#did this back in march idk my style is all over the place all the time

[vapaus-ystavyys-tasaarvo]

My Les Mis Letters annotations for 1.1.11! (I really hope next chapter won’t have this many... orz)

“a philosophical bishop,” or a “patriotic curé.”

I'm not sure about the philosophical here, but "patriotic" is often used in a revolutionary context in this era. The idea being to be loyal to your country rather than a king I guess? Or that's how I always understood it. I assume “philosophical“ has as similar connotation in context.

"baron of the Empire"

After declaring himself emperor, Napoleon started building up his own class of nobility, so you see these noble titles being granted. (Especially for military service but for other kinds of service to the Empire as well, as we see here with Myriel.)

As far as I understand, these titles came with land and certain ceremonial rights, but not the kinds of privileges that the old nobility had. No tax exemptions or anything.

Hugo doesn't talk about Myriel's reaction to the title here, but obviously royalists in general were not super into this concept, as we’ll see later.

The arrest of the Pope took place, as every one knows, on the night of the 5th to the 6th of July, 1809

All this stuff about the arrest of the pope and the synod and Cardinal Fesch.... I’m apparently not “every one” because don't know anything about it.

"I am only a poor peasant bishop.”

I hope it's become pretty evident by now that bishops, even “peasant bishops”, were not poor lol

Myriel is a very special case and even he is so purely voluntarily.

"it seems that he would have been found to be an ultramontane rather than a gallican"

Straight from Wikipedia: Ultramontanism is a clerical political conception within the Catholic Church that places strong emphasis on the prerogatives and powers of the Pope. It contrasts with Gallicanism, the belief that popular civil authority—often represented by the monarch's or state's authority—over the Church is comparable to that of the Pope.

“The ideas of the century” might also be used with a more general meaning here, though? Encompassing all the various new ideologies that arose from the French Revolution? But idk.

"on his return from the island of Elba"

Elba is an island in the Mediterranean off the coast of Italy where Napoleon was originally exiled after his defeat in 1814. He escaped in February 1815 and returned to France on 1 March (another date Hugo likes to reference). He did indeed pass through Digne on his way back to Paris! And it is also true that in Province he wasn't quite so warmly received as elsewhere along his route (Province being very royalist in general.)

"a person whom one is desirous of allowing to escape"

This tension between Myriel and his general brother is a rather mild example of how politics could divide families in this era, something Hugo himself was very familiar with. We will see other examples later.

The French army was still harbouring a lot of sympathies for Napoleon. The troops sent to capture him ended up joining him instead, or I guess "pursuing" him in the aforementioned style. Louis XVIII gave up without a fight and fled before Napoleon made it to Paris, choosing to wait for an opportune moment to return. (Which he got about three months later.)

"as much of a Bonapartist as the eagle"

Eagle was one of Napoleon's imperial symbols, chosen as a reference to Roman legions. (The other one was bees. No, I'm not kidding.)

Bees.

“I will die,” he said, “rather than wear the three frogs upon my heart!”

Louis XVIII replaced the imperial eagle on the Cross of the Legion of Honour with three fleurs de lys. I guess this guy thought they looked like frogs? I don’t see it but okay

"the good and weakly flock who adored their emperor"

Napoleon really was wildly popular among the regular people of France. He was a very charismatic leader who had given them reasons to be proud to be French. I think that's mostly what it was? And for many people he still represented a kind of continuation of the Revolution that had enabled his rise to power, despite being another monarch.

Although I guess his legal code was pretty much just the legal code that had been in the works and mostly finished before he even came to power, with some changes from him (mostly bad changes from what I’ve heard tbh), so in a way he was, sort of, continuing at least something that the revolution had started. And although the Napoleonic Code, as it ended up getting called, was deeply flawed in many ways, it did codify the abolishment of the feudal system and its privileges.

I don’t know if it’s even that deep, though, people just thought he was cool and that he would bring glory to France. In any case his popularity lasted for a long time. Its ripple effects were enough to affect the course of history even decades after his death.

[soap-lady]

Posting this as I run out the door.

Hey!

I’m going out of town this weekend so I figured now was a good time to post this. Hope you enjoy.

Profanity warning.

Amelie rallies the troops, Marinette designs, Lila has a big scene and Felix reaches out to Marinette and Luka with an offer of friendship.

Taglist:

@fantasiame, @g-arya, @lavenderjunes, @charlietheepic7, @ahenix, @delectablycoolscientist, @kaseykay17, @vio-march-0327, @mewwitch, @vixen-uchiha, @coolspidermanmusicflower, @lady-bee-fechin, @raeuberprinzessin, @symwinter, @frieddonutsweets, @seraphkitty, @friendsofthefairies, @nickristus-dreamer, @khneltea, @jumpingjoy82, @fan-written, @woe-is-me0,@corporeal-terrestrial, @queenmjean, @theymakeupfairies, @dorkus-minimus, @idk-j-go-with-it, @aespades, @swiftie-miraculer13,@moongoddesskiana, @arty-shadow-morningstar, @ahalloweengirl, @the-navistar-carol, @bigpicklebananatree, @novicevoice, @nerd-nowandforever, @certainmuffinbagelcalzone, @irontimetravelflower, @jjmjjktth, @dopefestsuit, @morning-wolf-designs, @alcoholic-barney, @just-living5, @chocolatecatstheron, @another-cancer, @hammalammadamdam, @ichigorose

Worthy Opponent Chapter 18

Since they had lost two days due to the mysterious “accident” the cast and crew weren’t in the best of moods and lots of finger-pointing and accusations went on until Amelie called an emergency staff meeting.

Instead of her usual black suit and gray wrap-shirt she wore a double-breasted navy pantsuit cut in a military style. It had gold buttons on the front and on the sleeves near her wrists and made her look like a general commanding her troops. Instead of her usual side-braid her hair was in a low bun. Even her twinkling green eyes were solemn.

Her gaze swept over the room, stifling conversations and stood quietly until everyone was silently facing the front and waiting patiently for her to speak. It was barely seven in the morning and many people were bleary-eyed and grumpy. Fortunately they were all professional enough to hear her out, and the promise of coffee and tea afterwards did help.

She kept her hands behind her back and paced back and forth, a habit she had picked up from her husband. Geralt always paced when he had to address the crew all at once to hide the fact he hated public speaking.

“My darling friends,” she began, “some of you I have been fortunate enough to know for years.” She smiled at the people who had been working at Graham Films for nearly two decades and they stood a little straighter. She smiled at Marinette, Luka, and Mylene. “Some of you I have only known a short while but still treasure.” Marinette and Mylene might have blushed under her warm regard. Luka slung an arm around both of them.

Amelie’s face lost its smile. “I know the rumor mill has been churning the past two days and I’m sure recent events have been blown wildly out of proportion.” Her eyes grew less solemn and more kind. “Yes, there was an accident on set. Two of our cast were involved and one was mildly injured when a light fixture fell.”

She didn’t need to say the names. Everyone knew without her saying and dozens of eyes glanced briefly at Felix and Marinette. Most were concerned, a few annoyed, and at least one person wished one of them dead.

She didn’t mention the stunt that nearly went wrong because the actors and the stunt crew downplayed the seriousness of the event. She had her suspicions but played along.

“Such an accident is unprecedented in the history of our studio,” she went on. “We lead the industry in our safety standards. We have redundancies in place for every piece of equipment. Everything is built far above what Film France requires.” There were some nods of agreement.

“Everyone has personal safety equipment and we will never  take risks with safety. Our medical staff is also the best in the industry and no one will ever be asked to work in unsafe conditions, no matter how ‘cool’ a shot might be.”

There were more nods and a few tentative smiles. Amelie really knew how to work a group. Chloe took pictures of her looking commanding and heroic. They would look great in the book, even if fans didn’t know the context.

“So even one accident is not acceptable and I promise you, the cause is being fully investigated.” Lila tried her best to look as impressed with the director but wasn’t sure if she should feel angry or worried. Angry that Marinette was still well enough for a lead role and worried what she did could be traced back to her. This was the second time Felix was involved with an accident during filming and she thought it would be an unwise career move to kill or injure her employer’s son. She would have to find a way to isolate Marinette before getting rid of her. It might be a good idea to lay low for a few weeks until the investigation is over.

Amelie sighed and her shoulders slumped, looking defeated. She looked out over the crowd and for a moment Felix wanted to go up to her and give her a hug. He wanted to reassure her they were on her side, that what happened wasn’t her fault. He looked to his right and left and saw his friends felt the same way. Chloe kept glancing at Lila without being too obvious. Allen and Claude both looked grim and Allegra was probably trying to kill the Italian saboteur with her thoughts.

Finally Amelie raised her head and looked as many people as she could right in the eye. “For the past day and a half, I have wrestled with my thoughts. I’ve honestly considered shutting this production down. I can’t and I won’t risk the safety of anyone who works for me.”

There were a few murmurs of protest from the crowd, especially from some of the older cast and crew. She put her hands out, palms forward, and they quieted down to listen.

“Don’t worry,” she assured them, “everyone would get paid at least sixty percent of their promised compensation if that were to happen. That is the worst case scenario. I don’t want to do that.”

“But I wouldn’t blame anyone who wanted to drop out because of what happened. If you prefer not to say anything now you are free to speak to me privately at your convenience.”

There was some shuffling and some uneasy glances at that announcement.

“I, on the other hand, will make sure I do everything I can to ensure this production goes forward.” Amelie’s eyes took on a bit of a sheen but her face was determined. “This script is the last thing my beloved Geralt ever wrote. He wrote this as a father/son project with Felix as our darling boy made his directorial debut.” Felix blushed a little but mostly looked proud.

“Geralt never gave up,” she resumed pacing. “He negotiated with Somali pirates and got South American drug lords to back down. He wouldn’t run or give up, not unless a project was completely out of the question. For instance there was a film he was making in Guam when a typhoon was on its way. He evacuated the cast and crew and helped local officials get as many people to safety as he could. He wouldn’t give up, so...neither will I.”

There was a cheer as she finished her speech and many raised fists. It looked like some political rally and she had just announced her campaign to become Prime Minister. Felix wanted to roll his eyes at his mom’s theatrics but he couldn’t help but clap. She was still an amazing actress but he was sure everything she said was true.

Gio looked at Lila. “Isn’t she amazing?”

Lila nodded with what she hoped looked like eagerness. That woman had charisma for days and she was more than a little jealous. She could have kicked herself for trying to flirt with Allen and starting on the wrong foot with everyone. Amelie could have been an amazing mentor, especially if she never knew that Lila just planned to use her.

Lila whispered, “I hope you’re not planning to quit.”

He stared at her wide-eyed. “After a speech like that?!” He smiled, showing white even teeth against his beautiful tan skin. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

She gave him her best smile in return. “Me either.”

                                                       *****

After Amelie’s little rally, production kicked into high gear. Everyone to Wardrobe to Stunts to Electrical gave it their best. The main cast and some of the secondary got most of their scenes in one take and hardly anyone needed more than one or two retakes. The cast and crew seemed determined to prove they were worthy of their director’s faith in them.

Marinette was spending her morning in the Wardrobe Department because she didn’t have any scenes to shoot until the afternoon. She was working on ballgowns and evening wear for the teen main and secondary characters. Mrs. Jennings was designing the gowns and suits for the adult characters “because I’ve worked with them longer and know their tastes.” She did however take some advice from both Anna and Marinette on Asian-inspired gowns that didn’t look like costumes or harmful stereotypes.

She was having a blast designing an elegant lavender gown for Allegra before moving onto Mylene. After giving it a lot of thought and thinking about her friend’s personality, she decided on a gown that was as multicolored as her actor friend’s braids. It would be a tie-dye rainbow slip dress, a little modern for the movie aesthetic but perfect for Mylene. She originally wanted the dress to be sleeveless, but considering how shy her friend was, added semi-transparent batwing sleeves instead.

Once she was satisfied with Mylene’s dress she looked for the next person she had to design for. She looked at a name and sincerely thought of marking the name off the list and pretending she hadn’t seen it.

Lila Rossi.

She said a curse word under her breath but her kwami still heard her.

“Marinette!” she scolded, “you shouldn’t use such words at work!”

She turned to her kwami. “Really? She made my school life miserable, tried to get me expelled and nearly killed me...twice.” She shrugged. “I think I’m allowed a curse word or two when I think of her.”

Tikki floated over to her shoulder and looked over the list of names. Once she saw who her Chosen had cursed about her lips pursed as if she’d just tasted something bad.

“Nevermind,” she said after a few minutes, “but make sure no one is around to hear you when you call her that.”

Marinette giggled a little at the disgusted look on her friend’s face. “I’ll do my best.” She sighed and offered her kwami some Turkish Delight Claude had given her. “To be completely honest, I’m halfway tempted to put her in a burlap sack and tell the make-up department to give her a wart.”

Tikki laughed with her then turned solemn. “But that would be mean-spirited and unprofessional. Besides,” she gave the girl’s cheek a hug. “You never do less than your best for anyone, even someone you can’t stand.”

The girl let herself imagine Lila in an itchy burlap dress one more time before nodding in agreement. “And I won’t this time either. Mmes. Jennings and Graham de Vanily are counting on me.”

She briefly considered her color choice.  Lila seemed to favor orange but that was also Alya’s favorite color and she wasn’t about to put her nemesis in that. Still, it had to be flattering so it would look good on film. After some internal back and forth she decided on a dark olive green. It would compliment the other girl’s skin tone and eye color. Marinette began to sketch a belted olive shirt dress with a v-neck and wing collar. It quickly began to take shape and although it was much too good for the other girl, it satisfied Marinette’s fashion sense. Besides, if the dress was “ugly” Lila would whine and just slow down production. It wasn’t quite as lovely as Mylene’s or as elegant as Allegra’s but it had a sort of dark mystery the Adler character needed for the movie.

She turned her attention back to the boys’ costumes. Since Ivan was going to be in the scene as Nick Charles IV to Mylene’s Aubrey Locard, he would also need a suit. She knew her friend wasn’t much for dressing up so she decided on a faux leather jacket that was more Gothic than Victorian in black with silver accents. She also added a vest and long-sleeved shirt but without a tie and a band collar to keep it from looking too formal.

Claude was much easier to design for. She chose a Regency style coat in dark gray with an eggplant colored vest and matching tie. He’d coordinate nicely with Allegra. She made a note to look for an eggplant material with a fun pattern to keep it from looking boring. Claude was many things, but never dull. Hmm. A harlequin pattern would suit him.

Allen was next. She wanted something unusual for him but striking. She looked through some stock images online when she finally had an idea. Why not an asymmetrical black jacket with golden thorn branch embroidery on one side? Maybe a dark shirt and black and gold tie as well. She’d run it by him and see what he thought, maybe he could make suggestions if he didn’t like it.

The last two she needed to worry about were Felix and Luka and she already knew exactly what she was making for them. Felix would look fantastic in a classic long black  jacket and matching cravat. His slacks would be gray, shirt white with a tuxedo wing-tip collar and a vest in a contrasting color; cream or beige. Perhaps an antique gold color to make his hair stand out. Should he also wear a pocket watch and chain? She thought so.

And Luka, oh Luka! She put the most time and effort into his design. A long black evening coat would bring out his blue eyes and contrast nicely with his dyed blue tips. His shirt and slacks would be bright white, to show that although he seemed hostile and cold on the outside he was kind and good underneath. His vest would be silver with scrollwork embroidery in a dark gray. The buttons on the jacket and vest would be cloth covered to match. His tie would be a classic tuxedo tie but maybe he could wear some fingerless clothes to show off his so-called bad boy past…

Marinette was almost drooling when she imagined him in costume and shook her head to clear it. She didn’t have time to be thinking about boys right now! She was an aspiring designer and had patterns to make! She could think about boys later.

As she was finalizing her designs she heard a distant boom and the building shook. Tikki, who had been dozing on Marinette’s shoulder, had been startled awake. She flew up to her Chosen’s face.

She smiled at her dear baby bug. “I think you know what to say.”

The girl nodded. Designing and thinking about boys could wait until later.

She heard screaming. Much later.

“Tikki, Spots On!”

                                                           *****

The akuma was more difficult than any she’d had that summer. Hawk Moth must be back from his vacation or whatever he had been doing that kept him from sending as many akuma. It, or probably they, called themselves Kingu Mosura and demanded the head of Lycee Henri-IV’s science fiction club.

The akuma had three heads; one spit fire, one ice, and the third lightning. Its four feet caused all of Paris to shake as it passed. Ladybug dearly would have loved to have Ryuko or Viperion join the battle, but after Miracle Queen and Chloe’s betrayal, that would have been a horrible idea. Hawk Moth knew their true identities and she didn’t want to put her friends in danger. It would have been a poor strategy to keep using people whose identities had been compromised.

It had taken every bit of Ladybug and Chat Noir’s power and luck to subdue the creature long enough to locate where the akuma was hiding and purify it. The entire process took over two hours and during that time the two heroes had to recharge their kwami several times.

“Hey, LB, that creature kind of reminds me of…” Chat Noir broke off and stopped, looking embarrassed.

She raised a brow but there was no way he could have seen it under her mask. “Like…?”

He looked at her and frowned as if he was debating telling her or not. Finally he shook his head. “Nevermind. Pop culture reference. Not the time,” he replied before extending his baton. “I’ll distract it, you summon your Lucky Charm.”

He vaulted away and she marveled at how different her partner had been lately. He kept jokes to a minimum for difficult akuma, no longer flirted with her, and didn’t needlessly sacrifice himself. It was a refreshing change and she liked it, even if she wasn’t sure why it happened.

It took three city buses, a fire truck, five light poles and a DVD case but they managed to defeat the creature. The black and purple miasma fell away to reveal three teenagers. They blinked, looked at themselves and then looked at the heroes.

“Did we get akumatized?” A tall blue haired girl asked.

Chat Noir held out his hand. “Yes. I’m sorry for whatever upset you so much that you got victimized by Hawk Moth.”

The girl accepted his help and rose to her feet. “It was stupid,” she admitted.

The feline hero surprised his partner by saying, “it can’t be too stupid if you turned into an akuma.”

A curvy girl with russet brown skin replied, “yeah, it kinda was.” Her expression was sheepist and she ran her fingers through her short dark hair. “We were debating the threat levels of giant monsters and our club president countered us by saying there’s only one monster that’s a true threat to the Earth and that’s-”

The third person cut her off, brushing dirt out of his mohawk. “I’m all for discourse but a club president should learn how to agree to disagree. Sorry for cutting you off, Laure,” he told the curvy girl.

She waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it, Luc. You’re more respectful than Henri. That guy is a narrow-minded piece of sh-”

“Whoa whoa whoa!” The first girl ran up to her friends, waving her hands. “Let’s not curse or air our dirty laundry in front of the Heroes of Paris!” Her friends mumbled apologies, then the girl turned to her rescuers. “Sorry about that,” she smiled. “There’s been a coup over the summer in our sci-fi club when our old president had to move and not everyone’s happy,” she explained.

“Well, there are easier ways to handle a debate than violence…” Ladybug began and Chat Noir nodded in support.

“Besides, it’s hard to go wrong with Mosura,” Chat interrupted before Ladybug could stop him. She hoped he hadn’t started another argument.

“We know!” The three chorused and wrapped Chat in a hug. After a few minutes Ladybug cleared her throat. “Sorry to interrupt this Mosura love fest but we need to go.”

“Right! Whoops!” Laure agreed. She nudged her friends and they waved at the heroes before walking off. “Bye!”

“Mosura forever!” Luc exclaimed with a fist pump and he and his friends walked off together.

Ladybug looked at Chat Noir. “Can you meet me at the Eiffel Tower in five minutes? I need to talk about that last fight.”

He grinned, looking like his old self. “Anything for you, Bugaboo.” His eyes widened and he started babbling an apology. “I mean! Ladybug!” He coughed and then said, “I mean Ladybug.”

She just smiled and said, “I know. It’s fine.” She gave his shoulder a squeeze. He was trying to do better and be more respectful and she appreciated it. “See you in five!” she yelled as she threw out her yo-yo and swung away.

                                                       *****

When Chat Noir got to the Eiffel Tower he saw that his partner was waiting for him. He waited a few seconds before announcing his presence because he wanted to look at her. She looked exhausted; her skin was pale and he’d bet there would be circles under her eyes without the mask. It was only around nine-thirty in the morning and she looked like she’d worked a twelve hour day. Was it his imagination, or did she look older?

His boots scraped against the iron platform and she looked up, smiling at him. The smile was strained and tired but he doubted anyone other than him would have noticed.

“Hey, minou,” she greeted him and patted the floor beside her.

He gave her his nearly trademarked goofy grin and sat beside her. His legs dangled off the edge of the tower and he waited for her to speak.

She sighed. It was a heavy, world-weary sigh and he had to stop himself from hugging her or offering a shoulder massage. That would be inappropriate; she’d made it clear on multiple occasions that she only saw him as a friend and he was beginning to accept that. Plus, he was dating Kagami and he enjoyed being with her. She was strong and was teaching him to be more assertive. Plus she had a secret mischievous sense of humor he adored and couldn’t wait to see more of.

“I can’t go on like this, Chat,” she told him finally. “We can’t, to be honest.”

His false ears went back in alarm. Did she want to give up being Ladybug, or maybe the Guardian? That would erase her memories! Or...did she want to get rid of him?

“Ladybug! Whatever it is, I’m sorry!” he babbled. He scrambled away from his partner and subconsciously covered his ring. “Have I been a bad partner? I thought I was doing better! I haven’t asked you out and I’ve been making fewer puns…” He looked at her face. “Or...maybe you’d like me to take on some Guardian duties? Have I not been supporting you enough?] Just tell me what you need me to do!”

To his surprise she just rolled his eyes at him. “Kitty, believe it or not, it’s not always about you.” Before he could get his feelings hurt she added, “I don’t think we can go on with just the two of us protecting Paris.” She looked him full in the face. “We need help.”

Chat eased his way back towards her. He felt ashamed of acting like she was going to snatch his ring off his finger without giving him a chance to improve. “You mean...getting more heroes?”

“Yes,” she replied and he felt ashamed of assuming the worst about her. “Hawk Moth hasn’t sent a lot of akuma lately. I think it’s because it’s summer but it’ll be over in three weeks.” Three weeks and she still had so many dresses to design. She would have to discuss her schedule with her parents and Amelie and look into online school. “And today’s akuma was nearly more than we could handle.”

He thought about it and she was right. He was nearly struck by lightning and he was sure Ladybug got scorched more than once. Yes, they couldn’t keep up with Hawk Moth once he was back in full gear. They needed help but there was a problem with that.

“Hawk Moth saw all of our temporary heroes.” It was a shock for Chat to see his best friend’s girlfriend, Max, Luka, and several of his classmates had been temporary heroes. Now, thanks to Chloe, none of them could fight by his side ever again. The risk to their families was too great and while he was old enough to defend himself, Chris, Etta and Ella were only six. He didn’t want to be the reason his best friend and his girlfriend lost their little brother and sisters.

HIs hands clenched into fists and he had to take several breaths to calm himself. He couldn’t risk becoming an akuma, even if he thought his childhood friend deserved a little payback.

Ladybug just nodded, looking sad. “For the longest time, I couldn’t come up with a backup plan.” She shrugged. “I mean, how could I come up with replacements for our team? They were incredible.”

And they were. Luka was perfect for the Snake and she couldn’t imagine anyone better than Kim to be the Monkey. But that was over now.

She winced when she remembered how Alya had cried when she told her she couldn’t be Rena Rouge any more. Nino had taken his retirement from Carapace pretty well but was still sad for his girlfriend. Most of the others had just been grateful for the opportunity to help but she could tell Xuppu missed Kim. They were so much alike.

Chat Noir growled under his breath. “This is all Chloe’s fault.” He smacked the metal floor beside him and made Ladybug jump. He shook his head in disgust. “And to think of all the times I asked you to give her another chance or talk to her about not being Queen Bee again. You were right. She’s irredeemable. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself.”

Really, he could kick himself for how naive he’d been where Chloe was concerned. Marinette had tried to tell him. So had Nino, Alya, and anyone else from class. They told him how she’d bullied the whole class and Marinette in particular and he’d insisted she was a good person underneath. Chloe had every chance in the world. Marinette had not only thrown her a party she’d apologized for calling her heartless.  Nothing had changed. Chloe wanted the prestige of being a hero but didn’t want to change her civilian behavior. Ladybug had let her bad behavior go for too long and so had he.

He stood up and began to pace. “I should go after her, keep her under surveillance.” It galled him to spend any more time and effort on her but it was for a good cause.

Ladybug was amazed. She’d rarely seen her partner genuinely angry. “Just...leave  her alone. She hasn’t caused any harm since Miracle Queen. Not even an akuma, as far as we know.”

She thought about the Chloe she’d seen on-set, the girl who’d risked her life to keep an akuma from hurting anyone. She had been polite when they saw each other and had even been making friends with Felix’s friends. Part of her doubted Chloe was being sincere; Sabrina was away for the summer so she was probably just bored. Still, she hadn’t tried to boss anyone around in ages, not that that would work on anyone who worked for Graham Films. They didn’t care who her daddy was.

Chat Noir’s head shot up and he stared at her like she had a giant zit on her chin. “Wait, what?! Are you saying Chloe deserves forgiveness?” He pointed in the general direction of the Grand Paris.  “She’s the reason we can't use our team anymore! I remember you telling me how Rena Rouge cried when you told her she couldn't be a hero for her own safety!”

Their roles had been reversed. He was sure the former Queen Bee deserved no mercy and Ladybug thought she should be left alone. It was weird and he didn’t like it. He was sure his partner would have agreed with him.

He tried to get her to see reason. “She betrayed us!”

She just looked at him and he could swear she was looking straight through him. “Betrayed us or betrayed you?” She looked exasperated and sympathetic at the same time. “You’re taking what she did to us awfully personally.” She looked  him up and down.  “I’d almost swear you knew her.”

Chat Noir opened his mouth to explain and she held up a hand. “I don’t want to know. What I want is some ideas about what we should do about rebuilding our team.”

He blinked and then blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. “Can’t we just swap the kwami?”

Ladybug froze, wondering why she hadn’t thought of that herself. “That’s...brilliant actually. Simple and brilliant. Good idea, Kitty.”

She scooted closer to him and gave him chin scritches. He pretended to pout when she pulled away.

“So,” he asked as he swung his legs, “do you know who you’ll swap with whom?”

She thought about it and instantly came up with two people. Kagami could be trusted to be responsible, even with time travel. Luka...she couldn’t let herself think about him right now...was strong enough to wield three powerful elements. They would be perfect for what she had in mind.

“Yes, I think I do.” She gave him a wide happy smile and stood up. “We’ll talk tonight during patrol. For now, I have things I need to take care of.” She threw her yo-yo. “Until tonight, Chat Noir!”

                                                        *****

Lila was not nervous.

She had dealt with Gabriel Agreste, the man who made gelato look like hot chocolate and did it with grace and ease. She doubted he knew she was using him as a stepping stone to this day.

She’d caused two accidents and gotten away with it and no one knew she was involved. Surely she could handle a huge important scene that was being directed by Felix.

It wasn’t as if she’d be on her own. Gio was in the scene with her and so was Victor. If anything went wrong she could just say they made her nervous (Gio) or she found acting with such an experienced peer was intimidating (Victor). She was very lucky to have not one but two ready-made scapegoats to choose from.

Still, Chloe was nearby, taking pictures of the set and then having Gio and Victor pose for her. She noticed she rarely if ever asked Lila to pose for her. When she tried to ask Chloe the other girl would just shrug and say she didn’t want to look biased for taking too many pictures of a former classmate. Plus Gio was an up and coming actor and the audience would be fascinated by him. She didn’t mention Lila’s rising fame at all.

Allegra was also near the set, acting as Felix's assistant. She said she was there to support her good friend’s directing debut but Lila knew she just wanted to spy on her, hoping she’d make a mistake. Really, some people would do anything to get her fired. Lila wanted to believe they were jealous of her exotic beauty, since it definitely wasn’t her wealth.

Sometimes she hated her family for not being as well off as she bragged they were. Her mother was only a junior attache and not an ambassador herself. She had to work incredibly hard after her husband had left them. Daddy had been a horrible parent but he was charming and charismatic and had taught her how to con people. In a way she missed him, but was also glad he was out of their lives so he couldn’t drag them into debt with him.

“Ready?”

She looked up and saw Gio’s tan smiling face. Really, he was so handsome and had a quiet charm all his own. He’d make perfect arm candy at all the premieres she was sure to be invited to. After all, she was playing Irene Adler, the descendant of The Woman, the only woman Sherlock Holmes had ever loved. His equal, who didn’t love him back. Such melodrama, who cared?

