#and that always disappointed me in previous years because it's like I Have Looked Forward To This For Months Why Am I Not Having Fun

[starlostseungmin]

after all this time? always — kim seungmin.

୨୧‎ 𖹭⠀⁺　model!seungmin x interior designer fem!reader (she/her pronouns).

SUMMARY: 　in which seungmin was wise to plan your engagement in a haste without you suspecting him.

GENRE & WARNING/S:　 fluff, established relationship, another wedding au from me, seungmin is in love, chan, hyunjin and felix cameo, a little bit emotional, reader is suffering from a headache, swearing, kissing, light mentions of alcohol, fluff, just fluff, semi-proofread because my head has been hurting.

WORD COUNT: 　7.3k

୨୧‎ 𖹭⠀⁺　inspired by tasaki and harry winston seungmin, i wrote this down in a rush because of the previous event that seungmin attended and he looks soooo good! i also want to thank @arrasuh for helping me out ily mwah. i know you guys are expecting something else but this is the final fic for seungmin’s birthday and i hope you like it! happy birthday to my beloved puppy !! don’t forget to reblog and leave feedback.

“I’ll be out late tonight so don’t wait for me and rest, okay love?” Seungmin said as you watched him wear his shoes by the entryway while holding the ice bag above your head. A heavy sigh escaped from your lips frowning at him but he’s too understanding to shrug it off. 

“I’m so sorry for being sick, Min. I know you’re looking forward to this event.” You groan in response with that distressed look on your face. Seungmin sighs with a smile before taking you into his arms, kissing your forehead making you look at him. 

It was disappointing that youーsomehowーmanaged to get sick the night before the 70th anniversary of a jeweler from Japan that Seungmin got invited to attend. You were supposed to be his plus one but getting nauseous and suffering from a strong headache didn’t want you to experience a private event with your model boyfriend. The regret and being displeased enveloped your emotions that you had to apologize to him multiple times because of your damned situation even though he already said that it wasn’t your fault you got an unbearable headache before his unannounced public appearance. 

“Baby, it’s fine. I understand and we’re not expecting this to happen.” He said and earned another sigh of dismay from you. “Are you sure you don’t want me to call Felix over so he can take care of you while I’m gone?” He asked as you shook your head in response. “Okay, you’ll be fine alright?” 

“Yes.” You nodded firmly. “I’ll make it up to you next time, Min. I promise.” You frowned as he gave you a quick kiss before pulling away. 

“No need to baby. Take care, okay? I’ll be back before 12.” He said, twisting the doorknob. “Love you!” He smiled, showing those perfectly shaped teeth he had to suffer from braces for three years. 

“Love you too!” And with that, you watched his figure disappear behind the doors of your shared apartment as you sighed heavily in return. 

You felt guilty about it. The first thing he ever did was to take care of you even though you knew he was going to have a busy schedule today and him, leaving at this hour is not something you are used to. Blame that work Chan had asked you to do because ‘the client picked you after you made a great remark on the previous condominium design’ he said. It wasn’t that you’re ungrateful, you’ve been working nonstop because you can’t decide which specific design you are going to present. Being indecisive is the last thing you want to do and because of it, this is the result: A fucking headache. 

Being an interior designer made you spend all-nighters the past few nights while Seungmin was out there doing photoshoots and making brand deals (if that is what he really is up to) leaving you alone in the apartment to brainstorm and make a sketch. Well, you are quite thankful for having a job like this because if it wasn’t for Hyunjin who recommended you when Seungmin was looking for someone to take charge of the design of his new apartment, you wouldn’t be here right now. 

You moved in with Seungmin a year and a half after you met at a meeting to design his new home. The man got smitten at first hello and was persuaded with interestーlistening to every detail and measurement inside his walls. From the color to the furniture to their placements, he didn’t complain and agreed with everything you suggested because he already knew that you could handle what was best for his unique taste. Ultimately, he fell in love with the final look and invited you to attend one of the events he’s modeling for as a form of ‘thank you’. It wasn’t long after that when you and him started dating. 

And that was five years ago. 

Five heavenly years, going six. 

You wondered if the thought of marriage had come across Seungmin’s mind during the past year…but who are you to rush things when work has been drowning you from the start? 

Only a heavy sigh was the thing you could do at the moment and wished him a great night before falling into a deep slumber after your back hit the soft foam of your couch and let the ice bag rest on your forehead. It was already past lunch and Seungmin had to leave early for his hair and makeup. You hated the fact that you were missing out but you couldn’t force your body to stay outside and meddle in his business. Still, you wanted to witness how his stylist would dress him up tonight and that, you just accepted your fate. 

Hours later, Seungmin was welcomed with lights and cameras flashing the moment he stepped out of the car with his manager along the way. All black from top to toe, pearl earrings, a necklace around his pretty neck, and a ring adorned his fingerーhe looked magnificent as he walked gracefully alone by the hallway, like the model that he already is. 

The endless handwaves, his dashing smile, photo ops, it was safe to say that he wished you were there with him. Although, he understands the fact that you got sick and you hated the crowd. But at the same time, he’s quite relieved to be going alone. The media was eyeing him that night. An A-list model being invited to such an event is a great eye candy. He stood out the most among every guest at the venue, smiling and making everyone fall for him. The unending flashing of cameras in front made his fit shine with the silver background with the word ‘TASAKI 70th anniversary’ on it, and the jewelry that the stylist picked that would suit him. He was good at his job, mainly a professional who knows how to handle the media. With just one smile, a nod, a wave, a polite bow, and a poseーSeungmin is not just any other model out there. 

He got busy along the way with a decent (tons) amount of interviews for them to post something on social media, the shoots, magazine opportunities, and the ‘trying out of their products’ session to show them offーhe was occupied. It’s going to be one heck of a night for him but for sure, he’ll enjoy it in his own way somehow. He would try to survive another event alone for a while. Lucky for him, those overwhelming activities cascaded when he was assisted by a lady who was in charge of taking him around. He is gestured politely to leave the photo op. area and was taken to the display along with a few bodyguards and his manager tailing him. 

When they reached the rings section, he tried to focus on the lady who introduced him to the different jewelry that this event could show off for its anniversary. He immediately thought of you while browsing and unbeknownst to your knowledge, he had a plan in mind. 

Seungmin acted with interest and curiosity with the jewels. He nodded while listening to the lady as she explained the different types of rings to him as he fell on the thought of which of them was perfect for you. The truth is he’s been planning to propose after your fourth anniversary as he was sure that you are the one that he’s ready to spend the rest of his life with but work got in the way. And for almost two years, he’s been measuring the size of your ring finger whenever you were asleep or from an innocent touch of your hands being intertwined with his. He may or may not have stolen a ring from your vanity without your permission just be sure the moment he was informed about the event. 

“So these exquisite rings are designed for women, especially during special occasions like engagements and weddings…” It was a blur for Seungmin as his eyes scanned the display. The idea of proposing did come to mind after spending six heavenly years with you. It’s just that, he couldn’t find a great time to do so just because of a rigged schedule of his. After all, he’s wanted to keep it a secret this one time. 

He was distracted by a specific ring that made him look at the one he was wearing. It wasn’t the type of ring that is used for a formal occasion, but the one that you place on top of them. He leaned forward to the glass to take a better look, both diamonds and pearls were captivating. You did mention that you like rings that would match your outfits when you go outside, it doesn’t matter whether it’ll catch attention or someone might mistake you as someone’s fiance. Seungmin loved the idea but this one is not about style anymore, but is to make the second option to become a reality.

“So, what’s the difference between pearls and diamonds in terms of getting them for a wedding proposal?” He asked with eyes fixated on the rings

“That’s a good question! Actually, pearls are traditional. If you give your girlfriend a pearl ring for your engagement, it symbolizes purity and happiness. It gives protection and eternal love. Pearls are common in weddings too.” The lady said as he gave her an invested nod. “Diamonds are for mutual commitment and everlasting love, they’re common for engagements.” 

“They’re both perfect.” He said. 

There was this smile that painted Seungmin’s lips as he looked at every ring on the display and one of them caught his attention. He tried not to be obvious about it and never left his spot even if the lady already stopped explaining the set. His eyes were fixed on a certain ring that he was dying to buy. The ring he stole stayed still inside one of his pockets and he immediately pulled out to show it to her. He did remember the time when you went to Japan for a vacation two years ago and happened to pass by a jewelry shop that you could barely remember the name but to Seungmin, it was this exact brand. You both wanted promise rings so you went to browse for a bit. 

[ “Look, Min. They’re so pretty!” You said pointing at those beautiful rings on display with your eyes sparkling like a character from an anime. “The balance duo pearl and diamond ring in that color (sakura gold) is pretty.”

“Do you want a pair? Which one do you like?” He asked and was ready to take his wallet from his pocket but he saw you shake your head in response. “Why not?” 

“They’re not promise ring material. It’s sort of…hmm for weddings and engagements so maybe next time? If we’re still together for the next few years to come!” You laughed as he chuckled in response. 

“I would never break up with you, Y/N.” He said as you smiled at him. Unbeknownst to your knowledge, he already has it listed on his notes app. ]

“Are you planning to purchase one of these tonight, Mr. Kim?” She asked with an anticipated smile as Seungmin came back to the present.

“I’m about to but, I’m not sure if these pieces here are for sale.” He said while fidgeting the ring on his fingers. 

“We have stocks in the private room where we keep different sizes of these rings. The ones we have here are fixed sizes. Which one do you want?” 

“I want the one on the left, the balance duo pearl and diamond ring. The sakura gold.” He said as the lady’s smile grew to her ears. 

“You know what you want. Right this way, Mr. Kim.” She said and left the rings section to the private rooms. The lady already knew the purpose of him asking her about the rings and making a wise decision impromptu was just a thrilling moment to witness. Seungmin is the type to plan something in secret without getting caught and the fact that you didn’t even notice your missing ring made it more natural. 

“It is for my girlfriend.” He said and showed them the ring to measure the exact size of your finger. “I want it polished and neat so I can take it home tonight.” He added. 

“Yes, Mr. Kim.” The staff was quick enough to make the purchase and wrapped the ring immediately. Seungmin was so keen on picking the right ring with the perfect sizeーknowing him, he’s a perfectionist. 

“Make sure no one finds out about this and don’t tell Y/N. Make them sign an NDA.” He whispered to his manager. “I’m calling Chan hyung in later, please watch over the transaction here’s my card.” He added as he handed him his card and was assisted by the organizer to come and join them at the dining hall for the formal dinner.

Seungmin stayed there for a while. He was accompanied by fellow guests in the dining area where he had to do other transactions and meetings. The night is still young yet the social interactions get a little bit overwhelming. Seungmin admitted that he’s not the type to party and just sits in the corner of the room to greet anyone who passes by. His manager was nowhere to be found and he was busy eating his dinner with a few colleagues at the same table. 

“So, any plans on settling down?” A who was sitting beside him asked making Seungmin chuckle in response. 

“I hope so, we’re not getting any younger.” Seungmin said that made everyone laugh. Yes, I do have. Sighs. 

With all the small conversations, business smiles, group pictures, and discussion of plans. He had enough of it and wanted the night to end. If you were there, he would ignore everyone around him and focus on you. The idea of longing suddenly hit him and maybe if Hyunjin did mind accompanying him, it would be less boring too. 

Not long after that, he excused himself and went to make a phone call near the private rooms. He knew he had to call Chan for follow-ups. He walked a few meters away and smiled at the people whom he just encountered as he took his phone out, trying to make a phone call. He poked his inner cheek as a hand shoved in his pocket while the other one was holding his phoneーpressing it to his ear. The media was taking lots of pictures and videos again with Seungmin calling someone over the phone. There was this glass wall barrier that made the gap between him and the rest of the people outside. He was so serious about the call that everyone was curious about the conversation. 

“Hyung, hi. How’s the venue?” He asked. 

“It’s going well. The blueprint was out a few days ago and we’re almost done. We need Y/N to come over tomorrow for the finishing touches so we can start the preparations.” Chan answered. 

“I’ll ask her when I get home. She’s pretty sick right now, I can’t force her to go to work.” Seungmin sighed as he massaged his temples. 

“Alright. We can schedule it for a later date if you can’t come tomorrow but call me again if you make any changes. We’re already finalizing the arrangements.” The older man added as Seungmin bit his lower lip fidgeting his ring, getting anxious at the moment. 

“Hyung, are you sure this will work? I mean, I don’t want this relationship to get any extensions without giving Y/N a ring. I’m serious about her.” Seungmin said, leaning back on the wall and sighed again. 

“As long as you won’t say anything, Seungmin. It will be fine. Besides, Y/N has been working nonstop on the interior of the venue for the past week, so I’m sure she’ll be happy. And you’re crazy enough to make her design the proposal venue.” Seungmin laughed at it. 

That hour, you were wide awake after realizing you’d spent the whole afternoon through the evening asleep. You sprinted out of the couch to get your phone only to be spammed by Seungmin’s pictures from the event in all media platforms as possible. It made your heart leap like frogs celebrating joy when it rains and the blush in your cheeks came in to be hot as if you’ve taken large amounts of alcohol. 

His hair was styled with jel making it look like it was wet, especially his bangs that fall on his forehead, that damn sating suit that exposes a little bit of chest with that pearl necklace, the heels of his fucking shoes, and his face card? You are one crazy (unknowingly) soon-to-be fiance. His new haircut made it more beautiful and if comes home wearing that exact suit, you won’t be able to hold yourself and kiss him like no other. 

You called him immediately after that and lucky for you, Chan just ended the call. Seungmin smiled upon reading the new ID calling on his screen and swiped the answer button in a heartbeat. He wasn’t expecting you’d call him on a schedule and you know you shouldn’t but the excitement you felt is going to burst if you won’t scream at him (lovingly). 

“Hey baby,” He smiled even though he knows you can’t see it. 

“Seungmin, my love! I just saw the press’s photos and you look so good!” You squealed. “I suddenly feel better now that I know how you look tonight. It’s such a shame I couldn’t see you at the event.” You added as you walked around in circles around your living room. 

“Do you like it?” He smirked. 

“Babe, the word ‘like’ wouldn’t give it justice. I love it and I love you.” You said. It was endearing to hear your voice despite him being busy. Aside from it sounding so cute and hyped, he longed for your presence at times like this. It made him shy and laughed through the line as your smile got bigger. “Are you almost done?” 

“I will be home in a few minutes love. The event started a bit late and I’m just finalizing something then I’ll be on my way.” He reassured as your hand tightened its grip on your phone. 

“Don’t rush, Min. Will I see you with that fit when you come home?” You asked. 

“You most definitely will.” He said. “I love you, Y/N.” 

You didn’t know why a tear suddenly fell from your eyes that made you sit back down on the couch. There was something about that ‘I love you’ that made you emotional at some point. It is almost six years for you and him but there is no ring yet. How many times did Seungmin make you cry just because of a simple ‘I love you’? Many times, indeed. Multiple even. He is the perfect man for you and there’s no one could ever replace him in your heart. 

