glanced at Dawon and back at Jessica with a confused look, “No?”

“There was another murder by Heliotropes.” 

Y/N’s eyes widened and looked at Dawon, “Joo Won didn’t tell me anything...I was just there last night.” 

“He doesn’t always tell you everything, Y/N. Do you think it has something to do with gangs?”

Jessica gasped at this and hugged herself, “Gangs? Those low lives only want to cause more misery because they think it’s fun. All of them should be in jail.”

Y/N's mouth formed a straight line and glanced at Dawon, “We should get to class…”

Dawon nodded her head and gave Jessica a small smile, “Bye.”

The two walked off before she could say anything more. There have been more deaths happening but this time it was different. It was at a place she frequently visited. She had to call Joo Won to make sure everything was okay or at least hear him lie that it was okay. Anything to decipher murder in some way.

When they entered the classroom, everyone was talking about the murder. It wasn’t uncommon to hear people talk about gang violence but having it near the school was new. It was an uneasy feeling. Class went by slowly and the only thing that was on Y/N’s mind was figuring out Yoongi (she didn’t want to think about the murder anymore). It’s been a couple of days since she saw him well, it’s been a couple of days since she went to the music hall. She’s been busy with her mother’s upcoming party to play the piano but today she wanted to go. A small part of her wanted to see Yoongi but another part of her didn’t really care. In all honesty, she was indifferent toward the cold smoker. He didn’t annoy nor did he make her happy, he was just there. 

As she gathered her things, she quickly made her way out of the school. Waving toward Dawon and other classmates before entering the community college campus. No one paid attention to her and she liked that. She looked around the busy campus and saw everyone talking to each other, it didn’t feel like there was pressure. 

She opened the music hall doors and smiled when she saw it empty. She quickly made her way down to the instrument with a soft smile. She gently touched the dark wood and opened it, revealing the ebony keys to her. She barely touched the keys before she sat on the stool. Her black skirt covered her thighs as placed the headphones in her ears. Her fingers started playing on their own. She wasn’t sure what the melody was but she liked it. 

She was focused but she wasn’t that focused because the smell of smoke hit her nose. She stopped playing and turned around to see a new (handsome) face. She gave him a small smile, “Do you want to play?” 

The guy let out a puff of smoke and shook his head, “No, I was just curious. The melody, it’s missing something.” 

She glanced at the keys and then back at him with her head tilted, “What do you think is missing?” 

“Happiness? It just sounds Melancholy.” 

“Really? I thought it sounded...happy.”

The guy let out a small chuckle and shook his head, “If that’s happiness to you then I would be scared to hear your version of sadness.” 

“People have their own definitions of the words, it’s not always black and white.” 

“Then maybe you should learn what happiness is.”

She gave him a small glare and turned her back to him, “I think you should be kinder to strangers. You can’t just assume things.” 

“Your piano playing tells me otherwise. Bye, Y/N.”

Her eyes widened at this and turned back to the stranger, “How do you know my name?”

“You capture someone’s attention. I wanted to see for myself.”

She scoffed at this and stood up from the stool to glare at him, “Who the hell is this someone?” 

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“That’s why I asked. Who is this someone?” 

“He’s right, you're feisty.”

“I’ll show you feisty-”

“Taehyung, what the hell are you doing here?” She turned her head at the new (familiar) voice. Yoongi stood there with his black leather jacket being highlighted under the lights and his long black hair framing his face perfectly. She scoffed and looked between “Taehyung” and Yoongi, “Should’ve known.”

Yoongi raised his eyebrow at this as he made his way towards “Taehyung”, “Known what Bambi?” 

She went back to the piano with her back towards them, “That you know each other. Tyrants know each other.” 

“The fuck is she talking about?” 

“She's calling us tyrants because we smoke in the music hall. Keep up. Don’t you have somewhere to be?” 

She heard footsteps and she smiled to herself. With the door closing, she started to play the piano but this time without her headphones. She continued to play until she felt a presence next to her. She looked up as her fingers continued playing, “Can I help you?” 

“I want to play.” 

“Well, I’m playing right now-”

“I want to play with you.”

She stopped playing and looked at Yoongi with a raised eyebrow, “You want to play with me at the same time?” 

“That’s what I said. Unless you think your better than-”

“I never said that so don’t put words into my mouth. Sit.” 

She moved a bit and ignored the scoffing. When he sat next to her she glanced at him, “What do you want to play?” 

“Don’t you usually compose your own music?” 

“I do but that wouldn’t be fair for me to do that to you. I can’t expect someone to follow me when they don’t even know my next move. It’s not fair.”

He nodded his head and looked down at the keys, “We can do Mozart.” 

“I don’t have a problem with that...Why did you want to play with me? You don’t seem the type.”

He scoffed and looked at her with a raised eyebrow, “What does that mean?”

“Your vibe just tells me you want to do things your way. That’s all. Not bad.” 

Nothing was said after that because Yoongi started playing without her. She rolled her eyes and started to follow. It was clear to her that Yoongi was a trained pianist. She was kind of shocked that he was playing with ease. The two continued to play and she glanced at his face to see his eyebrows furrowed. He was concentrating hard on the keys. When the song ended, she clapped her hands together, “That was fun.” 

“You kept up.” 

“You didn’t think I would?” 

“No, but you were shocked that I kept up.” 

She glanced at him and nodded her head, “I would be lying if I said no. Obviously, you play piano but I didn’t know the skill level. Did you ever go to school for it?” 

Yoongi rolled his eyes and took out a cigarette, “I didn’t have time for that. I just learned whenever I had the time.”

“You're very talented.”

“I know.” 

She let out a small laugh when she felt her phone buzz in her skirt pocket. She took her phone out and saw her mom was calling her. She sighed and looked at Yoongi, “I have to go.”

“Let me walk you.”

She shook her head and glanced at the cigarette, “No because you're going to smoke. I don’t want to smell like smoke.” 

He rolled his eyes and placed his cigarette back into the box, “Is that okay, Bambi?” 

“Yes...are you really going to walk me?” 

“Yes.” 

She let out a small sigh and decided not to argue with him. She picked up her backpack and glanced at him, “Can I stop by a store?” 

“You're not a prisoner.” 

“I beg to differ.” 

The two left the music hall and she felt eyes on her. It was probably because of Yoongi. She overheard people talk about Yoongi and it seems like he's a loner. He had a set friend group and he didn’t bother to change it until now. She wondered why he was talking to her, she didn’t mind it but it did give her second thoughts on his intentions. She walked into a liquor store as Yoongi followed her closely. She went towards the drinks and turned towards him, “Are you going to pick a drink?” 

“Why would I?”

“Because I want you to have a drink?” 

He glanced at the drinks and then back at her, “So the rich girl is going to pay for me.” 

She scoffed at this and picked up her tea, “Don’t call me that. You know I have a name.” 

“Fine, Bambi.” He opened another section and took whiskey out of the cold. She glanced at the drink and then at him with a raised eyebrow, “You getting whiskey? It’s only four in the afternoon.” 

“Bambi you said pick a drink, you never said I couldn’t get alcohol.” 

“I guess...” 

She walked towards the cashier and went to take out her wallet. She stopped when the cashier looked at her with a nervous look, “You don’t have to pay.” 

She furrowed her eyebrows at this and tilted her head, “I have alcohol...you need to see my ID..”

She watched the cashier glance at Yoongi and then back at her with a nervous look, “It’s covered. Don’t worry.” 

She looked at Yoongi with a confused look, “Is this-”

“It’s fine, Y/N. Let’s go.”

She nodded her head but before she left, she took out 50,000 KRW and slid it to him. She gave him a small smile and bowed her head at him, “Have a good day.”

Yoongi grabbed her wrist and left the store without saying anything. They went to a bench and she sat down next to him. She watched him take a drink and she tilted her head at him. He glanced at her and looked at her drink, “You like lemon tea?” 

“I do. You like whiskey.” 

He let out a small chuckle and nodded his head, “I do. Want a drink?” 

“Sure.” She took the bottle and took a small sip of the dark liquid. She frowned at it and gave it back to him, “It’s not bad but it’s not good.” 

“Do you drink alcohol?” 

“Sometimes. It’s not a common thing in my day-to-day life.”

“What do you drink then, Bambi?” 

She rolled her eyes and let a small smirk appear, “I like tequila...wine...nothing else comes to mind.” That was a lie. She would drink almost anything at the parties that her mother threw. Anything to distract her from the men there. 

“Interesting. Don’t you have to get going?” 

“I do...but I can stay a little longer.” 

He took another sip and raised his eyebrow at her, “You don’t follow orders, do you?”

“I already told my mom I was finishing off my piece. She understands.” He leaned back into the bench and she followed his lead. She opened her tea and took a small sip. She felt his eyes on her and she glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, “You look like you have a question.” 

“What are you majoring in?” 

“Music and programming.” 

He nodded his head and looked her up and down, “Smart.”

“What about you, Yoongi?” 

“Business.” 

She smiled at this and nodded her head, “I can see you as a Ceo.” 

“Why is that, Bambi?” 

“You just have this aura for it.” 

“I hope that’s a good thing.” 

“It is, don’t worry.”

They both stared at each other and she looked into his dark eyes. Normally you would see something from a person rather it be happy or sad but she couldn’t tell with him. His eyes were a mystery to her but she knew some mysteries were left unsolved. She was the one that broke the stare and stood up to throw her can away. She glanced over her shoulders and looked at him, “Are you ready?” 

“I am, Bambi.” 

The two walked in silence but it made Y/N think more. If Yoongi was an outcast at his school, why was he interacting with her? He was weird and she didn’t know if he was a good weird or a bad weird yet. He was just weird to her for now. They stopped in front of her gate and she turned towards him, “Thank you...again.” 

“I wouldn’t want you to walk alone at night. It’s dangerous.” 

“I think everyone knows that...I’m assuming you heard about the murder.” 

He let out a deep sigh and looked away from her, “I did...” 

She nodded her head and pushed the button to go in, “I’ll see you when I see you.”

“Yeah, Bambi.” 

She gave him a small wave and walked through her gates. As she made her through her garden she felt his eyes on her. She stopped herself from looking at him and shook her head to continue looking forward. There was something about Yoongi but she just couldn’t figure it out...she also didn’t know if she wanted to figure it out. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“Oppa?” Y/N pushed the door slowly and looked around the empty restaurant with a frown. It was quiet and that was strange. It was a Saturday afternoon meaning the restaurant should be loud with plates clattering and the talks of someone's ex-boyfriend echoing in the room. Something was wrong. Y/N placed her bags on a table and walked towards the stairs to Joo Won’s apartment. With each step she took, the wood would cry in agony and it wasn’t comforting her. She gently knocked on the door, “Oppa?” 

The door opened and she was looking in familiar dark brown eyes, “Yoongi? What are you doing here?” 

“Bambi? What are you doing here?” 

She tried looking past Yoongi’s shoulder but he blocked her view with the door. She looked at him with a confused look, “I’m here to see oppa...now answer my question, what are you doing here?” 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Tag List:

@hopefulrascalstatesmantoad

[writing-for-life]

WIP Wednesday…

It’s currently progressing slowly because it’s heavy and I need to pace myself, so I just need to share something a bit lighter. Well, maybe lighter around the edges—it’s Dream being Dream and Delirium being Delirium, and I love those two so much. I’m so happy to write their dynamics a bit more this time, but it’s also so much pressure to get them right while still leaving space for something new to develop.

It doesn’t give away anything, so fine to post (if you’d rather wait for the whole thing to get published, this is the exit sign…)

A bit of Dream/Delirium dialogue…

“My sister, I know you can hear me, and I would… I want to apologise. I treated you poorly, and it was not my intention to hurt your feelings. And I understand if you do not wish to answer my call. But it is important to me you know I regret we parted on less than favourable terms.”

“You did the apologising thing the last time. And then you were still horrible. So how do I know it means anything? And that you won’t be mean again?”

