#and the 3rd one is just a sweet soul minding their business being a blessing to the community

[movedto-clifflix]

hola mutuals my time away from tumblr (i reduced the app screen time from like . 2h to 15-30mins a day) has been wonderful and i don’t feel burnt out abt my ships anymore and just because i feel like it i will say that selfship tumblr feels like some kingdom but with 3 rulers (big blogs . possible / most likely that there’s more than three tho) who are somehow loved by everyone and i really wonder how that works because mostly and with only one exception those are such big assholes how can one even like them .

[icedcappujaeno]

03. Signal. | jjh. [ idol!au ]

warnings: none in particular.

word count: 1,547

“There’s something on your sandwich.”

Before you could even react, Soomin was already taking the sandwich off your hands, peeled the piece of paper away and gave it back to you. Your stomach growled for the 3rd time today and it was only 10A.M. - and the only meal that was in your stomach right now was the small cup of coffee your manager made for you before going to your respective schedules. Now, you’re inside the dressing room, taking a break for at least 10 minutes before your respective make-up artists and hairdresser do their works on your trio.

To say that you’re hungry was an understatement. Famished seemed to fit better with how badly you want to take a bite off the sandwich you’re holding right now. Though you try your best not to roll your eyes and grunt as it was deemed unfit for a lady-like idol like you, you still did. Voluntarily.

“Let me guess, it’s from Valentine’s boy again?” Mari giggled, taking a bite off her own sandwich as well. “I wish Chanyeol-sunbae would do the same for m-ouch!”

You glared and pinched your co-worker’s side before she could even end her statement. All the while she’s talking, you finished your share - all in hunger. Your female manager was glaring daggers at your direction but you heed no mind - what is etiquette and public figure when you’re dying of hunger in any moment?

Also, you did glare at your other manager, who was a male. It was him who went to the cafeteria and got your snacks, and apparently, he was an asset to all these stuff. He only shrugged and chuckled, so he was taking part in this - why was it so fun to tease you with Jaehyun?

“What did it say?” Mari cooed, leaving her seat beside yours to scoot beside Soomin. 

“For the meantime, I hope this will do. But next time, I want to take you out on a romantic dinner for two. - JH”

Soomin and Mari looked at each other with knowing smiles on their lips. 

“Gross!” 

“But it’s still sweet Soomin! And it rhymes too!” Mari laughed, slapping Soomin’s thigh out of habit.

You only blew a raspberry, and your manager thanked all the heavens that your hair isn’t done yet as your hands ran through your hair in frustration - forehead lightly bumping the tabletop. You were sure it will leave a red mark - but whatever, your make-up artist would do something about it anyway.

“Why don’t you just tell it to him straight?” Soomin shrugged, picking one of the sliced apples from her plate. “It’s been months, I kinda feel pity for the guy.”

“He’s going to be enlisted next year!” Mari reminded. “At least give him a chance? I mean, he’s pretty cute-”

“Why don’t you date him then?” You jabbered and raised your head. 

“Ah, Jaehyun’s not really my type. I told you, Chanyeol-su-”

“I get it,” your eyes rolled annoyingly. Although sometimes Mari’s crush over your seniors are cute, it gets overboard. But now you know she’s just teasing you. Everybody does.

“Break’s over, let’s get back to work,” your female manager said, cleaning up the left-overs at your table while the three of you go back to your respective places to get dolled up for music core.

“This came in the mail.”

A bouquet is thrown on your bed by your female manager while you were busy putting make-up on. You were glad she came in with notice because you were sure that your make-up will get ruined once she didn’t. Another thing you’re sure of was the sender of the said bouquet, and looking at your manager’s expression through the mirror, she wasn’t very happy about it.

“Message him to stop, please.” Though you weren’t pleading, rather than a command. You could only sigh and nodded, saying that you will and she left. You picked up your phone and took a deep breath before typing in his name on the recipient bar.

It only took you seconds before you received a reply.

