#this is an opinion and I would appreciate not having my head bitten off thank you

[cybernaght]

Cloudy Mountain: a review of sorts

I have sort of come to terms with the fact that any new films coming out of China I will be seeing months later, maybe, if I’m lucky. Imagine my absolute delight when a fandom friend sent me a link to a bunch of multiplexes showing this one for a couple of weeks in UK. So, below are my relatively brief thoughts devoid of any spoilers.

Cloudy Mountain/峰爆 is a disaster movie which is also an ode to railroad builders. Or possibly railway tunnel engineers. Or maybe both. My mandarin is not nearly strong enough to completely understand screen text, and the subs only covered spoken lines. It stars Zhu Yilong in the lead role, with Huang Zhizhong as his father and Jiao Junyan as his girlfriend, as well as Chen Shu as the director of the railroad tunnel which features prominently here.

In terms of the actual story, the film is about what you would expect: a geological disaster is about to strike, and it is up to unlikely heroes to save the day. It does not venture far from the confines of the genre. This is not where my problems with it lie.

The film’s structure really brings it down. It almost feels like it should have been an anthology, but instead the events happen to its four leads, who go through mini-conflicts that are stacked without any escalation: a series of set-pieces, strung together in chronological order but without internal logic. In effect, instead of a coherent five-act structure the story ends up being a patchwork of mini-arcs, some of which start and finish within the same scene. Aside from a couple of things that are actually set-up early and resolved in the climax of the film, it does feel like the events unfold moment by moment completely arbitrarily. This makes for a very inconsistent viewing experience: individual scenes are absolutely excellent and sport some wonderful character-driven writing, but they just refuse to sit together in a cohesive way.

This makes a film that actually does not have much in terms of a story extraordinarily hard to follow; although this might also be due to the fact that much of the content that has to do with stakes ends up being screen text, and, as such, completely flies over the head of the viewer who cannot read simplified Chinese. One does not have to dig deep into all the plot holes to find the plot itself unsatisfying.

Tonally, Cloudy Mountain hops between being a mindless high-action flick, and equally high melodrama. It switches between the two so much that some moments end up being unintentionally funny. Extremely jumpy camerawork does not help. Neither does a swelling violin-heavy soundtrack and dubious visual effects.

What saves this film are absolutely phenomenal performances and the script graciously giving the actors ample space to flex their dramatic muscles. The central relationship between father and son ends up being sweet and poignant, with a couple of strong, moving moments. Huang Zhizhong is fantastic as a bitter strict parent showing his softer side in crisis, and Zhu Yilong delivers a very powerful performance as Average Joe Turned Action Hero. I would go as far as to say this is his strongest work to date, with none of his usual idiosyncrasies in sight. If nothing else, this film makes me feel very excited about his career. It is clear that Zhu Yilong is working hard on demonstrating his versatility as an actor, and for him personally this film feels as a resounding success. His performance is physically strong and wonderfully textured. Even if you expect him to be good here, you might still be surprised.

All in all, I don’t regret going for the acting alone. It is a joy seeing an actor I admire on a big screen, but, honestly, you would not be missing much watching this on home video.

[alicanta77]

Finale: All or Nothing

Pairing: y/n x Haechan

Themes: angst, fluff, suspense(?)

Warnings: swearing, zombies, blood, violence, death, virus, illness, anxiety, mentions of abusive family, needles (one injection)

Words: 12.4k

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Finale

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The inspiration for this story came from my amazing friend @2-cute-4-school and her story called ‘Evanescent’. Her work is so brilliant and she is such an under-appreciated writer. I can’t recommend or praise her enough. Thank you to the ends of the earth for letting me use it as a starting point.

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has read post mortem. This is my first series and it so special to me so it means so much to receive likes, comments and tags saying that you enjoyed it. It has brought me brilliant friends such as @in-my-neofeelings and @honei-n and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. It’s been a wild ride so far and I hope you enjoy the finale!

Felix xox

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Jeno walked swiftly down the hallway. He had holding a single piece of paper, folded in half to hide what was on it and his feet were almost silent as he made his way to your room. He turned a quick corner, knocking on your door three times, pausing for a second, then knocking again twice, before letting himself in.