He felt a slight smile tug at the corners of his mouth at hearing her voice. “I think you will just need to… trust me?”

Delirium came through within a split second, hair dancing, each strand a rebellious stroke of colour that seemed to stand on end in defiance. She put her hands on her hips, and her locks began to blaze in a riotous tangle that seemed to mirror her current mood.

“You ask me to trust you when you would never do the same. When did you ever trust me?”

The choker of crystal beads around her neck strained, and prismatic rays of light sent a surge of blinding brightness into Dream’s eyes. She might as well have slapped him, and it occurred to him that maybe, just maybe, she had. And once again, he felt an overwhelming need to smile because maybe, just maybe, he deserved it.

And when Delirium noticed, it immediately stopped her rant in its tracks. “Why are you smiling? What’s funny? Soooo… I’m a joke to you now. Ha ha, not laughing.”

Dream took a hesitant step towards her, face still soft. “I am not laughing at you, sister. I was just thinking that… I fully deserve your anger, and once again, I wish to apologise for my behaviour.”

Delirium eyed him with suspicion, but her hair had turned into a slightly less wild do. She began twisting her leg on the ball of her foot. “Accepted.” She still sounded like a surly teenager, but it was a start.

They stood in awkward silence for a while, and Dream felt bound by memories etched into his very being.

He finally chose to speak. “We were once—when you were younger, and so was I—stitched together like… constellations. And like stars might realign, what seems like a broken orbit could perhaps be… mended by…”

Delirium looked at him with knitted brows. “You always make everything so complicated. Even your words are complicated. Making amends is not starry, or breaky like some… like spider’s silk and frayed threads and tiptoeing and eggshells. See, I can do that too, that complicated word thing. But it’s just silly. I just want you to be my brother and stop being angry at me and…”

Dream rolled his eyes. “Where does this idea I am perpetually angry come from?”

She forced one eye shut and wrinkled her nose. “Because it seems like it?”

He exhaled loudly.

“You do that a lot when you’re grumpy. The noisy breath through your nose.”

Dream snorted, which made Delirium perk up. “Ha, you don’t do that a lot, the snorty laugh thing. I like it.”

“I was just reminded why you and Thalia seem to get along.” He inclined his head with a raised brow. “In a sisterly manner, not in any way related to your function.”

“She’s alright.”

He smiled. “I am aware.”

Delirium sat down on the floor, legs crossed. “I know you know, but you didn’t believe me when I said I liked her for you. And that I wanted to help you. And her.”

Dream sat down with her, legs equally crossed. “I can see that now. I would like you to know that I appreciate the sentiment. And that I am willing to let go of my complicated… feelings around the issue, at least where they concern you.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Delirium bumped his leg with her foot. Not too hard. “And now what?”

➗

And if you want to know “now what?”, you’ll need to wait. You can of course bridge the wait with digging into The Light of Stars if you haven’t already, because it’s the prequel.

I’m so excited about this one, but it is so much harder to write than TLoS because it has so many canon connection points and references I need to weave in, and it’s such a delicate dance between staying canon-adjacent and creating something new.

And I still don’t write in sequence, and I’m just killing myself a little, but it’s okay…

Tagging the usual suspects that I also tagged in Snowglobes and Whisky:

@marlowe-zara @tickldpnk8 @safeuphigh @bluecsparrot @rey-jake-therapist @intothesoul

[snailsandpuppy-dogtails]

I Do, Do You?

A Criminal Minds/ Married At First Sight AU Strangers, Penelope Garcia and Luke Alvez are matched on the arranged marriage reality show, Married At First Sight. ~3,500 words, on AO3 Chapter 1 The Interview

“So, Mr. Alvez. Luke,” the production assistant interviewing him says with a little too much familiarity for his liking, “tell us; why have you signed up for this? I mean, surely a good looking, healthy, man like yourself doesn’t have a problem meeting women.”

She leans in placing her hand just above his knee. Luke isn’t sure if this is some kind of test for the last part of the selection process or if she’s actually hitting on him while interviewing him in the final stages where he’ll be matched with the (hopefully) love of his life. Either way he finds it crass and uncomfortable, he’s here for a reason and he’s given zero indication he’d welcome such a touch. He’s also nervous. Nervous because he knows how this looks, how it will look. A guy like himself single and hitting his mid 40s? He wasn’t old, but he was getting there. When people his age are single there’s a reason, and usually it’s not a good one. His wasn’t terribly great either, but it wasn’t the worst.

He responds, painting on one of his bright, winning smiles as he removes her hand, and sits up straighter, lacing his fingers in his lap. A sound comes out that’s like a laugh dying in his throat, then he answers, “Thank you, but, I do. Ah. People have a way of romanticizing things that are often hard on a person…maybe to distract themselves from the reality of it. The life of a soldier, office workers working overtime everyday, long-haul trucking - solitary lifestyles… My jobs have been very time consuming and isolating, and for a long time I romanticized that life. I let them take the place of real connection in most instances, when people didn’t fit in those areas, I let them go…I didn’t try to find a balance. But I’m trying to get better at it. For the last three years I’ve been able to call a place home, it’s the longest stretch of time I’ve been in one city. For most of my adult life I’ve devoted myself to causes I felt were important, but in doing that I sacrificed really fully being in a loving, committed relationship. That is definitely an area I could improve in.” Unbothered by the rejection, she goes on, “You mentioned that your job has been a factor in finding love. Is that still a concern, or do you feel you can dedicate the time needed to form a deep relationship in our eight-week time-frame?”

Luke takes a minute, his eyes close, the tip of his tongue swiping at the seam of his lips, taking to heart the question, considering it. “I won’t lie, it could still be an issue. My job doesn’t have set hours or weekends off, I can be gone for undetermined lengths- but I’m willing to devote time to work-arounds, I’m willing to make things work for the right person.”

“And do you think that’s a fair thing to ask of a stranger?”

“Honestly? No. But I think the right person would understand, and in time, can help me learn to strike that balance.” He’s sure they’ll drop him now.

—-----

“Ms. Garcia, tell us why you signed up for Married at First Sight.”

“Don’t let this exterior fool you- I date. A lot. Love to go out; drinks, karaoke, the whole nine- zero problems finding some Mr. Mr. to join me out on the town. The problem is,” her face scrunches, “and this is gonna sound like, well duh, that’s everyone’s problem, but I’m kind of crap at picking guys. I had a lot of toxic relationships early on after my parents died, control freaks, stalkers, clingers… this one guy I went out with even tried to kill me…shot me after saying goodnight…”

Penelope quiets, frowning before sniffing and looking back up blinking rapidly, cheering. “But he was something else entirely. Now Sam, Sam was good. Sam was sweet. We just don’t work on that level, you know? It was good and all, but there wasn’t that…spark. It wasn’t romantic love if we were really looking at it and… I want romantic love. I can’t trust myself to pick it, so I’m hoping this matching process can. Well, that, and my best friend Derek got married to this gorgeous doctor and I can’t have him trying to set me up on pity dates when we go out to dinner any more. -Oh! But don’t tell Derek I said that! He won’t see this, right? You don’t show these parts?”

The assistant ignores the question and moves on, “We heard you’ve been proposed to before, but turned him down. Mind telling us what happened there?”

She’d been concerned about being upfront with that detail of her past when filling out the form. She went back and forth clicking ‘yes’ and ‘no’ alternately until eventually deciding on just being truthful. They wouldn’t have included it as an option if they were automatically going to exclude her because she’d turned down the proposal, right? If she lied and then someone mentioned it while she was being filmed, production would have a field day. No, it was better to be honest about it.

Except now here they were asking about it.

Dang it.

“I wasn’t at the right place and he wasn’t the right person.” She says it simply, with so much nonchalance even she feels it’s entirely true.

The interviewer, apparently, however, has met this casual indifference before. They look up at her from over their glasses, “But you’re in the right place now?” they ask with some skepticism. Penelope grins wide, Tulip-pink lips stretching “I know I am. The only question is if you can find me the person worth marrying.”

—-Telling Family and Friends—-

~For traditional couples, informing friends and family of upcoming nuptials is a time of celebration, happiness, excitement, and shared joy. For our couples, however, this can be stressful. Situations may need to be handled with care, families aren’t expecting this major life change for their loved one. Brides and grooms can be met with hostility, suspicion, bargaining, hurt feelings, and dismissiveness at choosing an unconventional path to finding love.~

As her family lives out of town, Ms. Garcia has chosen to inform them of the big news over Zoom.

“Carlos! Gideon!” Penelope greets excitedly over her computer as their images bob and freeze.

“We’re here, Penelope, is everything ok?” an older man with thinning, dark hair asks in mild concern, “The only time you set these things up is on holidays and it isn’t a holiday that I’m aware of.”

“Everything’s fine. Great in fact…Actually…” she grins at their images on her screen. Gideon and Carlos will support her, she knows. They may not understand it at first, Carlos has strong convictions, but Gideon always tries to see where each of them is coming from and help the other understand. He’d come around. “I kind of have some big news…" she continues, figuring she should just rip off the bandaid, "I’m getting married!”

The faces peering back at her are understandably confused. After a moment of silence, each working things out on their own, Carlos is the first to respond, “...Morgan’s leaving his wife?”

It was a jumble of words then as all three talked over the other, “What?! No! It’s not Derek,-” Gideon frowning and shaking his head chuckling, “And ditch that doctor? Not a chance. Penelope, what do you mean? You’re not-”  “it’s…well even I don’t know who it is yet! I was kind of selected through this matching thing and they have these experts and well, it’s-”

Excited dawning sparks on her brother’s face as he shouts over both of them, “IT’S THAT SHOW!”

“Wha- Yeah. It is. I’m going to be on ‘Married at First Sight’...So are you guys…are you upset?” Neither sounded mad, they didn’t look mad, but who knew? Give either time to think and it’s possible they ended up that way, frustrated at her impulsiveness, what they saw as reckless behavior.

Gideon took the lead, Carlos feeling thrown off, but excited, hesitantly happy for his sister. “Peanut, you’re old enough to make your own decisions. Hell, you’ve been doing it since before you were old enough…Though I don’t know that I agree with your choice to have your private life splashed all over every tv and computer around the world with as deep and quick as things spread, I trust you know what you’re doing. If you think this is the best way for you to find happiness, that’s all your mom and dad ever wanted. It’s all we want for you, too. And, it’s not Kevin.”

“I’m just surprised at your restraint,” Carlos jumped in teasing, “you’re tellin’ us you haven’t hacked their systems, found who they matched you with, and searched him down to the very first time he even touched a computer?”

“I would never!”

“Ahh, someone recognized you.”

“They did not!-”

“Who was it, huh? Some tech nerd for sure. Hey! If things don't work out with whoever they set you up with maybe go for him, yeah?”

“Shut up! Fine.” She huffed, “It was a mic guy. He told production and they put it in my contract that if they found out I did that, they’d replace me. And I reeally wanna do this! I guess it’s kind of fun not knowing…you know, if the anxiety of it doesn’t kill me before the wedding day.”

~~

She hadn’t gotten anxious when telling Carlos and Gideon, JJ and Derek on the other hand were a different story. JJ wouldn’t say much, she didn’t often judge, but Derek, Derek was fiercely protective and very vocal when he felt she was making a mistake.

She didn’t think it was a mistake, but she could already feel those brooding eyebrows’ and careless tongue’s lashing sting, building up the wall of resistance to let her news be known.

Looking at her friend’s curious faces on the other side of the coffee table, she wished she could dive into the crashing waves of the magazine  cover between them Mary Poppins style.

She’d invited them over for brunch, just the three of them, meaning to casually drop the news while whipping up Belgian waffle batter. But fruit had been sliced, waffles cooked, doused, and consumed, and glasses drained of mimosa nectar all while tension built and she danced around the big reveal.