You sighed. Pretty sure this is going to be a long conversation. You know he’s joking, but the topic isn’t going anywhere intellectual.

Finally.

You locked your phone and continued with your make-up. You were glad that you woke up earlier than expected, so you had a lot of time to prepare for an appearance at a music festival later at night. For a moment, you felt weird with Jaehyun’s final reply. It felt odd but you carried on, and just when you finished your brows, his message tone ringed and your phone lit up.

Ugh!

Jaehyun was at his peak. 

A solo single coming out to the public in 2 days, which concludes fan signs on the following weeks during the promotion. Music shows and award show appearances. Another recording for collaboration for SMTOWN Station in the next month. Jaehyun did have time, but it was all cramped on his busy, idol, schedule. 

All while the others are still in the military, Jaehyun and the remaining had to carry their group name, as well as keep the sales coming for the company. The idol industry isn’t just entertainment, after all. In the end, it was business -- the rest of those who still haven’t enlisted must carry on.

And because Jaehyun is going to be enlisted for the next year and a half - it was only necessary that the company utilize each member, especially Jaehyun. In this current generation, Jaehyun is a King - all with his god-like visuals and heaven-sent voice, it was sure that he’ll be stable until his enlistment.

But all that, King Jaehyun is lonely. Sure, his entire body and soul is dedicated to his work - it’s his life. But his heart was needing something - someone to fill its void. And he was pursuing that need, the need that was you.

“Have you heard?”

Soomin asked, looking directly at your eating figure. You were slurping on a cup of ramyeon as you watched The King of Masked Singer with your team: squished between you and your female manager was Mari while Soomin rests her head on your crossed legs.

“Heard what?” You replied, slurping on another set of noodles.

Soomin wiped her face in disgust while some of the ramyeon soup went on her face. “God, I wish our fans could see how much of a pig you are.”

“Whatever,” you replied.

“What were you going to say Soomin?” Mari asked, eyes still glued on the TV. It was very much expected of Mari not to forget rumors — but not choreo. You still love her anyway.

“Jaehyun was rushed to the hospital just this afternoon.”

You coughed, dropping some blessing onto Soomin’s face causing her to jump.

“Ya!”

Thankfully there was a nightstand beside the couch where you placed your ramyeon. You wiped your mouth from the droplets of spicy and salty ramyeon and immediately fished your phone from the side of the couch and dialed Jaehyun’s number.

The other line answered, Jaehyun’s voice resonating through.

“Yes hello? It’s rare for you to call,” you hear him chuckle.

“Are you okay sunbae?” 

“What do you mean?” 

Your brows raised with his question — confusion was written all over your face. Soomin shrugged and stood from where she sat, Mari and your manager following you. As soon as they had their backs on you, they giggled, making you miss the smug grins on their faces.

“Hello? Still there?” Jaehyun asked on the line.

“Yes, Soomin told me you were rushed to the hospital—“

“I’m perfectly fine,” he laughs. “I think you just missed me.”

You felt your cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Proven, you were stupid enough to fall for Soomin and Mari’s tricks. You were thankful that Jaehyun can’t see your face as you were sure that your face is as red as a tomato right now.

“I’m just worried…” with threaded words you replied.

“Sure you do,” and sure you were that he was being sarcastic. 

“Sunbae…” You could only flop your butt back on the couch, palming your forehead of how much dumb you are.

“Well, I’m glad that my baby missed me, but break’s over and I have to head back to practice,” he chuckled.

“Alright,” you sighed. Yes, you heard the name he called you, but you were sure that if you mention it more, more teasings would come your way. You decided to pretend that you didn’t hear it. “Goodluck with practice, Jaehyun-sunbae.”

You hear the line go silent that you thought he ended it without you noticing, but when you looked at the screen, he was still on. You put your phone back beside your ear and hummed. “Sunbae, put the line down.”

“Why don’t you go first?” His tone was teasing—you could almost see the smugness written all over his features.

“Alright. Bye sunbae.”

