Tumgik
#it's been sitting in my drafts for some reason when im trying to clear it out
darkkitty1208 · 2 years
Text
Tony : Hey kid, I bought Netflix since you've been talking about it lately.
Peter : Oh, thank you Mr. Stark! I'm glad I don't have to share accounts with Ned anymore now.
Tony :
Tony : You wanted an account?
Peter : Yeah, what did you get me?
Tony :
Tony : I bought you Netflix
3K notes · View notes
Text
Infatuation P13
Joe Goldberg x Reader x Love Quinn
Masterlist
Warnings: post murder, drugging.
Notes: Wait... it cannot be... the final part of Infatuation? Posted? Pinch me, I must be dreaming! This has actually been sitting in my drafts for years. Not kidding. Ever since I finished Part 12, this has been collecting dust. Please enjoy, as I prepare some other goodies...
~
To put it simply, I’m frozen.
My instincts have me searching the room rapidly, but an emotional pull draws me to Love’s wide-eyed stare. She’s crouched by someone who’s laying limply on the floor. Well, I know they’re not just laying there. With that amount of blood, they’re surely… dead…?
I— I shake my head. No, no. Focus, observe.
The reasonable part of my brain tells me Love had something to do with it, but I can’t help but hold off on the assumption. Love couldn’t. She—
She stands and I feel myself stiffen. As she makes her way toward me, Im drawn to the blood staining her sleeve. I visibly gulp.
“I-It was self defence.” She says, nodding her head as though she were trying to convince herself as much as she were trying to convince me. She‘s making herself small, caving in with partially hunched shoulders and hands that don’t quite fit comfortably by her sides.
My god, she really did it. I could’ve believed the lie if I hadn’t seen the evidence caked on her… or looked at whatever remained of the neck, but I crouch and reach for the corpse’s face anyway.
When I drag her sticky hair out of the way, I feel an odd sense of satisfaction and relief. Now, I don’t have to worry about Candace… but this isn’t really any better. Love— she’s… she just took a life, and with a witness too.
I glance to you and Love drops the locker door behind us. I flinch.
“Does anyone else know you’re here?” I ask Love, feigning a calm demeanour. On the inside, I want to tear her apart— but I need a clear idea of what’s happening. You’re… here too. I can’t risk doing something drastic while you’re still in the room and looking this way.
“No.” She replies dryly before stepping back. “A-actually, yeah. Her phone—“.
“Do you have it?” I ask. When I glance back and up toward Love, she slips it out of her pocket and holds the device loosely toward me.
I take the device and examine Love’s face at the same moment. She seems erratic, so I tell myself that keeping myself together could benefit her as well, I need to be our anchor… lest I wake what’s underneath.
I place the phone in-front of Candace’s face and it unlocks.
“Check the call history.” Love rushes to suggest.
I look at her and squint. “…Why?”
“Someone called her.” Love says, and I’m already rubbing my forehead out of anxious habit. Oh, for fucks sake.
“Who?” I ask, shaken.
Love blinks, her expression shifting angrily. “I don’t know, Will—! I picked it up and I didn’t recognize any of it!”
“W-What did they say?” I stand up, looking at Love for answers. I’m getting frustrated.
She hesitates for a moment, but I can see she’s trying to wrap her head around it. “They said ‘get out of there’.”
I start scrolling through the call history with a shiver. All along the way, I see Forty’s name, and at the very top— the very last call received- I recognize the unnamed number.
I take out your phone, and open it swiftly. Love watches me and leans in curiously. And wouldn’t you know it, that same mysterious number litters your history too.
“This number called? It’s all over Y/N’s phone.”
“Wh-what the fuck does that mean?” Love asks me, stuttering and furrowing her brows like it’ll get her an answer. But then she looks to you.
“What the fuck does it mean? Who is that?-“
“Calm down.” I immediately regret my statement when Love’s face whips to look at me. She grimaces but hesitates to open her mouth. For the first time tonight, I see Love catch herself from what I can only assume is dawning realization that she looks and sounds absolutely ballistic.
“Why is she locked in that cage?” Love whines out about you, and I don’t know how to feel. She’s making me the villain, pointing fingers, but may I remind everyone in the room of who’s covered in fucking blood? You’re trapped in this glass container because I got carried away and made a selfish decision... but she did something worse, wouldn’t you agree? But stating this isn’t going to help anyone, especially our hysterical guest over here.
“I did this for you.” I reply instead, my voice just above a whisper. Love’s face softens into one I’ve seen countless times before. Yet… something in me has changed. I don’t feel warm when I see it anymore.
“We’ll get out of this.” She mutters, wiping at her eyes as though something were actually there. “We just— we just have to clean up a bit, yeah?”
And in an almost comical fashion, we both turn our heads to the cage— but more specifically… toward you.
You sit still in your corner. Your eyes are open and blown wide.
“We need to clean up...” Love mumbles again, this time drifting off as she observes you fondly. I can’t help but stare at her with an astonished look in my eye. She’s insane and it’ll be my unfortunate responsibility to do something about it.
“There’s some flunitrazepam in the desk.” I regrettably say, and a part of me feels terrible over the mere implications that flash through Love’s mind.
“I don’t even want to know why you have that.” She nearly spits, changing her demeanour once again. I have to clench my fists by my sides not to absolutely lose it in such a sensitive and integral moment. Love carefully makes her way to the desk and shuffles through the drawers.
In a minute, Love’s standing in front of the cage’s door, uncapping the water cup I got for you.
“Y/N. Look at me.” Love says. “You see this?” She holds a small grey pellet in between her index and thumb. “Im going to put it in this,” She wiggled the cup lightly, “and you’re going to drink it.”
You shake your head horribly, trying to shrink further into the corner.
“This is the easy way, Y/N. The hard way is going to hurt a lot more.” Love looks to you sympathetically. “Don’t take the hard way, babe.”
Babe… I gulp.
You don’t let up. You’re standing your ground and being stubborn, and I can see Love’s not having it. But you’re — you’re traumatized. I know you are because, hell, even I’m shocked at the scene I’ve stumbled into. We’re discovering something about Love we hadn’t known before… and it’s not easy. It’s never easy. Love takes in a deep shaky breath before facing me.
“Force her.” A shiver runs up my spine, and I hesitate. It’s not like she and I have gone through this before, had a plan, or even discussed the implications of her… hard way… but I think I know what she wants.
As I pull the key out from my pocket and unlock the door, I watch you cower. You’re just scared, but there’s really nothing to be scared of anymore… well, actually… I glance at Love.
“We can’t waste time, come on.” She says.
I step through and observe you for a moment. You try to stand up and I see it in your subtle move to get away that you'd expected to dodge me, but I’m quicker than you thought and you don’t have much room to wander. I hold my arm out and you run into it, allowing me to spin you around and firmly hold your arms to your sides and your back to my chest. My free hand simply grabs your jaw and squeezes.
Love steps into the cage as well, holding the cup in her hand and a face of… disappointment? Or maybe it’s shame, from the way I’m holding you still against your will.
“Y/N, I… I gave you options, okay? You chose this for yourself and we have to go through with it so we can move past it.” Her words are meant to reassure you that things could’ve been better, but I can’t help but feel as though she’s unlawfully justifying drugging you to herself.
As she gets closer, your squirming and panic gets worse. It’s not much to fight off, you never have been difficult to hold down.
Love’s hand takes my place and grips your jaw. You whimper, of course, and it’s such a gentle sound. You must be tired. She holds the cup to your parted lips and begins to tilt it into your open mouth. You sputter for a moment, and then your eyes shut tight.
“She’s not swallowing it.” Love grits and discards the empty cup. She loosens the grip on your jaw and, with her free hand, pushes your chin up to shut your mouth. Come on, Y/N… it shouldn’t be this difficult.
Love gently caresses your cheek and allows her hand to slide downward. I watch over your shoulder as her fingers run across your neck and, with a precise flick to your throat, you whine.
“You have to swallow.” Love states sternly as she tilts your head back some more. “Then it’ll be over.” You whimper again and I bite my cheek.
After another minute of your resistance, you start to move and it finally goes.. all the way… down.
It’s not long before you slump in my hold and I sit you up against a wall to think. What happens now?
I glance to a container of plastic bags. I wrap the body up, bring it out of town. A quick look to the phone in my pocket reminds me. I cover her tracks. But wait… teeth, finger prints, hair. Did Love take Candace’s car? And the messages… We can be compromised before we’ve even left the building.
When I look to Love, she’s nervously pacing back and forth. When she stops in front of me, I realize she’s been talking. “Are you even listening—?!” she panics. “Oh my god, we're so fucked!” Love grabs at her hair and looks around.
She doesn’t know what she’s doing, and I begin to wonder what our relationship will be like now. This isn’t going to work. My heart starts to race and I begin to heat up. She’s not meant for this. Will she let you go? I think we have to let her go.
I don’t hesitate to grab Love by the collar of her shirt and shove her against the glass cage.
"NO — W-WAIT," she tries to scream. My hands find her throat but before I can squeeze, she shouts.
“I’M PREGNANT!” and I still as my blood runs cold. My eyes run down her body then, quickly.
“You’re…” I hesitate to repeat after her, my terrifying future flashing before my eyes as my hands pull her closer by her shirt. I breathe out as my eyes meet hers again. I witness the… worry? Fear? Somewhere in her swirling sight, I feel exposed to sincerity. She’s telling the truth.
My arms fall limp to my sides, my attention growing dull. As my head swirls with thoughts, she slips out of reach. My eyes follow her movements until they settle on you, slouched, unconscious.
“I know how to fix this,” Love sniffs, wiping her nose with her sleeve. “Just — please… take care of the body.”
43 notes · View notes
maggiedanikka · 1 year
Text
Superstar (Part 1)
Pairing: Rooster x f!reader, (blink and you'll miss it, unrequited) Hangman x f!reader
Warnings: ANGST, good ending promise
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 19.7k (holy sh*t)
Summary:  “I’m no one special, just another wide eyed girl, who's desperately in love with you.”
OR 
Rooster is sure he's in love with this girl. Only problem is, he's never seen or face or know her name
No use of y/n
Based of off Superstar (Taylor's version) by Taylor Swift
Tumblr media
Author's Note: It's me, Hi. This one shot is so freaking late y'all. In all honesty I started writing this August around the time I finished writing Naked, but life and school happened and now here we are. It felt amazing getting to stretch my writing skills again for anything other than research papers, and I'm on winter break so it seems as good a time as any. I'm not going to give anymore excuses, but I promise this is worth a read. This is the longest single piece of work I have ever written. It ended at 65 pages and almost 20k words in my drafts. Its so long that Tumblr won't let post the entire one shot in one post so im splitting it in two, but dw send part will be posted immediately after this is posted. I also didn't have anyone edit this, so I apologize for any grammatical errors (most likely tense consistency bcs i suck at those) I hope you all enjoy reading it as I did writing it and I hope it tide y'all over until I can write the next chapter of Let Me Go. Here is Superstar.
Bradley Bradshaw’s voice was an enigma to you. How could anyone's voice be so hoarse and yet so strong?
As an air traffic controller for the Navy, you’ve heard every type of voice imaginable. The gruff demanding ones from the Air Boss, the shrill screams of pilots having to eject due to a bird strike, the quiet dulcet tones of a shy WSO, and everything in between. 
The first time you heard his voice through the comms, you weren’t exactly starstruck per se, just a bit thrown off.
“This is Dagger 2, asking for clearance for take off.” 
It’s not like you didn’t know who the pilots flying this mission were. Everyone in the goddamn Navy knew who they were, they were the best of the best. 
You even saw their pictures. And thought some of them were cute (especially the one rocking the Miami Vice Stache). But hearing their voices was different from reading their files.
Though most of the details of the mission were classified, you had a basic idea and knew that there was a good chance that someone wasn’t coming home. 
“This is Dagger 2, asking for clearance for take off”
The voice repeated. You snapped out of your thoughts, the voice was smooth as honey and it had just a hint of fear but yet so heavily determined. Your heart really went out to the poor pilot. 
“Dagger 2, you’re clear for take off.” You said, trying to convey as much sympathy as you could in those words. 
The actual mission itself didn’t last longer than 3 minutes. Working for the navy, you should’ve been used to the high stakes situations that often go hand in hand with these kinds of assignments. But you couldn’t help but sit on the edge of your seat during the duration of the mission.
There were a few initial hiccups, you felt like you were watching a movie as you listened to the daggers communicate with one another. Their nervousness (and to be honest your own) upon seeing the SAMs and your both concern and irritation at Lieutenant Bradshaw’s cautiousness. 
Yes, his by the book and precise flying is part of the reason why he was considered one of the best, but if he didn’t throw that shit out of the window and speed up he will end up getting himself killed. And even though you didn’t necessarily know him, this possibility filled your body with so much dread.
You felt relieved (well only slightly, they hadn’t made it out of the woods just yet) when Rooster finally got out of his own head and sped up. The two miracles were successfully pulled off and the 4 jets had made it past Coffin Corner. Now it was a dogfight all the way home.
You commended just how level headed and pragmatic the pilots were as they evaded the SAMs and attacks that were thrusted upon them. You knew if you were in the same situation you would’ve panicked and blown up by now. Your admiration was interrupted by the mayday call of Captain Mitchell.
A heavy tension set in the control room, everyone was shocked at what just transpired. It was interrupted by the voices of the other daggers. Notably Lieutenant Bradshaw and Lieutenant Trace. 
Phoenix had announced that she and Lieutenant Floyd were heading back to home base, along with Payback and Fanboy. However, you were yet to hear confirmation from Rooster, with the last thing he said went along the lines of going after Maverick. 
You held your breath as you heard Admiral Simpson demanded his return. The control room was met with silence, and you knew exactly what he was going to do. 
It was less than 5 minutes when it was confirmed that Lieutenant Bradshaw’s plane had been shot down after attacking an enemy plane. His beacon went dark. 
Lieutenant Seresin requested clearance for take off but was rebuffed by the Air Boss. You had to take everything in you to not shed a tear.
A thick silence fell over the entire ship. The mission was technically a success but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on the solemn look on everyone’s faces. 
Even after the remaining daggers returned on the ship, no one wanted to leave the control room. The entire ship was at a standstill. 
That was until a beacon marked “Rooster” started beeping on the screen. 
No it couldn’t be.
“Sir, Rooster has gone supersonic.” You told Admiral Simpson with a gulp, trying to contain your hope. 
“An F-14 tomcat has been spotted sir.” Another ATC announced. 
“Maverick.” You heard someone say, not sure who but you did not care at that point. What’s important is that they were alive!
But it was not time to celebrate just yet. Two bogies were spotted alongside the F-14 Tomcat. And everyone knew this meant a dogfight was about to commence. 
The situation looked more and more grim. An ancient F-14 against Fifth Gens? It was unlikely for the two pilots to make it out unscathed yet alone alive.
But by some grace of God (or possibly Maverick’s unbeatable skill, probably both) they managed to take down two bogies. 
Rooster managed to turn on the plane’s radio to contact the ship. You felt relief which was instantly thwarted by the news that there was still one Fifth Gen, directly in front of the plane. 
You knew they needed help. You looked at Admiral Simpson desperately, hoping that he would allow the Reserve Dagger to go assist. But Cyclone seemed frozen and you knew you had to take matters into your own hands.
“Dagger Reserve, are you ready for liftoff?” You spoke into the mic, the other people in the control room looked at you in shock.
“Finally!” The elated voice of Hangman came through the comms.
Admiral Simpson shot you a hard glare, if only looks could kill, you’d probably be as screwed as Maverick and Rooster. But you knew you had to do something. 
“Yes this is Dagger Reserve asking clearance for takeoff.” 
“Dagger Reserve, you are clear for takeoff. Bring our boys home.” You said with a small smile, if you get fired and discharged, possibly thrown into the ocean it’ll be worth it knowing what you did to save the aviators.
Hangman shot down the Fifth Gen with ease, earning him his second confirmed air combat kill. You knew that the other pilots would never hear the end of it. But all you cared about is he saved HIM.
Rooster’s laugh and banter with Hangman might’ve been the most wonderful sound you’ve ever heard. 
Seeing him on the tarmac reunited with the rest of his team had to be one of the highlights of your career with the Navy, if this was the last moment you had in the branch then you were perfectly content. 
“What you did was reckless insubordination! If there was another fifth Gen out there, we would’ve lost 3 of our best pilots and 2 planes worth millions of dollars!” Admiral Simpson had chastised you. 
“I have half a mind to dishonorably discharge you!” You 're ready to accept your punishment with grace. You were however surprised at his next words 
“But your actions saved 2 of our men.” He added with a gulp.
“You are clear from punishment, but DO NOT make this a habit!”
“Yes sir.” You told him with a steady voice.
“Thank you sir.”
“You are dismissed, go join the rest of the fleet.” He told you.
You ran down to celebrate the returning pilots, but so was everyone else. You could only see a glimpse of Captain Mitchell and Lieutenant Bradshaw past the dozens of bodies approaching to greet them. 
But even from where you were standing you could see the beaming smile and bright eyes of the mustached pilot. And from that exact moment you knew you were a goner. 
———————————————————————-
Next time you heard his voice was a few weeks post mission. Apparently he accepted a post to teach at Top Gun. 
You were decently shocked to learn that the team assembled for the mission decided to stay in Miramar. Especially since they basically got their pick of post anywhere in the world. 
But you figured Lieutenant Bradshaw, or rather Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw (remembering his promotion), decided to stay because of his recent reconciliation with Captain Mitchell. 
“This is Rooster asking for clearance for takeoff.” He said through the comms.
“You’re still here?” Shit. You did not mean to say that out loud. 
You heard back a chuckle from the pilot.
“Yes, I decided to stick around Fightertown for a little while.”
“Sorry sir.” You replied grateful that he couldn’t see the blush that was forming on your cheeks. 
“You are clear for takeoff.”
“Thanks sweetheart. Roger that.” You felt your cheeks grow hotter as he took off into the air. 
“ATC you still there?” He asked you once he was at cruising altitude. 
“Yes Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw, I am still here.” Hoping that he forgot your earlier words and needed something official. 
“Any reason why you were shocked at my staying?” He asked you.
You gulped at his question. Was this allowed? You’ve never had a pilot ask you a question before that didn’t pertain to instructions, both on the ground and in the air. 
After a breath you answered his question.
“I heard about your promotion, and the offer to be posted anywhere in the world. Just surprised you chose to stay here.”
“Sometimes a family is worth more than any accolade or prestigious post.” He told you. You could tell he really cared about Maverick, but was not sure about the history of that. 
Would asking him be crossing a line?
“Why do you stay in fightertown?” He asks you.
“Not for anything as noble as your reason Lieutenant Commander, just an assigned post.” 
“Well I hope you’re liking Miramar. Actually grew up here.” You were surprised that he was still speaking to you, considering he was in the sky for a reason, and normally pilots didn’t maintain this much conversation with Air Traffic Control.
“I really like it so far, having some trouble with making friends though.” You don’t know why you admitted this to him, especially through comms that other people are definitely listening in to. And especially to a Naval hero who definitely would have no interest in the life of a lowly ATC. 
“Well, consider me your first friend sweetheart.” He responded and he actually sounded genuine. You couldn’t help but smile at the aviator's words.
You were about to respond when you were interrupted by Hangman through the comms. 
“Usually I would encourage this, but you can flirt later, Rooster, we gotta shoot down Mav.”
Your little bubble had been burst as you remembered why you had to clear him for takeoff earlier.
“That’s my cue, talk to you later, friend.”
“Have a good exercise Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw.” You respond with a smile you know he’d never see. 
Your shift ended before they finished their exercise, so you didn’t get to give Rooster clearance to land (or maybe you just hoped to speak to him again). But from what you heard, it was the closest the team got to finally shooting down the infamous Captain. 
You knew that one day they could surpass the pilot, but you were glad that they were able to learn and grow (and stay) a little longer at Top Gun.
In an effort to make more friends you agreed to go out with some of your fellow ATCs that night. Which is how you ended up in a bar on the beach called ‘the Hard Deck’.
Your co-workers were nice enough, and you were honestly glad that you weren’t spending another night with a plate of pad Thai watching yet another crappy Netflix rom-com. 
Imagine your surprise when Rooster and his crew of pilots walked into the very same bar. They went straight to the pool tables and were currently arguing over who got to play first. 
“God definitely has favorites, because they are so fine.” Your co-worker Laura sighs. 
“I wanna climb Seresin like a tree.” She adds.
“I’m more of a Coyote and Payback kind of gal.” Your other co-worker Sara remarked. 
“But I wouldn’t kick Fanboy or Bob out of bed, they look like they know some tricks.” 
She said as she took another drink of her martini. You agreed with their judgements but couldn’t help but only have eyes for one of the pilots.
“Good choice.” Your other co-worker Lia tells you after following your gaze. 
“Bradshaw definitely takes the cake.” 
You blush upon being caught staring at Rooster. 
All your co-workers nodded in agreement with Lia. 
“He’s not as pretty as Hangman but he’s somehow more fuckable.” Laura comments. 
You couldn’t help but feel possessive as the other women also stared at Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw with hungry eyes. 
But it’s not like you had any right to that feeling, he wasn’t yours, he didn’t even know who you were. 
The conversation moved on to other topics, it could’ve been anything from the weather or the latest Naval gossip but you were only half paying attention. You were honestly just glad that they were done ogling a certain pilot. 
You really liked the Hard Deck. It was now clear that it was a Navy spot and it was really cool to see the usually serious people from work loosened up in civilian clothes. 
The night was bustling and while you were glad for some company, you couldn’t help but feel a little awkward. All these women knew each other and had all these little jokes with one another, and you were an outsider that had a bit of a neurotic streak.
You were wondering if this was a pity invite, and you were slowly leaning to a yes but you were already here, might as well make the best of it.
You prepared yourself to jump back into the conversation, when the music from the jukebox had abruptly stopped. And while the men booed, you saw that the women all stopped and stared at the piano. Or rather the person at the piano. 
Lo and behold, Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw was seated at the decades old instrument, his fingers expertly playing an old Elton John hit. Of course he would have an affinity for the 80s, as shown by his mustache.
If you thought his speaking voice was beautiful, his singing voice was downright heavenly. He had this low tenor that was so strong and made “I’m still standing” sound sensual. How is that even possible?
Obviously you weren’t the only person that thought so, you saw women dancing in front of him, singing along and obviously trying to get his attention. 
For the other women (and some men) that weren’t, were singing along and staring, were all bewitched at the pilot’s skill. And really, who could blame them?
He had this air of confidence that even the cockiest of pilots could never compete with, he was a superstar. In the air and the ground. 
When he (sadly) finished his song, the entire bar cheered and chanted his name. He did a silly dance and seemed to have no care in the world.
You couldn’t help but fall for him a little more. 
——-——————————————————————
“This is Rooster, in the air calling for Air Traffic Control.”
You just started your shift less than 2 minutes ago and did not know that Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw was already in the air.
“This is Air Traffic Control, what do you need, Lieutenant Commander?” You ansered, trying to keep your voice calm, hoping your little crush on the aviator wouldn’t show in your voice. 
“It’s you!” Rooster exclaimed.
“I’m not sure what you mean sir?”
“You’re the ATC from the other day? The one that agreed to be my friend.”
A blush crept onto your face, you were surprised he remembered your interaction. 
“Um yes sir.” 
“You got off the comm lines so quickly the other day. I didn’t get to invite you to hang out with me and meet some other new friends at the Hard Deck.” 
Your heart grew warm. He was serious? He wasn’t just trying to be polite?
“I was at the Hard Deck sir. Saw you there with your squadron.”
“Oh shit, really? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Seemed rude to just insert myself, sir.”
“Plus you seemed preoccupied with your adoring fans.” You said with a giggle. 
“It was an amazing performance.”
“Oh yeah? Are you a fan?” You heard him ask, already seeing his smirk in your mind. 
“Oh yeah definitely! Consider me the president of the fan club sir.” You quipped. 
“So what does the role of “president” entail?” 
“You know, make t-shirts, teach the Rooster 101 class, and of course host the weekly meeting where we talk about how hot and talented Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw is.”
“So you think I’m hot?”
Your face grew warm in response, and cursed yourself for accidentally flirting nonsensically. And prayed to whatever higher power that no one was currently listening to the comm line. 
“Oh um-.” You began to respond.