JJ and Derek speculated while Penelope busily cleared plates and cleaned up, insisting she didn’t need the help. Was she moving? Was she in trouble? Had she happened upon some government documents again while messing around online and bored? Did she adopt them each a pack of dogs?

Finally, with nothing left to distract her or use as an excuse, she was sitting pinned to the cushion in front of them.

“So…?” JJ prompted.They both were leaning forward, elbows on knees. Penelope dropped her eyes to the rug, playing with the hem of her skirt. If she didn’t have to look them in the eye it wouldn’t be so bad.

Derek sat back, exasperated. “Baby girl, we know something’s up, just tell us! If you need it, we can help-”

Her eyes shot to his across from her, “It’s not like that, I want to, really, I do! But, I’m worried…I’m worried you’ll be mad. You have to promise you won’t get mad- it’s nothing bad, I swear!” Her eyes bounced from Derek to JJ and back again. “It’s just, you might think I haven’t thought things through, or I'm being impulsive, or maybe I'm doing it as a reaction to what happened before, but I’m not and I have and I really believe it could be a good thing.”

Telling friends shouldn’t be more stressful than telling family, telling either exciting news shouldn’t be stressful at all. She thought about her mystery husband (as she’d taken up privately calling him) then; was he having as much trouble telling his family? Were they accepting? Were they close? Did he have a good relationship with them? Did he even have family? Siblings, parents, cousins, grandparents… Did he have lots of shallow friendships or few but deep ones? Would his friends go to the ends of the earth to protect him…like hers had?

“Ok, now you really have me lost…Pen, what is it?”

Penelope looked up, as ready as she’d ever be, “Jayge, you have Will and that’s awesome! And Derek, you have Savannah, and- and that’s wonderful and you’re both so happy and your little families are so cute and I’m so not wanting kids- but I do want that happiness, and it’s hard sometimes being around you both when I don’t have someone. And we know how well my gut’s been at choosing-“

“Hey-” Derek started, “You can’t blame yourself for that, there’s no way you could predict some piece of shit  would shoot you.”

“No, but you were right…Some random guy at a- never mind. That’s not my announcement. Anyway.” Her busy hands swept the veering track away, dropped to her lap, then flew into the air as a massive smile spread across her face, “I’m getting married!”

Derek’s face contorted grossly, “Don’t tell me you went back to Kevin-”

JJ’s grew incredulous and disgusted, “Oh my god, Penelope, no! He wants you to live on a farm!”

Ah, yes, this. This is the judgment and presumption, this was the reason she had been so apprehensive about telling them, well that and her impulsiveness. No matter, it wasn’t what they thought and that would definitely be worse than what it is…

“It’s not Kevin. Well. Actually, I guess it could be, but the odds are incredibly low that it would be? The truth is I don’t know who the groom is because well, I signed up for a show, and I was selected, so some professionals have chosen a husband for me, it’s all very scientific- and we get to meet him together on the day of my wedding” she paused in her nerves, trying to read the emotions of her closest friends from their body language.

“…That is, if you’ll both agree to be there with me? Please. I need you there. I’m already getting nervous. My feet are itching and my palms are sweating just telling the two of you about it.”

JJ was stunned, Derek, predictively, looked less than thrilled. His arms crossed tight against his chest and a jet eyebrow arched sky high. “You tell Gideon and Carlos yet?”

“Not that it has anything to do with me telling the two of you, but yes Mr. Nosy, I told my family.”

“And?”

“And what?! They’re happy for me, Derek! Carlos is flying out here from California and Gideon is driving down from his cabin in a few days so we can have dinner as a family before the ceremony...”

JJ leaned forward, hand grasping Penelope’s, smiling, “That sounds great, Pen,” then looking pointedly at Derek, “of course we’ll be there, we wouldn’t miss it for the world. You, me, and Savannah can go suit shopping for the boys.”

Derek rolled his eyes but relaxed into the chair, “Yeah mama, of course we’ll be there, just name the date, since you can’t name the groom.”

-For security reasons film crew were not permitted onto the office grounds of Participant Luke Alvez.-

He’s shocked he was selected, he figured with his history of emotional and physical unavailability along with the restrictions around filming him, they simply would have gone with an easier candidate, but he’s hopeful and excited nonetheless. With background checks and interviews behind him, all that was left was checking in with work and telling his mom and Isabella.

“Hey, ah. Emily, can we talk in your office? I have something to run by you…” Luke asks as he catches her walking into the bullpen.He’s approaching with coffee, she can’t help but notice he seems off, almost on edge. “Of course, everything alright?” she asks as they make their way up the stairs and across the catwalk.

Entering her office, she perches on the edge of her desk and gestures to the open door, “Should we…?” If he was disguising his emotions this poorly, asking to talk in private, and attempting to soften her with caffeine it must be pretty important, and Luke tended to be private regardless.He was half way to sitting, but stood up wiping a hand on his jeans, “Uh, yeah. Yeah, maybe.” he said, reaching over to close it, feeling the latch catch before letting go.

“Look, before I say anything, what I’m asking, I’m asking Unit Chief Prentiss, not Friend Emily. I know you’re going to want to mock this, but please before you do that, try to address it from the perspective of the Bureau first, then you can say whatever you want.”

Putting on her best Ambassador voice and face, she responds haughtily, “I resent that you feel I would be anything other than strictly professional in this building…” her lips twist into a smile, “but knowing you think I’ll think it’s stupid makes me feel better.”

Luke shakes his head as if to say “You couldn’t wait” but goes on. “A few months ago, as you know, I took some time off to visit family. Being around my mother and my sister, talking about Papi and my abuelo, hanging out with my nephews, they got to talking about me and naturally there was the whole ‘why aren’t you married, you’re breaking my heart, your father would be crushed the family name is dying, yadda yadda.” He looks up at Emily, poorly disguising her knowing smile with the rim of her cup.

“I didn’t know we shared a mother.”

Luke laughs, rolling his eyes, “Ok, well. I didn’t think it bothered me, but I guess it did, because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Not from a guilt perspective, but I just started thinking they were right. Not about the family name, but what am I doing? Am I going to wake up 10, 20 years from now in some motel the bureau’s put me up in and realize that’s all my life has been? That all my life’s amounted to is having put a few dozen murderers behind bars?”

“Hey, that’s no small feat-”

“Yeah, but you of all people know how isolating this job can be, how lonely, how hard it is to find someone willing to stick it out with our schedule… and how easy it is to let it eclipse everything. So when my sister called a few weeks later talking about this show, saying applications were open, making jokes about how it would be the only way I’d ever ‘lock down a wife’ I told her go for it, sign me up. And after assuring her I was serious, she did. I guess they liked what she wrote because they picked me, and matched me with someone...”

Luke took a deep breath, “So, my question is…am I allowed to do this? Not, can I take time off again, but logistically as a Federal Agent, will I be fired if I go through with this? Would I need to use a fake name or take a leave of absence?”

“Oooh,” she sucked her teeth, “Yeah. That might be a little more complicated. I know we make appearances on tv from time to time on certain cases; informing the public, addressing unsubs, but the Bureau is not going to like this. A reality show? Luke, the optics if it goes poorly... Look, I’m not telling you you can’t do it. If you think it’s worth it, I can check, but I’m confident there isn’t a rule against it. Maybe just don’t say on camera what you do for work. We don’t need any of that kind of blowback, especially in this political climate.”

Luke sat back, shoulders hiking down, relief taking over as worry left his body. He didn’t realize just how stressed he’d been over the whole situation. “Thanks, Emily.”

She beamed an evil, toothy grin back, “Don’t thank me yet, you still have to tell the team, and lucky you, I was just about to gather everyone…”

~~

Breaking the news to his mother had gone about as well as he’d thought. She was overjoyed he was finally getting married, settling down, and starting a family (or so she imagined), but appalled and borderline scandalized at the spectacle a reality show would be and the fact that no one knew the girl or her family.

“If you insist on going through with this can’t you persuade one of your computer friends at work to check up on her, mijo?” had been bargained down from “I don’t understand why you refuse to meet up with any of the nice girls I know from the neighborhood and church. I can find you a good girl with good family at the church. Doloris’s daughter-”

“No mother, that would be a violation, not to mention a misuse of government resources and personnel…and,” he shrugged though he was on the phone alone in his apartment, “I kind of like not knowing…the anticipation. It’s exciting.”

“You’re an idiot” were her last words on the matter, everything else after had been communicated through his sister. But she was coming, and it wasn’t to hold a protest.

[mama-qwerty]

The Knuckles Series - Review

Okay. So.

Finished the series.

I have thoughts.

First of all, it was fun. I view it as kinda filler episode material, that if someone watched just the movies they wouldn’t miss much. I watched it with my family and there were times we were all laughing and cheering and just enjoying the ride. It was silly and fun and Knuckles was adorable in every scene he was in.

That said, was it perfect?

No. No, it was not.

Here’s my take on some problems.

~ Setup felt rushed

We had the barest glimpse into Knux’s difficulty adjusting to a life on Earth, which, honestly, just made it look like he wasn’t being challenged enough. He can’t go from being on the run and fighting for his life at every turn to just sitting around playing VR and goofing off. That’s just not who he is.

Not to mention, his interpersonal skills are practically non-existent. He fought his whole childhood away. Presumably, anyone who came near him either wanted to exploit him, use him, or fight him. So he’s used to just doing things on his own, with no one to answer to, or take into consideration. That’s what I saw at the beginning—and honestly, it may have been easily handled had Maddie sat down with him and actually tried to get to know and understand him a little better.

~ Maddie

I felt for her, I really did. And I get that she was frustrated. Tom’s off who-knows-where, and she’s left at home trying to get the damage to the house fixed, while keeping tabs on three super powered alien kids, one of whom is actively attacking handymen, dragging a ton of dirt and sharpened sticks into the living room to make a warrior fighting pit, and dismantling the car to build himself an Iron Throne in the dining room.

She’s frustrated, and doing everything she can to keep herself from snapping. She didn’t sign up for this, but now has to learn on the fly how to deal with three very different, and very special needs kiddos.

But her referring to Knuckles as “our little red barbarian friend” kinda rubbed me the wrong way. He’s not a barbarian. He’s a warrior. He’s a traumatized kid who feels like the honor of his entire tribe rests on his shoulders. He’s struggling with this change and instead of trying to sit down and talk to the kid to explain how things are done on Earth, and see if there was some kind of agreement they could reach to keep them both happy, she just kinda gives up and walks away. Not very understanding, and doesn’t make her come off looking very good.

~ Pachacamac

Okay, this is just weird. Pachacamac, for those who don’t know, in the games is the warmongering echidna tribe chief who led the warriors in an assault to take the Master Emerald’s power for themselves. In the process, they enraged Chaos, the God of Destruction, who all but wiped out the Knuckles clan.

I know, I know, game and movie universes are different. The movie team has taken liberties before with certain aspects of Sonic lore, so this shouldn’t be any different.

Except it is. Canonically, Pachacamac is not a good guy. He’s not even a morally gray character. He is not an honored chief, who trained Knuckles and is now his wise spirit guide. He was the cause of the fall of Knuckles’ entire tribe, thanks to his greed and lust for power.

Making Pachacamac essentially Yoda is like changing Robotnik into a kindly grandfather figure. I mean, what??

The only thing I can think this harkens back to is Longclaw’s little hologram message from the second movie, in which she gives Sonic a quest to find the Master Emerald before Knuckles does. Which, okay, it’s a lost loved one giving a final message to help direct the character on a new path.

Except, Pachacamac isn’t a lost loved one for Knuckles. We did not see any interaction between Knux and Pach. We did see interaction between Knuckles and his father, who would have been a much better choice to send his son on a new path.

(I did, however, see this post that makes SOOOOO much sense in why Pachy appears to Knux, and instructs him to train Wade, specifically.)