With that, you pressed the red button on your phone and tossed it aside—The King of Masked Singer already on its ending cue.

On the other line, however, was Jaehyun lying on the hospital bed, IV inserted on his median cubital. His lips tugged into a smile as the call ended as your photo with him flashed on the screen.

“Hard to get, are we?”

the third fic for @jackbabewang and I’s drabble game! check out her work here!

[fantasy-zelda-blog]

The Freethinkers League

Pairings: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou; Bokuto Koutarou/Akaashi Keiji; Matsukawa Isse/Hanamaki Takahiro; Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru; Ushijima Wakatoshi/?; Tsukishima Kei/?; Other Haikyuu!! characters

Genre: Fantasy; conspiracy au; new technologies enhanced by magic.

Word count: 1429+

Chapters: 2/?

Rating: Teen and Up

Potential Trigger Warnings: tendency to depression; crossdressing; retrograde society (homophobia etc...)

Except for receptionists and assistants, most of the people dropped what they were doing to watch the display, a hidden force irradiated from it and coerced men and women to listen. Kenma followed the tendrils of oppression till they approached him, "I created you," he thought, and they dissipated into nothingness.

Notes: Hello Katie  @theauthorish​ , this is your gift for @haikyuusecretsanta​ 2018. It’s a multichapter fic and the 3rd chapter will be posted soon. In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy Kenma’s POV and the Fantasy-conspiracy setting. I know in these first two chapters there are no gender swaps or boys in skirts, which you like, but have faith in me, we’re getting there :)

Happy New Year!

P.s.: I was so happy when they told me I would be your gifter <3

Read it on ao3

Chapter 1 - Shields

In the lobby of the Headquarters, the brand new announcement was playing on the flat screen when Kenma took his seat. He hung his head, pretending to read something on his handheld, but using the curtain of hair which now enveloped his face to spy the room. A simple but effective method of an undercover rebel.

Except for receptionists and assistants, most of the people dropped what they were doing to watch the display, a hidden force irradiated from it and coerced men and women to listen. Kenma followed the tendrils of oppression till they approached him, "I created you," he thought, and they dissipated into nothingness.

The digital character he had animated spoke with a professional smile slapped on her face, "Your security is our priority..." Bile rose to his throat at the words, the words he must use to cover the consequences of the umpteenth unjust law the Elders proposed to the Government "for mankind's sake" and that the Government obediently approved. Usually, the Headquarters took the harshest actions during winter holidays, while all minds daydreamed about gifts, lazy days off, trips, family gatherings, friends coming back home to visit. Kenma consequently half-hated that period of the year, his heart throbbing with longing for the beloved ones he had to leave behind.

In the last couple of years, to avoid rendering his soul a savour battlefield, starting December, Kenma tried to enjoy the little daily pleasures only Christmas gave: fairy lights, tree ornaments, seasonal coffee and tea collections, cute Santas popping everywhere. And the snobbish satisfaction to frown upon kitsch decor. He must admit, the lobby he was examining hadn't lost its classy touch in time. Each year the majestic tree showed a cold yet quite pleasant elegance, accomplished thanks to finely decorated glass balls and discreet monochromatic lights.

Towards the end of the announcement, focusing again on the room, he noticed the air must have been still all through it. Kenma waited, hoping someone would dare to mutter a protest in the lion's den. However, luck didn't stick by his side that day either. Finding brave freethinkers or mages fed up of buying Government's bullshit became an impossible mission, or maybe Kenma's standards were too high, and he should just stop searching new fellows right under the higherups' nose. Sitting on a stool at a speakeasy, perhaps his yardstick to evaluate courage would more easily find new allies.

"Good morning, Kozume," Ushijima said in a formal tone as he interrupted Kenma's thoughts, "follow me. Tendou and Semi are waiting for us."

Kenma sat up and launched a questioning glance to the towering man, "I presumed they were still abroad."

"Chief has summoned them for urgent matters. Your help is requested as well." Ushijima stopped abruptly in front of a water dispenser. Bending forward to fetch a plastic cup, he whispered into Kenma's ear, "midnight, at Goshiki's place."