There were times you fought but it didn’t get to a certain level of toxicity and you’re thankful that Seungmin is the type to resolve a fight before going to bed. You weren’t in a rush to get married but you still wonder why Seungmin hadn’t asked you yet. On the other hand, you have to understand the barriers of this relationship for the past six years. He had given you those amazing years despite the busy schedule you both have. It doesn’t matter if you wed in a few months or a year, being together is all that matters. 

“I will wait for you to come home, Min.” You said in the most soothing voice. Your excitement cools down and is later replaced by longing, you can’t wait for him to come home. One single hug and a kiss would suffice. 

“I’ll send you a picture before I leave, okay love?” He said as you nodded in response albeit the fact that he won’t see it. 

“Okay, get home safely Min.” 

“I will and I’ll see you in a bit.” The phone call was cut off when Seungmin was called by his manager while holding a small shopping bag in one hand and left the area. Soon he was assisted back to the main venue and asked for the ring. His manager took out the small box and showed the dashing diamond and pearl being attached on top in one decent metal without getting the attention of the media. “This is good. Can you keep it for me? I don’t want Y/N to suspect me when I get home.”

“Of course, when will you pick this up?” His manager asked upon returning it to the bag. 

“I will call you,” Seungmin answered. 

“Okay then, I’m going to get the car ready. Are you sure you won’t stay for the after-party?” 

“No, I’m going home.” He said as the manager nodded and headed outside. 

Seungmin was later assisted by his bodyguards and bid goodbyes to the organizer and the rest of the staff telling them that he had a good time. He walked out of the venue with a polite smile and bows as he waved back to his fans who were screaming his name. The videos and pictures are already all over the place and he couldn’t wait to see your reaction once he gets home. He sat down in the backseat as his manager drove him back to your shared apartment and he didn’t forget about the picture he promised to send. 

“No one is looking at that damn ring, Kim Seungmin.” You muttered as you received the picture. It was just him sending a picture showing off his ring with his hand covering his mouth and half of his nose. You’ve sent a lot of emojis and memes in return as he chuckled with him getting shy about it while admiring how adorable you were. He couldn’t wait to hug you and smother you with kisses by the time he stepped into the entryway. 

Seungmin couldn’t contain his smile as he hurried to get on your floor the moment his manager dropped him off by the entrance and when he decided to open the door, he was welcomed by an excited hug. He was caught off guard but later laughed in response as he took you again in his arms, hugging you tightly. 

“I missed you.” He said as he buried his face on your neck. 

“We only saw each other this noon, Min.” You answered, kissing the side of his head before pulling away. “How’s the event? You look so good, by the way. You’re so handsome. My baby!” You cried with invisible tears feeling hyped about him. 

“Thanks love. It was bearable but good.” He answered as he kissed your lips. “I couldn’t wait to go home. How are you feeling?” 

“I’m better now.” You kissed him back. “Did you eat?” 

“I did but not that much. Are you hungry?” He asked, giving you another kiss on the forehead. 

“A little, I just woke up from a nap. Well, I don’t consider it a nap.” You huffed. “And I was about to cook but I got excited waiting for you.” You smiled at him as he giggled. 

“I’ll cook for you.” He said as he went to the kitchen where you followed him.

“No, you’re tired. I’m fine, you wash up and rest.” You argued. 

“I’m not the one fresh from a migraine, baby so sit down and let me cook.” He said playfully hitting you with a ladle while rummaging through the fridge making you frown in response. “Oh and by the way, Chan hyung called.” 

“What’s up?” 

“He asked if you could come visit the venue tomorrow. That is if you’re feeling better. We can re-schedule it.” He said with his broad back facing you and if you were really feeling better, it still feels like you are in a haze for having to admire his physique and that damn suit with his left ear pierced. Seungmin couldn’t hear a sound from you a few seconds after he asked when he decided to turn around and had you daydreaming. “Baby?” 

“Shush, I’m still trying to process how hot you look.” You said with that hypnotized smile with Seungmin snapping his fingers in front of your face. “No!” You whined in response. 

“Babe, you always see me wearing this type of clothes.” He laughed. 

“I do but it’s not every day I get to witness you being like this and this is one of your biggest events this year!” You argued. “And I love you in a suit. You did well at the event by the way.” You pouted, making him leave a kiss on your lips. 

“Are you sure you feel fine? Because you’re so sickly in love with me.” He smirked making you smack his arm playfully and roll your eyes only to return it with another kiss to shut you up. 

You melted in his touch and tasted the champagne he had from the formal dinner. His hand snaked around your waist to pull you closer to his body with his other hand cupping your jaw while tilting his head to the side for more access. Your hands reached for his sleeves, gripping them with your fingers as you moved your lips along with hisーfeeling the desperation and longingness. Seungmin’s lips linger longer, not wanting to let go of the moment. 

Soon he felt your hands wrapped around his neck as he deepened the kiss to savor the lost time with you. He hated to go to these events alone, especially without your presence. You also admit that you don’t want him to leave during the times when you need him the most. Seungmin on the other hand wanted to make up and not just by letting your lips dance together with your arms tangled around to keep your bodies warm and full of fondness. 

He loved every bit of moment you two have; whether it be a serious one or just playful. He loved everything that involves you. It doesn’t matter if you are fresh out of being sick, his lips didn’t want to leave yours as it makes him pull you closer even more. You smiled between the kiss as your fingers played with his supposedly wet locks that made him sigh on your mouth and went for a deeper one while biting your lower lip earning a soft moan from you. He pulled away and gave a peck on your lips before landing another one on your forehead as he took you again in his arms. 

“I love you so much.” He said. 

“I love you more.” You smiled against his chest while sniffing the lingering smell of his perfume. “And I love how you smell like.” 

“You love me that much, huh?” He smirks. Being in love with him is an understatement. No words can describe and match what you feel about him because you and Seungmin, himself, knew that it is much more than the word ‘love’.

“I always do but the food won’t cook itself if you’re going to keep flirting with me.” You told him as he laughed in return. 

“After this, I’ll wash up so we can eat. But you didn’t answer my question earlier love.” He said. 

“Oh right. Yes. I can visit tomorrow.” You smiled. “Chan left a message. He said I can come in the morning. Will you go with me? He said I have to meet the client by the afternoon so I don’t think I can come home early.” 

“In the morning? No. I need to take this suit back to my stylist and sign a few papers. But I can drop by in the afternoon.” Seungmin nodded. Way to go, Seung. One more lie and then you’ll be considered as a pathological liar. 

“Oh, that’s not a problem at all. I’ll be with Chan.” 

You indeed spent the next morning with Chan, your assistant, at the venue having to organize the remaining touches. Surprisingly, you are not supervising an apartment’s design but a venue for a wedding proposal. The alleged client hasn’t arrived yet, the only bridge you have with them is Chan. It’s not like you are suspicious but having to organize an engagement is not something you’d expect as an interior designer for homes, not a venue for a specific occasion. Either way, you are enjoying doing the set-up and couldn’t wait to witness a proposal. 

Chan was the one who supervised the venue while you rested as he sent all the measurements and FaceTimed you for a visual take these past days. Also, there’s this unexplainable smile plastered on your face as you gathered the materials for the finishing touch and guided the staff on where to put specific furniture in their places. And since you were informed that today is the day for both the client and his partner to announce their engagement, you are already dressed up in a white elegant dress with an over-lapping top-like vest. The length ended up in your mid calvesーthe right length for a formal event; not too long and not too short with your hair styled into (style of your choice) as a formality. 

You didn’t have any new dresses to wear and didn’t get a chance but a new one because of this damned schedule but little did you know, Seungmin brought you one. The dress laid by the end of the bed is what you see after getting out of the shower this morning. Confused as you are, you didn’t notice it earlier, or if Seungmin purposely leave it there when you weren’t looking. It was quite weird yet he was a lifesaver. 

The chandeliers were high as they matched the white sheer drapes hanging on the ceiling. The flowers were ordered based on the soon-to-be bride’s taste which happened to be your favorite flowers too with every color possible. From the lights to the floor plan, everything was based on the sketch you made that caused your headache but you are satisfied with the outcome of the venue. The client said that they wanted it to be special as you may add some personal touch which you did. 

You thought about Seungmin at some point. How would he make such a proposal if this ever crosses his mind? Will he see the hint when he gets here and watch the client propose to their partner? But then, just like any other careerman, he wouldn’t consider this for now. It hurts you a little bit after all this time of being in a relationship with him and yet he didn’t give you any ring, neither a promise ring just like you told him when you visited Japan two years ago. Yet, you’re happy with what you have right now. A wedding or no wedding, Seungmin is one faithful who cherishes you. Or that’s what you thought. 

“So, uhm, what time will he be here?” You asked Chan who is currently looking at the list of the things to be finished by the time the ‘client’ gets here. 

“Who?” Chan asked innocently, scratching the back of his head with the pen he was using. 

“The client?” You huffed. “You said he’ll be here. It’s almost 5.” Chan immediately glanced at his wristwatch and mentally cursed at himself. 

“That’s odd, he should be here to check. Let me make a call.” Chan said as he excused himself to go outside. You cocked your head as your hands rested on your waist with your tongue poking your cheek trying to be optimistic about what’s going to happen in a few moments. Being late is not your forte but it’s not my proposal anyway, you thought, and Seungmin is even not here yet. 

“Ms. Y/N?” Someone called as it took your attention. 

“Yes?” You asked, turning around to see the intern standing by the center part of the venue (where the client will ask their partner). 

“There’s something wrong in this set of flowers, Ma’am.” The intern said nervous about what she just said. 

You sigh gently in response as you take your way in her direction to check and while you’re at it, that was the signal Chan needed. He didn’t go out of the venue to make a phone call but to tell Seungmin it was his time to go inside as the intern distracted you with the flower problem. There was indeed, a flower problem. The colors didn’t match with the other sets and you were quite annoyed about the small detail being ruined. 

“I’m sorry, the florist probably messed up this set.” The intern said. It was on purpose. Everyone is involved.

“No, it’s fine. We can still fix it. I need some scissors.” You said. 

Seungmin took his chance while you were distracted. He hurriedly took out the ring and quietly stood behind you without making it obvious. The other staff and Chan, including Hyunjin who came to witness such an event gathered in their places for the surprise. Seungmin’s heart is beating faster and he did take time to dress up for his special occasion. With a black coat with a white polo inside, the black slacks paired up with black shoes, and a watch around his left wrist, he is dashingly handsome just to be able to match the dress he bought for you. His hair was styled the same as the TASAKI event yet his bangs were parted to expose his forehead that you always screamed about. 

He didn’t need to check the venue when Chan mentioned that you had already finished the preparation. During those sleepless nights and revisions, Seungmin always knew that you were good at doing your job. He did get worried about you finding out but he did great on not taking any actions that would spill his secret away and he also admits that it’s quite crazy that he made you prepare his proposal just to take time and not make it that obvious. 

In the end, he’s here now, waiting for you to turn around and say the words. It has been a wonderful five, almost six years of this relationship. Even though there were ups and downs, the challenges that put this affinity at risk, the people doubting it, and even questioning if there would be a possible marriage in the future, Seungmin was hurt and torn about those insignificant thoughts, especially if one day, you’ll decide to leave him but you are sure that it won’t happen anytime soon. He was overly thankful to you because, after all this time, you were the one who ensured to wait and trust him. 

He never lost hope. 

“Where are the scissors?” You asked, curious as to why the intern was taking so long, and turned around only to find your boyfriend with a big smile on his face. “Seungmin? What are youー” 

You were cut off when he suddenly went down with one knee and pulled out the small box from his coat’s pocket and opened it revealing the same ring you saw on your vacation two years ago. Tears suddenly streamed down on your cheeks because he remembered and this is the moment you’ve been waiting for after a while of thinking when he’s going to propose. 

“(Y/F/N), it has been an amazing five years with you and the word love is not enough to explain this feeling. I love you with all of my being and I’m thankful that you trusted me to take care of your heart. I know I have a lot of shortcomings in this relationship and saying sorry is not going to suffice but seeing you being true and giving your full trust in me made me think that I should do better to be the best boyfriend you could ever have.” He paused as his tears started to form in his eyes. You cover your mouth, speechless as you look at him, feeling as emotional as ever. He is good, so good at keeping this a secret, and quite smart for making you do the design of the venue, and yet, you didn’t think of anything right now. “I’ll give you happiness, my eternal love, my heart… I’ll protect you with all of my might if you just give me a chance. May I be your husband and spend the rest of your life with me?” 

You looked around and saw your friends and the rest of the staff giving you thumbs up and silent cheers, trying not to interrupt the moment. And without hesitation, you nodded. 

“Yes,” You said. “Yes! I would love to!” You exclaimed as Seungmin’s smile grew wider and took the ring from the box to slide it gently to your ring finger. It’s just the perfect size and a perfect choice for his beautiful fiance. 

The crowd cheered as Hyunjin and Chan popped the confetti, clapping and saying congratulations from here and there along with the rest of the staff and the popping of champagne. You couldn’t contain your happiness that you pulled him into your arms, giving him a passionate kiss to show everyone that it’s finally official. You’re getting married. He immediately returned the kiss and this time, it was so good that you couldn’t wait to experience it in front of the altar. 

“Thank you so much for saying yes.” He said pulling away not being able to mind the people around you. 

“And thank you for asking me, Min.” You said trying not to ruin your make-up with those precious tears. Seungmin kissed you again as his system got hugged by excitement. He too, couldn’t wait to seal this relationship in front of his friends and family. 

“Congratulations on your engagement, Seungmin and Y/N!” Hyunjin said approaching you with a bouquet of flowers as you pulled away from the kiss. 

“Thank you! And Hyunjin? Here, I thought you were the client.” You said as the guy shook his head in return, waving his hands intensely. 

“Not now maybe soon! Chan hyung here informed me about the preparations.” Hyunjin answered patting Chan’s back. “I still need to find the one.” He laughed which made Seungmin let out a smug smile. 

“Was this your plan?” You asked them as you took the bouquet. 

“We did plan to hire another organizer but Seungmin didn’t want a new one for the sake of this engagement. He wanted your personal touch to make it more familiar and comfortable.” Chan said with a sheepish smile and that’s when you looked at Seungmin who turned away as if he didn’t plan all of thisーall red out of embarrassment.

“Baby, you didn’t have to!” You said, playfully hitting his arm. “You have some explaining to do.” 

“We will leave you guys for privacy.” Chan smiled, nudging Hyunjin. 

“And don’t mind me dining at the buffet!” Hyunjin exclaimed and that’s when you and Seungmin were alone at the same spot he proposed. 

“So?” You asked him, raising a brow. 

“Fine, you got me!” Seungmin said, still wearing that happy smile of his. “Baby, I did have plans of proposing for a while but our schedules are always delaying my plan. When I was exclusively informed that I got invited to attend the TASAKI’s anniversary, I quickly took the bait and planned it immediately.” He started. 

