#something about puppet minute makes me go crazy

[crowskullls]

Minute said “I am not your puppet.” In his SMP civilization video and I ran with it.

[kookslastbutton]

Those Eyes Chico ༓ myg (m) | chapter two

✑ Summary: As the new marketing director for Min Yoongi’s upcoming D-Day album & tour, you’re expected to bring your expertise to the table. This shouldn’t be a problem—you’re the best in the business and you’re used to drawing a strict line between your professional and personal life. But what happens when the lines you’ve fought to keep as separate blur for the first time?

pairing: idol!yoongi x plus size!poc!reader

genre/AU: angst, fluff, smut, slowburn, coworkers2friends2lovers, winter setting, forbidden love

word count: 6.1k+

warnings: This chapter in particular is written from Yoongi's perspective, oc is 28, Yoon is 30, oc is not originally from South Korea, oc has light brown eyes, swearing, mentions of alcohol consumption, smoking, mentions of body shaming by Hybe executive, bestie!tae is wonderful support 🥹, light fighting between members (literally crack), Namjoon has a little crush, Oc being a total boss at work bc she is amazing at her job, and cute & meaningful Yoon and OC interactions that make them finally start bonding (a little flirty too, hehe) 😉

now playing: Sweet Dreams by The Last Shadow Puppets

a/n: CHAPTR TWO IS HERE! GOD...the slow burn exists outside the series too with me not updating for two months. I'm sorry guys but TYSM for your patience! I'm VERY excited to release this chapter bc I think Yoon & Oc are super cute, hehe. Okay anyway, this series is dedicated to my wonderfully crazy friend and sorta beta, Gloom @theuselessdaydreamingidiot, and to all our fellow Yoon lovers bc we miss our sweet man SO MUCH 🥺 Enjoy! 🥰 Also huge thank you to @itaeewon for designing this beautiful series header! Love it!!

Series Masterlist | next chapter >>

Yoongi stands with his hands placed loosely on his hip, chest heaving as he attempts to catch his breath. The seven of them had been practicing choreography for their new RUN BTS song nonstop when Jimin called for a much-needed, fifteen-minute break. There’s a part of him that’s thanking the younger for it and another that’s wishing he hadn’t, as every moment left alone with his thoughts is spent decoding his last encounter with you at the cafeteria.

Why had you made such a beeline for the exit the moment he was waved over by his member?

You also completely ignored his attempts to greet you on your way out. He only stopped by the cafeteria to slip an orange in his pocket before returning to his studio. He didn’t mean to intrude or incite that you had to leave with his sudden presence.

Taehyung assured him that you merely left to tend to work matters, which he’d typically sum as hyper-fixation with one’s work as he’s prone to do the same, but this felt different at its core. Your behavior seemed more intentional than that. The last thing he wants to do is misread the whole situation, but he must’ve done or said something to cause your uneasiness.

“Hyung, how did the album meeting go this morning?” A clear voice comes from Yoongi's left as his fellow band member, Namjoon, strides next to him, water bottle clenched in his fist. Like himself, large droplets of sweat dots around the man’s brow. The minor interruption shakes Yoongi out of his slightly dazed state.

“Went well.” He takes a big swish of his own water before screwing the cap back on. “We reviewed everything in three hours and the album looks better than I anticipated. There are a couple of promotional strategies that still need finalizing, but I’m pretty confident about it overall.”

“That’s great, man. __-nim’s been doing good work with TXT for the last few years, so she’s definitely suited for the job. I thought about requesting her help to promote Indigo but the timing of it all didn’t work.” Namjoon’s voice drops an octave at the last part, as if remorseful for more than a missed professional opportunity.

“Ah, maybe your next album hyung,” Jimin suddenly chimes in, slapping the taller man on the shoulder from the side. “I have a feeling you and __-nim would work well together. Think about it, you’re both natural born leaders and you’re smart too. I bet __ -nim has as high of an IQ as you.”

Namjoon’s cheeks flush with the faintest tint of rose as Jimin flashes a knowingly cheeky grin. Yoongi, of course, witnesses the entire exchange, the slightest part of him feeling uprooted by the thought of his band member and new marketing manager suddenly hitting it off. He decides not to comment on the matter, choosing to remain in ignorance instead. This is all speculation, right?

Now that they’re all on the subject of his album though, it gets him thinking that maybe he’s been too narrow viewed regarding the reason for your off putting behavior at lunch.

D-Day’s release has become a consuming priority lately, with everyone involved worked to the bone. Aside from himself, you’ve been bearing the brunt of it. He’s appreciative of course, considering the album holds a deep sense of meaning to him, and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want it to be perfect. A little pushback during the first proposal is natural, yet he did get more resistant toward ideas during this morning’s meeting than anticipated. Perhaps some of his nitpicking was unnecessary, adding to your already heavy load.

Yoongi’s head feels worse the longer he entertains the possibility. He doesn’t want to make the first time working together a complete whirlwind, especially this early. A strong, healthy partnership starts with trust, safety, and mutual respect. The same philosophy can be applied to relationships of varying natures. That reminds him—since when did Taehyung and you become so close? He’s been ruminating over it all afternoon, like a jigsaw puzzle he can’t solve.

It’s odd how little he knows.

“I heard someone mention __-nim over here. I want in.” A small grumble leaves Yoongi’s lips as Jungkook pushes next to him, displeased by how tiny his space bubble has gotten due to the huddle his members have formed around him. Just why the hell is everyone so interested in his new marketing director? That's what he wants to know.

“Can you introduce me to her sometime hyung?" Jungkook pleads. "I’m thinking about releasing an album in the next year and it’d be great if you could hook us up…yknow?”

Oh, Yoongi knows. He knows exactly what this young buck is insinuating, but it isn’t mating season yet and even if it were he will do no such thing as to “hook them up”. Besides, his conscience tells him that you wouldn't be interested in the company of a younger man anyway—not that your dating life is any of his business or anything.

“Get in line Jungkookie, behind Namjoon. He needs her for his album first.” Jimin squeezes down on Namjoon’s muscular shoulders with both hands, shaking him just enough to hype him up. His hands are removed seconds later when he’s told to knock it off.

“That’s enough about this, okay? I’m pretty sure Yoongi-hyung is the only one who actually needs __-nim right now because, in case you dumbasses have forgotten, D-Day is set to release in April,” Namjoon scolds the two with a commanding tone. Jungkook, per usual, remains persistent in his original request and keeps his full attention on Yoongi.

“Anyway hyung, as I was saying, I know your album takes priority so I’m in no hurry to meet her. I can be pretty patient as you know-“

“Heh, that’s a lie.”

“Shove it Jimin, no one’s talking to you.” Jungkook’s eyebrows scrunch together as Jimin snorts helplessly next to Namjoon.

“You shove it Kook,” Jimin counters. “And stop trying to date __-nim! Find your own woman!”

“I’m not trying to date her! She's my noona for gods sake! Do you think I’m oblivious to how the public reacts to idols dating? Also, __-nim is a Hybe employee, not an idol. I can only imagine the type of scandal the media would spin it as.”

“Right, we all know you actually just want to take her to your bed instead,” Jimin interrupts for the umpteenth time. “Our handsome leader, on the other hand, is interested in her professional abilities. We can learn a lot from him.”

“Why are you always trying to start a fight with me Jimin? Is it because I can take you, now that I've been building up more muscle?” Jungkook’s accusations earn him nothing more than a sea of eye-rolls until Jimin lunges himself towards him, puffing out his chest the best he can to size him up.

Namjoon rubs his face with a hand, a clear visual display of his exhaustion. He’s been moderating these stupid squabbles for nine years now. “Alright very mature, biggest boy band in the world and this is what it’s come to? Amazing, congrats to everyone for winning the award for most-”

“Woah, woah, woah,” Seokjin interjects, effortlessly shouting over everyone while waving his hands. “My brothers…why are we fighting over here like a couple of peacocks? We are all beautiful in our own, individual ways. Mine, for example, is my handsome face.”

“For the love of god hyung, we’re trying to settle something. Go take your inspirational pep talk elsewhere!” Jungkook bends his knees, swooping down to throw Jimin over his shoulder but he misses when the man starts tickling him ruthlessly.

“St-ah-stop it Jimin!"

“You stop it, you frickin’ brat! Trying to take advantage of our hyungs for your own selfish gain.” Jimin then slaps Jungkook on the ass which does not go unappreciated as Hoseok cackles from the other side of the room. Up until this point, he’s been scrolling on his phone, completely unbothered by the chaos. As Hoseok nears the action, Jungkook delivers a swift kick to Jimin’s rear end.

“Ow, what the fuck Kook?!” Jimin tries soothing the sting by massaging it with his hands. “You little prick!”

“Oh come on, I barely hit you. Gaining sympathy points won’t help this time, plus I see you trying to hide a grin. You think this shit is funny. You’re sick you know that?”

Jimin makes a move to return the kick to his youngest member but ends up hitting a far taller, and leaner subject instead. Taehyung, who just returned from the bathroom, throws a hand over his abdomen and grunts from the sudden impact.

“What is—shit Jimin that really hurt!” Taehyung’s baritone voice echoes off the walls as he winces from the pain. He takes a few deep breaths, then viciously eyes the two brawlers followed by the rest of the room. “What the hell is going on? I heard you all talking about __-nim from the hallway. Yoongi-hyung here is trying to kick off his album and tour, which we are supposed to be celebrating over drinks this Friday, but here you are arguing with each other and who has the biggest dick. Well, you can all put it away because as __-nim’s best friend, and number one wingman, only I’m allowed to set her up with someone and it won’t be with any of you! Sorry hyung…” he looks at Namjoon who appears to have brushed the comment off.

As soon as Taehyung ceases his mini-speech, eery silence sets in. Hoseok is the first to dare say a word.

“Uh, so what’s this about being her best friend Tae?”

“Yeah, I had no idea either.” Jimin quirks his head to the side, awaiting the details.

“Same,” Namjoon adds in a short breath.

“What happened to us, man?” Jungkook pouts at Taehyung, a total 180 from moments ago when he was in an unsolicited sparring match with Jimin. “You used to share everything with me. Now you’re holding out on me. Since when did you and __-nim start hanging out?”

Yoongi’s ears perk up for the first time since all the commotion began, curious to hear Taehyung’s response. He only recently discovered the blossoming friendship hours ago and even then, it was a brief inside look.

“I didn’t think to mention it but yeah, we started talking since her first day at Hybe. I bumped into her on the way into work, early morning for both of us. I expected her to be a bit on the reserved side, considering she was a new hire, but she was quite friendly. The more we talked, the more I felt like I knew her as if a childhood best friend I’d reconnected with.” Pausing, he wets his lips before continuing. “We share a lot of our meals together now, like our lunches during the weekday. Her food tastes amazing by the way. I think she missed her calling as a chef but it’s more than food— it’s a love language, a labor of love.”

“Wow, you two sure are connected,” Hoseok speaks first again, seeing the rest of his members working to process the new bit of info.

“Platonically, yes.”

“This’ll be good for Yoongi-hyung and his album then! No bad blood exists here!” Hoseok shifts his gaze between Taehyung and Yoongi, pleased with the outcome. The older of the two remains speechless, yet it’s far from a dazed expression. Yoongi is instead deep in thought, the wheels turning in his head.

So maybe it’s true that birds of a feather flock together, he hums to himself. The two of you seem to be social butterflies with a vase full of commonalities. He, on the other hand, prefers his solitude. That’s not to say he’s a hermit or anything though. Hybe hosts a company-wide New Year’s Eve party every single year and he’s made his best effort to attend them all. He mainly mingles with his members, but he still makes sure to small talk with other coworkers. Come to think of it, did he even see you at last year’s New Year’s Eve party?

He can’t remember much from the night except Seokjin scolding him for not wishing him a happy birthday the minute the clock struck midnight. He was a bit tipsy at that point. Taehyung disappeared soon after to make his usual rounds, stopping to chat with everyone in his path. Maybe he took off to talk to you during that time.

Okay, he really needs to stop thinking about you.

"Just to confirm, is everyone still on for Friday night to celebrate D-Day?" Jimin pipes. "I booked us a good place to have some food and drinks.

Taehyung nods, "I am, as long as it's not the same place we saw our CFO and his much younger date feeding each other. I couldn't eat for the rest of that night."

Jungkook fakes a gag before replying. "I'm sorry but does anyone know how is he still working here? Guy creeps me out."

"I swear, I couldn't agree more. Just yesterday he made an egregiously body-shaming comment toward __-nim to someone else on the board. She kept a brave front when she told me, but I'm damn tempted to get him removed from his position myself!" Taehyung's nostrils flare as he shares his frustration, fingers digging into his hips.

Yoongi takes a final chug of his water before abruptly tossing the bottle on the floor. A sharp crack resounds through the space, instantly commanding the authority of the room. “Fifteen minutes is over,” he gruffs. “It might be twenty minutes with all the bickering earlier. We don't have time to be talking about this anymore.”

“Come on now," Hoseok says. "Didn't you hear what Taehyung said? Our CFO really is a class-A jerk. I feel so bad that __-nim has to put up with his bullshit, she doesn't deserve it." His eyes frantically search the room, hoping to rally support.

"Don't worry about that asshole," Yoongi assures, "I'll handle it." He strides over to his choreographed position on the dance floor as if a leader in his own right, the rest of the members following in his steps.

"Just don't kill him, hyung," Namjoon says, resting a hand on the older's shoulder from behind. Yoongi merely snorts lightly in reply.