Kenma looked him intently, "I'm here to serve," he pronounced the words of the sworn brothers.

Chapter 2 - A sweet fragrance

Quiet and elegant, the neighbourhood consisted of traditional buildings climbing a hill and of a park occupying its higher part. Since he got off at the last train stop, Kenma had already walked ten minutes, but thanks to the scent of umes soothing his senses, his lazy side didn't complain.

If he must define it, an exquisite residence would be the correct way to describe the house of his client. It didn't shock him that the nameplate at the entrance gave away no hint about the identity of the host. Kenma had indeed previously done any kind of research he could think about; however, nothing more than the company name he was now reading had come out.

Hating to be not adequately prepared for what a job entailed, he hesitated before ringing the bell. He searched for clues, but the most interesting thing he noted was the delicate holly border framing the front gate. A discreet way to celebrate Christmas. Whether the owner had good taste or he was capable of choosing staff who concealed his eventual commoner's upbringing. At times like theirs, commoners had a hard time advancing to the highest ranks of society.

Even though blessed with extremely advanced resources to enhance new technologies with old magical powers, or maybe because scared of the sudden development, their country progressed only on the surface and actually returned to unfair, ancient practices. In the ascent to power, they favoured nobles or rich upstarts who could provide a fake aristocratic lineage. In principle, a pure bloodline became necessary to be someone, because, they said, only abilities transmitted through generations assured stability. And it didn't matter if a family of peasants could unroll a papyrus full of wizards in their ancestry: only conservative aristocracy always kept loyal to the Government. In the end, though, owning a vast amount of money, bowing to the Elders and being refined like a pureblood in every aspect of life were the right requirements to climb the ladder of success in their retrograde society.

Finally, Kenma rang the bell, and soon a butler escorted him in a large genkan. There, a Christmas tree towered the room. While he toed off his shoes, he studied the ornaments. Most of them made of transparent, white or pale gold glass, they reflected or captured the lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere which remembered him of old times.

Of fights between Kuroo and Akaashi about how to embellish the house for Christmas, but particularly the tree. Usually, they would end up with unique solutions: half of the tree decorated in Kuroo and Bokuto's style and the other half gratifying Akaashi's desire; two different trees; draws to establish who would be Ruler of the Winter and decide on any little seasonal object their house would display.

He missed their shared life so much sometimes it was excruciating to breathe. Especially when he thought about Akaashi, the pain strangled his throat. For what small comfort it could be, at least Kuroo and Bokuto were sent away together, and for how much incredible it might seem, Kenma still managed to have news about them from time to time thanks to their sworn brothers. But Akaashi was chosen for the riskier mission, and he couldn't afford to try and contact any of them, his isolation far worse than Kenma's.

Once again lost in his memories, he found himself already in a meeting room, sat across what must be the host's chair, still empty. The setting reminded more of a personal study than a business room. Not that any pictures packed the shelves or the desk, but vases, bookends, coffee table books revealed the same tread leading to a nerdy person who liked thunders, owls and trees.

The moment Kenma started to connect the dots, his lungs constricted, a fist grabbed his stomach and made him wheeze. He wanted to hope, though he wouldn't delude himself.

"Sorry for the wait," a velvety voice said.

His tongue now frozen, Kenma didn't reply. No one approached him. Nothing happened for several seconds, or minutes, Kenma couldn't say. As he noticed the man's laboured breaths, he mustered up the courage to turn towards him. "Keiji," he muttered.

The given name shattered Akaashi more deeply than the initial surprise: he closed his eyes, and after he reopened them, they widened, filling instantly with tears. When they hit the floor, the air filled with a sweet fragrance of jasmine while vines bridged the gap between Akaashi and him.

Gentle tentacles reached for Kenma's wrist and circled it. He couldn't resist but to smell one of the blooms. However, the instant his nose touched the petals, all disappeared. Akaashi bowed his head briefly, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have." His face was paler than milk. "I believe your office failed to tell me that Sugimoto-san wasn't available today."

