#ria and tabs

[swordmaid]

I do think that there’s a part of shri’iia that will always love lolth. she can’t help it ; she’s devoted so much of herself to that goddess before, and despite the hurt and resentment and the trauma, she was still her home, you know? and I think it will take a long time - like way past her oath breaking era to fully detangle herself from lolth just because of how much and how long she had dedicate herself to her (nearly 2 centuries worth). and before this whole oath breaking thing, and before her getting this new freedom, shri’iia didn’t even know there were other gods to worship than lolth. that a life outside of lolth was possible, and her entire existence didn’t depend on lolth. like the option to think differently wasn’t available to her, hence why she had such a difficult time fully grasping at the concept of freedom, and why she took so long actually accepting it for herself. and why an option to run back and return to lolth despite being free is plausible for her too. anyway, I think even post bg3 or whatever her dnd canon is, I think there’s some part of her that will still love lolth. she isn’t like minthara where she can fully scorn the spider queen; minthara had options and freedom that shri’iia wasn’t born with. she was afforded the luxury of being comfortable in her status as a drow woman because she was already born into that power that they’re expected to have, meanwhile shri’iia had to reach and truly fight to have a taste of the privilege that minthara was already born with - and it’s the very power that lead to her being used by her matriarch. regardless, I think that’s such an interesting dynamic to have for her, just all around complicated religious feelings. and why I think she won’t turn into an eilistraeen in the future even though her new oath aligns with eilistraee’s beliefs. I think some part of her would feel like she’s still betraying lolth - despite not following her anymore - at the prospect of worshipping somebody else, and I do think she mourns that devotion she once had. that - and the fact that she was ‘complete’ when she followed lolth, and her oath was divine and pure, but now it’s all broken and severed and she’s just making do with what she’s left with.

[cheriladycl01]

Funny Gaming moments with Lando and Max (F) x QuadrantStreamer! Reader

Plot: Just funny moments where Reader is a member of Quadrant and is a big UK streamer that does everything on Twitch and YouTube.

A/N: this is only small and just for fun, better Lando stuff is coming out.

Moment 1:

"Do you earn more than Lando Norris, chat you guys are wild ... but honestly with my individual sponsors, YouTube and streaming and any of my weird side activities I think it'd be up for debate" you giggle not actually knowing how much difference there was in what you or Lando earned.

"Not girlie casually admitting that with her side hustle she earns as much as an F1 driver, yeah guys, you gotta think I stream and upload full time. So i get paid for each YouTube video I do, I'm a twitch affiliate and you guys are so so generous. I game competitively and earn from that. I have sponsors, so ... lets just say i had no trouble buying Lando's Christmas presents" you grin, knowing the man had widely expensive taste.

"Who am i spending Christmas with, well Lando's family has asked if I'd like to join them, but I'll be spending the holidays mostly with Max and Pietra. Oh my gosh guys, did you see Instagram? I met Martin Garrix! How cool is that!" you laugh.

Moment 2:

"So I'm here today with Lando, and I'm teaching him Valorant, he knows that I'm in good but I don't think he knows I'm Immortal" you say until you unmute yourself in discord.

"Hey Lando baby" you joke but all you get from the otherside is silence which makes your chat go absolutely crazy.

You hear a few coughs that sound like choking, so you check his stream making sure not to tab out on stream, seeing him sat there in shock in his chair blushing.

"Lando?" you ask, and you watch as he rearranges himself in his chair pulling the mic closer to him.

"Hi, hello yes. Sorry you just threw me off guard" he laughs, wiping across his face with his fingers.

"What are we?" he asks, and you burst out laughing at the question which makes him laugh too. Chat on both ends starts going crazy, with the spam of Lando Norizz <<< Y/N the Rizzler and you were both dying.

Moment 3:

"Argghh fuck" you scream leaning back and fulling falling back off your chair. You were currently playing the horror game ' In Silence with Max, Lando and Ria.

"No way did Y/N just fall?" Max asks laughing at the girl whose stream he pulled up seeing her laying on the floor gripping her shoulder while her chair was now also laying in the floor.

"SHE DID" Lando laughs and you groan out in embarrassment.

Moment 4:

"What was that chat? My door reopened and closed shut while I was gone?" you ask looking back at your door. You knew you were home alone, the only people having a key to your apartment being Max and Pietra and Lando. But they were all travelling right now and were on the plane.

"Chat, stop messing with me" you scold jokingly, you start to load up the game your changing too. However a knock at your bedroom door has you stilling.

"What" you mouth looking at the camera. You go to the door, chat spamming saying how by opening the door that how all the dumb movie characters die. You here another knock making you flinch, you rip open the door, screaming when you see the scary mask, jumping and tacking the person now.

"Ow Y/N fuck" you hear and you rip the mask of, knowing that voice but not wanting to assume.

"Lando?" you ask looking at him.

"I thought it would be funny" he jokes laughing.

Moment 4:

"So Lando, Max and I thought it would be funny to play Valorant but for every kill we get we do a shot" you exclaim.

"Y/N gonna need new kidneys by the end of this? Hmmm very true, maybe we change it to every time we die we do a shot?" you ask seeing what chat's opinion would be on that.

"Then Lando and Max will be needing new kidneys? Well, I'm playing on my alt account and I'm just chilling so we'll be in gold/silver lobbies. Last time we played on my normal account, it was a struggle.

"Lets ask what they prefer! Guys? You want to do shots every time we get a kill or when we die?" you ask after unmuting yourself.

"We playing with MILF account of FnaticY/N?" Lando asks.

"MILF of course. And no comps, I'm not being called a booster" you grin and Max groans, Max was gold 2 and was asking for you to coach him, you had watched him in unrated's but refused to do comps together.

"Wait, when did you change your name...didnt it used to be Ilovetits6?" Max laughs.

"Yes, but chat started to call me mother? So i just rolled with it" you grin looking at chat and winking.

Moment 5:

"Are you and Lando Norris dating?" you ask, and then you open your phone and call Lando himself.

"Hey baby!" you smile and show the chat what Lando is saved as and the picture while he's on speakerphone.

"Hey love. I'm a little late coming back. I got stuck here with Zac and Oscar, but Max and P wanted to know if you would like to go out for dinner with them tonight" he asks and you laugh.

"Wait, Y/N are you live"

"Maybe, look you said you were ready to go public. So this is payback for what you did to Max on stream!" you laugh, knowing he wont be mad at you, as you'd talked recently about going public.

"Exposed? Yes yes i did" you grin.

Moment 6:

"Y/N your boyfriend is horny come sort him out" AngryGinge says adding you to the call forcefully mid stream.

"Mmmm that sounds like a job for you" you says seriously and you pull up his and Lando's stream to watch what was going on. Some people had come into your stream to say to get Lando to end the stream before PR has his head.

"He's been moaning on stream Y/N get your man and take him home"

"Yeah sorry let me just hop on the jet to Monaco..." you joke, knowing you definitely don't have a private jet.

"Wait, just how rich are you? Your boyfriends out here buying watches for 400k, you have a private jet. This just ain't right!" he exclaims making you laugh.

"I don't have a private jet. But... I've been in one of Max Verstappen's" you boast, you'd been introduced to him through Lando as Kelly wanted to meet you and set you up with her modelling agency.

"Huh? WHAT?" he screams and you just laugh before leaving the call. You shoot Lando a teasing message watching his eyes change as he reads it, and he lets out a groan that soon turns into a joke as Angry Ginge yelled at him to calm down again.

Moment 7:

"Salem stop" you tell your cat, which had jumped up and starting to paw in your lap where the blanket lay across before flopping down wanting fuss.

She started to meow at you not getting the wanted attention, but you were in the middle of an important rank up game, that would put you as radiant in Valorant.

As the game went on, you apologized to your teammates when you died after nearly clutching a round when Salem distracted you by pawing at your hand on your mouse.

"Salem please bub. 3 more rounds and you can have all the cuddles in the world" you whisper to the cat before she settles down, you proceed to Ace the next round and your team and you win the next two. The end of the game, with the MVP you get promoted to Radiant #497.

You celebrated by grabbing Salem your black Bombay cat and hugging her tightly, she leans into you wrapping her paws around happy for the affection she's finally getting.

"Treat?" you ask receiving a meow.

Chat:

y/nloverrr02- not y/n celebrating like she just got a podium

landonorizz- what's harder, f1 win, or reaching the top 500 valorant players

wedonttalkabouther- please, mother is mothering!

deadlocknerf- not her top fragging as an omen and their jett with a negative kda.

lockandassit- well done on the promo!

LandoNorris- Babe! Well done! I watched your win! I'm so proud

"Thank you, everybody. I think I'll leave it there for the day and I'll come back and we can try and get into the 450's!" you exclaim before cutting stream.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover

[layeredwanderings]

After closing the tab and opening the Sim again, other doors were available. I enter EastEast to see if there's more to discover to take back to NorthNorth.

There are others here. Peewee, Goncharov, Camille, Ria, JR, Peewee Puppet.

The help command returns the options: Pause, Resume, Stop, Explore, North, East, South, West, Give, Deploy, Descend, Inventory, Follow, Take, Startle, Think, Look, Listen, Sniff, Feel, Help and Taste.

The vast gulf between your extra-universal eldritch horror and Peewee means that only basic concepts can be translated. 'go WEST' and 'take blade' or 'give blade devona' work best.

What things might you see that no other Observer has ever seen in this sprawling simulated maze? If you see something especially entertaining, you should let people know. JR if you can. The Unmarked if you can't. You…DO know what the Unmarked are…don't you?

This area is a little overwhelming at the moment so I will explore it more later.

[goldenguillotines]

Kotori do you mainly focus on pop idols and musicians or do you keep tabs on just about everything? There's lots of drama to be found if you dip into Pinkky's circle more... there's this real cringe soundcloud rapper dude that seems like a huge drama magnet too :/

"✧੯•́໒꒱ Hehe, I had a feeling I'd see from you!"

"✧੯•́໒꒱ Well! I kinda only stick to idols and models mainly.. Not that I don't like other- just.. Kinda my preferred content to consume. I do listen to some artists outside of idols and stuff. Just.. Try to stick to that kinda stuff~"

"✧੯•́໒꒱ However.."

"✧੯•́໒꒱ I can kinda tell what goes on with Pinkky and her happenings. She tends to pop up around Lammek a fair bit! I kinda get to observe."

"✧੯•́໒꒱.. But are you talking about Kyuuga?"

"✧੯•́໒꒱ I don't think Kyuuga is cringe! Or that he makes cringe stuff. He's really nice! He used to play with me! Or well.. I don't think he knew I was just a lil kid.. but he's really nice and gentle! We used to go on walks to the beach.. or rather- He used to carry me to the beach!"

"✧੯•́໒꒱ He might be rough around the edges.. but I think he's got that opposite problem that his ancestor had.. He looks scary but he's really nice!"

"✧੯•́໒꒱ Though- I was told by Haru and Ria to keep a little distance from him.. and I think I'll listen to them. Apparently he's been a little more.. Violent? I don't like that.. I do hope he's able to simmer down.. I really wanted to introduce him to Yani.."

[amberjazmyn]

carry on - chapter six

long chapter coming ahead! now we really start to get to know about valencia walker and alexander together a little bit but we also get to see them film a scene in supernatural together! and we also see that valencia is about to be a cover model and have an interview with vogue which is exciting!

waking up bright and early, valenca knew it was going to be a crazy day but it didn't seem to deter any exhaustion or negative thoughts. it was a filming day for supernatural but not just any old filming day for supernatural. it was the filming day of elodie winchester's return and explanation as to where she's been all this time. and, let's just that the entire cast and crew were excited for today because finally, elodie, who was the family's matriarch for so long since mary left, was now back. even though valencia has technically been involved with supernatural from the very start, sometimes elodie winchester was just mentioned and not even shown. however, valencia was overly excited to finally be back as elodie for it was something she had been missing. as though there was a gaping hole of the puzzle that needed fixing. 

liked by alexandercalvert, jaredpadalecki,jensenackles and 700k others 

valenciawalker thank you so much for having me vogue, it was my biggest honour and pleasure! i always love sitting down with your interviewers, they are always so caring, thoughtful, loving and hilarious, along with other slews of loving words i could say. however, there's still never going to be enough words that could describe my love for you guys. in my newest interview with vogue, i spilt so much tea about what my los angeles audition trip was really like, some good dirt on supernatural and miss elodie winchester, me and alexandercalvert's love, my family life, my mental health as well as so many other juicy things. so, the links to both the video and online article will be posted on my story and vogue's stories tomorrow at 12:30 pst so, get ready!📸: vogue

view all 130k comments

alexandercalvert this is the love of my life everyone and i get to love her every day yes ma'am

valenciawalker alexandercalvert and this is my man y'all yes ma'am

jaredpadalecki dang, looks like this may be the first post and article i can't show to the kids then... 

valenciawalker jaredpadalecki you show my posts and articles to tom, shep and odette? my heart and ovaries just exploded all at once

jaredpadalecki valenciawalker they're always asking and wanting to keep tabs on their aunty ria considering they can't always visit

valenciawalker jaredpadalecki now that makes my heart explode

jensenackles cannot wait to read this. love you valencia

username my bisexual radar is going mighty insane. you are so hot, valencia!

vogue thank you for allowing us to interview you once again, valencia, we all adore you!

after posting about her upcoming interview and article with vogue, valencia decided to get dressed into something comfy so she could then be driven to the supernatural set lot to start the filming of elodie's return. 

not even ten minutes later and valencia's driver got valencia to the set lot of supernatural so she made it in record time. 