Lila played with one of her hair ties. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She tried to look nervous but optimistic. She’d seen Marinette look that way hundreds of times and decided it would work for her as well. She looked at her co-star with wide eyes. “Do you think I’m ready for this?” She looked down, then up at him again. “I’ve never done such a long scene before. Most of my scenes have been tiny. Now I have all these lines to remember and-” she broke off and clasped her hands together, giving Gio her best wobbly lip.

He gently put his hands over hers and looked deep into her eyes. “Breathe,” he told her and mimed the action. She mimicked him and pretended to calm down.

“You’re going to be just fine,” he smiled at her. “You’re doing this scene with me and Victor and you know all your lines backwards and forwards. We practiced them, remember?”

She smiled and pretended to be reassured. Really, he played his part perfectly with barely any prompting from her. It was what made him such a good scene partner and an even better minion...friend.

Lila gazed up at him and tried to look adoring. “You always know what to say, Gio. I feel so much better now.”

He gave her hands a squeeze and let go. “Okay, enough being nervous and unsure.” He grinned at her. “Time to go to work!”

                                                        *****

Irene Adler...rather...her thrice great granddaughter walked to her Headmaster’s office and was about to knock on the door when she noticed there was already someone waiting there. She kept her chin up and her back straight. She hadn’t been at this school very long and didn’t want to leave a bad impression.

The other person was a boy her age, who looked her up and down and gave her a sultry, knowing smile, as if he could see right through her uniform blazer. His posture was as slouched as hers was upright and his clothes, while clean, were rumpled while hers were neatly pressed.

She stopped when she was at least two meters away from him and returned his gaze, looking him over as he had done to her. Her gaze was a lot less disrespectful than his was. “I know you, don’t I?” she asked. He didn’t answer and she continued. “I’ve seen you in some of my classes.”

There was a long uncomfortable pause and she felt compelled to add, “Sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Irene Adler. You might have heard of my family if you’ve attended this school for any length of time.”

She smiled and held her hand out to shake but he didn’t move to take it. Instead he sneered at her and kept staring at her. Finally he spoke.”

“The name’s Marlowe. Alfonso Marlowe.” He tipped an imaginary hat to her but didn’t smile. “You might have heard of my family too, considering we’re technically one of the Founders of this school. He scowled and then muttered, “Not that you’d know from the way people act around here.”

The  name struck a bell and she shuffled through her memory until she recognized the name. “Marlowe, as in Philip Marlowe. He’s considered to be the greatest detective of the thirties and forties. The so-called Noir Era.”

His face softened a bit and he smiled, making him look incredibly handsome. “Damn straight he was,” the boy agreed and finally shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. Hope it’s okay if I call you Irene.”

She smiled again, more sincere this time and answered, “As long as I may call  you Alfonso.”

He nodded. “I prefer Al,” his smile faded into a grimace. “Only one person other than the Headmaster calls me Alfonso and I hate it.”

Irene was smart enough to not ask who it was and instead said, “Al then. I hope we can be friends.”

Al looked her over, kinder this time. “That’ll do for a start.” He knocked on the door. “The Headmaster is expecting us. I was just waiting for you to get here.”

They heard a faint “Come in” and Al opened the door and stepped aside. “Ladies first.”

She gave him a faint curtsy. “Thank you, kind sir,” she smiled as she passed him.

He watched the sway of her hips as he followed her inside and shut the door behind him. “My pleasure.”

                                                        *****

The Headmaster was just tucking a few papers into his desk when they entered and didn’t immediately look up at his visitors. While they waited he rummaged through his desk until he was satisfied that everything was in its proper place. Irene was beginning to think he had forgotten he’d summoned them when finally he looked up.

“Ah...Miss Adler...Master Marlowe. Do sit down.” He waved at two chairs in front of his desk. He looked at her. “Or do you prefer Miss Norton?”

She gave him the tiniest hint of a smile. “Adler is fine.”

As they sat she noticed he didn’t apologize for making them wait. She supposed she could overlook that since he was in charge of the school. She decided to act gracious. “Thank you, Headmaster.”

He looked her over and seemed a bit apologetic. “Do forgive me for not greeting you sooner.” The man tried to look kind and welcoming but she could tell he was under tremendous strain and trying to hide it.

Her tone was gentle and she tried to look understanding. “Think nothing of it. I know the loss of Professor Akunin must have been traumatic, especially for his colleagues.” She avoided using the word “murder”. “It’s a tragedy.” She crossed her legs and placed her hands on her knees. “To be honest, he was one of the reasons I agreed to come to your school. I’ve read several of his papers.”

The Headmaster laughed. “You and your family have proved quite elusive for some time, my dear.” He reached into his desk and pulled out a file and opened it. From the documents she could read upside down, she knew it was hers. “If I recall correctly, we had to drag your grandfather here to attend and your father refused altogether.” He looked at her from over the top of his reading glasses. “I’m pleasantly surprised you agreed to attend after eluding us for so long.” He sat back and then asked. “Why did you?”

She smiled. “Your school has a great reputation for gifted students.” Her answer was evasive but she didn’t care. Her past wasn’t his business, even if he could find out for himself, she wouldn’t volunteer education. She went on, “and it’s hard to argue with free.”

Beside her Al laughed. “That sounds exactly like what Jack Watson said.” He nudged her shoulder with his fingers. “Nice guy, Jack. Lived for the past eight years in America but don’t hold that against him. He’s probably the only person in this school that does kiss Holmes’ ass.”

The Headmaster cleared his throat and glared at Marlowe but all the boy did was shrug in apology. He latched onto the mention of his school’s most famous student. “You’ve met young Master Holmes?”

She nodded. “In the library. We both wanted to read the same book if I recall correctly.”

The Headmaster focused all of his attention on her, once again ignoring Marlowe. “And what did you think of him?”

There was a gleam in his eye she didn’t like.  It was the same gleam her mother had when she told her about a certain boy she might like. A matchmaker’s gleam.

Now she knew the real reason she had been tracked down and invited to attend. As a direct descendant of “The Woman” she was an integral part of Holmesian lore. The only woman to ever outwit the famous detective of Baker Street. Some claimed she was the only woman Sherlock Holmes ever loved. She and her family had always had a good laugh about that. He’d known her, or rather of her for less than a week. That indicated infatuation, not love.

Irene could tell he expected an answer and she chose her words carefully. “From the short time I spoke to him, I could tell he was everything to be expected from someone related to Sherlock Holmes.

It was a diplomatic answer but the Headmaster was still disappointed. No doubt he hoped to join the Adler and Holmes lines to create an even greater detective. Some romantic idea that Irene and Sherlock had always been meant to be and this was some time-spanned second chance by proxy. Barrington seemed intelligent and attractive but she would not be a participant in their detective breeding program.

His shoulder slumped but he managed to be polite. “Well, I hope you enjoy your time here, Miss Adler.” He put her file away and pulled out a manila envelope. “This is your new student information packet.” He slid it across the table to her. “Again, forgive my tardiness. Also, you will be upgraded to the Spade living quarters. Apologies for the less than optimal room we initially put you in.”

It had been adequate but she wouldn’t complain if it meant more room. “Thank you.”

There was a bit more chit-chat about expectations she would be required to meet while attending but finally he was done. He stood up and they stood up with him.

He held out a hand to Marlowe. “Master Marlowe will show you to your new rooms.”

Al didn’t seem to mind being voluntold. “It’s on my way.”

Irene nodded, eager to be on her way. “Thank you again for taking the time to speak to me, sir.”

His smile was charming and she was reminded for a moment of her grandfather. “Not at all. Let me know if you have questions or additional information.” He led them over to the door and opened it. “Good bye, Miss Adler.”

                                                         *****

The walk to her old room was quiet. She noticed all of her things had been packed for her. She went to use the bathroom one more time and retrieved the item she had hidden taped to the underside of the sink cabinet. Then she rejoined her new companion to her new room.

“The movers will take everything to your new room,” Al was saying. “Don’t worry.”

“I’m not,” she replied as they walked.

He laughed. “You know, they basically brought you here to try and seduce Holmes.” He looked at her sideways in the hopes of getting a reaction. “He hasn’t shown any interest in dating and they’re afraid the line will die out.”

She thought about it for a moment.  “I fail how I should care or contribute,” her tone might have been a bit snippy. Her grandfather had told her how they’d hidden for fear of reprisal by the king of Bohemia, even after Bohemia lost its independence. “Let the line die.”

He stopped and then gave her another genuine smile. “I think I’m going to like you.” He gave her a flirty wink. “Mind if I change the subject?”

Irene nodded. “Please do.”

“Well, I wanted to ask you about…”

“Cut!” Felix accepted a bottle of water from Allegra and looked at her, giving her a small nod. “Not bad. That’s lunch, everyone!”

A bell went off and the crew began to clear the set for the next shot.

Lila looked from Gio to Victor. “How did I do?”

“Great!” Gio assured her. “Your Irene is smart and independent. She won’t let herself be railroaded by anyone.”

She frowned and chewed on her bottom lip. “Felix didn’t seem to think so. He barely said anything.”

She tried to sound as pitiful as possible and hoped someone would take the bait and reassure her, flatter her ego, as Mme. Bustier’s class once did.

Victor did. “I suspect the boy’s directing style resembles his father,” he soothed. “Geralt would only say ‘good job’ or ‘good work’ when you did well.” He laughed, clearly remembering the past. “It was only when he spoke in full paragraphs that you knew how badly you’d flubbed a line or ruined a shot.”

                                                     *****

After lunch was called Felix saw Luka and Marinette walking past the set, chatting amiably. He shot out of his chair to catch them. He had something important to ask them.

Lila cut him off in an attempt to waylay him. “Hey, um, Felix?” She clasped her hands in front of her and bit her lip, trying to look nervous and sensual at the same time. She’d read in several magazines that it was always a good idea to bring a man’s attention to one’s mouth.

His eyes flicked over her and then away so fast she couldn’t be sure he’d even looked at her at all. “Not now, Rossi. I’m on my own time,” he told her and brushed past.

She got in his way again and this time he paid attention to her in a way that made her wish he hadn’t.  His green eyes iced over and she shivered despite herself. She had the distinct impression he was looking through her and not at her.

Was he still so upset about the way she’d acted towards his friend Allen? Really, how was she supposed to know the guy was asexual or hated being touched? He was gorgeous! Better looking than Gio but a lot less accessible. Allen was clearly a lost cause, especially since making him uncomfortable created enemies out of his friends.

Unfortunately that included Felix; the co-director, star, and son of her boss, Amelie Graham de Vanily. Oh, sure, Felix thought he was in charge but anyone could tell he kowtowed to his mother. Even more unfortunately was the fact she doted on her son and would do anything he asked, including blacklisting Lila if she pushed them too far. Amelie might look like  sfogliatelle but there were razor blades inside and anyone foolish enough to underestimate her would end up bleeding. Lila actually respected that about her. She thought she could learn a lot from the woman, if she would be willing to teach her.

“I-I wanted to ask you about my performance today,” she pretended to stutter and look unsure and needy. Hell, it worked for Dupain-Cheng. “I want to do a good job and want to know if you have any advice on how to improve my performance.”

“Ask Gio. I’m sure he’d be glad to help. Or Victor. He has more experience than anyone here and is always glad to help the inexperienced.”

She faked a gasp. Was he openly insulting her? Ugh. M. Agreste had warned her his nephew was stubborn, cruel, difficult to manipulate and a budding delinquent. She hadn’t taken him seriously at the time but none of her usual tricks worked on him. Celebrity stories wouldn’t be impressive, a smear campaign would fail and arranging another “accident” with him around would be incredibly stupid. She was lucky no one suspected her yet. It would be better to isolate Marinette somewhere off-set then get rid of her or arrange for someone to do it for her.

Before she could protest or ask him another question he looked over her shoulder and called out. “Gio? Victor?” He pointed at Lila. “Miss Rossi is looking for tips to improve her performance and I recommended the two of you. Give her a hand, won’t you? I have to go.” He was gone before she could say another word.

Victor and Gio rushed up to her so fast she could swear they were wearing heelies. “Are you letting the Ice Prince get to you?” Gio laughed. “Like I said, your Irene Adler is great. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Nonsense, dear boy,” the older man’s voice was smooth and reassuring. “There is no actor on Earth who cannot improve in some way. Come, my dear,” he offered Lila his arm. “We’ll discuss techniques over lunch.”

It took all of Lila’s (in her mind) considerable acting talent not to roll her eyes and groan out loud at the decrepit old man’s offer. Still, Gio was watching and she couldn’t afford to offend him until and unless she found someone better.

She took the old fashioned gallant’s arm and smiled up at him. “Your funeral speech about Professor Akunin made me cry,” she gushed. “How are you so good at evoking emotion?”

His laugh was elegant and cultured, making her want to steal that from him. “Training, practice and years of real world experience,” he answered. He walked her towards the “Villain Lunch Table”. “But since you might lack the latter, there are a few shortcuts I can teach you…”

                                                         *****

Felix strode down the hall, trying not to look like he was chasing the couple in front of him. Every now and then he’d see someone he knew from past productions and give them a nod and try to act nonchalant. Then once they weren’t looking he’d try to once again catch up to Marinette and Luka without looking like he was trying to catch up to them. Finally they reached the music room and opened the door. They looked inside, stared at each other in confusion, then closed the door. He slowed his steps as he reached them and tried not to look out of breath.

“Ah! There you are. Glad I reached you,” he smiled and tried to sound charming, or at the very least friendly. “Allen is having lunch with Allegra, my mother, and Claude. Mylene and Ivan are having a private pre-anniversary picnic, so I thought I’d invite you two to have lunch with me.”

“Really? I’m surprised they didn’t message me,” Marinette rummaged through her bag and pulled out her phone. She gave him a “hope you don’t mind if I check, but I don’t trust you” smile and he nodded. She turned it on and checked her most recent texts. “Huh. Mylene and Ivan are having a picnic near the Trocadero today. Oh! And Alya and Nino are going to a Jagged Stone Film Festival. Lucky!” She sighed and looked at Luka. “Are you alright with having lunch with Felix?”

Luka didn’t reply at first, just looked Felix up and down and then held his gaze. Felix hadn’t really given the older boy much thought. He was a talented musician, according to Allen and from what he’d personally observed, a good screen partner. Marinette was very fond of him and since Felix was slowly warming to Marinette and the possibility of being friends, he thought it might be a good idea to befriend Luka as well. He’d heard Marinette say several times how Luke’s calm, easy-going nature helped keep her grounded.

Luka didn’t look calm or easy-going at the moment. His electric blue eyes nearly glowed as he looked at Felix and the blond felt like the other boy might just bore a hole in his skull just by staring. He got the impression Luka cared deeply about Marinette, enough to snap and attack anyone who harmed her; by word, thought, or deed. He actually felt slightly nervous.

Don’t lie, Luka's eyes told him and he sighed and decided to go with the truth.

Felix sighed, took a big breath and began to speak. “Look, I know we didn’t get off on the right foot,” Marinette coughed and it sounded like she said duh under her breath. He pretended like he hadn’t heard and went on.

“Yes, I’ve been an arse to you in the past and I know I’ll probably be an arse to you in the future.” They both nodded in agreement and he smirked. “It’s part of my charm, once you get to know me.”

Marinette gave him a pity chuckle out of kindness and he gave her a hint of a smile. “I was angry at my cousin and my uncle the first time I came to Paris and although my reasons were and remain justified, I took some of my anger out on his friends and people who had done nothing to deserve it.” Like Ladybug. Looking back, he knew he was lucky she hadn’t punched him in the bollocks.

He looked at Marinette and he almost looked genuinely sorry. “You were...my cousin’s friend and...predisposed to like him over me.” He delicately avoided mentioning her (hopefully) former crush on Adrien. The more he got to know the girl the more he thought his cousin to be a fool, even though he was with Miss Tsurugi. Frankly, any girl but Lila could do better than that idiot.

“So, you initially hated me because I was friends with Adrien,” Marinette offered. Wow, it no longer hurts to say his name.

Felix sighed and nodded. “Yeah. I know, it wasn’t fair of me. You’d literally done nothing to me because we’d never met. So I picked on you for no reason. However,” he raised a brow and gave her a smug look. “I won’t apologize for goading you into taking the part of Dupin. You’re perfect for Felicity.”

She shrugged. “Yeah. I know.”

She was so matter of fact Felix nearly smiled. He was really starting to like her and could see them being friends.

Luka crossed his arms and stared at Felix. He was trying to stay out of the conversation because he knew Marinette could handle herself. However, he didn’t trust Felix. He was just as good looking as his cousin, someone Marinette used to have a crush on. It was entirely possible he was using his looks to manipulate her.  The other boy looked sincere but he didn’t take chances with Marinette’s happiness and well-being.

“So, why the change of heart?” He asked after staring for nearly a minute.

Felix sighed. “I...don’t have many friends. A shock, I’m sure.” Chat Noir’s taunt echoed in his head but he ignored it. “Most of the cast and crew are more like extended family and they’re adults. Allen, Allegra, and Claude all but forced me into being friends and Chloe’s more a frenemy than anything.” He smiled a bit when he thought of his sour but trustworthy newest friend. “Then again, she’s almost extended family too.”

“She’s more believable as your cousin than Adrien is,” Luka quipped and Felix felt his respect for him go up.

“We’re getting off topic,” Marinette broke in. She really didn’t want to talk about Chloe or Adrien.

“Right,” Felix nodded and so did Luka. He looked Marinette in the eye. There it was again. That air about her that made him want to confide in her. It was as comforting as it was annoying.

“We’ve been working together for weeks now,” he replied. “During that time I’ve seen  how hard you work, splitting your time between Wardrobe and a lead role. That can’t be easy but you’re always on time, you know your lines and all the designs I’ve seen so far have been excellent.” He smiled at her. “It made me respect you.”

Luka and Marinette nodded in understanding and Felix went on. “As I worked with you I got to know you. We play off each other very well and I admire how quick-witted you are. You always stand up for yourself and refuse to back down, even though I could get you fired. Not that I would!” He hastened to assure her. “I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to have a worthy opponent to cross metaphorical swords with. You force...no...encourage me to do better. I appreciate that.”

Felix spread his hands. “So after all that, I began to like you. As a peer and as a person.” She blinked and tilted her head at him, silently analyzing every word he said.

He cleared his throat. “So...I was hoping we could put past misdeeds behind us and perhaps...be friends.” That sounded clumsy and awkward.

Luka gave him a slow blink. “I understand why you’d want to be friends with Marinette. She’s amazing.” The girl blushed. “But why am I here?”

Felix gave half a shrug. “I want a chaperone so no one can claim I was misbehaving with a co-star. There are people who’d start rumors like that to make money off the tabloids or hurt the production.” Marinette nodded as she thought about Lila. Felix looked at Luka. “And I enjoy working with you, you seem like a good sort and Marinette likes you so befriending you would be a good idea.”

The older boy considered his reply carefully before giving him a gentle smile and saying, “It’s a start.”

They both looked at Marinette.

She didn’t look convinced and Felix felt a little disappointed, thinking he was about to be rejected.

She looked him over, examined him, took him apart, examined every piece of him and then put the parts back together. “And...that’s why you’re inviting us to lunch?”

He nodded. “I thought it would be a good way to begin our friendship. We could talk away from work, get acquainted and...if you two decided you don’t want to be friends no one needs to know but us.”

She considered his words and then smiled at him. His breath nearly caught in his throat and he felt a gentle warmth, like a kitten napping in the sun. “I guess...I can take a chance on being your friend. If you mean it.”

“I do,” he replied, then looked at Luka. “Both of you.”

Luka gave him a tiny smile. “So, where are we eating?”

                                                *****

The main cast breakroom was a gift from the gods, delivered by Amelie Graham de Vanily who decided that an area where the young main cast could relax undisturbed would be best. Rather than the usual trailer, the space was an emptied study hall room for their purposes. To make the room homey Allegra had taken  to bringing a few things. Starting with three large bean bags and temporarily fit a tv with her Nintendo Switch. The room had been emptied out of tables and chairs so a long sturdy foldable table, a futon couch, and some chairs were added in. A coffee table as well as a storage rack that she would have taken apart when their tenure was over. The rack had items like blankets, a bin with a change of clothes, some board games, as well as any odd and end they might need from makeup to pens to some books and magazines. Overall quite useful for the teens to sit and relax in between scenes if they felt the need to do so.

A small coffee and tea caddy with a kettle and some tins of loose leaf tea with six personal tea strainers as well as six pottery coffee mugs all paired based off of the member of the main cast (plus  Chloe). Allegra had even taken the time to choose a cute ceramic mug that seemed to have been sculpted to resemble lace and a tea strainer that resembled a flower in a small tray labeled “Marinette”. It seemed even in the initial distrust Allegra still took some effort to be hospitable.

Marinette looked them over. “So...where’s Luka’s mug?”

"Allegra is having her pottery person make it at the moment and apparently no one has done a tea strainer based off of a music note so she's been looking for that too; she gets them commissioned for every project.” Felix took his mug and corresponding strainer.  “We have a collection back home."

Luka gave him a gentle smile. “I like that idea. Everyone gets their own personalized things so they feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging.”

Felix surprised them by smiling back. “Yes. That’s the idea.”

It was still strange to him sometimes that he had friends. Genuine friends who cared about him, even though they enjoyed taking the piss out of him constantly. He even appreciated Chloe, something he’d never thought would happen.

And now he and Marinette were beginning to be friends. Or, at the very least, she was going to try to be his friend. It wasn’t what he thought their relationship would be a month ago but it was a pleasant surprise. He felt guilty about how easily he had dismissed her as another of his cousin’s fangirls. There was more to her than that and he got the impression he hadn’t seen all of her yet.

It was even more true of Luka. He hadn’t known the other boy very long and felt he’d barely scratched the surface. He was calm, never got nervous or stressed out and if he were, no one could tell, not even a keen observer like himself. Every good actor was a dedicated people watcher. There was a lot to be gleaned from other people’s body language and mannerisms when creating characters.

Felix dug into one of the cubbies and pulled out a spare mug and tea strainer for Luka to use. It was plain but the same blue as Luka’s eyes so he thought it was appropriate. He set the tea things on the table and said, “I’ll put the kettle on so it’ll be ready once the takeaway gets here.”

Marinette perked up, curious. “Where did you order from?”

“I found an English pub right here in Paris. The name is ‘The Frog and British Library.’ They’re supposed to be pretty good. Not sure if the staff is British or French, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.” He looked over his shoulder at them. “Sorry the kettle’s electric but it would have been too expensive to run a gas line in the building when we’ll only be here temporarily.”

She craned her neck to watch as he turned on a single coil burner and placed a copper kettle on it. “Are you sure I can’t help?” she asked.

“I’m sure,” he answered and motioned for her to have a seat at the table.

“‘The Frog and British Library’, huh?” Luka spoke up as they sat together. “I’ve never been there. I’ve heard good things about them. I’ve also heard great things about ‘The Bombardier’ and ‘The Cross of Saint George’.”

“So have I,” Felix replied, “but since neither of them deliver I thought I’d try this place. Maybe I’ll take Mom to eat at one of those places on Sunday.” His expression looked a bit wistful. “Don’t get me wrong. French food is fine but there's something about Yorkie and mash with a nice roast.”

Luka smiled, understanding the blond a little better now. “Feeling a little homesick? Your music is a little off.”

Felix shrugged and tried to look nonchalant. Luka was a bit too insightful. “That could be because I’m hungry.”

He wasn’t sure if the blue haired boy believed him or not but he didn’t press either. “Maybe,” was all he said.

Marinette decided to change the subject as gently as possible. This “new friendship” was still fragile and the last thing she wanted to do was offend him ten minutes in. “Hey, I’ve never had English food before. What’s it like?” She smiled at him and looked genuinely curious.

He had no reason to doubt her sincerity (yet) so he elaborated. “Very rich and more fried foods than you French are used to.” He smiled as he remembered his father telling him about how his mother learned English people eat eggs and sausage at breakfast instead of fruit and pastries.

“Is it true you eat beans on toast for breakfast?” Luka wanted to keep the conversation going and did his part to avoid awkward silences. He hadn’t interacted with Felix as much as Marinette had but he did remember the nasty video message the other boy had made to spite his cousin. He recognized that grief did strange things to people and often brought out their worst side but it didn’t excuse being a jackass.

“Oh, yes. And blood sausage.” He grinned as he saw Marinette shudder. He pretended he hadn’t seen her as he continued. “There’s also sausage, a few rashers of bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes, eggs and hash browns.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t think I could move after eating all that. Breakfast should be light.”

He scoffed. “Just because you can live on croissants doesn’t mean the rest of us can.”

She gasped, slightly offended. “It’s baguettes, you ignorant clod, and don’t forget it!”

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Delivery for Felix Graham de Vanily?”

“That’s me,” Felix stood up and went to the door. He looked over his shoulder at his companions. “Let me introduce you both to the wonders of the Sunday Roast.”

                                                            *****

This is going better than I expected Felix thought as the three of them ate. He and Marinette debated the differences and similarities of British and French cuisine while Luka asked him about what sort of music he liked and told him stories about living on a boat. He threw in a few comments and tiny bits of information about himself here and there and they responded. He was glad they didn’t press him about his life or family relationships. They stuck to topics like food and how the movie was going. It was pleasant to spend time with them and he wanted it to continue.

He felt his shoulders relax ever so slightly as he watched Luka recount a story about how Marinette nearly tripped and fell in the Seine and watched the girl blush adorably. It was clear to anyone with half a brain cell the two had romantic chemistry and wondered if they were dating. He hoped not; romance on set might be a pretty story for the media but it could get in the way of getting work done, especially if it soured. He’d seen it happen before and only a handful of people he knew who met at work were still together. Claude and Allegra were one and so were a few people in the Stunt Department. To be fair, all of them worked on their relationships.

Being surrounded by people in love all the time had irritated him in the past but every now and then he wondered what a romance of his own would be like. He hoped they would be as smart and quick-witted as himself but also kind, loyal, and trustworthy. It wasn’t something he wanted to seek out but he couldn’t help being curious.

They gathered up their empty food containers and threw them away.  Felix brought their attention to a smaller bag he’d been saving. “I know neither of you have had afternoon tea with us before, so I thought I’d give you a taste.” He put the kettle back on and emptied the contents of the bag onto the table. “It’s not much,” and it wasn’t, “but as a bread and pastry connoisseur, Marinette, I wanted your opinion of Battenburg cake and scones.”

Luka rifled through a drawer and found some butter knives, forks, plates, and a cake knife. He sliced up the cake but let everyone serve themselves.  Marinette looked delighted to try the yellow and pink dessert and both boys couldn’t help but smile as she bit into it. She sat quietly and frowned as she ate her slice.

Felix tried to be patient but finally he couldn’t wait and needed to know what she thought. “Well?” he prompted.

“I like the apricot jam and the marzipan,” she said at last, “but the cake itself is...bland.”

He scoffed. “If it were as flavorful as the marzipan, you’d be overwhelmed.”

“Well, I heard the inspiration was actually something known as Domino Cake and…”

Luka watched with amusement as the two continued to debate pastries while eating scones with jam and clotted cream while washing them all down with tea. Finally he suggested they go sit on the bean bags and take a nap before shooting in the afternoon. To his surprise they agreed and they settled in to sleep off their meal.

Felix hadn’t expected to fall asleep. He usually had trouble sleeping around strangers but he must have eaten more than he thought he had; the Sunday Roast had had healthy portions and he must have fallen into a food coma.

He woke up to the smell of almonds and apricot and found  himself up against Marinette’s side. She was still asleep, dark lashes contrasting with her fair skin. She was breathing softly into his ear and he could see she still had a bit of marzipan on her lips.

Luka was on her other side, snuggled against her for warmth. His eyes were closed and there was a hint of a smile on his face. His face was relaxed in sleep like Marinette’s. Every now and then he would sigh as if content. Well, considering who he was sleeping against, no one could blame him.

Felix remembered the first time he and his friends had had a sleepover. It had been Claude’s idea, who thought he had needed emotional support after his horrible first trip to Paris. They had stayed up until dawn watching the first movies they’d ever been in and picked apart their own performances and then critiquing each other. There had been laughs and mock arguments and he couldn’t stop smiling, happy he had other people to talk to besides his mom.

Eventually they had all fallen into a “cuddle puddle” on the floor and slept until noon. Falling asleep with Luka and Marinette had a similar feel to it. There was something in his subconscious that made him think he might be able to trust them. A bit.

He closed his eyes and decided to go back to sleep. Marinette nuzzled his cheek with hers and mumbled something about a silly kitty.

I could get used to making friends. He cracked an eye open and glanced at his latest companions before closing his eyes again.