Kenma stood up. In an attempt to reign over his trembling, he clenched his fists. "Seems so." The thunder roared inside of him, threatening to manifest as Akaashi's powers had just done.

"Let me introduce myself," Akaashi husked, "I'm Akinori Hiro, Ceo of Safety Net Labs." A wobbly smile accompanied the lie. He side glanced to a vase, and white lilies blossomed in it.

At the sight of his favourite flowers, calm descended on Kenma like a balm. The implication of Akaashi's gesture gave him the confidence to say more than two words. "You should keep up with the season, Akinori-san. Lilies are out of place in winter."

"There are parts of us which are always a bit out of place. But it's our little secret, Kozume-san, isn't it?"

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms

for friday, december 11 of 2020 with Proverbs 11 and Psalm 11, accompanied by Psalm 81 for the 81st day of Autumn, and Psalm 46 for day 346 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 3rd revolution this year)

[Psalm 11]

For the worship leader. A song of David.

I am already in the soft embrace of the Eternal,

so why do you beckon me to leave, saying,

“Fly like a bird to the mountains.

Look! The wicked approach with bows bent,

sneaking around in the shadows,

setting their arrows against their bowstrings to pierce everyone whose heart is pure.

If the foundations are crumbling,

is there hope for the righteous?”

But the Eternal has not moved; He remains in His holy temple.

He sits squarely on His heavenly throne.

He observes the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, examining us within and without,

exploring every fiber of our beings.

The Eternal searches the hearts of those who are good,

but He despises all those who can’t get enough of perversion and violence.

If you are evil, He will rain hot lava over your head,

will fill your cup with burning wind and liquid fire to scorch your insides.

The Eternal is right in all His ways;

He cherishes all that is upright.

Those who do what is right in His eyes will see His face.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 11 (The Voice)

[Psalm 81]

For the Feast of Tabernacles

For the Pure and Shining One

Asaph’s poetic song, set to the melody of “For the Feast of Harvest”

Lord, just singing about you makes me strong!

So I’ll keep shouting for joy to Jacob’s God, my champion.

Let the celebration begin!

I will sing with drum accompaniment and with the sweet sound

of the harp and guitar strumming.

Go ahead! Blow the jubilee trumpet to begin the feast!

Blow it before every joyous celebration and festival.

For God has given us these seasons of joy,

days that the God of Jacob decreed for us to celebrate and rejoice.

He has given these feasts to remind us of his triumph over Egypt,

when he went out to wage war against them.

I heard the message in an unknown tongue as he said to me,

“I have removed your backbreaking burdens

and have freed your hands from the hard labor and toil.

You called out to me in your time of trouble and I rescued you.

I came down from the realm of the secret place of thunder,

where mysteries hide.

I came down to save you.

I tested your hearts at the place where there was no water to drink,

the place of your bitter argument with me.”

Pause in his presence

“Listen to me, my dear people.

For I’m warning you, and you’d better listen well!

For I hold something against you.

Don’t ever be guilty of worshiping any other god but me.

I am your only God, the living God.

Wasn’t I the one who broke the strongholds over you

and raised you up out of bondage?

Open your mouth with a mighty decree;

I will fulfill it now, you’ll see!

The words that you speak, so shall it be!

But my people still wouldn’t listen;

my princely people would not yield to me.

So I lifted my grace from off of their lives and I surrendered them

to the stubbornness of their hearts.

For they were living according to their own selfish fantasies.

O that my people would once and for all listen to me

and walk faithfully in my footsteps, following my ways.

Then and only then will I conquer your every foe

and tell every one of them, ‘You must go!’

Those who hate my ways will cringe before me

and their punishment will be eternal.

But I will feed you with my spiritual bread.

You will feast and be satisfied with me,

feeding on my revelation-truth like honey

dripping from the cliffs of the high place.”