“No! Sir-…um I just…”
“You know it’s frowned upon to lie to your superiors.” He said in a serious tone.
“Oh no I’m so sorry sir, I didn’t mean to-“
“ATC….”He interrupts, with an inflection at the end of the last letter 
“Yes I think you’re hot Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw” You confessed with a gulp.
He let out a hearty chuckle.
You were completely mortified and you don’t think your face has ever been this hot before. If you thought you didn’t have a chance before, more so now. You were debating whether you should disconnect now and go back to your job (I mean this is technically your job, but not the flirting part). 
You were broken out of your inner debate by Rooster
“Thanks sweetheart.”
“You know you don’t have to keep calling me Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw right?”
“You can call me Rooster.”
You were thankful for the subject change. 
“Okay Lieutenant Comma-“
“Sorry, okay….Rooster.”
“Now that’s better.” He said with a slight laugh, you could already see his dazzling smile now.
“How about you ATC? What should I call you?”
“Oh you can call me-“ you began to say.
“This is Lieutenant Finch asking for clearance for takeoff.” You were cut off by the comm.
You sighed, back to real life. 
“I’m sorry Rooster, I got to go back to duty.”
You cut off the comm lines before he could respond.
————————————————————————
Next time you saw him, he was walking down a hallway with Lieutenant Commander Trace by his side. He was talking so animatedly, his hands waving around as he delivered his point.
It sounded like he was gushing about a tail spin maneuver that Maverick pulled off, and god he’s so beautiful. When he speaks it’s like you couldn’t help but listen. Hell! you bet a reading of the F-18 NATOPS would sound like absolute sin coming from his mouth. 
You were so caught up in his voice that you didn’t notice how close you were to passing him.
You felt your breath get caught in your throat as your shoulders brushed against his as you walked in the opposite direction. Even through your thick khakis, you can feel how muscular his shoulders were. Damn this man works out.
“Oops sorry ma’am” he stopped and turned to you. His eyes were concerned that he hurt you from a measly bump. This man could not be real.
“I didn't mean to bump you. And as put together as I seem to be, I am actually a huge klutz and a hazard to pretty girls.” He said with a chuckle and a wink.
You tried to respond to him, but only a squeak managed to leave your mouth. Starstruck that he’s speaking to you for the first time, not through a comm line. 
Wait and he called you pretty! You were now fighting a blush creeping on your cheeks. But to the two aviators it looked like you were not amused 
“Stop bothering her Rooster, she obviously has places to be.” Phoenix chastises him.
“I apologize for my bothersome friend.” She turned to say to you. And all your pathetic shy ass can do is nod.
“See you around! And sorry again!” Rooster says once more as Lieutenant Trace pulls him away and down the hallway. 
———————————-—————————————
Okay, you were not doing this on purpose, well sorta. Sometimes in the midst of your constant daydreaming, your subconscious kinda just takes the reins and dictates your actions. 
Which is how you found yourself coincidentally choosing a work schedule that lined up the most perfectly with Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw’s flying times.
You hoped for another conversation with Rooster, hoping to redeem yourself from your words (or rather lack thereof) during the hallway debacle.
 But the Lieutenant Commander seemed very focused on the exercise that they’ve been working on for the past week and has not been speaking to you as much as of late.
You were of course sad, and you felt a pit in your stomach grow larger and larger each passing day that your conversations started and ended with “you’re cleared for takeoff”.
You almost wish that your stupid infatuation would go away so that you didn’t feel yourself crushed at the end of every single work day. 
But you would catch a glimpse of his smile on the tarmac and your heart would fill with so much longing once again. 
It had been almost a week since your last true interaction with the aviator, you were beyond pathetic at this point. 
At last, he finally called in after he was in the sky. 
“Is the president of my fan club there?” He called into the comms. 
Was he talking about you? I mean who else would he be talking about considering the topic of your conversation last time. 
Unless he talks to all the ATCs like this, flirting with them until they become flustered and red as a tomato. He’s probably done this with Sara, or Laura or even both! The thought filled your stomach with dread. Should you stay silent and pretend you didn’t hear him? Or maybe he actually needs something, it would be unprofessional of you to not help your superior or maybe-
“I know you’re there, I can hear you thinking”  
Rooster has a habit of breaking you out of your anxiety induced thoughts.
“Are you calling for me Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw?”
You heard him clear his throat, expectant.
“Oh I’m sorry, Rooster.” You corrected yourself.
“That’s better” He said with a chuckle. 
“Sorry I’ve been radio silent the past week sweetheart, have had a lot on my mind.” 
“You don’t have to apologize to me! You’re one of the greatest pilots in the world, no need to worry about me.” You assured him, and maybe you were a bit self-deprecating but it was true. 
“No need for all of that ATC, I’m just a guy in a plane. And were friends, remember?  It’s not fair of me to leave you in the dark.” 
Damn. AND he's humble? How can this man be anymore perfect?
“ Thank you Rooster.” You replied with a small smile.
“Sorry again for going ghost, this is a bit of a hard week for me” He continued.
In any normal circumstance, asking for elaboration would seem like prying, but your conversations with the Lieutenant commander have been less than normal as of late. You still had no clue where you got the courage to ask.
“Oh, why is that?”
“Wanna know all my secrets already sweetheart?” 
He somehow managed to avoid the question AND make you flustered. He’s good.
“How about I let you know my stories over dinner?”
You just felt your heart jump out of your chest and into another dimension. There’s no way THE Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw was asking you out. 
This had to be some kind of game, one that he’s no doubt played a million times before. Rooster had no shortage of women who wanted him and the fact that he’s asking you out of all people was unbelievable. There was no way. 
“Um like a date?” You ask him nervously.
He chuckles at your response, amused at your edginess. But to you it sounded like the thunderclap before the lightning strike of rejection. 
You just wished he’d get on with it. Hoping he lets you down easy so you can move on from this crush and actually do your job.
“What else would I mean?” He finally responded.
Your entire body felt like a cracked glow stick. You felt bright and overheated, but also cold as ice as you’ve somehow lost feeling in your extremities.
So he was asking you out! You were determined to apologize for every time you’ve said God’s name in vain because if Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw was asking you on a date, then there is no doubt that the higher power was real. 
But the reality of the situation had set in. If he was this quick to ask you out despite not knowing your name, or what you look like. What’s stopping him from changing his mind and moving on to the next ATC or bartender or crossing guard who gave him admiring attention just as quickly?
You came to a swift realization.
It was against your nature and your better judgment, as your heart was beating out the seams to say yes to Rooster’s invitation. But you had to be smart about this.
You had to play the game.
“I’m gonna have to say no sir.”  
You can feel the regret setting in already.
“Wow, I think that’s the first no I’ve gotten in…. That might be the first no I’ve ever gotten.”
Great, now you’ve bruised his ego, you had no idea if this tactic was working for or against you.
“Well, I think dinner might be a little further down the line, that’s if you think you can handle it?” You somehow gathered enough courage to (fake) confidently challenge Rooster.
“Oh is that so?” You can hear the intrigue in his voice through the line. 
“How about a phone number?” He offers amused
“Hmm… maybe THAT  I can agree with.” You responded matching his playful tone.
“In one condition.” 
“Oh yeah? And what is that sweetheart?” 
“Shoot down Maverick in the drill today.”
“Is that it? I can do that, easy.” There was the cockiness the top gun pilots were famous for.
“That’s funny, considering you haven’t been able to do it in the past 3 weeks.” You jested.
“Ouch, first you reject my invitation, and now you insult my skill? Way to kick a man while he’s already down sweetheart.” He grimaced playfully.
“Gotta give you some kind of challenge sir.” You couldn't hold back the giggle forming in your throat. 
“Okay deal, anything to hear that laugh again, outside of these comm lines.” He chuckled.
Oh shit. You completely forgot that you are flirting with Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw though a military operated and very public comm line.
“I was wondering when the two of were going to remember the rest of us can hear EVERYTHING.” You heard the voice of Lieutenant Commander Seresin chortle.
You felt your ears burn red in embarrassment. 
“Getting rejected over comms Bradley? And here I thought you had game.” Captain Mitchell added. Both of them were laughing at their fellow aviator. 
“See what I mean sweetheart? I promise I’m a much better conversationalist when these assholes aren’t around.” Bradley insulted the other two pilots. 
“Don’t listen to him ATC, I’ve known him since he was still in diapers , and I promise you, this is as good as he’s gonna get.” Captain Mitchell remarked to you. 
“Don’t think I’m gonna go easy on him for you either.” He added jokingly. 
“Trust me Captain Mitchell, I’m counting on it.” You replied with equal fervor. Maverick responded with a playful tone.
“Sounds good ma’am, hope I don’t disappoint .”
“I’m going to get into position, You two can join me once Bradley is done with his disastrous flirting.” He added before going radio silent, lifting his jet to prepare for the dogfight. 
“Hypothetically, if I shoot down Mav, do I get your number?” Hangman teased. 
“Walk the walk first, and maybe I’ll consider it.” You quipped, but you knew that the only aviator you’d want to give your number to was Rooster. 
“Good enough for me.” Hangman replied. 
“Watch me beat you Rooster, in the drill and with the girl.” Hangman chuckled playfully before going radio silent, presumably getting into position.
“Double timing me with Hangman sweetheart? Now thats a killing blow.” Rooster smiled, slightly annoyed at your flirtatious exchange with Seresin but happy that it was just the two of you once again. 
“You know how bumptious Lieutenant Commander Seresin can be. I just said it to get rid of him.” You explained. 
“Now for you, I am completely serious. Shoot down Mav and you got yourself a phone number.”
“Yours right?” He asked.
You let out a hearty laugh, one that had caused the other ATC’s currently in the control tower to look at you with concerned expressions. 
“Yes. Mine.”
“You never know, you could very well give me Admiral Bates’ number. I just wanted to make sure.” He replied.
“Plus its always a bonus to hear you laugh.”
This man never seemed to run out of lines. You had to hold yourself back from melting into a puddle in your seat.
“Well lets see what you got then Lieutenant Commander.” Was the last thing you said as he finally went back up to position. 
As much as you wanted to stay tuned into the dogfight like you were a suburban dad cheering on their favorite football team, you did actually have a job to do. 
You were in the middle of analyzing flight patterns and putting together a presentation for your co-workers when you heard the sudden call on your headset.
“Hello, this is air traffic control.”
You were greeted with a loud thunderous cheer. 
“I did it ATC! I shot down Mav.” Rooster howled.
“Is this true Lieutenant Commander Seresin?” You asked Hangman.
“As much as I tried to sabotage him, yes Rooster did somehow managed to shoot down the old-timer.” Hangman confirmed with a groan.
Shit. Now you have to actually give your number to Rooster.
“Soooo ATC, I’m waiting for the magic numbers.” You could already see the victory smirk on his face. 
“Ughhh fine a deal is a deal. But I am not going to give out my private phone number on a monitored line. I’m just gonna have to get it to you another way.”
“Okay fair enough. How are you gonna do that?” Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw queried. 
“Don’t worry about it, just know you’ll get it.”
“Or you know you can just give it to me face to fa-.”
“Goodbye Rooster.” You interrupted and dropped the line before he could continue. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You honestly did not know how you were going to get your number to Rooster. You wouldn’t dare to see him face to face. He’ll take one look at you and know that you were nothing special and he’d lose interest. The only reason he was this enthralled was because you were a mystery to him. 
You could always go back on your deal and tell him you were kidding about the number, but you knew that was an asshole move and you were not the type to break agreements. You had to figure out how to get that number to him without him seeing you. 
At least then you can speak to him and possibly flirt with him for a little longer before he inevitably loses interest..
You were sat in the comm tower, your head resting on the back of your hand, watching Rooster joke around with Mav and Hangman down in the tarmac beside their F-18s. Even from all the way up here you can see how bright his smile was. He was so beautiful. 
You were snapped out of your admiration by the three aviators walking off the tarmac, probably to rest and sit with the other pilots in the hangar. You saw your window of opportunity, in the form of (no pun intended) Rooster’s open canopy on his jet. 
If you could sneak down there and place a piece of paper with your number on his dash then you would have fulfilled your side of the deal. 
If anyone were to ask, you were not a stalker, you were just very observant, especially if you’ve been watching these pilots for the better part of the last few weeks and knew that they were going to spend at least the next 15 minutes in the hangar until they returned to the tarmac. You had to make your move NOW.
You scribbled your number onto a piece of discarded paper.
“I’m taking a 10!” You announced to the control room before running out clutching the note to your chest. 
You quickly ran down from the tower and quickly onto the tarmac, making sure to duck and turn your head away as you passed the hangar (just in case). 
You couldn’t remember the last time you ran this fast, probably not since basic training. You quickly manuevered around all the F-18s until you reached the one marked with the label LCDR Bradley Bradshaw “Rooster”. You’ve never seen his jet this up close, you wanted desperately to run your hand through the marking of his name, to touch something that he has. 
No. You have to remember you’re here on a time-constrained mission, and you had to get out of here not only  before the pilots come out, but also before anyone in the comm tower can spot you down here. 
You quickly flung yourself up the ladder up to cockpit of the jet and trying to place the piece of paper as rapidly and as gently as you could on the dash. When you finally let go of the paper and saw that it was securely in place, you hopped off the tiny ass ladder and started to speed walk back to the direction of the comm tower. 
Your heart was beating a million times per minute and you did it without anyone seeing you. You could see the door to the tower in the distance, and were beelining towards it. That’s until you heard a clear 
“HEY!” Coming from behind you. 
You turned around and were greeted by the suspect face of Lieutenant Commander Seresin. He was standing probably a good 25 feet away and slowly walking towards you.
“Who are you? What are doing down here?” 
You had to think of an excuse fast, with as little words spoken as possible. You couldn’t risk him recognizing your voice and telling Rooster. Then all of this would be over too soon. 
“Just routine inspection!” You tell him, making your voice higher and hopefully indiscernible from your normal speaking voice. 
“Goodbye!” You waved at him before sprinting away and around the tower so he couldn’t see that you were going into the comm room. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As much as you'd like to think that you successfully made it down and back from the tarmac completely undetected, you knew that running into Hangman could’ve ended disastrously. You needed to learn to be more careful especially now that your number could possibly already be in Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw’s possession. Which means you have to commit to this game. 
You put your number in his plane almost 11 hours ago and even though the work day has long ended, and you knew that the pilots leave together at around 5pm and would inevitably end up at the Hard Deck for a few hours. 
However it is now nearing 11pm and you still had no notification from anyone other than your mom. No texts, no calls, just email alerts and a few instagram DMs from some old high school friends. 
You sighed as you stared at the clock. Maybe he didn’t see the paper? Or he’s still at the Hard Deck?
You knew neither was unlikely because the dagger squad flew out and ran a few more drills later in the day so was in his jet and all the Navy men (or rather the disciplined ones) promptly left the bar at 10pm to prepare for their early work days. 
He could’ve and should’ve contacted you by now.
But what did you really expect? That he was going to drop everything and call a random ATC that he had a few indecorous conversations with. 
You definitely let this fake confidence build up too much in your head. You had to remember your place. Because who are you other than just a girl, when he was one of the superstar’s of the Navy? The frontliner and the apple of all the admirals’ eyes. 
You see the clock flashing 11:15pm and you had a shift early in the morning. There was no use continuing to feel sorry for yourself. Some sleep would do you some good, and hopefully avoid the waterworks that would inevitably come.
You were well on your way to slipping into a deep slumber when you heard the loud text tone originating from your phone. 
Unknown Number: Sorry I didn’t get to talk to you today sweetheart. I hope I get the chance soon. Sweet dreams :) 
——————-————————————————————————
There must have been some sickness barreling through the base because the normally filled comm room was empty except for you manning the main desk. 
Being solo wasn’t too bad, as there weren’t too many pilots scheduled to fly today.
Of course one of them being Rooster. 
“Miramar Tower, F/A-18E Super Hornet , 10 southwest at 2,500, inbound for landing “ 
Speak of the devil, and he shall come
“F/A-18E Super Hornet , Miramar Tower, report entering left downwind Runway 24R.” You responded, keeping yourself professional despite feeling the butterflies in your stomach beating your ass upon hearing his voice.
“Report entering left downwind, F/A-18E Super Hornet . . . . “ He responded before adding
“F/A-18E Super Hornet entering left downwind Runway 24R.”
He was all business today, with absolutely no hint of the usual playfulness in his voice. 
“Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw, you are cleared to land Runway 24R.”
He let out a slight growl, one you would miss if you weren’t listening so intently.
He hesitated for a moment before finally responding. 
“Cleared to land Runway 24R, F/A-18E Super Hornet “ 
You saw his jet successfully land and reached for the button to disconnect when you heard Rooster’s voice flood your headphones once again.
“Do you remember what I said about calling me ‘Lieutenant Commander’ sweetheart?” He asks steely.
Fuck, he sounds so sexy when he’s stern. No man’s voice has ever had this effect on you. 
“Yes sir, Rooster.” You said with a longing breath.
You curse yourself for being incapable of being subtle.
“Normally I would say no ‘sir’ just ‘Rooster’, but I’ll allow it. Only because it sounds so good coming from your mouth.”
Holy shit. And you thought you weren’t subtle, you were usually clueless when it came to men flirting but even you could read that loud and clear. 
“You sure you want to be hitting on me over comms SIR?” you said purring 
“Would you rather me come up there sweetheart? So I can do it face-to-face” He said with the same gruffness. You can see him glancing up to the tower as he lifted his canopy and exited his plane.
“I dare you Lieutenant Commander.” You replied matching his salacious tone. 
“Gonna have to teach you a lesson don’t I?.” The connection cuts off as he removes his helmet and rushes up to the tower. 
You couldn’t hear anything over the sound of your pounding heartbeat, there is no way you just invited Rooster up to the comm room. 
It couldn’t have been more than 2 minutes when you heard the door burst open and saw Rooster enter, his skin still glistening from sweating under the California sun. 
He looked like a Greek god, and you had to stop your jaw from physically dropping at the sight of him. 
“Finally done hiding from me sweetheart?” He greeted you teasingly. 
You slowly approached one another. You opened your mouth to respond with a flirty response but the words seemed to be stuck in your throat. 
You didn’t even notice how close you were to him. You could feel the heat radiating off his body. You were staring straight ahead and avoiding his gaze. Choosing to maintain eye contact with the lowered zipper of his flight suit. Giving you a glimpse of the hard planes of his chest underneath. 
Your breath hitched as you felt him grab you by the waist and pull you bodies together. His hands felt so hot on your body and you still couldn’t bring yourself to look up into his gaze.
That is until he placed a hand on your chin and gently pulled it up to look into your eyes. 
“Don’t tell me you’re all shy now sweetheart?” He said with a smirk and he tugged your bodies closer. 
“Where’s all that talk from earlier?” He whispered as he kissed the skin beneath your ear, before moving his lips to your jaw and leaving soft caressing kisses trailing down your jaw, down to where your neck meets your collarbone
Okay, you have definitely lost the ability to breathe, let alone to speak several moments ago. If he wasn’t currently holding you so tightly your legs would’ve given out from under you.
All you could feel was him and all your mind can think of is Rooster. Rooster. Rooster. 
He finally brought his head back up and stared at your lips. He licked his before he finally closed the distance between you and-
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
You woke up in your bed in a cold sweat. 
Holy shit, it was just a dream. It felt so real. 
You could’ve sworn you could still feel his hand gripping on your waist and his hot breath on your ear. 
You glanced at your alarm clock to see that you overslept by 30 minutes! 
You quickly got up and got ready, you swear to God you had never gotten ready faster in your life. But you still managed to be 15 minutes late. 
Your supervisor was not happy. But you were normally punctual so they allowed you this one oversight. As long as you swore to never repeat it again. 
You finally caught your breath and settled in your station. You were relieved that you didn’t miss too much. 
But since you were late Rooster was assigned to a different ATC on his flight plan for the day. 
This did make you sad but in a way maybe it was necessary for today. 
First because you could not possibly hold a conversation with him after the erotic dream that you still hadn't physically recovered from, and second because you were actually becoming pathetic.
You had set 4 simple rules for yourself when you joined the Navy
Stay Focused
Always be punctual
Sleep early to be well rested, and most importantly
Do not get involved with Navy men. 
You somehow managed to break all rules in the last few weeks. 
You had a wet dream that caused you to break your perfect punctuality streak. A dream that was about a certain pilot that caused you to stay up late and has spent the better part of a month distracting you.
For the lack of better phrasing, you really needed to get your shit together.
But when you stepped into the mess hall after a fairly productive half of a day, and saw his face, you remembered just why you were so enamored. 
A smile from him was worth breaking the rules you set for yourself. 
——————————————————————————————-
You were probably home for less than 10 minutes when you heard the text notification coming from the living room.
You wiped your hands on a dish rag and walked out of the kitchen to grab your phone, which you almost dropped upon seeing who the text came from. 
The text last night was completely unexpected and was definitely part of the reason why Rooster somehow made it into your dream. And even though you were half asleep at the time, you managed to save his number under “Rooster ✈️🐔”. 
Which is how you knew you were staring at a text from said aviator. 
Rooster ✈️🐔: Missed you today :(
You have been carefully analyzing the text for the last 30 seconds you laid eyes on it. He missed you??? What does that mean? He had your number for the better part of two days and he only managed to contact you when you were almost asleep, and after a day of ignoring him. 
Asking him what he meant would be too obvious and would make you come out as naïve. So you did what any rational woman with a crush would do. Deflect.
You: Do you have a problem with emojis or something?
Rooster ✈️🐔: Huh? What do you mean? 
You: I can’t remember the last time I saw someone use emoticons unironically. 
Rooster ✈️🐔: Are you making fun of me? I personally think emoticons are neat
Rooster ✈️🐔: And I don’t know how to download emojis :/
You felt like a schoolgirl as you felt your face break into a grin at his antics. 
You were formulating a reply when you were interrupted by the screen indicating an incoming call from Rooster ✈️🐔.
You stared at your phone in panic and let it continue to ring. Holy shit he was calling you. At least in text you can formulate a plan and have a carefully crafted response. You did not have that luxury with a voice call. 
But what are you going to do? Ignore it? 
You had to make a decision fast. Okay yes, it will be a little more nerve wracking to speak on a voice call but that's better than nothing right? And you spoke to him all the time over comms, even though technically it is different because those conversations can be hidden under the guise of carrying out your job and you did not have that safety net in this situation.
After a few seconds you thought “Fuck it” and pressed the green button. 
“Hi” You answered with a breath. 
“Oh thank god, you actually answered” He responded, teasing relief in his voice.
“What? You thought I wouldn’t?” You asked him as if it was the most outlandish thing in the world (even you were seriously debating it less than a minute ago). 
“Well lets look at the track record, you rejected my dinner invite, doubted my skill as a world class pilot, left me on read last night, and just made fun of my emoticons.”
“The signs were all pointing there.” 
You bursted out in laughter at his rantings.
“Wow! And now you’re laughing at my misery, a man just can’t win with you can they sweetheart?” He feigned hurt. 
“I’m sorry Lieutenant Commander, I didn’t realize it was so easy to hurt your feelings.” You teased him. 
“AND were back to Lieutenant Commander? You do not pull your punches, do you?”
“I’d like to think we’re past all those formalities, outside of work please call me Rooster, or rather yet, call me Bradley.” He asserted. 
“Sometimes I forget your full god given name is Bradley Bradshaw. Brad Brad. I’m making that your name on my phone” You continued to tease with a giggle.
“Did your parents know what they were subjecting you to?” 
“Ha Ha very funny, unfortunately they were the main ones who made the Brad Brad joke.” He admitted dejected. 
This caused you to laugh again.
“Hey this is not fair! I don’t even know your name to make fun of.” You could practically hear the pout in his voice.
“You know I’m gonna find out your name eventually sweetheart, so why don’t you just give it up now?”
“But where’s the fun in that?”
You wanted to finally tell him your name, you did. But that just opens a can of worms that would lead to reality, which you were not yet ready to face.
“I can’t call you ATC forever sweetheart..”
“Well.. what do you want to call me?” 
“Preferably your name?” He suggested.
“You only get one chance to choose so try again.” You warned. 
“And make it good”
“Okay fine I’ll bite.” He finally gave in.
“Lets see, what to call you….”
“Well you laugh a lot, and most of the time at me, so I think I want to use something related to that.”