Yoongi is dead tired, his feet feeling heavier the minute he stands from his studio chair. He could have left hours ago, but here it is nearly 9:30 at night, and he's only just leaving the office.

As he shuffles down the hallway towards the elevator, he notices the eerie silence. It's thick, almost palpable. There's not a soul left in the building this late at night. When the elevator doors open, he leans casually against the metal rail, closes his eyes, and mentally retraces his day.

Overall, it was a decent day, he thinks, productive at best. Skipping dinner to work on his album tracks was an easy decision, but he might be paying for it now given the intense growling of his stomach. Despite his songs being considered perfect by his members, he can't help but tweak each one a final time. It's as if his gut tells him there's still a piece missing from the whole.

All at once, the elevator comes to a sudden stop. Yoongi's eyes shoot open, anticipation flooding his senses. Is someone still here? He listens intently, straining to hear any sound over the faint hum of the elevator. After a few moments that feel like an eternity, the elevator doors slide open to reveal an empty, dimly lit hallway. It's the 16th floor. He hesitates for a second, peering into the shadows, but there’s no sign of anyone. Strange.

Just as the elevator doors begin to close, Yoongi hears a distant, unmistakable voice. "Please hold the door!" you plead, your voice strained with urgency. He responds immediately, stretching out an arm to block the door. "Thank you so much," you say, slipping in beside him, your bag thrown over your shoulder.

Yoongi watches as you enter, curiosity in his eyes. It seems you were of like mind tonight, working late and likely burdened by the extra work he caused for you. The feeling of tension is as clear as it was yesterday, lingering as a reminder of the unspoken discomfort between you both.

But then again, there's that issue Taehyung mentioned, looming in his thoughts. He hadn't realized you overheard the horrendous comment his CFO made about you. No wonder you hurried away from him like a bat out of hell yesterday; you knew he knew. He wouldn't dare shine a light on the situation and risk embarrassing you further; no one needs to relive such a belittling experience. Yet, he's wrestling with the right words to say.

"Heading home, Min PD-nim?" You surprise him by speaking first, voice firm with a touch of gentleness.

Yoongi allows a faint smile to tug at the corners of his lips, hoping it'll relieve some tension. "I am, it's been quite a day. What about you?"

You nod, shifting the bag on your shoulder. "Same here. Just had to wrap up a few things before heading out."

He hesitates for a moment, noting how you speak as if it were only a few minutes past five or six in the evening. "I understand. I was working in my studio up until now. I should be back up there tomorrow too," he says, then chuckles lightly, "Sometimes I feel like I should just live up there."

You return the subtle laugh and smile softly at him, your light brown eyes catching his dark ones. It feels like the same prolonged gaze you shared upon first meeting, yet now, it's somehow become easier; perhaps a hint of familiarity.

"By the way," he continues, seizing the opportunity, "feel free to call me Yoongi-ssi. I'm not that formal in case you didn't know." He playfully gestures to his casual attire; tan cargo pants, grey plaid button-down, and sneakers.

You seem hesitant towards the request at first, evident from your delayed response. "Are you sure?" you choke. "I don't want to over step my boundaries."

"There's no need to worry about that," he assures. "We're on equal level aren't we? If we're going to be working side by side for the next eight months give or take, I want us to feel comfortable with each other. Please, call me Yoongi-ssi."

"Okay, I might need some time to get used to that," you say, head nodding, "I'll try calling you Yoongi-ssi from now on."

"There's one other thing too," he pauses, "since we'll be working on D-Day's promotion from start to finish, I'll have many of my own opinions. It's a natural instinct for me, but I don't want to be a hinderance. I don't want anyone else giving you issues either, so I'd like to hear your full thoughts on matters, especially when it comes to important decisions."

"That means a lot Yoongi-ssi, thank you. I'm very grateful that you'd allow me to be a part of this and I'd very much like us to have an equal partnership. This is your album though, so I want to make sure it gets the recognition it deserves in the way you'd prefer."

Yoongi glances at the floor numbers displayed to the right of the elevator doors. Any second now and you'll reach the lobby. He wouldn't mind talking longer, but letting you both get a decent night's sleep is the far better idea at this point.

"I trust that D-Day is in the right hands with you, __ssi," he replies. "It's why I recommended that we work together to promote it in the first place. Bang PD was also confident in the idea. We don't doubt your expertise for a second." He pauses when the elevator doors slide open and allows you to be the first to exit. "Have a good night, okay?"

For the first time, you reciprocate the wish with a full, illuminating smile. It's not a professional one, Yoongi notes, its a real one—as genuine and sincere as his words. He takes it as a sign that the tides may finally be turning for the better. "You too," he hears you say before you push through the large revolving doors and step into the cool night air.

In the evenings that follow, Yoongi finds himself back in his studio as promised, a glass of whiskey in hand. He ultimately decided that if he was going to be here until all hours of the night, he might as well have a cold beverage to keep him company.

As he leans back in his chair, swirling the dark amber liquor in his glass, his mind inadvertently wanders to you. Were you downstairs again? Were you here with him? It would seem that given your unexpected late-night encounter in the elevator, the validity of the idea wouldn't be all that wild or far-fetched.

With each passing minute, as the clock inches closer to the late hours, he finds himself circling back to the same thought. It's as if the possibility of running into you has become a highlight of his night.

Just then, a deep and familiar voice interrupts. "Burning the midnight oil again, hyung?"

Startled, Yoongi looks up to see Taehyung standing in the doorway, a sympathetic smile on his face. Despite it being almost 9 at night, his younger member is nothing short of flawless in appearance.

"Yeah, working on my tracks," Yoongi replies, offering a small smile in return. "What are you doing here?"

Taehyung steps further into the room, hand tucked in his pocket. "I wanted to stay late to keep __-nim company, but I'm not sure how much longer she plans on staying tonight. I was on my way out when I figured I'd stop by to see you too."

"Well, thanks for thinking of me. Want a drink?" He offers, nodding towards the nearby whiskey bottle.

"No, thanks," Taehyung declines politely, shaking his head. "I'll let you enjoy your whiskey in peace. Although, __-nim might take you up on that same offer one of these days. She has a strong taste for it, as you do. Anyway, I'm heading out. Don't overdo it with your music, hyung, they're already perfect."

Once Taehyung leaves the studio, Yoongi's previous string of thoughts return to him tenfold.

So you really are here, he muses, and you happen to like the same throat-burning alcohol. Should he venture downstairs and offer a drink? No, that would probably be too much, and he wouldn't want to interrupt you. Maybe if Taehyung were accompanying him, but not alone; he doesn't share enough rapport with you to merit such a spontaneous drop-in yet.

No, he takes another sip of his whiskey, he'll see you tomorrow morning instead; during your morning meeting. But that gets him thinking—he's still yet to decide on whether or not he'll make an appearance on Fallon's show. He’d done it with his members numerous times, but this would be the first time doing it alone. His album would indeed benefit from the exposure, though.

"Damn it," he curses, raising from his seat. "I work my ass off. I work my ass off for it all!" He then sits back down, finishing off the rest of his whiskey in one gulp, the burn soothing his frustration momentarily. With a resigned sigh, he turns his attention back to his music. "Damn it, I guess I'll do it."

If it weren't for his phone notification reminding him of his 10 am meeting on Friday, Yoongi would have missed it entirely. Normally, he never forgets important events, but several late nights in the studio had predictably caught up with him. He feels extremely sleep-deprived today, his memory more prone to blanking than usual. Waking up with a throbbing headache at 5 am, which hasn't dimmed in the slightest, doesn’t help either. Nonetheless, with only ten minutes to spare, Yoongi has no choice but to pull himself together and head downstairs to the conference room.

"Good morning, Min PD-nim," you greet him as he walks through the door. "We're about to start."

Yoongi drags out a chair and takes a seat. You look nice today, he notes quietly to himself. He makes sure to send a small smile your way before returning the warm greeting. "Good morning __-ssi," he says. "I told you we can speak informally didn't I?"

He waits for your response, easily tuning out the startled reactions from the rest of the team. Most high-ranking officials in the organization expected to be addressed formally by those in lower positions, but here he was, openly requesting you to speak as equals. It was almost unheard of during work hours. He was Min Yoongi, after all.

"Right, of course," you reply, "You'll have to excuse me, Yoongi-ssi. It slipped my mind for a moment."

Yoongi watches as you shuffle a few papers in your hand before continuing. "To get us started, I thought we'd discuss the decision to schedule a spot on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Will we be proceeding with this?"

"After mauling it over I think it's a good idea for the album. Do we have an idea of when this would happen?"

"Ideally after the album releases and around the time the U.S. tour begins April 26th. I say we aim for early May. Given Fallon's show's high demand, we'll need to get a jump on this as soon as we can." You shift your attention to your digital marketing and promotions team. "So-hyun, can you reach out to the producers and see what strings we can pull?"

She nods, scribbling a quick note on her writing pad. "We'll reach out today. I'll let you know as soon as we get a response."

"Excellent, thank you. I'm glad to hear you're on board with this Yoongi-ssi. It'll be a great way to promote D-Day and attract a global audience. The more smartly we utilize our resources, the better your album will be positioned in the current market." You take a brief pause to flip through your notes again. "Speaking of resources, we'll need to start booking magazine shoots and interviews. I'm proposing we run cover pages with Marie Claire Korea and Vogue Japan."

Yoongi would be taken aback by the flood of ideas and schedules you're firing at him, all within the first fifteen minutes, if he weren't already aware of your level of competency. This is exactly why he chose you, he hums to himself, your preparedness is impressive, but not surprising.

"I presume this will take place next year?" he asks. "During their spring issues?"

"Absolutely. We'll submit inquiries soon to get the ball rolling, but having the shoots completed now would be premature. Plus, it'll take some time before there are any openings with the companies. I think we should be consistent with tour dates and have Marie Claire go out in May and Vogue ready in August of next year."

"Okay, I'm fine with all that but we'll need to have something exciting released now, don't we? I know I start my weekly lives tonight, but shouldn't there be something more we can do?"

"I agree," you reply. "That's why I wanted to propose a brand new idea that came to me a couple of nights ago while I was drafting promotional content. Anytime idols release a new album or music, it gets published on YouTube, right?"

He nods, curious on where you're heading. "Right."

"Why don't we start a talk show with you as the host Yoongi-ssi? It can allow your fans to see another side of you, as well as the general public. We can invite your BTS members as guests where you can discuss music or past challenges that you've had to overcome—the choice is yours. To make it more interesting for viewers, you can have these frank conversations over a glass of whiskey or soju."

"I like the idea," he says, weighing it in his mind. "What would the timeline look like for this?"

"If we move forward with the idea, I suggest December 5th and we continue it for a max of two months. I know that only leaves us with just under two weeks to get started, but creating the set shouldn't take more an a day or a day and a half. We can also easily shoot a 30 to 60-minute video in an afternoon and publish it on YouTube the following week. Of course, a preview of the show will need to go out beforehand."

"Would we be able to invite other guests to the show? Outside of my members, I mean."

"Yes, feel free to invite whoever you'd like. We can start with the member for the first several episodes but ultimately, welcoming a variety of guests from the same or differing industries would be the goal."

"If I may." A member of the social media team suddenly joins the discussion, "I think Kim Namjoon-nim might be a good person to feature first since Indigo releases December 2nd."

Yoongi nods in agreement. "I can ask him."

"That would be fantastic, actually. If his availability is limited, we could have him guest star for the second or third episode instead," you add. "Hoseok released Jack in the Box this summer so we could have him be the first guest as well."

"Do we have a name yet?"

"Suchwita," you answer without hesitation. "It's a play on words with Daechwita."

"Suchwita..." Yoongi repeats, "Time to get drunk." He chuckles at the last few words, amusing the room, but you remain contemplative.

"How about Suchwita...time to drink with Suga, instead? It's simple and has a slight whimsical nature."

"Sure, let's use that," he answers, noticing that you've already begun jotting down the idea. "Yours is better."

Despite the adrenaline from the productive meeting with you and your team, Yoongi still feels the weight of his sleepless nights bearing down on him. His headache remains relentless and he is in dire need of a moment to himself. Once the team disperses, he slips his phone into his pocket and makes his way outside. The crisp, early morning air should offer him some relief, along with the pack of cigarettes tucked in his pocket.

When he reaches the building's designated smoking area, Yoongi takes out a cigarette and lights it, taking a deep drag as he leans against the cool brick wall. As he exhales, watching the smoke dissipate into the clear sky, his thoughts drift back to the meeting. The idea of hosting a talk show, "Suchwita...time to drink with Suga," still lingers in his mind. It’s an intriguing concept, and he can already envision the relaxed, candid conversations that could come from it.

His thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on the ground nearby.

"Oh, Yoongi-ssi," you say with alarm, obviously startled by his presence. "I didn't mean to interrupt you. I'll come back lat-"

"There's no need for that. Join me if you'd like." Yoongi watches as you hesitate to accept his offer, your feet already positioned to head back inside the building. "Seriously, there's plenty of room, and no matter what they'll tell you, I don't bite."

He allows himself to smirk as you carefully move beside him, only stopping when there is at least two feet of space between you both.

"Thanks," you say, pulling out your own pack of cigarettes and lighting one. "I needed a break too."

"Rough morning?"

"Just busy," you reply, leaning against the wall next to him. "But the meeting went well. We should be able to get the ball rolling now that we have a more finalized plan. I'm glad you liked the idea of starting Suchwita, by the way."

"I do," Yoongi says, nodding. "It has a lot of potential and I'm sure Namjoon will be more than happy to help us out. He's a natural at this kind of stuff. I guess it's why he's our band leader."

