#but honestly this could be Malta on crack

[peachjagiya]

I don’t know what year those preppy Taekook photos are from … 2014 or 2015, but Taehyung’s poses are already on point and a bit come hither, huh? Jungkookie at that age is just the most darling, honestly.

I was watching a little BV2 in Hawaii of late and noticed on my umpteenth viewing how out of sorts they both seemed during that season. JK lost at most things and they were separated quite a bit, but managed to do a few things together. The thing that rubbed me the wrong way the most, though, is that JK had to sleep on the couch at two of their rental houses. Could they not have rented houses with at least enough beds for everyone. I could see those two sowing a few sour grapes with the circumstances that season. Very different from Malta the next year.

They were 2014. I was struck by Tae working the camera already. Credit to JK too; in some of the 2013 shoots, poor kid looks like a deer in headlights but he really shook it off quickly. He photographs so beautifully.

Yeah, some of Bon Voyage feels so weird to me.

Funnily enough I noticed how often JK cracks his back recently. Give that man a bed for goodness sake.

Thanks anon. 💜

[sweetestlamb]

Mostrami Amore.

Summary: Cha-young tries to move on from a certain mafia boss. 

Author’s Note: Thank for to everyone who sent in prompts for Chayenzo, it resulted in this mess. I don’t have much to say, I considered making this into a multi- chaptered story but honestly I don’t have time for another ongoing story so if this seems rushed it was a little, I wrote it in one go today. Hope you enjoy this, I stuck in some of my favorite crack ship because I am weak and obsessed. Happy reading! 

p.s takes place after final episode but han seo lives because this is my world and I get to play God. 

Another postcard.

Their delivery becomes sporadic and she’s embarrassed at the giddiness that washes over her each time a new square is sent miles across a wide stretch of ocean, the view on the card most likely lackluster in comparison to the true rendering of Malta. She has spent many hours on her laptop searching for images of the small paradisiac island, yearning to see what he sees and feel just a tad bit closer to him. Most of her life has been spent in solitude with only her work acquaintances filling the void at times, so she expected herself to be more equipped to deal with his disappearance and subsequent absence. But nothing prepares her for those moments at the coffee shop, when she finds herself smiling across a table only to realize there is no miniature espresso cup in the hand of a very dangerous Italian Korean mafia member grinning back at her. 

The smile melts off her face and she swallows the bitter cool sludge in her cup, the beverage tasting exactly as he had described it without him there. 

Nights are the hardest, loneliness coils around her like a snake. 

There was never any other fate for them, she knew that when Vincenzo murdered all their enemies this was their only real outcome. He would always be a fugitive on the run and she an accomplice if he were captured and questioned, it was in both of their best interests if he vanished from the face of the planet. But knowing that does nothing to qualm the ever present feeling of isolation that clings to her skin as she sits alone on her couch, downing makgeolli at a vicious pace. Trying to wash his taste from her mouth, that kiss on loop in her mind and the phantom grip of his hand on her neck. 

It’s those treacherous nights without the plaza members that have become a second family to her and Han Seo following her like the lost puppy he is calling her “Noona” so freely and frequently until she forgets her own name, that she allows herself to feel exactly what she’s feelings. 

Heartbroken. 

Desperate. 

Lonely. 

Rage. 

The last one she hides like a dirty secret in the closet of her heart, she knew what she was signing up for. She has no legitimate reason to be angry, or so she tries to reason with herself. But. This was the same man who had bypassed the security of one of the richest men in Korea and ultimately killed him without leaving a trace. She had watched him do despicable things, blackmailing, threatening, seducing, and murdering others as he saw fit and yet, he hadn’t used any of those dastardly ways to see her. That chance meeting at the art gallery had been the last she had seen of him, Then a few weeks later another postcard with the same message she had boldly uttered at the airport, it feels insufficient after having him in her arms again. She knew in that moment that they would never be enough again. She hadn’t even argued when Mr. Nam claimed he would leave this one on his table instead, she merely nodded and walked away to peruse the new sexual assault case she has taken recently. 

It gets harder and harder to hear Han Seo regaling the wonders of his “hyung”,  her anger boiling deep below the surface like magma waiting to explode and transform into something tangible and destructive. 

“He told me that he has a room for me too. I wonder when he’ll let us visit.” 

She nods absently, staring out the window at the sunlight twinkling in through the blinds but then his words register and the gears in her head churn before running the sentence back through to carefully process them. 

“He---what? You spoke to Vincenzo?” 

The human puppy pouts his lips before tilting his head and dealing a hard blow to her ego and her heart, “Yeah, he sends me letters. I got so scared the first time! He said the letter would self-destruct after I read it and I really thought that was true and I dived across the room to escape but I bumped my head on the table and then...” 

He sent Han Seo letters.  

She had received the same fucking postcard for months on end with the same message she had said to him, and he had time to write Han Seo letters. He hadn’t sent her even one in the time he had been gone. 

“That fucking bastard!”  She explodes interrupting Han Seo’s recount of his near death experience and he looks wide- eyed and taken back by her outburst, she almost soothes him before another wave of anger rushes through her veins. She had accepted the bare minimum because she thought this was all he could give her but it seemed she was being too naïve. He was Vincenzo Cassano after all, he could make anything happen. She had seen it with her own two eyes. If he wasn’t reaching out to her maybe that was a message and she was too blind to see it. 

“Noona? Are you okay?” Han Seo looks absolutely terrified, eyes huge and quivering. She doesn’t bother answering, grabbing her cup of lukewarm coffee and stomping out of the office ignoring Mr. Nam’s calls behind her. She’s tired of being an idiot. 

She throws herself into forgetting him, the same way he seems to have forgotten her despite his words to her that fateful night on the stairs. 

I thought about you everyday. 

Actions speak louder than words and she is done accepting his crumbs. She has never needed anyone, had even accepted when her own father wanted nothing to do with her; she has basically been prepping for this moment her entire life. 

So she goes shopping with Miri, buying gadgets that she has no idea how to use but that the other girl makes sound like things that she definitely needs such as a new home security system, her break in still fresh in her mind. She grins at the pretty smile on the other girl’s round face as she explains the specification of the machines around them and she can see why Han Seo has such a huge crush on the girl, the pretty blush that blossoms on the other girl’s cheek after stating the fact out loud is adorable and she pinches said cheek much to her chagrin. 

“You should worry about your own love life.” Miri teases but the words sting like acid on her skin and she turns away to hide the grimace on her face, but she’s not fast enough and the other girl catches her wrist halting her movement. 

“What? What’s wrong? Did something happen to Mr. Cassano?” Miri whispers the last part, looking around to make sure that nobody overhears them. 

She forces herself to stifle her emotions, trapping them in the back of her mind refusing to let him have this kind of affect on her. 

“I wouldn’t know.” She tries for a emotionless tone but even she can hear the bitterness in her own voice and Miri’s eyes fill with pity and it makes her sick to her stomach, “Don’t. I am going to be fine. Let’s just go.” 

They don’t utter single word in the car ride home. 

After that it becomes painfully obvious that everyone in the plaza thinks something is wrong with her and are teaming up to make her feel better. It’s the packed lunches that keep showing up on her desk without fail, her clothes being steamed and pressed for free, the way that they won’t allow her to be alone and there are countless spontaneous family game nights all ending with her drunk and being carried home. 

Tonight Mr. Tak is the unlucky volunteer, dragging her limp body in her father’s house and she thinks of all the times that they drank here together and a certain person was the one hauling her body to bed complaining and grumbling but that distractingly fond smile on his face that he only ever seemed to shoot her way. Her heart thumped loudly as he loomed over her and leaned in close, getting her hopes up only to brush her hair behind her ears and softly tell her, “Go to sleep now,” and she had never been obedient all her teachers could testify to that but when he looked at her like that she was powerless to do anything else but listen. 

“I miss him.” The traitorous words fall from her lips and vanish into the inky darkness of the night. 

A deep sigh from the left of her, “We know.” 

She feels vulnerable, the worst thing about having a weakness is other’s noticing too. She hates how weak she feels. 

“I am going to forget him.” 

The body supporting most of her weight tenses under her arm and she waits for his response, they all love Vincenzo- he had become their unexpected hero and leader in many ways. They would always take his side, she knows that. 

“If that’s what you need to do to be happy. Then, do it. Loving a man like Vincenzo isn’t easy.” 

She turns to look at him in genuine shock. 

“What? You thought I would tell you to keep waiting with no end in sight? You should know by now, you mean a lot to us too. Your happiness is important to us too, we’re a family.” 

“But we’re the Cassano family,” she challenges unable to accept that they could love her without Vincenzo attached, but Mr. Tak shrugs at the clarification, “We can be the Hong Family too.”

She feels her eyes swimming. 

“I should go inside.” 

She feels sober and more awake than ever, she stays up all night twirling the long strands of her hair in between her fingers. 

Thinking. 

Variety is the spice of life. 

She doesn’t know where she’s heard that but it’s those sage words that are the catalyst for her spontaneous decision. 

“Same as always? Silky with some body?” Her stylist peers into her eyes through the wide mirror and she hears herself say, “No I want a cut and some color.” Yu-jin raises one pretty tweezed brow but nods after a moment’s pause, “Okay. How short are you thinking?” 

And that’s how she starts her day with long thick hair that grazes her lower back and ends it with a short bob that tickles her neck. It feels like a weight has been lifted from her shoulder, metaphorically and literally and she loves the face that she sees in the mirror, her eyes looking brighter than they have in months. She feels more alive, like a snake shedding its skin and becoming a newer and fresher version of itself. 

“Your hair?” That becomes the running theme for her day, shocked gaping mouths and hands reaching out for the hair that was once there.  She merely smirks at their palpable surprise, especially Seol-jin who doesn’t recognize her from behind. 

“I haven’t seen a pretty lady like you aro--Oh Ms. Hong! I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you, I am so sorry please excuse me!” The interpretative dancer bolts away leaving her to watch him bemused, she skips to Jipuragi with a pep in her step laughing loudly when Mr. Nam drops his coffee upon seeing her and the brown liquid goes flying and douses him in a sticky hot mess. 

It’s an entertaining day to say the least. 

Moments later when he’s finished cleaning himself up and changing into the cheetah print track suit that he insisted to keeping in the office, he mentions that a new postcard has arrived. She nods at the information, looking at her laptop and it’s only seconds later that she finally looks up and sees that he’s waiting for her response. She doesn’t have one. 

Forcing a tight smile on her face she replies, “Oh that’s great. Just put it with the others.” 

He does. 

But she can feel his eyes on her, his concern heavy and tangible in the air. 

She pretends not to notice and keeps clicking away on her laptop, only glancing over at the card once or twice. But it’s only out of habit. 

Nothing more. 

She starts going on dates with random men. Men she meets in coffee shops, on the streets, in bars, hell one time even the bookstore. She never meets the same man twice and they never get what they want but it does make her feel desirable and that’s all she’s looking for. 

“Where are you going?” Han Seo asks her curiously, Miri by his side as she struts out the plaza new perfume on her skin. 

“On a date. I’ll see you both later.” They both gape at her and can only watch with wide eyes as she sashays away, heels clicking with every step. 

Word spreads like wildfire and no one takes it harder than Mr. An, who calls her a “jezebel” and cries at the front of the law firm for hours, she has to step over him to go get lunch shaking him off when he latches on to her ankles. 

The others just look at her with sad eyes, filled with both understanding and disappointment. 

Much to her surprise the lunch boxes keep coming and her clothes are still pressed and starched to perfection though. 

She also starts taking self defense classes, Korea is much more dangerous than she had first suspected and she has to be able to protect herself because nobody is coming to save her.  Not anymore. 

It becomes a great outlet for her built up anger and her instructor praises her for being a fast learner. She grins and nods before flipping him and twisting his arm around his own neck in a modified sleeper hold. When he taps on her arm she squeezes tighter instead of letting go and he goes limp for a moment before she comes back to herself and releases him hastily with a quick apology, “Sorry!”

He rubs his neck, panting for air and she feels guilty, there's a tinge of that but most of all she feels powerful, more so than she has for a long time. 

It’s crazy but she finds herself asking him for drinks after class and even crazier is that he agrees even with her marks still there on his skin, the area bruised and red. He looks at her like she’s challenge that he wants to conquer, she lets him believe that’s possible. It’s only a bit of fun anyway, she has no plans for anything serious. 

Drinks turn into a drunken cab ride home with his hand on her thigh, hot through the thin material of her tights and they don’t feel right- too small and not rough enough but she’s moving on and she has no time to reminisce. 

There hasn’t even been a postcard lately. Message, loud and clear. 

When she shoves the keys into her door, he’s glued to her body leaving wet kisses on the long column of her neck and she tries to suppress the nausea that swims in her stomach, everything feels wrong and she hates herself for feeling that way. Why shouldn’t she fuck whoever she wants? He is probably doing the same thing, everyday on his beautiful private island. Kissing women that aren’t her and whispering dirty Italian words into their ears as he rocks back and forth, nary a thought of that Korean woman he knew once upon a time. 

Fuck him. 

She rocks back into the purposeful grind of the hips behind her, feeling the hardness that digs into the soft flesh of her ass and finally the door opens and they both tumble in haphazardly and he thrusts a hand under her loose shirt fingering at her breasts before a dark figure moves far too quickly in her peripheral and she hears her date cry out in pain. 

She almost faints at the familiar sight of the one person she never expected to see, the hard glint of his cold eyes as he twists the same hand that had just been fondling her chest. The grip looks painful, the wrist contorted in an unnatural manner. 

“What the fuck? You have a boyfriend?!” Her instructor cries out, voice high pitched falling to his knees as Vincenzo kicks his feet out from under him. 

She rolls her eyes, of course he would come now when she is trying (and failing) to get over him. 

Vindictively she answers the question, ‘No.” 

But that makes Vincenzo twist the wrist in his grip even tighter and she can see the bones breaking so she takes pity on the poor man, he didn’t sign up for a murderous mafia leader after all. 

“Just let him go. You have no right to do any of this.” 

He doesn’t listen right away and absently she wonders if she’ll need to test out her new moves on him, it would be satisfying to deck him square in the face. She dreams of that as often as she dreams of their reunion. Her feelings are...complicated to say the least. 

Then with a grunt, he throws the other man away like he’s trash and growls out, “Get out of here before I kill you.” 

She tries not be get turned on by that. But it’s a hard sell, her body already getting revved up. He’s telling the truth. 

The man wastes no time, jumping to his feet and bolting out the door without one backwards glance. Asshole, he was really just leaving her with a clearly unstable and dangerous man. 

“We need to talk.” Vincenzo squeezes out between clenched teeth, and her blood runs cold but she stares him dead in the eyes tired of this game they’ve been playing, if he’s here to end things she wants to know. 

“Okay. Then talk.” 

She looks insanely beautiful, with her hair cropped so short bringing his eyes to the tantalizing length of her neck. His eyes close in on a spot of moisture on her neck, he feels his blood boiling imagining that bastard touching any part of her.  She’s glaring right back at him, her chest rising and falling and he can’t help but check her out, it’s been months since he saw her in person the photo of her doing aerial yoga above his bed couldn’t compare to the tempest that is Cha-young in real life. 

The flat plane of her belly is on display under the white crop top loosely stretched across her chest which leads down to her slim hips and legs wrapped in white spandex, leaving very little to the imagination not that he hasn’t imagined her in far less many, many times. Too many times to count. Spilling across the silk adorning his king sized bed with only her name on his lips. 

She looks fucking hot. 

That makes it even more frustrating because he can still clearly see that bastard wrapped around her like a snake and his hands going up her shirt---he has to take a deep breath before he breaks something. Or chases that asshole to break his face. 

There’s so much he wants to say to her, so much he owes her. 

I missed you. 

I love you. 

Come with me. 

“Who the hell was that?” He says this instead then watches her eyes glint over into nothing but pure murderous rage. Wrong move. But he couldn’t help it, green eyed raged taking away his decision making abilities. 

“That’s all you have to say? Get out.” 

He wasn’t expecting rose petals and trumpets when he returned but he definitely wasn’t expecting this, her cold glare or another man in his spot. He thought she would wait for him, just as he had done for her. 

“Are you serious right now?” He counters, flabbergasted. 

“Deadly. Get out.” 

He clenches his fist, and then stomps out. Turning back but only to watch the door slam in his face. 

What the hell. 

It had only taken a letter from Han Seo to get him on boat that would take him to an open field and hours later he was soaring through the skies on a hot air balloon, on his way back to Korea. It was insane and he barely had time to explain to his family but Luca nodded at him like this was the only choice and told him that he would take care of everything, and he trusted those words more than he had ever trusted anything in his life.

“Vai a prendere la tua donna( go get your woman).” 

He had nodded, gruffly patting the other man on his shoulder before hopping over into the waiting boat. 

But he wasn’t so certain anymore that Cha-young was his. 

She seems different. Colder almost, she leaves whenever I mention your name and she goes on dates now. I think she’s moving on hyung, what are you going to do? 

Those words had been the scariest thing he had never seen. Scarier than every gun that had ever been pointed at his head. He thought what they had was something special, something that could stand the test of time and distance. He stared at the huge pile of letters on his bedside, all addressed to her. He had written one everyday since they had been separated, but each time he was too much of a coward to send it. In those letters he could say things that he could never say to her face, things like how much he ached without her by his side and how her smile was the only thing that kept him going. In those letters he could regal the ways he loved her, and how deeply she had been branded into his soul, every atom of his body belonged to her and her alone.  He would kill for her, die for her, anything she needed or merely wanted he would provide it, all she needed to do was ask. 

He could only share those feelings in the letters. 

He walks for hours, until he ends up at his old apartment the familiar door greeting him and he sticks his hand in his pocket before he remembers that he gave the key away, with a sigh he starts to walk away before the door creaks open and he hears a voice he hasn’t heard in months. 

“Hyung!” 

A warmth spreads across his back as a solid weight almost knocks him off his feet. He reaches one arm around his body, awkwardly slapping the face that is pressing into his collar. 

“You really chose to stay here.” 

He feels the nod on his shoulder, “Of course. It made me feel closer to you hyung, I missed you.” 

He grunts in response, before turning around and tugging the younger man into a real hug. He had missed the annoying little leech too, he had missed everyone. 

They are still in each other’s embrace for a moment before Han Seo pulls away, sympathy etched deep on his face. 

“She wasn’t happy to see you.” 

“There was someone else there.” He hates the words even as they leave his mouth and Han Seo winces, looking pained for him before tugging him into the small apartment. Everything is just like he left it.  He looks around in awe. 

“I’m sorry hyung. What are you going to do?”

That’s the golden question, he pondered it all the way here and he’s no closer to knowing the answer to that. Usually she is the one that makes the move, she has always been the brave one between them. He back steps and says things he doesn’t mean and she sees through him and smashes down all his walls. That’s how this has always worked. 

“I don’t know. Maybe I should just leave her alone. Let her be happy.” 

A loud scoff reaches his ears, “Sure. Is that why you sailed across sharked infested waters and trusted a hot air balloon company run my former thugs?”

He smarts at the sarcastic reply and glares before flicking the cheeky brat on his nose, "I liked you better when you were stupid you know. Now you're a little smart ass."

The younger man looks even more youthful as he grins back at him, rubbing at his nose before shrugging.  "I learned from the best."

He has no rebuttal for that so he tries to flick him again, giving chase when he darts off.

It feels good to be home.

He warns Han Seo not to tell anyone that he's here least they give away his location.

So he's not surprised the next day to find the cavalry at his doorstep hands filled to the brim with containers of food. There are tears, mostly from Mr. Nam who won't stop screaming his name and pinching his cheeks to see if he's real and Mr. An who wraps around him like a koala despite his very detailed threats. It's all chaos and so familiar that his heart aches but her absence is like a hole in his chest. Nobody mentions her but they all keep looking at the door, so it's obvious that she was invited but chose not to come.

Because she didn't want to see him.

"You're here to win her back right?" He doesn't know who even utters the words but when he glances up they are all looking at him expectantly.

He didn't know that was what he was indeed here for thought that she would happily welcome him back and they could pick up where they left off but she's made it clear that this won't be the case. This will be the most important fight of his life.

"Yes. I'm here for Cha-young."

He gets enthusiastic thumbs up and a loud giggle from the Yeon-Jin  and Cheol-Wook’s adorable baby, her little hands too uncoordinated to do a thumbs up but she waves excitedly  feeding off the energy around her.

He wonders how Cha-young would look with a baby in her arms, their baby it's a dangerous thought. But one that he can't get out of his mind once he thinks it.

They stay until midnight, forcing him to eat and drink too much soju until he passes out to dreams filled with a round Cha-young, belly swollen and protruding from her body. 

It doesn't take much to learn her schedule(Mr. Nam hands him a laminated copy) and he has to put on a disguise but he enters the shop seconds after her, hearing her order that god awful sewer water she's so fond of.

"An espresso for me." He leans in too close, almost brushing her shoulder and she jolts at the sound of his voice, turning to stare at him as if she's a mirage.

"You're still here?" She whispers and then shakes her head and looks away as if she's hadn't meant to say the words aloud.

It hurts him that she thought he would leave without telling her but he can't blame her, he has been anything but consistent. Instead of answering, he leans forward to hand his credit card to the cashier who glances between them suspiciously before accepting the card.

Their orders are ready in seconds and he follows her as she walks to their table, butterflies in his stomach at the familiar sight.

She turns to him with a glare, "It's just the only available table."

He moves to pull out her chair and she starts at him tight lipped before sitting down. She's in a tight black suit today, two long slits on the side of her pants going all the way up to her thighs. He gulps down his drink to get rid of the drool pooling in his mouth.

"You're upset with me."

She stares at him like he's the biggest idiot on the planet, it's not a look he receives often but she's always the outlier in his otherwise organized life.

"Astute observation." She quips back, sucking loudly at her coffee.

"Why?"

He considered how to go about breeching this subject and in the end had decided on going straight to the source, he had been under the impression that this was working for them.

Her face morphs into a person he hasn't seen for a long time, the Cha-young that would berate him and make him angry enough to curse in Italian.

"Do you think this little of me?"

He's completely lost, "What do you mean? What did I do that was so wrong? Wrong enough for you to cheat on me!" He's panting now, his voice has gotten loud enough to catch people's attention he can feel them watching their table, nosy and invested.

"Cheat on you?"

Cold as ice, her voice is. It almost makes him shiver.

"How could I possibly cheat on you? We're not together. You send me the same postcard with the same message every few months. I have no idea what you're doing in Malta, who you're with. You can't even be bothered to send me a letter, do you think this is a relationship? You think it's enough to pop up like this every once in a blue moon? You've told me nothing about how you feel about me but I'm supposed to be satisfied with whatever you throw my way?"

If he wasn't sitting down his legs would have already given out he's certain about that. Her voice is deadly quiet each word landing and chipping away at his confidence.

"I'm doing the best I can! You knew it would be like this after everything was over, why are you blaming me now? How about you, I don't know how you feel either!"

"I love you! Anyone with eyes can see that, I told you that at the airport too. And again when I took a bullet for you, you didn't think that meant I loved you? I was willing to die for you."

Shit.

It's not at all how he expected them to confess their love for each other, it's hard to believe the words that are coming out of her mouth as she bares her teeth at him.

"So why are you doing this? Why are there other men?"

Why aren't I enough? He wants to say but he's scared of her answer, terrified that she'll say that she can't do this anymore. That he just isn’t enough anymore. 

She stares at him long and hard.

Waiting for something. But he doesn't know what.

"You haven't changed at all. You're still a coward, I'm not interested in guessing anymore. I’m done playing this game.” 

She stands up and walks away, leaving her unfinished coffee on the table.

Unwanted just like him.

She doesn't see him for days and she accepts that her words had done their damage, she had cried until she fell asleep that night. Waking up with swollen red eyes that no amount of concealer would save but thankfully no one commented on her state.

She goes through her day on autopilot and before she knows it she's back home, ready to face her night alone  again. She pushes the door open, half praying he'll be waiting for her but her hopes shattered when she turns on the lights and finds no one.

"It's better this way." She lies to herself, pouring herself an obscene glass of soju. She's going to need plenty of alcohol to get through this pain.

Her head is woozy and heavy when she hears a sound, suddenly alert she stills in her chair before rushing over to get a frying pan walking on the tips of her toes she prowls closer to the clicking sound, finding herself at the window peering at a long lost friend. Placing the frying pan on her window sill she pry opens the window, screeching when the audacious bird flies inside landing on her table as if he belongs there.

"Hey Inzaghi! Get your dirty bird feet off my table!"

He looks at her nonchalantly, making himself comfortable on said table and she sighs before shutting the window and drunkenly swaying over to him.

"What are you even doing there? Do you want to be my bird now, I won't be a very good owner. I won't remember to feed you. I barely remember to feed myself."

Despite being a bird he finds a way to roll his eyes at her before standing up and only then does she notice something on his leg. She looks at him cautiously before moving closer and untying the paper on his leg, the pigeon barely reacts before flying over to her couch. She sighs in annoyance, she's going to have to clean everything after this bird leaves.

She unwinds the string holding the paper together, unrolling the paper scroll. There is a message written inside: the rooftop. 9 pm.

Glancing at her clock the time shines at her.

7:34pm.

"This could be a trap."

It very much could be, she has enemies now. It was a small price to pay for taking down Babel but she's always looking over her shoulders now, so this note could easily be someone luring her to hurt her or get back at Vincenzo.

Inzaghi coos loudly at her as if he can hear her thoughts. This time he finds a way to look exasperated.

She stumbles off to her room.

She needs time to think.

"So she told you that she loved you and you didn't say it back?"

"I was shocked. She was growling at me and looked ready to kill me at the same time." He reasons back, trying to show his hyung his point of view. The younger man doesn't look even a little bit convinced by his logic.

"Okay and? That sounds perfectly normal for you too. You should have shot someone and wrote it back in their blood on the table."

He recoils in disgust at the suggestion, "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you actually insane, why the fuck would I do that?"

Han Seo stares deadpan in return.

He puts up a hand trying to stop whatever response he has, "Don't say it."

It doesn't work.

"Pig's blood. Don't forget I saw it all, I've never seen Ms. Hong look so excited before. You're both crazy."

Well, that had been different. It was an old tradition, she simply had an appreciation for the classics.

"And I bet you're defending her right now in your mind. Noona is just like you, that's why you're made for each other. She's the gasoline to your fire."

"You know that would just make an even larger fire right?"

"Yes. I'm smart now remember? I know what I said."

He sighs falling into the comfortable familiarity of the couch, a spring digging into his thigh.

"Why didn't you say it back?" His stills at the barely whispered question, his chest constricting as he recalls the passionate confession. He had frozen, like he'd always known she was the brave one between them. Always doing the unexpected and the time was no different, her words had knocked him off his feet.

"Because I was scared."

Han Seo huffs at his honesty. He doesn't know where the words are coming from but he's tired of keeping it all in.

"Because if anything happens to her it'll break me, I thought it would be better if I kept her at a distance. I thought this was enough. I thought this would be easier. When I think about her I want to drop everything and just be with her and that...was too dangerous. I had to keep my distance."