“It’s not my fault you’re so easy to make fun of.” You quipped.
“Fair enough. Just know I only let you because I actually like the sound of your laugh.”
You felt the blush creep onto your cheeks again.
“Clock is ticking, and you’re wasting your time flirting. What is it gonna be?” You goaded him.
“Okay Okay, but don’t think I won’t continue later.”
“I have no doubt about it” 
“So something pertaining laughing…hmmm. Giggles?” 
“If you call me Giggles, I’m hanging up and blocking you.” You threaten him. 
He responded with his own laugh, and god if you didn’t love his as much as he claimed to like yours.
“Chuckles?”
“I prefered Giggles.” You grimaced
“Merry?” 
“Too Christmas-y”
“Chirpy?”
“That sounds like a name for a bird or something you’d call your grandma. How are you so bad at this?”
“I’m trying!”
“Try to pick something better than all of those please, and do it in the next 30 seconds or I revoke your naming permissions.”
“Fine…Okay! I got it!”
“Cloud!” 
“Cloud?” You asked
“Yes! Like flying on Cloud 9!”
His selection brought a smile to your face. You pretended to think on it.
“It’s acceptable.”
“Yes!” 
“See? I’m not completely useless, and it fits because I’m flying on Cloud 9 whenever I know you’re my ATC.”
His admission caused your breath to catch in your throat. He really did know how to make a girl feel special, even though you knew you had no actual chance with him in the real world.
“I bet you say that to all the ATCs.”
“Well they are responsible for making sure that I don’t crash into other planes on the runway. Gotta keep them happy somehow”
You laugh at his joke, but holding some sadness because even though he was joking, in a way it felt like it held some truth. 
“But seriously, you have no idea how much joy you brought me yesterday. Both with our conversation and seeing that you actually gave me your number. Which is why I was really sad that you weren’t my ATC today.” 
He sounded sincere, but you tried to keep yourself from taking his lines to heart. 
You smiled. 
“Speaking of your number, how the hell did you get that piece of paper into my dash?”
“There was no one else I saw near my jet except my squad and they were with me the entire time. When did you manage to do it?”
“A girl doesn’t reveal her secrets Rooster.” You jested
“Speaking of secrets, pray tell why it took you over twelve hours to use it?” You asked him, you had to know.
“Yeah, sorry about that late text sweetheart… I stayed out at the Hard Deck with Mav a little later than usual. It was my dad’s death anniversary and I honestly spent most of the day sulking and dreading leaving my apartment.”
“Oh.. I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” You responded sympathetically, now feeling guilty at asking such an intrusive question. 
“No worries sweetheart, the minute I heard your voice on comms, it brightened my day, even more so when you gave me your number.”
“So thank you for the boost and the motivation to finally kick Mav’s ass in the sky.”
Your heart felt warm hearing that you had that effect on him, you woul’ve believed his words if you didn’t know better.
“You’re welcome Bradley.” You finally called him by his real first name, admittedly it felt right coming from your mouth.
You both sat in comfortable silence when you were interrupted by the smoke alarm in your kitchen. It hit you that your dinner was left on the stove forgetten during your conversation with Bradley.
“Oh shit, I’m pretty sure I just burnt my dinner. I gotta go before I set my entire apartment on fire.”
Bradley chuckled at your unintentional lapse of memory.
“Okay sweetheart I’ll talk to you soon.”
You ended the call. 
You managed to clear out the smoke out of your apartment, but unfortunately did not save your chicken. 
You had to settle for a frozen hot pocket that had been in your freezer for God know how long, but hey it did the job and beggars can’t be choosers. 
You felt the tiredness from the busy workday hit you and you decided it was a good idea to turn in early. You showered and finished your nighttime routine and settled into your bed with your phone on your nightstand.
Your phone flashed once again to signal a text. Apparently, Rooster had the same idea about an early night. 
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Goodnight Cloud <3 I’ll talk to you tomorrow
You: Goodnight Bradley :)
——————————————————————————————-
You were honestly pleasantly surprised at how consistently you and Bradley communicated. 
It followed the same schedule. During the days, you were usually his ATC so he would of course flirt with you over comms, and you’d try to maintain come decorum of professionalism, but would eventually flirt black. Persistence is key and Bradley is nothing if not persistent. 
When he wasn’t in the air during work hours he would sneakily text you his little random thoughts he had during the day. 
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Have you ever noticed how small Hangman’s mouth is?
You: What?
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: No seriously look at it. His mouth is always scrunched up even when he smiles.
You: Why are you staring at Hangman’s mouth?
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: We’ve been stuck in this meeting and he keeps chewing that stupid toothpick, its distracting.
You: Didn’t realize you had a thing for Seresin, Brad Brad? 🤔
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: ???????
You: You just said his mouth is distracting
You: Its okay Rooster, just say you wanna kiss him, the tension between you is so thick you can cut it with a knife.
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: I don’t want to kiss Hangman >:( 
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: You wanna know who I do wanna kiss though? 
You: Let me guess…..
You: Bob! 
You: Or better yet, Cyclone 🤪
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: No :(((
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: I wanna kiss you
You: Let’s Play 8 Ball!
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Ha ha you’re hilarious
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: If I beat you then can I get a kiss?
Read 2:13pm
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Ouch :(
On weekday nights where he didn’t go to the Hard Deck, you would have your nightly phone call at 7:30pm sharp where you would both stay on the phone while you both cooked dinner. You would catch up on the little things during the day that you didn’t text about and just mostly got to know one another.
You can admit that yes, what initially drew you to Rooster was his beautiful smile and his skill as a pilot. But the more you spoke to him the more you saw not just Lieutenant Commander “Rooster” Bradshaw. But you also saw Bradley.
You quickly saw that he was kind, humble, and so caring of others. 
“Hey Cloud,  I’m sorry for calling you so late.” You noticed his tone was more solemn than usual and checked the time, it was nearing 8pm.
“It’s fine Bradley, you’re not that late.”
“What’s wrong?” You asked him.
“Payback and Fanboy flew into a jetwash today….”
“They had to eject.” He answered dejectedly
“I heard about that. Are they okay?”
 Laura told you about the incident a little earlier, she was the ATC for the flight. The ear-splitting static that hit her headset after the aircraft collided with the ground was enough to shake even the most experienced ATC. So you couldn’t imagine being the pilot and the WSO in that situation. 
“They’re at the hospital overnight for observation. I stuck around to make sure they were okay.” 
It was very strange for you to hear Rooster so despondent. You knew he cared about his friends, and he would do anything for them, but it felt like there was more to the situation. 
“You’re very thoughtful for that Bradley.. I’m sure they appreciated it”
“It was my fault, Cloud.” he confessed. 
You were taken aback at his admittance, but you would’ve heard if there was someone that was directly responsible for the accident, it involved aircraft worth millions of dollars after all. 
“They flew into my jetwash.” 
“Bradley, that wasn’t your fault, you couldn’t have controlled their flight path.” You tried to reassure him.
“But I shouldn’t have been so reckless!” He exclaimed. 
“If I wasn’t so busy trying to outdo Coyote, I wouldn’t have almost hit a bird strike and had to slow down, and they wouldn't have gotten caught in the wash.”
You didn’t want to tell him he was being irrational for blaming himself for a situation that was clearly out of his hands, you knew there was something more there. 
“But they’re fine right? Everyone is okay. No one was seriously hurt.” You explained to him.
“Yeah no one got hurt….THIS time.” 
His statement piqued your interest, you were getting somewhere.
“What do you mean?” 
He sighed, finally letting go of the pretenses. 
“That’s how my dad died.” He confessed.
In a way you knew about LTJG Nick Bradshaw and his untimely death during his Top Gun training, but none of the sordid details. It felt disrespectful to dig into Rooster’s family without him knowing. 
“Oh..” You couldn’t think of what to say. 
“He and Mav flew into a jetwash and when they ejected…my dad hit his head on the canopy. Dead on impact.”
You kicked yourself for thinking he was being irrational. Now all his self blame and his aversion to throwing caution to the wind while flying finally made sense. It also made his relationship with Maverick a lot clearer to you. 
On one hand, you were thrilled that he was confiding in you. But on the other hand you were also heartbroken for Bradley, he lost his dad so young and as much as you wanted to hug him, and let him cry on your shoulder, you couldn’t. 
“Were you close?” You settled on asking him. 
“We were, he’s the reason why I worked so hard to be where I am now.” He reminisced. 
“I’m sure he is very proud of you Bradley. You are not only an incredible pilot, you are also an selfless, caring, and incredible man.” You reminded him. 
“He would give all the credit to my mom.” He lightly chuckled. 
“She raised me alone after my dad died.”
“She never remarried?” You asked
“No, she said that dad was her soulmate. She would never find another man like him.”
You can tell how much love Bradley had for his parents, and the love they shared for one another. 
“It sounds like they were really in love.” You smiled 
“They were. My dad would always serenade my mom. He loved the 50s and the 60s so everytime he saw a piano he would wail out ‘Great Balls of Fire’ while my mom would act embarrassed, but she would eventually sit on his lap and sing along.” 
“That’s beautiful Brad, they really were soulmates.”
“I hope I can find a love like theirs someday.” You sighed dreamily. 
“Who knows? Maybe you already have.” He responds softly.
A comfortable silence settled between you for a few moments. 
“Hey Cloud”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for listening.”
“Anytime Bradley.”
You noticed that it was now getting late and exhaustion was starting to take over your body.
Bradley seemed to notice this as well.
“Do you think I can sing to you Cloud? Like my dad used to with my mom?” 
“I would love that Brad.” 
You slowly fell asleep to the sound of his voice singing ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’.
And like that, there was no denying, that you’re falling even deeper.
——————————————————————————————-
You don’t know how much longer you can keep this up. It has been months since you and Rooster started talking regularly and you couldn’t help falling in love with him a little more everyday. 
The problem is, you knew that his patience was wearing thin, as he was asking you more and more frequently when he can see you face to face or even know your real name.
You knew you owe him all of that, but how could you tell him? When you know in your heart that once he sees you and knows you. He would know you weren’t worth his time. 
That realization kills you because he means everything to you. You’ve shared your hobbies, your stories, your dreams with him. 
How can you go on living without him in your life once you know the feeling of him being there. 
He has planted himself a permanent spot in your heart, and once he’s gone, there will be a gaping hole left in his wake. 
He was being as kind and as patient with you as he could, but you couldn’t blame his growing anxiety about your identity. 
It also didn’t help that you were constantly under the scrutinous eyes of Lieutenant Commander Seresin. After he caught you on the Tarmac, he seemed very suspicious of you. Like he knew you were up to something but just couldn’t put his finger on it. 
Luckily you’ve been able to fly under the radar around him. Yes he could be a little ignorant and too much of a flirt for his own good but he was smart as a whip and you knew that if anyone could figure out what you were doing it would be him. 
You were currently sat with ATCs in the mess hall, on the other side of the room from where the dagger squad has decided to congregate. You were trying to subtly sneak glances at Bradley. 
He looked particularly handsome today, his sandy hair was slicked back and his tanned skin glowing. He even had his signature Ray Ban Caravans on. You normally hate when people wear sunglasses indoors but he made it work without looking like an asshole. And it looks damn good on him. 
You sighed and as you moved your focus away to not arouse suspicion you noticed Hangman look at you with narrowed eyes. You pretended not to notice. 
Your attention was diverted by the vibration of you phone signaling a notification. 
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Is potato salad supposed to be green?
You smiled when you saw it was a text from Bradley
You: Depends, do you normally eat 2 week old potato salad?
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Mav said it was okay :(
You: Mav also thinks anything not cooked in a microwave is gourmet.
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Okay fair, its going into the trash. 
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: You know what is gourmet though? ;)
You: Mav
Brad Brad ✈️🐔: Not funny :(
You tried to hold in your laughter to no avail and it was loud enough for the other ATC s to look at you in confusion. 
“Sorry, just saw a funny meme.” You explained, the ATCs accepted this explanation and went back to their previous activities. 
You looked up again to catch another glimpse at Rooster when you saw Hangman staring at your phone in your hand with wide eyes. Then looked down at Rooster also smiling down at his own phone, and then back at you. 
You could see the wheels in his head turning, and then he made a face that made it clear that he connected the dots. 
Oh shit. You had to get out of here.
You quickly packed up your food and sat up, not bothering to say goodbye to your fellow ATCs. 
You ran out the mess hall and down the hallway but before you could turn the corner a hand pulls you back. 
You are now face to face with Lieutenant Commander Seresin. He looked at you for a few seconds 
“You’re Air Traffic Control right?” he asked you with a raised eyebrow. 
“Yes sir I am.” You said trying to disguise your voice the same as you did on the tarmac. 
“Don’t play games with me honey, I know that’s not your real voice.” You gulped 
He still had a grip on your arm so you couldn’t run even if you wanted to. Curse these Navy men and their workout routines. 
“Tell me your name, and that’s an order.” 
You were sweating under his gaze, you’ve never felt more panicked in your life.
You tell him your name in your real voice. 
He finally released his grip on you and also seemed to drop his serious demeanor. 
“I knew there was something about you! You’re the ATC that old chicken has been flirting with over comms aren’t you??”
You nod looking down at your feet. Damn it, there goes your whole relationship (if you can even call it that) with Rooster, because Hangman is definitely going to rat you out. 
“You see, Rooster was telling the squad that he was in love. And so of course we ask him who she is.” 
“But how surprising was it when he said that not only has he never seen her face to face, he doesn’t even know her name.” 
He was now pacing up and down the hallway. 
“Then I remembered that day where he bet you your number if he shot down Mav, he magically got a piece of paper with a number on his dash seemingly coming from nowhere.” 
“But it wasn’t a magic trick at all, was it?” He asked you rhetorically.
“No sir.”
“Exactly! Because I caught you sneaking off the Tarmac moments before Rooster jumped into his plane and happily announcing that he got your phone number.” 
“I saw your face, so you are both the ATC over comms and the girl he talks to,  the one he says he’s in love with.”
You looked up shocked at his statement.
“He’s in love with me?” 
You looked up from the ground with hopeful eyes. 
“Yes he is.” Hangman tells you matter of factly. 
“You’ve presumably been talking to Rooster for months, but you've yet to meet him in person, let alone even tell him your name.”
“What game are you playing here?” He asks you
“It’s not a game, I do care about Bradley.” You sighed. 
“So then what is it?” 
“Sir, can we not please talk about it here?” 
You anxiously look around and see that people were now in the hallway exiting from the mess hall. And god forbid that Bradley was one of them. 
“Fine.” 
“Meet me at the Hard Deck after work.” 
——————————————————————————————-
 You were seated at the bar in the Hard Deck, your left leg bouncing anxiously.
You checked your watch, 5:47pm. Hangman said to meet him here right after work and you basically sped off the base to get to the bar on time.
You’ve been nursing the same beer for the past almost 30 minutes. You couldn’t focus on anything but the sound of your heart beating in your chest.
What was taking him so long? Did he forget? Did he already tell Bradley?
A million more questions swirled in your head. But you knew that if Hangman didn’t show up you were basically screwed.
Your self pity was interrupted by the booming sound of naval aviators strolling through the entrance, with one of them being Bradley and of course Hangman.
You were simultaneously trying to avoid Rooster’s gaze, while trying to catch Hangman’s attention.
When you finally caught his eye, you gave him a panicked questioning look. He gave you a subtle nod while continuing his conversation with the rest of the squadron. 
The crew made their way to their usual spot in the back with the pool tables. Hangman excused himself from the group nodding towards you.
You kept your eyes on him as he made his way to you. 
“Jimmy, can I get a beer?” Hangman asks the bartender.
“Lieutenant Commander.” You greeted him as he sat on the stool directly beside you.
He returned the greeting by saying your name.
“So let’s just get this out of the way. Did you tell Bradley?” You asked him, feeling a large brick settle in your stomach. 
“You can relax.. I didn’t tell Bradshaw.” He replies
You let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. Relief flooding your body.
“But don’t think that you’re off the hook, you have some explaining to do.” Hangman added.
“What do you want to know sir?” You swallowed nervously.
“First of all, who are you exactly?” 
“I’m no one, I’m just an ATC.” You told him, looking down at your hands.
“Well you’re clearly not ‘no one’ if you’ve caught Rooster’s attention.” He rebutted.
“You’re little avoidance tricks might work on Rooster, but they won’t work on me.”
“And I know all your excuses for not meeting him are complete bs.”
“So why are you hiding from him?”
Now that’s the million dollar question isn’t it? It has been months since you started talking to Bradley, you spoke to him every single day, and fell asleep to the sound of his voice every night. Why were you hiding from him?
“I-.....I don’t know.” You confessed to Hangman. 
“Then whats stopping me from getting up and telling Rooster who you are?” Hangman asked you with a raised eyebrow. 
You stared at him, the words lost in your throat. 
“Nothing then I guess..”  He got up and started his way to the back.
You pulled his arm back similar to how he did to you earlier that day. He looked at you and your hand on his arm. 
“Please don’t…I beg you.” 
He sat back down on his stool giving you a questioning look but gave you the time to get your thoughts together. 
“I never intended for it to go on this long or this far..” You explained. 
“Bradley is so important to me. I knew he was special the first time I ever heard his voice.”
“It was during the uranium plant detachment from a few months ago. I risked my whole damn career to save him.” 
“I released the dagger reserve without Admiral Simpson’s approval.” You continued.
“That was you? You gave me clearance that day?” His eyes finally lost the skepticism and was replaced with admiration. 
“I did, everyone in that control room was completely frozen. I couldn’t just let them die.” 
“But that doesn’t explain this whole situation you have going on with him.” He questioned
“That was the last I expected to ever see of him, but you all decided to stay here in Miramar and I made the mistake of speaking to him a little too long over comms.”
“That’s to be expected honey, Rooster is a big ol flirt.” Hangman chuckled.
“Well not as a big of a flirt as me though.” He winked at you. 
He was trying to ease your worries and you appreciated that from him. Especially since he thought the worst of you less than 10 minutes ago. 
“And of course you and Mav have heard how he got my number over comms and thats currently where we are now.” You finished.
“Okay so thats the backstory, and you clearly care about him and he cares about you.”
“So it still doesn't answer why you haven’t told him who you are.”
“Think about it this way Lieutenant Commander…”
“You, Phoenix, Payback, Coyote, and Rooster. You are some of the most important and most revered people in the Navy short of the Admirals.” 
“You are the first in command, you are the best of the best in the entire world.” 
“What do I? A low level ATC, have to offer Bradley?.”
“I am just me, and he is who he is. I could never be a person whos good enough for him.” 
“But didn’t I just tell you? Bradshaw is in love with you.” Hangman argued. 
You smiled sadly, turning your head to glance at Bradley at the pool tables. His head thrown back in laughter at something Fanboy said. 
“Maybe..he is.” You turned back to Hangman.
“But one look at me and he’ll change his mind.” 
“I don’t understand. Do you think you’re-” Hangman’s response was interrupted by Rooster popping up behind you both. 
“Hangman, I thought you were getting a beer?” 
You suddenly felt lightheaded, the sight of Rooster standing so close to you making your heart beat a million times per minute. 
“Whos your friend?” Rooster asked Hangman while looking at you with a smile. 
You wouldn’t dare open your mouth and speak, risking Bradley recognizing your voice. You stared at Hangman with pleading eyes, hoping he didn’t give you away to Rooster.
Hangman looked at Rooster and back at you, pausing for a moment.
Hangman finally speaks telling Rooster your name. Fuck. You were naïve to think he’d keep your secret.
“We actually just met, she’s getting over a case of laryngitis so her voice is a little hoarse.” Hangman explained. 
You smiled at him, silently thanking him for not revealing your charade. 
“Hi, nice to meet you.” You let out in a hoarse voice, turning to look at Bradley.
He reached out and shook your hand and you can feel your stomach doing backflips for finally getting to touch the man that you’ve spent several months falling in love with. 
“Well I’m sorry to hear that ma’am, I hope you feel better.” Bradley offered politely.
“I’ll leave you and Hangman to your conversation.” He excused himself and returned to the pool table, you stared at him longingly as he walked away. 
Hangman looked at you in amusement. 
“You got it bad, don’t you honey?” Hangman asked with a slight chuckle. 
“That obvious?” You asked him
“Couldn’t be any less subtle if you tried.” 
“Which makes it so funny that Bradshaw had no clue its you.” He chortled. 
“Me personally, if I were him, I would know it was you the minute I saw you.” He added with a smirk,
Leave it to Hangman to be an insatiable flirt.
“Thank you for helping me out.” 
As big of an asshole Hangman can be, he really did have a good heart. 
“Your secret is safe with me honey.” 
——————————————————————————————-
@luckyladycreator2
@lunamoonbby
@n3ssm0nique
@and-claudia
@marrianena
@hummusxx
@writeroutoftime
@abrielleholland
@eroda-harry
@maxi-milf-dot-com
@jake-h-ngm-n-seresin
@8oopsiedaisy8
@dempy
@playswithsquirrellls
@bayisdying
@mysticaldonkey
@zzazzao
@arianna-bradshaw
@pinkwritingdoll
@xattislc
@calsjack
@1bakubabe
@paulina1998
@peaches-1999
@sopheeg
@cowboybarbie
@marvelsvalhalla
@bethebella
@bespinnn
@manwalaage
@sweet-creature98
@8lyme
@ashann7
@hotch-meeeeeuppppp
@maudeeloise
@ambearsstuff
@parker-natasha
@wishingwell-2
@my-soulmate-is-mycroft
@carolinecakes  
@angzls
@saintnourah
@ebonyhogan24
@taytay3212
@fangirl-316
@babyspiderling
@iangiemae
@yogabigooby
@gracie145
@choslover
@maudeeloise
@cursedandromedablack
@marland56
@ynbutbetter
@turningtoclown
@dilfsandtherapy
@strawberryblogg
@unluckymonaghan
@queeniesdiary
@emilyniamh369-blog
@shaded-recs
@romxnticist
@Iyv127
@xoxoloverb
@marchingicenotes7
@supernaturaldawning
237 notes · View notes
sicjimin · 3 years
Text
A.N : another mpreg story since someone ever .. ask me about taegi. i dont even know what it is since i wrote part of it mindlessly so i am sorry if this is not great T.T and beware of lame ending ((i really dont know how to end a story)) yeah, i hope you like it and haven't get sick of my mpreg stories ... enjoy~ (this from my draft)
another A.N : to everyone that has been sending a request to me.. pls be patient and bear w me im sorry T.T im working on it slowly since my clinical round has started and my brain has been clouded ..
TW : emeto, graphic description of vomiting, mpreg
Tumblr media
Yoongi's fingers curl tightly on the white porcelain as he inhales a wave of nausea. He propped his head on his shaky hands as he brushes his bang back when his body pitches forward with quiet gurgles of his breakfast sliding from his mouth, morph into a brown thick mess on the sink. He inhales a quick breath before he burps more of his stomach content. He shuddered when he could taste the remnants of what he just ate, making his stomach twisted and bring a copious amount down to splatter on the sink. He took a glance at the watch on his right wrists through his glassy eyes. He sniffles. He still has 5 minutes until he needs to be back on the shoot. He quickly rinses his mouth and freshens his face, getting rid of whatever evidence in his face that might indicate he just gets sick as fast as he can. He swallows thickly another urge of vomit that still wants to come out—no, he can't be sick again. he needs to stop because the shoot is waiting.
Yoongi walks out from the bathroom and joining the other that seems like didn't notice when Yoongi disappears for a moment. He plopped himself beside his boyfriend, resting his head on the younger shoulders. He not gonna lie, this pregnancy makes him more clingy. Taehyung turns his head from his phone when he feels the weight on his shoulder, "Hyung?"
Yoongi hums before he tilts his head, "The shoot hasn't started again?"
"Nope, the director still searching for some props", Taehyung answers as he observes his boyfriend that keeps sniffling. " Why are you keep sniffling? Are you catching a cold? sick?"
Yoongi curses his nose that still runny after earlier, "No", he clears his throat in nervousness. He can't make Taehyung—and another member is worried about him being sick, or this shoot would be canceled, knowing Namjoon and Seokjin. Yeah, ever since they found out about his pregnancy, he feels like he's having 6 boyfriends. "My nose is just .. runny. That's it", Yoongi mustered a wide smile, hoping that it would convince the younger. Taehyung didn't eat that half-assed reason. He just gonna point it out but the director cut him off.