"You know you're good at all of this too, don't you, Yoongi-ssi?" You pause, taking a puff of your cigarette. "Even when you have a lot on your mind and a packed schedule, you have a knack for making people feel at ease. It's why I think producing Suchwita will be such a great way to connect with fans and other artists—you'll be the host."

He chuckles, appreciative of the remark. "You really think that? That I make people feel at ease? It's not what a lot of people assume."

"Nah," you reply, tilting your head up toward the clouds. "They're just on the outside looking in. Those who know you, who are around you and talk to you, will agree that you're a pretty calming presence."

"Well, I think we're not so different then." Yoongi shifts his eyes to your face, still looking up at the sky, and smiles softly. "So, what made you come to BigHit? Didn't you say you worked for Atlantic Records? That's a pretty good gig."

"Yeah, it was. I learned a lot there, and man, I was thrilled when I got offered the job as a brand manager. I've always loved music, ever since I was a kid. I could connect so intimately with the lyrics. Music is one of the few things that could soothe me during rough times, and it still does today. I'm sure you can understand."

Yoongi nods, intent on listening to your every word, intrigued by your story.

"Anyway, sorry about getting long-winded here" you chuckle. "I ultimately decided to move on when Bang PD reached out and offered me the marketing manager position for TXT. It gave me the chance to be a more integral part of bringing music to individuals who need it most. It's like we say, 'music for art and healing.' I'd never had the opportunity to manage a completely new set of musicians before either, let alone a group. Plus, being on the global marketing team? I couldn't turn it down."

"It makes sense why you joined us then, and I have to say, it's a blessing you did too. Music is a way of communication for me, a way I can best express my story. That includes my past, present, and hopefully future. After hearing all you shared, I don't think there's anyone else I'd trust with handling my album promos." Yoongi pauses a moment, unsure if he should ask the next thing on his mind. "How come we never met before? I mean really meet and talk?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure myself. But things have a way of falling into place when the time is right, I suppose." You're now looking at him, the intensity of your gaze mirrors his own. A gentle breeze tousles a few strands of your hair and for a split moment, Yoongi begins to understand what Taehyung meant earlier when he said it feels like he's known you his whole life, like a childhood friend he'd reconnected with. While it may not be to that extent for himself, there's a comforting warmth emanating from you that leaves him feeling strangely tranquil.

"Given the circumstances, I feel like we should have at least met through Taehyung by now," he slips out. "Or even at a company-sponsored event."

"Why, do you like me that much, Yoongi-ssi? After five days of working together?" Your playful tease catches him off guard, revealing a side of you he hadn't seen before. It's kind of cute-wait, what?

"I-"

"Sorry," you quickly interject, feeling the need to backtrack. "I shouldn't have said it like that."

"Don't worry, there's no need for apologies. And to answer your question, I like you enough." He hopes you can hear the tease in his own tone as he responds.

You both lapse into a comfortable silence for the next few minutes, the only sounds being the distant hum of traffic and the occasional chirp of a bird. He finds all of it soothing in a way he can't quite explain.

After a few minutes, you turn to him, your expression thoughtful. "You know, if you ever need to talk or just need a break, I'm here. We're teammates now."

Yoongi looks at you, his tired eyes softening with gratitude. "Thanks, __-ssi."

You give him a reassuring smile before pushing off the wall. "I'll let you finish your cigarette. See you later? And by later, I likely mean at 9 or 10 pm in our company elevator."

"Yeah, see you later," he laughs, watching as you walk back toward the building. He takes one last inhale, extinguishing the cigarette and letting the remaining smoke escape his lips slowly.

Yeah, he likes you just enough.

a/n: Hope you enjoyed it! Lmk what you think 🥰

Tags:

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Masterlist | Requests: closed | Taglist | Fic Recs

no reposting, copying, or translating my work– © kookslastbutton

[thedarkestrivernymph]

Comfort

pairing: toji x f!reader, warning: body image, weight, suggestive at the end, enjoy

“Woman—” he groaned, rubbing your back in feigned annoyance. He was worried, to say the least, since you came home you didn't spare him a glance, stubbornly burying yourself into your bed, stuffing a pillow between your arms and shoving your face into the softness of the filling.

“C’mon—you can't sulk forever. Talk to me. What did I fuck up this time?” Toji sighed in frustration, his brows knitted together in visible agitation, tired of trying to pry the truth out of you for the last thirty minutes.

But you just wouldn't budge. He grunted. You were so damn stubborn sometimes that it both infuriated him yet concerned him, making his hard shell crack to reveal vulnerability beneath.

“Baby—Baby, fuck, talk to me please. I am going crazy over here.” your partner pleaded for the nth time tonight, yet with no response other than soft sniffling. Now he couldn't wait any longer, big brawny hands clutching your shoulders to forcefully turn you around like a puppet, facing him.

“Baby you cryin’. What happened—goddamn what is it?” he urged, brows further knitting together, staring at the pillow you clung to hiding your face. “Oh c’mon!” he hissed, prying the pillow out of your arms and throwing it onto the floor in a fit of pent-up aggression only to immediately soften as he was met with your puffy teary-eyed sulking.

Cupping your cheeks in calloused hands he brought you closer to him, whispering, still desperate to figure out what got you in such a bad mood. “Baby—is it work? Did someone do something to you?” black orbs darkened further, something menacing appearing on the face of your boyfriend, something akin to bloodlust.

Finally. Fucking finally you opened your mouth, smacking your lips together between choked sobs. “Toji—stop—it’s not that.” you sputtered, hiccuping from all the crying, fat tears rolling down your flushed cheeks.

“Then what is it—baby—fuck just talk to me.” he breathed against your face, genuine concern clear in the glint of his eyes. You could feel the tremor in his hands, practically shaking you with him.

You bit down onto your bottom lip, staring up from beneath wet lashes, before finally, after a small eternity, confessing to what got you in this state.

“Toji—did I get fat?”

He stared—hard at you, unsure if he should laugh or cry that you were this upset over whether you gained a pound or two.

“Baby—what? All this about—that?” he tried, really tried not to laugh, but he couldn't help it, letting out a chuckle which only made you more upset, curling into yourself and pulling the covers over your head.

“Stop actin’ like that c’mon, don't be a brat, pretty.” he muttered between chuckles, easily peeling off the covers from you before pulling you into a big hug.

Both his arms embraced you, tightly, nearly bone-crushing, one hand rubbing your back in circle motions the other cradled your head.

“You're gorgeous y’know that? So fucking beautiful my eyes hurt when I look at you, pretty. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky—like damn you’re perfect.” he whispered into your ear, rocking you gently back and forth—you could feel every breath of his, the warmth of his skin, as he caged you in his arms in a protective manner.

“But Toji you didn't answer—” you tried to protest with a quivering bottom lip, yet were shut off by him.

“Sh, Sh—Baby I don't need to answer that. I already told you, you're divine. What does it matter if you're a few pounds heavier? You're my woman, I love you no matter what. Besides—” mischief played into his tone as he suddenly slapped your ass, eliciting a gasp from you.

“I like you fuller, gives me something more to grab on when I have you bend over for me.” he chuckled gravelly into your ear—making your cheeks flush for an entirely different reason now.

[gallavichsreddie1128]

Stand Up (Homelander)

Description: Y/N is the only one to stand up to Homelander

Warning: Smut

Word Count: 1,174k

Y/N watched as John gave his input on every little thing someone else said in the seven during the meeting. Deep was speaking and had a really stupid movie idea that would never work and like always John had something to say about it. Y/N groaned as the man went on and on about how the Deep’s idea was stupid and said shit that the rest of them already knew. Homelander looked over at Y/N and shut his mouth, “is there a problem?” He asked.

She sat up and chuckled, “John you’ve been going on and on about how stupid that idea was like the rest of us don’t already know. Just shut up!” He raised his eyebrows at the girl shocked by her words. That was the first time Y/N had ever said that to him or anything like that. “It’s Homelander and I’m the boss you don’t get to talk to me like that.” He said. She stood up, “actually Stan is the boss and you’re his puppet. You’re the face of the seven that’s it.” Jaws were dropped after she said and Homelander had the look of murder in his eyes. Y/N waited for a comeback but all that came was, “Ok then Y/N. What’s your idea?” 

Homelander glared at Y/N as she waved to the crowd. It was Homelander’s birthday and Starlight and her were hosting it. Y/N didn’t want to do it but it was Stan’s demand. The whole thing was going okay until Homelander decided to pull a narcissistic stunt and say that he was better than everyone else and what not. Y/N laughed after his little speech while the crowd was silent.

He looked over at her and she stopped, “So the narcissistic attention seeking whore wants to say he makes no mistakes and he’s better than everyone else? Diabolical.” She said to him not caring about the crowd of people. “Excuse me?” “I didn’t stutter. You can put on this act like you don’t care about anything and you’re better bullshit but the sad truth is you need validation and love or else you crumble.” That was the first time anyone’s ever embarrassed him in public. Stan watched with a smirk as the two argued in front of the crowd.  

Y/N entered the seven’s headquarters first and sighed. The week had been crazy especially after Homie’s birthday. The internet was tore between the two. Y/N got maybe 5 minutes alone before someone else entered the room. It was Homelander. He closed the door, “ah good you’re here. I need to talk to you.” He said. She looked up at him without a word. “You need to be careful how you speak to me.” He said. She scoffed, “is that a threat?” She asked. He shrugged. “You’re not the boss of me okay? You need to be put in your place.” She stood up as she talked. “No. You’re done running your little mouth.” He said and she laughed. “Or what? You’ll kill me? Do it.” She said and got in his face. “Laser me Milk Boy.” She challenged. He stared at her with hate and something else she couldn’t place.

“What got nothing to say?” Before she could say another word his lips were on hers. She didn’t kiss back but tried to shove him away. “You drive me fucking crazy.” He growled and she let out a breath she was holding. “Oh so now you have nothing to say?” He asked. It was her turn to kiss him and he pulled her body closer to him. Her hands laced themselves through his hair as she deepened the kiss. His hands gripped her ass, making her gasp. He took this as an opportunity to slide his tongue in her mouth. She felt sick to her stomach at what she was doing but it felt so good. He was a pretty good kisser that she almost forgot she needed air. She pulled away breathing hard, “Make this worth my while and fuck me.” She said. He smirked and picked her up.

She wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to the table and laid her on it. Her suit was revealing enough that his lips could almost touch her nipples. She let out a moan as he sucked her boobs and left hickies all over them. “Just so everyone knows you’re mine.” He mumbles against them. He moves down to her covered pussy. “I can practically smell your arousal.” He said and he ripped open her suit. She looked up at him in shock but he shrugged. “It was in the way.” Vought was gonna kill her. She wasn’t wearing panties so he leaned down and took a big sniff of her wet pussy. He basically moaned at the smell and chuckled. “Fuck.” He said and licked her pussy.

She gasped out feeling his tongue. He chuckled and decided to suck on her clit. Her body shook as the man put his awful mouth to good use. Her head was thrown back on the table as soft moans fell from her lips. His gloved hands were placed on her thighs as he ate her like she was his last meal. When she was about to cum he pulled away and she looked up at him with a glare. It softened when she saw her pussy juice on his face. He wore it proudly too, not daring to wipe it off. He pulled down his suit pants and boxers to reveal with long and hard cock. Y/N’s eyes widen at the sight.

The man was already cocky but this made it worse. She sat up and was face to face with him. He leaned in and kissed her but this time it wasn’t heavy. She took his dick in her hand as they kissed causing him to moan into the kiss. Her hand positioned him at her entrance and she pulled his hips so he entered her. They both gasped as he stretched her out. Her walls were tight but it felt so good. They kissed for a few more seconds until he pulled away and began thrusting. She whined and her head fell back giving him access to her neck. He leaned down and kissed her throat.

He felt her swallow and decided to suck. She gripped the table that began to make noise as his thrust got faster. Her other hand was laced through his hair. “John.” She moaned and his eyes nearly rolled back. “I fucking love it when you call me that.” He groans out. The sound of his hips slapping into hers was heard throughout the room along with their moans. He pulled away from her throat and pushed her back on the table. She gasped and look up to see him staring at her with dark eyes. “I plan to fuck you on every seat every thing in this room.” He told her and groaned loudly as he came inside of her with no protection or care in the world. 

[thatdeadaquarius]

SAGAU / Isekai Genshin:

You can still use your characters! ... as in possessing them 👻

(all art by me down below, hope its decent lol - did it for u guys and myself i mean what )

Edit 9/7/23: 1,500+ NOTES??? BRO WHAT!! THABK YOU <3

Edit 12/24/23 + 4/5/24:

☆

My dumbass forgot to put this here .-.

Anywya this is a full length fanfic now ;)

PART 1 (you're here!) / Part 2

So.

You got sucked into a video game. 

Crazy, but it happens ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯

yknow how it issss

...you very quickly discover that unfortunately video game rules still apply...

which wouldn't normally be an issue! like, needing to use the bathroom in the middle of a fight? Nope! minor cuts and bruises like papercuts, only actual enemies or fall damage counting? hell yeah that'd be great (theoretically no chronic pains if you got that?? hmmmm unsure)

see the issue comes when you realize, you as a player, don't have a "character" that's all your own

there's aether/lumine yeah.. but bc the game's real now, they're their own people, and you didn't wake up to find yourself as a blonde twin...

the closest you can describe your form as is .. like a seelie?

or like the way ghosts look in game?

but a lot more "starry"

like your specterlike, but you look like you got filled up with stars and the milky way, maybe a reference of you being from another universe/world? (aether/lumine/dainsleif/khaenriah star symbol reference secret thEORY-)

but yah.

you also got just, white eyes.

like, not iris, not pupil. like your pupil and iris got erased

you gotta admit, at least you look really aesthetic now.

