#pleasantly surprised w how this one turned out <3

[butchdiaz]

buddie ✩‧₊˚ scared of my guitar

commissioned (x) by @gayedmundo thank u katie!!!

tags! @usereddie @goldenbcnes @chronicowboy @shitouttabuck @ilostyou

@righttoolsenoughtime @evankinard @anirudhpisharody @kitkatpancakestack @buck2eddie

@buckdatesboys @try-set-me-on-fire @jeeyuns @youreonyourownkid @buckttommy

@leothil @canonbibuck @oneawkwardcookie @exhuastedpigeon @diazly

@bvckandeddie @wearherlikeanecklace @eddiebabygirldiaz @bibuddie @comeon-intothemadhouse

@angstydiaz @fruitydiaz @daughter-of-winterfell @spacediscos @spoilerspawn

[middlingmay]

“Let me get this straight: You’re calling me at 3 am, disrupting my beauty sleep on a workday, to ask me out?" - for Buck and Bucky please!

Hello Anon!

Thanks for the request - this one was so fun to write. I hope you like it :)

They’d settled near each other, after the war.

On that Florida air strip, where Wisconsin lay one way and Wyoming another, it had taken root inside Gale: the life ahead of him with patient, wonderful Marge, who no man could ever deserve, had stopped driving him on, compared to the life behind him with John.

When Gale had turned up on John’s doorstep, all his bags in hand and asking if he knew of any rooms to rent in town, he’d gotten to enjoy the sight of Major John Clarence Egan speechless for the first time in his life.

Gale had achieved what the combined forces of the US military, countless missions, German fighter pilots and a POW camp could not.

John had tried to offer him a room at his house, but Gale refused. It would have been easy, so easy to say yes and slip unspoken into this something between them. But Gale was sick of it being unspoken. He wanted to do it right this time.

In the days following his arrival, they found Gale a place to live, and like John, he found himself a little part time job to keep him busy and keep him from plundering his savings from his military salary, which remained largely untouched and offered a pretty little nest egg should he ever need it. (But not for the little apartment he and John found for him; that was hopefully only temporary.)

In the weeks following his arrival, they spent time together doing up the parts of John’s house that had gone without care for a little too long, and making Gale’s apartment feel a little more like a home. They went to eat in restaurants and John showed Gale his favourite haunts (not all of them bars, he was pleasantly surprised to see). They drove and walked around, perfectly aimless for once in their lives.

But none of it, Gale thought, could have been constituted as a date. And Gale did so want to date John. He wanted to take him out and make him feel special and walk him to his door at the end of the night and see if he could be lucky enough to steal a kiss.

He just had to ask him. Because apparently John was a gentleman, following this thing at Buck’s pace.

Gale had almost asked him that first day he’d turned up tired and hungry and John had taken care of him like it was the easiest thing in the world.

He’d almost asked him when John had dragged a heavy second-hand bookshelf up a flight of stairs to Gale’s apartment because he knew how Gale loved books and cleanliness in equal measure.

He almost asked him when Gale had a bad day and a worse evening, and John had steered them passed all the bars, up to Gale’s apartment, settled him with a poorly-made tea, and read to him from a physics book where he mispronounced half the words (Gale thought at least half must have been on purpose).

And now Gale was lying awake at some ungodly hour because he almost asked him.

Gale had been a cocksure pilot; one of the best, him and John. He had led squadrons of men in war, kept his guys together in a POW camp for a year and a half. He knew himself and what he was about. But here he was, flaking out, being a coward - a whole big pile of chicken shit - over John, who'd never made him feel anything but brave.

What kinda man was he?

Gale threw back the covers and hauled himself out of bed.

He was Major Gale W Cleven—Buck—goddamn it, and he could do this.

One of the selling points of his apartment had been its own private line. He padded out to the tiny lounge and picked up the phone and dialled the number he knew off by heart by now.

*

They were finally flying home, he and Buck. Just like he promised.

Gale grinned at him from the left. It was that grin he tried to hide sometimes, the one that showed off the apples of his cheeks and couldn't disguise his soft eyes when he looked at John.

When they both turned eyes front to enjoy the clear blue skies together that would take them home, Bucky saw them. The white far-off pinstripes of a hoard of incoming German fighters. But they were still a way off; they still had time. Buck still had time.

“Bail out, Buck!” They were so close to going home, he wasn’t risking Buck now.

But Gale just smiled at him. “Since when have you backed down from a challenge, Jon?”

The Germans were nearly on them.

“Gale! Go—get out! I’ll cover—!”

Gale petted the yoke unhurried. “Easy, Bucky. We’re safe as houses up here. Last two pilots left in the sky, just like you said.”

The Germans opened fire with a shrill ringing, ringing, ringing—

John bolted up in bed, chest heaving and heart beating hard and fast.

The phone was ringing.

He collapsed back onto the sheets. “Fuck.”

He almost let the phone ring out. It was fuck-knows-when in the morning. But then he remembered the very exclusive list of people who actually had his number, and he felt like he was jolting out of a nightmare all over again as he scrambled to catch it before it ringing stopped.

Buck. Buck might need him.

In the hallway, he snatched up the phone as soon as his fingertips grazed the smooth dark plastic. “H-hello?”

Whoever was on the other end was lucky to hear his voice over the thundering of his heart.

“It’s me, John.”

Buck. He knew it. “What is it?” He asked blunt and panicked. “What’s happened? What’s wrong?”

“Nothin’! Nothin’ John, I swear.” Buck exhaled slow. “Uh, I uh, god. I’m sorry; I wasn’t thinking.”

Sheepish. Buck sounded sheepish. He could work with sheepish. It wasn’t frightened, afraid.

“It’s fine, Buck,” he said. Heart finally getting under control. “C’mon, it’s fine. What’s on your mind?”

“I just, um. I was wonderin’. You promised me a baseball game. I was wonderin’ if I could take ya.”

Bucky frowned. Much as he was warmed by Gale remembering a promise he made what felt like a lifetime ago; and as much as something inside tingled and sparked at Gale asking him to one, he did wonder if Gale hadn't woken up from the same kinda dream as him. The kind that made it hard to fall back asleep and left you reaching for distractions.

But still, like hell he was going to pass up this kind of opportunity. “Well—well, yeah, Buck, of course. I'll take you to a game. “

“No.” Gale blurted too loud down the line. “No, I wanna take you. Like a…”

That tingling and sparking thing caught and used up John’s body like tinder. “Let me get this straight,” he sad faintly and cast a look at the hallway clock finally. “You’re calling me at three am, disrupting my beauty sleep on a work day, to ask me out?”

Maybe Gale’s blood was pounding as furiously as John’s, because that was the only reason he couldn’t have heard the delighted, tremulous, terrified disbelief in John’s voice.

Instead, Gale rushed out over the line, “No, no. I know. It was—God, I’m sorry, John. Go back to sleep. It was stupid—just—goodnight.”

John was left calling the dial tone Buck.

Stupid, Buck had said. Well, John felt everything he had ever wanted at his fingertips. If Buck wanted stupid, he would give him stupid.

It wasn’t far from John’s house to town, so he didn’t bother with a coat. He simply shoved a sweater over his undershirt and some boots on his feet and took off running.

By the time he got to Gale’s apartment building, the cool night had turned to fog, to a gentle spray, to a light rain. The thin pajama pants he wore started to stick, and his curls caught droplets of dewy moisture and sprinkled them on his face and neck.

He unlocked the door to the building with the key Gale had cut for him and headed straight for 1B. He knocked once and Gale didn’t answer within three seconds, so he let himself in the apartment, too.

The lights were out and Bucky headed for the bedroom, figuring Gale had gone back to bed to try and get some sleep. The curtains were thin and some strains of the street lights lit the room a little. John saw Gale, his back shoved against the wall, all bundled up like they’d never been able to do at the stalag.

He got close and gently shook his shoulder. “Buck. Buck.”

Gale woke quick and was upright in a second, eyes alert but mouth full and puffed up in sleep. “John? What’s wrong?”

Gale tried to get up out of bed but John pushed him back down. “S’okay. All good, Buck.”

“What are you doing here? It’s—”

“’Bout 3.20am. You never let me answer. On the phone.”

Gale cleared his throat and looked at his covers like they were some new textbook that demanded all of his attention. John smiled small and cheeky out of Buck’s sight and reached out to pluck up a strip of covers with his fingers to tease the material out of Buck’s grasp.

“Yes,” John whispered, smug and happy. “Obviously you can take me on a date.” He sat on the edge of Gale’s bed who now looked at him eyes wide and full of wonder. “But I want the whole nine yards: good seats, hot dogs, you desperately trying to follow along—the whole shebang.”

Gale smiled that same apple-cheeked smile from John’s dream. “You come all the way here in the rain to say yes to a question I chickened outta askin’?”

“Mhm,” John agreed cheerfully.

Gale laughed and collapsed back onto his bed. Only John’s damp clothes and the crumb of decorum he had left stopped him from collapsoing down with him.

“Thank you, John. I would love to take you out.”

“’Kay,” John said softly biting on his lip before collecting himself before it was too late. He stood up and slapped his hands on his thighs. “Well, g’night Buck. Sleep tight.”

He turned on his heels to make from the room and Gale called after him.

“John!”

John spun round, hand on the door jam. Gale looked at him, exasperated and fond.

“It is 3.30 in the morning. It’s rainin’. You can stay till morning.”

John shook his head, droplets spattering the wall. “You gotta wait for that, Buck. Your girl isn’t easy.”

Gale gave an amused huff and leaned his head back against the wall, before John’s words took root. He sat up at the gall of of the man and yelled through the open door. “Since when?!”

He heard John’s laugh even as the front door to his apartment swung closed.

[versadies]

CHAPTER THIRTEEN || CLOSURE

SYPNOSIS (of chapter). in which you thought you were getting better.

SYPNOSIS (of series). breaking up with your first love was heartbreaking, but not as heartbreaking as getting invited to his wedding after years of not seeing him. that is, until things seem to be easier when you encounter a certain guest, who could end up being more than just a blooming friend to you.

CHARACTERS. kamisato ayato, diluc ragnvindr, and thoma (w/ gn!reader)

CONTENT. fluff/angst/no-comfort, swearing (dropped the f-bomb 3 times), mentions of violence (almost getting hit/slapped), sh1nsuke 🤢🤢🤢, mentions of yelling, mentions of threats, mentions of jeanluc, reader is an emotional person

PENPALS. @scaraslover @saving-for-xiao @dawgimsohot @kazu-topia @chiruru @aqualesha @renamichii @mrkamisato @shenhesl0ver @serami00 @serenareiss @hiqhkey @emperatris-rinaka @bystander36 @irisxiel @ladycoleigh @034ven @dear-dairiess @owozi8 @hadesaedes @chiro-chiro-kun @hersscherofyatta @mariusvonhangme @yuzuricebun @hoshikistarlette @solaaresque @crowbird @lordbugs @flowersforayato @headintheclouddd @estelwrld @giyusimpsassemble @irethepotatosblog @moonlightaangel @alice0blog @shotosbrainrot @sniffoat @chihawari @mxsomn @kuni-kuzushii @jiminscarmex @mitsukii14 @nejibot @ylimeprive @sachispet @loreleis-world @sn-owo @starforecasts @someonetookmynamelmao @ceylestia @lychme @ymikkos @reallysporadicarcade @elychee @astrxlis @denkineptune @franini @sophisticatedleslie @thedivinepriestress @smashsubs @httpmitsuya @bl6o6dy @cottonkendi (visit this post if you’d like to be tagged!)

WORD COUNT. 6.4k words

LINKS. EVERMORE MASTERLIST \ MAIN MASTERLIST \ EVERMORE SURVEY

POST-SCRIPT. AAAAA after 3-4 weeks, i finally updated !! super sorry for the delay, ill try and see if i can publish the next one next week during school (no promises tho) 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

PREVIOUS || NEXT || VERSADIES’S VERSION (PROCEED THIS LINK FOR FLUFF LOVERS)

The next day after all has happened, Zhongli noticed how you seem to be… happier. 

You really weren’t lying when you told him last night that you and Diluc have been getting along pretty well, because you surely never seem to take your eyes off of your phone as you type out responses to your newly found friend the whole time in the hotel room. 

By the time you take your eyes off your phone is when you came out of the hotel room to do your activities for the day, such as eating breakfast, taking a stroll around the garden once more, visiting the convenience store once again, hanging out with a friend of yours by Good Hunter, and so on. 

The thing is, all of these had one thing in common. 

Besides a certain experience, you kept seeing a certain red-haired man to the point where it’s no longer a coincidence. Do you two just really have the same schedule or something? 

As you lined up for the buffet with your plate in hand, you were tempted to grab your phone and check if you received any message from a certain man, still smiling from enjoying your last conversation with him on the phone. 

It wasn’t until you hear someone clearing his throat behind you when you turn around from recognizing it, causing your eyes to brighten at the sight of the familiar man you’ve been talking to for the past hour earlier. 

“Diluc!” You greeted happily. 

“( Name ).” He greeted, also pleasantly surprised.

“I thought you were out for work already! Didn’t you mention you often go to Angel’s Share early?” You ask curiously. 

He nodded in response. “I do. Just not today it seems, I have something important to do today.” 

The two of you started picking your foods by the time the food is now displayed in front of you after taking a step forward, choosing what you want to eat for breakfast all the while chatting with Diluc – a major difference a few days ago when you and the man were suffering from the awkward silence between you two. 

Turns out, Diluc supposedly had a plus one, but the person wasn’t able to make it due to not having time, hence how he finds himself being alone. Today, however, is the day when the plus one visits the hotel just to greet the wedding couple and wish them well, who will be leaving tomorrow for their honeymoon. 

You’re curious to know who his plus one is, but you wouldn’t be surprised if it’s someone as important and highly regarded as him. 

Once you two finished picking your meal at the same time, you started heading towards where Zhongli is, who’s waiting for you to come at last. You paid no mind how Diluc is following you, perhaps he’s heading towards his table as well that’s in the same direction as yours. 

“You could sit with me and Zhongli if you want. You two seem to know each other back then before we visited your establishment.” You offered with a smile, carefully holding your plate in fear of dropping it. 

