#i enjoyed the process which was very refreshing

[m00ncury]

style experiment ft draculura my beloved

[asylummint]

Can I request headcanons for Astarion, Gale, Wyll, and Halsin with oblivious gn s/o?

Absolutely! goodness i love Baldur's gate man

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

Astarion:

Astarion is initially drawn to his oblivious significant other's innocence and purity, finding it intriguing and captivating compared to the darkness of his own past. He's enchanted by their untainted view of the world, which serves as a stark contrast to his jaded outlook.

Despite their obliviousness, Astarion finds his significant other's innocence endearing and feels a very strong desire to protect them, he often shielding them from the harsh realities of the world with his wit and charm.

Astarion employs a mix of subtle hints and playful teasing to catch his significant others attention, enjoying the challenge of unraveling their obliviousness while finding amusement in their innocent reactions.

He struggles to hide his genuine emotions in the presence of his significant other, his usual charm giving way to moments of vulnerability and sincerity as he opens up about his past and his fears for the future.

Astarion enjoys engaging in daring escapades and thrilling adventures with his significant other, relishing the opportunity to share his world with them and watch them discover it with fresh eyes, all while feeling a sense of protectiveness and affection for their innocence.

Gale:

Gale is drawn to his significant others lack awareness at first. He finds it both amusing and endearing compared to his own intellectual pursuits. He's fascinated by their ability to find joy and wonder in the simplest of things, which is a refreshing break from his scholarly endeavors.

Gale finds his significant others innocence refreshing and he very much enjoys engaging with them in deep conversations and philosophical debates, eager to broaden their horizons and challenge their perspectives.

Gale employs his vast knowledge and eloquence to catch their significant other's attention, often engaging them into thought provoking discussions that leave them pondering long after their conversations end, all while admiring their genuine curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

he struggles to hide his fascination and admiration for his significant other, his usual composure giving way to moments of genuine warmth and affections as he finds himself always drawn to them.

gale enjoys sharing his knowledge and insights with his significant other, relishing the opportunity to inspire and enlighten them as they navigate the complexities of life together.

Wyll:

Wyll is initially drawn to his significant others genuine kindness and sincerity, finding it both refreshing and endearing compared to the world around them. He's touch by their capacity for empathy and compassion which serves as a light in the darkness.

Wyll finds his significant others innocence charming and feels a strong desire to support them in any endeavors, he often serves as their steadfast ally and champion in the face of adversity.

Wyll employs acts of bravery and selflessness to catch his significant others attention, often placing their well-being above his own and earning their admirations and gratitude in the process, all while marveling at their unwavering faith and optimism.

He struggles to hide his loyalty and want for affection from his significant other, his usual bravado giving away to moments where he's strikingly vulnerable and very tender.

Wyll enjoys engaging in shared hobbies and activities with his significant other, he cherishes the simple moments and strengthening their connection through simple things.

Halsin:

Halsin is intrigued by his significant others innocence and lack of awareness, he finds it both endearing and startling compared to his own deep connection to nature. He's captivated by their purity of heart and their ability to see beauty everywhere, much like himself.

Halsin has a very strong urge to teach his significant other about the wonders of nature, while all the same protecting them

Halsin employs acts of nature magic and serenity to catch his significant others attention, often using his connection to the elements to create moments of awe and wonder that leave them spellbound, all while admiring their capacity for wonder and curiosity.

Halsin is very in tune with his emotions and sees no reason in trying to hide them, he loves having moments of quiet appreciation and affection as he is always drawn to their innocence and purity.

Halsin enjoys exploring the wonders of wilderness with his significant other, relishing the opportunity to share his deep connection to nature with them and deepen their bond as their journey together, all while feeling a profound sense of peace and contentment in their presence.

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

woo!!! another one down! i love writing for these guys man i love baldurs gate much!!!

[ezziefae]

My thoughts on The Prisoner's Throne.

(spoilers ahead, and talk about Holly Black's planned book)

ps: I finished this book in one sitting on release day and needed days to process everything, that's why this is a late post. Enjoy!!!!

Heather and Vivi

Where were Heather and Vivi? They were present in the prologue but then they vanished. I was excited to see Vivi become friends with Wren, especially after the rude comments she made towards Wren in TQON. I wonder why Holly excluded them from everything after the prologue, such as the family drama scene at the feast. However, I appreciated how they were mentioned in the story, particularly when we learned that Oak and Heather's mom are close, and that Oak would sleep at their house.

Oak abdicating as heir

So yeah, Jude and Cardan have given Oak permission to resign from the throne as heir, and obviously Oak is taking that opportunity to do just that, just not yet….he has to stay heir for months since Jude and Cardan are going away together. I always knew Jude and Cardan were going to stay as High King and Queen of Elfhame, but only because Oak married Wren and therefore became King of the Ice Needle Citadel, but that didn't happen…Jude is letting him step down because she knows he's grown, and wants him to make his own choices, which is great. If Oak resigns, Jude and Cardan will need to have a child to maintain the royal lineage. So, it's VERY possible that we may see a Jurdan baby in the future.

political problem (Holly Black's next faerie book)

So finally we know what the next book will be about. We know that Jude and Cardan have plans to go to the Undersea. That was the plan Holly Black has been teasing at us for a long time now. This means we’re getting another Elfhame book (Holly didn't say an "Undersea book", she said "Elfhame" even though it's going to be set in the Undersea). In an interview online, Holly Black states that this book will possibly be a stand-alone. Many fans are speculating that this book is going to be a Nicasia POV, but from reading the interviews from Holly I believe it’s going to be either a Jude or Cardan POV (maybe even both). This would make sense since Holly has said many times that she's planning to give us more Jurdan, and that Jude still has a lot of story in her. The Prisoner's Throne leaves us with many unanswered questions, such as what happens to the Ghost, if Oak gets married, news about Wren and her family, and whether Jude and Cardan have children. A standalone book to wrap up these loose ends would be very needed.

Cardan saving and being protective of Jude

Do you guys remember the post I made about Cardan fighting alongside Jude? and how he will not sit on the sidelines to watch her fight? Fans who know Cardan well already knew this to be true, but this book further proved this. This isn’t the first time has Cardan stepped in front of Jude to save her from being impaled. My man sacrificed himself so Jude wouldn't get hurt. Many times during the Stolen Heir duology Cardan has been called a coward, but mannn he's no coward, he will protect those he loves dearly, it was so refreshing to get more of his protective side in this book.

Taryn and The ghost

Since TQON, fans have been speculating that Garrett and Taryn are involved in a romantic relationship. Although it wasn't confirmed in the book, The Prisoner's Throne offered some insight into this. We find out that Heather, Vivi, and Oak have all speculated about it. Furthermore, Oak reveals that even after 10 years, The Ghost has remained close to Taryn and her child Leander. In one chapter of TPT, The Ghost has a serious conversation with Oak, but when Leander interrupts them, Oak notices that The Ghost becomes a different person around Taryn's son. He changes his behavior and has an indulgent smile towards the boy. I personally find it adorable, and after all the hardships The Ghost has been through, I believe he deserves to find happiness, even if it's with Taryn of all people.

The Ghost’s tragedy *sobs into pillow*

I never expected The Ghost to become such a prominent character in the book. It was amazing how I started to develop an emotional attachment to the Ghost throughout the book, only for him to end up turning into a tree by the end. The chapter where the family feasts and Lady Elaine and the Ghost are found dead was pure chaos and full of royal family drama. I had such a good time reading that part, until the Ghost turned into a tree. Also, going back to the topic of the Ghost and Taryn, I feel bad for Taryn even though I know she is a terrible character. It was heartbreaking to see Taryn sob and hold the Ghost while he was slowly dying (We didn't get word from Taryn that they were dating but I think that part was enough comfirmation that they were indeed lovers). As far as we know, Taryn and the Ghost did not get a happy ending in this book :(

ps: This is why I believe holly black's next book will be a Jurdan POV, because the only way we get to know about the ghost is through them. Nicasia is not close to Wren, Oak, the Ghost, or Taryn, we will never get insight on what happens to them if this next book is a Nicasia POV. Also I've been hearing as of 3/12/24 that Holly might possibly write a Jurdan dual POV, so...more reason to believe that it will definitely not be a Nicasia POV.

Taryn Vs Wren

It's funny how Holly decided to create a lot of family issues in the second book of the duology. Many fans believe that this duology should have been a three-part series to resolve these issues. One major problem is that Taryn dislikes Wren and holds her responsible for what happened to The Ghost. Oak's family is also not very fond of Wren. It would have been nice to see a moment in the book where Oak's family and Wren could have worked together and gotten along, but that didn't happen. If Oak and Wren plan to get married, I hope that they can resolve these issues between them all.

Cardan VS Taryn

It shocked me that after 10 years of them being brother and sister in law, that they still don’t get along. I think Taryn was wrong to feel like she had to protect The Ghost from Cardan when he was only trying to help. In fact, it annoyed me a bit. While Cardan was respectful towards Taryn, he had every right to dislike her, unlike Taryn who had no reason to dislike Cardan. Moreover, I would like to mention the moment when they found the ghost almost dead and Cardan ignored Taryn and answered Jude instead, Cardan being petty to Taryn in the most respectful way is hilarious. I think that moment perfectly sums up their relationship.

Wren’s Family

Although I’m happy Wren's sister Bex reunited with Wren, I was very much expecting to get more closure from that, like seeing Wren's entire family together reunite in the book. It feels like that left a huge void at the end of the book.

Wren’s Transformation

Okay, that was absolutely shocking. Holly mentioned in one of her interviews that there would be a transformation in the book, and I guess that was it. Wren now has beautiful wings. Can someone please draw a picture of Wren with wings? Also, can you imagine what Oak and Wren's children would look like if they ever had any? Their child would have blue skin, hooves, and wings. That would be a very interesting looking child.

Wren VS Jurdan

Wren was so wrong for making Jude and Cardan appear weak in front of their court. While reading this part, I remember thinking 'Wren, please stop," I found this chapter fun to read, and seeing Jude and Cardan's reaction to Wren's power. It was interesting to see how Wren exposes Jude's geas and curse to almost the entire court, and how Cardan becomes overprotective of Jude while Wren was removing her curse. I love Cardan.

Where was Queen Annett?

Since the stolen heir, I believed that queen Annett was going to be a problem for Elfhame and Wren. As you may recall, Wren freed her prisoners, and I always believed Queen Annett would've punished Elfhame for it since Wren was with Elfhame's heir Oak. However, she did not appear in The Prisoner Throne at all. I wonder if Holly forgot to bring this issue up or if she has decided to address it in her upcoming faerie book. (Queen Annett is also pregnant, so I think she will definitely be brought up again)

Madoc's Character

I'm a bit disappointed. I was expecting a lot from Madoc in this book, but nothing happened, except the fact that Jude lifted his exile (temporarily?) It bothers me that she lifted his exile easily, does Jude not remember he caused many problems for them? Madoc is the reason why Cardan almost died, why Oak was put in danger, he's the reason why the royal family died, and why Orlagh was weakened. I at least expected that Jude lifting his exile would've caused political problems for her, since Madoc is a political criminal for Elfhame and the Undersea. I thought he would’ve at least made a big heroic or villainous move in The Prisoner's Throne, or found a way to at least redeem himself, but nope.

Oak and Wren's Ending

So…Oak does not become king of anything, which is shocking. Everyone believed that if he didn’t become the King of Elfhame he would at least rule the Ice Needle Citadel, which can still happen, since he did propose to Wren at the end of the book. But still, I find it unnecessary, I think that Wren should step down from being Queen, and run to the mortal world with Oak where they can live away from the royal duties. Oak has expressed many times he does not want to be king, but if he marries Wren he will be king, which doesn't seem satisfying to me. Wren never cared for power in The Stolen Heir, she only ever cared for love and her family, I think the ending felt incomplete and unfinished. A lot of stuff was built up from The Folk Of The Air series, and this duology was supposed to give us results, but it did not. Even Oak and Wren's love story felt rushed. I didn’t see much of a connection. It didn't give me much of what I felt when I read Jude and Cardan's love story (You guys are so welcome to disagree with me)

Jude and Oak

So if you read the book, you know how shocking Jude and Oak's relationship became. Especially that scene where they “duel” (And Jude was an absolute fucking badass in that scene) The way she tricked Hag and even Oak at first that she was going to trade Oak for Cardan. I was very impressed with Jude in this book, especially in this chapter where we see her ordering her archers, and her ripping her dress to be able to fight while she's all wet. Her dialogue was so badass: "What if I give you Oak's head instead of Cardan's" and even this quote "Well, then, what a wonderful opportunity for you to prove your loyalty and die for the High King." Chapter 23 (I was so gay for Jude in this chapter, she was so mommy material) Despite feeling a bit betrayed by Oak and believing that she had failed in protecting him, she still trusted him when it came to Wren.