The Book of Psalms, Poem 81 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 46]

For the worship leader. A song of the sons of Korah, a song for sopranos.

God is our shelter and our strength.

When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.

So why run and hide?

No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.

When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.

When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.

Even in heavy winds and huge waves,

or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.

[pause]

A pure stream flows—never to be cut off—

bringing joy to the city where God makes His home,

the sacred site where the Most High chooses to live.

The True God never sleeps and always resides in the city of joy;

He makes it unstoppable, unshakable.

When it awakes at dawn, the True God has already been at work.

Trouble is on the horizon for the outside nations, not long until kingdoms will fall;

God’s voice thunders and the earth shakes.

You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;

the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

[pause]

Come, gaze, fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do.

Amazing, He has worked desolation here on this battlefield, earth.

God can stop wars anywhere in the world.

He can make scrap of all weapons: snap bows, shatter spears,

and burn shields.

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.

I am honored among all the nations.

I am honored over all the earth.”

You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;

the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

[pause]

The Book of Psalms, Poem 46 (The Voice)

to be accompanied by these lines:

Attention, all! See the marvels of God!

He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,

Bans war from pole to pole,

breaks all the weapons across his knee.

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,

loving look at me, your High God,

above politics, above everything.”

The Book of Psalms, Poem 46:8-10 (The Message)

[Proverbs 11]

Dishonesty in business disgusts the Eternal,

but fair dealing delights Him.

When pride comes, shame is not far behind,

but wisdom accompanies those who are humble.

The right-living are guided by integrity,

but the crooked ways of the faithless will lead to ruin.

Riches won’t matter on the day of wrath,

but right living will rescue from death.

The good deeds of the blameless pave a peaceful, productive path,

but wrongdoers trip over their own faults.

The good deeds of the upright will rescue them,

but the faithless will be conquered by their shallow desires.

When wrongdoers die, their hopes die with them.

Their great expectations vanish into nothing more than a dream.

Those who do right are pulled from trouble;

it falls on wrongdoers instead who are left to sink in their own problems.

The words of the godless ruin those close to them,

but through insight the right-living are spared.

When prosperity comes to those who do right, the whole city celebrates;

but when the wicked get their just punishment, there is joyous cheering.

A city thrives through the blessing of those living right,

but the words of a wrongdoer will bring it to ruin.

Whoever puts down another is not wise,

but one who knows better keeps quiet.

A gossip can’t keep anything confidential,

but a reliable person protects a secret.

Without wise guidance, a nation falls;

but victory is certain when there are plenty of wise counselors.

Trouble compounds when you guarantee a stranger’s debt,

but you’ll be safe if you refuse the pledge.

A gracious woman acquires honor,

but cruel people are only interested in acquiring money.

Kindness is its own reward,

but cruelty is a self-inflicted wound.

The wicked earn a living by deception,

but the one who plants righteousness gathers a true harvest.

Indeed, those who do what is right will live a good life,

but those who pursue evil will die.

The Eternal detests a crooked heart and a warped mind,

but He takes great pleasure in those who follow the right way.

Certainly those who do wrong will not escape punishment,

but those who do right will go free.

Much like a gold ring in the snout of a pig,

so is a beautiful woman who lacks good judgment.

Those who live right crave what is good,

but the prospect of wrongdoers is wrath.

One shares liberally and yet gains even more,

while another hoards more than is right and still has need.

A giving person will receive much in return,

and someone who gives water will also receive the water he needs.

Curses fall upon those who hoard food,

but blessings come to those who sell food.

Those who seek good find the goodwill of others,

but those who look for evil are sure to find it.

Those who trust in their wealth are headed for great disappointment,

but those who do right will sprout like green leaves in the spring.

A person who stirs up trouble in his family will inherit stormy winds,

and foolish troublers will end up serving the wise.

The tree of life grows where the fruit of right-living falls,

and whoever wins souls is wise.

If the righteous can expect to be repaid on earth,

how much more can the ungodly and the sinners?

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 11 (The Voice)