He shakes his head. “Oh I’ll be alright. Mr. Zhongli has visited Mondstadt back then a few times and would come by for a nice tea and brunch. Though, he tends to have his chatty friend with him whenever he does.” 

You can’t help but grin when he mentioned the chatty friend. “You mean Venti?” 

Diluc nodded. “Yes. He usually comes around to drink a lot of alcohol. It’s a miracle he didn’t get any sickness from drinking so much.” 

You visibly imagine Venti drinking lots of alcohol, causing you to laugh at the thought. “Well I’m not surprised to hear that. He seems the kind to do that.” 

Before you knew it, you’re finally at your table, causing you to stop your tracks instantly and bid Diluc goodbye before sitting on your seat. If it weren’t for you noticing Zhongli waving at you as well as Diluc slowing down his walk, you would’ve not noticed the fact that you almost walked past your table thanks to you being distracted with your conversation.

“Let’s talk again next time. Enjoy your meal, Diluc.” You said as you watched Diluc giving you an acknowledged nod before walking away to where his table is. 

By the time Diluc is long far away, Zhongli decides to speak up after taking a sip of his tea. “You know, I was starting to think you were too busy being indecisive on your food, but I suppose I was wrong.” He said with amusement. 

You chuckled, picking up your eating utensils. “Consider yourself lucky that I wasn’t in the mood to eat seafood, lest I decide to tease you with it.” 

You feel satisfied seeing the cringe look on his face, grinning to yourself as you take a bite of your food. 

–

After eating breakfast, you and Zhongli went back to your hotel room and got ready for your first activity. While your friend is getting ready to go somewhere, you decided to go visit the convenience store to buy some snacks. 

You wanted to try something new this time, so you decided to choose snacks that are from Mondstadt instead of Liyue or Inazuma. Of course, you wouldn’t forget the ones Zhongli wanted, particularly another certain drink. 

“It’s a non-alcoholic drink called Fruits of the Festival.” He says as he zips his bag that contains the things he needed. “Venti recommended that we drink some now that there are a lot of them in stock for the celebration of the upcoming Weinlesefest festival.” 

With that in mind, perhaps you should’ve taken into consideration that the drink would possibly be out of stock soon , because by the time you encounter the aisle that supposedly contains the Fruits of the Festival, there was only one bottle left.

Just as you’re about to take the bottle, you didn’t notice how someone else was reaching out to it as well, causing your hand to touch his. 

Surprised, you look at the person who’s getting the same item as you, only to be even more surprised when you realize who it is. 

“...Diluc?” 

“( Name )?” 

You can’t help but let out a laugh, not believing that you saw your friend again coincidentally. “Oh wow, I didn’t expect to see you here! Are you trying to get this one?” You asked, gesturing to the drink you’re still touching. 

He hums in agreement. “Don’t worry, I could always get the other one.” He said, about to let go until you immediately let go of it. 

“Ah no, no, no! It’s better if you take this one since it’s the last one. Consider it a payment for letting me have the grape juice last time.” You said with a laugh, gesturing to the man to take the drink.

He shakes his head, letting go of the drink. “It’s fine, you can take it. I wouldn’t want you to miss out tasting something such as the Fruits of the Festival.”

You refuse to get the drink. “Oh come on, it’s better if you’re the one who’ll get this.” 

“No, no. It’s fine.” 

“Just get it, Diluc.” 

“I prefer you getting it.”

“No you–”

Suddenly, someone else takes the drink in front of the two of you, causing you to flinch in surprise. 

“Brother Albedo! Is this blue drink the one you’re talking about?” A little girl with a red dress says before running towards where her brother is with the drink in hand, leaving you and Diluc stunned. 

“...”

“...”

You can’t help but laugh. “Oh man, this reminds me of what happened back then.” You said, remembering the way you and Diluc fell into the same situation and kept insisting on who’s taking the drink.

His lips twitch upward. “Likewise. We really have come a long way after that.” 

You nodded in agreement with a smile. “We have. Though it’s really a shame none of us got the drink. I’m sure they’ll restock soon.” 

“We can visit tomorrow if you’d like.” Diluc offers. “I’m sure my plus one will be asking to go visit the store to buy some together, you can join us.” 

You shake your head. “Ah, no need! I wouldn’t want to bother you catching up with whoever your plus one is. I’m sure I’ll eventually be able to try it when I hang out with my friend later.” 

He nods in understanding. “Very well then. I hope you’ll enjoy the drink. If you somehow weren’t able to drink it, you could always visit Angel’s Share. It’ll be available today or tomorrow.” 

Your eyes brighten, remembering the delightful establishment. Now that you think about it, you do miss their drinks there – so it wouldn’t exactly hurt to go there before you and Zhongli leave to the airport. “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks again, Diluc.” 

“See you next time, ( Name ).” 

Then you two parted ways, unaware that next time is very much later. 

–

After coming back to the hotel from the convenience store, you were itching to go visit the garden after passing by the entrance. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to wait there for your friend instead of here when it’s time for you two to hang out.

Which is what led you to immediately get ready for your hangout once you finished unpacking the things you bought from the store.

“How do I look?” You ask Zhongli as you come out from the bathroom, now fully dressed for your brunch. “Do I look alright?” 

You watched as your friend looked away from his book, looking at your outfit carefully before nodding in confirmation with a smile. “Yes, you look great.” 

You sigh in relief, grabbing your bag from your bed to start packing up your things. “That’s good. What will you be doing while I’m gone?” 

Zhongli shrugs in response. “I don’t have any plans for today, but a walk around the garden would be nice later.” 

“Alright. I’ll be back in a while.” You said, checking your phone for any messages (from a certain man) before putting it inside your bag. 

“Have fun, ( Name ). Don’t forget to tell Diluc I said hi.” He said with a chuckle, remembering what you told him about the wine tycoon today. 

Your mouth opens agape. “Wow– Alright, whatever. Have fun too, Zhongli.” 

As you zip your bag closed after getting all the things you need, you immediately head towards the door. Maybe I should try taking pictures of some of the scenery, You thought to yourself. 

Fortunately the trip to the garden didn’t take long, and by the time you entered the hotel’s beautiful garden, you delightfully inhaled the fresh air. Thank Celestia it’s a good day today, you thought, looking around your surroundings. 

As you walk around the area trying to find a place to sit on, you bring out your phone to take a few pictures. You were so fascinated with how each flower looked amazing in the pictures you took – with the lightning and atmosphere bringing ethereal energy to your pictures.

While admiring the pictures you took, you didn’t notice a person walking towards the same direction as you, causing you to accidentally bump into them. 

“Ah, so sorry!” You said with a yelp, maintaining your balance. “I didn’t mean to bump into you–” Your eyes widens when you realize who you bump into. 

“The apologies are all mine, I should’ve watched where I was goin–” The red-haired man’s words slowly trail off when he hears your voice, now realizing who’s in front of him.

“..Diluc?” 

“( Name )?” 

You let out a laugh once more. “Oh wow, I can’t believe this! I’m starting to think this isn’t a coincidence now – since when have you started visiting the garden?” 

“Just now. I wanted to see what it looks like during the daytime. What brings you here as well?” 

“Ah, I wanted to take a stroll around the garden while waiting for my friend to come and pick me up so we can go have brunch. This place is really beautiful, isn’t it?” You replied, keeping your phone aside. 

He hums in agreement. “It is.” 

You then thought of something. “Wanna walk around the place together while I’m waiting for my friend?” You asked. 

“I don’t mind.” He said with a nod. 

And so, you two continued where you left off from last night in the garden, talking about Weinlesefest as you wait for your friend to come. 

Throughout the stroll, Diluc explained to you all the things you needed to know about the upcoming festival. Apparently, the Weinlesefest festival is more about making new wine as they invite their Archon to drink with everyone. So it makes sense that someone like Diluc, whose entire business and establishment is famous for the amazing wine, is currently thinking of something that could make good wine.

He also explained about what you could do if you participate in the festival, particularly visit Springvale and explore around the place since it’s where the festival will be held. Ah, just hearing all the things you could do and eat made you want to consider extending your stay, but alas, you think one week in one of your favorite regions is enough for you. Besides, even if you decide to extend your stay, only Celestia knows what would happen to you once you’re back to work. 

While you converse with your friend, you couldn’t help but notice the way he looks as though there’s something in his mind. You didn’t find the guts to ask him though, thinking you’re meddling into his business if you do so. Still, you’re a bit concerned that something bad happened and you want to at least help – it’s the least you can do for everything he did for you. 

Before you could bring up and ask what’s on his mind, you hear someone calling out your name. 

“ ( Name )! Over here!” Your eyes light up when you hear the familiar voice of your friend, causing you and Diluc to turn around and look at the person who’s calling you. 

“Thoma, there you are!” You greeted, walking towards the blonde-haired man who’s also walking towards you. “And here I thought you weren’t gonna show up any time soon, what took you so long?” 

Thoma spreads his arms wide as you give him a hug. “Aw man, I’m sorry for being late! I was busy helping Ayato out with preparing for his next trip, I didn’t notice that I was about to be late.” He explains. The two of you quickly separate each other from your hug.

He looks at where Diluc is, causing him to stand up straight and offer the tycoon his hand. “Hello! You must be the infamous Diluc Ragnvindr. A pleasure to meet you!” He says with a smile. 

Diluc didn’t hesitate to shake Thoma’s hand, giving him an acknowledged nod. “Likewise. I would like to congratulate you for your efforts in this wedding, it’s truly amazing.” 

The blonde-haired man lets out a bashful laugh. “Oh you’re too kind, Mr. Ragnvindr! I hope I wasn’t bothering you two, did I?” 

You hesitantly look at Diluc, who remains the same expression as always, before looking back at your friend with a smile. “Ah not really. We were just talking about the Weinlesefest festival until we heard you.” 

“That’s good to hear. I’m a bit disappointed that I won't be able to experience the festival though.” Thoma lets out a sigh. “Oh well, there’s nothing we can do about it. Mind if I take ( Name ) away, Mr. Ragnvindr?” 

Diluc nodded in response. “Of course since that’s what they’re here for. I’ll see you next time once again, ( Name ).” 

You gave the red-haired man a grateful smile. “See you next time, Diluc. It was fun talking to you!” 

–

The purpose of your brunch with Thoma is simple. Catch up with one another, talk about the things you’ve missed in Inazuma while you talk about the things he missed in your trip. 

So why, why do you feel so bothered? 

Despite being able to listen to your dear friend and keep up with your conversation, your mind lingers on Diluc. You’re still worried about how he seems to be out of it back in the garden – is it perhaps because of how he needs to think of a new wine? 

“You know, I’m glad you and Ayato had spoken to one another about what happened back then.” Thoma confesses, causing you to be taken back by surprise. “I hope you won’t be offended with what I have to say but.. You look happier than before.” 

You raise your eyebrows from his words. Happier? 

“I… I didn’t notice that.” You replied, letting out a small laugh. “Am I really that happy because of how me and Ayato have resolved?” 

Thoma lets out a small laugh as well. “Well, that’s just my guess. Did something else happen that made you happier than that?” He asks. 

You took a second to think about it. It’s true that ever since you and Ayato have made up, everything's been going a bit well for you, but then again, it’s sort of weird how you’re a lot happier about it than normal. 

Is it… really just because of that? 

Seeing how you hesitated, Thoma’s eyes slightly widened in surprise. “Wait, did something actually happen?” 

You look away from Thoma, a bit flustered. “I-I really don’t know either!” 

“Really?”

“Yeah!” 

“Then… It’s not about someone, is it?” 

You begin to scratch the back of your head. “Well… I did become friends with Diluc…? That’s the only thing that happened besides me and Ayato talking each other out about what happened.” You said, looking at your friend while you fiddled with your fingers. “He’s fun to talk to, I’ll admit. I had a lot of fun for the past few days thanks to him.” 

The blonde haired man nods in agreement. “I can tell. Every time I look at you during the bachelor and reception, you look like you’re having fun talking to him,” He then lets out a laugh. “It honestly reminded me of back then when you and Ayato were still pining for each other.” 

You look at him in confusion, still smiling. “Huh? What do you mean?” 

“Well for starters, it’s the way you’re looking and talking to him. You always pay attention to him and everything he says that you don’t focus on eating your food or your surroundings much — I was able to see you while I was hosting the bachelor party.” He explains. “...Of course, I’m sure you don’t see Mr. Ragnvindr that way though, right?” 

You slowly glance down at your food, processing his words carefully. 

…Huh. 

You didn’t notice how Thoma’s face slightly fell from how you didn’t answer his question. “...You don’t see him that way, right?” He repeats. 

You want to answer yes, but something is holding you back. You don’t understand, you don’t really see Diluc that way right? You two are just friends – and yes, there were some moments between you two whereas your new friend made you feel… things – but that’s normal, right?

This feeling… Isn’t surely the same as what you felt towards Ayato back then, is it?

Then again… When was the last time you had fallen in love? 

You wipe your now sweaty palms on your lap, starting to feel a bit conflicted from your thoughts and feelings. Even if you are in love with him, how could you even deal with it? How can you even face him knowing your feelings? What if you end up being heartbroken? 

But if you aren’t in love with him, why does that make you feel.. Unsatisfied? 

You can’t help but think about him, and you realize you’ve always been thinking about him for the past few days. He makes you happy obviously, there’s never a dull moment with him besides when you two first interacted with one another, and he’s understanding and gentle. The gentle look he gives you as he respectfully treats you well makes you feel… something.

He also treats you equally and always manage to get along with you despite your differences to one another. Not to mention how you always smile whenever you think of him, something that Zhongli had pointed out one time — and how you couldn’t help but always get excited at the thought of what’s to come for you and Diluc the next day—

Oh.

Oh.

Meanwhile, Thoma tries to think of a way to change topics. “It’s alright if you’re unsure, ( Name ).”

“No, no, it’s fine.” You quickly reassured your friend. “I just.. Didn’t realize it until you pointed it out.” 

“So.. you do love him, do you?” 

You stayed silent for a few seconds, unsure how to break it to him. “...He makes me feel things no one has made me feel for a long time.” 

“…Does he make you happy?”

You nodded in response. “He makes me the happiest I can be.” He made me realize there’s always a chance, a chance to love. You thought.