They stepped back to the shooting. This time they need to pose while drinking water as it's commercial for kitchen and house supplies. It takes Yoongi the second take of shoot when his throat clogged up, battling between drip of water that could get in or vomit that rushing up. He quickly clamped his mouth that immediately damped with what seems like water after he squelches. He mumbled a short "sorry" before running to the bathroom, again.
Taehyung that has been looking from the side scamper on his feet and followed behind. He managed to catch the older that just burst one of the stall doors and positioned himself hunching over the toilet just in time as water sprayed from his mouth, leaving him coughing after at how uncomfortable the sensation. Taehyung walk in and wrapped his arms around the older torso, keeping him from fall over, looking at how harsh the wave that erupted from Yoongi's body. Taehyung's free hand massaging Yoongi's nape as he retches another stream of clear liquid.
"Gosh hyung, you're only throwing up water", Taehyung murmured, " Have you even eat anything today?"
Yoongi pants and spits the acid saliva in his tongue before he nods, "I have but i already throw it up earlier". Yoongi's breath hitched when his stomach clenched again and gurgles a new round of water up. He shuddered when he could feel the bitter taste of bile slipping on his tongue. He stared blankly at the murky water below and catch a yellow pile there. Ah, he's already empty. But the baby inside of him seems like didn't know that since it keeps making him gagging, making his throat starts to burn as he didn't have anything left except for bile.
"I think you're already empty, sweetheart", Taehyung murmured, looking at his boyfriend that only gagging emptily. Yoongi huffs before he straightened his body and slumped against the wall. Taehyung flushed the toilet and squatted beside the older that now buried his head. If Taehyung is not mistaken, he could hear a sniffling, " Hey, are you crying? What's wrong?", Taehyung brushes his fingers to tucked the older hair and get him to lift his head but it got batted away. Yoongi shakes his head, trying to conceal his emotion but Taehyung's soft voices just make him sobs louder.
They stay like that in silence for few minutes until Yoongi calmed down. Taehyung knows better rather than pressing his boyfriend at times like that. "Do you want to get out from here? We can back to the dressing room or even go home?", Taehyung pleas. As much as he wants to stay with his boyfriend, he thinks that it will be much better if they properly sit down in a comfortable space, not in bathroom stalls. Yoongi sniffs, " My stomach still kinda queasy. What if i need to throw up again?", he mumbled as he rubs the bump that has already shown a bit, "I don't want to run here again. 'm tired, Tae"
"I can get you a trashcan or bag if you're gonna be sick?"
Yoongi pouted deeper, "No, it's gross because i can see—", he shut his eyes at the thought, it makes his stomach twist immediately. He belched emptily into his palm, " No, just. I can't. I don't want it. I rather stay here"
Taehyung sighs, "Then what do you want, hyung? We can't stay here forever"
"Do you think we can go home early?", Yoongi pouts, " I mean, maybe i can finish my shoot and then we go home? You're finished with yours, right?"
Taehyung nods, "Okay, I will try to ask to Namjoon-hyung first", he stands up and stretches his arm for Yoongi to stand up too. " Now let's finish your shoot, hyung"
They end up going home early since Namjoon didn't give any fights about it—even encouraged it when he locked eyes with Yoongi that already gone pale. Taehyung tossed his keys and coat on the couch before he walks back to where his boyfriend run when they arrived. Bathroom.
"Our little bean here really giving you a hard time, huh?", Taehyung murmured as he found himself rubbing Yoongi's back as the older retches his food to the bowl, again. Yoongi didn't give it a response, too busy to control his stomach that twisting and worked hard to expel crackers he managed to nibbles earlier.
This round finishes rather quickly, but still sucked out the whole energy out of Yoongi's body. "Tae, i really don't want this, I'm tired and my back hurts for always hunching over to throw up. I feel gross and my stomach hurts too", Yoongi rants as he flushed the toilet and wipes his runny nose. It starts to hurt, maybe leaving faint red marks. Taehyung smiles fondly, guilt starts creeping inside him—he wishes he could do more rather than rubbing and comforting his boyfriend when he's sick.
"I'm sorry baby, you're so strong to endure all of this. Just a few months more", Taehyung brushes the older hair that sticks on his forehead, "Hyung, you got some of it on your hair, do you want to take a bath first?"
Yoongi nods, "Yeah, I think I will. I feel hot and gross all over"
Taehyung stands up and turns the warm water on their tub, "Do you want something for me to prepare?"
"Milkshake", Yoongi mumbled softly, almost like a whisper. " What? Come again hyung, i didn't hear you"
"I want a milkshake ..."
Taehyung bites his inner cheeks as he tried so hard to not coos as his boyfriend that fiddle with his sweater and pouting so hard, "Is your craving season already starts, hyung?"
"Go away", Yoongi whines, but he can't help the faint blush on his cheeks that getting redder as Taehyung finally breaks in a laugh. His eyes widened when a soft kiss land on his lips, " No need to pout so hard hyung, milkshake it is"
"Anything else?"
Something flashes in his mind but Yoongi decided to hold back for later or Taehyung will tease him more, "No, that's it. Now shoooo, you have a milkshake to get", Yoongi pushed the younger out of the bathroom and laughs when he heard his grunts from the outside.
"Hyung, what flavor do you want?", Taehyung shouts from the outside.
"Vanilla!", Yoongi shouts back. He stifles a laugh again when he heard Taehyung yelps as someone seems to scold him, " Jin-hyung! i shout because Yoongi-hyung is inside!!", he heard the younger whine.
"Okay hyung, i will go now—Jin-hyung stops hitting me! yes i am going now!!"
Yoongi now goes on full laughing as he relaxed under the warm water.
Yeah, with Taehyung and the rest of the members, he thinks he could get used to all of this.
30 notes · View notes
whisperednarratives · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
pairing:
bakugo katsuki x reader
cw:
angst
a/n:
im doing to start working on EVOLVE this week! i already have some drafts ready and im so excited to share the final work with you guys!!
fun fact: this scenario was originally written for EVOLVE but i decided not to put it in the story! :)
[NONE OF THE FOLLOWING WORKS HAVE BEEN EDITED OR PROOFREAD YET]
-
“Why are you here?”
Y/N’s fists stayed clenched besides her to stop her hands from shaking.
It was cold today, much like the gaze Bakugo Katsuki had set upon her as soon as she had approached him.
He hadn’t looked at her like that for a while now.
“What are you doing, Katsuki?” Y/N’s voice found its way out of her mouth, her eyes never leaving his.
“What do you think dumbass? I’m leaving.”
The silence that followed hung around the two for a few seconds, the streetlight lamp above their heads flickering occasionally.
“What do you mean?” Furrowing her eyebrows, Y/N tried her best to remain patient.
“What the fuck do you think? I’m leaving U.A. My job here is done,” he rolled his eyes. “Frankly, I’ve over welcomed my stay.”
He turned back around, beginning to walk towards the gates that led to the city that lay outside of the U.A grounds.
They were already outside after curfew and getting caught was not an option. The last time they’d snuck out together, Aizawa had given them detention for a week.
Y/N rushed towards him.
“Katsuki, what are you talking about? What do you mean you’ve over welcomed your stay?”
Bakugo remained silent, his footsteps still thundering towards the metal gates.
Confused and slightly agitated, Y/N reached out to grab his shoulder. As soon as her hand touched his body, he turned around to slap it away.
Recoiling her arm, Y/N’s eyes immediately flooded with hurt.
“Katsuki, what’s the-”
“STOP CALLING ME THAT!”
Bakugo’s eyes were as hard as stone, his voice echoing through the emptiness of the evening that had settled around them. His figure loomed over Y/N’s and for the first time in months, a sliver of fear slid through her body.
“Who the fuck do you think you are? Why are you even following me?”
“Kat-Bakugo, I just saw you leaving the dorms and wanted to make sure you’re okay. I’m your friend...” Y/N managed to say, shrinking underneath his harsh gaze.
Friends. Friends. Friends.
Friends who kiss. Friends who hold hands. Friends who-
Bakugo let out a laugh and for once, Y/N found the sound to be unpleasant.
“Friends? What, you think you can feed me some bullshit and I’ll forget what I really came here for?” Bakugo folded his arms across his chest, crimson eyes blazing with disgust. “You, your words and your ‘friendship’ means nothing to me.”
Y/N’s body stilled, the flash of a memory she usually smiled at causing her eyes to screw themselves shut.
Y/N listened to Bakugo rant, his hands moving as rapidly as Iida’s. Normally the two would be at each other’s throats but today had ended up being different.
During training, Bakugo had been paired with Denki. The two had sparred like they usually would but Bakugo finished the fight with a blow so strong, Denki over exerted himself to the point where he became too dumb to respond. As Mineta and Mina rushed to pick him up, Mineta had decided to give his unwanted opinion.
“Damn Bakugo, sometimes I wonder if you would be better off as a villain.”
Usually, Bakugo would fly Mineta across the room for even speaking to him. But today he had turned around, eyes blank and exited the gym.
Y/N had caught sight of him leaving and decided to follow him. Before she knew it, they found themselves seated on the grass right outside the dorms with Bakugo talking at the speed of light.
“That piece of shit needs to keep his mouth shut before I rip all of the balls off his head. We were sparring, it’s what heroes do to train. It’s not my fault Dunce Face spasmed out of fear and rendered himself stupid. I mean yeah I could’ve gone easy on him but we’re training to fight the best of the best! Does he really think the bad guys will look at him and think, ‘Oh let’s just not attack this one!’ But that pint sized freak had to go and call me a villain!” Bakugo continued to scream, Y/N facing his side as his hand gestures began to get more violent.
Bakugo didn’t understand why he was so mad. Was it because Mina and Dunce Face had been around to hear it? Or because Y/N was nearby and she had witnessed the entire thing?
After all, what Mineta had said was tru-
Interrupting his ranting, Y/N reached out and placed a hand on Bakugo’s shoulder. Her touch was hesitant and so were her next words.
“Look Bakugo, you have raging anger issues and you tend to scream too much. You’re intolerably arrogant and you like to boss people around,” Y/N began, her gaze fixated on the blatant glare Bakugo was shooting her.
“Princess, if you’re going to insult me, at least-”
“But you are one of the strongest people I know,” Y/N continued. “You are brave and smart and so passionate about being a hero that we all overlook the fact that we want to run you over sometimes.”
Bakugo rolled his eyes.
Y/N realised later that the next thing she said is what really helped Bakugo open up to her. And for him to open up to Eijirou and Denki and the rest of the Bakusquad.
It had made him realise that she looked up to him despite his obvious flaws and had decided that he was worthy of her time.
Of her friendship.
And for some odd reason, Bakugo’s heart had filled with unfamiliar warmth at the sight of her smile.
He knew it was wrong. It was so wrong to let his guard down like this but just sitting next to her made him feel so at peace that for a moment he forgot that her smile towards him would eventually become rare sight.
“You are not a villain Bakugo Katsuki.”
“Bakugo, if you’re talking about-”
“Just fuck off. I don’t need you to hold my hand and tell me everything will be okay,” Bakugo snapped. “You will never understand the pressure I am under.”
“Bakugo please, I am your friend. You can talk to me,” Y/N pleaded. “I don’t understand what’s going on but I’m sure we can figure it out together.”
Bakugo barked out another laugh, just as unfriendly as the last one. He uncrossed his arms only to lean down to Y/N’s height.
“You will never understand. Let me make it clear to you L/N, you and I were never friends. You were just some naive little bitch I used as a distraction to get my job done,” Bakugo sneered as Y/N’s eyes started to water.
Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.
“You are weak and vulnerable and stupid. And you always will be. Do not come looking for me. I don’t want to be found or saved if that’s what you’re going for. Don’t try to come after me either or I won’t hesitate to blow you up.”
With that, Bakugo turned on his heels, continuing his journey towards the gates.
Y/N kept her head down, the tears in her eyes threatening to fall any minute now. She willed herself to stay strong, not for herself, but for Bakugo.
She knew he was just trying to say all those things because he wanted her to stay still. He wanted to make her feel pained enough to not chase him. To not come after him.
But he was still Katsuki.
Katsuki, who woke up early to make her breakfast every morning before class. Katsuki, who pushed her to train with him so she could get stronger. Katsuki, who stocked his mini fridge full of her favourite ice cream because she always crashed in his room. Katsuki, who held her hand the entire night when she fell sick a couple of weeks ago. Katsuki, who had hugged her close before whispering the words ‘You’re still a dumbass.’ and pulled her into a kiss. Katsuki, who had promised he’d never leave her.
Fuck. Move Y/N.
Just as Y/N managed to gather all of her strength to lift her foot one step closer, Bakugo paused.
Without bothering to even look at her, he landed his final blow.
“You know I’m glad the League tortured you the way they did when they captured you. After all, it was my idea.”
Y/N didn’t know what happened next.
All she remembered was her knees crumbling under the weight of her emotions only for her tears to flood her face faster than she had managed to fall in love with Bakugo Katsuki.
-
Kirishima awoke to a soft knock on his door. He rubbed his eyes, shifting to check the alarm clock he’d place on his bedside table.
3:45AM.
Who the hell could it be at this hour?
Irritated and still a bit drowsy, he slipped out of his warm bed to approach his door. The knocking continued, albeit a bit harder this time and Kirishima threw the door open.
“Calm down a damn min-”
He paused, eyes meeting Y/N’s.
With her face red and puffy, Y/N pushed past him to seat herself onto his bed. Confused, Kirishima closed the door behind him and switched on the lights in his room. That’s when he realised how shattered Y/N truly looked.
Dried tears streaked her face, her body shivering. Her knees were bruised and her hands would not stop shaking.
He had never seen her like this.
“Y/N, is everything okay? Do you want me to call Baku-“
Before he could finish, Y/N interrupted him.
“He’s gone,” she said, lifting her head just enough for Kirishima to see how lifeless her eyes were. “He... he was helping the v-villains.”
Suddenly, it felt like somebody had punched Kirishima in the gut.
“Bakugo’s the U.A traitor.”
52 notes · View notes
escapewriter · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
Hey There Delilah
pairing : seungkwan x reader
synopsis : if only you got his address right, maybe he wouldn’t have been that salty.
genre : fluff, humor, slight angst
word count : 3.3k
warnings : none
posted : 01/16/21
a/n : IM SO SORRY THAT I HAVENT UPDATED THIS FOR A MONTH. BUT I GOT INSPO BECAUSE HIS BIRTHDAY WAS COMING UP SO HAPPY SEUNGKWAN DAY!!!!
TAGLIST : @vibecheckvernon @beomiebear5 @lightoflife @skylions-den @noniesgirl
won’t let me tag : @pandora1834
send me an ask/dm if you would like to be on the taglist
pieces of love masterlist // playlist // main masterlist
Tumblr media
“Do you have to leave so soon?” Seunkwan pouted as he held your hand and rolled your luggage in the other. “I mean, you have time to stay a little longer.” He looked down at your intertwined fingers, slightly swinging it.
“You’re telling me this now? If you told me earlier, I could have gone later but I already got my ticket and we’re literally standing in the middle of the airport.” His mouth fell open as you giggled, releasing his hand to cup his face in your palms. “Don’t worry, Kwan, I’ll be back before you know it. And remember our deal, okay? Only letters.”
He sighed but repeated your words in a defeated tone, “Only letters.”
//
“Man, fuck these letters.” Seungkwan groaned in annoyance as he crumpled the 5th piece of paper into a ball and threw it into the trash bin. Jun looked up from his phone where he was seated on the couch, a concerned, yet amused, look in his eyes.
“What’s wrong? Can’t spell their name right?” Laughing at his own joke, he didn’t notice his friend swiftly turn in his chair to glare at him, shutting him up with a cough. He cleared his throat and nervously sat up straight, “Seriously, what’s wrong? Don’t know how to spell something or what?”
“No that's not the problem, and even if it was, I wouldn’t be asking you how to spell something.” Seungkwan turned back to his desk, resting his head on the wooden table. “I haven’t gotten a letter in a month. Do you think something’s wrong?” Jun hummed again, listening as he scrolled mindlessly on his phone.
“I don’t think you did anything wrong, they’re probably just busy. I mean, New York is a busy place and they gotta pay attention to some things, I guess.” Seungkwan turned around again, looking at the coffee table Jun had his feet propped up on.
“I don’t think I did anything wrong. I’m saying, maybe something is wrong.”
Jun looked up, eyes staring at Seungkwan’s furrowed eyebrows, “Wouldn’t their family tell you though? I honestly don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Just write the letter and ask them what’s wrong and if they don’t reply, then... there's your answer.”
“Aren’t you such great help.”
//
Seungkwan slammed the pen on the desk, finally finished writing the letter to you. He doesn’t really know why you stopped sending letters; it was usually a one to two week delay. Nevermind that, Seungkwan is sure that after you get this letter, you will definitely reply to him.
“Jun, can you read this for me? See if it sounds good?” He turned to the male who was eating on the small table, holding out the letter for him to take. Reaching over, Jun retrieved the letter from Seungkwan’s grasp, scanning the neat handwriting before reading:
Hey there,
How are you? Are the people treating you nice there?I sure hope they are because you’re too kind for this world. What’s it like living there so far? I’m sorry for all these questions, I’m just curious because ya know, it's New York City!
So… it’s been a while since I’ve gotten a letter from you, but maybe you’ve been busy. I mean, this internship, it’s a big deal so I wouldn’t want you to worry about sending letters all the time. Plus it probably keeps you occupied so don’t worry about anything, I’m just glad you’re happy doing what you love.
Anyway, uh, I heard back from Vernon. He said that he can show you around since he’s in town visiting with his mom. I don’t know if you’ll get this in time, but maybe he’ll contact you about it!
I really miss you. I know it was such terrible timing for me to have confessed. Just two weeks before you had to leave. Ah I wish I could’ve done it sooner. Anyway, I hope you’re doing well. Don’t overwork yourself and stay safe, okay?
Remember, time square could never shine as bright as you. I know it’s cheesy but I’ll always say it because that was my best pick up line ever. Okay, now get back to work! I’ll see you soon! I’m counting down the days!
From, Seungkwan
Jun put down his arm that was holding the letter and looked at Seungkwan who was munching away the food on his plate, “‘Time square could never shine as bright as you?’ MAN, and I thought Mingyu was the cheesy one in our group.”
Glaring at the elder, he snatched the letter from his hand, muttering something under his breath. “It’s from a song. An inside joke you wouldn’t understand.”
Jun took a sip of his soda, sighing as he set the can on a coaster, “Well, whatever it is, cross your fingers in hopes that they mail you back,” He stood up, wiping his hands on his jeans, “I’ll take my leave, gotta go cleanse my apartment.”
Seungkwan nodded, looking at the letter in his hands. Of all the things, it had to be letters.
//
“Seungkwan, get up.” He mumbled in his sleep, trying to shoo away the intruder that was waking him up. “Seungkwan, have you gotten mail from them yet?” He groaned again, not aware of his surroundings as he rolled over, arm hitting a hard surface beside him. “Man, you really are a pain. Anyway, I have a letter for you.” Seungkwan shot up, squinting at Jun who towered over him in his bed.
“You have a what for me? I’ve been waiting for almost three weeks for one, did one finally come in?” Jun’s eyes widened, not realizing sooner that he didn’t receive a letter from you.
“Oh, uh, you see, um, I was just… kidding.” Seungkwan narrowed his eyes before making a frown and crashing back head first into his pillows. “Seungkwan, come on man. The letter probably got lost in the mail or something. You never know.”
Sitting up, he stared at what’s ahead of him; a bookshelf. The shelf had various books, photo albums, picture frames, etc. Mainly, it had a picture of the two of you hanging out the day he finally confessed — just two weeks before you had to leave. He doesn’t remember that night, though he wished he did after staring at the photo for so long now.
“Seungkwan! What are you looking at?” Jun leaned over, trying to take a glance at what his friend was eyeing, though it appears it is something that won’t make him feel any better. “Okay, enough is enough. You helped me during my break up, so I’m gonna help you through this letter drought, okay? Okay. Now, up you go!” Jun lifted the man from his bed, dragging him to the middle of his bedroom before plopping him down on the rug. “You're not gonna help me out Seungkwan? Come on, please.”
“What if they met someone,” Jun thought for a moment, hoping what Seungkwan said didn’t turn out to be true. He had to stay positive and make sure his friend does too.
“Hey, don��t think like that, okay? Now get up and wash up, we’re going to get food.” Seungkwan sighed, finally deciding to listen to his friend.
//
“Jun, I know you meant to go out to get food, but I didn’t think that I would pay for it AND we eat it at my place.”
“It’s the thought that counts, and thank you for paying. The food? Muah.”
Seungkwan rolled his eyes and put a piece of meat into his mouth, staring at the desk that was against the wall. He eyed the papers, pens, and pencils; a wave of sadness crashing over him. He couldn’t help but think that you actually had moved on. All the doubts he had in the beginning when you left resurfaced as he thought that maybe you just used him for those last two weeks you had spent with him. But why would you do something like that? It didn’t make any sense, but maybe Seungkwan doesn’t really know you.
“Hey, Seungkwan what’s the date today?”
“Not sure, why?”
Jun hummed, noticing that Seungkwan hasn’t been keeping track of the days recently, so he decided to keep this valuable information to himself, “No reason, just wasn’t sure.”
//
Seungkwan sat at his desk, thinking about how he should start the next letter to write. He used to write every week to you, but now he hasn’t written to you for over a month. He swirled the pen in his hand, attempting to gather words to form a sentence in his head. Finally, that imaginary lightbulb lit up, his eyes sparkling with ideas.
Hey there,
How’s New York City treating you? Have you taken care of yourself? Eating all your supplements?
Scratching his head, he scribbled on the paper and decided to use this as a rough draft and to rewrite it later.
How’s New York City treating you? Have you taken care of yourself? Eating all your supplements?
I don’t know what’s going on, but I hope you’re safe over there. It’s getting more and more difficult for me to go so long without seeing you and hearing your voice. I miss you.
He thought maybe it was too cheesy, or maybe he was so in love he couldn’t control it. Nope it was too cheesy.
I don’t know what’s going on, but I hope you’re safe over there. It’s getting more and more difficult for me to go so long without seeing you and hearing your voice. I miss you.
Taking a small sip of his coffee, Seungkwan closed his eyes, thinking about the situation he was in. He used to be so good at saying all the right words in his letters but now he couldn’t even find anything to say. He doesn’t even know if you're reading them or not. That hurt his pride a bit because of how much time and dedication he spent to write and think these out to send to you, only to not get a letter in almost two months. That’s the crazy thing about love; one would do anything for the person they love.
Snapping his eyes open, he checked the time only to find that it was no use because the clock was broken. The ticking of it irritated him and it always felt like it was getting slower and slower.
Focusing on the paper in front of him, he decided that if you weren’t going to send any letter, then he wasn’t going to either. It sounded like a great idea, but it was also bad at the same time. He didn’t know why, but he chose to ignore the bad part.
//
Jun could sense that Seungkwan was feeling a bit better than usual, but that's what freaked him out the most. Seungkwan hasn’t been this active ever since he got his first letter from you, so he guesses that his friend received a letter. Jun wanted to ask, but the fear of the thought not being true made him hesitate and not ask at all. He didn’t want to see his friend in despair again. After all, you are coming home in a few hours.
Seungkwan hasn’t felt like he has right now since a few months ago. It could be the weather, the feeling of the air, the food, anything. He just knows that today is a good day.
“Jun, what are we gonna do today? I’m feeling great so we should go out.” Jun pursed his lips as Seungkwan looked at his friend, waiting for an answer. Jun looked up in thought, but his mind just wandered back to his bed or the couch because he was feeling a lazy day.
“I don’t know, I’m not really in the mood to… go out.”
“Why? Are you feeling okay?” Seungkwan raised his hand to touch Jun’s forehead, only for Jun to smack it away.
“I feel fine, I’m just a bit lazy is all.” Jun thought to himself, thinking about how you’d for sure want to see Seungkwan and to talk to him about everything. Well, that's what he thinks and hopes. “Can we stay here for a bit and then head out?”
Plopping down next to him, Seungkwan turned on the TV, clicking through the channels before keeping it on one show. “Let me know when you want to leave.”