"...you excited about filming today?" jared asks as he rests his chin on valencia's shoulder as she giggles 

"is that even a question, padalecki?" valencia giggles as jared giggles at his obviously dumb question as they wrap their arms around each other

"no, it's not. we've missed filming with you, ria. just having you on set hasn't really given us what we needed so, having you both properly and in front of the cameras is the best thing ever!" jared smiled, nuzzling his chin further as valencia once again chuckled

"yeah, i...i've missed it too. i've missed playing elodie, i'm glad i was allowed back," valencia smiled as jared smiled back as they pulled out of the hug 

"we weren't going to allow filming to start again until elodie was allowed back..." jared whispered softly as that made valencia's heart melt - they did promise they'd wait until she came back and they didn't break that promise 

"...thank you jare, thank you so much!" valencia smiled as jared nodded his head as they then decided it was time to get to their soundstage considering filming would be started soon

*+:｡.｡ •·.·''·.·• ·˚*+:｡.｡ •·.·''·.·• ·˚*+:｡.｡ •·.·''·.·• ·˚

the brothers, the angel and the nephilim were still lost without their female winchester. they could only stay paused as the world around them continued on. staying cooped up in the bunker, they waited for the day that their sister, girfriend and best friend would just come home, not even having the energy to go on any hunts. however, unbeknownst to the grieving four, their girl had returned safely and she was not dead like they had all grieved over and thought. she was as healthy as possible and she was on her way home back to the bunker. 

whilst she was excited, she was exhausted as she had been on foot. she had been kidnapped by the british men of letters and to do what to her, that was still to be figured out. but, being able to come back home was just the icing on elodie's cake. however, that did not mean she was out of the danger zone yet. she was still very much in the danger zone. no one actually gave permission or had any knowledge whatsoever that elodie had escaped. she escaped the second she saw the chance and didn't think to hesitate because she knew they would never be another chance. so now, her biggest fear was being caught and kidnapped a second time by the men of letters. so, she was just hoping and praying that her boyfriend cas, jack and her brothers would do everything in their powers of will to make sure it doesn't have the ability to happen again. 

as she finally made her way up to the bunker, moments from entering it, she had found her best friend and nephilim, jack. he was just pacing around the front and it made her panic so, she drew her gun that she had stolen from the men of letters. grabbing the attention of the distressed nephilim, he calmed down in an instant at the sight of elodie, whom he thought had died on him and the rest of the group. 

"...el...elodie?" jack stammered out as a smile spread on the girl's face as she cocked her gun back into her holster as she moved closer to the nephilim 

"hey, jack..." she trailed off as a soft, relaxed expression found its way on her face - relaxation also finding its way on jack's face 

"...what...what happened? who sold their soul...how are you-" 

"-wait...wait, jack slow down...you...you thought i was dead?" it hadn't even occured in elodie's mind that her brothers, boyfriend and nephilim thought that whilst she was kidnapped by the men of letters that they had most likely manipulated them into thinking that she had died

jack just nodded his head solemnly as that broke elodie's heart in so many ways. how did that not even cross her mind at any one point during her kidnapping? she had only presumed that they were taking so long to find her, the group, because they just simply couldn't. never once did she consider the idea that they could have been told...manipulated...into believing that she was dead the entire time. 

"yes, elodie. we...we weren't told anything as to where you could have been...where...where were you?" jack spluttered out, his head tilting as that hurt elodie - even worse was the fact that they weren't even told that she had been taken by the men of letters after all, it seemed as though they were no longer deemed as threats 

"i...i was kidnapped by the men of letters. i...i was tortured every single day and...manipulated into thinking that you guys weren't ever going to see me again. and...and that you had been told that i had died...it was so painful and...and scary...i...i only escaped because i waited for the one chance to and i...i didn't look back..." elodie gulped as jack pulled the winchester in for a hug, letting her know that she was finally safe

but, also that he was so goddamn sorry that they didn't even try to look for her when they could have spent so much time and have found her a lot quicker than it would have taken elodie to come back. 

"...we are so so sorry that we didn't try to look for you. we...we just assumed the worst and we just...we gave up trying to do anything," jack whispered as elodie nodded her head as her chest burned even more at the new revelation

"don't apologise jack, i'm here and i'm safe. for now, that's all that matters," elodie whispered as the two then pulled out of the hug as it was obvious that the two of them wanted to see the other three

"i bet the other three would want to see you," jack spoke as elodie smiled and nodded her head in agreement

"i bet they do, let's go," elodie smiled as they moved into the bunker 

as they walked into the bunker, it seemed as though no one's attention was caught so, elodie decided to make sure to grab their attention. 

"hey, assbutt!" elodie calls out, catching the attention of one of her brothers and her boyfriend 

however, they froze in shock for a moment as they allowed both the nephilim and their sister/girlfriend to explain what was going on. 

"dean, cas, before you go reaching for the salt or the gun, elodie was never dead like we thought. she was kidnapped..." before jack could finish the explanation, the two guys didn't care anymore 

all they wanted...all they needed was to be in physical interaction with the girl that they thought was dead but was now actually alive and had been this entire time. 

"...by the men of letters..." jack whispered as that caught dean's attention, pulling away from his sister

"...she was kidnapped by the men of letters? how...how in hells name did you even escape, elodie?"  dean stammered in shock and confusion as the angel didn't want to let go of his girlfriend any time soon

"honestly, dean, i've got no freaking clue. i...i just saw my chance where they were all gone and i knew it would be my one and only...i loaded up on guns and weapons and i just ran. and i didn't stop running until i found my way back home...they...they could be trying to look for me and hunt me down right now to take me back..." elodie's eyes started to dart around the bunker's dining room as the men (minus sam) all nodded their heads as they watched elodie closely

"...don't even worry about them finding you again, okay? we'll keep you on lockdown here in the bunker for as long as needed until its safe for you to leave again, alright?" dean spoke sternly as elodie nodded her head - protection being the one thing that was on her mind right now

"i don't care dean, as long as they can't find me again, i'll do anything," she spoke small as dean nodded his head, pulling his sister in for another hug as that was when they finally realised sam wasn't with them

"wait...where...where's sammy?" elodie spoke up again with concern as the three guys realised and their hearts all broke - completely confusing elodie

"he's taken this whole thing the worst out of all of us. it's as though he hasn't stopped crying since it happened. all he does now is cry and sometimes, if we're lucky, sleep and that's it. he won't even let anyone into his bedroom, he's that distraught..." cas' small voice spoke up, making elodie's eyes tear up as she clenched her jaw to stop the tears from falling

"...in all honesty, it'll be a shock if he's even still alive considering we fear that he hasn't even been eating anything," jack perked up, following after cas as elodie shook her head in sadness that her brother would even do this to himself

"but...maybe...just hearing your voice could bring him out of his slump and out of his room?" dean suggested as it was hurting dean more than he cared to think or admit that his baby brother was closing himself off to the world with the thought that his sister was dead

"no, i think i'll go into his room and force him to believe the truth and ask him if he still thinks i'm dead," elodie decided as cas, jack and dean at first looked apprehensive but, thinking about it, that was the best idea out of any other idea

so that is exactly what the youngest winchester did. she left the trio in the living room and went upstairs to where she stood nervously in front of her, who she could hear, sobbing older brother's bedroom door. for a moment, she contemplated on the fact of knocking on his door but, she didn't and she just quietly opened it. hoping that sammy wouldn't majorly freak out but shocked at the same time that his door wasn't locked like she assumed it would have been as she tentatively placed her bobby pin back in her hair. the use of it no longer needed to pick at the lock. 

however as elodie opened the door, she truly saw how distraught and torn her older brother was about what she had gone through in the past however long it was she had been gone for. it tore her heart into pieces to see him, her older six foot four brother sobbing and curling in on himself on his bed, tissues strewn all over the bedroom floor. his face as red as it had ever been as his tears covered his entire face as his body shook through every sob. his hair messy as his entire body trembled when loud sobs weren't the reason for the tremors. 

"sam...sammy?" elodie whispered softy so as to not scare the living crap out of her brother as she slowly walked over to his bed

"go...go away...pl...please!" his small voice croaked out as elodie took in a deep breath knowing she had to be delicate about her approach to sam

"sammy, it's me...it's your sister, elly..." elodie trailed off, just hoping her small and soft spoken voice would help sam realise who it was in front of him

it was quiet, apart from the sobs, for a few moments until sam moved his head back and lifted his eyes to the door in front of him. to then be in front of his baby sister, the exact sister who he thought had been killed as he blinked furiously. wanting what he thought was a nightmare to end.

noticing that her brother was panicking from the nightmare he thought he was having, elodie immediately kicked her shoes off to where, she had no clue. and she squished herself onto the queen size bed next to her brother. holding her panicked, sobbing and distraught older brother into the comfort of her arms she tried her absolute hardest to calm him down. it didn't take too long until it seemed as though he had finally calmed down from the panicked nightmare but his tears kept flowing.

"...ssh, sammy, it's okay. i promise everything is okay, i'm right here and you know that i'm right here and you know that you are safe and that i am safe too..." elodie trailed off as she whispered over and over again to her brother that they were both safe and that this panic would soon subside

"...i...i thought you were de...dead...elodie..." sam cried out as he relaxed in his sister's tight embrace as the girl breathed calmly and nodded her head

"...the other three thought the same too. i...i was kidnapped by the men of letters...i...i have no clue how or why but, that's not something we have to worry about anymore because i'm safe. dean, cas and jack have all made sure that if they try to take me again that they won't even get the chance..." elodie trailed off as sam whimpered and nodded his head as he slowly started to believe in what his sister was saying

"...look at me sammy, look me right in my face and tell me you still think i'm dead and that i left you," elodie said to dean, cas and jack that she was going to ask this so she did and sam took deep breaths in and out before finally removing his head from his sister's shoulder and made direct eye contact with her

"you...you're not dead elodie....you...you didn't leave me..." sam choked out as that made elodie relax as she smiled and nodded her head, placing her hands on her brother's red and damp cheeks

"...yes sammy, i'm not dead and i didn't leave you. i'm never leaving you guys again! not today, not tomorrow, not next week, not ever!" elodie said sternly as sam let out a small sob as he nodded his head as elodie pulled the two of them in for a hug as they then fell back onto the bed

"i...i love you elodie..." sam whispered as elodie smiled

"...i love you too, sammy..."

"...and cut. well done guys, take five!" 

- - -

ok bye ily xx

wc; 2852

[metamoonshots]

[ad_1] Daniel Wiener has lengthy been a fan, if a extremely important one, of Vanguard funds. That led the previous private finance author for U.S. Information & World Report to start out a e-newsletter in 1991 that grew to become the unbiased authority on the fund firm’s investments, The Impartial Adviser for Vanguard Buyers. The success of that enterprise led to creation of the RIA Wiener co-founded, Adviser Investments, which has grown to signify $15 billion in shopper belongings. This week, within the newest milestone in his unconventional profession path, Wiener introduced that he's stepping again from his function as chairman of the Boston-based RIA. “I’m an entrepreneur. Between Adviser Investments and two totally different publishing firms, I’ve co-founded three companies,” stated Wiener, who’s remaining on the RIA as a board member. Earlier this yr, Adviser Investments introduced it will acquire another big firm, Ropes Wealth Advisors, which resulted in a mixed entity with a workers of 200 and $15 billion in belongings. “By its nature, it requires a extra company construction, and I’m probably not comfy in these constructions. I’ve received my very own concepts. I’ve received my very own method of doing issues,” Wiener stated. “I don’t have a task to play there that fits my temperament and persona. Being a board member is sweet sufficient,” he stated, including that he stays there partly to maintain tabs on his belongings. He invests via the RIA, and he's the largest single shareholder within the agency. WORDS MATTER As a journalist within the ’80s, Wiener was writing about mutual funds, one thing most people was scarcely educated about on the time. He noticed a possibility with Vanguard, which lacked any form of useful communication for unbiased traders, he stated. “All you possibly can get from Vanguard was form of blather. They couldn’t make suggestions, they usually didn’t actually converse to the investor apart from chatting with thousands and thousands without delay.” The e-newsletter rapidly received the eye of DIY traders, a few of whom reached out to him with recurring questions, and he realized there was a spot for him beginning up an RIA. “It was just a little symbiotic. Since you’re writing a e-newsletter, you’re enthusiastic about the way you clarify all the problems surrounding investing,” Wiener stated. Throughout each of these ventures, his method has been to speak in plain English and to put money into the identical merchandise which might be really useful to purchasers. “He calls it ‘consuming your individual cooking.’ It’s the concept that you must make investments alongside your purchasers. That actually has which means when it comes to, we personal the identical funds as purchasers,” stated Jeff DeMaso, who has been writing for the e-newsletter with Wiener for greater than 10 years. That modified final yr, when the writer shuttered it. In January, DeMaso successfully took over, launching an online-only model known as The Independent Vanguard Investor. A part of the explanation the e-newsletter appeals to on a regular basis traders is that it avoids jargon, of which there isn't any scarcity in monetary companies, DeMaso stated. Early on, Wiener informed him to start out each first draft of a letter to purchasers with “Expensive Mother” on the prime. “Dan’s been one in all my two mentors in my profession,” DeMaso stated, describing him as “very powerful but additionally particularly reasonable.” “He would name it like he’s see it,” he stated. That meant that the connection with the funding large wasn’t straightforward. CORPORATE GADFLY “I had a really cordial relationship with [Vanguard founder] Jack Bogle till I began my e-newsletter — after which it grew to become very adversarial,” Wiener stated. The asset supervisor sued him in the early ’90s, and he agreed to vary the title of the publication from its prior title, Vanguard Adviser. Sarcastically, the swimsuit introduced extra consideration to Wiener and the e-newsletter, turbocharging his profession, he famous.

