#i am going in.. optimistic about this one;;;

[99woez]

crush ᰔᩚ l.sh

warnings. smut, best friend!sohee, childhood best friends to lovers, oral (fem receiving), making out, ethel cain inspired so obviously mentions of cannibalism as a metaphor for love, no actual cannibalism lmao, mentions of poverty. heavily inspired by "crush" by ethel cain. i think that's it but if i missed something please let me know! enjoy <3

part one || part two

wc. 4.4k

summary. the only escape from this deadbeat town is your best friend, lee sohee.

“You know, my brother was the valedictorian.”

“Yeah, your mom yells at you about it all the time,” You deadpan, eyes shut behind your heart-shaped sunglasses as you lay out in Sohee’s backyard. One thing about Sohee’s mother is she didn’t give a damn about who was around; she was going to remind Sohee he should be more like his brother. She was a rough woman, but you figured she had to be with a husband on death row. She raised two boys alone in this good-for-nothing town you so desperately wanted to get out of but were trapped in. Like a fly stuck in the sticky yellow paper curling up in the corners of Sohee’s kitchen, you think with a huff as the sun beats down on your skin, leaving it hot to the touch.

Sohee looks down at you and pushes out a chuckle.

“She does yell about that a lot.” It sounds like he’s never thought about it before. He probably hasn’t. Sohee was an optimist, kind, and smart despite thinking he was not. He could’ve gotten better grades in school if he tried harder––That was his problem. He was a people pleaser and started pleasing the wrong people. His friends moved dope, so Sohee did as well despite never trying a drug in his life, even to this day. 

“You going to the Pecan Festival?” Sohee asks after a passing moment of silence. You open your eyes at the mention of the event. There were very few things to look forward to in this town: The flea market, the Wet Leaf ball you and Sohee were too poor to get invited to, and the Pecan Festival. Everything else fun was a trip out of town on a highway you’ve grown fond of. Still, you love the Peacan Festival. You’ve been going since you were little. Tickets were cheap, the food was greasy, and the rides looked like they failed several safety tests but you loved it. It was one of the few things that kept you here.

Besides Sohee, of course.

You prop yourself up on your elbows to get a better look at Sohee, tipping your head down so he can see your eyes over the thick red rims of your sunglasses. He smiles softly when he see your eyes, a crooked smile that only he possesses and makes your heart stutter a bit. There’s no one like Sohee, you think as you feel your own lips begin to turn upwards in a smile of their own.

“Of course I am,” You quip, “I was the Pecan Princess, you know?”

Sohee laughs at that, head tipping back as his laughter fills the sky.

“Yeah, when you were, like, ten. You’re too old to be a princess now.”

Your jaw drops in faux offense, putting your hand over your heart.

“Well, if I’m not a princess, what am I, Sohee? An old hag?”

“You’re a queen. Real royalty,” He jokes, making you click your tongue at his poor attempts of flirting, rolling your eyes. Sohee inhales sharply through his teeth, turning his face away from you when he realizes the joke didn’t land like he wanted to, embarrassed chuckles leaving his lips as his cheeks get even more pink.

You still smile at him despite his flubbed joke, reaching out and pinching his warm cheek. He squeezes his eyes shut with a whine but doesn’t move away from your touch, making you coo playfully.

“Come on, jester. You’re going to get a heat stroke,” You tease as you push yourself to your feet with a grunt. Sohee lingers in the dying grass for a moment, looking up at you for a beat too long. You put your hands on your hips, raising your brows at him to silently tell him to hurry his ass up. He takes the silent command with a sigh, pushing himself up to his feet and nodding towards his small house.

“Mama has lemonade in the fridge.” 

“Did she make it, or was it store-bought?”

“Made it, of course. You know she’s scared of artificial sugars,” Sohee reminds you as he opens the screen door that hollers when it’s pulled open, then pulls hard on the actual door into his rickety old house to open it for you. You do a small skip at that news. As crazy as she may be, Sohee’s mom could tear it up in the kitchen if she wanted to. Most of the time, she didn’t want to and left the cooking to Sohee. He’s become a better cook over the years, but there was a time when you were over every night either cooking him dinner or making sure he didn’t burn the house down.

You sip the perfectly tart yet sweet yellow liquid through a red and white striped paper straw, sitting in the corner of the green velvet couch in Sohee’s living room as he begins flipping through the channels from the other side of the couch. The sounds of the channels blend in a dull symphony as you look at the white front door with a slight hum.

“When does your mama come home?” You ask, turning your attention to Sohee’s side profile as he shrugs.

“Late. She has a night shift.”

“Think I can spend the night?” You wonder casually before taking another sip of lemonade. Sleepovers were common between the two of you. You’ve been having them since you were kids though when you were younger, you would sleep in separate sleeping bags in the living room. His sleeping bag was big and green, like a soldier, he would say, and yours purple and had a faded picture of Cinderella on the front. The memories are fond. You always smile when you remember how long Sohee has been in your life.

Sohee shrugs again, turning to look at you as he pauses his channel search. It’s on some local channel; a woman with too much lipstick on talks excitedly to a sunburnt man about the Pecan Festival, but you barely hear her. You’re too busy focusing on Sohee as you wrap your lips around your straw again and sip down the final sips of your drink.

“Don’t see why not,” Sohee says softly, big brown eyes flicking to your lips and then back in your eyes. You watch as he dampens his lips by sticking his tongue out just slightly, causing heat to spread throughout your chest. You have to turn your gaze away from him, watching the TV with a knowing smirk. You shake your cup to jiggle the ice cubes inside it around before reaching in and plopping a cube into your mouth, keeping you preoccupied.

You can feel Sohee’s gaze on your profile for a few moments too long before he turns back towards the TV, awkwardly clearing his throat and shifting in his seat.

“Are we going to-”

“Do what we did last time?” You finish for him, shaking your cup again as you crunch down on the hard ice cube in your mouth, cooling your body down instantly. Sohee’s gaze is back on the side of your face, but it’s more intense now, making your heart beat faster. You play it cool. You always play it cool with Sohee, which isn’t hard to do since Sohee is so easy to please more often than not.

“We can,” You hum, looking at the boy beside you with a sly smirk as he stares at you with the biggest, most desperate eyes you’ve ever seen. You pout playfully at him, reaching out and grazing his cheek with the back of your fingers. “You want me to suck your dick again, pretty boy?” You ask as if you’re asking what he wants for dinner, grabbing his chin gently and shaking his face barely. 

You didn’t mean to suck Sohee off––You swear, it just happened. He was the one to bring up how he still hasn’t fucked anyone, droning on and on about how he craves to be touched by someone, anyone, at this point. You were just doing him a favor. It didn’t mean anything.

But the kiss you shared most certainly did. You haven’t stopped thinking about kissing Sohee since it happened, your gaze lingering on his lips longer than they should during conversations, or your hand working yourself to an orgasm, thinking of how good his soft lips would feel wrapped around your clit. You have to contain yourself to not bite your lip at the thought of leaning in and kissing him right now. You don’t dare look at his lips, knowing you’ll lose self-control if you do.

Sohee inhales deeply through his nose, watching your face closely, eyes trained on your lips as he wets his again. He nods before giving a nonchalant shrug. You notice the tips of his ears are already red. He’s so cute.

“I mean, I wouldn’t mind. ‘Totally wouldn’t say no,” He laughs, making you smile and inch towards him. Sohee leans back slightly, making you pull back, but he shakes his head. “I just…You know, that’s not all I care about, right? Like, it’d be cool to do all that with you, but I don't…We don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. We’re friends before anything. Always.” 

Then his pinky is out between the two of you. You look down at his hand, chuckling softly before looking back at his face. You never thought otherwise, but you suppose it’s sweet. Sohee wanted to assure you of that. Again, you know Sohee and know yourself at this point, so you didn’t need the assurance that he wasn’t using you as a fleshlight.

You hook your pinky with his, shaking his hand firmly with a smile.

“Always.”