//
Seungkwan soon fell asleep on the couch, laying on his right side. Jun looked at him and then to the clock. He set a reminder on his phone before you left on when you would come back and what time.
It was currently 3:10pm and on his phone, it says you arrived at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. The airport is quite away and you probably are feeling tired after the plane ride, but Jun can’t help to look back every time he hears a car go by, hoping that it’s you to see Seungkwan.
He sighed, glancing at his sleeping friend before getting up and placing a blanket over him. He’s had it rough for the past couple of months, the thoughts of his brain eating him alive. Oh how he knew the feeling all too well.
Hearing a car door shut, Jun peeked outside, seeing you approach the house. Quickly and quietly, he opened the front door and closed it, meeting you halfway.
When you saw him, you immediately smiled, “Jun!” He raised his hand up to his lips, shushing you.
He began to whisper, “Where the hell have you been?” You eyed him weirdly, but shrugging as it was only Jun in front of you. “Do you know how much pain Seungkwan was in? He’s been waiting so long for you to reply.”
You were confused, “What do you mean? I was the one waiting for him to reply back to me. I came here to see what was wrong.” Jun sighed before signaling you to Seungkwan’s home.
“You go in. He’s asleep on the couch and will probably wake up hungry.” He gave you a soft pat on the head, “Glad to have you back, now I’m gonna go. Also, he’ll probably get mad, so don’t mention me.” You giggled before giving him a small hug.
“Thanks Jun.”
//
Seungkwan groaned, sitting up as he looked around the room, trying to spot Jun. Finding him nowhere, he sighed thinking about how he never went out. Turning to put his feet down, he lifted his arms to stretch, a yawn escaping past his lips. Mid yawn, he sees you at the doorway from the kitchen with a tray. He blinked a few times, not sure if you were really there or if it was just Jun. He rubbed his eyes as you came closer and set the tray onto the coffee table.
“About time you woke up, I’ve been here for an hour.” Seungkwan said nothing, his mind still thinking that this was all just a hallucination. He glazed over at the clock on the desk and saw that it was almost 4:30pm.
He heard you clear your throat, his mind now processing that you were indeed actually there with him in the same room. You began to walk around the small table, “I made your favorite soup,” Sitting down next to him, you looked into his wide eyes, “Why are you so surprised? I should be the surprised one here.”
Blinking a few times, he finally said your name. Lifting up his hand, he caressed your cheek lovingly as you smiled bitterly. But then he remembered how you never responded to him, and how you had the audacity to come into his home as if nothing was wrong.
He narrowed his eyes, taking his hand away from your face before standing up abruptly, “Why didn’t you mail me back?” Your eyebrows shot up and so did your legs, but wanting to one up him, you stood on the couch.
“I could ask you the same thing, Seungkwan! I haven’t received a single letter from you.” A shocked look flashed over his features as he looked up at you.
“What do you mean ‘haven’t received’ a single letter? I sent a few asking you why you didn’t respond. But what did I get? N. O. T. H. I. N. G.” You glared at him, not believing the words you were hearing. You sent so many letters with no information as to why he didn’t respond back to you.
“Really Seungkwan? You want to play victim?”
“Victim? I am the victim!” You scoffed, getting off the couch and walked around the table to put some distance between the two of you. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. You’re accusing me of not responding when I did.” You rubbed your temples, pacing in front of him as you took small glances at his messy desk filled with crumpled papers. You walked over, picking up a ball and unfolded it, reading what he wrote before tossing it aside.
“I told you I wrote. And I did stop, I admit, but that was only because you never responded. I did write to you.” You looked at him, trying to think about what went wrong before an idea popped in your head.
“Seungkwan, what was the last letter you got from me?” He looked around his desk, scanning the messy area before pointing to the only neat pile. You picked up the letters, reading each date and word on the envelopes. However, you immediately knew what the mistake was.
You sighed and closed your eyes, biting your lower lip in frustration. Turning to Seungkwan who was sitting on the couch and eating the food you prepared, you debated if you wanted to hurt your pride by telling him what you did wrong.
He looked at where you were standing with the letters in your hands, as clear sadness in his eyes. You thought about the pain you may have caused him because of one stupid mistake. If only you got the address right.
“Okay Seungkwan, I know what happened, but hear me out.” His eyes narrowed, but he motioned you to continue, “So, when we write letters to each other, we put our address on it, right?” Nodding his head, he took a sip of the warm soup, “Well, the people I was working with moved me to a different department which relocated me to a different city which was far from my apartment.”
You watched his eyes, seeing the expression that tells you he knew nothing about it, “Yeah, you knew nothing because in the letter that I wrote to you, I put the wrong address. I put a 5 instead of a 6.” You looked down, too ashamed to face him and his hard eyes. Seungkwan was surprised, he didn’t know how to process the information, so all he did was laugh.
“I can’t believe how stupid you are.” You let out a soft laugh, hiding your face in the letters. “But I have a question still,” He tried to look at your face, but couldn’t see anything except your nodding, “If we wrote our address, why didn’t you just look at my old letters?”
Placing the letters on the table, you let out a loud groan, softly stomping over to the couch and sitting right next to him. Leaning against his shoulder, you sighed, “Like you said, I can’t believe how stupid I am.”
Seungkwan laughed, moving his arm to wrap around your shoulder, pulling you closer to him. You wrapped your arms around his torso, catching his familiar scent that you missed so much.
“Seungkwan?” He hummed, loving the feeling of having you in his arms again, “I’m sorry I got your address wrong.” He smiled, rubbing your back as a soothing gesture.
“I know. But just remember I’m never letting you live this down.”
40 notes · View notes
bxthharmon · 4 years
Text
Never Go Home Again, Pt. III || JJ Maybanks x Reader
Words: 2336
Series Warnings: violence / talking about abuse / toxic relationships / talking about nudes sex tapes and sex / drugs / underage drinking
Pt. Warnings: Underage drinking / fighting / gun
Series Summary: A new girl, a shoebox of old memories, a past she’s trying to forget coincide with a hotheaded, but selfless, boy.  teenagers getting in way over their heads
Pt. Summary: Y/N is introduced to keggers and high speed boat chases in John B’s quest for treasure.
A/N: Okay so i’ve got like half of this series drafted, so updates shouldn’t be toooooooo slow. let me know if u wanna be tagged!!
Chapters linked in my masterlist.
“masterlist”
Tumblr media
A kegger was both exactly what you thought it would be. It was full of booze, bad dancing and bad flirting, which was just about the only thing all teenagers had in common. You were laughing at something Pope was saying (some joke about dead bodies farting?) when Kiara interrupted you.
“What the hell is she doing here?” she nodded towards Sarah, who was sat on a tower, while Topper dried to persuade her to get down.
“Sarah?” you asked, thinking of how the two of you had been hanging out everyday until you met the pogues. “What’s wrong with Sarah?”
Before Kiara could respond, JJ shushed her, explaining that something had gone on between the two, and therefore never to ask in front of Kiara, earning him a middle finger.
You looked between the two girls, frustrated that your only two girl friends on the island hated each other. Kie wandered off, muttering about ‘pretentious kooks’, leaving JJ to ask you what was wrong.
“Sarah was my first friend here, we were hanging out like, every day until I met you guys. Just my luck that Kie hates her, right?” You sighed, leaning backwards onto him, and he wrapped an arm around your waist. “I get that y’all hate the kooks, I mean I don’t get on with rich people either, but Sarah was really nice to me, and she was fun. Why can’t her and Kie get on?”
JJ sighed, kissing your temple, “C’mon, let’s just go get wasted.”
You followed through with that plan. You and JJ must have had three blunts between you, and way too much alcohol. 
At some point, you left JJ’s side and ended up sitting down with Kie, talking about him.
“What the hell is going on with you and JJ?”
“Nothing.” 
“C’mon Y/N, you know that’s bullshit.”
“Look, Jay stays at my house every few days, and we’re close, that’s it.”
“Jay? He never lets anyone call him Jay. Y/N, the only reason he stays at John B’s is because they’ve been friends since 3rd Grade. He doesn’t sleep around people’s houses or invite them out with us unless he’s fully invested in the relationship, and that takes a lot with him. You can’t pretend there’s nothing there!”
“Okay…” you sighed, “yeah like, he keeps on pulling shit, and, like, making me think he likes me, but he hasn’t kissed me or anything! I mean, how do I take that?”
“He’s scared of fucking up. Look, he’s been through shit, him and his dad don’t get on, and he’s seen so many broken relationships, he wants to get it right with you.”
“Ya think?” you smiled to yourself.
“Hell yeah!” she laughed, “He’s batshit crazy over you!”
You grinned. “I don’t know man, and my dad’s like super anti-boys right now, and I’m scared this is all gonna go to shit, you know? Like, I got shit goin’ on at home,” she nodded, “like, my dad’s job is barely paying the bills and we gotta pay moving fees and shit as well, I’m gonna have to find a job so we don’t go under.”
“Hey, my dad’s always short on waiters at the Wreck, I’ll ask him to add you to the rotor.”
“Kie, you’re a lifesaver!”
You hadn’t been paying attention to your surroundings, and it was only when a crowd started gathering that you got up to investigate, pulling Kie with you.
You fought your way to JJ’s side, watching as Topper dunked John B under the waves. You went to intervene, but JJ pulled you back, muttering something like “I got this.”
Next thing you knew, there was a gun to Topper’s head.
People were screaming, JJ was saying something to Topper, but all you could focus on was how much of an impulsive idiot that boy was. You felt numb, only reacting properly when he fired shots into the air. One, two. 
You pulled the gun off him, not caring where it landed, and pounded into his chest, screaming at him for being an idiot, for being impulsive, for not thinking. He started to argue, but seeing the tears streaming down your face and how worked up you were, he pulled you in, cradling your head and shushing you, murmuring apology after apology. You stood there, consumed in his scent, as he held you.
At some point, when the beach was near empty, he pulled away, and you walked slowly, hand in hand, until you reached your house. “Wanna stay over?” you offered. He nodded, quiet, almost in shock, about what he’d done. You unlocked the door, pulled off your shoes, and crept up the stairs.
--
“Does anybody know how to dive?” Kiara asked, looking around. “Anybody?”
“It’s kind of a kook sport.” JJ pointed out.
“I read about it.” offered Pope, and you shook your head, exasperated.
“Great,” you mocked, “Pope read about it, so someone’s gonna die.”
“Look you put the thing in your mouth and breathe,” JJ motioned, “how hard could it be?”
“Well if you come up too fast nitrogen gets in your blood and you get the bends.” Pope said. 
“I watched some David Attenborough documentary in 5th Grade about fishers in, like, Malaysia getting the bends.” You added, “It was weird.”
“Bends,” JJ said, “Like bend over and-” he was giving you a full view of his ass.
“The bends kill you.” you clarified.
“Right.”
“I’ll dive.” you offered.
“Since when can you dive?” Kie asked.
“I don’t know, since I watched a documentary in 5th Grade?” you sighed.
“Y/N,” JJ shook his head, “You’re not diving.”
You glared at him, but didn’t fight.
“I’ll dive.” John B offered.
“I’m cool with that.” JJ shrugged.
Pope explained to John B where and when he needed to stop, so you pulled your top off and dived into the water to mark the spot.
Upon your entry, Kie asked “What was that about?”
“I don’t know,” JJ raised his eyebrows, “But I liked it. A lot.” 
Kie smacked his leg, and he laughed, watching your entry spot.
“When you’re down there, you look for the cargo hold,” JJ held up the little stick, “You stick this thing inside and you twist and pull.”
“Stick in, twist, pull.” John B affirmed.
You surfaced, swimming back to the boat, the boys looking over as JJ helped you out of  the water. “I tied my t-shirt to the anchor chain about ten feet down so you know where to stop.”
John B nodded, pulling the gear on and getting ready to dive. You watched as Kie kissed John B’s cheek before he went down, and you nudged her as she walked back. You gave her a questioning look and she shrugged, a bashful look adorning her.
“If you don’t ask, I won’t ask about you and JJ.” she bargained, and you watched as JJ’s head popped up at the sound of his name.
“There’s nothing to ask about.” you smirked. “Hey.” you nodded to the approaching boat, “Isn’t that the police? Let me do the talking.” 
You walked to JJ and Pope, JJ wrapping his arm around your shoulders in an attempt to be chill. Pope tied the boats together.
“Evening, Officer.” You greeted, Time for a light flirt, just enough to make him like you.
“Do I know you?” Shoupe asked you.
“Nah,” you shook your head, crossing your arms so your boobs pushed together slightly. “Just moved from LA, two weeks ago.”
“Well how are you kids doing? You know the marsh is closed?” 
“It is?” you asked, feigning innocence. Small bash of the eyelashes. “Why?”
“Conducting a search, a boat went down. See anything?”
“Nope,” you popped the ‘p’, “We’ll let ya know if we do.”
“Where’s your friend that you always hang with? Is he here?”
“Working.” you explained, smiling happily up at him.
“I’m gonna check your little boat out.” he stood up.
“Sure,” you cleared the way, ignoring the way JJ was watching you interact with the officer.
He picked up a life jacket, “Y’all got another one of these?”
“‘Course,” you shrugged, “in the hold, Show ‘im.” you beckoned to JJ, who obliged, opening up the hold.
“A’ight.” Shoupe nodded, standing on the edge of the boat, looking down to where John B was due to appear. You all shared a glance. “A’ight.” 
“We’ll let ya know if we see anythin’, Officer.” you smiled again. “And we’ll be on our way out soon, Sir.”
“Yes, you will.” the boat pulled away.
As soon as the boat was gone, you all leaned over the side.
“He’s definitely out of air.” Pope reminded you all.
As if summoned, he broke the surface, and the four of you made a collective sigh of relief.
“How’d it go down there?” JJ asked. “Find anything?”
“Did I find anything?” John B laughed, pulling out a duffel bag as he hoisted himself out.
“There we go!” JJ grinned, taking the bag, “that’s my boy!”
“You okay?” Kie asked.
“I ran out of air.” John B said. Pulling himself into the boat.
“Yeah the cops were up here but, uh, turns out Y/N knows how to lie pretty fuckin’ well.” Pope explained.
“Yeah, you kinda missed the show, brother.” JJ agreed, winking at you. 
“Jeez, chill,” you rolled your eyes, “It’s just practice.” JJ raised an eyebrow.
“Hey guys,” Kie called, “Guys, bogey, two o’clock.”
You looked up, “Y’all recognise that boat?”
“Never seen it.” Kie looked back at you. “What are they doing back here? The marsh is closed.”
“I don’t know, but let’s not stick around to find out.” JJ reasoned.
“Should we wait on them?”
“No, we’re not gonna wait on them!”
JJ pulled in the anchor, yelling not to wait for him, and John B began to steer away, everyone talking at once.
“Are they coming for us?
“Maybe they’re fishing.”
“Go, go, go, go!”
“Into the marsh!”
“Let’s go!”
“I’m going, act natural.”
You watched as the boat followed you into the marsh.
“They’re following.” You pointed out. “JB, hurry the fuck up.” 
“I am!” came the response.
The boat sped up. “Dude is that a fucking gun?” you shouted, and suddenly JJ was on top of you, pulling you down as a gunshot fired.
“Shit! John B, get down!”
“Oh my God we’re gonna die!”
You rolled out from under JJ, ignoring his efforts to grab you, taking a rope and net off Kie. You stood up, ignoring the shouts from your friends as you worked your way past John B to the sturn and threw the rope and net out, behind the boat, stopping the boat behind you. Breathing out a breath you didn’t know you were holding, feeling JJ grab you, checking for blood before crushing you in a hug.
He didn’t break contact until you were on solid ground, standing around the bag, waiting for John B to open the bag. 
“Can you please just open the bag?” Pope yelled.
“Jeez, Pope, that was a rare outburst of emotion.” JJ mocked.
“Okay, you guys are literally killing me with anticipation.” he groaned. “Just open the bag. We almost died over this.”
You all watched intently as John B pulled a bag from the bag, and then a waterproof container from that bag, and finally a compass from that. Disappointed, you stepped back.
“Oh wow,” You snarked, “Yup, that’s about right. Good job, everybody, we found a compass.” You noticed how John B kept staring at the compass, and sighed. “Dude, what? It’s not worth anything.”
“This was my father’s.” he murmured. 
Now, perhaps it was the fact that you hadn’t spent the last nine months dealing with the fact that John B’s father was missing, but you felt out of place amongst your friends’ reactions.
--
You settled into the sand, arm touching JJ’s, and feet thrown out below you. 
“Something about hanging out with you and your friends seems to be getting me in trouble.” you sighed, not noticing the way he gazed at you, adoration painted onto his features.
“Blame JB.” he reasoned.
“You say that like you’re not the biggest trouble-maker in that group.” you giggle, and he smirked.
“Nah, I don’t know what you’re on about, man.” he smirked.
“Jay, did you just call me ‘man’?” you laughed.
“Maybe.” he looks at you again, watching you laugh. You roll your head to look at him, your nose millimetres away from his. In the dark, the only details he can make out are your out line and the glitter in your eyes, shining with glee. 
You take each other in, basking in the moment, John B’s drama and your thoughts and fears dissipating, however momentarily. He reached up, slowly, and took a strand of hair, tucking it loosely behind your ear. He watches how your silhouette moves, and he can picture your blush. You blink, the shine of your eyes disappearing for a split second. He watches you turn your face back to the sky, pointing up. 
“That’s Cassiopeia.” you point out the ‘W’ shape in the sky.
“I’ve heard of that.” JJ murmurs, feeling your body shake with laughter beside him.
“The vain queen.” you sighed. “She boasted of her beauty, and in his anger, the God Poseidon condemned her kingdom to attacks by, like, water nymphs or something? To end the attacks, she sacrificed her daughter, Andromeda, who was saved by the God Perseus. They married, and at their wedding, one of Andromeda’s suitors tried to claim her back, but was turned to stone by the head of Medusa, which Perseus used to kill the suitor. Cassiopeia and King Cepheus didn’t close their eyes, so in light of their death, they were made to hang in the sky.” 
“How the hell do you know that?” JJ chuckled, and you laughed.
“I don’t even know.” you smiled. “And that’s the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major. And that one there is Orion.” You looked back at JJ, “What?”
“You’re beautiful.”
Tags: @tangledinsparkles​ @jellyfishbeansontoast​ @lolitstiana​ @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch​ @teamnick​
167 notes · View notes
northcarolinanative · 4 years
Text
𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 (𝟽)
Chapter 7: I’m Not Giving Up 
Description: John B’s Sister comes home from staying with their mom, only to find out that her brother is missing and her dad was murdered. JJ may have just lost his best friend. Her and JJ have to figure out what to do and how to pick up the pieces.
A/N: This is going to have like 100 chapters probably jk maybe, anyway… Tell me what you think, I love hearing feedback from you guys. Also, my requests are open and so are my messages:( pls message me!! Hope y’all enjoy :) 
Tumblr media
Need to catch up? Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch. 5 / Ch.6
I woke up and fluttered my eyes open. I heard rustling and all I saw was darkness. I realized that JJ and I were still intertwined from the position we were in the night before. I was faced with his chest, his head resting on mine, and his arm wrapped to cover my face. He was warm and I could feel a sudden draft of wind, making me move closer to him. I started to doze back off in the warmth of the bed. Things we’re black, but I heard people walking, and then an “Shhhh,” followed by papers rustling. “What is all this?” I felt JJ move his head from mine. I wasn’t dreaming, was I? 
“I see you’re coping by throwing yourself at the tourist girls per usual.” l definitely wasn’t dreaming someone was in the house. I jumped at the sound of the voice, not sure why it had scared me so much. I felt JJ wrap his arms around me a little tighter. 
“It’s just Pope and Kie,” JJ said to me. I slowly sat up in the bed looking at both of them. I knew they were hurting, but throwing that insult at JJ, uncalled for. I moved my hair behind my ear, my face turning red from the position that they had found JJ and I in. I just smiled as both of them looked between JJ and me with a stunning glance on their face.  
“Y/N?” Kie was the first to speak, before running up to me and giving me a soft hug. “What the hell? When did you-” She stopped, taking in that I was here, in front of her. 
“I got back a few days ago” I said shortly, looking over to JJ who was looking at Pope giving each other glances. 
Pope finally looked my way. “Honestly didn’t think we’d ever see you again.” He chuckled at his own statement. 
“Y’all can’t get rid of me that easily now,” I said trying to lighten the mood. “What are y’all doing here?” I asked getting up from the bed, pushing JJ off in the meantime so I could fold it up. He let out an annoyed groan but ended up helping me as we listened to Kie and Pope. 
“We thought we would come by, see if everything was alright over here. You know, maybe clean the place up.” Nothing about seeing if JJ was staying here, maybe that’s why they were here, just didn't say it. 
“Yea, somehow Y/N got me to clean the house up her first night back.” JJ joked as he put the last cushion on the couch, flopping down on it. 
“How did you manage that Y/N?” Pope laughed with him. The air was thick, now it was Pope and Kie sharing glances, and I remembered what JJ told me about their maybe relationship. That wasn’t the only reason the air was thick. 
We all were at a loss for words without John B. No one knew if it was okay to joke and laugh, or if we should all be crying. The air in the room was so thick it was almost hard to breathe. We all sat around, JJ pulling out his Juul and taking a few puffs, relieving his own feeling of tension. 
I broke the silence, moving toward the maps. “What have you guys been up to?” It was a simple question but asked much more than just that. I wanted to know how they were doing after losing John B, but more importantly why that had not reached out to JJ. Maybe I was being too hard on them, it had only been a few days, but until now they did not know that JJ wasn’t alone. 
“Uh. Not too much. We went to the tent to see Shoope a few times, other than that, trying to figure out where to go from there, how to move forward.” Move forward. Ouch.
“Yea. I mean we’ve been at the Wreck almost all day with my dad, he doesn’t really want us to leave with all this still going on. He thinks they’ll pin it on us.” 
I quickly looked at JJ, giving him a questioning look. Why would they pin anything on the other pogues? JJ made it seem like everyone knew by now that Rafe was guilty. “He’s probably looking out for us. You know Mr. C, Y/N always looking out for us.” 
I mumbled a “right” making a mental note to ask him about it later. I moved to start cleaning up the maps. I had no plans to tell the other two what JJ and I were up to, as they were trying to “move forward.” John B had told me that they believed our dad was dead, even when we didn’t, but I thought maybe since it was their friend this time they would think differently. 
“So what is all this?” Pope asked, moving to look at the maps scattering the counter in front of us. 
“Nothing,” I said. 
At the same time JJ spoke up “Wild goose chase, part 2.” I shot JJ a look. If looks could kill he would have been dead. 
Kie looked between the two of us and then grabbed the last map on the table that I hadn’t folded up yet. She looked over it and then back at me. “Are you really trying to find them?” She looked at JJ. “You both still think they're out there?” 
I took the map out of her hand and quickly folded it up to move it into the bin with the others. “Of course I do Kiara.” I used her full name, something I tend to do when I am mad. I was shocked that she expected anything different. “I am not giving up on my brother, not now! It’s only been a few days, and you both are ready to salute him goodbye!” I motioned between her and Pope. 
“Y/N, if they were there don’t you think the police would have found them by now, huh?” She asked moving closer to me. I didn’t like this, the pogues were normally supportive, but something had changed. 
“Yea, because their top priority is finding some fugitive from the cut that's been lost at sea.” Sarcasm dripping from my words “If we don’t stick up for them, who will, huh?” I fired back, mimicking her tone. 
“You know, your brother said the same thing, look where that got him. You would think after what happened to your dad and your brother chasing things lost at sea, you would learn not to.” 
I stopped what I was doing. I froze. I could not believe that she said that. “Kie what the hell?” Pope said to her. He looked at me with pity in his eyes. 
“Yea what the fuck Kie?” JJ stood up and walked in my direction. 
She looked around and quickly walked out of the house, Pope nodded at JJ and quickly followed her. It wasn’t a few seconds after the door shut that JJ wrapped his arms around me in a hug. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. 
I pulled away from JJ. “I’m gonna go sit by the water for a bit. I need to clear my head.” I said before starting towards the back door. 
“You sure you’ll be okay by yourself?” I smiled back and just nodded before turning back to the dock. 
