#it’s like seeing taylor swift or something volunteering at your museum | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

alpacaparkaseok · 3 years

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Ivy

➣ Pairing: apprentice!Jungkook x reader, art curator!Hoseok x reader

➣ Premise: You’ve been promised to Jung Hoseok for twelve years. You’ve never wanted anything else. Until now. (inspired by the song “Ivy” by Taylor Swift)

➣ Genre: arranged marriage au, angsty with some fluff, SFW

➣ warnings/tags: it’s a bit angsty, the reader is technically promised to someone else so it’s a little messy, general EmOTioNS, a bit intense/stalkerish but not too bad?? some fun fluff and banter as well, but Hoseok might kill a man and Jungkook will go down fighting

➣ word count: 12.2k *yeah, I know. this sucker is like 3 times longer than it was meant to be*

➣ a/n: this was a commission by @delacyrose224 for Army for AAPI! Thank you so much for requesting this awesome prompt, I literally had too much fun writing this. I swear, I could’ve made a whole series out of this. You guys, check out ways to get involved in this awesome cause by clicking the link!

The person staring back at you in the mirror is not you. Of that, you are certain. There’s no way you could ever pull this off – the silken layers, ivory making your skin glow with a dew-like complexion…

You voice as much. “I don’t even recognize myself.”

“Isn’t that kind of the point?”

Whirling around in a flurry of skirts and soft-to-the-touch fabric, you spot your betrothed lingering in the doorway.

“Hoseok!”

He chuckles, the sound making the corners of your lips tug upward. Taking in the sight before him, you can’t help but notice the way he chews on the inside of his cheek. Hoseok takes one hesitant step forward, crossing his arms.

“You should’ve seen me earlier,” he croons, voice always sounding like he’s a breath away from laughter. “I thought my dad had somehow teleported into the mirror.”

You wince. “Does this mean we’ve grown up?”

“Unfortunately.”

Twelve years of waiting for this. How have they already passed?

“You know,” Hoseok begins, dropping your gaze in favor of stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I haven’t even properly proposed to you, yet.”

“You should probably get on it.”

“Mmm.”

“Aren’t we getting married in April?”

He frowns. “Yeah, mid-April I think. It’s barely November, though. So there’s no pressure, right?”

You almost burst out laughing at his simple question. No pressure? Pressure has been your constant companion these past twelve years.

What else were you supposed to feel? Trying telling a thirteen year old that they’re already promised to somebody and then tell them “Oh, but no pressure.” Of course, they made sure to drop that little piece of pointless comfort after they mentioned who you had been promised to.

Jung Hoseok.

Three years your senior, he had seemed larger-than-life when you first met less than a year after learning of your pre-determined commitment to him. He’d been kind, that was your first thought. A little strange, a little loud at times. For your teenage self, that was fine.

Then things began to change. It was a rare occasion that you ever saw Hoseok; the two of you lived in different cities. However you distinctly remember one occasion in which you had unintentionally bumped into him while in search of your parents at their giant headquarters located in Busan.

It was easy to get lost in that building – you still can picture all the different nooks and crannies where different works of art were stored. The more valuable ones were of course under lock and key, however there were plenty of show rooms that you managed to get lost in.

You had done just that, taking a detour through the preservation room where several workers could be seen on the other side of the glass cleaning a timeless piece that had just been flown in from Austria. Once you realized where you were, you turned to leave. However, something caught your eye that made you hesitate.

There was Hoseok, perched on the edge of a stool as he leaned over the artwork. There was nothing particularly flashy about him that day, something you weren’t used to. In all your time of knowing him (four years at that point), you had never seen him in something other than formal wear. If it wasn’t some sort of suit or dress shirt, it was a sweater vest that he somehow managed to pull off.

This time, he was disguised in a white lab coat, holding a Loup to his eye in an effort to analyze the fine details of the painting. His brown hair was a little mussed, his knee bouncing up and down in the only outward show of excitement he portrayed.

One of the workers began speaking, the details of their conversation muted to your ears due to the glass separating you from them. However, you watched as Hoseok listened with almost terrifying focus before turning back to the painting and delicately taking a brush to the frame. No doubt dusting off some invisible smudge.

You had been frozen for a long moment, completely unfamiliar with this man. The Hoseok you knew was jovial and quick to laughter. He made you smile and roll your eyes. He put you at ease.

This man, with his precise flicks of the wrist and unwavering focus, was a force of nature.

You realized then, at the age of seventeen that while you were promised to this man, you did not know him at all. There was so much more hiding behind that heart-shaped smile.

And now, at twenty-five, you are no closer to knowing him than you were before. You’ve never known anyone else quite so talented at wielding smiles with the same deftness as a sniper hiding on a rooftop.

“No pressure?” You scoff, wiggling an eyebrow at your intended sniper. “That means I can’t gain any weight from here to April! That’s impossible with the holidays coming up!”

Hoseok bursts out laughing, clapping at your comment as though you’ve just completed a stand-up routine. “That’s a good point,” he sighs, making a contented sound. “I’ll have to ask my tailor to let out my suit a bit in the spring.”

You fidget on the pedestal, glancing back at the mirror over your shoulder. Your gown is breathtaking, there’s no denying it. It’s just…overwhelming.

“Well,” Hoseok begins to back out of the room, “You look beautiful. Sorry for snooping around, but I couldn’t resist.”

You straighten up at his comment, preening a bit. Over the years, you’ve come to realize that Hoseok’s compliments are not given lightly.

“Thank you.”

He shrugs. “It’s true.” He turns on his heel and strides out the door, calling over his shoulder, “We’ll fly out first thing in the morning.”

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, from Beethoven’s Opera 58 echoes off the domed ceiling, bouncing through the air and enveloping you in a cocoon of music. Without your realizing, your right foot bounces out the rhythm as you crane your neck to get a better look at your work.

“C’mon, David,” you groan, sparing the renowned sculpture a glare. “You’re not making this easy on me.”

“I wasn’t aware that sculptures got vasectomies.”

You jolt, nearly tipping off of your step stool before two warm hands grasp your shoulders. Sputtering and spewing, you spin around to see just who you need to direct your cursing at.

“Who are you?” You fume as the person in question removes their hands from you and takes a timid step back.

“Jeon Jungkook, m-ma’am.”

“Is that name supposed to mean something to me?”

Jungkook’s eyes widen even more, something you didn’t think he was capable of doing. Chowing down on his bottom lip, he gives you a small shake of his head.

“Then tell me who you are to me, not your name.” You inwardly grimace at your snappy tone, but you’ll apologize later.

“Oh, I…uh, I’m the apprentice?” When you don’t immediately get a look of understanding on your face, Jungkook presses on. “Mr. Jung’s apprentice, ma’am.”

Ah, that checks out.

Hoseok’s father would be stepping down as the East-Asia representative on the international board of Art and Artifacts (basically the equivalent of the U.N. in art terms), leaving a spot open for Hoseok to ascend the ranks.

“Why haven’t I met you before? Haven’t you been around for a while?”

In order to complete the apprenticeship, Jungkook would need at least three years of working alongside Hoseok. Learning the ins and outs of being the curator of some of the biggest art collections and galleries in the world.

“Yes ma’am, I have.”

“Ok, Jungkook,” you stand up and stretch, gaining some sort of sick satisfaction from the way he scampers back a bit more to give you space. “Two things. First, I’m not ‘ma’am’. Just speak to me casually, ok?”

There’s a flash of surprise in his eyes, but he nods. “And the second thing?”

Turning point to the David in all his glory, you smirk over your shoulder. “Don’t sneak up on me when I’m working. David here nearly lost his balls because you startled me.”

Cheeks flushed pink, Jungkook sputters out something resembling a “y-yes, I won’t do it again” before dropping his gaze to the floor. Chuckling to yourself, you resume your position before the sculpture, meticulously layering on a protective substance to the David’s nether regions.

You and Hoseok had been called over to Italy in order to make preparations for the upcoming art show. It was to be the first of its kind --- never before had these timeless artworks been on display like this. Royalty, presidents, dignitaries of every kind mixed with world-class celebrities would be present.

As a precaution you were going through and applying a protective but clear substance to more fragile parts of the artworks. Today, the David was the lucky one.

“So, Jungkook,” you hum, completely undeterred by the strange position you were in at the moment. “What brings you over to my side of the museum today? Shouldn’t you be off with Hoseok, planning for the event?”

“Ah, well…Mr. Jung said you might need a hand. I volunteered to assist you with whatever you need.”

You blink. Hoseok had always been completely content to leave you to your work. It was a silent agreement you have: you let him do his thing, and he doesn’t interfere with your stuff.

“Huh.” You smooth out the final touches, leaning back a bit. “Interesting. So what, you’re just hanging out with me for the rest of the day?”

“Yep. For the rest of the week, actually.”

David stares off into the distance, ever stoic. You swear you can see a bit of a confused glint in his eye as the sculpture listens in on your conversation. It’s always just been you and the artwork. So what’s this with Hoseok sending Jungkook over? Is he just trying to be kind and help you out?

Probably. There’s no need to assume anything else. You just think…

Well, despite trusting you, you would think he’d send someone less attractive to help you with your work. Is this some sort of trust exercise he’s pulling on you before he proposes? Or does he just not care enough to think about the possible repercussions of his actions?

“Doesn’t he care at least a little bit?” You think aloud, frowning up at David.

“What was that?”

“Oh,” you swivel around to give Jungkook an apologetic smile. “Nothing. Do me a favor?” Jungkook nods. “Take a look at this for me, see if the extra layer is noticeable at all.”

Getting up to move out of his way, you can’t help the grin that breaks out as Jungkook flushes a bit when he gets up close and personal with the David. Despite his obvious embarrassment though, he meticulously checks ever angle.

“I can’t tell at all,” he finally responds, straightening up. “You’re amazing.”

You blink. “Oh. Er…thanks.”

“So, where to next?”

“We look like those ancient plague doctors,” Jungkook jokes, hanging you a bottle of clear liquid before you can even ask for it. “You know, like with the big beaks and stuff?”

You snort, which in turn fogs up the inside of your suit. Waiting a moment for it to clear up, you glance back at Hoseok’s apprentice.

He has a point. The two of you look slightly ridiculous, in your full body Hazmat suits that are necessary to inspect these ancient papyrus scrolls. They’re falling apart already, no need for you to contaminate them with something as feeble as a sigh. Once you’re finished working on them, they’ll be placed in thick Plexiglas cases which will keep them safe from the outside world.

“We’re missing the beaks, though.”

Jungkook hums, watching you carefully as you smooth out the scroll. “I bet we could roll these up and use them as beaks.”

“Not funny.”

“Worth a shot.”

Rolling your eyes again; something you’ve become prone to doing in the past 24 hours you’ve known Jungkook, you set to work.

It’s only quiet for so long before Jungkook speaks up again. He does so quietly, making good on his promise not to startle you anymore. “No Beethoven today?”

You give a slight shake of your head, hardly daring to blink while applying the syrupy liquid to the bottom corner of the document. The slightest mess up would result in having to scrape it off before it dries, which is something you don’t want to have to try. Not when a single nick to the papyrus equals game over.

Letting out a sigh of relief once you’ve completed that section, you sit back and stretch. “No,” you groan out mid-yawn. “It felt like a Tchaikovsky kind of day. Don’t know why.”

��Hmm.”

“Ok, we need to wait…” you glance at the clock on the wall. “About an hour to let that completely set in before flipping it and working on the other side.”

“Great, let’s grab some lunch.”

You blink, watching Jungkook as he shoots to his feet and heads toward the door. “I was going to suggest we get started on the next exhibit-”

“Food first,” Jungkook chimes, leaving no room for argument as your stomach rumbles at the thought of lunch. “We’re literally in Italy, food always comes first.”

Well, he has a point.

You make a point of locating Hoseok before heading out for food, eventually finding him in a grand corridor surrounded by staff. Wherever Hoseok is, there’s constant motion. People flitting about, running errands and trying to keep everything moving in a timely fashion.

As the two of you became closer work partners over the past few years, it’s become a familiar sight. It helps, finding Hoseok is usually fairly easy. Today proves no different.

“Hoseok!” You wave him down, offering a smile to the surrounding staff that recognize you. The man in question is nudged by his assistant, Joshua.

“Hey!” Hoseok breaks away from the group and jogs over to where you stand beside a column. He nods at Jungkook, smiling warmly. “What’re you two up to? I thought you were working the papyrus today.”

“We have an hour before we can move on to the next thing, so we’re grabbing lunch. Wanna come?”

“Oh,” the look of surprise on his face gives you cause to wonder when the last time you invited him to do something with you was. “That sounds…really nice, actually. Give me a minute?”

Your heart stumbles as it pick up in speed, something you weren’t anticipating. “Yeah, sure. We’ll wait right here.”

“Great, thanks.”

With that, he scurries back over to the throng. Jungkook leans over to you, elbow nudging your arm.

“What?”

“How long do you think they’ll last before calling him?” Jungkook muses, an amused smile on his face.

You can’t help but laugh, knowing full well that it won’t be long. “I’d say…thirty minutes?”

“Really? I’ll give them forty.”

“You’re too generous.”

“Aren’t you being too hard on them?”

Your eyes slide over to Jungkook, arching a brow. “No. So what are we betting?”

Jungkook breathes through his teeth, taking in your determined expression. “Hmmm…money or something else?”

“Not money, that’s too boring.”

“Ok, ok.” Crossing his arms, Jungkook sways from side to side as he thinks. Slowly, his eyes drag across your face, trying to see something that’s beneath the surface. “If you lose, you have to be my date to the gala.”

“W-what?!” You choke on your spit, staring up at Jungkook like he just grew a second head. “I can’t- why would you-”

He tilts his head to one side, clearly enjoying your shock. “Hurry, make your bet. What happens if you win?”

“Jungkook, I’m literally marrying Hoseok in a few months, I can’t just go as someone else’s date!”

“Don’t worry,” he winks, only furthering your embarrassment, “I’ve it all planned out. Now, hurry up. He’s heading back.”

Indeed, Hoseok is clapping Joshua on the shoulder and turning this way. Chewing furiously on the inside of your cheek, you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “Ok, well if I win then you have to leave me alone for the rest of the week!”

There’s a hint of worry that streaks across Jungkook’s features, but it’s covered up a few seconds later as he thrusts out his hand to shake on it. “Deal.”

With the way he grins down at you, you can’t help but feel like this was a stupid thing to bet on.

You’re wedged into a booth not long after, sitting shoulder to shoulder with Hoseok. Jungkook takes the spot across from you two, never missing a beat in his conversation with your betrothed.

“The guest list has been finalized,” Hoseok is saying, smiling warmly at the server that drops off some menus. You don’t miss the way she ogles your companions, shrugging it off. It’s become a common occurrence. You’re not blind to their looks.

“It wasn’t finished before?” You ask, frowning. Hoseok passes a menu to you, leaning in a bit closer. It’s unnecessary, but the way he lets his leg rest against yours has a rush shooting through you.

So…this is a new development.

“No,” Jungkook answers for him. “Well, we thought it was, but then the curator here wanted to invite some more political officials. Has it been a mess trying to rearrange?”

“Yeah, but everyone pulled their weight.”

“That’s good to hear.”

It’s relatively quiet as you all look over your menus, bouncing ideas off of each other for what they should get. After you’ve placed your orders, Hoseok nudges you.

“Your mother called me last night.”

Your eyes widen. “She did?”

Both men chuckle at your obvious worry. “Yes, she did. We had a nice chat. Why do you look so concerned?”

Perhaps it has something to do with the last conversation you had with your mother. It took place about three weeks ago, when she’d come up to Seoul for a visit. The visit had been pleasant enough; you’d gone to dinner and talked about things back home. She’d actually approved of your apartment, despite the eclectic feel to it.

It has almost been too normal. You should’ve known that it was only a matter of time before something happened.

You were busy putting your leftovers from the restaurant in the fridge, your mother hovering in the doorway to the kitchen with a pensive look on her face.

“Have you ever had…doubts?”

“Doubts?” Your voice was muffled from the odd angle, but you peeked out around the door of the fridge with a questioning look. “About what?”

Your mother shrugged, keeping her eyes trained on the door of the fridge and its decorative magnets. “About Hoseok.”

You immediately stood, closing the door with a dull thud. “What?”

“I just…your wedding is coming up, he’s probably going to propose within the next couple of months – for heaven’s sake, you have your dress fitting coming up in just a couple of weeks, isn’t that right?”