Sohee’s room is such a wreck.

He climbs on his bed, lying across it to push open his window just enough to let some air in. The AC unit in his room blew out about a month ago when the heat started to kick in. It was only a matter of time. The thing had been running since Sohee was three. You’re shocked it lasted this long. You go to the white box fan in the corner of his room, sitting on a chair as you click it onto the highest setting. The hum instantly fills the once-still room, and warm air circulates throughout the stuffy room.

Sohee sits up on his bed, leaning his back against the wall his bed was against with a hand behind his head to act as a cushion. His big brown eyes watch as you go to his dresser, opening it to dig for your favorite shirt of his. You can feel his eyes on your back as you shuffle through his drawer, making you smile faintly. You always liked having Sohee’s attention, but having him look at you like he wanted to eat you whole was a new kind of rush. You craved it more than you had for any other boy in your life.

There were only two before Sohee if you’re being honest. This town didn’t have the best selection of men to pick from. First, there was Wonbin, your first boyfriend. He was beautiful, stunning, striking even, with pretty long black hair and a nose you memorized the shape of a thousand times over. You suppose you loved him and his gentle ways but always wanted more from him. It’s not like it mattered; you two broke up a week after graduation when he was accepted into Yale. You don’t exactly blame him. He was going to fucking Yale, and you were going to the community college in the neighboring town. You hope he’s well.

Then there was Eunseok. You’re shocked you remember his name. After you two met in a bar, he was a hook-up in the back of his car under the underpass. He was driving through on “business,” at least that’s what he told you. Easily, it was the best sex you’d ever had. He was way more experienced than Wonbin had been and rougher. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to get it. You had to appreciate that about him. Plus, he was gorgeous. You still follow him on Instagram just to never forget what he looked like.

And now, there’s Sohee, and Sohee is so different from the first two. You know it, he knows it, everyone knows it, but no one says it. 

His eyes are still trained on your back, practically burning holes into your skin as you slowly peel your own shirt off and over your head. You let a beat pass to feel his gaze on you a few more seconds before you pull his shirt over your head and let it drape over your frame. You hear him clear his throat, causing you to turn around to face him with a kind smile and tilt of your head. He blinks at you with a crooked smile that seems to keep growing the longer he looks at you before patting the spot next to you excessively.

You skip a bit as a big smile takes your face, rushing over to his bed, jumping onto it, and landing on your knees next to him, bouncing a bit when you land thanks to the springs in the old mattress of Sohee’s bed. You curl your lips in when you look at him, watching his eyes scatter across your face with that same smile on his face. You both can’t seem to stop smiling; both of you are giddy but too unsure to make the first move. You giggle quietly at the silence, leaning closer to him to bump your forehead against the side of his head. 

"Nervous?" you tease, and Sohee chuckles in response - a sound so sweet it makes your heart flutter. His large hand reaches out to tuck a loose strand of your hair behind your ear, his touch light and careful. This simple act sends an indescribable shiver down your spine.

"Not nervous. Just…" He hesitates momentarily, glancing away as he searches for the right words. But then he's looking back at you with those warm brown eyes full of nothing but love. "Just wanna make sure this is what you want," he finalizes, his thumb gently brushing against your cheek.

His concern is touching, but also slightly amusing. And it only serves to deepen that heat building up in your chest - this feeling so different from anything you've ever felt. Everything feels new with Sohee but also so familiar.

You take in his worried expression before giving him a reassuring smile, reaching up to cup his face with both hands. "Trust me," you state firmly, pressing a chaste kiss on the tip of his nose for emphasis. "This is what I want."

His pretty eyes blink at you once, twice, before his lips stretch into another one of his adorable smiles, crinkling up into crescent moons at the corners. As always, it's contagious, and you can't help but smile back at him.

He leans in first, slow and careful, like he's afraid he might break you. Your heart pounds against your ribcage as your eyes flutter close, the anticipation almost unbearable now.

Then, finally, his lips meet yours softly, gently, almost like a breath against your skin in the beginning. It sets you ablaze. Everywhere. You can feel the heat pooling low in your stomach instantly, spreading through your bloodstream as he leans into you further. His fingers lace with yours, his hand resting on your lower back as he opens himself up to you more, asking you to deepen the kiss. And when you do, it’s perfect.

Soft and slow, his lips pressing against yours in a familiar rhythm. Sohee tastes of sweet lemonade and mint gum as they move against yours. You don’t know how much of it is real life and how much is a dream because Sohee’s lips seem to mold to yours so effortlessly that you forget everything else but his warmth, the smell of his breath on your face, and the taste of his mouth.

You moan softly into his lips, feeling him curve into the touch, nudging closer to you until their bodies are pressed together from shoulder to thigh. Your fingers dig into his arms, not wanting to lose this contact for one second as your free hand lingers at the hem of his t-shirt. You both sigh into each other’s mouths softly before pulling away just enough to suck on his bottom lip softly, feeling him whine in response.

“So cute as always,” You whisper against his lips before pressing them together once more, feeling him moan into your mouth at the mere touch of your lips against his. It still boggles your mind that he’s never done stuff like this before. When you asked him why he never just got on a dating app, he told you he tried, and it wasn’t as easy as it sounded or that none of the people he found on there were his type. The more you thought about it, the more it made sense that Sohee never had sex before last weekend. 

Sohee didn’t talk to a lot of girls. He was shy, very sweet, but very shy. It wasn’t that girls didn’t like him. Plenty of them did. He just couldn’t talk to them for long. The longer you thought about it, it was a miracle he had managed to kiss a girl before you blew him. To be fair, they were both drunk, and at a party the cops would end up showing up to. It’s not like it mattered now, but it plagued your thoughts, knowing you’re the only one he’s had like this.

His hand finds its way into your hair, his fingers tangling in the strands as his other hand traces a slow path down your side. The feel of him, his closeness, and the pure 'Sohee' of him is intoxicating, and you can't get enough. You angle your head slightly to deepen the kiss, feeling his grip on you tighten.

There's a slight rustle of fabric as Sohee shifts closer, and what was sweet and gentle heats up to an intensity that takes your breath away. He pulls back ever so slightly, but before you can protest, he's claiming your lips again with a fervor that makes your heart pound even harder.

You gasp into his kiss, feeling it wash over you like a wave. His hands are on your waist now, pulling you closer as if there's not already enough heat between the two of you. There's a sudden boldness to him that sends a thrill down your spine. This is Sohee - sweet and shy Sohee - who has somehow managed to transform into this passionate, assertive thing that has you pressed into his sheets and kissing you like it's the last thing he'll ever do.

Suddenly, he pulls away from your lips and starts trailing kisses down your neck. You reach up to his hair, tugging lightly at the strands as he moves further down. His hands roam over your body, tentative but becoming more confident by the second. 

“You okay?” he whispers against your skin. His voice is unsteady, revealing just how much he’s holding back. Your heart tightens at his concern, making you want him even more.

“Yeah,” you breathe out, “More than okay.”

That seems to be all the encouragement Sohee needs. He pulls away to tug at your clothes, looking up at you for permission before slipping them off entirely. Now, nothing but bare skin and the dim light that filters through the room.

His eyes never leave yours as he moves lower, pressing a kiss just above your belly button. The anticipation of what’s to come has you trembling. It's as if his shyness is melting away and being replaced with something raw and hungry.

“Sohee…” Your voice is barely a whisper as he hovers above you. His gaze is intense, full of questions that he doesn’t need to ask because, yes, of course, you want this.

His fingers trace over your thighs before spreading them apart gently as if he's afraid you'll break. His eyes flicker up to meet yours once again, and his head dips down.

It's clumsy and awkward at first. Sohee has no idea what he's doing, and it's as clear as day. But something is endearing about his determination to make this good for you: how he tries different movements until he finds one he likes. More so, he likes the reactions you give him.