“Is that why you were so busy these past days?” You asked again as he nodded, licking his lips while being caught red-handed.  

“I asked Chan hyung to pretend that you have a VIP client to push your other schedules and when you agreed to design the venue when, I, clearly knew that you’re not an organizer, still you did good about the place, all the flowers and the arrangements from the curtains to the chandeliers, tables, and the rest of everything, it made you distracted for a while.”He paused as he looked at you with those eyes. Those sparkling pretty eyes that you want to look at all day without getting tired of it. “I’m sorry that because of this immediate preparation made you sick along the way and was not expecting that I was the one who asked for it. I even invited Hyunjin. And those brand deals and signing of papers were just an excuse because I always visit the venue.” He said which made you tear up even more. 

“Why youー”

“And remember the ring we were looking at when we were in Japan? They had it on display at the event so I bought it and asked my manager to bring it home because if I did, you’ll suspect me. And I think I did good picking that dress for you.” He smiled, slowly leaning toward you as he kissed your forehead. “You look beautiful as ever.” 

Kim Seungmin. 

His name is what your heart screams for and his existence is the reason for its every beat. He is the single drop of sunlight from the heavens that grew a golden flower in your garden and the rain that quench its thirst from the drought. The bright moon on a dark night, the stars that illuminate the black sky, and the daylight you wake up to every morning. Not everyone in this world is given a gift that was molded by the gods themselves and delivered to you at an unexpected time. Love is not something you seek, it is given at a perfect time and Seungmin barging into your world as a client way back years ago is the time that you’d receive their gift. You still don’t know what you did to be blessed with such a perfect man but you are thankful for him. His love couldn’t match anything that he gives more of what you’ve been asking. 

“I love you so much.” You sobbed. “I don’t hate any of this even if I’m the one who designed it.” You laughed in between. “But I am so happy that you finally proposed. I actually thought it never crossed your mind but even if there’s no proposal, I am willing to stay either way and wait for you, Min. You don’t know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me for the past five, almost six years and I am so grateful to you for choosing me.” Seungmin looked at you with full admiration in his eyes. He wanted to kiss your tears away and make you the happiest person in the world. No, he didn’t regret choosing you. He may have been blessed by the heavens and Hyunjin for introducing you to him, and ever since he couldn’t get you out of his mind. 

“After all this time?” Seungmin tucks a stray hair behind your ear. “I love you, Y/N.” 

“Always.” As you gaze up at him, the warmth feels your body as you’ve always been sure you were going to spend the rest of your life with him. 

He watches you squeal and smile while showing off your engagement ring to everyone around after pulling away. Chan and Hyunjin were so smiley that they were glad that Seungmin finally came up with this arrangement. His eyes sparkled in awe like a puppy being finally accepted into a new family.

“See this?! This is what Seungmin gave me! He remembered the ring I wanted years ago.” You said in excitement. 

“I wish Seungmin would give me some too,” Hyunjin said playfully making Chan smack his arm. You look over your shoulder as your eyes meet initiating the sweetest smile you could ever show him out of joy. Seungmin was surrounded by his friends yet his eyes never left you. 

“I'm such a lucky guy.” He says under his breath. 

“Yeah, I know,” Felix answered while sipping a glass of champagne (he was late) but Seungmin didn’t mind as he continued to admire you from a distanceーready to face a new chapter with you.

୨୧‎ 𖹭⠀⁺　───　 @notastraykid , @ameliesaysshoo , @l3visbby , @reignessance , @lix-ables , @skzfelixlove , @rachabreathing , @hyunverse , @minluvly , @sleepyleeji , @starseungs , @midsoulz , @oddracha , @armystay89 , @lashaemorow , @hanjsquokka , @suebin , @starlostastronaut , @stayconnecteed , @myjisung , @hwan-g , @arrasuh 　( open. )

©️ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐈𝐍 , 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

[high-fructose-jay-syrup]

the anticipation of christmas is miles more fun than the actual holiday and I think that's okay actually

[surielstea]

Tattoos older than you

Based off that Tik Tok trend: “I have tattoos older than you.” because age gap is everyone’s favorite trope, let’s be honest.

Pairing: Azriel x Archeron!Reader

Warnings: Age gap | suggestive | cute fluffiness

1.2k words

I peek my head through the door of a familiar Shadow Singers bedroom with a mischievous grin. "Love, not tonight," The male warns from his desk, giving me a pointed look. I enter anyway, closing the door behind me with a soft click.

He sighs in faux disappointment as I approach him, footsteps padding on his carpet as shadows swarm me, curling around my ankles, up my arms, into my hair. "They love me," I beam, looking at the dark tendrils.

“They do,” He nods in heavy agreement, as if they never shut up about that fact.

"And so do you," I redirect my attention to the winged male in front of me.

"Do I?" He tilts his head tauntingly and as my reply I straddle over his lap, mounting his hips with a knowing smile. "I think I'm too old, forgot how to love," He shrugs.

"Az you're not that old," I groan.

"I'm twenty-three times your age," He argues, and my amused grin returns.

"You did the math," I tease, leaning closer to him, and pressing a kiss to the corner of his lips.

"Of course I did, I can't get you out of my head," He grumbles as if it's my fault he's always thinking of me.

"Then why can't you admit that you're in love with me?" I cup his face in my hands, tilting his head and forcing him to look into my eyes.

"I do love you, and that's why I refuse to subject you to the judgment that us being together will bring you," He denies and my smile falters.

"I don't care about the judgment, I just want you," I confess, dragging a hand through his hair. "C'mon, Az," I huff, arching my back so my chest is pressed to his as I tease his lips with my own. His large hands come to my waist, his touch is tender and for a moment I think he'll give in, but instead, his grip tightens and he lifts me off his lap, placing my feet down onto the ground.

"No, the difference is too much," He rejects and I groan dramatically. The Illyrian stands, looking down at me with lowered brows. His height towers over me and his wings only add to the intimidating factor. Such an animalistic thing to do, making himself appear bigger than he truly is. He was trying to scare me off, and it wasn't going to work.

"You're fae, does age really matter as an immortal?" I take a daunting step forward and he mirrors it with a step back.

"When I'm old enough to be your great, great, great grandfather? Yes," He argues and I roll my eyes, such a stupid analogy.

"But you're not," I take another step forward.

"But I could be," He doesn't pace back.

"But, you're not," I repeat with another stride and suddenly I'm directly in front of him, chest to chest. He looks at me, his eyes swirling with both adoration and regret, adoration because he loves me, and regret because he allowed me to love him back. I stare with the most devoting and comforting gaze I can muster, I don't dare break eye contact, making it clear that my stance on the matter won't sway.

"I have tattoos older than you, love," He drags his hand through his hair, and I know in that movement that he's been defeated.

"Oh, I know," I bring my hand up to his neck, my nail tracing over dark ink that's lived there for centuries.

"You're like a friend to—" He tries but I cut him off, "That's bullshit, I could treat you better than all your previous lovers and you know it," I claim and he looks at me with those same hazel eyes I fell in love with.

He sighs, clearly upset because he's horribly losing this argument.

"Your five-hundred-year-old brothers are dating my twenty-year-old sisters. They can't judge and isn't it their opinion that matters most?" I point out and he slowly closes his eyes, needing a moment to think about the situation.

"They're mates," He attempts to explain but I don't buy it for a moment, I sling my arms around the nape of his neck with a troublesome smile.

"Are you trying to tell me you don't feel a connection between us?" I ask and he only stares down at me, knowing that if he spoke all of his truest intentions would come out.

"We're in love, let yourself be happy," I whisper, we're close enough so he can hear me. I lift onto my toes, our noses brushing and he doesn't have it in himself to back away. "Let me help you be happy," I murmur and his brows crease, in conflict with himself and everything else going against this, but I could tell by that look on his face that he wanted every part of this too.

"Do you know how helpless you make me feel?" He rasps and my smile widens.

"That's called love, Az," I explain.

"Is it always so consuming?" He asked, his voice tender and raw. My heart swells against my rib cage and I tilt my head, nose moving past his as I press a gentle kiss onto his lips then pull away as quick as I came.

“Yes,” I whisper, knowing the exact feeling he was describing. “And it’s not going to go away,” I smile softly. "Because you love me," I mumble, mostly to myself, the new confession will be at the front of my brain for the rest of the week.

"A little too much for my liking," He hums.

"Impossible," I shake my head with a grin and he leans in, pressing a hard kiss to my forehead, then one on the tip of my nose, and finally plants one to my lips. I pull him closer, my chest pressing to his as I smile onto his lips, my fingers twining into the back of his hair.

“I do love you,” He whispers against my skin as he begins to peck down the line of my jaw.

“I know,” I tease, dragging my hand from his hair and down the expanse of his tattooed neck. He pulls back only a fraction, narrowing his brows with a glare and I giggle.

“I love you too, Azzie,” I roll my eyes, pressing a tender kiss to his lips which he barely got the chance to reciprocate before I was pulling away.

“I hate it when you call me that,” He huffs.

“Would you rather I call you my great-grandfather?” I smirk and he playfully pushes me away, and I dramatically fall down onto his bed.

“I’m revoking sex tonight for that,” He warned and I smirked.

“Not even for the rest of the week? You must really love me,” I croon and he tosses me a glare before climbing into bed beside me.

“An unfortunate turn of events,” He sighed while slinging his arm around me and pulling me into him, as if it was torturous to be cuddling with me even though it was him pulling me closer.

I sling my leg over his waist and roll over, straddling his hips.

“I can’t believe you ever thought you could reject me,” I scoff and he looks up at me with a knowing expression.

“Shh, sleep now.” He pulls me down onto his chest, my chin propping up on his sternum to stare up at him. “You can tease me all you want in the morning,” He promises as I stretch out, my legs intertwining with his.

“Sounds like a perfect plan.”

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[hedgehog-moss]

I found a nice plant in a bog last year, like a reed with a tuft of very soft cotton at the top (bless you English, I just looked up "plant that grows in a bog and looks like cotton" and the English language replied "bog cotton, duh") (in French it's called linaigrette, which should be a small bird), and I was very charmed by the look of it and decided to try to pirate it so I would have some on my land. I plucked one fluffy reed and kept it on my windowsill so I wouldn't forget to return.

Of course, when I returned a few days later with a shovel and a bucket, I couldn't find the bog cotton again. Or the bog. It was a small swamp-y area in a very vast plateau with few landmarks, so it's possible I got turned around, but also, things tend to disappear around here sometimes, like the footpath that leads to the stream, only to reappear a few weeks later. I very much felt like I was in the correct location and the bog wasn't, but okay. Since I didn't trust myself to tell the normal reeds from the cotton-y ones in other seasons, I decided I'd come back around the same time next year.

I've had the linaigrette in my egg spiral in the kitchen this whole time as a memento, and I finally resumed my quest today. I left my car in the exact same spot where I'd left it the previous two times, just before the road gets squiggly for no apparent reason:

I climbed the hill and behind it were just miles and miles of estives (summer cow pastures) with sometimes a barn here and there with a mobile milking parlour. My plan was to follow every rivulet I came across, since I was looking for a watery area.

I picked a barn as a landmark to find my car again, and off we went.

Finding reeds wasn't difficult, but none of them had cotton tufts...

Pandolf was extremely aware that we were looking for something, but he wasn't sure what. Here he is digging in the mud with his paw, looking invested in this treasure hunt.

Sometimes he would stop with one paw poised in the air and his whole body pointed forwards like an English setter who just smelled a pheasant in a Heywood Hardy painting and it was always for cow herds. If I squinted and squinted I could be sure to find a cow on the horizon, the size of an ant—I think Pan was a bit disappointed when he realised I never followed up on the cows he smelled, and it probably wasn't cows we were looking for.

(zoom x400 in case you can't see this cow standing apart from her herd like a sentinel)

I tried to amuse him by giving him little challenges here and there, like climbing on big rocks because he likes rocks. He likes being congratulated even more, though, and if I didn't insist that he actually climb on the rock he would just sort of run towards it and push himself off of it like a swimmer doing a flip turn at the wall to run back to me even faster (for pats). (Had to turn off the sound in the video because the wind was loud, so I subtitled our dialogue)

Some challenges he politely declined to do. I like how despite being very eager to please he sometimes gives me very clear "no thank you"s when I tell him to do something that sounds absurd to him. We found a little waterfall that went down a slope like a mud toboggan and I said "down!" to tell him to slide down that thing and he was like

Our strategy of following water paid off, because look what we found eventually!!

I had a very hard time digging up one clump of reeds with some roots; the bog was holding on to its cotton for dear life. Every time I opened a hole in the mud with my shovel with a horrible sucking noise, the bog would immediately close on itself again with an even stronger vacuum. It also tried to eat my boots, repeatedly. When I moved around the reeds I was trying to steal I had to take my foot out of my boot, stand on one leg like a heron and put the tip of my shovel under the sole of the boot to pry it up. But after maybe 20min of effort, the bog finally let go of one muddy clump of reeds in a loud, dejected SLURP and I was able to put it in my bucket. It was about 10x heavier than I expected so the walk back to my car was slow!

(One thing to keep in mind if you're going to wrestle a swamp for half an hour, is that you're going to end up looking and smelling like a swamp creature. I had to stop at the post office to send a parcel and I really regretted not doing it earlier. It's funny because the post office lady is always like "no, don't worry, come in!! <3" when you show up on rainy days apologising for your muddy shoes, but when I arrived today and asked her from the entrance if I should just throw my parcel at her rather than go in, with my socks making a pitiful plop-plop sound in my boots as I walked, and mud freckles all over my face from aggressive shovelling, and overall looking like a gravedigger, she took one look at me and went "... yes, throw it.")

The good news is, I didn't get lost returning from the swamp to my car, and had no trouble finding my barn-landmark again, and there were new animals there, a nice mule with a retinue of small ponies.

She was friendly at first but then soured on me when I refused to let her sniff and maybe taste the reeds I'd had so much trouble digging up, and then she wouldn't let me approach her ponies.

One of the ponies approached Pandolf, and I told him to stand still—we've been working on "reste là !" (stay there) for a while and it's hard because he's so friendly and exuberant, so I was very proud of him when he stood there frozen as a marble statue, waiting for the pony to come closer. The pony ended up stopping at a prudent distance and stretching his neck out to try and sniff Pandolf, it was very cute.

That's the end of the quest for bog cotton! Here it is now, transplanted to the swamp-y part of my pasture, I hope it'll like it here.

[lady-ashfade]

Blood And Pressure

Part four

Yandere!Pjo × Fem!Grisha!reader. (Platonic yandere gods) (romantic!various characters)

-♡ Chapters: Previous // Next

-♡ this is a shadow & bone slight crossover. Reader is a heartrender and that's all really (maybe more in the future!)