~ The Master Emerald

Speaking of, WHERE IS IT? It was referenced numerous times, but never shown once. The absolute least the show could have done was show it well secured, with a Tails’ created security system in place. Show Knux meditating near it, or praying to his ancestors that they can rest easy knowing that the Emerald is safely back in the hands of the echidna once more.

The absolute lack of a presence of it is strange, considering the pursuit of it was what caused the near extinction of both the echidna and the owls. It was Knuckles’ focus for his entire life. Yet he simply leaves it behind without a second thought?

~ Wanda

OMG I hated Wade’s sister. Just, hated her. She was immature, abrasive, abusive, unnecessarily antagonistic with Wade (which seemed to be a life-long thing if the flashbacks are anything to go by) and just struck me as someone who was overcompensating for something. She’s a bully and it’s no wonder Wade is the way he is if he had to grow up with someone like her.

~ No Closure

We didn’t see them arrive back home, where Maddie would hand them their asses for just disappearing like that and not telling her. She was likely worried out of her mind the whole time. And I would have liked to have seen Sonic and Tails try to cover for Knux’s absence, in funny little brotherly shenanigans.

As I said above, I still found it fun. I loved Mother Whipple. I loved Knux’s interactions with her. I loved how Wade grew over their little trip. It was an enjoyable ride, and my whole family really had fun.

How would I have done it differently?

Well, that’s a different post.

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Minimal Loss: Final Part

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~1.6k

Summary: You and Spencer go undercover to a ranch that is run by a man who thinks he’s God. When you and Spencer are trapped there, you will do anything to protect him, even if it means putting yourself in danger.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them. If you’ve seen the show, then it’s the same level of angst unless otherwise stated

x

"Those of you that are standing, please collect your belongings and report to the front hallway immediately." Everyone who was called does as they're told, and they are released immediately. Now, all that's left are the true believers. When Rossi sees them leave, he calls Ben to thank him. "We will surrender tomorrow at noon. I want the press there to ensure that we're treated fairly. We'll discuss the details in our 7:00 AM call. I'll see you then, Dave."

"I look forward to it."

"Oh, one more thing. Could you send some food in?"

"Sure. What would you like?"

"Fried chicken and all the fixin's."

"You got it."

"I don't understand. Why did you let them go?" Chris asks once Ben hangs up.

"They weren't prepared to do what needs to be done," Spencer answers, but that angers Chris.

"You're not one of us. You don't know what it takes to be prepared!"

"Listen to him," Ben says calmly. "Tell him."

"They failed the test. They had a chance to prove their faith when Cyrus told them that they'd sacrifice themselves for God. Instead, they showed they weren't worthy. That's why he wants the media to bear witness to your true final act of sacrifice."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm always looking for signs of things to come."

Spencer knows Rossi can hear him talk, and he knows exactly what Spencer means.

"Reid's talking to us," Rossi states. "He wants a sign when we're coming in. He's telling us this is it. Time has run out. We've got to go in."

A large amount of food is brought in so that Rossi can bring it to Ben. His first thought is to drug it, but that won't work. He needs to get the message to you and Spencer about what time they are going in.

"Drugging the food is not an option because of the children. We have to go in," Hotch says.

"The best time to hit them is when they're least mentally prepared. Their biorhythm cycle is at its lowest at 3:00 am."

"We need a diversion. Something that plays into his expectations," Derek says.

"Whatever we're doing, the plan depends on Reid and Y/N separating the diehards from the followers, and delaying Cyrus's diehards from reacting to our assault," Rossi says.

"That's not my main concern. Reid and Y/N know what they need to do. My main concern is letting them know when we're coming. The whole thing hinges on them being ready for us at 3:00 am."

Instead of drugging the food, everyone plants tiny bugs inside the food that's small enough not to be noticed when or if eaten. The food takes some time to prepare, and it's after the sun goes down that they start to bring it in. You're lying in bed with your hands tied to the bedposts.

There are bugs everywhere, so you know if you start talking, they might be able to hear you. You lift your leg and reach out towards the blinds on the window. You fit your foot in between the blind and wiggle it just in case they are watching.

"If you guys can hear me, I know you're coming. I can try to get the women and children down to the tunnel, but I need to know when you're coming."

You repeat this phrase three times before you get something from them. Something shines on the wall, a red dot. Whoever is doing this has a laser pointed to the wall.

"Okay, I see you. What time are you coming?"

The red dot flashes three times on the wall, and since it's nighttime, you can only assume that they're coming at 3:00 am and not 3:00 pm.

"3:00 am?" you ask, and the red dot moves up and down as if the person is nodding. "Understood. Spencer is on the first floor somewhere with Ben. Please remember there are children here." You can hear someone walking down the hall, and you quickly move your leg back down. "Someone's coming."

Kathy comes into the room with a glass of water, and you lift her head as she helps you drink it. You're grateful for her kindness, but you need to get out of here.

"Kathy, Ben is planning a mass suicide. I know you made the 911 call."

"This is all my fault," she sighs. "None of this would have happened if I hadn't made that call."

"You were trying to protect your daughter."

"There were other girls before Jessie. He would marry them in secret, and after a while, he'd take another. We weren't permitted to speak of it, so when she asked for my consent, I wanted to just take her and run. I was afraid she wouldn't leave him."

"You wanted us to take her?"

"I wanted to save her from Cyrus."

You have to trust her because she is the only one here who can help you and your team out.

"I can give you another chance. The FBI is coming here at 3:00 am. I need you to gather Jessica, the kids, and the other women. Get them into the basement just before 3:00 am."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I have faith that you are a strong enough woman to do the right thing for Jessica."

She quickly leaves, but you can feel her doubts for you. You groan in frustration and bang your head on the pillow. Did you make a mistake by telling her? You hope not. Minutes later, she comes back with a worried look on her face. She starts to untie you as quickly as she can.

"You were right. They're setting the place to blow up. I told Jessie that Cyrus wants her to gather the women and children."

"Where is the man I came in with?"

"He's in the chapel with Cyrus. It's 2:45 though. We gotta hurry."

There is no time to get Spencer right now, and Hotch would kill you if you chose him over saving everyone else. You two leave the bedroom and escape down to the basement where Jessica and the others are. She doesn't question it since she thinks Ben wants her to do this.

"Come on, right through here," you whisper and guide them into the back of the basement where the tunnels start.

That's where your team is going to come from. Fifteen minutes later, Derek, Rossi, Emily, and the tactical team come rushing in with guns raised. Derek sees you and immediately rushes over to you.

"Y/N, are you okay?"

"They've wired explosives. They're going to blow the place up."

"Come on, everyone. Let's go this way," Kathy says.

"Where's Reid?"

"He's in the chapel with Ben."

"We gotta get you out of here," Rossi says and grabs your arm.

"No," you panic. "I need to get Spencer. He's still in there. Please, it's not safe up there!"

You try to get out of Rossi's grip, but Derek stands in front of you to block your way.

"Y/N, I will get your boyfriend, okay? Get out of here. Get to safety."

"Cyrus didn't call for this," Jessica cries to her mother. "You lied to me!"

"No, Cyrus lied to you, honey."

"He's my husband!"

Jessica dodges everyone's attempts at keeping her here, and she rushes back into the church. Kathy screams out for her and tries to go after her, but Derek stops her as well.

"No! I will get her for you. Rossi, get them out of here. Torre, get your boys. Let's do this now."

Rossi and Kathy get all the women and children as Derek, Emily, Dan and his team rush up the stairs into the chapel. You have no choice but to leave Spencer and pray that he finds Spencer in time. Everyone files out of the chapel where Hotch, JJ, and the other team are waiting to collect them.

You turn back towards the chapel, but Rossi doesn't let go of your arm. He can't have you running back in there to save Spencer. Five minutes have passed, but it's the longest five minutes in the world. You have no clue what is happening inside the church, and unfortunately, you're about to.

You're this close to going inside of it yourself when the entire building explodes. You scream out for Spencer and jump into action, but Rossi wraps an arm around your waist to prevent you from running into the fire.

"No! Spencer!" you scream and cry. "Let me go! I have to find him!"

Just when you think you've lost the love of your life, you see two people emerge from the smoke. You shove Rossi off you and run over to Derek and Spencer who are coughing from the smoke. You run right into their arms with tears streaming down your face.

"We're okay," Derek coughs.

You let go of him, but pull Spencer closer to you. You have your arms wrapped around his neck and your face is buried into the side of it.

"I think all the kids are out," Hotch says.

"Where's Jessie?" Rossi asks, but all Derek can do is shake his head.

Jessica is dead as well as Cyrus, but all you can think about is Spencer and the fact that he is okay.

Spencer is safe. Spencer is okay. He's safe. You're okay.

The plane ride home is tense. Everyone wants to rest, but you and Spencer are sitting away from everyone else. He is dabbing some medicine onto your face, making sure to take care of you.

"Never do that again," he whispers.

"I need you to listen to me." You move his hands so you can look into his eyes. "It was my decision, Spencer. What Cyrus did to me was not your fault. I'd do it again if it means you're safe because that's what I do for the people I love. It was my choice, and I stand by that choice."

"I love you."

You lean up and kiss him slowly but passionately. Resting doesn't seem like a bad idea, and you pull away from his lips only to rest your head on his shoulder. He kisses the top of your head before resting his head on top of yours.

"Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it." - Ayn Rand

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[0alanasworld0]

Hidden connection (Yassine Bounou x reader) *request

Request: "Hey 👋, okay first of all I’ve saw your fics and they are brilliant, so I’ve would like to request you a fic on Yassine Bounou where the reader is the is the daughter of Walid Regragui and they met during the World Cup. Thanks in advance ❤️"

Warnings: none

“Please don’t take unnecessary holidays just for this tournament, habibi” your father says over the phone while looking over the team training. You’re not entirely sure why he’s so nonchalant about the whole ordeal. He’s the coach of your country’s team, the big reason for why so many retired players decided to make a return. A beacon of hope for Moroccan football with a glittering vision for the team that no other coach has had the courage to pursue.

“You can’t be serious, dad. It's your big moment and I’m coming. It's bad enough that you convinced me to miss out on the qualifiers.” you remind him, with a tut. You can miss a few weeks of work for this. Absolutely worth it. you can feel it in your bones that it's gonna go well. He hums with slight disapproval but is relieved internally. Should anything big come from this, he wants you there with him.

Thankfully, your bosses were only a small bump in the road. Being Moroccan themselves meant that a single implication of your father’s name had their ears perking up, when they realised anyway. 

“Hmmm, we can’t just give out holidays Ms. Regragui” he states, not bothering to look up from his laptop.

“I understand that! Trust me, I do! but since my father is helping out, I would really like to be there to support him.” you reply, trying to hint at the reason without fully going down the nepotism route.

“Helping out? Ms. Regragui, that's hardly specif-” his eyes widen in realisation.

“You know what, maybe I'm being too hasty. 3 weeks is good, right?” Bingo.

“Thank you, sir I-”

“Yes yes it's fine! Great even! Just get a shirt signed for me, yeah?” He looks at you expectantly as you nod your head vigorously.

“I really appreciate it, sir!” You say, walking out of his office and sighing a big breath of relief. 

The perks of your father’s status means that you’re in the stadium earlier. You have some time before the match as the team squeezes in a final training session, nervously awaiting their big debut. They're revived with a new sense of hope and excitement that they haven't felt in far too long. The weights of resentment and general discontent are lifted and there's a burning desire to make their big chance count, to make everyone proud.