His lips brush against you, soft and warm, like a feather on your skin. It's electric, and you let out a tiny moan, more surprised than anything. Sohee's fingers curl into your thighs harder, his nose grazing the patch of hair below your navel. That tiny touch sends shivers down your spine. He continues his exploration, kissing and licking upwards until he reaches the sensitive spot between your legs. The feeling is unbearable, and you gasp for air as he finally settles there. His nose moves softly against your folds, taking in your scent. You feel him inhale deeply, almost like he's absorbing you into his system.

"Sohee," you whisper his name against the pillow, unable to form any other words as he parts you with his fingers and dips his head lower, pressing another kiss there before swirling his tongue around your clit. You can feel yourself melting under his touch; it's almost too much. Sohee's hair tickles against your inner thighs as he burrows deeper this time, tasting you properly. Every pulse of pleasure that goes through you spurs him on, making him suck harder on your clit as one hand moves across the sheets to intertwine with yours. You whimper at the feeling of his palm against yours, squeezing tightly as you watch him with heavy-lidded eyes.

You buckle beneath him, crying out his name, feeling each breath he takes against your skin. His lips dart in and out, tracing circles with his tongue as he grazes over your clit. You grip the sheets tightly, arching your back and moaning into the pillow. Sohee's fingers squeeze your hand while the other hand continues to explore every inch of you he can reach from his position. You can feel every shudder run through him as he takes you into his mouth, tasting you, teasing you mercilessly with gentle sucks against your folds.

You open your eyes to look at him, seeing the concentration on his face as he lavishes attention on you. His free hand traces your inner thigh, sending sparks of pleasure up your spine. He licks and teases, sucking softly at your clit as you squirm underneath him. The bed creeks with every move he makes, adding another layer of stimulation as your moans become louder and more desperate for release.

Your hips rise off the bed a little before coming back down hard onto the mattress as you let out a long, low groan. Your fingers dig into his hair as Sohee's tongue darts out to flick across your entrance – a taste test that has your toes curling in response. He hums around you, smiling against your skin as he takes you deeper into his mouth. The vibrations send shockwaves of pleasure through you, making it harder to keep quiet. You bite down on your bottom lip as pleasure builds within you, feeling so close to the edge but not quite there yet.

You feel your walls start to tremble and quake as you near your peak, your hips bucking up and forcing him deeper into your mouth. Soon, he's sucking at just the right rhythm, sending waves of pleasure over you that build and crash with each passing moment. Your fingers dig into his hair, holding on for dear life as he moans around you, encouraging him to continue. He does so, pushing you further and further until your orgasm hits you like a tidal wave, crashing through you in waves. Your body tenses, and your breath quickens as your muscles contract in ecstasy. A tight moan rips from your throat as you reach the peak of pleasure, waves of bliss pulsing through every inch of you.

Sohee doesn't let up, swirling his tongue around your entrance until the last shudder passes through you. Then, he slowly pulls away from you, giving your clit one last lick before looking up at you with those brown eyes that hold nothing but love and adoration. His hands smooth over your stomach before gently kissing the skin, lifting his head, and colliding his full lips with yours. You taste sweet against his lips, moaning against him as your arms drape over his shoulders, grabbing his shirt by the back of the neck and pulling it over his head.

He breaks from the kiss to let you take his shirt off, but he’s dragging himself back to your lips, moaning when he crashes into you. “Always wanted to do that,” Sohee pants against your lips as he ruts his hips against yours, making you whimper up at him as the fabric of his basketball shorts brush against your sensitive folds. 

“You’re-You taste so good. Fuck, every bit of you tastes so good. I just want to eat every part of you.” His breathless confessions make you moan quietly, nodding along in agreement as your breathing begins to pick up again. Your heart is pounding in your throat like you just ran a marathon, your hands scrambling to press against his chest. When your palms press to his chest, you hear his heart pounding against his ribcage.

“I’d let you eat me,” You tell him breathlessly, feeling him smile against your lips. “Want to live inside you forever. ‘Don’t ever want to leave you.” Sohee groans at your dragged-out words, ducking his head into the crook of your neck where his lips attack the skin there, nipping and sucking to leave bruises, marking you as his for everyone to see.

“Promise me you’ll never leave me, baby. Please,” Sohee whispers into your skin, his words sinking into your bones and carving themselves into them. You nod without hesitation, digging your nails into his back. Your brain is too clouded to think rationally, to remember how you hated this town, to remember the dozens of out-of-state college applications you sent out to rid yourself of this place, even to contemplate how you would leave Sohee one day. Not now, it doesn’t matter now.

“I promise. I swear, Sohee,” You whisper, turning your head for your lips to brush against the shell of his ear. He moans, body trembling against you before lifting his lips to collide with yours again.

Beneath the hum of the box fan and squeaks of a mattress with every move you two make, you can hear the cicadas sing.

[11cupid-tarot11]

A Letter From Your Future Spouse

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1 -> 4

Cupid's Services Cupid's Master List Socials

Tips appreciated!

C@sh app and P@ypal only!

$minnieplant3

@janellec03

LOVE U

- Cupid 𖥔 ࣪ ᥫ᭡ꗃ⋆࣪.

︻デ═一 ✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Pile 1- Four of Wands, The Fool, Page of Swords, Nine of Cups, Page of Wands, The Wheel of Fortune.

"Hi you! I've been sleeping a lot, can't seem to do anything else lately because of how tired I've been. Finally. I can sleep as much as I want to now because of a situation that just so happened to end recently. Death.

What now? See, I've been wondering the same thing. But let's not even worry about it, let's just sleep as much as we want to because we finally can, even if it's only a little nap time out of your day do it because I gotta see you one last time later, I've got a message for you in your dreams. Spirit will tell you, don't worry about missing it or when <3

Resting so much so when I do have to work, you know, find that balance again between work and fun, I can focus on what's so important to me a lot better, I mean really give it my all... You know? Lol

Sorry, I dream a lot, you might notice my head is always in the clouds. I have very air energy like a Gemini.

Things are finally clearing up for me! I feel at peace, maybe we mirror each other and things are also getting better for you too? You have to let me know, okay? I feel like I can finally breathe again, be optimistic without being scared the rug is going to get snatched from underneath.

I've been working so so hard on my craft, putting in so much love and effort into my work and I feel really hopeful that all of my productivity will pay off soon, consistency is key, right?

I really like the color yellow, 😄 talk again soon!"

Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to do the poll below 👇🏾 ✨

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Pile 2- Knight of Wands, I forgot to write down the rest of the cards I'm so sorry 😞

"I have no problem with putting in hard work for anything I want, even you, you know? If you don't want me the moment we catch eyes I'll make you ;)

The moment I catch you I'm going to make sure I never stop loving you, I'll make sure every day is beautiful, even on our bad days we'll kiss each other good night before bed still. I love you!

Why do you keep worrying yourself? All of that doubt in that pretty little head of yours isn't good, you should lay it all to rest before you make yourself sick baby. Sleep more, practice some self care before you run yourself crazy, okay?

I'm so proud of you, you know, for whatever amazing things you've accomplished lately. I believe in you, I'll always be your #1 cheerleader!

You should go out and celebrate! Enjoy the sun, you deserve it my angel! Promise me you won't let this go by like it's just not that big and you'll go out and do something? Pinky promise?

Stay focused! You're on the right path, you're doing amazing! I promise you, all of this will be worth it, it's worth our future 💓 keep going, I know you can do it! 🎉"

Hope you enjoy!!☺️ Don't forget to do the poll below!!

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Pile 3- Queen of Cups, Justice, Four of Cups, The Moon, Three of Swords, The Star.

" Hi my love, you know I don't talk a lot haha, so I'll make this quick as usual and get out of your hair so you can go on.

I just want to remind you, you're my queen, my favorite, my whole world ❤️ I think red looks really pretty on you btw but anyway, I love and miss you like crazy at times like these.

I am going through something right now, a legal situation, a situation I wish would come to an end right now because it's so heavy on me, it's hurting me but I know at the same time it's happening to me because it's part of my karma, something that's forcing me to look so closely at myself, at every shadow because I think it leads me to you. My everything. We're going to get married, I'm so sure of it.