There's a pregnant pause, just the sound of their breathing filling the void.

"Was it?"

"What?"

"Easier. Is this better? Enough?"

He thinks about Cha-young getting married to a faceless man, exchanging vows and sealing it with a kiss, happy and in love on their honeymoon wanton moans and screams from their room, learning that they're having a baby and her round and glowing with someone else's child smiling brightly as she rubs her belly and it's too much. He wants to smash it all into little pieces.

"No. It's not enough. I need her, without her nothing is enough."

"That's what you should have said to her. Don't glare at me I'm right, but I have an idea. I saw it in an American cartoon."

And that's how he lets his younger brother convince him to send a note to Cha-young using Inzaghi, the pigeon had shown up one night and he'd been so happy he almost kissed the bird.

"How will he know where Cha Young lives?" He asks skeptical even as he ties the note to the birds leg.

"I showed him a picture of her house. According to the cartoon, birds just know.” 

He stares at the younger man, wondering why he's listening to this ridiculous plan.

"This is stupid. I should just text her, Inzaghi is never going to deliver this. He's just a regular pigeon." 

"This is more romantic." He answers matter of fact.

"How is a pigeon delivering a message in anyway romantic?" He challenges already knowing from the shit eating grin he won’t like the response. 

"The same way pig blood was." The brat counters and he doesn't get a chance to respond before Han Seo picks Inzaghi up and throws him out the window, "In the name of love!" He only barely stops himself from bashing his head into the wall, the younger man has to wrestle him to the ground.

It's stupid. They did all of this for nothing the cool breeze makes him pull his coat tighter around his body, exposed to the weather on the open space of the rooftop.

He checks his watch, 9:48.

She's not coming and the worst part is that he doesn't know if it's because that damn bird never delivered his message or if it's because she really doesn't want anything to do with him. The burden of not knowing hurts more than anything.

Expelling the air in his lungs he walks back to the single door that leads off the roof, twisting the doorknob in his hand and pulling it open.

Meeting the shocked face of one Cha-young.

They both just stare at each other before he speaks, "You came."

He can't believe it. Inzaghi had actually delivered the note, somehow the pigeon had found her house and she was here. He almost pinches himself to see if he'd passed out on the roof and this was just a dream.

"I didn't know Inzaghi was a carrier pigeon." She futilely tries to change the subject and he takes a step back, gathering the tattered pieces of his courage. The same courage that had propelled him to kiss her all those months ago on the stairs.

"I'm so happy you're here. I waited for you."

She stares at him like he has two heads before blushing, and avoiding his eyes.

"Come with me." He extends his hands and tries not to be too hurt when she bypasses it and steps around him instead.

At least she was here.

With a quick swipe of his hand he sends the message to his accomplices.

Now.

The lights come on, fairy lights decorating the roof top in a heavenly glow. She spins around in wonder, eyes nearly as bright she's so beautiful it's almost painful to look at her.

Then the music starts.

The soft notes filling the space.

When I walk down a road I don't know well....

She looks around in wonder, staring back at him she can’t believe what’s happening. 

Then the letters start falling from the sky, all the letters he had written to her alone and missing her thousands of miles away. His plaza family smiles down at him, throwing letters from a higher building.

Cha-young stares up at the sky in surprise, hundreds of letters landing all around her.

It had taken a few days for Luca to send them all over and then another day to get the guts to do this, there was no turning back now. He had never willingly made himself vulnerable to anyone else, but according to Han Seo it was the only way he was going to win her back. 

“She just wants to know that you love her too. Show her.” 

He watches anxiously as she picks up a letter, stroking lightly at her own name on the front looking at him with stunned wet eyes. 

“You wrote me a letter.” Her voice is revere and awe that he doesn’t deserve, not after everything he has put her through in the sake of protecting himself but he’s too elated to see her looking at him like that again, like he’s someone important to her. 

“182. For each day we were apart. I told you I thought about you everyday, and every time I did I wrote you a letter.” 

She stares at the letter in her hand, gently ripping it open and devouring the words on the page. Nerves shoot up and down his body as he watches her read his most private thoughts about her, her expressive face for once empty of emotions as she silently reads the letter. 

He waits. 

Breathless and terrified. 

“Why didn’t you ever send them? They were mine so why did you keep them?” He hears an edge in her voice that makes him wonder if she’s only talking about the letters. 

“Cha-young, I don’t think you understand.” 

She breathes out loudly, stomping over to him until they are inches apart and he has no choice but to look into the deep pool of her eyes. 

“I don’t! I don’t understand anything, I thought you had found someone else in Malta and the postcards were just your way of being nice. I thought you didn’t feel the same way I did, you were sending Han Seo letters but you wouldn’t do the same for me. What was I supposed to think? Why didn’t you try to help me understand, you were gone for six months!” 

There’s so much wrong with everything she said, how could he find anyone else when his heart beats for her? How could he forget her when everything he did reminded him of her, he saw her every night in his dreams. But he doesn’t make the same mistake this time, he says what’s important. 

“I feel the same way. I love you Cha-young. I thought this was better for you, that this could be enough. But I was wrong, I missed you every minute of every--” 

“Come home with me.” 

He stops, stares, gapes and then stares some more. 

“What? I wasn’t finished confessing though.” Actually offended that she interrupted his planned speech. He was about to recite one of his favorite Italian love poems for her and then ask her to dance. 

She rolls her eyes dragging him towards the door, “Don’t you think we’ve wasted enough time? It’s been six months and you have been here for too long, you have to go soon.” 

She’s right, he has a flight in two days for an identity he borrowed for his escape. 

“Listen to her, just go back to her place and have a good night!” That sounds like Cheol-Wook and then they all erupt into applause and start cheering and hollering, chanting their names and then to his embarrassment they start chanting, “Go have sex! Go have sex!” complete with the monks banging on their drums and he doesn’t think he will ever live down this moment, especially when he sees Miri capturing it on the new video camera he had gifted her. 

He flips them off as an eager Cha-young pulls him away their laughter following them all the way. 

The car ride is too long on the way over and she wonders how quickly she can undress them both as soon as they reach, there is simply no time to waste. 

But once they get to the doorstep he suddenly freezes, tugging her backwards into his chest. 

“This looks familiar doesn’t it?” His voice is dark and smoky and she immediately knows what he’s referring to, and she refuses to give him any reaction. 

“Are you seriously doing this right now?” 

“You let someone else touch you. Here.” He runs a hand up her neck, briefly squeezing, “And here,” she gasps at his hands suddenly on her breast, squeezing harshly at the tender flesh. 

“So what are you going to do about it?” She knows that she’s playing with fire, but that is their foundation. She has never aimed to cool him off or tone him down, she sees the dark side inside of him and loves it, encourages it and feeds on it herself allowing it to bring her darkness out too. 

He kicks the door open, shoving her side and she delights at the rough treatment. She hopes that she is filled with his bruises tomorrow. 

She doesn’t wait for his next move, pulling her shirt up and over her head before tugging off her skirt leaving herself in a barely there lace panties and a matching lace bra that is translucent, her nipples peeking through the sheer material. He stares at her transfixed, his hunger evident in his eyes and in the tent forming in his tight dress pants. 

“Take those off.” She commands and he smirks before obeying, peeling the pants off his thighs standing in his button down shirt and tight boxer briefs that leave nothing to her imagination, every delicious inch of him visible. She steps forward bringing their bodies in contact, before thrusting her hand inside the opening of his briefs. He feels hard and smooth, liquid pooling at the tip and she twists her hand collecting it to ease her slow strokes up and down. His voice hitches as she fingers his balls and without warning she tugs his boxers off, leaving him bare to her eyes. 

Mesmerized by the unencumbered sight of him, she drops to her knees using her hand to guide him to her eagerly waiting mouth. 

His flavor explodes on her tongue and she swallows more, grabbing his hips to drag him deeper into her mouth until she can feel him in her throat, but even after her eyes start to burn and she feels herself choking she doesn’t stop, bobbing up and down hungrily, sloppy wet sounds filling the room in a filthy symphony. At first he lets her control the movement, pliant in her hands but as she increases her speed and suction he starts groaning and huffing loudly and then she feels his hand on the back of her hand, keeping her in place and when she looks up at him he looks wrecked. Eyes dazed and his face red and flushed, she ingrains that image in her mind, for when he’s gone and all she has are her toys. 

She stares back defiantly before he draws himself out of her mouth, a single line of spit connecting them and then he thrusts back into her mouth roughly and she opens her mouth wider to accept the abuse, loving every second of it even as a her throat aches. He sets a frantic pace, his balls slamming against her chin and she doesn’t realize at first that his grunts have transformed into words, too much blood rushing to her head. 

“Mine. Mine, nobody can---ah fuck! Nobody can see you like this. Only me. You’re mine.” 

He fucks her mouth like it’s his to use and do what he pleases, and she’s wetter than she’s ever been listening to him claim her verbally and with the wet push of his dick in her mouth. 

She starts grinding on the floor like a cat in heat and without preamble he grabs her under her armpits and lifts her like she weighs nothing, his dick sliding free from her hot mouth, “I want to make you scream.” He says this like a declaration of love and she throws herself at him, kissing the words off his lips. His tongue swirls in her mouth and she wonders if he can taste himself in her. It makes her hotter and she grinds her barely covered pussy onto his naked length, groaning at the friction even though the thin layer separating them. 

He tosses her onto the bed and she doesn’t even remember them walking, his tongue and his wondering fingers had completely distracted her. 

She lays sprawled across the bed as he stares at her, like she’s feast he can’t wait to devour. 

“Nobody has been in here.” She doesn’t know if he’s asking a question or making a statement, but she feels that his jealousy is real. Seeing her with someone else had done something to him, guilt washes over her. If she had seen him with someone else she would have lost her mind too. 

“Nobody. I never brought anyone home before, that guy was a mistake. I was just hurt and missing you. I’m sorry.” 

He had abandoned her for six months and she didn’t owe him anything but his pain is her pain and they are stronger now, everything has been said. 

“Good.” 

Then he rips her panties away and buries his face between her legs, prying her wide open with his hands and lapping at her with his searing hot tongue. Immediately he has his wish and she screams, loud enough to fill the entire room. 

“Already screaming amore? It’s going to be a long night, I want to make you hoarse.”  

She doesn’t get a moment to respond before he’s back to licking and sucking at her most sacred part, fingers deep inside her as he thrusts and strokes alongside his tongue, his fingers and tongue moving in tandem and she tries to stifle the scream but a particularly deep fuck makes the sound erupt from her throat and her head feels dizzy from the overwhelming sensation. 

He has boundless energy it seems, as time drags by and she feels her body tightening up as he systemically destroys her, he never takes a break or pauses, slurping up all the liquid that drips from her and the sounds of him swallowing are beyond erotic. When a hand runs up her stomach and squeezes at a bouncing breast she can’t contain her moans of pleasure, crying out as his fingers pinching the tight bud of her nipple. 

“Please.” 

He coos in her, “So pretty when you beg.” Then he sticks his tongue as far as it can go and she hears the rush of blood in her head as her body shakes apart and her release gushes from her body, twitching when he laps it all up her oversensitive body recoiling from the overstimulation. 

She has never come like that before, most men have never put in the work necessary to make her come and she wasn’t one to fake it so her experiences with sex with someone else were few and far in between. 

This feels like nirvana. 

“You still with me amore?” The bastard looks so smug, looming above her naked arms on the side of her head, and she had no idea when he took his shirt off. 

“I can’t feel like my legs.” 

He chuckles loudly at the statement, grinning growing wider. 

“Well I can assure you that they’re still there and they will look great wrapped around my waist.” 

Raising to his challenge, although her body is still buzzing she wraps her legs around his waist, they feel like jelly but she finds the strength to follow through with her movement. 

“I was right they do look great.” 

“Well this would look great in me.” She counters, grabbing at his thick ruddy red dick jutting from his body and he rocks into her hand before knocking her hand away and taking himself in his hand. 

“Do we need a condom?” He asks her, looking like he is ready to stop at nay minute if she tells him that they do. 

“No.” 

She has been on birth control since she was a teen and there’s been no one for her since she met him, and she trusts that it’s been the same for him. 

“Thank goodness, I want to feel everything.” He barely finishes his sentence before he’s easing into her, slow and steady. She lets him continue for a moment before she tightens her legs around his waist and pulls him in roughly, as deep as she can get him in this position. “Fuck, you’re so impatient.” 

“Shut up and fuck me already.” 

He grumbles at her calling her bossy, but she sighs when he draws out and slams back in with a quick snap of his hips. 

“Yes just like that!” 

He takes direction very well, repeating the motion until the bed starts to creak from their movements, he pistons in and out of her gone all semblance of gentle or slow, they have teetered into a speed that can only be defined as “break neck” and she feels her body sliding up the mattress as he pounds into her over and over again, she latches onto his neck eager to leave a branding mark on him and he groans at the suction, grinding harder into her and gripping her ass to force her to meet his vicious thrusts. 

Absently she feels him peeling her bra from her body, the only remaining item of clothing that has survived their coupling and she knows exactly when he sees the scar. The grotesque knitting of skin that had left a permanent scar on her shoulder, she almost covers it up but when she peels her eyes open he is staring at her mesmerized. 

“Don’t look.” 

He leans down to kiss it, the softest more precious kiss she has ever received in her life. 

He peppers more kisses all over, then strokes at it with a single finger. 

“I should have realized, this was your confession. I was an idiot. I will never be that stupid again, I love you so much. I would do anything for you. Anything.” 

He puts her legs on her shoulder, nearly bending her in half before resuming his thrusts but they are less frenzied now, it feels like lovemaking. Her eyes prickle when he kisses her scar with every downward thrust, whispering, “Beautiful, so beautiful. Every inch of you.” 

She cries out. 

With every thrust he kisses her scar, making her feel lightheaded and naked. 

When he moves them into a new position, her back to his front giving him better access to her scar, she loses herself as he whispers sweet nothings into her ears and litters the spot with warm kisses. 

She falls off the edge with his lips on her scar and him deep inside her, warm bursts filling her up before leaking out onto the bed sheets. 

“Today’s our last day.” 

Waking up next to him is torture, she tries not to ingrain that in her mind but it’s too late it’s already there. He blinks away the sleep in his eyes at her words and then nods solemnly in agreement. 

“Yes for this visit. But I’ll always come back for you.” 

She smiles brightly, “Don’t keep me waiting for too long.” 

They don’t leave the bed except to get breakfast and that ends with her laid across the kitchen table getting taken from behind after teasing him. He can’t seem to keep his hands off her new hair, twisting the short strands in his hands and yanking on them. She catches him looking at her heatedly more than once. 

Then they wind up in the shower, trying to clean up and getting dirtier instead, his hands tight in her hair and around her waist as he hoists her up to pound her into the wall. Making up for lost time. 

They get messages from their entire family, Vincenzo showing her a message from Han Seo asking if he’s going to be an uncle soon. She promises to embarrass him in front of Miri very, very soon. 

Both pretend they don’t feel the day fading away, bringing them closer to their goodbye. 

Tomorrow he will be gone again, but there’s no guessing now. She knows what she means to him now and that’s more than enough. 

She wakes up to an empty bed and a ticket to Malta, the ball is in her court. 

[crystal-methionine]

The Post-Eurovision ranking and comments from an American that nobody asked for:

1. Switzerland 🇨🇭 Gjon’s Tears - Tout l’univers: I absolutely was enamored by this song, its artistry, and the artist. He can really sing and one of my early favorites from this year. So happy for him to get in the top 3 bc it was well deserved. 100/10

2. Italy 🇮🇹 Måneskin - Zitti e Buoni: Deserved winners. As queer as you can get and I am here for it. Another early favorite of mine constantly fighting with Switzerland for the top spot. 100/10

3. Iceland 🇮🇸 Dadi og Gagnamagnid - 10 Years: A beautiful song dedicated to his wife and deserved Top 5 for sure. Last year’s song would have won hands down so I’m bummed he couldn’t win the first one for Iceland but brilliant song and I hope the group stays together to produce more music. 99/10

4. Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Victoria - Growing Up Is Getting Old: Eurovision fandom will forever say Imaginary Friend or Ugly Cry was the better song to send, but I don’t think they would have won the contest either. This year was strong, and I personally think Growing Up was a perfect choice from Victoria. It deserved top 10 so I was pissed that it came 11th on the night and received so few televotes. 97/10

5. Ukraine 🇺🇦 Go_A - SHUM: To all y’all who said this wouldn’t qualify when the new version came out, eat those words hun. This was a masterpiece, and the live performances just elevated it further. Honestly, Kateryna could step on me, and I would let her. Who doesn’t love an ethnic modern fusion rave? 95/10

6. Serbia 🇷🇸 Hurricane - Loco Loco: I honestly have to say when it came out, it was never breaking my top 20, but here we are. This group of gals is amazing. The choreo, hairography, and the still great vocals won my gay ass over. They served and deserved top 10 in my eye. 90/10

7. Greece 🇬🇷 Stefania - Last Dance: Much like Serbia, I kinda dismissed this as a top 10 song at first, but after many listens and then the live shows, it was one of the best songs this year. Last year’s song was nowhere near a qualifier for me, and then I thought they had a good chance of being top 5 this year. Amazing improvement and can’t wait to see what comes next from Stefania. 80/10

8. Malta 🇲🇹 Destiny - Je me casse: Not going to lie, the studio definitely did more for me. It was up with Italy and Switzerland for winner contention until the live shows. Don’t get me wrong, Destiny is still amazing live, and the song is a deserved top 5 song. However, the costume and staging just really didn’t add to the song and I think detracted a bit. Her song last year was also much better in my opinion. 75/10

9. San Marino 🇸🇲 Senhit ft Flo Rida - Adrenalina: Oh boy this was a party, and the fact Flo Rida actually was there made it even better. The staging and costuming was absolutely camp, and I was here for it. This was definitely not underrated by fans beforehand, but the jury and televote were beyond robberies in my opinion. Granted I know the backing vocals were carrying the chorus a lot so in terms of vocals, I can see where this song got dinged, but this should have been San Marino’s best ever result at Eurovision, and it wasn’t so I’m mad. 60/10

10. France 🇫🇷 Barbara Pravi - Voila: The new Edith Piaf and probably one of the most representative of the country’s culture for a song. A definite deserved runner up on the night but for me 10th place. I loved the staging, the costume, the emotions. It was all right for Eurovision and me. 50/10

11. Cyprus 🇨🇾 Elena Tsingarou - El Diablo: Come through Cyprus with another female pop banger. I’d say if the formula ain’t broke don’t fix it, but wasn’t really enough to crack top 10 this year. Another early favorite of mine this year but soon got eclipsed. Still going to be listening to El Diablo for a while. 49/10

12. Russia 🇷🇺 Manizha - Russian Woman: I can’t lie that at first, this song was absolutely trash to me but quickly rose the ranks and became one of my faves. Same thing happened last year with Uno. We also always love a good female empowerment moment with the native language thrown in. Manizha is a girlboss without the gaslighting and a true queen. Deserved top 10 the night of. 40/10

13. Lithuania 🇱🇹 The Roop - Discoteque: An earworm for first listen and was top 10 for a while for me but like Cyprus, lost out to some others. No doubt this is a deserved top 10 the night of. 35/10

14. Croatia 🇭🇷 Albina - Tick Tock: The first song to get me pressed on it’s placement. Deserved to be in the final over both Israel and Norway (please come for me I don’t care). They freakin rocked that stage during the semis and the song is absolutely a bop. Albina deserved better. 30/10

15. Sweden 🇸🇪 Tusse - Voices: A beautiful song by an amazing artist. Sure the lyrics were a bit cliche Eurovision but guess what...it’s Eurovision. I can hear the voices. Keep carrying on Tusse. 25/10

16. Albania 🇦🇱 Anxehla Peristeri - Karma: This song grew on me a lot. I liked it but wasn’t a don’t skip for a while on my playlist. The live performance changed it for me. She slayed and the staging was everything for Miss Thing. Also native language brownie points. 24/10

17. Finland 🇫🇮 Blind Channel - Darkside: Before you come for me for having this at 17th, keep reading. I’m not a big fan of the lyrics but the song is absolutely fantastic. This style of music isn’t something I pull out on a playlist often, but I had my middle fingers up for this one (and pointed at Germany but we’ll discuss later). Deserved top 10 as they rocked it on stage. 20/10

18. The Netherlands 🇳🇱 Jeangu Macrooy - Birth of a New Age: I absolutely do not understand the hate for this song. I was also a huge fan of Grow last year so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised for being generally alone again. The fact it got 0 points in the televote and only 11 in the jury is not surprising but extremely disappointing to me. This song is a masterpiece much like the ones ranked above it. Jeangu, you are amazing and deserved so much better than this. 20/10

19. Belgium 🇧🇪 Hooverphonic - The Wrong Place: Fantastic song but fantastic artists. Always here for a dark pop moment. Gonna go get my own Johnny Cash T-shirt. 15/10

20. Spain 🇪🇸 Blas Cantó - Voy a Quedarme: Such a heartfelt ballad. I enjoyed it quite a bit and don’t understand the hate it has. Didn’t deserve 0 points in the televote. 14/10

21. Denmark 🇩🇰 Fyr og Flamme - Øve Os På Hinanden: Look we all know this song is cheesy but it’s the cheesiest Velveeta queso loco so it’s ranked so high in my opinion. This is a nod to the whacky and weird Eurovision I love. It’s always in my head and I always find myself dancing along. Deserved to be in the final over two of the songs in Semi 2. 13/10

22. Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 Efendi - Mata Hari: As far as the song goes, it’s enjoyable, but the stage show was a hot mess in my opinion. The choreo looked a mess and the different sheer legging configurations on the backup dancers was not the correct fashion choice in my opinion as I was distracted by the thought of why are they all different. Did deserve their spot in the final though. 12/10

23. Moldova 🇲🇩 Natalia Gordienko - Sugar: The studio version of this song is a heavily replayed one on my playlist bc of the drop and dance-ability of the song. However the downfall of the song was it’s live performance. The staging was fine and the choreo was great but those attempted sexy whisper vocals were not the choice to go with. I don’t want to sugar-coat this 😝 so they were terrible. Glad she made it but I felt her position in the final was one of just pure luck. 11/10

24. UK 🇬🇧 James Newman - Embers: The nul points was a huge ass oof. This song isn’t bad but I can see where people didn’t vote for it bc it’s not super memorable in terms of who all was participating this year. I like the song and always sing and dance along. 10/10

25. Israel 🇮🇱 Eden Alene - Set Me Free: This is how to do a revamp and be successful. Eden is a fantastic artist who can clearly sing, but the live performance was not all that sans the whistle tones. Yet the whistle tones aside, the song is lacking a lot. When looking back at the songs available, this one should not have been the selected one. I was always on the fence with this one and still am. 9.5/10

26. Czechia 🇨🇿 Benny Cristo - Omaga: The live definitely hurt this song in the first minute and a half. The second half was absolutely what should have happened in terms of vocals. Still like the song and listen to it often. 9.25/10

27. Ireland 🇮🇪 Leslie Roy - Maps: This song was a victim of a super strong bloodbath and shoddy staging ideas. The song is arresting and a bop. Leslie’s gruff voice mixed with the modernized Irish sounds is a match made. The staging of this song that required Leslie to run along with the beat and the distracting and constantly changing bits of the performance we’re definitely it’s downfall. It didn’t deserve last place in Semi 1 though. 9.25/10

28. Portugal 🇵🇹 The Black Mamba - Love Is On My Side: I am the first to admit that while I don’t like the song, it deserved the final. The staging and atmosphere elevated the song. 9/10

29. Austria 🇦🇹 Vincent Bueno - Amen: In the battle of the Amens, this one wins solely based on the classy and amazing staging. Don’t get me wrong, Slovenia’s was also elevating but this one did it better. 8.5/10

30. Australia 🇦🇺 Montaigne - Technicolor: This song is a fantastic one for studio. The live since the Sydney Mardi Gras performance has been rough and didn’t necessarily improve. I feel bad bc I do really love this song but it definitely didn’t deserve to qualify. This being said, I love Montaigne, and Don’t Break Me was my runner up last year, and I still listen to it as my anthem when I’m feeling down. I wish I could rank this higher but I can’t. 8.5/10

31. Romania 🇷🇴 Roxen - Amnesia: This song is great in the studio but it got old real fast for me and I don’t know why. This mixed with the poor vocals and the bizarre costume:stage combo was really what did this in and got this low in my ranking. 8.25/10

32. Slovenia 🇸🇮 Ana Soklic - Amen: The loser of the Amen battle, but just barely. The song and vocals are better in my opinion but the whole package was just barely edged out in the end. 8/10

33. Latvia 🇱🇻 Samanta Tīna - Moon Is Rising: Look, this song is nowhere near as good as last years. The queeeeeen sashayed away with that annoying trap beat. 8/10

34. North Macedonia 🇲🇰 Vasil - Here I Stand: Leave it to the gays for bringing musical theatre to Eurovision. The song honestly isn’t that special or memorable but he’s higher up bc his stage and voice are amazing. 7/10

35. Norway 🇳🇴 Tix - Fallen Angel: A great message on mental health outside of the song and Tix seems like a quality fella but I do not like the song. I preferred it in Norwegian. And this low ranking is not at all influenced over him beating out Keiino (but maybe a slight bit tho). 5/10

36. Estonia 🇪🇪 Uku Suviste - The Lucky One: While this was 1000% better than last years entry, it still was relatively boring. The stage was equally as boring so sorry Estonia, but you didn’t make the mark. 4.5/10

37. Poland 🇵🇱 Rafael - The Ride: This throwback to the 80s was a bad one. The attempt at a one hit wonder vibe really hurt it along with the artist’s terrible vocals. Also half the time, he was behind the pyro and relying on backup vocals. 4/10

38. Georgia 🇬🇪 Tornike Kipiani - You: You really should not have to wait so long for the more upbeat rock ending of this. If it was that last 30 seconds for 3 minutes, it would be much better. A definite step back from last year. 1/10

39. Germany 🇩🇪 Jendrick - I Don’t Feel Hate: Jendrick might not feel hate but I do bc that is all I feel when this song comes on. 0.5/10

[eurovision-del]

After a really strong show, the first semi final has wrapped up, so here’s my thoughts on the acts!

Qualifiers:

Norway: I was sort of expecting this, despite my personal feelings on the song, so I’m happy enough to see it go through. It’s the sort of camp staging that I think a lot of people watch Eurovision for, and that’s fair enough.

Israel: This really surprised me, I was not expecting Israel to qualify, but I guess someone was impressed by her high notes. I’m certainly interested to see how the results break down when we eventually get them, I have a feeling it might have been juries who pushed this one through. Eden is at least a brilliant performer so I can sort of understand it.

Russia: The first of my favourites to make it, and I’m so glad it did! I do honestly prefer the Russian National Final staging over the Eurovison staging, but Manizha is such a great performer, and she killed it tonight! Can’t wait to see her do the same again on Saturday!

Azerbaijan: I didn’t think both this and Israel would get through, I thought at least one would be lost in the sea of solo female bangers, but apparently there was room in the final for both. Personally, I’m not at all happy, I’ve said my opinions on the song before, and the staging and performance did not sell me, I found it lackluster.