Oak Vs Taryn

"For a moment, he thinks of going over there and dumping his red clover tea over his sister's head" (Chapter 19)

(Jaw was on the FLOOR when i read this) I think it really sucked that Oak's family never told him about this, and I understand that Oak had every right to feel so raged that his family hid his mother’s true killer from his knowledge. Oak and The Ghost have been close, we did get some insight of The Ghost going to the mortal world and train Oak with Magic. I really hope Oak and The ghost's issue gets resolved, but that can only happen when the ghost gets cured....I love family drama, and it shows.

Jurdan Kids

Going back to the topic at hand, Cardan and Jude have given Oak permission to abdicate, which leads me to believe that they are planning to have kids of their own. So far, there hasn't been any indication from Jurdan that they are against having children. Holly has given us insights into Jurdan taking care of Leander, which is incredibly heartwarming. For example, we find out that Cardan plays with Leander, and there's a part where Jude is in the mortal world with newborn Leander, and Oak remembers Jude playing with baby Leander with a toy, almost like she was playing with a cat. I think these are definite hints from Holly that Jurdan would make great parents. Holly did say that we would get an answer to Jude and Cardan possibly having kids in the Prisoner's Throne, and I believe this was it. I will definitely make a separate post on this.

Randalian

I'm so happy this man is dead, it was long overdue. This man annoyed the crap out of us since the folk of the air series (it’s crazy that Jude and Cardan never decided to remove him from the living council, he never saw eye to eye with Jude and disrespected them constantly)

Lady Asha apperance

It turns out that Lady Asha is still in the court. She was only mentioned once when Lady Elaine was speaking with her. At that moment, I became suspicious and believed that Lady Asha was also part of the conspirators.

Locke appearance

The dream Oak had with Locke as a fox was fun and interesting. Even though it was a dream, it was cool to hear Locke again and how he acknowledged being murdered by Taryn.

Taryn is aging...but not Jude

FINALLY, we have some information on this topic. Oak describes Jude as looking very young, and Taryn as aging. He offers two possible explanations for this: either Taryn has visited the mortal world too often as her years are catching up to her, or becoming a mother has exhausted her. For a long time since TFOTA series, fans have speculated that since Jude is the Queen of Elfhame, she will never age. And it looks like Holly seems to support this, especially since Oak finally wonders "if Jude is quite as mortal as she once was". I from now on have no doubt about it, i am a "Jude will never age as long as she's Queen of Elfhame" believer.

The Cardan and Oak problem

it turns out that it wasn’t a big deal, Oak had been too much in his head, he was his own enemy when it came to Cardan, and it was amazing to see Cardan and Oak have a brotherly talk by the end of this book. Cardan’s character has really matured, and its amazing how comfortable he's become with his loved ones (i love him so much) I will admit, that when Cardan was talking to Oak about delaying his abdication of heir, I thought he was going to announce Jude’s pregnancy and you can't blame me, the way Holly wrote it made it sound like he was going to do that. (would’ve made me scream) but nope.

Summary:

The beginning was slow, but I nonetheless enjoyed it. I love Oak and Wren, however, I felt that they could have had a stronger connection in the story. There were too many unanswered questions left in the book, and it did not provide any closure to Oak and Wren's future. I feel that the series should have been a three-part book series instead of a duology. Moreover, many of the main characters seemed to have lost their power, such as Oak's resignation as heir to the throne, Wren losing her godly powers, and Tiernan being fired from his position as Oak's guard. I think many new readers who have never read the Folk of The Air series might not have appreciated that. Despite this, I appreciate that Jurdan was not removed from the Elfhame throne. However, I think that Holly Black set up more problems in this book than solutions, which makes it feel neglectful towards Oak and Wren's story. I am excited about this book, and I am sad that we may not get more news on Elfhame until possibly 2026, as she is currently working on the second book of The Book of Night. Anyways, In other news, I have a virtual event with Holly Black tonight 3/12/24, so I will write anything important down, and I will try to ask good questions!

[rennyrose]

I would absolutely love to hear your schpeel about how LR handle emotions ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

(Shiooooooooooooot thank ya'll ahhhH ((I hope u enjoyed the manga ahhhhhhhh)))

(Oh jeeze I struggled with picking out where to start with this- but yeh here's some of my THots and Interpralations- Spoilers!))

I guess comparatively it's interesting how differently LR deal with heavy emotions- Livio when he's allowed to be his true self is very in touch with his feelings while also being very receptive of other's emotions (A double edged sword- making him empathetic/sympathetic and good with children, but also hypersensitive to negativity geared towards him, which causes him false senses of rejection)

NGL I find it refreshing having a masculine character be a leaky faucet and it's not portrayed as a running joke- I can only imagine how much conditioning it took for Chapel to instill on L for him to bottle his emotions up so much to the point he behaved more like a machine than a person, with Livio trying his best to remain in Chapel's good standings (So much so it still has an effect on how Livio perceives himself, less of a man and moreso a tool). I can also only imagine how exhausting it must've been to have Chapel constantly analyzing and commenting on L's behavior, even the smallest things like a change in his breathing- So it must've been incredibly liberating when he was allowed to cry for the first time in who-knows-how-long with nobody judging him during his first supper with Vash

I like with his little bit of character growth he's able to reach out to R to let him know that he understood that he'd relied on R too much, the result being that L had ended up treating them both poorly- indicative that he can be open and deep with others (albeit maybe not at the best of times lololol)

That being said- Razlo does a terrible job with handling his own emotions and even admits that he is no good when it comes to having deep discussions- I tend to think that he is made incredibly uncomfortable by being upset/sad, and is someone who is very difficult to console or comfort, as when he's made upset its a big outburst of emotions boiling over- borderline being a temper-tantrum

Tend to also think that he also has a very difficult time with processing with feelings of love/joy geared towards him from others, as its not something he's ever really experienced growing up with others- but tends to constantly seek validation anyways despite being unable to interpolate it very well

What's neat tho even with his very brief appearances in the manga that even as a very aggressive character we can see that he's got a broad range, more than capable of being at the very least sympathetic (ie w/ WW getting his ass beat for a bit) and is very very very lonely-

[wonuhaven]

hey bae 😮‍💨😮‍💨 how about a mingyu + #48 #51 + fluff + friends2loversss maybe 🤭🩷🩵

a kiss to makeup for the time that was lost — k. mingyu

48. "I've loved you since the first time I ever laid my eyes on you." + 51. "How mad would you be if I kissed you?"

info: long ass fic atp sorry + not proofreaded + pining (kinda)

author's note: hi baeeeee 🤭🤭🤭 thank you requesting + supporting my writings 😭🥹 it means so much to me fr !! anyway i hope this fic was up to your expectations & i hope you enjoyed it 🫶🏽🫶🏽

"you have got to be kidding me," you hissed at the man in front of you though words falling in vain as he is too busy munching away on his fries. you let out a sigh of frustration before grumbling and taking a bite of your burger.

this isn't your first time mingyu invite you to get a (very) late night dinner but surely, this will be the last time you'll be spending money on someone like him. the man had already let your precious, hardworking $20 down the drain just because he was hungry... like... what the fuck? couldn't he just get it himself? it wasn't like he didn't have a job either, which irritates you further. so here you are, ready to ask him the big question.

"dude, so like... did your job fire you or something?" you started off nice, most definitely like a calm before the storm. you truly believe the universe hated you the moment you receive a shrug. you give him a blank, unimpressed stare.

"use your words, kim mingyu. we're not 9 year olds," the culprit lifts his hand in defense, "hey, i'm just a boy in college. cut me some slack won't ya? also, i just failed my math exam so just take it as you're comforting me." you click you tongue in fake pity.

"you could've asked me to tutor you instead of wasting my money like this, blockhead." you retorted, giving him a light smack on his arm that was an inch away. mingyu shakes his head in disagreement, "that won't work." you clasp you arms together in curiosity. "and what makes you think that?"

before you could get the answer, mingyu takes a sip from his drink. what felt like eternally waiting for him to finish, he finally decides to open his mouth. "i know this might sound like a weird question but," he stops. "go on," you respond.

"how mad would you be if i kissed you?"

you felt like the world had spun around from whatever came out of his mouth, causing you to tumble over your own chair. "come again?" "how mad would you be if kissed you?" you still couldn't process what he just had said.

"again." "how mad would you be if i kissed you?" "again." "how mad would you be if i kissed you?" "one last time," "how mad would you be if i kissed you?"

"very."

you couldn't help but let out a chuckle at his expression that was distorted with confusion. "what do you mean? i thought you liked me, no?"

you gasp out as you placed a hand over your heart. "kim mingyu, you rejected me long ago— during our senior year of high school." he still had his confusion face, "what does that have to do with whatever the fuck i just asked though?"

you reach out to pat his arm again, this time with real pity. "do you think i wouldn't be able to move on from that? you might have embarrassed me in front of our whole grade but i wasn't that head over heels for you, man." lord knows you were, but that was a different story to tell for a different time.

instead of the adorable confused expression, it was replaced with a frown. "i thought you still like me?" "i do." "you don't make sense right now, you know that right?" "yes." "huh?" mingyu straightens his back and asks seriously, "okay then, when did you liked me back then?" you furrow your eyebrows, refreshing your mind back when you both were in high school.

"i liked you back when you were helping out a stray kitten near the school. i thought you were the kindest person i've ever seen, and you know how they were treated right?" he nods in acknowledgement. "i can never forget that. thankfully wonwoo adopted that kitten and lives with him now." he says in reminisce, showing a gentle smile.

"right. well, uh. from then on, i just kept seeing you around and we kind of bonded over time. but then my fucking dumbass felt the need to confess. nonetheless, we're still friends," mingyu hums while nodding his head. "that's true."

"kim mingyu," he looks at you, giving his full attention to what you were about to say next.

"i've loved you since the first time i ever laid my eyes on you. near the school, by the kitten, in front of me. your smile, it made me felt alive. i wanted to protect that smile you had back then,"

and there went your heart, beating away like crazy. now that mingyu, the man you once swooned over, gave that same smile to you. "then," you gulped in nervousness as he still plastered that heart-throbbing smile.

"may you give this smile another chance to be protected by you? may you give this heart of mine another chance to be loved and to love you?" he finally breathes out though yours might have been taken away.

when mingyu noticed that you were unresponsive, he moves from his seat next to yours, gently intertwining your hands.

"yes. yes, i would. in this lifetime to the next, i will always choose to love you,"

for once you seem like you hoped that this late night dinner thing to be the last, you didn't. thank whoever heard your broken heart because now you feel alive, again.

not from him but with him this time.

[ladypeonies]

cr.

This isn't FANSERVICE anymore, this as a fan called it SELFSERVICE, they're enjoying those promotions way too much. By the way the hosts are screaming Chris and Xuan went far and beyond what was asked, I'm sure. LOL.

No matter what you think of fanservice, it doesn't work for anybody. With these two you can clearly see how comfortable they are with each other and they have the same energy. There is a great deal of trust and communication for them to behave like that, what you see here is something which doesn't appear enough among BL couples, a clear and honest partnership. They know each other and spent/spend a great deal of time together.

I'm not shocked by the kissing, if you kiss someone for several weeks, sometimes for hours, it's nothing. They won't be embarrassed or shamed showing two men kiss. They are having fun and I love how proud they are of their roles, and how candid and honest they are about the process (post about that coming soon). They can talk about the lovey-dovey moments and the silly arguments. It's so refreshing.

I love the let's kiss, and then hug like bros lol. This a pair one doesn't even need to ship, they don't need fans intervention lol. they do that themselves very well. In most interactions, they tell you, My Ge is the greatest, my Di is amazing, we are so compatible, so good together, we act so well together, we look so hot together, you only wish to be us lol. This is the best f**** you to any hater. I love that level of confidence. And the we don't give a flying f****** what you or anyone think of our behaviour vibes makes them hotter. Just enjoy it because they're adorable and hilarious.

The production company is as we speak patting themselves on their back for choosing so well.

Those two are a menace for all the hosts out there.

PS: Chris chiu play the poor pretty creature at the mercy of a wolf very well...too well.