“Mom,” you voice was stern. “What is this about? You’re scaring me.”

At your confession your mother finally met your eyes. “Oh, sweetie, I didn’t mean to worry you so much. But I can’t help but wonder, you know? We’ve never really talked about it-”

“There was never anything to talk about!” You sigh, exasperated. “All I’ve known is that I’m going to end up with Hoseok, and that’s that! He’s a nice man, hardworking, and we make a good team.”

“I know, darling. I know.” She hesitated before stepping forward, coming to place a loving hand on your cheek. “I just want you to know that you get to make this decision. Even though it may not have always felt like it. There is…more. Out there, for you.”

More?

“Just, uh…” you shake your head, trying to clear your mind of those thoughts rolling around your head. “Wanted to make sure she didn’t share any embarrassing information about me.”

This makes both men chuckle, Jungkook leaning forward with eager eyes. “Like what? Do tell.”

You blush at his undivided attention, groaning and slipping down further in your seat. Hopefully neither of them notice your pink cheeks, something tells you that Jungkook would never let you live it down.

The fact that you don’t know how Hoseok would react has you even more on edge.

Hoseok grins at you as you sit up again, reaching around your shoulders to pull you close. “Aw, you probably don’t have any embarrassing stories. We all already know that you’re perfect.”

You blink, staring up at your betrothed as his smile softens. He’s never spoken to you like this. First sending extra help in the form of Jungkook, then dropping everything to go to lunch, now this?

Before your mind can run with the idea blooming in your chest, your server appears with your food. Her eyes instantly zone in on you and Hoseok, something registering in her eyes as she offers you a warm smile. Then, she turns her full attention on Jungkook. Practically eating him alive as she sets his food down in front of him.

“Your hair is so long,” she muses. “I’ve never seen anyone able to pull off hair like that…what’s your secret?”

Jungkook, who you assumed would preen in the attention, hardly glances the girl’s way. His eyes rest on where Hoseok’s hand ghosts over your shoulder, slow in its retreat. Jungkook keeps a neutral expression, although his eyes shoot up to yours in a way that has you pinned to the back of the booth.

It’s over just as quickly as it began, Jungkook grinning down at his food and mumbling, “No secret. Just good genes.” He doesn’t wait another second before diving into his food. You snort at his reply, Hoseok just shaking his head before beginning to eat in a more meticulous manner. If he noticed the strange exchange that just passed between you and Jungkook, he doesn’t say anything.

Or maybe it was all in your head. Maybe that protective coating you applied to the papyrus earlier today has gone straight to your head, addling your brain.

The food is delicious, as expected. The three of you fall into an easy conversation, revolving mainly around work. You notice that Jungkook keeps checking his phone, but you ignore it.

That is, until he offers you a smug smile before focusing his attention on Hoseok.

“So, for this gala…we’re meant to bring a plus one, right?”

Hoseok nods. “Yep.”

“Who’re you taking?”

Hoseok laughs, taking a long sip of his drink. “Who? I don’t know, I feel like I should maybe take the woman I’m marrying in a few months.” He shoots you a friendly wink, but you can’t completely return his light-hearted nature. Has it already been forty minutes? But still, there’s been no call…

“Oh,” a familiar ringtone cuts through the air, and Hoseok grabs his phone from his pocket, frowning at the screen. “It’s Joshua. I’ll just step outside for a moment.”

Hoseok is too busy sliding out of the booth to notice the way your jaw drops. The second he’s out of sight, you turn an accusatory glare toward Jungkook. “What was that? Did you seriously tell them to call-”

“Before you castrate me, I’d like to defend myself. Can I do that?”

“And then I can castrate you?”

Jungkook visibly swallows. “I only meant it hypothetically, but…just listen.” When you angrily wave for him to continue, the smug smile from earlier reappears on his face. “I have this all under control. But, from where I’m sitting, I won our little bet. So I have a question for you.”

“I’m not going with you, Hoseok is taking me!”

Pushing his tongue against his cheek, Jungkook sits back and observes you for a moment. “Don’t be so sure about that, sweetheart. Now, what color of dress are you wearing to this thing?”

You do your best to ignore Jungkook for the rest of the day. Hoseok chats happily with you on the walk back to the museum, occasionally finding a way to let his hand graze yours. It’s enough to keep you distracted from Jungkook’s complacent expression which is usually directed in your direction.

Parting from Hoseok is like parting with a security blanket, and he looks to be particularly pleased with the way you run your hand down his arm before bidding him goodbye. Jungkook huffs a breath, which goes unnoticed by your betrothed as he heads into the building where countless workers wait for him.

“I’m still waiting on an answer,” Jungkook chides a few moments later. You’re desperately trying to outpace him, annoyed when he easily keeps up.

“You’re not getting one and we’re not going together.”

“Didn’t I tell you that I’d take care of it? Everything. Even Hoseok.” You stop in your tracks when Jungkook jumps in front of the doors, opening one up with a flourish.

“Jungkook.”

“Yes, darling?” It’s infuriating how much you react to the pet name, your reddening cheeks giving you away instantly.

“Stop.”

Jungkook blinks, straightening up a bit as you sweep past him and head inside. When he’s silent the entire walk to the papyrus lab, you let out a sigh of relief. Never mind the fact that there’s a dull disappointment blooming in your chest. For a moment, it was nice to think of what a night at Jungkook’s side could be like.

It would certainly be different than what you’re used to with Hoseok. Not that you two often spend occasions like this together, it’s more of a formality than anything. The first few minutes are always a dream: Hoseok can’t take his eyes off of you and gets flustered. He’s a perfect gentleman, and even goes so far as to hold you close to him when entering the event.

However, it only takes a few minutes before he’s swept off in one direction and you the other. Collogues, board members, and possible buyers of the rare artwork on display keep you two busy and apart for the entirety of the night.

You make to step into the prep room, ready to get back into your hazmat suit and start on the other side of the papyrus scrolls. The moment you step in, however, the thought of being stuck in such a small space with Jungkook nearly makes your lightheaded. Focus is paramount in your line of work, and Jungkook counts as a distraction.

“Would you go around to the sculptures we worked on yesterday and make sure they’re doing ok?” You glance over your shoulder to see Jungkook freeze in the doorway. “I, uh…I never know how they’re going to respond to the added layer.”

Jungkook has lost all of his previous swagger, simply giving you a curt nod before turning to walk away. You can’t help but watch as he briskly heads down the hallways, running his hands through his hair before fisting them at the nape.

You jump a little as the door closes, lost in your thoughts. Rushing back to you are your mother’s words.

“There is…more. Out there, for you.”

The words settle for a moment before you snort, chuckling to yourself before putting one leg in the hazmat suit. “They’re both hot. So what?”

Two more days pass in a similar fashion. Jungkook is always waiting for you at the entrance to the museum, resembling an eager puppy before you shut him down with a stern look.

Last night you spent a ridiculous amount of time coming up with errands you could send him on that wouldn’t seem too suspicious. For the most part it’s worked; you’ve been working alone for most of the day, and Jungkook hasn’t seemed too keen to intrude.

A part of you feels a bit bad for shutting him out so much, but you really have no reason to let him in. Especially not when he was so set on taking you to the gala when you’re very clearly promised to another.

“Does he have something against Hoseok?”

Your question is directed to your current project, The Incoronation of the Virgin, by Jacopo di Cione. Of course, the virgin humbly sitting with a crown on her head pays you no mind, but you carry on anyway.

“But then again, why would he? He’s getting his job, isn’t he?” You sit back, lightly dusting at the finer details of the mural. “Oh, maybe he’s angry at me.”

“Why would I be angry at you?”

You gasp as you stumble back, losing your footing from where you were on a stepping stool. You gasp louder (if that’s possible) when two sturdy hands grab your waist, firmly keeping you in place.

“Steady?”

“Why do you keep sneaking up on me?” You seethe, stepping down and out of Jungkook’s grasp. “Did I ask you to finish cleaning the bottles we used yesterday?”

“I finished that.”

“And what about sweeping the work area?”

“Done.”

“What about-”

“Done,” Jungkook looks like he’s considering taking another step, but stays put. “I finished everything. Now would you quit sending me away?”

You give him a long look, noting the way his cheeks burn under your gaze. After a moment you sigh. “Yeah, fine.”

Jungkook perks up instantly, and a second later you find him glued to your side. He gazes up at the panel you’ve been working on, his mouth dropping of its own accord.

“Wow, it’s beautiful.”

“Mmhm.” You head back up the step stool, getting back to work while Jungkook holds it steady. He admires the artwork, leaving you in relative peace.

“How did you get into this stuff?” He asks from the other end of the painting. You arch a brow before furrowing it, trying to come up with a reasonable answer.

“I…well, this is what my family does.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, I guess they tend to lean more toward the buying and selling of artwork. From my teen years I’ve always gravitated more toward the conservation of artwork.”

“Why’s that?” The fact that he sounds genuinely interested throws you off, making you pause as you meet his curious gaze. There’s no malice in his eyes, not a hint of the annoying pride from two days prior. Just genuine interest.

It gives you a falling sensation, which has you clinging to the stool until it passes.

“It’s quiet. Peaceful, for the most part.”

“But it’s stressful, too?”

The beginnings of a smile curl at your lips. “Yes, that too.”

A companionable silence falls between the two of you after that, allowing for you to work quickly and efficiently. Once you’re satisfied with the panel, you find Jungkook ready to hold the stool steady while you get down.

“What about you?” The question falls from your lips before you really understand what you’re asking.

“Me?”

“Yeah. Why did you decide to become an apprentice? It’s a long apprenticeship. And last I checked, curating isn’t exactly a hot trend.”

Jungkook scrunches his nose in a way that has you wondering if what you just said was somehow absolutely adorable. He certainly thinks it was.

“Well, there are a number of reasons.” He glances sidelong at you as you gather your things to head back to the storage space. “But mainly because it felt right.”

You frown. “That’s your reason?” Jungkook nods, amusement glittering in his eyes. “What happens when you wake up and it doesn’t feel right anymore?”

“Why? Do you know the feeling?”

Suddenly you know that you’re no longer talking about career choices. It’s only confirmed when Jungkook slows to a stop, hoisting up the bucket of supplies and facing you.

“I- no, I love my job-”

“Haven’t you ever wondered, though?” Now it’s practically impossible to decipher what exactly is going on behind Jungkook’s bright eyes, his long brown hair falling into his face. “There’s more out there, you know. Why do you stay?”

For some reason, you’re frozen in place. A deer in the headlights, probably reading way too much into this conversation.

“S-stay?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook takes a small step forward, as though afraid of scaring you off. “After all this time, you’re still here. Why?”

Your breath is caught in your throat. “I…” The world stops spinning as Jungkook tilts his head to one side, eyes swallowing you whole as they trace the outline of your lips. Despite not laying a single finger on you, your skin blazes as though he were physically reaching out.

With a step back, you glare at the floor before taking a steeling breath. “The retirement plan’s great. Hard to pass up on.”

The sound of your footsteps echo off the walls, listening for Jungkook to follow after you.

He doesn’t.

“So, about the gala.” Hoseok stands in the doorway to your hotel room, tie long gone and top button loosed. It’s a rare sight, and yet it never fails to be one of your favorites. “I have a weird proposition for you.”

You kick off your shoes, not bothering with decency as you fall back on your bed with a groan. “Shoot.”

“Jungkook has this really prestigious cousin that’s connected to the royal family-”

“Royal family?” You sit up, frowning at Hoseok.

“Yeah, like the British one? I think so, at least. Anyway, I don’t remember how she’s connected but it’s a big deal. And apparently she asked for me to escort her at the gala.”

If blood could run cold, yours is pushing freezing. “Huh. Is that so.”

Hoseok gives you an apologetic smile. “I know it’s weird and that’s why I came to you, I don’t want to hurt you-”

“I’ll just go by myself, it’s fine.”

“No, no. You’re not going alone. Jungkook already offered to take you.”

You chew on the inside of your cheek, resolve withering at the sight of Hoseok’s tentative hope. You wonder if he would really back down if you asked to go with him. To let Jungkook’s schmoozing cousin find a different date.

“Just say the word,” Hoseok offers with a fading smile. “I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”

For some reason, your ears expect to hear the word darling at the end of that sentence. But they don’t, and you know exactly where you can go for that.

More, huh?

“That’s fine, Hoseok. Really. What’s one night?”

Hoseok rushes forward with glee, wrapping you in his arms for a second before backing away and heading toward the door. “You’re amazing, you know that? Absolutely amazing. The guests are going to be in awe of your work.”

The guests are, unsurprisingly, oblivious to your meticulous work.

You’re not complaining, they’re not meant to notice it. Your work is behind the scenes, whereas Hoseok’s work is visible everywhere.

His handywork acts as a constant reminder of him, keeping you on edge as you trail up the flower-studded stairs that are already overflowing with guests. A few give you odd looks as you walk alone, but most are too preoccupied with their own problems to care much for yours.

You don’t know how he did it, but Jungkook managed to get you all to himself after all. The thought had left an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach all day yesterday at work, hardly bothering to exchange more than a few words with the man in question. It seemed like he had almost anticipated this, content to leave you be. It was when he asked what time he should pick you up that you looked at him, angry at the fact that you immediately admired his outfit of choice. It suited him, which shouldn’t have come as such a surprise.

“I’ll meet you there,” you had responded firmly, hopefully leaving no room for argument. “Wait for me beside the entrance.”

It was bad enough that you were going without your betrothed; that another woman was going to be hanging off his arm all night. The last thing you wanted was to create an equally flashy arrival with his apprentice. You were by no means the most popular guests in attendance tonight, but the guarantee of countless cameras had you refraining from taking any chances.

Now, as you make your way to the entrance, you try to not look too eager. Jungkook is nowhere to be found yet, making you frown, but movement catches your attention in the corner of your eye.

Stepping from the shadows is Jungkook, looking like he was made for this event. The first thing you notice about him is the wistful smile he gives you, which you return before your mind catches up with what’s going on.

He looks…immaculate. Not over-the-top, he’s wearing a fairly standard black suit with a thin black tie. Nothing too flashy, but it might as well be an original piece with the way he wears it. His hair has been carefully styled, so unlike the careless mop you’ve seen throughout this week.

Jungkook moves toward you like a man on a mission while you remain at the top of the stairs, hardly daring to breathe.

“Hello,” he mutters, coming to a stop before you. “You look…stunning. Absolutely stunning.”

He doesn’t wait for a response, perhaps already knowing that your tongue has turned leaden in his presence. Jungkook offers you his arm, which you graciously take. Hopefully he doesn’t pay too much attention to the way you’re gripping his forearm for dear life.

The two of you sweep inside, gaining easy access as you’re well acquainted with the staff. As you pass a long, tall mirror that’s flanked by sphinxes, you can’t help but glance over.

You do look stunning.

The red gown you wear isn’t too revealing, not too flashy, but calls attention to you just the same. No matter where you are tonight, Hoseok will be able to find you with ease. The thought fills you with a sick sort of satisfaction. He’ll see you, but he’ll see who’s arm you’re on, as well.

With Jungkook by your side, you’re a force of nature. The two of you are no longer walking, rather prowling the premises as you make your way toward the ballroom. A few stragglers that are trying to get a peek at the closed off exhibits notice your keen eye and scamper off.

It’s a new sensation to you, watching those people flee from before you as though you were an enemy soldier on a mission. Perhaps it has something to do with the way Jungkook appears to be smoldering beside you, emitting a dangerous aura that you never realized he could give off. For a brief moment, the silly boy you’ve been actively avoiding this week has vanished. In his wake stands a man with a purpose, the successor to the famed Jung Hoseok, and a legitimate contender amongst art dealers.

“I’m not used to this,” you mutter as Jungkook continues in his path. His steps are timed perfectly to your own, and you wonder if that’s a mere coincidence or if he’s currently keeping count in his head.

“Used to what?” Even his voice has turned to a dangerous rasp, smoky eyes sliding over to observe you.

“People respecting personal space. Usual they all flock to Hoseok the second he walks in the door.”

The corner of his lips pull up in a smirk. “And which do you prefer?”

You sigh. “Are you seriously turning this into a competition?”

You’re almost to the ballroom, but you let out a surprised sound when you veer off course into a deserted corridor just above the stairs that lead down into the ballroom. You realize that he’s taking you across a small overlook which shows the ballroom, a flurry of suits and dresses writhing before you on the level below. It’s a mesmerizing sight, and upon instinct you seek out Hoseok.