And for years, Wiener prodded Vanguard to reveal govt and board member compensation, in addition to the possession its leaders had in Vanguard funds. Nevertheless, “the minute that” Bogle left the corporate’s board amid an ongoing conflict with then-CEO John Brennan, “we had been mates,” Wiener stated. “I've had little or no direct communication with Vanguard’s management since Bogle left. They actually didn’t need to have something to do with an unbiased, non-ad-supported info supply,” he stated. “We had been the one unbiased supply, they usually couldn’t management us.” In fact, he believes in plenty of Vanguard’s merchandise. Adviser Investments’ personal 401(ok) plan has “a excessive share” of its menu constructed with Vanguard’s funds, each lively and passive, very similar to the suggestions the agency makes to purchasers. The agency additionally recommends and makes use of investments managed by firms together with PrimeCap, Wellington Administration, Baillie Gifford, Constancy Investments and Artisan Companions. Vanguard didn't reply to a request for remark about Wiener. At the moment, Wiener dismisses the deal with ETFs and index funds, which he described as “simply a straightforward out for asset managers.” “They don’t need to do the homework or talk to purchasers about why they’re selecting a specific path,” he stated. Wiener can come off as prickly, DeMaso stated, which comes with the territory of being critical a few high-powered fund firm. However DeMaso recalled an early interplay with him years in the past, after the RIA he labored at was acquired by Adviser Investments. DeMaso relocated from Boston to New York Metropolis, and in passing talked about a enjoyable indoor gentle that additionally functioned as a tomato-growing stand. Wanting to assist DeMaso really feel settled in his new condominium, Wiener discovered the sunshine and had one despatched to him. “When you’re in Dan’s nook, he has your again,” DeMaso stated. “He's so supportive.” NEXT CHAPTER Talking from his yard in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood, Wiener stated he hasn’t taken off greater than 10 days at a time since he began within the enterprise. “I’m going to take a seat again and assume for a bit … I’ve received an thought for a e book,” he stated. “I’ll discover a approach to make my opinions recognized. I feel there may be an excessive amount of complacency within the trade.” Right here’s what educators must do to satisfy their retirement targets [ad_2]

[shuwrittersblog]

Ide Kamar Mandi Monokrom Untuk Kamar Mandi Kecil

Untuk kamar mandi kecil, skema monokrom adalah cara terbaik untuk memberikan pengaruh. Baik Anda ingin tampil berani dengan wallpaper gelap atau nyaman dan tenteram dengan skema cat bertekstur, Anda dapat menciptakan ruang yang benar-benar elegan dan canggih.

Desain Dinding Kamar Mandi Monokrom

Di kamar mandi di atas, dinding berdinding kapal berwarna gelap dan meja rias kayu berwarna pirang dengan atasan marmer putih memberikan tampilan abadi yang terasa santai. Semburan warna kuning yang halus membantu menjaga kamar mandi tetap cerah dan menenangkan.

Kunjungi situs penjualan online dijual.co.id. Jika Anda tidak ingin salah memilih tampilan monokrom, mengecat satu dinding dengan warna gelap adalah cara lain untuk membuat kamar mandi kecil Anda terlihat lebih besar. Warna biru anggun seperti Gentleman's Grey oleh Benjamin Moore adalah pilihan yang bagus karena menyerap sedikit cahaya dan terlihat hampir hitam.

Jika warna hitam tidak menarik bagi Anda, pertimbangkan untuk menggunakan warna hijau yang lembut dan lapang. Headspace oleh Sherwin Williams adalah pilihan yang sangat baik untuk menciptakan suasana seperti spa, dan warna dasarnya yang minimal berarti Anda dapat menggunakannya di ruangan mana pun di rumah.

Cara Cerdas Memilih Lantai Bermotif

Lantai bermotif dengan desain berani adalah cara cerdas lainnya untuk memberikan karakter pada kamar mandi monokrom. Dalam skema cerdas ini, ubin dinding chevron hitam kecil (terbuka di tab baru) menambah aksen menarik pada ruang yang tadinya netral. Tembok putih

Putih adalah pilihan utama di banyak kamar mandi - segar, cerah, dan tidak kuno. Namun jika Anda ingin menambahkan sesuatu yang sedikit berbeda pada skema Anda, ada banyak pilihan.

Misalnya, cat fitur utama ruangan Anda dengan warna hitam halus dan itu akan membuat ruangan Anda terasa lebih rapi dan halus. Anda juga dapat menambahkan sentuhan halus warna hitam pada nat dan perlengkapan untuk membedakannya.

Tips Memberikan Semburat Warna Kamar Mandi

Cara hebat lainnya untuk menambahkan semburat warna ke kamar mandi monokrom kecil Anda adalah dengan menggunakan ubin bermotif. Ini dapat disusun dalam pola chevron sederhana, atau jika Anda ingin lebih bertualang, Anda dapat mencoba membuat desain abstrak berskala besar.

Kamar mandi monokrom bisa menjadi ruangan yang mencolok, jadi penting untuk menyeimbangkan tampilan dengan tekstur dan warna lembut. Menambahkan kehidupan tanaman, permadani, dan keranjang anyaman bunga adalah cara untuk menambah daya tarik dan warna pada desain hitam-putih sederhana.

Pola chevron pada ubin dinding kamar mandi kecil ini adalah cara yang bagus untuk menciptakan titik fokus dramatis yang menarik perhatian, namun Anda juga bisa menggunakan wallpaper yang lebih rumit untuk benar-benar memberikan pengaruh. Cobalah sesuatu yang abstrak dan bersudut untuk kesan lebih kontemporer, atau tampil berani dengan pola daun palem yang akan menangkap cahaya dengan sempurna. Cara ini bisa anda terapkan saat membeli rumah baru.

[therarara]

Okay so y'all are about to hear me go on cause my newest hyperfixation (aka vtubers) really hitting me in the feels so respectfully here is a keep reading tab for those who just want to nhoom by.

The reason being the one who basically got me into this rabbit hole in the first place, Mysta Rias, graduated ("retired") today 🥲 and like yeah I knew for a month cause he gave us fair warning because of the circumstances but like twitter is like popping off with clips of the graduation stream in which I am lowkey avoiding but also trying to watch in small doses as if that hurts any less and I am just feeling things. Like I looked up Mysta because I first found Shoto and watched their skyblock collab (because its minecraft 🤪) and found him so funny and chill. From there I watched some clips and some of those included his groupmates from Luxium, then I was bouncing between the five, branched out further into other nijiEN livers and even some JP. I've changed my oshi a dozen times and now its our woman my boy Kyo Kaneko but back to subject. Mysta is my first niji liver who introduced me to my current comfort streamers. I may not be a mystake (his fan name) but Mysta holds a special place as my goofy streamer with the wildest things to say and creative stream ideas, he may be a little awkward but he is kind and good natured. Again I didn't watch him all that often but I always kept tabs on him and even if he isn't my favorite he was the one I talked about the most.

Of the things I've seen in regards to thing leading up to his graduation, it was either a text transcript or a clip bit it was basically saying that Mysta's fear was being forgotten but I'm like my boy that isn't possible because the mystakes definitely won't but I wouldn't either. Honestly this spiel only sparked cause one of his groupmates was addressing how Mysta had this alluring presence that had honestly gotten himself and other EN livers out there and he is right of course but my brain started spiraling on this tangent cause its my own personal story.

And like you can still send fan letters I believe up until a month after graduation and I so wanted to write one but it just felt weird to thank him for introducing me into the world of nijisanji where I met my comfort streamer (it would basically be like this and like that's not really a fan letter) so like I'm not gonna but it is making me feel so many things and idk how to explain it. I guess I just want to say, Mysta was the start of it all and I'm thankful to him for it.

[lokislytherin]

inspired by That One Time

mysta: my mind is like an internet browser

mysta: 30 tabs are open, 13 are frozen and i don't know where the music is coming from

vox, wailing: THE MUSIC'S COMING FROM ME I OPENED UP IKE'S STREAM AT SOME POINT BUT I LOST THE FÜCKING TAB IKE HELP ME I'M NOT TRYING TO STEAL YOUR CONTENT I SWEAR

[ssreeder]

SREEDY IM NOT READY I AM SPEEDING THROUGH THAT COMMENT FROM THAT LAST CHAPTER I FORGOT TO POST FUCK

[deepseavibez]

Nerve_29 || KNJ

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Nerve [Namjoon x Reader]

Prompt - @casnextdoor

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Part 28 || Forever Falling

Part 29 || Unravel

Part 29.5 - Retriggered

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Genre - cheating; aftermath; husband au;

Summary - You would never expect it really. He’s doting. He’s sweet. He’s hardworking. But he’s forgotten his morals. Suspecting it is one thing, but when he confirms it, will you stay or walk away.

Warning - Cheating(Aftermath); Tread lightly, could be triggering.

Word Count - 9.7k

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'Easy.' Hoseok took a sip of his champagne as he leaned against the bar next to Namjoon. 

'Why don't you take your own advice?' Namjoon bit back. 

'Because I don't want to. Now, simmer down.' Hoseok motioned to y/n as she embarrassed Xan by ruffling his hair. 'She's steering clear of his path.'

'It's not y/n I'm looking at.'

Hoseok turned his head sharply in Kwang's direction, his own jaw clenching as he watched the man have a civil conversation with Ria. 

Ria was none too happy with the attention, looking left and right for an out with her shit eating grin and polite head nods. That said a lot – Ria usually never reacted to other people. Unperturbed. Unfazed. Not right now, though.

A sickening thought crossed Hoseok’s mind and the question left his lips before he could think twice. 'You think he's into young girls or just fixated on y/n?'

Hoseok heard Namjoon's teeth clench. 'Fixated.'

Hoseok hummed at the stomach-churning thought of anyone wanting to put their hands on y/n, non-consensually. Especially this man, the one right in front of them, this so-called father figure that she had trusted, bared her heart out to, only for him to exploit her and take advantage of her youth.

'For once,' Namjoon took a sip of his own champagne and shot his fellow 94'liner a side glance, 'I'm glad you feel as you do for her. I don't have to sit with this anger alone.'

Hoseok inhaled sharply at the shock of the blunt statement, but somehow he didn’t feel any…tension, because Namjoon’s tone lacked derision. 

It shouldn’t be so easy to acknowledge something Hoseok had worked so hard to keep under wraps or at least had the decency to never speak into existence. It shouldn’t be so easy for Namjoon to acknowledge that his best friend was in love with his wife. And yet…

Hoseok sighed. 'You wouldn't be alone with your anger if it was a known thing, Joon. Everyone here loves y/n. I honestly can't imagine how the maknaes would react if they knew.' He snorted at his words. 'Jungkook definitely wouldn't have shook the bastard’s hand earlier.'

Namjoon said nothing, already knowing that Hoseok veered off course from his initial statement.  

And truly, Hoseok was playing it cool, even though his shirt was suddenly too constricting even with the top button undone. 'It's society, Joon. We're allowed to be attracted to our friends. It's what we do with it that matters.' Hoseok didn't know where he was going with his explanation. It sounded textbook even to his own ears, like some sort of TED talk in which he shared his experiences. 'Respect. Boundaries. Limits. They exist.'

Namjoon scoffed. 'You sound like Yoongi hyung.'

Speaking of their hyung, Yoongi was currently behind his laptop and music system, playing soft tunes as the guests interacted. Hoseok offered to relieve him as soon as he needed a break or when y/n called for Yoongi to handle the camera for wedding photos when the backdrop was set up. 'Our hyungs taught us well.'