I sat down letting my bare feet rest in the water. The water was cool, as it was still the morning. Kie really gave up on John B, so did Pope. It hurt me to think like that, but what if they were right? What if all this work was just JJ and I trying not to process our emotions, something neither of us handled well. I did not want to think about John B or even the way that my heart sped up around JJ. My mind shifted to JJ, the new relationship that had seemed to form the past few days. It wasn’t anything I should be thinking about, but it helped me from thinking about John B. JJ and I had always been friends, but recently, with the constant comforting touches and the nights that we had shared, made things feel different. 
As if on cue JJ came walking down the dock, and like that my alone time was over. JJ never was one for being alone anyway. When he reached me, he leaned down and handed me an open beer. “Thought you could use this.” He said as I grabbed it. “Do you need more time?” He asked. 
“Nah. I just need to cool off after that…” I paused as I watched him sit down, “heated discussion.” I laughed. 
“She shouldn’t have said any of that, it was uncalled for.” There it was, those constant, reassuring touches, as he put his arm lazily around my shoulders. “I’m sorry.” 
“We aren’t being crazy are we?” I asked looking up at him. “I mean she is right isn’t she? In some respect at least? I mean I’m literally doing what I was complaining about both of them doing, hunting a shipwreck.” 
“We aren't hunting a shipwreck Y/N” He paused and looked at me. “We’re hunting our friend, your brother, we’re looking for someone, not something. It’ll be worth it in the end, Promise.”
We sat like that on the dock in silence for a while the breeze came off the ocean. “Kie really thought I was just some tourist you were macking to help you cope?” I laughed nudging JJ slightly. 
“I know. She really has no faith in me.” He shook his head but I could hear the sarcastic tone in his voice. “Plus, you have changed since last summer. Your hair is longer and it’s all light and sunny. Plus you’ve grown up, I mean we all have. I don’t blame her for not recognizing you” I just looked back down at the water, a blush creeping up to my cheeks at his sudden affections. “Plus we could be macking, I’m not objecting” I turned quickly to look at him after his sudden statement. He had a huge smile on his face. 
“What?” I nervously laughed. 
“What?” He laughed back. 
-- 
MASTERLIST 
Tag List: @nikki082489 @lovelymaybankk @dolanfivsosxox​ @alexa-playafricabytoto @downbytheouterbanks @heyhargrove​ @kayln021 @readysteadygo23 @im-a-stranger-thing @thatsonobx @dumbxgurl @ameeraaa21 @zehnuhrfunf @imagines-and-preferences1216 @mileven-reddie If you wanna be added to a tag list just reply below or message me:) if your user is crossed out it wouldn’t let me tag you? 
155 notes · View notes
chromehevrts · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
                                         𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖
                                           𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝: 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : hey, what's up everybody, we live baby, HOT 97 THE GATTI SHOW, and today we have a very special guest in the building, DAVE EAST. how you doing today, DAVE?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : Ayo...what's good ya'll and Im doing alright, how you been? Thanks for having me.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : i'm feeling great and super excited to have you here today, so thank you for stopping by. i always wanted to have you as the guest at my show because hey, it's NEW-YORK baby and let's face facts, you're one of those new school artists who represents NY. at what age you've figured out you want to do music?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : Shit, honestly music was a last resort for me. I went to college and tried to play ball, but shit ain't go how i want. So I sat down and was like shit, what else can I do and niggas was like rap. So I was like aigh, I took on the name rebel and started to push my pen at like 18 or suttin.. So it was either do music and make something outta myself or trap. I went with music, cause shit i had a backup plan if that shit aint work.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : i'm sorry it didn't really go as you planned it with basketball, but UNIVERSE had some other plans for you. i think young people should look up at you, like hey, things might not go the way you want them to be, so you have to dust yourself and try again or find something even better. like you did. what inspires you when you write your lyrics? or it's more a freestyle like process?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : Shit, I mean life inspires me... like the shit that goes on around me and my niggas inspire me. I shit I do a little of both, I can freestyle but half the time I like to sit down, smoke and get what i gots to say on paper. I be in the studio from 8pm to 4am mostly every night. But back to what you was saying, when you come from a struggle you gonna do what you gotta do to make it, like I was watching niggas I played ball with get drafted into the NBA. That shit is what motivated me to do something. I ain't want to be the failure watching these niggas living they best life.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : when people scroll through social media, they think all the diamond chains and fancy cars come easy, as if the famous card is unlimited credit card and you don't have do anything for it. no one really thinks about how much you put into work, staying in the studio all night long, tours, shows. i'll have a nerve to compare music industry, and show business in general, with a basketball court. either you sweat and play, or, sit your ass on the bench. and music is not the only thing you do, you're also a business owner and now, a reality tv-show star. hello cast mate, how ya doiiin'? but hey, CONCRETE JUNGLE baby. how did you came up with an idea that you do want to participate in the show?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : I mean... the money. I figured since I'm already doing a TV show and this won't mess with that, why not. I got people I need to take of so doing this show is to help them out to at the end of the day. But I have a few business ventures Im into and that I do, so I'm getting checks in multiple areas. You can't depend on making music forever, you don't wanna get burned out like RIHANNA's ass did. Thats something I always tell starting artist. Like ye treat yoself but sure you invest into some shit and build some shit for yourself.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : and just like that, straight forward and without any fake reasons to get sympathy and attention. DAVE be like yes bitch, it's about the money, so who's going to check me? i love it here. and you are right, once you get your first bag, why not to make more bags out of it? i'm glad you're looking out for the youngsters, but i don't blame them, when you get those figures first it definitely can blow your mind. but let's talk about the show a little bit. are you familiar with other cats mates? do you have any expectations from this project?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : I mean I ain't familiar with all them, but I have met a few and they groupies and shit. I don't know, like its still early to tell, but im just tryna have my fans see more of me than they do already. I just hope the show don't edit me too much cause they will notice the difference.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : since MONA SCOTT has nothing to do with the new production team, let's hope for the best. i'd hate to see some words or actions dragged out of context. okay, moving to the next one. i bet most of the guys would like to know the secret recipe of DAVE EAST's charm, because we all know a lot of ladies consider you as their celebrity crush, along with MICHAEL B JORDAN and ODELL BECKHAM. is there any secret to it and how does it feels to have if not all, then a lot of eyes on you? now i know ladies gonna perk their ears up right now in a hope to hear if they have any chance and what not.
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : I mean i don’t discriminate so as long as you keep my attention and you cool. You got a chance..and at first the shit felt weird cause i always had some attention on me but to now have woman that look like models be like oh yeah let’s fuck be on me. I ain’t know how to handle it. Then at the same time it’s annoying cause then you get woman that get jealous and mad at me for no reasons.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : a blessing and a curse at the same time, isn't it? so ladies, respect some boundaries and privacy before showering DAVE with your love. but, let's hop back to the topic of you being on the show. a few days ago there was this shooting at the club where you and other cast members happened to be at. do you have anything to say about it?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : I mean i left before the shooting happened cause some nigga and the club discriminated against me. But the shit was wild, i was outside when it first started. I hope everyone but the niggas that tried me is aigh. Fuck them dick succas.
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : well, and you know we on air and our audience is pretty, let's say huge. so if the club attendance will go low out of sudden they better not act surprised because you don't have to discriminate anyone. we're glad you made it out safe. and the final question will be, DAVE EAST and MARION, is it the same person or it's more like alter ego thing, like BEYONCE and SASHA FIERCE?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : Nah it’s the same person i don’t do that witch craft ass shit. The niggas that bump my shit wouldn’t be listening to me if i did that shit. You feel me?
𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈 : you made it clear as a day. thank you so much for blessing THE GATTI SHOW with your appearance, DAVE. it was really nice to learn a little bit more about you, but is there anything else you'd like to share with your fans, you know, maybe some things to get off your chest?
𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 : I said all i had to say, but fuck CAVALI or whatever it called and a nigga named VONTE. But karma 3 comes out august 14th so check that out and look out for the EP i got with my boy millyz coming out too. Peace.
5 notes · View notes
katierosefun · 3 years
Text
creator tag
Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 (ish) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works! 
thank you @kckenobi​ and @pandora15 for the tag!! <3 so here are the works, in no particular order and also oh gee i am so sorry this got so painfully long you can tell i’m procrastinating on my final + also i just tend to run my mouth when im talking about writing asdffd
to these memories (After Darth Sidious is defeated, everything changes. Some for the better, others not so much. Mostly better though. (Or: Anakin becomes a dad. Rex rehabilitates clone troopers who no longer want to be a part of the army. Ahsoka gets a call from an old friend. And maybe Obi-Wan finds out it’s not just his enemies who don’t stay dead. Basically, everyone gets the happy ending they deserve.)
so this was my first major longform tcw fic, and i just. i have a lot of feelings about this fic, mostly nostalgia and lots of gratefulness. first of all, i think i met a lot of super cool people through this fic, and i also? just? idk, this was a major project that i kind of worked on to cope with post-tcw sadness + also just. general sadness about the world’s situation. writing this story was actually super healing for me, mostly because i just. really wanted to have something where happy endings existed. 
so this really...was an experience, and i’m so super grateful for everyone who read along. to this day, whenever i get a comment about this fic, i feel super happy because it makes me feel glad to know that there were some people who took comfort in this work, because i really wanted this fic to have that kind of effect on people. :’) 
there they are (Right before Ahsoka leaves for Mandalore, Rex distracts Bo-Katan so she could give her family a proper goodbye. (There's hugging. We just needed our trio to hug.)
i think this was one of my first tcw fics of 2020, and. i just remember impulse writing this after watching old friends not forgotten because i was just. so sad that we didn’t get an anakin and ahsoka hug or a trio hug or anything. i understand why they didn’t--like, i really, really do, but. but i think if there’s a theme i’m going through this year, it’s ‘this was sad, so i’m gonna make it happy!!!’, so...as my masterlist puts it, ‘dave filoni said no trio hug, so i said fine, i’ll do it’. 
uhhhhh, how very unusual of me, but!!! probably my working on a new original story. i’ve got the fourth draft of another story siting in the background, but. this other story idea came at me, and five outlines later, i started this story. i’m about three chapters down now, but. a snippet of the prologue: 
“Well…it’s also a rather important story,” Rosalind said. “Do you enjoy stories?”
“I want to be a writer,” I blurted, and I stopped at that. I fiddled with my mug, heat that had nothing to do with the hot chocolate or the fire rushing to my face. Silly, oversharing me—oh, what a young, lonely child I was back then. So desperate for conversation that I had grown out of practice and resorted to sharing details that the average stranger would not care for.
But then again, these were not the average strangers—although I’m sure you’ve figured that for yourself.
“Yes,” I said meekly. “I enjoy stories.”
“Well,” Dae said after some time, “it’s good that you’re a writer.”
I lifted my head, and this time, I saw Dae and Rosalind smile at each other. A softer smile, one that made me feel suddenly dreadfully, dreadfully lonely.
“You might want to write this down,” Rosalind said at last. 
And so I did. 
*and cue the actual story* i won’t say too much because adsfsdfsfd talking about my original work makes me feel awkward + also i am constantly in fear of people stealing ideas even though,,,even though i know the only person who can write this story is me, anyways, but uh. i will say that i have a plan for a five-part series that’s basically about a witch and a princess. there’s a prophecy in the background. there’s magic. there’s rivals to friends to enemies to lovers. there’s father figures + big sister figures + found family + ancient kingdoms + the real world blending with the fantasy world + uh i’ve said enough okeee bye that’s it
the moment was enough (The war ends. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan try to work things out since the last time they actually saw each other.) 
it had been a long while since i had written anything that was really just about ahsoka and obi-wan, but. i think everyone knows that i really love my grandpadawan and grandmaster duo? idk, this fic really made me feel things because i was thinking a lot about how obi-wan and ahsoka had left things. i wanted to make it pretty clear that they both clearly care about each other a lot, but like. also. there’s still some hurt there. i just had so much fun writing this, because obi-wan and ahsoka are such an underrated duo and i love them :’) 
loose stitches (The discovery and aftermath of Maul. Anakin and Ahsoka find themselves pacing in front of the Council chambers multiple times. They might have taken Obi-Wan to Dex’s. Something might have unraveled, only to be stitched back together.) 
kasey before you say anything pls know that i would talk about this fic until literally the day i die i am sorry if i am making you feel self-conscious--but anyways this was a collab with the ever-talented, ever-wonderful @kckenobi. so uh, quick story which mayhaps i might not have told anyone before, but whatever, i’m listening to evermore and therefore have no choice but to be emotional huh--this fic was like...one of the first collabs i’ve ever done? in general, collaborations were always something that made me nervous because it required lots of vulnerability and honesty, and there’s a side of me that’s very obsessed with having this image of Neat Writer Who Has Coherent Thoughts (which,,,doesn’t even exist so why was i obsessed? no idea). so that said, this collab was just. so wild + wonderful because it really was, first of all, such a cool, magical experience. there’s something so amazing and insane about passing words back and forth and like, even a screen apart, there’s something magical about like. sitting down at a laptop at the end of the day and feeling like you’re about to step into a portal where it’s just two people trying to spin a story. writing with kasey was just such a wonderful, absolutely magical experience, and i’m really glad that we got to write this story + the many more that we did. just. there’s something really personal and beautiful about writing until 1, 2, 3 am when the world’s asleep. anyways. magical. 
asdfsdfd i’m very sorry that this got so incredibly long, but!! that said, 2020 was a hard year for lots of different reasons both personally + because of *gestures at the world* but. like. i’m really, really glad that i got back to writing clone wars fic this year, because i’ve met so many wonderful, wonderful, wonderful people here, and. yeah. y’all are my serotonin suppliers, and i do refer to a lot of people here as ‘oh yeah, my friend and i were talking the other day about...’ and ‘why are you smiling?’ ‘oh, just something a friend said--’ and. yeah. i hope y’all have a wonderful, wonderful rest of the year + also a wonderful life because y’all are simply the best :’)) 
no-pressure tags: @lightasthesun @meandmyechoes @soplantyourownflowers @ilonga @sonderwalker @mytardisisparked @60sec400 and really, honestly, anyone else who wants to!!! <333 (like. i mean it. literally. just tag me and lemme scream encouragements at you.)
20 notes · View notes
moonlitmessages · 4 years
Text
Reasons I think Saeyoung has ADHD
- Messy house. Hard to keep it clean. Everything just kinda piles up and he relies on Vanderwood to not live in a pig sty.
- He says early in his route (day five first story mode I think. When Vanderwood is first introduced) he says that Dr. Pepper helps him focus. He drinks it and gets super focused, but then the mess piles up even more because of the soda cans.
- Super smart, especially about very specific niches. I mean he's smart in general but also has his Thing™ (this can be applied to both ADHD and the autistic spectrum. )
- Insomnia. This is part of his work obviously as well but he's clear about the fact that his sleep schedule is hecking out of whack.
- Can't focus?? Let's do everything besides the thing we need to do. Even though it will do nothing to help the situation at hand.
- Cars. Going nyoom down the road could help with stimulation and sensory issues that come with ADHD. Something about the speed just makes it make sense.
- Hyperfocus. "Don't bother me I'm trying to work". Being so focused on work that he doesn't take the time to really even order a hot meal. Forgets to eat and sleep sometimes because of it. (a lot of instances it's simply that he CAN'T or he won't meet deadlines too so that also has to be kept in mind). Building robots out of thin air too is an example.
- Inattentive. When not super focused its almost like a disinterest in anything. His focus is on MC? Well gotta do something for MC. She'll like a flamethrower pup. That will keep her safe. Wait no it wont...I thought it would tho. Gotta work!! No but MC isn't safe. (Inattentive to his work cause super focused on MC)
Symptoms of ADHD include:
Disorganization 
     - This goes along with the messy house. There’s a picture where he’s shown surrounded by chip crumbs. Vanderwood claims that his couch smells like soda. There are likely aspects in which he can actually be quite organized, but those would likely be in reference to his job, and computer/automotive repair.
Lack of focus 
    - This happens a little bit through different routes, where he complains about not being able to focus and doing some procrastinating, but for the most part the biggest example is the very beginning of his route where his focus is faltered because his mind is on MC. While that is a normal reaction to have for anyone regarding what was going on, it can’t be ignored that 1.) He WAS unfocused to the point he couldn’t do anything besides worry, or work on things that ‘Could help protect MC” regardless of if they were useful or not. and 2.) Dr. Pepper is part of the reason he is able to focus on things when he DOES focus. He says this himself in the first story-mode for his route. That he drinks it, then gets super focused. Caffeine has been proven to actually help the ADHD brain focus.
Act or speak without thinking 
    - “Im leaving the RFA”, breaking the RoboCat, and some of his procrastinating during his route could be considered put into this category. Also, I know he is by all technicalities saying things with thought in regard to MC when he’s saying hurtful stuff, however I still think it could be put in here because while it was said with the thought “I want to make sure MC stays away from me so she will be safe,” it’s without thinking about how he feels/what he wants and he ends up regretting it down the road.
Restlessness 
    - Lets see, he has trouble focusing and when he can’t focus he ends up doing other stuff to keep his hands and mind busy. He has sleep troubles. I doubt he can sit still very easily if he isn’t super-focused on something life-or-death and/or a special interest. A good example could once again be the robo-animals he built. His focus was somewhere else, there’s little he can do to remedy the situation, he gets restless and tries to occupy himself with something he CAN focus on.
Difficulty coping with stress 
    - Source: His Whole Route
Mood Swings 
    - What I’m seeing as mood swings could also just easily be his stress and anxiety in the situation during his route causing him to bounce back and forth/ the mask he tries to put up to protect MC from getting involved with him being thrown up when he feels like he’s letting her to close. But nonetheless there are points where he will just seem sad and melancholy then get angry. 
Anxiety 
   - I mean idrk how to explain this one for him, I don’t necessarily think that he has social anxiety, but maybe general anxiety (tho I’m not really sure how to explain how I see that in him) but regardless when he does experience pressure, he seems to have heightened anxiety levels. It just makes sense in my head so take this one a little lighter than the others. 
Low self esteem 
    - ‘I’m not a good person” “Why do you like me?” I would say that when it comes to his looks he’s fairly confident. But when it comes to his personality (I mean he has a whole identity crisis) and actions, it’s a whole other story. He puts himself down a lot because he genuinely thinks that he doesn’t deserve MC and that she should be with someone better than him.
Impulsiveness 
    - Again, breaking Robocat. Felt impulsive and done without thought. His car rides could also be considered impulsive depending on how risky and speedy they may be. I recall at one point he texts MC while driving. 
Trouble controlling anger 
    - Source: His Whole Route
Procrastination 
   - I feel like I keep bringing up the robo animals a lot, but they were also a form of procrastinating his work. (I suppose there are a lot of things that could be tied to those animals then, or maybe I’m just reading to deep into things). Uhm, idk I can’t think of anymore examples atm, and I know he tries not to procrastinate super important stuff. I feel like if I were to play the game again (it’s been a couple weeks) I would be able to find more examples for this even on a minor scale. Sometimes him teasing Yoosung could be seen as both him trying to relieve some stress and put off doing his work.
~•⭐ D e p r e s s i o n ⭐•~ 
- Yes I know his depression comes from trauma and abuse. However ADHD overlaps with different disorders quite commonly. A lot of his ADHD symptoms overlap with depression as well, such as the disorganization, mood swings, and insomnia. And depression can very often accompany ADHD too just simply due to the fact that mental illnesses do tend to come in multiples, and also the ADHD itself can be a contributor to depression.
Those are 12 different signs that he might have ADHD...and of course I’m no doctor. Everything that I listed were things that I found through an attempt to analyze him and his route, and online research regarding ADHD. I’m sure there are things I might have over-analyzed and taken some things out of context as it has been a couple weeks since I finished his route...So feel free to add your own thoughts/opinions, regardless of if you think I’m right or wrong. This has been in my drafts for a while and I finally got it finished and will likely go through editing later but I want to post it now. If anything is hard to understand let me know and it will get fixed to the best of my ability.
30 notes · View notes
botwstoriesandsuch · 4 years
Note
YES! POST THINGS! IM BORED!!!
Okie Dokie here you go!
The real reason I wanted an ask was because the original person who asked for this prompt isn’t in my inbox anymore...? Someone requested a one-shot about Revali failing at his gale, but I can’t find it in the inbox because I’m dumb/technology issues? (I think their name was trash mammal or something, idk). Anyway, here’s that, although I kinda, accidentally turned it into a character analysis of Revali...But an anon said that I apologize too much with requests. Therefore, I’m NOT sorry about that, I’m NOT sorry for the wait, and I’m NOT sorry that this is 3487 words long. Enjoy!
Edit: Sorry if the format looks weird on mobile, idk why!
The Pride of the Rito
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild
Revali x Reader
The night was bitter in more ways than one. The snow that tumbled down on the Flight Range was thick, leaving clumps of ice on the roof. The air was hazy, a silver atmosphere that commanded the winds to howl towards the sky. The rugged mountains that surrounded the area isolated him and the trench. The only thing that could be seen past the lingering snowstorm was the faint blue glow of Medoh in the sky, for even the stars were captured under the white, with not a twinkle in sight. Outside, the flurries rested on the tips of his feathers and beak, a delicate moment in the midst of his relentless training.
Again. Let’s do it again. I need to be more precise.  
Revali knelt on the edge, teetering between the solid ground and the emptiness below him.  
He brushed the tips of his wing against the rocks, the winds rushing between his feathers. His body relaxed for a moment, closing his eyes and feeling the air. Then, he tensed, stiffening his wings on either side, in a motion as if to summon something from the earth. Well, he was summoning something. The air, the wind, the movement, the authority to conjure a draft below him. The winds were now picking up, swirling violently and circling under him, he could feel his jade anklets clinking around from the rampant air.  
Keep going. Keep. Going. It needs to be stronger, faster. 
The falling snow was now alive, dancing around as they were swept into the hurricane-like entity that was now surrounding Revali. His braids were flapping in the air, his cream colored scarf billowing. The winds were now cutting, bitter cold nipping despite his feathered features. 
Now, up. Release with control, direct it upwards. Not all at once. Keep the energy. Follow through the whole way. Command the ascent. Steer the flow. This is it!
A shaky breath escaped him. A strange charge now filled the air. The winds, once turbulent, now suddenly stilled, seeming to wait for their cue. He could feel it still swirling, inside of him, ready to burst at any moment. Then, his wings, still strained on either side of him, gave a mighty flap. The air now roared back to life, swelling beneath him. 
A tornado, a great pillar of air, now released into the sky. 
And he flew
…straight into a rocky cliff. 
“ARGH–”
The wind, quite literally, was knocked out of Revali, as he connected with the rocky ridge. He dropped, and then fell on the ground with a thud. He laid there, aching for a moment, before letting out a deep sigh.
Revali started to move, slightly, just enough to get his head out of the dirt. Then he knelt on the ground, for what seemed like an eternity, contemplating. Finally, he got up. The Rito armor, now dusted with grey snow and rocky debris, had protected most of him, however, it couldn’t protect the blow to his confidence. He cursed under his breath.
It seemed that instead of streaming Revali towards the sky, the gale had pushed him back, sideways towards the surrounding cliffs. With another flap of his wings, he moved back towards the wooden hut, shaking his head.
He landed on the armrest of the balcony, making his way to a little oaken desk. Snatching his journal (astutely named The Diary of Revali, the Rito Legend) he started scribbling down notes. Of course, being so focused on recording his latest happenings, he failed to notice the Hylian sitting amongst the pillows and blankets behind him. Putting the rest of his thoughts onto paper, Revali turned around and was greeted by your smiling face.
“Gah! [Name]? What– when did…how long have you been here?” 
You gave a quiet chuckle.
“Just half an hour or so. A blizzard was coming in and I knew you would be out practicing again. Being stuck here, alone all night, isn’t really ideal. So…”
You moved the blanket off of you, spreading your arms wide as if to present yourself or pose. A cheeky grin on your face.
“Ta-da! Now you have company!”
Moving the leather strap around your shoulder, you tugged a satchel onto your lap. Digging through, you pulled out two sealed containers.
“Plus, I brought some spicy meat stew.” 
Revali shook his head, moving closer to the blankets, but not daring to sit down.
“That’s alright, I’m not hungry.”
Acknowledging, and subsequently ignoring his comment, you shoved the soup container towards his chest, forcing him to hold it. 