Jungkook notices your search, pausing to allow you to look around a bit more. He studies your side profile carefully. “Is that such a bad thing?” It takes you a moment to realize that he’s referring to the competition.

There’s Hoseok, sure enough he’s weaving in and out of the crowd. People smile and clap him on the back, making space for him and his companion to get through.

Jungkook’s cousin, Margaret, stays close behind your betrothed. She even goes so far as to hold onto his hand, offering him a shy smile when he looks back at her questioningly. However, he does nothing to shake her off.

“Yes,” you answer. Then, “He never took me along with him.”

“You mean at events like these?” Jungkook stands beside you at the railing, eyes instantly finding the “he” you’re referring to. “I know. You two usually go your separate ways.”

The nonchalant manner with which he comments this has you turning to face him, confusion clear on your face. “How could you know that?”

Jungkook frowns, popping his knuckles as he refuses to look at you. “Isn’t it pretty common knowledge? You two are both prominent members of the art community that hardly have time for each other. The rest is fairly simple to figure out.”

You step to the side, granting yourself enough space to glare up at the man.

“Fairly simple? Jungkook, I don’t know why you think you can make assumptions about my relationship with Hoseok, but there’s no need to do so. You’re right, we’re both busy. But we’re happy. Why do you seem so intent on making me second guess that? Why is everything a competition with you?”

You’re surprised when Jungkook doesn’t step down like he usually does. Instead he straightens up, leaning in a bit closer while his eyes bore into your own. You swallow, pressing your nails into the palm of your hand when his gaze tracks the movement of your throat.

“Calling it a competition might be a bit crass,” Jungkook mutters, voice coming out much softer than you anticipated. “But I guess you can say that. Sure, it’s a competition. As of right now, there are no clear winners.”

“But what are you two competing for?” You ask, exasperated. “There’s no need to go after Hoseok, Jungkook. You’re getting his position in just a few months, you’ll have the same influence he does now. I don’t understand. Why go to such great lengths? Are you trying to usurp him or something?”

Jungkook finds a way to step impossibly closer, one hand gripping the railing while the other finds your hand. “Which would you deem more valuable: your hand in marriage or your heart?”

Dangerous, this is dangerous, your heart chides. Despite the warning, you can’t help but sneer and step impossibly closer. There’s a spark of anger deep within you, and if it wasn’t for your current predicament you would stop for a moment and wonder when the last time you felt such an intense emotion was, but you press on.

“I wasn’t aware that I had to choose,” you seethe. You swallow a gasp as Jungkook leans in, nose nearly bumping against yours.

You can see whole galaxies in those eyes of his. Glinting and shining under the light of the chandelier, stars begging for you to come dance. What would happen if you danced under his stars? Something tells you that you don’t want to find out.

“That’s not an answer,” Jungkook breathes out.

“I’m sorry, what that not good enough for you?”

He blinks, an amused smirk painting his features. “You’re angry. Good.”

“Good?” You sputter out, taking a small step back and finding it infinitely easier to breathe now that there’s some distance between you two. “You wanted me to be angry?”

Shrugging, Jungkook rolls his neck from side to side, looking casual as ever. As though you weren’t just about to bite his nose off if he were to say one more stupid thing.

“Anger is an emotion. I count that as a win. Now,” he extends his hand out with a flourish, “shall we dance?”

“No.”

“I’d rethink that answer if I were you, darling.” Jungkook makes a point of looking out over the railing, and your eyes unwillingly follow his line of sight.

There’s Hoseok, spinning Margaret around and around. His smile is wide, and you can hear his laughter from up here.

He has no idea that you’re up here fighting for your marriage, does he?

Again, that anger is stoked until it’s steadily consuming you. With a huff that sounds more akin to a grown, you take Jungkook’s hand.

“One. Dance.”

One turns into two, and two turns to four. The music lilts and does almost all the work, Jungkook picking up the slack as he moves your through the songs. You can hardly tell where one ends and another begins, all you know is two things.

1. You’re still angry, however it’s being steadily replaced by confusion.

2. Hoseok and Margaret stopped dancing a while ago, and they currently stand off to the side trying to make it look like they’re not watching you.

“Your cousin appears to be very concerned about you,” you pant, the dancing finally taking its toll. Jungkook glances sidelong, chuckling darkly.

“That’s probably because she’s not my cousin and I told her she would only have to stay for an hour or so.”

If Jungkook’s hand at your back wasn’t propelling you forward, you’re sure you would’ve stopped dead in your tracks.

“What?”

There’s a twinkle of amusement in those galaxy-filled eyes of his. “She is connected to the royal family; I’ll give her that much. But she’s not my cousin. Just an old friend helping out with a favor.”

You’re not sure if you should laugh or cry.

After a moment, you settle for easing out of Jungkook’s grasp with the excuse to use the restroom. The sound of your heels on the marble floor is drowned out as the live band pick up a lively tune, causing a new rush of people to the dance floor. Somehow you manage to weave your way toward the hallway where you think you remember seeing a restroom sign, unaware of someone hot on your heels.

You’re reaching out for the door when you feel a hand at your elbow. It stops you mid-step, pulling you in an entirely different direction. Gasping, you whirl about to see Hoseok with a grim expression. He doesn’t utter a word, marching the two of you toward a dark corner.

“Hoseok, you scared me!” You whisper-shout, entirely unsure of why you’re whispering in the first place. Perhaps it has something to do with the secluded area he’s led you to, not a single soul in sight.

Once you’ve turned the corner, Hoseok presses your back against the wall, peeking around the corner toward the faint light of the festivities. The sound of trombones and cellos echo around the corridor, making you feel like you’re experiencing a memory rather than living this moment in real time.

When Hoseok turns back to face you, you note the way his hair is mussed. You immediately begin to smooth it out with a frown. He’s usually so meticulous about his hair during events like this.

His eyes soften a bit at your ministrations, but his face is still flushed. “Are you enjoying yourself tonight?”

“I- no…?”

“That’s odd,” Hoseok tilts his head to one side, eyes pinning you to the wall better than his hands. “You certainly look like you are.”

You blink. “I do?”

He lets out a choked laugh, the sound seeming so at odds with his typical demeanor. “Are you that oblivious? The way you’ve been staring at him all night certainly makes it seem like you’re drinking in every moment.”

“S-staring? At who?”

“Jungkook!” You flinch a little when Hoseok raises his voice, but he doesn’t notice as he pinches his eyes shut. “Just…be a little more cautious, ok?”

“I…”

When you’re silent, Hoseok opens his eyes. He lets out a shaky breath, head bobbing to one side in a habit which you’d always found endearing. Now, though, it’s as good as a death sentence as he steps a little closer. Slowly, so slowly you want to scream, his eyes dip down to your lips.

“No,” he mutters to himself, so quietly that you wonder if he doesn’t realize that he’s speaking his thoughts aloud. “Not here.”

Pushing back from the wall, Hoseok steps away and leaves you with a lingering stare before he’s disappearing around the corner. Your ears strain to listen to his retreating steps, but they’re quickly overtaken by the music and chatter of the crowd.

“What just happened?” You whisper to yourself. After a moment, you ease out of the corridor, scurrying toward the bathroom. Flinging open the stall, you stare down at the toilet wondering if you’re about to retch. With the way your stomach is churning, it’s definitely a possibility.

You emerge from the stall a moment later, feeling no better than when you went in. If only you could splash some water on your face, that would probably help clear up your head. However, you’ve still got a few hours ahead of you. The event is nowhere near ending.

The door swings open as you brace yourself against the sink, and you look up in the mirror to see who just walked in behind you. Margaret pauses for a second as she meets your eyes, the door drifting shut at her back.

“I was hoping you were still in here,” she drawls, her posh accent instantly making you want to stand up straight.

“Well, here I am.”

You wince; your voice sounds horrible. Like you’ve been screaming for hours, when you haven’t hardly said a word in the past hour. No, according to Hoseok you’ve been too busy staring.

Margaret chuckles, coming to the sink beside you and running the faucet. “Look, I’ll make this quick. Jungkook has been waiting around for you for long enough, and to be frank I’m sick of hearing about it. If I were you, I’d make up my mind sooner rather than later.”

You’re sick of asking questions, but it appears that that’s all you have for tonight. “What?” You stare at Margaret, who looks almost other-worldly in her deep blue gown. “I just met Jungkook this week, I think you’re mistaken.”

“You just- what?”

It’s nice to see that someone else looks a little confused for once. You thought you were the only one out of the loop, but judging by the look on Margaret’s face, she’s just joined the club.

“Like I said,” you say, leaning one hip against the sink. “I just met Jungkook a few days ago. Hoseok sent him over to assist me in getting everything ready for the gala.”

“But he said…” Margaret shakes her head, focusing in on you once again. “Don’t tell him I said anything to you, alright?”

Before you even have a chance to answer, Margaret is sweeping out the door and leaving you behind in a stunned stupor. Slowly, you turn to face the mirror again. Then, to your eternal horror, a toilet flushes.

Out ambles Scarlett Johansson, who shoots you a grin before promptly washing her hands. “Trouble in paradise?”

You snort, in disbelief. “Yeah. Yeah, you could say that.”

It takes a while to find Jungkook, but then again that may be because you aren’t actually looking for him. No, you’re just floating around the venue in a daze when you hear his voice coming from a parlor to your right. Only a couple of dim lamps illuminate the interior, but you don’t bother to get a closer look as you recognize the other voice.

Margaret.

“Why didn’t you tell me, Jungkook? You just met her this week? You made it sound like you’ve been pining over her for years-”

“That’s because I have!” Jungkook hisses, the sound slithering out into the hallway. “I have, but she’s always just out of reach…”

“And what, you thought tonight would do the trick? Kook…look, you know I love you, but this is idiocy. She’s practically engaged to Jung Hoseok-”

“Jung Hoseok doesn’t know what he has, he’s never understood! I am the only one that really gets it, Margaret.”

“Yeah, well just because you get it Jungkook doesn’t mean you get her.”

There’s shuffling inside the room, causing you to back away into a dark corner to remain unseen. After a moment, Jungkook’s voice rings out again. This time, it’s a bit ragged, almost letting you taste the desperation in his tone.

“Margaret, please. I just- I just need time. Please, just give me more time.”

A pause, followed by a heavy sigh. “Fine. I hate you.”

“Love you, too.”

You’ve just managed to scamper around the corner when the door open and a little light floods out into the dim hallway. The sound of heels walking in the opposite direction of your hiding spot alerts you to Margaret’s retreat, making you wonder what exactly she has planned in order to allot Jungkook more time.

Once a couple of minutes that feel like eternity pass, you sneak out around the corner. Heart pounding and palms sweaty, you stare up at the ceiling as though you’ll find an answer there.

What are you even doing?

Before the answer comes you’re schooling your features into cool indifference and walking slowly toward the open door. It’s easy enough to spot Jungkook in the parlor, sitting with his head in his hands on the chaise.

You rap on the door, leaning against the doorframe as Jungkook’s head shoots up. The panic at your appearance doesn’t go unnoticed by you, but you pretend you haven’t noticed.

“I leave for two seconds and suddenly you’re sulking in an abandoned room?” You chide. “You much be more attached to me than I thought.”

Jungkook’s smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, sweetheart. I was just taking a breather. We danced a lot, didn’t we?”

“True.” You stare at him from across the room, thinking back on Margaret’s words. Jungkook has been waiting around for you for long enough. “Tell me, Jungkook,” you stride inside, taking up the seat opposite him. “How come I never ran into you before this week? You’ve been around Hoseok for nearly three years at this point, haven’t you?”

Jungkook nods, his wide eyes completely disintegrating the dangerous persona he radiated earlier. “Yeah, almost three years. We’ve…crossed paths a few times, I think.”

You frown. “We have?”

“Only a handful of times,” Jungkook quickly reassures you, and the fact that he doesn’t want you to feel bad about not remembering him has you only growing more confused. Didn’t you just hate him half an hour ago? “We never spoke much.”

“Oh.”

Words – none of which amount to full sentences – rattle around your brain as you strive to come up with something more to say. Your brain is breaking down, information overload finally getting the best of you.

“Should we go back?” Jungkook asks in a small voice. Who even is the man, to change demeanors so quickly? “There’s still a lot of dancing left to do.” He adds a wink in at the end, regaining a bit of his swagger with every word.

Suddenly the memory of Hoseok’s conflicted face comes back to you, and you scramble to your feet. “No! Uh, I mean…” you look around the room but find nothing to help you. “I need to be more careful. I’ve been careless enough tonight.”

Jungkook frowns, almost getting on his feet. “What’s wrong? Did…did Hoseok say something to you?” When you don’t respond, Jungkook lets out a dry laugh. “Of course he did. Let me guess, he grabbed you as soon as you left my side, right? Jealous little-”

“Jungkook!” You gasp, stalking out of the room as he follows close behind. “He just wanted to protect our image, that’s all.”

“Ha! Really, that’s all? Sweetheart, has anyone ever told you just how oblivious you can be?”

“Ugh, just when I was starting to hate you less.”

“I’m serious! Sure, he might have said something about being careful, for your reputations. But that’s all just a cover-up! Can’t you see?”

The ballroom is just up ahead, and you make a beeline for it. “I see just fine, thank you very much. However, I wish I could’ve seen just how horrible tonight would be with you! I would have never agreed to that stupid bet!”

Speeding up, Jungkook jogs up in front of you to block your path. You step to your right, which he mimics. To the left, and again, he’s there to stop you.

“Let me through!”

Jungkook glares down at you, a fire blazing in his eyes. It reminds you of a dying star, some sort of supernova exploding in those galaxy irises. “No.”

“No?” You push against his chest, scowling when he doesn’t budge. “Jungkook, I’m too tired to play this game. Move aside.”

“Dance with me.”

He says it with such seriousness that you almost agree. “I already said that I can’t.”

“Please.” Bottom lip disappearing between his teeth, Jungkook’s shoulders slump. “C’mon, we’ll go where no one can see us.”

“That sounds like a terrible idea.”

Chuckling half-heartedly, Jungkook extends a hand. “I have plenty of them, trust me.”

What started as one bad idea has turned into multiple.

Jungkook took you outside to some lonely balcony that wraps around the building. The doors are thrust open, allowing for some light as he takes you in his arms.

The music drifts up to where you sway, and you wonder how Jungkook even found this spot. It’s not far from the ballroom, but certainly not a common spot for people to wander off to. You ask him as much.

“I stumbled upon it when you sent me on all those dumb errands,” he explains, smiling lazily at you.

You chuckle, stifling a gasp as Jungkook spins you around. Once you’re nestled safely in his arms, you grin up at him. “I knew those would come in handy.”

It feels like whiplash, going through so many emotions tonight. You were set on loathing Jungkook for the rest of eternity until he managed to snag one of the chocolate fountains from the kitchens and bring it out here. A platter of strawberries sits off to the side, begging to be dipped and eaten.

“Strawberry?” Jungkook questions quietly, already reaching for one. You hum in confirmation.

A second later Jungkook is dipping it with an absurd amount of chocolate and bringing it to your lips. Your cheeks flush, but you tentatively open your mouth, awaiting the delicious-

“Hey!” You swat at Jungkook when he bops your nose with the strawberry, covering you in chocolate. He laughs merrily, throwing his head back at the stars before focusing on you.

“You look adorable,” he coos. “Here, eat.” Again he prods the strawberry at your lips, catching your hand in his as you go to clean off your nose. “Eat, I’ll get the chocolate off your nose in just a second. Patience.”

You roll your eyes, but allow him to feed the strawberry to you. At the first crunch and flood of sweet flavor, you close your eyes and ball up your fists into his suit jacket.

“Ah, so good.”

When you open your eyes again, Jungkook is frozen before you. His eyes alight on your lips, tongue wetting his own, following the way you lick up the extra chocolate. Then he looks at your nose, a forgotten smile on his face.

“Here,” he mumbles, reaching out to swipe the bit of chocolate from your nose. Without a second’s hesitation he brings it to his lips and devours it.

All is quiet. The music sounds more distant that ever, the dull chatter of tonight’s guests hardly registering in your brain as Jungkook’s eyes never leave your own.

Something stirs deep within you, something that goes much deeper than attraction or desire. Something stronger than the anger you felt earlier sparks in the pit of your chest, making you shiver.