Malta: This was never in doubt, and I’m glad to see it qualify, Destiny deserves that final! It’s not my favourite song, but if Destiny manages to do the same again or better on Saturday, I won’t complain if it does win!

Lithuania: So glad to see them go through, one of my favourites this year! I’d love to see them crack the top 10 in the final!

Cyprus: Still not a fan of the song, but of my personal non-qualifiers, Cyprus is the one I’m most glad to see qualify. The staging was brilliant and Elena nailed that performance! I’m super impressed by how she can keep singing while contorting her body like that.

Sweden: I never thought for a moment that this wouldn’t qualify. Tusse gave a solid performance, and while the song isn’t my thing, I fully expected it to do very well with juries, which I’m sure it did, and will likely do again on Saturday.

Belgium: I’m very glad to see them go through, I was worried the staging might be too dark, but I’m glad people seemed to respond to it!

Ukraine: I actually relaxed a little by the end of the results, I was sure Go_A were going to qualify, and when they hadn’t been announced earlier, I knew they had to be announced last. The performance Go_A gave was too good not to make the final! And well done to them for keeping Ukraine’s qualification record in tact, it’s well deserved!

Non-Qualifiers:

Australia: I was actually really impressed with Montaigne’s performance, it was a lot better than I was expecting! That said, I thought her being unable to perform live might hurt her, and I think it did. It’s impossible to know what could have happened, her song was always borderline in this tough semi, but I really feel for her right now.

Croatia: My big disappointment. I would swap this out for either of Israel or Azerbaijan in a heartbeat, I struggle to understand why they qualified and this didn’t. Were the outfits too much? I really enjoyed the whole performance and I’m gutted we won’t get to see this again.

Ireland: I really enjoyed watching the staging for this one, but wasn’t too surprised to see it not qualify. Lesley’s voice isn’t the strongest so if the performance she gave yesterday was similar to this, I imagine she wouldn’t get too many jury points, and in such a strong semi it was always going to be an uphill battle for this to qualify.

North Macedonia: I enjoyed Vasil’s performance, I thought the staging was effective if a little cheesy (so at least it fit the song!) but this was never going to qualify out of this semi. Vasil can at least be proud that he gave a great performance and got to showcase his song to millions.

Romania: This was also a big disappointment for me, but not in terms of results. I was not thrilled at all with Roxen’s outfit, it didn’t suit the song at all, and her vocal wasn’t the best. It’s a shame, because she can really sing. This is a strong case of poorly conceived staging killing a songs chances. I don’t mind not seeing it miss out on the final, I’ll always have the studio version to listen to.

Slovenia: Like Vasil, Anna’s chances of qualifying were next to none. She also gave a really solid performance, it was great to hear her perform, and she should also be proud of herself.

I only got 5 out of my ideal qualifiers (Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belgium, and Malta), and while I had accepted that most of the rest wouldn’t qualify, it was heartbreaking to see Croatia miss out. Still, I can be thankful that my three clear favourites from this semi went through! Hopefully I’ll be a little luckier on Thursday...

[pocketmouse18]

For @agentsofchallenges​ : A Study in Socks and Subterfuge

(warning, this was hastily written and even more hastily edited... also TW for swearing, mention of death/‘crossing off,’ Hydra)

***

If it hadn’t been for a particularly muddy patch of Malta beach, Skye probably would have never known. She didn’t make a habit of looking at people’s feet, for one. Sure, you could tell a few things about a person from their shoes. She’d picked that trick up ages ago while living on her own – undercover cops all wore the same boots, people with money gravitated towards certain brands while people with less money than they were pretending to have gravitated towards other, that one brand of sneaker that ended up in donation bins more than the others – but she had thought she wouldn’t need it much now that she had gone legit at SHIELD. All the field agents they’d met so far had worn standard-issue SHIELD gear, and she didn’t need to check Coulson or Fitzsimmons’ shoes to learn what she needed to know about them. So she never expected to learn something about her SO from his feet.

They were back on the Bus after the Malta mission. She had flubbed in a few places (chickening out straight into a pool wasn’t her proudest moment), but overall she was pleased with what they had accomplished, and she was celebrating at the bar. Everyone else had retreated to their pods, or the cockpit, in May’s case, so it surprised her when Ward stomped into the room, scowling at a boot in his hand. He didn’t even realize she was there until he had nearly bumped into her.

“Do you usually take your boot for a drink after missions?”

Ward looked up, blinked, registered she was sitting just a few feet from where he had been rummaging around behind the bar.

“That’s classified information, Agent Skye.”

“You seriously can’t be telling me that your boot – your dirty, more than a little smelly, combat boot – has a higher clearance than me.”

Something softened slightly in his face. That had been happening more and more, now that they were spending so much time together, training. Skye had to admit it certainly was an ego boost to know that her wisecracking was starting to wear her SO down, bit by bit.

“I can’t get the damn beach mud off the toe,” he admitted, holding it out for her to see. There was a miniscule patch of greying mud near the toe that she probably would never have noticed. “I was looking for some distilled water to help. I think the minerals in the stuff we keep in the tanks is strengthening the dirt molecules or something.”

“I’m gonna check with Fitzsimmons, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how water – or mud – works,” Skye smirked. “It’s just a little bit of dirt. It’ll flake off in a day or two.”

“It’s critical that a SHIELD agent’s gear is in top condition at all times,” he said sharply, snapping back into SO mode. “Consider that a bonus lesson for today.”

“I don’t even have gear,” Skye shot back playfully, undaunted by his cold shift in demeanor. She was getting used to his moods. She sighed, got up from her seat and came around to help him look.

Oddly, Ward backed away as she rounded the bar, and tried to hide his leg from view. He wasn’t quite fast enough.

“What’s—Are you hurt?” Skye jumped forward, ready to inspect for damages and delighted at the opportunity to get on his case a little. Upon closer inspection, it wasn’t a wound she found. It was—

“I swear to god, if you laugh,” Ward warned, “I’ll throw you out of this plane and call it parachute practice.”

“Where did you get those socks?” Skye asked, biting down hard on her lip to keep from cracking up. The foot that wasn’t encased in a boot was clad instead, unmistakably, in a thick, woolen sock adorned with brightly-colored polka dots.

“I’m serious, Skye, jump school is about to be in session.”

“They’re just so… not you,” she grinned. “All fun and colorful and warm. Oh my god, they’re like anti-Grant Ward socks.”

“They’re not anti-Grant Ward socks,” he protested. “They’re socks. My socks. My Gramzy made them for me, if you must know.”

“Your Gramzy?” Skye had managed to reign in the urge to laugh, but the smile was still there. “That’s really sweet, actually.”

“I know you think I’m a cold, boring guy,” Ward sighed, “but it’s my job as an agent, as your SO, to be like that. I’m not always on the clock, though. Sometimes…” he hesitated. “Sometimes I’m a guy who wants to wear something cozy that his Gramzy made for him. Sometimes I’m a guy who likes spotted socks.”

“That is… definitely good to know,” nodded Skye, still smiling in disbelief. “You’ve got layers. I see you, Grant Ward.”

“Don’t read too much into it,” he warned. Skye could see him fighting a smile of his own, though, and she knew she had cracked him, just a little bit. Her SO was a warm and fuzzy spotted sock kind of guy. Well, a secret one at least.

 ***

Grant Ward was having a good day. Hydra had successfully taken down SHIELD in dramatic fashion, he had reunited with Garrett for real, crossed off Victoria Hand, and managed to maintain his cover with Coulson’s team. A great day, really, when you thought about it. Until, that is, he went to pack his bag for the trip to whatever secret base Coulson’s team had managed to stumble into.

“Damn it,” he hissed, yanking the zipper of his duffle shut.

“What?” called Garret from the shadowy side of the room. “You’re not blown are you? Because I trained you better than to blow your cover from a distance.”

“No, I forgot the spotted socks.”

“The what?” Garrett wore an expression of amused incredulity.

“The spotted socks. It was a tactic to soften Skye to me. She was a loose canon, and an unpredicted factor on the team. I had to come up with some creative ways of getting her to trust me.”

“You won the heart of the doe-eyed hacker with a pair of socks?”

“I pretended like she accidentally caught me wearing this god-awful pair of socks. Horrible, spotted things. Acted all embarrassed, told her they were from my grandmother.”

“And she bought that?” Garrett asked.

“Hook, line, and sinker,” Ward smirked. “I think it played into the idea she wanted to have of me. Tough guy with a secret heart of gold inside.”

“Well, that’s disgusting,” scoffed Garrett. Both men shared a laugh at that. At the naïveté and stupidity of the sheep Ward had so successfully shepherded straight into Garrett’s hands over these last few months.

“Do you need the socks to get back in?”

“No,” Ward decided. “I can play the loss for leverage. She likes it when I’m vulnerable about my family.”

“Good,” Garrett said. “Go. Use it. Report back when you have the drive.”

“Yessir.”

 ***

Skye wasn’t too proud to admit she was relieved to see him limp through the door of Providence. He looked terrible, bloodied and bruised and beyond exhausted, but at least he was alive. His news wasn’t great, either. Garrett, gone. Victoria Hand, dead. Hydra, heads still growing back at an alarming rate. But at least he was safe, at least he was here. She knew it was a bad idea, but Skye had grown… fond of Ward the last few weeks. Not that she was ready to marry the guy or anything ridiculous like that, but still, the kiss in the supply closet had been… nice. Nicer than she was expecting. She had no idea what it meant, or where it might lead, but at least Ward was still here, living and breathing, and they could figure it all out once things calmed down.

They finally got a minute alone hours later, once Ward had gone through the trippy lie-detector and gotten his official lanyard from Koenig. Skye was giving him the tour of the base, ending with the corridor where the bunks were waiting.

“We didn’t have time to bring much along,” she explained, showing him the empty room. “And we were traveling on foot through the snow, so we had to pack light.”

“It’s fine,” he said flatly. “I wasn’t expecting cushy accommodations. We have bigger things to worry about. Hydra’s out there. We should be spending our time working to stop them, opening up that hard drive. The hominess of my bunk is pretty much the lowest thing on my priority list.”

“You didn’t let me finish,” Skye told him, teasing. She tugged open the drawer from the wall and proudly brought forth her prize.

“You brought my socks.” Ward looked shocked. Totally caught off-guard. Skye didn’t know what to make of it.

“Well, yeah,” she said, offering him a half-smile. “You barely have any personal items in your bunk on the Bus to begin with, but I knew… I knew these were important to you. Plus, I wanted to give you something to help you remember the other side of you. The fluffy one. The world’s falling apart, everything sucks, Hydra’s back, but… you can still be a polka-dot sock guy, if you want to.”

“Spotted,” Ward breathed, taking the socks lovingly. “They’re spotted socks.”

“Okay,” Skye conceded. “Spotted. Whatever. I just don’t want you to cut yourself off from the guy who wears his grandma’s socks. There’s a lot to process right now, and we’re all feeling like we failed—”

“Because we did, Skye.”

“But that doesn’t mean we have to lose the parts of ourselves that still make us human,” Skye insisted, cutting him off. She reached out and took his hand. “SHIELD is down, but it’s not out. And SHIELD needs real, human people, people who have families and feelings and wear goofy socks, to keep fighting. Not cold, slithering squid Nazis.”

 ***

Sometimes in life, people surprise you. Sometimes a person who seemed cold and prickly has something warm and nurturing hiding underneath. Sometimes that person turns out to be a mentor, a friend. Agent May had surprised her in that way. Other times people surprise you by turning out to be disgusting, murderous traitors, and the guy you thought might be your first real shot at a boyfriend since you dumped stupid Miles turned out to be one of those slithering squid Nazis you had recently dedicated your life to fighting.

Honestly, Skye wasn’t too upset about losing her opportunity with Ward. He would have been a pain in the ass to date, way too controlling and buttoned up. Plus the combined murderer-Hydra thing was a big draw back. Mostly she was upset with herself for falling for him. For falling for his absurd tricks. She was usually so good at reading people, at trusting her instincts about people. She had been duped by him so easily, and frankly, it was embarrassing.

That was why, after Centipede had been squished, Garrett evaporated, the Petersons reunited, she had found herself outside Providence, building up a roaring bonfire in the Canadian wilderness. It was why, once the flames had gotten hot enough, she and Simmons had set to work systematically erasing all traces of Grant Ward from their history and their base. It was why the first thing to go up in smoke was an ugly, garish pair of spotted woolen socks.

[purplesurveys]

1262

o1. With which one of your friends do you spend the most time? With which friend do you spend the least amount of time? Would you like to change this in any way? I don’t really get to...spend time with my friends, in that sense. For very obvious reasons. But I talk to Angela and Reena the most. Andi and I talk a lot too, but not everyday. 

Among my friends, I probably talk to my college group the least these days, but that’s mostly because 2/3 of them are pursuing law school, and the 1/3 have jobs and are as busy as I am. We’re still as tight as ever and our group chat becomes active at least once a week.

o2. What four states in the USA would you most like to visit? Which four countries would you most like to visit? States: Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Utah. Countries: Malta, Switzerland, Thailand, South Korea.

o3. If you have one, how often do you watch your favorite television show? How long has this show been your favorite? I’m not a big TV person, tbh. The closest thing to my favorite would be Friends, which I rewatch at least one episode of once a month though I used to watch it FAR more often than that, hahaha. I think I first hooked to it...I wanna say 2018?Or 2019. Sometime in between those years. o4. Would it bother you if your boyfriend hugged other females (think hypothetically if you don’t have one)? Why or why not? No. He’s allowed to have girl friends. The only reason it bothered me when it was Gabie was because we were both aware that her guy friends were genuinely into her. I never channeled my annoyance towards her though; I was definitely more pissed off at those guys for not learning how to back off when needed.

o5. If you had snow-days as a kid, how did you spend them? Do you like the snow, in general? We don’t have snow, but our equivalent would be days off school because of a typhoon. Anyway, I just spent them lounging around and mostly watching stuff on YouTube. In college I was a bit more diligent and would use the extra time to catch up on readings.

o6. Do you know anyone who does hard drugs? Would you ever befriend someone that did? Not that I am aware of. I probably wouldn’t befriend someone who did if we weren’t already close, because there’s no telling what kind of influence they would be on me.

o7. When was the last time that you were afraid for your life? Did this incident change you in any way? When I was really sick back in May. Not really, I just wanted to recover as quickly as possible.

o8. Do you enjoy taking pictures? Is it just for fun, or do you make an attempt at actual photography? I didn’t then, but it’s something I’m trying to do more often now. I’ve realized I have very few souvenirs from the last few years because I barely took photos then, so it sucks not being able to revisit memories and ending up forgetting others completely. I definitely don’t plan to take it so far as taking photography lessons; taking pictures from my own perspective and in my own style suffices.

o9. Have you ever had low self-esteem? How is your self-esteem now? Yeah, sure. I had a recent phase of it because of the breakup, but I’ve recovered from it. My self-esteem is a lot healthier and more stable these days.

o1o. When you see someone sickly-thin, what is your first thought? Nothing for the most part, but I would obviously be concerned if that person was starting to show worrying signs of malnutrition. Idrk what you mean by sickly-thin.

o11. Do hospitals make you nervous? Why or why not? Do you have any bad hospital experiences? Not really, only because I’ve rarely had to go there.

o12. What did you dress up as the last time you went Trick-or-Treating? Who went with you? I went as Sofie, my old best friend from high school.

o13. What is one thing you miss most from your childhood? What do you miss the least? The part about having less responsibilities and more time to just have fun and do whatever I want. But I didn’t really have a picture-perfect childhood either, so my list of things I don’t miss for sure trumps the list of stuff I do miss.

o14. What would be the biggest challenge involved in raising a child at your age? How to send them to a good school because I don’t make nearly enough to afford tuition for another person.

o15. If you happened to get pregnant before you were ready for children, how would you cope? Do you think your parents would support you and help you out? I don’t know, honestly; and the thought kind of scares me. I know my parents wouldn’t provide support whatsoever, so I’d have to claw my way to find it from other people who would be willing. I’d probably need to take an extra job to earn enough money to support us both.

o16. Have you ever had unprotected sex? What would you tell a young teen thinking about having unprotected sex? Yeah, but I was also with a girl, so...idk. I don’t have a lot of sexual experience either so I dunno what sort of advice to tell a teen other than ‘don’t do it,’ lmao.

o17. What are some gender double-standards anger you? All of them. < Yes.

o18. Other than the usual qualities (honesty, respect, etc), what are some attributes you want your BF/GF to possess? Patience in the sense that I tend to be sensitive, so if they crack a joke that I ended up getting hurt or offended by, or if I get triggered by something minor that would otherwise be normal for anyone else, I hope they are patient enough to ride the wave out with me. I didn’t experience that with my past partner, and was often told to just stop being sensitive.

o19. Do you still talk to the first person you ever dated? If not, would you want to? Why or why not? No, because doing so is detrimental to my well-being.

o2o. Five years ago, what was the most important thing in your life? How about the most important person? My relationship, barf. Gabie, another barf.

21. How would you describe your sexuality? Have you ever wondered whether or not you might be homo/bisexual? I’ve stopped caring about it. I say asexual to people just so I have an answer to say.

o22. Do you think that homosexual couples should be able to raise or adopt children? Why or why not? Yeah...because I don’t see why they can’t be granted that right?

o23. Think of your worst fear. What would you do if you were confronted with it right now? Hyperventilate.

o24. If you were to become a vegetarian, what meat-product would you miss the most? Have you ever been or wanted to be a vegetarian? Chicken wings or sandwiches. I’ve thought about it before, yes. It’s too expensive a lifestyle where I live, though.

o25. Do you think that someone’s sexuality is something that they can control? No.

o26. What do you like most about your favorite animal? They’re very friendly and always down to play. :)

o27. What is your favorite way to eat your favorite food? How often do you eat your favorite food item? Eating burgers by hand is always the best. I have one maybe once a month.

o28. What is something you are craving? Will this craving be satisfied? KFC’S DOUBLE DOWN. I’ll get one next week, when I get my next pay lol. The rest of my budget this week is already allotted for my mom’s birthday/JK’s belated birthday dinner tomorrow.

o29. What is the largest number of texts you have sent in a day? Do you often text this much? Ooooh, I dunno. Maybe around 200-300 in a day? My ex and I primarily communicated through text whenever we weren’t physically together, which was often as we were both students in different schools.

o3o. Do you like the holiday season? Why or why not? What could be better about it? Some parts of it I like, some parts of it I don’t. The latter mostly stems from insecurities I will feel from seeing other families on social media, who always seem to be having a better and fancier time than I am. It’s why I usually deactivate during Christmas so I don’t get to see posts that can affect my disposition.

[lesbian-vmin]

thoughts on Malta vmin? especially how whipped jimin was? i dunno how people can call vmin one sided after watching bv3 honestly...

First of all, I want to say that I don’t know why anyone would think Vmin is one sided in the first place? I’ve seen people saying it one way or the other, but I guess mostly that Taehyung cares about Jimin but not the other way around (even though it was mentioned in Taehyung’s letter in BV2 that fans see it the opposite, so maybe Korean fans look at it differently?) Even so, I don’t know why people think it’s one sided. I’m not really biased toward either Jimin or Taehyung (Hoseok is my bias in BTS in case you didn’t know and Jungkook/Jin would be my second, so...but ofc I love them all). So maybe that’s why? I feel like the people who have a bias between one of them would be the ones feeling that way? I could be wrong, but I’ve never gotten the feeling that Vmin was one sided. And all those times that people called Vmin “dead” throughout the years...I never saw that either. But we’re here to talk about Malta, right? 

So I think the easiest way to do this would be to do it episode by episode? So that’s what we are going to do. And yep. You can bet this is going to be a long~ post. (below the cut)

Episode 1

So at the start of the episode, you don’t see Jimin or Taehyung interact at all, and Taehyung doesn’t join them right away. The thing is, Vmin don’t have to be together or even interact with each other to have moments that are worth pointing out, so let’s talk about the first thing, shall we?

When Jungkook points out that Taehyung isn’t with them, the only chance you get to see Jimin’s reaction is when the camera is panned out so that you can see all six of the members, and I think he looks pretty upset. Of course, he’s always upset when Taehyung (or any of the members) can’t be with them. But I think it especially bothered him this time because Taehyung was dealing with some stuff, and they had to leave him behind. After you see all six of the members, you get a close up of all the members except for Jimin.

After mentioning that Taehyung is not with them, the members begin talking about the festival period and such. Most of them have something to say. Namjoon’s the one to initiate the conversation, and Jungkook at least puts a little “oh” in there, but Jimin says nothing. Maybe he’s too busy thinking about Taehyung. Or he doesn’t want to think about doing a lot of things and having too much fun without Taehyung. Anyway, he doesn’t crack a smile until the members start talking about their BT21 merchandise.

In the Behind Cam for episode 1, Taehyung was mentioned when they brought up horseback riding. Jimin was the one to bring it up. Yoongi mentions that Taehyung was looking forward to it, and Jimin wonders when they’ll do it. Jimin is afraid of horses (as seen in BV4), but he at least seems to be looking forward to something Taehyung will want to do.

Episode 2

In episode 2, we have the moment where all the members are on the boat. Jimin suggests that they send a video to Taehyung. During the video, he asks all the members to say “I love you” to Taehyung. He probably asked them to do it to help cheer Taehyung up, but it also felt like he just wanted an excuse to say “I love you” in the video without being weird, so he asked all the members to say it. (And Yoongi’s relucntancy and Taehyung’s reaction to it was sooo cute, but this isn’t a Taegi analysis gdi 😭)

Taehyung then shows a picture (I can’t tell if it’s a selfie of Jimin or a freeze frame from a video) of Jimin that’s obviously not from the video they just made for him. So Jimin clearly sent a selfie or a separate video of just himself to Taehyung. (Yeah, clearly they’re not actually best friends at the very least 🙄) The selfie/video was sent to Taehyung separately and off camera, so it’s clearly a little more personal than the video he did “for show”. Taehyung was the one who decided to share it with the world. I do sort of get the feeling that it was actually a separate video that Taehyung watched while sitting there, and the editors decided not to share with us. I get that feeling because it doesn’t really look like a selfie but a little more like Jimin was in motion and the video was paused. But. I could be wrong.

In the behind the cam, I don’t think there’s anything Vmin specific. One scene that did seem a little odd to me was Jimin sitting off by himself while the rest of the members sat together eating. I could think of a few ways to connect it to Vmin, but Jimin seemed a little lonely in that moment and it made me feel sad. (But then he’s later up with Jungkook and enjoying the night view that he wants to later share with Taehyung.)

Episode 3

We’ll skip this one because I don’t think there was any significance here. Maybe in the Behind Cam, but I don’t feel like watching it to find out because all of the important things are about to come up in episode 4 and beyond.

Episode 4

The first thing, when Jin and Jimin are together buying food for the group, they forget to exclude Taehyung. Jin says something about 7 people, and Jimin doesn’t catch it until Seokjin reminds him that there’s only six of them there. Jimin wishes that Taehyung would come sooner. It’s clear that all of the members want Taehyung to be there, but I really feel for Jimin in this scene because he actually almost seems like he wants to cry. The way his voice trails off and gets quieter as he mentions keeping in contact, the way his eyes look sad, and the subtle furrow if his brows before he turns away from the camera again.

Then we finally get to the reunion. Taehyung finally joins the rest of BTS when they are all about to eat a meal together. The reaction when he comes into their appearance happens so quick that I can’t tell what happens first. Jimin either turns his head slightly, and notices Taehyung and quickly takes a double take. Or he hears Jungkook announce Taehyung’s entrance, and Jimin takes a look. (He seems to react before even the ㅌ of Taehyung’s name makes it out of Jungkook’s mouth, but again it’s all so fast I can’t be sure). Either way, that detail is not that important. What is important is that Jimin is happy to finally have Taehyung with them. Why didn’t him and Jimin sit together? Or why didn’t they let them sit together? It would have saved Namjoon from the two of them holding hands across from him and on his shoulder, but whatever.

“Why are you all dressed up?” They ask Taehyung. Um. For Jimin of course! 😂 Okay they really asked him that, but he didn’t say that. This is a joke and not even part of the actual analysis but I wanted to slide it in here.

After Taehyung shows up, Jimin spends a lot of time with his body physically turned in Taehyung’s direction.

And of course, Jimin slips up and tells Taehyung which the biggest room is when they’re not supposed to be giving him any information. Luckily Hoseok recovers him from that (while other members are so done with him) and tells Taehyung that the rooms are all about the same size. Taehyung tried guessing which room Jimin is staying in, and Jimin asks if he wants to share a room with him. Taehyung then mentions that he’ll probably end up having to sleep in the floor, and Jimin says he hopes that doesn’t happen.

They get up to leave their meal, and Jimin finally gets to hug Taehyung, which he’s probably been waiting to do since Taehyung walked in.

After they scuba dive and jet ski, the members return to their cars. Taehyung asks Jimin which car he’s in. I think it’s pretty safe to assume that he asked because he wanted to be in the same car as Jimin, but they had him take Yoongi’s spot in the opposite car since Yoongi would no longer be there.

And cue handholding when they finally get out of the car. Because why not? And Jimin talking up Taehyung’s horse riding.

“I never knew we’d be riding horses together.” - Jimin to Taehyung

Then we are finally to where Taehyung gets to choose his room. It’s kind of cute watching the members trying not to give away any information, but failing miserably (I’m looking at you, Jungkook). He starts to go upstairs (to the room Jimin chose) and Jimin sits there and makes some kind of face that I can’t even begin to guess what it’s supposed to mean. Taehyung guesses it’s not Jimin’s room. Jimin tells him that it is his room after Taehyung says again that he wants to share a room with Jimin. The members look so done with him at this point, but Taehyung chooses a different room. He may have done it on purpose, but it’s also possible that he thought Jimin was lying about the room and chose the room he thought Jimin would have been staying in. Not really sure what happened there, but I don’t think he was lying about wanting to share a room with Jimin, it just ended up not happening. And I somehow get the feeling that them not sharing a room together is why they were allowed to spend so much time together on this trip.

In the behind the cam, the only moment we get is Taehyung walking in on a sleeping Jimin. He notices Jimin wearing a sheet mask, and he takes it off of him. It’s a sweet moment, but not really much to talk about there because it is what it is.

Episode 5

A really cute moment in here is Taehyung buying Jimin a sewing kit because he wanted to fix his pants that were too big. Jimin wasn’t even talking to Taehyung when he said it, but Taehyung was listening. He kept that in mind while they were shopping for supplies, and probably went out of his way to get the thing for Jimin. When Taehyung confirms that he bought it, Jimin says he’s amazing. Cute best friends if you ask me, but I wouldn’t even be mad if they were boyfriends. I want a girlfriend to take care of me like that and I can take care of her like that. 😂

Taehyung goes to sit by himself while they are getting the meal ready. Jimin sees him by himself and goes to keep him company and talk about the boat trip that he wished Taehyung could have been on. This is a very soft moment.

You then have the members calling to Taehyung to join them to eat. He doesn’t move right away and Jimin appears ready to physically lift Taehyung in the chair and carry him to the rest of them.