You’re on the grass just daydreaming with your music, admiring the beautiful day, looking out at the team every once in a while. One of those glances, lands you on someone familiar. Sevilla vs Real Valladolid. March 2021, the 2nd ever goalkeeper in La Liga to score a goal himself. You also know that he has some impressive stats to match that goal. He’s practising some basic footwork with one of the younger players, stopping to give him some advice every once in a while. You zone back in to see him smile at you. You feel butterflies in your tummy already and you haven't even spoken to him. He has a gorgeous smile, in all fairness. The rest of him is gorgeous too so you shouldn't be too shocked at that: he’s got thick, dark hair that swoops over his forehead, dark brown eyes that are slightly obscured by his heavy brow, an adorable mole on his cheek, a small scar on the other and lord help you that dimple on the apple of his cheek- enough. you cut the rambling thoughts off short as you wave back with your brightest smile, hoping that the pause wasn’t as long as you were imagining. You don’t see it but as you’re scrolling through your phone he asks Hakim about you, gaze never leaving.

“Oh that's Walid’s daughter. Mashallah, she’s a sweetheart. So talented too!” he praises, eyes narrowing as he notices Yassine continuing to stare at her. He hums in vague acknowledgement with a smile on his face and soft eyes. Hakim rolls his eyes playfully, leaving Yassine to collect his thoughts.

You made it to your seat in the stadium with little fuss. You’re behind the Moroccan goal post and close enough to the pitch to discern some faces. Admittedly, you’re a little disgruntled that you can only see the keeper’s back but you can’t complain, It's still your father’s world cup debut.

The match has been frustrating, some clear opportunities that were just short of a goal for your home team and some close calls by Croatia to score. Yassine does well to hold them off. He certainly lives up to his legendary La Liga status, that's for sure. 

The game ends after what feels like years, the score remaining at 0-0. It's not ideal but given the competition, you consider it to be quite impressive. Not a moment of celebration necessarily but your father brings you onto the pitch anyway so you catch up with some of the players. You have a good friendship with Achraf in particular.

“You were pretty impressive out there huh?” you smile at him, it's been a while since you both spoke. Both of your schedules are packed as ever. You know that his career has blossomed quite spectacularly over recent years and you couldn't be more proud.

“Could have been better, thank Allah that Yassine was okay for this match!” You both laugh together. His name makes your eyes light up a little bit, what is wrong with you?! You hug again as he leaves to talk to one of the coaches.

You make eye contact with Yassine again but this time, without the bounds of his training, he jogs up to you. Your heart starts beating quickly again as you try to come up with something to say. C'mon be cool be cool be cool be cool-

“You’re really living up to that Zamora trophy, huh?” you joke, wanting to kick yourself for being so forward but thankfully he chuckles.

“I try my best. Not easy when Luka Modric and co. are coming at you with full force.” you hum and giggle a bit in agreement. There were certainly some close calls and having to face such a strong attacking force must have been one of the most nerve-wracking moments of his career.

You both begin walking together as he continues to make you cackle with his corny jokes. You’re stood very close and he goes to nudge your shoulder every once in a while, trying to coax more laughs out of you. He’s absolutely smitten. You're gorgeous with an infectious personality that he feels compelled to be around. And the feelings are mutual. He’s obviously mesmerising but he’s so unbelievably sweet and down-to-earth. You feel all warm and cozy in his presence. Not to mention that you absolutely love the way he towers over you. 

In the midst of enjoying each other’s company, your father, among a couple of other players is keeping a watchful eye on the pair of you. The chemistry is palpable already and Yassine is the picture of a complete sweetheart but your father is naturally a little weary. However, he keeps quiet. Maybe this is a one-off moment that will pass.

It was not a one-off moment and it certainly wasn’t passing. He enters your bedroom to see you knocked out cold at normal hours in the night and hears your hotel room door opening at odd hours in the morning. He thinks he can hear you laugh and mumble quietly about something? Weirdly early for a night owl like you but he doesn’t want to pry. You've always loved exploring so perhaps it was just the excitement of being in Qatar that began waking you up early. It's a good habit to maintain, far more productive and healthy than waking up in the afternoon with no coherence for a good few hours. He's had enough stern talks with you throughout your teen years for that.

He really should have trusted his intuitions from observing the first encounter because the early mornings were in fact the only times you could spend with Yassine before training began. And you had learned to adapt to a normal sleep schedule so you could make it work. It was nothing too wild, just a couple of friends walking through the streets of Qatar… hand in hand… or an arm around your waist. You've shifted your sleep schedule and adjusted your body clock to a healthy one after years of being told off for the opposite. "Friends."

The pair of you had exchanged numbers after the Croatia match and couldn’t stop texting/calling/facetiming each other since. Every free minute he had, he rushed to his phone; eagerly checking his notifications and hoping to see the emoji he picked out for you pop up. His friends have began to notice the wide smiles whenever he checks his messages. Yassine, one of the most focussed and dedicated people they know, is all of a sudden counting down the minutes until he can look at his phone again.

“What has gotten into you, man?” Nayef asks, incredulously. Yassine returning from break about 5 minutes late.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Sure, and I'm the queen of england. C’mon, spill.” Hakim retorts. He has a good idea of what's going on but is eager to be entertained by Yassine’s explanation.

“It’s nothing! Look, I’ll check my phone less often. This game is just a little addicting, that's all.”

“I sure hope that this is more than just a game to you.” Hakim smirks, narrowing his eyes as Yassine widens his.

“Huh? In what world does that make any sens- OH MY ALLAH YASSINE YOU LITTLE SNEAK! HOW COULD I FORGET YOU AND-” Yassine shushes the outburst quickly, panicking as he looks around and hoping that no one, especially Walid, has caught wind of that.

“Can you calm down for a second?! Fine, we’ve been talking a little bit here and there, nothing too serious.” he sighs with exasperation, so much for keeping things quiet.

“Please, you’ve practically been glued to that screen since the Croatia match. And this is you we’re talking about! You might as well start buying flowers already!” The boys cackle as Yassine blushes.

“I mean that's just stupid when she’s got a pollen allergy” He mumbles to himself with a small smile. He recalls one of your early morning walks together, opting to walk through one of the botanical gardens. 

Your pinkie intertwined with his, you were talking about a show that you thought he would like and in the middle of your excited chatter you paused with a gasp. Your hand leaves his to cover your mouth and nose.

“Everything oka-” You sneeze, he doesn’t think anything could compare to how cute it was. You manage to pause for a second, hurriedly grabbing the medication from your purse and taking a couple of pills, you cover your nose with a tissue, sneezing again.  His head is cocked to the side and he’s really trying to hold his smile off.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying my misery(!)” You jokingly cry out as you wipe the tears from your eyes. You sigh as the sneezing fit settles.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Would some flowers make it better?” You smack his arm as you laugh together. When you both calm down, he looks at you with a soft stare and you blush under it. He doesn’t mean to but there’s an intensity to him that has blood rushing to your cheeks whenever you make eye contact.

He dips his head down to press a sweet kiss to the tip of your nose and the blush darkens.

You respond by kissing his chin. He follows by kissing your forehead. You peck his cheek and he finally ends the suspense by kissing your lips. He originally intended for it to be quick but the second he makes contact, he can’t let go. They’re so soft and he’s addicted to the taste of the cherry lip balm you applied within seconds. His arms snake around your waist and your hands play with the hair on the back of his neck as he lifts you up in the air. You squeal in surprise and he smiles into the kiss. You reluctantly part to catch your breath but he holds your forehead to his, barely a second passes before he joins your lips again.

He wishes he could live that moment again and again and again…

“Earth to Yassine? Hellooooooooo? Anyone there?” Achraf calls, snapping his fingers and successfully pulling Yassine out of his flashback.

“You’re whipped already and it's been just over a week, man.” Hakim nudges him playfully as a blush returns to Yassine’s face. He’s not wrong.

You’re now sitting at the edge of your seat, smile widening as the extra time against Portugal comes to a close. 

That morning, you had managed to sneak Yassine into your room. Your dad decided to give the boys some time to themselves, opting to run the final training session before the match a little bit later. He wanted them calm and well-rested before the most difficult competition they’ve had to face so far. Walid did not have this luxury and had to spend his time confirming all the necessary paperwork for the match. That proved advantageous for you as 

You were sat up, with his head resting on your thighs. He relished the softness, loving the feeling of your fingers through his hair and lightly scratching his scalp and you felt comforted as the ache was settled by the weight of his head. You stayed quiet, allowing Yassine to vent all of his concerns about the match ahead. Somewhere in between, you lifted his hand up to your lips and kissed the bandages in an attempt to reassure him just a little bit. He pulls away from the warm of your thighs, lifting himself off to be level with you and pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. When you part, his eyes don't leave your own. 

“Thank you” he whispers against your lips.

You can see the players pretty well from your seat. The tension was thick in the air as the Portuguese players flowed through the Moroccan defence with more ease than the preceding teams had managed. You see the pass that you’ve been dreading. Felix now has a hold on the ball and is quick to make a shot. You feel the tension leave your body and breathe out a heavy sigh as Yassine comes through with one of his world-class saves. The crowd cheers almost as if Yassine had scored himself. He probably could, knowing him. You can see your father sigh out in relief too, quietly celebrating with the other coaches; there was still a chance. You’d never felt more stress in your life than this. 

Half-time is ticking to a close and you don’t have the best view of the free kick from your seat so you make do with squinting. The corner kick looks to have been miscalculated as Costa moves for it but you tense again, a smile making its way onto your face and eyes widening. There's no way.

He’s a second off the mark and you think you can see En-Neysri jump for the chance. The crowd erupts into cheers and you feel the electricity of the moment move through your body as the ball buries itself in the back of the net. You may not see the celebration from that end but you can see Yassine fall to his knees in relief. You can’t wait to see him when it's over.

There have been a couple more anxiety-inducing moments in the second half with Felix and CR7 himself taking multiple shots. You beam with pride as Yassine saves all of them.

One moment has you particularly stressed, however. A collision very similar to the one in that qualifier match has him tumbling to the ground. Your heart stops as you think about how you’re going to jump the barrier if he’s hurt again. The worries simmer down as Yassine gets up quickly, going to comfort and cradle the head of the man who caused the collision in the first place. You laugh with the crowd at the faux-intimate moment and the game continues.

The minutes are now running thin as the defence holds off the Portuguese attack until you finally hear the beautiful sound. The Moroccan team pours onto the field in exuberant celebration. They’ve just made history, done the impossible, and brought pride to so many people. Morocco are the first African nation to make it to the world cup semi-finals. Holy fuck, they've done it. Holy fuck.

You jump and scream with the crowd as the realisation settles in, they did it. Your father immediately races to you, requesting that the guards let you through the barrier as he wraps you in a tight hug. You’re both crying as your father’s hard work has finally proven to be worth it. All those days where your heart broke at his exhaustion, even apparent from the facetime that he’d been losing sleep over this. Those moments have been vindicated finally. Walid brings you onto the pitch to celebrate with the rest of the team. You go to hug Hakim and then run to Achraf who’s still laying on the ground, stunned by the moment. As you walk back to hug your dad once more, your eyes catch Yassine’s and you smile brightly. All you want to do is hug and kiss him but you know better than to make your blossoming relationship public before it's even begun. You also would prefer for your dad to find out before the public rather than with.

When you’re in the bunker, you manage to catch Yassine alone for a second and run over. There are still people around so you know you need to be careful but you have to talk to him. You tap his shoulder and his face breaks into a joyful smile the second he sees you. 

“You were amazing out there, you know?”

“It feels so much better hearing it from you, sweetness.” You blush as he bends down to give you a quick peck on the cheek. 

He’s then pulled by one of the coaches to the locker room so they can all get the celebration videos they need. The feeling of his lips lingers on yours as he leaves.

The party is buzzing with the excited chatter of players, coaches and family members celebrating the victory. You’re quietly admiring the surroundings and a certain someone brings an immediate grin to your face. He walks up to you and takes your hands in his.

“You look gorgeous, sweets.” a blush appears on your face as you rub little hearts into his palm.

“Could say the same about you” his smile is wide and bright and you wish he could stay this happy forever. You reach to adjust his tie and his hands wrap lightly around your wrists. he looks at you with a sappy, love-drunk haze glossing over his eyes. 

Walid and Hakim are once again observing the moment.