Thoma hums in understanding. “I see. Then I hope you get something good from rhat.” 

You smile gratefully. “Thank you. Though, I feel bad our conversation went this way, we were just laughing a few minutes ago.” 

He quickly lets out a small laugh. “Oh it’s no problem. At least you found something you didn’t know, right?” 

You nodded. “Yeah, thanks again, Thoma.” 

“Anything for you, ( Name ).” 

You decided to try and change the topic, clearing your throat. “Uh, anyways, wanna share Good Hunter’s newest dessert together?” 

Thoma nods with a smile. “Fine, but you better not finish everything in one go.” 

“Hey!” 

–

It took perhaps another hour before you and Thoma decided to get the bill and get out of the restaurant. Unfortunately, your friend won’t be able to join you in going back inside Goth Grand Hotel once he drops you off, telling you how he has some things to do for Ayato and Chisato before they go off to their honeymoon destination. 

As you enter the hotel lobby, you can’t help but think back about what happened during your brunch with Thoma. What will happen between you and Diluc now? Will you still act the same as before, aware that your feelings for him are possibly more than platonic?

While thinking, you didn’t notice someone behind you heading towards you until you felt them harshly gripping onto one of your shoulders.

You turn around, wondering who on Earth would be so rude to do such a thing, only for your eyes to widen when you realize who it is. 

“Good afternoon, Mx. ( Last Name ).” Shinsuke greeted you with a smile that’s obviously fake. “I apologize for bothering you on this fine day,” A lie, “but I must request you to come with me somewhere more private.” 

You hesitated for a moment, knowing the risk if you said yes. But even so, who’s to say what could happen if you turn down his request? 

You look around the area, trying to look for someone who can notice your troubled situation and help you, only to unfortunately find no one around. If only you could’ve convinced Thoma to escort you back to your hotel room…

“...I suppose I could spare some time for a chat.” You said, trying to act calm. 

You suddenly feel an eerie presence looming behind you, causing you to glance at your back and see a few bodyguards standing behind you – as if to prevent you from running away. Unlike the ones who were stationed for the wedding events, these particular guards were foreign, with strange but somewhat familiar symbols on their brooches. You could tell they’re not like the bodyguards you’ve seen.

“Perfect.” Shinsuke comments, and you start to regret accepting his offer. “Come with me.” 

Without letting you reply at all, the man turns and starts walking, causing the bodyguards behind you to shove you in order for you to follow, leaving you no choice but to oblige. 

On your way, you hoped that you would at least encounter one of your friends, frantically glancing around the hotel lobby looking for a familiar face. Unfortunately, you finally arrived at what you assume is a private room. 

You’re going to be alone with Shinsuke and these scary bodyguards. 

“Before we can go in, I have one more thing to request of you.” Shinsuke spoke up before he could open the door. “Take your bag away and give it to one of the guards.” 

Your eyes widens, hesitantly looking at the bodyguards behind you, who all remain unfazed and emotionless. Slowly, you take out your bag from your body and pass it to one of the guards. 

“Don’t worry, they won’t open your bag and look through your things if that’s what you’re worried about. We just need to make sure you won't try to... record anything and break our privacy.” Shinsuke said in a nice tone, as if that’s enough to reassure you in this situation. “Let’s go inside now.”

You feel fear crawling up on your spine as you enter the room, unsure of what’s going to happen to you. 

The room is a conference room, with multiple chairs surrounding one long table as one of them is situated by the end of it; you assume that chair is where he’ll be seated. 

“Go sit down here.” He says, pulling back a seat that’s right in the middle. “We have a few things to talk about, it won’t be long, don’t worry.” 

Swallowing down the lump in your throat, you carefully went to where the seat is, trying to contain your frantic breathing in order to hide your fear. The bodyguards that were following you both are situated outside.

By the time you sit down is when Shinsuke starts talking, not sitting down on a chair. “Now that we’re in a more private area, let’s start talking, shall we?” 

You nodded slowly. “..Is there a problem, Mr. Hiiragi?” You ask carefully.

He laughs, starting to walk slowly around you. “Straight to the point, I like that.” He comments. “Yes, there is a problem, Mx. ( Last Name ). I'm sure you remember our conversation yesterday.” 

Your breath hitches; he proceeds to explain more. “You see, this wedding is a very precious event to the Hiiragi Clan. Everyone thinks the lovely couple is perfect like straight out of a fairytale, so I like to keep it that way.” You watch as he brushes one of the chairs as he walks by. Did he find out about you and Ayato? 

“So when someone reported to me that they caught sight of you walking back inside the bachelor party venue together with the bride – who didn’t bother hiding the fact that she was crying – I have to make sure all’s well.” He adds. 

His eyes then narrow. “I hope you understand where I’m coming from, and I fear that you might take the opportunity to taint the Hiiragi name and accuse that Chisato is unhappily married to Kamisato Ayato.” 

You shook your head frantically. “N-No, I wouldn’t dare to do such a thing to my friends.” 

“How should I know if you’re telling the truth? And before I knew it, the media would talk about how Chisato had unwillingly married the CEO of the Yashiro Company because of you and your schemes!” 

“I am telling the truth, Mr. Hiiragi! I wish nothing but happiness for the couple.” 

“As if that’s enough to do so.” He lets out a “tsk”, glaring down at you. “I have no choice but to get rid of you. Who knows when you will eventually risk tearing down my reputation!” 

You gasp aloud, immediately standing up from your seat. “Get rid of me?! But Mr. Hiiragi, that’s too much! I haven’t done anything ever since the bachelor party happened–”

“You dare to raise your voice on me!? Did you forget your place, or shall I remind you?!” He exclaims. You panic when he suddenly storms towards you, his hand slowly raises up to hit you. 

Suddenly, the door opens, causing the man to stop himself from hitting you and look at the intruder. 

“Was I interrupting something?”  

Your eyes brighten when you recognize the person’s voice, and you look at the intruder who’s standing by the doorway. 

“O-Oh, Mr. Ragnvindr!” Shinsuke spoke, his tone is now nice and kind unlike a few seconds ago. “What a lovely surprise. I was just having a special meeting with Mx. ( Last Name ) regarding the wedding–”

“I’m here to talk about your pesky bodyguards who aren’t doing their job right” Diluc spoke, his voice dark and cold – a big comparison to his gentle tone when he talks to you. “I was just passing by when they suddenly confronted me and dared to lay a hand on me for no reason.” 

You saw the way Shinsuke’s eyes widened, his eyebrows furrowing. “What?! How unprofessional of them! Where are they now?” 

Diluc opens the door wide. “Feel free to go check on them. I had to defend myself since they tried to fight me. Had this happened to someone else, I fear an innocent person would get hurt by their recklessness.” He scolded Shinsuke, who hesitated from his offer to check on the bodyguards. 

The elder man glances at you, causing you to freeze up from his glare. “This isn’t over yet.” He mouths before looking back at the red-haired man. “I apologize sincerely on behalf of my bodyguards. I’ll make sure it won’t happen ever again.” 

“Good. Now leave.” 

Begrudgingly, Shinsuke heads out from the conference room. By the time the CEO is out of your sight, Diluc looks in your direction.

You feel your shoulders starting to relax. “Diluc.”

His eyes softened. “( Name ).” He then gestures to you to come with him. “Come with me. Let’s get you out of here.” 

When you come out of the conference room with Diluc being by your side, you’re surprised to see the sight of Shinsuke standing over the bodyguards on the ground, some groaning out in pain while some were out cold. Just what did Diluc do to them? 

You dare not to question it, you’re just grateful that he saved you from Shinsuke. 

As soon as you two are somewhere where most people don’t come to in the lobby, you let out a breath you didn’t know you’re holding. 

“Are you alright?” Diluc asks worryingly, giving you your bag you didn’t know he was holding. “What happened back there?” 

You slowly grab your bag from him, avoiding his gaze. “I… I don’t know.. He just took me to that room and threatened me for something that happened in the bachelor party. I wouldn’t dare to do that to my friends.” You clench your teeth at the audacity the cruel CEO has. “I’m just grateful you were able to come by before something happened. How did you know I was there?” 

“I saw one of the guards holding your bag.” He answers honestly. “I recognized it was the one you were carrying when we were taking a stroll around the garden, so I had to investigate. Did they hurt you?” 

You shook your head. “Mr. Hiiragi was about to, but you made it in time before he could hurt me.” 

Diluc’s eyes slightly widened, before quickly narrowing his eyes at the thought that someone would dare to hurt you. “How dare he.. I knew he wasn’t good news.” 

“It’s fine… None of us could’ve predicted he would do something like this.” You mumbled. It was technically a lie, you knew someone like Shinsuke would do this, but you didn’t want your friend to be worried and angry. “Thank you for your help, Diluc. I owe you a lot.” 

“Anything for you.” He replied. He suddenly puts a hand on your shoulder in an attempt to comfort you, causing your heart to start beating fast while your cheeks begin to warm up from his words and gestures.  “You don’t owe me anything. Just… be more careful, I don’t want you to get hurt by someone as cruel and despicable as him.” 

You nodded slowly, your mouth twitching upwards. “I’ll try.” 

“Were you heading towards your room?” He asks, and you hum softly in response. “I could escort you back there if you’d like. Just in case Mr. Hiiragi dares to come to you again.” 

You shook your head. “Oh I don’t want to bother you. I think I can go back on my own.” 

“I insist. It would hurt me if something bad happens to you again when I could’ve helped you.” He insists. “Come.” 

“...Thank you again, Diluc.” You spoke softly before the two of you started heading towards the elevator area that’s across the hotel lobby from where you are.

The two of you didn’t say a word to one another while you’re walking, but you didn’t mind. You were still shaken up by what happened. Who knows when Shinsuke will try to bother you again? What if he comes to Liyue and ruins your life? 

“Will you be alright, ( Name )?” He suddenly asks, causing your worrisome thoughts to fade away from his voice. 

Before you could say anything, someone suddenly called Diluc’s name. 

“Diluc?” 

You look around the area to look for the person who was calling your friend, spotting a woman standing not too far away from where you and Diluc are with her eyes brightening. 

“There you are! I was looking around for you.” She spoke, walking towards you two with a smile on her face. “Did you just get out of the hotel room?” 

You can’t help but admire the woman who’s now standing in front of you two. She’s quite beautiful, you admit. Is she perhaps a friend of Diluc? Or an acquaintance of his in the business world? 

Or… Is she his plus one? 

Diluc shakes his head. “No, I just happened to come across a friend of mine and got distracted. Did you wait for too long?” 

The woman shakes her head as well, smiling reassuringly. “Ah no, don’t worry. I just entered the hotel.” She then looks at you. “Hello, what’s your name?” She asks you politely, causing your eyes to widen a bit in surprise. 

“Oh uhm.. My name is ( Name ) ( Last Name ). It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms…?” 

“You can call me Jean. Thank you for keeping Diluc company while I was gone. I feel bad that I wasn’t able to attend the wedding.” Jean said. 

Ah, so she is his plus one. 

You try to ignore a strange feeling bubbling in your chest. “It’s no problem, I’m glad I’m friends with someone like Diluc. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot more about Mondstadt thanks to him.” 

Jean giggles, a tune that’s so sweet in your ears. “I’m glad my fiancé made a friend. I hope I’ll get to know you more, ( Name ).”

You felt like your heart dropped when you heard what Jean called Diluc, your face almost fell. 

…

Fiancé? 

“...O-Oh, you guys are engaged?” You asked, stunned from your realization. 

Jean instantly covers her mouth. “Oh, my bad.” 

“It’s alright, Jean.” Diluc reassures her, you saw the way he looks at her. It’s different than the way he looks at you. “I was meaning to invite them to the wedding before they leave for Liyue.” 

Jean sighs in relief, then looks at you with an apologetic smile. “I apologize for the shock. But yes, me and Diluc are set to be married in December. We haven’t announced our engagement to the public yet so we’d appreciate it if you could keep it a secret until it’s announced. I’ll make sure to give you an invitation tomorrow if that’s fine with you!” 

You felt sick, swallowing the sour taste of heartbreak in your throat. “Of course! I’m honored I’m invited to your wedding. Congratulations on your engagement.” 

You’re too caught up with the sudden news that you didn’t notice the way Diluc looks at you in concern.

Jean didn’t notice either, still smiling happily. “Great, I hope we’ll talk again next time. I’m afraid Diluc and I have to go now to meet Mr. and Mrs. Kamisato before they leave. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay in Mondstadt until you leave! Shall we, Diluc?” 

The red-haired man hesitantly looks at you, and you remembered how he was supposed to escort you. You feel selfish for wanting him to go with you, but you knew your place. 

“Go.” You mouth to Diluc with a reassuringly small smile, despite your heart wanting him to stay. “I’ll see you two next time. It’s nice to meet you as well, Jean.”

“...See you next time, ( Name ).” Diluc spoke up before walking towards Jean. 

Without another word, you turn away and walk back to where you’re supposed to be going. Away from Shinsuke, from your heartbreak, 

And away from Diluc. Your first love for the first time in 4 years. 

You tried your best to hold onto your facade that everything’s normal and okay as you’re on your way back to the hotel room rushedly, your heart racing and lips shaking from what just happened. 

You aren’t sure if you were overwhelmed by what happened between you and Shinsuke, or from the unrequited love between you and Diluc. 

You should’ve known he wouldn’t be single. You should’ve known he was taken by someone as beautiful and amazing as Jean. You should’ve remained oblivious to your feelings towards him,

You should’ve known he would never see you that way.

By the time you enter the room and close the door behind you, you knelt down on the ground and let out a sob, dropping your bag as you cover your face with your hands. 

Fuck, fuck, fuck! 

Everything hurts. Everything is too much. You feel like you’re being burned inside as your heart aches deeply. You feel like you want to jump off a cliff and land in an ocean, never to be seen again. Why did you had to find out you’re in love when you found out your love is unrequited? Why is this happening to you? What did you do in your past life to deserve such cruelty? 

You were so busy crying that you didn’t notice Zhongli walking towards you in concern. Words didn’t exchange between you two, but your friend knew what to do. He always comforts you whenever you cry about Ayato after drinking too much back then, reassuring you that you’ll eventually move on someday. 