A necessary silence fell over them as they watched over y/n and kept tabs on the goings-on around them. 

Jia was with her girlfriend Ji-hyun, having an animated conversation with the small number of work friends Yuna wanted to share her special day with. 

Jinx and her mother Hee-Joo were by the coffee and drinks, laughter etched on their features – Zwahn seemed to have said something funny. 

Their family was strewn about doing their tasks to contribute in the best way possible to ending Kenta's and Yuna's wedding day in success. 

Jin left soon after the ceremony to receive the catering company and currently delegated the pack-up at the back of the hall. He was adamant about doing his best to make sure the food made it safely to the venue and that the guests would be fed. They were. 

With full tummies, and the menu being above and beyond the quality originally intended, the guests busied themselves in their own small groups. 

Jungkook and Seon-ho were doing their rounds and seemed to be enjoying themselves, sneaking a snack or alcohol when the interaction required it.

Jimin, Taehyung lingered not far behind Kenta and Yuna, in the middle of the dance floor, keeping an eye on the bride and groom's attire until they were ready to change out of them – if they wanted to. Yuna had asked to change out of her dress straight after their first dance, but decided to keep it on until after the pictures were taken.

Yeon and Ji-ho were not too far from where Sylo and Huru were standing and making conversation. 

Hoseok watched as Ria bowed politely and finally freed herself from Kwang and joined Lirrah near the catering table, where she contributed to giving the soloist’s bodyguards the stink eye. Hoseok was indifferent to Lirrah’s new security – after all, her last association with y/n or any of them for that matter, was a little more than a fiasco.

Hoseok turned back to Namjoon and followed his brother’s line of sight back to y/n who was fixing Xan’s collar. When Xan pecked y/n on the cheek, she swatted him on the shoulder and ruffled his hair again to diffuse his mischief. Y/n had deep maternal instincts, Hoseok thought as he watched them interact. 

His thought trail was cut short when y/n turned to her left and glanced over her shoulder to note Kwang’s position and only when he made his way to Sylo and Huru which would put him a couple of feet closer to her, she left Xan behind to walk in the direction of the Rayu sisters who stood a few feet away from the entrance. 

A sense of pride filled Hoseok. Y/n was smart. He already knew that. But for her to make the moves that she was, she had to be aware. Hyperaware. And for y/n, with her high-functioning anxiety, it would be draining as well as disconcerting.

Hoseok’s fist clenched at the thought that y/n had to be vigilant on such an occasion. It would be so much easier to tell the truth and have Kwang removed from the venue, but y/n would not break Yuna’s heart.

Once again Hoseok was reminded that Kim Y/n was not just beautiful, empathetic, and absolutely loving… she was also tremendously strong.

‘He’s toying with her.’ Namjoon grated the words and Hoseok felt the waves of tension that came off his leader, his brother. Pushing aside the anger that pulsed under his own skin, Hoseok got back to talking. Words. Namjoon and Y/n, words would always be the answer.

Seemingly satisfied that y/n kept positioning herself as far away from Kwang as possible, Hoseok narrowed his gaze on the male next to him. 'What about love, Joon?' 

Confusion lined the leaders' eyebrows. Yes. 'What about love?' 

There came a time when a person had to get over their own bullshit. And Hoseok was done being mad, he was done pining, he was done being the shit best friend, he wanted to press the play button on his life again. The only way to do that was by moving forward. He couldn’t think of a better way than to firmly face the man he had wronged

'Your love for y/n… Shouldn't it make you… hate me?' Hoseok had to whisper the last words. The potential pain he would feel if Namjoon would ever hate him, ever revoke the right to be in his life, to be his best friend… Hoseok closed his eyes for a brief moment and swallowed the lump in his throat, willing himself to have this conversation, to salvage before anything could be lost. 

The undeniable truth was that Hoseok had kept it to himself for too long. He’d suffered, he’d held the pain too close to his heart, but Namjoon of all people talking about Hoseok’s feelings for his wife, made Hoseok realize how almost ready he was to not be tied to them anymore. ‘Shouldn’t you hate me for loving her.’ He squeezed his eyes shut and said his next words with a shaky breath, ‘for, uhm, for… wanting her.’

Namjoon finally turned to meet his gaze then and Hoseok noted the twinge of possessiveness curled in his best friend's lips. Good. He wouldn’t expect anything less. And at least now he had Namjoon’s attention. 

Namjoon regarded him silently, then casually clicked his tongue. 'The answer to that is ‘love’.'

'Huh?' It was Hoseok's turn to be confused. 

'You're my brother, Hobi.’ Namjoon’s grimace was more comforting than Hoseok would let on. ‘I am in love with her… but I love you. And I know… somehow, in some way, I know  you would have never acted on your feelings.’ Namjoon turned away. ‘Like you said, feelings are feelings, we can’t help how we feel – it’s our actions that matter.’

Hoseok suddenly found it hard to breathe, his throat constricting with a raw emotion and absolute relief that he didn’t want to acknowledge in such a public setting. 'That simple?' He tried to be coherent, but he could only manage to croak the two words out. 

Namjoon tipped his head forward slightly. 'That simple.'

Hoseok turned back to y/n, focusing on her bright but strained smile as she pointed to Clandy, apparently siding with Bree and Hazey for whatever they were disagreeing over. 

Finally, Hoseok understood how and why y/n fell for Kim Namjoon. 

'Did you hate me when you found out I cheated on her?' 

The question should have caught Hoseok off-guard, but an answer rolled off his tongue easily. 'No.’ Before quickly adding, ‘But I wanted to.'

He could see Namjoon nodding from his peripheral vision. ‘Then all the arguing and wanting to punch me in the face…’

Hoseok finally let out an easy breath. ‘Can’t say you didn’t deserve it.’ He took another sip of his champagne. ‘And I don’t take too kindly to anyone hurting her. Be it you,’ Hoseok swung his gaze back to Kwang, who squeezed Sylo’s shoulder affectionately, ‘or anyone else.’

The lah-dee-dah casual exchange didn’t fool Hoseok. As a front, Sylo would be highly respectful to Kwang because Sung and Kwang were the reason Sylo Surveillance came highly recommended, but Sylo always knew more than he let on. 

‘I asked her.’ Namjoon’s voice brought him back. ‘If she preferred you or… wanted to pursue you in any way.’

Hoseok blanched. ‘Why would you –,’

'I had to be sure, Hobi.’ The statement seemed to have crawled from the deepest confines of Namjoon’s heart. ‘She’s so… happy with you.’ Namjoon elaborated. ‘It makes me pause, when you're with her. There's not a lot that can hide your emotions. You're expressive. But y/n, she hides behind multiple masks, her existence made up of layers you have to peel back and find out for yourself and be privileged enough to experience. She’s so carefree with you. And she smiles and she… absolutely adores you.’

Hoseok inhaled shakily, the honest truth of the words breaking him open even further than he had been before. ‘That may be,’ Hoseok agreed, and nodded as he did so, because he knew his connection with y/n was something special, ‘but she loves you. She’s chosen you.' It didn’t hurt as bad to say it this time, it didn’t hurt to acknowledge the God-honest truth that Namjoon was it for y/n. He was not only the one, but the one and only.

Namjoon huffed as the simple fact rolled off Hoseok’s tongue. ‘I know. And I do not deserve her.’ He suddenly sounded resigned. ‘I just wish…’ heavy regret coating his words, ’I wish I had chosen her that night too.’

Hoseok didn’t know what to say to that. Well, he did. But what good would it do to tell Namjoon that he had fucked up. That people make mistakes. That he had a lapse in judgment and thought with his dick. That even Kim Namjoon was just… human. And though Maiya was forceful, Namjoon was physically strong in stature and sound of mind and it was just unfortunate that he was inebriated. So he gave Namjoon an out and spoke about, believe it or not, the less uncomfortable topic. 'So you've known for a long time.' 

A curt nod as he turned towards the sound of his wife’s laughter, with the human version of her heart next to her. 

'So… love is the reason I'm still one of her best friends?' 

The leader hummed as he downed his champagne. 'I cannot forget that she loves you. As do I.' Namjoon raised his hand, an absent minded motion. 'And like you said, limits, boundaries, respect, I believe too much in our friendship to not trust you, I believe so much in your love for her, that if anything were to happen to me, if she had to leave, walk away to find happiness or… love…’

Hoseok would not leave y/n alone. 

He knew he could never be y/n’s lover, but Hoseok did in fact, love her. Through making a new life, through navigating a new part of the world, having a friend and never to feel alone as she forced herself to go through a fresh start and leave her old self behind, Hoseok would follow.

‘I didn't think I had it in me to let her leave. When I first told her, it was the worst thing that could have happened to me. Now I know, if she ever didn't want me anymore. You'd go with her. You'd keep my heart safe for me.'

‘Lesser of two evils?’ 

Namjoon’s lip curled up on one end. ‘Something like that.’

Hoseok wouldn’t call Namjoon out. The fact was that Namjoon was only being so calm and mature about such a thought, because he knew that y/n would not leave him. Not unless he fucked up again. And Hoseok didn’t want to think of Namjoon ever breaking y/n’s heart all over again. She wouldn’t just walk away… she would leave carnage in her wake. 

Loving y/n from afar had been Hoseok’s own battle to deal with, but watching the woman he loved, feel pain, internally destroy herself, fall apart in front of them and all Hoseok could do was watch… never again.

Only love can hurt like this. 

Hoseok scoffed at the song and shook his head. Too much TikTok. But Hoseok appreciated the trust Namjoon had in him. The trust and the love. 'I can't fucking stand you sometimes.' He looked to the ground and kicked at the ground softly as he said his next words. 'Y/n is right.'

When Hoseok finally looked up, he found Namjoon blinking at him expectantly. 

'You make it so hard to be mad at you.' Hoseok held out his hand. 'I'm still mad at you for hurting her. But if any couple can make it through this, it's the two of you.'

Namjoon sighed and clasped Hoseok’s extended hand. 'I still envy you.'

Hoseok and y/n had a bond, a connection, a string of their own tying them together in its own way. And no one, not even Namjoon could question it. In the same way, y/n would never be able to question the bond between Hoseok and Namjoon. 

Their bracelets that matched, their rings that each member had, their strong fingers clasping each other, in an unbreakable promise. 

‘Orbit was one of Y/n’s first projects. In fact, Braelyn is right over there.’

Namjoon and Hoseok turned their heads simultaneously when Kwang and Sylo left Huru and walked toward the Rayu sisters.

‘Ah yes, I also need to discuss the specifics of the most recent incident that took place.’

Hoseok held onto Namjoon’s hand when he would have let go, trying to avoid an altercation till the last possible moment. ‘Hobi, let g – ‘

‘Noona!’ Jungkook waved Y/n over to where the video camera was set up, Seon-ho offering a bright smile next to him.

Hoseok relaxed slightly and gave Namjoon a pointed look when he glared back. ‘Calm down. She’s fine.’

Namjoon only swatted Hoseok’s hand away and ordered another drink. 

The shift between the two males settled some before Hoseok found it within himself to say his next words. 'You know… deep down I don't think we all believe you've cheated yet.'

Namjoon scrunched his eyebrows. 'It's right in front of you.'

'Yeah, but somehow… even with it being all out in the open… and you admitting it… it doesn't seem…' Hoseok squinted at nothing in particular, '... real.' 

He continued after a beat. 'It's just not like you. The whole… situation… doesn't fit with who you are.' Hoseok didn't look up at his brother. He wasn't sure what he was trying to explain – either way, he couldn't ignore Namjoon's confession, or the recording, or the physical evidence laid out before him. Regardless of what he believed, Namjoon had cheated on y/n. 

'How can you look at her the way you do…' Hoseok shook his head in utter disbelief, 'and cheat on her.'

'Look, if you're trying to make me feel bad about mys -,' 

'I'm not.' Hobi's voice held an undertone of hard finality. 'I was angry. Justifiably so. But even now… after weeks… after the fights and the tears and… the healing, I just can't process any of it.' He met Namjoon's gaze and swallowed hard. 'I don't believe you would ever choose to cheat on y/n. Not when she means more to you than any one in the world.'

Hoseok had stunned Namjoon to silence, not only with his words, but with the raw emotion that could be felt through them. 

'What's done is done though, right?' Namjoon's nostrils flared. 'We got through it.'

They did get through it, Hoseok thought. 

But being a hyung for the better part of his life, being Namjoon's best friend, knowing him like the back of his hand, Hoseok could see that the most logical explanation was put forth even in this situation, and maybe, just maybe, a part of Namjoon himself understood what Hoseok was trying to say. 

No matter the circumstances, no matter the psychology behind it, no matter the insurmountable odds and the reasoning of  'the wrong place at the wrong time,' Kim Namjoon would not just cheat on Kim Y/n. 

—------ 

Immediately after the wedding, you and the staff opened up Ballad Hall to its entirety. The newlyweds cut their cake and took their place center stage, the guys touched base with you indicating no new hassles or issues and you had absolutely no choice but to mingle. 