He closed the door behind him, twisting the lock so that it clicked, before turning around and facing the rest of you. He held up the paper in his hands.

‘I’ve mapped out the blueprint of the army base.’

I.N. spoke next, running a hand through his hair to hide the fact that it was shaking slightly.

‘I’ve figured out how to override the system.’

Wooyoung joined in, swallowing before talking.

‘I’ve sorted our weapons.’

You spoke last. 

‘I’ve planned our route.’

The four of you looked around at each other, your obvious nerves making the tension levels rise.

I.N. took a deep breath.

‘Ok, so we’re all set for going back into the simulation.’

You nodded, determination taking over your mind as you shared a look with the boys in front of you.

‘Let’s blow this thing up.’

It hadn’t been easy to get organised. Especially not without drawing any attention to yourselves. Jeno had managed to draw up a map of the army base, marking the easiest route to the kill switch. He still remembered the ins and outs of that place from his summer camp, therefore was nominated the best person for the job. I.N. had spent his few days in the tech lab. He worked alongside a few other technicians, supporting people in the simulation. He quickly realised however, that they weren’t supporting them, but instead were directing packs of zombies towards them, trying to get as many people as possible to turn. It was in mindless conversations with these people that I.N. managed to ask a few questions about the system and get a vague understanding of how it worked. Wooyoung had been the one to realise that you would need weapons. Once the people here figured out that you had gone, they were going to come after you with everything they had. You knew too much. You were going to have to protect yourself, and Wooyoung managed to figure out how. And your job was to plan the way to the army base. You were hoping that I.N. could find a way to place you at the army base but, just in case, you had planned seven other routes. You had also spoken to Donghyuck’s sister, begging her to stay safe and keep her head down for the time you were away. You didn’t tell her much, only that you were going to get Donghyuck. She seemed to understand a lot more than you thought she did, as she gently held on to you while you hugged goodbye, taking the chance to whisper “do what you have to” in your ear. You had no idea if she had figured out what was really going on, but you knew you would never underestimate the girl again.

Tomorrow was the big day. Tomorrow was when it mattered. Tomorrow you went back into the simulation.

---

You were lying in bed that night, Jeno next to you as you chatted with each other about random things, trying to ease your nerves. You were glad that he hadn’t left you alone, instead claiming that he would wait for you to fall asleep before heading back to his own room.

‘What do you think will happen to us in there?’ He asked, changing the subject from whether starfish have feelings to the task ahead of you.

‘I don’t know.’ You answered honestly. ‘Probably what happened before, except harder. There are more zombies and we have to be careful not to get bitten. I mean, we always were careful but... everything relies on us now.’

‘As long as one of us makes it we’ll be okay.’ He reasoned, keeping his eyes on the ceiling above him. ‘We’re gonna get to see everyone again too.’

‘Yeah.’ You breathed out, your mind filled with the memories of Hyuck and you couldn’t begin to imagine what it would feel like to see him again. ‘It feels like it’s been a lifetime since I saw them last.’

‘I know.’ Jeno replied. And he really did. Since you both got your real memories back, your friendship had gone right back to normal. It was such a relief to have someone who understood the situation you were both put in, especially as it was so hard to explain.

A silence fell over the two of you for a second.

‘Are you thinking about Hyuck?’ He asked, turning his head to look at you.

‘Yeah.’ You said honestly, keeping your eyes on the ceiling and blinking back the tears that were gathering. ‘I miss him.’

‘I know you do... I also know that he misses you too, if not more. I still can’t quite wrap my mind around the fact that they actually think that we’re dead.’ Jeno looked back at the ceiling, blinking back tears of his own before you saw them. ‘Do you think they’ll believe us when we tell them about the simulation?’

‘I mean, we’ll be alive. Surely that must be proof enough?’ You wondered. ‘Although, it almost doesn’t matter whether they believe us or not. We actually don’t need them to, we just need to hit that button.’

Jeno nodded.

‘You’re right. We need to focus on shutting it down and we can properly reunite and explain everything to them once we’ve woken up again.’

You hummed in agreement, your eyes shutting slightly as tiredness began to take over you.

---

Tomorrow had arrived.

You woke up to an empty room, Jeno fulfilling his promise and heading back to his once you had fallen asleep. You looked over at the alarm clock on your bedside table, the red numbers staring back at you. 