[worseforwords]

Table for Two (Ona Batlle x Reader)

I decided to be nice for once so I wrote some non-angst. Enjoy :)

It felt a little silly, sitting alone at a table for two, but you had convinced yourself it was okay to go out and treat yourself for once. A waiter came by and you ordered yourself a glass of red wine, a Tempranillo, in an attempt to mentally travel to sunny Spain, whilst in reality rain was pouring down right outside the restaurant you were in. You didn’t mind living in Manchester, having built a life there with a job and friends. According to said friends however, one thing was still missing in your life: love. You had no problem being on your own. Of course you didn’t want it forever, but dating really wasn’t your forte and therefore you’d rather just stay single. However, your friends didn’t accept your argument, and kept urging you to go on dates, offering blind date set ups, which you knew would end in disaster.

So after a while, you decided to quiet their pleads, by lying to them and telling them you were going on a date every so often. Tonight was one of those nights, which required you actually leaving your house, as your roommate was part of your friend group.

As you were browsing the menu, a girl walked into the restaurant, catching your attention. She approached the hostess and asked about a reservation, but it appeared there had been some sort of mixup, and there were no free tables available at the moment. You overheard the hostess telling her that there would be one available in half an hour. The girl sighed and turned around to leave, but cursed silently when she noticed that the rain had started pouring down even harder. She scanned the room and glanced over at the bar, but all of the stools were occupied. Without thinking, you offered her a seat at your table whilst she waited for hers. She hesitated for a moment before gratefully accepting your offer. 

“Thank you, that’s very kind.” the girl said as she took off her coat and sat down across from you. “No problem, you shouldn’t be waiting outside with this weather.” you said. “Still, you really didn’t have to.” she said, sending you a kind smile as you both fell into a slightly uncomfortable silence. “So, what brings you out on this rainy night?” You said, breaking the ice. “Well, I’m supposed to go on a blind date tonight, but the restaurant messed up my reservation. And here I am, stranded and alone.” she said, flashing you a wry smile. You couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the situation. “Well, it seems like fate brought us together then. I, on the other hand, told my friends I was on a date tonight just to get them off my back.” you admitted, causing the girl to chuckle. “I get it,” she started, “I really didn’t want to go out tonight but my friends forced me to go.” She rolled her eyes. “Oof, well, you never know, it might turn out great.” you said. “Yeah, who knows.” she replied, her gaze not leaving yours.

“A glass of Tempranillo.” the waiter, who had apparently approached you whilst you were distracted, spoke as he put the glass of red wine in front of you. “Can I get you anything?” he asked, turning to the girl across the table. She looked at you as if she was asking for your permission, to which you nodded, sending her a small smile. “I’ll have what she’s having.” she finally said, pointing at your glass. 

“I'm sorry, where are my manners? I’m Y/N.” She chuckled and introduced herself too, “Hi Y/N, I’m Ona.” She held out her hand for you to shake, which you quickly reciprocated. Her skin felt soft as she pulled away, softly caressing your palm in the process, although you were unsure whether she did that on purpose.

You both went on to joke about the absurdity of blind dates for a bit and shared a few laughs about some of the more comical moments you’d both experienced in the dating world. It was refreshing to meet someone who shared your sense of humour. When Ona went to the bathroom for a bit, you pulled out your phone and saw a text from your roommate. You chuckled to yourself as you, funnily enough, didn’t really have to lie when you told her you were having a great time. 

“Sorry for the delay, one Tempranillo, here you go.” the waiter spoke as he put down Ona’s glass of wine shortly after she had returned. “Cheers.” you said, holding out your glass. “Cheers. To never going on a blind date ever again.” she replied, tapping her glass against yours. “Well,” you said. “after the one you’re having tonight. Speaking of, aren’t they a little late?” “Right, my date.” she said, staring at her wine. “They’re not making a great first impression.” she chuckled.

As your conversation continued, you found that you and Ona had a lot in common. You discovered that she had moved to Manchester from Spain not that long ago and she too was still getting used to the city, and especially the weather. 

“I know what you mean,” you said sympathetically, “when I first moved here, I felt like I would never get used to the weather. But it grows on you eventually.” Ona nodded in agreement. “I’ve already started investing in raincoats and wellies,” she joked, “I think I'm slowly becoming a local.” You both laughed, enjoying the light-hearted banter.

“So Ona,” you started, “I don’t know about you but I am getting quite hungry.” “Oh, I am sorry, you can go ahead and order.” she answered quickly. “Well actually, I was going to propose sharing some nachos? Your date is 20 minutes late. At this point it seems fair for you to have eaten something when they arrive.” you proposed. “Yeah, totally. That seems fair.” she smiled.

As you waited for the nacho’s, Ona told you some more about her big move from Spain and how she still struggled to fit in here due to the language issue. You told her you thought she was doing great, which made her smile, but she also explained that she still struggled to understand humor, which was something she usually loved. “Especially puns are difficult to understand when you’re still learning a language.” she said. You couldn’t help but grin at that, secretly pleased as puns were your specialty. “I can help with that if you’d like. I know some fairly easy ones.” you offered. “Okay, but don’t make fun of me if I don’t get it!” she said. “I promise.” you said,  clearing your throat for dramatic effect.

“Did you hear about the Italian chef who died?” you asked with a grin. Ona looked at you quizzically. “No, what happened?” “He pasta way!” you replied, making a twisting motion with your hand. “We cannoli do so much.” Ona let out a laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. “I can't believe I’m laughing at that,” she said. “I must be tired.”

“Hey you got it though!” you chuckled. “Don’t worry, my puns only get better from here.” “Oh, I can’t wait,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully. 

The two of you continued to joke around, making silly puns and exchanging funny stories. It felt like a relief to be able to let loose and enjoy each other’s company without any pressure or expectations. The nachos were gone quickly, as you were both quite hungry and you ate them mindlessly whilst cracking jokes and laughing the whole time. 

It had now been 45 minutes since you invited her to sit at your table and, secretly much to your relief, there was still no sign of Ona’s blind date. Meanwhile you had both had some wine, and Ona seemed to have forgotten about her other plans when she signalled the waiter to order your main dishes and two more glasses of wine.

As the night went on, you found yourself feeling more comfortable with Ona. It was as if you had known each other for years instead of just a little over an hour. At some point, the conversation shifted to more personal topics. Ona opened up about her past relationships and some of the struggles she had faced, like doing long distance. You listened attentively, empathising with her and offering words of encouragement. In turn, she asked about your own experiences and you found yourself sharing things you hadn’t even told your closest friends.

When you both finished your delicious meals you sat in a comfortable silence for a bit. “Do you want a desert?” you asked, feeling very full yourself. “I am quite full actually. I see the rain has stopped pouring, so how about we take a little walk and then maybe we can get some ice cream later?” she proposed. “Yeah, that sounds lovely.” you answered.

“I am sorry your date didn’t show up.” you said as you closed the door behind you, barely able to contain your grin as you tried to look at her empathetically. Ona stayed quiet for a while before suddenly stopping in her tracks. “I have to tell you something,” she started, “I actually came to the restaurant a half hour early by accident, so my date wasn’t late, and she would’ve shown up if I hadn’t texted her to cancel when I went to the bathroom.” she explained. “Wait, I don’t understand, why would you cancel if you’re already at the restaurant?” You said.

Ona turned towards you, slightly raising an eyebrow. “Oh. OH.” you blurted as the penny finally dropped. “Well now I feel obligated to tell you I was lying earlier when I said I was sorry.” You chuckled, slightly shocked but ultimately flattered at her confession. 

“Wait, you aren’t just making this up right?” You asked. “No, I promise, I can show you the text!” she exclaimed. “I’m kidding, I believe you, and I am flattered.” 

You fell into a comfortable silence as you walked side by side. “So erm,” you broke it. “I guess I don’t have to lie to my roommate later when I tell her my date has been really great.” “I guess not” She said, smiling softly at you.

You took Ona to your favourite ice cream shop in town and you sat on a bench outside, enjoying your desert. “You have a little ice cream over there.” Ona stated, pointing towards the corner of your mouth. You tried to get rid of it with your tongue, making Ona giggle. “It’s still there. Can I?” She asked, moving her hand up to you face. 

“Oh really? Wow, that must be the cheesiest move anyone has ever pulled on me.” you chuckled. “What?” she exclaimed innocently, “I’m not making a move, there is actually something on your face!” She pulled out her phone and opened the camera app, flipping it to selfie mode and handing it to you. “Oh yeah you’re right,” you said, noticing it too. “still cheesy though.” 

“Wh- what kind of move is that, what was I supposed to do with that? Lick the ice cream of your lips?” she asked, making you chuckle. “No, of course not! It’s a classic, you know. You wipe something off someone’s lip with your thumb, then hold your hand there, look them in the eyes and then kiss them.” you explained. “Oh, well I guess you’re the better romantic then.” she said, making the both of you chuckle.

“If you want cheesy, I can do cheesy.” Ona suddenly said. “I see you’re still holding my phone, you might as well put your number in it.” Her sudden boldness threw you off guard. “What no comeback?” she chuckled at your flustered expression. “Wow, bold. I did not see that coming.” you said, opening her contacts app to do as requested. “I am full of surprises.” Ona stated.

After you both finished your ice cream, it was time to say goodbye for the night. “Hey, Ona,” you started, making her turn to look at you. “I think you have something on your lip.” you said, smiling slyly. “Oh do I now?” she chuckled. “Yeah, can I erm, help you with that?” you asked carefully. “Yeah, definitely.” she said as she looked at your eyes and then lips expectantly.

You softly placed a hand on her cheek, gently caressing the corner of her mouth with your thumb as you slowly leaned in before placing  a painfully delicate kiss on her lips. It was slow, soft and soothing, but also short, leaving the both of you aching for more. 

As you pulled away you savoured the moment for a bit before saying, “It was a kiss.” She looked at you confused. “The thing on your lips,” you explain, “turns out it was a kiss.” “Oh my god.” she sighed, playfully smacking your shoulder.

“Goodnight Ona”

“Goodnight Y/N”

[yesloulou]

Do u have any tips/tutorial how to make gifs so smooth if there's movement? Mine are always choppy and weird :(

Hi anon, ty for sending this ask. I'm sooo honored!! (and plz don't call your gifs choppy or weird i have a feeling they're very lovely 😌)

✨ Gif Tutorial: making movements in ur gifs as smooth as possible✨ (updated)

↳ aka: speed management in gif making

Remember to always source your content responsibly!! Process in this tutorial is simply what works best for me. Every creator has their own preferences and imo there is no right or wrong. We should always make content in the way we enjoy 🤍 Outline: 1. Remove duplicate frames 2. Repair missing frames 3. Speed management in Photoshop 4. Smoother slomo using Video Frame Interpolation

1. Remove duplicate frames

Obviously, if there're duplicate frames in a video, our gifs will end up with lil lags here and there (since some frames get more screen time than others). Although the dup frames are likely barely observable once compiled into gifs, imo this is what makes the difference between smooth and butter smooth. the two daniel gifs above (guy with big brown eyes, if ur not from our fandom 🤍) can hopefully showcase this difference**.