He kneels down beside you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder comfortingly. You didn’t hesitate to lean your head on his shoulder as a result, continuing to let out your wails and tears. 

“I fell in love, but he… He belongs to another. Why does this always happen to me?” You sobbed. 

Zhongli slowly pulls you closer to him. “I do not know.”

You let out another sob, closing your eyes shut. “It hurts.” 

He closes his eyes as well, his heart aches at the sound of your cries. “I know.” 

That day, you didn’t look at your phone anymore to see if he sent you a message. Spending the rest of your time engulfed in heartbreak as your dearest friend comforts you. 

Just when you thought you were willing to fall in love, that chance was once again out of your reach.

It’s true he made you realize there’s always a chance, a chance to love.

Just not a chance to love him.

—

Somewhere by the hotel’s parking lot, someone is going through the same thing as you.

Thoma leans against the steering wheel of his car, exhaling deeply as he closes his eyes.

He knew he’d never have the chance to win your heart, yet it still hurts to think that you’re now in love with someone else. Don’t get him wrong, he’s truly happy for you — especially knowing that you have never bothered trying to give love a chance again and never had a date with anyone since the break up.

He just wished it was him you had fallen in love with, even though it sounds as impossible as going to outer space in this life.

But nevertheless, it wasn’t the fact that his love for you stayed strong and you still see him as just a friend—

It was the fact that you’re in love with a man who’s out of your reach.

Thoma didn’t know what to think when he learned you love Diluc. He wanted to be happy for you — he knows the man has a good heart after hearing so many good things about him — but he knew you’re going to be heartbroken when you learned about his secret engagement with one of the most powerful and well-respected women in Mondstadt.

There’s nothing he can do about it. He can only hope you’d get through the same pain you felt back then.

Thoma lets out a sigh, leaning back up from the steering wheel.

Even if he cannot provide it, the blonde-haired man just wished that someday, you’d love someone who loves you too, with nothing that can stop you both,

Unlike the men you fell in love with.

DAN’S NOTES

(1) diluc isn’t leading reader on nor was he flirting with them. chapter 14 will explain his side as well as his feelings towards reader. (see my response to this ask here for more details)

(2) i understand if you’re willing to drop the series, but it’s better if you keep it to yourself if you intend to insult this series or me. if you’re planning to send ask about the problem of this chapter, make sure to read my responses regarding asks about this situation because i dont really want to repeat myself again.

(3) i apologize for the disappointment if you expected reader to end up with diluc as well as for not adding it in the warnings about jeanluc being mentioned — i made another version of this storyline where they do end up together, which is versadies’s version ( look at the links ) to make it up to you guys :>>

PREVIOUS || NEXT || VERSADIES’S VERSION (PROCEED TO THIS LINK FOR FLUFF LOVERS)

[loaksky]

hello! would you consider writing modern avatar stuff? if ur cool w that can i request modern human neteyam relationship headcanons?

wait hold the phone yes i would actually ! wanted to hold off on posting this to include headcanons about what modern!neteyam would be like in a relationship, but i’m so eager to come back ! instead here’s some background about him & reader leading up to the relationship (part 2 pending if you guys want it) ! headcanons under the cut & for all intents + purposes, i picture college-neteyam ! additionally, in my brain, it’s canon that teyam as a human would be poc, hence the reference pictures i included below ! <3

so i definitely see neteyam having a very soft aesthetic, he’s such a sweetheart tbh

fs think that the two of you would have a meetcute in university & then end up being college sweethearts

his major is something specific like environmental engineering or child psychology ? he’s definitely really smart and excels in all of his classes !

which brings me to how the two of you would meet ? perhaps he’s taking an elective course in pottery and your major is in art with a concentration in three dimensional composition

the class is considered a lab, so the professor emails out the syllabus and students come and go as they please during class hours to work on their compositions.

halfway thru the sem, you and teyam stumble upon each other in the storage room between two classrooms, fetching different pieces that need to be glazed + fired.

“sorry, you can—”

“nah, you first—”

you laugh and neteyam’s smiling because WOW you’re really cute + had he known that someone as lovely as you was in the same section as him, he’d probably hang around the classroom more.

from that moment on, neteyam’s always lingering during the class’ meeting time, even if he’s already finished with his projects for the week because he wants to get to know you SO bad, but he’s way too shy.

(probably still canon that he’s phenomenal at literally everything, but i think it’d be so cute if he had 0 legitimate rizz bc he’s so used to kinda just bein’ him and pulling bc he’s a jack of all trades type of guy)

“what are you making?” you ask him one day and he snatches his airpod out of his ear so quickly even though he’s not listening to anything.

“ashtray” he answers quietly, a lil self-conscious because he’s come to find out that you’re absolutely amazing at sculpting and while you do this for your future, he does it is as a pastime / elective to graduate. “but like i don’t smoke or anything yknow, i just thought that i’d be a good thing to–”

you’re staring at him with the corner of your mouth quirked and he shuts up quickly, scratching the back of his neck nervously as he slumps on his stool.

“you should score using a crosshatch,” you tell him simply. “makes the pieces stick together better.”

he looks down at where he’d been scratching the damp clay laterally and your hands hover over his, head tilting to the side.

“can i?”

oh yeah, yeah! sure,” he splutters, leaning back a little to watch you work your magic.

can’t help but watch the way your fingers work over the clay, knuckles smudged with glaze and dust coating the silver of your rings.

he watches your hands, but soon he’s watching your face because you’re concentrated so hard on making sure you’re using your best technique for the little ashtray.

lo and behold, the pieces stick together so perfectly and smoothly, ready to be fired in the kiln, and neteyam’s grateful.

“thanks,” he sighs almost dreamily.

“yeah, of course. glad to help,” you tell him.

when you return to your own project, you slam back the rest of your melting drink and neteyam’s eyes are squinting the get a read on what it is you order.

you’re pleasantly surprised when you turn up to pottery the next session to work on a new project, and neteyam’s there with two coffees, one next to his wheel, another near yours.

“what’s this?” you hum, tying your apron with a messy bow.

“a thank you,” he says shyly. “for helping me last time.”

your eyes widen when you see your favorite; a chai with almondmilk, vanilla, and a shot of espresso.

“how’d you…”

“it’s what you were drinking…” he responds. “last week. i think.

“oh…” you trail off, cheeks hot because he noticed ???

“you don’t have to—”

“NO!” you yelp, a tad loud. some of the other students working on a few last minute projects peer at the two of you and teyam’s grinning like an idiot when he sees the way you tuck your hair behind your ear and reach for the drink. “this is good! it’s great. thank you so much. i actually missed my run this morning.”

“yeah, of course,” he sighs, rolling his lips together as the two of you kinda get off to a clunky start.

the silence between the two of you is a lil awkward, but you decide to break the ice since teyam’s technically played his hand and the ball’s in your court.

“are you an art major ?” you ask.

“uh, nah,” he'd say, rubbing his sweaty palms on the thighs of his baggy jeans because HE SHOWED UP TO CLASS 15 MINUTES EARLY and the agony of not knowing if you’d show up made him so nervous. “environmental engineering.”

your eyebrows raise ever so slightly, lips forming an ‘o’ bc wow that must mean he’s super smart.

“wow, that’s insane,” you say quietly. “what made you take pottery ?”

“only elective that didn’t make me wanna claw my eyes out,” he laughs nervously. “what about you ? what’s your major ?”

you seem to mull over your thoughts for a moment, obviously a little hesitant to answer.

“3d art...nothing special...” you trail off.

neteyam begins working with the slab of clay waiting for him in the center of the wheel, cheeks going hot because the words leave him before he can stop them.

“no, no. i think that’s really cool. art is a really challenging passion to have & i admire people willing to dive in full stop.”

the comment makes you smile, fingers pliant over the wet clay.

neteyam wants to DIE because he can’t read whether or not your smile is genuine or if you’re grimacing because he’s the biggest idiot ever.

he supposes it’s the former when you two are parting ways, signing the attendance log and you decide to bite the bullet and write your instagram handle on the bottom corner of the page and tear it off to hand to him.

he’s barely able to get a ‘thank you’ out before you’re racing out the door with your gifted coffee in hand.

you’re so giddy when you run out of the building and your phone pings in the front pocket of your satchel and you see that teyam.sully has followed you.

after that day, you two become really friendly !

neteyam frequently dms you about class, but eventually, he starts sending you vids and memes, saying that they made him think of you.

it becomes so obvious to both of your friend groups that you’re crushing on each other, but both of you are too painfully shy to say anything despite every green flag.

soon, looking forward to seeing each other during class turns into neteyam subtly asking you to hang out.

you make a comment about one of his hoodies and he mentions that he thrifted it.

“wait really??” you’re pausing your work to look at him. “i love thrifting!”

he smiles wide, word vomiting before he can stop himself.

“yeah? i know a couple of good places if you’re down.”

you say yes, DUH !

looking back at it, maybe that’s your first date because he picks you up from your dorm & bc you guys live in a fairly walkable city, you commute to the thrift and you’re SO giddy because the backs of your hands keep brushing every time some impatient pedestrian pushes by you guys on the narrow sidewalks.

you guys end up spending HOURS and teyam’s internally screaming because you find a shirt that has a peeling heart with the phrase ‘if lost return to wife’ and he happens upon the match to it a couple aisles down that says ‘i'm the wife’.

when you’re not looking, teyam buys the shirts and stuffs them in his canvas bag.

DUDE IS WHIPPED.

he wants you SO bad.

after the thrift, you guys get pizza, and after that, ice cream, and JESUS he doesn’t want the day to end because being with you is so easy.

over the course of the rest of the semester, the two of you make it a routine to hang out at least once a week and you’re always looking forward to it.

dates excursions include; trips to the museum to see recent exhibits, weekly pizza parlor dinners, study sessions at the 24 hr cafe a block from the school (in which he always walks you home after), park days where he reads books on environmental sustainability and you secretly draw portraits of him.

in these times, he learns that you want to become an art teacher, your favorite cereal is froot loops with the marshmallows, your all time show is amazing world of gumball.

almost cries laughing when he finds out that you have a secret pet turtle you hide in your dorm named franklin.

acknowledges that he’s falling, but falls even harder when the florist who owns the flower shop you two always pass hands you the prettiest little bundle of flowers and you spend the entire trek to the park, handing out individual stems to couples, children, and the elderly, telling them to have a beautiful day.

it all comes to a head near the end of the semester when he realizes that he can’t keep dancing around his feelings for you and the feelings he’s almost certain you have for him.

tells you to clear your schedule for the upcoming friday night and dresses a little nicer than usual when he picks you up.

brings you two to the planetarium in the city and, instead of watching the exhibit, he spends the entire time watching how you light up.

he knows in his gut that you could be it for him.

he’s loved getting to know you and spending so much time with you.

he’s so immersed in this feeling throughout the entire night.

probably wipes his sweaty palms over the thighs of his pants before shakily taking your hand as the diagram of the constellations shift.

can’t help but smile when your fingers squeeze his and you seem to shift closer to him as the narrator starts the presentation.

and he’s especially quiet after the exhibit, fingers still twined with yours as the two of you walk down the bustling sidewalks of the city center.

two of you probably stop by a dessert cafe and sit outside on a bench in the spring air, enjoying the buskers as you share a little cake.

you’re talking about home and how you’re excited to see your family again and he can’t help but imagine bringing you home to meet all his siblings and his parents because he knows that they’d absolutely love you and—

you’ve paused your speaking, thumb brushing the corner of his mouth and he’s SHORT CIRCUITING.

“shit, that was weird i’m so—”

his palm cups your jaw, thumb on your cheek, pad of his pinky and ring finger soft against your neck.

“can i?” he whispers.

TRIANGLE METHOD !!

he glances at one eye, gaze dropping to your lips before glancing at the other.

you already know what he’s referring to, could feel the romantic tension between the two of you since the beginning, but only become sure of it in the recent weeks.

”can you what?” you swallow.

he breathes a short laugh because the knowing smile that quirks your lips is a dead give away.

“can i kiss you?” he asks softly, absently setting your abandoned dessert somewhere behind him on the bench.

“yeah,” you’d nod, leaning into him. “please.”

before the two of you go your separate ways for summer holiday, he shows you the shirts he bought at the thrift store the first time around, but insists on keeping the shirt that says ‘i'm the wife’.

neng © 2023

[kestrelteens]

✨ Anybody need a family house?  ✨

I’m kinda pleasantly surprised with how this one turned out (despite wrestling w roofs as always) so I thought I might share it in case some of you would enjoy it and find it useful! :3

The exterior of the house is heavily inspired by this house from ts4. 🌺

There’s very little CC (doors & windows, some plants, walls); the list is under the cut!

You can also find the floor plan pics under the cut.  🌱

Please use the clean installer as always!  🌟

download (sfs) // alt download (mediafire)

CC you need for the lot to show up properly:

1. Bespoke Build Set (doors & windows);

2. this door (T$R)

3. Plants from here, here, here, here, here, here & here;

4. rocks from here

5. these tiles

6. these floors

7. walls from Gilbert brick walls from here, here, Dawn siding here, here, here, here, here & here

Enjoy! <3

[luvyblossom]

Love me (not) (Pt. 3)

Hello Lovelies!

Thank you to those who have given me so much love on the previous parts! There will be a part 4 coming soon. This chapter is so self indulgent. Lots of angry Hyunjin! Also if you want to be added to the taglist just leave a note and I will add you.

Happy Reading!

W/c 4.5k

Warnings: this fic contains sexual content. MDNI

Series Masterlist

_____________________________

The week went by as normal except for the fact that you had not seen Hyunjin since he left your apartment that night. You had texted him to hang out a few times but he had said he was busy with some project or had other plans so you let it be. Felix had started to join your regular study sessions that used to be with Hyunjin and he would drag you to the gym after to show you some Taekwondo moves. Your evenings passed by pleasantly that week with Felix and his lessons would tucker you out so that you were ready for bed as soon as you got home. You were almost tired enough to not miss Hyunjin sleeping next to you- almost.