And you did not want to mingle. 

You did your fair share of putting an outward front, and very rarely was it met with some sort of force threatening to break it down. 

You were who you were. 

But Kwang's presence caused a tangle of emotions within you. It was a near-painful awareness as he circled the hall, meeting guests, old acquaintances and introducing himself to new ones, as if his presence could make a difference to their lives. 

It did to yours. Not the good kind. 

You were thrumming with anxiety. It lined your skin and made you fidget with your fingers, move about the hall not wanting to stay in the same position too long, and try as you might, you constantly felt a certain pair of eyes that raked your form from head to toe. 

It creeped you out. And annoyed the absolute fuck out of you because were you really this blind in your younger adult years? The worst part was that it made you feel dirty, like you were the one doing something wrong.

'Y/n!' 

You turned away from Seon-ho's camera where he showed you some candid shots and found a pair of eyes you actually planned to connect with. 'Lirrah.'

You dipped your head to acknowledge Seon-ho and dismiss him before you pulled the idol into your arms for a big hug. 

'I'm so, so sorry.' You didn't exactly know what else to say. What could you say? ‘'I'm sorry my husband's mistress tried to shoot you?'’ Sure. That would go overly well. 

'Hey, I know it's not your fault.' She returned your hug with equal enthusiasm and patted your back lightly. 'I'm just glad you're okay.'

When you pulled back, you searched her face for any sign of insincerity. There was none.

She squeezed your arms. 'I'm seriously okay. They evaluated me psychologically and everything.’

You relaxed your body slightly, offering a still guarded but not unfriendly smile. You silently thought about how your first psych visit would go. 'How's the paperwork… and the questions… and the lawyers involved?'

She groaned and dropped her hands. 'Don't even get me started.' Maybe you did something right that night, because she seemed more forthcoming with you than usual. 'I told them that they didn’t need to make a big fuss about it. But,’ she sighed in exasperation, ‘They’ve insisted. Anytime I go out with you, or any of the girls, I have to have my own security detail.'

You felt a twinge of annoyance in your gut – protective instincts rearing its head. It wasn't the team's fault. They were perfectly capable, as a unit and as individuals. But you understood where her management was coming from. It was a business, she was under contract, her safety mattered. And hey, if it kept her safe from harm, that was one less lawsuit for Sylo and your team. 

'I think that's better for all of us.' You nodded your ascent as you spoke, to make it seem less of a big deal than you felt it was. 

'You know it's nothing against your team though, right?' 

Your dark sense of humor made your lips lift on one side of your face as you noticed Xan and Zwahn size up the two males that tailed Lirrah a couple feet behind her. 'They can hold their own,' you assured her. 'I'm glad you could make it though.'

'Have you spoken to Ria or Yuna yet?' You motioned to your best friend who was somewhere behind you next to her wedding cake. Luckily Yuna was too happy to care about any of the complications or the last minute changes. 

'I haven't… actually. I spoke to Kenta. I wanted an update about Yoshi. But that was before the wedding. I…' she seemed to be struggling with her words as she tipped up her black bow tie six inch suede sandals and rested on her heel, her clutch held tightly in front of her. 'I wanted to make sure we were cool.'

Suddenly you were less annoyed than you were before. Yoshi was due for two more surgeries then he'd be placed in physio for recovery. Time was a factor in determining his well-being, but he seemed cheery enough when Kae-Lee video called from the hospital to be a part of the ceremony virtually. They sent their best wishes and bantered with the rest of the team before clicking off Kiri’s phone. It was food for the soul to see how well your security team gelled together, personally and professionally. And it reinforced your belief that Maiya Song just got lucky.

As for Lirrah, whatever the circumstances during the course of that night, the heart-to-heart seemed to have had an effect on her. It seemed you had found an ally in the idol circle.

Your smile became more pronounced as thoughts pranced along the back of your brain. 'We're good. In fact,' you grabbed her hand and gave it a short squeeze, 'we're more than good.'

The soft moment was broken when you spotted Kwang at the edge of your vision, walking away from Braelyn. He walked next to Sylo, supposedly playing catch up since Arem Architecture was the longest standing contract of the security firm – as old as Sylo and Kwang's acquaintance. 

Dropping Lirrah's hand, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, you offered her one last smile and said something about checking on the food. 

Truthfully, you know Jin already handled the food and pack up was well underway in the food aspect of things. But if you had to deal with the game of cat and mouse for the rest of the evening, you would need a breather. You could go to your husband, but that would be stoking the fire within him and Hobi wasn’t an option since he’d taken his place next to Namjoon. As for your bodyguard… you looked across to find Kenta following behind Yuna, as she tugged him alongside her, Kenta deserved a break. Kenta deserved to be happy.

Against your better judgment, before you started toward Jin, you looked back in Kwang’s direction… and had your breath knocked out of you when you caught him staring straight at you. 

—------

Seokjin seemed to be in his element. He had his sleeves rolled up, and directed the catering team as if it was his own as they took down the long tables and emptied the array of platters and bain maries.

‘Money is not an object, but the quality and choice of food cannot be compromised.’

It was one of his better statements. As a man honed with experience from his diverse career and multifarious roles over the years, he was even-tempered enough to let a screw-up slide, but he and y/n had given the company ample time and a simple menu to work with. There was a limit to his tolerance, unfortunately for the poor bastard that had to take over at the last minute, Seokjin’s grace didn’t extend this time round.

He ordered food from a local hotel, calling in a favor from the head chef, and whipped up a menu to feed nearly forty guests who were privileged enough to attend the wedding and still used the catering team whose services were originally paid for.

Truth be told, he enjoyed the pressure that pushed him to make it possible and his focus was making sure y/n had less to worry about. 

The woman he considered his little sister in every way possible was too capable for her own good. A last minute wedding, with her life crises and possibility of looming threats, now walking around with her head held high despite her abuser circling her…

Jin was not supposed to know. He wasn’t sure if y/n even remembered telling him.

‘Ah, the famous finger biscuits.’ Jin wiggled his eyebrows as the correct term ‘Ladyfingers’ ran through his mind. ‘I need these for the new trifle recipe I want to try out.’

‘Oh, I used to love those.’ Y/n barely spared a glance to the packet he held before she reached for the top shelf where the Lucky Charms were, multiple cereal types already in her own shopping cart. 

‘You don’t like them anymore?’ If she didn’t he would have to find an alternative. 

Her lips screwed up like she just tasted something sour. ‘I can’t eat them. It was the last snack Kwang gave me before he tried to feel me up.’ She huffed. ‘Like some sort of bribe after so many years to try to get in my panties.’

Seokjin would have reached over to help her, but he could only watch as she struggled to get the box down, turn it over in her hand and place it in the cart. The shock didn’t wear off, not even when her face dropped and she realized what she just said.

He had a newfound respect for her after the slip up, and an added layer of protectiveness flared within him. 

As he directed a waiter away from a head on collision with a table being maneuvered out of the venue, from his peripheral vision, Jin caught sight of an interaction he never thought he’d see in his lifetime. Jungkook and Huru were having an actual conversation. 

From the looks of it Huru was showing Jungkook something about the maknae’s camera and Jungkook found whatever it was so cool that he smiled with his bunny teeth.

A wave of agitation rushed through Seokjin and for a second he didn’t know what to do with whatever he was feeling. 

It was foreign. Jungkook had six hyungs. Not once did Seokjin ever feel territorial about being his eldest hyung, because every single one would always put Jungkook first, always take care of him, always keep him safe and never choose to hurt him – not intentionally. But seeing Huru even for one second being on the receiving end of one of Jungkook’s genuine reactions… Seokjin found it very unsettling. 

Moving his gaze away before he was tempted to actually snarl in their direction and lecture the maknae about his naivete, Seokjin caught sight of another male that did nothing to make the taste in his mouth any less bitter. He needed a drink.

Seeing Kwang Jae in the flesh, Seokjin couldn’t help the disdain that coursed through him. He couldn’t even find it in himself to be civil if the man approached him at all. 

For his own sake, the prick shouldn’t cross Seokjin’s path. 

And by the looks of it, Kwang’s options were minimal, because he had a threat in every direction. Kenta, by the entrance, Hoseok and Namjoon by the bar to his left and Jin at the back of the hall handling the packing of the food.

Jin could be wrong, but Yoongi’s glare from behind his set-up said more than words. Even if his dongsaeng didn’t know the specifics, Yoongi’s instincts were enough to go on. The contempt was obvious. And Kwang Jae strutted with a haughty air of energy that would rub anyone the wrong way. 

Speaking of being rubbed the wrong way, Huru caught Jin’s eye as he walked by. He seemed to be heading outside toward the parking lot. Jin clenched his jaw and battled the urge he’d been reigning in since learning of the PI’s true intentions. Looking back at the catering team, he figured they would survive without his direction for five minutes.

'Jin.' The familiar voice was coupled with the arm that currently curved around his own and stopped him in his tracks.

He couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips as he turned to look at y/n. 'I told you there was nothing to worry about.'

She dropped her eyes and mumbled something unintelligible. 

Frowning, when she trembled slightly, he dropped his head to accommodate her. 'Hmm?' 

'I know.’ He placed a warm hand at the small of her back, giving her some sort of warmth, a small reminder to steady herself. ‘I just needed an excuse to get away from… everyone. For a bit.'

Looking past her smaller form, his eyes briefly connected with Kwang’s, who dipped his head in acknowledgement. Seokjin didn’t return the gesture. His protective instincts turned lethal. 

Despite being one of the more even-tempered males in their band, Jin may not react as harshly as the others, but he more than made up for it in his own way – he didn’t forgive easily. Depending on the person, he didn’t forgive at all. 

Uncaring of the watchful eyes and his plans before she showed up, he stepped back and did the one thing he knew would make her laugh. 

He curled his hands into a loose fist, and made a circle with them in alternate directions, in front of his face, a circle for each syllable that came out of his mouth. 'Kim-to-the-Y-to-the-N.'

Her eyes lit up and she followed suit, repeating the motion. 'Kim-to-the-Seok-to-the-Jin.'

'Huuuuh.' They exclaimed together as they both bent forward, touched their stacked forearms against each other, and broke off to dab in either direction. 

They both broke into a fit of giggles at the staple greeting in the drama they both made a point to watch every week on the day of release. 

'You always know what to do,' she scrunched her nose at him playfully. 

'I know.' He copied her funny face just to keep her laughing. 

It was something small, to share a moment with y/n, to remind her in the smallest of ways that she was not alone – not anymore. It was one of the greatest gifts to feel human with her. 

'Y/n!' 

Jin lifted his gaze to find Yoongi waving y/n over to his set up. He was probably getting ready for his changeover with Hoseok. 

‘Hey,’ he held onto her hand before she walked away, ‘we won’t let anything happen to you.’

She sniffed. ‘I don’t want anything to happen at all.’

He couldn’t promise that. Not with the amount of tension swirling in the room. As he relinquished y/n, after placing a chaste kiss on the back of her hand, for good measure he scanned the room and found Kwang with his niece, a stone-faced Kenta next to her aiming a cold glare in the elder’s direction. 

Y/n would be fine with Yoongi around her. And Hoseok and Namjoon were not far behind, their watchful eyes never wavering. 

All Jin needed was five minutes. Before he could change his mind, he pulled on his coat and followed the private investigator out of the hall.

—-------

Seokjin found Huru at the back entrance, phone in hand.

‘Seokjin.’ The PI acknowledged him without looking up when he got close enough. 

‘One-name wonder.’ The snide comment left Seokjin’s lips before he could stop it.

Huru’s lip curled in response, somehow finding the name funny and still not looking up at him. ‘What can I do for you?'

Seokjin bided his time, by sticking his hands in his pockets and making a show of studying the PI in front of him. ‘I’m just trying to figure out if this is how you usually work.’

Huru paused in his typing, but didn't put his phone away. ‘I don't know what you mean.’

‘Do you always start off cold and aloof, gain your client’s trust and then capitalize? I mean you’ve met Yuna, known Kenta… God knows how long… and only now, you meet y/n and decide you want to apply to Sylo Surveillance to protect her?’

‘Did you forget that y/n was the one who called me,' Huru looked up and finally pocketed his phone, 'not the other way around?’

‘Yes. She sought you out to do a job. And as I understand it, that job is done. The ‘bad guy’ has been put away. Case closed.’ Then he cocked his head to the side, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at Huru. ‘Yet you’re still here…circling y/n’s orbit. Why?’

Huru kept both hands behind his back, as he carefully regarded the oldest in the biggest boyband in the world. ‘What are you implying, Jin?’

Seokjin found the whole exchange quite irksome. It may be business, but he didn't like talking in riddles, it took effort, and a bout of patience he only afforded to certain individuals. Huru was not one of those individuals. ‘That you have a thing for my sister-in-law.’

Huru rolled his eyes. ‘Haven’t we already had this cock fight.’ A slow blink. ‘Need I also remind you that she is your sister-in-law because she is married.’