**technical explanation for this that you can totally skip: the persistence of human vision is approx. 0.1s, ie everything we see stay on our retina for this amount of time. since gifs refresh faster than this (eg. 0.04s on every frame for a 25 fps gif), we usually can't pinpoint exactly which frame is a duplicate just by looking at a gif. however. by definition, a duplicate frame will slow down a gif, by making it pause longer than it should. as a result, a movement during this lil chunk of time will move less pixels than your brain would've expected. and this is where we perceive the not-so-smoothness.

ok, now that we've established that we don't like duplicate frames -- I know it's common practice to handle this by looking for an optimal output frame rate to offset the dupes. to me this feels chancy. bc it's a process where you don't have control over exactly which frames to keep and not keep. Personally, I prefer making sure my videos are dupe free before everything else. (Again, this is just what works for me. Everybody has their own process and imo there is no right or wrong :)

To remove duplicate frames, the first thing I do with a clip is to play the first few seconds frame by frame to see which one of the following scenarios it falls into:

a. no duplicate frames ↳ best case scenario! congrats!! plz proceed directly to step 2 b. there is a duplicated frame once in a while ↳ This happens most often with (but not limited to) videos from social medias ↳ Reason behind this is frame rate conversion. For instance, instagram/tiktok has a default frame rate of 30 fps. However, many media sources (eg. no brakes, sharl's vlogs) produce at 25 fps. When these videos are uploaded, instagram/tiktok convert them from 25 to 30 fps by duplicating 1 frame every 5 frames, hence twitchiness in gifs when slowed down. ↳ Solution: in photoshop, go through the clip frame by frame, delete dupes manually (recommended) ↳ Alternative solution: use duplicate frames remover softwares (see next bullet point) c. almost every frame has duplicates ↳ This will almost always** be the case with screen record. ↳ What not to do: When there are many duplicates, we may be tempted to use photoshop's 'import 1 out of every n frames' function. this is not ideal bc, the dupes are rarely uniformly distributed. you could end up losing frames you don't want to lose (resulting in choppy gifs) or end up with dup frames still in the mix (resulting in laggy gifs) or, most likely: both. ↳ A better way: is to import all frames into photoshop, adjust the output frame rate to offset the dupes (here is a good tutorial on this) Pros: efficiency; yields decent results in most cases. Cons: again, in my experience this is a process where you don't have precise control over the frames. Therefore runs the same (albeit smaller) risks as the method above. It can also limit how much you can slow down a gif, and generally doesn't work well if the target frame rate (of the clip you're trying to gif) exceeds your computer's recording rate**. **More on this statement: when target rate is comfortably lower than recording rate (~ 55 fps for many), chances are most to all frames will be captured. It is therefore more tolerating towards skipping a unique frame from time to time. However, when target rate (i.e. anything 60 fps) nears or exceeds recording rate, you will be dealing with dup frames as well as missing ones. Using the method above can therefore subject you to the possibility of losing two unique frames in a row, making the gifs noticeably choppy. ↳ Solution: we always have the option to trim dupes by hand in photoshop. But in this case, it can be time consuming, even with keyboard shortcuts. as a result, here is where we can really use a: ↳ Dup remover software: google search 'dup frame remover software' will give you several options and tutorials (here a plug-in for after effects). i've heard good things about some of these but unfortunately can't give recommendations (they do cost money sooo i wrote my own)

Demonstration:

This is a frame-by-frame animation of an ad Charles did for apm. It was produced at 25 fps & uploaded to socmed where the default is 30 fps. You can see that: i. With screen recording, every frame has an unpredictable amount of duplicates. ii. Original clip from instagram has 1 dup frame every 5 frames. iii. After deduplication, the movement becomes lag free and continuous.

2. Repair missing frames

At this point, our video clip is (hopefully) free of duplicate frames, which makes our gifs lag-free (yayy!!). At the same time, we don't want choppiness in our gifs either. Choppiness in a gif is usually caused by missing key (unique) frames. To check if there is any, replay the clip, look out for the sudden jumps/fast forwards in movements. Three possible scenarios:

a. no missing frames ↳ best case scenario! congrats!! plz proceed directly to step 3 b. a lot of missing frames ↳ This is usually the case if the target frame rate (of the clip you want to gif) exceeds the screen recording frame rate. ↳ Solution, imo: (surprise!) is to leave things be. Reason is that something like this would be quite tedious to fix, but not that noticeable if made into a gif that's fast enough ↳ Alternative solution: Record at 120 fps c. occasional missing frames If a video clip misses frames, but not a lot, chances are it's only gonna happen very occasionally, i.e. 1 or 2 occurrences in total. A frame-miss in this case is usually due to either the screen recording skipping a frame by mistake (in a 'slipping thru the cracks' sort of way)**, or that the original video misses frames/contains bad frames to begin with. **To my understanding, even if recording at a frame rate comfortably higher than target rate, something like this could still happen since a common denominator between the two rates will always exist. ↳ Solution (for screen recordings): record again, find missing frame (chances are it will be captured on a second try), insert frame back into original timeline in PS ↳ Solution (if video misses frames or contains bad frames to begin with): Let's talk about ✨ VFI ✨. VFI (Video Frame Interpolation) is the process of synthesizing in-between images from a given set of images. It can increase videos' frame rates (i.e. 30 fps to 60 fps), achieve smoother slomos, and by definition, also help with missing/bad frames. There are many software products that let you use VFI by simply dragging videos into the app and clicking 'export'. Afterwards, all we need to do is to find the missing frame generated by the app & insert it back into the original timeline in PS (ahh technology). For more info on VFI, see "4. Smoother slomo". ↳ Note that VFI processed footages will likely differ slightly from the originals in terms of colors & lightings. This may be tuned out using clipping masks (allow a group of adjustment layers to only apply to one frame/layer, keyboard shortcut: Command+Opt+G)

3. Speed Management in Photoshop (✨ updated ✨)

At this point, our clip is without dupe or missing frames (or at least as close as can be). Whether you dodged the first 2 steps like a breeze or freshly emerged victorious from photoshop covered in blood to get here, good news is, things will be very straightforward for this point on. congrats!!!

🎉🎊🎉

As mentioned before, in terms of smoothness, our clip is now in ideal shape. The important thing is to keep it this way throughout the rest of the process. My workflow looks something like this:

Open file, crop, resize, sharpen, color, export gif, reopen gif in photoshop (which won't compromise quality), assign frame delay, export finalized gif

If you're used to finding a comfortable frame delay or speed/duration combo at the beginning, this process might feel unnatural. But it's so so so so important to leave the speed related settings alone until right before exporting. Here's why:

By not converting frames with modified delays into timelines with fps, we avoid having to give our finished product a frame rate (which photoshop timelines have to specify). This is crucial bc, there is no such a thing as frame rates in gifs. According to the syntax of GIF89a (the current '.gif' format, screenshot below), gifs control their speeds through (and only through) how much time to wait in between frames, aka delay time. Our process above does exactly that. It compiles frames directly into gifs, and avoids expressing frame delays (a gif concept) through frame rates (a photoshop concept), a conversion where dupe frames and missing frames come from**. In other words, using frame delays to control speed is simply more natural to a gif's syntax. **Why would this conversion cause dupe frames? ↳ On paper, frame delays should translate into frame rates seamlessly (i.e. 1 second ÷ 0.06s per frame = 16.67 fps). In reality, photoshop does not support direct translations like this. When converting frame animations into timelines, PS defaults outputs to 30 fps, regardless of frame delays. This disagreement between frame rates is where dupe frames come from. ↳ Some examples: i. Consider a frame animation where frame delay = 0.04s (25 fps), to convert it into a timeline defaulted at 30 fps, 5 out of every 25 frames will be 'duplicated' by photoshop (30-25=5) ii. Now, consider a frame delay = 0.06s (16.67 fps roughly 17 fps), to convert it into a timeline defaulted at 30 fps, 13 out of every 17 frames will be 'duplicated' by photoshop (30-17=13) ↳ (the 'duplicated' was in quotes bc photoshop achieves this thru assigning a frame roughly twice it's original screen time instead of actually adding another) ↳ (afaik, currently there's no way of changing the default 30 fps as long as u start with frame animations. If anyone does know how please let me know 😳) **Why would this conversion cause missing frames? ↳ This happens when one tries to reverse the harm done by photoshop in prev step by changing the 30 fps frame rate back to what it's supposed to be (using function 'Set Timeline Frame Rate') ↳ Let's use the last example again. As mentioned, to go from 16.67 fps to 30 fps, 13 out of every 17 frames will receive roughly twice its original screen time (0.033s * 2 ≈ 0.07s). On the other hand, 4 out of every 17 frames' screen time will remain the same (0.03s). to go from 30 fps back to 16.67 fps, photoshop resamples frames from its 30 fps timeline in 0.06s intervals. As a result, any frame with screen time less than 0.06s runs the risk of 'slipping through the cracks', namely ones whose screen time remained 0.03s ↳ (gifs require frame delays to be rounded to the nearest hundredth of a second) ** What if I open the file as video object, instead of importing as frames? ↳ Indeed, when opening as video object (i.e. command+o instead of command+i), photoshop inherits its frame rate as is. We would then have the option to manipulate it's speed by right-click ➡️ adjusting the percentage (of how much to speed up or slow down). ↳ Here, if we slow down a gif without changing its frame rate, we risk introducing duplicate frames into the result (since frame rate is now higher than needed). If we slow down a gif and lowered the frame rate, but the math didn't check out, we also risk losing unique frames (frame rate not high enough). The same (opposite) goes for speeding things up. Therefore the best and easiest approach is, again, leaving speed related settings alone until right before exporting.

(the block of GIF89a syntax responsible for graphic control:)

Ok in hindsight this probably isn't exactly like. the most straightforward thing ever but the execution part is very much so 😳 here goes:

1. Open file in PS via Command + O note the (25 fps) on bottom left

without changing speed, duration, or frame rate: 2. Trim ✂️ 3. Crop 4. Resize 5. Sharpen 6. Color

(Updated!!!) 6. Export gif, and then reopen it in Photoshop **Compare to the original method (timeline into smart object, smart object back into frames), the updated method has the following benefits: i. Avoid lowering gif quality by converting into smart objectsii. Reopening gif into frames and reassign frame delay saves time (bc less steps) and won't hurt the quality at all (bc no image processing required)

7. Assign Frame Delay (i usually go with original frame delay + 0.01s) 8. Export ✨

Tada!! Speed = managed!!

This ad actually came out last December where I was aware of like, maybe 5% of what's in this post. Here is what my original gif looks like. I'd say what we have rn is a big improvement :)

Now, imo there are situations where it simply makes more sense to start with frame animations (imported using command + i). For instance: when we need to remove duplicate frames by hand, when there is a missing frame/bad frame that needs to be repaired, etc. My workflow would then look like this:

1. Command + i 2. (do things to frames) 3. Set frame delay to 0.03s 4. Convert to video timeline 5. (the rest will look exactly like the workflow above)

This works bc when frame delay is set to 0.03s, photoshop will treat your video timeline as a "natural" 30 fps timeline and leave your frames alone. Therefore maintaining its uniform speed.

4. Smoother Slomo using Video Frame Interpolation

As mentioned above, VFI (Video Frame Interpolation) is the process of synthesizing in-between images from a given set of images. It can increase videos' frame rates (i.e. 30 fps to 60 fps), hence smoother slomos. There are many software products that let you use VFI by simply dragging videos into the app and clicking 'export'. I've had very good experiences with Topaz and After Effects.

Let's talk about After Effects first. If you have Photoshop, chances are you have AE as well. To use AE's Keyframe Interpolation:

i. Import ii. Set speed to half iii. Click square twice until you see lil arrow iv. Export

Topaz is a production grade video enhancing software. It's capable of enhancing frame rates (i.e. 30 fps to 60 fps), increasing resolutions (i.e. 540p to 4K/2160p) and more. Unlike AE who uses only the two neighboring key frames to generate an in-between frame, Topaz takes the whole sequence into account, hence better reliability. It's also more user friendly than AE imo.

Here is a before-and-after interpolation using Topaz.

That's all 🎉🎉🎉

To sum up: remove dupe frames (if any), repair missing frames (if any), use and only use frame delay to control speed, and software enhance frame rate if needed.

This post got way longer and more technical than I had planned and I honestly have no idea where all this stuff came from lol. But it was really fun and I hope you'll find it helpful. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Have fun moving-picture making!!

[kumquats-are-gay]

I require johnny fluff! (This is a stick up🔫) maybe with a reader who's sick/tired/injured etc

OH SHIT- ✋😨🤚

But YAYAYAY!! Tysm for giving me something! I wasn't super hopeful that I'd actually receive anything, but this and the other prompt I got have made me so happy :'] thank you thank you!!!

I planned on writing these as short little blurbs but ofc I went and got carried away. AGAIN. Go figure, lol. Anyway, I hope you like it! :D

(THIS WAS SUCH A CUTE IDEA BTW)

Johnny Cage x Reader (SFW)

Tags: no use of Y/N, gn!reader, sick!reader, sick fic, flirting, established relationship, directly pasted from Google Docs (forgive weird formatting), Johnny takes great care of you <3

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51606256

You had been out with Johnny on a date, enjoying each other’s company as the two of you walked hand-in-hand down the pavement. Everything was perfectly fine when you guys had first left: the crisp autumn air was refreshing, and little made you happier than getting to spend time with your partner. However, whatever it was you had come down with hadn’t taken long to make itself known. About half an hour into your outing, you began to feel a little clammy. At first, you had just chalked it up to the cool weather giving you the chills, but the vertigo that checked in shortly thereafter quickly changed your mind. Like hell you were going to say anything about it, though; you didn’t want Johnny to worry. So, you bit your lip and got a grip, hoping to bear through it…until you couldn’t anymore. Mumbling a weary, “I think…I’m going to pass out,” you immediately collapsed. Johnny’s reflexes were sharp, thankfully; he reached out and grabbed you before you could hit the ground.

Johnny carries you back to the car, drives home, then carries you inside the house. All the while he’s transporting you to bed, you have your face buried in his chest, weakly groaning.

He helps you remove your damp clothes before he slips a soft t-shirt over your head, which is followed by a pair of pajama bottoms being gently pulled up your legs. You’re barely able to stand, so he lays you down in the bed, literally tucking you in as he pushes the sheets in around your body. Apparently, you had made this process rather difficult; you kept feebly tugging at his arm and whining for him “not to go”. He had to continuously reassure you that he wasn’t going anywhere. “Nooo,” you had whined, “don’ leave the bed.”