-♡ words: 1k

-♡ Please note that all characters are aged appropriately, so all characters are older versions of the book characters. So 17-19 characters for these, you can choose any of them really. Just that they are older teens.

-♡ warnings: short, yandere behaviors, obsession, stalking, slightly sick love, possessive, manipulative, gaslighting, platonic yandere too, blood powers, powerful powers but not godly, and future warnings when more chapters come out.

You’d like to say you could understand everything that was happening but you had not even a small clue. You sat in the big house with your bag in hand while the two adults argue over you.

“I forbid her to leave, she’s not hera’s child,” you sink back while Mr.d points his finger at you, “she belongs here, with me.”

The god fought for you to stay with him, he kept you happy and feed, even made you smile. All for someone else to claim you? It made his blood boil and you could see it on his face as he shouts.

“She’s been claimed and even if we don’t understand, it is how things have to be.” Chiron sounded disappointed but stern. Of course he would stay up for you, like he always does. He hated for you to leave but you wanted so badly to leave them and have friends and he could understand.

“Mr.d,” you step forward to the god, “I’ll make you a promise.”

“And what’s that kid?” He hated how he spoke to you but he was just too heated that he could banish everyone kid from camp.

“I’ll come visit and play cards with you every week?” You try and bargain your time, even when the thoughts made your bones tighten at thinking of being stuck like that again.

He looked down at you with a suspicious glare while he thought it over. He didn’t have a choice but that didn’t mean he liked it. So finally he let out a breath and agreed while rushing off and mumbling under his breath.

The next stop you had was weirder.

The cabin was dark and empty. Cold and you could feel your spine shiver at the lack of heat. You glanced around but found no furniture to even sit on. No one was supposed to sleep here. Hera had no half-blood offsprings because unfaithfulness was not her way, and yet here you stand being claimed by her. And something tells you all the gods had something to do with it. Mr. D seemed to be more jealous when he spoke about the queen of gods. Like she was unworthy to have you.

“I suppose we’ll be needing to fetch some essentials for your new home.” Chiron tried to sound happy.

“Don’t worry,” you hold up your arms that carried pillows as far as you can with a reassuring smile, “I’ll survive.” and truth be told your bed was the one thing you would miss about staying there.

You find yourself walking up to the firepit and staring up at the statue of hera holding her staff. The way her eyes looked…you felt calm, but almost afraid of what it would be like to look in the real ones. She wasn’t someone to mess with while even her husband feared her wrath.

“So, Chiron?” You ask. You continue to stare up at the stone goddess. “Do you know why she claimed me.” there wasn’t much hope he’d share his insight. the centaur kept quiet for a second to consider his next words wisely.

“Just as clueless to me. Maybe we’ll get some information in the morning after a goodnight sleep.” Just as you thought. Not a peep from him.

You nod and turn around and place everything you had on the floor which wasn’t much but you were glad you had all you did. Chiron handed you the blankets with a smile on his face and for a minute it looked like he was going to cry while he looked at you.

So you open your arms wide and pull him into a hug, or what you could reach and he chuckles deeply and pats your head. In all his years you were his favorite to ever walk into this camp and to guide you. To him, camp was nothing without you.

You settled in quickly while unpacking what you could to make you feel at home. You had two blankets, one on the floor and pillows on top and the other over yourself. You tried to pick a place to the fire without burning up or being too cold.

And for the first time you were all alone to your own thoughts.

“Pst” a hushed whisper called out from no where. The voice startled you as you jump forward and grab ahold of the nearest thing, your old book.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I’m a camper.” The voice had no body to go along with it making you confused. Was it one of Apollos children? Whoever they were they didn’t belong here.

“Says the person who stays hidden.”

The person in question lets out a laugh and then you see a figure appearing out of no where. A blue cap was the first thing you notice as they move their hand down with it grasped. A girl with a orange camp shirt, pretty eyes and blonde hair twisted into a braid.

“You grab a book to hurt me? Almost seems like you know me.” She smirked amusingly.

She had been watching you since you arrived at camp two years ago when she could, she grew to now you like no one else did. And now you’re out and into the camp with her she couldn’t let you walk without keeping a eye on you. You arrived with percy, another person she needed to watch so it was easy.

“What’s you name?” You ask the mysterious girl.

“Annabeth, consider me your guide from now on.” She walked further and stood above you. Her wicked smile seemed off just like everyone else you have seen.

“What cabin are you from? I heard some kids saying Apollos kids-” she cut you off by waving the hat in her hand.

“Athena.” You nod.

“And you’ll need me.” You tilted your head at her words and arched your brows. Need her? What was she talking about.

“For what? I mean I’m glad to have a friend but..” taking a deep breath as her eyes glint with something almost dangerous.

“For capture of the flag.”

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[boba-beom]

trapped in your game | CHOI YEONJUN NSFW

pairing: bestfriend!yeonjun x fem!reader | genre: oneshot; fluff, smut. best friends to ?? | wc: 1.6 k | warnings: hair tugging, a lot of praises, pet names (, baby, princess, sweetheart, cutie), bsf!yeonjun's just so sweet :(( , physical affection, oral (m receiving), yj a lil rough with it, cum swallowing, smut with plot, not proof read, lmk if I've missed any. | a/n: so I wanna thank @junniieesbby for elongating this idea with me hehe, testing waters out since it's been a while but enjoy &lt;3 this is my comeback guys >:) it's also 5am, so I'm sorry HAHAHA

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

continue under the cut ❤︎

no matter how many times you turn around and rant to your best friend, yeonjun, he's there laying on your bed with his upper body hanging off of the edge and his phone in his hands.

“yeonjun…” you whine, pouting as you ask him, “were you even listening?” you exaggerate a deep huff of disappointment and that catches his attention.

rushing to turn his phone off and throwing it somewhere on your bed amongst your plushies, he lays on his front and reaches his arm out to caress the top of your head.

“okay, okay. I’m listening, what were you saying?” he tilts his head slightly and he mirrors your pout.

“I was saying, I think I’m linking up with this guy next week but I don’t… um...” you trail off, lightly chewing on your bottom lip thinking if you sound dumb worrying about this.

“but you don’t what? you know you can tell me, right?” he’s still caressing the top of your head ever so gently. yeonjun tends to have that aura about him. and it’s been like that for years. it’s not that you were embarrassed to tell him, he never belittles you about these things, or anything in general, but you also didn’t want him to think you were being silly about this.

“I don’t know if I’m good enough at giving head, jjun.” your light whine switched him up in some way.

you always wondered if he’s ever thought of you like that, and the answer is yes. but he knows his priorities as your best friend is that he’s always there for you no matter what. helping you in whatever it is. even when it comes to this.

“but you’ve given head before though?” he sits up, his feet now flat on the ground by your knees. you nod subtly, watching the way the little bulb lights up above his head.

“hmm..” he exaggerates a thinking face, bottom lip protruding before the corners of his lips turn upwards. “show me what you’ve got.”

you know how to kiss. that’s because yeonjun taught you. you know how to turn guys on. that’s because yeonjun taught you. but you’ve managed to give head and have your previous partners and flings come from that, and yeonjun hadn’t taught you. what if he teaches you now? will that make you better at doing it?

“yn? sweetheart, what’s going on in that cute 'lil head of yours?” he leans forward to grab ahold of your hand, which surprisingly lays limp in his palms. “I’ll talk you through it if you want.”

“I can try-“

he shakes his head, cupping the side of your face and his thumb stroking your cheek and slowly lowering to glide across your bottom lip. “Give me your all, c’mon.”

“thanks jjun.” you shoot up an innocent smile, the one that makes his knees weak even when he's sitting down.

you shuffle onto your knees, situating yourself between yeonjun's thighs while your fingers began to skim over the material of his sweatpants. yeonjun, on the other hand, was anticipating the act, leaning back on his elbows to observing you from that angle. he knows how good you are and how good you can be, of course he does because he's taught you these things.

as you watch your best friend look back at you with his sultry eyes, you catch the way he bites down on his bottom lip as your fingers trail closer towards his half hard dick.

"oh, so this is how you tease your flings huh?" his voice was lower than usual, but nothing you've never heard before.

"just find it a little fun when they squirm. you're good at not doing that though jjunie." you finally apply pressure onto his growing dick, stroking him through his sweats and picking up the pace until you see him fighting to throw his head back, but resorting to heavy, shaky breaths.

a hum leaves your mouth when you see yeonjun get harder under your touch, but it doesn't take much longer until you're hooking your fingers under the band of both his sweats and boxers.

your chest heaves a little, it's not the first time you've seen yeonjun's dick, the last time being when you caught him masturbating in his room with his door unlocked and he was wearing headphones. but he had a pretty dick for sure. his girth was a good size, the length wasn't too intimidating but deep inside you were excited. the head had already started to leak clear droplets, veins just beginning to raise to the surface as you wrap your soft hand around his shaft by the base.

he hisses from the pressure you apply, letting out his sigh that he had been holding in for a hot second. you're in awe, never had you touched yeonjun like this before, but to see him react this way just from your simple touches were starting to affect the dampness between your thighs.

"yeonjun, you know, you have a pretty dick." you tell him sweetly.

"thank you kitten— oh my god." he doesn't hold back the small moan in his throat after you had just licked him from the base to the tip with your lips lighting sucking on the head, letting the salty droplets spread across your tongue.

you smile at him once again, observing the way his mouth slacks open and how his pretty, pillowy lips are the same colour as his soft tip. that's something you'll unintentionally engrave in your brain for every time you glance at his lips.

"so.. so.. pretty.." you kiss around his shaft randomly betwen your words, and he responds with his hand in your hair, and lightly tugging it.

"get to it cutie, I wanna know how good you are." he loosens his grip, letting you take more of him into your mouth until he's almost prodding the back of your throat and pulling him out again.

a guttural groan leaves his throat as you repeat the same action a couple more times before you gag from how far in you're taking him. you're usually pretty good at not gagging, even using the squeezing-your-thumb-extremely-tight trick to prevent that, but it still happened.

"hey, hey." yeonjun sat up in urgency, but mentally kicking himself for twitching from the fact tears started to well up. "I'm sure you wanna do good for him, right? now breathe through your nose, your throat's gonna be occupied."

you nod, really listening to his words and you do exactly what he tells you. taking in a couple of deep and steady breaths you wrap your mouth around him again, bobbing your head and inching further until he hits the back of your throat without you gagging.

"oh shit," he gasps, "just like that, princess, just like that."

both of his hands make their way to your hair, gathering them as best as he could into a makeshift ponytail. the suction you have going on was starting to make him feel light headed, twitching in your hold. he couldn't refrain, but you were doing too good. with your hair now in a tight ponytail in one fist, he pushes your head down more until he hears you gag.

an airy chuckle leaves his lips as he moans out your name and other profanities, boosting your ego to keep going. you know he's close when you watch his lower abdomen starting to twitch from under his black hoodie.

"keep going baby, I'm so close. god, you're so good." his heaven sent whines were shooting straight to your core, and you just knew your panties were soaked through from the discomfort against your core.

you let out a strong hum whilst continuing to bob your head, moving your wrist to push him over the edge. your other hand caresses his thigh while his hand is wrapped around your wrist. tight. a few more delicious moans leave your best friends mouth, throwing his head back as he bucks his hips up, close to chasing his high.

"yn, ugh, baby I'm gonna- I'm gonna cum." his hold around your wrist tightens as the band in his stomach snaps, feeling the way his cock twitches against your tongue.

you suck on his tip, swirling your wet muscle around it a few times until you taste his cum on your tongue. you let out a surprised moan from the way his load was shooting into your mouth, some even beginning to trickle down the back of your throat.

"ah shit, yn." he chuckles with a hand lazily covering his face. "you're so hot, what the fuck."

you giggle as you lean back on your knees, looking up at him and opening your mouth to show him his load under and around your tongue.

"filthy too, good god." he collects the cum threatening to drip from the corners of your lips as he waits for you to swallow it all and lick the rest from his thumb.

"so was that alright?" you lean your arms across his knees and rest your chin on the back of your hands.

"alright? you did so good baby." he caresses your head again, noticing the way you're refraining from smiling so hard.

"jjun?" you ask, almost a whisper. your fingers tracing invisible shapes across his thighs. he responds with a light hum. "I kind of don't want to see that guy anymore."

"what are you saying?" yeonjun raises an intriguing brow.

"I kinda just want you." there it is again, that precious smile that yeonjun loves to see.

again, he reaches out for you and leads you onto his lap, hovering you over his spent dick. your hands rest on his shoulders, stabilising yourself as he brings his middle and ring finger to stroke up against your clothed slit and rubbing light circles on your clit.

"well, I'm all yours."

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[roosterforme]

Meet the Parents | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Bradley meets your parents and wishes you could have met his.

Warnings: Just a bunch of fluff, mention of oral sex

Length: 1400

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

This should be read to accompany my Series Is It Working For You? with Bradley and Baby Girl!Reader!

Masterlist

You could tell Bradley was nervous. "Roo, there's nothing to worry about. They are going to adore you. And they are so excited to meet you."

"You say that now, but they've met other guys you dated in the past, and they are definitely going to compare me to them."

You snorted. "Well then that's great for you, because they always tell me I can do better. And you're the best."

Bradley groaned as the Bronco zipped along the coastal highway as he drove you to dinner with your mom and dad. You had been looking forward to spending some time with your parents, and showing off your boyfriend a little bit. 

"I'm slightly afraid they're gonna hate me. When I leave for deployments, they are going to think about you out here all by yourself for stretches of time, and resent that for you. Plus they probably think I'm too old for you as well, Sweetheart."

"Bradley! Stop it! I talk about you all the time with them. They don't care how old you are, I promise. They just want me to be happy, and it will be plainly evident to them that you make everything in my life better." You sighed, trying to figure out how to put his mind at ease. The truth was, your parents were really antsy to meet him, because you had already told them how much you love him. You told them he's definitely the one. 

"First of all, I have only let them meet two previous boyfriends, much to my mom's disappointment. So they definitely know you are a big deal. The first one they met was when I was at the Naval Academy, and he ate so much food at dinner, he threw up in my car afterwards." 

Bradley barked out a laugh as he drove. Okay, this was a good reaction. You could work with this. 

"The other time was a couple years ago, and I broke up with that guy shortly after he met my parents, because he was pretty rude to them, honestly."

"What the fuck kind of asshole did you date?"

You smiled and wrapped your fingers around his. "You're not wrong, he was kind of a dick. But not you, you're always sweet, Roo. They are just going to want to talk to you. I talk about you all the time, so they already know a ton about you, but they want to get to know you through you. That's all. It will be totally chill."

As Bradley pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant near the hotel where your parents were staying, he took a deep breath. "Any last minute tips, Sweetheart? I need them to like me so they aren't upset when I coax you to move in with me like next week."

You smiled and squeezed his hand, shaking your head. "Just do your best to listen when my dad drones on and on about sports and his gardening projects. And definitely don't interrupt my mom, especially if she says something about me that you don't agree with. After the last one she met, I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to find out if you have a temper."