(u also got a little cape and hood on at all times, and you cant take it off to see your starrified hair >:/ ,very Blue Diamond-esque, look up Steven Universe, Blue Diamond if you dont know who im talking about)

so needless to say, as soon as you sort of glitched your way into existence you were HYPE

i mean ur ACTUALLY IN TEYVAT WITH THE BOYSSSS

...then you realize your a spooky-no-character-to-pilot-around-thus-no-character-model-body-for-you thingy

and that you cant touch stuff!! >:(

like wth!!!

thats just downright unfair.

so, you figure if you got no body to be.... you gotta find a new "character" to pilot >:)

...

I choose you, yellow fungi!

...

....

you're in the fucking woods (Sumeru somewhere obv, u knew that the moment you opened ur eyes),

what'd you expect?? an archon??

..wait a minute. can you possess an archon-

these kinda thoughts plague your first few days of irl genshin impact playing

a rishabold tiger? yep.

a sumpter beast? kinda slow and heavy feeling but yeah.

...you also try a ruin machine LOL

by far, the fungi and ruin machines are the best to possess, mostly because you can remain upright with those

(tho u did find some type of flying monkey that wasnt in game, but its like,, a real world and jungle now so that makes sense there'd be more complexity + stuff)

you do eventually think you should try and possess a person at this point... but ur kinda nervous 👉👈

its ur first time doin this okay nobody explained the basics to you youve been winging for a week now!

will your mind be replaced with theirs? it hasn't been so far with the creatures/bots

and as far as you can tell, they kinda just-

forget what happened or "wake up" after you possess them

(the tiger you were for a day looked confused as hell when it realized that there was a new pile of fruit next to it when it "woke up", it was your way of saying thank you to the animals of the jungle, u left them little piles of food you collected running around as them)

so THEORHETICALLY-

you should be good to go and possess a random poor eremite

... you figure you want to possess something human-like eventually even if you get a puppet body like wanderer/raiden so...

here goes nothing...

♤

so it's been 2 weeks since you've been forcefully yanked into teyvat, and by the second week, you were trying to possess eremites

which! worked out!

mostly..!

you kinda convinced the entirety of two eremite camps that a certain part one of sumeru's forests is hella haunted bc ppl keep "blacking out" and doing things they don't remember doing, yknow... like possesssion LMAO

they kinda ran off to escape you but, hey!

experiment #2: people possession, success!!

now you were kinda convinced of this when you realized no matter the angle the animals and machines of sumeru didnt react to you getting super close to them (you dont have to touch something to posses it, just look at it really, but you wanted to test limits, so you walked up to sumpter beasts and fungi and ruin machines)

but no one can see you.

you don't have a "character" most of the time, you can float and glide around the ground like scaramouche lol

you cant touch stuff bc of this, you cant smell stuff (u saw the eremites campfires & couldnt smell the smoke until you were them)

you cant eat stuff w/o a body, so.. it makes sense that the eremites and passing merchants, cant see you when you float around, trying to reorient yourself after 2 weeks of experimenting

:( ur only a lil sad about it... but mostly not bc lol u got possession powers so trade off u guess

the first time you see a vision-bearer you literally scream

LMAO

ur so lucky u cant be seen or heard

bc Collei would have def screamed back lol

needless to say u stalk the forest ranger- ALL DAY.

Collei goes on patrol around the woods? you go on a patrol.

collei goes to visit other forest rangers? you "visit" other forest rangers at base (lol u def possess a guy who was asleep on a bench nearby & wake up to go talk to Collei "in-person", poor guy was so worried he sleep walked/talked so hard he went to see Tighnari an hour later lmao)

welp, you decide this is your life now, follow Collei everywhere, talk one-sided to Collei until you can possess a forest ranger w/o it being suspicious (dont wanna turn the poor rangers into the terrified eremites from a week or two ago...)

then, after you get the courage and erase the paranoia that tighnari can just... somehow hear your ghostly bullshit-

u do the same to Tighnari (then Cyno when he visits! no u didnt squeal, so what, nobody can hear you- )

♧

Tighnari begins to get suspicious about 3 weeks into this routine.

he's been starting to collect and start a file on all the rangers or nearby villagers that've started randomly "blacking out/sleep walking" in the evenings usually

(u possess as close to nighttime as u can so it seems like sleepwalking)

So when Cyno comes back from a mission gone wrong,

having nearly been decapitated by a rogue flying ruin machine, only to black out and come to standing calmly 10 feet further than he remembered being 1 minute ago...

Tighnari's suspicions are confirmed, and he launches into researching this phenomenon.

his first thought is something like the aranara, but that doesn't account for the effect this thing is having on people

after all, what little forest spirit is strong enough to-

-control humans??

Tighnari begins to get the sense he's in over his head after he finds himself pushed into going into Sumeru City in order to collect more library books or ask around if the blackouts have spread to the city people

he answer is negative, on both accounts.

and he spends about one half of the day walking around, and the other reading up all he can on mythical creatures or ailments

Tighnari gives up for the day, and as he makes his way back to Ghandarvaville, he almost gets ambushed by some particularly nasty muggers

...and then he wakes up 20 feet away, his denro vision thrumming with power, full of worry and fondness for himself??, (just like Cyno said he felt happen to him..)

...Tighnari decides he needs reinforcements.

YOU GUYS-

UR LOCAL ZODIAC SIGN OBSESSED W/GENSHIN HIT A CHARACTER LIMIT ON A POST FINALLY. 😦

??? THIS WOULDVE BEEN LONGER BUT I BARELY GOT SPACE FOR THIS- I- EVEN THE QIQI POST DIDNT HIT LIMIT-

uh cya ig!!

Safe travels lmao,

💀♒️

♡the beloveds♡

@karmawonders / @0rah-s / @randomnatics / @glxssynarvi / @nexylaza / @genshin-impacts-me / @wholesomey-artist @revonie / @hat-on-a-cat / @takottai / @sickly-falling (?) / @iruiji

(Sorry about the late tag! I forgot to update my taglist before i posted this 💀 my bad guys)

Also if the people who got put there who i couldnt find a blog for see this, idk what went wrong ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - maybe check and see if ur setting for "being able to be searched/looked up" is turned on?? Idk man

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

What do you think about theory that Lila is Manon from future?

I am vaguely aware that this is a thing, but I'm also assuming that it's a joke and not a serious theory because that would be one of the most asinine things that I've ever seen. This fan theory is even worse than the pigeon feather thing in terms of absurdity. It should be reserved for crack fic and nothing else. However, this show never fails to impress me with its poor-quality writing choices, so let's take a quick moment to talk about why this wouldn't be a good twist.

The issue isn't the time travel thing. Lila being from the future is perfectly in line with the sort of crazy stuff that Miraculous does to the point where I wouldn't be shocked if Lila is from the future! Maybe Ladybug and Chat Noir "wronged" her and so she came back in time to try to stop them from being a thing or something like that? It fits her characters. Lila has been shown to be incredibly petty and, whatever is going on, it's clear that she came to Paris with an agenda otherwise why go the multiple identities and parents route?

However, if this from-the-future twist ends up being a thing, then Manon would be the worst choice for Lila's true identity because Manon is a well established character who shares no obvious traits with Lila. The only things that the two characters have in common are their hair and eye colors (or, at least, the hair and eye colors that Lila now has). Nothing else ties them together.

Yes, Manon does her baby-doll-eye manipulation thing, but that's not a sign that she's secretly a master manipulator or a compulsive liar! It's just a thing that little kids do. Boundary pushing is par for the course at that age.

For Manon to be a good baby Lila, we'd need to see Manon doing some actual quality manipulation tactics that trick people instead of just standard little kid pouting and boundary-pushing techniques. There's no point at which Manon is successfully lying to get what she wants. Her requests are always rather blatant and no one but Marinette falls for her "manipulations" because everyone else knows how to deal with little kids as we see in these two exchanges from Puppeteer:

Nadja: Alright, now give the doll back to Marinette. Manon: NO! I wanna keep it! Marinette: She can if she wants. I told her she could borrow it. Nadja: And that's sweet of you, Marinette, but Manon already has so many toys at home, I wouldn't even know where to put it.

Marinette: Manon! What are you- Manon: I left my bag here! Can I have Ladybug? Marinette: You heard what your mom said. Manon: She wouldn't know if I hide it!

Not exactly gold star manipulation tactics here. They'd fail if Marinette had a backbone.

Could you really picture Lila acting like this? I can't and that's the problem. Because Manon is an existing and well-established character, they have had time to make her into baby Lila. Time to set up the twist. But they haven't. They've just written your standard boundary-pushing little kid. Her behavior is really not all that different from Ella and Etta's (Alya's little sisters), so why would Manon be Lila and not one of them?

That's another problem. If you're going to have a big twist like this, then Manon needs to feel different from the other kid characters and she doesn't. Really think about this for a minute! As far as the kid characters' behavior goes, what's the difference between Puppeteer and Sapotis? I'd argue that there isn't one. In both episodes you see little kids pushing boundaries, leading to them being punished, leading to them getting akumatized.

In Puppeteer we get this:

Manon: But, Marinette wanted me to have it! Nadja: You disobeyed me. I told you the dolls were to stay at her house. You won't be needing these anymore. Manon: NO! Mommy, please don't! Nadja: I'm not happy about this. Wait for me here.

In Sapotis we get this:

Ella and Etta: It's not us! It's the—! Alya: That's it! (picks up the twins) Ella and Etta: Come on, Alya! We won't do it again! Alya: Yeah? Well, it's too late! (takes off both twins' propeller hats) We'll all go to the park when you can behave, some other day! Now go to sleep!

Extremely similar scenes with extremely similar outcomes.

Another similarity is Manon, Ella, and Etta's behavior in Simpleman. They're basically interchangeable in that episode, further killing this theory.

If this twist was going to be a thing, then I'd also expect us to see Lila and Manon interact at least once since we do let Lila talk to the kids on a few occasions. And if we didn't get that, then I'd definitely expect us to see a moment between Lila and Nadja or even a moment where Lila avoids Nadja. Anything to establish some sort of tie between Lila and this little family that she was once a part of. As-is, canon has done diddly squat to tie them together so I don't understand why the fandom is making this tie. Do people just really dislike Manon and want her to be evil?

In summary, Lila is - at most - a decade older than Manon, so we should see seeds of Lila already starting to form, but we don't. Lila holds grudges, Manon doesn't. Lila lies left and right, Manon doesn't. Lila plots, Manon doesn't. Lila hates Ladybug and Chat Noir, Manon adores them. In other words, nothing in the text backs up the idea that Manon would become Lila in a few short years, so where did this theory even come from?

[mariipun]

Adventures of Wally & The Gang (plus their Caretaker)

Off Script Shenanigans 

Warnings: None. Humor, wholesome content.

Word Count: 1,513

Brief Description: The Welcome Home cast is alive and live alongside humans. You have been contracted to be their Caretaker, tending to their needs, schedule, and keeping them from (getting themselves into) bad publicity. The gang has some downtime on set, entertaining themselves or each other with nonsensical activities to pass the time as the Technical Director works on fixing the issues.

Welcome Home belongs to @partycoffin [in no means is my work canon]

Dedication: @kandavers 

[ /I hope this gives you a little serotonin boost, I’m cheering you on from my side of the world! ]

.

.

The studio was as energetic as ever. Production had halted due to technical difficulties that needed to be resolved. You lazily sat on one of the deck chairs, elbow on the armrest, cheek leaning against your palm as you scanned across the set and watched some of the cast members. You were glad to get a break and off your feet.

[Eyes first land on Sally]

Sally was going over the script, suggesting certain scenes to be revised with the Director, and penciling in changes.

Sally: “I just think we really should include a song during this scene, making it more—lively, ya know?”  

You overheard her conversation, chuckling as the Director gave her a puzzled look. You weren’t sure how much more ‘lively’ the show could be with the beautiful array of bright colors and every other episode already containing musical numbers. “Oh! Maybe even a dance sequence—”

[Eyes pan towards Poppy]

You watched as the red fluff of feathers hummed to herself, sitting near a basket of props. You couldn’t tell what she was doing exactly, but it looked like she was probably knitting something? Well, she had her hobbies outside of teaching children their ABC’s.

[Next, you saw Julie]

Julie: “Howdy-ho neighbors! Come tour the Welcome Home set with me!”

A small smile formed on your lips as you watched the bubbly puppet hold her phone slightly above her face as she chatted with fans on her live feed.

Your eyes trained on her for a minute as she walked about, introducing some of the wardrobe designers and makeup artists that work on her outfits, looks, and so on. As she moved on, you kept watching as Julie draped an arm around Wally’s shoulders before he could snatch up one of the apples sitting at the spread table, adjusting her phone so both were in the frame of view.

Julie: “Wally Darling, say hello to everyone!”

Wally: “Well hello dear neighbors! Hope you’re all looking forward to the next episode.” He waved, smiling.

Barnaby soon came up from behind the two with a large grin, saying hello as well. You could tell the chat was going absolutely insane getting to interact with them. You giggled at their antics, happy that they got to spend some time with people from all around the world, even if it wasn’t during one of their face-to-face meet-and-greets.

Probably one of the many things you admired about them.