He rolls his eyes affectionately and continues fussing over you, constantly touching your forehead and repositioning the blankets. You whine again as Johnny moves away, and he’s trying very hard not to give into your pleas; he needs to go get some things so that he can properly take care of you, damn it!

You just keep making those adorable little whimpering noises, though, seemingly having given up on words, and he can’t help but pivot his head to look at you. He sees you reaching out with pitiful grabby-hands, pouting adorably, and—oh, fuck it.

Johnny relents, already making his way back to you as he asks, “What about the things you’re gonna need? Water? Advil?”

You wrap your arms and legs around him like an octopus the moment he settles in next to you. “Don’eed that; jus’ need you,” you grumble against his neck. Johnny huffs in amusement, but underneath the surface, his heart is swelling with affection. When he feels you shiver against him, he knows he won’t get anywhere if he tries to get up to grab another blanket for you. Instead, he just holds you closer and pulls the duvet further up. He runs his hands through your sweaty hair, unbothered.

“Alright, honey, try to get some rest now, alright?” he says and kisses your forehead. You don’t need to be told twice; within minutes, you’re out like a light. A smile tugs at the corner of Johnny’s mouth while he gazes down at you. It truly didn’t matter whether you were all dressed up and confidently strutting about, or if you were sweating bullets through a baggy t-shirt and whining for him to hold you—Johnny always saw you as nothing short of amazing, and he’d take care of you for as long as you needed, any time you needed.

~~~

Barely a week had passed since you had first fallen ill. You had nearly made a full recovery by this point and you were feeling like a brand new person. It was in no small thanks to your boyfriend, Johnny, who tended to you every step of the way. Nothing was too big of an ask for him, though you tried not to be a bother if you could help it. He insisted that you weren’t, though, which made you feel a bit better about it.

The only times he left your side were when you really needed something. Otherwise, he was just as glued to you as you were to him, calling into work and everything to ensure that he could be there for you around the clock.

You sighed and smiled at his sleeping figure—his hair was sticking out this way and that, and the bedhead alone was enough to make you giggle. This slightly roused him from his sleep, causing him to mumble something incoherent as he pulled you against him. Your smile only grew; he was so goddamn cute. “I’m sorry, did I wake you up?” you whispered.

Johnny shakes his head and mumbles, “Nah, you’re good.” He pulls you even closer and releases a long, tired exhale. Unable to help yourself, you reach out to scratch at his scalp which elicits a pleased hum from your boyfriend. “Y’know, I think I might be getting sick,” he suddenly claims. You frown and immediately move the hand in his hair to his forehead, which causes him to grouse in disappointment. Your brow furrowed in confusion; he was slightly warmer than usual, but you wouldn’t call it a fever.

“Are you sure?” you ask, looking at him quizzically. He lazily grabs your hand and drags it back to his scalp. You take the hint and continue the task of brushing your fingers soothingly through his sandy locks.

Johnny practically purred at the sensation. The pleasurable feeling of your nails lightly dragging across his skull caused him to slur his words a bit. “Hmm, yeah,” he spoke through the haze, “real sick, but I heard a kiss c’n make you feel a lot better…”

Understanding his game now, you asked him in a tone dripping with suspicion, “Oh, really? That so?” Johnny just answered with an unconvincing ‘mmmmm-hm’ as he continued to revel in your touch. “Alright,” you acquiesced, and pressed your lips to his forehead. “Feel any better?”

“Hmm, I think I need another one for the effects to kick in,” he idly insisted. You could hear the smile in his voice, though, a clear indication that he was obviously bullshitting. You continued to entertain him anyway by giving him another kiss, this time on his cheek.

“How about now?” you pressed, though you already knew the answer.

“One more should do the trick,” he lilted, the cheeky bastard. You outright laughed this time before moving in for the final kiss. Johnny lifted his head at the last moment, surprising you a bit as he captured your mouth with his own this time. The two of you became entangled in an impromptu makeout session as you lost yourselves to each other. That is until Johnny suddenly pushed you away so he could cough into his elbow. He sounded like he was hacking up a lung. The heat that was beginning to gather in your body immediately fizzled out as worry swiftly took its place.

“Hey, are you alright?” you asked with genuine concern. He held up his index finger as if to say ‘one moment’ while he finished his coughing fit. At the end, he took a deep breath and pressed his palm to his forehead as his face twisted into a grimace.

“Ah, fuck…” Johnny sighed before he flopped back onto the mattress. “Okay, nevermind—I think I might actually be sick.”

You shook your head fondly. “Well, it’s a good thing you have me then, huh?”

Johnny smiles up at you in earnest and reaches for the hand that had long since stopped its ministrations, but he just holds it in his own this time. “I couldn’t be luckier.”

[helenvader]

Get to know your fic writer!

I have emerged from my writing hiatus, but I'm horribly stuck, so this game might be refreshing. :) I am not the author, I stumbled across it and told myself why not.

Do you prefer writing one-shots or multi-chaptered fics?

Do you plan each chapter ahead or write as you go?

Describe the creative process of writing a chapter/fic

Where do you find inspiration for new ideas?

Do you like constructive criticism?

Do you have your work beta'd? How important is this to your process?

How do you choose which POV to write from?

Do you prefer the beginning, middle, or end of a story?

Do you comment on stories you read?

Cltr+f "blinks" on your WIP & copy paste the first sentence/paragraph that comes up

Link your three favorite fics right now

how does receiving or not receiving feedback/support impact you?

what’s a common writing tip that you almost always follow?

how do you write emotional scenes? Do you ever feel what the characters feel? Do you draw from personal experiences?

How do you write smut scenes? Do you get very visual or detailed? How important is it to be realistic?

How many fic ideas are you nurturing right now? Share one of them?

What do you do when writing becomes difficult? (maybe a lack of inspiration or writers block)

Do you title your fics before, during, or after the writing process? How do you come up with titles?

What is the most-used tag on your ao3?

Have you noticed any patterns in your fics? Words/expressions that appear a lot, themes, common settings, etc?

Would you ever collaborate with another writer for a story?

Are there certain types of writing you won’t do? (style, pov, genre, tropes, etc)

Best writing advice for other writers?

Worst writing advice anyone ever gave you?

What fic do you wish you got more of a response on?

Which of your fics would you call your wildest ride?

What is your most and least favorite part of writing?

On average, how much writing do you get done in a day?

What’s your revision or editing process like?

Do you share rough drafts or do you wait until it’s all polished?

Do you start with the characters or the plot when writing?

Name three of your favorite fanfic writers.

Do you want to be published some day?

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

What is one essential thing to remember when writing a villain? 

How do you write kissing scenes?

How do you choose where to end a chapter?

Would you ever write commissions?

Share a snippet from a WIP

If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see?

Do you tend to reread fics or are you a one-and-done kind of person?

What’s the last fic you read? Do you recommend it?

Do you take a sadistic joy in whumping your characters, or are you more the "If you hurt them I would kill everyone and then myself" kind of person?

What mistakes do you keep making no matter how many times your beta corrects you?

Do you want to break your readers‘ heart or make them laugh?

How would you describe your style? (Character/emotion/action-driven, etc)

How many times do you usually revise your fic/chapter before posting?

What do you look for in a beta?

Do you ever get rude reviews and how do you deal with them?

How long is your longest fic?

What’s your total AO3 word count?

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

How do you spend your time when it comes to fanfiction? Are you primarily a fic reader, writer, or a perfect 50/50 split of both?

What’s your favorite part about the fanfiction writing process?

Of the characters you write for, which is your favorite? Has that choice been swayed at all by your followers/readers’ reactions to certain ones?

What’s something about your writing that you pride yourself on?

Do you prefer editing as you write, or waiting until it’s finished? 

What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most? (Brainstorming, outlining, writing, editing, etc) 

Does anyone in your personal life know you write fic? if not, would you tell anyone?

Have you had a writer you admire comment on your fic? What was that like?

Why do you continue writing fics?

Thoughts on cliffhangers?

Something you hate to see in smut.

Something you love to see in smut.

Tell us about what you’re most looking forward to writing – in your current project, or a future project

How do you deal with writing pressure (ie. pressure to update, negative comments, deadlines, etc.)?

Do you prefer prompts and challenges, or completely independent ideas?

What, if anything, do you do for inspiration?

What work of yours, if any, are you the most embarrassed about existing?

When asked, are you embarrassed or enthusiastic to tell people that you write?

When it comes to more complicated narratives, how do you keep track of outlines, characters, development, timeline, ect.?

What order do you write in? front of book to back? chronological? favorite scenes first? something else?

What do you think makes your writing stand out from other works?

You’ve posted a fic anonymously. How would someone be able to guess that you’d written it?

What scene in [Fanfic Name] took the longest to write? What was difficult about it? 

Did you have any ideas that didn’t make the final cut of [Fanfic Name]? 

Do you have a favorite scene you’ve written from [Fanfic Name] story/chapter? 

[elfqueen006]

Varsity Blue, Yellow, and Red

Sunny Day Jack x Reader

CW/Tags: drinking, harassment but light, possession, college au

---

You’d only taken a small sip and within minutes were bracing yourself against the wall. Yep. The punch was spiked. Booze was already present at the afterparty, you knew. The air stank of alcohol at every turn. You didn’t even have to glance at people’s cups to know they were in the process of getting wasted. Hell, many others carried whole bottles of aged wine and beer, taking the contents straight to the head. So it was only a matter of time before someone dumped their entire stock into the punch bowl.

You sip your drink again. It wasn’t as strong as the first. Though, maybe the effects of the alcohol were relaxing your mind, making you less sensitive to it. It didn’t taste awful at least. The cherry punch was to thank for that. It left a kind of sour aftertaste rather than the pungent bitterness that assaulted your senses.

You then shrug and continue to nurse your drink, scoping the scene like the wallflower you were meant to be.

Fryer State had won its final game of the semester. And it was decided that the afterparty would be held inside the apartment of one of your schools’ football players. Pizza and drinks alike were already provided. Though there was the unspoken rule that those who didn’t trust the system provided, brought their own. A rule you forgot, much to your dismay.  You’d meant to bring bottled water and have some pizza, but you’d left it in your fridge all the way back at your dorm. But you pretended not to, for no reason in particular.

It was an honest mistake after all, and so long as you didn’t overdo it, you were a-okay!

Still, aside from being pushed up in a corner like a rat from its hidey hole, you couldn’t help but feel like you were on the outside looking in. All because of the single thought continuously running through your mind: “They don’t know I’m being haunted by a ghost clown.”

Jack stood beside you, bobbing his head offbeat to the music blaring over the radio. “I didn’t know people still carried boomboxes!” He said.

“Just those that have a lot of parties, or listen to a lot of music.” You muttered into your cup. It comforted you that people still owned CD radios. Your parents used to have one in the house when you were a kid. But since converting a lot to streaming, they’d eventually gotten a bluetooth speaker. Which was cool and all, but it was refreshing to revert back to old times.

“What do you think of my new look, Sunshine?” Jack popped the collar of his newly styled letterman jacket. It had the traditional colors of his original vest, though the material was slightly altered to fit a varsity theme and decorated with patches of the sun, bunnies, and his initials of S, D, and J – all that he manifested out of thin air as soon as you made it to the apartment.

“You look good. Big man on campus.” You said.

A guy looked over at you, “Huh?” You waved him off, then decided to pop in your earbuds. The go to method when talking to Jack in public so you didn’t look like a crazy person. The party was loud, but somebody was bound to hear.

“Maybe you should go to a different corner?” Jack asked.

You shrugged, “Nah, I’m chillin’.”

“Keep your guard up, sunshine. I want you to enjoy yourself, but these parties are notorious for debauched activity.” Jack said. “You don’t want to find yourself swept up in the chaos.”

You almost wished you could agree. The college scene wasn’t anything like the movies portrayed it; there were no frat parties every night, no hot professors, the athletes weren’t chasing cheerleaders by their skirts, and there weren’t any cliques. Well, the cliques thing was still kind of a thing. There were a lot of attractive people who hung out with each other. People in the same Greek houses hung in the same circles. You even hung out with a group for a while before being … well, for lack of a better term, moved out.

It might’ve very well been your first experience with college bullying! It was fast and somewhat sobering in figuring out who to really trust. But you were on your own for a while, so after that, campus life became notably dull…

Shaking off the melancholic haze you mutter, “I’ll be fine.”

You could see Jack’s concerned look in the corner of your eye as he tilted his head like a lost puppy dog. You hid your loneliness well under the nonchalant body language. But Jack could see how distant you were at that moment. The way your eyes longingly followed the laughter, gossip, and raunchy party games… It was heartbreaking. 