‘A technicality…' for you. Jin wistfully brushed aside the fact, 'yet… you haven't disagreed with my statement.’

‘I’m just trying to follow through with the job’

Jin scoffed. ‘But the job is done. What else is there to follow through on?’

‘No. I'm not done yet.’ Huru casually placed his hands in his pockets. ‘See… with Kenta leaving, and Yoshi temporarily out of action…’

Soekjin knew what Huru was going to say before he said it.

‘... I graciously offered to step in as the head of y/n’s security detail.' Seokjin knew it was coming. The hyung line had discussed it in the pool house after Namjoon had calmed down. They didn’t like the idea, but it was the only available and logical option. They had to trust Kenta, Y/n and hope that Huru didn’t make himself too comfortable. 'And I know in this regard, you have never questioned Kenta’s judgment… I would be grateful if you kept to that.’

‘I trust Kenta.’ He enunciated Kenta’s name. A silent dissent disguised as a simple fact. There was never a need to question Kenta or his methods. The head of y/n’s security detail had been willing to put himself in harm's way and protect her as someone he genuinely loved and cared for. Kenta went as far as warning Namjoon off when he first started dating y/n. Kenta knew y/n, he knew her secrets and was privy to information meant only for certain ears or shouldn't at all see the light of day. There was never the need to put forth an NDA with him. Discretion was in Kenta’s blood.

Kenta was loyal, in every circumstance. Huru, with every passing day, was proving to have personal interests and came across as someone who would place those very needs above everyone else's, including y/n's. 

‘Regardless. I think minding other people's business is not in your schedule, Seokjin.’

‘Y/n is family, therefore she is my business.’ His tone held a bit of bite to it. He was very protective of his sister-in-law. She deserved love, respect and so much more.

Huru hummed. ‘You should trust y/n more. She’s not likely to make the same mistake as her husband. Although,’ Huru narrowed his eyes and raised a finger, ’she is very much entitled to make things even.’

Jin chuckled coldly at the audacity. ‘Don't talk about Namjoon like you know him. And don't, ever, use y/n’s name in that  context again.’ Jin clicked his tongue. ‘Let's face it. If you had purely professional or even friendly intentions, we wouldn't be having this conversation.’ Jin aimed a pointed look in Huru's direction. 'But we are having this conversation. So man to man, do your job, and as far as possible, stay away from y/n. Do you understand?’

‘Kinda hard to do that when I need to watch her back for…however long it takes Yoshi time to recover. I will be the first person she sees every single morning, the last she sees every night, her work, her visits with her friends, her meetings… her house…’

‘Know your place.' Seokjin couldn't help the reprimand. 'You are not Namjoon.’

‘Ah yes… there is that.’ Huru sighed. Making it seem like Namjoon was a minor inconvenience. ‘Hmm. Aren’t idols supposed to be more polite? More indirect. More discreet.’

‘I don't care about your generalizations of idols.'

Huru smiled wide. It was… disconcerting. ‘I don't have any generalizations.’ 

Yeah right. ‘Ah.’ 

‘And yeah, I actually like your music.’ 

Seokjin couldn’t be bothered about whether the compliment was genuine, so he denied the opportunity for small talk and cut straight to the chase. ‘Just make yourself scarce. Put someone else in the front line if necessary. Because you are not and will never be welcome. And we will make it very hard for you to do your job.’

‘Oh, I know.' Huru’s tone was mocking and his usually bland expression morphed into something sinister when his eyes narrowed into slits. 'But I don't particularly care, though. Remember Seokjin, it's keeping y/n safe–that's the job. And that's all that should matter. Because that is the primary focus. Now, what could happen… is that really worth the time?’ 

Jin’s teeth clicked shut – he couldn't argue with the logic. The momentum with which he initially approached Huru had fallen flat in the face of his words. 

He wanted to protect his family, and by all means he should, but even he wouldn't question y/n's decisions. 

She had come a long way in building herself up to be the proud woman that exuded power with the mere click of her heels against the ground, and Kim Seokjin, regardless of his fame, power and standing in her life, would not go against it. He would not doubt her decisions, he would trust her to take care of herself… even in the presence of a threat like Huru. 

Seokjin didn’t like anger. He didn’t sit well with it, he didn't hold it quietly like Yoongi. He didn’t burst at the seams in a rage like his maknae. He liked being calm, quiet, in charge in the least domineering way possible. But as it danced pensively across his spine, and he raised his head to stiffly meet Huru’s gaze, he used it to remind himself that he wasn't admitting defeat. 'Do your job. Then get out. But during that time… step a fucking toe out of line…' 

'Yeah. I know. You're the almighty Kim Seokjin.'

That he was. 

And Huru should be thankful for that… because any other man would have thrown the punch that itched across Jin's knuckles.

—--------

‘... I just wish you would have told me.’

‘You’re one to talk. I'm on my way to rock bottom,' Taehyung sneered at his soul mate, still salty about being left out of the loop. 

'You had a panic attack!'

'You were self-deprecating!'

Yoongi turned away from Hoseok and shot them a pointed look. Indicating that they were being a bit too loud. 

He didn’t have to actually say anything. The look was enough. It’s not the place or the time. Behave. Shut the fuck up.

'Hmph.' They both turned their backs on each other and took a swig from their flutes. 

After a minute, Taehyung mumbled loud enough for Jimin to hear. 'You did good with Yuna's dress by the way.'

'And those gloves were a nice touch. Not to mention the boots.' Jimin shifted to face Taehyung's back. 'And I'm guessing the chain hanging off her thigh was custom made.'

Taehyung smirked as he remembered the specificity of his order. It HAS to be a crescent moon, even if stars are surrounding it. Taehyung peeped over the rim of his glass for his sister-in-law and found her next to the booth talking to Yoongi hyung.

The chain might look like a trinket, but it was real gold and detachable, meaning she didn't have to only use it with her boots. 

But of course, he didn't tell her that yet. Spending money on y/n took baby steps. 

'Yeah, it was a custom order. I wanted to show her I appreciate her fully, ya know.'

'I'm sure she knows that.' Jimin's arm curled around Taehyung's waist. 'Are you and Namjoon hyung… better?'��

Taehyung felt a bit better with Jimin’s comfort but he pursed his lips as he thought about the question. 'Yeah, I guess so. I mean, we talk. A lot more. And it's not awkward anymore. But he's also adamant about giving me…' he squinted and stared off into the distance before using the word he was looking for, '... hope. That I'm not gonna be alone and I will find my person. I'm trying not to feel like a complete wuss for voicing my feelings on Christmas.'

He felt… lighter. Much lighter after falling apart the way he did, but there was also a certain discomfort in being so… open. He wasn’t pining for love, neither was he actively seeking it out. But it wouldn’t be such a bad thing either.

'You're not a wuss. You deserve to be happy. And who knows, maybe you're next in our band of merry men.'

Taehyung didn't want to entertain the thought. Rather he countered Jimin’s statement. 'And how long were you going to wait to tell me that you had someone??' 

Jimin blinked owlishly. 'What?' 

'Come on.’ Taehyung scoffed. ‘Sneaking out after hours only to show up on time to wake up or at practice. At some point you weren't even around during our off days. Then you were depressed, moody, and ate less. Then you started up again. It's obviously a relationship that's got you all in knots and you have no idea how to let us know.'

'And you know what, it's fair. You need to be ready to share these things with the world. I mean look at the many death threats y/n had to deal with. And then there's the studio, then the band… but me? Me, Jimin? Your Taehyung. I used to think nothing can be bad enough that I had to keep it away from you.'

'But you did.’ Jimin interjected. ‘Look at all these feelings. Anxiety. Depression. Loneliness. I mean sure, I would remind you to look in the mirror, even if that wouldn't help any, but I had a right to know too.' 

Even the petty parts of Taehyung felt safe with Jimin. He could tell the man anything, everything, but he kept his pain to himself, because for all he knew, Jimin had already had enough to deal with. 'I didn't tell you because… I wanted a secret of my own.’ His eyes were downcast. ‘My own burden to bear. And it's fucking heavy, but I kept it. Because you stopped needing me. And I didn’t want to need you.’'

Jimin’s eyebrows pinched together in concern. 'I'll always need you, Tae.' 

The statement turned Taeyung’s heart over in his chest and he reached out for Jimin and rested a palm on his shoulder.

'Look, I'll admit,’ Jimin pinched his lips together and scrambled to find his words, ‘it's…. childish for me to have kept a relationship a secret for so long. But time just dragged on and when I tried to tell you… the words wouldn't come out and the next time became the next time and the next week became the next and I – ... Eventually I didn't know how to tell you. It was… too late.'

Taehyung could understand that. Sometimes the biggest parts of life were hidden because of timing, because of insecurities, or as y/n would say, it simply just wasn’t the right time.

'Plus, it was quite topsy turvy for a while.’ Jimin closed his right eye as he explained further. ‘We didn't know how to work things out.'

A dull sadness made itself known. Even if he couldn’t be happy yet, Taehyung would never not want Jimin to be unhappy. Regardless of whether he was kept outside the loop and didn’t know the whole story, Taehyung would help them make things work. 'Have you though?’ 

‘Hmm?’ Jimin hummed, staring off at the dessert table.

‘Have you worked things out with…?’ Taehyung trailed off due to the lack of a name, and simultaneously gave his brother an opening. 

‘Oh sure,’ Jimin rolled his eyes, ’we've even chosen our wedding flowers.’ 

Taehyung didn’t know why Jimin was being so sarcastic so he humored him. ‘Cool, which ones?’ 

A slow smirk. ‘Wildflowers.’ 

'Oh yeah,' Taehyung drawled, 'that narrows it down.’

In reality, Taehyung should have been afraid, because as much as he had his band, it was always Taehyung and Jimin against the world. He got through his life knowing that he would always have a friend, always have someone to turn to, to rely on, to talk to, to forget the world or say fuck it. But times changed, and people grew up, more into themselves and sometimes apart… and it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Jimin would still be the first person Taehyung called with good news, or bad news, or even ask him to help hide a body, but they would make their own way through life eventually. 

It was just bittersweet that Jimin had a head start.

‘Do you love them?’ Taehyung asked through the thick emotion welling up in his throat. 

‘Her.’ Jimin clarified.

‘Do you love her?’ 

Jimin didn’t answer for a minute, but his faroff stare was enough for Taehyung to understand that she was someone important. ‘I love her. More than anything.’ 

Then it was simple ‘Then we do what we always do.’ 

‘Use humor as a coping mechanism?’ 

‘Yes, but no –,’

‘Scrutinize everyone else's fashion choices?’ 

‘Yes, but –,’

‘Because that monstrosity talking to Sylo, I think he's related to Yuna –,’

‘Jimin.’ Taehyung tried not to stay on track, because he’d taken note of the dark green pants earlier too. 

Usually dark green made… all the sense in the world, but not with the way the man in front of them wore them. Wrong shoes, wrong hair… and he had too much pride in himself making him look more of an ass than his clothes did.

‘Okay wait, I got it, we discuss your superiority complex.’

‘There’s nothing complex about it. I'm Kim Taehyung.’ 

‘You have a big head.’ 

‘And you have a small body.’ 

‘Two halves of a whole idiot.’ Their Jin hyung joked as he brushed past them.

‘Okayyyy,’ Taehyung dragged the word out as he watched his hyung walk by, ‘but my point is…’ 

‘The guy in the green pants… ‘

‘My point is that we will get through it together. Step by step. And y/n will help.’

Jimin's eyebrows shot up. ‘What will y/n help with, why are we giving her more to deal with?’ 

Taehyung made a ‘duh’ face. ‘Welcoming her into the family.’ 

Jimin snorted. ‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, I don’t know if y/n would even like her.’ 

‘She'll give her a chance.’

‘Wow,’ Jimin leaned into Taehyung,’ this all suddenly seems very real.’

Taehyung tapped Jimin on the back. ‘We have to start somewhere.’

Jimin broke out into a deep earthy chuckle, and bent his head. 

The sound made Taehyung feel happier than he had all day. ‘What's so funny?’ 

‘I’m just now realizing that I’m more concerned about y/n’s approval than our hyungs.’

Taehyung thought about it. He didn’t take long to figure out why. ‘Y/n is more open-minded. She’s an anything goes, morally gray type of person.’ 

‘Yeah, so if she doesn’t like… her.’ Jimin dropped his head against Tae’s shoulder. ‘I’m fucked.’

‘Well… we won’t know until we try. Maybe next week we can all meet her?’ Taeyung prompted to get the ball rolling.

‘Woah, woah,’ Jimin stepped back. ‘Wait, I still need to talk to her, and tell her that I finally told you and there’s just a whole lot of st –,’

‘Jiminie…’ Something was clearly stopping Jimin. ‘What are you so afraid of?’

For a second it looked like Jimin was going to come clean, but he turned away and thought the better of it. Covering his mouth with his hand Jimin glanced again at the catering table and then back at Taehyung. ‘Okay. Next week. You’ll meet her. Alone. And when you… see, you’ll understand better and… we’ll take it from there.’