Better not tell Claude. He’d just get jealous.

[lilyswh0re]

gold rush - adrian pucey

date: march 20, 2022

summary: adrian is a gold rush

note: this is me projecting betty energy 👁👁

warning: ion know bullying?

a/n: this is my comeback.

a/n°2 (april 10, 2022): i edited this 😋 it felt empty the first time idk

tags: @loverssfevers @limerenze @ghostofscarley

Gleaming

Twinkling

Eyes like sinking ships

On waters so inviting

I almost jump in

the waters of the black lake rippled dreamily. the sun bled through the skyscraping trees, make your skin glow. the towel under you was warm and bumpy over the pebbles. not only did you feel warm outside, you felt warm inside. looking over at the black haired boy, who sat with his elbows on his knees and head tilted back. the sun bleaching his hair to a dark brown. his lashes breaking apart the shimmer of the oil on his rosy cheeks.

it took so long to get to this moment that it felt unreal. it felt as though you couldn’t turn away because it’d be taken from you. as though he would evaporate in front of you, turning into a cloud of black smoke, fading into the crisp air.

But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush

I don't like anticipating my face in a red flush

I don't like that anyone would die to feel your touch

Everybody wants you

Everybody wonders what it would be like to love you

Walk past, quick brush

I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush

I don't like that falling feels like flying 'til the bone crush

Everybody wants you

But I don't like a gold rush

you looked down at your plate. there was your daily letter. your daily adrian pucey letter. he knew it annoyed you. he knew how you felt about it. he knew that you thought it was a mockery. taking a muggle lighter in your hand, thumbing the wheel, and watching the letter catch fire, you looked up at adrian, who was holding a buttered croissant. it looked as though the croissant placed itself in his hand—even pastries wanted adrian. he didn’t seem hurt (he wasn’t hurt, he knew you didn’t believe that he could ever like you without there being another underlying reason) so he just nodded with an amused smirk. your skin felt hot like the burning letter in front of you as you watched him join his friends. it shocked his friends how mean you could be to him but he would still search for you in a crowded room. they couldn’t do anything about it either, they knew better. you knew as well as they did that adrian would not hesitate to drop them all for a second of returned affection on your behalf.

you knew there were eyes on you. judging eyes. wanting eyes. jealous eyes. eyes that would kill to be you. eyes that would want nothing more than to be on the receiving end of an adrian pucey letter. eyes who were confused as to how the golden boy could like you. you with your lack of tolerance. you with your pressed lips and scowl. you were confused too. that’s why you did not accept those letters or the way his hand would brush against your own when he handed you your weekly rose. that same rose you would take but press into your friends’ hands as you stomped away. your friends watched as you disappear, wincing from the thorns breaking their skin barrier. but how could he do that in front of your friends? in front of his? how could he embarrass you like that? how could he crush your bones and heart like that? how could he do things he doesn’t mean? especially in public.

but that boy is so beautiful that he creates dumb little fantasies in your mind. fantasies of long debates while drinking day old tea. fantasies of being wrapped in his arms while wondering around hogsmeade. but that’ll never happen. surely he knows that and you know that. so you watch as he shakes the sweat out of his hair as he runs over to hug his teammates. his hair falling into place perfectly, as if he had trained it to never look wrong regardless of how it was styled. sometimes wishing he’d run to you first instead of them.

you decided to go to the after party. the worst that could happen was that he’d try to talk to you, which he already did every day. this time he didn’t want to just talk. the music was loud so he leaned down so you could hear him.

“do i make you uncomfortable?” he cares how he makes me feel?

“…no.” it was a small “no”, a stupid “no” but he didn’t make you uncomfortable. just embarrassed and red. you could feel that heat spread over your face again.

“because if i do, i’ll stop sending the letters and i’ll stop giving you flowers. i only like you. i know you don’t think i do but i want you.”

“i don’t want to share someone with everyone. i don’t share.” you stepped away from him, seeing a green and pink film over the multitude of double people.

that night adrian felt a hint of how you felt every day. he too fantasied about what he could’ve said, about how he could’ve stopped you from leaving.

after that, he stopped sending the letters and stopped giving you flowers.

before the hogsmeade trip, you were called down to the common room, someone was looking for you they said.

adrian arrived at your tower with a large rose bouquet and his teammates behind him. they looked almost as discolored as you. “you wouldn’t have to share me with everyone or anyone for that matter.”

because it was like he had ripped a page out of your mind, all you could do is nod and accept how his body crashed into yours like a boat on a rocky shore, and accept how his fingertips traveled your back.

“wanna swim?” he looks over at you with lazy eyes.

you stand up, nodding, taking his hand as he stands as well to guide you into the waters.

[1kook]

A COLLECTION  [ updated: 8 . 23 . 21 ]

— STATUS ONGOING — NO REPOSTS — ASKS under #ncouple ! — Copyright © 2021, 1kook on tumblr

—NETFLIX & CHILL.

summary If you planned things right, you could rain down your raging displeasure on Jeon Jungkook right after the meal but before this proposed ‘Netflix and chilling,’ maybe dramatically throw your glass of wine at him, before storming out of his place and reporting him to the authorities (Namjoon) for his douchebag personality.  warnings smut in the forms of grinding, oral (f), cum eating, vanilla unprotected sex, dirty talk misc use of the oldest trick in the book (“your hands are sooo big”), shy oblivious AND gentleman jk? pick a struggle, brief ment of app developer kook, evil and conniving oc  word count 10.2k  posted june 12, 2020

—HULU & WOOHOO.

summary But there’s more important matters to attend to than Jungkook’s Jersey Shore boner. warnings slight feelings of insecurity, smut in the forms of fingering, cunnilingus, cum eating, squirting, hand jobs, unprotected sex, riding, slight praise kink  misc if you’re not a Jersey shore fan honestly GET OUT, mentions of capitalism😡, more kind/understanding kook, basically a “what are we?” fic but silly, irresponsible emailing habits, its so dumb just read word count 6.3k posted july 4, 2020

—IMAX & CLIMAX.

summary The occasional dark horse candidate among Barbie movie binges— Jungkook gets weirdly horny and fucks you to the tune of a classic Barbie movie soundtrack. warnings smut in the form of blowjobs, tit play, praise kink, standing sex, unprotected sex, reverse cowgirl (? kinda), daddy kink that morphs into ily kink misc  jk is an avid history channel viewer, jk hates Barbie movies ik we took an L today girls 😔, jk goes thru like 4 personality changes (commanding > soft > mean > in love), honestly idk what to tag it’s a mess, he’s still cheesy and romantic but also 👀 just read word count 9.8k posted august 5, 2020

—KISSANIME & FOREPLAY.

summary You get a glimpse of the KissAnime screen for a good two seconds before about seven ads pop up. Another tab to a raunchy hentai website opens, and Jungkook groans. warnings mentions of hentai, smut in the forms of cunnilingus, masturbation (f), oral (f), use of a sex toy, fingering, nipple play, face sitting/fucking/riding idk (f), praise kink, hints of dumbification, cum eating, jk is like passive aggressive in this one, 4 (f) orgasms, this is the kicker: sub kook at the end😳, like 2 sec of dom yn lol, & u get 0.002 sec of adams apple kink misc more dumb story lines, made up sex stores bc my creativity knows no bounds, Jungkook plays nice but is actually mean for the majority of it, once again doyeon plays a pivotal role in the furthering of women empowerment, internal love monologues about jk best boy<3 word count 8.2k posted september 1, 2020

—DISNEY+ & BUST.

summary There’s a pounding on your door a little past noon, so hard and rough, that you almost think it’s the police finally coming to catch you for all your years of illegally pirating Phineas and Ferb. It’s not. It’s just a really drunk boyfriend wailing for your forgiveness at the door.   warnings arguments, feelings of insecurity, bit of asshole jk, smut in the forms of humiliation, dumbification, choking, fingering, spit kink, self punishment (? idk lol), unprotected but [ passionate ] sex, jk losing his cool, the return of mean jk, desperate jk, he is actually an emotional mess in this one wtf misc angst, anniversaries, the L word😳, app developer kook, rip ‘pretty girl’ </3, we all become phineas and ferb stans word count 13k posted september 9, 2020

—ESPN & BDSM.

summary You would like to personally thank every loud-mouthed, ESPN commentator out there for saving you from Jungkook’s dangerous seduction skills.   warnings smut in the forms of brief femdom, handcuffs, nipple clamps, blindfolding, flogging/use of a riding crop, soft dom kook, cunnilingus, spitting, unprotected but passionate, degradation, as always it starts horny n then turns into I love u kink misc kook has a swollen ankle so idk how he did all this, jk abuses the fuck outta pet names part 7, revenge gone wrong tbh, this was honestly a beginner’s intro to vanilla bdsm word count 12.7k posted september 14, 2020

—YOUTUBE & USE LUBE.

summary You can’t believe this is Jungkook’s preferred sick day treatment; YouTube, cuddles, and an ugly amount of lube. warnings smut in the forms of nipple play, handjobs, spit kink, face riding, unprotected, flavored warming lube, riding, praise kink, soft femdom, missionary bc his eyes are pretty, tit sucking, tit fucking, more jk has an impreg kink, oh and this is all subby kook misc domesticity baby!! fluff, soft scenes /.\, jk is sick:((, doyeon is A Doctor, yn sees an opportunity and she grabs it, surprise ending <3 word count 8.7k   posted september 30, 2020

—VIKI & HICKEYS.

summary Just like in those Viki dramas Jungkook likes, the world around you is enveloped in shades of pink and red, kisses and hearts, so many goddamn roses it makes you sneeze. It’s absolutely perfect— nothing could possibly go wrong when there’s so much love in the air.   warnings a little hurt + a lot of comfort, mentions of cheating!villain!jin, insecure!kook, emotional breakdowns, mentions of jk’s lonely past, jk cries :( smut in the forms of making out, eating out, fingering, clit play, hickeys, jk likes cum, double orgasm, squirting, tiny praise kink, blindfolding, rough + unprotected sex, doggy style, choking!!!, breeding/impreg kink, JEALOUS KOOK, mini hand kink, a lil bit of spanking, degradation, he gets progressively meaner lol oc cries, jk is a good boy n I want him to be happy   misc there’s a lot of fuckin plot omfg -_-, it’s Valentine’s Eve!, doyeon makes Some Points, mentions of park seojoon juicy ass, they go on a d8 😳, oc like rlly wants to marry him, oc commits double phone homicide word count 16.3k posted january 14, 2021

—PEACOCK & SWEET TALK.

summary “I wanna watch Solange in Bring It On,” Jungkook smiles, and you have to wonder who exactly this blond man is and what he did with your teen-movie-hating boyfriend.   warnings smut in the forms of kissing, cunnilingus (eating out + fingering), light praise, a lil body worship, jk fat cawk, brief nipple play, playful jk, unprotected sex, riding and missionary, the jk hand kink, I love you kink, jk wants nudes, jk’s cheerleader fantasies mentioned, spit kink, light choking, jk has like a scent kink (?), mention of collars and pet play misc app developer jk becomes even MORE app developer-y, oc is anti-google, there's plot, a 2 year anniversary, Solange knowles appreciation, BLOND JK!!!, gets sappy for a sec, seahorse marriage mention, doyeon x joon side pairing, jk is disgustingly dreamy and oc is threatened by that fact word count 10.7k posted march 23, 2021

— CRUNCHYROLL & RAIL.

summary Never mind the fact you really like Sailor Moon, or that you really want to pay attention to every little detail; the moment becomes Jungkook and his big smile and his red cheeks and the tiny box he produces from within his pocket. warnings smut in the forms of making out, jk nipple play, some 69 action, cunnilingus, blowjobs, brief choking, jk trying his best to listen to oc but he doesn’t rlly :/, fingering, missionary bc his eyes are pretty, unprotected fuckin raw, its romantic but when is it not… misc fluffy and domestic <3, weekend getaway <3, the Big Question, shy jk, sailor moon supremacy, jk makes this big elaborate speech about the sun and moon, mentions of 240p YouTube quality word count 8.7k posted may 21, 2021

—FUNIMATION & PROCREATION.

summary Never mind your upcoming wedding, this was perhaps the greatest moment of your life— the day Jungkook sought out an anime on his own. warnings kissing, smut in the forms of cunnilingus, cum eating, mentions of anal, doggy style, unprotected sex with the intention of pregnancy, spitting, hand holding<3 misc the wedding night, Doyeon strikes again, jjk watches  jjk, oh no not twins word count 9.1k posted july 31, 2021

—BOOMERANG AND BANG. 

coming soon

—COOKIES & CREAM.

summary Jungkook will watch a thousand cheesy Christmas movies if it meant making you happy. (And maybe having his dick sucked.) warnings smut in the form of blowjobs, face fucking, cum facials, fingering, overstim, double orgasm, r*mantic sex, riding, unprotected, cream pies, jk does this weird thing where he licks her face yeah idk, jk loves seeing his gf cry, jk has an obsession with jizz   misc jk pov !!, eggnog slander, jk hates xmas movies, oc dresses like a sexy mrs claus, Elf !!, jk is in loooove word count 7.1k posted december 23, 2020

— TUTUS & TIARAS.

summary your first pregnancy through the lens of your husband warnings smut in the forms of penetrative sex, sex while pregnant, unprotected sex, tit play, cunnilingus, mutual masturbation, sticking the tip in and jacking off/cockwarming?, creampies, nose kink (? like she grinds against his nose), infatuation with scent, frottage/grinding, lactation kink, titluvr jk [bass boosted] misc married ncouple <3, domesticity, jk pov, mood swings, pregnancy, GIRLDAD!JK, DILF!JK, pregnant!reader, jk’s kids are virgos its true  word count 10k posted august 23, 2021

— one.

summary Maybe Jungkook wasn’t always as cool and composed as you initially believed. But that’s okay, because you love him all the same.  word count 1.3k posted September 10, 2020

—two.

summary Even after all these years, all these doubts, and all this solitude that was really no one’s fault but his own, he still finds himself hoping that maybe you’ll be the one. word count 1k posted september 11, 2020

—three.

summary But Jungkook loves the sun. word count 1.5k posted september 12th, 2020

—four.

summary For the last ten minutes or so his mind has been bothered by one thing and one thing only— the hair that hung in his face. word count 800 words posted september 22, 2020

—five.

summary Startled and inexperienced, he can’t do anything but rub his hands over your back. “It’s fine, it’s fine,” he murmurs, even though it’s not. word count 1.3k posted september 22, 2020

—six.

SUMMARY Jungkook enjoyed pushing you down, indulging you in all your little fantasies, but he too had some he wanted to live out. WC 1.8k POSTED september 25, 2020

—seven.

summary And lastly, Jungkook will bring it full circle by indulging you two in some good old fashion spooky sex where he nuts inside you because the only thing scarier than a scary movie is a pregnancy scare. It’s a perfect plan. word count 2k posted october 30, 2020

—eight.

summary You always do this— always ask for more. You take and you take until there’s nothing left for Jungkook to give. But Jungkook is the same.   word count 1.9k posted december 28, 2020

—nine.

summary “I think that, like— me and you? We’re like, totally destined,” you ramble, “you should, like, take my number! And maybe we can, like— Netflix and chill one of these days?” word count 2.2k posted january 8 2021

—ten.

summary See, there’s no one in this world who ignores his house rules more than you. Even worse, there’s no one on this planet who can make Jungkook ignore his own rules like you do. word count 1.4k posted february 14, 2021

—eleven.

summary You’re too bright, too… there. His shell is too small. word count 1.2k posted may 3, 2021

—twelve.

summary Anyway, if it was up to Jungkook, Kim Doyeon would not be a member of the Engagement Ring Committee. word count 1.4k posted may 8th, 2021

—thirteen.

summary Because for as much shit as you let him get away with, Jungkook is certain you’ll draw the line today.   word count 1k posted june 13, 2021

—fourteen.

summary Jungkook needs you to know that you can always count on him. word count 1.3k posted july 6, 2021

—fifteen.

summary It’s Jungkook’s teenage fantasy— being pushed down by a cheerleader. word count 3.1k posted august 9, 2021

— sixteen.

summary Your skin is warm and smells like sunshine. Jungkook can’t really explain it. (And also like the sunscreen you had doused him in earlier, but that isn’t as romantic.) word count 1.9K posted august 11, 2021

—seventeen.

summary She looks his way and suddenly Jungkook is nineteen again, in his dorm, listening to the first person he ever thought he loved telling him he’s too much to handle. word count 1.6k posted august 18, 2021

beautiful banners made for series!

cute and cozy gif by the lovely @ladyartemesia​ 

LASTLY: 

[inkdaydreams]

Hey, if you like my fics and want to support me please consider donating here and letting me know which one shot you came from. Writing has been my longest standing passion and I want to still be able to afford to make time for it inbetween further education and having to make a living for myself.

Pairing: Brie Larson x Fem!Reader

None of my "x readers" specify race, height, body type, etc, unless requested.

I tried to make this neutral stylewise so the reader could be wearing a dress or a suit. Idk if I did this very well but I wanted to challenge myself.

I don't think Brie is problematic but if she is, this takes place in a reality where she isn't lol.

Running Late

Brief synopsis: Reader is in the dressing room trying to get Brie to get out there on the red carpet in time but Brie has other ideas.

Warning: smut,, MINORS DNI,, writer knows nothing about hair,, i haven't double checked the grammar

You stood with your hand on the doorframe, looking down at your chosen attire. It was elegant, just the way you liked it, and it was probably made by some designer you had to return it to by the end of the night.

It was all for Brie's movie that had just come out. Tonight was the premiere and you, her girlfriend of five years, were, of course, going to be her plus one. You were excited to watch your girlfriend as a superhero. She had kept you in the dark about the plot too, not out of distrust but just to keep you in suspense like the rest of her fans. She knew you wanted to have the proper viewing experience so she resisted telling you until everything was finalised.

"Come on, Brie!" You groaned, tapping your fingers nervously on the doorframe.

You only had about 15 minutes to leave, you couldn't let Brie be late to her own premiere.

"It's fine, we have like half an hour." Brie insisted, continuing to look at herself in the dressing room mirror, playing around with the details of her own clothes that no one would really notice.

She caught your eye in the mirror, watching as you opened your mouth to correct her on the time,

"I like that on you," she grinned as she looked you up and down.

"Well enjoy it now because I have to return it later." You rolled your eyes, marching over and grabbing her hand, yanking her upright.

She wobbled a little but then she stood straight, still holding your hand and placing another hand on your waist.

"You look so pretty for me, they're not taking this from you. I'll talk to your stylist about it, try and pull a few strings." She drawled, trailing her fingernails slowly down to your hip, before squeezing it.

You knew what she was doing. This was just her style, she loved the danger of it, the urgency.

"We don't have time." You trailed, about to argue but realising by the glint in her eye and her small mischievous smile, you were only spurring her on.

She kissed you softly, but her grip on your hip only got stronger, bringing back those all too familiar butterflies in your stomach. Smugly, she dragged you to her dressing room chair, in front of the well lit mirror.

"Sit down, beautiful." She commanded.

"We don't have time for this," you reminded her, sitting down anyway.

"God, that's the second time you've said that. Your body listened to me though, didn't it? You sat down like I told you to." Brie grinned, leaning down to kiss you again.

You sighed, grabbing her hair to deepen the kiss. You stayed like this for a few more seconds, but before you could get comfortable, Brie started kissing down your neck.

You bit your lip, and leaned your head back in the chair, egging her on.

"Fuck, Brie."

"We don't have time." She mimicked, kneeling down between your legs. "You're just going to have to settle with me fucking you."

You spread your legs without being asked, thumbling with your clothing to get it out the way. She watched you until you reached for the top half of your outfit.

"Keep it on, baby, I love this little ensemble. Let me make you cum like this. Let me make this pretty number yours."

You just closed your eyes, savouring her words and allowing yourself to forget about the premiere.

You felt her thumbs rub your inner thighs gently, spreading your legs wider than they already were before she dove in.

She watched you intently as she gave you the first lick, dragging a thumb nail up and down either thigh. You bit your lip, slumping back in her seat a while. She chuckled, drawing her head back.

You knew the drill, you had to give her a show.

She smirked as she watched you buck your hips, whimpering a soft "please" before she dove in again. She would usually make you use more words, but even she didn't want to be that late to her own premiere, and she wanted you to get there in time to watch her hard work.

She licked between your legs quickly and hungrily, your eyes rolling to the back of your head and hers doing the same when you clamped your thighs around her head. She began to suck on your clit, gathering the wetness around your entrance with two fingers and pushing them inside.

You'd done a good job at holding off your moans so far, just erratic breathing and an occasional "oh", but everything was getting to you right now. The sensations, the roughness, the haste, the limited time had been completely unexpected. You screamed Brie's name and you could've sworn she moaned a little when you did. She definitely did. You felt the vibrations on your clit as she pounded your pussy harder.

She pulled away only slightly to ask "you nearly there?", snaking her hand upward to place yours on her hair.

You nodded and grabbed her hair, tugging her back into place the way she liked. She couldn't speak much so she just looked at you, almost smiling with her eyes, but that was enough for you to understand her command and come undone the way she wanted you too. She gently pulled herself away from your face, picking up a makeup wipe to dab around her chin.

You started to pull yourself together, adjusting your clothes after you had dabbed between your legs with a paper towel. You glanced over at a clock on the wall, then looked back in the mirror. Then you suddenly whipped your head back, registering what you just saw.

"Oh, fuck!" You yelled when you checked the time. "We're five minutes late and your face is- oh my god- your hair too!"

Brie shrugged, flattening her hair into place and wiping most of the lower half of her face.

"Relax, babe," she winked, "it's the 21st century. If I leave without makeup on the journalists at the premiere will just treat it like the greatest feminist act of all time. They won't know you made the mess."

"And the hair?" You asked, watching curiously as she kept putting it back down.

"My stylist would be so offended to hear you right now. It's my big night, Y/N, of course only the best were hired to tame this mess. It's not going to come undone just because you tugged it a little." She grinned in the mirror, stepping back and holding your hand. "Look, ta-da!"

You looked back and smiled a little despite how flustered you looked. The cameras would be focusing more on Brie anyway and you hoped they would mistake the post sex glow for nerves.

The moment was interrupted by the very frantic knocking of Brie's manager.

"Brie! Brie! Get your ass out there! We've stalled as long as we can now everyone's waiting for you!"

"My lady," Brie said, letting go of your hand to offer her arm like some medieval knight.

"Dork." You rolled your eyes while taking her arm anyway.

"That's not my name, and I know you know it because you were screaming it just a minute ago." She winked, leading you to the door.

The knocking started again.

"Brie!" The manager pleaded.

"Got it! Sorry!"

[parkers-gal]

Hey lovie, so Idk if you take requests but based on the other fic I read about Harrison having a baby sister and the boys talking behind her back can you write something about reader keeping her boyfriend a secret from the boys and she’s out with some friends and Harry sees the friends insta story and seeing reader in the corner on a boys lap and they Drive as fast a possible to the location to get haz babysister and being all protective around her like „what do you do on a random boys lap?“ and she’s like „uh, he’s my boyfriend.“

combing this with another request, hope u don’t mind :)

Hey! I've just read circles before selves and I loved it so much!! 😔 if you feel like it fits, could you write a part 2 where one of the boys has feelings for yn and really missed her during that time? Really angst? Thanks, bby! ❤❤

wc: 1.7 k

—

Through the week you’d ghosted the four of them, Tom had probably been affected the most. Being your brother’s best friend, he was very much intertwined with your life, which meant he was just as dependent on you as he was on Harrison.

The night after their apology in your apartment, Tom had come over with more take out and one of his hoodies on his arm.

“Hey… Tom?” You were surprised by his presence, standing in the doorway of the front entrance, Tom on your patio. “What’s up?”

“Can I- uh… Can I talk to you?” “Sure…” You’re still confused, but nevertheless, open the door wider for him.

Tom has always been your protector in a different way than Harrison’s ‘older-brother protective mode.’ He’s genuinely cared about your well-being, and tended to keep you out of the public’s eyes despite you not being a celebrity. He was there when you needed a ride home in the rain, and he was there when your ex-boyfriend had cheated on you with your best friend. He was there, angrily, supportively, encouragingly. Sure, he gave you butterflies, but you as another rule of the circle goes, siblings are off limits. Nobody had ever broken the rule, and you suspected Tom wasn’t here to break it either, so you dropped the thoughts from your mind, attention resorting back to the brunette in front of you.

“What’s happening?” You’re awkwardly sitting on the couch beside him until the tension fades away into nothingness. It’s never like this between the two of you, but you’re picking apart the context, pointing out in your head his demeanor — and why this time feels different.

“I, erhm,” He clears his throat. “I really missed you those past two weeks.”

“Aww,” You jutt a lip out, assuming that’s all he’s here for. Restoring those lost cuddles, huh? “I really missed you, too.” “That’s… not exactly what I mean.”

“Okay…” You lean back a bit in defeat. “What do you mean, then?”

“I mean… I’ve had feelings for you for a while.” He’s blushing profusely, scratching the back of his neck out of nervousness. Your eyes widen and he’s quick to continue, not wanting to shock you too much. “And- And I know it’s so fucking cliche — your brother’s best friend likes you — and I know that we have that stupid rule about not going out with your best friend’s siblings but I just… I don’t want to go away on- on… business or something and come back and you’re somebody else’s girl.”

You can’t help but let a grin take over your face. You can feel yourself heating up, hands coming to block your face from his view, trying to save your dignity and keep the embarrassment to a minimum despite him spilling his heart out right in front of you.

“Do… do you feel the same way?” You bite your lip before picking your head up. He’s so innocent — so sweet and so gentle and tender and pure with his words — and the glint of hope in his eyes could make your heart burst. It doesn’t, but instead flutters faster, wings flapping as it prepares to take flight. You’re afraid of where it’s going, but you decide to let it fly right in the hands of the boy standing in front of you.

“I didn’t think you’d ever feel the same way.” You confess it sheepishly. Tom’s quick to grow redder, ears turning a scarlet shade.

“The- the same way?”

“Yeah,” You breathe out a laugh. “I have feelings for you, too.” “That’s…” He trails off with a smile before remembering the hoodie he has in his hands. “Do you, uh- do you wanna be my girlfriend?” He holds the article of clothing out as an offer, widening your grin as you stand with a nod. “Yeah,” You take the hoodie from him, slipping it on smoothly. His smirk grows at the sight of you in his clothing. “You’ll be my boyfriend?”

He rolls his eyes jokingly, laughing with a happy smile. “Yeah.”

That is how you ended up here, at a bar with a few of your friends. Aisha and her girlfriend sit on your right — you’re on the inside of the crowded booth, sitting atop Tom’s lap to save space and to nuzzle closer to him. He’d told his brothers and yours that he was going up north to Manchester for the weekend.

In reality, he was secretly staying in your apartment, which was a few miles from the flat he shared with Harrison and the twins. The two of you were downtown right now, dressed for clubbing despite only downing a few shots. He’s dressed a bit differently than from his normal ‘clubbing’ outfits — you style him in dark grey slacks and a mesh shirt. His hair was slightly messy but hotter than ever, and your fingers constantly took a trip through the strands of curls, massaging his scalp while he groaned occasionally.

(Yeah fuck me, that esquire picture fucked me up for days.)

He’s holding a beer, now, one hand on your waist. Your legs are splayed across his lap, ass on his thigh comfortably while an arm wraps around the back of his neck. It’s comfortable — and intimate, but neither of you mind. It’s barely nine o’clock, and Aisha had insisted on paying for one of those stupid clubbing games. A waiter had brought the drinks over, and now each of you were going around to answer the questions as best they could with the amount of alcohol in their veins.

The two girls across from you were drinking the most, but Aisha’s girlfriend, Iridessa, was designated driver for the night, so the rest of your friend group was fine with getting wasted.

“Time for a cute pic,” Andrea announced, beckoning the cute waiter over for a favor. He took the picture on your Instagram, handing it back to you while you posted it to your story in seconds.

Your pose against Tom was cozy, and his face was hidden in the crook of your neck — you remember this fact very well, because he’d left a few open-mouthed kisses against your skin in the middle of the picture. His hair was different, and you hoped the only correlation between him and the boy your brother knew was that his lanky fingers were gripping a glass of beer.

Within a matter of minutes, each of Tom’s brothers — and your own — were replying to the post of you cuddled up with a ‘mysterious boy.’ They were currently discussing it in the Instagram groupchat, and Tom was trying to act as surprised, but he was being vague, too preoccupied with the girl in his lap.

You clicked the off button, setting your phone down on the wooden table, deciding to let them chatter away and deciphering who you were with and why. That was a mistake, because they had decided to talk about it in their kitchen, eventually deciding to drive down to the bar you were at. It was only a fifteen minute drive — what was the harm?