Every interaction with Vmin is cute, so I loved the scene with them in the fishing shop in the behind cam for this episode. Looking at the giant hook and the bait together.

I know it’s not a Taegi analysis ffs, but Yoongi gave Taehyung his hat. I’m so soft.

Episode 6

This is finally where we get the soft Vmin moment with Taehyung crying and the crew member going to grab Jimin to tell him. Prior to that, Jimin had been trying to keep Taehyung engaged and talk to him. He pointed out the red moon that he wanted Taehyung to see, and he just kept trying to make sure Taehyung was included and didn’t feel left out. Honestly, I get the feeling that Taehyung just kind of wanted to be left alone, and Jimin respected that. He decided to leave Taehyung by himself, only to later be told that Taehyung was crying.

As soon as he’s told that Taehyung is crying, Jimin rushes over to comfort him. (Along with Hoseok who just gives him company and support, sitting with him while he cries and Jimin hugs him. Honestly this boy is the sweetest thing fight me this is why he’s my bias okay?). In that scene where Jimin is comforting Taehyung, he’s kind of draped over him. Now, I could be wrong about this, but it looks very much to me like when Jimin pulled away from Taehyung, he gives him a kiss on the side of his head. His face is hidden on the other side of Taehyung, so it’s hard to tell. But I’m strongly leaning toward that’s what he did because I have no evidence telling me otherwise. And I’m more convinced because I’ve watched the moment several times, and the sound appears to be muted at that moment. You can hear crickets the background, but then they’re silent when Jimin kisses Taehyung. Maybe it’s a crazy theory, but I think it’s possible they muted the sound if you could hear Jimin kiss him, and they thought I wouldn’t notice. Jimin even looks at the camera and smiles, but his mouth moves in such a way that suggests (to me) that he made a sound, but you hear nothing. (Don’t believe me? Oh don’t worry. That’s why I linked the video. See for yourself.) (EDIT: I did have the actual video in the post, but it didn’t stay when I posted. (x))

I also have mixed feelings about this scene. It’s nice to get a little peak into their friendship like that, but it also feels like they put it in when it should have been a private thing. Jimin should have been able to comfort Taehyung without BV making a “thing” of it. It also feels like this is one of those “private” Vmin moments that we don’t get to see very often (and didn’t even get to see much of here because it was clearly heavily edited), so it was nice to get a peek at what they’re probably really like off camera. But it also felt invasive, you know?

After that scene, the two join Hoseok at the fence, and they look out at the night sky together. Sweet and perfect little Hoseok gives them their space to just be together, but he sticks around still. Maybe because he just wants to enjoy the view a little longer, or maybe he wants to give Taehyung support. Either way, he’s kind enough to allow them to have their moment, and Jimin even pulls Taehyung closer and wraps an arm over his shoulder. There’s not much talking here, but it doesn’t feel necessary. Taehyung was crying, and it was important that he wasn’t crying alone.

Jimin likes the turtle.

The two are having fun looking around the glassblower’s shop, and the other four members leave them behind.

Then you see Jimin catch up to Taehyung. He asks him to take some pictures of him in an alley, and Taehyung asks Jimin to take his as well. After they shoot each other’s photos, Jimin asks one of the crew members to take pictures of them. He grabs Taehyung, and I’m not sure what kind of a pose he’s trying to do with him, but Taehyung doesn’t cooperate. Jimin then acts a little awkward, and they get their picture taken.

After the members all eat together, Jimin and Taehyung are left alone once again. They are allowed to spend time together tonight, and they start off by Taehyung taking pictures of Jimin. 

Jimin take Taehyung to places that he wants him to see. I guess since he wants Taehyung to be happy, he decides to take the lead and show Taehyung around. He even repeats the same things he’s done before because he wants to do them again with Taehyung.

They then make wishes in the fountain together.

They then go and have dinner together. Jimin lets Taehyung have a taste of his drink, and Taehyung says that he likes wine. Jimin says that he wants to take Taehyung to a wine place, then, which is kind of cute. Always thinking about what to do next with Taehyung. During their dinner, Taehyung starts taking pictures of Jimin because why not? He looks cute, and there should be pictures of him. And then Jimin takes his picture, too. And then they start being dorks together because why not? They’re Vmin. That’s what they do.

In the behind cam for this episode, Taehyung asks Jimin to pose for a picture because he really likes the scenery. He could just take a picture of the scenery he likes so much, but maybe it’s even better with the person he likes so much? He then takes a video, and it looks to be a video panning the area, but then Jimin starts being a dork and dancing. Taehyung obviously loves it because he goes in for a close up before continuing to get the buildings.

Episode 7

Taehyung wants to try busking, and Jimin tells him to do it right there. Taehyung doesn’t want to just do it in the middle of the restaurant, afraid the owner will get upset because he’s trying to ruin his business. So, instead, we get a pleasant moment of Taehyung serenading Jimin at the table. 

Then they go and Taehyung busks. It takes a while for Jimin to encourage him and build up his confidence, and Taehyung doesn’t even do the full song, but the moment between them here is so soft and wholesome. This is probably one of my favorite moments because it shows just how much they are like anyone else. Taehyung, a star with millions of fans who loves to hear him sing, is nervous to go up by himself in front of a small audience. Jimin encourages him, brushing his hair back and saying, “I’m here because I want to hear the song you will sing.” It’s just a very real and genuine moment, so this is my favorite moment in the whole series. And of course Jimin records it. The moment is already being filmed for the series, but he also records it for himself. He’s a cute and flustered and shy and happy because Jimin recorded him. They’re just adorable and so damn wholesome all right here.

Jimin wanted to show Taehyung night views because he likes them.

Cue more hand holding.

The next morning, Jimin admits to having a dream about Taehyung busking and getting bullied by someone in the audience. 

They get to spend the day together again. In which they go out to eat. They both say that they’re not hungry, and they don’t want to eat. But then go to McDonald’s to eat.They are all cute and trade accessories and such, and Jimin enjoys his McDonald’s meal in Taehyung’s hat and glasses. 

I’m going to skip episode 8, which I know is lazy, but that’s me. And I have to get some sleep before going back to work.

Anyway, there were a lot of Vmin moments. Some of them I didn’t even cover here. It’s pretty obvious that the two are best friends, and all of the moments here felt very genuine to me. We got to see that Jimin and Taehyung are there for each other and support each other. Jimin encourages Taehyung a lot and gives him strength. He also gives Taehyung his space when he thinks he might need it, but is quick to be by his side when he’s clearly upset. And this shows that Vmin isn’t one sides because Taehyung also mentioned wanting to spend time with Jimin a lot. He wanted to share the same room and same car, and he even asked Jimin to pose for photos. They don’t treat each other exactly the same, and I think what we got to see from their Malta trip shows us only a tiny part of how dynamic they are with each other. It definitely showed us a very soft side of them.

[miss-mishka]

The Old Guard (Image, 2017) vs Youth (comiXology, 2020): A Completely Biased Comparison

I don’t really know what this is, kind of a crack review, because I had more to say about these two recent reads than I could fit in my Goodreads reviews. So it will be a long read if you opt to proceed. Be warned: ADULT LANGUAGE BEYOND THE CUT, I make no promises that my words will be coherent throughout & sarcasm will abound as I discuss two mini/limited issue comic series’ that I’ve recently bought into.

They are: 

1)The Old Guard, 2017 Image Comics 5 issue miniseries release, written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Leandro Fernandez

Main cast, above, left to right: Sebastien le Livre aka Booker; Nile Freeman (no alias, currently); Andromache the Scythian aka Andy; Nicolo di Genova aka Nicky; Yusuf al-Kaysani aka Joe. Noriko is also a related, but not pictured, character.

2) Youth, 2020 comiXology Original 4 issue miniseries, written by Curt Pires, art by Alex Diotto

Main cast, above, from left to right: River, Jan, Kurt, Frank. Trixy is also a main character, but not featured on this group cover. (That wasn’t deliberate on my part.  Since it’s a new series, I wanted a cover shot to help you if you want to shop for the series & this was the only one with most of the group clearly visible.)

So now let’s get to some plot.

The Old Guard is a group of warriors that are much harder to keep dead that your average person.  Their ages range from Andy, estimated over 6,000 years old, to Nile, 27 per issue #4. The hows & whys of their ability to recover from injuries up to & including death, are completely unknown, but the ability can end with the same lack of understanding as it began. Andy has found 6 others like her in her time on Earth. 1 has died.

Youth is the teenaged couple Frank & River running away from their home town, meeting up with the older teenaged, possibly early 20s,trio that comprises rest of their group. While fleeing cops, drunk & high after a party, the group’s van is struck by what appears to be a meteor. It does, but doesn’t kill them. They each get a special power from it & all can suddenly fly.

Their enemy/obstacle/villain:

For The Old Guard, it’s big pharma bro Steve Merrick; his security chief, former CIA agent & the one who led Merrick to Andy’s team, James Copley; and the ‘mad’ scientist Dr. Ivan.

For Youth, this is it.  Bootleg Nick Fury and the government resources at his disposal.  (Take note, this is the one clear win that Youth has over ToG.  I love & want more Don.)

Relationships:

Joe & Nicky

Andy & Noriko

Frank & River

Frank & Trixy (just hooking up to help ruin the actual relationship above)

While both comics have their group dynamics, they also have a clear gay couple at the center of their storylines.  For The Old Guard, it’s Joe & Nicky.  For Youth, it’s Frank & River.  But Frank seems to be questioning, as he’s drawn to his new female acquaintance, Trixy. Kurt & Jan also seem attracted to Trixy, but the relationships between those three are not explored in these issues.  River is most definitely immune to Trixy. So, Frank & River fall into the dysfunctional relationship category while Joe & Nicky, together over 900 years, are #RelationshipGoals.

So what’s the 411?:

For The Old Guard, Andy, Booker, Joe & Nicky sign on for a job from Copley to rescue some kidnapped schoolkids. Izza traaaaaaaaaaap! While the team decides to go on the offensive & track Copley down after he’s learnt their secret, Nile is killed in action only to find that she’s one of the ones that don’t stay dead easily. Andy goes to retrieve the new ‘recruit,’ the first since Booker in 1812, while the guys go to a safehouse to search for Copley.  When Andy & Nile finally arrive at that location, they find Booker recovering from severe injuries while Joe & Nicky have been taken. It becomes a rescue mission for their captured brothers in addition to the seek & destroy goals for Copley.  Along the way, Booker & Nile bond.  Andy’s a tougher nut to crack. While Booker tries to locate their targets, Joe & Nicky are being tortured by the mad Doctor “for science” in hopes of discovering a profitable immortality drug for Merrick’s biz. Booker conveniently finds the whole Merrick operation taking place in Dubai, so off they go for their rescue mission & revenge.  But...well, IZ ZA TRAP! Booker’s done with this undying thing & has sold the team out to see if Dr. Ivan can cure him of life while using the others to defeat death.  Andy & Nile, though, aren’t helpless lil ladies.  Neither are Joe & Nicky.  With rescue under way, Joe & Nicky convince the doctor to let them go, then kill him, then find the others, meet Nile for the first time, kill Merrick as one happy new family, take off for Malta(yeah, in the comics, they’re THERE again), vote Booker off their island for 100 years & then leave him alone to be found by one very salty Noriko - she’s well-brined after 500 years in the ocean & batshit insane, to boot. That’s the first of three arcs planned for this group.  About 160 pages over the 5 issues & not a panel wasted, in my opinion.

For Youth, River’s got a lousy step-dad, Frank has a lousy job; together they hate their town & lives, but maybe kind of love each other.  So River says let’s steal my stepdad’s cherished old Mustang & run off for California.  The car gets a flat, but there’s no spare to replace it & they ran away with no money because they’re teenagers.  While broken down in a Walmart parking lot, the car draws the attention of Kurt, who grew up learning some mechanical stuff, appreciating the classics & is willing to offer help. Upon hearing that it’s a flat tire & the couple has no means to replace it, the decision is made to torch the car (it’s a Mustang, HOW DARE YOU?!) & get into the van with Kurt & his two female travelling companions. The five barely exchange names before they’re off to a party where alcohol & drugs mix to make Frank & Trixy horny for one another. River sees them making out & starts to leave when the cops show up to raid the party with all it’s underage & illegal happenings.  River, such a sweetheart, is ready to leave Frank & Trixy to be arrested, but Kurt makes sure they all get away together in the van.  A high (emphasis on high cause Kurt did some cocaine at the party) speed chase ensues with just a little awkwardness among the group as they realize that Frank & River were together & Trixy only kind of cares that she was pulled into their mess. Before there can be arguments, hairpulling slapfights or other drama over the man, the speeding vehicle is demolished by a meteor slamming to Earth.  Except it may have been aliens? In issue #2 we see this:

After this faceoff, these celestial beings go at it, destroy what appears to be their home planet & create the space debris that hits the van & gives the youths powers.  It totally killed Jan for a little bit, but that’s ok because Jan has the best powers.  She came back from death & can track other powered people without Prof X’s massive Cerebro setup, which is handy when you’ve got Bootleg Nick Fury tracking you down because of the ‘anomaly’ that hit you. Trixy?  She’s got a temper.  When Don Thunder descends upon them with a small army of soldiers, Trixy turns them into twisted piles of gore and metal.  I’m not sure what she did, but it was messy.  I imagine in a movie the squish, crack, snap, pop, burst & splat sound effects would reign in that moment.  With that dealt with, the group makes plans for what they should do next.  Which is apparently, rob an armored truck (can anyone guess whose idea it was?) because they have no money for food or lodging.  The heist does not go to plan because the guard driving the armored truck is distracted so he doesn’t see River standing in the road trying to stop the vehicle until the newly powered kid STOPS the vehicle.  I’m pretty sure the guards, especially the driver whom they made sure we knew had a pregnant wife, are dead.  Frank’s upset about this, blames River, who honestly could have flown off as soon as he realized that the truck wasn’t stopping as planned & the now very strong River smacks Frank into a wall.  This pairing is not destined for 900 years together, I imagine Yusuf would continuously chop off his hand rather than strike Nicolo in a non-fun & consensual way.  But the Youth gang still grabs some money bags and flies off.  While multiple people capture it on their cell phones.  Modern technology is an enemy to both the Youth & Old Guard. The kids take their money & go party.  Alcohol & drugs again.  Frank & Trixy making out again.  This time when River sees his man with the girl, he declares the relationship over & storms out of the club.  Killing a few people & knocking a sizable hole in the building to fly off while Frank freaks out & Trixy realizes this guy might be too much drama for her edgy self. We’re at the end of issue #3 which closes with this gem:

The more you know, right? Issue #4 has Don recovering from his injuries after Trixy’s finishing move failed to eliminate him (Dictionary: fore*shad*ow, verb: be a warning or indication of (a future event)).  He sees video of the armored truck robbery on the news (O! these pesky kids with their cell phone cameras & viral videos) & he’s back on the hunt for the gang.  River’s gone back home to the place he always went to to be alone when his stepdad was too much to deal with at home.  Frank finds him there, because he had been shown that spot.  It was their spot. It’s a sweet reunion where Frank still loves River despite the carnage so long as River still loves Frank with the cheating.  A win-win lost-lost. And our Bootleg Nick Fury has his remaining eye on the lovebirds & is ready to attack!  Jan, Kurt & Trixy see breaking news of the fight Frank & River put up against the government goons & Trixy is outvoted by the other two that they’ll go help their acquaintances of like 48 hours.  The time they take deciding & getting there, though, puts them unfashionably late.  Frank is seriously injured causing River to go Dark Phoenix so that the others can get Frank to safety.  It fades to black, skips forward 3 months & implies that Frank’s going it alone in California where he was meant to be with River, but River is gone. (So obviously not dead, but captured by Thunder who clearly has his own powers because River’s Phoenix fire definitely didn’t kill this Superspy.)  But Trixy’s all consoling and explains how Jan is locating other kids with powers - posthumans, they’re called -  all around the world & they’ve decided to start searching for them to create a bigger group.  Frank says it’s like the X-Men, but Jan isn’t quite Xavier level leader, so I say more New Mutants. Frank declines to be part of it. Trixy leaves him on a nice, sunny beach & goes to find Jan who portals them here, the most obviously “Not X like” structure in the world for their not a Bootleg X-Men/New Mutants series to take place in in the future: 

(JFC, the colors alone are classic Wolverine! Originality. Did you maybe want to try that with this series?)

For the end of “Season 1″ of Youth, which implies there will be more.  The single issues of the 4 part mini account for 125 pages & I consider several of those pages wasted. 

Final Verdict:

With powerhouse publishers like DC & Marvel having decades worth of this content, Youth was entering a very crowded arena.  The only thing it focused on as a lure to draw attention from the big leagues was the relationship between Frank & River, but representation has come a long way & Youth needed more. More story development, more group dynamics, more SOMETHING. Because I read the series in a world where I now know that The Old Guard exists & what Greg Rucka did with that series in simple & overt representation is a master class that Curt Pires needs to attend before any 2nd season talk for Youth. The world, my world, is ready for immortal gays. We’ve seen it, we need more.  If River’s still alive, as I suspect, then there’s potential, but it shouldn’t magically erase all the issues that Frank & River had as a couple.  They are not anywhere near the level of Joe & Nicky.  And if/when Youth returns it needs to focus on the characters that we’re supposed to engage with & keep the focus on ALL OF THEM.  Comics take art, with or without words, to tell some incredibly entertaining & complex stories. Don’t waste the space on blackness & block quotes, no matter what Marlon Brando is doing with mailboxes. Create the visuals & worlds in your head & tell the story with your heart so it comes to life for all of us.  That’s what Rucka did with The Old Guard & I want to see more writers, artists & publishers striving to attain that level for us.  I’m spoiled to it now & you can expect this kind of insanity from me if you fail to reach for this bar.

If you cannot tell by the end of all this, I am completely biased in favor of The Old Guard & if you can afford it, but haven’t done so yet, BUY THE BOOKS! Youth gets points for effort & dragged for everything else.

[jamkookies]

Sike

Description :  A trip to Malta for the shooting of Bon Voyage seems peaceful enough until the moment things take an unexpected turn...

Word Count : 2.4k

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

The continuous knocking on the door is starting to get on your nerves.

You groan and put the pillow over your head, trying to block out the noise.

What kind of person on his right mind would be up so early? The sun hadn't even come out yet.

"Y/N!"

Knock knock knock.

Oh, for the love of all things...

You shove the pillow away and shoot to your feet, swinging the door wide open.

"What?" you say, sharply.

Valentin is standing on the doorstep, his red uniform spotless, not a single wrinkle in sight.

"Your boyfriend is asking for you again."

You scrunch your brows together, frowning.

"Pardon me?"

"Your boyfriend. You know, the muscular guy with the nice-looking hair."

"Who? Jungkook? He's not my boyfriend."

"But that's what he said."

You grind your teeth together, ready to throw a punch at Valentin's face.

The black haired guy had apparently taken courage from your little peck last night, calling himself your boyfriend and all, you think to yourself.

And what exactly did he want? He had been pestering you non-stop for the last twenty-four hours and it seemed like he wasn't anywhere near stopping.

"Tell him to wait. It's too early."

"He said it's urgent.”

"What are you - best friends with him now? Are you gonna braid each other's hair or something?"

"In my defense, he tipped me quite generously last night."

The flood of memories overwhelms you once again at the mention of his words.

"That reminds me, how dare you sell me off to him?"

Valentin simply shrugs.

"If he's your boyfriend, then I think he deserves to see you from time to time.

I mean, he basically kept looking at you with heart eyes, for crying out loud."

A furious blush spreads across your cheeks and you lower your head, scratching the back of your neck in the process.

"I got the message. You can go now."

He salutes you with two fingers and scuttles away, whistling a tuned out melody.

"Jungkook and Y/N, sitting in a tree, K-I-S--"

"Shut up, Val!"

You sigh in exasperation, wondering what could Jungkook possibly want at the crack of freaking dawn.

* * *

Your knuckles have barely brushed the door, when it immediately opens, revealing a slightly dishevelled Jungkook on the other side.

"Care to explain why you're depriving me of my precious sleep?" you ask him with a raised eyebrow.

His expression softens upon catching sight of you, the creased lines on his forehead smoothing out and his eyes crinkle when he smiles.

"Good morning, Y/N."

You can't help but mirror him, too weak to resist his charm.

"Good morning. Is everything okay?"

His smile faints a little and it is replaced by a grave expression.

"We have a problem."

~

"That son of a-"

"Y/N!"

"I'm gonna kill him!"

"Honestly, we should've seen it coming. It's not like he was gonna let us both go that easily." Jungkook says.

"But I'm the one he doesn't want, not you. I don't understand why he cut your money off." you protest.

You had been discussing this for quite a while, hands intensely choking the air every time your manager's name came up.

Apparently, Jungkook had awoken from his peaceful slumber only to find out that his credit card was rejected when he'd tried to order some breakfast.

"Why did they even ask for a credit card in the first place?" Jungkook wonders aloud.

"Breakfast is not included." you explain.

He pouts, his little nose scrunching in dissatisfaction. 

"I bet the bodyguard saw us together. That's why Sejin invalidated my card."

"Yeah. He got out immediately yesterday." you add.

"How do you know?"

"Val told me.”

"You seem to mention this Val guy quite a lot."

Your lips twitch as an amused expression appears on your face.

"Same goes to you."

"Do you happen to find him...handsome?" Jungkook observes you carefully, waiting for your answer.

"Nah, not really." you say and could've sworn that his face lit up in relief, but his hopes crush when he hears your next words.

"Actually, there is another guy working at the kitchen. And boy, is he good looking!"

He pouts again and reaches to tug at a string of your hair.

"Not funny." he grumbles.

You tip your head back and laugh heartily, enjoying the conversation a little too much.

Still, it only takes a minute or two for the reality to settle in on you.

"What are gonna do now?" you ask.

He gnaws at his lower lip, thinking, scheming, weighing the possibilities.

You were no less stressed.

It was quite obvious that he didn't have a single penny in his pocket, having spent them on last night's dinner, but at least he had paid in advance for his stay in the hotel.

There was no way you could buy plane tickets to Korea now. Not with your insufficient "salary" and Jungkook being added to the list.

You were both doomed.

"We're gonna figure something out." he replies, eyes still unfocused, staring at nothing in particular.

"Jungkook, where are you gonna stay? I can work for a while longer and make some money for both of us, but what about you? They're gonna kick you out if you don't pay for the hotel room on the next days.”

"I'll make do."

"How?"

"I don't know. I'll try and make some money too. Then we'll fly off to Korea together, I promise. Just have some patience, alright?"

He approaches the table and takes a tentative step in your direction.

As he comes closer, your body instinctively reaches out, welcoming him with open arms.

He gladly complies to your silent request, wrapping you in a cocoon of warmth as his arms join at your back.

"Jungkook?" you say.

"Hmmm?"

"Why do you keep telling people you're my boyfriend?"

His whole body shakes when he huffs a muffled laughter. He pulls away just a little so he can have a look at your face.

"I'm not lying, am I?"

"I don't remember ever admitting such a thing."

"You not admitting it doesn't make it less real."

"Uh, you know what? I think my shift is about to start. Yup, gotta go."

You try to disentangle yourself from his arms and head for the door, hurriedly scurrying away.

"Wait, where are you going?" Hey!"

You turn the door knob and manage to crack it open an inch, but a large hand appears in your line of sight, slamming it back shut.

"Here we go again." you roll your eyes and let out the longest sigh. " Jungkook, I have work to do."

"But you just got here."

"And now I'm leaving. Move."

He blocks you from opening the door, covering the knob with his hands behind his back and he looks genuinely terrified.

"No."

"Jungkook."

"But I don't have anyone to hang around with and I get boooored."

You reach behind his back, fumbling with the door knob in an attempt to pry it open but then, your hand meets a soft but solid surface.

He freezes.

"Did you just grab my butt?"

You flinch, retreating your hand with lighting-speed

"It was an accident."

A mischievous smirk creeps on his face and it only grows bigger as you shrink in embarrassment.

"Taking things to the next level, I see." he continues and starts advancing on you, but you beat him to it, pushing his shoulders back with a force you didn't know you had.

At first he's surprised but then he relaxes, waiting for you to make your next move.

You smooth your hand horizontally, till it meets the base of his throat and crook your fingers on the collar of his shirt.

His adam's apple bobs when he gulps, dark hooded eyes intensely boring into yours. As if by instinct, one of his hands reaches for the small of your back but you lead it away from you, pressing it flat against the door and intertwining your fingers together.

His skin is burning to the touch- you can feel it radiating heat in your direction.

You come closer.

He takes this as an affirmation to arch into you, still tacked to the door.

There's no contact whatsoever even though the tension makes it look like it.

From the moment his eyes close, reaching for you, you swerve on the side and whisper into his ear.

"Sike."

Before he can react, you push him aside, using his moment of distraction and open the door, hurriedly getting outside into the safety of the hall.

As you bolt for the stairs, you can still hear the sound of his laughter, a hint of betrayal and astonishment in it.

Your lips quirk in amusement.

You'd be lying if you said you hadn't enjoyed that.

* * *

It had only been a couple of hours but you couldn't get rid of the worrisome sensation that would not let you focus on the work at hand.

You rub the surface of the table with a wet cloth over and over again, not realizing you had been doing so for quite a while.

Your thoughts kept drifting off to Jungkook, wondering if he'd had any success on getting the job.

Earlier on, some hushed whispers from Liena had been enough to tell you that the guy had pursued the intention of getting a job at he hotel.

However, you weren't so sure if his honey-sweet words were enough to convince the manager to add another foreigner to his list of employees.

You abandon the cloth and rise to your feet, seeing the room worthy enough to be called clean and head outside.

The amount of rooms you'd had to clean this week had really worn you out.

The utter exhaustion made you pass out as soon as you laid your head on the pillow

You climb down the stairs and enter the kitchen, ready to have your lunch break but you are greeted with a sight you least expected - Jungkook and Liena chatting animatedly while picking at some of the fruit lying on the table.

The former doesn't look too happy, depressingly popping strawberries into his mouth, but when he catches sight of you, he stops chewing and you can see a hint of guilt in his eyes.

"Y/N, ġejjin!" Liena says and gestures with a hand for you to join them.

You grab a chair and take a seat, eyes intently fixed at Jungkook's form.

"He didn't get the job." Liena says in a thick accent when she notices the way you're looking at him.

Your stomach sinks to the bottom of your feet.

"Jungkook?" you hesitantly try.

"I'm sorry." he replies. "I tried, but it didn't work. He said he couldn't allow himself to recruit any more inexperienced employees."

A black suitcase lying at the side of the table intrudes the corner of your vision. All his belongings, ready to be out there in the streets, unprotected.

"It's alright, Kook." you say softly and pat his fluffy head. "We'll find something else."

He leans into your touch, but says nothing, eyes closed in surrender.

Liena takes this as her cue to leave, but you stop her, grabbing her by the wrist.

"Tibqa ’miegħu." you say in her language so he doesn't understand.

Stay with him.

She looks confused but nods nevertheless, trailing her eyes after you as you exit the kitchen.