I'm keeping hope alive, I'm hanging on to every thread of it I've got. I'm working on everything right now, I'll catch up with you soon sweetheart 💋 I'm going to kiss you when I do, you won't be able to get rid of me. ;) "

Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to do the poll below!!

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Pile 4- Ace of Cups, The Hanged Man, King of Wands, Nine of Cups, Knight of Cups, Nine of Wands.

"I want to come to you with amazing news but I can't, I'm sorry to say, I've taken a turn for the worst right now. Don't worry, it's temporary.

I am slowly building myself back up, that's what I'm doing right now if you're wondering what I've been doing all this time. I'm healing day by day and I hope you are too sweetheart. I might be a bit stuck and tangled up right now, but I'm clearing through it!

I'm the kind of guy who will pursue you with nothing but kindness until I make you fall for me with your charm, I'm cute, I know I am, you'll love me, I have curly light hair, and a really cute smile. You'll think I'm so adorable.

I want to offer my heart to you, fully, 100%. You have me, all of me as long as you give me you in return, I hope you do, I can't be without you once I know you.

Take care my love ❤️."

Hope you enjoyed ❤️ Don't forget to do the poll below!!

[mtkay13]

hi! I have a question, i dont quite understand why zhou zishu is drawn to wen kexing, would you be able to help me? Esp in the earlier chapters, i just get the vibe that he's annoyed with him and doesn't want the guy's company. Do you know when he starts having feelings for wkx or how it progressed? I know zzs is very composed and in pain due to the seven nails so maybe i missed it while being focused on the plot, or maybe the translation is confusing me

Hello there!!! I'm sorry for the time I took to reply, I've been quite busy lately and I am currently taking sort of a break from this fandom (I'm not done or anything haha, just focusing on other things atm.) Anyway! Since you sent two asks, I'm going to quote the other one as well here and reply to both at once! :) Here's your second ask:

i think i answered my own question, i saw the ask where you recommended a certain translation, and the translation is completely different from the one i read. In one, zhou zishu comes off as annoyed w wen kexing and i had a hard time figuring out why tf he was even bothering to meddle. In the other, he comes off as an inquisitive person who suspects more to the situation and to wen kexing, and he's drawn in. Not to sound like an idiot but i understand why there's so many translations of greek classics now. The word choice make the interpretation completely different. I wish i could learn mandarin and learn what the original work says. Random but do you know if it'll ever get an official translation? It has a TV show and all, wouldn't it be marketable to western audiences? Question by the same Anyonymous person

As you put it yourself, yeah, the translation and tone does a lot to indicate what ZZS sees in WKX. I feel like there has been a widely shared sentiment that ZZS is pretty much fed up with him for the better part of the book's first half, and while I think it's a front that he puts up indeed, I feel like the original version and some of the translations do a good job of showing how ZZS finds WKX very intriguing, likely very strong and quite handsome (haha). I like to feel like he started developing a crush quite early on in the book, already seduced by WKX's deep and suave voice in chapter 2. From then on, more and more details about him catch ZZS' interest--WKX's appearance, mystery, his strength and martial arts expertise, and of course the way they seem to profoundly understand each other. It seems to me like there's a big shift during the campfire scene where ZZS recognises WKX's sword technique as being Wen Ruyu, the two of them thus discussing WKX's ancestry and, following that, what it means to be a good or bad person. The connection feels so strong during that conversation that it seems very likely to me that they both started falling in love from then on. Overall, where the translation may play a big role in perceiving ZZS' attraction is how "human and lively" he may seem in some versions. His quirks and "humanness" come out stronger in the ones I have recommended (IMO at least) and thus comes off as much warmer and fun. Through that characterisation, the nuance of him expressing one thing (annoyance) but feeling another (interest) is easier to understand. So yeah, indeed, translation sure is something! Haha, and there are many stories of disagreements and re-interpretations of classics even within professional translators (because for how much I can sometime criticise some versions of TYK, it's important to reiterate that these are all fan translations provided by people kindly dedicating their time and ressources to translate for free--most of the time (cough)--and share for free as well.) Well, I can only wish for you to get to read it in mandarin one day, because it's really, really great (and mandarin is just a fascinating language altogether!!) As for the official translation... I'm not very optimistic. It seems like getting publishing rights is rather complicated to begin with, and on top of that, TYK is currently locked on jjwxc (the website where it was initially published) due to censorship, which I feel makes it even more difficult. Priest has expressed in a rather recent socmed post that she didn't want to edit TYK (whether to censor it or for publication) because it was too old, so it's quite possible that she just isn't interested in putting in the work for TYK to be officially published and translated. That being said, it's just my opinion/analysis of the situation, and I may very well be wrong! Anyway, many thanks for coming to me and trusting my opinion, and I wish you a wonderful day!! 💗💗💗

[dyns33]

The Big Nice Punisher

I never gave love to Frank and Frank only in a story so I decided to change that

Y/N should have gotten used to it, now that she was friends with Matt, Foggy and Karen.

It had happened several times that the devil of Hell's Kitchen had knocked on her window to ask for a medical kit since she knew his secret, even if the fool preferred to die in a trash rather than ask his friends for help.

It had taken everyone's intervention to force him to admit that he had a problem, and that he could count on them if he wasn't being chased by an army of ninjas.

More than stubborn, his priority was above all to ensure that he did not bring any danger into their home.

Karen wasn't Matt.

She didn't want her friends to be in danger either, but her moral compass was visibly broader, and allowed her to do more things.

Like coming to Y/N with the Punisher losing a lot of blood, asking if she could hide him for a few days and make sure he was still breathing.

Y/N had followed Frank Castle's trial on television, like the whole city. She had heard about all the people he had killed, but also the people he had saved. She had heard what happened to his wife and children. And above all, she had read in all the newspapers that he was dead.

“Can you explain to me or are you going to tell me it’s better if I know as little as possible ?” she asked as she helped Karen place him on her couch.

"Actually, I don't know. I found him like this when I came home from work. Your apartment was closer, excuse me. He doesn't want a hospital, for obvious reasons, and I was afraid he wouldn't manage to get to my place."

"Okay. Just promise me he won't jump on me when he wakes up."

“Frank is very nice, don’t worry.”

'Nice' probably wouldn't have been the first word Y/N, or anyone, would have used when talking about the Punisher, but Karen was pretty good at judging people, and that was out of the question to leave him to die anyway.

Even if she managed to see the good in him, it still seemed a bit exaggerated and even very optimistic that Karen would decide to leave Frank Castle unconscious in a stranger's house. She took the time to write a little note, telling Y/N that she could show him if he didn't trust her, but repeating that everything would be fine.

If he didn't have a reason to hurt her, he wouldn't hurt her. Really very reassuring.

Sure enough, the Punisher woke up in a panic as Y/N was making dinner, looking around with wary eyes and grimacing when he saw her. His first instinct was not to attack her but to try to flee, but his injury did not allow him to reach the door, his path ending in the middle of the living room.

“Karen warned me this would happen.” Y/N sighed, hesitating to put down her knife.

"Who are you ? Where am I ? Where is Karen ?"

“In order, I'm Y/N, you're at my house, and Karen had a job emergency so I'm babysitting for her.”

“I don’t need a fucking babysitter.” he groaned, holding his leg.

"Look, you don't want to be here, I'm not really happy about it either, but if you let me help you, you can leave quickly."

"I'm leaving now."

"Oh, no way ! I promised Karen I wouldn't let you die and I feel like you're just as stupid as Matt, so you're going to rest your ass on the couch, you're going to eat, then I'll see if you haven't reopened your wound !'

"… Yes Ma'am."

The terrible Punisher then began to look like a little lost dog, speaking little and accepting the plate that Y/N offered him, thanking her with a nod, his big black eyes following her as soon as she moved in the room.

He insisted that he could take care of his leg, but just one look made him shut up again, letting Y/N do what she wanted, since he obviously had no choice.