Although sometimes crazy (and difficult to handle), they were always dedicated to entertaining the masses with wholesome content. On camera anyhow. It was your job to make sure no scandalous rumors ended up in the media; constantly protecting their image off screen. You’d hate to see the show canceled, especially since you were dedicated not only to the basis of the show but because you deeply cared for them.

Julie: “Oh! Barnaby, someone asked how many things you’re able to juggle at once.”

Barnaby: “Well, let’s see. Hey, lil’ buddy, toss me a few of those apples will ya?”

Julie released her light hold on Wally, flipping the camera so she could point the phone toward the pair. She stepped back as Wally began gently tossing a few apples in Barnaby’s direction. The blue mass caught them with ease, beginning to juggle. 1…2...3…4….

Barnaby: “Ha! Too easy, c’mon, toss me a few more.”

Julie: “Oh, oh! Someone also said to make it more challenging.”

Wally: “Guess we just have to give our dear neighbors what they’re asking for.” He muses, scanning the spread table and grabbing one of the bananas, then tossing it toward Barnaby.

Again, catching it with ease, Barnaby chuckled as he nodded toward the soda cans. Wally picked one up, tossing them his way.

Barnaby: “…5….6!” The juggling continued, items being tossed a bit higher to make some space as he caught and tossed, and tossed, and tossed.

Julie: “Think you can handle any more?”

Barnaby: “I’m the Great Barnaby B. Beagle, nothing can stop me now!”

Wally looked over, pondering what to toss his friend next. He decided on some sunglasses, then grabbed one of the bowling pin props and a small stress ball out of a box one of the stagehands was carrying as they scooted by.

Wally: “…7…8….9….”

You continued to watch, tilting your head up slightly as Barnaby’s juggling began to waver and then steady.

Barnaby: “Let’s make it an even 10. Toss me one more please.”

There weren’t many other options readily available until Wally saw one of the saran-wrapped sandwiches on the table. Picking it up, he tossed it but misjudged the distance as Barnaby jolted to catch it. Stepping forward, he caught it, but it threw off the balance of the juggled circle and the items began slightly leaning more and more until Barnaby began staggering toward you.

You perked up, stiffening. You noticed he was moving toward one of the cables on the floor, which was unfortunately not taped down to prevent a tripping hazard.

Caretaker: “Barnaby, wait—”

Too late.

Barnaby: “Whoa--!” The puppet’s foot was caught underneath the cable, the apples, banana, sandwich, sunglasses, bowling pin prop, stress ball, and can of soda flying in your direction.

Everything crashed down around you, save for the soda can, which plummeted right in front of you. The sheer velocity of the aluminum can hitting the ground had enough force to burst, a steady, but violent stream of soda onto your face. (Did everything that went wrong have to be an overly exaggerated gag bit?)

You held your hands out to try and shield yourself, aggressively coughing as you accidentally inhaled the fizzy beverage through your nose. After what felt like an eternity, it finally stopped blasting in your face.

Both Wally and Julie were immediately by your side, asking if you were okay, while Barnaby repeatedly apologized from the ground. You could hear the commotion around you as Sally ran to grab a towel, Poppy squawking in concern somewhere in the background.

Wally: “Care, are you okay?” He asked, reaching over, and gently placing a hand on your arm. “Are you hurt—” He stopped, eyes widening slightly as you began to laugh under your breath, which soon turned into loud, boisterous laughter.

You didn’t quite open your eyes since the soda stung, but you couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Doubling over, you just couldn’t stop yourself from cracking up. Both Wally and Julie sighed in relief, smiling as you confirmed you were okay. As you calmed down from your fit of laughter, you thanked Sally for the towel and wiped your face.

Wally: “Well, I’m glad you’re alright Caretaker. It’s also nice to see you having more fun.”

Julie: “Yeah! You have such a wonderful laugh! You should do that more often.”

Barnaby: “Pfft—you call that a laugh? It was more of like a goose hon—” His mouth shut automatically as you gave the blue puppet a warning glance. “Uh.. ha, ha, ha. I mean, your laugh is fantastic Care!” He backtracked before standing and looking you over. Placing his hands on his hips, he shifted his weight to one leg, smiling down at you. “But, it does sound refreshing to finally have you let loose.”

You shake your head, wrapping the towel around your shoulders.

Julie: “Oh! Right!” Julie swapped her phone camera again, leaning closer and placing you both in the frame. “Hey, hey neighbors! Crisis averted! They’re A-O.K.! But let me also introduce you to the most important member of the Welcome Home Cast! This is our dear Caretaker! They work super hard!”

Wally: “That’s right. They always take great care of us.” He adds, leaning closer despite the threat of getting his felt sticky.

Sally: “And they’re super cool!”

Barnaby: “Not to mention, a real spitfire.” He nudged your shoulder gently once he made his way to you.

At this point, Poppy, Eddie, Howdy, and Frank had appeared, joining in the cascade of praises. You were a bit too stunned to speak, not quite used to being complimented so much. You definitely weren’t anticipating this. You were skeptical at first, but their words were truly genuine as each of the cast members looked over to you with smiles reaching all the way up to their eyes. You heard and saw the swift pings of comments from the fans, not being able to read all of them, but catching a glimpse of the ‘hello Caretaker’, ‘keep doing your best’, and ‘you’re incredible’.

Caretaker: “I… thank you….” You replied sheepishly, feeling your face begin to flush. You reached up, grabbing one of the ends of the towel that was wrapped around your shoulders, bringing it up to your nose to hide the blush that had formed.

All cast members, in unison: “No, thank YOU, Caretaker!”

[Bonus]

You would later clean yourself up and ended up scolding Barnaby, Wally, and Julie about the dangers of carelessly tossing so many things in the air without properly considering their surroundings. Someone could have seriously gotten hurt after all. 

[pretentiouswreckingball]

✹✯✹✯✹ my submission for the @sillylovesongsfest ✯✹✯✹✯

prompt: Sweet Dreams, TN by The Last Shadow Puppets

Drarry | 1.5k | kinda nsfw towards the end |

Summary: Draco has a septum piercing. Harry doesn’t know what to do about that (yes, he does).

✹✯✹✯✹✯✹✯

And all my pals will tell me is that I'm crazy

You bet I'm loopy, alright

And I just don't recognise

This fool that you have made me

✹✯✹✯✹✯✹✯

“Harry, you’re doing it again.” Hermione squeezes the back of Harry’s hand giving him a bemused smile. 

Harry frowns. “Doing what again?”

Ron takes a swing of his beer, “Come on mate, we know you can get a little bit obsessed when it comes to him but—”

“I’m not obsessed—”

“Yeah you are,” Ginny snorts from beside Hermione ignoring Harry’s glare, “It’s bad enough that even I noticed and I’ve been here for what, twenty minutes?” Ginny leans close, amusement all over her face, regarding a very irritated Harry. “So, what is it this time? Did he change his cologne or did he start combing his hair differently or…”

“Is it because this has been the longest that you two have been apart since you got together and you just miss him?” Luna intervenes before Harry gets a chance to tell Ginny to fuck off. 

The blond girl perched under her girlfriend’s arm looks at Harry directly in the eyes and Harry can’t help but shift uncomfortably, looking away.

“Come on sweetheart, it can’t be that.” Ginny shakes her head at her girlfriend. “Malfoy has only been away for— what, a month? Harry can’t possibly…oh you’re joking,” Ginny laughs in disbelief at Harry’s crimson cheeks. 

“No, it's not— it's not just that,” Harry amends, still not looking at anyone in the face, “It’s just the other night when we were talking over floo, he looked… strange. I don’t know how to describe it better, okay? but I think he’s— I think he’s up to something,” Harry grimaces as soon as the words leave his mouth and the cacophony of groans in different states of despair is hard to miss.

“You gotta be kidding me,”

“Harry come on,”

“It’s like sixth year all over again,” Ron points out beside Harry. “Always thinking Malfoy was up to something, obsessed over his every move, I thought that maybe now that you two are together, that would stop but I think it only got worse.”

“I wasn’t that bad,” Harry grumbles under his breath. 

When he doesn’t get an immediate response, Harry looks up to four pairs of eyes giving him knowing looks and well, who could blame them? Harry is obsessed. Well on his way to insanity, but how’s that bad, being obsessed over one’s own boyfriend? Besides, it’s not like he’s wrong. He knows Draco is up to something, he can tell a disillusionment charm when he sees one. Even if he isn’t an Auror anymore, he’s not easily fooled. 

“If you weren’t already together, It would’ve been kind of creepy mate,” Ron observes, concerned. 

Hermione tuts, “Leave him, Ronald, we always knew they would end up together, didn’t we?” 

“He might be insane but it’s not like he’s going to marry him anytime soon.”

Harry splutters half of the beer he’s drinking and Ginny only gives him an amused look.

“You did that on purpose,” Harry accuses.

Ginny concedes with a nod but shrugs regardless, “I’m not hearing you deny it,”

Suddenly, the condensation around his beer seems fascinating to Harry. 

Two silent beats and then,

“Oh, Harry,” Luna coos.

“Oh no, you’re so gone,” Ginny teases, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Ron pats Harry on the back, heaving a sigh, “You’re completely mental, mate.”

“And you weren’t completely wrong,” Hermione says and it’s her tone that makes Harry look up from his beer and it’s then that Harry notices everyone is looking at something behind him in various degrees of surprise.. 

Confused by this, Harry turns around and his eyes immediately latch onto the blond boy at the other end of the pub. The vindication Harry ought to feel is quickly overshadowed by the almost physical reaction he gets when he takes a good look at Draco. Specifically, at Draco’s face. If his friends think he is already obsessed with his boyfriend, Harry is about to become completely mental. 

No matter all that Harry praises himself for being observant, never in a million years would he have guessed what Draco was hiding from him. 

A piercing. 

A silver septum piercing. 

Yeah, Harry is completely and utterly fucked.

You see, Harry has always known Draco is pretty. 

Back at Hogwarts, it drove Harry spare becuase it was one of those undeniable truths that go left unsaid because it is so damn obvious nobody feels the need to point it out. To have such strong negative feelings for someone it wasn’t that surprising after all that they ended up where they did.

So, even after all this time, when Draco’s beauty was something Harry could no longer just admire from afar but touch, well, it could drive anyone crazy. Draco was already very fucking pretty but to add a silver piercing to the mix? the bastard was out to kill him, Harry was sure. The final revenge is to make Harry’s mind implode. There was nothing Draco could do now that would shake Harry’s foundation more than this. 

And then, Draco looks back.

Harry is not aware of his surroundings, focused solely on Draco. All his mind can conjure as background noise is a low whistle and a “good luck, mate!” from the table he was in. Doesn’t matter anymore, he only cares about what’s in front of him. 

Making his way to the entrance of the pub, bumping into people murmuring distracted apologies as he goes, after what seems like an eternity, he finally makes it to the other side. 

Draco regards him with curiosity, a smirk tugging from his lips when Harry gets close.

“Harry? What are you—“

“Shut up,” Harry takes Draco’s face in his hands and kisses him hard. Draco lets out a soft whimper but quickly melts in Harry’s hands, kissing him back just as fiercely. 

“Mmm, does that mean you like it?” Draco whispers when they resurface sometime later, still a bit breathless, leaning closer to each other.

“I. Love. It.” he punctuates every word with a hard kiss against Draco’s soft lips.

Draco hums, pleased. Harry doesn’t waste any time, tilting his boyfriend's head to the side to have better access to his neck. Draco complies willingly. 

“Why Harry, ravishing your boyfriend in the middle of a public place, what would the Prophet say?”

“Fuck the Prophet,” Harry grumbles against his skin, biting that soft spot between Draco’s shoulder and his neck, where his pulse point is, making the blond bite back a groan. He tugs Harry's face up and kisses him even harder.

It’s not until Harry shifts a little, putting his leg between Draco’s to let him rub against it that the blond breaks the kiss to look at Harry.

“As much as I love this warm welcome Harry, I would prefer a more private setting if it’s the same for you,” Draco says breathing hard but he doesn’t stop Harry, he actually tugs him closer by the hair, so he can latch to his neck that is sporting some noticeable marks already.

Harry cannot actually think at this point but Draco is right, what Harry wants to do to him is not for everyone to see.

“My place is closer,”

“Lead the way,” still holding Draco by his hips, Harry apparates them away.

✹✯✹✯✹✯✹✯

Baby, we ought to fuck

Seven years of bad luck out

The parlor room mirror

Could I have made it any clearer?

✹✯✹✯✹✯✹✯

They don’t even stop kissing when they enter the parlour, not even to take off their clothes. It’s rather difficult to do that while you’re sucking the life out of someone but they manage. When they are left only in their pants, Harry manhandles Draco a little further inside and with a hand on his way and the other on his chest, Harry finally turns him around.

What are you—” Draco asks but stops when he sees where Harry is taking him: in front of the full-size mirror that takes up the better part of the wall. 

Draco looks completely debauched; lips shining with spit, hair all over the place, a glint coming from the piece of jewellery on his nose and Harry cannot believe how incredibly lucky he is, being able to see Draco Malfoy in this state and being the cause of it. He looks beautiful and Harry can’t wait to make a complete mess out of him.

Never breaking eye contact with Draco in front of him, Harry tugs him closer by the waist until there’s no surface they’re not touching. He can feel Draco’s arse touching the outline of Harry’s hard cock and Harry gives a teasing move when he hears Draco’s breath catching.

He then leans closer, his mouth next to Draco’s ear and in a low tone Harry says,

“I want you to watch.”

Draco laughs, breathless. “Kinky bastard, aren’t you?”