Bradley nodded as he pulled the key from the ignition and tucked his aviators into the console. "Okay, okay. What else?"

"Definitely hold my hand, but keep the PDA to a minimum otherwise. And for sure don't mention that you had your face buried in my pussy all afternoon," you said with a wink as you hopped out of the Bronco. 

Bradley rushed around to your side and laced his fingers through yours. "What the hell, Baby Girl? Now that's all I can think about."

"Good, you look a lot more relaxed!" You laughed and kissed his cheek. "There they are," you told him, gesturing to your parents as they stood holding hands, much as you and Bradley were doing. "Just be sweet like you always are. If you need me to bail you out of a conversation, pinch my hand, okay?"

Bradley nodded, squared his shoulders and let you introduce him to them. 

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

Bradley couldn't even remember why he had been so nervous. Your parents were great. You looked just like your mom, and you had your dad's sense of humor and laugh. The four of you had shared a bottle of wine, which had definitely helped him calm his nerves, but he would have been fine without it. 

They asked him about himself, his job and his interests. He prayed he wasn't giving off any red flags, but they seemed genuinely interested in what he was saying. When he told them he was moving to San Diego permanently and that one of the reasons for his decision was to be near you, they both smiled at him.

And when he mentioned that he loved cleaning up the kitchen after you cooked something for him at your place, your mom looked delighted. So he made sure he talked up all his wonderful domestic qualities, which really only included cleaning. 

He found he liked listening to them too. They knew all the stuff about you that he didn't get to witness himself. They told embarrassing stories about your childhood, and you were such a good sport about it all, your hand resting against his. 

As dinner was wrapping up and everyone stood to leave, you slipped your arm around his waist and smiled up at him. 

"We're going to get brunch at our hotel tomorrow morning and then do some sightseeing," your dad mentioned. "Are you two planning on joining us?"

You glanced up at Bradley, and he nodded with a smile. He didn't even have to fake it. He wanted to go to brunch with your parents.

"Yeah, we'll meet you there," you told them as you hugged and kissed them good night. 

Bradley was shaking hands with your dad when he heard your mom ask you, "I'm assuming it's not too early to talk about the holidays? Will you let me know if you two will be coming for Thanksgiving or Christmas? Or both? Please bring him with you."

He took that as a very good sign. And now he'd have to look up some flights. Because he wanted to go back home with you. He wanted to spend more time with your family. He wanted to keep being around you. 

"See you in the morning," you called as Bradley walked you back to the Bronco, hand in hand.

"Well? What did you think of them? Because they definitely liked you," you told him with a big smile. He kissed you soundly as he buckled you in.

"They're great. You're so much like them, it's crazy. I think I was so nervous earlier partly because I don't have my parents to take you to meet. But if I did, Sweetheart, they would have fallen in love with you at first sight. Pretty much like I did." You preened at his words as he kissed the tip of your nose and walked around to the driver's side.

"My mom is already texting me about you, Roo," you said with a giggle as Bradley pulled out onto the road.

"What's she saying?"

"She said you're very handsome, and I should definitely have kids with you."

Bradley rolled his eyes. "What did she really say?"

You laughed and turned to face him. "That is what she really said! And apparently my dad thinks he can exploit you to help him work on a project at their house if we go there for a visit. He's saying you look strong and you seem like you wouldn't complain about helping him with manual labor," you said, tipping your head back in laughter.

"Can we go for Thanksgiving? Or Christmas? I want to go," Bradley told you, and he really meant it.

"Sure. We can tell them tomorrow. It will make my mom's day."

Bradley held your hand and played with your fingers as he drove you back to your apartment, and he let himself indulge in a short daydream about how much he would have loved to take you home to meet Carole and Nick.

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

Thanks for reading about Bradley and Baby Girl! I have so much more on the way.

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[ahsoka-in-a-hood]

If we are willing to take the parts of previous movies in the trilogy that remain unsaid in following ones into our interpretation of the one we are watching, then the tusken massacre is relevant in RotS. Shmi is not mentioned by name, Anakin's actions are not spoken, but his dreams of Padme's death form a perfect echo of his dreams of Shmi. We can come up with sensible in-universe reasons for the callback, like how maybe Palpatine knew and induced the dreams to trigger Anakin, or perhaps the Force at work, but maybe it's just a fairytale, a parable, a rhyme.

Maybe it's a fun echo because it induces a sense of dread in both the audience and in Anakin. We've seen this before, we know where it leads. But while he's thinking about Padme, we're thinking about what he will do. Well, I am.

Anakin begins RotS as a liar. First, we watch him lie to Obi Wan about why he killed Dooku. The lie comes easily enough, Obi Wan believes it even more easily. Anakin Skywalker, exemplary jedi knight, hero of the hour, follower of the code. He feels uneasy about it though, he says so to Padme. When Obi Wan give his farewell and tells him how proud he is, and how Anakin has grown to be a greater jedi than he, Anakin cannot look him in the eye. It works on it's own, just about, but back to back with AotC it works better.

Of course, a lot of his lies are about Padme. (A lot more sympathetic, but also a far more absurd reason to clam up in a way; we know that the people who love him will still love him if chooses marriage over the Order.) But as he goes to Yoda and begins to tell him about his dreams, he stops himself. He does not tell the whole story. He cannot. We know why, we just watched aotc. Those dreams led to that death which led to that fall. We've seen it all before. He is so afraid.

I don't think it's controversial to say that Anakin's isolation and unwillingness to go to anyone except Palpatine for counsel contributed to his crisis in RotS. Palpatine definitely took advantage of that, and Anakin eschewed several onscreen attempts to get him to just. open up.

His actions in aotc were a foreshadowing of what was to come, but they also began a pattern of behavior of repression and denial and deceit. If he had come forward- if he had faced his actions which genuinely did cause him some horror at the time- he would have faced more immediate consequences. He would have disappointed and horrified Obi Wan (and the other jedi), he would not have been knighted, and he would not have been given positions of authority, at the least. But considering how much damage he did and how much he lost when he committed to the dark side, I would say the consequences of his deceit were far greater in the end.

Something that comes to mind is both the ending of the OT- with the darkside being something he could choose to just… stop doing, and also Yoda saying 'forever will it dominate your destiny'. I can see how they might sound contradictory, but to me they are in harmony- it is a choice, you can walk away, but there are always consequences. If Anakin had been held to account, there would have been immediate consequences, consequences he desperately wanted to avoid, but that wouldn't have been the end of the world for him either, not really. They wouldn't have actually stopped him from ever being okay again. (let's be real, even if Obi Wan were disappointed, he'd still have loved him, and Padme certainly did. ) Anakin didn't commit to the darkside when first he fell, he wanted to go on as he was- he wanted to keep the things he had- and so he could continue to act as a jedi for several years because he chose to act like one for the most part, but he did not fully commit to being a jedi either, and his dishonesty, and his lack of remorse, eventually had consequences for him. And for everyone else.

[waytooinvested]

Forgotten, Not Forgiven - Chapter 21

This and previous chapters are also on AO3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a man in Lena’s office.

That in itself was nothing unusual of course, but right now the person who was supposed to be in Lena’s office was Kara, and dealing with whatever this was was going to eat into the half hour that had been set aside in her diary for their appointment.

She looked him up and down as discretely as she could, trying to place him. Was he an employee? A new business partner or trustee who would be offended if she didn’t recognise him?

But the man was holding a notebook and recorder, and his clothing and general demeanour screamed ‘press’ rather than ‘corporate executive’, so it seemed unlikely. She offered him a smile that was both polite and slightly frosty, finding a balance between letting this man know that just wandering into the CEO’s office in a major multi billion dollar corporation was not acceptable etiquette, while avoiding burning any bridges with whatever newspaper he was representing.

‘I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I don’t take walk in appointments, and I actually have a meeting about to start. If you could just go out to the front desk, I’m sure my assistant would be happy to schedule some time in for you later in the week, Mr…?’

The man returned her smile, his own unctuous and insincere in a way that set Lena’s teeth on edge.

‘That would be with me, Ms Luthor. William Dey, scheduled for 4pm.’

William Dey?

Lena glanced back at her computer screen, clicking into her calendar to check if she had somehow mixed up her appointments, though after all the conversations she and Kara had had about him, she knew she would have remembered if the name William Dey had appeared anywhere in it.

But there it was:

4.00 – 4.30pm, interview with Catco magazine

It didn’t actually specify that the interview was with Kara at all, Lena had just assumed it would be because it was always Kara. She tried her best to swallow down the bubble of disappointment that rose in her throat on realising that the pleasant half an hour with her friend she had been looking forward to all day was not going to materialise after all. If nothing else, this would at least be an interesting opportunity to get the measure of the man she had heard so much about for herself.

‘My apologies Mr Dey, I had assumed this appointment would be with my usual contact at Catco. Was Ms Danvers unavailable this afternoon?’

‘Would you have preferred to speak to Kara Danvers?’ William shot back without bothering to answer the question. He dropped a couple more points in Lena’s estimation, though she kept her own response neutrally polite.

‘Well, we have built up a working rapport over the years, yes. I've always appreciated the continuity it provided in my contact with Catco.’

William smiled again, but there was no warmth to it. It was the sort of look that suggested that she had just stepped into a trap he had set for her, and the edge of smug triumph to it reminded her disconcertingly of Lex. She was going to have to be more careful with this man than she had realised.

‘May I ask the subject of this interview?’

Again, her question was ignored, and instead William pushed ahead with what had clearly been his reason for asking about Kara in the first place.

‘You say that you prefer to work with Ms Danvers. That’s interesting. According to my sources it’s not that long since you had her barred from the premises, with a note that security was to escort her out the moment she arrived. I understand that that actually happened on at least-’ here he checked his notes, but Lena could tell the gesture was more to demonstrate that he had notes than because he needed a reminder of the number. ‘-Three separate occasions. That doesn’t sound like the kind of set up you would have for your favourite interviewer.’

Lena’s eyes narrowed and she straightened in her chair, her body instinctively switching into fight mode.

‘Did you come here to interview me about my working relationship with Kara Danvers, Mr Dey? Because I don’t see how that’s relevant to you or anyone else apart from Kara and myself.’

‘No, I didn’t. But I do find it interesting, and potentially pertinent to the subject I did come here to discuss with you.’

‘Which is what, precisely?’

‘What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Andrea Rojas?’

First Kara and now Andrea? Was this going to turn out to be some gossip piece about her sexuality? Was he going to bring up her visit to Violet’s next?

Slimy little man.

Lena glared back at him, dialing up the ice in her voice from crisp late autumn morning to mid-winter blizzard.

‘Excuse me?’

‘Andrea Rojas. A few months ago you sold Catco to her, very suddenly, without any of the staff knowing the sale was coming. Coincidentally, that was around the same time you barred Kara Danvers from the L-Corp premises. I wanted to know why you did that.’

About the sale then? Well that was fine. She was under no obligation to explain her personal reasons, and if he was looking for a business scandal he wouldn’t find one.

‘Andrea is an old friend and a business associate, and if you look into the matter you will find that everything about the sale was entirely above board and by the book. Now, please be so good as to tell me what exactly this article you’re writing is about, or I shall have to ask you to leave.’

William stood a little straighter, putting back his shoulders and meeting her eye as he answered, scrutinising for her reaction.

‘I’m investigating the disappearance of Supergirl. And I think you and Andrea Rojas know something about that.’

It was so far from what she had been expecting that if Lena had been anyone but a Luthor in that moment she might have let her shock show on her face. Instead she raised a sceptical eyebrow, falling back on years of social training to layer her tone with just the right hint of bored condescension, as if the situation demanded she be polite to someone who had told her in all earnestness that the world was flat (and indeed that it had become so because she and Andrea had taken a fly swatter to it).

‘Supergirl hasn’t disappeared, she’s in Argo City. I believe there was an interview with her on the subject before she left. I’m sure you could find it on Youtube if you missed it.’

‘Ah yes, the interview. That was interesting as well. It does seem to tie everything up in a neat little bow, doesn’t it? And yet something about it didn’t quite sit right with me. I thought maybe I was imagining things. Then I watched it back alongside other interviews Supergirl has given, and they don’t tally. Across the others there’s consistency, but in this one: her speech pattern, her intonation, even her stance, were all… off. To me that interview looks like a hasty after-the-fact cover up by someone who realised Supergirl’s absence had been noticed, and wanted to keep people from asking inconvenient questions. Perhaps even somebody who owned the company that invented the Image Inducer?’

Lena folded her arms, then wished she hadn’t. Did it look defensive, or merely annoyed?

‘Thousands of people own image inducers. I don’t see how you can suggest that the mere possibility of one being used to commit fraud – which is in itself a highly spurious claim – somehow indicates my direct involvement, or what any of this has to do with the sale of Catco.’

‘No? Okay, let me give you another example. Approximately eight days after the last confirmed sighting of Supergirl, you filed a flight plan for a jet registered in your name to a tiny air field apparently in the middle of nowhere. Do you remember that trip?’

‘I take a lot of trips.’

‘Of course. Well, I’ll refresh your memory. The only thing for miles around this particular air field that might have been of any interest was a bunker. A bunker that, through several layers of shell corporations, was formerly owned by Luthor Corp, as was. I thought that was a bit odd, and decided to pay it a visit. Do you know what I found there Ms Luthor?’

How the hell had he found out her flight plan, let alone the bunker?

‘I’m sure you’re going to tell me.’

‘Nothing. Or at least that was clearly the intention – the entire place had been stripped almost completely bare. But there was one thing I found curious. This was caught on what appeared to be an operating table, in a room that looked a lot like a cell.’

William pulled something from inside his jacket and laid it on Lena’s desk.

A ziplock bag.

At first glance it appeared to be empty, but when she looked closer Lena realised that it contained a single strand of long, blonde hair.

Kara’s hair .

He was putting two and two together and getting five, but all the same, he was uncomfortably close, and they had had no idea. As far as Lena and the DEO had known, their story about Supergirl’s visit to Argo City had been more or less universally accepted, and earlier panic over her apparent disappearance had seemed to settle down. But now this. Not only an investigation into the disappearance of Supergirl, but an investigation by Kara’s coworker. And one that had led him straight to Lena.

She wanted to have security come and escort him out her office so that she had space to take it in and think about what to do next, but as long as William was willing to keep talking, she needed to let him. He was giving her far more of what he knew – or thought he knew – than she was giving in return, and the more information she had the better equipped she would be to deal with him.

She leaned back in her seat, deliberately casual, and gave him a considered look.

‘You’re talking as though all these things you’ve just told me are connected somehow, but I don’t see it. Honestly, this all sounds like rather an elaborate conspiracy theory, and you still haven’t explained how exactly you think Andrea Rojas or Kara Danvers fit into this little picture you’re painting, let alone what it is you think I’ve done with Supergirl, or why on Earth I would want to… what, kidnap her? You seem to have done your homework, so you must know that I’ve had a very positive and well documented working relationship with Supergirl for years.’