"Wait, Y/N where are you going?" you hear Jungkook shout.

"Work." Liena assures him.

You make determined steps and head for the manager's office.

There was no way in hell you would let Jungkook sleep on the streets like some abandoned orphan.

As the familiar brown door appears in front of you, you knock twice and take a deep breath.

* * *

"Y/N!"

You turn your head and you're immediately swept off your feet when two strong hands join at the small of your back.

The corners of Jungkook's lips are stretched on either side of his face in a blinding smile. He looks up at you  through the long strands of hair curtaining his eyes and you see actual joy.

"Y/N, I got the job!" he exclaims and finally puts you down.

You flash him a smile.

"I knew you would. It would be their loss if they didn't."

You crouch down and start picking up the cleaning utensils you dropped when Jungkook lifted you from the ground.

He quickly joins you, grabbing as much as his hands can fit.

"I'm gonna work as a porter for a while. We can collect some money together and then we'll get out of here. You'll see."

"Good job, Kook." 

You beam at him, overjoyed at his eagerness to finally prove himself to you.

"Did they give you a room?" you ask.

"Yeah, but I haven't seen it yet. I came to you as soon as I heard the news."

"You better go and unpack, then. From the moment you put on that uniform, you won't even have to time to breathe."

"Aren't you gonna help me?"

You slightly kick him in the shin.

"Stop acting like a spoiled kid."

He smirks and comes closer, grabbing the hem of your shirt.

"Maybe I like getting spoiled."

Mortified at his shameless act, you grab a broom and hit his arm, brushing him off.

"I have another room to clean and it's past 10 pm. Go away before I kick your ass."

His smirk only grows wider.

"You and your weird obsession with backsides." he teases.

"You're about to catch these hands, boy!"

"Okay, okay. I'm going." he says as he gets up, but you don't miss the mumble escaping his lips. "As if you weren't the one who teased me earlier-"

"Did you say something?" you interrupt.

"Nope.”

"That's what I thought."

Another hour goes by, filled with only the sounds of your cleaning and scrubbing.

You close the door behind you, exhaustion seeping out from your every limb.

It wasn't that big of a deal, of course.

Every day you'd had to face sleepless nights, airport to airport, practicing dancing and singing and shooting and more than anyone could ever imagine, but still, the idea of actual physical labour was unnerving

You drag your feet towards your room, too tired to grab something to eat.

Carefully removing the shoes from your aching feet, you lay down on the so called 'bed'.

However, your moment of relaxation is short lived.

A soft knock on the door is heard.

Who could it be at this hour?

With sluggish movements you crawl to the door and crack it open an inch.

Two doe eyes peer at  you.

He's a wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts.

Really short shorts.

"Y/N, can I sleep with you?"

[readyplayerhobi]

Apricate

; Hoseok x Reader

; Genre: Fluff, smut

; Word Count: 13.2k

; Warnings: Oral sex (receiving), penetrative sex, dubious use of a champagne bottle

; Synopsis: A summer vacation in the Mediterranean is the idea of heaven for many people. Sun, sand and azure sea as far as the eye can see. But what happens when a chance encounter results in you basking in a very different kind of sun?

; A/N: Major thanks to @yminie for the beautiful moodboard ;-; but seriously...how could I NOT write a summer vacation fic for Hoseok with that pic??

-

For hundreds upon hundreds of years, the Mediterranean has been at the centre of trade and life for those living around its warm, azure waters. From the Egyptians who had worshipped their gods of the deserts to the Greeks who had prayed for their sea god to give them calm seas for travel.

Underneath the cerulean waves lay the remnants of cultures that had risen and died, from the Romans to the Phoenicians and more. The rise of empires, the fall of civilisations, the wars that humanity had wreaked upon itself over millennia; the Mediterranean had borne witness to many things.

And now, it was bearing witness to your excited ramblings to your best friend through a smartphone. The tiny device was pointed at your face, giving you a perfect view of her exasperated expression while you happily spun around, giving her a front seat view of the spectacular and awe-inspiring sight of the Greek island of Santorini.

You’d spent the past hour slowly climbing the, frankly ridiculous, number of stairs that had been carved into the island a long time ago. There had been the option to take a donkey, but you’d felt that you couldn’t possibly use a donkey without feeling guilty.

It was 34 degrees right now and looking at the poor things made you want to wrap your arms around them and lead them into some shade. So instead, you’d clambered up the steps by yourself and had spent five minutes practically lying on the floor while feeling like you were dying.

You were in shape, but there’s being in shape and then there’s climbing that amount of tall stairs in shape. Why were they so big?! Wasn’t it bad enough that most of the tiny streets were so high given the rugged landscape that had been caused by a volcanic eruption millennia ago?

Any other complaints you’d thought about having though, had vanished completely when you’d finally stood up and walked along the top for a little. The view was truly stunning, and took your breath away. How did people live in places like this?!

White-washed buildings gleamed along the side of the island where they clung onto the land like stone spiders, desperately defying gravity while the occasional blue dome topped a building here and there. Jagged rocks led down to the ocean, which was gently lapping along the edge to produce white froth that topped the crystal clear waters, leading out to a deep blue that sparkled in the sunlight.

For a moment, you’d simply rested your elbows against the white wall that protected people from falling down the edge and watched the world drift by. It was almost easy to imagine yourself thousands of years ago, to try and imagine how the Greeks had lived during the time of influential people such as Socrates, Aristotle and more.

Five minutes of admiring the scenery had left you wanting to share what you were seeing, and so you had produced your phone from the small bag that was looped over your shoulder. A few Instagram photos later, because you might be fantasising about ancient cultures but you did live in the 21st century, and you had been calling your best friend, mindful of the fact you were probably going to be hit with a huge phone bill later.

But she had to experience this!

Lisa had answered your call grumpily, informing you that it was too early in the morning to be on the phone to you. Despite the fact that you were showing her one of the most beautiful sights you had ever been witness to.

If anything, she should be used to it by now. You’d saved up all your vacation leave and had taken it all at once, blowing through your meagre savings to take you on a trip through the countries that surrounded the Mediterranean.

A degree that had majored in Ancient History and minored in the Classical Studies meant that you had a vested interest in the ancient cultures that had proliferated along these venerable shores. It was just good fortune that the museum you worked in had been enthusiastic about you taking a whole month off to explore the very countries where their most popular artifacts came from.

In fact, your manager had made you promise to make note of any interesting facts that you may learn from the native tour guides. An interactive exhibition was being planned for children, with your photographs being used alongside 3D images of the artifacts. Honestly, they should be paying you for this.

Your month long trip had taken you from the awe-inspiring pyramids of Egypt, to the shores of splendid Turkey, to the island of Malta, to the historied cities of Italy before finally landing upon Greece. A few days had been spent in Athens before you decided to head out to Crete, the largest island in Greece and discover the Minoan palace and other treasures there.

A day trip to Santorini is how you’d found yourself currently gushing about the wonderful landscape around you, though you were glad that you had chosen Crete as your base for the final part of the trip. You weren’t sure you could handle all the hills all the time!

“You’re coming home in a few days right?” Lisa queried once you finally brought the screen back to your face. Resting against the wall once more, you held the phone out in front of your face and nodded, letting your head tip back to take in the blinding sun.

“Yep, four more days and then it’s back home. I am going to have the worst case of holiday blues, I swear.” You groan deeply, though Lisa laughs through the tinny speaker at your misery. Her eyes are puffy from sleep and you smile in fondness, noting how young she looks when she’s just woken up.

“Oh, my heart bleeds for you as you stand there in Greece. Make sure to bring back some good stuff from there okay?” She says and you laugh, spinning around so that you face the stairs once more and sigh deeply.

Heading over, your sandals slapping against the worn stones in the quietness of the day, you acknowledge her request with a salute. Figuring that you may as well get some use out of the ridiculously expensive video call you’re making, you go to ask her how life is with Taehyung now that they’ve moved together.

Only she makes an intrigued gasp and you watch as suddenly your screen is filled with her nose and upper lip. “What are you doing you freak? I don’t want to see your nose hairs!” You squeal, moving the phone even further away while looking in disgust.

“Who...is that hottie behind you? In the yellow shirt?” She asks, completely disregarding your comments. You pause and slowly turn around, eyes scanning over the small group of tourists who had boarded the boat with you in Crete. Most of them were from the same tour group as you, all being picked up at the same point in the town you were staying in.

Subtly looking over everyone, you note that the majority of yellow wearers are women and frown, wondering if perhaps she didn’t see it properly. Only then suddenly, a pale yellow the colour of a spring chick comes into your vision and your own brows raise.

The shirt is a button up, looking light and comfortable with the top few buttons undone to reveal an expanse of smooth, golden skin. His sleeves have been rolled up and reveal equally toned arms that practically glow in the sunlight, while the sun makes his black hair shine beautifully.

Comfortable, white trousers adorn his lower half and you wonder half heartedly if they’re linen - truly the perfect fabric for heat like this. He looks bright and colourful, every inch the tourist yet with a sense of exquisiteness that marks him as different from your regular tourists.

He turns slightly to look out at the sea and you swallow. High cheekbones sit beneath softly rounded cheeks, while his jawline is as sharp as the rocks that meet the sea down below. An aquiline nose slopes down before turning up ever so slightly at the end, making the perfect resting place for the Chanel sunglasses that cover his eyes.

For a moment, he looks utterly unattainable until a young girl says something in front of him to cause him to smile. And that is when you truly lose your breath, for it’s like the sun itself has come to life in front of you.

It’s the only explanation for the way his face practically lights up from within as he smiles, the movement taking up his face and revealing perfectly straight teeth while his lips become an endearing heart.

How have you missed this man on your walks?

He looks utterly at ease with himself, his hands pushed into his pockets and an expensive looking watch resting on his left wrist lazily. Not a damp spot can be seen on his summer-island clothing, and it makes you flush with embarrassment as you realise that your pink vest top is currently red in certain areas from the sweat of the walk up.

And that’s to not even mention the amount of boob sweat you have going on, or thigh sweat. Or, perhaps even more humiliatingly, butt sweat. In fact, you’re glad that you’re wearing pale denim shorts today, otherwise you’d have a rather lovely sweat patch along your ass crack if you had chosen linen like him.

“I don’t know...I think he’s part of my tour group.” You murmur, vaguely aware that Lisa is still on the line with you. It’s only when she lets out a laugh of amusement that you refocus back on her, blinking a few times to regain focus until she finally comes back into your vision.

“Wow. You look taken by him. He looks pretty hot. Maybe you should see about a holiday fling?” She says, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively until your cheeks flush with blood once more. Spinning around, you turn away from him and begin to make your way back down the stairs.

“Don’t be stupid! Did you not see him? He looks way out of my league! I mean, the man isn’t even sweating. He’s wearing Chanel sunglasses so god knows how much the rest of his outfit costs. That is a man, out of my league.” You hiss at her, wobbling slightly as you take a wrong step and almost go falling down the whole lot of stairs.

That would be painful. And humiliating.

She simply huffs and watches you with a smile, one brow quirked while her chin rests in her hand. You know that look. You’ve spent years watching that look as she ropes you into some dumb thing. It’s the look she wore before she got Taehyung, and he can be a grade A idiot sometimes.

Okay, so he’s sweet. But still!

“You could at least try! I mean...if he’s in your group then you’ve got the boat ride back...and then the coach ride back. You could try. You don’t need to be in his income bracket to enjoy good dick.” Lisa says crudely and you groan loudly, rolling your eyes as you wave your phone around and hope she gets motion sickness or something.

“Shut up.” You hiss at her, glancing around paranoid and relieved that there’s no other tourists around. Greece’s islands were full of British and German tourists you’d noted, and the German’s appeared to have exceptional English skills. It really wasn’t in your daily itinerary to accidentally become someone’s holiday story as ‘that thirsty American girl who was talking about holiday dick on the phone’.

The heat was excruciating with the minimal wind that was coming off the sea, and even though you were going down the stairs and not up, you could still feel the sweat slowly dripping down your back and between your breasts. Did guys get this issue?

“I am not going to ask the outrageously handsome man if he wants to sleep with me tonight. He could have anything! He might not even speak English! Have you even thought of that?” At the other end of the phone, all the way back in New York, you watch as Lisa rolls her eyes and fakes a yawn, tapping her hand over her mouth.

“You don’t need to speak English to get dick. I’m pretty sure he’ll know the word for sex. If not, you could always try…” She trails off before resting the phone on something and simulating sex, pushing a finger through another circled finger. Practically screaming, you have a small tantrum on the steps before pointing at her.

“You’re terrible, you know that? Why am I friends with you? You’re like...half a world away and you’re still pressuring me into sex!” You groan, rubbing the back of your hand over your forehead to get rid of the perspiration there. She laughs loudly, the sound tinkling through the tiny speakers and you can’t help but smile at the sound. Okay, so she’s an ass but you still love her.

“I’m trying to get you laid. You like sex. You like hot men. You’re loving Greece. Why not have sex with a hot man in Greece? A three-in-one!” Hissing through clenched teeth, you stop and take a deep breath, closing your eyes while you take in the hot air. Honestly, it’s not so fortifying when the air feels hotter than your lungs.

“Goodbye Lisa. I will text you later, send you pics. I’ll make sure to buy you some yummy Greek treats and you’re also getting one of those wooden dick keyrings they sell all over the place.” You give her a saccharine smile, waving fingers as she sputters about wooden dicks.

Ending the call, you let out the breath slowly and feel your shoulders practically fall to the floor. She’s right. You do like sex, and you haven’t had any for what? Six months now? Any longer and your damn hymen would grow back and you’d gain second virginity.

But a holiday romance was too...cliché. Imagine going home with that story! And what if you got pregnant?! It’s a Mills and Boon story come to life. Shaking your head, you continue on down the stairs and resolve to take in the view once more to centre yourself.

He was hot, sure. But you’re probably never going to see him again once you both get off the tour bus. And that’s more than enough reason to keep any sexual thoughts to yourself.

Yes, you won’t be getting his dick tonight. But there’s nothing against imagining his dick when you’re in the quiet, darkness of your room later.

-

The trip back to your hotel had been awkward for you, given that you were now almost supernaturally aware of Hot Man’s presence. In fact, it was almost to the point that you wondered how the hell you’d never noticed him before.

An extra wary eye had allowed you to spot his pastel yellow shirt situated towards the back of the boat, stood watching the wake that the vessel created as it cut through the deep blue waters. Immediately, you’d taken a seat towards the bow of the boat instead.

You know, just in case he suddenly developed telepathy and caught wind of the inappropriate thoughts that were running through your mind. Like whether it was possible to have sex on a boat this crowded in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

Instead, you’d rested an arm against the side and watched quietly as the great expanse of ocean passed by under your watchful gaze. It still blew your mind to imagine that people millennia ago would undertake the same journey as you, only their ships were made of wood and relied on the wind or pure manpower.

As you’d inhaled deeply and took in the pleasing scent of salt soaked ocean, you hadn’t been able to help but smile slightly at the cooling wind that had whipped through your clothes as the ferry sped back towards Crete. How wonderful it would be, to simply live on the ocean like this. Not a care in the world.

Implausible obviously, but still. Your meandering thoughts could have perhaps be blamed on the ever beating sun that shone mercilessly in the sky. There was no wonder that the Greek islands often looked almost barren of green plant life, and yet you knew there to be many forms of life that had not only endured but evolved.

You’d spent the rest of the trip back having silly thoughts like that, letting yourself fancifully imagine what it would have been like to live during the age of Greek gods and so forth. Honestly, it’s a wonder you’d managed to make it through your holiday without getting stuck somewhere because of your flyaway thoughts.

The ride back to your town had left you with your heart in your throat as Hot Man had casually gotten onto the coach as well. You’d chosen a seat close to the front, but the seat next to you was free and you’d barely even taken a breath until he’d walked past, heading further to the back.

You’d gotten off the coach before him however, so you weren’t entirely sure where he was staying in the small Cretan town you’d pick as your final destination. The sigh you’d let out was ambiguous, and you were not entirely sure if it’s because of relief or sadness.

The next three days were spent exploring the town you were staying in, along with a few of the nearby towns and enjoying the delicious food and warm friendliness of the Greeks who inhabited this small piece of heaven.

There had been more than a few hours spent lazing on the beaches that dotted the mountainous island, admiring the sapphire waves as they hugged the shore lovingly. Numerous souvenirs had been bought for friends and family, from cute pewter keyrings with tiny blue glass beads featuring the painted eye that was so common to boxes of loukoumi for those who have a sweet tooth.

You’d spent plenty of time in the various cafes and bars dotted along the seafront and watched with a mixed sense of awe and discomfort as coach drivers swung their huge beasts of burden down tiny streets that had been designed for carts, not buses. The inches that separated a wall from the coach often left you cringing, and yet they didn’t seem to care at all.

Greeks carried on with their lives as you watched, going to work or eating out at a few of the restaurants because while you were enjoying the island as a holiday, for them it was simply their home. Lyrical words were spoken at a fast pace between friends and family, almost musical when they really got going, and yet always filled with a passion that seemed to show on their faces as well.

Your own Greek was not very good, not nearly as good as your Italian, with just a handful of important words mastered such as please and thank you. Your knowledge of the Greek alphabet was almost redundant as well, with signs often being bilingual in English, and many time multilingual with German and Russian too.

Yet you still enjoyed the pleased smiles you got when you stuttered out a ‘kalispera’ in the evening or ‘kalimera’ in the morning. The words always felt so pretty to say though, and even if you got it wrong they still gave encouraging smiles that meant you felt okay trying again later.

Something that you had most definitely noticed, with a growing sense of awareness that left you feeling you’d gained some bizarre sixth sense, was Hot Man venturing along the same streets that you did. You never actively noticed him - it was more like you’d catch a glimpse of a smartly dressed man out of the corner of your eye and quickly glance over.

He seemed to have a penchant for light coloured clothing that looked comfortable and not too hot. Two days ago, you’d seen him wearing tan coloured linen shorts that came to his knees and a pale green t-shirt, whereas yesterday he’d been wearing a tan and baby pink version of his Santorini outfit.

Not that you’d been overly paying attention to his wardrobe or anything.

It had become very obvious that he was in fact, an expensive man as his clothing was subtle yet practically reeked of money. Not to mention his every changing roster of designer sunglasses that sat primly on the bridge of his nose.

Despite this, he was beyond friendly and seemed to get on with whoever he was talking to, despite any language barriers. His deep voice, so pleasing to listen to, had travelled to you a few times along the gentle sea breeze and you’d been satisfied to discover that he spoke English too.

Not that you’d been hoping he did or anything.

Still, you’d enjoyed subtly watching him as he walked along the old, charming streets of the Cretan town. It was nice to see someone enjoying the atmosphere of the place as much as you were, and not simply looking for the next alcoholic drink.

Unfortunately however, tomorrow was your last day and you’d no longer get to sip fresh apple juice while gazing out over the oil smooth sea, or wake up on fresh sheets to blissfully warm sun peeking its way through the glass door. Nor would you get to peek upon your Hot Man and fantasise.

Each country you’d visited had seen you carefully counting your money, only splurging on the last day at a fancy restaurant in each location. Today was finally the turn of Greece, and you’d decided on a small place that overlooked the ocean, figuring that you’d enjoy the delicious food while observing the awe inspiring sight of the sun slowly dipping below the waves.

Which is where you found yourself now, sat on a wicker chair with a basket of small, delicious rolls of bread in front of you and a bowl of salty olives to snack on. You’d decided to finish your trip with a meal consisting of your favourite food that you’d discovered in Crete.

A plate of dakos was sat on the table. The crispbread, olive oil, creamy cheese and ripe tomatoes was an explosion of taste in your mouth and the perfect starter to put you on until your lamb souvlaki arrived later.

You were preoccupied with daydreaming as you slowly ate, watching the beautiful scenery in front of you, the sky slowly painting itself vivid yellows, soft pinks and warm oranges as the sun slowly began to make its way down to the sea.

As such, you didn’t notice the presence that appeared at your side, nor the way he watched for a few moments, amused. A low cough, clearing his throat quietly enough to not be obnoxious to other diners but enough to catch your attention, caused you to look away from the sea. Eyes widening at the sight in front of you, you sat up straighter and wiped at your mouth, hoping there was no embarrassing food on your mouth.

Or down the white sundress you’d opted to wear for your final night. He let out a soft laugh, the sound causing that heart stopping smile to break across his face and make tiny butterflies flutter in your stomach.

“Hi, sorry to interrupt. Erm...I was just wondering if...maybe you’d be okay if I ate with you? I was over there but...the view’s better here.” White teeth flash at you, his strange mix of hesitation and confidence causing you to frown slightly. “I mean, if you don’t want to then it’s fine. It’s just...it’s my last night here and...well I wouldn’t mind being in the company of a pretty woman and a beautiful sunset.”

His words almost cause you to choke and you splutter, one hand covering your mouth while your other gestures towards the chair opposite you. He sits down slowly, looking like a dream come to life. Today, he’s gone for all white. A white button up, with the buttons just low enough to give an alluring tease of defined collarbones beneath golden skin and white trousers.

Black hair moves across his forehead gently in the subtle breeze and you can’t help but take a deep, fortifying breath when he finally removes those sunglasses that have remained attached to his head. Beneath them, are crescent shaped brown eyes, warm and filled with kindness and amusement.

Dear god, he was stunning. Staring at him in the restaurant, his profile standing out from the outstanding picture of natural beauty surrounding him, you realise how the people of this country thousands of years ago had believed in a god who brought the sun to life every day.

Because you could quite easily believe that Apollo himself had taken human flesh and sat opposite you.

“Thanks. I was worried I might seem a little weird. I’m Hoseok.” He holds out an elegant, long fingered hand to you. “Jung Hoseok.”

Stuttering, you shake his hand shyly and let him know your name, eyes falling to the table as you take a bite of your food to occupy your mouth. Lisa had been joking when she’d suggested a holiday fling with him, and you’d been serious when you thought that nothing would ever happen.

Yet here he was, sat opposite you and looked more delicious than the food you were eating currently. Hoseok calls for the waiter and asks for a bottle of white wine to be delivered to the table, smiling pleasantly and thanking him once the expensive bottle arrives.

He pours himself a glass and looks at you, brow raised while he shakes the bottle slightly. You nod slowly, watching as the clear liquid fizzes inside the glass and reach out, taking a long gulp of the crisp, dry drink.

“How long are you in Crete for?” He asks idly, giving another smile to the young girl who delivers his starter and diving into it. Dragging your fork through the food on your plate, you feel your cheeks heat with awkwardness.

“Just tonight. I leave tomorrow to go home, like you.” At that, the delicate smile that has so thoroughly charmed you makes another reappearance. In fact, if you were reading his face right, he looked positively delighted at this news.

“Oh really? What a weird coincidence. Let’s consider this a fruitful night hmm?” He says, raising his glass to you in a toast that has you letting a tiny smile over your lips. “I’m pretty sure I’ve kept seeing you around this place by the way. Which is weird, because it’s a small town but it’s not that small.” He chuckles, shaking his head as he takes another bite of food.

You wish you were strong enough to lie, but instead it comes blurting out. “You have. I mean...I’ve seen you around too. And...we went on that trip to Santorini together. Kind of. I mean, not actually together.  But...you know what I mean.”

Hoseok watches with a single brow raised, amusement rippling over his face as he chews slowly. He swallows as he nods. “Yeah, I thought so. Honestly, that’s why I came over. I was pretty sure I recognised you and...well you’re pretty and you look interesting.”

Well, now your body is definitely heating up and it’s not because of the sun.

“I’m not that interesting. Really. Unless you find museum curator’s interesting.” You blurt out, running a hand down your dress to smooth out any wrinkles. At that, his face opens up in interest and he sits forward, placing the knife and fork onto his now empty plate and looks at you with enthusiasm.

“A museum curator? Oh wow, I wasn’t even sure if you’d finished college.” He stops suddenly, face blanking before cringing. “Oh god, I’m sorry. That sounded weird. Oh no it was weird. I’m sorry.” He repeats, hands coming out to try and placate you, despite you not being bothered.

“Why is that weird?” You ask and he flushes, tanned cheeks dusting with rosy pink.

“Well...I’m 33 and as soon as I said it, I realised how weird it would sound if I thought you were like 21 or something. Oh god, I wish I’d never said anything.” He grimaces, running a hand over his face exasperatedly and you laugh.

“No, no. That is very much a compliment Mr Jung. I’m 29, I’ve been doing my job now for four years. In fact, that’s kind of why I’m in Greece. I’ve spent the last month in Turkey, Egypt, Malta, Italy and Greece as my specialty is ancient Mediterranean cultures.” Why you’re suddenly babbling about your job, you have no idea.

But he looks completely fascinated and begins to question you about it; the exact cities you’d visited, the food you’d eaten, the sights you’d seen and even what kind of work you did in the museum. It had been a long time since a man had been genuinely interested in your job.

You seemed to unfortunately attract men whose eyes literally glazed over when they heard the word museum usually.

Hoseok however, is completely intrigued and asks plenty of intelligent questions. Not only that, but he’s knowledgeable about museums too. An in depth conversation between the two of you last over the main meal, you with souvlaki and him with a Cretan speciality of smoked pork.

It’s halfway through his conversation about the German Historical Museum in Berlin that he suddenly stops, blushing even harder as he scrapes his fork over his empty plate. “Ah, I’m sorry. I’ve been babbling about myself and not even telling you anything interesting.” His lips turn in a wry smile and you reach forward without thinking, fingers resting on the smooth skin of his warm hand to stop his fretful movements.

“It’s fine, honestly. It’s lovely to meet someone who enjoys museums as much as I do. But I am kind of curious about you in turn.” He snorts and wipes his mouth with a napkin, leaving the white fabric slightly red.

“Erm, well. I’m a director for a PR company in New York City.” He says, the words almost mumbled, as if he didn’t want you to hear. Which isn’t surprising, as your own brows raise. You’d already informed him that you lived on the outskirts of NYC, your museum small and humble compared to the giants in the city.

As such though, you were well aware that for to be someone so high up in a PR company in one of the most expensive cities of the world, he was probably earning some serious bank. Though, you could guess that from his clothing. It had been a slightly heart stopping moment to realise that he was wearing over $30,000 on his wrist, the watch only familiar to you because Taehyung was some weird watch aficionado.

“Do you have any fancy clients then? I bet it must be a nightmare when something goes wrong.” You ask lightly, running your finger along the rim of your wineglass and completely missing the way his eyes focus on the slow movement.

“Yeah, we’ve got some big clients. And yeah, they’re an equally big pain when something goes bad. But when you pull it off, that’s a good feeling.” He smirks, eyes flicking up to meet yours and you can’t help but bite your lip to try and stop the weird feeling in your chest. Hoseok is truly gorgeous, but did he have to be so damn nice too?

“I’d say I’m glad I work in a museum, but what’s the more nerve wracking job? Failing to do damage control well for a multi billion dollar company...or accidentally breaking a one-of-a-kind, millennia old antique?” The words are teasing and his hissing grimace is equally as playful.