"I'm not a doctor, but between your broken ribs, the bullet that was in your leg, and the other marks on your body, I will say that it would be best for you to rest for a few days before you start punishing people again."

“No time to wait.”

"That wasn't a suggestion, doctor's orders."

“You just said you’re not a doctor.” he said with a smirk.

“I’ll tie you to the bed if I have to.”

“I’d love to see you try.”

In the end, his leg was causing him too much pain and Karen had forbidden him to move over the phone, it was decided that Frank Castle would stay with Y/N ​​for at least a week. He seemed to be the most annoyed by the situation.

Both women were right about him : he was nice, and he was like Matt. He didn't like asking for help, and he was afraid of putting innocent people in danger by his mere presence.

Yes, he had tried to find Karen when he was injured, but Karen knew how to defend herself, and he would have found a way to convince her to let him go. He didn’t know Y/N. He didn't like the idea of ​​intruding into her home, into her life, into her world, even if Red wasn't far away.

"I also know how to defend myself if necessary, Mr. Castle."

"Of course Miss. And it's Frank."

“I can do the dishes by myself too, Frank.”

“I have no doubt about that, but I’m squatting on your couch, it’s the least I can do.”

A week might not seem like much, but aside from her colleagues and the trio, Y/N didn't see many people. This daily proximity to Frank made the atmosphere strange.

He always spoke little, almost never about himself, hiding his wounds like a proud animal, but being interested in her, not missing an opportunity to help her around the apartment as a sign of gratitude, and listening to her talk about her days with patience and sympathy.

It was almost difficult when his condition allowed him to leave. They had gotten used to each other and the separation gave them as much pleasure as their meeting.

Still looking like a puppy who didn't know how to behave, Frank gave her his number, just in case, taking hers if he needed to check on her. He wouldn't call her for a favor, it wasn't like him.

Obviously, his style was to stop giving any news at all and to completely disappear from people's lives.

Y/N could try to understand. He was dead in the eyes of society, he had a complicated past, his main occupation was murdering criminals… But all the same, a little message from time to time wasn't complicated.

The worst part was that he was in contact with Karen. Her friend seemed surprised that he hadn't contacted her. According to her, Frank loved her very much.

"He's shy, that stupid man. I'll tell him to call you."

"No, that's not necessary. I'm glad to know he's okay."

"Don't be ridiculous, you want to talk. He also asked me about you, I should have known he would do that."

Y/N probably should have too, but because in hindsight she didn't see why someone like Frank Castle would want to keep in touch with her. She had been useful, nothing more. Next to Karen, beautiful, intelligent Karen who he had known for a long time, Y/N didn't stand a chance.

There was also his family, for whom he had sacrificed everything. If he was only "friends" with Karen, there had to be a reason and that was because he refused to betray his dead wife.

This enchanted parenthesis of a week had been nothing other than a parenthesis.

It was stupid to be so sad for a man she had only seen for a week. And yet, Y/N was sad. So sad that she didn't pay attention to the time while having a drink at Josie's.

No doubt she forgot that despite the presence of Daredevil, Hell's Kitchen remained a dangerous place. Matt couldn't be everywhere.

So it wouldn't have been a surprise when she was followed by two guys, who cornered her in an alley and threatened her with a knife so that she would give them her bag. Then one of them looked at her with a funny look and licked his lips, and she tried to run away.

Before they could touch her, the first one had his head smashed against the wall. The other screamed, trying to defend himself with his knife, but the weapon ended up in his leg, and he was knocked out with a punch.

Slowly so as not to frighten her further, Frank helped her up, checking her for injuries and returning her things.

"Are you alright ?"

"Yes. I was careless."

“Not your fault, sweetheart.”

"I guess we're even now." she tried to joke, while sobbing. Y/N hoped he would think it was because of the shock, and not because she thought she wouldn't see him again afterwards.

This didn't make him laugh. He looked at her with his sad, worried eyes, shyly rubbing her shoulder as he listened to her breathing, waiting for her to calm down.

Then still without a word, he took out his coat to put it on her shoulders before walking her home.

There, he only left her when she was sitting on the sofa, to go get her a glass of water, letting go of it when he was sure she was holding it well, and remaining kneeling on the floor right next to her.

"… Karen said you were angry. Because I didn't call." he whispered, his eyes stopping from staring at her for a second.

"Karen is talking nonsense. I'm a big girl, and you owed me nothing. Nothing at all. I was happy to help you, and stupid to think that… Thanks for saving me. You don't have to stay."

Silence returned, but Frank didn't move. He stayed until she finished her glass, then until she was done shaking and crying, his hand never leaving hers.

But he still didn't move. And in that moment, Y/N wondered if he too had been disappointed when their week together was over.

Maybe Karen was right, he was shy, and he didn't want to put her in danger by staying in contact with her. As stubborn and insufferable as Matthew. And also nice. Why else would he have been there to protect her ?

"It's not a good idea." he suddenly muttered, closing his eyes.

"What ?"

Frank sighed, seeing that she might cry again. He could have left right away, because he didn't think his presence was a good idea, and probably he was right. No doubt it was ridiculous to love the Punisher.

But continuing to mutter, he stood up slightly, pressing his forehead against hers. Now he held both hers hands, looking desperate, opening pleading eyes.

He couldn't stay, but that didn't mean he didn't want to more than anything in the world.

"It's not a good idea." he repeated, however, as if to force himself to move, to remember his course of action, and he was quickly on his feet, ready to leave.

“Frank…”

"No."

“Frank…”

The door was closed as quickly as it had been opened and in an instant Frank was there again, kissing her like a thirsty man who had just found an oasis in the middle of the desert.

But the moment was furtive, almost a mirage, because the soldier quickly shook his head, swearing and saying again that it really wasn't a good idea, before fleeing the apartment.

Y/N could have been mad at him for that. But she was too busy touching hers lips, thinking that if he had kissed her against his principles, maybe Frank Castle loved her enough to come back.

This idea stayed with her, after she received a message just before going to sleep. Simple message, which made her smile.

"I was happy too. You're not stupid. Good night."

Yes, they would probably see each other again. In secret, at times when she wouldn't expect to find him in her apartment. But she was a bit used to Matt, Foggy and Karen. This wouldn't be a problem at all.

[that-trans-autistic-guy]

DBD as Random Quotes I Have From AO3 Shit (edited to fit what I want)

Charles: I'm not Edwin's keeper. Crystal: No? When did you quit?

Edwin + Charles: But if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck then the ducks are dating

Not a Single Character: Therapy creating functioning adults! Yay!

Charles: What's one more dumb decision?

Jenny: I am now someone who allows herself to want things and I want a goddamn Pop Tart.

Edwin to Charles, ep 5: You're about as subtle as a brick in the face

Edwin: Edwardian England (and associated baggage)

Esther: You're short and seventeen, you have no chance

The Whole Agency: Clown to Clown Communication

The Sprites: You're all Morons The Sprites, the second Niko pays attention to them: Not you Niko, you're an angel and we're lucky to have you

Esther: Can't blame a whore for trying

Crystal, pre-agency: I threw glass in my friend's eyes and now I'm on probation

Charles: Crab walking into emotional honesty

Edwin: I've been reliably informed I am also an asshole

Charles: Some call it an anxiety disorder, I call it diligence

The boys in Port Townsend: America Sucks. Boo. Two Thumbs Down

Charles, in PT trying to be optimistic: When you've hit rock bottom the only way to go is OH SHIT NOT THAT WAY?!?!?

Monty: He is, of course, a lying liar who lies

Charles when asked how he killed Esther's snake: Idk I just kicked his ass man

Crystal when Edwin apologizes: The twilight zone was real, here and fucking terrifying

Jenny: Oh you paternal fucker

Jenny: She's never been the father of so many idiots

The Boys: If Edwin jumped off a bridge, Charles would do a backflip right after him

The Entire Show: There's drama there's angst there's gayness!