‘That’s true, I found plenty out there about you and Supergirl. But then there was plenty to suggest that your brother Lex was best friends with Superman once, and we all know how that turned out. Perhaps the two of you share a family failing. Or perhaps you’re working together.’

Lena forced a laugh that she was almost sure sounded genuine.

‘You’re even more delusional than I thought if you believe I would ever work with Lex. You do know that my testimony was part of what helped put him in prison in the first place, don’t you?’

‘I do. I also know that he was granted a mercy furlough on the grounds that he was dying, then after a short time in your care he apparently made a full recovery, and yet he never made it back to prison. Then you made the decision to sell Catco to Andrea Rojas, who immediately turned it away from hard hitting journalism to pop fluff, just in time for her to have established a new precedent before the city’s most prominent Superhero goes missing and she chooses to speculate about potential sex scandals rather than reporting on it seriously. Add to that your unexplained jaunt to the bunker where I found what appears to be Supergirl’s hair in an abandoned cell and your strange treatment of the one reporter you previously gave open access to, and it all starts to look pretty damning. I don’t know yet exactly how the pieces fit, but when you put together you, your brother, Andrea Rojas and whatever you’re doing to manipulate Kara Danvers into telling the stories you want told… well. That’s one hell of a coincidence, and I don’t believe in coincidences. I am telling you all this to make clear to you that I have enough information to run with this no matter what you say. But, I thought it was only fair to give you the opportunity to tell your side of things first. So, Ms Luthor. Do you have any comment to make?’

Lena’s first instinct was, ridiculously, to push back on the claim that she was manipulating Kara into writing false stories. Clearly he didn’t know her at all if he thought that Kara Danvers could be so easily bought or blackmailed: she had demonstrated on more than one occasion that she would rather quit than compromise her morals when it came to reporting, and every word she had written about Lena had been her own. But as much as it rankled, the mark on Kara’s reputation was hardly the main issue here, and addressing it would be as good as confessing to the rest.

For a moment she allowed herself to imagine pressing the silent alarm on the underside of her desk that would summon security to remove Mr Dey from the premises instead. Given his accusations she would be well within her rights to do so, but as satisfying as that might be in the moment it would be counter productive. He had made it clear that if she chose not to comment he would go ahead with his version of the story, and she, Andrea and maybe even Kara would be implicated as part of a conspiracy. Even if it was swiftly debunked, just the suggestion of fowl play would be enough to restart the missing Supergirl hysteria and draw far more attention to all of them (to Kara) than would be safe or desirable.

She could tell him the full truth and clear her name beyond question , but she would never compromise Kara like that. William Dey was an unknown entity (and, in Lena’s entirely objective opinion, a smug asshole) , and there was no way she was going to trust him with the truth of Supergirl’s secret identity, or even enough of it to risk him putting the pieces together himself.

There was no time to come up with a watertight, fully convincing lie when he was standing there with his recorder in hand, waiting for her to say something.

There was only one option left.

She sighed, and beckoned him forwards.

‘Please take a seat. I’m afraid there’s more to this than you realise, and there are some people you will need to talk to.’

William sat and placed his recorder on the desk between them.

‘I should just mention, I have a fail safe set up, and if I don’t disable it within an hour everything I have on this story will be emailed to a dozen global news outlets automatically. Just in case you were thinking of doing anything to… keep me quiet.’

‘I would ask what exactly you take me for, but I think you’ve made that perfectly clear, so let me assure you that I have no intention of murdering you. Because no, I have not kidnapped Supergirl, nor am I conspiring with Lex, Andrea or Kara against her or anyone else. But… there is more to Supergirl’s absence than a vacation to Argo. I’m not at liberty to tell you any more than that without input from my… associates. If you wait here for a few minutes, I will call them to come and join in this conversation. Alright?’

‘I’d prefer it if you called from here.’

‘I’m sure you would. I’ll be back in five minutes.’

Lena made sure her computer screen was locked, and then left the room with as much composure as she could muster. As she passed Jess’ desk she leaned down to whisper ‘please keep an eye on the man in my office. Make sure he doesn’t start rifling through anything, and if he tries, or if you feel threatened in any way, have security come, but don’t let him leave. It’s of the utmost importance that we finish our conversation.’

Jess swallowed, alarmed by the ominous and highly unusual request, but after all the time they’d worked together she trusted Lena, so she didn’t question her or protest. She nodded and murmured in similarly hushed tones ‘yes Ms Luthor’, before getting up to stand watch by the office door.

Lena moved quickly after that, retreating to a seldom-used conference room a little way down the corridor and activating her auditory scrambler as she dialed Alex’s number.

It rang.

And rang.

Come on Alex, the one time I really, really need you to pick up...

Finally, just before voicemail was about to kick in, Alex answered.

‘Lulu? What’s up?’

‘Is Katie with you?’

‘Yep.’

‘Shit. Alex, we have a situation. Can you get away?’

‘One moment please.’

The line went muffled as Alex put her hand over the receiver and spoke to someone else, then the sound of footsteps and a door closing.

‘Okay, I’m alone. What’s the matter?’

‘I have William Dey in my office right now, with a story ready to run on the disappearance of Supergirl.’

‘Fuck, seriously? What about the Argo story?’

‘He doesn’t believe the interview was really Supergirl. He thinks it was an image inducer, and that I am behind it all, with the help of Andrea, Lex and, unwittingly, Kara. He says he will run with the story whatever I say, but is giving me the chance to tell my side. If he doesn’t report back in an hour, apparently he’s set something up to send what he’s already gathered to news outlets globally.’

‘Okay, I’m on my way right now, I’ll have J’onn meet me there too. Are you free to stay on the line so we can work out what to tell him or do you have to go back in there?’

‘Jess is keeping an eye on him, and will get security involved if he starts snooping or tries to leave. I have maybe two more minutes, but then I’d better get back or he’ll get suspicious. Well, more suspicious.’

In the background Lena could hear the sound of Alex’s running feet, then the slam of a car door and a motor starting up, before the phone switched from handset to earpiece and the ambient noise diminished.

They spent a hurried couple of minutes workshopping an explanation that would be sufficient to throw William off the trail – just enough truth to be believable, with enough fabrication to protect Kara’s identity and keep things as safe as they could in the circumstances. It wasn’t perfect, but there was no time for anything more, and they hoped that the presence of an ‘FBI’ Director would lend weight to their story that Lena alone might not have had. She kept an eye on her watch throughout, and as soon as the second minute was up she said a hasty goodbye to Alex and returned to her office and William Dey.

She felt more composed now that she had something resembling a plan, but i t was still a very long, very uncomfortable ten minutes while they waited for ‘Lena’s associates ’ to arrive. It turned out to be surprisingly difficult to make idle small talk with a man who had just accused you of conspiracy, kidnap and possibly murder, or at the very least willingness to commit murder to cover up the rest of it. It cast something of a pall over the meeting, and s ilence filled the room like a thick fog between them, oppressive and un dispersable .

William fidgeted with his notebook.

Lena pretended to be absorbed by something that wasn’t there on her computer screen.

Out in the wider office a phone rang and was answered.

Another minute struggled by.

When at last the door opened, Lena made eye contact with Alex and felt relief sweep through her like cool rain after a blistering drought. She wasn’t alone anymore.

‘Thank you for joining me on such short notice Director Danvers. This is Mr William Dey of Catco Magazine. Mr Dey, this is Direct Danvers of the FBI and her associate Mr J’onn J’onzz.’

Alex held up her ID card to prove her identity, her expression deadly serious.

‘Mr Dey. I hear from Ms Luthor that you have been investigating Supergirl.’

‘I have. I don’t believe she’s really gone to Argo, and-’

‘You are meddling in extremely sensitive matters of national security. It would be best if you were to drop this investigation immediately and allow us to do our job.’

William looked mildly daunted by the grim faced FBI agent in front of him, but he didn’t back down.

‘With all due respect Director Danvers, if something has happened to Supergirl, the people have a right to know. I would also like to know how Ms Luthor fits in.’

‘I told you, I didn’t kidnap Super-’

Alex held up a hand to stop her, and Lena subsided, allowing her friend to take the lead.

‘Ms Luthor is assisting us and was not involved in any attempt to harm Supergirl. However… it is true that Supergirl is not on Argo.’

‘I knew it! Has Andrea Rojas taken her? Or Lex Luthor?’

‘No one has taken her.’

‘So where is she?’

Alex sighed.

‘Mr Dey, this is all off the record, is that understood? We have a sensitive situation here, and the last thing this city needs is mass panic, or to be viewed as a vulnerable target by anyone looking to take advantage of Supergirl’s absence. Freedom of the press is one thing, but sharing this story recklessly could get people killed, and I don’t think you want that.’

‘So you’re asking me to cover this up. Is that what you’re saying?’

‘I am asking you to consider the consequences of your actions, and whether having a good story that will earn you some kudos at work for a couple of weeks is worth risking lives over, including Supergirl’s if this hampers our ability to do our work. There is a lot more than a story at stake here.’

William chewed his lip, considering.

‘Alright. Suppose I agree to hold this story for now. When Supergirl does return, I want an exclusive interview with her. As soon as there is no longer a risk to her or the city from the truth being out there, I want all the details, no holds barred. Is that a deal?’

‘Supergirl speaks for herself, I can’t promise you her interview. However, I can agree to give you an interview myself, along with the project team working to bring Supergirl back. And I will ask Supergirl if she will speak to you as well. Will that suffice?’

‘I suppose that’s fair. But I also want to know where Supergirl is now.’

‘I assumed you’d say that. If you’re willing to sign a statement agreeing to the terms we’ve just laid out and confirming that you will end any further investigation into this, I will tell you as much as I can at this stage.’

William was slightly more reluctant to put it in writing, but after a bit more back and forth he agreed, and Lena printed out the modified NDA form that Alex emailed over to her for him to sign. That done, Alex explained that Supergirl was currently on a parallel Earth, and while she was safe, she had so far been unable to return. Lena was working with the FBI to create a gateway that would bring her back, but in the meantime they needed to maintain peace in National City and avoid panic. It was not that far off the truth, and William seemed to buy it. Lena allowed herself to relax, just fractionally.

When the story was done he glanced guiltily over at her and opened his mouth as if to apologise for his accusation, but, confronted with Lena’s dagger-sharp glare, changed his mind.

Instead he turned to Alex.

‘Just one more thing Director. Danvers. Are you by any chance related to Kara Danvers?’

‘She’s my sister.’

‘And does she know about all this? She’s been helping me with my investigation, so I would have thought she’d have told me I was on the wrong track if she did, even if she couldn’t share the details.’

She’s been helping me with my investigation.

She’s been helping me...

The world shrank down to that single sentence, reverberating round and round, louder and louder until there was no room for anything else.

Kara had been working with William Dey?

After all those conversations they’d had about how he was arrogant, toadying, possibly evil, and now she was working with him against Lena?

Investigating her?

Suspecting her of kidnapping Supergirl?

With a sharp stab she remembered Kara’s ‘project’. How cagey she had been about it. How, now she thought about it, she hadn’t so much as mentioned William Dey since before they went rock climbing .

It was all Lena could do not to gasp with the shock of betrayal that punched her directly in the solar plexus as the truth sank in .

All this time...

Somewhere outside her bubble of pain s he could feel Alex glancing at her, but she didn’t try to meet her look. She stared resolutely at her computer screen, attempting to appear indifferent to the conversation going on in front of her even as tears tried to rise to her eyes .

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

How had she fallen into the same trap twice? Let herself trust the same woman, only to have her break her heart all over again?

She barely heard Alex tell William that of course Kara didn’t know, being related to an FBI agent didn’t give her inside knowledge of their work, but he would need to shut down the investigation at once and tell her that there was nothing to find out.

Lena let it all wash over her.

By sheer force of will she kept herself still and silent throughout the rest of the exchange, until at last J’onn escorted William out of her office.

She waited for Alex to follow them out so she could finally fall apart in peace , but she didn’t. She shut the door behind J’onn, waited a minute for them to get well clear, and then turned back to face the room .

‘Lena…’

‘Please go Alex.’

She spoke the words through clenched teeth and numb lips, barely holding her sob inside but determined not to let it out until she was alone.

But Alex didn’t go. She came round the desk and gripped Lena’s shoulders firmly, forcing her to make eye contact.

‘Lena. Listen to me. I know how that sounded, but we don’t know the full story. I am telling you, there is absolutely no way Kara would suspect you of harming Supergirl. Whatever this is, whatever is happening, that is not it.’

‘What if you’re wrong? What if she’s just been using me all this time and-’

S he choked on the rest of the sentence and had to stop to swallow down the lump in her throat before it stopped her breathing altogether.

‘She hasn’t. Lena, Kara loves you so much. She has never stopped believing in you. Not once. Not even when we had apparently irrefutable evidence that you had committed a crime. When every other person, me included, thought that you really were guilty, Kara never, ever did. She was in your corner every time, and I don’t believe that this is any different. We just need to give her the chance to explain herself.’

‘That’s not true. What about the kryptonite?’

Alex sighed.

‘Okay, yeah, she was freaked out about the kryptonite, because you were making the one thing on Earth with the power to kill her. That still doesn’t mean she thought you were plotting to use it on her, she just didn’t like the idea of any more of it existing, no matter how good your intentions were. But even then, she was pissed at you and she lashed out, but she wasn’t against you.’

‘But she might be, this time. Why would she be helping that bastard investigate me and not tell me otherwise?’

‘I don’t know. That’s why we need to talk to Kara and find out.’

A lex paused, taking in Lena’s clenched jaw, glassy eyes and tightly curled fists.

‘Before that though… I think maybe you need a bit of Lena-style catharsis. Want to go and blow some stuff up with lasers before we call her?’

‘Yeah… I really, really do.’

[fizzingwizard]

I was genuinely looking forward to Lupin vs Holmes in part 6, but what a disappointment it was. Actually, disappointment is too weak a word. In my opinion, it was pretty much a disaster.

There were so many reasons to be hyped for that crossover. You've got Holmes, the greatest detective of his time, and Lupin, the greatest thief of his. They're both canny, eccentric, and always a step ahead of everyone else. They're also both independent and live by their own set of morals. Holmes picks which cases he'll take without concern for money, and lets people go even if they're guilty if his own convictions say they don't deserve punishment. Lupin always does what he wants, doesn't let himself get pushed around, and enjoys wreaking havoc among inhumane criminals just as much as he enjoys flouting the law.

They're even perfectly matched in the ways they're different. I was open to them either liking or disliking each other (though I feel convinced they'd definitely have respect for each other), because I can see either take making sense. Holmes is calculations with a pinch of chaos, Lupin is chaos with a measured dash of calculation. Holmes eschews relationships aside from a very few - Lupin enjoys social interaction (but prioritizes just a few). Holmes is functionally asexual. Lupin is never not horny.