‘Pinky swear.’ Taehyung raised his pinkie finger.

Jimin looked at the finger, then blew out a breath of air. ‘As long as the same pinky swear, you promise not to keep things bottled up anymore.’

Taehyung didn’t find the need to anymore. Not if Jimin was giving freely. ‘Promise.’

Jimin hesitantly followed through with offering up his own to seal the deal. Pinky swears were sacred. Neither Taehyung nor Jimin would ever break them.

Decidedly giving Jimin a break, Taehyung grabbed a new champagne flute and scanned the hall. ‘You’re right about that man with the green pants though, he’s really bugging me because he won’t stop looking at y/n.’

‘Seriously.’ Jimin raised a brow, unease taking over his features. ‘Why? Is it like a creepy stare or… ?’

Taehyung shrugged, not sure what to make of the situation himself.

‘But didn’t you say that Yuna is related to him. Maybe he has known her for a long time or something.’

Taehyung mulled over the thought. ‘Could be. He just seems familiar for some reason.’ 

It wasn’t merely the fact that he watched y/n like a hawk. Easily, Kenta, Hoseok and Namjoon did the same because they were so protective, but something about the older male wearing offensive trousers rubbed Taehyung the wrong way. 

There was a difference between admiring a flower for its beauty and wanting to pluck it for oneself and Taehyung found it concerning that he would even compare such a small act to something so aggressive, yet it somehow felt… fitting.

—-------

I think you should try the academy again. Do your own training, attend therapy and simultaneously bring in new recruits.

You smoothly transitioned Hobi and Yoongi at the sound system and now worked on setting up the drapes for the set of photographs each guest would be taking with the happy couple.

Kenta’s timing surprised you. It was straight after Yuna handed you her necklace, its clasp coming loose again, so you stuffed it in your clutch which you had slung over your shoulder, when he called you over. Looking at Kiri’s distraught expression you wasted no time in curling your arms around her. 

He could have taken Kiri aside and discussed her position with the team behind closed doors, but she had requested you to be present. 

I didn’t want to make any decisions without you being okay with it.

You would miss her. That was your first thought. It was your first reaction. Funny enough, your security was the last thought in your mind. These people that you had come to know, shared memories with, formed bonds over some of the best and worst situations – they mattered as individuals. And Kiri was a good buffer. She could be soft and still hold her own against the testosterone fueled team.

But Kiri had demons. In hindsight, everyone had demons and ghosts and some sort of war in their head that threatened their flow of life. But Kiri was… broken. As she would say so, as you would state the same for yourself.

You would never say such a thing out loud, but sometimes life left people less whole, a bit less of themselves, and not being ready to face her demons, let them circle back and haunt her. 

Kiri needed a change of scenery, something a bit more grounded, something with a schedule and routine and something she could either like or get bored off, but mainly find the time to visit therapy and find herself.

You’ll always have a place with us… with me. And just because you’re not working with me, doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch.

In actuality you were… sad. You mulled over the ordinary word. Not as intense as aggrieved, not dejected or unhappy, not gloomy or low-spirited, just… sad. Like tasting your favorite ice-cream from when you were little and feeling nostalgia. Like watching a cartoon that used to play on reruns as an adult. Like looking out into the sunset knowing you were never this old, never this confused and yet still looking forward to what was next. It was like saying goodbye.

‘Y/n!’ Yoongi startled you. ‘I told you not to climb up there in heels.’

You braced yourself on his shoulders when he lifted you without warning and placed you on the floor. ‘Yoongs–,’

‘I mean, we pay people for these types of things.’ He emphasized his point as he stepped on the chair himself.

‘Hmm, is that why you’re up there, now?’ You crossed your arms and raised an eyebrow at him.

‘Don’t snark at me. Just because I like you doesn't mean you’ll get away with everything.’ He grumbled as he focused on the drapes in front of him. ‘Now you want this color, over that and the LED over this one, am I right?’

‘Yes, please.’ You clasped your hands in front of you and smiled up at him sweetly, just to be a pain.

‘You’re insufferable. Can we get back the way things were before the night you almost got shot?’ He paused then looked down at you, a frown on his face. ‘Is it too soon to make jokes?’

You snorted. ‘No. And no, we can’t go back to how we were before I got shot.’ You shot him a million-dollar smile, eyes sparkling with mischief. 

He grumbled something unintelligible and you watched as he finished the set up, directing him wherever necessary.

A childish part of you wanted to sing-song “You looooovvee me”, but Yoongi wasn’t Jin or Hoseok and you wouldn’t push it, even if he did have a soft spot for you these days.

‘All you’re missing is a Katana by the way.’ He grunted as he reached a bit higher up on his tiptoes to untangle the drapes at the end. 

A warmth flooded you as you took note of his playfulness. Yoongi didn’t usually play… with anyone. ‘One with a badass inscription or something.’

‘Well, the metal itself should remain untouched, but what would you want the inscription on the bag to say?’

You pouted, trying to think of the many inspiring quotes you scrolled past in Pinterest. But then… Katana’s were sacred. As sacred as tattoos, as sacred as your crescent moon necklace. It had to represent something cool, something you believed in, something that inspired you. 

‘Hmm, I’m caught between being inspirational or sentimental.’

‘What are the options?’

Internally you did a jig. You were really having a not so serious, unrealistic conversation with Yoongi. 

‘Hypothetically speaking, I could have the Seven Virtues of the Bushido Code on there or just the Korean inscription of ‘Winter Flower.’

You watched Yoongi smirk from where you looked up at him. ‘Don’t laugh at me.’

‘I’m not laughing at you, I just,’ he huffed and placed the last row of LED’s on the drapes. ‘I find you annoyingly endearing.’

You chuckled. ‘That’s… honest.’

‘Okay,’ he hopped down, ‘That should do it.’ He rested his hands on his hips and admired his handiwork.

‘That’s actually a really good backdrop, hyung.’ Jungkook commented from where he and Seon-ho were finishing up with the camera. 

That was about it. Yoongi would help take out pictures, and the rest of the time would be about enjoying the bliss of the newlyweds. 

Yoongi sported a bright smile at Jungkook’s words until it fell away when he turned to you fully.

Your eyebrows pinched together in concern. ‘Yoongs, what is it?’

He lifted his chin, indirectly telling you to turn around.

When you did, your eyes went wide, surprise tapping you on the shoulder for the second time that day. 

‘Dad?’

‘Hello, Y/n.’

Taglist - @casnextdoor @jaysdimples @belliebelle @pinkcherrybombs @sweetjellyfishland @blushingatyou @jiminiesfavouritecolourisblue @somewhereinthestarss @k-brownsugar @namsona17 @taejinxkoya @notsooperfect @zae007live @its-hopes-world @shina913 @bri-mal @piecesofapril11 @kissme-ornot @toriluvsfics @agustdmwah @lochness-butmakeitsexy @petalsofink @definetlythinkimanalien @masterpiecejoonie @gcintia @danietoww04 @roguesthetic @rjsmochii @amymikaelson @hello-kittyy @mschievous247 @onlythehobi @deliciousdetectivestranger @daddypkj @callmemadhatter @rkivecenter @codeinebelle @creolesoul2seoul @nochelunaxx @serendididy [closed]

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Part 28 || Forever Falling

Part 29 || Unravel

Part 29.5 - Retriggered

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[hatake]

Fave Gyaru Models ☆

My last post was an art update; this one is completely off topic with no relation to that whatsoever LOL.

Today I want to talk about three of my favorite gyaru models 💖

I draw inspiration for gal from lots of different people and places, but these models have had a huge influence on my style since I started wearing gyaru 💕

Ria Chii

IG: ria.38

The first is still the love of my life my fave gal model and was my biggest makeup inspiration when I first started gal! Miss Ria Chii 💘💘💘

She's so beautiful I could cry 😭💘 Gyaru models I find prettiest tend to have distinct noses; prominent noses and gyaru makeup are a great pair imo ❤

Ria was an Ageha model back in the day and modeled for other gal brands as well 💖 The way she does her eye make, makes it look like her eyes are always smiling (so cute 💕). A lot of gal makeup focuses on a droop in terms of eye shape, but hers has always had more emphasis on creating a "peak" at the top. I still really love her makeup, even if I don't attempt to recreate if like I used to!! She's just too pretty 💓

Yun Yuchi

IG: yunaaaaa.x

The gal, the goddess, the one and only 😩💞💗💕 Yun!!

She has to be one of the most popular (former) Egg models amongst the gaijin comm imo 🤔 And how could she not, she's the best 😭💘I remember saving an eye make tutorial she had posted on her blog and trying to follow it like crazy everytime I wore gal (with varying results) 😂💕

One thing that initially drew me to Yun was her teeth! She has them straightened now, but back in her Egg days, she had what I used to call "quirky teeth", which were basically teeth that aren't straight. (Flashback to when I didn't know abt Japan's yaeba trend lol) My teeth have always been "quirky" (read: a lil fucked up 😆) and to see a model with a similar smile was a confidence booster for me for sure!!

Himena Ousaki

IG: himena_ousaki

Last but certainly not least, is queen of hime gyaru herself, Himena!! 👑💖✨

While Ria and Yun had a huge impact on my makeup, Himena had a big influence on my style. I don't wear hime gyaru as often as I used to (I guess I would describe my style more as gayru kei), but I definitely still use elements of it (esp when it comes to hair!)

Himena really set the standard for hime gyaru and agejo imo!! Her old looks are still plastered inspiration boards everywhere and rightfully so (they're so gorg and cute 😍💓) Anytime I have tried twintails, she has always been my inspiration. My collection of hair accessories and need to tease my hair are definitely bc of her and Ayano Tokumaru (La Pafait shop staff).

Even now, I tab all the pages in my Ageha magazines that have Himena in them 😂💕

So, there we have it! Three of my favorite gyaru models. I do wish Ria and Himena didn't edit their photos so much these days, but I still love them regardless 😢💘

If you made it this far, thanks so much for reading!! ❤💕 Let me know who some of your fave gyaru models are 😘💖

♡ lala

[writeraquamarinara]

I’m giving you the impossible!! What are your favorite syl/ria fics????

rachel!! i know i said i could do this but hdu ask a libra to make such difficult decisions??? i’ll do it anyway tho. just for you <3

i’m picking my top 3 and actually, le gasp, attempting to rank them (based off how much they live in my head rent free)

3. to face unafraid (the plans that we made)

the OG syl/ria collab. fake dating + one bed + sticking it to Alice Cooper + mistletoe kisses? yes PLS. their make-out sesh at the end of Chapter 5 lives in my head (you guessed it!) rent free. 

2. (wise men say) only fools rush in

SO MUCH of this fic is so iconic. them waking up that first morning. them immediately making jokes about being married. Jughead taking Betty’s name. and then starting with Chapter 6 pretty much every single scene has impacted me in one way or another. I don’t want to spoil too much but Betty taking care of Jug after he sees the alert banner for the runaway teen? and then Jughead taking care of Betty after the PLOT TWIST THAT SHOOK ME WHEN I FIRST READ THIS STORY?? Formative i tell u.

1. sweetest little part of destiny

THIS FIC. THIS FIC I S2G. I read it at least once every few months. so i’d say it takes up almost too much space in my head. the amount of love he has for her just makes me go crazy. (where’s that Jenny Slate meme?)

again, i don’t want to spoil too much (although, if you haven’t read this fic already where have u been?) but when he offers to build the furniture for her. when he buys her nail polish and a pregnancy pillow. when she sleeps on him instead. when she wakes him up in the middle of the night. WHEN HE READS TO THE BABY. yeah <3

also, the line “Your daughter is a little pushy on my bladder these days” is permanently etched in my brain for some reason.

Also, literally just this morning I was thinking about the scene where Pop reveals that Jug’s been pining for Betty for years. I’m telling you I think about this fic too much.

I don’t get baby fever at all (and ria can attest to this), but this fic just does something to me idk.

Once AO3 updates my history tab I can tell u just how many times I’ve visited each of these fics and I can assure you that it will not be a normal amount. but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

thanks for the ask, rach. sorry I droned on for so long in response lol.

[the-writings-of-kaos]

Chaos. The human profession. Part 2

Therwit: “uhh, commander, the beast is still yet to move.”

Reaths took a moment to process what this meant, an underlying message perhaps.

Reaths: “Yes, and?”

Therwit: “its been over 12 depli (7.2 hours)...”

Reaths: ”WHAT?!? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?”

Therwit: “I hadn’t realized! I set the sensors to look for movement but they didn’t alert me to the lack of movement until now!”

Reaths: “They could be dead and we haven’t realized! You idiot!”

Suddenly the holo monitor beeped, as the feed showed the life signature in the hold begin to spike in activity.

Reaths: “It’s not dead! Thank the singularity.”

Therwit: “Yes... It’s not dead. But now we have a definitely alive, and active beast on our ship.”