You were caught off guard by the door swinging open, emerging three boys searching for you. You gasped, alerting Tom and Aisha that if they did see you, your relationship would be outed. You tried to hide away in the booth, go as unnoticed as possible. You saw them go to the back of the bar, where more people were located, and breathed out in relief. They wouldn’t be leaving that room anytime soon — it was too crowded.

You remained in your seat, joining the game normally again. You missed the way Harrison had gasped, eyes widening as he pointed to you for the twins to see. They came practically marching over to your booth to get a better look at the brown-haired boy whose lap you were seated in.

“Y/N?” Harrison asked, another gasp escaping. “Tom?!” Your jaw dropped open, eyebrows raising against your forehead. You felt Tom’s hand squeeze your waist in acknowledgement — in protectiveness — and you tried to act as normal as possible.

“Hi.” You spoke meekly, something Harrison had rolled his eyes at.

“Tom?!” Harry was just as surprised. “You’re supposed to be in Manchester! For the weekend!” “Right…” He laughed sheepishly. “Surprise? I’m sorry, I lied.” He tried again, noticing Harrison’s jaw tense, clenching and unclenching.

“You’re…. You’re with my baby sister?!”

Tom nibbled his bottom lip and you placed a calming hand on his chest. “Guys, don’t freak out. You’re gonna cause a scene.” You eyed them. “Especially you, Haz.” He shifted on his feet, dominantly leaning on his right one.

“You’re breaking rule number two.”

You didn’t falter as you responded, without missing a beat. “You broke rule number one, first.”

He didn’t answer, and you could sense Aisha and Iridessa were awkwardly sitting between you and the boys. The tension was thicker than you thought it’d be, so you decided to speak again, filling the silence before Harrison had a breakdown in front of everyone.

“Look, can we just talk about this later? I’m with people right now, I can’t really have this conversation here.”

“Fine.” Harrison agreed, but he sneered closer to Tom, eyes crisp and jaw tight. “But you’re not off the hook, Tommy.”

Tom nodded nonchalantly, sipping his beer before replying. “Do you mind? My girl and I are a bit busy.”

You bit your lip at his words, knees weakening and stomach erupting in butterflies. This boy-

That seemed to tick Harrison off in a teasing way before they finally left the bar. You exhaled in relief, gasping at Tom. “That’s literally saying something to my dad like ‘you’re not the only daddy anymore!’” You compared the instances. “You’re a cheeky bastard.” You slapped his shoulder. Tom let out a loud laugh, chuckling while his hand rubbed up and down your side. “You know Harrison’s still gonna be pissed, though.” You sighed and Tom pouted, kissing your nose to grab your attention.

“It’s gonna be okay, alright?” You nodded, a bit unconvinced, and Tom clicked his tongue. “Trust me?”

You nodded again, faithfully, and he smirked, squeezing your hip again. You brought his hand to you, guiding the glass to your lips and sipping his beer. He watched you through hooded eyelids, tongue running across his bottom lip, across his teeth. You could see his pupils dilate, and you smirked from behind the cup, fingers slipping from his hand with a small smirk, turning back to the girls and continuing the game just as you had before.

[kjmsupremacist]

Felix sweet boy baby angel but Christopher Bang is literally Satan? Idk if you saw but Hyunjin ratted him out on live and said the lyrics for Red Light were toned down. I don’t want to know. I don’t. He was already talking about edging and I don’t want to know. He can keep his Scorpio Venus and his Sag Mars away from me and everyone I love. I would give anything to know his rising if sign. It’s giving Earth but there’s so much air in his chart it’s hard to be sure. 🤖

i am so happy you sent me this ask because i have been looking for an excuse to talk about red lights. I sent leon and margot a seven minute long voice message when i was doing my research for my red lights-inspired fic like that's where i'm at.

First, yes, I saw Hyunjin's comments! that's what chris gets for trying to say hyunjin wrote all the lyrics in the first place. nice try, chris. also, his scorpio venus is SEXY. i won't be taking criticism on this opinion.

Now. Please see under the cut if you want to watch me dissect Red Lights -- both the lyrics and the MV.

so, credit where credit's due--I skimmed this and this reddit posts while I was doing my research.

now. we all know that on the surface, this song is about sex (and specifically bondage and edging—that much is clear). but, ah, how's the saying go? "everything is about sex except for sex, which is about power"? sure.

yeah, it's meant to be sexy. they did that for us and im still not sure if I want to kill them for it or thank them with my life. BUT, as they mentioned in the howl in harmony video, it's primarily a song about obsession.

The first reddit post does a great (albeit kind of aggressive) breakdown of the lyrics, where it becomes really clear that they're talking about the relationship they have with their work and the relationship they have with fans. In essence, the song is about how they want to give their lives and all their time to making more content for fans so that they will continue to receive love from us. The red lights are actually the recording light on a camera (hence the line “set the mic up”).

And so a relationship like the one depicted here is dark and intense, and yes—passionate and driven by love—but ultimately, it consumes itself in the vortex of its own desire, and then peters out into a sort of blank monotony—learned through repetition, a habitual reflex instead of a true reaction.

Then, the second reddit post goes on a deep dive of some of the symbolism seen in the MV—specifically, the use of kink. This is where it gets really fun.

We mostly see Hyunjin in shibari-style bondage. OP posits (and I agree) that he is meant to represent passion without discipline. The shibari ropes are tied messily (and so therefore dangerously) which is perfect for representing how often kink (and other obsessions) can devolve—you plunge in headfirst, but you are directionless except for the insistent tug in your gut that cries for more, more.

Chan, on the other hand, is seen primarily (esp in solo scenes) bound by heavy chains. He represents discipline with no passion. In the Howl in Harmony video, I believe he mentions that after a long day of practice, he'll still find himself in the recording studio, even though he's tired. He does what he has to on autopilot, because he knows he must, because it’s the only thing he feels he can do.

If Hyunjin is mania, then Chan is depression. The chains are GREAT symbolism because this dutiful march towards burnout and beyond is, as the lyrics suggest, stemming from a desire to keep receiving love (from fans)—that if you just work hard enough then no one will ever leave you. You wish to bind the person (or people) you love to you, but in the end the bonds only weigh you down.

So then the part where they’re tied together, back to back, at the end, shows when passion and discipline come into balance. And that’s creation for the love of creation while still maintaining a respect for yourself, the art, and your audience. (or idk. maybe they just thought we'd like to see them tied to one another. and they were right).

It's also fun because while we see Hyunjin and Chan both assume positions of domination and submission, it's clear Chan is meant to be the “dominant force” here (hence discipline). The reason we do see instances of Hyunjin in power (choking Chan, standing over him on the table) is because any somewhat healthy d/s relationship involves first the surrender of power. The dom is only perceived to be in power because the sub first relinquishes it them. So. You know.

I will say I'm not sure what to say about the edging theme (BNKSJDF) besides the obvious—almost giving you what you want, but not quite.

And finally, this is not part of either of those two reddit posts, but I was ENTHRALLED by the use of mirror and mirror-esque imagery throughout the MV and in the choreo. I love mirrors as a symbol so we're going to talk about that, too.

First and most obviously, it may be a bit on the nose. In art, mirrors and reflections are often used to show that there is a deeper meaning than what is clear on the surface. So this might have just been hyunchan going "hey! it's not just about sex!"

but I think there's more to it than that. Mirrors are often used as a vessel of truth—in some Chinese myths, for example, mirrors can repel demons, as they will show a demon’s true form. Or see the Little Mermaid—though Ursula managed to change her outward appearance, she was caught in her lie when another character (sebastian, i think?) saw her reflection in the mirror.

Additionally, one’s reflection used to be thought to contain one’s soul—which is why mirrors were covered in the home of person who had just passed, so they would not be trapped as a ghost in the world of the living.

For this reason, mirrors are often also considered dangerous. Think of Narcissus, for a start, who fell in love with his own reflection and sat at the water's edge, pining, until he fucking died. Or consider the following quote (which I love) from Fernando Pessoa:

“Man shouldn’t be able to see his own face – there’s nothing more sinister. Nature gave him the gift of not being able to see it, and of not being able to stare into his own eyes. Only in the water of rivers and ponds could he look at his face. And the very posture he had to assume was symbolic. He had to bend over, stoop down, to commit the ignominy of beholding himself. The inventor of the mirror poisoned the human heart.”

We use mirrors to watch ourselves watching ourselves (and the Margaret Atwood who lives in our heads cries “male fantasies, male fantasies! You are you own voyeur!”). We perform for the mirror—often what we see in the mirror is not actually how we are seen by others! We think we may find truth there, when in reality it is a distortion. Ties itself up really nicely, I think.

In any case, this really goes well with the theme of obsession in the song—staring in the mirror asking, what do others see? What is wrong about me? What can I do better? The idea of looking in the mirror to seek what others see, both positive and negative, is common throughout. And I think their use of mirrored choreo (esp when it seems like one of them is the reflection!!), as well as mirror placement on the set of the mv, and ESPECIALLY the lovely bit at the end where they both stand staring carefully at their own reflections, all work to drive that theme home.

and i don't even know how to touch on all the color symbolism (when it changes between color and b&w?? the palette being overwhelmingly yellow and red and black???), or the lens filters (warping, blurring, etc), or the way they superimposed pieces of the video on top of other pieces, or the use of that one stark white background—without writing a fucking dissertation (and this is already a ridiculously long post) so i'll just stop here.

This is all to say, maybe what they meant was that the lyrics were a lot more aggressive about these themes and they were asked to tone them down to keep it neutral.

or maybe they're just sexy, sexy motherfuckers and their managers bonked them on the head and sent them to horny jail.

[get-shiggy-with-it]

#1 Victory Royale

✧ pairing: college student!spinner x student!afab!reader

✧ word count: 4.4k

✧ warnings: college au/no quirks, light angst, mostly soft/fluff, smut, could be hate fucking if you squint, afab reader but no pronouns, this is pretty tame, by like my standards, I wrote this at work, not really a warning, but it felt like you needed to know that

✧ summary: relationships suck and Spinner is starting to think maybe he does too

✧ ao3 mirror

✧ a/n: Hey y'all, welcome back to more college au bs from me. This is set in the same universe once again as all my other college pieces. A very sweet anon asked if we'd ever get to see more of Spinner, so here he is! Also with another cameo from shiggy's bitch (endearing) cause I can't help myself.

“Ughhhhhh….”

Spinner’s groaning echoed through the tiny apartment, the heavy sound of creaking couch cushions under his weight following.

“What?” his long-suffering roommate shouted out their bedroom door, rapidly shoving clothing and a toothbrush into an overnight bag.

“Uggghhhhhhh!”

He let out with another, louder dying animal wail. He’d been like this since they woke up—wallowing in some strange concoction of self pity and Red Bull on the kitchen floor when they walked in for water two hours ago.

“Motherfucker,” they mumbled, tossing their bag to the floor and marching, more than a little disgruntled, into the hall. “What do you want?”

Spinner was sitting upside down on the couch now, feet up against the wall tapestry and cotton candy hair splayed out on the floor. He stared blankly as his friend came into view—arms crossed, frowning at him from the end of the hall—and opened his mouth once more, letting out another garbled grunt that had one of the neighbors pounding twice on the wall to shut his dramatic ass up.

“Dude seriously, are you gonna tell me who pissed in your cereal or are you just gonna scream until the guys next door kick a hole through our wall?”

They almost felt bad as he looked away, sniffing and letting himself slump farther off the sofa until he was sprawled completely on the hardwood and staring, glassy eyed, up at the ceiling.

When he finally spoke a full sentence, his gaze was locked on the water stain above him from a year ago when the upstairs neighbors flooded their apartment trying to make jungle juice in the bathtub.

“I don’t know, I’m just in my feels as the kids say,” he sounded so dejected—strange for someone who was perpetually energized to a frustrating degree—that their shoulders immediately slumped from a hardass square to a softer, more sympathetic angle

They padded over to join him on the floor.

“Care to elaborate, oh roomie of mine?”

There was a pause and Spinner tapped his nails against the hardwood idly before responding.

“I guess I’m just feeling, like, fucking I don’t know,” he sighed, knocking his head against the dusty boards, “left out I guess? That’s not quite right, but it’s just Magne mentioned last time she came to The League meeting that Jin was seeing somebody and it just got me all introspective and weird…”

“Hm,” his roommate hummed thoughtfully and studied the way the textured white ceiling gave way to the rings of brown water damage, like a dead and dying flower, “I thought you and Jin weren’t ever that serious?”

“We weren’t,” Spinner groaned again and rubbed his eyes. “We went on like, one date a year ago and I haven’t thought about it really at all since then. I’m not sure why hearing he’s got someone else now made me so fucking...jealous I guess.”

“I mean, maybe you just never really gave yourself the time to process it?” they asked and received only an annoyed huff and accompanying groan. “Sorry, should have asked if you were looking for advice or just wanting to rant. My bad.”

“No, it’s fine. I think it’s just…”

Spinner trailed off and they shifted as the hard floor bit at their back and made it ache. The muscles were sore already as it was, and Tomura blowing their fucking back a few times a week wasn’t really helping. They’d created some kind of perpetually horny monster, but something told them cracking a joke about it wasn’t really going to help the situation much. Thankfully, Spinner found his way to filling the silence a minute later.

“I don’t think it has anything specifically to do with Jin. Yeah I liked him, we’re still really good friends and I don’t feel like I need him to be more than that. It’s just that—and this is gonna make me sound like a massive asshole—but with you and your new fucking boyfie and now even Jin finding someone to date I just keep seeing reminders everywhere of how motherfucking isolated I am.”

“Oh,” they felt their face burn a bit, guilt frothing as they were forced to acknowledge the fact that in all the time they’ve spent holed up with Tomura, Spinner had been discarded like an old Steam game, bought impulsively on sale and never played again. “I’m sorry I haven’t been prioritizing you—”

“No, no, no shut the fuck with that,” he waved his hand to cut them off and pushed himself up on his palms. “I know I’m not being fair about it, and I really am happy for you guys, but idk man….I just feel like I’m never gonna find that you know?”

Beside him, his roommate remained sprawled out on the floor like a homicide tape outline and was just as deadly quiet.

“I just,” he continued, running an angry hand through his hair, “I know I could be such a good partner. Like I’m funny and I’m not a fucking creep, which is actually a plus to most people.”

He shot a side glance down and they rolled their eyes, sitting up and knocking his shoulder roughly till he toppled back to the dirty floor and they stood above him.

“Fuck off,” they chuckled.

His roommate watched as the laughter seemed to infect him like a bad cold, creeping down the back of his throat and shaking in his chest.

“No I’m serious, I would be such a fucking great boyfriend. I give goddamn top quality cuddles and I actually know how to do laundry, what more does one need truly?”

“Damn bro, you’ve known how to fold your own clothes this whole time?”

The giggling spread into the quiet space, rocking through both their shoulders and leaving the air feeling light—fresh like the first nights of Spring. When it finally petered out into friendly silence, they were both far lighter.

“I just like the way you fold my t-shirts, the sleeves don’t get those weird creases when you do it,” he muttered and stood, doing his best to fix the wild pink locks that stood on end from his fidgeting.

“Yeah I’m sure,” his roommate rolled their eyes and turned back down the hall.

When they left for the night to stay over with their boyfriend, Spinner tried not to acknowledge the way he subconsciously glared at their back as they walked out the door, skipping yet another League meeting to swap spit with that guy from their English class.

He tried even harder not to think of how their bed would be warm and their legs would have legs to tangle with, their chest have a chest to lay against, while he heated up instant noodles in the microwave and fell asleep alone on their living room couch.

Not to mention that tonight was the big tournament with that new group on campus. He was really banking on his bff (best fucking friend as they were always sure to clarify) and him teaming up to crush those assholes from The Commission or whatever they called themselves.

Fucking lame as shit name in his opinion.

In any case, he’d have to settle for Magne again, and she was such a loose cannon they were sure to get their asses handed to them. She was a great fucking tank, he’d be the first to admit, but strategy was not a strong point of hers and they desperately needed that tonight.

He could feel the sinking weight of failure rolling in the pit of his stomach already even as he dragged himself into his room to tug on an old pair of jeans.

It bothered him way more than it should, the idea of losing some gaming tournament that, by all means held little to no actual significance.

Spinner knew the stock he’d started placing in games was growing to an unhealthy degree.

He knew that.

But self awareness rarely did anything to alleviate the irrational fear of failing at one of the only remaining consistencies in his life.

It stung worse when the tournament kicked off and by the third round, Spinner was the only remaining League member in the brackets.

“Fucking shit…” he muttered to himself, the small basement room alight with the blue glow of the monitor and the sound of frantically smashing controllers.

Behind him on the couch—stolen long ago from the theater building—Magne held him by the shoulders as he grit his teeth and leaned into the movement of his avatar on screen.

“You got this babe,” she shouted, cheek pressed up to his ear. “Make ‘em eat shit for me!”

“I would if you stopped distracting me,” Spinner hissed back.

Really it wasn’t Magne’s aggressive and somewhat bloodthirsty style of encouragement that shook his focus so badly.

It was his opponent.

The fucking president of The Commission sat, thighs spread and pressed to his, resting your weight on your elbows and snarling beside him in the couch.

Your face was split in this heart stopping grin as you quite deftly dodged all his attempts to get a hit in and managed to land a few of your own in the process.

And you looked really hot doing it.

Which was definitely just a side effect of the punch he (didn’t) drink and the body heat fueled temperature of the room—sweaty skin against sweaty skin making his mind wander against his will.

The shifting in his seat was absolutely just to illogically make him move faster and had nothing to do with how tight his pants now seemed.

So much for not being a fucking creep.

Your teammates were gathered in a circle behind you, enraptured and exuding the kind of smug confidence that said quite clearly The League was fucked from the second they walked in.

Not even two minutes later your hands were thrown up, punching the air and your team piling over the back of the couch to drown you in a sea of celebratory limbs.

Spinner felt himself deflating even as he was toppled off the couch by your screaming members and The League collectively cursed in the background.

Truthfully he’d known the chances of winning were slim.

Ever since his roommate started getting busy with classes and clubs that ‘looked good on their resume,’ The League had gone downhill rapidly. It was a problem since long before that Shigaraki guy swooped in and stole them away, but Spinner couldn’t stop himself from lowkey holding that against him.

The League had consumed so much of his life in college, functioning as a haven where he was finally respected and belonged to an extent he’d never experienced before.

The stink of failure and loss, not of the game but the only space he’d ever really occupied without complaint, burned his face and made the room feel more suffocating than usual.

Magne looked as though she wanted to give him one of her signature—and admittedly very comforting—hugs, but the deadly look of disappointment on Spinner’s face must have made her think twice.

The rest of his team seemed to read this sudden downward shift in the room as they began to filter out, climbing the steps onto street level and away from the suddenly stuffy, uncomfortable meeting spot. Normally everyone would stay and finish off the drinks snuck past the janitorial staff, eating Doritos until well past midnight. This time they couldn’t wait to be rid of him.

He couldn’t really blame them.

The multimedia building was a strange place after hours. Once Spinner might have called it something rare and liminal, now it felt more like a prison.

He stood, packing up the consoles a bit more roughly than necessary when someone cleared their throat behind him.

He turned to see you, standing alone with hands on your hips and scowling like you were the one who just got their gaming reputation ruined.

“Dude what the fuck was that?”

Spinner bristled at the knife sharp point of your tone.

“Really?” he asked incredulously. “You seriously waited around to rub your win in my face?”

You rolled your eyes and took a step closer around the couch. “I’m not talking about the fucking game dumbass. Why the hell are you pouting like I stole your fucking candy or some shit? You ruined the vibes man.”

“If anyone was ruining the vibes, it was you and your cocky ass team.”

Spinner felt himself stepping closer too, pulled in by the celestial weight that accompanied any kindling argument.

“Me?” you pointed to your chest and scoffed, “Wow, I was really hoping you’d actually possess a bit of emotional maturity, but if this is how you get after a loss I’m not shocked your fucking club is bleeding members.”

At some point the two of you had gravitated close enough that he felt the puff of your last breath on his cheeks. Two comets, ready and willing to collide.

“I’m not being the asshole in this situation, you know that right?” Spinner glared down his nose at you, heart pounding in his ears. “Maybe you shouldn’t make fucking unfounded assumptions about people you don’t know.”

“So then why are your panties in a twist over a fucking game?” you retorted.

He was peripherally aware that your eyes had taken on the same laser focused quality as they had during the last round. Determined and locked onto him without sparing a glance to anything else.

It was this same undivided attention that he’d envied in you as you played, and as Spinner felt it trained on him, his pants once again felt uncomfortably restrictive.

“It’s not about the fucking game okay!?” his voice came out hoarse and far more petulant than he’s been aiming for.

Though he quickly felt the embarrassment give rise to a secondary heat as you both breathed each other’s air and searched the face across from you.

“Then what is it about?”

That strange, unexplainable, inexplicable rush of potential filled the small gap that remained between your bodies—the kind of tension Spinner was beginning to think he’d never feel again.

He’d kissed plenty of people. Almost more than he’d like to admit, or that they’d like to admit more accurately.

But when his flickering eyes found your hard stare still and unwavering from his, it felt incredibly natural to lean in and press his lips against your fading frown.

It was slow going, the few centimeters that separated you seemed like miles as he moved slowly, never breaking eye contact until his mouth was finally slotted over yours and you weren’t pushing him away.

There was still a bit of lingering confusion, as this was decidedly not what either of you appeared to be expecting from the prior conversation. That coupled with the fact that Spinner wasn’t entirely sure he remembered your first name made the feeling of your tongue prodding at the seam of his lips all the more startling.

When he gasped, you slid your hands up his chest and licked into his mouth. Tongue tangling between breaths, Spinner felt himself getting lost in the familiar and coveted taste of another mouth, another body, another hand that grasped, that desired, that wanted him.

***

Your knees dug into the cushions on either side of Spinner’s thighs as you bounced in his lap. He fought to keep his eyes open against the pleasure of his cock sinking into you over and over again, so he could watch the way your head was thrown back and your chest heaved with the exertion.

He dug his hands into your hips and let his head hit the back of the couch, feet planted on the floor to help his hips thrust up into you, earning him some of the prettiest, stifled moans he’d ever heard.

Truthfully, he had not expected to fuck you. He figured you might be down to just make out for a bit until the cleaning staff came and booted you from the building, but both your pants had quite quickly and naturally found their way to the floor.

Neither of you spoke much, which he was thankful for. That would have been far too complicated of a conversation, especially considering you really didn’t know each other all that well.

Spinner usually liked to do a bit of ‘getting to know you’ type activities before he hooked up with people, which he did with surprising frequency for somebody so starved for a long term thing. Sex just fucking felt good and it was this eagerness that was his downfall. Most people he’d fucked around with seemed to read the urge to get into their pants as a diminished interest or emotional attraction and Spinner ended up with more friends with benefits than actual friends...or benefits.

Regardless, it was fine by him that the only form of communication passing between you for now were scattered groans of pleasure and the wet slap of your ass against his thighs.

He’d nearly forgotten how fucking amazing pussy felt.

For no particular reason, Spinner had always found himself fooling around with bodies more similar to his own. Not that he had any real preference, though the lack of experience often made him a bit nervous in the whole ‘pleasing your partner’ department, despite many helpful lessons from his roommate.

That was all to say that Spinner was incredibly thankful you reached down to guide his hand that had clumsily begun rubbing circles on your clit. That is until you simply knocked it away and went back to riding his dick like a fucking champ.

Then he did speak.

“Wanna make you cum,” he mumbled and really did sound like he was pouting this time.

You peered down at him, slowing your pace so you sat flush in his lap, grinding his cock deep against your walls. Spinner keened as you clenched around him, pussy so deliciously warm he felt himself near to drowning in the feel of you.

“Mm fuck,” you panted, leaning in to steal a few more messy kisses from him before lifting up and enveloping him in the slick heat all over again. “Don’t worry about it.”

“No,” he nipped at the column or your throat, careful not to leave any lasting marks just in case. “If I’m finishing, you’re fucking finishing.”

You pulled back and stared at him for a moment. He felt you purposefully tightening around him just so he would squirm under your curious gaze. After a moment you smirked and rolled your eyes again, taking his hand and guiding his fingers back to that little nub just above where his thick length was seated inside you.

Spinner was proud of his dick, it was hefty but not so long that it was a hassle to fit—just enough to reach all the important bits. He was sensitive as hell too most of the time, so just about any pressure felt amazing. But the best part of it was watching whoever he was fucking fall apart on his goddamn perfect cock.

So when you whispered, “Like this,” and showed him the rhythm and motion you liked, he pulled himself back from the brink to pay attention, speeding up until that look of cooled control slid right off your face.

“Ahh, yes fuck...” the words tumbled from you freely now. “Shit, yeah just like that—”

Spinner could get fucking drunk off the low groan that left you as he planted his feet more firmly and bucked his hips up. He must have hit something good by the way you choked and moaned boarding on too loud, though he had neither the heart nor self control to stop you.

“Feel good?” he grunted, picking up the pace and force he thrust into you, so that you had to loop your arms around his neck and hold tightly as he speared you on his cock.

“Fuck...yes..” you whimpered into his shoulder which did wonders for his ego.

Spinner kept up his rubbing frantic patterns on your clit and feeling the gradual constriction of your walls around him—the coil growing tight and ready to snap. He nudged your cheek with his until you pulled back a bit to face him.

“I want to see you,” he murmured, sucking your tongue into his mouth for a moment and tearing himself away so he could watch as you came undone around him.

You gave him a strange, soft look and pressed your forehead to his, eyes zoned in on only him.

The rest of the room, the whole fucking basement and campus melted away under that stare.

Your nipples peaked through your shirt, brushing against his as you were jostled into him by the movement of your hips. As you reached your peak, words devolved into increasingly breathy gasps. It took Spinner an incredible amount of concentration not to fucking paint your insides then and there.

Your pussy was so goddamn tight and warm and milking him just right, it was a fucking impressive feat to remain staunchly at the edge of his peak as your mouth fell open and your fingernails scratched at his back when you finally came—the telltale spasms around his cock and the near sobs coming from you more than enough indication.

He lost himself well and truly then.

Lost in the false sense of intimacy that came with being allowed to see you fall apart, this person he barely knew yet made him feel immensely important in that moment. Your breath and spit was in his mouth, the smell and feel of you soaking his length pushed him beyond the realm of conscious thought.

There was only a deep and burning need to be closer to you. So, so much closer.

His hands moved of their own accord, hooking under your thighs and flipping your bodies so your back hit the cushions and he hovered above you. The angle allowed him to slide deeper, pulling out and thrusting his hips in fast, hard strokes that hurtled him towards release.

Spinner couldn’t keep himself quite now either, panting and moaning and gasping unashamedly with his eyes screwed shut as you took his cock so unbelievably well.

It wasn’t until your hands, softer than he’d imagined, cupped his jaw and pulled him down to meet you that he was brought back down from whatever higher plane of existence his impending orgasm whisked him too.

Your lips weren’t nearly as frantic as the rocking of his thighs, the slap of his balls against your ass. The sweetness was an odd but welcome contrast.

“I’m gonna—fucking mm...” he tried so hard to get his tongue to form the words but he could feel himself slipping further as you started clamping around his length again.

“I know,” you breathed against his lips, faces pressed together and unmoving eyes steady on his own. “Ahh, inside if you want.”

He did want.

Oh fuck did he want nothing more in that moment to stay sunk in your warmth and pump you so full, but the last few remaining logical braincells reminded him that was not a great idea. Not without a more in-depth conversation neither of you was in a state to have.

“Shouldn’t...” he groaned and moved to pull out but your ankles locked around his ass and forced him back down.

“It’s okay,” you huffed and rocked into him, squeezing around the sensitive head of his dick just once, just right and that did him in.

It was something in the way you looked at him, so that he could feel nothing but secure—nothing but safe wrapped up in you. Something about the way you pressed him closer, in the movement of your thumb on his cheek.

It scratched some deep seated, lonely itch in Spinner.

Made it feel like this meant a hell of a lot more than it probably did.

In seconds he was blowing his fucking load right into you, milking himself in your heat until he was spent and overstimulated. You were kind enough to pull him to you, turning your bodies so you laid side by side on the coach, his softening cock slipping from you in a gush of release.

For a minute or so, neither of you spoke, just stared, long and comfortable at the stranger you’d just fucked on the gaming club couch.

Well.

Fucked wasn’t really the word he’d use at that point to describe what you’d just done, but anything more than that felt presumptuous.

You broke the silence as he nuzzled into your palm.

“You really needed that didn’t you?”