It was finally Friday and the day of your 'date' with Felix. You weren't sure if it was a date yet. Although you had spent hours with him this week, he had been friendly and nothing more. No real flirting, no almost kisses- which was frustrating because watching him show you martial arts moves only made him sexier. You had tried to call Hyunjin but he hadn't picked up. You were starting to wonder if something else was going on. He had never spent this much time away from you. Maybe he was just really stressed with his project but you decided that you would go see him tomorrow, he needed to take a break at some point. Now however, you had to get ready for a hike which was likely uphill. How exactly could you look cute while sweating?

"Where exactly is this hike?" You asked Felix as you climbed into his passenger seat.

"It's a surprise." He gave you his signature smile as he started to drive. You both listened to music and sang along. Maybe you were just forming a friendship similar to what you and Hyunjin had. Felix felt familiar and while you found him extremely attractive, he had not given you any indication that he liked you after the night of the party so you decided to clear your mind of any date ideas. You would just be disappointed again if you were expecting it.

Felix parked his car in what looked like the middle of nowhere. You were surrounded by trees and there was no sign of any civilization. "You didn't bring me here to kill me right?"

Felix laughed, "I've shown you enough self-defence that you should be able to take me down."

The hike was really pleasant. Trees surrounded you and when the foliage thinned you could see a river with bright blue water running alongside the trail. You walked quietly with Felix, a comfortable quiet, as you took in the beauty around you. The whole time Felix just watched you.

"This is the spot," Felix said as you reached a clearing at the top of the hill. Two large rocks sat at the top as if they had been placed there just so you and Felix could sit. From the lookout you could see the expanse of the river, the changing csky and the faint outline of the city skyline. You had made it just in time for the sun to start setting.

"It's absolutely beautiful," you sat on one of the rocks and Felix sat down next to you. The sky turned shades of orange, red, pink and purple as the sun started to dip below the horizon. "So how many girls have you brought here?" You teased.

"Actually just one," Felix rubbed the back of his neck, a habit that you had learned to recognize was a sign that he was nervous. "My grandma used to bring me here. She always told me this spot was magic, if you made a wish as the sun set, it would come true."

"What did you wish for?" You turned to Felix, peeling your eyes away from the gorgeous view in front of you. He was already looking at you, his brown eyes looking so intently as if he was trying to memorize every part of your face. He moved closer to you and crashed his lips onto to yours, taking you by complete surprise. The kiss was deep and he held onto you, pulling you close against him as if you were going to be taken away. He ran his tongue over your lips asking for entrance which you granted, allowing him to deepen the kiss. You pulled away to get some air and moved to straddle his lap. As soon as you were sitting on him, his lips were back on yours.

You felt his hands start to explore your body, tracing his fingers from your neck, down your back and to your hips, leaving your skin burning with every touch. He let out a moan as you started to grind yourself down on him, feeling how hard he was. He kissed down your jawline until he reached a sensitive spot on your neck, leaving a love bite there while he guided your hips to roll over his length. You could feel the wetness gathering in your panties as you rubbed yourself against him, getting just enough stimulation for momentary satisfaction while leaving you wanting so much more. Felix was leaving sloppy kisses and bites all over your collarbones while desperately pushing up into you, yearning for friction as well. He suddenly stopped his movement and pulled himself away from you, drawing a whine from you.

"I think we should head back," he sounded breathless as he said it. As much as you wanted him to rip off your clothes and fuck you there, it had become dark. The city skyline painted a faint figure of lights in the distance and the stars and moon reflected in the water. You could hear coyotes in the otherwise quiet night so you reluctantly agreed.

The moon lit your hike back. Felix and you walked hand in hand, admiring the stars, the admiration being interrupted with bouts of making out on the path before remembering your final destination. When you did finally reach Felix's car, you were more desperate than ever. As soon as he climbed into the car you were on top of him once again, crashing your lips onto his. You let your hands roam his body and slip under his shirt to feel his muscled torso and chest. His muscles were carved out, defined like a statue. It was your turn to mark him up as you kissed over his collarbones.

Felix groaned as he placed his hands on your shoulders and gently pushed you away from him so you were face to face. " Can we just talk for a second?" He was still breathless as he held you away from him, resisting the urge to buck his hips up into you.

You were surprised, not sure what to expect as you nodded your head.

He brought one of his hands away from you to scratch the back of his neck. "So I-uh," he closed his eyes tight, trying to figure out the right way to say what he wanted. He opened his eyes but avoided looking into yours, "I have a bit of a reputation of uh, sleeping around. I know it may make me seem like that's all I want but I really like you and I don't want it to come off like I just want a one night stand. Can we take it slow so I can actually date you?"

There was your heart, thumping loud enough to echo through the quiet valley. He looked so cute being this nervous and he liked you? He wanted to date you? You felt admired, wanted and so warm as he sat nervously, waiting for your answer. You moved the short distance between the both of you and gave him a kiss on the cheek, getting his attention so he would finally meet your gaze. "I can take it slow," you reassured him with a smile. You could see the relief wash over Felix's face as the smile that almost permanently sat on his face returned.

Despite being tired from your week with Felix and the long hike, you sat in bed feeling more giddy than ever, recounting all the events that happened today. You felt a blush spread over you as you remembered how Felix had felt against you. How he had told you how he felt. You didn't have to guess or overthink, he just told you what he thought. You wanted to call Hyunjin to tell him everything that happened but it was already late. You would have to wait until tomorrow.

-------

You tried Hyunjin's phone getting sent to voicemail for what felt like the 100th time this week. You hung up and called Seungmin instead who refreshingly, picked up after the first ring.

"Hello pretty lady. What makes you call today?"

"Is Hyunjin there? I have literally not been able to get a hold of him this entire week."

"He's not home. He's been a dick this whole week. I think he's fought with everyone at the house atleast once."

That was weird. Hyunjin could have a temper but it rarely came out and he wasn't one to pick fights quickly. "He must be really stressed over that project. Do you know when he'll be back? I'm gonna force him to take a break."

"I'm not sure when he'll be back but we're having a party tonight and I know he'll be there for that so just come tonight."

You let out a sigh. Another party. "Okay I guess if that's the only way to get a hold of him. Do you know if he's angry with me? I've never seen him be this intense about school." You weren't sure what exactly you could have done to deserve this much of a cold shoulder from him but maybe that's why he had been avoiding you.

"He hasn't talked to me at all, but I'll see you tonight!"

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

You walked into the over crowded frat house trying to navigate your way through the crowd and find a familiar face. You found Seungmin at his spot in the kitchen making drinks.

He gave you a smile and a hug when he saw you, handing you a drink. "You look hot,” was all he said as he looked at you, making you blush at the compliment. You had worn a fitted short dress with thin straps that left most of your cleavage exposed. You smacked Seungmin's arm as he pretended to gawk at you so he would stop teasing.

"Do you know where he is? Has he already found a girl or can I catch him before he disappears?" You didn't want to walk into his room and have a repeat of last weekend.

Seungmin pointed Hyunjin out to you, he was sitting on one of the couches next to some girl- it wasn't Jess to your relief. She had her hands on his arm as she kept talking and he seemed to be barely listening to what she said. He looked so effortlessly gorgous as he sat there in a white button down and black jeans. His black hair framed his face and rings adorned his long fingers as they wrapped around his red solo cup. Not seeing Hyunjin for so many days had made you forget how perfect he looked, almost unreal.

"Good luck, he's been so grumpy," Seungmin said as you made your way through the suffocating crowd again to reach Hyunjin.

You tapped the girl's shoulder, "I'm sorry to interrupt but I really need to talk to Hyunjin." She gave you a dirty look and tried to turn back to Hyunjin. You proceeded to shove yourself between the two of them on the couch, successfully chasing her away after she called you a bitch under her breath.

Hyunjin looked at you but somehow avoided eye contact, "Y/n, what are you doing here?" His voice was quiet but sounded so cold and monotone.

"I came to see you," you tried to place your hand on his but he pulled it away from your grasp. "Is something wrong?" Hyunjin wouldn't look at you and you were starting to get over the silent treatment he was giving you. You chugged your drink and then grabbed Hyunjin's forearm, attempting to drag him off the couch. It wasn't very successful as he didn't even budge an inch despite you using your full force. You held on to him and gave him a pleading look until he got off the couch with a sigh and let you lead him. You ended up taking him to his room so it would be quiet enough to have a conversation. You were happy to find that there wasn't a girl waiting to kiss his face off in his room tonight.

"What do you want?" Hyunjin sounded like an angry teen as he sat down at the edge of his bed.

"I want to know what’s wrong with you. I haven't seen you all week and you've barely spoken to me."

"I told you I was busy." Hyunjin still refused to look at you.

"Did I do something to piss you off? Did something happen? Seungmin told me how grumpy you've been this week."

Hyunjin didn't say anything, looking down at his shoes, still effortlessly gorgeous even when he was moping. You walked up right in front of him and hugged him, pulling him close to you. He didn't resist but he also didn't wrap his arms around you in the way you had become accustomed to. You pulled away and moved your hand under his chin, tilting his head up so he would finally look at you, ignoring the way your heart echoed in your ears at the proximity. His deep brown eyes seemed clouded, like they had a storm brewing behind them that hadn't quite reached the surface.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it but don't ignore me please." You wanted to tell him how much you had missed him this week. How empty and cold your bed had felt without his presence but you knew how needy that would sound and you didn’t want to say those words aloud.

Hyunjin’s eyes softened as he looked into yours, recognizing the concern that flooded them. He spread his knees so you could slot into the space between his legs as he sat at the edge of his bed. His arms finally wrapped around you and he pulled you in so close that you could feel each other breathe.

Hyunjin let out a deep sigh, pulling you even closer, "you didn't do anything wrong. I'm sorry." He closed his eyes and nuzzled his head into your neck. With his lips ghosting over your skin he whispered, "I missed you," so quietly that you almost didn't hear.

Your breath hitched, being this close to Hyunjin was dangerous. You pushed away from him, giving him a warm smile when he looked up at you, loosening his grasp on you. You wiggled out of his arms and began to look around his room. His desk was cluttered with different art supplies, the walls covered in paintings and posters. An easel sat by his window in the corner of the room. It faced away from you so you couldn't see what was painted on the canvas.

"You promised you'd show me your paintings. I think I've earned a private showing by now."

Hyunjin stood up and walked over to his desk to grab a sketchbook. He sat back down on his bed and patted the spot next to him signalling you to sit down. He flipped through the book describing the inspiration behind every painting and picture. His art was breathtaking with such a wide range from delicate water colour paintings of abstract scenery to sketches so precise that they looked like photographs. They gave you a different view into his life: his dog back home, the places he'd seen and his favourite movie scenes.

"So not only is Hyunjin Hwang absolutely gorgeous but he's also extremely talented." You complimented him, not noticing the blush that painted over his cheeks. You kicked off your heeled boots and started to walk around his room, admiring his paintings that decorated his walls.

Hyunjin sat, watching you as you smiled at his paintings, pointing out the scenes of places that you had visited together. He got the chance to take you in. You. Looked. Hot. Your dress left little to the imagination as it hugged every one of your curves. Being away from you for a week had allowed Hyunjin to ignore how he had started feeling about you after the towel incident, but being around you now, looking the way you do- it brought those feelings bubbling back. He was willing himself not to get hard in your presence. Hyunjin had not met with any girl since the last party, your lack of presence in his days making everything feel boring. He had been pent up and he didn’t realize it until you were in front of him, with your perfect lips and in that tight dress. The sight of you was only making his situation harder. While lost in his horny thoughts, Hyunjin did not notice you open up the other sketchbook on his desk.

You felt like you were in your own museum, getting to feel the artist's art not only through the paintings but through his words. Hyunjin was very talented and you lamented not getting to appreciate his art sooner. You finished examining all the paintings on his wall and started to look at the various sketches scattered over his desk, finding a sketchbook that he hadn't shown you yet. As you flipped through the pages you saw some shadow-work and flower paintings. Then you reached a sketch with made you stop turning. The picture was of the library where you always studied, the focus of the sketch being a girl with her hair swept up in a bun, brows furrowed as she held a pen between her teeth and stared down at something in front of her. It was a sketch of you.

"Did you draw me?" You asked Hyunjin while turning to the next page. Here was a drawing of a familiar memory when you and Hyunjin had gone to the beach. There you sat in the sand, looking out at the sea with your beach towel wrapped loosely around your shoulders for warmth. He had drawn it from his perspective. He sat next to you that evening and had captured your side profile while you were unaware, lost in the feeling of the misty breeze that had floated over the ocean.

Your words snapped Hyunjin back to reality. It took him a second but he realized which one of his books you were holding. His eyes widened in panic, "Don't look at that one." He practically shouted as he lunged towards you, aiming to grab the book out of your hands before you could look any further. You tried to dodge him but your reflexes were not quite as fast as his. He swiftly grabbed the book out of your hand but not before you got a glimpse of the next page. You had seen a side profile where the girl wore a loose muscle shirt that showed ample side-boob and allowed her nipple to poke through the thin fabric. What stood out to you was the small rose tattoo that sat beneath her breast, right on the rib. The small tattoo that you had gotten on your 19th birthday, the one that was so easy to hide that very few people knew about it.

You didn't get time to process the intimate drawing as you found yourself trapped between Hyunjin and the desk. He stood against you with one hand on the desk supporting his weight and the other holding the sketchbook behind him. The proximity and the thought of his sketch left you feeling dizzy. You somehow found the breath to say, "Why can't I see it?" Not giving away that you may be aware of exactly why he didn't want you to look.

Hyunjin chose not to answer the question, being unable to think of an excuse when he stood this close to you. Your body pressed up against his and your face so close to his that the smallest movement would allow him to kiss your soft, tinted red lips. He tried to shake the urge to take what he wanted most at this moment. Instead he gently brushed his fingers over your jaw. The touch was so light that you barely felt it, but it was enough to make breathing impossible for you as you stood feeling like a deer in headlights trapped under his intense, almost hungry gaze. He used the same feather light touch to run his fingers down your neck. You still held your breath, heartbeat drowning out all the noise from the party going on just outside the door, leaving you feeling like it was just you and him in this moment.

Suddenly, his fingers stopped their gentle movement as they lingered at the base of your neck. His eyes staring at a spot and his gaze changing from soft to intense fury. He spoke in a quiet, measured voice, "Who did that to you?"

Your attention was brought to the spot that his eyes were fixated on. You ran your hand over it, feeling the tender flesh, realizing it was the spot where Felix had left a hickey on you the night before. You had completely forgotten about it.