“That’s a tough one. Probably yours if I’m being honest. Is anyone really gonna give a shit about one company making a boo-boo when they do that every other year? On the other hand...breaking a priceless ancient Greek vase...yeah history isn’t gonna look kindly on that.” He taps his fingers against his sharp jaw and you laugh lightly, happy that he played along with you.

Your conversation continues on for a while, allowing you both to have little glimpses into each others lives. Wild tales of friends soon come from you both, trying to one up each other while tender moments are revealed about your families. It’s strange, how you’ve barely known him for an hour, yet feel more comfortable with him than people you’ve known for years.

“How come you’re travelling alone then? You’re obviously a sociable guy, so I don’t know why you don’t have a partner or friends with you?” You query quietly, thanking the waiter as he brings a plate of baklava to your table for the both of you, along with some freshly cut fruit. The shot of ouzo that always seems to accompany meals being consumed with grimaces from you both.

He coughs as the liquid burns down his throat before sucking on a piece of melon, apparently oblivious to how utterly seductive that move is. Humming to himself, he swallows the fruit before continuing on. “I always travel alone. I do have friends, but they’re always busy with either jobs, or families now. So...I figure why not? I want to go abroad, what’s to stop me? What about you? You’re on your own, and have been for a month.”

Smiling, you nod your head as you acknowledge that he’s got you there. Biting down on the baklava, you enjoy the sweet flavours before responding to him. “Same really, my best friend was busy and my other friends are busy being moms and wives right now. This has been a dream trip for me for years and when the museum gave me the option to do some work for it too, I thought it was too good to not do. Gotta be bold sometimes right?”

Your bright smile has him responding in kind, teeth gripping down on a grape before his tongue slowly pulls it into his mouth. Licking your lips in response, you find it almost bizarre how your body seems to think everything needs to be done a little more alluringly, licking your fingers slower than you normally would.

It’s a slow game that you’d only realised the two of you had been playing since he’d sat at the table, and apparently one he’d been aware of longer than you. But you were pretty sure he’d caught on by now, and his tan skin, practically glowing in the light of the setting sun, was just crying out for you to touch it.

“Yeah, sometimes you gotta be bold.” He repeats, tone even deeper than before and you clench your thighs together at the rasping syllables. The plate between you is empty now, and you both sit there for a moment, simply staring at each other with expressions that said you were still hungry for something.

Lisa’s words float through your head slowly and you watch Hoseok quietly for a few seconds more, your easy conversation slowly dying as the growing sense of awareness between the two of you takes over. Chewing on your lip nervously, you grip your white sundress with slightly trembling hands before taking a deep breath.

Sometimes, you have to be bold.

“Are you free tonight?” You ask bluntly, causing his brows to rise in surprise before the corners of his mouth tips upwards in a pleased smile. He looks happy at your question, and you wonder if he always gets girls asking him for sex or if he’s usually the one to chase. Whatever his normal options, he seems to be reciprocative to your obvious suggestion.

“Why yes I am. Would you like to join me? I’m staying at a villa and it has the most beautiful view of the sea.” He states flirtatiously, eyes lighting up with anticipation while he bites at his lip slowly, teeth pulling the luscious pink skin before letting it drag back out. Watching the movement, you suppress a groan as his tongue slides across his lips, leaving behind a soft sheen of wetness.

“Crete does have very beautiful sea views.” You practically whisper, internally embarrassed at how desperate you’re beginning to sound for him. But he seems to be reciprocative, almost enthusiastic to your blatant display of desire.

“And I have some delicious champagne if that’s interesting to you. I’d love to hear you tell me more about Ancient Greek history, you must make a very good teacher when you lead tours occasionally. I’ve never been so interested in history.” He gestures over to the waiter for the bill and you can’t help but smile at the praise, idly wondering if he’s being genuine or just trying to butter you up to get in your pants.

Though you reason to yourself that you’ve made it pretty obvious that you’re reciprocative to him, and so presume he was being genuine. He did seem to be very interested in the random history information you’d bombarded him with earlier.

“I could, if you really want that. But I’m sure we can both think of something more interesting to do.” Placing down a bunch of Euros to pay for your half, making sure to leave plenty to tip the wait staff on your last night, you watch as he lets out a laugh, hands clapping together in delight.

He adds his own money to yours, the amount surely eye watering to the staff, but doesn’t blink an eye at it as you both make your way out of the restaurant. A quick ‘yassas’ to the waiter on the door and you’re standing in the street, Greek music filtering through the air as a nearby venue’s traditional Greek night gets underway. Hoseok stands next to you for a moment, breathing in deep and taking in the warm, island air.

Without a word, he reaches out and grasps your hand firmly, long fingers intertwining with your own before he’s squeezing gently. His hand is large and warm, the skin smooth and comforting as he begins to walk down the street. You follow him leisurely, appreciating that he’s not practically yanking your arm off for sex and take a moment to drink in the sight of his tall, lean frame.

Your perusal doesn’t go unnoticed as he catches your eye, lips breaking into that familiar, heart shaped grin once more before he tugs you closer and takes a moment to press his nose into your hair. “Do you like what you see?” He asks quietly, hot breath fanning a few strands of breakaway hair and you heat up at the high school-esque question.

Looking up at him demurely, you let your own tongue wet your lips and watch with satisfaction as his eyes track the moment heatedly, irises blowing out slightly as his nostrils flare. “Very much. But I think I’d like it better in your villa.” Where this minx came from, you have no idea.

He chuckles and turns back, pulling on your arm slightly as his long legs eat up the distance. “Well then, I think we better hurry up hmm?”

-

When Hoseok had told you that he was staying in a villa, you could honestly say that you weren’t sure what you were imagining. You weren’t too up on what villa’s looked like. What you saw however, was jaw dropping and made your brows raise in surprise.

White washed walls alternate with pale stone and everywhere you look there are glass doors that lead out to a serene pool, outlined in white tile. It was surrounded by high walls on three sides, providing utter privacy while the back was open to the beauty of the ocean. There was no beach, the craggy seafront didn’t allow for that, but it was still a truly stunning view.

He hadn’t been lying.

Unusually, there was no key for the front door and you watched as he simply input a code into an electronic keypad, a beep sounding as the door unlocked itself. Inside, a security system was turned off quickly and you were left to marvel at the interior.

It was a study in modernity meeting tradition, with dark wood furniture dotted around the open plan rooms while sleek, black metal takes up where wood can’t. A ridiculously large television sits proudly against the wall of the living room, facing two black sofas that are covered in subtly patterned blankets.

Greek style art and vases dot the area, bringing bright splashes of colour to the sparse room and you can’t help but admire the decorating skills of whoever owns this place. When you query this, he lets out a hiccuping laugh as he bends down in the kitchen, disappearing behind a luxurious island in the centre.

“My friend, Jimin. If you want to see rich, then you should see him. Guy’s an investment banker on Wall Street, he makes the kind of money that makes you sick.” You stare at his watch as he says that, brow raised as he sucks his lower lip in amusement. “Hey, if I’m saying that…” He shrugs, lean shoulders lifting underneath his shirt.

Sitting on one of the backless stools that frame the counter, you rest your chin on your hands as you watch him pull a champagne bucket - a champagne bucket! - out from one of the cupboards and fill it with ice from the freezer before adding in around a third of cold water. He then places a bottle of expensive looking champagne in it before heading over to the fridge.

There doesn’t look to be a lot inside, but you do note with interest the bowl of strawberries he pulls out and sits inbetween you both as he heads over. Another bowl is produced and he breaks some Belgian chocolate into it, putting it into the microwave to melt before strolling over and holding a final piece between two fingers.

Brows raised, you watch as he gestures towards your mouth his hand, jaw tilting up to signal his want. Keeping eye contact with those luscious, dark eyes, you let your lips fall open slowly and allow him to place the piece firmly on your tongue, the softest moan leaving you as the decadent chocolate begins to melt in a burst of flavour.

His fingers remain for a moment, and you can’t help but take the opportunity to wrap your lips around them, sucking ever so softly before using the tip of your tongue to wipe away the chocolate residue that had melted. Hoseok isn’t as quiet as you with his groan, but a hundred emotions seem to flutter across his face, and every one of them is firmly in the desire range.

The ding from the microwave distracts him, causing him to have to pull his gaze away from your mouth and you watch him shake his head in amusement as he brings the bowl back over. “I don’t know why that surprised me, but I appreciated it. A lot.” He whispers, coming around the counter to sit next to you.

Placing the bowl down, he takes a seat on the stool next to you and maneuvers his legs so that they’re surrounding your knees. Leaning forwards, you inhale sharply as his face is only inches from yours and your eyes flutter slightly at the expensive cologne that emanates from him. Is there anything better than a man who smells good?

The answer is yes, A man who smells good, feeding you chocolate dipped strawberries.

Which is exactly what Hoseok does, fingers trailing over the juicy, red fruits until he finds one he likes and picks it up. Glancing to you, he makes sure you’re watching as he dips the pointed end into the melted chocolate, twisting it slowly to make sure it has an even coating before lifting it back it up, waiting until it stops dripping.

You’re not sure why it’s so sensual, but just watching him has you clenching your thighs and letting out a stuttering breath. He’s close enough that he can hear it though, and see your reaction to him, and you watch a tiny smirk kick up one corner of his mouth.

“Open wide.” He murmurs, bringing the strawberry to your lips and giving a pleased smile when you do so immediately. “You’re very obedient, I can’t even begin to describe how much of a turn on that is.” His laugh is breathy and you can feel it over your skin, goosebumps forming on your arms.

Instead of letting your respond however, he places the strawberry into your mouth and watches as you bite down on it, careful not to bite his fingers. The bitterness of the dark chocolate soothes the sweetness of the fruit and a tiny whimper leaves you as you stare directly into his dark eyes.

“Good?” He asks, placing the remains on the counter while preparing a second and taking a bite himself. You chew and swallow carefully, licking your lips once finished and watch as he takes his time to eat his own.

Slowly, the strawberries disappear on the plate and despite the fact it’s evening and the temperature is lowering outside, it only seems to be getting warmer inside until you get the urge to tug off your sundress. But not yet, you sense it’s too soon for that still.

When the final strawberry is left and the chocolate has begun to harden again, Hoseok takes a glance at it before focusing back on your lips and grinning. Scooping up the final bits of chocolate, he goes to feed it to you and you open your mouth as expected.

Instead, he slowly drags the strawberry over your lower lip, smearing it in rich, dark chocolate before sliding it into your mouth sensually and letting you bite down. Before you can even attempt to start chewing it properly, he’s closed the gap between your faces and a shudder wracks your body at the feel of his wet tongue as it slowly trails over the sweet layer, lapping it up before licking into your mouth.

Moaning out, your arms automatically wrap around his neck as he kisses you slowly, mindful of the strawberry that you’d still to swallow. By the time he pulls away from you, the kiss only seconds long yet feeling like he’d been kissing you for minutes, he simply grins and opens his mouth, tongue flat to reveal the strawberry you’d bitten.

Chuckling at the look on your face, he chews it and swallows before grabbing the bucket and standing up, reaching for your hand and tugging you towards the railing-less stairs. The upstairs is much like the downstairs, and you spy two closed doors before he’s leading through the only open door.

The bedroom is everything you expect from a high class villa like this, with a queen sized bed currently covered in plain white sheets and pale blue silk throw pillows artfully placed at the head. But that’s not the jaw dropping bit. No, it’s the fact that two of the four walls are simply glass doors, and you watch as he opens them up until half of the room is open to the elements.

It’s bathed in an orange glow as the sun is still setting far out to sea, the slick waves reflecting a distorted mirror image of the visual beauty happening overhead. You could spend an entire holiday out here on the balcony, gasping in wonder as your hands grasp the glass balcony wall.

Hoseok places the bucket on a wooden table before heading over to you, arms coming around your sides before they rest next to yours on the glass. The evening is still warm, though the breeze brings the cooling fingers of night. Your hardening nipples have nothing to do with that though, and everything to do with the hot body pressing itself gently behind you.

He feels solid and oddly reassuring, the width of his chest resting against your shoulders while you feel the shadow of a solid erection brush past the apex of your ass. Hoseok is evidently a master of seduction however, as he doesn’t push too hard on that front, instead resting his head on your shoulder as the two of you look out at the sea.

“Tell me an interesting fact about Greece.” The words whisper from his mouth, low and guttural so as not to interrupt the mood. Humming to yourself, you bring one finger to tap against your chin and enjoy the way he laughs, breath dancing past your cheek as he looks at you slightly.

“The Greek alphabet was the first to have vowels written down.” You respond, voice breathy from his proximity. He’s quiet for a moment before he lets out a bark of laughter, arms moving to wrap around your waist for a moment as he rocks you from side to side before letting go and sitting at the chair on the table.

A finger runs along the rim of one of the champagne glasses he seems to have produced from nowhere and you watch as his tongue runs along his teeth slowly. “I love it when you talk history to me.”

Sniggering, you sit in the chair opposite him and cross a leg over the other, resting your hands in your lap to keep them from quivering. He may have joked about his age earlier, but the control that came with that age was really showing through now as he pours a third of a glass full of champagne.

Honestly, you want to jump on him right now and see if his skin is that stunning all over.

Taking the glass from his offered hand, you swirl it for a moment before taking a sip of the cold liquid. You’re really not sure what the etiquette for drinking champagne is, but he doesn’t seem to care as he swallows it down almost greedily.

It’s overwhelmingly bubbly at first, almost getting up your nose and you make the most attractive sneeze as it does so, nose wrinkling as your head shakes. He chuckles at that, an amused smile prominent as he watches you get used to the texture and flavour.

“What do you think?” He asks, lifting up his own glass to gesture to you almost lazily.

Almost instantly, you’re grasping for words as you have no idea how to describe it. Taking another drink, you let it rest on your tongue before swallowing slowly. Humming as if you know what you’re talking about, you nod sagely. “It’s...crisp...and...champagney.” Immediately you’re cringing while he starts guffawing.

“Oh god, I’m sure Dom Perignon would be ecstatic to hear that.” He snorts, head tilting as he swallows the final bit in his cup. Your eyes widen in response though and you reach out slowly, turning the bottle until the label comes into view and you choke loudly.

Holy shit! He was feeding you Dom Perignon. A woman he’d barely known for three hours and here he was, letting you drink champagne that probably cost...well you didn’t even want to think about it. And you’d just described it as ‘champagney’!

Hoseok watches you suffer for a minute before smiling, leaning over and taking the glass from you before setting it on the table. “It’s fine, not everyone likes it. And I’m not expecting you to suddenly fall in love with it. It’s not to everyone’s taste..”

You groan quietly, pushing a hand into your face as embarrassment takes over. This man, this beautiful man, was so out of your league it’s not even funny. And yet, with the way he’s looking at you right now, he makes you feel as though you’re right at home next to him.

“I do think I know something that will be to my taste though.” He whispers, the words light and yet swarming with desire and dripping with lust. You watch him for a few seconds in admiration, eyes tracing over his face and the way the setting sun sets his skin ablaze.

“Wha-” Anything you’re about to say is cut off though when he suddenly grabs your hand and tugs you out of your chair, practically falling into his lap and gasping as your hands press against his firm chest to stop yourself from hurting him. From your elevated view, you get to take in the stunning sight of his statuesque face as he gazes up at you, want painted over every inch.

“You’re so beautiful, you know that?” He whispers before a hand is wrapping around your neck, pressing gently until your lips meet once more. It’s chaste at first, lips pressing against soft lips until his tongue slowly trails along the seam in an unspoken request for more.

Granting it, you let them fall open enough for him to gain entrance and a quiet moan leaves you as he runs his tongue along the roof of your mouth before tangling it with your own. He tastes sweet from the strawberries, dark from the chocolate and expensive from the champagne. Truly, Apollo turned to flesh to burn you up from the inside.

While his mouth takes yours on a slow dance of seduction, his fingers are moving in their own dance of persuasion as they skip and play along the straps of your dress before reaching your waist. Each touch sends tiny shivers of pleasure and he plays your body like marionette doll, a press here and a stroke there until your front is plastered against his own.

Breaking away from you for a moment, he looks down to where your breasts are pressed to his chest with a pleased smirk, enjoying the way they look along with how they feel. Rubbing his hands along your waist a few times, he watches you closely as they move down to your ass, gripping tightly and encouraging your hips to grind against his erection slowly.

A low groan leaves your throat as your head falls back, exposing the expanse of skin to his eager mouth while he hisses in response to the friction. Each slow grind of your hips corresponds to a harsh suck of his mouth on your throat, colourful bruises blooming to life at his rough treatment.

And yet your own hands grip his hair firmly, tugging in response to each pull of his mouth until he’s ripping himself away. Looking up at you with hooded eyes, almost black in the dimming light, he gasps before licking his lips.

“Oh yeah, you taste better than that. But I bet you taste even better somewhere else.” He states boldly, huffing a quiet laugh as your thighs go to clench closed at his words, only to squeeze his hips instead.

You expect him to let you stand up and move the activities into the bedroom, only he surprises you in a display of strength that has the centre of your thighs releasing even more slick to ruin your panties. Gripping the underside of your thighs, he grunts as he lifts and stands at the same time, planes of muscle under his shirt shifting while his biceps have their own moment of glory and stretch out his sleeves.

An unbidden whimper leaves your mouth at the sight as he deposits you onto the table, pushing the ice cold bucket away from you and leaving your legs draped over the edge. Lifting your head to look at him, you’re about to speak when he suddenly begins to slide his fingers up your calves.

Connecting your eyes with his, you watch with widening eyes as he begins to push the hem of your sundress over your thighs, the material tickling your hypersensitive skin until finally he can’t move it anymore because of your ass. Raising a brow at you, he gives a pleased smile when your hips lift up, allowing him to push the fabric further up to reveal the flat expanse of your stomach.

He doesn’t stop though, and keeps going till he’s tugging the dress over your shoulders before throwing it into the bedroom somewhere. It’s at this point that he takes a moment to simply admire you, eyes taking in the sight of your exposed skin under the dying sunlight and he lets out a sigh of pleasure, content with what he’s seeing.

“Christ, how can anyone look at the scenery when there’s you to enjoy?” He whispers, leaning forward and pressing a hot, open mouthed kiss to the centre of your stomach. Gasping at the wet feeling, your hands twine through his hair as he begins to leisurely kiss and lick his way upwards until he’s sucking on the soft, vulnerable skin of your breast.

“How can anyone look at the items in your museum when you’re there?” He presses a kiss gently before letting his tongue play over the hardened nub of your nipple, grinning at the wanton moan that escapes you as he does so. “I bet there’s not a thing in that museum more awe inspiring than the sight in front of me right now.” He murmurs before his mouth is sucking on your nipple, the pressure immense and almost painful before he’s letting go and admiring the way it puckers for him so prettily.

My god, who was this guy?!

Hoseok lets his tongue play along your breasts, swirling around the tip of your nipple before lovingly sucking it into his mouth. He stops suddenly though, pulling back before his eyes glance to the bucket next to your head, the metal sweating in the evening warmth. Giving the sensitive bud a light grazing with his teeth, he pulls away before tugging the bottle out of the ice.

“What are yo-Hoseok!” You cry out, giving a slight shriek as he pours the cold champagne onto your peaked breast, a husky laugh leaving him as his head dips down immediately to catch the fizzing liquid as it trickles down your chest. Gasping out at the sensation of his scorching tongue heating up your cooled flesh, your fingers slip into his soft hair and grip firmly.

“Hoseok! What are you doing? This is way too expensive to be...licking it off me.” You pant out, hands pushing his talented mouth even closer despite the words you’re telling him. He laughs gruffly, letting his nose brush against your skin as he follows an errant trickle before staying in place, sucking a bruise into the delicate skin over your ribcage.

“You’re wrong,” He says, voice slightly muffled as he tips a small amount over your nipple and immediately goes chasing. “This is exactly the right way to drink champagne. Why spend $300 on a bottle if you’re not going to lick it off the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen?”

It takes a moment for his words to penetrate your lust filled mind, but when it does you look down at him with wide eyes to see a toothy grin before those teeth bite down on the tender flesh. The price makes you eye the bottle warily until his compliment filters through and your stomach twists on itself, your legs clenching around his hips.

You don’t need to respond to him as he seems to understand what your body tells him silently, and he smiles sweetly, pressing a warm hand down on your trembling stomach muscles. He moves it slowly up to your neck, pulling you forwards slightly before he tips the bottle to your lips, letting you swallow a small amount before he’s placing the bottle to the side and swooping down to attach his lips to yours.

The taste of the champagne swirls around both of your mouths as he leisurely strokes your tongue with his, his cooled hand now grazing your side in slow movements until he pulls away and shifts backwards.

Eyes flicking to yours, his lips kick upwards before he’s sitting back down and spreading your legs for him, eyeing the sight of your slick dampened panties like a feast that’s been laid out just for him. Slowly, and making sure that you maintain eye contact with him the entire time, he shifts closer in the chair until you can feel the burning heat of his breath on your pussy.

“Do you want me to touch you here?” He asks and you want to cry from the need to have his tongue, his fingers, anything, touch you and relieve some of the ache. Nodding, you slur out some response to him and reach down, grasping for his head only to watch him jerk out of the way with a happy smile.

“Okay.” Is all he responds with, and you expect him to play some more games with you. Only he doesn’t.

Instead, he leans forward and places his mouth over the damp fabric of your panties, tongue pressing firmly to wet them even more. You can’t feel his tongue properly, can’t feel the slick wetness of the firm muscle and it drives you mad as he uses the fabric to lazily dull some of the pleasure. Whining at him, you grasp for his hair again and listen to his amused chuckle as he once more ducks out of the way.

A finger dances and skips it way along your inner thigh before it’s accompanied by his others, his nails lightly scraping along the sensitive flesh there until you’re shuddering with need. Humming in delight at your reactions to him, it’s with those deft fingers that he suddenly grabs the panties and tugs at them forcefully, the fabric almost burning in the speed that he pulls them off.

Gasping out an ‘oh’, you’re about to say something until suddenly those luscious pink lips wrap themselves around your clit and suck deeply. Crying out, your head hits the table with a thud as your hips undulate towards his mouth, body clenching on itself at the pleasure.

As he sucks, you feel the tip of his tongue playing with the tiny bud and immediately you’re writhing, uncaring of the rapidly cooling breeze that has the hair on you standing on end. How could you care, when this unbelievable man is between your legs and is worshipping you like a Greek goddess?

Hoseok hums to himself, a song you don’t recognise, but the effect is instantaneous as the vibrations cause tiny quakes of pleasure that have your legs tightening around his head. His elegant nose is pressed to your mound and you heat up as you hear him inhale unabashadley, taking in the scent of your arousal as he drags his tongue down to your weeping entrance.

Extending out that wonderful, talented tongue, he dips it into your pussy as far as he can before he curls it upwards, ever so slowly pulling it out to drag along your walls. An animalistic cry is pulled from your lungs as he does so, the sheer heat of the muscle combined with the slickness making you extra sensitive.

“Hoseok, chri-Hoseok please.” What you’re begging him for, you don’t know, but he seems to be pleased at what he’s hearing anyway. A loud clanking noise makes you jerk in surprise as you shift, watching him grasp the cold champagne bottle and bring it between your legs.

You go to stop him, afraid that he thinks pouring champagne down there is a good idea, only to let out a garbled noise as he presses the freezing glass to your clit. The temperature of it has your body shuddering in an excruciating combination of ecstasy and pain as he presses it firmly against you, circling it in slow motions that has shocks of pleasure fizzing in your veins.

“Jesus fucking-Hoseok!” You cry out, part of your mind aware that he’s using a bottle of fucking Dom Perignon as a sex toy. Hands grasping for him, you grip his wrist firmly yet don’t pull it away. No, if anything, you actually want him to go harder.

But he takes the choice away from you, pulling the bottle away before enveloping the cold little bud into his mouth. A mouth that now feels as hot as the centre of the sun and the temperature difference has you shrieking out, hand letting go of his wrist to pull at his dark hair.

He carries on for another few minutes or so, happily lapping at your clit in tiny kitten licks before sucking on it long and deep before he evidently decides he’s had enough foreplay. Standing, he grips under you and tugs you to him before lifting you up in one swift movement, your legs wrapping around his waist quickly while your arms lay around his neck in a languid movement.

“No orgasm?” You murmur to him, disappointed. A low laugh leaves him as he leans forward slightly, pressing soft yet damp kisses to your collarbones with a pleased noise.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get everything you’re hoping for.” He whispers, moving his head so close to your own that your noses are almost brushing against each other. The sun has slipped beneath the horizon and already darkness is chasing, the moon beginning to become brighter as it takes its rightful place.

Hoseok strides into the bedroom, pushing past the gauzy curtains before carefully laying you on the bed, a knee pressed to the mattress. Observing you for a moment, he lets out almost a sigh of utter desire and contentment, running both hands along your waist almost reverently before he’s leaning down, catching your lips in a quick yet deep kiss.

Standing back up, you push up onto your elbows and watch with greedy eyes as he begins to unbutton his shirt, going even slower once he catches your eyes with an amused grin. Each button gives way with ease, slowly revealing an expanse of tanned skin that under the sun, you’re sure would be golden, but in the slowly strengthening moonlight begins to pale slightly.

You swallow slowly, worried that you’re drooling at the sight of his torso as it’s exposed. Hoseok is lean yet incredibly toned, the muscles of his abdomen clearly defined yet not obscene and it makes you pant slightly, even more wetness coating the insides of your thighs.

He doesn’t take the shirt off though, nor does he take off the obscenely expensive watch adorning his wrist. Instead, he keeps his eyes firmly on you while unbuttoning his pants, the movement slow and seductive before he drags them, along with his underwear, down his muscled thighs.

Almost immediately, his thick cock bursts free and bounces in the air, a drop of clear liquid beading at the tip in his excitement. You don’t even realise the low noise of sheer, desperate need that you let out until Hoseok himself lets out a snort, shaking his head while a hand runs through his hair slowly.

“You look like you’ve seen something you want.” He rasps out, climbing onto the bed in slow and measured movements until he’s hovering over you. A slow roll of his hips has his cock grinding against your pubic bone, the hot shaft twitching at the movement as he lets out a deep groan of satisfaction.

“Fuck,” Hoseok whispers, almost inaudible as he dips his forehead to lean in the crook of your neck. “Every part of you is amazing, you know that?” You can’t help but laugh at his words, spurred from the pleasure his dick is sending into his body but you still take the opportunity to let your hands drag along his slim back, feeling the indent of each muscle and biting your lip at him.

“I want you.” He states bluntly, lifting his head to let you see the sheer dark want in his eyes and you keen out softly, lifting your head up to chase his lips in a wanton kiss of need. It’s lazy and unhurried, despite the constant grind of his hips against yours and the pool of liquid excitement between your legs.

Pushing at his shoulders, you separate and he lets you roll him over until his back is resting against the soft mattress of his bed, an impish smile taking over that makes him look very young. Straddling his thighs, you smirk down at him as you grasp his cock firmly in one hand, enjoying the way he lets out a quiet whimper before his eyes close as you stroke him.

“I want you too. Condom?” You ask quietly and he pauses for a moment, a look of panic washing over his face before relief filters through quickly soon afterwards. He nods towards his pants and gasps out something about a wallet, eyes rolling back as you give him a particularly tight squeeze.