Esther: But no she just had to be a little bitch

[couldawouldashoulda50]

The Rabbit versus Kevin Fiala

A/N - A little while ago (well, yes, months ago), I saw a post from one of the best storytellers I have ever been blessed to encounter, and she was searching for more Tumblr content about her beloved Fifi, Kevin Fiala of the LA Kings. Another amazing and talented writer had released some fics, however, it seemed there were only two writers as of late that had showcased this beautiful Swiss man. I'm not an terribly experienced fic writer, but I thought it might be a good way to challenge myself and peel myself away from my own beautiful muse.

So here I am, on the precipice of actually finishing what turned into a whole series for @ladylooch, with new father, 2024 MVP of the Worlds, and from what I have seen, just an all-out gorgeous man, inside and out (except I think B might tell you that he's a bit of a shit on the ice), Mr. Kevin Fiala. So, from Kevin's real world, to the AU of Sam and Kev, to the AAU of Kevin x reader by the wonderful @misshoneyimhome - I am pleased to present the Introduction and Part One of the AAAU of Kevin and Mariana.

I wanted to also say a big thank you to @misshoneyimhome - what can I say...whatever it is, I will not be enough to express how much I adore our interactions and how wonderful it is to have met you. Thank you for letting me just bounce ideas off of you and being so encouraging with every thought. And to you @ladylooch - you have truly created such a welcoming and safe space on here. Between the content that you put out and the warm, fun, lovely, dopamine-filled interactions, I am so grateful to have crossed-paths with you. All I can do is hope that you'll enjoy it.

Warnings - male masturbation, swearing, break-up of a bad relationship, alcohol Word count - 3.4k

Introduction - September, 2023

“Ah - fuck….yeah,” Kevin groaned as rapidly pumped the shaft of his cock.  

Through gritted teeth, followed by one long and loud moan, ribbons of semen spurt onto the towel Kevin had placed on his duvet.

He continued to gingerly stroke the end of his shaft as his breathing began to settle and he blinked away the slight dizziness that remained after his orgasm, wiping the remnants of cum off of his one hand.

Kevin glanced at the glowing digits from his bedside clock.  It was only 10:00 am and he had already accomplished most of his to-do list from his typical pre-training camp routine.  He thought if he had one more release that it might lighten his mood, but it only reminded him of the emptiness that surrounded him.

With a heavy sigh, Kevin traipsed toward the large ensuite bathroom wondering what the hell he was going to do for the remainder of his day.  

He turned on the water to the walk-in shower and he stepped towards the multi-directional shower heads, turning his body allowing the pulsating streams to massage his sore leg and back muscles; a direct result of his marathon run from earlier this morning.  Despite being focused and diligent with his off-season training routines, very few workouts strained his legs the way that a long run in the sand along Manhattan Beach did.

Kevin leaned his head back and ran his hands through his dripping hair as another deep sigh escaped from his mouth.  He seemed acutely aware that these long and drawn out sighs were a frequent occurrence lately and it began to annoy him.   

He had been back in Los Angeles for a mere week before Kevin’s initial excitement of the upcoming start of the season dissipated, and it shifted into a deep restlessness.  A restlessness that was like a breeding ground for uncertainty and frustration.  He was in a mental slump and that simply had to change before the beginning of the Kings training camp which was rapidly approaching.   

The trouble with being in a mood like this, which was a far cry from his usual optimistic, easy-going and confident self, was how to get out of it when nothing he tried seemed to work.

Kevin knew much of his unsettled feeling stemmed from the memory of his girlfriend dissolving their relationship months ago.  It was the day after Game 6, when the Edmonton Oilers stormed back winning 3 games in a row taking the Kings out of the 2023 playoffs.  If the timing seemed cruel for his now ex-girlfriend, Kristen, to carry out such a cold sentence, how Kevin was immediately and unceremoniously turned out of their home was the real low point.  The home she had convinced him to move into early in their relationship.  The home where Kristen often was absent, as her busy social-life, which she treated much like a career, left Kevin alone frequently when he wasn’t on the road with his team.  

To the outside world, Kevin and Kristen appeared to have exemplary union.

At the beginning, it was Kristen’s beauty, elegance and beguiling demeanour that attracted Kevin.  For her, it was Kevin’s gorgeous features and his magnetic personality that Kristen desired in a man. She was skilled with captivating any person in any room and with Kevin on her arm, he brought his own charm and allure to every party and social event they attended.     

But the harsh reality was their relationship was nothing more than smoke and mirrors.  Kevin felt the physical and emotional emptiness, even when Kristen was around, but he put great stock in the people he surrounded himself with and his relationships with them. As such, Kevin patiently kept trying to force that square peg into a round hole, inevitably to his own detriment.  

Once Kristen had pulled the proverbial guillotine on their relationship, Kevin fled to Europe as fast as he could once the team’s locker clean out was done to join Team Switzerland as a late, but welcomed, roster addition in the 2023 IIHF World Championships.  As it went, Kevin and the Swiss team were knocked out in the Quarterfinals.  Kevin felt more broken in that moment than he ever had in his life.  He sought solace in the familiar and hopped on the first available flight to Sweden.  

Kevin spent his offseason much like he had always done, splitting his time between Gȍthenburg and visiting friends and family in Switzerland.  The rest and relaxation had rejuvenated him and Kevin was raring to get back to LA and get his life back on track.

After his trade from the Wild to the Kings, Kevin discovered he thoroughly enjoyed living in Los Angeles.  He never failed to appreciate the sun, surf and the limitless outdoor activities that greatly appealed to him.  

However, once Kevin and Kristen began their life together under one roof, Kristen began to dictate how he spent his time when he wasn’t on the road, or on the ice prepping for home games.  It was as though every moment of his downtime belonged to Kristen and she would constantly cajole Kevin into attending high profile events with her.  He had learned the hard way what her reaction would be if he pushed back and said no.   

Kevin would tell himself or confide in a close teammate that his and Kristen’s relationship wasn’t all bad.  But in the end, the truth was that Kevin felt a sense of relief deep within when she told him it was over and he needed to leave.  

What bothered Kevin in that moment is that he no longer felt relieved, relaxed or rejuvenated.  He felt completely unsettled and restless since his return to Los Angeles.

As he stood in the glass enclosure of the shower while plumes of steam spread throughout the bathroom, he felt the restlessness shift to agitation.  Kevin quickly washed his hair and the rest of his tanned body, shut off the water, ripped the heavy cotton bath sheet from the towel rod and wrapped it around his midriff as he stormed back into his bedroom.  

He had no idea where he was going to go to, but he knew he had to get the fuck out of his temporary abode, where everything was unfamiliar and frankly, pissing him off.  

Kevin dressed quickly, pulling on a loose cotton t-shirt, shorts and opted for light sneakers.  A rare September heat-wave had hit LA in the past few days where temperatures were reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit by noon.  Kevin had learned quickly that wearing flip flops in the sweltering climate during a heat-wave in Southern California virtually was the same as walking barefoot on the scorching pavement. Blistered feet in skates would not be ideal.

The sun’s brightness blinded him almost immediately as Kevin exited the house, and the extreme heat bit at his dark skin.   He quickly hopped into his vehicle; the thick air felt suffocating to him as he pressed the ignition button and opted to open the windows and blast the A/C, while pulling out of the driveway with the slight sound of screeching tires.  

Having no set destination or direction, Kevin just followed the road signs that lead the way to certain local attractions.  His initial idea of just driving until something interesting caught his eye was fruitless from the onset with traffic in the area being at a nightmarish standstill.  Jammed roadways is the main curse of living within close proximity of the beach.  

Kevin veered onto Artesia Boulevard which was far less congested and just drove.  Fast food restaurants and strip malls as far as the eye could see.  Still, he might as well get to know the area if he intends to stay in the rental house he was living in, until a place more to his liking becomes available.  

Kevin drove in silence looking around every so often to make a mental note of a certain store or restaurant for future reference.  