“As if you didn’t put this mirror here for this exact same reason,” says Harry as he leaves a trail of open-mouth kisses down to Draco’s throat.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He’s trying to appear nonchalant, Harry can tell, but the way his body responds to Harry’s touches says otherwise.

He licks the side of Draco’s throat making him shiver. “Let me remind you, then.”

[experimentfae]

BeachTown au howdy pillar x fem! Mermaid! reader x BeachTown au Wally (1)

Au created by:pinksugarberry on TikTok

You swam looking at the corals, fish, other seapuppets you are at under water city a place that you lived in you entire life searching for something new.

“(y/n)! You looked to see a manatee one of you’re best friends “Wilfred!” You swam towards Him “so what up (y\n)? He asked, you sighed “well I’m trying not find something new, something fun.” He chuckled in response “I get what you mean I’m trying to do the exact same thing.” He swam looking around.

“You found nothing?” “Nada.” You answered “great… I’m sure we could find something.”

both of you sighed in boredom, but then Wilfred looked up to the sea to the sun from the outside world and he got a idea.

“Ok crazy idea but… what if we went into the surface?” He suggested, which made you look at him like he had two heads.

“What?! But we aren’t supposed to reveal ourselves well at least me, you’re a manatee you supposed to be seen by land puppets.”

“Yeah but can’t merpuppets change their tails to legs if they are fully dry?” “Well yes bu- “exactly so you’re not scared are you?” He challenged you.

“What no! I’m not scared of land puppets finding me out or anything.” You lied not wanting to admit feeling fear.

“Ok then let’s go, I promise we will have fun you just have to do the talking for me, after all to land puppets manatees don’t talk.” He stated with a shrug.

“That’s true… ok let’s go.” He smiled and swam upwards, you hesitated but followed.

The more you swam the more you can tell that you both were reaching a beach area a town in fact.

“What is this place?” Ypu looked around amazed of the scenery you never seen anything like it. “I think they call it a sand city or sun place.” Wilfred replied also interested in the place.

“Hmm that sounds about right.” Both you looked around until Wilfred brought something to you’re attention.

“Oh right there! That’s a perfect place to dry off.” You looked in his direction to see a good place like he said. “Perfect let’s go.”

BT Wally’s pov:

I was about to surf again until I heard someone calling me “hey Wally can you teach me to surf some more today?” I looked over to see sally giving me a smile “of course!” I replied I’m always happy to help anyone that wants to surf.

“Thanks Wally, I been wanting to do a finally learn how to do the stand.” She stated with a smile. “I get it you do seem to be ready for that big step.” I agreed walking towards the water with her “but it will be tough.” “It’s ok I’m up for a challenge.” I smiled at that.

“That’s good to know.” We begin practice when I swear I saw a walrus and something with a shiny tail but sally interrupted “hey am I doing it ri- she dropped into the water making me laugh. “It’s needs some work.” I said between chuckles.

You’re pov:

You and Wilfred stood here for awhile to make sure that I became dry “any minute now.” You assured to him after more time you finally got dry and you begin to see your tail turn into legs you immediately covered you’re… parts

This made Wilfred cover his eyes, thankfully with swim shorts you once stole from another beach for the occasion.

“There we are.” You smiled you glad you found these shorts they matched you’re seashell top “alright awesome, let’s get exploring.” Replied after uncovering his eyes he swam I my o t he ocean to get to the beach side, while sadly you had to walk.

After a minute you finally got there and looked to see a back full of land puppets seeming to be there own things, you suddenly felt you’re nerves kicking in.

“Come on (y/n) don’t be nervous now.” You looked over at Wilfred “I know but… I guess I thought I’ll be confident enough but- “no worry let me take start then I’m ease you in.” He interrupted.

“Yeah.” He swam towards the land puppets as you watched him give his hello’s they all seemed surprised to see a newcomer.

You continue to watch them all until you saw you’re friend motioning you to come forward. “This is (y/n) she’s my bff!” He stated proudly which in return made you smile, he has always been a good friend.

“Nice to uh meet you guys.” You waved feeling still uncertain.

“Hey I’m barnaby.” “I’m sally.” I said my hellos to them until I got to a land puppet with blue hair and kinda looks like a cat but isn’t? He is cute tho.

Wally’s Pov:

Wow she is… super cute! I smiled at her “it’s great to meet you did you guys just move here?” I hoped that she lived here and of course it’s great to see new faces around here.

“Well… yeah we did.” (Y/n) answered making me happy “that’s great, want me to show you around? They both nodded their heads.

Now I got confused “but Wilfred you don’t have an- he interrupted me by showing that he can push legs out of himself, this confused me even more “what.” Is all I could mutter.

I heard (y/n) “no worry I get it I was surprised at first as well.” She assured me making me feel relieved that I wasn’t crazy.

“Ok then I’ll show TWO of you around today.” I chuckled leading them towards the beach towns.

Next chapter: to be continued

<- Back to MasterList or back to welcome home

[georgiapeach30513]

I know you’re past your post limit tonight but you are an unwavering ray of strength and sunshine on here. So calm so chill. That cookie jar though…😏

That being said…are yall not entertained????

For those of you who screamed PR for months (I’m talking about the crazy ones who freak out every five minutes about something new even though they claim they know PR and they know people and have sources (in their own heads LOLOL)) - you want it? YOU GOT IT. It’s been in your face for months and yall still can’t see it?

An article comes out every time ramen breathes. And soba must be inserted. Soba gets articles for IG posts…when does that happen to a third rate noodle brand who can’t even hit 1 million followers after buying bots for two years and marrying the sexiest noodle brand alive? (Just to be extra petty, Jenna Ortega got ten million new followers in a week after Wednesday launched on Netflix (same month someone’s else season two show launched and then got canceled but whoops) and she didn’t marry anybody famous. Soba isn’t even a notable brand in their home country. Soba’s name gets misspelled even in her own movie promo posts. Yet she’s getting us weekly and people articles written about her every movement now? Oh and she’s getting a square on us weekly about celebs who adopted pets - with ramen’s dog even though she didn’t adopt the dog? LOLOLOLOL ok!!

Nobody thinks that’s odd?

I’ll have to admit, I didn’t really want to believe in conspiracy theories for a long time. It felt too delusional and too qanon for me. But after ramen returned to IG and made a post about dogs - a people mag article pops up and inserts a line to make it about soba, unprovoked. Why? Almost like it was intentional to shoehorn soba in. Almost like that’s basically been the MO since this all started. The tabloids have changed but the narrative has not. The rumors turned to confirmation turned to more rumors to more confirmation but never really really by the horse’s mouth except kinda two ceremonies maybe yeah go physical therapy!!

The way that “wedding” announcement launched as an unconfirmed source from page six. Then went immediately viral. After a weekend of extreme social media breadcrumbing…it was almost like watching a puppeteer orchestrate a show in real time. I can’t be the only one…right?

They have continuously gone the route of most resistance repeatedly, for two years - and nobody thinks this is just inane? They are doing this on purpose and the more you overthink it, the more crazy and unsense it will make.

Like you mentioned many times before, people just have to wait and see. And be patient. Try not to overreact over every little thing. (Hard for some, but seriously!)

Fact is: ramen has publicly endorsed soba (well maybe not the name) and they are linked. So until this changes, why wouldn’t you expect soba to be around lurking? Ramen can’t be an investor in a brand and then not show up with it.

Though it would be funny if he was caught eating banza pasta while toting the soba brand, like Britney getting caught ordering a coke while she was a Pepsi girl. 😆

I’m totally half kidding about most of this. But I think you get what I’m trying to put down. Nobody has to agree with me. But the longer this goes, the easier it’s been to look back on how it all started and string the pieces together.

First off are the same anon who has been doing amazing with the pasta analogies?? Because if so can I call you, Mrs. Pasta??

This is what PR looks like. Articles upon articles over nothing. Pushing a name out there for what? You make some excellent points, completely. Now, I’m not confirming or denying anything. Just that this is pointed. The timing is interesting and the entertainment is amazing.

Banza past is an amazing option. Top ramen needs to add a little spice and change. Soba noodles on the regular isn’t good for everyone.

I’m just here ready for the show. I told y’all to keep your eyes open 😉

[mothytheghost]

Away From Home

Chapter 3: Mistakes

Sun. You had a choice.

You ran away from them.

You ran away from your family. They loved you.

Now they're gone.

I told you that you have to do this. But you didn't. Because you loved your brother.

Why did you run away?

••••••••••••••••

Sunflower woke up in shock as he jumped up. Noticing he was sleeping on the floor. His body ached and it was awful. At least he's getting use to his new home. He needs to get use to the body without thinking about Solar. things just happen and it has to be delt with. But Sun layed there. Still a bit sleepy.

Hearing children as he got nervous a bit. Slowly getting up as he peeked through the curtain from the balcony. Noticing the other Sun being so joyful around the kids. Not that crazy with the messes he had to clean up and brushed it off.

Sunflower sighed. Wishing he had a life like this in his dimension. "I wish I had this life. No worries. Just peace. "

Sunflower looked back and noticed Moon was in his room m working on stuff normally as he always had. He decided to walk down and carefully looked into the dark room and knocked softly.

Knock, Knock, Knock.

"Ughhhh.... Yep, who is it?" He rolled his eyes. Drawing his attention back to his work.

"I-its me... Other Sun.... Or Sunflower. Whichever you like to call me,"

Moon looked at him. A little bit pissed he's distracted from his work. But he was trying to get calmer since he knows this Sun is hurt and don't want to put him lower. "Do you want to talk about something?"

Sunflower tried to speak up. But kept failing to respond. He didn't know how to talk to a Moon. Especially with things going on. Thinking about his Moon made him tear up. "I-I just.... Want to talk about things..."

Moon nodded "Go on. I'm listening."

Sunflower took a moment to think. Trying to remember what happened. And why he was here in the first place.

°°°°

I couldn't do it... I can't...

Sun sobbed. His tears burned his cheeks. Gripping the table as he tries to control his emotions.

"Sun... I'm sorry... I know this is a tough time... But you have to make the choice. It's either him, or you and your family?" Puppet spoke as she gave him a warning.

It was Sun's last minute. And he had to choose. But it all felt so hopeless. He was stuck. Having a battle between his heart and his mind. He has to let Moon go. But he didn't want him to die. Not after Everything.

Looking up at Puppet as Sun looked around the living room and kitchen. Taking deep breaths as he was focused on the hallway beside him. Thinking about a poor choice that could kill his heart.

Dashing through the halls and ran out of the door as Sun's eyes we're filled with tears. Sobbing as he ran from the person who needed him.

"SUN WAIT!" Puppet cried as she tried chasing after him.

Sun was running away. Trying to run through a small portal to the Daycare as he cried. Going through as the Portal vanished in front of puppet.

Puppet cried as she was scared. Pushing Sun into this was a bad idea. She knew Sun loved his brother. But not to the point he would run away.

"Sun.... You're making a big mistake."

[peppered-moths]

six-petaled promise

scott doesn't use salt in his cooking anymore. it all tastes horribly bland. he's never been the best cook anyways.

he had been the one who did that for them. scott still can't say his name, except when he wakes up, calling out for a life long gone.

he misses it. it feels... painfully obvious, to say the least. there had been a future where he didn't have to claw for power, to vie for even a chance of living beyond the competition, and he misses it. he misses thunderstorms. he misses fresh-baked bread. he misses lilies, white, six-petaled. he misses... god, he misses life.

so yes. maybe he is crazy. maybe that's what the others say about him, along with the fact that he's cold and heartless and dead, on the inside and outside both.

(and, well. the heartless part isn't strictly untrue. he has feelings. but, well. necromancy has its ups and downs. there is always a new sacrifice to make.)

scott doesn't use salt in his cooking anymore. he can't remember the last time he ate something for the sake of enjoying it. everything is sustenance, fuel to push onwards.

he has to win. no matter the cost. he knows he's not the only one- he sees the constant blue tinge of pris' face, the way she breathes air like it's not quite natural anymore. he's watched joey, manic, fever higher than any normal person should be able to survive, throwing himself into a block of ice for some relief. he's listened to shelby cry storms at the death of a bee, seen the fresh lightning burns on her hands.

yes. they all lose something. it makes it worth it. it doesn't make it fair. power is power, at the end of the day.

scott pretends that the lichen crawling up his fingers is simply a result of too much magic at one time. that it will go away, slip back down his wrists without a trace. he would make scott scrub it off. scott will do it when he's back.

scott doesn't use salt in his cooking anymore. it burns his tongue, his throat. his arms are mottled with pale scars. oh, the sacrifices he makes for him. it doesn't matter; they'll adapt. they always do.

how does it feel to be a real witch? a real lich? cleo laughs at him. he doesn't think they're actually laughing at him. her eyes are distant, far away as ever. she glows now, in the dark, the lichen budding on her skin.

pinocchio, pinocchio, a real boy at last, they muse, steepling their hands in front of them. tell me, why do you still dance to their puppet strings?

scott doesn't understand. he doesn't understand so many things. that's why he has to practice. he has to get better. be the best.

cleo looks away from him. she looks-

(at you. she looks at you. don't do this to him. it isn't fair. nothing is fair. learn to live with it.)

scott blinks. nothing has happened. nothing has changed. it has always been like this.

go home, scott.

there's no home left to go back to. he says it, nonchalant. if he had a heart, it would be beating in his chest. nevertheless.

then go anywhere.

scott doesn't use salt in his cooking anymore. scott doesn't cook anymore.