It takes mere seconds to root his wallet out of his pocket before you tug out the single foil wrapped condom, brow raising at him. “Didn’t think you were going to get lucky huh?” You ask cheekily, bouncing back onto the bed and enjoying the way he laughs for a moment before his hands grab for your hips.

“No, but then again I wasn’t expecting to meet a goddess either.” Hoseok states, lip quirking up with amusement. You let out an ‘ooh’ noise as you roll the condom down him slowly, enjoying the sight of him.

He has a pleasing penis, you decide wryly. Not long, but girthy enough to know he’ll feel good and with the slightest curve that has your inner muscles clenching around air. A few more strokes has him especially solid in your hands and you straddle his hips, running the tip of him along your pussy in eased movements.

Moaning quietly, you enjoy the tiny sparks of gratification that pop in your veins as you coat his stiff shaft, your wetness lubing him while each press stimulates your aching clit. For a good 30 seconds, you simply enjoy using him to get yourself off before your eyes open and you catch the sight of his pained expression.

“Ready?” You whisper, shifting up slightly while you align yourself with him. His eyes are firmly focused on the where the tip of him is slowly edging its way into you, a gasping groan leaving his throat easily. Despite this, he somehow remembers your question and nods his head, hands resting firmly on your hips as he waits for your move.

You don’t respond to him, but instead sink down and let out a breathy moan as he stretches you deliciously. It doesn’t take long before you’re resting on his hips, his cock as deep in you as he can get and you sigh out, rocking your hips in a slow circle while you squeeze him internally.

He pants out a pained gasp, hands gripping tightly and you feel his hips reflexively jerk up into you, the movement pushing him further inside. Grinning slightly, you begin to rock with more intent, each slow roll of your stomach causing your hips to undulate on top of him and slide him in and out of you in slow, lazy drags.

“Fucking hell, you feel so fucking good.” He grunts and you can feel the strain in his hands, desperately wanting you to go faster on him but unwilling to push you yet. Reaching down, you take one hand of his and press it firmly to your breast, squeezing his fingers around you and getting a jolt of satisfaction when he shifts to pinch your nipple playfully.

You let him use his other hand to direct your hips further, the speed of your rocks increasing until all that can be heard are the slaps of flesh against flesh, the slick wetness of his cock inside you and the pleasured pants and moans from the both of you.

Leaning forward slightly, you let the angle shift and enjoy the way he soon picks up the slack, his hips jerking up into you in solid thrusts. Each movement has his cock dragging against your g-spot, with tiny, gasping whimpers leaving your mouth until you’re whining quietly, head dropping even further down.

“Touch yourself princess.” Hoseok says, his voice so deep and guttural that it sounds as it he’s speaking from his chest. He removes his hand from your chest and instead grips your ass firmly, the muscles in his biceps becoming noticeable as he moves you in time to his thrusts.

The noise you let out isn’t intelligible, but it’s a confirmation of his request and you bring a hand to press at your clit slowly. Experienced fingers push the hood of the pebbled bud away before you begin to circle, and almost immediately a rasping cry leaves your throat from the pleasure.

“Good girl, keep doing that.” He whispers, shifting slightly as he braces himself better before he begins to pound into you. It sends ricochets of satisfaction through you as your body jerks forward with each slap of his thighs against your buttocks, each drag of his cock pressing against all the sweetest spots inside you.

“Oh god Hoseok, oh god,” You moan out, eyes closing and denying you the beautiful vision of Hoseok looking fucked out with need and desire. He mutters encouragements to you, his voice low enough to send your inner muscles quivering around him and you slow in your movements between your thighs.

How are you possibly supposed to orgasm with this much pleasure happening?

But he senses your thoughts and brings a hand to press against yours, encouraging you to keep pleasuring yourself while he takes care of the rest of you. “Cum for me princess, come on. You can do it.” He pants out, his abdomen flexing underneath you and the white of his shirt almost glowing in the moonlight.

A pinch of your nipple combines perfectly with a swirl of your fingers and a thrust of his cock, the three events combining together to push you over the edge and you find yourself falling into the fizzing pit of overwhelming pleasure. Garbled noises of gratification escape you as you cum, eyes clenched shut as your inner muscles convulse repeatedly around his thick shaft.

Hoseok is moaning out in response, hips working even faster until he suddenly presses firmly into you once and a guttural groan rips from him. Even through your orgasm, you can feel the rhythmic twitching of his cock as he empties into the condom and by the time he’s finished, his hips are making tiny movements to let him ride out the final sparks of pleasure from his orgasm.

Slumping forward onto his chest, you both simply lay there for a minute in a silence that is only broken by the ragged pants from the two of you. Underneath your head, his chest is heaving for breaths and you feel the sticky sheen of sweat on both of you, cooling rapidly in the night breeze that rolls through the open windows.

“That...was every bit as good as I thought it would be.” Hoseok laughs raspily, running a tired hand along your back slowly before shifting you to the side. He sits up tiredly and tugs off the condom, disposing of it before standing on shaking legs and disappearing.

The tiredness of your day exploring, combined with the relentless sun and Hoseok’s ministrations has you dozing off before he even comes back from the bathroom, a towel in hand and a fond smile as he takes in your sleeping figure.

-

You wake the next morning slowly, eyes blinking blearily at the sun brightened room and it takes a moment for your memory to come back to you. A muffled moan leaves you as you curl into the soft, white pillow and inhale deeply, taking in the scent of sex and the undeniably expensive scent of Hoseok.

It’s only after a few more minutes of blissful quiet, the only sounds the distant crashing of the waves on the shore, that you realise it’s actually eerily quiet. Shifting in bed, the sheets wrapping around your body tightly as you do so, you spy an empty bed next to you.

The pillow isn’t even dented anymore, telling you that Hoseok has been gone for a while. Tugging the sheet against your chest, you sit up and look around in confusion. There’s no champagne outside, and the room seems oddly clean.

Swinging your legs over the edge, you’re about to stand until you note the white sheet of paper that flutters slightly in the gentle wind underneath a seashell. It’s then that you note your bag is next to the bed as well, instead of on the couch downstairs where you’d left it last night.

Reaching out, you take the note and read it quietly.

Princess,

Sorry if this all sounds awkward, I’ve never had to write a post-sex apology note. I should be better at this as a PR expert.

I’m sorry to leave you like this. When I said it was my last night, I meant literally. My flight is in the early morning and I had to leave to make it. I meant to walk you to your hotel but fell asleep too.

I’ve cleaned the villa, don’t worry. All you have to do is make sure everything locks behind you. Feel free to take the last of the champagne with you to make your last day even better. I really want to thank you for last night, I enjoyed both it and you.

I hope it’s not too presumptuous of me but I’ve left my number for you. When you’re back in New York, I’d love to visit your museum if you’d be okay with that. Maybe you can even give me a tour? Or even if you just want to talk, I’d like that too.

Yours,

Hoseok

Smiling down at the note, you reach into your bag and pull out your phone, glad it still has some battery left. It takes only seconds to enter his number into your contacts list and you sit there and admire it for a moment, your empty stomach bubbling over with a multitude of emotions.

Placing both down on the nightstand, you head out to the balcony and rest your arms on the glass edge, careful to make sure you remain covered even though there’s no one there to appreciate. Watching the slow but steady movement of the cerulean ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see, you can’t stop the smile that creeps over your face at everything that happened.

Any trepidation you had about going home is gone now, and instead there’s just a tremor of excitement that is ready to burst inside you. Yes, you think that you’re ready to go home now, especially given you have something so wonderful to look forward to.

[susieskinner93]

Day off shenanigans part1

They were in bed, trying to catch their breaths, when Aaron felt Robert's hand on his stomach. He started to move it up and down out of habit really, but Aaron started laughing as he said – “I can't go again mate, I'm hammered.”

“And I'm the old one?” - asked Robert chuckling. - “No, I just wanted to touch you.” -  he mumbled face down on his pillow.

“You never stopped. Don't be such a softie.” - said Aaron smiling shoving Robert a little to make some room for himself. He turned to face him, then Robert got on his back and pulled him onto his chest. Their hands found each other, fingers intertwined as they both looked at it smiling.

“Fancy a date night?” - asked Robert as he played with Aaron's fingers.

“We don't do date nights.” - scoffed Aaron.

“Alright, let's make it a day out then.” - suggested Robert.

“What? Like we don't have enough work to do? Come on Robert we can't keep on skiving all the time.”

“That's true, but I guess in this heatwave we can close up earlier.”

“How much earlier?”

“Like at lunch?”

“You're joking right?”

“No, I'm deadly serious.” - he answered sitting up. - “Come on we better get ready.” - he said half way to get out of bed.

“What? It's well early! I thought we woke up for a bit of alone time!” - said Aaron trying to pull him back. - “Or were you just after some morning sex?” - he asked joking. Only Robert didn't get it and took it as a proper offence.

“Yeah that's right Aaron, I'm only up at the crack of dawn to chase my own pleasure. You know what forget it, it was just an idea. I thought you might like it but apparently I was wrong.” - he said sulking, heading to the bathroom, leaving Aaron speechless.

20 minutes later Robert walked into the kitchen in his robe. Aaron was already there, making coffee.

“Hope you had a cold shower that knocked some sense into ya.” - he said with his back to Robert.  - “Coz I swear Robert....”

“I know.” - he started as he ruffled his hair. - “I've been an idiot.”

“And then some” – muttered Aaron. - “What was that about?”

“I don't know.” - he admitted sitting down. - “Just wanted to spend the day with you I guess. I know we have work to do, but it would've been nice.” - he said frowning.

“You know what? Let's do it.” - said Aaron smiling as he sat down next to Robert handling him a mug.

“No, you were right, I wasn't thinking, we have meetings and...”

“No, Robert, honestly, I've thought about it, and I think we could use a day off.” - he said smiling as he took Robert's hand. - “Alright?”

“Alright.” - he smiled back at him, before he got his first síp of his coffee. - “Hmmm, it tastes different.”

“Oh yeah?” - asked Aaron with a smirk as he stood up, turning his back on Robert. He had to, coz he couldn't help the grin on his face.

“Wait.” - started Robert sipping more. - “Is that? Is is that fancy coffee we had back in Malta?”

“Maybe.” - said Aaron still not facing him.

“How?”

“I just wanted to treat ya. Now, go and get dressed, we need to take Seb to Vic, then be at the scrapyard by 7:30. sharp. ” - he said with a soft smile then he bent down to give Robert a quick kiss before he headed to the bathroom himself.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Aaron finished up in 10 minutes and he took the corner from the bathroom to their room with such a drive, he almost crashed into Robert.

“Woaw.” - he said grabbing Aaron by his waist. - “What's the rush?”

“You kidding?” - he asked with raised eyebrows. - “Scrapyard? Meeting?”

“Yeah, yeah... we've got time.” - he said in a low voice, licking his lips.

“Seriously?”

“Come on Aaron, live a little, we have time and I want you...”

“Arghhh the things you talk me into...”  - he smiled before he let Robert pull him into the bedroom.

[fillernamegoeshere]

Lair Review for dragonicmaster #84451

@bladeobrona

I hope you enjoy! It’s under the cut.

First off is this lady. Fuujin is absolutely stunning. The red, green and orange accenting colors really go well with the dark colored theme. When I first saw her, my first thought was flowers/roses in the night. And it makes sense because of her colors and her rose thorn apparel. I especially love the feathers around her head and the rose crown. Together, they make her look regal and mighty.

Next we have Zircon. I can always appreciate a dragon that sticks to a theme. I have an Arcane themed dragon myself and now I’m thinking she could use the Glowing eyes! His genes provide a very good foundation for his accent, which makes him look like there is arcane energy inside of him ready to break through the cracks. I would not want to be in his way when he is casting spells!

Here we have Miko. She was one of the first dragons in your lair to catch my eye. It has something to do with the way everything flows on her. She just looks sparkling and mystical. I’m always a fan of how reds and yellows go together, and she does both wonderfully. I also enjoy the Kelp Mane. I haven’t found a dragon to wear one myself, but it makes her look all the more elegant!

Next we have Seashore. Honestly, do I even need to say more? She absolutely looks like a sea shore and I give you major props for this look! The colors fit perfectly. I can see her blending in with the waters and sand. She is gorgeous. I do think she could use some more yellows to break up all the blues, especially around her body and wings. I’m not sure if there are any apparel that could be layered effectively over those areas, but it would help add some extra effects. Perhaps even the illusion of seashells or crabs on the seashore!

And lastly we have here Malta. I really love the way the violet and ivory go really well together. The accent colors from both violet and ivory blend together nicely. Her current genes look great! Some other ones you could consider are Tapir for her primary and Striation/Trail for her secondary. In terms of apparel, I think her simple look really fits that book keeper feel. I might add something around her waist (like the Mage’s Walnut Bag) to act as sort of her book bag or something. It could be something small, but even small details can say a lot!

[thunder-the-ranger-wolf]

Futility Valued

Self indulgent little thing that reminds me that it's okay to fuck up every once in a while. Even if going through the motions if said fuckup hurt like hell.

Main Characters:

http://www.sobi.org/photos/Cat/Malta/MalteseCat_148.jpg. (Paleheart)

http://img15.deviantart.net/ae26/i/2013/244/d/d/fluffy_commission_by_gato_iberico-d6knfvt.png.  (Mapletail)

http://img08.deviantart.net/ba2e/i/2008/239/3/0/eyes_like_heaven_by_tuja.jpg    (Snowfrost)

http://img07.deviantart.net/d027/i/2011/123/0/b/crowfeather_by_zann_taggerung-d3fiowj.png. (Northstar- this color fur with white paws, ears, chest)

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

The pale grey she-cat crept forward, focus solely on her prey. The squirrel was huge, and would make a great meal for the elders.  "Snowfrost?" A familiar voice meowed curiously. She hissed quietly, but the squirrel had already noticed her. She lunged for the creature once, twice, three times before-

"Watch out!" Paleheart yowled, but it was too late. Snowfrost smacked head-first into the tree that the squirrel had raced halfway up, and seeing that, the determined she-cat began to climb. The squirrel chittered happily, and if she didn't know any better, she'd say it was mocking her. When she finally made it to the branch the squirrel was on, the dumb rodent was back on the ground and mocking her again! She let out a battle yowl and leapt for the ground, claws unsheathed. The squirrel squeaked and raced... right into Paleheart's paws. The light brown tom laughed as he held the dead rodent out to his friend.

"Don't worry, Snow, we'll say you caught it, now let's head back to camp and get you looked at. You probably hit your head."

"But I didn't! You did, and when the others find out what happened, even the elders will laugh me out of the forest!"

"Aw, Snow..."

"For once, I just want to catch a piece of prey without messing up! I want to be able to fight Talonheart and know that he's not going easy on me! I don't want to be another mouth to feed, Paleheart, I want to defend my Clan!" Snowfrost growled, panting as they limped slowly to camp. Paleheart sighed. They had this discussion every time something went wrong, and that happened a lot. There wasn't anything wrong with Snowfrost in the physical sense. She was a healthy young she-cat who would make some tom extremely happy if she ever had kits, but she saw the world differently, didn't always understand the way things were done and most times had to be reminded to do certain things. If they pertained to her interests, however, you couldn't get her to stop for all the world. She was currently in a slump brought on by a series of unfortunate events that all involved her messing up the simple things, even when she was doing her best not to disrupt Clan life. Especially the harder she tried. Snowfrost limped into camp, leaning heavily on Paleheart, not much to anyone's surprise.

"Nice catch, guys." The deputy, Mapletail, offered cheerfully from the Highledge.

"Paleheart's catch." The light grey she-cat scowled as she headed for her nest.

"Wait!" Mapletail yelped, taking note of her injuries. "Where are you going? You have to get to the medicine den!" The tortoiseshell exclaimed as she scrambled down the boulder path that led from the leader's den to the rest of the camp.

"I'm fine!" Snowfrost snarled. "Frostmint and Scarletpaw don't need to bother with me."

"But you're not fine!" Paleheart snapped. "And that's exactly what they train for!"

"SNOWFROST!" Frostmint stormed out of the medicine den and caught sight of the pale grey warrior. "You get your sorry tail into my den right now! Or I'll order Northstar to keep you in camp for the rest of the moon!"

"Like he won't do that anyway!" The injured she-cat spat back, racing for the camp entrance. Paleheart beat her to it and blocked the way, mirroring her every time she tried to get around him. Finally, she went straight for an attack and he barely dodged in time. She yowled as he stomped his paw on her tail in a last effort, and she tumbled to the ground. He bundled her back into camp and toward the medicine den, nodding as she cursed him to StarClan and beyond. By now, most of the Clan was outside, wondering what exactly happened to the warrior this time.

"You've just made yourself worse, y'know.' He said as he led her to a nest in the medicine den.

"Should've just let me go. Not like it'd make a difference."

"I'm not leaving you out on your own, Snow. Not ever, and especially not at night."

"Why, because I'm useless?"

"No-!"

"I bet I'd be dead in the morning." She scoffed airily.

"Exactly!" Paleheart roared, leaping to his paws. His claws were unsheathed and his fur ruffled, eyes wide with panic. He loomed over his friend and she shrank back in her nest. "You think I'd waste all the time I spent looking after you just to let you go off and get yourself killed five heartbeats later?! Not happening, Snowfrost. I'm your friend. Friends don't let each other go off and get hurt just because they're feeling down." Paleheart explained. "Tell you what, if we haven't scared off all the prey, you can try again later, we'll do a hunting patrol. I'm sure you'll catch something."

"Right. Good luck with that."

"Snowfrost-."

"You should go find Kinkpelt. She usually cheers you up, right? Just go."

"S-."

"Get out!" The injured she-cat snapped. Once her friend was out of sight, Snowfrost sighed and flopped into her nest. That turned out to be a mistake, she thought as she groaned.

"I would give you a poppy seed, but we have to see what's wrong first." Scarletpaw offered.

"Sure." Snowfrost growled, flicking her limp tail. "Whatever... How am I supposed to be a warrior if I can't hunt or fight? I'm not good with herbs either. I'd probably poison some cat sooner than heal them. Honestly, I'm kinda hopeless and I have no clue what Paleheart's going on about. He doesn't have to follow every pawstep I take. I'm not fragile." She scowled. "Just a screw-up."

"He does that because he cares, Snowfrost." Frostmint offered.

"Well if he paid Kinkpelt half as much attention as he does me then maybe she wouldn't act like she's got ants in her pelt."

"Their problems are theirs to work through, just as you have yours."

"He shouldn't be neglecting his mate just because I can't catch a squirrel."

"You don't know what they do when you're not around, no matter how much you think you are. They have their business and you have yours. If you want to know so badly, ask Kinkpelt yourself."

"I just want to make sure she doesn't hate me."

"I doubt she hates you, Snowfrost. In fact, it's probably the exact opposite. Whatever she feels, she'll tell you if she thinks you're a problem. Now be still and let me splint your leg. Scarletpaw, fetch a stick and some rush-weed binds so we can straighten these bones before they heal crookedly." _______________________________________________

Mapletail paced across the leader's den, tail flicking anxiously as she turned every few pawsteps. Northstar looked as anxious as she felt, though the dark blue, white-pawed tom didn't show as much.

"I just don't know what you want me to do, Mapletail. She's a warrior, yes, but she brings in no prey, can't fight to save her life, even when it might actually save her life... I want her to succeed just as much as you do, but I can't stalk her every pawstep. Snowfrost has to find her own way, and I'm confident that she can do it standing on her own four paws. You heard Paleheart, she jumped out of a tree to catch a squirrel for the elders. If she'd done anymore then she'd have chased it all the way to camp!" Northstar purred, pride shining in his eyes. "I don't think smothering her is going to help her get better, but she does need to heal. Who knows, maybe Kinkpelt can talk some sense into Paleheart, make him take a few steps back and realize that enabling her isn't the answer."

"Then what is?!" The tortoiseshell deputy snarled, stopping suddenly and leaning forward to glare at her leader. "She's not useless, Northstar! Just different. There has to be a place for her here!"

"Who said there isn't?" Northstar asked, eyes widening in question. "I'm not letting her leave us, I could never-." He cut himself off before he said too much. "She has a place with us, where she belongs, in ThunderClan, no matter what anyone else thinks."

"So," Mapletail snickered. "How long do you think you can hold out before you crack and tell her what you really think of her, hmm?"

"No." The dark blue leader growled, voice flat. "I'm not what she needs right now, and I can control myself. Stop prying and go bother Viperclaw."

"Whatever you say, fearless leader." Mapletail purred sweetly. "Tell her soon, or I'll do it for you. Bet you'll be embarrassed then." _______________________________________________

Kinkpelt came to visit her a few days later, in the afternoon. She was getting better, the splint was working and her head was checked every few hours. She healed quickly, for some reason, and she had never been one to let life slow her down, even when it tried its best.

"I want to know why you sent him away." The tan, ever-ruffled she-cat meowed upon sight of her mate's best friend. "He just wants to help you."

"If he smothered you the way he smothered me it'd be a different story." Snowfrost grumbled. "It's bad enough I can't do much, but he's my only friend, and he pities me! It's ridiculous!" The grey cripple snapped. "I don't want to be pitied, I want to be respected, like you and Mapletail. I want to earn my way in the Clan like the rest of you, but I get the feeling it'll be a while, if my leg has anything to say about it."

"Well, you did jump out of a tree..." Kinkpelt offered, mirth shining in her sympathetic gaze. "That tends to hurt."

"Paleheart didn't tell you the full story, did he?"

"Apparently not. What really happened?"

"I almost had it, but he shocked me out of my fur and scared the squirrel up a tree. So I climbed up, and it just sits there, staring at me like some kind of maniac!"

"Wait, the squirrel was mocking you?" Kinkpelt laughed. Snowfrost snickered along, glad that she got the reaction she was going for.

"Exactly! So I chased it down and it ran right into Paleheart's paws."

"I think I know what your problem is, Snowfrost." Kinkpelt offered slowly, as if something had just occurred to her. Snowfrost stiffened.

"What?" She growled, incredulous.

"It's rare, because cats are hunters by nature, and we live in the forest, but it's bound to happen. Not everyone can be the same." The tan she-cat meowed quickly, voice reassuring.

"What? What is it?" Snowfrost pleaded.

"I don't think you can kill things." Snowfrost narrowed her eyes and made to speak, but Kinkpelt beat her to it. "Please, just hear me out!" Snowfrost nodded and flicked her tail for the tan she-cat to go on. "You might not think about it, but something stops you everytime you try to catch prey, and you don't hurt anyone too badly in battle."

"So... I'm not a proper cat? No wonder I can never be a warrior." Snowfrost scowled.

"Of course you're a cat, silly! There are other ways to serve the Clan. You can talk to Northstar and Mapletail about having a partner on patrols, because you're really good at sniffing out prey. You just can't catch it, right? Something always stops you, doesn't it?"

"Yeah... that's true."

"And we never do mean to kill in battle, but you can still score a few hits. I've seen your fighting style. It's mostly defensive, but you still use your claws. You're not as fast, but you're pretty good at being determined. Use that to your advantage instead of letting it stress you out." Kinkpelt offered.

"Thanks... I need to find Northstar. I think you're on to something. Say, where'd you figure that out anyway?"

"My father knew a cat like that. Name was Darkclaw. Spent his whole life in the medicine den, because they didn't know what was wrong with him. Stormwing knew, though, and he told me that if I ever came across a cat like Darkclaw, I should give them the chance he never got. You're rare, Snowfrost, and you should be proud of that. There are ways around killing things. We're your Clan. We can help you if you let us. Isn't that what Clan life is?"

"Yeah... Thanks, Kinkpelt."

_______________________________________________

Northstar jerked awake when something tapped his flank half a moon later.

"Great StarClan, Snowfrost, don't do that!" He yowled, scrambling to his paws unseeingly.

"How'd you know it was me?" The pale grey warrior asked curiously. Northstar licked his chest fur, embarrassed as he realized that the object of his affections was actually in his den. "You're fearless." He deadpanned. "Any other cat would call out before they enter my den. Probably scared I'd scratch their face off."

"Well you won't. I talked to Kinkpelt a while ago, and she thinks she knows what my problem is."

"Go on." Northstar mused, interested. No one had ever given an idea as to why they thought Snowfrost was so different, so he was curious as to what Kinkpelt knew that the rest might not. When Snowfrost finished about her talk with Kinkpelt, it took everything Northstar had not to yowl his heart out. The fact that this had happened before meant that it truly did exist. It wasn't just Snowfrost, and even if it was, this wasn't a problem.

"So you're a kit a heart?" The blue and white tom purred mischievously.

"I wouldn't say in every aspect." Snowfrost offered thoughtfully. "I just... literally can't do it, no matter how much I want to catch prey or go into battle by myself."

"First of all, you'll never be alone in battle. Someone will always be there to back you up, and even if it's not one of us, StarClan has our backs. They won't let you be alone."

"At least in battle."

"At least in battle." The leader repeated. If it were up to him, he would never want to leave her alone, but she had to be her own cat and she couldn't do that if someone stalked her every other pawstep.

Snowfrost watched as her leader went from joyful to determined, and it confused her. Why was he so cautious of her? He knew she would be alright, didn't he? She bumped her muzzle against his to get his attention. He jolted and glanced up at her, confusion and hope warring in his gaze.

"What's wrong?" She'd seen that look before, when Paleheart agonized over Kinkpelt, before she asked him to be her mate because he was a scaredy-mouse and Snowfrost asked her to just make it stop! The mooning was agonizing and-... Understanding lit her gaze and she smirked.

"I know what's wrong with you." She snickered playfully, thwaping his nose with her tail. "You're mooning over someone. There aren't many she-cats in our Clan that aren't already taken. I was wondering if it was Mapletail you had a crush on when you first became a warrior, because you were the same age, but then she paired up with Viperclaw and you seemed happy for her, so it's not her. Kinkpelt is with Paleheart and you haven't shown any interest with her... We don't really have a lot of she-cats, do we? There's Scarletpaw and her sisters? But Scarletpaw is a medicine cat and the other two have probably got their own crushes." Snowfrost snorted. "You're not in love with one of them, though, are you? You'd fall in love with an apprentice?"

Northstar fought the urge to wail and lowered his head to his paws, ears flat.

"I did once." He muttered, and it came out strangled.

"What happened to her?"

"She grew up."

That got Snowfrost thinking. ThunderClan has been pretty small lately, compared to the stories the elders tell. She and Kinkpelt were the only female apprentices, alongside Paleheart, but she knew right away that she and Paleheart would be the best of friends, because he was clearly mooning over Kinkpelt. It was hilarious, watching them dance around each other. But she'd always admired Northstar, then Northheart, for his unwavering determination and his ability to be so kind to everyone he met, even if they were enemies or useless, like her. Apparently he felt the same way about her.

"Okay, let's go." She insisted. "Up, North, we're going for a walk. You've got some explaining to do." She snorted, pushing into his side with her muzzle so that he rolled over and yowled in surprise.

"What-?"