Truthfully, Jack had wanted you to stay in with him tonight while you two binged Christmas movies. But you’d wanted to end the semester by going outside your comfort zone. And yet here you were, plastered to the wall.

Finally, after mulling it over, he nudged you lightly. You look up at him, lightly touching your earpiece.

He points to the group of jocks and cheerleaders over at a table. They’re playing beer pong. “That seems fun! Why don’t you head over and try your luck?”

Your brows raised, “Really?”

He smiled with a shrug, “Sure, why not?”

You hesitated, looking between the group and your friend. “But what about you?”

“I’ll be right there! In fact, consider me your official spotter!”

A grin breaks out on your face. You were actually afraid that Jack wouldn’t like you hanging out with people here. You knew he was looking out for your best interest, but a lot of times when he managed to pry you away from others, he was notably clingy and almost came off like an overprotective mother.

You were grateful he was being this considerate despite himself.

You wasted no time, downing the rest of your drink and rushing over to the group of athletes.

—

It was only the third. Round. How could you be tipsy already on the third round!

Jack’s nerves were hanging on by a thread as a random guy came up behind you to hold your shoulders, presumably to steady you. But he could swear that if he looked close enough his thumbs were caressing you ever so tenderly as he leaned in and whispered to you. Processing his words, you double over in laughter. The jock wraps his arms around your torso, following you in laughter as he pulls you close.

“Cash, what’d you tell that girl?” A cheerleader on the couch asked.

Cash rolled his eyes, “There’s a reason I whispered it, nosey.” He placed his head on your shoulder, leaning in next to your ear, “Isn’t that right, baby?”

“Baby?” Jack exclaimed. 

You then waved to your unseen friend, “Heyyy, Jack!” you said, “I forgot you were there.”

The spectators chortled in response.

“Oh hell no, this bitch is trippin’!”

“She’s drunk as hell!”

Your sudden outburst didn't hinder Cash one bit; the young man's hands trailing up your shirt, rubbing your stomach in a circular motion that made you hum in contentment. The scene made Jack fume, and the phantom sound of what would've been his heart was ringing in his ears. It was so clear what Cash was intending to do, and yet nobody was stopping it. In fact, they looked on in interest, as if the jock were putting on a private show to see just how far he'd go.

No longer able - nor willing - to stand by. Jack marched up to your body. His influence swiftly sobering you.

You straightened up and stretched out your limbs, the joints popping. You wriggle out of Cashs’ grip. “I gotta go, it's getting late.” It sounded odd, Jack using your voice. It was surely yours, but it had more projection and pep than your usual tone.

The man grabbed your wrist, “Late?” he scoffed, “It's not even past midnight.”

You turn and give him a curt smile, “I have finals tomorrow. You understand, right?”

"Baby-”

“Don't call me that.”

“-Can't you stay for one more round?”

You hum, glancing over at the arrangement of cups. You then tip the table slightly, knocking them all down. There's cries of protest and curses from the people on the couch, and some spectators watch on in intrigue.

Cash furrows his brows, “What the fuck did you do that for!?”

“If you can rearrange those before I get to the door, I might stay another round. Otherwise, goodbye.” You said, beaming.

—

Jack was worn out from using your body. But he thankfully had enough energy to get you to dorms, wash you and put on your pajamas before getting you into bed.

Finally getting to his own, he flopped down on the bed, sighing in exhaustion. He then glanced over at your sleeping form. You were really out. He expected some light stirring or bleariness after leaving your body but you were still as a brick. Breathing, thankfully, but otherwise undisturbed. 

It probably wasn't a good idea to provoke them like that. But from what he could tell, most of the people at that party were seniors. They wouldn't be here next year to harass you, thankfully. 

Jack shuffled up the bed, next to you. He hugged you close to his chest and threw an arm over your torso. “You partied too hard, but thankfully we got you to the dorms safely.” He muttered into your ear.

That's what he'd tell you when you woke up. And it was mostly true. But it's not like you could blame him for doing what he did. You would've been in a lot of trouble if he just stood by.

Honestly, what would you do without him?

[fayes-fics]

Portrait: II

Masterpost

PREV | NEXT

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: The second portrait session and our pair are getting closer.

Warnings (for this chapter): none really... a couple of suggestive thoughts.

Word Count: 1.7k

Authors Note: Thanks to @eleanor-bradstreet for her ideas around the little childhood memory in this chapter. Enjoy! <3

II

Benedict returns the following morning, looking much less put together. He wears the same outfit as the previous day, except his jacket is dishevelled, and his trousers are creased as if he had slept in them. It appears as if his hair has been combed with fingers, and there is a shadow of stubble on his jaw. He smells of cigars and whiskey even from a few feet away. 

If you were a betting person, you would wager that he had overindulged the previous evening. Be it drugs, alcohol and perhaps even sins of the flesh… you steer your wayward mind from that possibility, knowing enough from overheard idle housemaid’s gossip, a fluttering low in your belly at the very idea of this man naked and thrusting.

“You look a little tired, Mr Bridgerton,” you comment gently after a few minutes of him frowning at his easel as if perplexed by his own art supplies.

“You are most observant,” the gravelly sound makes your body tingle, and he clears his throat before speaking more. “My brother had his stag party last night, and I fear we may have overindulged,” he adds, somewhat sheepish.

“We could have postponed…,” you offer with a slight shrug.

“NO!” the forcefulness with which he says it makes you flinch slightly. “I did not mean to startle you, miss,” he continues softer, “what I mean is I am a man of integrity. If I make a commitment to do something, I honour it. I promised I would be here this morning. So I am,” he meets your eye. “I would never want to disappoint you, miss.” 

Something in the way he says it has your heart rate spiking again, even as outwardly you merely nod slightly. “Could I offer you some coffee then, perhaps?”

“Oh god, yes, please,” he sounds so grateful for such a simple gesture you can't help but smile.

You ring a bell to summon your family butler, who slides into the room and looks at you expectantly.

“Mr Reeves, please could we have some coffee?”

“Certainly.” his eyes dart pointedly to Benedict. “Should you be alone for your portrait, miss? Perhaps you would like me to remain after mid-morning refreshments are served?” he suggested pointedly, the avuncular concern for your welfare and honour always there.

“No need,” you assure quickly. “My parents and indeed my intended are aware of Mr Bridgerton’s presence. And have deemed it acceptable to honour his request that other people not be in the room when he paints—it distracts from his artistic process.”

You feel Benedict's eyes on you. He made no such stipulation; this is purely something of your own manufacture you have just conjured. But he says nothing; there is just the slightest hint of a bemused quirk in the corner of his mouth.

“My artistic process?” he murmurs after your butler has departed.

Instantly you feel something in the air between you - playful, light, a shared understanding that is so very beguiling. 

“I thought all artists to be temperamental sorts,” you throw out, quirking an eyebrow. “If I am mistaken in my assumption, I will let Mr Reeves remain if that is your preference.” 

He smirks as he glances up over the top of his canvas. “There is no need. The lack of interruption shall likely aid my process indeed.”

“As I suspected, Mr Bridgerton,” enthralled by his reaction as you attempt a cool sideways glance while raising your chin to a more upward turn, a triumphant little smile twitching your lip.

“You are quite the creature,” he mutters sotto voce, and you pretend not to hear it as staff bustle into the room with coffee and biscuits.

Once Benedict has coffee, he seems to perk up immeasurably and begins painting earnestly. You settle into your pose as you hear delicate brushstrokes on canvas.

“Tell me your favourite childhood memory,” his voice startling you from the almost hypnotic calm you have slipped into.

“Why?” your brow knits.

“Just indulge me”, he responds, and it's his turn to quirk an eyebrow.

You twist your mouth into a slight pout as there is a staring contest for a few moments. 

“It’s part of my ‘artistic process’,” he adds drolly, the air quotes he gestures with his last couple of words designed to mock you gently.

You roll your eyes and pull a deadpan face, eliciting a carefree chuckle from him. The sound makes you feel like the sun lives in your veins. You would do anything to make him make that noise again—every day. Before you know it, you are doing as he requests.

“When I was seven years old, I read The Frog Prince,” you begin, a nostalgic smile claiming your face. “I was convinced that if I just kissed the most handsome frog from the pond in our country house, maybe it would turn into my own handsome prince….”

Benedict laughs. “And as you are still an unmarried woman, for now at least, I assume that pursuit was unsuccessful?” he lobbies dryly.

“Indeed,” you giggle, dismissing thoughts of your upcoming nuptials, not wanting to taint this moment of levity. “But I had invested a lot of time in frog catching, and it seemed a wasted opportunity to just let it on its merry way back to the pond.”

“Oh god, what did you do?”

“I was in the kitchen with our cook and saw the bright silver serving dishes, and well…” you shrug with an impish grin. “So I snuck it back into the house with Mr Frog under the silver cloche with the intention of leaving it in my brother’s bed later.….”

“A classic jape,” he acknowledges.

“...Indeed, but mother called me, and I clean forgot I left it there. Then fifteen minutes later, we are all gathered at the dinner table and well….”

“No!” he guffaws.

“The butler unveils dinner of roast lamb and… very live, very petrified frog! My brothers and I found it hilarious. My father was mad; my mother was horrified and had to go lie down.” You are both pealing with laughter at the end of your tale. As your giggles die out, you can't help the next question. “So tell me, how is knowing that story a part of your process?”

“Nothing is more alive in someone's expression when they talk of their favourite memory. I try to capture that look, that gleam in the eye, when I’m painting their face,” he explains as his words make your insides feel somehow melted. 

“But you did not appear to be painting,” your voice almost husky.

“I committed the look on your face to memory as you spoke,” he replies softly. “It was quite the most captivating thing,” he adds, looking down as if abashed to admit it.

Your breath catches, and your hands itch to touch him. Tell him you think that he is quite the most captivating thing you have ever seen. The most beautiful, in fact. But you do not. You merely sit there mildly dumbstruck by the compliment he paid you, shifting slightly in your seat, breaking your pose, something in your body not knowing how to process his words or your reaction to them. 

“You seem uncomfortable,” he observes carefully. “Should we take a short break?”

“NO!” you respond more forcefully than intended. “Sorry, I just….”

“You do not need to apologise or explain anything to me, miss; I am here to provide a service to you. Not the other way around,” he points out mildly.

“I am fine. And are you quite sure of that, Mr Bridgerton? Is it not the artist's prerogative to be exacting and demanding of his subjects as he toils over his work?” you ask airily.

“Ha! I am somewhat more even in temperament than the archetype of the tortured artist. Perhaps my talent is not of sufficient calibre,” he states modestly with a self-deprecating, wry tone. You can tell there is something in him that doubts his skill and a burning need to reassure rushes out of you.

“Your calibre seems entirely equivalent to genius from the paintings I have seen. Why else would I insist on commissioning you?”

“You… insisted on me? I thought myself your father's choice,” he appears surprised.

“My father would not know good art if it jumped up and bit his behind,” you jest.

Benedict laughs heartily, and once again, you feel alive, with sunlight in your being. It makes you confessional, wanting him to know the truth of how you feel.

“I, however, found your artwork very….” you cannot think of a better word than the one lodged on your tongue, so you just let it fly “...arousing. As in, it awakened my senses. I felt alive in the scenes you painted as if standing there, not just seeing but feeling the elements, smelling the land, and hearing the trees rustle. So immediate. So when an artist was needed, you were the only name I could think of. Call me selfish, but if anyone must paint my portrait, quite simply, it has to be you, Mr Bridgerton, my favourite artist.” 

You haven't dared to look at him the whole time you spoke, but as you do now, you see an expression that turns your legs to jelly even though you sit. It's admiration, surprise, and even you can recognise it, blatant desire. A stare so intense you feel stripped by it. His chest heaving a little under his waistcoat, each tiny button under rhythmic strain.

“No one has ever talked of my art like that,” he confides. 

“They should. And one day, I believe they will.” Your passion for his work, and him, the man, boiling over into a hushed but urgent tone. “And I will be a lucky lady to know my portrait was painted by none other than a British master. It will be my most prized possession.”

You are not entirely sure what swept you into such a passionate diatribe, but you know no other man on this earth can, or likely ever will, make you feel the way he does. And you continue to stare at each other, both breathing entirely too laboured, considering no physical movement has occurred. You almost jump out of your skin when the clock in the corner strikes the hour with a resounding chime.

“Our time is up, miss,” his voice sounding muted and reluctant.

“More’s the pity,” you whisper so faintly he cannot hear you, your eyes finally dropping to the floor as the spell is broken.

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked

[lovely-showtimes]

HIHI, could I request a reader who’s a vocaloid producer (like deco*27/Mitchie M) with Ichika, Kanade, Minori and/or Akito???

Hope its not too much TY <3

producer. ♡

characters - ichika, minori, akito, kanade.

type - hcs.

a/n - wow sorry i took so long to get to this !! i thought this req was such a neat concept when i first received it and i'm honestly shocked it's taken this long to get around to it honestly ... also, im fairly sure a couple of these charas have been in events related to learning how to tune vocaloids, so if anything in here contradicts those events please forgive me i have not read them </3 enjoy