Spinner couldn’t help the familiar, infectious laugh that rattled in his chest. He liked the smile it earned him, far more genuine than any others you’d worn that night.

“Uh, yeah,” he said. “Yeah, I guess I did.”

You hummed, nodding in response. “Mm, me too.”

And somehow, for no real logical reason, Spinner knew you understood. That you felt the same isolation, the same starvation for love, for holding weight in someone else’s world.

That the games were just a placeholder, a way to fill the space, to get lost in other lives, in other stories where he did matter. Where his actions had foreseeable and measurable worth. That’s why it hurt to lose. Not for the glory, but for the destruction of the only remaining diversion from how empty his reality felt.

Even if it wasn’t really.

Even if there were friends and benefits and friends who offered both. His roommate could let him rest his head in their lap on movie nights or sleep in his bed on occasion when the heat went out and he got cold too quickly. But none of that quite filled the hole like you now, holding his face and knowing the struggle without him having to explain it.

Nothing like you pulling him in and kissing him too familiarly for someone he’d only known a day.

Magne used to say something about shit like this. Something like how people bond in train cars when there’s a rat eating a slice of pizza and you all watch it happen. Some weird camaraderie forged in the shared experience of life being a little fucking freaky a lot of the time.

That was how it felt when you slipped your leg between his and brushed your lips together again. Content to lay, half naked in the media building basement, making out with some guy you beat at Smash and fucked right after.

Reveling in the brief but meaningful feeling of mattering in some small, strange way to someone else.

Of holding weight.

Of being held.

[shintorikhazumi]

A Bloody Relationship (2): Feeding Time

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to @tracedinairlwa who really really wanted to see Akko suffer. Also thank you to everyone who really seem to like this dumbass concept! Wahaha :’> Have a cheeky, tired Diana. Exhaustion do be making people act weird. Sorry if it feels OOC ;-;. Sorry if it- idk. It’s just me writing diakko being dumb flirty lovers.

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

A Bloody Relationship Chapter 2: Feeding Time

“... Why are you curled up on the floor like that?” Diana asked skeptically, gazing upon her lover and wondering what she had done this time.

“...Your reaction is so weak. Is that it? After seeing your girlfriend huddled in pain like this?” Akko groaned, rubbing her side with a pale hand. “Can’t you at least be like... ‘Wah! Akko! Are you okay?! What’s wrong, sweetheart?!’ -Or something along those lines?” She complained, mimicking Diana’s usual accent and tone of voice with that tiny hint of bitterness from how she was feeling and how Diana was reacting to her current situation.

Diana sighed at the childish, and somewhat worrisome display. Sure, maybe she was responding halfheartedly, and yes, Akko did look like she was in a lot of pain. However, Diana would like to think that she’d known Akko enough to be able to distinguish when the vampire was in any form of serious danger, and when things were just the foolish consequences of her own actions.

“What did you do?” She asked, crossing her arms as she squatted down beside Akko.

“Why do you say that as if you think this is my fault?”

‘Because I do.’ Diana’s deadpanned gaze and raised brows were all Akko needed to see to actually ‘hear’ Diana’s response in her head.

“Ugh...”

“Did you try to wear my jewelry again?” Diana started to list all the usual possibilities off, too tired- again- to entertain Akko’s shenanigans. Again.

“What- no! That stuff burns!” She replied.

“So does the sun. Did Amanda ask you to go jogging with her this afternoon then?”

“Huh? No!”

“Did Lotte insist you bath with the shower? Did you start smelling?”

“What? No!” Akko exclaimed horrified. “D-do I ever?”

“I guess not.” Diana shrugged, before looking very serious.

Somehow, Akko knew she was anything BUT that at the moment.

“...”

“...”

“Diana, whatever you’re thinking, I don’t think it’s that.”

“Did Sucy ask you to read her Bible-”

“Diana.”

And Diana finally cracked, breaking into a grin as she giggled, raising her hands in surrender.

“I knew you were shitting with me. Fine, Fine! Take your stress out on me!” Akko moaned with a pout, rolling onto her back, limbs splayed out as she exposed her stomach to Diana who gently reached down to rub it.

Already, Akko was starting to feel better as she sighed in contentment.

“Thank youuuu.” She purred, taking Diana’s free hand to place a soft kiss to her palm in gratitude.

“You’re very welcome, dear.” Diana chuckled, leaning down to place a chaste kiss on Akko’s stomach.

They sat in the quiet of their living room, the afternoon birds providing them soft background music as they lived in that one moment of peace and rest.

“So was it Ramen or Garlic bread?”

Sometimes, Akko wasn’t quite the one who broke said peace.

“...garlic bread.”

“Cheesy?”

“Very.”

“...”

“...sorry.”

“You should have left some for me.” Diana said, pinching Akko’s side enviously.

“Fridge.”

“Huuuhhh?? You know I don’t like it cold!” Diana whined, laying herself over Akko’s stomach.

“TOAST IT, woman!” Akko complained back. “At least I left you some!”

“When you put things like that in the refrigerator, the texture becomes strange, even after toasting!” Diana frowned, shifting herself so she now lay parallel atop Akko, chin resting on Akko’s chest. “Where did you get it?”

“You’re really gonna buy a new loaf? Just because you don’t like the texture?”

“Yes.” Diana’s response was so quick, Akko rolled her eyes.

“You can be oddly petty.”

“Says you.”

“Says me, indeed.” Akko stuck her tongue out at Diana, only for the woman to do so back. “Oh my gosh. The esteemed Diana Cavendish just poked her tongue out childishly, towards the innocent, pained me. Dear Lord, this child was raised without manners!” Akko mocked.

Diana slapped Akko’s cheeks lightly, pressing them together as she frowned at the teasing.

Akko’s eyes shone with mischief, daring Diana to release her so she could make some other foolish comment.

Diana hated that she was curious.

“Stick your tongue out again.”

“So that you can make fun of me? No, thank you.” Diana huffed, turning her head away and pressing her ear to Akko’s chest instead, searching for a non-existent heartbeat.

“Oh come on, please? It’ll be quick. I swear I won’t do it to tease you.”

Diana shifted her head, looking into Akko’s eyes, searching for any trickery in them. Upon finding none, she relented with a nod, hesitantly allowing her tongue to peek out from between her lips-

Only for it to be taken between Akko’s as the girl initiated a rather deep kiss, wrapping her arms around Diana’s slim waist and pulling her closer.

Diana felt the corners of her mouth tip up into a smile as she pressed back, allowing her tongue to explore Akko’s mouth, carefully swiping over her sharp fangs and feeling a tingle of pleasure run down her spine at the sensation.

Akko bit on her lower lip lightly, teasing with those same fangs, making Diana wonder if she’d go so far as to puncture them- actually, low-key wanting Akko to, she shamefully acknowledged.

She made a disappointed noise when it didn’t happen, and she pinched Akko’s arm when the girl laughed into the kiss knowingly.

Running her tongue along the roof of Akko’s mouth, she internally grinned in triumph at the moan she was able to coax out. Her hands began to run along the curve of Akko’s neck, drawing random shapes down to her collarbone.

Diana’s breath hitched when she felt a finger slip under her blouse, immediately pulling away as she swatted Akko’s hands off, and sat up to recover all the air she’d lost in those few moments.

Akko grinned at her, not at all breathless. Diana was a little bitter about that fact, frowning at Akko’s easygoing demeanor after what she considered an intense session.

“I have school tomorrow.”

“No, you don’t.” Akko grinned wider. “You gave me a copy of your schedule, right?”

Diana huffed, annoyed at her smugness. “Then what about your upset stomach?”

“Hmm?” Akko tilted her head, pretending not to know anything. “Oh, this little thing?” She asked, pointing to her belly. “Psh, all better.” She waved the issue away with her hand. “Definitely better... especially after that.” She murmured, eyes lidded and voice dropping low.

Diana felt her face flush, suddenly unable to look Akko in the eye.

“Y-You... is it... feeding time?”

“...”

Diana caught Akko blinking dumbly, before she burst into a fit of giggles.

“Crap, ahahahaha, okay. Okay, that was awkward and endearing as hell. Hahahahaha!” Akko wiped a tear from her eye, as Diana continued to grumble embarrassedly.

“You don’t have to laugh so hard.”

Akko calmed down, sitting up as she embraced Diana gently, before quickly picking her up bridal style, and marched in the direction of the bedroom.

“A-Akko?!” Diana’s flustered voice cracked, and once more, Akko laughed at her adorable girlfriend’s expense, planting a gentle kiss on her nose, before cheekily stating the obvious.

“Yes, love.

It’s feeding time.”

[syubub]

2021 Reading for BTS and the collective!!

Wow wow wow! I didn't disappear or get dragged away by a demon. No no, I just got thrust into unexpected shadow work and I now have an unhealthy obsession with sea shanties and a love of pasta.

I had this idea planned to be early in January but that didn't pan out so I'm doing it now. I have another yoongi reading in the works and another fun thing coming soon as well!!

I promise I won't bore you to death any longer but I hope you've all been doing well!!

Disclaimer: This is for entertainment purposes only and not to be taken as fact.

If this message doesn't apply, let it fly!

Cool cool cool.

Let's get it.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Oki. I first want to say that this I gonna be long lol. I did a meditation and gathered some little pieces of things y'all might need to hear and then I pulled cards for every month. The fountain tarot deck is the cards for us, the collective, and the rider-waite cards are for bts. It'll make more sense when I add picks and stuff. I did a little extra card pull for yoongi for the month of May too :) I'll make sure to type out all the cards in text so you know what they are (the pics are kinda wack.) I also used my pendulum to ask if there was a bts related event for every month and that's at the bottom. It's just to take in the possible energy for the month and something that could result from that energy!

LETTUCE BEGIN (hehe)

Starting with the section for the channeled messages. I want to reiterate that this was collective so if it doesn't resonate with you, the message might not be for you! Use your intuition.

(Enough talking. Damn)

So. As I said this was through meditation and connecting to the big column tree thing (I told my cousin about the tree/pillar and they were like,, "so basically a big energy dildo in the æther?" .... I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. h e l p m e) and asking if there was any messages or advice that needed to be delivered and it was... intresting?

Things came fragmented. So there was little messages like, "Its gonna be okay" and "things are changing for everyone" and "open your eyes if you want to see" (that's sassy.) There was one particular thing that was confusing me though. Straight up it was just "flower" on repeat and like a really bad picture of a flower? Like you could tell what it was but it was bad quality. Anyway, I was like "okay. Kindly shut the fuck up. Pls." And I wrote down flower, pink flower and rose. Sooo.... idk but there you go.

More messages were things like, "the block isn't in your head", "try calling forth that which you seek" and... February. Possibly there is specific (very very very loose) connection to the 10th-19th? I'm not to sure what or why but I'd say maybe look out for opportunities on these days and also maybe external events.

Continuing with dates. In the last this 21 and January 21 came up. It came up again but with 2 messages. So first, either 21st is a day where something is put into motion (possibly private or public) or announced and the second was "add them together dumbass" that's not very kind but 3. Again this has been discussed too but but but... maybe a signal of a third mixtape 👀 (not necessarily on the 21st per say but possibly in March? I'm really not sure).

Oki. I got side tracked like I always do and started thinking about tattoos and stuff and I really want koo to have a peony tattoo. I feel it in my BONES. It would suit him so well. and as I was thinking about tattoos I heard, "don't be surprised if yoongi gets/shows a tattoo this year" ??? What the fuck? I think maybe they messing with me but now I have hopes and I don't want them to be crushed and thrown to the wind :(

Back to normal stuff, "the theme is growth" I think that fits very well with the reading. "Blue might be a lucky color" self explanatory. It might be lucky. "Start practicing grounding and centering" this was LOUD. This will help you in how you react to events in the future. Really do practice this if you haven't.

This is where it gets a little weird. So, I got a message that said "start living as if you never existed." I am not a 100% sure what this means but I think I have a pretty good guess. I hate to make it sound weird like this but by sort of focusing on something that is so hard to comprehend (because our brains can't comprehend not existing very well) you kinda break the 4th wall? Like in Deadpool when he addresses the audience and is aware that he is a character played by Ryan Reynolds? anyway, focusing on something that seemingly impossible you kind of accidentally open up the floodgates for a lot of other things. I would say if you are not in the right headspace to do this don't do it but it can be a powerful way to break up the monotony of reality. The theory that everything happens simultaneously bc time isn't a linear progression events blah blah we are energy blah blah the multiverse blah blah.. Theres so so so so so so so so so much about this and how it applies to things that I could probably write you 10+ dictionaries worth of material but for the sake of simplicity and not wanting to write a novel right now, I will continue. The main lesson is to start challenging your perception of the world around you. Ask why and why and why and why. Essentially seeing cracks in the matrix. Pulling your head out of your cosmic ass, realizing that rose you're smelling is actually daffodil ect. It's not supposed to bring you fear but just kinda encouraging you to question all the things that you perceive as given truths.

I tried to make that sound cohesive but really it's such a big concept that I can't really wrap it up all nice and neat.

Oki. May and March are also important times.

Listen to your intuition and try not to take everything so seriously. I'm not saying to check out and go squat in the Himalayas but it's important to find joy in the now. Life is already tough enough so don't forget to watch a silly show that you like or change your hair to a style you've never tried, wear makeup in a very loud way. Just have fun and don't worry so much about things that you can't control. Listen to yourself and your intuition.

Well that was all over the place. Let's get on to the actual tarot part now.

For the record, the pictures are right to left.

January for the collective

We have the empress, the sun, 7 of swords and a fortune that says "act well your part; there the honor lies"

Hmm. Ngl I was a little confused to see the empress and the sun for January... I mean it hasn't been great. So I pulled clarity card 7 of swords. The 7 of swords is all about betrayal. It's about the deception and and actively getting away with things. This is people lying, cheating, sneaking and the works.

This makes much more sense!! The Sun card is usually about joy and success and happiness but in this case I see it as illuminating the betrayal. It's shining light on the deception and keeps the spotlight there. Its also an energetic card so I think that shows passion for uncovering the truth.

With the empress card too I think January is all about getting creative in all forms. Creative ways to protest, to mourn, to celebrate, to connect. Also taking in the abundance that we DO have. The beauty that surrounds us. I like to think of aphrodite energy for this. Its not just love and passion and creativity but is also asserting yourself and having strong passion for what you love and fighting for it. Did you know aphrodite was also called upon in ancient Greece in times of war? She was honored as a goddess of war but still a goddess of love, the sea, fertility ect. What I'm trying to say is that being a creative and "feminine" energy is in no way weak. Sometimes the most powerful things come from this energy. Love aggressively with good intentions. The point is that you should take whatever you're feeling and translate it into something creative or something you care about. The fact that covid is still a thing really sucks but take any rage, hurt, sadness, joy, love whatever and use that shit to make something amazing. Bake bread and punch the fuck out of it, paint your frustration, play hopscotch in higheels while you listen to heavy metal. You get the point.

Now January for BTS!!

We have the death card. (I only pulled one card bc I have things planned from this)

January has been... strange? To say the least.

This card can be a lot of things for them. I think this points to more maturity in their music? Like they've finally ditched the "shiny kpop boy band" label and are being taken seriously in the west. I also think that they're going through a musical/concept transformation~ I think it also signified the change in plans bc of the Grammys perhaps they had things planned an that fell through so they were forced to rapidly change plan/course.

For January: possible mixtape or announcement.

February for the collective

We have 8 of coins reverse and hanged man reverse.

The 8 of pentacles reverse talks a lot about self improvement. Doing that good good inner work and self care. Working on developing parts of you that you've maybe neglected. It's also learning how to work with how you are instead of wishing you weren't the way you are. If you have a therapist its a great time to maybe ask for any extra tips that you can practice daily to help you even more. Maybe exploring more into insecurities relating to finance or jobs or your passions. If you don't have a therapist but you have the means to get one I always highly recommend. You don't have to have "problems" to see a therapist. Everyone could use a non biased point of view that is literally trained to help you be you best self. If you can't get therapy, I get it. Shits tough rn but there's still things we can do to better ourselves like Journaling and reading therapy blogs or self help books (not the taky shit) or trying a hobby you fell out of touch with. There's also a lot of places where you can get therapy promise on the internet. Most importantly, better yourself in the way that you need. Take time in February to take notice of what you want to improve upon. The 8 of coins reversed does come with the warning not to get stuck in perfectionism. Go easy on yourself and if you find yourself getting frustrated when working on projects, try to take a step back and practice whatever it is in a fun way and then come back to it later

Hanged man reverse talks about knowing that you need to chill but you don't. You'll need too. Maybe you'll find yourself swept up in work and tasks and you're over whelmed and know you need to stop and catch your breath but you resist. Why? Well, perhaps you're trying to ignore reality by filling the empty spaces with things and stuff so you don't have to face what's bothering you. Not wise. Take time for yourself. There's also the flips side where people are just kinda stuck.. creative block. Maybe you want something to turn out one way and it just isn't, so your stuck and frustrated and can't move past it. Let go of your expectation of how it should be and let it be what it is. Go with the flow and maybe you'll see a new way to overcome your problem. You'll eventually get that break through that you need! The theme of February is about self improvement. Listen to yourself.

February for BTS

We have judgment.

Hehe yeah. This card is about rebirth and the inner calling. Letting go of the old to step into the new version of you. This is also a very spiritual card lol. This can talk about a new decision that you have to trust your gut on. This is a very significant card that screams comeback to me. It also can talk about sharing your struggles with a group of people and that to me sounds comeback ish. Maybe this will be an announcement in February, maybe they'll be working on it idk but this is ultimate comeback energy so I hope they utilize this for a big group project!!

February: possible BTS comeback (even my pendulum knows)

March for the collective

The chariot and justice

This plays directly off of February! With the chariot you're taking the self improvement that you've done and putting it to action! Now is the time to act on the dreams and passions that you have don't wait and hope for the best. March is about action and standing in your power.

Justice card is cause and effect and truth. What you do will have consequences good or bad. Not doing anything also has consequences. Cease the moment and make the best of it. You'll be taking responsibility for what you do. You start a business? Now you have the responsibility of running it and you get the credit. Stuff like that. Stand by your decisions with conviction and trust yourself.

There's also the side of justice that talks about bringing justice. If you've been wronged, you'll be brought justice if you stand up for yourself.

We also carry the continuous lesson of learning what we truly believe and challenge those beliefs!

March for BTS

Oki we have the hermit and the 6 of pentacles reverse.

Well... let's start with the 6 of pentacles reverse. This can really talk about being so generous and giving to everyone else that you forget about yourself. I think that maybe they might be over exerting themselves and giving so much that they're exhausted physically and emotionally as well. I think too, they take on so much of our pain like its their own? Idk but this would be a good time to do a large scale fan project to show them a little extra love!

With the hermit card it talks about a self introspection so they could be looking inward as a team and kinda evaluating their bond.

I also see this as maybe being alone as in they maybe can't physically go to the grammys? Or maybe they had been planning the rescheduled concerts and they had to be pushed back even further? Things like that. Regardless this signals re thinking/reevaluating the goals that they have and considering what direction to go in!

March: possible mixtape or solo project?

April for the collective

We have 6 of coins and 3 of cups reverse.

Let's start with the 6 of coins. It's about sharing. It can be about charity so sharing money via donation but also giving time, effort, energy to people as well. Giving knowledge is good too! It's an all round exchange. Maybe someone lends you money or you lend money to someone. It's give and take. It's a two way street. It's also a card of balanced finance. So money stuff should be looking promising around this time (for you U.S people this could point to more stimulus help as well)

And for the 3 of cups reversed... I see this as reopening of places and people struggling to find the balance. So think people who've been in lockdown celebrating by throwing a big party... yikes. This card reminds that we should be mindful of the long-term consequences that come with our actions.. maybe also people that are experiencing fear of being in public places now. This is only one facet though. Bc I think this also means in general, missing being with friends and having a renewed relationship because you've really realized how important it is to have these people that mean so much to you in your life. Don't forget that you have people that love you and want the best for you. Call them when you feel alone.

April for BTS

The heirophant

Mhmm. This one kinda gives me vibes that they'll be mentoring people? Idk but I see them more as the heirophant teaching what they've learned/ know to help guide others. HOWEVER this could also be them taking a new task under their belt. Learning something new. Since this is as a group reading I assume that this talks about the group as a whole. This card is also very tradition oriented so maybe they are taking lessons that are connected to traditional Korean culture? Maybe its for RUN or maybe its to incorporate into music and preformance. Think bts mma preformance but all of them learning together? Idk, it's just a thought (maybe wishful thinking). It also talks about seeking counseling so maybe they'll do yoongis idea from the most recent RUN.

This can also be them embracing this kind of leadership/ status.

April: I got nothing. It does feel like something though

May for the collective

Five of cups and queen of cups reversed

Five of cups is disappointment, regret and self pity. Now honestly this to me looks like possibly a tightening of restrictions yet again. Regardless of the situation that this is talking about, the best thing you can do is not wallow in the bullshit. You scrape yourself off the pavement and move foward. You'll need forgiveness of yourself and others and that if shit isn't going your way, you need to pull your head out of your ass and look around bc there's options out there. It's like drowning in a kiddie pool. Just stand up, dude. The water is like 5 inches.

Queen of cups reversed talks about self love and self care. It's more of that look inwards energy. Think about really taking care of yourself. May might be emotionally draining so you need to be ready to take care of you! Part of self care is making sure that your boundaries are well enforced.

Be on the look out for codependent behaviors. Check in with yourself.

The queen of cups is very intuitive and having it in reverse can talk about you not taking enough time to listen to it. Make an effort to meditate for like 5 minutes a day at least. Do something to let yourself connect to your intuition and higher self.

May for BTS

9 of pentacles

This about enjoying the fruits of your labor and absolute abundance and luxury. This could talk about them rolling in the dough after signing a new partnership or having a concert or something if the sort. This could also be a time where we see them buying new things like houses, cars and rings (lol) but also this could be them doing a very high production value project! Also namjoon and his bonsai army are thriving in this time!

May: possible concert or scheduled concert event. Activity of some kind.

Yoongi interlude

I asked for one card to give me an idea of what the mystical May 13th really is. I got: the star, 2 of cups, 4 of wands, the world and the sun.

Guys. I can't with this. 2 of cups is a card of union, romance, soulmate. 4 of wands is celebration, joy, homecoming, bliss. The world is completion and the sun is happiness, joy, marriage, enlightenment.

I've said it a billion times but that's some soulmate shit. So soft so cute and May will be eventful for his personal life.

June for the collective

Death and the heirophant reversed.

Wow wow wow death is transformation and a new chapter so a new way of life and something new/ different that changes how we see things. Again this could be relating to new covid things and new policies and stuff like that but also new as in new to all of us. Groundbreaking perhaps?

The heirophant reversed talks about teaching yourself. Being your own teacher and making your own path. This might be spiritual or otherwise. Challange what the world wants from you and instead listen to what you truly want bc you don't need anyone's approval. Continue to ask questions about why things are the way that they are.

June for BTS

Page of pentacles

Oki oki page of pentacles means a new creative venture and manifestation. Maybe something that they've been wanting for a while finally comes to fruition. This might be the start of a new project that they haven't done before or something cross genre? Idk but its a really good sign of being motivated for a new endeavor and manifesting any projects that they've ever wanted to do. Love this promising energy!!

June: idk

July for the collective

10 of swords and 9 of cups reversed.

10 of swords signals a painful ending. Also deceit. Its a necessary end to a long battle. The only thing you can do is control how you react in these situations. You just kinda gotta surrender into the pain and know that it's temporary. Take time to reflect on what happened and why and how it will help you grow.

The 9 of cups reversed talks about valuing stuff and material things over emotions and spiritual things. This can be talking about society in general, that we are becoming more aware to the fact that there is often more value placed on ephemeral items rather than humanity as a whole. This also can be talking about coming to the realization that we've been working so hard towards... something we don't really care about simply because we were told that it's what you do.

If you want something different to happen you have to put in effort. You can't be sitting in front of a water fountain being like, "damn. I'm thirsty. I really really want water so why isn't it in my mouth yet?" Like?? Hello? You have to take the first step, my dude.

Certainly don't try to do anything that would cost you finatial security or health.

You have the potential to find happiness within yourself. So try looking inside instead of looking outward.

July for BTS

4 of swords.

This is about rest and relaxation!

Taking time to meditate and take some time to look at what you've done objectively. Ots like the hermit in a way but much more focused on resting and relaxing so you can come back stronger and with better direction. Maybe they'll take a break for a couple days but I really see it as them reassessing options. Especially if July goes how I think it will. Maybe they'll film something like In The Soop again? Maybe we'll see bon voyage type thing? Idk. But it could be something kinda out of the spotlight? Maybe something more healing?

July: maybe something?? I'm not sure but it seems like something might be in store.

August for the collective

5 of coins and the wheel of fortune

Well let's see. 5 of pentacles talks about isolation and a negative mindset. This talks about falling on hard times but its a temporary set back. This energy can be talking about falling on hard times emotionally as well. In the card it shows a woman outside of a church shivering and cold but she's too busy thinking about all that she's lost that she doesn't notice the warm church that she could step into for shelter.

But then with he wheel of fortune that talks about fate/destiny, opportunity and luck so maybe this is a necessary loss so that a new door can open. This does kinda tie in with July as well. The end of something is painful but it's often a necessary thing. Might be a bit uncomfy but that's how things change. Again I see this maybe hinting more towards society but none the less it's definitely a theme for August to have doors closing and new ones opening so be on the lookout for that.

August for BTS

The devil.

Now don't fret. The devil talks a lot about choice. Most notably the choice between instant gratification and and something more substantial and the devil leans towards indulgence. It also has a lot to do with the shadow side. This could talk about ~scandal~ sure, but I think its more of a time where you become aware of negative patterns and you shine a light on that part you've ignored. On a much lighter note this card talks also about an incredible bond between people. It can be unhealthy if not given space or boundaries. Listen to pied piper and come back to me.

I also REALLY REALLY REALLY hope that this card points to this: sexuality. The boys have always been pretty pg when it comes to the topic of sex and embracing sexuality so I really do hope to see something more daring and grown up and exploring a tastefully sexy concept. On the same vain as sexuality this card also talks about kinks and stuff like that so don't be surprised if we get more outfits like fake love Era bondage harnesses.

August: ???

September for the collective

We have the world and 10 of wands reversed.

The 10 of wands reversed talks about carrying burden. Doing extra work and taking on more responsibility. Doing everything by yourself and carrying this heavy load alone will get you burnt out quicker than anything. You might be taking on too much and you'll need to prioritize what you really need to focus on. I also think there will just be a lot happening in September for a lot of people. It's a lot of working hard because you know it's good work or because it's what's right. This could be social responsibility that's placed on you or work responsibility. For whatever reason this burden isn't something you want to share with others because you think its yours alone to deal with. It's not though bc you'll figure out eventually that if it hurts so much you'll find a way to lessen the burden. 10 in tarot is all about the completion of a cycle and going through the wands cycle is hard work because for anything to be made of passion, you need to put the work behind it. The burden isn't forever, the heavy work load will lighten but this is you seeing things out. It's a good thing!

Especially considering this is paired with with world. The world is all about completion and that's what you're doing here is finding completion. You are seeing things out until the end but you just need to learn to give up some responsibility, lessen your burden.

This also talks about hard work being put into wider social spheres as well. Things like the vaccines becoming more widespread through the whole globe or at least better planing and infrastructures not related to covid. Things are looking up!

September for BTS

Knight of swords reverse

This bad boi is restless energy. It's being so pent up that you're ready to burst and you really want to take action but you can't because something is keeping you from taking that action. Again I do think this is kinda covid related in regards to touring bc if they do tour in 2021 its gonna look a lot different. This energy can be a bit impulsive and directionless so I think maybe they'll channel this into album material something? I'm not really sure tbh. I'm suprised this energy didn't show up earlier because it almost seems inevitable.

September: no clue

October for the collective

Ten of coins and the star reverse.

Welp let's start with the 10 of coins. Its about wealth, financial security, and long term success so this is a pretty prosperous time. This talks about the obvious monetary wealth and material wealth but also an abundance of opportunities. So this is definitely a good time to enjoy whatever consistency you have. This energy is really really abundant in the career space as well. So October could be very prosperous in the job field and you'll have likely found what it is you really want and could be successful at. This could be the actual act or just the idea. This is could also talk about investing in something for your future, this could be time or money.

With the star reversed it can talk about a loss of faith and a disconnection. This often points to feeling like you've just been forgotten or left out. Like the universe doesn't give a shit about you and left you out to die. Things might seem unfair but always try to look for the lesson that you can take from the experience. Seeing the 10 of coins and the star makes me think that a lot of people have kinda lost faith in their manifestations and also just in the concept of not living in a state of need. Especially if you see other people doing well and you've been trying so fucking hard but you haven't gotten a break. I know we hate to hear it but this can serve as a test of faith. Or rather an opportunity to get your shit in line and take a second to breath. Do something good for yourself and then continue on. This star in reverse serves to show you what no longer sparks joy and helps you find what does and what that initial spark was in the first place. Helps you get back to the original vision/ spark.