"No, seriously, get up. We're getting out of camp, you're going to tell me how long you've had this crush, and then we'll go from there. But I need to get out of camp because I'm gonna go crazy if I don't, and you're going to be my escort. So get up and come with me or I'll get Mapletail to make you."

"You can't-!"

"Watch me." Snowfrost purred mischievously. "You know she'd be more than happy to."

"..."

Snowfrost loped over to the den entrance and opened her mouth. Northstar shot to his paws.

"Okay! Let's go." He meowed frantically. "Just don't call Mapletail."

"She already sees me." Snowfrost snickered as she prowled down the Highledge and headed for the entrance. Northstar rolled his eyes and padded after her. Mapletail whooped for joy and pranced back to the warriors den. Clearly her work was done.

[thymeheals]

A Very Short Chapter in Which Everything Seems to be Going Right For Five Minutes

Summary: Getting ready for the big birthday ball and the beginnings of the ball itself.

POV: first person reader insert

Warnings: implied past abuse; past abusive spouse;

Royal AU with the characters of Supernatural

Word Count: 1144

Part 4/? (7 so far) in process

The next morning in a room I’d never been inside during my time at the castle, Sam began pulling fancy dresses out of an old trunk. I sat nearby on a settee watching with amusement at his comedic rustling. When all of a sudden he gasped, “Here, try this one on, I think it may be perfect.” He held up a blue modest but form fitting silk and taffeta gown with intricate embroidery and beadwork that easily cost more than my entire courting wardrobe. Someone had put weeks worth of time and attention to every detail.

I came out from behind the dressing screen holding the front of the gown up. “Hey Sam, think you can lace up the back?”

“Sure,” he said as he walked over behind me, talking as he worked “So... do you think you’ll dance tonight if someone were to ask you?”

“Oh, um. I hadn’t thought about that... Sam, I shouldn’t. There’s something I’ve been meaning to bring up, there just hasn’t been a right time. But, I guess it’s now or never. I’m still technically married.. and there’s a possibility that my husband could eventually show back up at court. It’s not that I wouldn’t love to dance, I just don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself.” I explained as I looked at my hands and picked at a nail.

“Y/n, can I ask you, are you afraid of him? Is that why you were out running through the woods?” Sam cautioned.

I bit my lip, debating how much I wanted him to know. “He’s a powerful person. Very respected at court, it wouldn’t turn out in my favor if he were to show up here,” I replied, “honestly Sam, I don’t want to cause you and Dean any more trouble than I have already. I want to move on, to just be someone else. Be me again.” I walked over in front of the mirror and fell in love with the blue ball gown Sam had chosen. “You’re right Sam, this is perfect.” I smiled and looked over at him, but he seemed mentally somewhere else. I began to brush my hair and pin it up as he moved behind me.

He smiled back at me over my shoulder in the mirror, “Deans not going to be able to take his eyes off of you.”

I tried to hide the blush running from my cheeks down my neck, “maybe I shouldn’t go,” I whispered.

“Don’t let your past dictate your happiness Y/n, if you want to go to the ball, if you want to dance or even fly to the moon don’t let him stop you. Dean and I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll be by your side the whole time.” Sam promised.

————————————

Sam opened the large door and motioned for me to enter ahead of him, I took ahold of his extended hand and held my breath as I stepped through the doorway. The hall was dressed in its regal best. I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face as I turned to face Sam. “Thank you for encouraging me to attend, Sam. I feel like I’ve traveled back in time ten years! It’s just as I remember.” I pulled him further into the great room with me and we stood among the rest of court as the herald announced Prince Dean’s entrance followed by his Father King John.

Sam had kept his hand comfortingly against my lower back throughout the entrance ceremony and announcements, but quickly removed it as patrons around us began greeting him but questioning why he had snuck in instead of participating in the formal ordeal we had just witnessed. Sam was always so polite and caring in his answers, ranging from the night not being about him but his brother to introducing me to those he was closer with as his friend and guest for the evening. Remembering to nod my head and curtsy was quite difficult after all of these years of not participating in courtly customs and I only began doing so after Sam so gently leaned down to remind me people were taking notice.

“Sarah, you may want to start acknowledging everyone with a nod or curtsy, there’s a gossip circle beginning to form since they don’t have anything better to do with their time but make assumptions and degrade beautiful people that they have no reason or right to believe the lies they’ve made up and spread before even meeting them.”

“Oh, no you’re right, I’m terribly out of practice. I haven’t been in a customary setting in so long, please forgive me but I have forgotten all means of etiquette,” I blushed and quickly grabbed his hand so he’d look me in the eyes. “Sam, I’m sincerely sorry if I’ve embarrassed you in anyway.”

“Don’t worry about embarrassing me, you’ve done no such thing. I just don’t want their curiosity and jealousy to be better than everyone else to make you feel uncomfortable or upset. They can get downright awful while vying for Dean’s affection. And trust me, they’ll pick up on your friendship and how at ease he is around you.”

————————————

We made our way to our seats at the long feast table, luckily Sam and I were across from Dean, it didn’t sound like we were going to get to spend much time with him for the rest of the event. King John had planned out a list of ladies for Dean to dance with and meet, hoping he would decide on a bride to be. He just looked so unhappy with the situation. Sam and I kept attempting at cheering him up with small talk and jokes. But I could tell he was dreading the entirety of the night when he physically winced at the music beginning to play.

“Dean, they can’t all be that unbearable. Just be yourself and I’m sure you’ll find joy in at least one girl’s conversation.” I said as a last ditch effort at lifting his spirits. He just nodded and responded with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Sam and I watched the band pick up and made our way to the ball room with the other guests.

“Y/n, may I have the first dance?” Sam asked with a smile and a bow.

I didn’t want to disappoint him, but I couldn’t risk drawing any additional attention to myself. “I’d love to dance with you, Sam, but could we maybe wait until the crowd has thinned out? Don’t the older guests usually make their way toward home before nightfall really sets in?”

Sam squinted at me for a bit and half-scoffed half-laughed, “I know you’re familiar with court and that you’ve attended events like this before, but will you enlighten me to your previous life and your place in all this? Just when I think I have an estimated guess you throw me right off the trail.”

“Sure thing Sam, just not here.” I placed my hand on his forearm to lead him out to the gardens, I managed to fit my entire life’s story of being the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cantaloupe and my experience of attending court for three years trying to capture a princes’ affections only to be deemed "too opinionated" and "fiery ambitious" by two former beaus and ending up in a last ditch effort as the wife of a political ambassador from Malta into about a half hour of conversation. I even went on to tell him about the ambassador's downgrading and condescending attitude toward me and of the night I'd had enough.

“I sat there looking him in the eye until he was quite finished with his demeaning lecture, then I just let him have it. I confronted him about making more of a mess than a sow in labor and speaking before men of a much higher caliber about customs and rhetoric he’d never understand while pretending he wasn’t dreaming of them betwixt his silk sheets,” I smiled proudly as Sam laughed and shook his head. “But then he rammed both of his forearms into my face and stomach and I ended up thrown into the kitchen wall. Somehow I managed to pull myself up off of the floor and escape to the forest behind our house. And then three days later I was arrested while stealing food from the rubbish pile.”

Sam pulled me into his chest into a crushing hug and gently kissed the top of my head, “I hate that you had to go through all of that, but I’m so glad that it brought you here.”

“Me too,” I said through the tears threatening to fall through the cracks in my emotional armor I hadn’t needed to tend to since arriving here.

After I’d gathered my breath and no longer looked like I’d been upset, we made our way back inside the ballroom. “Sam, can I take you up on that dance now?” I asked with a smile.

“Of course, y/n, anytime you wish.” We danced, swayed, and twirled through a few songs while Sam told me stories about the other attendees. We continued to gossip and giggle until someone placed their hand on Sam’s arm and asked to cut in. I looked back up to see Dean’s green eyes looking into mine. I smiled and said, “I don’t mind, if Sam doesn’t, your highness.” Sam just rolled his eyes at me and clapped his brother on the shoulder.

[dansnaturepictures]

My 10 Wildlife and Photography highlights of 2018: Post 8-My visit to the Bird Fair

On the 17th August it was great to travel from Hampshire to Rutland for the Bird Fair for our 11th time. Just before reaching Rutland Water’s Egleton reserve where we would first have a bit of time in the fair then as we always do go to Lyndon afterwards it was nice to pass through the villages of Northamptonshire and Rutland especially my two favourites Rockingham and Caldecott, Rockingham in particular I often have dreams about going through just before reaching Bird Fairs which shows how much I love this event and place and I didn’t see either of these villages last year as we stayed somewhere slightly different in a cottage so it was nice to be reunited with them in a sense.

The first thing we did on arrival in the fair was the only way for us to start, going to see one of our heroes Simon King who we’ve spoke to and had our picture taken with every Bird Fair. He was so down to earth again and it was wonderful to have a meaningful conversation with him about our trips this year to Scotland and Yorkshire and his work. The next couple of hours or so were spent around the fair doing different bits and seeing many more delightful people as we did the whole day. One of which was one of our Heatherlea guides from the January Scotland trip. Whilst we only spent two days with him you really got to know him in that time so I really enjoyed our catch up with him. Next attention at the fair turned to wildlife, as we went to the BTO ringing demonstration we always enjoy we were thrilled to see a Garden Warbler shown in the 1st picture in this photoset a very special bird we don’t often see looking beautiful as they ringed and released it. We would then walk around the hides and on the way to our first saw my first Southern Hawker dragonflies briefly this year. This ensured my dragonfly and damselfly year was my highest ever.

When we came out of the first hide I was overjoyed to get a cracking view of my first Osprey this trip and this year flying very close over our heads, shown in the 2nd picture in this photoset. It felt brilliant to see this the main star of my Bird Fair every year and a bird I have a deep deep bond with, my 21st of my 24 favourite birds seen this year. But it also took my year list to 178 a very important figure as being one above my 2014 total it made 2018 my third highest ever year list at the time. This is amazing for me as obviously I have so much respect for the amount of birds I saw four years ago and to beat this means it must be a pretty big year for me but to do it soon again as I’ve said a lot about milestones this year is just simply phenomenal for me. This was also the second Bird Fair running where on ceremony a year list became my third highest ever at as my 2017 previous record surpassed my considerably less 168 joint total of 2013 and 2015. What happened next in the Goldeneye hide (a view just before it the 3rd picture in this photoset) will go down as one of my greatest ever Bird Fair and birding moments. We had heard a Red-necked Phalarope had been around and we saw this amazing little bird flit and fly about at not too great a distance. I felt so good to see this bird as it was my first ever and I think this is genuinely one of the rarest birds I’ve seen in my life I feel so lucky. It was my 257th bird in my life and 7th new bird this year one more than last year.

We saw it fly up with Common Terns a lot because a Peregrine got them up and the Peregrine and a Kestrel seen at Egleton with Red Kite and another of my favourite birds the Buzzard seen on the journey up on roadsides made a decent amount of raptors seen that day at five in my big year of birds of prey. I also saw five of my favourite birds with Osprey and Buzzard joined by Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret and Shelducks seen well at Rutland Water that day. We then moved onto Lyndon reserve where we always visit on our first day up here. We came across some noisy sheep including the one in the 4th picture in this photoset which was interesting. In the far hide it was great to see an Osprey on the nesting posts again and spend precious time with this favourite bird of mine. A third Little Ringed Plover seen for me this year was also a nice bird to see.

We came into the fair the second day and the morning as well as brief visits later in the day were dominated by watching the BTO ringing demonstration which we always love doing. It was interesting seeing species we’ve never seen ringed there like Reed Bunting, Blackcap, Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper. But the highlight for me was seeing a few Sedge Warblers like the one in the 5th picture in this photoset throughout the day. Taking a picture of one in this demonstration in 2011 helped it become one of my favourite birds and that year I also took a picture of a Garden Warbler here which seeing one here the day before was a big highlight so it was nice to look back too. Anticipation built in the morning though as two strong and big birds tussled in the bags and my thoughts were confirmed as the ringer pulled out a Song Thrush and a Blackbird which was really interesting to see ringed.

Then we went into the Events Marquee where we first saw the Remembering Wildlife books talk which was really powerful. The king of powerful talks Chris Packham came on next with Ruth Peacey and it was sickening to hear tales from Malta again but slightly more positive with Cyprus to hear the Police and army are taking speedy action against the hunters now. Next Chris, Gary Moore and others touched on men’s mental health and wildlife and used Gary’s strong Nightingale film from Springwatch and we then closed our eyes to hear and “feel” their iconic song being played to us which I did really feel. Chris also presented Bird Fair hero Tim Appleton one of the people behind it all with a present for the 30th anniversary, shown in the 6th picture in this photoset. The next two talks were two of my heroes Iolo Williams and Simon King raising some important conservation and other topics. Iolo we had not seen on the stage before and he was incredibly funny it was honestly like listening to a standup comedian the way he worked the audience and I told him that when we were lucky enough to meet him, Jonathan Scott as shown with us in the 7th picture in this photoset and David Lindo after getting out of the tent and wandering around and all were very down to earth again. Simon’s talk touched on the spirit of Bird Fair after 30 years and he even mentioned our conversation with him the day before about getting a picture with him 11 years running and measuring my height by them which was surreal. It was also nice that he mentioned a place we visited this year for the first time and as I said in my butterfly post the other day was a key part of my year Knepp and a favourite local reserve of ours Radipole Lake. The last show we saw in the tent was an ever engaging and key part of Bird Fair the Bird Brain of Britain quiz. Day 2 was another very fun day in the fair. I took the 8th picture in this photoset a view from one of the hides.

As we drove in on the final day of the Bird Fair I savoured views of Rockingham and Caldecott and other villages for the last time this year, also admiring a Red Kite over Caldecott a bird we had enjoyed on the way to all three of our days in the Bird Fair which we haven’t really seen before, it’s nice to know they’re doing well in the area. Our first talk that day was Bill Oddie hosting questions from the audience to a panel in ‘Ask the Experts’. I then did my first of two stints of hide birdwatching of the day taking in hides south of the fair which I feel I covered a good variety of compared to more recent Bird Fairs this year. Highlights from these were seeing my second Garganey this year joining my club of my rarer 2018 birds I saw again and not for the first time and a luxurious chance to see Osprey and the Red-necked Phalarope again.

We then went into to see the ‘Birdless Pointbrain’ quiz which I was intrigued to see. Hosted by Mike Dilger it brilliantly mimicked the hit BBC One show with eventual heroic three pointless answer grabbing winner Bill Oddie, Nigel Marvin and other celebrities paired up with Bird Fair volunteers. Some of the contestants can be seen in the 9th picture in this photoset. This was one of the most enjoyable quizzes I’ve seen at Bird Fair for years. Then it was into the hides north of the site where again building on what I did last year we explored a greater depth of the hides than previous years. I think this is a big point of us doing all three days at Bird Fair. We’ve done all sorts of variations of visiting the fair before sticking for many years with Friday to travel and see Ospreys, Tree Sparrows and co. at Lyndon and Saturday and Sunday in the fair. But this year with Lyndon on Friday too and bits of each day in the fair it gave me the perfect balance between sitting in the events marquee, birdwatching, wandering around the fair and watching the BTO ringing demonstration. Highlights from the second hide stint were a third Ruff for me this year a big bird for Bird Fairs seeing my first in my first ever one in 2008, my first Ruddy Darter of the year a dragonfly I had before and had hoped to see again at Rutland Water and a Little Grebe staying up longer than I had ever seen one do before which was funny shown in the 10th and final picture in this photoset.

This drew a packed and amazing three days to a close I didn’t think I could top my 10th consecutive year last year with us staying in the area longer and brilliant bird year ticks and top wildlife moments and meeting lots and lots of celebrities on ceremony for the big anniversary. But something that reminds me why I keep coming to Bird Fair after 11 times and counting is you never know what big moment and memory you will have and I think seeing my first ever Red-necked Phalarope will always take beating it’s in a different league completely to many birds I have seen at Rutland Water before. The Ospreys one of my favourite birds just kept on giving for moments for me and it was one of the best three days of ringing demonstrations I’d seen a key part of my Bird Fairs. But I think this year as much as anything this was the Bird Fair we engaged with so many people and for a socially awkward person that is big because I enjoyed it and I felt at home and accepted among the people I was talking to which was very nice.

[jamkookies]

Peek-A-Boo!

Description :  A trip to Malta for the shooting of Bon Voyage seems peaceful enough until the moment things take an unexpected turn...

Word count : 2.3k

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

There are seven pairs of eyes watching you expectantly and you don’t know where to look. This is definitely not what you had been thinking when Tae told you about having to pick a room.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Namjoon says as a matter of fact.

“Why? Should I be somewhere else?”

“Y/N, how many times do we have to explain? ” Jin interferes. “You are supposed to go outside and wait for us to hide in our rooms. Then you can come in and choose your own.”

You deadpan.

“I’m honestly suffering from jet - lag and I’m so tired and I really wanna get this over with, ” you say in a seemingly careless way, but the truth is you are internally panicking. The possibility of you sharing a room with Jungkook had you feeling on edge.

You didn’t understand what the hell was wrong with you. This wasn’t the first time you had to be close to him or to any other member. Living with them for five years sure had it’s own effect.

Then what exactly had changed?

Why did you keep looking at him in another light? Why did you feel your stomach sink every time you threw a glance his way?

And look, you didn’t even need to specify who him was, because there was no other to begin with. Just him.

You shake your head, trying to shake off the thoughts too.

This wasn’t the time. You had to stick to your plan. Act unbothered, be unbothered.

“Look, hyung. She’s scheming.” Taehyung observed you like you were a wild animal.

You took this in your own advantage.

“ I am so gonna get that single room. Just watch,” you said with a false sense of self-confidence.

You stomp off the room and get out into the hallway.

You wait until one of the staff members opens the door again and lets you in.

You carefully step inside, making your feet light on the floor so as not to give away your location.

You pace in the living room and then you think of something. You stomp your feet hard on the floor and wait for any other sound coming from upstairs.

Nothing.

Then your ears catch a romping on the corner of the ceiling.

So, that room was already overcrowded then.

You take the stairs and head for the opposite way.

There was no guarantee that it would be empty, considering that there were a lot of members, but at this point you didn’t care anymore. You tentatively pull down the handle and peek inside .

Only a glimpse of white sheets greets you. You swing the door completely open and almost cry out of joy.

It’s empty.

You had gotten the single room.

You raise your arms in victory and jump right into the single bed , savoring the comfortable feeling of the smooth sheets.

“Ahhh, finally - ”

“Peek-a-boo!”

“ AAAAAAAGHH!”

You scream at the top of your lungs and fall to the floor with a thump, when you see Jungkook’s head peeking from under the bed.

The impact rattles your teeth and you groan in pain.

“What are you doing over there?”

Jungkook pulls off a cocky smile.

“Pranking you, of course. Did you really think you were gonna get a whole room to yourself?”

“I was hoping to.”

“Nope, you’re stuck with me.”

“Come here , you little rascal! ” You say through clenched teeth and make an attempt at catching him.

He easily avoids you and swerves to the side. You then start to chase him around the room like a five year-old, but was the boy fast…

When you somehow catch hold of him, you put him in a headlock and are about to smack him upside the head, when the rest of the boys come storming into the room.

“What are you doing?” Asks Yoongi. “We heard screaming.”

“What does it look like I’m doing? Beating this kid’s ass for almost giving me a heart attack, of course.”

“Hey, watch the formalities. I’m older than you,” Jungkook protests, head still under your arm.

Jin looks at the nearest camera.“ Could you please cut this part? We don’t want the show to be age - restricted because of her cussing.”

You stick your tongue at him and then proceed to make a face at the camera.

Jungkook takes his chance and tickles you on your side.

You release him almost immediately, writhing uncontrollably. You were really ticklish, and at the slightest threat you were always ready to throw hands.

Zero tolerance on that.

Still, you manage to kick him behind the knees, making his legs give out.

“How’s the ground, loser?”

He looks at you through his see - through bangs and gives you a mischievous smile.

You notice Hoseok pinching the bridge of his nose and then start laughing yourself.

* * *

You are sitting on the couch along with the boys, waiting for instructions from the staff. Even though this was a time for you to enjoy your holidays and get your mind off of the stress, concerts, and everything else, games and missions weren’t something you could get rid of.

“ You are all going to try to make dinner for tonight. Each one of you is assigned a special dish, and you are to cook it with the ingredients given to you. The one with the best dish wins 200 dollars to spend on shopping.”

Everyone lets out cheers of joy at the mention of money.

You were all rich as hell, but you still got excited even at the mention of so much as a coupon. It was your own way of appreciating little things.

The staff member offers you a basket full of tiny globes, each containing a rolled up paper.

He puts the basket in the middle of the circle were you are all sitting on the floor and gestures for you to proceed.

Taehyung fishes one out and opens it carefully, retrieving the roll of paper inside. He’s kinda nervous because he doesn’t have much experience with cooking, but you all give him reassuring smiles, nudging him to go on.

The paper reads ’ Pasta ’.

“You’re saved, Taehyungie. That’s an easy thing to make,” Jimin says.

He sighs, relieved and smiles widely.

Next is Jin, who goes for the globe without hesitation.

Kimbap.

Jimin. Salad.

Jungkook. Steak.

Namjoon. Soup. You snorted when hearing that.

Hoseok. Milk-shakes.

Yoongi. Tteok-bokki.

It was your turn now.You open the paper with shaky hands and read it.

Pancakes.

Yes !

That was one of the only things you knew how to make.

Namjoon looked at you with puppy eyes.

“Would you want to switch?”

You act like you’re touched by his display of cuteness then pull off the most serious face.

“No.”

You jump around in excitement, showing your piece of paper to the other members with the most exagerated moves.

Jin joins you and you start making silly dance moves together.

* * *

Everyone is busy trying to make their own dish and you’re no less invested.

There’s a hell of a mess in front of you - flour, milk and eggs. Your hair is smeared white even though you had tied it in a bun on the back of your head.

It was fairly short and there were multiple strands escaping from it, but it didn’t bother you that much.

At least the apron was doing a good job of shielding your clothes.

You take a look at the others who are concentrated on their tasks. The only sounds in the room are those of knives, spoons and the occasional sizzling of oil.

Then, out of nowhere Jin’s voice is heard.

“Hey guys, can you turn off the AC? I’m a little chilli,” he says, while holding an actual chili pepper and then laughs like a windshield wiper.

Everyone is trying to hold their laughter, except for Yoongi who actually looks displeased.

“Please stop. It’s making me angry.”

Jin ignores him and grabs two eggs from the counter.

“You know why eggs don’t tell jokes?” He continues. “ Because they’d crack each other up!”

You can’t hold it in anymore. You double over with laughter, holding your aching stomach. Everyone else is having the time of their lives because of Jin’s antics.

Still giggling, you move around the kitchen trying to find other ingredients and bump into Jungkook along the way.

He kicks you lightly in the shin. You kick him back. You both have your hands occupied - him holding a bowl filled with water and you a pack of flour, so you start a kicking competition.

“Hey, quit it you two!” Yoongi yells over the noise of frying food.

Just to spite him, you pour flour all over Jungkook’s head. He is outraged and gets back at you splashing you in the face with the water.

You gasp, the coldness seeping into your clothes and making you shiver.

You are soaking wet and you’re making a mess out of the water dripping from your face onto the floor.

He’s gonna pay for this.

You’re about to grab something to hit him with, when Yoongi grabs both of your shirts an pushes you apart.

“What is it with you two today?”

“He started it,” you complain.

Yoongi glares at you one last time and lets you go.

You were beyond pissed off but you couldn’t deny that it was entertaining to joke around like this.

You both found yourself grinning at each other.

* * *

Dinner was ready.

You had to admit, it looked quite inviting, several dishes with different colors that let out a delicious scent.

You couldn’t wait to dig in and the only thing stopping you was the fact that the staff had to try it first in order to decide who the winner was.

You didn’t really care about the money.

Shopping wasn’t really your thing and even if you won ( which was unlikely to happen), you would probably give it to Hoseok or something. What you did care about was winning.

After the man had a taste out of everything, he prepared to give the final verdict.

The others started making drum sound effects.

You rolled your eyes.

They just had to make everything look as dramatic as possible.

The staff member didn’t hesitate.

“The winner is….Jin.”

You all groan out of annoyance while Jin gets up from his seat and blows a kiss at the camera.

You didn’t stand a chance, anyway.

Who were you to compete with Jin, the Mighty Cook ?

Curse him and his delicious kimbap.

So you dig in, trying everything that was laid out in front of you.

From the corner of your eye you notice Taehyung stuffing enormous amounts of food in his mouth and you smile.

You didn’t know why you had started to get so nostalgic lately, but you couldn’t help it.

These random moments were the ones that made you realize there wasn’t anywhere in the world that you wanted to be , except here, with your family.

* * *

“Let me get this straight. You expect us to fit into that?” You said pointing at the single bed in front of you.

It hadn’t really dawned upon you that there was only one single bed on display. And two of you.

At least the others had where to sleep.

Yoongi and Taehyung had gotten the king-sized bed, Namjoon also the same but all to himself, while Jimin, Jin and Hoseok had been assigned on the room consisting of three single beds.

Jungkook scratches the back of his neck.

“You sleep with your head at the front of the bed, while I sleep with mine at the end.”

“You mean so we can sleep while hugging each other’s legs?”

“You said it, not me.”

Despite all of the pent up frustration, you start laughing.

Once you start, it’s impossible to stop.

Your sides start to ache and you almost choke on your spit.

Jungkook stares at you, confusion all over his face.

“What?”

“It’s just that,” you say, still not being able to produce words correctly, “ It’s weird how they make us go through all of this, and for what? Just so we can film a reality show.”

You shake your head, still smiling.

“Yeah, it is kinda weird now that you mention it,” Jungkook says.

He goes for the suitcase on the ground and takes out his pyjamas.

“I’m gonna go change in another room,” he says. “You can have the room to yourself.”

You nod and go for your own pyjamas.

After he’s left, you start slipping out of your clothes.

You’d decided to take an RJ pyjama set with you. The tiny characters were so cute and you really didn’t care about looking decent even on your sleep.

Then, you hear a knock on the door.

“Come in” , you say and what greets you is Jungkook wearing his own Cooky pajama set. His black hair and pink clothes makes him look conflicting and you can’t help but snort.

“Very funny” ,he mocks you.

He takes his own pillow and puts it at the end of the bed. You take your own and set it at the front.

You both lay down, keeping a respectable distance from each other.

“I can’t believe I’m gonna have to hear you snoring all night,” you say, eyes on the ceiling.

“I don’t snore.”

“Yes you do.”

“Am not.”

“Are to.”

“Am no - Ow!”

You pinch his leg.

“Hyung, don’t make me beat you again.”

His body shakes when he laughs, and he claps his hands together. You turn on your side and are greeted with the sight of his toes right in front of your face.

“Hyung?”

“Yeah?”

“Your feet smell.”

“I showered half an hour ago. It must be your nose.”

You kick him and he laughs again.

“Y/N?”

“If you’re gonna tell me my feet smell, I’ll shove you out of the bed.”

“I was just gonna say good night.”

“Oh. Good night, then.”

You take a deep breath through your nose and try to fall asleep, the hint of a smile still on your lips.