Obviously, Ichika has always admired Vocaloid songs

She's wanted to try it for herself for as long as she can remember, but seeing how expensive the software is, she can't

Until she met you, of course

Learning you were a Vocaloid producer and that you shared her passion for music probably made her love you more than she already did

She will gladly listen attentively as you explain how it works to her, even if she's heard it before from certain videos

She wants to hear you explain it, after all

Seeing the process of making these kinds of songs that she's loved for years is so exciting for Ichika

When you temporarily leave the room to grab something, you come back to see her tentatively making Miku sing a few notes

"...Ah! I-I'm so sorry for touching your things without your permission!" "No no, it's alright. I'd like to see what you make." "If it's really alright, then..."

You two will eventually make a song together, and it will sound amazing, trust me <3

Minori enjoys quietly watching you work away at the laptop

It's a bit of a toss-up, sometimes she'll be utterly silent and sometimes she'll ask you a billion questions at once

Every single time after you finish making a song, Minori's already crafted choreography for it in her mind and eagerly performs it for you

So if you're the type of producer to use animation/dancing in your mvs, you have a wonderful choreographer to help you plan it out!

Minori always tries to get the rest of MMJ! to cover your songs with her after you release them

Even if they don't want to, she'll probably post solo covers anyway

You'll also catch her humming your songs when she's distracted by something

If you tell her about it, she proudly tells you it's just because your songs are so amazing, they always get stuck in her head!

Minori loves her talented partner so much, after all!

Akito didn't know much about Vocaloid songs before he met you, really

Yeah, he's listened to a few songs once or twice. Yeah, he covers them constantly. Yeah, he knows Hatsune Miku personally, but that doesn't mean anything

Suffice to say, he learns a lot from you

He's asked if he can watch you make music before, which you didn't really mind

You thought it was boring to him, though - all you really do is sit there quietly as you work, occasionally humming or singing the melody you're trying to create

Until one day, Akito suddenly comments on the creation process as if he's used the software multiple times before

It definitely shocked you, but you're happy to know he does pay attention

If the music you make is his style, he'll probably cover it himself or with VBS too

Although, when they find out he only wants to cover your songs because they're your songs, he gets relentlessly teased about it...

Kanade is already used to making songs digitally, plus she's used the Vocaloid software before

The two of you end up making songs together a lot

You've probably collaborated with 25ji multiple times, plus Kanade and you often like making songs on your own

Aside from that, you two can often give each other help or criticism when you work

"Hey, Kanade. What do you think of this song so far?" "It flows very well, and your tuning of Rin sounds very unique and refreshing. However, maybe you could tweak this part..."

Although, while Kanade knows how to use Vocaloid, she usually focuses on melodies more than the voice software

So she's learned a lot by being with you

And likewise, you've learned a lot about composing from her

You're each other's biggest fans, really

Your songs are very comforting to Kanade. She'll find herself humming them on instinct when she's stressing herself out from composing

If your songs are on the gentler side, she'll probably put them on when she's trying to sleep

(Usually she doesn't try to sleep though, she just ends up falling asleep on accident...)

[seiberries]

Hello! Can I ask you for Rin, Reo, Nagi and Chigiri headcanons? How they'd react if they find out that their s/o is an amazing dancer (maybe something like k-pop girls group cover dance or something like this)? Thank you so much!

thanks for the request!! i like dancing, so this was fun to write! <3

blue lock boys: kpop cover dancer s/o hcs

includes: chigiri hyoma, itoshi rin, mikage reo, nagi seishiro warnings: mild swearing!

chigiri hyoma

finds out as you film a cover in front of him, he smiles the whole time. you really were so amazing; he basically falls in love all over again.

the boy’s heart warmed, loving that you were enjoying yourself.

were you really his? it becomes one of the rare moments where chigiri is rendered speechless- no playful banter or snarky comments.

after the song finishes, the air is loud with claps from your boyfriend; his eyes showed all that he felt.

wants to learn from you, honestly. dancing requires a lot of focus and precision with how different body parts coordinate, so he asks about how you change your legs to go from once dance move to another.

there are concepts from dancing that he starts to utilize on the field.

while memorizing steps isn’t for him, he really enjoys doing just dance. it’s a competition that way, winner gets a wish from the loser.

oh, it’s so on.

itoshi rin

he’s really impressed, though he won’t express it out loud.

and that is because, rin... can’t really dance.

his body programmed itself to know football and football only, so he finds dancing very impressive.

the striker somehow finds you even more alluring than you already are, a silent pride fills his chest.

he catches himself humming the songs you dance to, they’re in a private playlist of his. it’s hidden, and he has to be alone to listen to it.

imagine the shit the other blue lock boys would give him for listening to TWICE, his image would be ruined. (in his opinion, he’d rather not hear shidou yap about it.)

you know about it though, it’s incredibly cute. his airpods disconnected, you heard cupid by FIFTY FIFTY play from his phone as he showered.

when he came out, a knowing look glossed your face- rin could practically hear your thoughts.

you yapping about it was okay, he’d much rather you than the antennae freak. (rin would probably return the broken nose to his teammate if it were the case.)

has multiple anonymous accounts to like your videos, and you have no idea about it. if anyone ever leaves a bad comment, rin is on their ass in dms.

the things he says to them would make even sae shiver.

mikage reo

reo insists to fund your covers, immediately.

the outfits you wear are suddenly the same as what the idols are styled with. the locations where you film at are reserved entirely for you, no distractions. even the filming process, which originally just consisted of you recording and editing- now involved a team of professionals.

he loves spoiling you.

i imagine that he likes to dance with you too, he’s very willing to learn choreography. multiple videos are uploaded with both of you dancing.

totally a natural too, his moves are fluid. dancing becomes a shared pastime for you two, he documents all of it to brag about how wonderful his s/o is.

his favorite concepts are refreshing ones, he listens to new jeans frequently. (hype boy and omg are his top songs!)

tell him your favorite group, he’ll have a private meet and greet arranged by the time their next comeback happens.

with a text from reo telling you to go downstairs, you’ll just be surprised to find your ult group sitting at your dining table.

nagi seishiro

the boy doesn’t understand how you can memorize so many movements, and then execute them after. it looks like so much work. (it is!)

when nagi watches you dance, he really watches. it’s like he takes note of every action you put out, his attention solely on you.

would ask a lot of questions, he’s interested in anything you’re interested in. he likes how you get excited over it.

genius-y as ever, he memorizes some of the choreos you learn in his head. he wouldn’t be opposed to doing some of the lower difficulty ones, it gets him many kisses as a reward.

your affection is more than enough of an incentive for him to get moving. but he’s exhausted after, so you better recognize his efforts!

cuddles are in session immediately after, he used up so much energy. (it was a thirty second tiktok.)

his teammates are in shock that you got him to move for something other than basic needs and football.

how do you do it?

the answer is simple- nagi seishiro loves you enough to “bust a move”, or two.

[dearhargrove]

Heat 2

ʙɪʟʟʏ ʜᴀʀɢʀᴏᴠᴇ x ғ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔡 𝔠𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔱: 1,384

𝔰𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔶:: After the events in the sauna and you waking up again, you and Billy enjoy some time alone. Well, as alone as you can be with six kids standing in the doorway.

𝔱𝔴'𝔰: none

𝔞/𝔫: thanks for the patience everyone!

@alohastitch0626 thanks for your comments ! Sadly I can't reply to them:( (pinned post) so I'll thank you here ⊂(´･◡･⊂ )∘˚˳° thank u so much for reading

masterlist

navigation

Waking up in Billy's arms would probably be your forever favorite thing. His muscular arms keeping you safely tucked into his chest and your head fitting perfectly under his chin in a comfortable way. He usually liked burying his face in your hair because "it smells really good", which you couldn't get beyond but well, if he's happy, you're happy.

Usually he wakes up a bit before you because although it may seem like he sleeps in a lot, he's more of an early bird than anything. So, waking up with him is the best. Why? If the above reasons aren't enough, here's some more of yours: he loves to have one hand on your hip, just holding you close. Not only does it feel tingly then, but he strokes his thumb over the skin he can reach affectionately.

And, come on, who wouldn't love that?

He may look like he'd smell like sweat and car oil, but his scent is actually very pleasant. It's refreshing and reminds you a bit of the ocean, which he loves because that in turn reminds him of California.

So, laying in his arms again after such a rough week was the best possible outcome of the situation. What wasn't the best outcome was a bunch of teenagers storming into the room and in the process waking you.

You look around the room, completely disoriented, only to realize that the group of friends as well as Steve, Nancy, Jonathan and to your horror Joyce and Hopper, are standing in the doorway. It takes you a minute to realize that, no, they hadn't seen you awake yet and that Billy is currently laying behind you, shirtless, and completely unaware of the situation. "Uh...", you don't know what to say when suddenly Dustin breaks out into a horrified scream.

"Oh my God!" you raise your eyebrows - because what the fuck? None of the others seem to understand him either, so he points behind you and waits for them to catch on. Catch on what, you don't know. "Please tell me you did not fuck in here when we were in the room right next to you!" yells Max.

Oh. Oh.

"What- no! Oh my goodness, no, ew! Why would we do that?" you're horrified now too, because why was that their first thought and why did you not realize that's what they meant?

"Uhm, because you didn't see each other for, like, days?" Dustin states naturally as if there wasn't any other reason you'd sleep in the same bed with your boyfriend. "Okay, stop– just because we sleep in one bed doesn't mean we have sex! Why does it concern you anyway, Dustin?" with an eyebrow raised you watch him gape before he tries explaining himself.

"What else should I have thought!" he lisps and you chuckle, before pointing a finger to the door. "I appreciate you all being here, but please let me wake up and get ready in peace..." you plead. Joyce finally takes control over the situation and ushers the kids out of the room before turning to you with a stern glance. "You better not be lying about fucking here or I'll have Hopper on you both."

You gulp and nod, watching as she closes the door with a smile.

This woman wasn't to be underestimated, gosh. You think and let yourself fall down into the mattress again.

When you feel Billy stir next to you, after not feeling your warmth in his arms anymore you raise a hand to brush his hair out of his face. You would've had to wake him up now, anyways. "Good morning, sleepy head." he just grumbles and turns to the other side, away from you.

You drape yourself across his side and back, throwing one leg over his waist and hug his shoulders. "We gotta get up, baby." you kiss down the side of his neck, sucking a small hickey just underneath his collar bones. He exhales, opening his eyes slowly. "Let me just stay asleep," he whines. You giggle at this image of him, thinking back to him usually looking like a total fuckboy only to now be whining in your arms.

"Nope, Joyce is waiting as well as like half of Hawkins." He raises an eyebrow and turns on his back, moving to put an arm around your waist where you're hovering over him.

"You mean the little shitheads?" he asks while pulling you down on his chest. You grunt, "yep, they're here also. Came in here and thought we fucked yesterday, they completely freaked." you laugh and close your eyes. He chuckles breathlessly, the feeling of his chest moving up and down pleasant.

He smirks and moves to stroke his hand down your back, stopping short over the hem of your shorts. "Don't start something we can't finish here, Billy." you mumble and he grins, patting you on your bottom to get you to stand up.

"Let's get ready and then we can do whatever you want." you sit up, seated on his hips as the shirt you'd borrowed from him falls over one of your shoulders. You don't pay attention to it, playing with his curls while planning what you two could do.

You don't notice his eyes fixed on your cleavage, completely zoned out. With a sigh you get off his lap which makes him grunt in a whiny way. "Don't leave me~ I'm cold now," he whines before moving to pull the comforter over him. You shake your head and grab his hand. "Come on, I was serious when I said they're waiting. We can lay in bed all day after we get home, but right now we gotta get ready, yeah?"

"I hate how responsible you are, you know that?" he groans and sits up, too, looking completely disheveled. You grab a brush out of the cabinet next to you, having left it there months ago when you first stayed here. While you brush through your hair, you see him move around in the mirror. "Damn, really gotta shower when we get home," he says, more to himself than anyone specifically. You giggle and finish doing your hair, walking to where he's standing and making him sit down.

You take a comb for his curls and start brushing through the knotted hair. "When did you last brush through all of this?" he stays silent and you softly hit his neck with the comb in a scolding way. "You gotta take care of your hair if you want it to stay healthy. How many times do I have to remind you, my love?" you finish brushing through his hair and let your hand through it a few times before patting his back and straightening yourself.