“How could this even happen?” Walid asks, utterly confused by the scene unfolding. He may have had suspicions but this is very different. 

“Your guess is as good as mine, coach” Hakim replies, amused by the events unfolding.

He feels a phone ring in his pocket, realising that he forgot to return it to you after making an emergency call. He sees the phone background and sighs out loudly in frustration. Its annoyingly adorable: Yassine’s head resting on top of yours as you both smile brightly for the camera

“I ought to talk some sense into him.”

“I get it but anyone can see how happy they look. And Yassine is probably the most reliable and harmless person we know. Maybe it’s worth a chance?” He hates to admit it but Hakim is right. His daughter deserved happiness and if that's with someone as lovely as Yassine, who’s he to stop it from happening?

“I can’t believe this is still going,” Walid comments.

Your relationship with Yassine has stood the test of time. you still look at each other in the same way, he still tells awful jokes, you still laugh and everything is just how it should be. Currently all wrapped up in soft boutique decor and the most luxurious dresses that Yassine insisted on you trying for the upcoming wedding. Walid doesn't catch exactly what Yassine has said but you're doubled over in laughter, the dress you're trying on crumpling on the floor as you try to catch your breath. All of the to-be bridesmaids are laughing too.

Walid would never admit but he’d grown very fond of the relationship himself, it brought him great joy knowing that his beloved daughter was so happy in such safe hands.

“C’mon, you have to admit that its kind of sweet.”

“Whatever” he holds back a smile shaking his head softly at the two of you. Completely and utterly content with each other’s presence.

And thats another bounou fluff complete! sorry that its a bit of a long one, i hope u enjoy anyway my lovelies xxx

[keeponkippenon]

Posting my ao3 Madlyn fic here, bc I don't know the next time I'll have the writing motivation to start chapter 2. I originally posted chapter 1 on July 25th, 2023 (the motivation basically left me the instant it published 💔). Hope y'all enjoy :] ------------- Chapter 1

From Boyfriend to Wingman

Ashlyn: Hey, can we talk?

Big Red: Of course 😊

Ashlyn’s nerves were through the roof as she silently waited for Big Red to show up. She had texted him asking if he’d meet up at her place, and was now starting to get lost in thought about it. This was the night she planned on breaking up with him, and now all that was left was figuring out how to say it. She’s been mulling over it for weeks now ever since realizing her feelings for Val back at camp. Which in turn led to her figuring out that she is, in fact, Queer.

While she still cared deeply for Big Red, her heart was longing for something new. This recently discovered part of her has given her a new way to look at herself, and now she wanted to see what else there was to explore. While distance may make the heart grow fonder for some, for others it helps put feelings into perspective. All of this coupled with some unexplored feelings that she may have for her newly made friend, Maddox.

Interrupting Ashlyn’s thoughts were the sound of footsteps approaching, those footsteps ending in a welcoming hug from Big Red. She hugged him back tightly, now came the hard part that she can only hope ends well.

“Hey Ash, you wanted to talk?” Big Red spoke, looking into Ashlyn’s eyes expectantly. There was something comforting about the way he looked at her, like no matter what was said, he’d understand.

“Um yeah” She hesitates for a moment, directing him towards a couch where they could sit down. “So do you remember that night back at camp? The night of the Frozen show?” Ashlyn finishes. Hoping to jog Big Red’s memory, as well as to stall due to her nerves attempting to get the best of her.

“How could I forget? It was probably the best thing to happen this summer..” He starts, but trails off as he sees the look on her face. “Is this about that conversation we had?” Big Red silently looks at Ashlyn, thinking about why this would be brought up so long after the event. Though, whether he realized it or not, he had a feeling he knew where this was going. 

“Biggie, while I was at camp I realized some things about myself. Things that are more than just what my rising sign is… which is apparently a leo and not a capricorn like I’ve thought for basically my whole life-”

She takes a deep breath, and slowly exhales. “Uh, but that’s besides the point.” Laughing nervously at her own rambling, she continues on. Letting go of the last of her fear, before finishing her thought. 

“That conversation we had, I wasn’t being truthful. I care for you, so much. You’ve made me feel loved, and like I can do anything. You’ve been there for me whenever I needed someone, and you’ve always shown that all you want is for me to be happy.” A moment goes by, then another. And finally…

“But my heart seems to be pulling me in a new direction, and I think it would be best if we were just friends from now on.” As the sentence left her mouth, tension filled the air around them. The room was quiet, far more quiet than she’d like at this moment. As time felt like it stretched on for ages before Big Red finally spoke.

“You know, I kind of felt like that was where this was going.” Ashlyn starts to form the beginning of an apology after he says this, but is quickly interrupted by Big Red continuing. 

“And while it does hurt, you’re right that all I want is for you to be happy. And if that happiness lies elsewhere, then that’s okay. I never want to hold you back from that, so don’t apologize. There’s no need.”

The relief Ashlyn felt in that moment was liberating, a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and tears had begun to form at the corners of her eyes. She tightly hugged Big Red as they sat there silently, the understanding and care was evident from the warmth of the hug itself.

When they finally pulled apart, Big Red’s eyes lit up as if he had just had an epiphany of sorts. Suddenly he spoke.

“You don’t have to tell me, and I don’t mean to pry. But, did someone at camp catch your eye by chance?” The unexpected question caused Ashlyn’s eyes to widen in surprise, this reaction resulting in Big Red immediately starting to smile from ear to ear. 

“Someone totally did! Ash, that’s amazing.” he exclaims, grabbing Ashlyn’s hand as a gesture of support. She sighs, taking in his reaction to this newly found information. She couldn’t be more grateful that she wasn’t losing his friendship, and that he would still be that beacon of light in her life that he always was. 

“Okay well, I may or may not have made a new friend at camp who just so happens to have wormed their way into my heart just a bit.” She starts, wondering how best to describe Maddox to Big Red. Her feelings were still fairly new, and she didn’t know exactly how to work them out

just yet. But what she did know is that Maddox was someone important to her, someone who had helped her figure these new things out. That’s at least something to think about during this journey she seems to be going on.

After a moment more of thinking, she continues. “Her name is Maddox, and she was nothing but kind to me the entire time I was at camp. I still feel horrible for how I treated her throughout it all, but despite everything she still gave me a chance.” 

Ashlyn’s face begins to heat up, watching Big Red for any slight reaction he might have. She keeps talking.

“She’s funny and observant, and I don’t know. I guess I wish I had a bit more time with her. Maybe these feelings wouldn’t be so complicated then.” She finishes, looking away from him in an attempt to save face. She didn’t notice her heart rate had risen as she spoke, coupled with the nerves that had shown up once again.

“Well, it seems like we both figured something out about ourselves this summer.” He laughs. Hoping to calm her down a bit in the process. He was just happy that she seemed more content with herself, and that she was able to tell him this without worry.

While Ashlyn was beginning to collect  herself, Big Red began forming an idea. An idea that may just help Ashlyn in all the ways she needed in this moment, all that he needed was her approval. “Hey Ash, how do you feel about having a wingman?” Smiling wide at her curious gaze, he begins explaining his plan. -More (hopefully) coming soon- Feelings to be Explored - Chapter 1

[accio-victuuri]

on light signs & fandom etiquette 🚥

one cpn and a whole lot of personal opinion. i want to write my thoughts about this topic. this is my least favorite thing to talk about as it touches on how people act which can’t be controlled both online and offline. to those who have no idea, it’s about some fandom drama during sdc finale live. this will be more on what i learned and observed. this whole post can be preachy and rant-y so beware. i just needed a place to reflect.

I’ll start with this exchange. It looks like Nathan Lee was asking Bobo if the light sign was his. What it means. Fans are saying it’s because the color is yellow that Nathan was not sure. He must know in a way that “Bo” could be equal to Yibo. Or maybe not. Then you see Yibo explaining yes it’s his. Bo. Yibo.

then hangeng comes in to explain as well and back yibo up then stops him. as if to make the conversation end, less he says more — this part is cpn. to me this is an interesting exchange because yibo clearly owns up to the light sign. it’s his. i have never doubted that bobo knows there are cpfs out there and he appreciates us, tho he cannot say it in the open. we understand. we always did.

There are videos out there of 🏍 vs. turtles. confiscated bjyx green and red light signs. in general, just the two fandoms shading each other. which are of course shared to the international audience. and well, you can take a guess which garbage dump app it’s popular in. I won’t go into the details because that’s not the point. This is not something new. there’s always been friction between cpf and solos. We know how toxic c-fandom is. Hell, even their government knows and they can’t do much about it. It’s the kind of thing i never understood and would never dream to emulate so i can fit in. sadly, lots of international fans adopt the “authentic” fandom behavior and are proud of it. wear it like a badge. there is only a handful who sees the whole c-fandom toxicity for the chaotic circus that it is and avoid copying it.

So, why are cpfs so hated? It’s because we shouldn’t exist. for a time it’s fine — but not this long. not this loud and prominent. brands love catering to solo fans/groups and even their companies do. it’s always been this way and not only in China. CPFs are considered a novelty, something that happens because of a project and are expected to fade when it ends. Also viewed as second-rate fans because their attention and support is split instead of giving their 100% to one artist. They ( artist and company ) can’t endorse and have an open bias to a CP because the artist must maintain the status of being single. An individual who can be paired up with anyone as needed. We are hated and considered a nuisance because we’re still here and thriving. Example, there were far more BJYX fan sites from last night’s event than solos. We still continue to show up. Support. We continue to stay relevant. I can understand the irritation from a toxic solo’s perspective and it gets worse if that person hates xiao zhan or yibo. To them, how dare we have the audacity to enjoy something. The nerve to spend our time and resources on a fandom that makes us happy. lol.

I personally don’t care who is better. Do you want the title of best yibo fan / best xiao zhan fan? sure. It’s yours. It’s theirs. I don’t need it. I’m here for the fun. The ( mostly ) stress free space I’ve created. zz/wyb is my happy place. That’s all I want.

CPFs are far from perfect. We’ve had our fair share of blunders and I personally have certain fandom personalities that I wish would just close their accounts. It is what it is. We can’t control each other’s behaviors. Some so/o pick a certain bad incident and that’s gonna be the way they look at us forever. Or they just go with the flow because it’s a sick pre requisite to hate on cpfs to get your so/o fandom loyalty card apparently. I will never understand wanting people to shut up just because you don’t like what they do. This is not some social justice issue. I like zz/wyb, you only like one of them. So? What’s the big deal. If you don’t like CP stuff then don’t seek us out. AND I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH TO CPFs, don’t bait them. Tag stuff properly. Please stop commenting CP things in obvious solo posts. This is why I stopped thinking about their opinion. Candies are for us and not them. We don’t need to convert them — that’s not the goal. At least to me ( the goal ) it’s to support the boys. Enjoy this fandom and try to keep away from drama.

Now the big question that’s related to SDC — Should CPFs bring their dolls and BJYX lights in solo events? My answer is Yes and No.

Yes because it’s their life and they can bring what they want. Bring 10 dolls, sure. For example the dolls lined up and taking photos @ GG’s ADLAD was seen by passer by as cute. Because it is. To those who don’t understand dolls and how it relates to fandom — just shut up please. Let people enjoy things. Some people enjoy drugs and being an asshole — then you have women who loves to bring their fandom dolls to events. to each their own. Even if it’s a “xiao zhan” character doll in an event that is for Yibo ( well it’s not just yibo, it’s SDC. people who watch the show are welcome ) , honestly. who the fuck cares. it’s a harmless non living thing. As for the light signs— sure, but I draw the line on trying to catch too much attention. They know unrelated light signs are not allowed so the rules should be followed. I’m sure the security and staff were only briefed about so/o light signs. No one is persecuting them. They know the rules. I know they have good intentions but we gotta be careful to not trouble Yibo.