The spot where Jungkook touched your nose tingles, and you wonder for a moment if it somehow looks different now. His touch lingers, the feeling sprouting something entirely new.

Jungkook continues to sway with you, the movement as singular as breathing. When he opens his mouth to whisper something to you, you can’t help but listen to every syllable that falls from his lips.

“I…I want you to feel when you’re with me,” he whispers. “I’m not picky. It can be any emotion. But I’ve seen you, how you are with him.” You flinch at the mention of Hoseok, but Jungkook holds you tighter and pushes through. “You’re empty around him. You play the game easily enough, but there’s nothing behind those words. I want you to feel.”

“Jungkook…”

“I know. I know how I sound. But this is all I have to give you, and I thought that if I could just get you to feel something again, it might be worth it.”

You find yourself drawing closer to him, some sort of unknown gravity pulling you together like a moon caught in his orbit. That’s what you are, aren’t you? Completely helpless, thrown into someone’s orbit and hoping that they notice you. Hasn’t that the way it’s always been, ever since you first laid eyes on Hoseok?

But Jungkook notices you. You know, just from the way his eyes widen as though trying to take more of you in, you know that you’re all he sees. He’s blinded, for some reason or another. Blinded by you, enthralled by your silent suffering and digging ceaselessly for a way out. There’s no doubt in your mind at this moment that he’d carry you far away from here if you just said the word.

How your hands wound up clinging to the nape of his neck, you’re not sure. Just as surprising is the painful tone of your voice as you cry out, "Jungkook, this is no way to live."

His hands are at your back, pressing you closer and closer. "I will live like this for as long as you want, darling.”

“Like what?” Are those tears rushing to your eyes? Too many emotions in such a short amount of time, you can’t keep up. It’s been so long since you’ve felt anything so intense. When was the last time? Perhaps there never was a time such as this. “Hiding away from everyone? Looking over your shoulder every second of every day, wondering when it’ll all fall apart?”

“I can live off of these stolen moments,” Jungkook whispers in awe, gently wiping away your tears. “I’ve been doing that for years. But I don’t know what you want, darling. Tell me what you want.”

“Jungkook,” you wriggle in his grasp, suddenly needing to get away, to breathe, “Jungkook, he’ll find out- we can’t do this. What even is this? I can’t…I don’t even know you!”

He lets you go, allowing you walk toward the edge of the balcony as you greedily gulp down air. After a moment, he speaks up.

“You’re feeling again, aren’t you?”

It’s a silly question. It sounds like he’s addressing a child, but it hits a little too close to home.

Feelings, thoughts, desperation and something deep and exciting courses through you. Yes. Yes, you’re feeling. “Yes. But who says I can’t feel with him?”

Jungkook is silent for a moment. “Who says it can’t be me, instead?” He strides toward you, your heart hammering as he gently cups your cheeks. Stars must cry because his eyes are shiny with tears. Gently, so gently your knees nearly buckle, he caresses your cheek with his thumb.

Smiling sadly, Jungkook whispers, “I love you.” He takes a shaky breath. “I always have. From afar, so I don’t know if that counts in your book. I loved you before we shared a conversation. I loved you the second I first overheard you talking to that unnamed painting on the third floor of the gallery back home. You know the one, don’t you?”

You’re not sure he fully expects an answer as he leans closer, which is all the better as you’re completely unable to provide him with one.

“I love you,” he repeats, wide eyes dropping to your lips. “I will love you if I never see you again, and I will love you if I wake up to you every morning.”

As his lips first graze your own, you remember him.

Countless times, that how often you’ve seen him. Passed him in the hallway of the gallery, trailing behind a busy Hoseok. Offering you a shy, sweet smile which you immediately assumed was meant for someone else.

He seemed to good, too kind for you.

But here he is, lips pressed gently to yours with a promise hanging in the air.

He asks for nothing in return.

When he finally pulls away, you gaze up at him with teary eyes. “Why?”

He knows what you’re asking. Why would he bare his heart and soul to you when he knows you’re promised to another? When you’ve never acknowledged his existence before?

Jungkook shrugs, then leans in for a short peck. He pulls back, allowing you to see the stars in his eyes.

“You deserved to hear it, at least once.”

Two Months Later

You have not heard those three words since, and you wonder if you ever will again. Glancing at Hoseok who peers down into the glass case, you don’t think you will. Hoseok will never love you.

He has you. He always has, you’ve been a constant in his life. What’s there to love about convenience?

He’s saying something to the jeweler, but the words are muffled. That’s how it’s been recently. People talk so much, but you hardly hear a thing. They so rarely say anything that matters.

Jungkook has been gone, still working to replace Hoseok, but off on business trips that you know aren’t necessary. Last you heard, Hoseok had sent him off to Mongolia on a wild goose chase for some long-lost painting. Chances are he wouldn’t be back for months.

Staring at the rings below you, you know that by then, it’ll be too late.

Hoseok is planning on proposing soon. You’re not exactly sure when, but it’ll be within a few weeks now. Perhaps sooner, you can’t tell.

When you leave the jeweler’s, Hoseok’s hand finds yours. He gives it a soft squeeze, but you can’t find quite enough strength to reciprocate the feeling.

He doesn’t comment on it.

In fact, the two of you hardly exchange two words until much later that evening when you dine together. It’s in his parent’s mansion, one of several. This is the one you’re meant to inherit upon getting married. The dining room is a bit too dark for your liking, but under the current circumstances, you bask in the shadows.

Hoseok is late to dinner. An uncommon thing, but you brush it off, quietly greeting him as he takes up his place across from you. When he doesn’t respond, you look up.

He’s already staring at you, but that’s not what sends a chill through your bones.

He’s looking at you with that sniper-like concentration that you only saw once before. It’s terrifying to be on the other side of that gaze; something you had hoped to never encounter.

“What’s wrong?” You mean to sound more caring, but the question comes out flat. Hoseok chews on his lip before releasing it.

He’s kissed you since the gala. He did as soon as the two of you boarded the plane, away from prying eyes.

It had been rushed and desperate, and you’d been shocked into stepping back, breaking the kiss sooner than he intended.

You’d stepped back and bumped into Jungkook, who gently caught you. Hoseok merely smiled warmly and explained that he thought you two were alone. Jungkook didn’t say a word.

Hoseok holds up a letter, unfolding it. “You received a letter today,” he responds. “Would you like me to read it to you?”

You frown, reaching out a hand but he’s too far away. “No, I’ll read it later-”

“My darling, I only just now found a post office that sends international letters. I apologize from the bottom of my heart, I hope you didn’t think I’d forgotten you.” Hoseok peeks at you from over the letter, arching an eyebrow. “You didn’t tell me you enjoyed pet names. Let’s see what else my apprentice has to say, shall we?”

“Hoseok-”

“Hold that thought,” Hoseok pulls a candle that burns in the center of the table closer to him, hovering the letter just above the flame. “Let’s continue. Something tells me that we’re just getting to the good part.”

“I hope this letter finds you before the wedding, although I can’t be sure. This post office looks a little sketchy, but it’s my best bet. Love, I told you once that I could live off of stolen moments. I can, I do. But I’m tired of begged and borrowed time at your side. Once was not enough.”

“How sweet. I never realized he had such a way with words.” Hoseok sighs wistfully, making you shudder.

“Run away with me, darling. Meet me in Italy, at the gallery. Come up with any excuse you possibly can – just find me. I’ll try to do my best to find a way out of this place, and I’ll wait for you every day. From open to close, I’ll be there. If you don’t come by the end of April, I’ll know that you decided to go forward with the marriage and I wish you all the happiness in the world. Just don’t forget: I love you. Wow, that was beautiful, wasn’t it? Who knew Jungkook was such a poet?”

Hoseok sighs again, meeting your horrified gaze. In one swift movement, he lets the bottom corner of the letter catch the flame. Smoke curls into the air, and you scramble to your feet.

“Hoseok!” You lunge for the letter, knocking over the candle in the process. With a shriek, you watch as the candle drops to the rug and catches fire. Rushing over, you begin to stomp out the flames.

“Let it burn,” Hoseok mumbles, still staring at the burning letter in his hands. “I always wanted to burn this house to the ground. It seems fitting to do so now.”

“You’ve lost your mind!” You shout, turning toward him once the rug is extinguished and snapping the letter from his hands. The flames bite as your fingertips, the letter unsalvageable. Hissing, you throw it into the fireplace.

“You know what?” Hoseok rises to his feet. “I think I will burn it down. Maybe move into one of those cramped apartments in the city. What do you think?”

“Hoseok, you’re not thinking straight. Let’s talk about this.”

His smile is melancholy, but for a moment his eyes clear up and you catch a glimpse of the Hoseok you’ve known for twelve years.

“Don’t you have packing to do?” With a shrug he adds, “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

“I-“ you stop mid-step. A series of choices flash before your eyes, but all you can see if Hoseok and the out he’s offering you.

Perhaps he wants to get out of this as much as you do.

As you pound up the stairs and begin to throw anything you can find into your bag, you realize that you may never know. You never did get to know the real Hoseok. His thoughts and inner feelings have remained a mystery to you.

When you rush out the door a few minutes later, Hoseok is already leaning against his car. There’s another car parked beside it, and he tosses you the keys. There are no parting words, no longing stares as he marches forward and strikes a match against the side of the house. Without fanfare, he tosses the flame inside the mansion. You watch with unabashed awe as he strides back to his car and hops in. There’s a small bag in the back, certainly not enough to hold his precious belongings.

Hoseok gives you a curt nod, tearing out of the driveway.

You’re gone before the sound of sirens cuts through the air.

The Accademia Gallery is packed today, more so than you’ve ever seen it before. Of course, the main attraction is The David. Tourists crowd around, trying to find the best angle to take a photo, grinning widely.

All of them except for one, who stares up at the sculpture with a keen eye. His dark brown hair is shorter than it was a few months ago when he stood in a similar position.

“Jungkook!”

Somehow, amidst the din of the crowd, he hears you. The stars in his eyes are bright as he turns around, acting as a beacon as you push through the crowd. They gleam and sparkle, rivaled only by the wide smile that overtakes his features. Those eyes, so dangerous yet so lovely. They invite you to get lost in them, to dance under Jungkook’s galaxy.

This time, you think you will.

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knuffled · 5 years

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Just Practice - Chapter 3

it’s here! sorry it took so long - i have an explanation sort at the notes at the end on ao3. reblog if you enjoyed the chapter - it really encourages me! comments/asks are especially welcome!

here’s the ao3 link

The sunlight filtered through the fluttering curtains in Annabeth’s bedroom, warming the side of her face and waking her. She sat up in her office chair with a yawn and stretched before rubbing the grime out of her eyes. When she looked down, she noted with some disgust the small puddle of drool on her SAT prep book. It was hard to say how long she’d been asleep, but it looked like it was late in the afternoon. She fumbled for her phone, which was on top of her bedside table, to check the time just as Percy called.

“Hello?” she said.

“Hey, I’m on my way to pick you up right now, so I wanted to give you a heads up,” Percy said.

With unadulterated horror, Annabeth pulled her phone away to look at the time. It was nearly five. Jesus, that meant she’d been asleep for nearly three hours.

“Shit,” she muttered.

“Uh, oh,” Percy said. “That doesn’t sound good. What’s going on?”

Annabeth wedged the phone between her shoulder and her ear and frantically rummaged in her closet for something clean to wear.

“Um, nothing. Nothing! How far out did you say you were again?” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Uh, I’m at the traffic light by the Sonic,” he said. “You sure you’re okay?”

That gave her about ten minutes to shower and get ready — it would be rough but doable. She settled for the first t-shirt her grasping hands could find and an old pair of jeans tucked in the back of the closet.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Everything’s fine. I’ll see you in a bit,” she said quickly.

Percy began to say something, but she hung up before he had the chance and ran to the bathroom, which was thankfully unoccupied. Annabeth rushed through her shower and decided she didn’t have enough time to do anything fancy with her hair, so she settled for leaving her hair down. After grabbing her phone, she took the stairs down three at time and almost bowled into her step-mother, Helen.

“Oh!” she gasped.

Annabeth swerved around her, avoiding eye contact, and muttered, “Sorry.”

“Where are you going in such a rush?” Helen asked.

“I’m hanging out with Percy,” Annabeth said, slipping on her shoes.

“Does that mean you won’t be home for dinner?” Helen asked.

Annabeth shrugged and said, “Probably not.”

Helen sighed and said, “Well, it’s not like you normally eat with this family anyways.”

Annabeth froze, mid-way through tying her shoes, and felt her jaw tighten. For a few seconds, she wrestled with the temptation to say something snarky in response, but she forced herself to take a deep breath and ignore it. Getting into arguments with her step-mom only ever pissed her off.

“Dad, I’m hanging out with Percy!” Annabeth yelled over her shoulder.

She could see the back of his head in the living room, reading a newspaper. He made some distracted noise of acknowledgement but didn’t otherwise turn from his paper. Annabeth swallowed hard and forced open the front door before she ran down the steps leading to her front door and slipped into the passenger’s side seat of Percy’s car.

“Hey,” Percy said.

“Hey,” Annabeth muttered, reaching for her seatbelt.

Annabeth knew that if Percy saw her face, he would immediately begin worrying, so she turned away from him and pressed her forehead against the cold window. Still, she could hear the concern in his voice when he said, “Ready to go?”

All Annabeth could do was nod, prompting Percy to start the engine and pull out of her driveway. She screwed her eyes shut and took another deep, shuddering breath, wrapping her arms around body and curling in the seat towards the window. There was a song she didn’t recognize playing feebly through the car radio, but it was so quiet that the sound of wheels on the road drowned it out. There was something peaceful about the noise in conjunction with the feeling of the cold glass against her forehead, and by the time they pulled onto the highway, Annabeth felt a little less on edge.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Percy asked quietly.

Annabeth moved her head from the window and said, “No, not really.”

Percy gave her a quick glance before looking back at the road and said, “Well, if you want to, I’m here to listen.”

“I know,” Annabeth said, mustering a smile. “Thanks.”

She turned towards the window again and stared outside. Percy’s hand quietly found hers and gave it a gentle squeeze before letting it go, and Annabeth felt a surge of gratitude and affection for him rush through her. It was the little things like that that made Annabeth love him so much. He somehow always knew how to make her feel better. A Taylor Swift song began playing on the radio, which made her groan out of habit, derailing her train of thought.

“Ever the T-Swift hater,” Percy said, sighing melodramatically.

Annabeth sat up straight and scoffed. “I don’t hate her,” she said.

“That was utterly convincing,” Percy said.

“It’s just I don’t like that—”

“That they play her songs non-stop because it gets on your nerves, I know,” Percy said smugly.

Annabeth turned to glower at him but froze at the sight of him instead. It was the first time that day that she had gotten a proper look at Percy, and she found herself trying not to gape at him.

Percy noticed her staring and rubbed his cheek, frowning. “What? Do I have something on my face?” he asked.

She had not been expecting him to dress up. Maybe it was a bit egregious to say he was dressed up — he was only wearing a button down shirt and a pair of black skinny jeans — but the outfit looked oddly professional on him. Annabeth knew from prior experience that Percy hated wearing button down shirts, even though she’d always said he looked really good in them, and this black and white checkered number he was wearing was no exception. Christ, he’d even rolled up the sleeves, exposing his forearms.

“You’re dressed up!” she said incredulously.

“Gee, thanks for noticing,” Percy said, rolling his eyes, but there was no venom in his voice. “It only took you, what, like fifteen minutes?”

“But you hate button downs,” Annabeth said.

“Well, yeah, usually—”

“Nobody told me we were dressing up,” Annabeth interrupted, feeling her heart sinking.

“We’re going on a date, Annabeth. A date. You’re kind of supposed to dress up for them, you know?” Percy said, laughing.

Annabeth suddenly felt horribly aware of how she was wearing a ratty old t-shirt from middle school and how it had a small hole near her right shoulder. Her jeans weren’t much better — on top of being probably the worst pair she owned, they had also been thrown in the wash so many times they had turned into denim soup.

There was a fond resignation in Percy’s voice when he said, “I had a feeling this sort of thing might happen. If anything, it’s my fault for not letting you know beforehand. Don’t worry though, we’re not going anywhere fancy.”