“What? You get full from eating the snow and pebbles from your fall just now?”
His eyes then narrowed, “I’m trying to train.”
“By starving and injuring yourself?”
“By perfecting my technique– Listen, [name], if you came here to distract me from my goal, I’m sorry to inform you that your efforts will be for naught.”
Revali turned around, placing the spicy meat stew on the desk. He started making his way towards the landing outside.
You have out a huff. Getting up to follow him, you tossed both of the containers back into your bag and started walking.
 “Instead of focusing on long forgotten spiritual magic, why don’t you just focus on being the best you, you can be?”
“Farore above, did you really just say that? Incredibly cliche, I expected more of you–”
“I was joking.”
“Hmm, we need to work on your sense of humour.”
Outside, the air stung on your cheeks. The snowstorm still clouded the sky, masking both the heavens and the earth in white. Shivering, you asked,
“Rito can already fly, can’t they?  This seems a bit redundant, you already have wings. What’s even the point of creating an updraft?”
Revali slowed his pace to give out a hearty laugh. In fact, he stopped outright, on the edge of the landing, the echoes of his laughter filling the air. At this point it wasn’t entirely clear if he was being sarcastic or not. You crossed your arms, he stopped when he met your stiff gaze.
“Oh, so you were being serious then…”
A familiar smug expression crossed onto Revali’s face. He hopped back onto the railing, perhaps so he could physically look down on you. He tucked his wings behind his back, leaning forward ever so slightly. A professor about to give a lecture. This should be good.
“Well, as understandable as it is that a Hylian couldn’t comprehend the benefits of such an ability, allow me to enlighten you. Rito style archery is the most superior in all of Hyrule for a multitude of reasons. The light crafting of the bow, the quick and efficient draw, our graceful movements and technique, 
“But most importantly…”
He took one foot of the edge, half hovering over the windy pit.
“…the ability of flight!”
Both feet were now off the railing. Revali dove head first into the abyss. While you knew he was probably going to be fine, instinct kicked in as you hurried to the edge to check on him. 
Snow still fell through the air, flurries were once again sticking to his feathers. But all he felt was adrenaline, along with the rush of air as he plummeted towards the bottom. Before hitting the watery depths, he unfurled his wings, catching the natural updrafts of the Flight Range. Now soaring towards the sky, Revali gave a few more mighty flaps to get even more height. 
Still on the landing, you watched as a blur of navy blue rose above the cliffs. Contrasting with the grey and silver landscape, the blur shot through the air. Then it hovered, just below the clouds, still as a leaf.
Above the Flight Range, Revali shifted the bow off his back, allowing it to drop. Repositioning his weight, he dove down to catch it with a practiced grip. Falling through the air, he flipped upside down, just for show. Taking arrows from his quiver, he knocked them into place. Three arrows, all at once, were released. 
Thud! 
Thud! 
Thud!
All made perfect contact with the bullseye, the blue luminescent paint on the targets showing evidence of Revali’s accuracy and precision. Revali fastened another round of arrows, drawing them back before letting them through the air.
Thud! 
Thud! 
Thud! 
Perfect, as should be expected of me.
Now, he was about halfway down in his descent. 
I think [Name] might be impressed if I warm up the place…
Taking the arrows near the bottom of the quiver, he took out three heavier bomb arrows. Round, scarlet heads held a good amount of gunpowder. Sparking them with a piece of flint on the arrow rest, the fuses were lit, and he let them loose. 
BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!
The once frigid air now subsided in the wake of three explosions. The colors of a sunrise clashed in the air, bits of the once turquoise targets nearly flung into your face. You ducked, the warmth of fire now filling the Flight Range. 
Revali spread his wings, catching the natural drafts once more, then settled back on the railing. 
“As you could see from my demonstration, taking to the sky allows for Rito to shoot our enemies without becoming a stationary target ourselves. However, you can only shoot for as long as you’re falling, and taking to the skies takes time.
“You can’t just flap your wings and get into the air immediately. That only works with natural updrafts, again, as I just demonstrated. An average Rito would have to start at an already elevated position, such as the landings in Rito Village, in order to gain enough momentum and height. Or, alternatively, use a long stretch of land as a runway, gaining height at an gradual angle.
He turned to face you, smirk still on his face.
“Both options take too long. You asked the significance of my ability? It’s the fastest way in all of Hyrule to take to the air. Instantaneous height, the ability to attack whenever, wherever. Thought impossible by everyone, but something that I have solely mastered.”
Or, will master, anyhow…
He strode towards you, bow returned to his back, wings, once again, folded behind him. He gave a deep bow.
You gave a polite clap, humoring his grand show.  
“Fantastic performance, Revali. Encore?”
“Tsk. If you came by more often I might consider it.”
Now it was your turn to put on a smirk. “Yeah, yeah. When I finish begging the elders to reward you with a statue, maybe I will.”
“I don’t want, nor need something like that.”
“Oh? But I have to reward you somehow…how about…”
You took out the stews from your satchel. Presenting it like a trophy, you held one out. Then, you tilted your head towards the hut with the pillows and blankets, as if to say, over there! You urged Revali again.
“You didn’t eat lunch, or breakfast!”
“Didn’t I just explain, a literal five seconds ago, how important it is that I practice my–”
“Aaaaaaand you can’t do that on an empty stomach, can you?”
You tried to catch his eye, maybe if he just looked at your eyes, you could get him to change his mind.
“You don’t need to put on an act around me.”
A jade eye shot up, meeting your gaze.
“I’m not–”
Revali looked at you, a new charge filled the air. 
“…fine. Just for a minute.”
. . . . .  
“Did you even attempt to heat this?”
“It’s almost midnight, and I made it at nine. You’re the one who decided to coop up here all day.”
Despite the temperature, the stew was delicious. For the last hour or so, he and you had been devouring in the flavorful dish. Apparently, it was an official recipe from Rito Stable. The meat, tender and soft, complemented well with a savory broth that you slurped every drop of. The spiciness tingled through your bodies, warming the both of you up. Outside, the blizzard was still present, but now less violent. A thin slice of the moon could be seen beyond the edges of the mountains. 
It was you who made most of the small talk with Revali, an incredibly rare occurrence since it was usually the Rito Champion who spoke for extended periods of time. He kept looking outside, near the cliff he had crashed into earlier. 
Damn, he’s really still stuck up on that, huh? You thought. 
Trying to change the subject to something that would get his attention, you piped up.
“So, the move you’re working on, what’cha gonna call it?”
Revali turned his head back at you. He fiddled with the spoon in his half eaten stew, thinking.
“Something with ‘Revali’ in it, so my name’s out there. Revali’s Flap, Revali’s Hurricane…Revali’s…something. I’ll work out something.”
You let out a soft laugh. “As expected from you.” Shoving another piece of meat into your mouth, you added, “Maybe, *munch* maybe do something like Revali’s Turbulence. Oh! How about Revali’s Boldness! Wait, *munch* no, that’s stupid. But maybe a name more along the lines of Urbosa’s Fury, or Mipha’s Grace, ya know?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think I need to copy from the likes of Champion Urbosa or Mipha.”
“What? They both got cool powers. You know the saying is ‘good artists borrow, and great artist stea–”
“As I said, I don’t need to copy, steal, or piggyback on my fellow Champion’s esteemed reputation. Further associating myself with them will not be necessary”
You set your bowl down, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Nayru save me, don’t tell me you hate them too?”
“What?”
“I mean, I guess I know from experience that you insult people that you like.”
“I…what?”
“Although, not just personal experience. From what I could gather, you seem to actually hate Master Link, but everyone else you just insult because that’s how you make friends. Wait, or are you actually trying to be friends with Link and you just suck at this kind of thing overall…”
Revali interjected in your rant, turning all his attention to you.
“I don’t hate them.”
“Master Link?”
“No, Urbosa and Mipha. Well, perhaps that knight too I suppose. I–I haven’t decided yet.”
“Then why have you been so bitter lately?”
This caught him off guard. You set your bowl down, holding his gaze. This whole week, Revali had isolated himself in the Flight Range, being sharp-tongued to visitors, much more than usual.  He wasn’t eating, Hylia knows if he sleeps. You decided to stop beating around the bush and got to the core of the issue.
“Revali, I’ve known you for a long time and I know by now when something’s up. You’re angry about something, or scared, you tell me.”
“It’s. Nothing.”
“Is it your new ability?”
 “No.”
“You only got the title of Champion two weeks ago. If you’re feeling pressured, that’s natural”
Revali let his bowl clatter on the ground. Getting up, he made his way outside.
“I’ll eat the rest later, I have to start practicing now.”
You raised your voice slightly, starting to get irritated. “Why is that so important, that you’re sacrificing your health and well being for it?!”
“I don’t expect you to understand.”
“Are you trying to prove yourself? To me? To the Princess? The King? The Champions?”
Revali turned back towards you, but was still walking backwards. The sky was now serene, and full of stars, despite his not so peaceful expression
“I’ve already been deemed on an equal level with all of the other Champions. You know, the team made up of royals and accomplished warriors? I’m here because I’ve shown that my skills are superior to everyone else. Either way, I don’t need to prove anything to people that are of the same rank as me!”
“Hylia, you’re always so blunt with everything else, why not be straightforward now?”
“I am. I’m training because I’m an accomplished Champion who needs to train, not because I’m some mediocre warrior–”
“So you’re afraid of mediocrity?”
“OF COURSE NOT!”
Both of you stood there, stunned. While the tension was building between you two, Revali’s sudden outburst was sudden. You both stood there, wind playing with your hair, and dancing through his scarf.
“…of course not.” His final lie, whispered into the air.
For a moment, there was no sound but the whistles of the wind. You took a step forward, arm outstretched.
“Revali…”
He shook his head, shaking his wings, exasperated.
“OK, Fine! You want the truth, about the updraft? It’s not about the practical use, or the grand show, or defying odds. It’s about me, ok?  Right now I’m nothing, just a random cuckoo walking amongst royalty and legendary warriors.
“Daruk, the Goron Elder with an impenetrable force field. Mipha, the Zora princess, whose healing prowess is said to counter even the most devastating of wounds. Lady Urbosa, Chief of the Gerudo who can summon lightning at a literal snap of her fingers. How did I get in here? I’m put beside warriors who are obviously better than me, and what am I supposed to think? Without anything distinguishing about myself, I’m going to fade into history, behind the actually competent people. I thought I worked my ass off to get where I am today, but then I’m put behind some random knight with a shiny sword. So am I worth something or not? Everything’s contradictory, nothing makes sense.  Did I just get lucky? Am I getting screwed over? 
“The only way I can wrap my head around this whole situation is to confront the fact that I’m just an ordinary Rito who is only here by chance. The work I’ve put in my whole life isn’t enough, I need to go beyond. And beyond means actually mastering this cursed gale!”
An ugly pause. You could cut the heat and tension with a knife. Revali, realizing how much he had just poured out of his soul, gave a half-hearted chuckle.
“Heh, you put wine in that stew?”
His attempt to lighten the mood didn’t fully work. Nonetheless, you stared at him for another eternity. Then you went in for a hug.
“You’re the dumbest Rito alive if you really believe any of that. You are not mediocre. You’re incredible. Incredibly annoying, incredibly persistent at talking my ears off, but incredibly skilled and smart too. Hell, that’s why I’ve loved you for so long.”
Ignoring whatever reaction just escaped from his beak, you continued. 
“I would like to reiterate my point that you’re a moron. You can’t isolate yourself here and expect to get better. You can’t go through all this as a solitary warrior. If mastering this ability means so much to you, then go for it. I don’t doubt you for a second. But just know…just know that you’re a complete idiot if you think that you’re not worthy. You’re a fool if you think for even a second that you’re average or inferior, because…
You gulped.
 …because you’re everything to me.”
OK, I’ll admit that was super cliche. But catharsis is catharsis I guess.
The moment settled, and silence returned once more.
“Hylia, maybe I did put some wine in there.”
Revali gave out a soft laugh. Then, more quiet. Finally, Revali whispered.
“Did you really mean all that?”
“…yeah.”
A pause, a strange charge filled the air.
“Thank you, [Name]. That, uh, means a lot, coming from you. Truly.” 
The air was still once more. However, Revali’s thoughts still swirled like wind.
Say something idiot, they just confessed! 
Haha, yes, of course you like me, considering I’m the best around. 
Holy– They just called you out on your crap! Don’t say something like that
I love you too…
Wow, cheesy and not really part of the mood. Haven’t I presented myself as more sophisticated than that?
Spirits above, what do I do now???
“I’m sorry.”
You looked up at him. “What?”
“I’m sorry I’ve been making you worry all week.”
“It’s fine, I–”
“No, it’s not fine. We just established how that was not fine.”
Revali looked back at you, clearing his throat.
“Hey, so about all that about love, and stuff–”
“Oh my goddess, yeah, no, if you want to just stay friends I can–”
“Oh no, well. Just to be clear, you were talking about me, correct? You weren’t mispronouncing someone else’s name, or referring to someone else named “Revali?”
You cocked an eyebrow.
“No…I–I was referring to you. The person I was talking to.”
“Ah. Good. Glad that’s clarified. That’s great.”
“…so do you–”
“OH-oh-oh, right, uh yes.”
Revali took a step back, pointing at you with both index fingers. His beak was open, but no sound escaped for a moment. 
Say it! They said it a few minutes ago!
I love you too!
“I have also, liked you, a lot, for a long period of time. You’re, pretty great. Yep. Yeah. This is mutual, yes…” 
Gods, I’m really am an idiot
155 notes · View notes
rvnjun · 4 years
Text
healing smile | jaemin
genre: super power au!  warnings: mentions of violence and blood  a/n: ive finally finished this au that has been sitting in my drafts for nearly two whole fucking years
Tumblr media
The Dream Team M.List
Jaemin, was born with his powers, both his parents had them
he always loved to help people so he did his best to smile a lot, so everyone would feel better
although his parents told him to stop, they scolded him for wanting to help others
for using his powers so “carelessly,”
and for awhile, he believed and listen to them
until his power therapist introduced him to a boy named Donghyuck
Donghyuck was like him, he wanted to use his powers for good, to help people
but unlike Jaemin, Donghyucks powers had the ability to cause some serious harm 
with Donghyuck, he meant his current group of best friends
a group of teenagers who may seem ordinary to others but who were all gifted with powers 
now to current time ~
It only started as a joke between your small little friend group, calling the schools heartthrob “Healing Smile Jaemin.”
you guys gave him that nickname after seeing his smile practically work powers on people
there was the time you felt incredibly sick, you spent the whole lunch practically crying in your friends arms
after casually glancing over at Jaemin while he laughed with his friends, you felt way better
all your pains and aches started to disappear and you felt 10 times better 
then there was the time a couple of guys got into a fight over some chick, they started to punch each other in the middle of the hallway 
while you and your friends leaned against the lockers and watched with amused expression, Jaemin casually walked up to them and smiled while telling them to calm down that they were being irresponsible 
withins seconds they were apologizing to each other and willingly following a teacher to the principal's office
the last thing that caused you and your friends to dub him “Healing Smile Jaemin,”  was when he made the teacher relax
you had calculus with Jaemin, the teacher was known for being the reincarnation of Satan 
however Jaemin always seemed to make him calm down and relax, no matter how pissed and angry he was, Jaemin made him smile 
“Its like he has powers or something,” your friend joked while you guys all stared at him at lunch 
“Well he is friends with Renjun and Haechan,” you said with a shrug of your shoulders
they all hummed in agreement “You’d think those with powers would stick together,” your other friend pointed out 
glancing back at your friend you nodded your head in agreement
her words stuck in your head and you couldn't get them out, she had a point and now you felt like you needed to know 
the next few days you watched Jaemin with curious eyes, taking note of everything he did and he all looked at him
knowing he worked in the school nursery you purposefully drank a nasty concoction to cause you stomach pain so you'd get sent there 
walking into the nurses office you gave her a small smile and sat in one of the chairs, waiting for assistance, begging that it would be Jaemin
as if luck was on your side Jaemin appeared before you, staring at you with curious eyes, almost like he was reading with you were feeling he smiled
instantly all the pain in your stomach went away, confirming your suspicions
on instinct your eyes widened and you gasped “you are like them,” you said what was on your mind out loud in disbelief 
Jaemins smile quickly went away and his brows furrowed in confusion
“what do you mean?” he asked pretending to be oblivious 
realizing what you had done, you didn't want to call him out just yet
nervously laughing and scratching the back of your neck you 
“like one of my friends, you remind me so much of him,” you lied while standing up 
“im missing too much class and I just don't know if being in the nurse office is worth it,” you added before quickly leaving the room
Jaemin stared at you before shaking his head
you definitely were on to him which made him pout
he knew that someone wasn’t as dumb as seemingly everyone in the school and would catch on but he didn't want it to be you
not everyone understood or accept the gifted and he wanted you to accept him
that day Jaemin left the office feeling defeated and disappointed
walking over to his best friends they all asked what was wrong and he safely confided in them with his worries
Haechan and Renjun swore that you werent the type to hate the gifted 
“I have Y/n in my bio class and they are super chill about my powers, they actually seem fascinated by them, always asking me questions and listening,” Renjun said making Jaemin feel better 
you watched them from afar, not being able to hear what they were saying at all but keeping your eyes on Jaemin
sighing you walked past them, making sure to smile at them and headed home
mind filled with thoughts of Jaemin and his powers
Jaemin watched as you leave, smiling at your figure and making at least 6 kids feel better in the process
glancing at his friends they encouraged him to go talk to you
despite his protests they pushed him in the direction he went
sighing he nodded and began to jog to try and catch up with you
you on the other hand, were so Jaemin focused that you didn't see the guy in front of you
shoulder bumping him you yelped and apologized 
“watch where you are going, bitch,” he yelled, pushing you back into the brick wall
you cried out in pain, not knowing what to say or do
“what you ain't gonna apologize?’ the guy scoffed and slammed his hands into your shoulder causing you to hit the wall once again but even harder
rolling his eyes he walked away as if he hadn't done anything
Jaemin eyes widened when he saw your figure against the wall, crying while holding your right shoulder
looking around he saw a guy walking away and immediately knew what happened
“Y/n!” he called out while running to you
glancing past your shoulder he saw a piece of metal sticking out of the wall, jabbed into your shoulder
blood stained your uniform and slowly trailed down your arm
“Look at me,” he instructed
you listened and stared into his eyes, a gut feeling telling you what was about to happen 
he smiled while staring intensely back
“Y/n i dont know how to say this but my friends encouraged me too. i like you, i noticed you awhile ago and as much as i tried i couldn't push those feeling out of my chest. yes, i am like them. i'm just like Haechan and Renjun. i have the ability to heal people with my smile and i can feel aura. in the nurse's office i felt your aura, it was full of curiosity and nerves. i wasn't so sure what to think then but now i know,” he couldn't finish his words
you leaned up, wound healed and pain all gone from Jameins smile
deep down you know it was because of his powers but you felt like his words were what healed you
leaning up you pressed a quick kiss to his lips
“i feel the same way. i used my excuse of being curious if you had powers or not to look at you or come into the nurses office but that wasn't the full reason,” your voice as quiet as you spoke
Jaemin smiled, brightly this time and hugged you
“let me take you out for some tea,” he grabbed your hand and lead you in the direction of an amazing cafe he knew
Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Chenle, and Jisung watched the interaction form afar
“Haechan,,,” Jeno spoke
“Don't you think hiring a guy to push Y/n into a wall was a terrible idea that could have gone really bad?” Renjun finished
Haechan shook his head “Nope, it was a brilliant idea that worked out better than I thought. You guys are just jealous cause you didnt think of it.”
The clouds in the sky cleared a bit thanks to Haechans “brilliance”
153 notes · View notes
lesbeet · 4 years
Text
not to be a nerd but i accidentally just wrote a whole impromptu essay about editing ndjsdksksk im throwing it under a cut bc it's fucking inane and really long but honestly... i just want other people to become as passionate about editing as i am lmaooooo
i also recommend 2 books in the post so if anything at least check those out!
quality books about editing... *chef's kiss* a lot of the basic ones (including blog posts online n such) are geared towards beginners and end up repeating the same info/advice, much of it either oversimplified or misrepresented tbh. but i read one yesterday and i'm reading another one right now that really convey this passion for editing + consideration for it as its own sort of art and i just!!
it's such a weird thing to be passionate about lmao but i AM and i've spent a lot of time the past year or so consciously honing my craft (ik i mention this like 4 times a week i'm just really proud of how much i've learned and improved) and kind of like. solidifying my instincts into conscious choices i guess?
and these GOOD editing books have both a) taught me new information and/or presented familiar information through a new perspective that helped me understand something differently or in more depth, and b) validated or even just put into words certain preferences or techniques that i've developed on my own, that i don't normally see on those more basic lists i mentioned
btw the book i finished yesterday is self-editing for fiction writers: how to edit yourself into print by renni brown and dave king, and the one i'm reading currently is the artful edit: on the practice of editing yourself by susan bell.
the former was pretty sharp and straightforward. the authors demonstrated some of their points directly in the text, which was usually funny enough that i would show certain quotes to my sister without context
("Just think about how much power a single obscenity can have if it’s the only one in the whole fucking book." <- (it was)
"Frequent italics have come to signal weak writing. So you should never resort to them unless they are the only practical choice, as with the kind of self-conscious internal dialogue shown above or an occasional emphasis."
or, my favorite: "There are a few stylistic devices that are so “tacky” they should be used very sparingly, if at all. First on the list is emphasis quotes, as in the quotes around the word “tacky” in the preceding sentence. The only time you need to use them is to show you are referring to the word itself, as in the quotes around the word “tacky” in the preceding sentence. Read it again; it all makes sense.")
and like i said, i also learned some new ideas or techniques (or they articulated vague ideas i already had but struggled to put into practice), AND they mentioned some suggestions that ive literally never seen anyone else bring up (not to say no one has! just that ive never seen it, and ive seen a lot in terms of writing tips, advice, best practices, etc) that ive already sort of established in my own writing
for example they went into pretty fine detail about dialogue mechanics, more than i usually see, and in talking about the pacing and proportion of "beats" and dialogue in a given scene, they explicitly suggested that, if a character speaks more than a sentence or two and you plan on giving them some sort of dialogue tag or an action to perform as a beat, the tag or action should be placed at one of the earliest (if not the first) natural pauses in the dialogue, so as not to distance the character too far from the dialogue -- bc otherwise the reader ends up getting all of the dialogue information first, and then has to go back and retroactively insert the character, or what they're doing, or the way they look/sound while they're giving their little speech
and like this was something ive figured out on my own, mostly bc it jarred me out of something i was reading enough times (probably in fic tbh) that i started noticing it, and realized that it's something i do naturally, kind of to anchor the character to the dialogue mechanic to make sure it makes sense with the actual dialogue
so like. ok here's an example i just randomly pulled from the song of achilles (it was available on scribd so i just looked for a spot that worked to illustrate my point djsmsks)
the actual quote is written effectively, but here's a less effective version first:
“Perhaps I would, but I see no reason to kill him. He’s done nothing to me," Achilles answered coolly.
see and even with such a short snippet it's so much smoother and more vivid just by moving the dialogue tag, not adding or cutting a word:
“Perhaps I would, but I see no reason to kill him.” Achilles answered coolly. “He’s done nothing to me.”
the rhythm of it is better, and the beat that the dialogue tag creates functions as a natural dramatic pause before achilles delivers an incredibly poignant line, both within the immediate context of the scene and because we as the readers can recognize it as foreshadowing. plus, it flows smoothly because that beat was inserted where the dialogue already contained a natural pause, just bc that's how people speak. if you read both versions aloud, they both make sense, but the second version (the original used in the novel) accounts for the rhythm of dialogue, the way people tend to process information as they read, AND the greater context of the story, and as a result packs significantly more purpose, information, and effect into the same exact set of words
and THAT, folks, is the kind of editing minutia i can literally sit and hyperfocus on for hours without noticing. anyway it's a good book lmao
the one i'm reading now is a lot more about the cognitive process/es of editing, so there's less concrete and specific advice (so far, anyway) and more discussion about different mental approaches to editing, as well as tips and tools for making a firm distinction between your writer brain and your editor brain, which is something i struggle with
but there have been so many good quotes that ive highlighted! a lot of just like. reminders and things to think about, and also just lovely articulations of things id thought of or come to understand in much more vague ways.