"Y/n, who did that?" Hyunjin repeated, voice as quiet as before but the words sounding harsh.

"I uh- I had the date last night and-"

Hyunjin cut you off, "Did you fucking sleep with him?" He scoffed. "One fucking mediocre-ass date and you threw yourself at him." Hyunjin's words dripped with bitterness as he glared at you, his body still pressed against yours and his fingers still hovering over the hickey on your neck.

You attempted to push Hyunjin off of you,"it is none of your fucking business what happened between us." You matched his rage as you continued to push against him, failing to move his body. "Let me go."

"He's going to use you and then toss you aside when he's bored" Hyunjin snapped at you, continuing to trap you with his tall frame.

"Not every guy is like you." You pushed him away one more time, this time he let you go.

Your words rang in Hyunjin's ears. It stung that you thought of him like that, but he knew it was true. You walked away from him and sat down on the edge of his bed again, beginning to lace up your boots. "Where are you going? It's almost 2am."

"You don't need to monitor everything I do." His worry was valid and you felt a bit bad for snapping at him again but you were so angry. Who is he to dictate what sort of relationship you had with Felix? There was finally a decent guy who liked you, who wanted you and who was honest about his feelings and you weren't going to let Hyunjin's dislike of him ruin a potentially good relationship.

Hyunjin swallowed his jealousy, pain and anger, recognizing the rage that you held behind every word. He had just got you back and he did not want to spend anymore time without you. The week truly had been so lonely without you. He walked over and knelt in front of you, slowly taking your hands away from your boots so you would leave the task and acknowledge him. "I'm sorry," he closed his eyes, "I'm being overprotective. I just don't want you to hurt."

You let out a breath, the warmth from his hands working it's way through your anger, reminding you how much you missed him. "I know you care about me and you mean well. I know you don't like him but I promise he's genuine. He really makes me feel special and I trust him."

Hyunjin kept his eyes squeezed shut as you made your case for Felix. Finally, he met your gaze, "Stay over tonight. It's too late for you to go home." You agreed, too tired to go home at this point and looking forward to time with your friend. You spent the rest of the night watching movies in Hyunjin's bed, comfy in his t-shirt, until you both drifted off to sleep. The glimpse of the sketch still at the back of your mind as your eyes fluttered shut.

-------

You joined the line of girls doing the walk of shame out of Sigma Chi the next morning. Hyunjin was still asleep but you needed to go home. You could not shower with his 5-in-1 wash again. Unlike the other girls who tugged on their clothes and uncomfortable shoes from the night before, you had the luxury of leaving in Hyunjin's hoodie and a pair of his sweats.

As you walked out, you heard someone calling your name. You turned to see Felix jogging towards you. "Good morning," he said when he reached you. "What are you up to?"

"Morning. I'm heading home. Hopefully to take a nap," you replied. "What are you doing running on a Sunday morning like a psychopath?"

Felix laughed, "Training doesn't end. But I'm done for now, let me walk you home." He took your hand in his, lacing his fingers through yours. "You were at Sigma Chi?" He tried to sound casual, masking how the question was gnawing at him.

"Yeah. I was at the party last night and ended up staying over since it was late," you explained, not picking up on how Felix clenched his jaw.

He wasn't sure how to prod further without making it seem like he wanted to know what exactly happened. He had been happy this week, thinking Hyunjin had backed off but now he saw you walk out of Hyunjin's house, dressed in clothes that were definitely too baggy to belong to you. He finally blurted out, "you saw Hyunjin?"

"Yeah, I went to see him and we talked it out. It's good to not be fighting anymore." Despite being tired, you felt light. The weight that Hyunjin's absence had left on you finally lifted. Felix on the other hand did not feel as light. Maybe the hickey had been too subtle.

----------

And that's the end of Part 3!!

This is an original work. Do not republish or repost this work in any form, including translations.

©LuvyBlossom

Tags: @chartrucewhore, @meeeds

[saltymongoose]

Hear me out: yan!main four w their object of affections/ s/o that can purr

The boys got lots of purrs to give but what abt the reader? We need to hear it (or read it in this case aakdjdjs)

Definitely sounds like an interesting scenario, here are your hcs. :) <;3 (And my apologies for the extreme lateness 🙏! Work sent me to the shadow realm again oof.)

[Yandere] Their S/O Purrs Around Them ft. The Main 3 + 2BDamned

(TW: Yandere, Obsessive Behavior)

- [2BDAMNED] -

> 2BDamned was pleasantly surprised when he found out that you could purr. You were already close at this point, so you had no reservations about showing your emotions to him. He did make himself available for you to vent to if you ever needed it, and he was your closest “friend” at the S.Q. anyway, but he had no idea you truly felt that comfortable around him. He was touched, and very happy with the current turn of events.

> Doc doesn’t try too hard to get you to purr, at least not to the point where it becomes obvious. Subtly is his specialty, after all; the last thing he’d want to do is scare you off by becoming too overbearing or smothering in your view. However, this doesn’t mean he doesn’t marvel at you when you do purr around him.

> He’s very lucky that he has a mask to hide his face, otherwise you’d see the smile that appears the moment he hears the gentle rumbles erupt from you. That and the embarrassing blush he feels beginning to burn on his cheeks. (Time for being so open about those things could come later when the relationship between you was far stronger.)

> Although, sometimes he even allows himself to reciprocate, in the hopes that his own purring will encourage you to feel comfortable enough to do it more around him. To him, it's a small mark of progress, a sign that you are growing closer together, and he cherishes every occasion this happens.

> He never knew such a simple sound could ever make him so happy, and honestly he even feels foolish for the sheer elation that overcomes him whenever he hears it from you. But, unlike any other time, he's content to be a fool, as long as it's only for you. That's just scratching the surface of how deep his love for you is, something you'd come to find out soon enough if he has any say in it.

- [DEIMOS] -

> Unfortunately for him, Deimos finding out you can purr was not due to any action he did, but from one of your other friends instead. He walked in to find you giving them a hug, with a small, barely audible purr beginning to lull up in your throat, and honestly he's affronted by the sheer audacity exhibited by your friend here. Didn’t they already know you two were together? Sure, you weren’t “official” yet, but he thought your interactions made it obvious enough.

> He tries relentlessly to get you to purr, upping the ante on every romantic and comforting gesture that comes to his mind with the hope of making you happy enough to do so. If you thought he was supremely clingy and almost too generous with his gifts before, he really outdoes himself now.

> You know full well why he’s behaving this way now too, and honestly, his desperation to hear such an inconsequential noise from you is kind of amusing amusing. It’s not like you even do it that often around anyone else, but you guess he doesn’t know that.

> (He does, but you don't understand that he wants it to be a "thing" between you and him. He purrs so often around you that it's more akin to white noise at this point; he can't help it (he loves you that much), but he'd at least hope you'd be willing to just relax a bit more around him so he can hear yours in turn.)

> However, you can see why he’d want to hear you purr regardless. With how much he wants to be with you romantically, it’d probably mean a lot to him. It is one of the ultimate signs of trust for grunts, and it shows how happy you feel around him - both of which being things he seems to long for, no matter how much effort it takes.

> So, on a day when you feel particularly generous, you decide to loosen up and allow yourself to purr when he's attached himself to your side again. In an instant, you can feel Deimos' mouth curl into a wide smile against the nape of your neck, and an excited noise leaves him. He presses himself even closer to you, wanting to hear it with more clarity, and you feel warmth creep across your face.

> He just wants to bask in this moment alone with you, surrounded by the sound of your love and happiness. His breath is shaky as he forcefully quiets himself from making much noise, though his euphoria makes it increasingly difficult. He feels his adoration for you bloom to even greater heights, and if you were able to see his face, you'd only see the completely dazed, love-struck look he holds just for you.

> You mean everything to Deimos, and with this moment, he yearns even more for the day when you'll view him the same way - the day when you're his. And judging by this occasion, he's hopeful that it's closer than he initially thought.

- [HANK J. WIMBLETON] -

> The first time you purred around Hank wasn’t done on purpose, but rather a natural reaction to his own loud purring. He seemed to pause for a second, to which you grimaced to yourself, suddenly concerned with what he was thinking. Even after being around him for so long, he remained largely unpredictable to you. However, the sudden rough nuzzle you got from him after that moment was enough of a reassurance that he was in no way displeased.

> Despite how mysterious and downright confusing he is, Hank’s thought process concerning general affection is simple to understand. He loves you more than life itself and all the carnage within it, favoring you above all other things Nevada holds, so he reasoned that showing it to you would be the best way to get that across. Hence why he purrs so often around you and lavishes you with more loving gestures than you could ever ask for.

> If anything, the fact that this form of communication between you has occurred is far more important than you’d ever expect. Physical gestures are the easiest ways he’s found to convey his feelings, so you doing the same in turn (even if not completely on purpose) overjoys him. It shows that you understand him far more than any others do, which reinforces the fact that you must be meant for him, just as he is for you. 

> As an extension of that, you purring around him was definitely a sign that you returned his immense feelings. Or at least, you were beginning to. That must’ve been it.

> Hank doesn’t much care for the deeper sentimental meanings of most things, and everybody knows that. But if he was truly as ambivalent and callous as most see him, he probably wouldn’t be feeling the fuzzy, burning sensation of true happiness when he hears you simply purr. The only person that made him “soft” in that fashion was you. And he was more than okay with that.

- [SANFORD] -

> Sanford always had some curiosity about whether or not you’d purr around him (or even if you could), but he doesn’t approach it like it’s something he has to make you do. Was getting such a nice gesture of love back from you something of a fantasy for him? Maybe. But he’d never try to push you to do so; that type of act just feels too manipulative to him.

> He’d long decided that if you were going to return his feelings, it’d have to be solely on your own. He can do his best to convey his fondness for you in the meantime anyway. Luckily for him though, he wouldn’t have to wait too long.

> After all this time, you were pretty comfortable around Sanford. You knew at this point that despite what his reputation suggests, he’d never hurt you. Add this to how doting he is and it made complete sense that you’d be fine with purring around him. So you just do, simple as.

> It might not be a big deal to you, hell you might not even notice some of the time. But it is a huge thing for Sanford. Finding someone that you can trust to this level in Nevada is a rare thing to begin with, and he knows that it was probably difficult to get comfortable around him at first because of his job and everything else.

> So when he hears you purr around him for the first time, and feels your body vibrate the slightest bit from where it's comfortably leaning against him, he honestly feels like he might cry. He becomes even more of a mess when you give him a worried look and whisper little reassurances to him, unsure of why he's so weepy all of a sudden.

> While he doesn't get as emotional in the subsequent times you purr, it still has a way of tugging at his heartstrings. Your purr is a physical sign of your intimate connection; a clear way to communicate to him that you genuinely care for him and trust him above other grunts. It seems like his heart beats twice as fast just from hearing it, and the amount of joy it brings him almost aches in its intensity.

> Sanford loves you so much that it hurts, but to him it's a good sort of pain. The kind that tells him that what he feels for you is real and far-reaching, the kind of love that he knows will last forever. While he returns your purrs with his own softer ones, he goes over plans to fully reveal these deep affections to you in a way you truly deserve. Only the best for his beloved after all.

[anmiruzu]

Hello how are you doing? Hopefully your doing good :)

I have a request you don't have to do it at all if you don't want to. I was hoping you can do a gn reader who has sans ability? I'm talking about that reader that has sans ability. They can teleport, they can summon a gaster blaster and something else! If you don't know sans. U can search them in Google, "sans undertale ability". And how they met the Upper moons (separately). You can Ignore this if u don't take request u just wanted to ask :)

upper moons 3&6 w/ reader who has sans abilities

a/n hii ty for requesting I’m doing well and i hope you’re doing well too :D so so srry for taking so long, i procrastinated a lot. :’) (is not used to writing for multiple characters) also this only has akaza, daki, and gyuutaro. I'll post the rest when i get to it if i don’t procrastinate. just some warnings but possible inaccuracies w/ the abilities; i haven't played the game so i just skimmed through the wiki. and possible ooc; it’s the first time I’ve written these three

Akaza

-akaza would mostly be interested in your abilities, curious in how you got them despite being a human.

-he would also be curious how they work and would ask questions, like if it strains you to use too much to simply how it works and if it works under certain conditions, etc.

-would always ask you guys to train and fight together 

-would get really surprised if you randomly teleport in front of him but would try not to show it, although it’s obvious with the small flinch. 

-if you were a demon assuming you’re really strong, he would try putting in a good word for you, and soon you become a fellow upper moon only after upper moon 6 dies tho. 

-how you two met: akaza was out on a mission for muzan until you came along teleporting in front of him by mistake. 

-he, at first, thought it was a blood demon art and was interested in how it works but then he found out that you were not a demon and were in fact a flesh and blood human. 

-was pleasantly surprised with this information and wanted to challenge you to a duel. This want only got worse he found out about the other abilities you have

-ended up asking you, your name and challenging you to a duel and throughout the whole duel, he was trying to convince you to become a demon so you can train and fight each other for all of eternity (similar to Rengoku). 

-if you somehow won the duel and decided not to kill him, he would come seek you out, challenging you again and again until you agree to becoming a demon.

-if you lost the duel he would give you one last chance to become a demon before killing you. But if you decide to take him up on that offer he would be overjoyed and turn you into a demon already wanting to fight you again.       

Daki

-she found you to be really beautiful and if you were a demon she would be clingy to you both because of your beauty and her admiration of your strong abilities. if you were human tho she would try eating you

-when she’s not working, she would be by your side and would often bicker with her brother who doesn’t like you

-you act as a sort of peacemaker between the two of them although you really only succeed at calming down daki and not gyuutaro

-how you two met: Daki saw you on her way to another job, at first she didn’t really care after all you were just another human. She did, however, take note of how beautiful you were. 

-she planned on eating you later, after her job and during the night. So a few hours later, late in the evening she seeked you out, luckily she found you quickly and chased you down with her obi sashes.   

-of course you easily avoided them and quickly got away with your teleportation.