October for BTS

5 of pentacles reverse.

This signals the end of difficult times and getting that groove back. The last month was restless energy with no where to go but this month that energy is certainly put to good use. They might be figuring out what has been missing In their lives and starting to rectify that. They are definitely reminded that material wealth doesn't bring spiritual or emotional wealth. Might be also feeling a bit alienated too.

October: something is likely but idk

November for collective

Six of swords reversed and the moon.

Transition and change is prevalent. The 6 of swords is about leaving behind the familiar. Maune this is leaving a job, a new change in the status quo, leaving a relationship ect. The thing you have to keep in mind is just how amazing this is in terms of what it will do. It will alow growth!! And bring clarity!! Thos can also be societal as well, something being left behind in favor of something new. It's letting go and reflecting so that you can move foward.

This is strengthened by the moon card. The moon card is the subconscious and all the things that come with it. The anxiety, the illusion, the uncertainty. You'll want to deal with whatever emotions come up. The moon can signify a confusing time where things aren't what they seem to be. That's the illusions so you'll have rely more on intuition at a time like this. Your dreams might hold significance in this time as well. Listen to your guides and your own guidance because it will help you understand more than you did before this journey began. Using moon cycles to your advantage in November might really help you!!

November for BTS

7 of wands

Challenge and competition. People are envious of bts. We know this. But people will be challenging them for what they've gained: music industry domination. This might co.e in the way that people will spread vicious rumors in attempt to disenfanchise or possibly it will be a fair fight. It could also be a challenge/ battle for some other aspect that involves legal matters.

My best guess though is good old competition. Bts has proven again and again that they will continue to do what they do how they do but they will not be trampled over. In the best way this could renew some of that spirit in friendly competition. They will tear eachothers throats out for a pack of ramen so maybe a bit of competition will be good for them. It keeps life intresting.

November: nothin

December for the collective

Two of cups and the emperor!

Let's start off with the emperor card talks about stability and order. It can also signify being the "breadwinner" so its a good sign that you'll kinda be on top of your shit. The emperor is also an amazing leader so you might find yourself taking on a leadership role too! This is very organized energy that works very smoothly!

two of cups is such a lovely way to end out the year! It's love and partnership and attraction so if you aren't in a relationship by this time you might meet someone who strikes your fancy!! On a none romantic relationship note though, this card is also great for business partnership bc it signifies that you're on the same page and have the same goals in mind!

It's harmonious relationships and trust between them!! Love love love this energy so much! Cups are the suit of emotions and this card is so promising.

If you are in a relationship, this can talk about "falling in love all over again" like you're just reminded of how good they are.

December for BTS

Queen of cups

Intuition, creativity and emotional stability. They're using intuition to guide their moves foward with emotional maturity. They are in a place of knowing what they want and why. This would be a good time to work on an album or a book or to release them. The queen of cups is like the friend that you can tell absolutely anything and somehow they have a helpful answer. This card is really calm and it can also talk about subconscious thoughts.

I think that bts is maybe making more of a conscious effort to make sure that what they do is just as emotionally fulfilling for them as it is for us! They might be kinda pondering the future at this time and considering if this is what fills their emotional cup!

December: possibly a thing?

Now these cards are the vibe of the year and some advice.

For the collective (on the left)

Three of swords and judgment reverse.

The fortune says "accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory"

The 3 of swords is about disappointment and hurt and heartbreak. It's about the emotional release that we all need when shit gets tough. Don't pretend to be strong. If you need to cry, fucking cry. This year is about letting go of expectations and do what you have to do to release so you can move foward and not have these things pile up.

You have to make an effort to not let yourself take on what other people think of you. You aren't defined by what some asshole says. You define yourself.

Judgment reverse is about self doubt and ignoring your path. It's being stagnant and being harsh on yourself. This year has a focus on building yourself up and noticing when you are not. Bring light to the things that are holding you back without harsh judgment for yourself. You can't beat yourself up. If you make a bad decision you know not to make it again. Take accountability and move on.

The oracle card is inner temple.

Seriously all the focus of this year is in self improvement and dear god, please take time to work on yourself spiritually!!! Everything you want to know is there if you take the time to listen. This should be a place where you feel safe and welcome. It definitely should not feel like something you HAVE to do.

For BTS

10 of swords and page of swords

The fortune says "you create your own stage. The audience is waiting" (how tje fuck?? This is the perfect fortune)

The 10 of swords is a painful but necessary end. This is accepting the current situation. They maintain focus for 2021 for them is adapting and keeping their spirits up.

With the page of swords it talks about new ideas and that kind of creativity. It's also a lot about communication so I really think that they'll be figuring out new ways to connect and new projects that will be prosperous.

The oracle card is Pleiades

This is what we talk about all the time. Bts has helped so many people want to be better and do better. They are uplifting humanity and giving people a sense if belonging. Bts finds you when you need them most 💜💜💜

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

Wow I had to write this up over 2 days bc this was so fucking long. I need a nap. Idk if I'll proof read this before I post it so don't hate me for the mistakes (honestly, there's like 10,000 spelling and grammar mistakes in my other posts too 🙃)

I hope you guys enjoyed it and maybe this will be helpful to to have a forecast of some possible energy for you to look out for!!

Also bts bc I love them. I have another bts 2021 reading I'll do soon too!

Hope you guys are happy and well 💜

[arthurtristankingsmen]

More and longer theory chatter with @flash-the-geist with guest stars who popped in. This one is longer since it’s theorizing but turned into something Flash affectionately named the ‘Esprestissimo AU’ which I am keeping because I love it so much.

Most of this mainly features Duet thoughts and then shenanigans ! The most I did was add a missing thing in my own comments for clarification or that my brain skipped over when typing it before, or where I adjust the order of the messages for cohesiveness

please enjoy jdjd

flaaaash — Today at 4:35 AM

hmmm what if the note-taker is Duet, taking notes about "Solo"? that implies they're two different people

Arthur — Today at 4:36 AM

that's what i was thinking-- that the ‘He’ in the note is reverb, and this note is in reference to reverb, but also a comment on Solo, and the Duet 'wrote' this character profile as like-- a case file if they're in charge of the organization

so duet is like 'solo' claims she still needs to study him for research in a note on the file he's taking on reverb or something like that

flaaaash — Today at 4:37 AM

this might be my deep, unfortunate familiarity with bureaucracy talking, but- if the person in charge is also the one taking notes, it's a very small organization

Arthur — Today at 4:37 AM

oh yeah

i imagined it was tiny personally

tempo seems on the smaller side so if it's all based there, i was imagining it was relatively small

flaaaash — Today at 4:38 AM

not international then, perhaps

adkjfakjf oooh now I want to make a little card for Flash

Arthur — Today at 4:39 AM

yeah no-- at least since the name tempo of the town following the motif like seemingly implies it's based in/related to the town since if follows the reference style

or that's my thinking anyways?

flaaaash — Today at 4:39 AM

very true

imagine if Tempo is just Like That and the rest of the world is totally normal

Arthur — Today at 4:40 AM

i personally think vivi didn't grow up in tempo now more tho-- because i think if she did and there is an organization, they woulda gotten wind of her and she probably would've been recruited since she's smart and clearly into that kind of thing

and if she was in the org and knew what she was doing, i don't know if she would've gone to the cave if she was at all in the Know 

flaaaash — Today at 4:40 AM

or they would have tried to study Mystery?

Arthur — Today at 4:41 AM

that too!!

even if they brought her in just because of mystery i imagine they would've brought her in

flaaaash — Today at 4:41 AM

maybe that's what the "her research into "REDACTED" is referring to. Research into mystery?

it all does seem to come back to him

Arthur — Today at 4:42 AM

or maybe she's relatively new to tempo still, and duet gave her a job because they intended to bring her in at some point but hadn't yet

like there were steps to take and like-- the cave happened before things could get fully underway

i mean at my job i applied in like-- march, and i didn't get an interview until may, and then i didn't get any training until november, and then i didn't get brought in to learn the job until december. so it'd be easy to imagine that if there was a reason, bringing her in could be a slow process 

flaaaash — Today at 4:43 AM

that might also explain why there were all these "go back" signs in the cave

clearly someone with English language skills put the signage there

Arthur — Today at 4:43 AM

that too! it definitely felt like it was to warn off people and keep them from tresspassing

but the gang were kids and also ghost don't haunt the places that aren't super scary and dangerous! so of course they gotta go in!

flaaaash — Today at 4:45 AM

maybe they weren't expecting someone like Vivi at all

she was a wild card that popped up and threw a spanner in the works accidentally

Arthur — Today at 4:45 AM

yeah!

i can imagine her just coming in and completely bamboozling everyone

duet is like 'okay we'll get her in on this but we'll take some time to sort everything and judge where she's at skill wise since we have time and it's not like she can get into any danger with all our protective me--oh no'

flaaaash — Today at 4:48 AM

that calls Duet's motivation into question a lil bc - there's at least a significant amount of time between Lewis dying and them finding him again

since their search is reasonably extensive and Arthur's had time to heal up. So why didn't Duet do anything during this time?

Arthur — Today at 4:50 AM

hmmmm--- well we know it's been less than a year since the cave happened at least, and i think the way Ben talked about it  sounded like it was a relatively short time table of only a few months, so maybe they wanted to give them recovery time or they weren't sure how to broach it-- i'm not sure. maybe the comic will give some kind of insight hopefully if the case is that vivi came in like that

i feel like it'd be interesting and make more sense given what she has available magic wise and mystery-wise if she wasn't in town until much later in life to explain why she wouldn’t already be working with the organization. but i'm still like hmm

because you do have a point that there would be a fair bit of inaction, unless for some reason vivi's memory issues or something was a problem or something happens in the prequel to explain or hint

tho now that brings into question if duet knows Lewis is dead, how are things not being managed better

i mean i've had arthur say in the past and i've said once or twice that like-- i think arthur was already working with prosthetics. so he could've had an arm mostly built and just had to make a more functioning one so that could've been fast. so hopefully maybe the prequel comic is set a bit before and might explain duet helping or something in a way that could make sense of it?

especially given he did make galaham's wheels already and such. he might've already built one but needed to make a new one set up for him

flaaaash — Today at 4:54 AM

I'm fairly sure people would at least know he's missing

I guess it's possible that the 'memory magic' thing that makes Vivi forget - it could affect everyone except Arthur and Mystery?

Arthur — Today at 4:56 AM

that's possible--

we have only seen mystery and arthur in the world seeming to know what's going on, so we don't know who knows what. just that vivi doesn't know lewis

but maybe nobody else does either to some degree

flaaaash — Today at 4:56 AM

Arthur being possessed at the time, and Mystery being a magical being himself. We don't have any evidence that anyone else remembers Lewis, although he seems to still be in pictures

Arthur — Today at 4:57 AM

people did seem confused arthur was freaking out in the store in the comic and like

idk. if i knew he lost his best friend i'd be more sympathetic/not look at him like he was crazy. I’d assume something set him off but probably feel bad for him if i knew what happened in the last year?

because i would imagine mental health is in the toilet after going on a trip and losing a friend even if he was only 'missing'

and the way arthur mentioned lewis and when vivi forgets he's just like 'nevermind'. if no one really remembers Lewis, then maybe giving up trying to explain is because he’s used to no one knowing who he means

flaaaash — Today at 4:58 AM

yea h

Arthur — Today at 4:58 AM

what if arthur only remembers lewis? (and mystery does)

Don't forget to take your meds ❤ — Today at 4:58 AM

In fairness most people would be confused if they saw someone having a panic attack in public, no matter how much was known about the person

flaaaash — Today at 4:58 AM

also if Lewis looked like himself for a moment just before dropping Arthur - does that mean Lance saw him?

or did he only see skele-version and thus didn't recognize him as Lewis

Arthur — Today at 4:58 AM

hmmmmm--- i lean to skele vision. he turned back pretty quick iirc

flaaaash — Today at 4:59 AM

I'm torn between analysing between a storyteller perspective and an in-world perspective

Arthur — Today at 5:01 AM

por que no los dos?

also

hmmm-- i think given people were like 'what's up with that guy', it seemed either not knowing what was going on with him or what it could stem from, but if lewis disappeared in a small town i feel like a lot of the details would've spread. so they might assume it had to do with that instead-- so it feels like maybe most people don't know

which seems strange in a smaller community because stuff gets around

flaaaash — Today at 5:01 AM

especially since the Peppers own a restaurant

Arthur — Today at 5:01 AM

yeah-- in a small town place a restuarant is usually a social hub of sorts

so if lewis disppeared i'm sure people would talk given he was a waiter and thus kind of a face for the restaurant

flaaaash — Today at 5:02 AM

also if they think he's missing and not dead, his family would be looking for him too. which means missing persons pics and all that

Arthur — Today at 5:02 AM

yeah and we didn’t see any. and some people not knowing or visitors i could get, but everyone seemed surprised by arthur freaking out, and if they knew lewis was missing and lewis and arthur were friends, it feels odd to like-- none of them to even look sympathetic

i would imagine if they knew lewis was gone they'd assume arthur would be more emotionally reactive than usual-- unless they have no idea that something is going on with arthur because you know-- lewis is erased jdjd

i mean the reason we know vivi doesn't remember is because her eyes glowed as lewis got phased out of the photo

but who knows maybe him being phased out was in general and that just meant she was affected too. everyone gets amnesia

flaaaash — Today at 5:03 AM

also slightly cracky theory but - if they ended up accidentally in the research facility during Ghost, that would explain why Vivi found a fully-stocked fridge alkja;gl

Arthur — Today at 5:04 AM

DSJDDLJSDLFJDSJL

that would be hilarious

lewis is his own scp in his tantrum mansion

they just keep an eye on the lot

flaaaash — Today at 5:05 AM

well what else are they gonna do with him??? xD

Arthur — Today at 5:05 AM

dslsdjdsfljdsfd

''welp no one knows who this guy is soooooo manor in the middle of nowhere time'

flaaaash — Today at 5:06 AM

"so the waiter turned into a vengeful spirit?" "oh uhhhh ok put him in a box i guess until we figure something out?"

ok theory- Duet knows Lewis is dead, but is trying to figure out a way to help/break the memory magic on Vivi, and that's why he's in the mansion/cave for a while before Ghost?

Arthur — Today at 5:06 AM

i like it! i think them knowing and approaching arthur in the comic and using 'rancid vibes' as an excuse would make sense

flaaaash — Today at 5:07 AM

"so that Vivi person wandered in again somehow and now the vengeful waiter ghost is loose?" "for fuck's sake you had ONE JOB-"

Arthur — Today at 5:07 AM

they know what's actually going on but they kinda act like everyone else while also getting arthur something that might help him in that book that i think will be important in the plot of the prequel

DL;G;HDGSAL;HKGSDHL;DGS

flash you have the biggest brain

 flaaaash — Today at 5:08 AM

,kadjgalgkj

"also there was this killer tree-" "I do not care about the tree, one problem at a time"

Poor Duet is having A Week

but the mental image of them trying to avoid Arthur and Vivi investigating, while trying to find ??? and re-capture him while shoving Lewis in a box is hilarious, and then they run into Shiromori and just throw their hands in the air like "can u not????". And then Murder Mystery shows up and they just quit

Arthur — Today at 5:10 AM

dlaajldkljjdl;dldjlfkfd

duet is just like

on their tenth cup of coffee

Don't forget to take your meds ❤ — Today at 5:10 AM

Arthur: Those are rookie numbers

Arthur — Today at 5:11 AM

they see murder mystery and go back inside the shop like 'can you add like 5 espresso shots to this'

flaaaash — Today at 5:11 AM

explains why they're like "Arthur pls your vibes. Do you KNOW what I've been dealing with"

Arthur — Today at 5:11 AM

asdl;;dfslhsdahg;as;dghkghsdllhsgd

flaaaash — Today at 5:11 AM

"five extra shots and a red bull chaser please-"

Arthur — Today at 5:12 AM

(also just still crosses my fingers for medium/spiritually-sensitive!arthur to be canon but if not it will live on in my fannon)

dsldjllssfdf

they just start shoving coffee grounds directly into their mouth

flaaaash — Today at 5:12 AM

this series has a lot of antagonists

akjdalgj just crunching beans down whole

Arthur — Today at 5:13 AM

i need-- to draw duet

looking tired with a coffee

flaaaash — Today at 5:14 AM

Duet with a giant cup of coffee, staring at Murder Mystery with a deadpan stare and going "Absolutely not, I forbid it, there is not enough coffee in the WORLD."

Arthur — Today at 5:14 AM

flash and will if i share this chatter on tumblr would you be okay with it ? or would u rather i block out names if i do

i feel like some of this is hilarious and people need to experience it

flaaaash — Today at 5:14 AM

akdflaf no go for it

I will out myself as a sham of a storyboarder

Arthur — Today at 5:15 AM

duet is that gif of the ghost busters lady going 'mmm nope not today, room full of nightmares'

and turning and walking away

duet is doing their best and needs a nap

tired as Arthur

flaaaash — Today at 5:15 AM

Duet walking around the corner to see the gang facing down Murder Mystery: swivels on one foot and goes right back the way they came

Arthur — Today at 5:15 AM

ldjldljd EXACTLY

Don't forget to take your meds ❤ — Today at 5:16 AM

Heheheheh

Arthur — Today at 5:16 AM

like look at this person

look at their eyebags

they are Tired

they have deal with this bullshittery

they have sass to provide

but they also are Tired and done with this shit

flaaaash — Today at 5:16 AM

I want Duet and Arthur playing a game of caffeine chicken

Marshy — Today at 5:16 AM

Huge massive sigh as they see the whole bullshit situation go down and turns around to go back to the bookshop

flaaaash — Today at 5:16 AM

just lined up at the cafe bar, espresso shots in rows down the counter as they lock eyes-

who shall win- the CAFFEINE-OFF?

Arthur — Today at 5:17 AM

flash

pls if you right that i will pay you money

or maybe art

Marshy — Today at 5:17 AM

It's me I'll win

flaaaash — Today at 5:17 AM

SLFKJLKGS

Arthur — Today at 5:17 AM

dlasd;sdgkd;djslj;dags

i'm rooting for you take those nerds OUT

flaaaash — Today at 5:18 AM

"Duet gives him a look of Supreme Weariness and Nopery. Arthur counters with a double eye-roll of Resignation and Angst. In the true synchronicity of the Absolutely Done, they each take an espresso shot and slam it down."

Arthur — Today at 5:20 AM

djdasd;ds;lsda;ldj;lkdsl;jkdsj;lkasljkdjlkdg

they clink the little cups together first before taking their respective shots

flaaaash — Today at 5:21 AM

they do the thing where they turn it upside down to prove it's empty

by the fifth they're trying to outcompete each other with anecdotes

by the tenth they've moved onto toasting each other

Arthur — Today at 5:21 AM

Bonding!

Don't forget to take your meds ❤ — Today at 5:22 AM

The anecdotes get concerningly similar to each others

flaaaash — Today at 5:22 AM

by the twelfth, Arthur begins weeping. Duet pats him in solidarity and knocks the next shot clean off the counter due to caffeine-induced twitching

Arthur — Today at 5:22 AM

DSGLAHGLDGHDGHAAHDSGDG

EXCELLENT

i

want them to be friends now

flaaaash — Today at 5:23 AM

by the thirteenth, the barista stages an intervention and starts giving them decaf

by this point, they don't notice 

Arthur — Today at 5:23 AM

asdlaadjsdsajd

thank you they owe you their life

they could taste the difference if they weren't vibrating into the 28the dimension atm

flaaaash — Today at 5:24 AM

after the fifteenth shot, the counter is clear and they're both full of sympathetic outrage for the other's plight. They sprint from the cafe, steamroll right over Shiromori, and punt the colours right out of Murder Mystery in a fit of industrial-strength caffeinated indignance.

Don't forget to take your meds ❤ — Today at 5:24 AM

Hahahaha

Arthur — Today at 5:25 AM

h;lsadlf;dsldj;fsljl;dfsajdfsa

flaaaash — Today at 5:25 AM

The newly Monochromatic Mystery has to then help Vivi contain the pair before they wipe all paranormal activity off the face of Tempo.

Arthur — Today at 5:25 AM

that's how the fifth video ends

flaaaash — Today at 5:25 AM

Lewis narrowly escapes by hiding in a box. THE END

Arthur — Today at 5:25 AM

dsal;gsdhldgsa;dgsdgs;hldgs;lhdsa

beautiful thank u flash

i owe you my life

flaaaash — Today at 5:25 AM

you're welcome it's my magnum opus

Arthur — Today at 5:26 AM

A+ story telling

i'm including it in the post

flaaaash — Today at 5:26 AM

ALKJGAGK

it's okay I don't have a reputation to ruin xD

Arthur — Today at 5:26 AM

dlasdl;dhsgldgdgs

this is a callout for flash being the funniest person alive--

or undead

flaaaash — Today at 5:27 AM

dead-

sfkjga

l

Arthur — Today at 5:27 AM

djdjdjdj

i thought about it and corrected myself xDD

flaaaash — Today at 5:30 AM

ok I have no idea if anyone will get this pun, but I dub this the Esprestissimo AU

Arthur — Today at 5:36 AM

djalsd;ldsjdsjldf

i LOVE THAT

music puns but espressos EXTRA ESPRESSOLY

flaaaash — Today at 5:49 AM

xD

[writer-akihiko]

Thanks! Take this other idea i splurged out- how would the ikevamp bois react to an mc who’s religious af? Like she prays alot, tells the bois to ‘leave your worries to the Lord’ and all that? Also, for some reason i really like your username. Writer-Akihiko sounds cute idk why. Thanks again!

IkeVamp Boys + Religious!MC

To put this in context, MC follows the general religion in Japan, as she is from Japan. I do understand that there are multiple religions, however, coming from a multi-religion family, each religion is unique. Generalising all of them into a religion-neutral scenario is not doing any of them justice. I am also uncomfortable writing about religions I am not familiar with, as I'm afraid I might not get their core beliefs right.

Thanks for liking my URL or username (OwO) The Miss gave me the ideas for it. Akihiko is my Japanese name and on my AO3 username, March is my middle European name. 

On another note, I left William out of this scenario because it is mansion-based and he lives out of the mansion. From a personal standpoint, I am a William fan but didn’t think of him suited for what I placed this scenario for

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon noticed that you had a strong connection to your religion when he had to pick up a specific garment from town for you

He had opened it, mistaking it for his new coat

He saw a robe-like garment with colourful patterns, which looked similar to Dazai's robes when it was hung out to dry

You told him it was your prayer kimono, and because the seamstresses weren't familiar with the Japanese patterns, Dazai and Sebastian suggested you to have something similar to Dazai

You showed off your tiny shrine that you built, with some help from Leonardo

"Nunuche.. I could've helped you…" He said, patting your head

You told him he could observe your prayer since your kimono was here

The moment you walked out of your changing room, his heart stopped and skipped a beat

He'd never seen you in this way before, and he turned away seeing you so pretty like this with your hair styled and the kimono making you look like a princess

There was one thing Comte brought back for you, which is your kyudo gear

Archery? Were you a soldier?

Religious martial arts? This was new to him

He was impressed by your skill, always coming to watch you practice in the garden

To him, archery was a dead art and to see people from the modern century still practicing it was fascinating

Seeing you in your kimono was even more fascinating, as if you were a goddess to bless him

Isaac Newton

He didn't recognise you when you wore your outfit

You had just finished your shrine session, and you decided to clear Isaac's confusion

Isaac was fascinated by your dress, turning a little red when you twirled in your hakama for him

"Why are you blushing Isaac?"

"I…"

You sat still as Isaac wondered how these patterns were dyed onto the cloth

You two had an intriguing conversation about your religion

He doesn't mind, although you thought he was interested in converting

He was intrigued at the strange looking bow and arrow Comte gifted you in the study

You had told him this was one of the activities you did, as it's considered a spiritual art in your sect of religion

Isaac wasn't too shocked at your ability at this art. After all, Isaac generally looks up to you in awe

He does however, try to calculate the physics of the arrow flying when you practice

"Is… it possible for you to do one more round?"

"I can do 30 if you're curious…"

He had heard stories of flying vehicles in your world, as well as read over Leonardo's inventions of flying

You, in a sense, was an assistant in his findings

Occasionally, he'd drag Leonardo to observe the flight of the arrow

He was a little glad that this form of archery heavily practiced his law of physics. In fact, he became even more red

"This modern art heavily relies on the third law of gravity by you," You explained, drawing a sketch of a kyudo practitioner. "We stand in a disciplined stance where the force pushed back on us is not harmful."

He wasn't concentrating much as your adorable face was close to his

Arthur Conan Doyle

You and Arthur never met or chatted properly, as you had different schedules

He does make a sneaky commission from the Van Goghs to paint you in your hakama as a portrait

You had encountered Arthur returning to the mansion after his steamy night sessions and you just so happen to prepare your praying water

You were… uncomfortable that Arthur smelled of alcohol and sex

As you went upstairs with your jug of holy water, Arthur, still a little intoxicated, grabbed your arm

In all honesty, it was you who was in the bad, assuming that Arthur would do something… unholy which resulted in you drenching him in your jug of holy water

"Please cleanse yourself first!"

The cold water certainly sobered him up a little, but you two had to kindly answer Sebastian to this mishap

Arthur simply wanted to ask you if you could escort him upstairs to his room, but he understood why you threw water at him anyway

"Could I help you in making a new jug?"

You shook your head, explaining that the process was sacred and only done by the priests, but as none exist in this time, you had to make your own

In apology for last night's incident, Arthur and you had a nice chat with some tea after your morning religious duties and mansion chores

Arthur also had to get his mind off writing for too long

He did think some of your practices was a little odd, but he listened to your reasoning

"What about marriage? And sex?"

"Well.…I guess nothing has really changed as in 'sex before marriage is sacred'…" You answered him. "Unlike nuns and priests here, modern Japanese monks and Mikos get to marry as anyone else."

"Interesting…"

He does like to see you model some of your hakama for him

He thinks it's much more enchanting than any jewelled ballgown you could ever wear

Dazai Osamu

Dazai himself only found you when you were praying at your mini-shrine

He does not judge you for choosing this life path. After all, he had his own path in life

Sometimes, he does ask you to take his wishes to the shrine

Dazai was certainly intrigued at your talent in kyudo

He does occasionally jump in to watch you practice

You were startled at one point when you almost shot Bunta

Dazai simply laughed, commenting that you were too nice

He was a little surprised seeing you parade around in a hakama though

Not because it was a hakama, but he wanted one for his wardrobe too

You two would sit in lounge with a sketchbook, talking about potential hakamas for you two to request from Comte

If your art skills weren't as nice, you'd bring in Sebastian, Leo or Vincent to draw the design for you two. You'd prefer Sebastian, since he too can requests for the traditional Japanese wear he'd miss

Specifically, when it was the New Year's, the resident would see Dazai, Sebastian and you walking around in your half kimonos and hakamas for you to conduct your mini-prayer session

Dazai is not afraid of teasing you though, especially when other residents join to observe or partake in your shrine activities

"So Apple-kun and Arthur-kun, this well of water is for you to dunk your head in-"

You scram to the two English men who were about to dirty the holy water you worked so hard on, "Please stop!!"

"I was just teasing Miko YN~"

"Dazai-san, you almost gave me a heart attack-"

"Eh?~ As in 'doki-doki'?"

Theodorus Van Gogh

Theo found out about your practice when Leo requested Theo to help him haul some building materials over

"What’s this for?"

"Ah… cara mia's requested me to build a shrine -  a prayer place - that's similar from her homeland…"

When Leo showed him the blueprint, he was again impressed by Leo's artistry but he was simply in awe of the design of your shrine. It was just so… different

Later as he walks in the mansion, he finds you twirling around in a mystifying garment in front of Comte. He'd seen nothing like that before and you simply stood there, as a piece of art he'd never seen before

"I think it's a perfect fit Comte. Thank you!"