Annabeth still mumbled an apology and shrank back in her car seat. She wished the ground would swallow her whole. This whole practice dating thing had been her idea, and she was the one fucking everything up. It was honestly unbelievable how she managed to forget such a major thing on her first date. It was made all the worse by the fact that Percy was taking this seriously. Of course, she was glad that he was, but it only served to highlight her own ineptitude.

As if he could read her mind, Percy turned to her and said, “Annabeth, don’t worry about it. Seriously. I just want you to have a good time tonight. That’s all that matters to me, okay?”

“Okay,” Annabeth said quietly. “Now where are we going?”

A small smile crossed Percy’s face. “You’ll see. We’re almost there.”

It took another ten minutes before Percy pulled into a parking lot in front of a large building. When Annabeth stepped outside, she could hear the ocean not far in the distance and the cawing of seagulls over head. The sky was turning dark and gray, and she could see the beginnings of a storm forming on the horizon, out at sea.

Standing in front of the building, Percy opened his arms like a showman and said, “Ta-da, it’s the aquarium!”

“I can’t believe I didn’t think of that,” Annabeth said, smiling.

“C’mon, let’s head inside and get tickets,” Percy said. “Maybe they’ll give me a discount.”

“Oh, yeah, you used to work here right?” Annabeth said, walking alongside Percy.

“Yeah, I volunteered here the summer before junior year. You know, the one you spent at your cousin’s place in Virginia?”

“Man, that summer was so boring,” Annabeth groaned. “At least we weren’t staying with my step-mom’s side of the family.”

Percy winced and said, “That would’ve been bad.”

“It would’ve been fucking train wreck, is what it would’ve been,” Annabeth snorted. “I’d honestly rather get lobotomized than go through that.”

When Percy laughed, Annabeth felt her spirits raise somewhat. They got in line to get their tickets, and Percy even managed to sweet-talk the middle aged lady at the ticket counter, who remembered him, into giving them both a discount. As she applied the discount, Percy turned around and flashed Annabeth a bright, disbelieving grin, and Annabeth couldn’t smiling back. She was distracted by it long enough for Percy to pay for both their tickets before she could complain.

He handed her a ticket as they walked towards the entrance of the museum and laughed giddily. “I can’t believe that worked. Thank god it was Janice at the register today and not Karen. She would have probably charged us double.”

“You didn’t need to pay for my ticket,” Annabeth huffed.

“My mom didn’t raise a son who wouldn’t pay on a first date. Sorry not sorry,” Percy said, shrugging.

Annabeth couldn’t argue with that logic. “Well, I’m buying dinner. No arguing.”

“I suppose I’ll let you have that one,” Percy said, laughing. “Now, what do you want to go see first?”

“Uh, I don’t know,” Annabeth said. “The penguins, I guess?”

“Good choice! Penguins it is!” Percy beamed.

The aquarium was crowded, which made sense given that it was Saturday and that the aquarium was pretty popular. Even though Annabeth had lived in Westwood her entire life, she had never actually been here, much to Percy’s chagrin. He’d always promised to take her, but it had never panned out for whatever reason. It was kind of fitting that they were here for their first date. The thought brought a small smile to her face.

“Okay, here we are,” Percy said, coming to a stop. There were about four penguins waddling around in their enclosure and two more swimming in the water.

Percy pointed one of them out and said, “That’s Benny. He’s the youngest penguin we have here. Oh and that’s Lyla. The one swimming there is Gertrude. Then there’s Nina, Oswald, and I think that’s Coco hiding behind the rocks. The really big one is Horace. Horace is kind of a dick. He always tried to steal from the other penguins during feeding time.”

“How can you tell which one is which?” Annabeth asked, still trying to digest the sudden deluge of information coming her way.

“Well, Benny is the smallest, and Horace is the biggest, so there’s two right there. Nina and Coco always stick near each other, but Nina has a white patch on the nape of her neck. Gertrude loves to swim, Lyla hoards pebbles, and Oswald has a cut on one of his flippers from getting into a fight with Horace,” Percy explained.

“How do you remember all of that?” Annabeth asked.

An easy smile crossed Percy’s lips as he shrugged. “I don’t know. I just kinda do? Maybe because I worked with them a lot. Which way do you want to go next?”

“Uh, left?” Annabeth said.

Percy brightened impossibly further and said, “Ooh, that’s where the sea horses are!”

She couldn’t help smiling at his excitement and followed him as they walked to the next exhibit. Percy pointed out all the animals he’d worked with and shared stories about the particularly memorable ones. He could also spout off a bunch of facts about any of the animals, and the more he talked, the more animated he got. At some point, he started steering Annabeth to the exhibits, his hand on the small of her back, too caught up in what he was saying to notice.

Annabeth lost track of what he was saying about a fourth of the way through the aquarium. It occurred to her that this is what he must have felt like when she went off on rants about architecture. This time, Percy was the one going a hundred miles an hour while she did her best to keep up. It was strange having their roles reversed, but the more animated he got, the more he seemed to glow, so it was kind of worth it.

Eventually, they made their way to a gigantic tank at the heart of the aquarium, which was filled with the most diverse amount of fish Annabeth had seen all day. The tank was so big it was impossible to get a full view through only one window. The windows were supported at the base by concrete that sloped up from the ground to hold the glass in place. Percy laid down on one such slope and Annabeth laid down beside him when he wordlessly patted the spot next to him.

From their new vantage point, they were looking at the tank upside down. Annabeth could only stare as groups of colorful fish swam past, occasionally dispersing when an eel or larger fish showed up. With the windows hanging over their heads, the fish were so close that it almost felt like she was in the tank herself.

She didn’t know how long they laid there, silently staring up at the animals swimming, but eventually she turned to Percy and whispered, “This is so cool. I had no idea you knew so much about all this.”

When he shrugged nonchalantly, Annabeth said, “No, don’t try and play it off. It’s amazing. You could honestly give Wikipedia a run for its money.”

Percy shook with suppressed laughter, but Annabeth nudged him with her elbow until he met her eyes. “Seriously. You’re amazing,” she said, trying her best to make him understand.

“Thanks,” he whispered.

“I mean I’ve always known you’ve loved the ocean and stuff, but I never realize that you knew this much.”

Percy offered her a small smile and something alien gleamed in his eyes. “There’s lots of things that you don’t know about me.”

The subtext in his words was plain to hear, even if Annabeth couldn’t understand what he was implying. She tried looking into his eyes for clues, but she only saw an invisible challenge in them. Before she could ask him what he meant by that, Percy stood up and the moment was gone.

“We should get going,” he said. “I’m getting hungry.”

“Yeah,” Annabeth said, frowning. “Me too.”

Outside, it was beginning to get dark. The storm had moved significantly closer and now loomed overhead. They found a small diner and ordered cheeseburgers and milkshakes to eat as they walked along the beach. They sort of talked about everything and nothing while they walked and ate. Eventually they made their way to the beach, but it was getting too dark to go in the water, so they settled for sitting on the sand, which had already begun losing warmth now that dusk had arrived.

When Annabeth stole yet another sip from his milkshake, Percy shoved her. “I swear to god, you’ve stolen more than half of my milkshake, you asshole. More than half!” he fumed, but it was undercut by the fact that he was trying hard not to laugh.

“I drink your milkshake! I drink it all up!” Annabeth said, cackling.

Percy groaned and said, “Isn’t that from that one movie we had to watch in history class? Blood something or other?”

“There Will Be Blood,” Annabeth corrected.

“It was a such fucking awful movie,” Percy said. “I almost wanted to call in sick when we were watching it.”

“I don’t know, the part where he went nuts and chased Paul Dano in his bowling alley was pretty entertaining,” Annabeth said.

There was a pause before Percy said, “Okay, agreed, but that doesn’t make up for the other hour and a half of that movie.”

Annabeth hummed in agreement, watching with avid interest as Percy finished what little remained of his milkshake. He made a show of slurping as obnoxiously as he could, so Annabeth pushed him, even though it was making her laugh. Percy made a noise of disapproval and glowered at her as he put aside the empty cup.

“You’re honestly so mean to me, Annabeth Chase,” he said, shaking his head. “Why do I put up with you?”

“Because you love me,” Annabeth teased.

There was a moment where she thought Percy stiffened beside her, but when she looked over at him, he was only rolling his eyes. It happened so quickly that she almost missed it.

Percy quickly cleared his throat and said, “Mom wanted me to tell you she said hi, by the way. And that you should come over sometime because she misses you. Same with Estelle.”

“I’ve been meaning to,” Annabeth said. “It’s just been busy. Between school and college apps and testing and cross country, I barely have time to breathe. Like this morning, for example, I spent like four hours studying for the SAT.”

“That sounds like a lovely way to spent a Saturday morning. Why oh why would you complain?” Percy said, smiling.

“Yeah, okay, Mr. Swimming Scholarship.”

“Nothing’s set in stone yet,” Percy said warily.

Annabeth shrugged and leaned back, resting on her elbows. “It’s only a matter of time. The scouts will be raving about you — if they aren’t already that is. You deserve it though. I know how hard you’ve worked these last few years,” she said.

“Thanks,” Percy said softly. “And you’ll crush the SAT. I know you will.”

“I hope so,” Annabeth said, sighing. “Weird how we are finally seniors now, right? One last year and then it’s off to college.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Percy muttered, hugging his knees to his chest. “High school is hard enough as it is. I don’t even wanna imagine how bad college is going to be.”

“Same,” Annabeth said. “We’ll survive somehow. We always do.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Percy sighed.

“On a more serious note, have you considered working your way up at the aquarium or something? Like in the off chance that the college stuff doesn’t pan out, I mean. You looked really passionate back there,” she said.

Percy started drawing shapes in the sand as his face turned red. “I talked at you literally non-stop. I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Annabeth said. “It was really cool seeing a side of you I’ve never seen before. And I learned a lot.”

“Well, I’m glad you did, but I still felt like one of those guys that just doesn’t shut up on a first date. Felt like I was mansplaining or something,” he said.

“Don’t be silly. I had a lot of fun. I was definitely wowed,” Annabeth said, smiling.

Percy looked up at her shyly. “Really?” he said.

“Really, really,” Annabeth promised. “But next time, I’ll be the one showing you around, Seaweed Brain, so look forward to it.”

An enormous grin slid across Percy’s face, and he seemed to glow even brighter than he had in the aquarium, if such a thing was even possible. A little laugh escaped him before he could help it.

“What’s so funny?” Annabeth asked, frowning.

He shook his head, still laughing a little, and said, “Nothing.”

“That was real convincing.”

“Well, it’s just that I’m told I set the bar pretty high when it comes to dates, you know? You sure you can top that, Chase?” he asked, grinning.

Annabeth breathed a laugh and shoved him. “Don’t get so cocky, Seaweed Brain. This is what I get for paying you a genuine compliment, huh?” she said.

Before Percy could respond, the clouds overhead boomed and suddenly it began to rain. They both stood up and ran back to Percy’s car, just in time to avoid the torrential downpour that followed.

“There’s a towel in the back seat if you need it,” Percy said as he started the car. “I used it for swim team practice on Friday though, so fair warning.”

“I’m okay. I didn’t get too wet,” Annabeth said.

The rest of the car ride was relatively quiet apart from the sound of rain and thunder, but Annabeth’s mood began to drop the closer they drew to home. She stared at the shifting landscape outside the window, trying not to feel like all the magic of the date had been suddenly undercut. It was still raining heavily when they stopped in front of Annabeth’s house, even though the drive had taken over a half hour.

“I really don’t want to go back inside,” she muttered.

“Did something happen?” Percy asked.

Annabeth pressed her head into her car seat headrest and screwed her eyes shut. “Yeah, but I don’t want to get into it right now,” she said.

There was a pause before Percy said, “You can sleep over at my place tonight, if you want. My mom would be totally fine with it.”

“Thanks, but I kind of have to go home tonight, or it’ll just get worse,” Annabeth said. “Thanks though. Not just for that, but for the date and everything. I had a great time.”

“Good, I’m glad,” Percy said, smiling softly.

“I’ll see at you school on Monday then, I guess,” Annabeth said, sighing as she stepped out of the car.

“See you then,” Percy said, nodding.

“Later,” Annabeth said.

She gave Percy one final wave once she reached the front door, and once he pulled out of her driveway, she stepped inside. The sound of the television coming from the master bedroom made her breathe a sigh of relief. She slipped off her shoes and made her way to her room, locking the door behind her once she was inside.

She checked her phone and saw that it was almost midnight. Once she changed into her pajamas and shut the open window, Annabeth slipped into bed and stared at the ceiling. There was a weary fear that she would spend the rest of the night overthinking about the day’s events, unable to sleep, but she fell asleep almost immediately after closing her eyes, grateful for some rest.

#percabeth fic #percabeth #pjo fanfic #percy jackson #annabeth chase #percy/annabeth

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fictioncareercreativity · 6 years

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Into The Future/Afterlife Freestyle Creative Fiction Series episode 8-Start of Creative Fiction Career Stories by Stella Carrier

Into The Future/Afterlife Freestyle Creative Fiction Series episode 8-Start of Creative Fiction Career Stories by Stella Carrier Into The Future/Afterlife Freestyle Creative Fiction Series episode 8-Start of Creative Fiction Career Stories by Stella Carrier start time after gathering resources; 8:29 p.m. completion time 857pm intent of freestyle fiction story; purpose intent of mini creative fiction freestyle story; draw from the inspiration of my food service work connected with the University of Maryland College Park and combine it for fun creative fiction style writing with multiple other online and offline interests both for creative writing therapy and writing skills improvement while simultaneously setting my intent to channel the wisdom, creativity, and healing of multiple heaven worlds of divine love and divine happiness https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/english_names.php It is the year 2140 and I Corey Cooke am getting ready to cook some food for a music video being filmed near a creative music college in Hollywood California. My work takes me across various parts of Europe as well as the United States. I Corey Cooke work out of my own kitchen in California and Scotland where a great deal of my work is located. In Scotland a Nickelodeon Hotel and an 3 mile city of over 200 various museums opened just in this 3 mile section to open which increased the need for cooks in training, cooks, and chef. These businesses brought so much business to the point that Virginia, Maryland, California, Florida, and Nevada were inspired to open museum businesses and tv channel themed hotels andor houses of their own that can house at least 30 people to each house. I am told that I closely resemble the male director who starred in the music video for the Boombox song by Laura Marano and my older sister eerily resembles the daughter of the director in that song. I Corey Cooke happen to be 45 years old and my older sister that I just referenced is named Abbie Duncan and is around 50 years old. I Corey Cooke have actually been working as a cook since my 39th birthday for the military part time and at a university in Southern California part of the time. I shimmied my way into working as a cook when I volunteered to help prepare food for a play that was based on season 1 episode 11 of NCIS Los Angeles. more details to come up within 48-70-72 hours or less from 9:23 pm Sunday August 5, 2018 future higher self communications in relations to Corey Cooke andor how any of his sleeptime dreams have played a significant role in his life andor those around him, and more songs for me to keep in mind; Point of No Return by Expose This fascinating article starts off with a featured hotel in Scotland. https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/slideshow/8-most-over-top-new-luxury-suites-europe/ The 8 Most Luxurious New Suites in Europe by Sandra Ramani on July 17, 2018 https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/slideshow/8-most-over-top-new-luxury-suites-europe/ https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/ creative fiction storytelling idea from this Robb Report magazine particle; men and women from around the world gathered at a conference in one of the cities featured in this article that showcases various hotels around the world. Over 165 chefs, cooks, and helpers needed for the 3 day event.