Reaths: “Right, gather the crew. Time to meet the new pet.”

------

He groaned, it was like waking up from a surgery. Blinking awake he realized he was sleeping on the floor. With a jolt he sat up, rubbing his head he looked around. Hearing something behind him, he turned to see up above him a large group of... things, all standing on some sort of observation deck. They looked like eagles, were surprisingly bipedal and had two wings attached to their backs. At there shoulders were arms with a feather coat, and they walked on bird feet with toes ending in talons. Sort of like angels, only swap human parts with the bird equivalent. And don’t forget to make them about 8 feet tall. Shakily he stood up, the preening raptor like eyes watching his every move.

———

“Uhh, commander. You never said they were a predator.”

The gunner, agent Chita, was visibly struggling to stare the creature in its front facing eyes. Indeed she had not mentioned it, if she had before entering the room with her crew they would have refused to enter the room all together.

Reaths: “indeed I didn’t, now load the stun cannon. We are to tame this beast, one way, or the other.”

Therwit silently cursed himself as he lowered the stairway to the hold, the cammandor walking past him and strutting down the stairs.

———

The commander stood defiantly, towering in front of the terrifying flesh eater in front of her. It stared up at her, with its front facing eyes, featherless bipedal figure, packed with bone crushing strength. Feeling her fear grow she paused, took a breath, and began to speak.

“Listen you pest, you are to be my ship beast. I know your kind and I know your kind well, you will bond to me and do my every chore. Do you hear me? I am your master, and you will abide my every whim.”

She could hear the shocked murmurs of the crew from the observation patio, the gunner silently clicking the stun tabs into the cannon. The beast looked indifferent, unaffected or uncaring of the screaming Flightress. Instead it pushed the commander away from it. This was clearly a very light display, but it didn’t stop the commander from nearly falling over. The gunner aimed his sights, only for the commander to call him off as she turned on a devise attached to her wraist. The beast shook as electric shocks sparked from a livestock implant, embedded in its back.

The commander went on.

“See! I am your master! You mistreat me and I will zap you till you fall, unable to unabide me again. You hear me! That goes for my crew aswell, harm them and I shall beat you till you see not but blood. Do you understand vermin? I am your god now. Now, kneel to me, kneel like the filth you are.”

The commander forced the beast onto its knees, grabbing it by the neck with a tight grip. But the beast did nothing, it visibly felt the shocks, and visibly showed pain, but it did not yield. The commander when she attempted to forcably make the beast submit, it look to her. As if it was looking at all she was, and you could see what it thought of her in its eyes. A nuisance. Impossible, that was well over 10 Ria (5.3 watts). Fine then, I’ll just add more.

The crew watched as the commander turned up the devise, 15 Ria, 18 Ria, 20 Ria, and still the creature did not react, only twitch as the electricity excited the muscle. The devise gave warning now, the electrified creature may pass out. But it did not, the lumbering primate began to move towards the captain with its manipulation appendages woven suddenly into large mallets of bone and flesh. The beast drew a mallet back, and swung towards the captain. Sending her flying away from it, the gunner had had enough and begun firing as the technician lowered the stairs for the commander to make her way out of the hold. The click click click of the stun tabs launching could be heard briefly, as the cannon fired upon the beast. The crew and captain watched the first tab hit the beast in its back, the tab fell away once its electricity had been shocked. The beast only reacted to the now white mark left behind by the stun tabs contact speed, but not to the 30 Ria (15.9 watts) coursing through its body. The gunner lost his hold of himself and just kept firing and firing, tab after flying stun tab hit the beast. It let out a roar of pain as each shock hit and left white searing marks upon its hide.

The commander suddenly shot up at the roar, signalling the gunner to cease fire. The beast now sat down into a tight protective position, its upper appendages wrapped around its head as its back faced the gunner. The commander turned off the devise, and climbed back up the stairs to observation patio. Dazed but certain she spoke.

“We’ve won.”

The crew cheered, this beast of nightmares was now there ship beast. All would fear it.

———

Authors note

Thanks for reading.

Credits to my fellow authors, prompters, and commenters. Be sure to check #Chaos the human profession for the other parts. Comments appreciated

[shabre-legacy]

Chase to the Capitol -Stolen Home chapter 8

The last part of the trip to Coruscant passed quietly. Everyone was rather differential and even the crew and security didn’t really bother her. All her drinks were free, and her and Corso found that they got invited to games of Sabbac and whatever else was being played, or to go dancing or whatever anytime they appeared. She’d even gotten a message from some senator thanking her for saving the ambassador who’d put them in that situation to begin with. 

The passengers were nervous around them though. Corso brought it up when they once again took their drinks back to the room. Too many men approaching her ‘to dance’ practically drooling on the floor because they never stepped outside their tiny little circles and thought the criminal hero would be easy. Too many women approaching Corso. They made him uncomfortable, the man just wasn’t used to the attention and the socialites weren’t used to having a man who knew how to use his strength. The poor girls were both scared of them and very interested and that combination led to uncomfortable situations and overly pushy behavior. Between the two groups, both of them just wanted away from the situation. 

The ‘guests’ were grateful for being saved, and trying to show that, but her and Corso, they scared the passengers. They’d done what trained soldiers hadn’t been able to do, somehow word had gotten out that she’d killed that damn Sith, and without the uniform to suggest some kind of rule that she was bound to, her success made her a bit scary to the pampered socialites on this ship. They didn’t know her, they didn’t know what she wanted and they didn’t know exactly what she was planning or what she was really capable of and it frightened them. Noch’h ria nus’a, as Nuri would have said; amazement and interest and fear and curiosity, it was so very obnoxious. 

Finally though, they made it to the Coruscant spaceport and everyone went their own ways. At last, she could breathe without someone looking over her shoulder, or at least she’d be able to once she got through customs. Unfortunately, an T series security droid approached as soon as they stepped into the arrivals terminal. She stepped over to the customs terminal, hoping the droid wouldn’t notice. A few ill-planned smuggling runs had landed her on certain watch lists with the Republic and that meant every spaceport she entered under her own name ended up with a delay as she was searched and interrogated and there was never enough time to put up with that shit. Lucky for her, or unlucky for customs, she had a cover. 

She glanced at Corso as the droid rolled up and greeted her. Like a team that had been together longer than they had, he smoothly moved between her and the droid and started chatting with the it. She used the moment to slice the terminal. The droid accepted the input from the terminal and wandered off. As they moved towards the elevators, Corso leaned down and quietly whispered, with a hint of a laugh, “Admiral Numinn? Interesting choice.” 

She giggled and gently elbowed him, “nobody messes with an admiral, plus ya know, circumstance. Long story, better not told here.” Giggling, seriously, how long had it been since she’d done that. This was really getting out of hand, the sooner she could get him his blaster and drop him off again the better. Plus Tika would hate having another person aboard, perfect excuse. 

He smiled down at her, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Point taken.” They reached the elevator and caught sight of the scenery out the massive viewports. “Everything in Coruscant is huge. You see those city towers as we flew in? How many people you figure live in those? Millions?” 

Sometimes, she could forget how much of a farmboy he was, the mercenary took center stage. Other times, it was so damn obvious. It was a bit sad though, the state of Coruscant, almost ten years and some things still hadn’t been rebuilt. “Looks like some of those city towers are still short a few levels, thought they’d have fixed that since I was last here.” 

“You been here before, Captain?”

 again with the Captain. He wasn’t gonna stop anytime soon, kinda liked it though.  She shook her head, “another time” 

He shrugged and moved on, he seemed good at that, another question Leikael had about him. “...Even knocked the Jedi Temple off its pedestal.” 

And there it was, the comment always made about Coruscant and the war. “I know, my brother died there.”

That got a real pause from him. “That’s… That’s rough. I’m sorry for bringing it up Captain.” 

Taking a moment to breathe, she quickly waved him off. “I hadn’t seen him in like 7 years anyway. Let’s talk about something else like that banthashit who took my ship and my fracking Cat.”

Corso stared for a moment, “alright Captain, if you say so.” He took a breath, and she could see him shrugging aside the memories of his own loss. Her ability to read people had saved her life a few times, but now it was just obnoxious. “Wanna find Skavak before we’re too old to shoot straight? We’re gonna need local help.”

Help? She’d gotten help and it hadn’t worked. “We’ll just rattle some skulls until Skavak falls out.” Scumbag like that, he’d leave a big ass trail through the underworld. And that was a population she could work with, mostly, well, sometimes. 

“I know a faster way.” That sigh was one of resignation. Almost like his idea exhausted him. “There’s a gambler named Darmas Pollaran who keeps tabs on everything worth knowing about Coruscant. Friend of Viidu’s, good man. You’ll like him.”

Information broker. She’d worked with a few, not a bad resource if you could afford it. “Worth a visit, I guess. Where do I find this Darmas?” Let Corso run off and do whatever, she had no expectations of men anymore. 

“Well, Viidu always said if you look for a Sabbac table surrounded by beautiful women, you’ll find Darmas. But I can narrow that down. I still have Viidu’s holofrequency contacts. Give me a minute…” He pulled out a comm and started tapping at it. 

“Viidu had you keep his contacts?” 

He shrugged, “head of security and bodyguard. Traveled with the old man pretty much everywhere, had to keep the secure frequencies list in case his comm went down. Part of the job.” 

He held up the comm between them and it flickered to life, showing a slim middle aged man.  “Corso, is that you? It’s been too long, you rascal.” His tone implied familiarity, must have had more than a few conversations in the past. 

“A friend and I are on Coruscant and in a real bind. Is there a place we could meet you?”

This Darmas had one of those smooth voices, a slow soft drawl that made it sound like he was trying to charm everyone who could hear him. “Of course, come to my private cantina booth.” something about the game he was playing. Kael was really only half paying attention, she was mostly watching the customs agents standing aways off. She slipped closer to Corso, into the view of the Comm, hoping to look as though they were simply arranging a pickup. “Hope you don’t mind the occasional blaster fire; the cantina’s in a rowdy part of Coruscant.” 

“Sounds like my kind of place.” She could see the moment he saw her. If the holo were more detailed, he’d probably be glancing between her and Corso trying to figure them out. She’d keep him on his toes until she knew more about him. Or at least she’d try to. 

“I hope that’s only the first of many affinities we share.” Of course he was a flirt. She’d expected as much, but he was smooth. Could be fun. 

Corso interrupted before she could respond. “Keep your comm link open. I’ve got some bad news about Viidu.” He tucked the comm away and turned to look down at her. “I’ll bring Darmas up to speed while we travel. He’ll have the cantina coordinates sent by the time we find a Taxi, or shuttle rental or whatever they got for transport here.”

The customs agents were talking to that damn droid and looking at her. “Keep an eye out for that scum-sucker that stole my ship.” She quickly pulled Corso into the elevator and sent it to the main floor. She glanced over as it dropped a few levels and spoke low and careful. “Customs sniffing around, follow my lead.” She didn’t miss the slight shiver when she spoke. 

“You got it, Captain.” she didn’t even have a ship and he still called her captain. It was quickly becoming something she could get very used to.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Leikael leaned into him a bit, threading her arm through his. It was fine. She’d shared a bed with the man and he hadn’t done anything. It was fine and she could handle this. She kept her pace to  a mid speed saunter and started chattering about all the random facts about Coruscant. Trying to appear like a couple of tourists here for a holiday. Each customs agent, each soldier, each guard who passed by without stopping her was one closer to the entrance and making a clean getaway. 

As they finally reached the front of the spaceport and stepped out into the artificial sunlight of Corsucant, Corso stopped, just staring. Up ahead, the galactic senate building loomed tall over everything. All around them, filling in the horizon were hundreds of towers. It was an impressive sight, especially so on your first visit. Leikael grinned and dropped his arm, walking forward a bit. She let a bit of a skip into her step as she moved several steps in front of him. Spinning dramatically, she lifted her arms creating a frame for the view behind her. “Welcome to Coruscant, farmboy. The heart of the republic where half your dreams might come true.”  She spun around and made her way across the walkway towards the building in the middle, still a bit more bounce in her pace than normal. If her memory was correct, there was a public taxi running out of there. They were finally on track to catch the bastard. Now all she had to do was keep enough momentum and Skavak’s head would be hers.

[i-maybe-exist]

how is hsmp! v like when they’re on adventures? :o

ooh yes!!

they probably only go out on adventures to gather either intel about other members on the smp or to get resources (cuz her and mel are still broke as shit aschyedvkoyx)

she’s either really over prepared, extremely underprepared, or both (ie they packed too many carrots but not enough arrows). she always forgets at least one or two things before heading out, so they usually go back to hallmark a couple of times to grab everything.

if she’s by herself, then she just tries to get by. only kills the monsters she needs to, and tries to finish whatever she’s doing asap. when she’s traveling with someone (usually mel, and on occasions tab or ria), she’s a bit more relaxed and lets the other person take the lead. she can be a bit too overprotective when she’s with someone else, but she’s generally a good person to adventure with :D