Theo later talks to you about the garment, wanting to examine it

"Theo, I'm not gonna let you hang my prayer garment on a wall…" You said, giggling at his sudden interests. He even called you by your name and not that nickname of his

He'd turn red, realising his sudden intense interest in the decorative pieces he saw. He does inquire about them, finding out their use in your religion

He does listen about your religion, but he has no interest in converting. He'd rather observe you from afar

You do invite Theo to observe some prayer routines of yours and he'd appreciate the artistic aspects like the ghosting dance or kyudo

Speaking of kyudo, he gains a lot of respect for the art of it as you did offer him to try out. It's safe to say he did not succeed in most of it

He does record the pages of Dazai's and your ideas for hakama requests from Comte. He also asks Vincent to join you guys too when he had the chance, as Theo finds that Vincent becomes more inspired seeing your ideas

He was all for it when Vincent asks if he could paint a portrait of you in your hakama

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent at first noticed you were a little late to breakfast. He didn't really question it, until you had walked in to the dining room with your hakama on

"Sorry, Sebastian…" You apologised. "I didn't get time to change…"

Vincent dropped his fork, seeing you walk through that door. You simply looked like a goddess who descended from heaven itself, here to bless his morning

"Broer? Is something wrong?" Theo asked him. Vincent was too distracted. It felt a little odd to him because he'd never been stunned like this before

Vincent later politely inquired you if you would model for him

"Could you please?"

"I don't feel like I'm worth of it…" You said, getting quite shy at Vincent's eagerness

Theo obviously couldn’t stand it, seeing how his brother got a strike of inspiration. Theo also jumped in, insisting that you model for Vincent

Vincent himself got giddy at the prospect of painting you in the hakama. After you had washed it, you laid it out for him to examine

"I think…" He began. "It would look nicer on you than when its hung…"

You spent quite a while modelling for Vincent and you even allowed him to observe you in your prayer duty

Vincent had finished his sketch, and he was honoured that you allowed him to paint you

Vincent stayed for a little longer, wanting to see you practice kyudo

Even if Vincent was not sketching from you, you were just an inspiration to him because it was so… different

Whenever you'd tell Vincent about a celebration you'd do in your religion like Hinamatsuri, he'd sketch while listening, wanting to visualise it for you

You'd keep some sketches to reminisce, but Vincent would propose the idea of doing it in the mansion

He'd be the first to try things out from your religion, just to see your eyes light up

Leonardo Da Vinci

Leo was quite the curious one when Comte asked him about building a little shrine

Knowing it was a request from you, he listened to your rambles and little hints of how it should be

He even asked you how your dress or to you, hakama looked like so he could take some references

He made a little suprise for you, covering the shrine in a large cloth and waited, taking in your giddy self

It was worth seeing your enchanting features form an angelic face as he revealed the shrine he built for your use

Out of joy, you leaped at him, hugging him around his neck and repeating words of thanks

Leo was in no doubt red from this, but he welcomed it anyway

He was all for it when you asked if he could build a kyudo range. For once, he'd believe in Dazai to help him

He enjoyed seeing you practice, even examining the craft of your bow and arrows

You two would sit together and talk forever of the craft, Leo even showing you his drawings of his inventions

You would even model a little bit for Leo, as he decided to try to design a hakama for you

You told him men could wear it too, and he decided to enquire his trusted seamstresses to make one for each resident. Even William received one

Leo is quite supportive of your religious endeavours, even if he doesn't understand it

He'd tell you to not be afraid of celebrating Hinamatsuri or New Year's at the mansion. I mean, the hakamas for everyone had to be utilised someway. Might as well celebrate with you

He'd gaze you from afar, enjoying that his efforts resulted in your smile

Jean D'Arc

You two are religious BFFs. Even though you have different religions, that doesn't matter. You two are close because of how devout you each were to your own religion

Jean happened to pass by as you finished your morning prayers and that was when he gained a friend

Everyone in the mansion gets so shook at how talkative Jean becomes around you

"I saw you doing that in the morning..."

"Oh yeah, that's a symbolic act of..."

You two would talk forever about your own religion to the point that you two knew each other's religions so well

Jean safeguards your shrine and makes sure the pets don't dirty it. He also makes sure that the residents don't interrupt your prayers

"Mozart, don't walk across that line. For YN, it's bad luck."

"Oh, my apologies."

On weekends, Jean would take you to see the architecture of the church, sometimes accompanied by the Van Gogh Brothers when Vincent wants inspiration

"Oho? Going on a date with YN, Jean? How forward," Arthur would tease.

Simultaneously, you two would retort him, "We are not as unholy as you."

Despite Arthur's ways, he'd occasionally follow you two to town to observe your religious character as inspiration

Jean is more intrigued when he learns about your practice of kyudo

"You too wield a weapon?"

You however were a little wary of Jean at times when he'd spar with Napoleon because those two were not afraid of using real swords

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

He didn't really have an opinion on your religious self, he simply was busy with his compositions

One thing in common was that you both were quite dedicated

He was appreciative of you being so close with Jean

Jean most likely introduces you two to each other

Mozart doesn't bother himself to go see you do your religious things. Personally, he leaves you to your own devices

However… There was a little something that got his attention

The hakama

Whenever he'd see you scurry around in the floofy skirt, he'd find you cute

Too cute

So cute that he can't concentrate on his music

Which maybe why he avoided you

"Mozart? Can you do my hair up?"

"…Ask Jean."

He made it clear he wouldn't look at you in eye though. It's not good for his heart

You put your hand to his forehead, wondering why he was so red

"Do you need some Rouge, Herr Mozart? I'll fetch some for Sebastian…"

And there you'd go scampering in your pretty hakama, Mozart coming to his senses

He'd lock himself away, his face blushing away

Sebastian/Akihiko Satou

He's not surprised that you are, especially with you around he could experience some normalcy related to his hometown that was not Dazai

He's very impressed when you show up, twirling in your hakama

"I want one too."

You two go to Comte to request more hakamas for yourselves

Sebastian does accompany you on all your morning prayers since he had time to spare

He does hold you in some respect, although that doesn't stop him from teasing you

He does do your hair up often for ceremonies and helps you dress up

You sometimes give some talismans for Sebastian whenever you had time

"I swear… Arthur and Dazai are giving me grey hairs…"

"Don’t worry Sebastian… Kami-sama will surely help."

One time he did 'accidentally' throw your holy water on Dazai when he got annoyed

You were close to tears, seeing Sebastian waste your efforts

You did shed a tear or two, and Sebastian was in dogeza, apologising for ruining a Miko's holy water

You accepted his apology since he gave you extra dessert

Comte Saint-Germain

He was willing to fulfil any request that you had from him, no matter how bothersome

He enjoyed shopping for you, although he can't really bring you over

He has this impulse to buy it all. That was, until the seamstress told him he could create a custom piece

You had half you closet's worth in hakamas and kimonos from Comte

"All for you, ma cherie…"

"This seems too much…"

Comte, like Mozart, doesn't observe you

However, he enjoys seeing that satisfied expression on your face when you finish praying or practicing kyudo

He does not take it easy on those who insult you or shame you

In fact, he announced to the residents about your religious preference

He does however, like to watch you make talismans

"Comte, would you like to try?"

He tries his hand at it, however…

You gasped, reading what Comte wrote. And now… You were blushing.

"C-Comte, this is… a sexual word…"

His calligraphy wasn't the greatest, and your talisman session ended with you hanging them up to dry and burning the misspelled one by Comte  

[that-sw-writer]

If you’re taking requests, hear me out...

Kylo x reader

Disney princess Mulan style. Reader is in the knights of Ren but no one knows she’s a girl! Kylo is the first to find out maybe by walking in on her changing or something idk whatever you think would be the best. I thought of this after reading intoxicated which both parts were awesome by the way!!

I’m so sorry that you’ve waited about a century for me to finish this... but I tried to make up for that by including a zesty meme to go with this lmao

Also I’m glad you enjoyed intoxicated, it’s literally one of my favourite things I’ve ever written!! I hope this one shot is what you had in mind!

MASTERLIST

Paring: Female Knight of Ren!Reader/Kylo Ren (Mulan inspired)

Word count: 4582

Warnings: mentions sex and kylo ren is briefly a bit of a dick

(context for the dank meme will be provided when you read)

I’ll Make a Man Out of You

You were struggling today, more than most months. Usually you managed to get through stomach cramps with a few painkillers, but today you were practically keeling over, and it hadn't escaped the notice of the other Knights of Ren.

"Nuren? You okay?" Kuruk had asked you in the midst of sparring, noticing that your movements were sloppy as you tried to ignore the crippling pain in your stomach.

"Yeah, I'm just feeling a bit under the weather." You tried to play it off, your voice coming off modulated due to your helmet. You were the only knight who always wore their helmet, the others took theirs off to socialise but you had to keep your secret safe, so you had told them from day one that you had taken an oath to never allow any sentient being to see your face, something you knew was common amongst the Mandalorian clans.

It was a solitary life, lying every day to the people whom you cared about more than anyone else, but you were in too deep to tell them to truth now. There had never been a woman amongst the Knights of Ren, and that wasn't likely to change - at least, not as far as anyone knew. You would just continue to miss out on drinking and eating with your brothers, being forced to sit in the corner and try your best to join in with their merriment.

Even your leader, Kylo Ren, had no idea of the truth. For years now you had concealed your gender from them, but you had never intended for it to go this far. You had joined the knights when they had come to your homestead seeking your brother, who was Force sensitive. He hid when they had shown up and you sent the knights on a cold trail to look for him, but after they left you had considered things. You were desperate for an escape and for adventure, plus you were also Force sensitive, so you had decided to drop everything and chase after them in place of your brother. You had concealed your identity by donning simple armour, which was soon replaced once they had taken you on board.

You took on the name Nuren, which meant 'woman' in your planet's dialect - hidden in plain sight, and you had never looked back. Sure, nothing about it was easy, but you wouldn't dare quit, you quickly found yourself enjoying the training, missions and most importantly: the brotherhood.

"Perhaps we should call it a day." Kylo raised his hand to stop the sparring, his gaze unsurprisingly fixated on you. "Nuren, go to the med-bay if you need to." Despite being a terrifying Supreme Leader to most, Kylo Ren cared about his knights, although little did he know that you had just gotten your period - there was nothing seriously wrong with you.

Over the years you had learnt a lot about concealing your emotions, particularly those where Master Ren was concerned. There were thousands of people in the galaxy whom you could have fallen for, but you had to choose to fall for Kylo Ren - the one man you could never have, for more reason than one. Most obviously: he thought you were a man who could under no circumstances remove his helmet in front of other people. But aside from that, even if he did know the truth, how could it ever work? You were one of his knights. Although admittedly, you had spent a lot of time alone at night dreaming that it could work.

"That's okay Master Ren, I think I just need to rest." You stood tall as you spoke to him, despite the sharp pain that was still twisting your stomach.

"Very well." He nodded, dismissing you all, but you could see the look of concern still on his face.  Curse these cramps for ruining training for you.

You retired alongside your brothers after that, still trying to ignore just how much pain you were in, but they were unsurprisingly teasing you about it.

"One little stomach ache takes Nuren down? This is the same guy I once saw singlehandedly take on a Nightsister right?" Cardo gave you a bolshy nudge and the others all laughed.

"He's right, I knew the food they served up on this base was crap, by I didn't realise it was that crap." Trudgen then jested, and you laughed along with them, knowing that this was just how they behaved.

"You think I eat that shit?" You snorted as you all made your way back to your shared common area.

There was a large communal area where the knights all socialised together and attached were seven bedrooms, each sealed behind private blast doors.

"Since we're done for the day, who fancies a drink?" Ap'lek asked the moment you all stepped foot inside, moving over to produce multiple bottles of beer from the fridge.

The others all mumbled in agreement, moving to take off their helmets and make themselves comfortable. Despite knowing that you would decline, the knights never failed to ask you to join them and they had no idea how much that simple gesture meant to you, let alone how much you wanted to accept it.

"How about it Nuren? Nothing like alcohol to cure sickness." Ushar grinned, but you reluctantly shook your head.

"I think I might just turn in and take a nap." You said, your brothers all bidding you farewell before you disappeared behind the doors that lead to your quarters.

As soon as you were alone, you shed yourself of the heavy helmet, as well as the outer layers of your armour. Carrying around that much weight on your body whilst on your period should have been a crime.

Rather than collapsing onto the bed, you moved to dig through your drawers where you had a stash of painkillers hidden for these exact moments - hopefully they would at least give you a few pain-free hours so you could spend some time with the other knights before they got too drunk.

Swallowing down the pill, you knew it would take some time to kick in so you opted to soak in a warm bath until them, that usually helped. From your refresher you could vaguely hear the others all laughing and having fun together. It pained you more and more every day have to be such an outsider, but you feared that if you revealed the truth to them they would never accept you.

You tried not to let your thoughts dwell on negative things whilst you bathed, but it was hard not to. You had everything you ever wanted - but you didn't have it, as far as anyone else was aware your brother was the one living this dream. Could you really go on like this forever? The answer was: yes. You had no choice, you would die with your secret one day.

You eventually left the refresher, a towel wrapped securely around your body. Thankfully, this time your painkillers were actually working, so with any luck you'd be able to join your brothers and simply watch them drink and wish you could join in - just as you always did.

When you pulled on your undergarments you wrapped tight bandaging around your chest to flatten it. It was beyond painful to wear every day, but definitely easier than explaining why you had breasts...

You tugged on your slightly baggy trousers, and your even baggier undershirt. You found that clothes with less shape worked better. However, before you could sweep your hair back into a clean bun and put your helmet on, you heard the blast doors to your room open.

The knights knew to never walk into each other's private quarters unannounced, and there was surely only one other person who could possibly be in the knights' common area.  But why would he be in here?

"I wanted to check that you're okay-" Kylo began, clearly not focusing as he entered.  But when his voice trailed off you knew that he had laid eyes on you.

With your heart in your mouth, you slowly turned around to confirm your worst nightmare. Kylo Ren stood staring at you, his mouth slightly agape. Clearly he hadn't known what to expect, but this was far beyond the parameters of his imagination.

"I can explain-" you quietly said, your voice coming out as nothing but a mere whisper. Your heart was beating so fast it felt like it was going to burst out of your chest.

Clearly just as unsure how to process what he had seen as you were, he simply turned on his heel and fled the room, quickly marching out of the knights' common area altogether.

There was no time for you to panic, you forced yourself to take a deep breath, pulled your helmet on and took off after him, still only wearing your under-layers. As you dashed out, your brothers paid you little mind, they were too caught up in their conversation to notice the commotion.

"Master Ren, wait." You called to him as he was striding ahead of you.

In one sharp motion he turned to you, pushing you against the wall, his gloved hand clasped around your neck where he could see wisps of hair falling out from beneath your helmet.

"I want you to leave this base, and pray that I never see you again." He was cutting off your airwaves, but nevertheless you still attempted to choke out.

"M-Master Ren, please. I-I had to lie." You tried to explain, your voice coming out as a  strained croak.

"And now you have to leave." He hissed, the betrayal in his tone was clear. Without another word he released you and went storming off down the corridor again.

You had no idea what to do, or who to turn to. Perhaps it was just best to heed Kylo's warning and leave. You feared that if Kylo's reaction had been nothing short of death threats, you would be met with a very similar reaction from your fellow knights, but part of you also thought that they deserved to know the truth before you abandoned them.

Besides, now you had nothing left to lose.

When you arrived back in the common area, the knights were all lost in their merriment. Clearly a few drinks down, you could tell they were slightly tipsy, although perhaps that would make this easier.

"I need to tell you something." You planted yourself in the middle of the room, and were immediately met by jeering, something you would've normally embraced and enjoyed, but now your reaction was stone cold.

"Hopefully you're telling us that you're ready to have some fun!" Cardo bellowed, "c'mon Nuren, loosen up a bit."

"No." You grumbled, "I wish I could." Before you open yourself up to more teasing, you reached up and unlatched your helmet, silently revealing the truth to the knights. "You came to my planet looking for my brother, but you got me instead." You quietly explained, dreading the reactions that were to come.

It was so silent that you could hear a pin drop, and part of you feared that they would kill you on the spot for lying to them. Slowly, your brothers rose to their feet, seemingly sobering up in that moment.

"So for all these years, you've been pretending to be your brother?" Ushar asked, his voice level, so much so that you couldn't read his emotions.

"Yes." You hung your head in guilt.

The ominous silence fell once more, and you couldn't bear it any longer. However, as you opened your mouth to speak, a stifled laugh broke through the crippling silence.

You whipped around and saw Kuruk with a hand covering his mouth. "Sorry it's just-" before he could finish there were more uncontrollable laughs escaping his lips. Clearly this laughter was contagious, because before you knew it it was spreading throughout the room.

"I-I can't believe you said you had taken an oath t-to not take the helmet off!" Ap'lek struggled to get his words out through the laughter, "a kriffing oath!" He exclaimed, leaning on Vicrul who was beside him, as they tried to regain their composure.

"This... is really not the reaction I was expecting." Entirely unsure of what to do, you just stood and stared at them all as they continued to crease in fits of laughter. But after a few moments you found yourself unable to avoid the contagious laughter, but you of all people really had no clue what you found so funny.

You were all in stitches for another few minutes before it died down, and despite the circumstances the laughter made you feel as though some of the weight had been lifted off your shoulders. Knowing that your fellow knights weren't angry at you was a much needed relief.

"So why not tell us the truth?" Vicrul eventually asked once they could form coherent sentences.

"The Knights of Ren was no place for a woman." You sighed, throwing yourself down on the couch with your head in your hands, "I wish I had told you earlier, but I always thought you'd be angry - I really didn't expect the laughing fit."

"C'mon Nuren, you should have known us better than that. No matter what, we're brothers... well, now you're our first sister." Ushar chuckled, giving you a solid pat on the back.

As the others echoed his sentiment, you appreciated more than anything that they weren't treating you any differently just because of your gender. There was still that sense of familiarity, and the brotherhood... it was just a shame you couldn't stay.

"So why tell us now?" Ap'lek eventually asked.

"Master Ren-" your tone immediately became more downcast as you remembered the gravity of the situation, "he found out the truth, and he told me to leave. I thought before I go I at least owed you all the truth."

Glances were exchanged, before Cardo spoke up, "no, we won't let you leave."

Your heart nearly burst out of your chest at the gesture, but you couldn't allow yourself to fall into that safety blanket. "Master Ren will have my head if I stay. I betrayed him, and you all know how he responds to betrayal."

"But you forget Nuren, you're a Knight of Ren, and we never leave a brother behind." Trudgen said. "...Or a sister." He then hastened to add.

><><><><><><><><><><><

It had only been a week since everyone had found out the truth. Whilst your fellow knights actually gotten on better with you now that you could drink and socialise with them, the same could not be said for Kylo Ren.

Firstly, he was less than happy about being undermined when it came to you leaving the base. Now you were a constant reminder of his own empty threat. But more importantly, what you didn't realise was that he wanted you gone more than ever because he was developing an inexplicable attraction to you. The worst part was, it wasn't just physical. Whilst he would sit moping in the corner he could see the way you were around the other knights - they clearly adored you, and the fact that a female presence was actually having a positive effect on the group made it even harder for Ren to despise you. He saw the way you could light up a room, and he couldn't help but want you. He was angry for allowing himself to feel such a way, and that unfortunately manifested itself as anger towards you.

The other knights, meanwhile, couldn't possibly look at you in such a way. Perhaps had they met you for the first time as strangers, they would have relentlessly flirted with you as they did so many other women. But you had all spent too much time together in too many awkward situations to ever see each other as more than adopted-siblings.

You were so relieved to finally be able to relax around the knights, but there was always that tension whenever you were around Master Ren. You had been desperately trying to prove yourself to him to show him that you were the same knight you had always been, regardless of your gender - although deep down you knew that it had nothing to do with the fact you were a woman, it was the fact that you had lied to him...

Although for Kylo it was none of these. He knew he had overreacted when he'd first found out the truth, and now he was relieved that the other knights had vouched for you and made him change his mind and let you stay.

You were all sat in the common area, your legs casually thrown over Trudgen's lap for comfort. You each had a drink in hand, as was standard practise for you all on evenings when you had nothing else to do.

"I seriously don't think I can go much longer putting up with him constantly glaring at me." You scoffed, discussing Kylo's apparent hatred of you.

"Sure he used to do that, but now I don't think he's glaring... I don't know, I'm just not getting the same angry energy off him that I was last week." Ap'lek pondered, shrugging his shoulders.

"What do you mean?" Your brow furrowed, but Kuruk was quick to catch on.

"No, Ap'lek's right. He's not glaring, he's staring." He playfully smacked his forehead, "I can't believe we didn't spot it sooner."

"Holy shit, you're right." Vicrul was next to chime in.

You all had a low-level bond through the Force, so you knew pretty much what they were thinking, but that didn't mean you agreed with them.

"Oh come on, Master Ren won't even talk to me anymore and you think that means he likes me? He literally had his hand around my throat a week ago." You snorted, rolling your eyes.

"Yeah, well maybe you enjoyed that." Trudgen teased you from the other side of the sofa, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows, but you swiftly threw a cushion at his face to shut him up.

"It makes so much sense the more I think about it." Ap'lek laughed, shaking his head, "he won't talk to you because he doesn't know how to process emotions. Come on Nuren, when have you ever seen him flirt, or even be nice to a woman?"

Before you could reply, Vicrul summarised it, "it's because he doesn't know how!" At that they all hollered and nudged each other in agreement.

"You're all out of your minds," you laughed, "he wants me dead, not-" before you could finish your sentence with a crude joke, the blast doors flew open to reveal the man himself, and you immediately all fell silent.

It wasn't necessarily unusual for him to come and join you all in your living area, but he hadn't done so since he found out the truth about you. Not to mention, he had picked an awful moment to enter.

"What? You all look like someone's died." He huffed, helping himself to a drink before moving to sit down.

You meanwhile did the opposite and removed your legs from Trudgen's lap and stood up, retiring to your quarters without another word. You didn't particularly want to put up with his glaring, or 'staring' as the knights had now deemed it.

There was nothing to do in your quarters, and you immediately realised that you had just stormed off and now were stuck, so you made a point of dressing in some simple training clothes and heading back out to walk through the common area with your helmet in hand. You pulled it over your head before leaving the rest of the knights alone with Kylo and went off to your training area to run some drills alone.

In your absence, and after their apparent revelation, the other knights decided that that it was time to address the elephant in the room with Kylo.

"Master Ren, you know Nuren thinks that you hate her, right?" Ushar said, to which Kylo just tried to play it off with a nonchalant shrug.

"I don't hate her." He said, his tone not wavering. He certainly didn't want any of them finding out the truth behind his cold behaviour.

"Trust me, we know that." He replied, in a very pointed tone which made it clear that they had worked out the truth about Kylo's feelings, "but she doesn't know that." He then added.

He clearly wanted to protest, but it was obvious that the knights could see right through him and his nonchalance.

They simply all stared at him, expectantly, until eventually Kylo exhaled a heavy sigh, taking a long drink before speaking again. "Fine, I get the point." He rose to his feet, "I'll go and talk to her." He reluctantly agreed to do what he had been dreading. He had no idea how to process any emotion that wasn't anger.

As soon as he left, the knights began discussing every possible outcome. Little did you know that they had practically planned your wedding, since they had decided that not only would you be good for Kylo, he would be good for you.

Blissfully unaware of everything that had just happened, you were alone in the training room swinging a blunt training weapon against a dummy, who was taking the brunt of your frustration. You had left your helmet by the door.

When the blast doors opened to reveal a sheepish looking Kylo Ren, you were less than happy - and it was written all over your face. Nevertheless, you stood to attention.

"Master Ren." You nodded, "I thought you were with the others." You desperately wanted to replicate his bad attitude and make a cutting remark, but you knew that simply wouldn't help your case. No matter what, you had to show respect to your leader.

"I came to talk to you." He said, his tone coming out much darker than intended.

"With all due respect Sir, if you want me to leave that badly, it's the other knights you need to talk to - they're the reason why I'm still here." You relaxed your stance and went back to swinging at the dummy as you spoke.

"That's not it." He said, walking around to stand behind the dummy so he was in your eye-line, "I'm glad you're still here." He eventually admitted, practically through gritted teeth. Every muscle in his body had stiffened.

You stepped back from your training, brow furrowed, "you are?" You hated the way your heart rate increased at his words. Through it all, you still couldn't deny your own attraction to Kylo Ren, perhaps that was why his cold attitude had been so hurtful to you.

"Yes." He plainly said, having no inclination of what else he could possibly say.

"Then why are you acting so off with me?" You hesitantly asked, at which point he looked down at his feet. This had been the question he was hoping you wouldn't ask, because he was afraid to answer it.

"I-" he began, before sealing his lips again. Whatever words he wanted to say simply wouldn't form in his mouth. He was truly tongue-tied, but thankfully his body decided that it was ready to move again - actions did tend to speak louder than words.

Boldly, he moved towards you and captured your lips in a heated kiss, pouring all the words he couldn't say into this gesture.

You were stunned to say the least, your training weapon falling to the floor. But it wasn't long before your lips responded and returned the kiss. Kylo's arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you flush against him, your hands resting on his chest.

However, it didn't take long for your brain to catch up and you briefly pulled away from his lips for long enough to speak. "So you... like me, like me, and you tried to show me that by being miserable around me?" You asked him, just needing to clarify his odd behaviour.

Suddenly feeling much looser now that he had made a move, he responded with a smirk, "did it work?" He teased.

"Not so much, I think you perhaps need to try being less of an asshole in future Master Ren." You responded with a snarky remark, knowing that you could definitely get away with teasing him now.

"I think from now on, just Kylo is fine." He exhaled a short laugh and leaned back in to kiss you.

It wasn't long before you either had to break away, or have sex right there in the training room and you both silently agreed that the latter wasn't really a practical option.

"Your quarters?"  You prompted, still tangled in his arms.  Really this whole scenario still felt surreal to you.  You had crushed on Kylo Ren for longer than you cared to admit, then when he had found out the truth about your gender he had reacted less than favourably... and now suddenly here you were.  Only he could react to developing feels for you by acting as though he hated you.

His face dropped and he grimaced slightly, "we-uh, we can't."  He sheepishly explained.

"Why not?"  Your brow furrowed, immediately thinking that taking him back to your quarters would be quite an embarrassing affair with all of the other knights being in the common area.

"There are technicians in there repairing Lightsaber damage."  He said it casually, but you could read between the lines well enough to know that 'Lightsaber damage' meant that he'd had a tantrum and trashed his own quarters.

"Are you brave enough to come to my quarters?"  You smirked up at him with an eyebrow raised.

"I think you're overestimating how much they'll care."  He said, and you definitely couldn't fault his optimism, but you knew that the knights most certainly would care.

With the steamy moment beginning to waste away you hastily walked side by side back to the Knights of Ren's common area.  You had your helmet on again as you walked, but as soon as you entered you removed it, and it still felt surreal that you now had that freedom.

"Nuren, is that you?"  Kuruk's voice was the first to call out, none of them turning around from where they sat, still with drinks in hand.

"Yep, it's me."  You quickly said, ushering Kylo into your quarters in the hope that none of them would notice.

"Did you and Master Ren kiss and make up?"  Cardo asked, clearly teasing you, but chose to turn around at simply the perfect moment to catch you in the act.

Halfway through the blast doors to your private quarters you and Kylo froze, and a sheepish grin rose up onto your lips.

"Oh so you literally kissed and made up."  Ushar then said, the smirks appearing on all of their lips foreshadowing some relentless teasing.

"Well... kinda."  You tried to play it off, but before you could make any poor excuses, Kylo simply pulled you through the doors and had his lips on yours as they shut behind you.

As you guided him back towards the bed, you could hear the knights outside loudly wolf-whistling and jeering.

You had only wanted to be able to take your helmet off comfortably around the knights - now you not only had that, you had Kylo Ren too.  In exchange for that you could definitely put up with the teasing from your brothers.