Even the supporting cast was so promising! To tell the truth, from watching previous seasons I didn't really think the rest of the Lupin gang or Watson would have much to do. But I hoped they would because there was so much potential.

I mean Jigen and Watson are both war veterans in their own way. It's not the best comparison (Watson was a doctor, and got shot almost immediately... but he is also a "man of action" and does have a lot of fight and pluck, even if he's not going to be a match for Jigen in terms of marksmanship). And they're the right hand men of two pretty difficult geniuses... couldn't they spend a moment commiserating lmao.

It could have been awesome to see Fujiko interact with Holmes because her usual tricks wouldn't work on him. I admit it isn't unlikely the show would have been like "Ahh, but this time they do work on him, just like Irene Adler!" and totally ignored that book!Irene impressed Holmes with her wiliness and not her sexiness... But I'm talking about my fantasy here. And in my fantasy, Holmes would have had a similar reaction to Fujiko's manipulation and acting skills similar to how he did with Irene. It would have been pretty cool to see Fujiko interact with a man who was NOT into her, but was just as smart and brave and perhaps wiser than Lupin.

Even Goemon would have had something to do. He could have had a super cool kenjutsu vs baritsu ("what even is that?") battle with Holmes. Extra points if Goemon walks away saying "I respect the skill of that fellow warrior, even if he can't spell his own martial art correctly."

And of course Lestrade and Zenigata's shenanigans at Scotland Yard are a nobrainer. But serious bonus points if they both pine away with equal envy and admiration for their respective smart ass thorns in the side hahahahahahaha.

I mean. There was SO MUCH there. How, HOW do you mess that up???

(Answer: By knowing absolutely nothing about Sherlock Holmes to begin with and basing everything on your memories of inaccurate movies from fifty years ago x'D)

So instead we got: perpetually sad, somber Sherlock Holmes, who isn't working the job that he literally loves anymore in favor of looking miserable a lot and raising a child. And the child is Watson's kid, who Watson can't raise because he's fucking DEAD, and mom can't raise because SHE'S dead (just say Holmes is her mom. Come on. We're in the future. Just say it). Also Watson is dead because Lestrade killed him like WHAT. Of all the twists they could have gone one, they definitely surprised me with that one. Was it a fun surprise though? ... No, no it wasn't.

Add to that the extremely dull characterizations of everyone, the heavy reliance on the danger to a little girl who isn't even a canonical character but is very cute, and the slow, slow pace of the episodes... What a mess. It was memorable, sure, but for the wrong reasons.

Like the only thing I can think of that I didn't hate about the whole arc was Lily taking her first steps as Holmes's assistant at the very end. Fine, that's adorable, and makes me feel ever so slightly better about Watson being dead. And I'm desperate for something to like here so let's go with it.

("It's not really Sherlock Holmes anyway because of the generational difference, it's his great grandson who has his exact same name and job! Same with Watson and Lestrade and sexy Mrs Hudson and and and-" I'm gonna stop you right there we all know it's Holmes. Whatever excuses they make, no matter how they have to bend time and physics to make it happen, it is Holmes Prime in every way that matters lol.)

A melancholy sigh for the Coolest Crossover Ever That Wasn't. As a Lupin fan and a Sherlock Holmes fan, I'll regret it till the day I die.

[pensat-i-fet]

Never stopped loving you: Part 2 (Pedri x Reader)

Part 1

**Hi! First of all, thank you so much for all the feedback part 1 got. So many of you asked for a part 2 and I had already imagined most of it anyway, so it was pretty easy to get it done. I hope this mends the hearts part 1 broke 😅🥰 enjoy! ❤️**

Word count: 2692

Masterlist

Wattpad

Tag: @marialikescherries​

When Pedri saw your nod, he sighed in relief and hugged you again. He couldn’t believe it, really. That you would give him another chance after all this time. After what he did.

“Oh…ok?”, you both turned to see Fer looking at you from the door. “I was worried because you stopped talking but you’re not killing each other. Good. Nice…what’s going on?”

“We’re going to give this a try again”, you said.

“Right. I’m glad, don’t get me wrong. But if you hurt her again, I’ll kill you”.

“I won’t”, said Pedri, looking at you and making you smile. Because you believed him. Even if that made you stupid, you believed him.

After dinner, Pedri offered to drive you home, so you could talk privately.

“I actually don’t know where you live”.

You laughed and told him your address.

“So…how do we do this? It’s a bit weird, right?”, he nodded. “We already know each other, so we don’t have to do that part. But it’s also been two years”.

“I don’t even know what you do for a living”.

“I work in PR”.

“Really?”, he said, looking at you with a big smile. “You always wanted to do that”.

“Yeah”.

“You need to tell me more about what you’re doing. But…would you like to go see me play on Saturday? You can sit with Fer”.

“I’d love to”, watching matches at home wasn’t the same as being in the stadium.

“You know? I can’t believe you watched my matches. I thought my face would be the last thing you would want to see”, he said, making you shrug. “I think that’s why I managed to keep playing well. I never did well when you weren’t there to cheer on me or at least watching”.

Both of you were now thinking about that match, five years ago, that you didn’t go to because you had a silly little fight with Pedri a few days before. You had been fighting a lot during that time because you were incapable of just telling the other about your feelings. So you refused to go to the match with his family like you always did and told him you hoped he lost. When he scored an own goal, he knew he had to do something about it. And so he went to see you, kissed you and asked you out. You never missed a match after that.

"We're here".

You looked at the door of your building and then back at Pedri. You didn't want to leave him now but it was all too much, too quick.

"Thanks for driving me home".

"I can walk you to the door too. It's late".

"No, you can see me from here, don't worry", he was disappointed but also understood you. "See you Saturday then?"

"Yes".

He kissed your cheek and you left, turning back to wave at him when you safely got to the door. And by the time you went to bed, you were a mess. A happy mess for the most part, but you were also overthinking. Because how could you not?

Back at Pedri's house, there were also different emotions. His brother was happy but worried. And Pedri could only be happy. There was so much that he had to do to prove to you he meant all of his promises and he was looking forward to it. He had the rest of his life to do it.

                                        **

Saturday was your first time at the Camp Nou. It was surreal how big the stadium was and how loud the fans were.

"What are you thinking?", asked Fer.

"That I can't believe he plays here. I used to watch him in the smallest stadium with only family members as the crowd".

"I know", he laughed. "Wait until they all start chanting his name".

You actually couldn't wait. The wave of pride you felt made you smile so big.

Pedri played well but didn't score. Well, he did but VAR disallowed it because of a previous fault committed by one of his teammates.

"I'll walk you to his car and then I'll leave you alone. That ok?"

You nodded, following Fer around the parking lot.

"Good match, little bro. See you later…or not".

"Yeah, thanks".

Pedri then turned to see you, still not believing you were there for him.

"Fer is right, you played really well. Shame about the goal they disallowed”.

“I wanted to score so badly today”.

“Why?”

“To dedicate it to you”, he said casually, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. It used to be. All his goals were dedicated to you but that was a long time ago.

That comment and the way he was looking at you was your cue to do something. To move closer to him and put your hand on his cheek to caress it and also make him lower his head to kiss you.

It had been two years of both of you imagining this moment. Imagining that, somehow, you would kiss again like you had so many times before.

“God, I missed you”, he whispered.

"I missed you too".

"Not that I needed it, but that was even more motivation to make sure I convince you to never leave me again".

You let out a small laugh. He was doing great so far.

“Are you coming home with me?”

He kissed you again before nodding and opening the door to his car for you.

                                     **

Your parents could tell something was going on, so you didn't delay it any longer and told them you were back together. Nothing could have made them happier and they begged you to go back home whenever possible so you could all meet again. Like the big family you were.

"I just can't stop staring at you two", said your mum. "I'm so happy. You two are meant for each other. Look how happy you are!"

Her words made you blush but she wasn't lying. Every day that passed you were even happier. Work was going well, Barcelona was a great city you loved living in…and you had the love of your life back with you.

Your family was curious as to what the plan was. You used to live together in Las Palmas, so what about now? Pedri joked about kicking his brother out of the house soon, which led him to be kicked by said brother.

“And we won’t repeat the same mistakes”, he said, making you look at him. Where was he going with this?

“What mistakes?” “You know, we were younger and…”, you tried to find any excuse you could think of to avoid him saying more.

“I cheated on her”, he said, leaving everyone there shocked. Your parents couldn't believe he did that and you and Fer couldn't understand what he was trying to do. After all this time, why mention it now that everything was back to normal?

“What are you doing?”, you whispered.

“You did what?”, four sets of eyes were glaring at him.

“We never blamed you, honey", told you his mum, "but we thought it was you who ended it because you didn’t want to move to Barcelona. But it was his fault? Why didn't you tell us?”

"I…".

But your words were interrupted by Pedri's dad getting up and grabbing his youngest son by the arm to take him out of the room. Everyone else just stared at them, surprised by something like this happening.

"Two years!", said his dad, trying not to yell. "You let us believe you were not to blame for two whole years. We asked and you refused to answer. And now we find out we should have been looking after her after what you did but no, we were worried about you being sad because she dumped you. And she was right to do that. I can't understand why she'll give you another chance".

"I know…".

"You've never disappointed me this much, son".

Pedri could only look down, ashamed. Because he knew his dad was right.

"Promise me this won't happen again. You didn't have to see how broken she looked after you left but we did. You just can't hurt people like that and pretend nothing happened. You have to own up to your mistakes".

"I won't hurt her again. She knows that. That's why she's giving me another chance. I've regretted what happened this whole time".

"She protected you all this time", said his dad, not believing it. "That's how much she loves you. Don’t forget that".

"I won’t".

Shaking his head, he left Pedri in the room and went out of the house without saying a word to everyone else.

"Are you ok?", you asked him when he sat next to you and he nodded.

"Why did you lie to us?", asked your dad.

And you had been thinking about it recently and finally found the answer.

"As much as I hated him for what he did, I never wanted to destroy his career. I knew how hard he had worked to get that opportunity".

"How would telling us hurt his career?"

"You would talk to each other and someone could find out eventually and sell that information. Imagine that instead of being welcomed at Barça the way he did, he had been welcomed as the guy who cheats on his girlfriend. Not that football fans would care but it could have been used against him. I didn't want that".

"Thank you", said Pedri, taking your hand.

"I also didn't fancy people using my pain for their own agendas. So yeah…but now you know".

Everyone stayed quiet for a second before Pedri's mum spoke again.

"If you hurt her again, we'll kill you, you know that, right?"

He nodded. "I know, but I won't".

He was going to get tired of hearing that threat and answering the same thing over and over again. But he didn’t get tired of proving to you how much he meant it.

                                       **

Walking around your hometown with Pedri by your side was an interesting experience. Everyone knew about how you broke up before he left but were not surprised to see you back together. You even saw the guy Pedri had seen you making out with that one time, and when he saw you two holding hands, he smiled and said “of course”.

It was funny to see that only you two thought it was never going to happen while everyone else just waited patiently for the inevitable. You thought it could be because they didn’t know what happened but even Fer confessed he knew it was going to happen eventually. But he didn’t want to interfere much and mess it up.

The alarm woke you up but you refused to leave the bed. Pedri, however, was already moving and ready to start the day.

“Come on, mi amor. We have a lot to do today”.

“I can’t wake up!”

“You can”, he laughed.

“I’m jetlagged”.

He snorted and then got back under the covers again. You thought he was going to stay there with you for a little longer but he actually lifted you to get you out of bed.

“Nooooooo! You’re so mean”.

“Where should I take you? Breakfast or shower?”

“Breakfast”, you said with a pout.

When you got downstairs, you were still clinging to Pedri. And your parents could only laugh at the sight of you two.

“Is she being dramatic again?”

Pedri laughed and put you down, next to the chair where you always sat down for breakfast.

“I’m being bullied by all of you”.

“What are the plans for today?”, asked your dad, ignoring your complaints.

“We are going to pick up the cake in a bit and take it home. My mum will be out the whole day so it’s fine. And we’ll get everything ready before leaving for the match”.

Pedri had been asked to play with his former club, the one where he played as a kid. And you knew how much that meant to him.

“We’ll be there by 6. Is that ok?”

“Yes, my mum should get back around that time”.

You were only half listening and ended up letting your head fall on Pedri’s shoulder. When he noticed, he moved the chair closer to you and you hugged his waist, forgetting about breakfast. You weren’t really hungry.

“It’s as if we travelled back in time”, said your mum, looking at you two embracing.

Her comment made you smile and look up at your boyfriend, who had a little frown on his face.

“Everything ok?”, you whispered.

“Yes. I just wish I could travel back in time”.

You knew immediately what he meant but didn’t allow it to bring your mood down. “What’s done is done. And what matters is that we are back together”.

“And that I’m never going to lose you again”.

“That too”.

                                     **

Seeing Pedri play with kids put a smile on your face the whole time you were there. You actually didn’t know him when he was as young as those kids but couldn’t help imagining him being that small. There were plenty of photos to help with your imagination. And you always thought he was the cutest little boy you had ever seen. Often joking about how your kids had to look like him but he refused, saying they needed to be as beautiful and smart as you. But could get his talent for sports.

“Come here”, said Pedri, waving for you to join him on the pitch.

“Why?”

“Just come”.

You walked to where he was and he passed the ball to you.

"Were the kids so good you had to find an easier rival?"

"Exactly that, yes", he laughed.

You two played for a couple of minutes. You weren't that bad at football but compared to him…well, most people looked bad.

Nearing the box, you decided to dribble past Pedri to try and score a goal. But he didn't let you, grabbing you by the waist and stopping you from moving forward. You fell to the floor, taking him down with you, both laughing like little kids.

"That's a penalty!"

"I didn't touch you".

"You're lucky there is no VAR here".

"I'm lucky you are here", he said, kissing you while you two stayed on the grass.

                                       **

The preparations for the birthday were done quickly thanks to all the people helping and when Pedri's mum got home, she was so happy to see the surprise you got ready for her.

"The most important thing for me is having my two sons with me", she told them, "and to have my future daughter back".

Both you and Pedri felt butterflies in your stomach hearing her words. And for you it was especially important to be there. You had missed her previous birthdays because of not wanting to be in the same room as Pedri. How things had changed!

"Come with me", said Pedri, walking outside and holding two plates with cake.

"Let me help", you told him, grabbing one of the plates. And he took that chance to hold your hand with his now free left hand. "Where are we going?"

"The beach. The sun is about to set".

After coming back from Las Palmas, single and with a broken heart, you had lost the habit of going to see the sunset whenever you could.

It was only fitting that you would do it again on your hometown's beach and with Pedri by your side.

The beach was empty, since it seemed like the whole town was celebrating back at Pedri's. And you could sit down near the sea, to eat your cake staring at the sun disappearing in the horizon.

"It's the simplest thing. Something that happens every day but…it's breathtaking".

"You are breathtaking", told you Pedri, making you blush. You would never get used to his constant compliments.