Sunday August 5, 2018 dip it up song early 90s https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Best-90s-Dance-Songs-23367737 100 Essential Songs For Your 90s Dance Party by Lizzie Fuhr https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Best-90s-Dance-Songs-23367737 Due to karma concerns and the influence of my joyful/creative intuition I prefer to refrain from yahoo political comments for today yet intend to resume commenting on political manners online when I am more certain of being in a more open-minded and bias-free mood. As a mixed race American born woman with American born family members of both Caucasian and African American descent I am intuitively and logically aware that I must aim to only comment online in politics when I am intuitively and logically certain that I can comment both wisely and bias-free even when I communicate a sentiment viewpoint far from popular in a courageous, brave and self confident manner. Today is one of the days where my creative intuition says to take a day off from commenting on yahoo politics and look at other sources instead. However for those who are curious my most recent yahoo online political comments are from Saturday August 4, 2018.However, the following are some of the resources I have fortunately unearthed,including the banana cream recipe link from the cookie rookie that inspired the search. This banana cream pie recipe looks delish. https://www.thecookierookie.com/banana-cream-pie-recipe/?utm_medium=push_notification&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss_pushcrew&notification_source=pushcrew_rss Easy Banana Cream Pie by Becky Hardin https://www.thecookierookie.com/banana-cream-pie-recipe/?utm_medium=push_notification&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss_pushcrew&notification_source=pushcrew_rss Becky Hardin's Banana Cream Pie recipe indirectly influenced my yahoo search which culminated in the following I like that this yahoo article has a mix of different pies; strawberry pie, blueberry pie, coconut cream pie, mixed berry pie, banana cream pie, sweet potato pie etc. https://www.yahoo.com/news/16-most-popular-pies-ranked-140622079.html 25 Most Popular Pies Ranked by Eat This Not That December 5, 2015 https://www.yahoo.com/news/16-most-popular-pies-ranked-140622079.html intuitive fiction storytelling idea; pie baking contest held inside the food court area of Pentagon city mall in the year 2090 https://scs.georgetown.edu/academics/professional-masters-degrees/ Investment Banking Institute https://www.ibtraining.com/ There are a multiple number of talented actors/actresses in this Avengers Infinity War film;Robert Downey Jr. Chris Hemsworth Chris Evans Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson and more gifted actors/actresses featured in Avengers Infinity War. However, I have to admit that Benedict Cumberbatch brilliantly portrayed his Dr. Strange persona with a beautiful continuation from this Dr. Strange movie portrayal from 2016. I am fortunate to have had the chance to pre-order the Avengers Infinity War digital version with bonus content and I plan to eventually watch it multiple times as I feel the film was that well done upon first seeing the Avengers Infinity War in theaters with my husband. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/benedict-cumberbatch-praised-infinity-war-173237761.html Benedict Cumberbatch Praised by Infinity War Directors For Monitoring Tom Holland Spoilers Watch by Michael Nordine Indiewire August 4, 2018 https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/benedict-cumberbatch-praised-infinity-war-173237761.html favorite pies of celebrities Some of the favorite foods referenced are; pizza, hotdogs, grasshopper pie ice cream, seafood pasta, icecream with brownies, big mac with large fries, sirloin steak, mushrooms, in-n-out double double burger, popeyes chicken, pancakes, taco bell, chipotle, In-n-out, KFC, McDonalds, sushi, twizzlers, blueberry pancakes, apple jacks cereal, lobster pasta with pecorino cheese, cheesecake, Sour Patch kids, pop tarts, cinnamon toast crunch, roasted whole chicken with garlic cloves and more. the celebrities featured in this article; Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Alex Rodrigues, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, The Kardashian/Jenner Clan, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Dwayne Johnson a.k.a The Rock, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Derulo, Gigi Hadid, Gal Gadot, and Chris Pratt. http://honestcooking.com/eat-like-celebrity-20-celebrities-favorite-foods/ Eat Like A Celebrity 20 Celebrities Favorite Foods by MyGreatRecipes September 6, 2017 http://honestcooking.com/eat-like-celebrity-20-celebrities-favorite-foods/ creative fiction storytelling idea; multiple food manufactures, some cooks andor chefs, and food publicists are interviewed as part of an article feature on various favorite restaurants and foods of celebrities. favorite foods of celebrities yahoo I find it intriguing that a mix of celebrities were featured for a variety of breakfast items of choice. I am actually inspired to consistently and more frequently eat a meal of eggs, sausage andor bacon, maybe toast and some type of fresh andor canned fruit after reading about one of the preferred breakfasts of Michelle Obama and Emma Watson's egg burrito idea is something that is doable as well for me as well. Fortunately, my husband would definitely eat the egg, sausage or bacon that I cook as long as I check with him first on what he craves/prefers to eat that day. famous/popular celebrities featured in this article for those who are curious; pictures of Kelly Ripa, Jennifer Aniston, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Choi, Maria Menounos, Justin Timberlake, Khloe Kardashian, Lea Michelle, Zac Efron, Olivia Munn, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chrissy Teigen, Michelle Obama, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, Padma Lakshmi, Katie Couric, Dwayne Johnson, Kate Hudson, Beyonce Knowles, Bobby Flay, Heidi Klum, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Alba, Ben Affleck, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Watson. Creative Fiction storytelling idea inspired by this article; publicists who have worked with any of the 26 celebrities andor chefs/cooks of any of the celebrities are interviewed. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/26-breakfasts-celebrities-love-034051916.html 26 Breakfasts Celebrities Love by Eat This Not That August 1, 2016 https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/26-breakfasts-celebrities-love-034051916.html celebrities favorite foods msn Some of the foods referenced; broccoli, Taco Bell Doritos taco, tortilla chip soup, filet mignon meatballs, banana pancakes with coconut syrup, chocolate macadamia nuts, buffalo chicken wings, peanut butter banana bacon sandwich and more. The famous/well known celebrities featured in this microsoft news msn Famous peoples surprising favorite foods article (as promised I am listing with bias free and open minded intent going by the celebrities referenced in this innovative msn lovemoney.com article; Katy Perry, Barack Obama, Selena Gomez, David Beckham, Hillary Clinton, Anna Kendrick, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Donald Trump, Kourtney Kardashian, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey Jr.. Nicole Scherzinger, Bruce Springsteen, Scarlett Johansson, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, https://www.msn.com/en-in/foodanddrink/foodnews/famous-peoples-surprising-favorite-foods/ss-BBwVarZ Famous People's Surprising Favorite Foods by lovemoney.com October 17, 2016 https://www.msn.com/en-in/foodanddrink/foodnews/famous-peoples-surprising-favorite-foods/ss-BBwVarZ I confess that it is frequently too easy for me to just have an attitude of more frequently eating whatever I want if said meals take less time to make, taste better, andor are cheaper. Still, my creative intuition is influencing me to keep this link for me to consider incorporating at least some of the foods that are referenced in this article such as pears, berries, avocado, and apple (maybe making some tasty and quick fruit salads this coming remainder summer and autumn season are in order for both my husband and myself). https://www.msn.com/en-in/foodanddrink/foodnews/high-fiber-foods-that-help-you-lose-weight/ss-AAxD377#image=2 High Fiber Foods That Help You Lose Weight by Stars Insider June 25, 2018 https://www.msn.com/en-in/foodanddrink/foodnews/high-fiber-foods-that-help-you-lose-weight/ss-AAxD377#image=2 i paid off 90000 in student loans forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/01/15/how-i-paid-off-90000-in-debt-in-three-years/ How I Paid Off $90,000 In Debt In Three Years by LearnVest Contributor Personal Finance https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/01/15/how-i-paid-off-90000-in-debt-in-three-years/ https://www.refinery29.com/2018/03/194339/how-one-couple-paid-off-all-their-debt#slide-3 How This Couple Nearly Paid Off $162,000 in 3 Years by Judith OhiKuare March 23, 2018 1:55 p.m. https://www.refinery29.com/2018/03/194339/how-one-couple-paid-off-all-their-debt#slide-3 Congrats to Andrew Josuweit on his success story and I hope that he enjoys more career and money success to come. I also like that Josuweit acknowledges that it is far from realistic to expect most men and women with student loans to repay back their student loans in just a few years minus taking into the account the demographic and socio-economic background of said student loan holder. It is common knowledge that many people are going to possibly need at least 10 to 15 years andor more to completely pay them back. I intend to check out Andrew Josuweit's student loan hero website for my own ideas and inspiration for successfully repaying the student loans for both myself and my husband's on a consistent basis (my target goal is to completely repay both of our student loans by the year 2030 andor sooner). Many people say to avoid comparing your own career and money success to others because each person's situation is unique based on their background, their career, said job security of chosen career, where they live etc. I am intuitively aware that this same principle of avoid comparing yourself to another person's success story applies with student loan success stories and I am glad that Andew Josuweit is brave/courageous/self confident enough to imply that a person trying to compare their student loan journey with his does not have to unless they feel comfortable in doing so. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ceo-paid-off-100-000-172358311.html A CEO Who Paid Off $100,000 In His Own Student Loans Used To Think They Were Predatory-but After 6 Years of Helping People Pay Theirs, He's Changed His Mind by Mark Abadi Business Insider July 30, 2018 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ceo-paid-off-100-000-172358311.html creative fiction storytelling idea; profile of 15 student loan repayment success stories of men and women from various racial and socio-economic backgrounds who repaid their student loans within 20 years andor less after committing to their chosen place of residence to reside for the rest of their current lifetimes regardless if others may have been wondering if they were aiming too high/dreaming too big. Congrats to Riley Gordon on her weight loss and her new 147 pound body. I hope the best for her in sustaining that weight loss and continued success in her weight loss goals and other types of goals. I reluctantly admit that the last time I remember being around 147 pounds was when I was 26 years old in the autumn of 2006, unexpectedly coming across this article makes me think that maybe both my logic and creative intuition are trying to tell me something. This is another article that I am actually glad that yahoo published as I have been getting a strong feeling this past month that I need to look into the myfitnesspal app. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/app-helped-26-year-old-lose-83-pounds-212300707.html The App That Helped This 26-year-old lose 80 pounds by Andie Mitchell Yahoo Lifestyle Wed August 1, 2018 5:23 p.m. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/app-helped-26-year-old-lose-83-pounds-212300707.html creative fiction storytelling idea; profiles of at least 8 to 10 chefs/cooks who successfully have returned to their ideal body sizes even with the temptation of working around delicious food and their ambition in becoming the best chefs/cooks that they can be. Blackberry Hard Cider link https://boldrock.com/ciders/blackberry/ This article discusses about the Chesapeake blue crab meat in affiliated with a Hampton Roads company. It is far from my place to comment further unless I research more info on what is referenced in this article that is written by a Washington Post reporter via The Virginian Pilot website. https://pilotonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article_0bc8106d-22c0-548d-87aa-9e848c2b4cb7.html A Hampton Roads Company Chesapeake Blue Crab Meat by Justin Jouvenal the Washington Post August 5, 2018 updated 6 hours ago https://pilotonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article_0bc8106d-22c0-548d-87aa-9e848c2b4cb7.html creative fiction storytelling idea; a washington post reporter who works in both the Washington D.C. area and the Hampton Roads virginia. Both of his coworkers and friends also reside andor work in both areas. I am far from a regular beer drink yet my creative intuition is influencing me to share this link for the viewers of this article link who are. There is mention of fruity flavored beers in this article https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/alcohol/article_4c6861f8-970b-11e8-8f3a-779206e0f950.html 25 never seen before beers will be pouring Saturday in Norfolk by Robyn Sidersky and Matthew Korfhage https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/alcohol/article_4c6861f8-970b-11e8-8f3a-779206e0f950.html creative fiction storytelling idea;a beer heiress andor a beer family hires a food publicists related to one of her personal chefs to bring notice of her family's line of beers across the United States. the washington post food events 2018 What is eerie about me finding this article is that My sweet husband was mentioning about eating some soup less than 12 hours. The coconut melon soup and chilled radish soup sound delicious https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2018/08/04/when-its-hot-out-you-need-to-chill-with-a-bowl-of-cold-soup/?utm_term=.7a1be42f7496 When It's Hot Out Chill With A Bowl of Cold Soup by Becky Crystal https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2018/08/04/when-its-hot-out-you-need-to-chill-with-a-bowl-of-cold-soup/?utm_term=.7a1be42f7496 creative fiction storytelling idea; a popular grocery store and restaurant chain connected to this store in the year 2106 approaches a Washington Post writer about one of their soup recipe ideas. a yahoo article inspired by the washington post find of chilled soups yahoo soups This article inspires me in the next two weeks to look into making at least a variation of the potato soup and the black bean with avocado soup featured. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/28-hearty-soups-thatll-feed-160657629/photo-love-sweet-potatoes-wait-until-photo-201102559.html 33 Hearty Soups That'll Feed a Hungry Crowd by Delish July 31, 2018 https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/28-hearty-soups-thatll-feed-160657629/photo-love-sweet-potatoes-wait-until-photo-201102559.html creative fiction storytelling idea; a theme park restaurant becomes super popular by the year 2078 for its feature of various soups, sandwiches, and wraps. daily meal soups I am curious to try the cucumber soup with basil and buttermilk would taste. I am curious to try the cucumber soup with basil and buttermilk. https://www.thedailymeal.com/101-soups-all-seasons 101 Soups For All Seasons by Julie Ruggirello February 18, 2017 https://www.thedailymeal.com/101-soups-all-seasons creative fiction storytelling idea; a woman wins a popular soup contest at a state fair combining a sandwich recipe and a cucumber soup with basil and buttermilk recipe. Barbecue and drinks seem like a good combo for this event. The crab toast appetizer pictured looks tasty. https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/beach-eats/article_577f62ba-94fb-11e8-9bc1-1f2345fe89ea.html What a Trio! Beer Bourbon Barbecue at Virginia Beach Event August 11 by Patrick Evans Hylton https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/beach-eats/article_577f62ba-94fb-11e8-9bc1-1f2345fe89ea.html creative fiction storytelling idea; barbecue and drink cooking contests being held at various state fairs across the U.S. The combo of dutch cocoa,avocado cream cheese and pumpkin seed sounds like a dessert that would taste scrumptious https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/article_58233fa2-7a7b-528d-b118-26c0d0e3a4cf.html Dessert At New Norfolk Restaurant is a Mysterious Orb of Delight by Judy Cowling August 3, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/article_58233fa2-7a7b-528d-b118-26c0d0e3a4cf.html creative fiction storytelling idea; a dessert making contest held across various places in the United States during the summer with the biggest dessert competitions in the Washington D.C. area and the Hampton Roads Virginia area each August andor September. I'm definitely inspired to try a variation of the Turkey Tenderloin Cranberry Sandwich after coming across this daily meal sandwiches article. https://www.thedailymeal.com/sandwich-recipes-better-than-mom-made 30 Sandwich Recipes Better Than Mom Used To Make by David Kaplan August 1, 2018 https://www.thedailymeal.com/sandwich-recipes-better-than-mom-made creative fiction storytelling idea; a female or male novice cook in training bravely takes a chance to enter a sandwich making contest just for fun using the cranberry turkey sandwich recipe at an area in the metropolitan Washington D.C. region or the Hampton Roads Virginia area between a military base and two universities despite their experience and much to their pleasant surprise they win the sandwich making contest/competition. My husband and I sometimes catch episodes of Food Paradise together. I intend to keep an eye on the episode that features eateries in Norfolk Virginia. The info on which show on the travel channel that Handsome Biscuit is going to be featured is helpful. The Stevie sandwich with fried chicken pickles whole grain mustard and honey with watermelon lemonade sounds both indulgent yet appetizing. https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/article_9bd6bb8a-9748-11e8-a621-bf12308275f0.html Want To Be on TV Food Show? Send a Message to Norfolk's Handsome Biscuit by Matthew Korfhage the Virginian Pilot August 4, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/article_9bd6bb8a-9748-11e8-a621-bf12308275f0.html creative fiction storytelling idea; a couple start a food truck offering different sandwiches and distinctive fruit flavored drinks to great success, recognition, and acclaim in their community. This article features some popular streets across the United States. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/america-s-50-favorite-streets-51898#sixth-street-austin-texas America's 50 Favorite Streets by Bob Vila website https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/america-s-50-favorite-streets-51898#sixth-street-austin-texas creative fiction storytelling idea; block parties/festivals held at some of the streets featured in the Bob Vila article America's 50 Favorite Streets. Each of the kitchens featured look very elegant and modern. I am fortunate to have seen the Julia Child kitchen along with my husband referenced in this article from the Smithsonian National Museum of American history. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/see-the-home-kitchens-of-8-famous-chefs-46471#wolfgang-puck-s-kicthen See the Home Kitchens of 8 Famous Chefs by Marisa Villareal https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/see-the-home-kitchens-of-8-famous-chefs-46471#wolfgang-puck-s-kicthen creative fiction storytelling idea; It is the year 2100 and a descendant of Wolfgang Puck is interviewed on information told to him from both his great grand parents and grand parents. I admit the following details inside these Bob Vila website links are some of the details on Wolfgang Puck's life that I find fascinating. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/see-the-home-kitchens-of-8-famous-chefs-46471#wolfgang-puck-s-kicthen His name is plastered on 20 fine-dining restaurants, as well as catering services, canned and frozen foods, and cookbooks, and yet he still finds time for television appearances and to serve as the official caterer of the Academy Awards Governors Ball. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/see-the-home-kitchens-of-8-famous-chefs-46471#wolfgang-puck-s-kicthen songs for me to keep in mind; Magic Fields by X-Perience, Highway Don't Care by Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift, Dirt on My Boots by Jon Pardi,Last Name by Carrie Underwood, Hooked by Dylan Scott,In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young, You Make it Easy by Jason Aldean, Hotel Key by Old Dominion, In Your Eyes by Kylie Minogue Boombox by Laura Marano