[kyluxtrashpit]

2020 Fic Recap

I really like writing these and 2020 has been a HELL of a year, so here we go lmao. It’s been a wild ride for sure

Total wordcount: 88 109 words (note: I’m subtracting the ‘sorry I didn’t finish this, here’s a summary of the remaining plot’ that I published for a fic in a previous fandom from this since it’s not relevant here). Overall I wrote less than last year, but given all that happened in terms of the world and personally and fandom-wise and all of it, I don’t feel too bad about it lmao. I also have a lot of WIP words of half-finished things and some planning and such so I feel okay with this

Favours, 4906 words, posted Jan 4

This was a weird one cause this is a two chapter reader insert fic, the same story but told with both Phasma and Hux. I originally wrote this for Phasma, but later decided it would be easy to tweak into a Hux story (which it was lmao) and figured people might like that, so I did both. I had fun doing it, even if this is kind of a very small niche ship and trope wise

Know Your Shadow, 5022 words, posted Feb 16

Ah yes, here we are, the first foray into renben, a ship I had NO idea would grab me so hard but here we are lmao. I’m not done with them either yet, don’t you worry. There’s something about the corruption angle I really like, also Ren is HOT, and it’s also interesting to think about Kylo truly getting to find himself and be who he wants to be. Canon didn’t really satisfy on this, but the concept still interests me and it’s what had me writing this fic. Also, Ben losing his virginity to an older man like Ren is just *chef’s kiss*

Public Indecency, 3719 words, posted Mar 1

And my second renben! This was partially inspired by art and partially by just the idea of not giving one single fuck, and how thrilling that must be for someone like Ben to experience. Ren and the KOR truly do not give a shit and it’s really beautiful in a way. Plus some hinting at found family with the KOR. Ngl, Ben/Kylo finding his place and acceptance with the KOR makes me so Soft and there’s so many words I could write about it. Plus public sex is very hot lmao

Beautiful, 3254 words, posted Mar 8

Back to kylux, and this one was an old WIP I started back when the prompt was first posted on KHK in like 2019 or something. I got stuck on it and then left it for a while. I was digging through my old WIPs, looking for something that might catch my interest and boom, this one did, so I finished it and then posted it. I quite like the fic and it’s a bit more in the ~classic~ style. It’s also always a good feeling to get an old WIP done lmao

Choose Your Destiny, 5077 words, posted Mar 20

More renben and this was my fix it fic for ROKR vol 4. I talked about this more on twitter at the time and why I found the story as it was unsatisfying, but ultimately it’s really just a case of rushed writing and playing into established bad writing (e.g. showing a fall from grace by having someone kill someone eviler than themselves). I also really liked Ren and I felt like Kylo didn’t really get to have enough agency in like... any of it. His motivations were weirdly absent as well, despite this being ostensibly about him. So I wrote this, which I think handled how the story should have gone a lot better and, plus, it’s got smut!

(Okay and the rest are behind a cut for length)

Show of Devotion, 2479 words, posted Mar 28

Renben once again and this time, I mean, it’s all inappropriate use of lightsabers lmao. I was looking at the Ren and was like ‘wow that is SO phallic’ and then the horny brain turned on and, well, here we are. I also wanted a side of found family with the KOR and I think got that with this. It’s horny. It’s fun. What more could one want?

Aural, 2729 words, posted May 12

Okay this one... I have absolutely no excuses for lmao. I’m not even sure where the inspiration came from, I just remember I was in an online work meeting that was boring and the entire sequence of events played itself out in my head. It was all I could do to focus on work for the rest of the day and not immediately write this cursed creation lmao. The worst part was I’d been totally blocked on writing since March and this, THIS, was what eventually broke out of me. In case you haven’t read this one, it’s ear sex. Hux’s dick, Kylo’s ear. No, I don’t know the logistics either. But hey, I had a blast with it, both in terms of writing it and the reactions lmao. Someday I gotta write a follow up involving a nose too

Missed Chances, 10 749 words, posted Jun 7

Ah yes, this is the point where my renben met my kylux and created this absolutely enormous peanut butter cup of a fic lmao. It really was supposed to be like half the length it was, but alas, it was not. Also cockblocking kylux was SO hard, they wanted to fuck SO bad, but I had to stop them, the story demanded it lmao (and people in the comments were MAD, which is always excellent). It’s also when my renben series really started to have like, an overarching plot (aside from the modern au fics which I’ll talk about later). I even still have more instalments planned

Free Use, 6971 words, posted Jun 23

Another one that turned out far longer than initially planned, and also my most popular fic this year! I’m both surprised and not cause like. It’s a complete smut fest + my heavy headcanoning of the personalities of the KOR. People like smut, but I also feel it’s kinda niche considering how deep I’m in for the KOR lmao. So idk, I guess the smut won out. I did have a lot of fun with this one and there’s a lot of characterization thought put into each KOR, so it was really nice to see people loving that as much as I did. Canon gave us crumbs, but I just used them to make meatballs

Eat You Up, 1573 words, posted Jul 5

There’s not a lot to this one, it’s really just renben rimming cause the sexual dynamic with renben is so fun. Kylo/Ben is inexperienced yet eager and depraved enough to impress Ren, which is something considering I think of Ren as Very Experienced lmao. I really do love this ship; it’s a lot of fun to play with

In the Vents, 2002 words, posted Aug 3

Ah and this was my first piece for the stuck inside event on twitter, which I had a lot of fun with. Stuck fetish is one I’ve always wanted to explore, but never had any concrete ideas for. This event led to me finally getting to have Kylo stuck in a wall (plus more as well), which was fun. Also I spent far too long thinking about Hux’s vent contraption set up cause I knew he would never let Millie go anywhere that might hurt her, so I had to come up with a way to make the vent safe and here we are lmao. Hux being an engineer and also the most extra cat owner in existence worked out very well indeed. This was also the start of my creativity boom near the middle-end of the year that uh kinda burned out in a not so great way, but I’ll talk about that later lmao

Distraction, 3658 words, posted Aug 6

Another for the stuck inside event and another kylux/renben sandwich! Also featuring the KOR this time! Listen... it’s a gangbang, it’s got renben, it’s got kylux, it’s got Kylo getting stuffed from all ends... this is the kind of fic that, to me, is pure indulgence lmao. I had a tremendous amount of fun with it

Entrapped, 3484 words, posted Aug 8

So this was also for the stuck inside event (yes, I wrote 3 fics in about a week lmao - I don’t know how I did it either) and it’s darker than the sort of things I usually write. I enjoyed exploring something like this though, something outside my usual purview. It didn’t perform super well, but tbh the dark ones rarely do so lmao

Pit Stop, 1505 words, posted Aug 31

Welp, this is just an excuse for watersports lmao. I like piss, what can I say? And I’ve done it to kylux, so I had to do it to renben, and the modern au ‘need to pee on a road trip’ seemed like the perfect opportunity for it. Not much to say for it really

The Deal, 2431 words, posted Sep 3

Ah and this one here was the first for the throwback event I ran on twitter! The event itself ended up kind of being tainted by drama from one singular person who kind of ruined it by being a jerk for literally no good reason, but I’m not going to talk too much about that. Even with that, I still greatly enjoyed it and this piece might be my favourite from it as a whole. Kylo Amidala, political scandals, neither of them being nice... ahhhh yes, it definitely brought me back lmao

Devotion, 1929 words, posted Sep 10

Another for the throwback event, this time with Emperor and Hound dynamics which, unf, yes, I will literally never get tired of it. I really had fun with every fic from this event and this one was great because I so rarely get to write real action scenes, even if they’re in a flashback here. That and the dynamic itself really made it fun

To Be Wanted, 10 473 words, posted Sep 16

Ah yes, and here is my KBB for the year! I did a minibang this time, as, well, everything was going horribly wrong around the time of sign ups and I thought a mini would be more realistic. I think I was right on that and I’m glad I did it, even if I was torn at the time. The idea itself is one I’d been thinking about for a while. I can’t remember if I thought of it after seeing the leaks for tros or after watching the movie itself, but it’s been with me for a while and while I dithered over whether or not to sign up this year, the idea came back and was just perfect for a minibang. Plus I got an absolutely amazing and wonderful partner, which is really what makes the experience of doing bangs so great. I love this fic, I LOVE the art for it, and the whole experience was definitely a highlight to 2020 as a whole, both overall and in terms of my fandom/writing experience this year

Floss Me, 2033 words, posted Sep 21

My third for the throwback event and also the dental fetish fic I’ve wanted to write for a while now lmao but could never figure out a scenario for. As some of you may remember, 2018-2019, I went through some pretty horrific dental stuff and ultimately I think it kinda gave me a fetish lmao. Also I feel like there may or may not have been a kinky flossing prompt on one of the prompt sites at some point, but I looked everywhere and couldn’t find it so. But anyway, it was a fun fic for a kink I think is quite underrated tbh

The Cost of Certainty, 2541 words, posted Sep 25

My fourth and final piece for the throwback event, and this one is also a contender for my favourite piece from that event. I have always loved the idea of Hux being a serial killer and this was a perfect excuse to write it. I’d also recently finished a rewatch of Hannibal and, well, you can see where this came from lmao. I love writing tension and it was just very fun all around. I almost wish I’d done something like this as a long fic but tbh I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed writing it as much

Huxloween Drawings, 676 words, posted Nov 1

So this isn’t a fic but rather the drawings I did for huxloween, but people wanted them on ao3, so posted they are. Now, I mentioned above that I had this massive creative boom in Aug-Sep, but that it burned out rather badly. This is when that happened. I got into this place where I just... felt like everything I made wasn’t wanted or needed in the fandom. That everything I like is so unpopular at this point that I should just give up and leave. That I’ve spent all this time and energy over the years trying so desperately to get people engaged and so few ever cared and I just... ugh. It was bad. It was really bad and definitely partly fuelled by the bullshit that someone brought up regarding the throwback event (and I still believe that they are the sole cause of it’s poor reception). I, uh, am doing better now and still working through it all but it was a really rough time. But I found myself still wanting to be creative so I decided to draw. I am not good at drawing. I am not an artist. But that’s what made it fun: I went into each drawing knowing it wasn’t gonna look great. That wasn’t the point. So I never got upset about it. I think it helped me a lot tbh and I did really enjoy it and I’m glad I did it

Unconventional, 7243 words (in progress), updated Dec 20, first posted Nov 18

So the next part of me trying to fix the bullshit in my brain creativity-wise was to post the first chapter to this fic. This is a piece I’ve been working on since 2016-2017 (I don’t remember exactly when, but it was pre-TLJ, and I’ve gotten a new computer since so I don’t have the original creation date of the document) but I could just... never get a plot together for it and ever since I abandoned a fic in my old fandom (and this year I finally posted the ‘sorry this isn’t getting finished, here’s a closure summary’ chapter), I’ve been hesitant to post WIPs before being at least 80% done. So I said fuck it, I’m gonna post this and not be scared. Is this fic complete? Nope, but the plan is starting to come together. Do I know exactly where it’s going? Nope, but I don’t need to. Is it self-indulgent as all hell? Absolutely. I love this fic and I love this story and I love the concepts within it. So I posted it and tbh, it really helped. And I think this, combined with my writing break where I drew for 31 days straight lmao were really my saving graces here

Test Run, 3661 words, posted Dec 31

And now my final fic of the year! Which is a ship I honestly wasn’t super into (I don’t hate it, it just generally doesn’t do much for me) but then I did that thing where I thought ‘hmm but could it be written in a way that I am into?’ which, in my experience, always leads to me writing exactly that. Which is what I did here lmao. I’m pretty happy with it though and despite it being very strange to write, as I really had to work to get these two to get where they were going lmao, I had fun with it. I honestly doubt I’ll write more of them, but I’m glad I wrote this one, and I think it’s a good experiment to close out the year with

What have I learned?

Honestly, this year was a clusterfuck lmao. 2019 wasn’t great for me either, but we all lived through this and it was certainly An Experience. I think what this year really helped me focus on was what made me happy. I ended up in some dark places and I don’t want to go there again. It feels repetitive to say that, once again, I have learned that writing what I want is key when I say that every damn year, but tbh I think 2020 underscored it even more so. Spite as a motivator, when used to much, smothers the spark of creativity and the joy of creation. The most important lesson I learned this year by far is to not let that take the driver’s seat. A dash here and there? That’s fine. But as your main motivator? That’s just not healthy. And I need to work to keep it from consuming me like it has been for too long

Goals for 2021?

So last year I didn’t set any hard goals and boy, is it a good thing I didn’t, cause I achieved none of them lmao. I didn’t write more words (though I did write more individual fics, and the word count gap between this year and last is about the size of the difference between a big bang fic and a mini bang fic so really, I think I did okay), I didn’t even write a single fic for BTHB, and, to be really honest, I did not manage to keep my love for writing alive the whole time. I was in a really dark place a few times this year, but that drop in Sep-Oct was the worst from a creative standpoint. I feel like I’m mostly out of it now, even if I still have some work to do maintaining it. I’m hopeful for the future in that regard. The only thing I really did accomplish was that I feel positively towards all the fics I wrote; I’m happy and proud of all of them

So what is my goal? Honestly, I feel like every year I have to relearn the lesson of ‘write what you want, have fun, be self-indulgent, fuck expectations, etc.’ and my goal this year is to not have to relearn that again, but to keep that energy and carry it with me for the whole year. I realize I may have to put some effort in there, but I’m okay with that. I don’t know what 2021 has in store, but if I can just keep my passion alive and not fall into that pit again, I’m calling it a win

[stillness-in-green]

Idk if anyone told you but the MVA OST leaked, with themes for both the League and the MLA. If you haven't listened to it yet, please do! And if you have, what are your thoughts? I think Mine Woman and RE-DESTRO slap for 2 characters that got shafted hard by canon so I appreciate them a lot.

I have listened to them, and I like several of them! I feel like I need to lead with that, because I'm about to add some criticism about my previous responses to BNHA's score for context, so it's important to know that I genuinely do enjoy quite a few of these.

So, I haven't listened to a lot of Yuki Hayashi's scores, but he's definitely done work I've liked! He composed the music for several of the more recent PreCure shows, including their movies; I particularly loved his finale for the 15th anniversary film, which prominently featured a truly delightful medley of every team's opening theme. I'm also very fond of some of his pieces for Kiznaiver and Welcome to the Ballroom.

His BNHA work, though, I feel like suffers from two main problems: the tracks are too short to work up a good head, and yet, despite that short length, they sometimes feel exhaustingly over the top. (Did Shigaraki's theme really need crying children to get across the point that he's bad news?) I've long felt that the BNHA anime wants me to feel like everything is way more Epic and Stirring and Dramatic than I actually find the material to be, so curiously, the music winds up having a distancing effect rather than drawing me in. This is frequently compounded by placement choices that feel so staggeringly poor that I'm often left wondering whether the staff chose the music out of a hat! (Seriously, why does a fairly rote test of character in Nighteye's office warrant doom choirs?)

As to the MVA tracks specifically, I wish there could have been tracks that sounded a bit more fun or heroic, given that the League in MVA really are the heroes for the arc, complete with Shigaraki suddenly having access to Shonen Nakama Tropes and getting all these little comedic reaction takes. It'd be nice if the music could cue in and let the League have some aural triumph without being all doom all the time ("Oh, no! The villains are winning!" Yes, they are; let them have this for one arc, would you?)

But that said, I do rather like most of these! There are some that I do suspect will fall prey to the This Is Too Much Drama, Would You Please Ratchet Back? problem, but there are also some that I can imagine playing better in the context of the show than they do in isolation, and some that feel like they could even be exactly what I was dreaming about, if they go where I hope they will. For some individual thoughts, see below:

The Mission of the Stealth Hawks: A reasonable enough little tense atmospheric piece. Doesn't jump out at me.

Different Ability Liberation Army: I always approach the MLA as styling themselves as an army, but in reality being more of a sect--far more cult than militia-- I appreciate that if they can't have a good dramatic march despite having Army, like, right there in the title, I'm glad I could get church bells instead. On the whole, though, this is a good example of the first problem I mentioned having with Hayashi's work for BNHA--his pieces tend to be pretty short, and it takes them so long to land on a melody that by the time they find one, there's hardly any time to develop it before the song ends. Even a lot of the hero pieces are like that, and the villain songs, even more so. That said, I do like the horror strings that creep in around the 1.25 mark, blossom at 1.45, and float on through 2.10. I just wish they went on longer. Admittedly, "erratic church bells and horror strings" is still not the choice I would have made for the MLA's main theme. I really would have preferred something with a more militant air; as it is, this sort of feels like it scores a creepy prologue that plays before the opening credits kick in and then the episode proper starts. Which isn't a bad description for the way the dinner scene played in the manga, but thanks to the anime's decision to reshuffle everything, I don't think that dinner scene's going to maintain that feeling of "prologue" when we finally get to it.

My Villain Academia: Better on the melodic front; I enjoy the drama at .43, the dancing tension at 1.05, and particularly the minor strings from 1.25 that just keep climbing until everything else drops out around 2.10. I do wish it found a better place to end rather than noodling on for a further thirty seconds, but the melody will get a more central, and more bombastic, treatment in the final track, so it's probably okay for it to trail off here. (It's also apparently a reprise of a villain theme from the very first season's OST, which is rad. More on that in the Track 11 blurb.)

Second Coming: This is a bizarre one because, while I complained that Hayashi's BNHA tracks are usually short, this one is a full six and a half minutes--except that it falls clearly into movements of about a minute each, with clear lulls in between. I wish it was twelve minutes and everything was twice as long! As it is, I'm highly doubtful that we're going to hear this one played in its entirety anywhere, since I can't imagine what scenes would require this specific sequence of musical passages at this length. 0.00 - 1.01: I love that the song kicks in comparatively quickly; the first minute's passage has a great, thrumming drive that very nearly hits major key towards the end. 1.02 - 1.53: The drive picks up pace in the second minute before the chorus arrives, and for once, I am very prepared to love a BNHA choir piece. I hope this is what plays when Deika's going up in ash. 1.54 - 3.01: I love the melodic line being carried by the intentionally hard to distinguish violin and whatever brass instrument the violin's trading off with in the third minute. It's bit out of place with the rest of the track, but I like it quite a bit on its own, and it does have a similar sound as some of the "dirty" brass in RE-DESTRO and Mine Woman. It's probably too long for RD's childhood flashback, but I wonder if it'll play for an MLA character somewhere? 3.02 - 4.07: The fourth minute has some very fun drums, but otherwise doesn't jump out at me as much of the rest of the track. I'm very curious to know when this will play, though. 4.08 - 5.32: The fifth minute, god bless, has some proper march drums--I like this passage a lot, particularly when it come back in the sixth minute accompanied by the choir. I like this because the key is minor but it's not "oooo scaaaary" minor; it's more dramatic, a bit tragic, but triumphant too--pretty much perfect for Re-Destro, Spinner and Machia's moment of revelation in the crater. I wish it were longer. 5.33 - 6.36: And here for the end we're back to the driving guitar and some fun low-thrum strings and percussive chain sounds. Like the fourth passage, it's fun, but jumps out at me less, particularly as the song's finale.

Gigantomachia: This is an extremely boss kaiju song. Seriously, that brass in the opening could come right out of a Toho flick. Extremely good walking calamity number, love that distorted synth stuff towards the end. It's going to sound great when (if) it plays over Machia leaving the villa, the hand rising up through the floor behind Toga, Momo and the other students surveying the desolation left in his wake, and so on. (I know that's all Season Six material, shhhh. I hope they use this piece there.)

Mine Woman: This is so fun. And so extremely superior that that awful Christmas insert song! I'm glad Curious got this at least, and I love the moment the beat drops at the one-minute mark, and that interwoven sax. So good. It's hard to imagine the fight between Toga and Curious being paced to this song, mind, but it's real good, anyway.

TOGA's Nature: This one showcases the other problem I have with Hayashi's BNHA work, especially his stuff for the villains: it feels very on the nose in a way that tips over into being Too Much. The birdsong, I think, is on the nose but in an effective, playful way, with the natural beauty of the birds undercut by the lovely but ominous piano/synth melody. I am considerably less kindly disposed to the creepy child laughter, which just feels on the nose in a thuddingly obvious way--though I do like the way it slides in when the birdsong fades. I like, too, the sort of cloudy roaring reprise of the melodic line that kicks in around the 1.10 mark. It feels like an effective echo of Toga--cute but creepy as a young girl, and then, after she snaps, creepy in the same way but now you can't ignore it.

Symbol of Fear: The beginning doesn't do much for me, but I enjoy the howl that gives way to the organs at 1.15; while it's too action-heavy to be Tenko, the transition does still put me in mind of Tenko wandering the streets, internally crying for anyone to help him, and the person who finally does is--well. I like that the organ nurtures that howl into something considerably more dire, though you still get a return to that guttural cry periodically. While it is, again, difficult to imagine this scoring the scenes between AFO and Tenko's first meeting and Tenko being formally named Tomura--it's much too bombastic--it does still feel like an excellent representation of AFO sculpting Tomura's formless, aimless rage into something that really could tear down the world.

I Don't Kill My Friends: It would have been really nice if they'd let the most significant, unadulterated personal triumph of the arc sound actually fun. Why does the Sad Man's Parade song sound so upset?? @aysall predicts that it'll play over Twice's confrontation with Hawks and death scene, and I can see it working extremely well there, but it's a pretty weird call for the Dead Man's Parade bit, if that is indeed what this is intended to evoke. Quibbling about the title aside, I do like the way this pulses and throbs, something like an exposed wound, which is not a bad description of poor Jin's mentality. I still hope this isn't what scores his breakthrough, though. As I said previously, the villains are the heroes for just this one arc, and it'd be nice if the score could reflect that at least a little.

RE-DESTRO: I like this one a lot. I love the interwoven layers of that dirty sax and the Big and Dramatic orchestral strings + brass, but both of them undercut with that regular, machine beeping that could almost be a heart monitor, but mostly isn't--right up until the long beep at 1.52/1.53. It feels like a strong illustration of the titular character's different personas--his attempts at casual, friendly villainy (like menacing Giran or chatting with Shigaraki on the phone), him when he's thundering full-volume about the weight of his legacy at people (THE BLOOD OF DESTRO FLOWS THROUGH THESE VEINS I AM RE-DESTRO), and, beneath it all, the constant little thread of stress that Rikiya can never escape (right up until Shigaraki). I probably wouldn't love it so much in isolation, but I'm easy to win over with the right character association. XD

Paranormal Liberation Front: Very fun grubby guitar intro. It also has much the clearest melodic throughline, which inclines me towards it. What inclines me to it even more is the knowledge (per @aysall again) that it's the same main melody as the track Villains Theme from the very first season's OST. That track already having used its allotted Doom Choir quotient, this track makes do with less synth and a lot more orchestra and chunky bass backing, which is much to its benefit, I feel. I do wish it had any of the MLA's theme in it, to represent the merger, but admittedly, it'd be hard to make that very audible when the MLA theme has…next to no central melody, percussive rhythm, etc. Still, as an evolution of the League to something bigger, classier, and far more dangerous, it's real good--just long enough to develop into itself and explore its central leitmotif. Probably my favorite track simply on its own merits.

Thanks for the ask, anon! I'd listened to the tracks once driving around for work, but sitting down with them properly gave me a greater appreciation for them, and now I'll definitely have an ear out for them when we get to this material in the anime…

….whenever that winds up being. *sob*

[georgemackayhey]

hi love, first off I wanted to say how much I love your writing! secondly, and idea for a blurb: breaking up with George and meeting him again after a few months/years and maybe going back together? idk I want something angsty

Much love 🤍

Hi nonny dear!!! You're much too kind! Despite having writen something like this before I'm obsessed with the idea so here, have this!

You were together for a while. Long enough to go on holiday with friends but not long enough to meet the parents or anything. During the while you and George had spent the majority of your time together, the thing that weighed so heavily on your bond that it broke, was the time you spent away from each other. With his job, and all the travel, and the way your life had been working out, neither of you had much time for each other.

When George finally got back home, he arrived to the news that he'd been cast in another role that required his presence in an all new country, far from home as ever. And just when you were all eager to tell him about the new path in life you'd been gifted the chance to take. Suddenly all the good news seemed more bitter than sweet. And during the week you and Geogre devoted to spending entirely together, you both slowly came to the realization that that week would be your last. 

It wasn't easy to decide. George kept approaching the subject, but couldn't say the words. You kept pretending to listen but would cast your gaze to the nearest corner, unable to bear the reality of the truth. And finally, after a shared bottle of wine and a long bout of quiet that settled in after the film you were watching faded to black, you cried and called it quits. 

You stayed together that night still, before you gave each other some encouraging parting words, half-heartedly hoping the best for one another. And then you went on your entirely separate ways.

Life was cruel that way. It tore you from the things you thought you wanted more than air. And after a couple of weeks of wallowing in your pity, right when you'd gotten used to being on your own again, you ran into George. He was home for the holidays, out to dinner with his family where you waited to meet friends at the bar. 

It was an utter delight to see him, and he reached to hug you like no time had passed. Just as quickly George introduced you to his folks. You gave them each pleasant and warm greeting before meeting up with your friends at the bar, while his crew shuffled to find a table. 

Back to feeling sorry yourself it was, especially when your friends shot you knowing looks on your walk to meet them as planned. 

Life moved on though. You worked and lived without fighting the flow, and only saw George if a mutual friend dared sneak a snapshot of the fella to post on social media. Years passed just like that. Months of hard work. The occasional tragedy, or miracle throwing you a bit off rhythm. Parties and funerals and holidays and stormy nights.

And then you saw him again. At a resort, in a city neither of you lived in. He shouted your name from across the lobby of a fancy hotel and you abandoned your date to go rushing to George for a hug, his arms already outstretched, welcoming as ever. 

You laughed hard about how you'd ended up in the same place, at the same time, out of all the places and times in the world. And then you floated your separate ways like always. Somehow, beaming and aching in ways you hadn't been before running into the well built, soft-haired guy.

Your date was a little pissed that you'd failed to introduce them to George in the couple of minutes he'd graced you with his presence. You spent that vacation making it up to the date that ended up ghosting you a week after you arrived home.

Life went on like that. Failed dates. Birthdays. Brunch parties, and deadlines. 

And then you saw George again. You'd actually seen him throughout the past year or so, shopping at the same markets, and going out with the same friends. He was always kind, and cared enough to ask after you. 

"You're both absolute idiots." A friend rang, after you'd run into George at the park, and shared a chat before he reluctantly continued his mid-morning run. 

"I'm sorry?" You choked on a small, fauxly offended laugh as you strolled sleepily at your friends side.

"Why don't you just date?" She exasperated. Like the sight of you and George apart personally disgruntled her.

"You know we tried." You pointed. Trying not to let too big a frown pull at your lips. "Isn't it obvious we're better as friends?"

"No." Your friend called back, shooting you a look. She scolded you a bit longer about not letting Geogre get away the next time your paths crossed. You hadn't ever seen it that way. You thought your run ins with George were small bonuses granted on account of your decision to stay apart. You feared approaching the chance of being with him again would only result much like your last and only effort.

And then you saw him again. At that same mutual friend's wedding. The worst occasion. As if you weren't already worked up by the speech your friend had given you, being in the midst of the most romantic setting wasn't going to help you start any kind of conversation with George. 

It was an intimate affair. A backyard ceremony and an in house reception. Foods and wine spread across the roomy, yet quaint ranch style home.

"Here, for you." George was at your side as one slow song faded into another. In his hand, your drink of choice. 

"You didn't have to-" You started to laugh a little at his greeting, an offer you didn’t have reason to refuse.  

"I did actually. It was the last one on the tray and you don't look like you're having any fun. So here." George gently shoved the glass to your chest and lifted his own chute of champagne to toast. You let out a sigh and gave into his very generous demands. 

"How's it you look better every time I see you? Isn't getting older supposed to turn us all grey and sad?" You joked, taking into account Georges tailored suit, the structure of his face, his smile. It hadn't been too long since last you'd seen him across traffic and lifted a hand to wave. But it had been a year or two since last you'd stood close enough to study the loose fit of his tie, and the wave of his hair. 

George rolled his eyes and let his grin grow, before lifting to sip from the drink in his hand. And for a while you stood there like that, trading small talk about life and where it had taken you. And then your dear friend, the bride, the woman of the hour, marched over to meet you and George.

"If anyone dares upstage my wedding, it'd better be you two." She declared, reaching for your wrist, and then George's. "Now get out there and dance together so none of us have to listen to you idiots complain about how you miss each other and wonder what the other one is up to."

You'd barely accounted for the song playing, or the other people pushed close together on the dance floor, as you were flung to join in. Before you could even find your footing, George was pulling you a little closer, out of the way of a great aunt who was only capable of repeating a drunken version of the charleston. 

He placed either of his hands on your waist, as yours found his shoulders, and then you looked right at George, and you realized your friend was right. 

"You still ask everyone how I'm doing?" You wondered in a whisper, peering into George's ocean eyes. He only kept his gaze fixed, and his lip between his teeth, and nodded his head. You were entirely entranced, and one thousand percent at a loss. Where did you turn now? What did you ask? What if what you wanted wasn't the same...

But you didn't have to ask. Because Geogre leaned in, and kissed you like he used too. Like you hadn't stopped sharing kisses since the short time you used too. He held you near, his fingers pressing ever closer. He still smelled like you remembered, so sweet and warm. He still let out a delighted little hum before you parted for air. And George still smiled at you like he used too, like he always did, when you gazed back up to him, unable to hide your blush. 

Maybe no one noticed the pair of you slip out of the party early. Or maybe your friend had been counting on it. Maybe you and George were always meant to be together. Or maybe that time apart wasn't wasted, between all those run in's and hello's throughout the years. Maybe life together would be just as tricky to navigate together as it used to be. But you weren't going to let George get away this time, and he'd promised the same thing, unprompted and often.