-she got really pissed at that (meaning she threw a small temper tantrum) and tried seeking you out; key word tried

-she had to have gyuutaro help her out

-it took them a while but the two of them eventually found you again

-only for you to get away… again

-and so a game of cat an mouse ensued 

-with both daki and gyuutaro raging

Gyuutaro

-gyuutaro would be really jealous of your abilities as they’re very overpowered and useful. Making him question how you got your abilities and would enviously grumble. He would compare your abilities to his own and others.

-his envy would get worse if you were good looking too on top of your abilities

-would not get along with you well, finding something to dislike every time you two speak. It would take him a while to warm up with you, his envy getting in the way. You would have to be really persistent for you two to get along. 

-also possible rough housing/mutual teasing? like a lot of back and forth w/ him 

-how you two met: gyuutaro was off roaming around the entertainment district out of boredom.  

-and you somehow caught his eye. whether that be by your looks or how you present yourself to others he doesn’t know. 

-it wasn’t until later when he saw you again that he found out about your abilities. He was immediately enviously grumbling and tried attacking you with his blood sickles (that’s what those are, right?) 

-it failed 

-and he ended up slamming into a building

-you laughed in his face and teleported away

-with him chasing after you 

-(i’m srry I ran out of ideas TvT)

kny masterlist here

[vkt0r]

hii, erm─ may I request a Rotxo x sully!reader? Just Rotxo having romantic feelings for the reader who is a very reserved and stoic person. Idk maybe he just gets very confused yet happy when the reader reciprocates his feelings cuz he thought she didn't like him or sum like that? if not then it's fine:)🫶🫶

⌇˚.༄ ❝ no one like you ❞ ── imagine

✩ | avatar imagines

֙⋆— synopsis : when rotxo finally confesses his feelings for y/n, he was pleasantly surprised, when they reciprocated them.

⋆— note : thank you for the request, love it !! <3

⋆— pairing : rotxo / gn!sully!reader

⋆— word count : 579

⋆— warnings : fluff, ooc, not proofread

It was a day like any other. You were walking trough the jungle, stumbling over brachnes and stones. You and your family have been here since a few months now, adapting pretty good to the reef.

You still got mean comments from some of the Metkayina people, especially Ao'nung and his little friend group, though it got better with the time. There was also Rotxo, a boy your age, who was the best friend of Ao'nung.

He was never mean to you, always looking out for you and making conversation when you were alone. It was nice, since there weren't many people who talked to you, except your family and Tsireya.

"Come closer, look!" You stepped near Rotxo, trying to be careful, as to not wake the sleeping creature that laid in the sun, sleeping soundly.

This morning, you were greeted by an energic Rotxo, who said something of the lines of "there's something in need to show you", "it's very important", "you will love it"

You didn't thought much of it, since the boy never did anything to harm you and you trusted him the most from the people in this clan.

"What is this?" The boy next to you gave you a grin, then turned around to the animal. "I don't know, we've never seen it before," he said, grabbing your hand to pull the both of you a little closer. "It's been here for a while now. We're still trying to figure out where it's from." You shrugged your shoulders, watching as the creature moved in his sleep. Probably dreamt of something.

"We should go back now, the sun is setting." Rotxo nodded and you both stepped back and followed the way to the village. The walk was quiet, none of you talked. It was always comfortable with him, even if you rarely talked.

"Woah, careful there!" Before you could kiss the ground, Rotxo held you by the waist to prevent your fall. Damn, always these stupid stones on the way.

Realizing the position you were in, you immediately stood up straight and waved his hands from your body. You felt blood rush to your cheeks out of embarrassment. Rotxo coughed a little bit, hiding his face behind his arm.

"Sorry, I wasn't caref-", "NO! No, it was my fault..." he did it again. Always blaming himself to save you from discomfort. You found it weird, he always did that. But just with you, never with any of your siblings.

"Um, now that I think about... there's actually something I need to tell you.."

You always hated it when someone said this. It was mostly always bad, so you prepared yourself for bad news.

"Go on." Rotxo cleared his throat, before he took your hands in his. The gesture made your heart stop a beat, but you tried not to show how nervous you were.

"So... I wanted to tell you this for a while now," listening carefully, you mindlessly began to play with his fingers.

"Uhh, I like you. Like, like like you! I know, it sounds weird but-" "I like you too." You interrupted the boy, who glanced up at you in surprise.

"Wait, really?!" You nodded and pulled him closer, to kiss him on the cheek. When you made some distance between you, you could see the big smile that spread on his face.

"W-wow, I've never met someone like you before, you know. You're very special to me." Rotxo confessed.

It made your heart flutter.

©2023, vkt0r

[pinayelf]

❤️ Self-Rec Tag Game ❤️

Rules: Share five of your own fanworks (fic, art, etc.). Then, tag five more people to share the things they've made.

I've finally gotten around to this! Thank you for the tag @shivunin, this is such a wonderful idea <3

Something you absolutely adore

Brown Eyes Looking Into Browner Eyes

Not to toot my own horn (lol I know that's the point of the tag game), but I consider this my magnum opus of 2022. It was the first time I fully incorporated lighting onto a full-piece and I was so proud of how it came out. Seeing all the wonderful comments of ppl loving it meant to much to me :') Also I continue to push my brown eyes supremacy propaganda lmao

The rest under the cut!

Something that was challenging to create

Cullen and Immy's babies

Backgrounds are always a challenge for me, full illustrations are in general (sighs in wanting to be a portrait artist then changing my mind & deciding I wanna be an illustrator smh) especially when there's multiple characters in one and there's 5 in this. The whole process of thinking about every aspect - lighting, color palette, poses, dynamics, perspective jmfidi is SO MUCH. But I really wanted to do this because I wanted a full family illustration of Immy and Cullen w/ their bbs. I don't think it's perfect but me finishing it and actually DOING it helps in going forward.

Something that makes you laugh (or smile, if that fits more comfortably) 

Baby Ilao

Uh-oh, more Cullen x Immy baby content lol. Cullen and Immy's post-Trespasser's life (my hc of it) is my comfort place. I've never cared about giving OCs babies until I romanced Cullen w Immy and now it's all I can think about ;-; The two of them as mamae and papae just make me jmfidijf and baby Ilao is my absolute beloved even tho she's a menace <3 (Papae Cullen does things to my heart ;-;)

Something that surprised you (in how it turned out, how much other people liked it, etc.)

Sinag 2.0

I made Sinag when I was 22, and since I'm 28 now, I've changed quite a bit since then. I've revamped her recently because I've been feeling disconnected with her and I think this helped me find her voice again. So ofc, I had to draw a new proper art piece of her. I was so worried this was going to come out awful because Dragon Age armor in general IS A DOOZY to draw lmao. I'm pleasantly surprised this came out decently, Hawke's armor made me dizzy looking at it lol.

Something you want other people to see

Cullen x Immy as Jane and Bingley

I did a screencap redraw of Lizzie and Darcy as Amihan and Nate, so I decided why not do it with Cullen and Immy - cause I've always seen them as Jane and Bingley. It turned into a full study that took me three weeks (cryin) but I was really happy with how the environments turned out. I really SHOULD DO one again. I put blood sweat and tears into it so I kindly ask to Please Look lol ;-; <3

I've seen most ppl tagged so hopefully I don't double tag! Tagging: @feeshies @tatert07s @cairamelcoffee @sunflowerdales

No pressure ofc <3

[sugar-omi]

Yk, I usually play these games with pretty low expectations of the guys no matter how much it seems I’ll like them ‘cause I often get disappointed. Maybe I pick the wrong ones but I just think my type is hard to find, idk. I like when the boys are cute without trying to be tough all the time, when they show you their softer side, and if they act subby I’ll LOVE them.

Well, I was already enjoying the hell out of OL before the spicier scenes, but you have no idea how pleasantly surprised I was when I found out how much Cove likes it when we are assertive or a bit rough and teasing. At that point I snapped lol, I constantly had this urge to turn him into a mess and then pamper him. He’s so caring that I’d certainly have fun even when they switch.

So, I really enjoy your writing, especially when we get a domme/dom reader, I’m looking forward to your next stories now that the wedding night DLC is out! I hope you still plan to post more of them since you’re really helping us that haven’t gotten enough of OL1 despite the end of the content, but it’s your call.

That white lingerie and the strap tho… I fell for him all over again. Btw, it’s so good that he’s into topping and bottoming, I had never experienced both with a female mc and I absolutely loved it. Too bad we couldn’t do more with him before he took the lingerie off, but it was so worth it. I guess I just have to accept that now my standards are impossibly high, yet I regret nothing <3

I'm so glad you're enjoying my writing<33

I definitely plan to write some stuff but I'm hyperfixating on this piece I'm drawing rn lol, soon though!!!

also same omg. the more subby/cute cove acted the more I wanted to just protect him n be assertive... n just totally babygirl him LMAO pls this man is such a bottom especially after the wedding night dlc, but also when he was topping that was so 😫👐 he's just so perfect

n dw my standards are high too, I'm so picky w games and people, I did not expect to become obsessed w ol 💀💀

[the-cat-chat]

January 7 - January 21, 2023

John Wick: Chapters 1-3 (2014-2019)

A neo-noir action thriller film series that follows John Wick, a former assassin, who is forced back into the criminal underworld he had abandoned.

JayBell: I love a good retired assassin seeks vengeance story arc. It may not be original, but it’s fun and over the top. And it’s Keanu Reeves!

This was not my first time watching the John Wick movies or even my second. Now I have to admit, they aren’t perfect movies. Keanu Reeves’ dialogue is a little too strangely stilted at times, which I guess is a purposeful stylistic choice on his part? At times it’s like every word is being dragged from him slowly and tortuously. Although this does fit his emo character, so there’s that.

I think my biggest gripe with these movies (specifically the 2nd and 3rd) is that when John is fighting like a mob of a hundred nondescript people in masks or helmets, they don’t always fight back as much as you’d think they would. Yeah I know John is like super skilled and everything and they’re in pain after being punched and thrown around, but sometimes they kind of just lay there slightly too long without struggling. It’s as if they’re just waiting for John to kill them.

Other than that one thing, I really enjoy the fight scenes. I don’t care much about car chase or motorcycle chase scenes, but I love close-quarter fight choreography in movies. I also like that the first movie introduces the rules of this criminal underworld, and the second and third movies flesh it out a lot further. This gives the movies a sense of development and greater worldbuilding. They also strike the right balance between realism and fantasy.

As a character, John Wick can be so dramatic. I love that he wears his little dark suits whenever he needs to conduct “business.” I propose that he shows up in the next movie in a bright Hawaiian shirt and flip flops. How many ways can John Wick kill someone with a flip flop? Stay tuned for John Wick Chapter 6: Beach Vacation Vengeance. But seriously, the series is about a man dealing with grief (or failing to deal with his grief), and man does he need some therapy.

P.S. Can you believe that all the shenanigans in 3 movies happen in like the span of a few weeks?

P.P.S. Charon doesn’t get paid enough for all this.

Rating: 7.5/10 cats 🐈

Anzie:

John Wick 1

I was pleasantly surprised with watching John Wick. Not that I thought it was going to be a dumb action movie but how is it possible there’s multiple?? Like please don’t turn Keanu Reeves into Bruce Willis. But Keanu Reeves could never disappoint. For the first one I think a lot of the intro about who the character John Wick is was really good and not cheesy and was more just like giving the general vibe of “yeah no we’re all scared of him and you’re dead dude.” I do wanna comment on the music bc it’s not annoying but it somehow feels like it’s either making fun of the seriousness but also perfect for the seriousness? I really like the hotel and the concierge guy, and I think overall it’s fun bc you know how this is going to go bc hey it’s John Wick- but it’s not really formulaic how most action movies go. I have strong convictions that John Wick is John Constantine’s new identity (or at least the alternate universe version ) and I’m glad to see he’s given up smoking.

John Wick 2

Soo I have no comments excepted that Italian guy’s a slimeball. And poor John Wick. And are people still trying to kill John Wick. They’re all like “Oh JOHN WICk 0—o, he’s so bad, I can take him.” Idiots.

——-The Italy Continental is way more swanky and the tailor and weapons vibe is cool but a lil weird. The whole pigeon man thing seems weird too like honestly he didn’t need him- he’s kill people with a PENCiL as we’ve heard multiple times. I’m sure he could’ve got creative for a few seconds - since he already had to steal the other gunS. And Laurence Fishburn’s incessant laughing. The mirror/fun house thing was nuts. Anyyyway like I said poor John Wick.

John Wick 3 Parabellum

I have to say the best part of this movie was probs the horse. Forget John Wick can use a pencil to kill a man - he knows how to use a horse as a weapon. I also just wanna know how the normal people in this movie act - like there should just be extra scenes past the credits that are normal people saying “You’ll never believe what I saw today when I was on my lunch break,” or the news covering “Breaking News: 45 Russian Men Found Dead in a Warehouse Used for an Illegal Car Ring.” But I digress, as the third film of this series it holds up solid and was enjoyable- and I KNOW the plot is every contract killer in the world is trying to kill John Wick but it felt a tad heavy on the fight scene- like they were just realllllly looong. (I KNOW OkAY). But let’s just say if everyone’s getting all high and mighty about the rules and EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYTHING- they should know Santino’s a weasel right?? And that’s my qualm. Shouldn’t this bounty have really been for Santino? Espppecially considering he was manipulating the HIGH TABLE??? But whatever.