(when does the question turn from who am i without you? to who am i at all? where is the line? how do you learn how to stop, to just let go? i don't think any of us know.)

the earth hums beneath his feet. he can feel death, old bones rattling, waiting. there is a graveyard twenty minutes' walk from his house.

there are two graves side by side at an abandoned home. scott thinks there ought to have been a third. he thinks he ought to have carved their names on their graves, let them be remembered. milo. maxwell. really, he ought to have done a lot of things.

(he is the corpse and he is the vulture circling overhead and he is the mycelia beneath and he is and he is and he is-)

he is all that is left.

scott doesn't use salt in his cooking anymore.

[yowyowyaoi]

*Sasori and Tobi, alone in the kitchen*

Tobi: Oh boy, Sasori-san! Ain’t this fun, making a cake for Senpai’s birthday!

Sasori: There won’t be much of a cake if you don’t stop sneaking batter from the bowl. That’s enough.

Tobi: Don’t forget to put in the sprinkles, Sasori-san. Senpai loves a lot of colors.

Sasori: Mm, indeed. Speaking of things he loves … Tobi, you spend a lot of time with him, on your missions. You talk a lot. What do you think would be a good gift for me to give him?

Tobi: Hmmmm, well, Senpai’s been talking a lot about a baby lately.

Sasori: … a baby? Deidara … wants a baby?

Tobi: Yeah! He says all the time how cute one would be, how he’d like to raise it with you!

Sasori: That’s certainly surprising. I’d have never thought of such a thing. But … maybe it’s time. Time we created something that isn’t a puppet, or a clay bomb. 

Sasori: But first things first; before a child, I should properly marry him.

Sasori: *pats Tobi on the shoulder, then puts the cake in the oven* Thank you, Tobi. Watch the cake for me, please, and take it out of the oven in around 30 minutes. I’m going to fashion Dei a ring, and I’ll propose tonight, when we’re all sitting down for the cake. *leaves*

Zetsu, coming into the room: Hey, kid? Why did you tell him that?

Tobi: Because it’s the truth!

Zetsu: Did you just forget to mention that the “baby” Deidara was referring to, was a puppy?

Tobi: I didn’t forget, Zetsu.

Zetsu: But you —

Tobi, taking off mask, in Obito voice: Let that wooden asshole get married to Deidara. That hyperactive blonde will drive him insane long before any kind of baby comes into the picture. Then their brat will drive them BOTH crazy.

Zetsu:

Tobi, going to lick the bowl: Tell ME I can’t eat as much cake batter as I want? Think again, Sasori.

Zetsu:

[bigdreamerpeach]

"Smile for me"

_________

We all know George, he is the grumpy one around the other puppets. Liliana can't see this anymore and wanna do something about it

The other puppets talking about George again. Liliana walk to then." Hey guys , Whats going on?", she ask. Junebug Tell her :" Well , its George again, Norman Tell us a really good joke and George only make growing noices, i don't know why he's always like this."

Liliana looks at Norman, who looks a bit sad because how George reacts. "Hey , don't be sad Norman. You know him.' She boop normans noses, making him giggle a bit.

" I talk with George about is guys." Liliana says

After 10 minutes she saw George working on something. She walk beside him and Touch his shoulder. " Ahh!..don't scare me like this!"."I'm sorry George, what are you doing there?.

"I just fixing a Light, what Norman Breaks, again! He is so clumsy!". George yelled a bit angry." You know Norman George, don't give him the Fault."

George then ignore her and keep fixing the Light.

"Helloohoo! I talk with you!". He still ignore her. Liliana Touch his shoulder again."Hello , i know you here me." He still Not saying anything

Then Liliana do something , he hates. She poke his side ,making him twitch and jump. "You okay George?" She ask. " Y-Yeah , I'm okay".

Then Liliana has a evil smile on her face. " George, are you maybe ticklish?." George eyes wide in shocked as she ask him."No, i'm no- mmmhhpff!." Befor he can speak , liliana tickling his sides.

George try his best Not to laugh, giggle or smile. Liliana see this and move her hands to his rips. Then George giggles.

"Hehehehhe! Liliana Stop!". George say betonen his giggles. " awww but why George, your giggles so cute!"

Then it happend , Liliana move to his belly.

" EEEEE!! NOT THERE! AAAHHAHAIII! LILIANA PLEHAHAHSE STOOHOP!! AAAAAAEEE!!!!

Liliana don't Listen, his laugh was Music to her ears and the smile. " i never here you laughing like this crazy my dear George, what about here?"

George high pit laugh as liliana tickling there , where his bellybutton was."AHHHHAH*snort*HAHAHAHAHH!!!!! NO PLEHEHEHASE NOT THERE!ANYTHING BUT THERE!!!! AHAHAHAHHAH*snort*AHHAHHAHHAHAHHAH!!!!!

After 5 minutes Liliana stops tickling him. George catch his breath. " Never...do this..again." Liliana giggles." I think about it my dear."

The Rest of the day George has a smile at his face

___________

New story is finish! I get the idea from @totaldramafluffstuffz thanks you so much for the great idea 🩷

[madaboutmunson]

Cryptic Cupid - Part 6 (Eddie's POV)

Part 1 | Part 5 | Part 7

Sequel to Raspberry Riddle So this is set in a government-operated hospital after the events of season 4 but everyone is alive.

Each part has a different POV, Robin, Steve, or Eddie.

Tag List: @marivictal

Apologies for the delay in posting fic updates, some not good stuff happened and I couldn't write for a while

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Eddie pockets the paper, waits until he hears the other door close, and then opens his own for the psychologist, who takes her regular seat. She clicks her pen, Eddie’s brain registers it as a starting gunshot, and he begins pacing backwards and forwards in front of her, looking between her and where he is walking intermittently.

“Did you hear about this morning? I think he’s trying to kill me, man.” Eddie says in desperation, “You gotta help me.”

"By he, you mean…."

"Who-who do I mean?" Eddie says in disbelief and gestures wildly at his now closed door to the hallway, which is still being swamped with pop music, but the Psychologist simply looks over the rims of her glasses at him, making him sigh and sit down, "Steve, my only fucking neighbour, that's who I mean." He says in a much calmer, resigned tone.

"You feel that Steve is a threat to you?" She says very seriously, looking at Eddie intently.

"A threat?! To my life? Undetermined. To heterosexuality? Yes!" Eddie runs a ringed hand down the side of his face, exasperated, "If the clothes clinging onto him within a thread of their existence were not enough. He is shimmering. Or extra shiny or something. Guys don't naturally glisten, ok?! He's doing this on purpose, and-and that smell when I opened the door. What even was that ok? Some weird pheromone potion thing?"

"Why would Steve do those things on purpose, do you think?" She says, scribbling away on her pad. Eddie bets she's just fucking doodling because she's already written off Eddie as insane, and honestly, he wouldn't blame her. He felt insane. One minute he's into Steve and wants him as close as possible the next, he wants nothing to do with him, to never speak to him again, remove him from Eddie's reality.

"Well, I don't know, do I? I don't know what to compel a guy to slather himself in some ungodly lotion…to make his muscles look bigger or more defined, maybe? I don't fucking know," he says with a groan as he kicks his legs over the arm of the chair.

"Well, let's start there, then. What benefit would Steve have in making his muscles appear bigger and more defined?" 

Eddie reclines over the back of the other arm of the chair, so he almost looks like a letter 'm' draped over it, pinching the bridge of his nose, "So people look at him more, I guess?"

"Did you look at him more because of it?" She says, crossing one leg over the other like Steve does when he knows he’s right about something. Oh, gods! Stop thinking about that prick. Nope, especially not that, do not think about his prick. NO! NO! Ok. La-la-la-la. Eddie quickly sits up in his chair again with a huff and rubs his face with his hands.

“Yes, regretfully, I did look at him more because of it, but it wasn't on purpose, you know?” He laughs awkwardly, looking at the psychologist, “It was a lot like I couldn't help it. Like my eyes kept going back there, and I didn't want them to, right? No way!” Eddie says, waving his hand in front of him.

“Ok, let's talk about that. Do you feel out of control of yourself, Eddie?” She asks, flipping a page of her notebook, making Eddie's eyes dart towards it.

“I’m not sure what you're getting at”, Eddie says nervously. The last thing he wants is to be sent to Pennhurst on top of everything else. He didn't feel like anything else was controlling him. He just wished he didn't have the longing for Steve that he did. The kind that feels like a demonic hand reaching into your body, pulling at your insides like a visceral web of puppet strings, Whilst Crazy On You by Heart plays in the background. Dragging you into the gravitational pull of the only celestial body that your brain will permit you to think about, despite your kicking and screaming because you know all this can result in is doom and heartbreak. And in this case, that neutron star was Steve Fucking Harrington.

“You say you didn't want your eyes to look at Steve, but they did. That sounded to me like perhaps you felt out of control. Am I wrong in that assumption? You can be honest here, Eddie.” She gives him a small smile of reassurance. Eddie is at odds with himself with what he wants to say. Of course, he could lie, but then what is even the point of this shrink here? If he tells the truth, he has to admit things to himself again that he felt like he’d just started to get over. Though today would indicate, apparently, he had not. At all. She flicks back and forth through the pages of her notes and looks up at Eddie again, “If you feel uncomfortable or want to talk about something else, we can. I’m taking your lead here.”

Come on, Eddie, time to put your big boy pants on. This woman can help, and she’s the only unbiased person you can talk to because everyone else seems to have fallen in love with King Fucking Steve too!

Eddie squeezes his eyes tight and screws up his face, he doesn't want to do this, but he has to figure it out. Finally, he releases and takes a deep breath, “Ok, so. I liked him, no,” he shakes his head, “I like him, in a non-platonic way. I’m usually pretty good at this, you know, having feelings for people that I know don't like me that way back. It's happened hundreds of times. I can accept that it is unrequited,  push it down, and be a bit morose about it, you know? Then bounce back and move on with my life. This ain’t my first rodeo.”  He laces his fingers together and grips his hands together tightly, “But this is different, and I don’t know if this is because it's Steve, or because we are both trapped in this place, or because I know he was pretty instrumental in saving my life. I can’t seem to get to acceptance; it keeps feeling possible. Still, after I tore into him like that…” Eddie looks out of the window for divine assistance with the next thing, as he can hear her scribbling away, and to not fall apart when he says it. “because of this.” Eddie just about keeps the crack in his voice at bay as he gestures to the scars on his face, “How could someone that fucking scintillates find someone as damaged as me attractive, let alone any feeling bigger than that? By damaged, I mean, let's face it mentally, I'm obviously fucked up, but physically speaking, I wasn't a work of art, but I had a shot at being kinda cute, I guess.” he says with a shrug.

“Is that what you are looking for? Something more than attraction?” She asks with her pen poised.

Eddie shrugs, “Yeah. But, I mean, isn’t that what everyone wants? To be loved for who they are?”

She gives him a half smile, “Let's take everyone out of the equation and let us take out what you think you should want and deserve out of it. What, in a world where anything you want is possible, would you want from a non-platonic relationship?”

Eddie folds his arms and leans back in his chair, thinking for a while, “I guess where I could be myself…Entirely!!" He emphasises loudly he didn't want to be a watered-down Eddie. The person that loved him would allow Eddie to be the weird, nerdy, loud, feral, romantic, furious, kind, disgusting, thoughtful, annoying, and tender guy he was. That's not to say they should accept it all, but that they didn't give him a hard time about it. Maybe Eddie might even balance out a little more or have the time to learn the tells when he was doing one too much. Someone that loved him enough, so he had time with them, time to learn, more than a few secret dates, or a quick affair in the woods or his van, "And so could they, and we’d still love one another, plus, you know, the other stuff” Eddie smirks shyly and then quickly tries to hide it with a cough.

She frowns at him a little, “Without knowing exactly what you mean by other stuff. Though I think I might be able to hazard a guess. The first part of what you said isn't an unreasonable request. In fact, it's actually a very healthy thing to aim for. Well, provided that the personalities in question don't hurt one another.”

Eddie sighs and runs a hand through his hair, “Yeah, well, I already did that, didn't I?” She says nothing and simply looks at Eddie, waiting. He's out of his seat again, slapping his hands on his knees as he gets up to walk around the room. "I said mean things because I thought his advances were out of pity, and if seeing my new face wasn't enough to break me, that thought sure was" he grips the back of the chair and leans over it to look directly at her, his weight shifting to his stronger leg. He knows where the next thing he says will take this conversation, right down apology avenue, then making a right onto self-hatred boulevard. "I know what I did was wrong, and I am sorry about it, but I can't bring myself to talk to him because now I know all those times he was staring at my face, it wasn't because he liked me too. It was…". Eddie feels the tears threaten to rush forth. He fights them back by shutting his eyes, biting his lips together and taking a deep breath. It was no good crying about this. It wasn't going to change his face. It wasn't going to magic away the past. All it would do was make him mad at himself for not being able to finish a sentence talking about his new permanent face feature. "It was because of these marks from those monsters". Eddie finishes looking at her intensely. Not because he has bad feelings towards her but because he is focusing on the now. He is trying to stay in the moment.

She shifts in her seat, and for a second, a look of pity flashes on her face but disappears before Eddie can call her out on it. She flicks back through her book. Her eyes scan the pages until she finds what she's looking for, "Now, by all means, we don't have to talk about this, but you mentioned in one of our early sessions about what happened at the ice cream store. That you…felt there was something there but didn't get a chance to pursue it?"

Eddie shakes his head. What didn't she understand about this, "That was before the Upside Down happened. So you know, less to be put off by then", he tries to cover it up with a laugh.

She flicks back to the present area of her notebook, "Ok, what is it about Steve that makes you think he's so superficial?"