Driving into North Redondo, Kevin spotted a large shopping mall in the distance.  Walking around in a mall wasn’t exactly what he had in mind for a mood-lifter, but without a better idea entering his head, he drove towards the entrance to the South Bay Galleria shopping centre.

Part One - The Meet Cute

A wall of heat hit Kevin as he stepped out of his Porsche, which he intentionally parked at the very back of the lot.  Always thinking about evolving training methods, and with no one in sight, he decided to alternate sprinting and walking towards the entrance, using the heavy air as a breathing regulating tool.  Kristen always appeared irritated whenever he would spontaneously incorporate a somewhat inconspicuous training method while they walked anywhere, so as a mental fuck-you, Kevin continued to bounce and bound as he maneuvered through the parked cars.  

As Kevin entered the mall, and with all the smells, sights and sounds converging, he actually felt his agitation begin to dissipate. 

 Meandering along and simply enjoying the leisurely pace of window shopping, Kevin eventually spotted an AMC movie theatre.  He smiled to himself; he hadn’t seen a movie in a theatre in longer than forever, and today was as good a day as any.    

Looking at the movies currently showing in the illuminated displays, he set his sights on a comedy which was on its last run, and conveniently was starting shortly.

Kevin purchased a ticket at the kiosk, and even allowed himself a large bag of buttered popcorn and a drink, and proceeded into the semi-dark gallery.  Unsurprisingly, given it was noon on a Tuesday, there were only a handful of people spread throughout the theatre.

Kevin spotted a comfortable leather recliner slightly off centre from the screen in the second to last row.  He settled in his seat and pondered that this indeed was a great antidote to the uneasiness he had been experiencing. 

He quietly munched on some popcorn and pulled out his phone, ensuring the volume was off, and quickly scrolled through various social feeds as well as his text messages.  Only two new texts, both from Anže Kopitar, the LA Kings long-serving captain, appeared.  The first message welcomed Kevin back and to confirm he was joining the rest of the team at a pre-season get-together at Anže’s house the following day.  The second message asked if Kristen was joining him.  Kevin clenched his jaw at the mere thought of his ex-girlfriend, and made a mental note to respond to the texts once he arrived back home.  

Scanning the others that were already seated in the theatre when Kevin came in, his eyes fell upon a woman sitting alone two rows down to his left.  There was something about the way she sat; her shoulders low and she seemed to be lost in thought, just staring straight ahead into the darkness.

He watched her as she sat, only moving to gently swipe her fingers across her cheek.  Her long hair was braided and pulled through the back of a baseball cap, and the brim cast a dark shadow over her face.  

Kevin looked away after a few moments, but his eyes kept redirecting back towards her.  It didn’t seem like she was waiting for anyone; she just stared straight ahead, never once looking towards the entrance of the theatre in anticipation of anyone’s arrival.  

When he heard a faint sniffle from her direction, alongside another gentle swipe of her cheek, Kevin decided to approach her.

Armed with his snack and drink, he descended the steps to the woman's row and cautiously made his way towards her.  

“Excuse me…I’m sorry for interrupting but I just wanted to see if you're OK….and whether this seat is taken?” Kevin asked with apprehension.

The woman looked up at Kevin's face and she smiled faintly at his hopeful expression.  

Well, this is unusual she thought to herself.

Nodding her head, she replied "be my guest” motioning with her hand to have a seat.

She discreetly wiped her cheek again to ensure no tears were visible.

As he sat, Kevin tried to think of the least creepy way of asking if she was alone.  “I really hope you don’t think I'm a complete weirdo, I just - I'm here alone and I couldn’t figure out if anyone was joining you, so I thought I’d ask.”

She thought for a moment before responding.  “With the way my day began, having some weirdo sit next to me in an empty theatre…that might be the most normal part of my day so far,” the woman quipped as she flashed a slightly wider grin.  

“So….you do think I'm one - a weirdo, I mean?”

A very handsome one she mused.

“Well….I'm not quite sure yet there, Rico Suavé.  Anyway, I don't mind weirdos…as long as you're not going to kidnap me or murder me, I think I'll live to see tomorrow,” she chuckled.

Kevin laughed and then paused.

“Wait - what’d you call me?  Rico what?” he smiled with a slight laugh, unsure of what the reference meant.

“Oh….sorry, hmmm…I called you Rico Suavé” she giggled.  “It just slipped out,” she added apologetically .

Raising an eyebrow, Kevin asked, “So…what does that mean exactly?”

The woman smiled and put her hand over her face, slightly embarrassed.  

“Please don't take offence- it's just me today…” she chuckled, shaking her head.  “It’s just your moustache…”, she said, gently grazing the top of her lip with her finger “and your olive skin, it made me think ‘Rico Suavé’, which is sort of like a smooth talking Latin-romancer type….” she smiled widely as she continued to shake her head, still mildly embarrassed.

“Ha - ok….ouch…,” Kevin said as he feigned being hurt by the reference.

“No - oh my gosh - I totally didn’t mean that as an insult…although I do feel very few men can carry off that lip sweater you got there…so think of it more as a compliment,” the woman  laughed.  

Kevin blushed and took a sip of his drink.  “Alright - I guess I’ll believe you…and yes, it is a pretty magnificent moustache, if I do say so myself,” Kevin said proudly.

Kevin looked at the woman and sensed how her eyes, still mostly shielded by the brim of her cap, lingered on his mouth.  He was immediately intrigued by her, for even in the low lighting of the theatre, he had begun to see the contours of a naturally stunning face.   

The woman reached over, extending her hand towards Kevin.

“I’m Mariana - it’s really nice to meet you…”.

“Kevin,” he said, shaking her hand, slightly surprised but equally impressed by her firm grip.  

The two briefly looked towards the blank theatre screen as each of them thought of something to say next.  

“So - what are you….” Mariana and Kevin asked, posing the question in unison before trailing off into bashful giggles.  

“You go first,” Kevin smiled, offering Mariana some of his popcorn.

She hesitated but Kevin gave a slight nod of his head encouraging her to help herself.  

She dipped her hand into the bag and pulled out a meagre handful.  

“Just wondering what brought you here alone on a Tuesday?” Mariana asked before dropping a few popped kernels into her mouth. 

“It’s not exactly an interesting answer - I was just out for a drive and wound up here,” Kevin shrugged.  “And you?” he asked, leaning his head back slightly to deposit a handful of popcorn in his mouth.

Mariana couldn’t help but to notice how Kevin slightly tongued the popcorn before releasing the pieces into his mouth.  His stock was quickly rising from handsome tto absolutely gorgeous.  

“I’m on a date….” Mariana replied as Kevin sat up a little straighter, a look of confusion on his face.  

“With myself…just to clarify.  I’m sort of….celebrating.” Mariana said as she helped herself to another small handful of popcorn.  

“A date with yourself….and how’s it going?” Kevin asked playfully.  

“Oh well - hey….I’ve only cried once so far which is an improvement…,” Mariana laughed as she poked fun at herself.  

Kevin looked away trying to suppress his amusement at her own admission. 

“All kidding aside, I am celebrating…a new beginning, I guess.  I put ink to paper this morning finalising the buyout from the company I built….with my former partner, as in both business and personal,” Mariana explained.  “I guess I’m just dealing with the disbelief from how this all transpired, but…c’est la vie,” she said quietly, looking back towards the theatre screen.  

“Oh…shit….I am really sorry to hear that,” Kevin said sympathetically.  Kevin paused before deciding to commiserate.  “And…for what it’s worth, I’m sort of in a new beginnings stage of my own…I’ve just had a little more time to process it all, I guess”.    

Mariana pondered for a moment as she looked into Kevin’s kind eyes, and she reached down and slid an object out from a side pant pocket.  

She looked around the theatre and when it appeared the smattering of people were fully engrossed in their own little worlds, she showed Kevin the silver flask in her hand.  

“Here’s to new beginnings, Rico…”, Mariana whispered and motioned for him to do a “cheers” with his cup and offered him a sip from the flask.  