quickie Mini story start time 826 pm quickie mini story conclusion time 949pm important note; I Stella Carrier do believe in the helpfulness of career and personal mentors regardless of psychic ability which is why I enjoy the theme of incorporating mentors into my creative fiction stories. However, for practical reasons I intend to consult in career andor personal mentors with intuitive abilities After sometime around January to May 2019 andor later. part 3 within 48 to 57 to 70 to 74 hours andor less purpose of this fiction story; Fortunately I feel as a surge of creativity within me is surging and I want to encourage it for this creative fiction writing. Additionally, I have a creative idea to combine my creative fiction hobby with the meld of sleeptime dreams and future higher self communication through the creative fiction storytelling portal using one of the creative fiction characters starting with the happy transition of using a character connected to Corey Cooke. Corey Cooke here on my way to speak with a career counselor who also happens to be a practicing psychic on the side who helps me with my career goals in being a cook. The career counselor's name is Allany and she also helps me analyze my sleeptime dreams and has spiritual meetups weekly involving future higher self communications and helping many men and women connect to their celestial spirit guides. I Corey Cooke am communicating with you today because my sister Abbie Duncan had a strange dream that a female spirit she knew in her waking life (let's just call her Belenne) found a way into her sleeptime dreams for the purpose of understanding her actions before planning her reactions. What was the sleeptime dream; Abbie Duncan saw Belenne in a law classroom next door to some witchcraft museum that looks like the museum of witchcraft in England and Abbie Duncan knew that this did not apply to her because Abbie Duncan has zero interest in becoming a lawyer or studying law. However, it was only after Belenne use some of her intuitive and magician talents to hack her way into Abbie Duncan's sleeptime dreams did my sister Abbie Duncan realize that Belenne has an interest in law which surprised my sister Abbie because Abbie logically thought that Belenne wanted to stay a leader of the Burrito/Sandwich hybrid food truck that is connected to 20 other food trucks that hire over 100 people. Because of Belenne hacking into Abbie Duncan's sleeptime dream my sister Abbie Duncan saw a vision of Belenne on a romantic date with a male named Gayel at a concert similar to a hybrid of Tomorrowland and iheartradio only seconds later after seeing Belene in a law classroom. My sister Abbie Duncan admitted to me she begged her subconscious to wake her up when she saw a graphic scene seared in her mind of Belene straddling Gayel on some public toilet in an intimate act. My sister Abbie Duncan is far from a prude and highly regards bothy Belene and Gayel professionally speaking and still has yet to understand why she would have a sleeptime dream of Belene and Gayel in this plot fashion. This is because I Corey Cooke have to avoid mentioning more details on Gayel to for karmic reasons. Anyhow, less than 2 to 3 seconds of my sister seeing that graphic scene she felt some benevolent force grant her wish and plucked her inside a hybrid witchcraft/sleeptime dream museum that one of her spirit guides in the dream told her is slated to open on earth in a location bordering Maryland Virginia somewhere between the years 2350 to 2355. The same spirit guide that told my sister to just call him explained that he understand's how she is feeling because my sister Abbie Duncan knows in waking life that Gayel is very much passionately in love with Marina but is torn between his feelings with knowing that feeling how Belene loves him alot andor as a singer put in her song where she is telling her lover that she is going to love him the most. However, my sister Abbie Duncan explained that this sleeptime dream where she saw Belene use her magician spellwork to get inside her sleeptime dreams was meant to symbolize to her that she has some unfinished business with a male connected to law sometime within the next 5 years or less and that she is correct to avoid listening to other people's stereotypes of what she ought to study and that studying law is Belene's dream, not Abbie Duncan's. Truth be told Abbie Duncan wants to study in something that many people would far from expect her too but as her brother have been asked to avoid revealing that and to instead communicate that Belene coming into her sleeptime dream was more to symbolize that she is just as capable as eventually becoming a leader as Belene and is just as powerful magic wise thought this may take her around 5 years or less to finally come into her own. What this lesson has to do with Abbie Duncan and everyone else; Before Abbie Duncan woke from the sleeptime dream, Belene told her inside the witchcraft museum I know Abbie Duncan that part of your undercover identity is that of some celestial cupid and I blame you for helping Marina enchant my man Gayel. My sister was shocked by Belene exclaiming this because Marina is actually beautiful on her own and actually attracted Gayel through her own intellectual prowess and beauty as she is a natural seductress. Before Abbie Duncan could explain what was going on to Belene she was transported to a library that had a book titled recording how much you make and save to greater good luck and good fortune. Right as Abbie Duncan was about to go near that book a vision of Marina come up to her and said look up at the sky open your eyes and right then Abbie Duncan saw a vision of me her brother holding a gold and peach book titled cookbook with the words future higher self right her and sleeptime museum. Seconds later Abbie Duncan asked Marina a question but she disappeared by then and simply heard this male voice upon waking up; I miss you Abbie my soul is calling to you as a kindred soul from knowing you both in past lives and in heaven, please have compassion for Belene using you as a vessel for trying to understand why Gayel is drawing more in love with Marina. Marina is similar to one of his female soulmates he knows from a past lifetime yet he is going to meet for the first time within 5 to 6 years or less from now. This female soulmate of his is currently 53 years old and has been employed in military law since her 30s and you are to be the indirect conduit of them meeting yet you are only going to know how you did this about 1 to 11 years after this occurs as you too have yet to meet her, just please heal both the karma between you and Belene by creating fiction characters at least 3 times a week processing their sleeptime dreams through a witchcraft museum/sleeptime dreams museum at least once a week and any location you want at least 2 other times a week just make sure that these creative fiction sessions are being mentored analyzed by either that creative fiction character's future higher self andor celestial spirit ally team member such as a guardian angel, spirit guide etc. This suggestion may sound out of the ballpark field for you but please do this as this is going to build your imagination and that of your readers in connecting to your intuition which creates a channel of love between both your critics and allies regardless of the type of magic they practice andor spiritual beliefs. This also opens the direct spiritual doorway for your spirit guides Abbie Duncan and Belene's spirit guides to collaborate and hold meetings together for happier/more beneficial harmony and a win win for everyone involved. Before my sister Abbie Duncan could get the answer out of the male voice on when she is going to meet him in waking life since at least the mystery has been cleared that law school is far from her cup of tea I Corey Cooke admit that I woke her up. I Corey Cooke conclude the session for now as my career psychic Margerie Funteyn is calling me on my cell phone as we speak and I intuitively sense Margerie is going to include some info on my sister Abbie Duncan in regards to her sleeptime dreams (yes even before I Corey Cooke told the psychic about my sister Abbie Duncan's latest sleeptime dreams) resources imagination song by jes (myon remix) Armin Van Buuren Live at Tomorrowland 2018 (ASOT Stage) from Youtube england witchcraft museum Museum of Witchcraft and Magic http://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/visit/ sleeptime dreams museum https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/scientists-figure-out-what-you-see-while-youre-dreaming-15553304/ Scientists Figure Out What You See While Dreaming by Joseph Stromberg April 4, 2013 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/scientists-figure-out-what-you-see-while-youre-dreaming-15553304/ https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/futuristic-names.php next entry sometime on either August 8th andor August 9th and before part 3 new edition of sleeptime dream entries, location and communication with that character's future higher self, a celestial spirit guide, andor celestial guardian angel intent of creating Corey Cooke's creative fiction sleeptime dream entry-vital note before crafting intent by either August 8th andor August 9th; the sleeptime dream addons and spirit ally team communications are going to be written, copied, and pasted to my tumblr and wordpress blogs as well. However I feel compelled to follow my creative intuition to discreetly add the sleeptime dream entry and save clicking the share andor reblog feature for other parts that I write/create as my creative intuition and logic see fit. intent of creating Corey Cooke's creative fiction sleeptime dream entry ( to write by August 8th andor August 9th andor sooner) creative fiction Sleeptime Dream of Corey Cooke in the year 2140 location of creative fiction sleeptime dream; the sleeptime dream museum/museum of witchcraft in England hybrid sometime after a music concert that combines iheartradio and tomorrowland- creative fiction message from Corey Cooke's Spirit Guide andor Future Higher Self Residing in a Heaven Afterlife in regards to his sleeptime dreams sometime around 2270 to 2300 part 3 within 48 to 57 hours andor less

more resources for me to keep in mind on Tuesday August 7, 2018 songs for me to keep in mind; Fever by Cascade One Song by New Kids on the Block, Leather by Tori Amos, More Than You Know by Martika,The Ocean by Led Zeppelin, Bad Things by Camilla Cabello and Machine Gun Kelly, Chemistry by Velvet, Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears,World of Light by America, Paradise by America, If You Only Knew by Shinedown, https://www.businessinsider.com/barack-obama-michelle-obama-net-worth-2018-7 The Obamas Hillary Hoffower August 4, 2018 3:25 p.m https://www.businessinsider.com/barack-obama-michelle-obama-net-worth-2018-7 https://pilotonline.com/business/consumer/article_ef49f6c0-5ed5-11e8-a339-9383801a2ff7.html Ikea In Norfolk by Elisha Sauers May 23, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/business/consumer/article_ef49f6c0-5ed5-11e8-a339-9383801a2ff7.html https://www.wavy.com/hr-show/i-am-hampton-roads/iahr-wilhelminia-mcrae/1325670260 Wilheminia McRae by Kerri Furey July 26, 2018 https://www.wavy.com/hr-show/i-am-hampton-roads/iahr-wilhelminia-mcrae/1325670260 https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/07/photos-inside-californias-weird-million-dollar-house.html Take a Look Inside the Weirdest $1.4 Million House in California by Sarah Berger https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/07/photos-inside-californias-weird-million-dollar-house.html https://www.businessinsider.com/how-my-husbands-trust-fund-impacts-my-life-2018-3 How My Husband's Trust Fund Affects My Life by Anabel Pasarov Refinery 29 March 15, 2018 9:44 A.M. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-my-husbands-trust-fund-impacts-my-life-2018-3 https://pilotonline.com/news/local/article_b8d353a2-8f72-11e8-b873-735daf14280a.html Mysteriously Elusive Sunny the Red Panda Becomes the Stuff of Legends by Joanne Kimberlin The Virginian Pilot July 25, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/news/local/article_b8d353a2-8f72-11e8-b873-735daf14280a.html https://wtkr.com/2018/05/27/spirit-of-norfolk-hosting-taco-cruisedays/ Spirit of Norfolk Hosting Taco Cruise Days by Web Staff posted 12:05 p.m. May 27, 2018 https://wtkr.com/2018/05/27/spirit-of-norfolk-hosting-taco-cruisedays/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/francisco-joaquin-is-63-and-retired-and-hes-quite-possibly-dcs-oldest-intern/2018/08/06/4af7f32c-99a6-11e8-b60b-1c897f17e185_story.html?utm_term=.0da08ae0563c Francisco Joaquin by Ellen McCarthy August 7 at 10:00 a.m. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/francisco-joaquin-is-63-and-retired-and-hes-quite-possibly-dcs-oldest-intern/2018/08/06/4af7f32c-99a6-11e8-b60b-1c897f17e185_story.html?utm_term=.0da08ae0563c new sponsor coming to walt disney https://www.forbes.com/sites/csylt/2018/07/12/how-disney-cast-its-spell-on-sponsorship/ How Disney Cast Its Spell on Sponsorship by Christian Sylt July 12, 2018 4:30 p.m. https://www.forbes.com/sites/csylt/2018/07/12/how-disney-cast-its-spell-on-sponsorship/ https://pilotonline.com/news/military/local/article_8145dfbe-958e-11e8-8a3a-8fdb7386c8cc.html Why the Navy Wants to Allow Changes To Its Promotion System by Brock Vergakis The Virginian-Pilot August 7, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/news/military/local/article_8145dfbe-958e-11e8-8a3a-8fdb7386c8cc.html https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/27/politics/mueller-trump-jr-airport-gate/index.html Robert Mueller, Donald Trump Jr. Spotted At Same Airport Gate by Saba Hamedy 5:37 A.M. Mon July 30, 2018 https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/27/politics/mueller-trump-jr-airport-gate/index.html https://pilotonline.com/news/military/article_84b5efb8-8e8b-11e8-8b61-e3cdd6c64944.html Navy's Second Ranking Officer USS Harry Truman's Return to Norfolk by Courtney Mabeus https://pilotonline.com/news/military/article_84b5efb8-8e8b-11e8-8b61-e3cdd6c64944.html https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/columnist/best-bets/article_9ec9fd64-890d-11e8-921a-8f088f01ca3f.html It Takes All Kinds At Chesapeake Central Library's Annual FantaSci by Eric Feber July 20, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/columnist/best-bets/article_9ec9fd64-890d-11e8-921a-8f088f01ca3f.html https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2018/08/02/timeline-for-sweeping-officer-promotion-changes-remains-unclear/ Pentagon Braces For Massive Change to Officer Promotions by Leo Shane and Tara Copp https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2018/08/02/timeline-for-sweeping-officer-promotion-changes-remains-unclear/ https://www.wavy.com/news/military/navy/sailors-aboard-uss-harry-s-truman-return-home-to-naval-station-norfolk/1315351559 https://www.wavy.com/news/military/navy/sailors-aboard-uss-harry-s-truman-return-home-to-naval-station-norfolk/1315351559 Sailors Aboard USS Harry S. Truman Return Home to Naval Station Norfolk by Taylor O'Bier Tamara Scott July 21, 2018 https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/turning-tables/article_8ee390d1-745e-58ba-8d6b-10432bd90e08.html Taste Farm To Fork In Action At Buy Fresh Buy Local Fundraiser in Virginia Beach by Judy Cowling https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/turning-tables/article_8ee390d1-745e-58ba-8d6b-10432bd90e08.html assistant secretary of state for public affairs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistant_Secretary_of_State_for_Public_Affairs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistant_Secretary_of_State_for_Public_Affairs https://www.msn.com/zh-hk/news/politics/meet-the-man-behind-the-trump-russia-investigation-the-special-counsel-robert-mueller/ss-AAtn3TR Meet The Man Behind the Trump-Russia Investigation; the Special Counsel Robert Mueller by Brennan Weis, Ellen Cranley August 7, 2018 https://www.msn.com/zh-hk/news/politics/meet-the-man-behind-the-trump-russia-investigation-the-special-counsel-robert-mueller/ss-AAtn3TR https://deadline.com/2018/07/the-last-ship-premiere-date-fifth-final-season-teaser-1202436434/ the last ship season 5 premiere date The Last Ship Sets Date For Fifth and Final Season Unveils Teaser by Denise Petski July 30, 2018 10:00 a.m. https://deadline.com/2018/07/the-last-ship-premiere-date-fifth-final-season-teaser-1202436434/ Burrito taco food truck near Walt Disney.Even Disney is Getting In On The Food Truck Action. https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/4r-cantina-barbacoa-food-truck/news/06aug2018-4-rivers-food-truck-coming-to-disney-springs-marketplace.htm 4 Rivers Food Truck Coming to Disney Springs Marketplace https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/4r-cantina-barbacoa-food-truck/news/06aug2018-4-rivers-food-truck-coming-to-disney-springs-marketplace.htm

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mastcomm · 5 years

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Your Tuesday Briefing – The New York Times

China’s coronavirus death toll exceeds that of SARS

Only three weeks since emerging in the city of Wuhan, the new coronavirus has killed more than 360 people out of some 17,200 infected in mainland China, surpassing the toll of 349 there from the SARS outbreak in the early 2000s.

Though the virus seems to be readily transmitted between humans, its apparent death rate of about 2 percent is lower than the 9.6 percent for SARS, and recoveries have risen.

The U.S. has 11 cases, and dozens of people are being tested. Here are the latest updates.