"Er…well, that's easy", Eddie scoffs, "He was super popular at school and still kind of is. He focuses on his appearance a lot, so looks are important to him."

"Is appearance not important to you too?" She asks quickly, pulling a rushed answer from Eddie.

"No. I couldn't give a shit…I mean, other than my current problem making me feel hideous," Eddie wraps his arms around himself as she raises an eyebrow at him, "Well, ok, that's not true. I like to wear certain things and look a certain way. I guess" Before he's even decided if he's finished his sentence, she's asking another question.

"Right, so if you had come out of the upside down unscarred and Steve had the scars you had, you'd find him repulsive too, right?" She asks with no emotion, just like she was asking him what size shirt he wore or something mundane like that, but it still makes Eddie feel uncomfortable, almost sad, imagining his scars on Steve's face.

"No, of course not", Eddie volleys back, a little annoyed.

"Oh, but you'd pity him, stop liking him, but pretend you still did?" She says to him like she's stating the obvious.

"Of course, I would feel sorry for him, but he'd be alive, so ultimately...No it wouldn't matter to me," Eddie says, folding his arms and frowning.

"But it would matter to Steve, wouldn't it?" She says finally, and Eddie realises he's walked right into this one.

"Ok, ok. I get it. But I don't think you understand the difference between the two of us. Steve could have, like, anyone, you know? Everyone likes him. He's easy to get on with and normal," Eddie says with a smile.

She crosses her arms over her notebook and leans towards him, "Eddie. Do you think you are a better person than Steve? Or maybe you wouldn't be so kind and thoughtful if you were as popular as Steve?"

The question almost floors Eddie, "No. I'm not better than Steve. He's a good dude. Most popular people seem like bulldozers, you know? Take out anything in their path to get where they are going and don't care about the destruction in their wake. Steve isn't like that. He's good" Eddie goes to say something else, but the music from the hallway seeps into his room. He'd been blocking it out for most of the session, but the soft piano intro steals his words. He knows this one. His Mama used to sing it to him. Obviously, amending some of the lyrics to fit his own appearance, as she danced with him around the kitchen when his Dad was out.

Why do birds suddenly appear

Every time you are near?

Just like me, they long to be

Close to you…

Oh god, that punches him right in the gut, and he swallows hard, shaking it out of his head.

"Everything ok, Eddie?" She says, getting out of her seat to move towards him.

"Yeah, just the song got me, is all," He says, forcing a smile, "He's been playing stuff all morning."

"Do you want me to ask him to turn it down?" She asks kindly.  Eddie almost nods silently for a second so someone can finally stop Steve and this weird mission he seems to be on, but Eddie is as curious as he was impulsive, was this just a mistake or was Steve trying to say something? Eddie shakes the ridiculous idea out of his head. It's just a song that doesn't mean anything.

"No, that's…I mean, it's fine." Eddie gives a small reluctant smile, "So yeah, It's not that I think I'm better than him. I just think he's out of my league" She narrows her eyes at Eddie.

"And yet you went back every day for an ice cream that you didn't eat, pretended you needed his help to be close to him, and learned to sign to encourage him to do the same because Steve is losing his hearing?" She asks much more softly, the gentle music a backdrop to a quick flick through Eddie's fonder memories with Steve.

"I guess I was so enraptured I just went for it. Well, more like nudged to see what he'd do. I couldn't help it. When someone gets a scent of a maybe from someone they've entirely lost the plot for, they might look past all the things that would usually tell them not even to try.”

"Someone like you?" She asks, and he nods a little sadly.

"Someone like Steve?" She asks, trying to catch his eye, and Eddie straightens up and looks at the closed door between them, and instead of trying to block him out entirely for the first time in a long time, he wonders what he's doing on the other side of it. Could he? Unlikely, but what of anything they'd been through had been likely. None of it. Even his closest confidantes liked Steve. They hadn't said as much, but if Steve was trying to be mean to Eddie, the people he loved, that loved him unconditionally, his brothers in music, and his Uncle wouldn't like him. Eddie pulls the paper out of his pocket and uncurls its scrolled-up edges to read it. 

Beautiful homes and ruins (8 letters)

"What's that?" She asks, leaning forward, trying to get a better look at the paper.

Eddie gives a shrug of a smile, remembering better times, "It's a crossword clue, you know, the cryptic kind. Sometimes Steve would ask me for help with them, though I figure he already knew the answers for most of them."

"I've never understood those," She says with a sweet laugh, "Want to talk me through one?"

Eddie's smile broadens at the prospect of being helpful rather than hurtful or doing something stupid. He crouches down next to her and unfurls the paper again.

"So immediately what jumps out at me is the word ruins, which makes it likely this might be an anagram. That leaves us with the three words left over. There is no anagram of and that means beautiful homes, so there must be an anagram of homes and that means beautiful, right? So this one is…" and Eddie freezes when the answer illuminates in neon lights in his head, "it's er…um…handsome. Yeah, the answer is handsome," he says quietly as a blush races across his face.

"Oh, the way you explained it made it seem quite straightforward. Maybe I'll attempt the cryptic ones in tomorrow's paper?" She smiles kindly at Eddie, who is still staring at the paper in his hands, slowly stepping back to his chair before he slumps down into it with a thud.

"Yeah," he says softly, but his brain is being anything but gentle, rifling through his memory banks, the answer to clue the last time he sat with Steve had been adorable. Eddie wonders if these clues had never been part of his puzzles, much like his riddles had never been written on the bubblegum wrappers. Things were starting to stack in favour of maybe he did stand a chance with Steve, perhaps he'd been looking for an excuse to self-sabotage, and the shock of the scars had given him that in spades. Eddie's stomach flips as the maybe glows brightly in the distance, in the middle of a barren wasteland, where his insecurities lay in wait in the shadows that littered the path to his iridescent possibility.

His heart thumps deeply in his chest. He knows that apologising is the first step. He turns his attention back to the psychologist, "If nothing else, I'd like to apologise to Steve but, cards on the table, I am terrified of it being thrown back in my face." He says with a hard swallow, "So I guess maybe what I'm asking is what is the best way I can do that? Bearing in mind the last time I spoke to him, I was a total asshole, but I was hurting, and I know that doesn't excuse it, but under normal circumstances, I would never speak to him like that. Never." Eddie knows she sits in there with Steve, too, she has insider information, though it's all confidential, but maybe she could throw him a fucking bone here.

"Well, I would say the most important part of an apology is that it is genuine. So you aren't apologising to be forgiven, but rather apologising because you are sorry for hurting the other person. So no matter what happens, be kind, be calm, and above all else, tell the truth." Eddie gives her a smile of thanks. "Is there anything else you wanted to talk about today, Eddie?"

Eddie's eyes go to the ceiling, "Well, just in case this goes well…what are the rules around, um, fraternising with other, um, patients?"

"You know, I don't think I've read any, to be honest," She says, closing her notebook, and Eddie has to press his lips together to hide the enormous grin that almost erupted onto his face.

"Ok, great. Then yeah, I'm all done for today. Thank you," Eddie says, getting to his feet and opening the door to let her out, and as he does, he hears a new song fill his room.

You're everything I hoped for

You're everything I need

You are so beautiful

To me

He peers around the door to see the lonely boom box in the hallway but no Steve, just a closed door. He excitedly crosses the hall and presses his ear to the door in case Stevel has company, but all he hears is the sound of occasionally muffled sobs. Eddie's heart sinks at the thought of Steve crying over something he's done. A simple sorry was not going to cover this; he had to think of something grander. He turns on his heel to walk back to his room to begin brainstorming and rehearsing, but a step in that direction and the tape stops with an audible click indicating it has finished. He hears the door behind him open and immediately starts to panic, and is about to lunge towards his own door when a sequence of sounds that seems to weld him to the spot meets his ears. A soft gasp, joined with a sniffle, and finally, a frail utterance of his own name leaves Steve's mouth, "Eddie?" and even with the fear creeping up his spine, not a single atom of Eddie can leave Steve this way.

[thecrystalquill]

The Taming of the Shrew

A/N: finally chapter 3!! So sorry it’s been a while and also it’s a little short. Let me know how you’re enjoying it :)

Masterlist      Series Masterlist      Introduction

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Chapter Three - New Rule

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

         Bianca and Chastity were sat on the field outside of the library, a blanket spread on the floor beneath them as they gossiped; it was chilly, but the sun was still shining down on them. It was a quarter past five, and Bianca swore she would leave for her home quarters any minute now. But the news of Casey Midge and Lawrence Saltwater's scandal in the girls' bathroom was just too juicy to wait for, and Chastity was a witness to the scene. Hogwarts was just brimming with gossip at any given day, truly a busy-body's paradise. "Apparently they've both got a month of detention - separately." Chastity laughed, the image of Sprout's face replaying in her mind as she'd opened the door to see Casey pressed against the sinks with Lawrence's hand up her blouse.

         "Oh Helga," Bianca snickered, "I reckon people are gonna be talking about this for weeks."

         "You just want to hope your uncle doesn't find out," Chastity said, pointing a manicured finger at her, "like he isn't crazy as it is."

         Bianca groaned and threw her head back. "I know, this is the last thing I need - I swear I'm the only girl in school not dating! How am I gonna get a date to the End of Year Ball with him breathing down my neck?”

         Chastity twirled a curl of dark hair with her finger, something she did when she was deep in thought. “Yeah, shame you can’t get around that somehow…”

         It wasn’t really as bad as she thought, Bianca acted like her uncle’s rule meant she would die alone; she didn’t see it now, but this rule was put in place to save her from not only heart-ache, but from boys like Lucius Malfoy too. A naive girl like Bianca would be played by someone like him like a puppet on a string until he got bored and tossed her aside for something new. But she couldn’t see that, she was blind to the warning signs, brainwashed by girly dramas that taught her that the right girl could tame a bad boy. But that was fantasy, Bianca just didn’t know it.

Closing the door quietly behind her, Bianca walked into her home hiding a smile. On her way back she and Chastity had seen Slytherin’s own group of purebloods, loitering in the hallways with their neatly pressed robes and perfect hair, looking to her like they belonged with the paintings on the walls. She would have stayed there all day at the receiving end of his flirts had Lucius asked, but she was far over an hour late for dinner and would no doubt be in a lot of trouble.

“Bianca.”

The girl turned around to find her guardian stood in the living room with his arms crossed. She’d need to tread lightly if she wanted things to go in her favour. “Hey Uncle Walt…”

“Don’t hey me, Bianca. Where have you been?”

(Y/N) was sat in the living room, feet on the coffee table and a book in front of her face, Bianca fumed to herself when she noticed the smirk she was hiding. “I was just with Chastity… we were talking is all.”

What a crappy excuse. Professor Stratford could see right through her – as could most people, really, she was such an open book – and scrunched his brows. “Just talking?”

She might have gotten away with batting her eyes and making a slightly better excuse, if she hadn’t tried to redirect the attention to the Slytherin smirking from across the room. “Well didn’t you hear the news? (Y/N) is gonna try out for the Quidditch team this year.” Her cousin’s smile quickly dropped.

Their carer spluttered. “Quidditch?” He exclaimed, turning to his daughter. “What’s this about Quidditch again? I thought you decided you were gonna be a Healer? Work in St. Mungos with--”

“No, you decided.” (Y/N) interrupted, rolling her eyes and turning away with her book.

Walter’s face flushed. “Oh so you’re just gonna give all that up – the apprenticeship I have waiting for you – for what? So you can do-- so you can play Quidditch?”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes again, turning back around and closing her book, shooting Bianca a cold, hard glare. “Ask Bianca who walked her home.”

The Professor shook his head and waved a finger at her. “No now don’t try to change the subj-- wai-- what? Who walked you home?” His mood quickly changed at the distraction, the blood draining from his face as he turned to his dear niece.

Bianca sucked in a breath, hardly giving her cousin a scowl. She gave one last attempt at batting her eyes. “Don’t get upset Uncle, but… well there’s this boy--”

“Who’s a poisonous basta--”

“And I think he might ask me--”

“GIRLS!” The man exclaimed, holding his hands out to them. He gestured for them to sit, which they did (begrudgingly). “There are two rules – just two rules, in this house.” He waved a finger at the both of them. “Rule Number One: No Dating Until You Graduate. Rule Number Two: No. Dating. Until. You. Graduate. That’s it!” He scolded, throwing his arms up.

Bianca threw her arms back and groaned. Not even bothering to look to her cousin for help. “That’s not fair!” She all but screamed, crossing her arms across her chest. “I barely have a social life – everyone in school is dating!”

“Oh don’t be dramatic,” he huffed, “(Y/N) doesn’t date.”

“And I don’t need to,” (Y/N) rolled her eyes. Picking up her book again, dismissing the notion entirely. Earning a fleeting look of approval from her father.

The Hufflepuff scoffed at the comment, sneering at her cousin. “Oh you’re such a freak.” She spat, flicking her hair behind her shoulder.

“Better than a dosey, attention seeking brat.”

“That’s enough!” Walter interrupted, holding his hands up to silence them. “You know what, I see how this is going to go.” He said, gesturing for them to both sit still. “New rule: Bianca can date…” he started, watching Bianca’s face lighten up and (Y/N)’s twist up, “when (Y/N) does.” with that he turned and went to his desk by the window to get to marking some homework. Bianca’s face had never fallen faster. “What?” She exclaimed, ignoring (Y/N)’s satisfied look, standing up to argue her case. “But she’s a freak! What if she never dates?” “Well then you’ll never date.” Walter said, a pleased expression crossing his face. Then collected his papers and scrolls, and excused himself to his study.

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