Having breakfast with the people you love the most and partly see as family was something you'd add to your list of "best things". During breakfast Billy kept his hand on your thigh and watched over you like a hawk, to your amusement.

After a bit of discussing what would happen with the Mind Flayer you all went your own ways. Sitting down in the passenger seat of the blue Camaro felt like coming home, in a sense.

The stench of cigarettes was the only thing you hated about this car, you think and plug your seat belt in. You watch Billy as he does the same before the familiar roar of the engine starting up can be heard.

You wave at Eleven, who was standing on the porch. She waves back with a small smile and you coo internally. "Alright, princess. What do you wanna do today?"

You pretend to think for a minute before turning to him, excitedly.

"You know there's a new recipe I've been wanting to try," you laugh at his pained groan, knowing very well he hated cooking with a passion. "You promised we'd do anything I want, so there's no way out of this, pretty boy," you sing song and he just stares ahead, secretly enjoying this side of you, especially after days of only seeing you asleep, looking completely wrecked.

so... thanks for reading <3 I've got a few ideas for him in my head and obv in none of them does he die in Starcourt ;). Have a great day everyone!

[tomorrowxtogether]

SOOBIN: “It’s always been my goal for the other members to be happy”

TOMORROW X TOGETHER The Name Chapter: FREEFALL comeback interview

2023.10.23

SOOBIN, as always, speaks in a calm voice throughout. Whether he’s talking about the happiness that surrounds him, the challenges he faces, the pleasures of everyday life, or the major goals that guide the group, his voice is resolute but relaxed—spirited, but soft.

You kept talking about how you want to watch the new movie Concrete Utopia.

SOOBIN: I never ended up seeing it. It left theaters. (laughs) If someone in my friends’ group chat says, “There’s a movie I want to see,” then someone else asks who can go, and then anyone who can goes to see it. I’m really thankful to have friends who will come with me to see the movies I want to watch.

You took a trip with them recently, isn’t that right?

SOOBIN: I took an overnight trip with them to Gapyeong not that long ago. We had a cooking competition, then they asked me to teach them the dance for “Sugar Rush Ride.” So I showed them and then they spontaneously held a competition and asked me to be the judge. It was really fun and super cute. (laughs)

It sounds like your friends are very important to you.

SOOBIN: It’s fair to say they know me really well. They really love me and look out for me. Usually when they say something like, “Choi Soobin’s eating only this much? Something wrong?”—there really is something wrong. These days they’re so good at seeing through me. It’s almost annoying. (laughs) And if any of us goes too far, we apologize on the spot. And after we take a trip, we even say, I had such a great time thanks to you guys. You really made me happy. It’s always like that. I get carried away in that kind of environment which lets me say embarrassing things, and even though we bicker sometimes, it leads to self-improvement. I guess you could say I’ve become a kinder person overall and I’m capable of being a lot more open now. I really learned how to express myself.

I imagine that you get a lot of energy out of that whole process.

SOOBIN: I started going out way more this year. I was having a lot of personal doubts and feeling confused last year, so it wasn’t an easy time. So I went around looking for help, talked a lot to more experienced artists, and got some advice. I ended up getting really close to a lot of people. After that, I had more reasons to go out. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the same routine every day, so I really need that time these days.

How did you feel during the world tour? Judging by your vlogs from that time, it looks like you established your own little routine for after each concert.

SOOBIN: You hear from a lot of different artists that they sometimes feel empty when they get in after a concert. But not me. (laughs) After seeing all those people in big crowds, coming back, and having some alone time, it’s—I mean, that’s a really full day. I think it’s important to have time to be alone and reflect, and to enjoy your hobbies. I don’t really feel like I need to follow up something as special as a concert with something else exciting. I actually feel more comfortable just spending each day the way I’m used to spending it.

I’m surprised you cherish what’s already comfortable to you so much when you also want to try so many new activities.

SOOBIN: I guess you could say I have a personality like a flame. There’s so many things I want to do, but I also get tired of them pretty quickly. For a while I was learning swimming and boxing, then I had an interest in baking and thought about buying an oven, but I was over it quickly. I also bought a camera and then, after a month, never touched it again. (laughs) Anyway, I’m the kind of person who pretty much goes ahead and does things as soon as I want to do them. I never hesitate to start something and I’ll even skip sleep when I want to try something. I can’t stand when I don’t have a hobby to do. It’s tough for me if I can’t have a good time and break out of my routine with something new. I guess that explains my personality where I have to do whatever I want. I’m the kind of person who tries to enjoy what he wants when I want to because I never know when I might lose interest.

But you have far more endurance doing what you do than other people.

SOOBIN: I don’t think I could’ve put this much into any job other than this one. I can already see myself living a lazy life when I’m much older and retired (laughs) so I want to do everything I can while I can. There’s a lot of people who work to make us shine, especially in a line of work like this, so there’s no way I could just phone it in when they’re putting their all into it.

You must have devoted a lot of time and effort toward getting ready for this comeback. You mentioned several times on Weverse Live how excited you are for the new album.

SOOBIN: It’s about embracing and pushing your way through the pain and the hard times you come up against in the real world, so I felt like it’s something I can comprehend and express well. I was actually worried about the last album because I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to pull off the concept of the album, and that’s why I didn’t feel very confident. But the songs are a little bit more of an “easy listening” songs this time and the choreography’s fun, so I’m more confident this time. At first I thought the single “Chasing That Feeling” was basic, but after listening to it four or five times, I realized how catchy it was and started humming it to myself. It felt like the kind of song you’d never skip over in a playlist and one you can keep listening to over and over.

You also mentioned that the dance moves for “Chasing That Feeling” are more physically demanding than those for “Back for More” (TXT Ver.).

SOOBIN: Everyone would assume that “Back for More (TXT Ver.)” is more tough when you see it, but for me, “Chasing That Feeling” is actually more physically demanding. But I still love the choreography. I had so much fun with it when first learning it and I was full of excitement while dancing, but the dance coaches told me, “SOOBIN, you have to do this one with more tenderness. You’re too hyper right now. You need to tone down your emotions.” (laughs) We stretch our arms out really, really wide in the intro and do moves we’ve never done before, but it was a really good match for me and I had a lot of fun. I think the dance really captures that idea of following your passions and always pressing forward even when it’s sort of painful. I got to like the song more while practicing the choreography.

You said on Weverse Live that you have a favorite track off this album. Can you tell us which it is?

SOOBIN: It’s “Skipping Stones.” Singer-songwriter HANRORO wrote it, and I’m a big fan of her music. The song she gave us is so characteristic of her sound that it feels like a song she would’ve written for herself. I fell in love with it the very first time I heard it. It was fun getting to record a song of a style I listen to and sing all the time, which made the process laid-back. I like HANRORO’s music and voice, but I think it’s her all-Korean lyrics that are really beautiful. “The water that swallowed the scars will become calm someday / And it will have a wide embrace.” Time heals all wounds and I was so amazed how she managed to tie that in with the idea of skipping stones. It made me respect her even more.

You wrapped up your second world tour a little bit before the album came out. Did you enjoy yourself on tour? It seemed like you had a lot on your mind while trying to enjoy yourself on stage before that.

SOOBIN: I started to feel less nervous doing the world tour. Now I’m not even scared or nervous before a concert—I’m just excited. I think I’m more comfortable with it because I feel relaxed now. I’m still not totally loosened up, obviously (laughs) but I can’t force myself to be comfortable with everything. I’ll probably have to wait a little longer for that.

During the world tour, you also put on performances at major venues like Lollapalooza in Chicago and the MTV Video Music Awards.

SOOBIN: I was nervous for the VMAs for sure but it was still fun because there were a lot of people who have been superstars to me ever since I was young and it was amazing to see people with MOA light sticks even though it was an overseas awards show. It was so fun that I felt like I was dreaming. It was like, Am I even supposed to be here? I was extremely fortunate to be able to meet people like Bebe Rexha who were a major motivator for me. Moments like those feel like rewards for all the hard work I’ve put in and they’re a huge motivation. I’m very thankful and lucky.

It’s like you take that motivation and work hard to pay it forward to MOA.

SOOBIN: It’s even hard for me to grasp, for someone who used to be a fan myself. To me, it even feels like what fans are giving is just “pure love.” I was so amazed that they’re willing to come such a long distance for our concerts and you can see fans giving things to each other just because they all share a common interest. It’s not like the love between friends or between a couple—it’s something completely special that can’t ever be explained. I’ve been a fan before, too, but speaking as a singer, “the existence of fans is just pure love.” It’s amazing how unconditional their love can be.

It’s clear how much you love the fans when you talk to them on Weverse Live about somewhat sensitive subjects in a firm but kind manner.

SOOBIN: This is how I feel: Let’s all be gentle and share the love. That way, I can be closer with them and no one will be crossing any boundaries of what is acceptable. The reason I say that is, I’m trying to make it so that MOA and I can love each other more and without having to hold anything back. Sometimes I can ignore the uncomfortable stuff and just move on, but the reason I brought that up is because I wanted to make sure we don’t make each other feel uncomfortable and there’s no hard feelings. My point was to say, Let’s make sure we all feel comfortable, and let’s look out for one another and have nothing but love for each other. I try to be as gentle as possible when I say these things, of course.

You also referred to the other group members as “companions” last year in the video TXT Share House.

SOOBIN: We all went through a rough patch at one point last year together. I felt our companionship was particularly strong while we practiced for the year-end awards shows. We were having a lot of honest conversations about our innermost feelings. We weren’t in Korea that much at the time, so I think we relied on each other a lot.

I was surprised when I found out you get a bigger room during world tours because other members come see you. I thought you would want to have your own space.

SOOBIN: I’m not really bothered by them coming in. We each have our own rooms, but I’m actually thankful and feel good that they come to my room to talk to me because it makes me feel like they trust me and rely on me. And I get more excited and talkative than they do when they come in. (laughs) I’m happy when they come in and I always hope they do.

What do you tend to talk about in that situation?

SOOBIN: They mostly come to me when they’re facing some kind of difficulty, whether it’s personal or something related to the group, or when they just want to talk. And I’m usually the one who goes to the label as our representative when we want to propose an idea to them. But there were a lot of times on the most recent world tour where they came to me saying they wanted to hear what I had to say. “How are you feeling about the tour? No problems?” Stuff like that. I actually tend to keep any baggage to myself if sharing it isn’t going to solve anything. Sometimes the other members feel hurt by that though. (laughs) But I still usually unload when it’s something that can be solved together, of course. It’s not like I don’t like to talk. (laughs)

When YEONJUN and TAEHYUN were on SUCHWITA, they said that all the members agreed on one big goal for the group. Was it those conversations that led you to be able to agree on that goal?

SOOBIN: I’m not someone with any big goals—I just want to enjoy the small things in life. But we talked a lot last year about our members’ dreams, what makes us happy, and what our goals are. Not all five of us shared the same goals, but we got to talking about how some of us want to make it to the top of our field. So I thought, If that’s what makes you happy, and that’s your goal, then I’ll try my best for it, too—because it’s always been my goal for the other members to be happy. I figured, if that’s what will make them happiest, then I’ll work toward the same goal with them.

Why does the other members being happy make you happy?

SOOBIN: It’s not just them—my family, my friends, the staff … Nothing makes me happier than seeing them all happy. That’s why I hope our fans are happy, too. I think the people I care about being happy makes me really happy and is as important to me as my own happiness. At least for me.

Has your attitude toward work changed as the goals you’re focused on have shifted?

SOOBIN: I’m making a bigger, tangible effort. I feel like I’ve always done my best, right from when we debuted, but now it’s like I’m trying to be even better than my best. (laughs) I’m practicing harder, working harder when shooting—everything. I’ll work harder this year than last, and next year I’ll work even harder still.

But there will always be bumps along the road when working toward your goals. How do you keep yourself moving forward?

SOOBIN: It might not be the case for everyone in this field, but I think this work makes me really happy, way more than it brings me pain. I'm not the type to dwell on something painful for too long in the first place. It's not simple to get this much love and support, and the happiness it brings is too important for me to let go just because things get tough. It brings me so much joy that it's worth sticking with, no matter what I have to go through.