Rating: 7/10 Puppers 🐶

(SORRY John Wick😬)

[withleeknow]

lmao not the big work screen that's brave of you here's another one but less 😵 and more 🥰 vm.tiktok.com/ZGe378eMP/ - genuine q. concerning 🐹/🐈‍⬛: when are we never in the rabbithole??? *complains about the microwave*- *proceeds to feed the microwave* speaking of, hi welcome to your en-o'clock era 👀 this compilation is the most accurate preview of what's in store: vm.tiktok.com/ZGe37yXGA/

icl seungmin and mimo in ate?? still not over that bridge + that genre of mimo? i'm thinking the Δ composition = fwb/fboy!mimo + pining-bsf!seungmin 😶‍🌫️ WT: I CAN HEAR THE COGS TURNING + SENSE THE ANGST FROM MILES AWAY ISTG WOMAN THE REVEALLLL I'M GONNA SCREAM 🕊🦋

“what am i doing with an enhypen album” im crying 😭😭 consider yourself ✨️ influenced ✨️ she really is the prettiest - I didn't realise just how cute/cozy their photoshoot concepts were for inceptio 🥺 also asia!! 💓 whereabouts are you headed?

i'm surprised you're still here bc 🥟's given us not one but TWO ig lives this week 😭😭 AND THE TOUR CLIPS SO FAR?? BANGCHAN??! SMILEY MIMO W/ HIS BLUE HOODIE? THE THUNDEROUS STAGE?!!

i'm already on ep 27 bc i'm a fast watcher lol but YOOOOOOOO why did nobody tell me about niki 😭 he's ADORABLE YO, my new son omg i immediately adopted him. the most precious baby someone protect him at all costs 😭 also i've been looking at sunghoon lol we're pleasantly surprised. i had zero clue about his personality but after watching this, hello....... interesting....... just hear me out - he reminds me of mimo sometimes :o personality wise and also in some shots he looks like mimo to me lolll. ALSO i'm sure you've probably seen this but it came up on my explore page the other day and i watched it like 20 times in a row lskdfhalsd 🤣

2min △ 😭 we need to stop being on the same frequency bc i thought about it once and while a hyunho △ has the potential to run along lines of being in lurv with your buddy's gf, a 2min △ just has to stem from (childhood) best friends :o

i'm equally excited and nervous to post wt7.5 bc while i like some of the bits in this one, idk how people will receive it bc yk... angst. but we'll see in a few days akskjshd 😭

i'm going to vietnam for like 3 weeks hehehe. OH and i keep forgetting to tell you, my friend is going to music bank madrid and she asked me if i wanted to come too. unfortunately i'm out of paid leave and i have a jonas brothers concert (in my defense i bought the ticket last august before all the drama 🤣) a couple days after that, but imagine if we both to music bank together 😭 that... would be kinda insane methinks

🥟 has been so active with his lives lately i'm so in love with him :((( that newlywed life is treating him well i see, i should be their roommate i don't mind thirdwheeling

everything about the tour is driving me crazy. the setlist (although no charmer is a major L for me, rip), the looks, the solo stages (i cannot tell you how in love i am with mimo's hair. i'm still trying to process it), the merch especially the mood lamps and the stress balls (i caved and ordered a foxiny one) and the new skzoos doing UPPIES I WANT THEM SO BAD (and look oh my god they can hold hands) I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I WANTED SOMETHING SO BADLY 😭 i love that while everyone else was doing horny numbers and getting freaky on main, seungmin had a mike wazowski guitar moment and mimo had a babygurl stage lolll. ngl i couldn't really focus watching the thunderous performance bc they were SO sparkly lmaooo i love the babygirl-esque fits 😂

[pyukumukuus]

when i look back through my old blog i cringe at so many of my old interests like sherlock and supernatural which just got so bad.... but one thing that i had no clue would 100% stand the test of time is attack on titan

back in like 2015 or whatever when i was blogging i'd only seen season 1 and w o w..... i really was not ready for that show to completely deliver

last year i rewatched season 1 for the first time in like... 8 years? i was half expecting to feel like 'ehhh this is okay but it's not as good as i thought it was' but i am pleasantly surprised to say season 1 got me just as pumped nowadays as it did back then

so i carried on and watched the whole thing, i think season 2 and the first half of season 3 are weaker than the rest (wtf is the point of kenny.....) but after that season 4 is just *chefs kiss*

i honestly expected it to drop off in a lost-esque fashion like a lot of shows which set you up with so many unknowns.... i assumed that in the end they wouldn't really be able to answer all the questions they raised along the way and it would just get more and more convoluted

but attack on titan absolutely hit its mark my god. the eldia/marley situation is something i had seen some spoilers for but because i wasn't actually watching the show at the time i don't think i really understood it or could appreciate just how well it actually is done in the show and what a perfectly executed headfuck it is

i think the actual final episode is a bit strange but overall i think the whole thing is just so neat and i'm just so thrilled it turned out so good

[shirogane-oushirou]

1, 2, and 7!! :3

hello niiiiick! 🥰💕 thanks so much for the ask~!! i hope you've had a wonderful anniversary today!!!! seeing all of your older art for the first time has been such a blast 💕💕💕

1. have you gained any new F/Os this year?

ren my best friend ren!!!!! i'd list any new fandom-related f/os here but... tbch, i haven't played or read much of anything this year ;;;; also ren has had a stranglehold on my brain ever since he showed up at the start of may, so i doubt anyone new could have broken through that... hell, even the one other f/o i added is just an AU version of ren kjsdnfnkj.

2. if you did add any new F/Os to your list this year, was there someone who you absolutely didn't expect would end up becoming an F/O? if so, did it take you a long time to realize you like them, or did they take your heart by storm?

went to sleep one night thinking about [][][][]ing mars, woke up maybe 4hrs later, half-asleep, ready to put a ring on some other Guy my brain cooked up for me jkngkjngekj. could never have expected ren or his au counterpart, and they've rotted my brain ever since. a little more on the unexpected side, i was finally able to compartmentalize my feelings wrt boris hnkna! he was the first character i f/o'd (platonically) from hnkna, but in college, i introduced an online friend to hnkna and he felt a kinship w boris.... when things broke bad w him (hi, chat app trauma~~~), it broke bad with boris as well. he was "covered in The Ooze" and all of that. BUT! he lives with gray (rom f/o) and nightmare (other platonic f/o) in spade, so seeing him in a new setting, having learned from mistakes from previous games, hanging out with my husband and bestie, and his romantic route being much less squicky.... i finally felt comfortable adding him back to the platonic f/o list! 💕💕💕 he's actually one of the reasons why i decided to add platonic tags at all!!! i'm so excited to have my beloved punk catboy back!!

7. in a similar vein, were there any special/memorable moments you had with the selfship community this year? (this can be anything from taking part in an event to receiving a particularly kind message - no matter how big or small!)

genuinely the Whole Thing. All Of It. i initially made this blog a year ago as a place to dump my "cringe ass selfship posts" for oushirou, isolated from any other blogs, just for me because i didn't have the social capacity to join a big fandom... but then i saw an artist i like being completely open about her selfships on twitter, which inspired me. i decided to put the social skills i'd been practicing for several months to the test, opening myself up to a community i knew NOTHING about, with people i had ZERO connection to, who COULD be super clique-y and mean.... and i was pleasantly surprised. it turns out there are some absolutely amazing, wonderful, funny, friendly, kind, caring, thoughtful, skilled, creative people in this community who were welcoming despite my newness! (not to say parts of it AREN'T clique-y and mean -- pretending otherwise would hurt people who've been targetted -- just that there are more chill people than i expected ;;;) safeshiptember is probably the one thing that really kicked it off for me! that's when i started creating things Specifically for this blog and putting things in the fandom tags. people found me and i found them through our works, we started chatting a bit, started sharing each others' work with positive notes, and created real connections. i feel connected to people for the first time in 8 years, in a more "real" way than stream chats. 💗🥰

[ploppythespaceship]

Picard Season 3 Thoughts

This is a very hard season to review, because my thoughts on it are so conflicted. On the one hand, it has some wonderful aspects -- an overall plot with great twists and turns that ties into the franchise's history, told by excellent returning characters with engaging story lines. On the other hand, the season began to fall apart under its own weight at times, due to poor pacing and an over-reliance on nostalgia.

That being said, this is easily the best of Picard's three seasons -- but the bar was admittedly quite low. I think this will settle into the same spot as season 1 for me. I enjoyed watching it, and the highlights will make it worth rewatching, but I am very aware of its flaws.

Spoilers under the cut.

What I Liked

The overall story line was fairly engaging, especially with the return of the Changelings. Frankly, just seeing DS9 actually be referenced and the Dominion War acknowledged outside of brief throwaway lines just made me so happy. I was consistently interested to see what would happen next -- though whether this would hold up on rewatch remains to be seen.

I also enjoyed the finale more than expected, just as a big spectacle with the returning characters. I can absolutely see why it was also released in theaters -- it really did feel like it could be another TNG film.

Worf is fantastic, and easily my favorite of the returning legacy characters. Michael Dorn slips back into the role so easily, and seeing him spouting one-liners with his giant sword consistently made me laugh. I wish they hadn't leaned quite so hard on him for comic relief -- he didn't get many actual serious moments in this season -- but he was still just delightful.

Seven is also wonderful, and it's fantastic to see her finally get her due. The show has consistently done very well with her. And while I'm generally over this era of shows based on legacy characters... I would not be opposed to her getting her own spinoff as Captain of the Enterprise.

Vadic is an excellent, compelling villain throughout. Amanda Plummer brings such a unique energy to her, making her intimidating and unpredictable.

I really enjoyed seeing Geordi as a father, and both his daughters (especially Sidney, who had more screen time) were wonderful.

I had a feeling they were going to bring back Data -- they can't do a full TNG reunion and not include him. And I was worried it would feel incredibly strange due to Data already returning and dying again in season 1. Admittedly, the way they chose to bring him back felt contrived -- he just happens to be in the one facility they break into, and has all the information they need -- but once he was back, I was surprised at how good it felt just to watch him. I appreciate how they found a way to resurrect him that allowed Brent Spiner to just be his natural age, rather than continuing the horrific digital de-aging from season 1. They also made it clear that this is a slightly different Data, being more human and experiencing his emotions quite differently. Once all the cast was together, it just felt right to have him there, so ultimately I'm glad they did it.

Deanna actually gets a bit more to do here than she ever did in TNG, actually leaning into her empathic abilities and making her genuinely useful. It was honestly a relief to see her being well-utilized, for the most.

The Tuvok cameos made me so happy. I was hoping to see Admiral Janeway, like a lot of people, but Tuvok is also a great choice.

This is very minor, but I loved the opening and closing credits for this season. The openings for the past two seasons I thought were unnecessarily bombastic and drawn out, and I skipped them every time. I was ready for another similar opening, and was pleasantly surprised to just see the iconic font with the short little musical sting -- the TNG theme seamlessly transitioning to the Picard theme, and that's done. And then the end credits! When I heard the First Contact theme, I clutched at my heart. Paired with all the details of panning across the computer monitors, and the little details... it's wonderful. I sat through all the closing credits every time.

What I Didn't Like

While the plot itself was largely engaging, the pacing was all out of wack. The start of the season drags badly -- episodes 2, 3, and 4 could have easily been combined, and been stronger for it. They also dragged out the mystery surrounding Jack for so long that I just started rolling my eyes every time they teased something weird with him then ended the episode before explaining. Then, because they took so long to get to things, the final two episodes had to rush through everything, introducing the Borg and then getting rid of them just as quickly. The season really could have used some rebalancing, or just shortening.

I also didn't like how this season became a Borg storyline right at the end. Vadic and the Changelings were something new and interesting, with their ties to the Dominion War and unethical experiments -- then they're abruptly tossed aside for a Borg Queen we've seen many times before. While the finale was satisfying as a standalone, it didn't really feel like a resolution to the show we'd actually been watching -- much like season 1, frankly. The themes we resolved in the end were not the same themes we started with.

This also reminded me of season 1 in that we were introduced to a rather corrupt Federation, or at least a Federation with a shady history, but the show refuses to truly acknowledge that. The Federation created this branch of Changelings by experimenting on them after the Dominion War, and should be held accountable for that. But no, why would we mention it?

This season also fell victim to its nostalgia after a while. Some parts were very well-handled, but near the end of the season, they kept bringing the episode to a screeching halt to wax poetic about the nostalgia for several minutes. The worst offender was by far the re-introduction of the Enterprise D. Not only was that development incredibly forced and farfetched, once the crew got aboard they all stopped to admire the bridge and make sure we understood how nostalgic it all was. But considering they were in the middle of a crisis situation -- Geordi's daughters had just been assimilated -- it felt bizarre to just stop and start talking about the carpet and the old consoles and the chairs.

Jack was solid to start, but he lost me the longer the season went on. The more his Borg abilities developed, the less we saw of his actual character. I frankly just wanted to see more of him as a person, and his connection with Picard. Then when he was back to himself in the last few minutes of the finale, I remembered that I'd actually liked him at first.

I did not like Captain Shaw. A lot of the fandom has latched onto him, and I simply do not understand why. He was so unnecessarily rude, and grating, and never really did anything to endear himself to me. Also, a lot of his points of conflict with the TNG crew were perfectly reasonable, or at least understandable, and they could have made him fill the same role without being such an asshole.

Crusher felt a bit OOC to me. In TNG she always had this warm, maternal energy to her, being the kind and compassionate one you could always turn to when you needed. While I do appreciate her being given a bit more of an action role when appropriate -- I totally buy that she'd fight to protect her son -- a lot of that caring nature was lost along the way. She also didn't get all that much to do after being rescued, mostly saying "I'll find a solution" then hiding in the med bay, only to emerge a bit later having found said solution.

Bringing Ro back was an interesting choice... but they did her so dirty. I respect them trying to resolve her relationship with Picard, but it felt incredibly forced and rushed. Then bringing her back only to kill her almost immediately -- I just didn't like it. Her hair and makeup also looked horrible, with a terrible wig and nose ridges you could barely even see. If your makeup is outdone by a TV show from the 80s, you've done something very wrong.

I don't really care about Raffi. She's fine, but she feels out of place with the rest of the TNG cast, and gets very little to do towards the end. If they only kept one Picard original character from the first two seasons, Raffi would not have been my first choice -- I would have kept Elnor.

Riker being kidnapped by Vadic and then nonchalantly rescued two episodes later was quite pointless. It only served to bring Deanna into the story, which could have been done in any number of other ways.

The complete disregard of the show's first two seasons felt very strange at times. Apart from Picard now being an android, none of the story lines from earlier in the show mattered, and there were only a few throwaway lines for some of them. When the Borg were re-introduced, there wasn't even a mention of Borg Queen Agnes -- I understand that she's a different collective, but she still feels relevant. When the Excelsior was destroyed, there wasn't a single mention of Elnor, their dear friend under 25 who was last seen stationed on that ship. When Data returned, there was no mention of Soji or the entire planet of androids created from his neurons. While none of these things are terribly important, it did feel bizarre to leave them out -- though I suspect they knew some fans would only watch this one season and didn't want to confuse them. Q being brought back after making such a big deal of his death felt very odd, as well.