No when it’s blatant baiting of so/os. some people really just love drama and will incite stuff. Also i’m not a fan of attention-seeking. Don’t shout BJYX at zz or wyb please. Don’t private message their friends or ask their co-stars about them. We are supposed to be low key about this. They know we exist — no need to beg for their attention.

I may be wrong about certain things that I just said but it’s all my personal opinion. At the end of the day, we will participate and act in this fandom with our own limits. I wish offline “fights” will be avoided in the future. We can all peacefully co exist by ignoring each other. 🙏🏼

-END.

[adrianasunderworld]

🪶Welcome Dreary🪶

A relative of Crowley's comes knocking for help.

Edit: I realized I made a minor mistake with the mention of an aunts name. Nothing major, just an fyi. The unfortunate matter of the name theme is they sometimes blend together lol

~~~

She flinched at the creak of the old window as it opened in the silent night. After a moment of holding her breath, there was no sign of her mother, who had gone to bed hours before, but still the fear she would be found was there.

There wasn't much to bring, thankfully, very few of her belongings mattered all that much. If it couldn't be hidden under the floorboards or in the back of a closet, it didn't matter. A dress from her brother, her favorite book, a childhood toy. Whatever she could not bear to leave was put into one bag.

With a deep breath, white wings sprouted as she flew out the open window, leaving the house behind.

***

"Coming." The Headmage opened the door to his private quarters and was shocked to see a face he had not seen in many years. "Dreary?"

His young cousin smiled shyly from beneath her hood. "Hello Dire."

***

"Why? That's all I want to know, why?"

Dreary looked down, wringing her hands in her lap. "You know my mother, that should be self explanatory." She said quietly, not looking up.

"No that I understand," Dire shivered at the thought of his Aunt Dreadful. The woman certainly lived up to her name. "My question is why me? We have so many relatives you could have gone to. I haven't seen you since you were still learning to walk, surely I wasn't the first choice."

"Most of them are scared of Mother," Dreary replied, still not looking up, hands still fidgeting in her lap. She seemed so small in that arm chair, like she was waiting for the cushions to swallow her whole. "No one was going to take me in. I would have gone to my brothers, but that's the first place she would look for me. So Aunt Despair suggested-"

"- that you come here because Dread wouldn't be able to fathom you coming all the way here." Dire finished. The moment he heard his other aunts name, he knew there was no getting out of it.

Despair had helped him leave all those years ago, and now she had sent another little bird away from her sister's nest. As Dreary sat in the chair, Dire felt a familiar feeling of wanting to escape. He had left his aunt's house because he could not take it anymore, just like Dreary.

He sighed. “Fine. You can stay.”

She finally looked up, bright yellow eyes wide, “Really!?”

“Yes, but if you’re going to stay here, you will be attending school, you’re a child after all.”

Dreary lept up from her seat and hugged the taller man. “Thank you, thank you!”

Dire awkwardly returned the gesture. “Yes yes, I know, I’m so generous.”

***

“Prefect! I have a surprise!” came the voice of the Headmage from the porch.

“Oh goody,” Isabelle opened the door to Crowley and was surprised to see a girl that appeared to be her age right beside him.

The girl shyly waved, “Hello,”

“Hi…?” Isabelle looked to the man for an explanation.

Crowley cheerfully went on, either oblivious or willfully ignoring the girl's confusion. “I’ve brought you a new roommate!”

“Wait what? What do you mean a roommate? I don’t-”

Crowley simply walked past Isabelle and simply motioned for the girl to follow. The girl at least had the decency to look apologetic. “Yes, roommate! The rest of the dorms are all male, so I can’t possibly have Dreary live in one, so Ramshackle is officially an all girls dorm.”

“Hey! I’m not a girl!” Grim whined from where he was sitting on the stairs.

“Yes well…” Crowley paused and decided to move on. "Miss Isabelle, a moment please."

Crowley ushered her into the kitchen. Isabelle crossed her arms as the door closed. "What is going on?"

"Please, just cooperate."

"That doesn't tell me why you expect me to live with some random girl I've never met before. What if she's secretly an axe murderer? I refuse to get killed in my own dorm."

"She is not a murderer! Look. Dreary is my cousin, she left a…less than desirable home life, and I thought attending school would do her some good. You're a nice girl that makes friends wherever you go. Besides the obvious lack of a girls dorm, I think you can bring Dreary out of her shell."

Isabelle had gotten used to Crowleys nonsense over the past few months. But there was genuine in the way the man spoke this time around that gave her pause. "What? No coercion? No bribery to get your way?"

He sighed. "Isabelle, I'm perfectly serious here. Dreary needs a place, and I think this will be good for her. So please, make her feel welcome."

Wordlessly, Isabelle opened the kitchen door to see Grim talking about the rules of the dorm, which mostly consisted of handing over snacks to him. "Welcome to Ramshackle, Dreary. I'm Isabelle, your prefect. Let's find you a room."

Crowley looked pleased with this turn of events, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "I'll leave you to settle then. Dreary, come find me later so we can sort out your uniform."

"Yes, Dire."

After he had left, Isabelle motioned for her to follow up the stairs and show her some of the vacant rooms. "This is where Grim and I sleep. There's a good sized one down the hall here you might like."

"Thank you for agreeing to let me stay. I know this was sudden, and I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. I'm quiet, really, you'll barely know I'm here."

Isabelle waved her concern off. "Don't worry about it, you didn't do anything wrong. As long as we're all nice to each other there won't be a problem."

"Right. And I promise I'm not an axe murderer either."

"...you heard that?"

"Yes…it was kinda funny honestly. Dire is just worried. Don't hold it against him."

"I won't. So what was your old school like?" Isabelle asked, hoping to break the ice. She didn't want to pry into the home life she had left right off the bat.

"I've only had private tutors. So I'm very new to this whole school with peers thing. So Dire thought it would do me some good to attend while I stayed with him."

"Well, I'm here to help you if you aren't sure. I'll introduce you to the guys at dinner later."

Dreary smiled. "I'm looking forward to it." Her eyes caught a glimpse at the reading nook Isabelle had set up with her small collection of book she had collected since starting school. "Are these all yours?"

"Yep. I help in the library a lot, so the librarian lets me take extra books with me."

Dreary rifled through her bag and took out an old copy of a book titled The Wild Boy. "I like reading too! This is my favorite."

As Isabelle flipped through the book while Dreary excitedly looked over her collection, she grinned. They were going to get along just fine.

[adamwatchesmovies]

Tin & Tina (2023)

If you only ace one part of your movie, make it the ending. For the most part, I was enjoying Tin & Tina but it didn't seem like anything special. After the final act, my thoughts on it changed completely - for the better. Due to that period of uncertainty, I have to be slightly conservative with my rating, but this is a movie I’ll remember down the line.

Set during the early 1980s, in Spain, Lola (Milena Smit) and Adolfo (Jaime Lorente) have just said their marriage vows when they unexpectedly lose their unborn twins in a miscarriage. Hoping to make their family whole again, the couple adopt twins Tin (Carlos González Morollón) and Tina (Anastasia Russo) from a nearby religious convent. Lola soon becomes suspicious of the children, though Adolfo insists their odd behavior stems from innocence rather than malice.

When we meet the twins, they seem needlessly creepy. They’re either albino or extremely blonde, they’ve got weird haircuts and their smiles are too big. The children are extremely religious. They've never watched TV, they quote the Bible for fun, the idea of not saying grace before a meal mortifies them. It's offputting but you can understand where that behavior comes from since they were raised by nuns. They're introduced playing the organ with a skill far beyond their years (reminded me of “The Orphan”), which is another sure sign that these kids are baaad news. Despite their appearances and strange habbits, you can see why Lola wants to adopt them, however. As a child, she lost a leg. She was also a “weird” kid and she’s specifically looking to replace the twins she lost.

Soon after arriving to their new home, Tin and Tina's actions raises some serious red flags. Not necessarily the kind that exposes them as evil but they would make any sane parent go back to the orphanage and ask the sister in charge (sor Asunción, played by Teresa Rabal) if she ever noticed anything weird from them. Less patient parents would go to the police and tell them to investigate the orphanage. Whatever those nuns are teaching the rugrats, it’s going to make them all into serial killers. Even for loving parents who really want a family, even for the place and the time period, Lola & Adolfo are way, way too cool with what happens. No one watching would tolerate some of the horror movie behavior exhibited. It’s enough to make you want these people to fall victim to whatever terrors await them once the kids turn full-on evil. I mean when you can’t read ANY of the signs, you deserve it.

Although I still feel like sometimes, Lola – and to a certain extent Adolfo too – let things that no one else, not even a saint, would let slide and that is frustrating, the ending changes all of that. This movie is much smarter than it seems. You see the creepy kids, you witness the horror-movie behavior, you think you know exactly where the plot is headed. You dismiss the characters as too stupid to live and essentially give up. What you don't realize is that you’re the one who's made the mistake. There’s something you haven’t considered while evaluating this story and probably wouldn't have in a million years: the possibility that although this is a horror film, the children aren’t actually evil. What if they’re not the problem? What if it’s Lola and Adolfo?

There are indeed subtle details that hint at the couple not being idyllic. At the orphanage, Adolfo insists that they’re only for children free from deformities. His wife wears a prosthetic leg. She has since childhood. What does this statement say about him? We find out that Lola has a bitter relationship with God. Bitter enough to make her subconsciously hate children who love Him more than anything else? Maybe. Trust me. I know not knowing if a movie is better than "just ok" for nearly 2-hours is hard, particularly with several developments that make you think "Oh come on. How many more signs do you need?!" but it all comes together so well during the conclusion you'll feel foolish for having doubted the film.

There may also be a deeper meaning to some elements of the picture, since it's set during a tumultuous period of Spain's history that I'm not familiar with. I can't say for sure. What I do know is that Tin & Tina deserves your patience. I'm still not 100% sure the characters are not a little bit dumb but that conclusion is so solid I'm more than willing to forgive it. It's scary and makes you think in the most unexpected way. (Original Spanish with English subtitles, May 28, 2023)

[forays-into-fiction]

Blood That Drives Us

Part 5.

Masterlist ~ Previous ~ Next

I’m sorry for what I did, but I’m not sorry I did it

You had called in sick on a few too many of your shifts at family video, any of those that you shared with Steve at least. Since that last shift after your fight, you didn’t think you could handle that again any time soon, but now it had come time to face the music.

The air is thick with tension, when he sees you stepping through the door, bell tinkling above you. You flip over the ‘back in five minutes’ sign before approaching the counter cautiously.

“Hey.” You manage weakly with a slight wince.

“Oh, look who finally decided to show up today?” He snarks back.

“Please, don’t Steve. Please, can we not fight anymore?” You lean against the counter between the two of you.

“Are you ready to admit that you’re wrong about Munson?”

“I’m not wrong.” You state firmly, before sighing “But, I am sorry for how things went down. I know I should have been honest with you from the start, even if it wouldn’t have changed anything.”

“Why are you so set on protecting him, y/n? Where did this come from?”

“Because he needs someone, he’s said he’ll try to come and see the rest of the gang when he’s ready. There’s just something he’s been working on before he can do that, needs to be comfortable with himself. I’m not going to push him to do anything he’s not ready for, but if it makes you feel better, I can make sure you’re one of the first people he sees.”

His eyes narrow and he crosses his arms over his chest as he contemplates what you’ve just said, “The sooner the better, alright? I really do have to see what’s going on for myself.”

You smile softly, grateful that he’s more willing to hear you out now, it seems, “Ok, I get that and you will. I know you’re just trying to look out for everyone, but sometimes you gotta trust that I know what I’m doing.”

“I know… it’s just, you’ve been acting different lately… it’s like there’s something not quite right with you and I think it is because of him. Look, I know I barely know the guy, but I know you and I can’t put my finger on it but something is off.”