On the ground: Our correspondent in Wuhan reported from a new, 1,000-bed hospital opened from scratch in 10 days (and still partly under construction). In Beijing, empty streets and deserted parks have made for “dystopian vistas.” President Xi Jinping said Monday that the Communist Party was facing a “major test,” while party leaders urged better “propaganda” and “opinion guidance.”

Economic fallout: Chinese stocks plunged on Monday, the first day of trading since the Lunar New Year, and a conservative forecast sees China’s economic growth slipping this year, which will have global repercussions. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and Russia, agreed to meet in Vienna to discuss possibly cutting output to stabilize falling prices. Still, European and American stocks were up.

Closing arguments in the Trump impeachment trial

Senators heard closing statements, with each side allotted two hours. Here’s our live coverage.

House representatives, arguing that President Trump denied security aid to Ukraine to pressure its government into announcing investigations into Democrats, said he would feel free to abuse his power again if not removed from office. Mr. Trump’s lawyers argued that the case was rushed and that “the answer is elections, not impeachment.”

With acquittal all but assured in the final vote, expected Wednesday, the proceedings carried little suspense.

Looking ahead: Mr. Trump is set to deliver the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. His speechwriters have tried to stay out of the spotlight.

What’s at stake in Iowa

History and mathematics suggest that no more than four of the Democratic candidates will emerge from Monday’s caucuses with a plausible case to be the party’s presidential nominee.

We’ll have live election results starting at 8 p.m. Eastern. Here’s what to watch for.

A Times polling average found Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden tied for first place in the state, which has an imperfect record of predicting a party’s eventual nominee.

Go deeper: Democrats are united in opposition to President Trump but deeply divided over ideology. Any nominee might be left to corral a fractious coalition of moderates, socialists and Trump-repelled independents

Japan doubles down on coal

Japan is promoting the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo as one of the greenest ever. But at the same time, the government is pursuing an energy strategy fired by coal, one of the dirtiest sources of electricity.

Twenty-two new coal-fired power plants are planned across the country. Together they would emit almost as much carbon dioxide annually as all the passenger cars sold each year in the U.S.

A coal-burning plant set for the city of Yokosuka faces a lawsuit by residents who say it was improperly rubber-stamped by the government.

Context: Tainted by the Fukushima disaster, nuclear energy has gone from providing a third of Japan’s power to a small fraction.

If you have 8 minutes, this is worth it

Australia’s volunteer firefighters face ‘hell’

Even on the worst day this fire season in Australia, around 90 percent of the firefighters battling blazes have been volunteers — like the one above, in New South Wales. In earlier fire seasons, they might have spent a few days with a hose, but this season’s infernos have consumed their time and fortitude.

Snapshot: Above, a protester working on a mural in downtown Baghdad, which is overflowing with political art.

What we’re reading: This piece from The Chronicle Review. “It poses an interesting question for academics,” Lynda Richardson, a Travel editor, writes. “Is unending email making professors stupid? Perhaps something for us all to ponder.”

Now, a break from the news

Cook: With homemade hamburger helper, you don’t have to be a stickler about measurements or ingredients. (Our Five Weeknight Dishes newsletter has more recommendations.)

Watch: Taylor Swift’s Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,” is a Critic’s Pick.

Go: The Seattle Asian Art Museum is reopening after a two-year, $56 million renovation.

Smarter Living: These seven podcasts can help you nurture a healthier mind and body.

And now for the Back Story on …

Reporting from Iowa

Sydney Ember, a reporter on our politics team, moved to Iowa to get to know the state ahead of the caucuses. She wrote about her experiences for our Reader Center. This is a condensed version.

DES MOINES — I was in a tree.

It was November and I had been in Iowa for less than a month, and set out to profile someone who brings Iowa to life for our readers. Rob Sand, the state auditor, pitched himself as a subject — and then took me bowhunting for deer.

That turned out to involve climbing a tree and quietly waiting for a deer. As my fingers and toes lost feeling in the cold, I thought, not for the last time in my three-month stint: What am I doing here?

My goal was to understand the people of Iowa and the issues they care about, in addition to the presidential candidates spending time and resources in the state and the web of volunteers, staff members and strategists who help them.

I spent many days at campaign events in high school gymnasiums and college auditoriums and senior centers, analyzing the candidates’ messages and talking to voters.

I learned that many Democrats here want above all to beat President Trump — a desire that made it extraordinarily difficult for them to choose a candidate. Some Republicans and independents wanted that, too.

I learned that cars with all-wheel drive can still fishtail in the snow and that pizza from Casey’s General Store is delicious. (But no, I did not try the breakfast pizza, a particularly polarizing Iowa delicacy.)

It might be more practical, and less expensive, for The Times and other news organizations not to move reporters out to Iowa before the caucuses. But there is no substitute for spending a lot of time here, talking to Iowans every day and experiencing the all-consuming nature of the run-up to the state’s caucuses firsthand.

That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.

— Penn

Thank you To Mark Josephson and Eleanor Stanford for the break from the news. You can reach the team at [email protected].

P.S. • We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about the coronavirus outbreak. • Here’s our Mini Crossword, and a clue: Camel’s watering hole (five letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • Hanna Ingber, who started the Times’s Reader Center in 2017, will be the editor of our new technology newsletter.

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nofomoartworld · 8 years

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Hyperallergic: When Great Art Makes You LOL

Laughing Budda (image via Flickr)

If you heard peals of laughter ringing out through the quiet, reverent halls of an art museum, what would your reaction be? Would you “tut-tut” in their general direction, maybe shoot them a glare or offer them a pointed “shhh”? If so, can we be totally sure that you, and not they, are in the right?

For contemporary artists who love to insert a little bit of humor in their work, the situation above begs the question: Can art be funny?

Yes, of course — but it doesn’t have to be, whereas comedy has to be funny or else it fails. The basic structure of a joke is simple: set-up, punchline, laugh, repeat. No laughs is proof that the joke doesn’t work. But art? It can be whatever it wants to be, as long as it’s full of thoughts, emotions, humanity, concepts, etc.

Melissa Rocha is a stand-up comedian who also hosts The TV Show Show, a themed comedy variety show. (Full disclosure: Alicia Eler participated in the Seinfeld edition.) Rocha left her performance art career behind when she realized she was funny, and wanted to work on crafting jokes. We caught up by phone about her transition, and why it happened. “The part of comedy that most artists and people have a hard time with is the failure of it,” she said. “It is so brutal…the trial and error is a lot harder to get a grip on. In the art world, you can just explain it.”

Image by Melissa Rocha (image via aliciaeler.com)

Another defining difference between art and comedy is that the latter has a clear purpose: the goal is to land the joke. It’s a comforting, binary relationship: either you’re funny, or you’re not. In art, there is no clear goal — there is no end, and there may not be a beginning, either. The complete lack of rules — of form and structure — can be overwhelming. But artists, unlike comedians, also have a convenient out if their funny art isn’t really funny. When art is, it’s a bonus — but it doesn’t have to be to succeed. “It’s about safety, ” said Rocha. “It’s like, ‘I’m an artist, and if you don’t think it’s funny that’s okay because it’s art.’ But if you do stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy that is specifically, deftly 100% supposed to be funny, and if it’s not, then you have no safety.”

But is funny art actually funny? The answer, as we see it, is a rousing chorus of “it depends.” Of course, to just use the term “art” when talking about this is to be imprecise. There are many different kinds of art — painting, sculpture, performance, whatever bullshit Richard Prince is currently up to — and they each come with their strengths and limitations.

For the purposes of this essay, we are going to break these forms down into two separate categories: static and temporal. The former, like painting and sculpture, produces pieces that are fixed and immutable. The latter, like performance and video pieces, exists in multiple, successive moments in time. For the most part, temporal art can incorporate and commingle with comedy fairly well, whereas static art (again, for the most part) does not.

Now, don’t get us wrong here: an image can of course be funny. For proof, check the internet. In 2016, we used funny memes as a kind of relational currency: I will gladly be friends with you tomorrow for a crying Jordan meme today. However, static art that attempts to be funny rarely succeeds at being both funny and art at the same time. This is inherent to its nature. In order to be funny, the artwork has to both set up the joke and deliver the punchline in one go. In order to do this, the art often has to sacrifice depth.

Crying Jordan (meme via Internet!)

Because here’s the thing about comedy: it relies on the subverting of expectations, which means that it cannot exist without them. Jokes need to be clear and comprehensible, but ones that are too easily understood — where the punchline can be seen coming from a mile away — are often the least funny jokes of all. These are the types of amateur jokes that you’re likely to hear during an attempt to write a funny wedding speech. But if you take any basic piece of comedy — “Why did the chicken cross the road?”, “Knock knock? Who’s there?”, “Take my wife! Please!” — you will see that it follows that structure of expectation and subversion. The more surprising the subversion, the funnier the joke.

Static art often lacks this element of surprise, because in order for its joke to be understood, it has to sacrifice most everything else. Yes, Marcel Duchamp was able to blow everyone’s mind when he took a toilet, called it a fountain, and declared it to be art — but he also had the benefit of novelty. When you’re the first person to do something, you get a lot of credit, as you should. Once we move past Duchamp to the works that he influenced, the flood of ingenuity becomes a trickle in no time. Because, while a funny piece of static art can maybe make you laugh, is it going to make you ponder it? Or feel much? Or even think about it again, once your momentary guffaw has passed? Likely, it will not. (Again, Duchamp is granted a special waiver here for innovation.) What is great about art — and is especially true about great art — is how it moves beyond the “get it/don’t get it” binary and gets at something far deeper, more complex and unsettled. Nobody stares at a Monet to “understand” the waterlilies.

An example of jokey static art is Eric Yahnker’s, who creates visual puns oftentimes in the form of title-as-punchline, or by just meme-ifying an image. In many ways, Yahnker is a political cartoonist; it’s not surprising that his training is actually in journalism, and he worked on the cartoon South Park. But with the death of the political cartoonist job and the rise of the internet, he decided to create his own small business as an artist, which ultimately gives him the freedom to do whatever he wants. Take, for example, his “American Piece,” a collection of VHS tapes lined up one by one on a shelf that all have “American” in the title. The humor is dry, almost kicking up dust. And, naturally, the name of his recent solo show in LA was Noah’s Yacht, a play on the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Similar, humor-wise, is Cory Arcangel, whose dry wit comes across in his work “Super Mario Clouds” (2002), which is literally just the clouds of this game. It is a versatile piece, working as a tongue-in-cheek trick — haha, it’s just the clouds screengrabbed as a single image! — or the six-minute video of the clouds, decontextualized from their video game environment, existing as, well, pixelated clouds.

Temporal art forms still have an easier time escaping the basic “get it/don’t get it” binary, and more gracefully collaborate with comedic forms. Because the art unfolds through time, it can create multiple sets of expectations and multiple forms of subversion. It can be funny in one moment and then deadly serious the next. It can play with multiple ideas — or at the very least many unique shades and tones within the same thematic palate.

For instance, Jason Musson, aka Hennessy Youngman, is hilarious. His ArtThoughtz videos are basically vlogs, and work in part because they’re performed by his alter ego — not by him, the Artist. He takes on the persona of a vlogger dude who breaks down theory concepts, like post-structuralism, into something easily consumed on the internet. The mission of Musson’s Youngman character is to take art less seriously by bringing in some humor. Writes Don Elder for Hyperallergic:

Part of Musson’s success with Art Thoughtz has been the creation of an unlikely character that challenges the core of the intellectual orthodoxy of today’s art world. Hennessy Youngman introduces a comedic, urban perspective into a largely serious and boring Ivy League discourse (a slightly ironic gesture, since Musson has an MFA degree from UPenn).

Yeah, that’s real.

Andrea Fraser similarly uses comedy to a critical effect in her performance “Museum Highlights: A Gallery Talk” (1989), where she played the fictional character Jane Castleton, a docent/volunteer/artist who took people around the Philadelphia Museum of Art, commenting on toilets, the shop, the coat room, and other things that were not pieces of art, while also inserting her own social and political commentary. Using docent-speak, she blurred a fictional and “real” experience of the art museum.

A number of artists who are exploring with comedy create personas. Erin Markey’s queer, feminist comedy and live performances make us laugh hard because, as she once put it, they’re “absurdist and sometimes dark.” Some call her an actress, while others refer to her as a comedian or performance artist. Her intense cabaret–style rendition of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” transforms a song that’s marketed as sugar-sweet pop. Between Markey’s lecherous gaze as she performs and the ways that she over-enunciates every word, audiences are left wondering how they could’ve just hummed along to this actually dark song. Is it performance art, comedy, or both?

(screenshot via Erin Markey’s “You Belong with Me” video)

Similarly, Dynasty Handbag, aka Jibz Cameron, plays with the absurd alter-ego, creating a buffer between real-life and fictional comedic performance. Dynasty is so over-the-top — we are fascinated like we are with a John Waters film — so we’ll go with her anywhere. Her performance work is actually funny — not just poking fun at the art world — and at times she ends up on bills and slates that include comedians. In her recent music video “Vague,” a spoof on Madonna’s “Vogue,” Dynasty dances and wanders amidst a variety of odd backdrops while also pulling off signature vogueing moves. Except for her, everything is vague — she’s not sure where she is or what’s going on, and most of what she says is almost incomprehensible. At one point, she sings about a vague situation she may have been in, where she couldn’t tell if it was a business lunch or a date. Produced by the comedy network JASH, Dynasty’s work fits into both the art and comedy worlds, creating something else entirely. Her work embraces a kind of middle space, a queering of traditional boundaries — expressing a kind of nihilism where maybe everything matters, maybe nothing matters, but either way, LOL.

(screenshot via Dynasty Handbag’s video “VAGUE”)

This lack of an agenda — of “say a joke, get some laughs, repeat” — is crucial to Dynasty’s work coexisting as both “art” and “comedy.” It’s clearly funny, but that isn’t all it is. It’s also significant that her videos are being presented by a comedy network. And it’s not just the artists who are breaking into the comedy scene — many comedians are taking their cues from the more contemplative, multi-shaded aspects of art. Though this is not new, either. It just seems like it is, because the accessibility to artists that is afforded to us by the internet can make us feel inundated with content. Ernie Kovacs, for example, was bringing his own brand of cigar-chomping weirdness to network TV in the 1950s. Then there was, of course, the sublimely British Monty Python, and the formalist silliness of early Steve Martin. (In fact, Martin himself has admitted that parts of his standup act were specifically designed to eschew punchlines entirely.) In the ’80s and ’90s Bill Hicks tested the stand-up comedy form to see just how much deeply felt philosophizing it could include. And then of course there was Andy Kaufman, who pushed stand-up so far that many declared that he just flat-out wasn’t funny.

Comedians have been testing the limits of the form — and of their audiences — for decades. Some of the best modern examples of comedy-acting-like-art come from Cartoon Network’s late night Adult Swim block. That’s right, just in time for you to have forgotten it, we’re dragging Too Many Cooks back into your nightmares. Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job may have been the first Adult Swim show that blended comedy and art, usually using copious amounts of horror and weirdness as bonding agents, but it certainly wasn’t the last. And while Too Many Cooks was the video that really went viral, the far weirder, far scarier Unedited Footage of a Bear provides an even better example of comedy becoming art. The film begins with a simple premise: it’s a commercial for an allergy medicine with a suspiciously long list of possible side effects. It’s a joke that’s been done before, but never like this: as a horror movie portrait of a psychotic breakdown. So is Unedited Footage of A Bear comedy, art, or both? Well, the film was directed by Alan Resnick and Ben O’Brien, who both belong to the Baltimore-based art and performance Collective Wham City. Maybe the real question is, does the distinction between comedy and art even matter?

In reality, many comedians would bristle at being told that they are not artists. And maybe they should. After all, they are expressing their own thoughts and views through the creation of original work — just like other artists do. And while some comedians can be easily lumped into the category of crass, mass-market entertainers (see: Kevin James), the exact same could be said of some artists.

Ultimately, if there is one thing that artists and comedians share is their impulse to express something that is true about the world or themselves. As the old standard goes, “it’s funny because it’s true.” Replace the word funny with the word “touching” or “important” or “revelatory” and the same sentence could be applied to any great work of art.

Art can definitely be funny and still be art. More importantly, it can still be great art. The only difference is in the labelling and in the expectations that those labels can create. Label something as “art” and people might not expect to laugh, but label something as “comedy” and they will. And if producing funny art means subverting expectations, then maybe more art that makes us laugh is a good thing. After all, when was the last time you heard an artist say their goal was to give their audience exactly what they were expecting?

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