Mariana continued.  “I promise you, this is just a “today” thing, haven’t done it before and likely won’t again,” she said confidently.  

Kevin peered over his shoulder and gently opened the flask.  It wasn’t long before the distinct but pleasant aroma filtered up to Kevin’s nose.  

He leaned over a little closer to Mariana.  “What is this - what’s in here?” as he lifted the flask once more to his nose trying to pinpoint the scent.  

“Compliments of my ex.  It’s a rare Código Tequila.  He bought it as a parting gift for me…he just doesn’t know it yet,” Mariana said wryly.  “Try some…it’s very good,” she smiled.

Kevin discreetly took a healthy sip and closed his eyes as the smooth taste hit every taste bud on his tongue.  

The two shared another quick sip as the screen suddenly came alive and the speakers boomed announcing the coming attractions.  

After viewing a number of movie trailers, the pair laughed as Kevin confidently blurted out the answers to the movie trivia questions that subsequently followed, in which he guessed exactly zero out of the five questions correctly.  

His deep restlessness from earlier had seemingly turned into a blessing of sorts.  Whatever it was that drew him into this very theatre on that particular day and subsequently meeting Mariana, the burden of his lows over the last few months had evaporated.  

Kevin glanced at Mariana just as the movie began and smiled. 

Mariana’s eyes remained fixed on the screen while she reciprocated the smile, and with a slight giggle, she gently nudged Kevin’s elbow, coaxing him to start watching the movie instead of looking at her.  

By the end of the movie, the popcorn bag was empty along with Kevin’s pop, but the flask remained untouched.  The few sips that they each enjoyed before the movie began did not impair either of them, but what the expensive tequila did allow was a level of comfort to grow between the two.  So much so that they decided to walk the mall together afterwards since neither Kevin or Mariana had any pressing plans for the remainder of the day.  Coming up next - Part 2 - New Beginnings

[elecmon]

Not to completely change the subject but I'm getting the stitches removed from another mole extraction for, haha and get this, get that Womp Womp noise machine ready!!

Potentially mmoooorrreeeeee skin c*ncerrrrrrrrr. Ahahahaaaaaaaahhhh

Anyway getting them cut off in 7ish hours, and to no one's surprised I'm too stressed out to sleep

Got an email earlier today that the results of the testing are in, so at least that can get over with too (originally they had said it was gonna be a 12~14 day wait, but the stitches would be removed in 10 days)

[bombshellsandbluebells]

love how s3 Jamie is like on a mission to fix Colin’s self-esteem. “smart choice for a smart boy” the hugs. being one of the first members of the team to reassure Colin they love him after he came out. grabbing him to tell him what a great job he did at multiple points in the season. long way from “jaundiced worm”

[beanghostprincess]

Do you ever think about the fact that like, we know NOTHING about buggy? Yes of course we all know the devil fruit thing and how he was on Rogers crew, but the sheer amount we DONT know? Insane.

1 How the frick did he get on rogers crew?? Did roger kidnap the poor the kid? Did buggy just stowaway or something? Roger wouldnt take on anybody so there has to be a reason.

2 No one else looks like buggy except maybe vivi. Is buggy some long forgotten race? Is he actually royalty but their whole race was wiped out? Is it just a genetic mutation? I NEED ANSWERS ODA

3 WHO ARE HIS FAMILY?! Who are his parents or if he has siblings or cousins??? Did they disown him or did he runaway????

4 This is a personal preference but there is NO WAY buggy is as dumb as he plays. You can’t be that stupid and still be a successful captain/businessman/leader/yonko. Whatchu hiding buggy???

5 Where did the circus act come from? When he was on rogers ship there was no circusy makeup or any mention of things related to the circus, the only thing we have about that is that buggy wore bright clothes, but ROGER wore bright clothes. So did he join a circus after he and shanks broke up?? Is there a backstory there??

6 Last one I promise. Does anyone else think it’s a little strange that there are only two people in the series that wear clown makeup and one of them has nothing to do with the circus? Rosinante and buggy have extremely similar makeup, did they know eachother? Rosinante had no reason to wear clown makeup except maybe as a disguise, what the heck was that about???

7 Okok, last one last one. Did Oda say who he based buggy on? We know that almost every character in one piece is based on someone in real life or a myth. But we don’t know who buggy, an OG of the story, is based on. Little strange don’t you think? Oda?? HMMMM?

Mmm, I agree with you in the fact that we actually lack A LOT of information about Buggy's story (and also Shanks', but that's wayyy more plausible to be told in more detail than Buggy's) and I wish we knew more about where he comes from. But I think I can answer some stuff you mentioned!!!

4. Buggy is not playing dumb in any moment. He is directly not dumb at all and he has been shown countless times being of the most strategic characters in the manga. The one thing that holds him back is not being confident in himself because he still keeps the burden of living under Shanks' shadow on his shoulders so he often acts cowardly and seemingly without any goal at all but to survive. After chapter 1082, though, I think we will see wayyy more of him acting like a boss and following his dream and showing his true abilities. It's not that he's playing dumb, it's that he doesn't let himself be brave and now that he's on the same level as Shanks, he can do whatever he wants (if Mihawk and Crocodile let him lmao). And the reason why so many people follow him despite Buggy constantly saying he doesn't want to be seen this way because he sees himself as a loser who keeps pretending to be great, it's just that he's... Great. He just doesn't see it but he has an inherent effect on people when he gets serious. Being a failguy doesn't make you any less of a genius.

5/6. Actually, I believe we won't really get an answer to that. Perhaps we do if we get another flashback but maybe it's just character design and that's pretty much it. There must be something about wearing clown makeup as a mask of their true personality and yadda yadda yadda but that's for another day.

And about Buggy's past and the theory about him being a Nefertari: It's a pretty good theory and I actually really like it, keeping in mind how much influence both Buggy and Vivi's family are having lately in the manga. But I am not really sure about that being true and I am not even sure either if we we'll get any Buggy flashback at all. So I guess we will just have to wait and see what Oda does!!!

[iwonderwh0]

There's so little powerful ai villains, something like "I have no mouth" gained cult status just because there's really quite nothing with similar concept to compete with it. I feel like it just got lucky to take a place that was otherwise empty and was awaiting something like this in terms of idea with realisation being completely irrelevant.

I don't find it any good tho, and I mean at all. it was among the most disappointing pieces of media I've read, it's like an episode of a black mirror times ten (and I use this metric purely as an insult). I find its trending status frustrating and kinda wonder if those who claim to love it actually love the piece itself or just the vague idea of what it is about. Maybe it's just hard for me to believe that something I hated upon reading so much is actually genuinely loved for what it actually is.

[cherrywhite]

New Silt Verses Tomorrow (🫣😳) which means we will be one episode closer to the finale in July (screaming, crying!!!)

So. In honor of the incoming finale, send me your predictions of what you think will happen in the last three episodes (not the last four, since I won't be able to finish this before tomorrow lol) and I'll make a fandom bingo board for the last three eps with the top predictions!!

[averlym]

from this post by @caligulas--aquarium

(if she keeps this up, she might even get a real desk!)

[gorillawithautism]

i share my thoughts expecting to engage in genuine discussion. instead i get people misinterpreting my words, dismissing my feelings, and generally being dickish about it. thanks. very helpful.

[cheekblush]

i'd rather be friendless than to constantly have my boundaries disrespected

[weafurry]

ykw tumblr gets me gushing about this too. SUMMER SCHOOL CLASSES OFFICIALLY DONE!!

Im so fucking happy man . this is genuinely the first time since MIDDLE SCHOOL that I've gotten through an entire school year without failing a single class. if all goes according to plan i start school back up in august and graduate in december of 2024 :)

[i3utterflyeffect]

also i do think about the color gang responding to everything that happens around the start of the au a lot. just them trying to make alan feel better and them also showing him things they couldn't have shown him and doing things they couldn't have done together when he was on the other side of the screen <3