“I think you’re just a little on edge and that’s understandable. All the shit that’s happened because of that place, but I promise I haven’t changed. I’m still me and I wanna say Eddie is still Eddie, but you’re right neither of us really knew him before all of this so we aren’t really the best judges on that. Dustin though, he was closest to him, so would you listen to it if it came from him that Eddie is safe?”

“Yeah, yeah that actually makes sense. Ok, fine that’s how we’ll play it.”

“Thank you, you know for listening this time.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. Sorry I lost my shit before, but-”

“I know… So, now that that’s blown over, how ‘bout we get to work and you can catch me up on what’s been going on with you? And no more Munson talk for the rest of the day.” You move to flip the sign back over.

He chuckles and gives you a lopsided grin, “Yeah, ok so get this…”

The two of you fall back into rhythm easily after your little heart-to-heart and when you enter his car at the end of the day, you notice he’s left the radio tuned in to your station. You don’t comment on it like you probably would in other circumstances, but you grin at the realisation that even though the two of you weren’t talking some small part of him was still thinking about you.

When you get to your place you linger at his car, leaning through the open passenger side window.

He looks over to you from his seat, “I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah? Half-shift? Taking over from Robin, right?”

You nod, “Yep, you wanna hang out after close?”

“Sure, what you got in mind?”

“How ‘bout another trip to the trailer park?” You giggle.

“Oh, haha very funny, so glad you can make jokes about that now.”

“Honestly doesn’t matter though, we can do whatever, just missed you ya know?”

“Yeah, I missed you too, I had to go almost three whole weeks without one of my best buds.”

You gasp in mock outrage, “’ONE OF’ you take that back I am THE best bud, ok. No offence to like Robin or Dustin, but I’ve been here longer, even saw you through your ‘King Jerkface’ days.”

“I was never that bad to you, though… right?”

You can see the flash of guilt in his eyes, the uncertainty, you reassure him, “No, you were never bad to me… well, you did have your moments, but nothing that bad. Certainly, not as bad as the time you said I was just the ‘nerdy little girl your parents forced you to spend time with at the company Christmas parties’.”

“Oh my God, you’re never going to let me forget that are you? I was like twelve, what do you expect?”

“I’m just teasing, Stevie.” You giggle at him before stepping away from the car and giving him a wave, “Bye.”

He grumbles, “Ugh, see ya. Don’t know why I ever even missed you in the first place.”

“It’s cause ya love me…” You tease.

“Whatever, just get inside already… and don’t forget to talk to Munson, ok?”

“You got it.” You reply giving a mock salute.

He throws an arm over the seat beside him, glancing over his shoulder as he reverses out of your driveway. He gives you a lazy three finger wave before driving off.

Your parents aren’t home yet so you decide to just call from the bottom of the stairs, “Eddie, you here?!”

There’s a pause before the silence is broken, “Yeeaaaah, in your bedroom!”

You grin, practically skipping up the stairs, today was going well in your books. When you get to your room you see him propped up on the floor by your bed, another one of your books in hand, one of his cassettes playing on your radio. The music plays softly in the background and he looks up at you as you enter closing the book around his fingers, shifting into his wingless form.

You take a seat beside him and turning to him you both go to talk at once.

“How was-”

“I’m glad you-”

“You first.” He offers.

“Glad you stuck around, I told you it’d be fine staying the night, last night.”

“How was work? Steve treat you alright this time?” You’re impressed that he’s managing to hold a conversation and maintain his ‘human’ appearance.

“Yeah, yeah, we uh actually made up, I guess. Gonna hang out with him tomorrow night.” Your face begins to drop though, as you remember your promise to Steve.

“That’s good right, why don’t you seem happier about that?”

“It’s uh, complicated. See, we talked about you, obviously and um… Steve wants to see you. I told him you’d been planing on seeing the rest of the gang when you could, but that I wasn’t going to push you to do anything you weren’t ready for. I hope… I hope that’s ok.”

“Of course, that’s ok, but um… I still don’t think I’m ready to see everyone just yet.”

“Eds, that’s totally ok. How about if it was just Steve? I can be there with you if you want, right by your side.”

“You uh, you realise you just called me ‘Eds’, right?”

“Oh, shit sorry… do you um not like that… is it ok if I call you that?”

“No, no it’s fine you can call me whatever… it’s just I’m not really used to it.”

“So, uh what do you say to meeting up with Steve?”

“Oh… do I have to?” He whines.

“I mean you don’t have to. I won’t make you, but look you’ve maintained this whole conversation without the vampire popping out, not once.”

“Really? Shit, I almost didn’t even have to think about it this time.”

“That’s great, I’m so proud of you!” You beam over at him and he preens at your praise.

You continue, “I really think you’ll be alright talking to Steve and I’ll be there if anything goes wrong, ok?”

“If… if you say so then, yeah sure.” He shrugs.

“Perfect, maybe I can invite him over for a movie night after work tomorrow and you can join us. Low impact interaction and if you feel uncomfortable at any point you can hide out in my bedroom, sound good?”

“Yeah, I’ll try… uh, for you.”

You smile brightly and throw your arms around him, “Thanks, Eds. I really am so proud of you for this.”

He stiffens against you, doesn’t know what to do with his arms, they sit frozen by his sides, book falling from his grip his and his psychic mask drops. You jump back feeling his unease, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have-”

“No, it’s fine you just surprised me is all… no one’s hugged me in a long time… not that many people hugged me before, but still.” He shrugs not meeting your eye, flushing bright red against his scars.

You nudge him, “Hey, do you… do you like hugs? Do you want to be hugged?”

He looks at you like you’ve just sprouted a second head, “Well, yeah who doesn’t like hugs?”

“Plenty of people, for all different reasons and it can change depending on the situation too. Like Robin for example, I know she doesn’t like unexpected hugs, it’s like a sensory thing or something. So, with her I just let her initiate the hug. Make sense?”

“Uh yeah, I guess… and I do want hugs by the way, but maybe next time don’t just tackle me. And for sure watch yourself with the horns and the wings and shit, don’t want you to take your eye out.”

You giggle at him, “Sure thing Eds... D’ya want a hug now?”

He looks away again shyly, mumbling, “Um, yeah… yes, please.”

His reaction is so adorable you just wanna burst, you move to wrap your arms around him again but he stops you holding up his hand.

“Wait. Wait a minute. Let me try changing back to, ya know, ‘normal’ me.”

“If that makes you feel more comfortable, sure thing.”

It takes him a second, his face screwed up in concentration before he looks back over at you, his mask back in place, “Is that… did I do it?”

“Yep, come here…” you spread your arms, popping up to rest on your knees facing him.

He slots himself into place in your arms still a little tense, but he relaxes into you when your arms wrap around him. Even though you can’t see them you can feel the joint of his wings on his back as your hands slip under the membrane when they move to encircle him. You pretend you don’t though, no need to make him feel self-conscious and he doesn’t mention it, instead sighing contentedly when you begin rubbing your hands in circles.

You let him pull away first, allowing him to take as much time as he needs, poor guy must be so touch-starved it hurts, you think.

When he does, he gives you a shaky little thanks, sighing yet again.

He looks at you but can’t meet your eye, gaze instead settling somewhere around your nose, mumbling, “I uh, I really needed that. I guess I didn’t even realise how much.”

“Hey, it’s no problem, what are friends for?” You grin at him, “You ever need a hug, you know where to find me.” You give him a playful punch to the shoulder.

“Yep, so… what’re your plans for tonight?”

“Hmmm… dunno, mum already has dinner sorted in the fridge. Probably too late to squeeze in a movie before the parents get home. We could just hang out here listen to your music, you can keep reading…” You trail off.

“Yeah, ok cool.” He picks up the book from the floor beside him and settles back into his original position, flipping through the pages to find his place.

You stand moving to find something to keep you occupied too, deciding on your sketch pad. You lay on your bed flat on your stomach doodling away, humming along to the music. 

You’d been surprised to find that you actually quite liked some of Eddie’s music, you recognised the song playing now as Rainbow in the Dark by Dio, you knew the tape would be finishing soon only one more song left. 

You glance over at him still absorbed in the book, still maintaining his ‘human’ appearance, you grin. When the tape does end you put on another one grabbing it at random from the few sitting beside the radio. It turns out to be another one of his, Iron Maiden, the cover art depicting some sort of zombie.

When you take your seat once again on the bed, leaning back on the pillows this time, he glances up at you opening his mouth as if to say something but then closes it abruptly before returning to his book.

You’re hit with the sudden urge to cuddle up with him, so you decide to speak up, “Hey, Eds I think I need some cuddles now, d’ya think…”

“Oh, for sure absolutely. I was… I was actually going to ask you, but I didn’t wanna seem too needy or whatever.”

“Come up here on the bed.” You pat the space beside you, “If we cuddle up real close, we should fit alright.”

He scrambles to join you, the book hanging loosely in his grip and you shift forward so he can squeeze in behind you. You settle back against his chest and his arm wraps around you shakily, “Is this, ok?” He asks for confirmation.

“Perfect, hey do you think you could read your book aloud to me?”

“Yeah sure, if you want.” He replies mildly surprised.

The combination of his voice and the music crackling through the speakers of your radio is enough to lull you to sleep and you do so, head resting against his shoulder. He carefully extricates himself from underneath you, turning off the radio before turning back to you and covering you best he could with the quilt beneath you not wanting to disturb you too much.

He’s utterly perplexed by your behaviour today, you’d never been this touchy-feely with him before. He’d noticed how flippant you could be with your affection just seeing you around school and the town before but he’d never thought he’d be on the receiving end. A warmth bubbles up in his chest, but he’s quick to quash it back down, remembering his little vampire predicament. He couldn’t let this continue, he was only digging himself into a deeper pit.

You come to in the middle of the night only to find that Eddie has disappeared, you sigh flipping the covers off of you, stripping down and changing into some pyjamas before getting into your bed properly and staring at the ceiling. Had you scared him off, made him uncomfortable somehow, surely, he’d be back tomorrow for movie night, right?

But then you notice a breeze coming through your open window, a plume of smoke coming along with it. You move over to the window, leaning out to see Eddie there, cigarette in hand.

“Hey, I thought you’d left.”

He turns, shifting abruptly to his ‘human’ form, “What are you doing up, go back to bed.”

“Alright, dad.” You remark sarcastically prodding his arm, “Why’re you out here? …oh right ‘cause you’re smoking, duh. Sorry, just woke up not really thinking straight.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I’m smoking. But also ‘cause when your parents got home one of ‘em came in to check on you, had to hide.”

“Ahh yeah, I didn’t think of that either. Why don’t you come back in when you’re done?” You suggest.

 “Oh, uh… ok. I mean I was planning on staying out here just in case, but…”

A flash of an image of him holding you close, wrapped up under the covers together in your bed passes through your mind bringing with it a warmth to your cheeks.

 “Ummm, maybe… maybe we could cuddle again, help me get back to sleep?” You suggest awkwardly shifting on your feet.

 “I dunno… are you… are you sure you wanna do that? I don’t think we should. What if your parents come to check on you again or…”

 “’S fine if you don’t wanna. Don’t want to make you uncomfortable, just thought it be nice.”

 “It would be nice.” He sighs, “… alright, if you want, we can cuddle. Just a friendly little cuddle.”

 You can’t quite make sense of the feeling that follows when you agree, “Yeah, friendly cuddles.”

 He waves his cigarette “I’ll be in, in a sec just go get comfy.”

You crawl back into bed and he follows not long after.

“So, just like before right?” He asks warily.

“Yep, come here.” You make grabby hands at him and he chuckles.

“Alright, scoot.”

He settles in laying over the covers, rather than getting in bed with you properly. He’s still a little tense at first, but when he does relax his hand comes to stroke at your hair and he hums a tune that sounds vaguely familiar.

It’s nice, but you’re not sure where the idea to cuddle came from, you wouldn’t normally push your luck with him like this. You doze off before you can contemplate it any further.

Previous ~ Next

Taglist: @boofy1998​ @hellfireclub-86​