"I love you", you said for the first time since you got back together. It felt like the final piece of your puzzle.

"I love you too. I never stopped loving you and I'll never ever stop".

[princess-aeducan]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Gameplay Reveal Thoughts

Okay for one thing, I am so happy to be making this post. Going from people voicing doubts about the game coming out at all to a Fall 2024 release window is so exciting. 10 years and it’s finally almost here.

-The game is absolutely gorgeous. I love the design of Minrathous, I love how gobsmackingly different it is from Ferelden. Dorian’s complaints from Inquisition all make sense now, and it’s fascinating to see a place that is not repressive of magic- the fact that it resembles sci-fi levels of tech but is all powered by magic is sooo fun and interesting to me. I also think it’ll be an interesting contrast to the more classic fantasy style locations we see at the ritual site and throughout the screenshots the developers have posted. It makes the world feel so much bigger, diverse, and more fleshed out.

-Unpopular opinion and I totally respect why others dislike it as it does look quite different, I’m actually looking forward to the combat. It honestly just looks more fun to me, as I tend to favor a more action/real time style anyway. That being said, I do dislike the 3 person party change for banter reasons and do think that’ll make it feel significantly less like classic Dragon Age. I feel like I’ll get used to it pretty fast, but it is a disappointment. Controlling companions isn’t mandatory for me but it was always nice to be able to try out all the classes, so that’s a loss as well, although one I’m less bothered by.

-I like the way the characters look, but do understand it could take a little bit of adjustment. Harding got a massive glow up, she looks gorgeous. So excited she’s a companion, and that we’ll have our first romanceable dwarf! Not a huge fan of the way Solas looks in this style, but I don’t feel particularly upset about it anyway. Not sure what it is. Varric looks great, but like many others, missing his ginger hair. All in all, less drastic changes to returning characters than we’ve seen in previous titles, I will never be over how much they butchered Alistair in Inquisition. I love the designs and vibes of the new companions, Neve is a fashion icon and sooo fits in with what Dorian has set up for us to expect from Tevinter. I can’t wait to meet Davrin in particular, because god I miss Grey Wardens.

-On that point: Factions have me maybe the most excited. I cannot wait to be a Grey Warden again, I’d been holding out hope! I liked that the faction was referenced in the gameplay reveal as well, and hope it’ll change small things throughout the game, at least through dialogue. Also will have to play as an Antivan Crow at some point. A bit sad this won’t include a playable prologue like Origins, but since DA2 and DAI I wasn’t expecting it. Just always something I’ll miss.

-A red flag for me is how little Rook was prompted to make dialogue choices. I hope that because this is simply the prologue and therefore focused on binary plot progression, that this will be different in more dialogue-driven sections, but it’s something to look out for and be wary of. I’m okay with Rook speaking on their own occasionally, but if that continues, I hope it’s at least like Hawke where there’s some variation based on personality.

-Also yes, excited about the return of the purple Hawke icon! The dialogue wheel in Inquisition felt more bland to me than in DA2, so if the wheel is what we’re stuck with, I’d rather it lean more to its DA2 execution.

-On narrative: I cannot BELIEVE the game just jumps into “let’s confront Solas RIGHT NOW!” I was not expecting so much plot from the gameplay reveal. I am very intrigued by what’s coming next with the evanuris, and what it will mean for Solas’ role in the story. I’m kind of obsessed with the fact that it begins with Rook fucking things up worse, I think that will be magnificent to explore for roleplay and the repercussions for Thedas will be massive. I know there were concerns about tone, but this gives me hope that we’ll have the fucked up shit Dragon Age is known for. “Just some guy who makes things worse” is a great start for a protagonist, and reminds me of DA2 in some respects.

-My brainrot is horrendous. I have so many more thoughts all of the time, but tried to just center on the gameplay reveal so I don’t yap forever. But always feel free to send asks, and expect more posts as we get closer and closer!

[vestaclinicpod]

Audio Drama Sunday - 28th April ✨

Happy Audio Drama Sunday! I started two new shows this week and fell in love with both of them!! 

👻 @tellnotalespod (S2E8.5) ohhhhhh I’m so emotional. The end of this series is going to make me cry so many happy tears, I can just feel it. 

🌲 @hellofromthehallowoods (149) With the description this week, I think I truly realised just how scary-looking the pig man is 😰 Things are looking decidedly down for Shelby and Clem. Eek. God, Valerie!!! She’s such an interesting character because you can literally connect the dots of her trauma but still be slightly disappointed by the consequences on her behaviour! And the poor Mr Greenstreets ☹️ Raj is very Syrensyr coded?? Vincent as a grief counsellor makes me wonder… about who or what Voltaire is…. 

Also, I want the Auditor to be Polly so bad and I want Nikignik to get out of the interrogation by bargaining to reunite him with Yaretzi and Mort - PLEASE. 

🧳 Travelling Light by @monstrousproductions (19) I loved seeing our Traveller stand up for themself!! It’s always so fun to see characters who are usually soft gain a backbone of steel because their core values are tested. And the discussion of the nanobots was so interesting!! The laws on nanobots elsewhere when they are literally required for survival makes the entire person illegal. And we all know that’s not right!!! 

👁️ @malevolentcast (41) I’m thinking that maybe Rafters was an exception that proves the rule… Alexander the owl was creepy as anything and I hated the way he seemed to be guiding them towards the crack in the wall. Now we’re in a possible parallel universe, it feels like all bets are off and I’m scared to even consider what might happen to John and Arthur now! 

⚔️ @camlannpod (8) OUGH. Oh my god. Can’t they just have FIVE MINUTES to RELAX?? I actually snorted out loud at: ‘you’re good with an axe, right’. Pere is a little shit and I love that for them. Morgan!!! 🫨 And Dai!!! I’m so hopeful that starting down this path will lead to good (or, at least, a whole load of shenanigans for S2!) 

🖥️ The Magnus Protocol (13) It’s very interesting to me that we were able to listen in on Sam and Cecilia’s date… how did that work? There’s something here about gambling and chance with this story and the previous one about the dice rolling?? I’m connecting the dots (I’m not connecting shit). 

🌞 Small Victories by @wgc-productions is so good, I wish I’d started listening years ago. I love the 90s sitcom vibe and the intro/outro are so unique. I absolutely love shows that centre around character studies. Marisol’s story is so gripping and I love how the writing takes us right inside her brain as she justifies every decision (good or bad). It’s so clear how loveable she is and how much people around her want her to be okay (mostly), but don’t know *how* to get her to that place given the shit they’re dealing with themselves! I got up to 1.09 so . . . bit of a cliffhanger there!! I’m very excited to see how the story progresses. I’m rooting for you, Tiny!! 

🧋 I started @hinaypod and it’s safe to say that I’m in love already! Listening has given me the same amazing feeling of listening to Desperado - the sensation that the creators have opened up a door to a brand new world and I’m so happy to be in it! I adore Mari. Even from episode one, she has this quiet self-confidence in herself and her skills which is so refreshing. I also really like the horror writing here and I’m really looking forward to delving deeper into this story! 

Hope everyone has a good week! 💙

[danganronpadespairtime]

Chapter 2 Progress Report

This is a report and introspective about the development of Chapter 2 of Danganronpa: Despair Time.

TL;DR: Chapter 2 of DRDT will be released in 2 parts, rather than all at once. It seems likely that Part 1 can be released in early/mid 2023, *but there is still a chance it won’t come out that early.*

Batch release

I’ve recently decided to release Chapter 2 in 2 parts, rather than all at once. That is to say, I will start airing the episodes that I’ve made so far without waiting to finish Chapter 2. When each part is being released, it will be in consistent weekly episodes. In other words, Chapter 2 is being released as weekly episodes as expected, but in the middle of the episodes, there will be a hiatus. Hopefully this hiatus is much shorter, as I simply have to finish the remainder of Chapter 2.

Part 1 and Part 2 are not equal in length. Part 1 comprises of the majority of Chapter 2, about 70% of it. Although I won’t tell you exactly how many episodes are in Part 1 or where Part 1 ends; you’ll just have to see for yourself.

This was a recent decision, meaning that the writing of Chapter 2 may not have been specifically designed to accommodate this release structure.

I did say, once, that the entirety of chapter 2 *might* be done in early/mid-2023. I regret saying that now, as it seems like a lot of people had seriously taken that to heart.

The way things are now, for me to finish Chapter 2 in it’s entirety by early/mid-2023 would involve putting myself through hell.

That being said, I do believe that just Part 1 can be released by early/mid-2023 (unless I once again underestimated it. PLEASE take this release date estimate with a grain of salt!) This is because I am nearly finished with Part 1. All I have left is to finish the following tasks:

Make 2 mini-games

Animate a CG

One or two more rounds of editing passes + finishing touches on all episodes

Make a Chapter 1 recap video

Then I will start airing episodes of Chapter 2. So you can expect episodes to start releasing sooner than if I had waited to finish Chapter 2 first!

However, I do not wish to accidentally mislead everyone a third time. Although I’ll try my best, it is possible that I cannot finish in that time, so please don’t be surprised if it is not ready by mid-2023. If that happens, I will offer my apologies again.

Past progress

I always worry that I’m taking too long of a time to make DRDT. But I had only started making the episodes in March of this year, so the speed is actually really good. In that time, I produced a new episode slightly faster than once a month.

Then, the real reason that Chapter 2 is taking so long is that, for some reason, it took me an entire year to write the script. It was half a year to write the rough draft, and half a year to refine it with my proofreader, hydrator.

I don’t know why it took that long. It might just be that I was busy last year.

Voice acting

In general, there is more voice acting in this chapter. More scenes have voice acting, and per popular request, trial mini-games are fully voiced. However, there will NEVER be fully voiced trials, so please be understanding...

I’m really grateful to the voice actors, who as always are incredible with their talent and patience with me. It’s because of their amazing work that Chapter 2 can shine.

Quality improvements

Many people made it clear that they were generally unsatisfied with the quality of Chapter 1 in many ways. For that, I deeply apologize to those who were disappointed or unhappy.

I have tried my best to work hard and improve DRDT, so that everyone can enjoy it. I think that Chapter 2 is a lot better than Chapter 1 in all aspects, but especially with regards to the writing. If there is previous issues with the pacing, or with certain characters lacking scenes, I hope you can find these issues resolved in Chapter 2. Because of that, I am very excited about it, and I hope you can look forward to it.

Future updates

It seems that I’m running out of update posts to make. Because the content that I’m working on is spoilers, I cannot post previews. And with Chapter 2 taking this long already, I am hesitant to divert my time away from Chapter 2 work to make any bonus content like comics or illustrations. In any case, please understand that even if you hear less from me, I’m still working on DT.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this far. I hope that you will enjoy Chapter 2 of DRDT, whenever it comes out. I will be happy if you continue to support me and my work.

[yukisubmarino]

Oshi no Ko is back to doing annoying stuff again.

I was really looking forward to another Akane vs Kana episode, and in general it was still pretty good. But the middle brought a flashback to both as children that I just couldn’t stand.

OnK’s expositional crutch really fails when it has five-year-olds doing the exposition, especially when they’re articulating complex topics no kindergartner has any business of understanding. It’s not helped by some cringey visuals, like adolescent Akane surrounded by books and reading one about…psychology? Just psychology? Not like…the psychology of acting or anything?

This ep felt especially disappointing to me because Akane and Kana are handily the best parts of this show, and I always look forward to their interactions and challenges. But this feels like a missed opportunity to do something truly great—like what this show does for Melt in the previous episode—and instead turns into another over explained piece of melodrama that looks really pretty but doesn’t have much to say.

I complain because I care—mostly because I’m super curious to see if this show can put it together for, like, three consecutive eps. Its so close too…I can feel it…

[beevean]

Frontiers is bad and boring to play but I take it over Forces anytime of the day, first the gameplay plays the game for you half of the time why is Classic Sonic here? Other then Sonic Team being desperate? Why did Tails forget he could fly? INFINITE was wasted and his theme song is embarrassing. Why bother using Chaos if he wasn't even going to be a boss level? Sonic is tortured ? Okay sorry but atleast Frontiers had a better ost.

why is Classic Sonic here? Other then Sonic Team being desperate?

Most likely because 1) Forces was meant to be one of the 2 games for the 25th anniversary, even if they both slid forward one year, 2) precisely to connect Forces and Mania, 3) to piggyback on the success of Generations. Do you want to call it pandering? Feel free to call it pandering, by 2016 fans weren't as eager to play as Classic again, true. But then we can also call pandering the relentless references to the Adventure era in Frontiers, both in simple "hey this reminds me of X" and in general plot beats - now that game very much wants to win the Adventure crowd back more than Forces wanted to appeal to the Classic fans.

Why did Tails forget he could fly?

Do you mean when Sonic (Sonic the fucking Hedgehog) was getting his entire shit beaten out by a terrifying creature not even his Miles Electric could understand, plus clones of formidable enemies that included Shadow?

I don't know, I get the flak against "Sonic help me", but I don't blame Tails for not knowing what to do in that situation.

INFINITE was wasted and his theme song is embarrassing.

Opinion discarded. Infinite's theme slaps absolute ass and if you don't agree AND AFTER ALL THIS TIMEEEEEEE YOU'RE BACK FOR MOOOOOOOOOOOOORE

I agree that something happened to Infinite during development, as everything in the main game hinted at him being a fully artificial creature and not a rando still sore that he was beaten by Shadow lol. But dude was cool in my book. I really like that stage where he creates all sorts of creepy illusions to stop Operation Big Wave :P he could have had more screentime, but he chewed that little screentime we had just fine. better than the end, anyway and always.

Why bother using Chaos if he wasn't even going to be a boss level?

The game was most likely rushed, which sucks, no doubt about that. But somehow, only Forces gets treated like a piece of shit for being rushed, when Frontiers doesn't get nearly the same amount of disappointment for being pretty much a test game (and we know it was rushed because of the last two islands that are pieces cut from Kronos Island and for the weird way Sonic's corruption was handled). Hell, by this point, even '06 is getting apologism even though until recently it was the king of rushed games, and much worse about it than the previous examples.

Either you're equally uncharitable with rushed games that sacrificed content (so I'm not talking about game breaking glitches), or you cut them all some slack.

Sonic is tortured ? Okay sorry

Sloppy translation. And while Sonic looks chipper after being freed, and we can argue all day if that's IC or not, you can guess from things like him beating Zavok with his bare fists or the veiled death threat he gives Infinite that deep down he's actually pretty angry.

Now, Sonic being rescued by his corruption in Frontiers in a minute, undoing all of his hard work in rescuing his friends, and him being just as chipper after Sage, the girl he had just befriended, died in space, is not sloppy translation, it's the game getting rushed to hell (although I don't know why Flynn blames time constraints when it comes to Sonic not sparing a thought about Sage lol).

atleast Frontiers had a better ost.

I like both ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ and Frontiers' cyberspace themes are clearly inspired by the Avatar themes in Forces.