scribd won't let me copy/paste this one bc it's a document copy and not an actual ebook, but this passage is talking about how the simple act of showing a piece of writing to someone else for the very first time can spark a sudden shift in perspective on the work, bc you'll (or at least i) frantically try to re-read it through their eyes and end up noticing a bunch of new errors -
Tumblr media
or she talked about the perils of constant re-reading in the middle of writing a draft, which is something i struggle with a LOT, both bc i'm a perfectionist and bc i prefer editing to writing so i sit and edit when i'm procrastinating doing the actual hard work of writing lmao
Tumblr media
it's just this side of fake deep tbh but i so rarely see editing discussed like this--as a mixture of art and science, a collaboration between instinct and technique, that really requires "both sides of the brain" to be done well.
and because of the way my own brain works, activities that require such a balanced concentration of creativity and logic really appeal to me. even though ive seen a lot of people (even professional writers) who frame it as the creative art of writing vs the logical discipline of editing. but i think that's such a misleading way of thinking about it, because writing and editing both require creativity and logic -- just different kinds! (not to mention that the line between writing and editing, while mostly clear, can get a little blurry from up close)
but like...all stories have an inner logic to them, even if the writer hasn't explicitly or consciously planned it, and even if the logic is faulty in places in the first couple of drafts. when you're sitting and daydreaming about your story, especially if you're trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between two points or scenes (or, how to write a sequence of events that presents as a logical, inevitable progression of cause and effect), the voice in your head that evaluates an idea and decides to 1) go with it, 2) scrap it, 3) tweak it until it works, or 4) hold onto it in case you want it later? that's your logic! if an idea feels wrong, or like it just doesn't work, it's probably because some part of you is detecting a conflict between some part of the idea and the overall logic of your story. every decision you make as you write is formed by and checked against your own experiential logic, and also by the internal logic of your story, which is far less developed (or at least, one would hope), and therefore more prone to the occasional laspe
but while ive seen a number of articles that discuss the logic of writing, i don't see people gushing as much about the art of editing and it's such a shame
the inner editor is so often characterized as the responsible parent to the writer's carefree child, or a relentless critic of the writer's unselfconscious, unpolished drivel
and it's like... maybe you just hate thinking critically about your work! maybe you view it that way because you're imposing external standards too fiercely onto your writing, and it's sucked the joy out of shaping and sculpting your words until they sing. maybe you prefer to conceive of your writing as divine communication, the process of which must remain unencumbered by lessons learned through experience or the vulnerability of self-reflection, until the buzzkill inner editor shows up with all those "rules" and "conventions" that only matter if you're trying to get published
and like obviously the market doesn't dictate which conventions are worth following, but the majority of widely-agreed-upon writing standards, especially those aimed at beginners, (and most especially those regarding style, as opposed to story structure) have to do with the effectiveness and efficiency of prose, and, in addition to often serving as a shorthand for distinguishing an amateur from a pro, overall help to increase poignancy and clarity, which is crucial no matter the genre or type of writing. and even if you personally believe otherwise, it's better to understand the conventions so you can break them with real purpose.
so editing shouldn't be about trying to shove your pristine artistic masterpiece into a conventional mold, it should be about using the creative instincts of your ear and your logic and experience-based understanding of writing as a craft to hone your words until you've told your story as effectively as possible
thank u for coming to my ted talk ✌️
17 notes · View notes
gunnerpalace · 4 years
Note
Hi! Same anon as the previous one. Tbh, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Y'see I do ask rhetorically,too but i could really accept and understand how and why ppl can be oblivious to IchiRuki, and somehow felt that the 'canon' should suffice, even the most excruciating of all is the fact a number found the ending even acceptable (ships aside, too). Again, I could respect that. But it's my greatest bane when ppl ask 'why' and not be clear they are asking rhetorically because I literally will
provide you an actual answer. And I get it, it’s the reason why ppl find shipping wars toxic and silly. But then again, as human, conflicts are always part of us (partly because as social psych explains so, we are gravitated to the negative for that allows us to change and survive), and the reason why “logical fallacies” are coined in the first place. Human will always debate, and argue about something; the only thing we could change is how we approach the opposing views.
Again, I dont condone any way, shape or form of abuse and harm. In some certain extent, I could perhaps understand it’s much harder for some IH to approach the actual argument being there’s either too much noise, and trapped in their own island between sea of salt. Thus becoming too acquianted w/ few IH who shared the same thought until it became their views as the only truth (see, that’s why its important to have debates! it is what keep us grounded and fair! Just like you said)
Who am I to speak though? I never ever challenged anyone anyways. And as you said, you just have to understand things in every way you could possibly think of–endless ‘whys’. Which is where I agree in your reply the most–this silly fandom wars is just the black mirror to every truth that lies beneath human psyche–the dark and the grimy. Heck, being a psych major is like staring at dark hole–at times, good, but most just plain confusing, revolting even or just heartbreaking.
Sorry it’s been long, but for the final of this ask: let me tell how glad I was with IchiRuki fandom I found in tumblr. It was the saltiest I’ve ever been (im not generally a fandom person anyways) but it’s the himalayan salt–expensive and actually nutritive it really deepened my desire to become wiser in general. And you for your wonderful essays, critiques and whatnot. I definitively would love to talk with you more not only about IchiRuki but the wonders and nightmare that us humans! Kudos!
I have sitting in my drafts a post spelling out my thoughts on “canon” (and thus, the people who cling to it) in that as a concept it privileges:
officiality over quality when it comes to validity (thus violating Sturgeon’s law)
corporations (intellectual property rights holders) over fans, and thus capitalists over proletarians
hierarchical dominance over mutualist networking within fandom
curative fandom over transformative fandom
genre over literary content
plot over characters
events over emotions
It is notable that (1) generally degrades art as a whole, (2) generally advances the capitalist agenda, and (3–7) generally advances the dominance of men over women (as the genders tend to be instructed by society to view these as A. dichotomies rather than spectrums, and B. to ascribe gender to them and make them polarities). These form the sides of a mutually reinforcing power structure (in the typical “Iron Triangle” fashion) designed to preserve and maintain the status quo.
Who really benefits from say, the policing of what is or is not “canon” in Star Wars? Disney, first and foremost. And then whomever (almost certainly male) decides to dedicate their time to memorizing the minutiae of whatever that corporation has decided is “legitimate.”
One can imagine a universe in which fan fic is recognized by companies for what it is: free advertising. (Much like fan art already is.) Instead, it is specifically targeted by demonetization efforts in a way that fan art isn’t. Why? Because it demonstrates that corporate control and “official” sanction has no bearing on quality, and it is thus viewed as undermining the official products.
In the same way, by demonstrating that most “canonical” works are frankly shit, it undermines the investiture of fans in focusing on details that are ultimately errata (the events, the plot, the genre), which is the core function of curative fandom and the reason for its hierarchical structure. The people who “know the most” are at the top, but what they “know” is basically useless garbage. And those people so-engaged are, of course, usually male.
To “destroy” the basis of their credibility, and indeed the very purpose of their community, is naturally viewed by them as an attack.
(This is not to say that efforts to tear down internal consistency within established cultural properties are good unto themselves, or even desirable. For example, efforts to redefine properties such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Ghostbusters, for the sake of a identity-politics agenda have largely A. failed as art, B. failed as entertainment, C. failed to attract the supposedly intended audience, and D. failed to advance the agenda in question. Trying to repurpose extant media in the name of culture wars is essentially always doomed to failure unless it is done deftly and gradually.)
(At the same time, this also shows what I was talking about last time, with regard to people seeing whatever they want to see. You will see people complain that Star Trek and Doctor Who didn’t “used to be so political,” which is obviously nonsense. These shows were always political. What changed was how their politics were presented. For example, Star Trek has, since TNG, always shown a nominally socialist or outright communist future, but was beloved by plenty of conservatives because they could [somehow] ignore that aspect of it.)
Of course, almost no one is seriously suggesting that one side of the spectrums outlined above be destroyed, rather merely that a new balance be struck upon the spectrum. But, as we have seen time and again in society, any threat to the status quo, whether that be 20% of Hugo Awards going to non-white male authors or the top income tax rate in America being increased by a measly 5.3% (from 28.7% to 34%… when the all-time high was 94% and for over 50 years it was above 50%) is a threat. This is why, for example, Republicans are out there branding AOC as a “socialist” when her policies are really no different at all from a 1960 Democrat who believed in FDR’s New Deal. (Which they, of course, have also demonized as “socialism.”)
(As an aside, all this ignores the fact that most of the “literary canon” of Western civilization, or at least English literature… is Biblical or historical fan fic.)
And this is when I finally get to my point.
Those people out there who denigrate and mock shippers and shipping, the people who hurl “it reads like fan fiction” as an insult, and so on, are the people who benefit from and enjoy the extant power structure. You will see the same thing with self-identified “gamers” complaining about “fake girl gamers.” Admitting that the hobby has a lot of women in it, and a lot of “casuals,” and is indeed increasingly dominated by “non-traditional demographics” is an affront to the constructed identity of being a “gamer.” They are “losing control.” And they don’t like it.
This exact same sort of population is what the “fanbase” of Bleach has been largely reduced down to through a slow boiling off of any actual quality. Of course they’re dismissive of people who are looking for anything of substance: their identity, their “personal relationship” with the franchise, is founded on a superficial appreciation of it: things happening, flashy attacks, eye-catching character designs, fights, etc.
(What this really boils down to, at heart, is that society at large has generally told men that emotions are bad, romance and relationships of all kinds are gross, and that thinking and reflecting on things is stupid. So of course they not only don’t care about such things, but actively sneer at them as “girly” or “feminine,” which is again defined by society at large as strictly inferior. And this gender divide and misogyny is of course promulgated and reinforced by the powers that be, the capitalists, to facilitate class divisions just like say racism generally is.)
(The latest trick of these corporate overlords has been the weaponization of “woke” culture to continue to play the people off one another all the time. “If you don’t like this [poorly written, dimensionless Mary Sue] Strong Female Character, then you are a racist misogynist!” They are always only ever playing both sides for profit, not advancing an actual ideological position. It is worth noting that there was a push by IH some years ago to define IR as “anti-feminist” for critiquing Orihime for essentially the exact same reasons [admittedly, not for profit, but still as critical cover].)
Which makes it very curious, therefore, that the most ardent IH supporters tend to be women. (Though there are more than a few men, they seem to tend to support it because it is “canon” and to attack it is to attack “canon” and thus trigger all of the above, rather than out of any real investment.) I think there are a number of reasons for this (which I have detailed before) and at any rate it is not particularly surprising; 53% of white women voted for Trump, after all.
What we are really seeing in fandom, are again the exact same dynamics that we see at larger and larger scales, for the exact same reasons. The stakes are smaller, but the perception of the power struggle is exactly the same.
Of course, the people who are involved in these things rarely think to interrogate themselves as to the true dimensions and root causes of their motivations. People rarely do that in general.
Putting all that aside, I’m glad that you have found a place you enjoy and feel comfortable, and thank you for the kind words, although I am not of the opinion that there is anything poignant about the non-fiction I write. It is, as I keep trying to emphasize, all there to be seen. One just has to open their eyes. So, it’s hard for me to accept appreciation of it.
Anyway, don’t feel shy about coming off of anon rather than continuing to send asks. We don’t really bite.
24 notes · View notes
chcfasher · 4 years
Text
Tumblr media
okay i am so excited to get to plotting & interacting with all u cuties ! bare with me though , im also trying to study for a quiz i gotta take later tonight . anyways , i’m mia aka your resident masshole reporting for duty . i’m 20 years old ... will be 21 in june ( fingers crossed my Sad ass will be out of q*arentine by then ) . i go by she / her / dumb bitch pronouns & am very much so done talking about myself already . so lets get to my boy asher here who is ... how do you say ? a asshole ? a dirt bag ? a soft baby boi ? if you wanna plot & discord is easier for you shoot me a mssg @ 𝖒𝖌𝖐'𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖔𝖗𝖊#9789 . lets goooo 💛
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒
full name: asher james bennett nickname: ash , aj birthday: march 25 , 1996 zodiac: aries hometown: madison , wisconsin ( click here to see his parents house / childhood home ) current residence: los angeles , california ( although he lives in the villa with everyone , before the year away he lived on his own & still owns the home , both because he loves the place and because it gives his family somewhere to go when they come out click here to see his house ) vehicle: 2017 jeep wrangler rubicon in black ( click here ) , 2019 maserati granturismo in red ( click here ) gender: cismale orientation: heterosexual , heteromantic relationship status: single ( it’s complicated ) family: tamara marie bennett-abbott ( mother ) , harrison charles bennett ( father , deceased ) , mason billings abbott ( stepfather ) , bradford sawyer abbott ( brother ) , stephanie anne bennett ( sister )  education: vocational highschool graduating from the culinary program , graduated ucla with a bachelor in management with a minor in food studies occupation: celebrity chef , tv personality  net worth: 19.7m height: 5′11″ weight: 161lbs tattoos: left arm ( x , x ) , right arm ( x , x  , plus the butterfly tattoo jack has ) , right hand ( x ) , right thigh ( x ) , left leg ( x ) criminal record: arrested ( x6 ) - simple assault ( x2 ) , assault and battery ( x1 ) ,  disorderly conduct ( x2 ) , criminal mischief ( x1 ) , criminal trespassing ( x2 ) , minor in possession of alcohol ( x2 ) , drug possession ( x1 ) drugs / alochol / smoking: yes , mostly marijuana though / yes / no moral alignment: chaotic neutral hogwarts house: slytherin theme song: righteous by juice wrld (  a look at his mental health and the way it he attempts to cope ) & i am by james arthur ( deep dives into his view on himself and how outside opinions of him have effected the way he sees himself ) & empty space by james arthur ( instead of being about a girl this really encapsulates how the loss of his father has affected his life ) traits: charismatic , well-intentioned , affectionate , loyal , jocular , reckless , immature , flippant , short-tempered label: politicians son , miscreant , fuck boy , broken bird , mr. misunderstood , mama’s boy , epicure hidden talents: drawing , singing , master at rubiks cube , skilled card counter ( blackjack )
𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃
asher was born just eleven months after his sister stephanie , to at the time lobbyist harrison bennett &  prosecutor tamara bennett . a menace as a child , he made dennis the menace look like a saint , basically . at first his parents hoped this was simply just a phase but as time went on it became very clear that  if it were a phase it was going on for much longer than his parents had hoped . his sister immediately taking on the spot of prodigal daughter , while asher took on the spot of black sheep of the family . this didn’t mean that his parents didn’t absolutely adore both of their children , because they did . both taking on daddy’s little girl & mama’s boy respectively , early on . 
around the time asher was seven both of his parents were up for office , his mother for district attorney & his father for u.s representative from wisconsin . the influx of cameras / eyes on the bennett family mixed with the level of stress both his parents were under completely put asher off from the world of politics . despite being in a family that had generational ties to politics on both sides . during a family appearance asher was captured on camera ( both video & photo ) putting up a piece sign behind his sisters head during a speech his father was giving . 
[ tw: death , suicide , loss of a parent ] when asher was twelve his father went on a boating trip with friend , call it a boys trip if you will . two days into the trip news broke of his father being in a major boating accident where harrison was the only one on the boat & was dead upon being found . it later was confirmed by the coroner that his death was likely a suicide .  the loss of harrison was hard on the entire family , it was easy to say it affected asher heavily having locked himself away in his bedroom for nearly a week only leaving his room to go to the bathroom & grab food that he’d return to his room to eat . later , when he returned to school he was suspended just in that school year three times . it was genuinely the beginning to the incredibly reckless version of asher , that we seen since .
despite his antics he played varsity football as a cornerback & varsity soccer as a midfielder . taking up sports at an early age , it was clear he was a born athlete who genuinely enjoyed a little competition . he also took an interest in culinary , he was very much so that kid standing on a step stool as he helped his parents in the kitchen . this interest turned into him attending a vocational / trade highschool instead of an ordinary public school , like he had in elementary & middle . 
when he was fifteen he started a youtube channel where he posted cook with me videos weekly & vlogged his experience within the culinary program at school .
during highschool his mom started getting serious with a professor at the local university . asher , of course , hated the idea of his mom replacing his dad and it took nearly two years & an engagement for him to actually sit down & listen to his mom about the situation . it wasn’t until then that he realized , mason , was supposed to replace his father ... it was simply his mom not allowing herself to get stuck in one place in life & fall into a spiral . once he actually heard her side he gave the guy a chance . turns out the two have alot in common & get along very well . he’ll never replace his father but he respects him none the less .
before he’d even graduated highschool , asher amassed over 1m subscribers , made appearances on the ellen degeneres show & rachel ray show . this was around the time he realized he wanted to turn his hobby into something more than that & hell he was good enough to do so . when graduation came , he’d already committed to attending ucla as a business major with a minor in food studies . 
soon after graduation he went on the show master chef , finishing as runner up , which was one hell of a feat given he’d been the youngest chef on the show . he enjoyed the experience & recognition the show gave him . 
while at ucla he continued to play football he was so good he was receiving national attention to the point where nfl scouts were looking at him . obviously he was still too young to go into the draft but they let him know , this was something that was more than on the table . it was definitely something he loved hearing but at the end of the day , the nfl was never really the goal for asher . so toward the end of his sophomore season when he was suspended for the rest of the season for getting arrested & charged with drug possession & criminal trespassing he took that as the excuse not to return the sport the following season .
this was not the first time ( we know it was not the last *wink wonk* ) asher was arrested . from the end of his middle school days throughout highschool he’d racked up four arrests . his first one taking place in eighth grade & the only reason the misdemeanor charges actually went through were because his mom asked for them to in hopes that it would scare asher from acting out in such a fashion ever again . unfortunately , his actions were rooted in much more than teen rebellion having never accepting or being able to cope with his father’s passing . the charges & arrests that would follow his mom was able to cover up & kind of bury them . that way word didn’t spread like wildfire about her reckless son .
not even a full year removed from football & he’d accepted a tv show offer from food network . a show called asher’s kitchen a primetime half-hour show where a new chef would come on each week if they beat asher in making a 3-course meal they win bragging rights & $20,000 , if they don’t they go home empty handed . despite the shows constant high ratings asher grew bored of the show & left after only two seasons . the network tried to replace him but quickly learned asher’s personality was what really carried the show .
in 2018 , he went on to open his first ever restaurant the smoking goat an american bistro with an upscale vibe in the heart of los angeles . the place is literally his baby & if you can’t find him you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll find him there . whether it’s catching up with regulars or big name celebrities coming through the doors , or throwing on a chef coat and cooking up some of his very own specials . 
around the time of his restaurant opening he started to let up on the youtube channel & it’s now been nearly two years since he’s uploaded & honestly has no intent on returning to the platform . in asher’s eyes , everything has a term limit & his youtube channels time was up .
𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗 / 𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐎 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄
the timing of his amsterdam arrest was to say the least , horrific . not only was he in talks with several networks ( fox , cbs , netflix , etc ) to have his own daytime food-focused talk show but his mother was at the beginning stages of her 2020 presidential campaign , which she had since put a halt to and decided to continue on with her tenure as a u.s senator from wisconsin . with the headlines of his arrest spreading like wildfire , the internet resurfaced many of his earlier transgressions , the networks inevitably put a halt to going any further in negotiation & the political realm began to turn their attention to the kind of parent the senator was to have a son so ... out of control ? her opposition questioning how she could run a country if she couldn’t so much as raise a law abiding son .
upon his release from jail he took a jet straight home to wisconsin . with the realization of how much harm he’d done to the bennett reputation he made the personal promise to stay away from the media ( no social media , no tv , nothing ) & be the son the political world expected from a politician . his mother ( who is emulated mostly after laura baker from all american ) nearly begged him not to halt his life as a way of personal punishment for his actions . but after months back home & away from the limelight , asher could see the tides turning back in his moms favor & no big network offer ( and there were quite a few that came his way after the news of his arrest subsided ) could pull him back out into the forefront . 
instead opening his second restaurant bennett’s  , an upscale bar & grill in the capital city of wisconsin . he also began work on a cook book that’s kind of taken on a life of it’s own but he’s yet to be anywhere close to finishing that . 
he has inevitably decided to come back & reunite with the bling ring a year later after his family sat him down & kind of had an intervention with him over his persistence to punish himself . claiming they feel he’s matured & gotten a good grasp on himself & that they don’t think he’ll fall into his bad behaviors again . ( spoiler alert: they’re going to be very wrong about this ... just saying / he’s going to return with the intent of being a better guy , being on the “ right track “ but lets be real it’s going to quickly spiral out of control as per usual ) . 
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘
as you can probably tell this boy is no good . he’s the guy your parents warn you about , i swear , he will get you into so much trouble & bask in the glory of being the one to give you such an adrenaline rush . he’s big on being here for a good time & not a long time . he just wants to have fun , at any cost . he’s extremely goofy , the kind of guy to whip out some mediocre wrestling moves on you for the sake of getting attention . he doesn’t take much seriously ... until he does ? what im saying is homeboy has one hell of a short temper and once he’s flipped his fuse , he basically blacks out . the reason for this is because no matter how happy & full of life he’d like to come off he has this deep well of anger that swells in him ever since he lost his dad . also a topic that can get him clenching his jaw , do not under any circumstances bring up harrison bennett . very much so a mama’s boy , though , catch him facetiming his mom once a day to tell her how much he loves her & see how she’s doing . he can come off very uncaring at times , it’s easy to say he’s probably one of the most misunderstood people around . he comes off like a douchebag , like someone who has little regard for others & don’t get me wrong he often is both of those things but he isn’t heartless ? when he has time to sit back and think about the damage he does ... it hits him like a mack truck & he goes into a pretty dark place of feeling like he’s a villain but he wants to be the hero of the story ? not very big on apologizing , verbally . if he says sorry you can bet a smug grin is following behind the words . instead he’s big on buying things & even cooking to show he’s sorry . probably not the best way to go about things but this is asher we’re talking about here . he is a flirt & will fuck anything . that’s all i have to say about that . onto his friends ? whew are his friends his world . he is a big proponent of bros before hoes & is an extremely loyal guy - to his friends . a true ride or die type a guy , he’d help he hide a dead body without any explanation at so what happened . a big move now ask questions later kinda dude .
𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒
BREATHE BY JAMES ARTHUR : he has a soft spot for her . he always has . she’s one of the only girls who doesn’t drool over him , they’ve never hooked up to any extent and that’s due in large part to her telling him from the beginning that the only way she’d give him a chance was if he straightened up his act & proved to her that he was worth her time . if there is a girl out there who can asher for the better , it’s her . but everytime she thinks she’s gotten him on the right path , she catches him either acting out or reverting to his fuck boy ways & getting with girl’s who he doesn’t have to put so much work into .
SAME SQUAD BY P-LO : let’s be real these three originated “saturdays are for the boys” . they’ve been boys for as long as they can remember . if you see one of them around you can rest assured the other two are in the vicinity . they’re the best of friends . they know everything there is to know about each other . all a bit reckless , but that’s what makes them such a fun trio . a very homiesexual bond takes place between these three & nothing & nobody could get between them .
CLOSE FRIENDS BY LIL BABY & GUNNA : they were once good friends , things spiraled past the point of their control , lines got blurred & then they were dating . the relationship as a whole was one no one thought would last . to give them credit things were good at first but after he cheated & she found out from a friend about it things started to go down hill . things only got worse when he was persistent in lying to her about the situation . she inevitably took him back & not too much later the arrest in amsterdam happened . before he was even released from jail , she was sent a video of him & one of his friends talking about sleeping with a prostitute . although it never happened the fact that was his intent was enough for her . his expectation was that because she forgave him before she’d wipe away the pain of him once again not having regard for their relationship & forgive him but she just couldn’t . when he came out to her forwarding the video to him , he decided to ignore the situation completely . the two have not had any contact for nearly a year & never really broke up or spoke about the situation . 
NO FRAUDS BY NICKI MINAJ & DRAKE & LIL WAYNE : the perfect ride or die squad . the media likes to say someone in the trio is dating at any point in time but , that’s just not the case . these three are always getting into something . the true depiction of always having your friends back . they will lie for each other , fight for each other , anything to prove their loyalty to each other .  
i also have some musing posts here , if you want to give that a look !
11 notes · View notes