9:37am

You were meeting the boys in Wooyoung’s room at 10am, as per I.N.’s request, meaning you had 20 minutes. You lay in bed for a short while, the thought of what you were preparing to do occupying your mind, before climbing out and heading towards the shower.

After a quick shower, you dried off and pulled on some more clothes. All the clothes supplied here were the same, tracksuit bottoms and a t shirt, the colours just varied every day. Today you had white bottoms and a white t shirt as well. You pulled them on before walking towards your door. You opened it, stepped into the hallway and began making your way to Wooyoung’s room.

---

By the time you arrived, the other boys were already there. There was a heavy silence in the air, it was clear that they’d been discussing something before you’d arrived.

‘What wrong?’ You asked, afraid of what they were about to tell you.

‘Dr Kim is in the pod room. He booked it last night and apparently won’t be leaving for the rest of the week.’ Jeno explained.

Your brows furrowed slightly in confusion.

‘Ok, that’s not good, not at all. Is Dr Kim-’

‘The one you overheard with Jeno? Yes.’ I.N. cut you off. ‘Look, we can’t waste any time. I say that, as soon as he leaves the room, we go in, lock the door, and get into that simulation.’

The three of you nodded in agreement.

‘I.N’s right.’ Wooyoung said. ‘We don’t have time to wait for an opening, we’re gonna need to create one. We can hear the door opening from here so, as long as we are near, we can make sure to take that gap.’

‘There’s something else.’ I.N. abruptly mentioned. You and the two other boys turning to look at him quizzically. ‘The three of you are going in alone.’

‘What? I.N. wait-’

‘No, let me explain.’ I.N. interrupted Wooyoung’s protest. You didn’t know how to feel, you had been prepared for all of you going in, you weren’t sure how you were going to leave him behind. ‘The three of you are going in alone because you have to. Firstly, in order to get into the simulation, someone else has to “authorise” it, for lack of a better word. You are going to be lying in a pod, and I’m going to “authorise” you going in. No matter what we try and do, one of us would always have to stay behind. And it has to be me. The three of you are much more suited for the challenge ahead, I’m just the brains of the operation. Plus, I’ve got to make sure that no one can follow you in or pull you out, therefore I need to stay here. Besides, from out here I can throw them off your scent, hack into the camera system to make sure that the cameras don’t follow you, and other things like that.’

He looked around at you, easily telling from your faces that you clearly weren’t okay with this development.

‘I.N. we need all four of us. We can do this if we’re together.’ Jeno pleaded, but I.N. simply shook his head.

‘You can do this alone.’

‘No I.N. we need you. Like you said you’re the brains of this and what if we come across a problem that you know how to solve but we don’t? You have to come with us.’ You begged him, but he didn’t change his opinion.

‘You have to trust me on this. You need to leave me behind.’

Wooyoung was the only one who hadn’t said anything, just staring at his friend sadly.

‘You know they’ll punish you for us going in right? You’re going to pay for the consequences of our actions.’ Wooyoung whispered, obviously scared for what would happen once you leave.

‘I know.’ I.N. replied, his voice quiet but surprisingly calm. ‘But that should buy you guys some time. And you’re going to need all the time you can get.’

The three of you nodded, finally understanding that, even if I.N. wanted to, he couldn’t join you in the simulation. He needed to protect you from the outside.

‘Just... promise me one favour?’ I.N. asked.

‘Anything.’ Wooyoung guaranteed.

‘Let them know that I’m okay. Especially Chan... please just make sure he’s not blaming himself.’ He whispered.

You felt yourself nodding. You couldn’t help but let your mind drift off to the boys who were in there, waiting for you. You thought of how Renjun had argued with you not to become a raider in the first place, claiming that he just wanted you to be safe. You thought of how Jaemin had only ever asked one thing of you, and that was for you to stay alive. You thought of how desperate San had been to stay with you when you had told him to leave you behind. And you thought of how Donghyuck had looked when you told him you were going on that final run. You thought of how you could see every part of him want to tell you “no”. You thought of how many times he had pulled you in for a hug and begged to stay with him. And you thought of how he had looked when he sat by your grave. They needed to know that you were okay. They needed to know that you didn’t blame them. They needed to know that you loved them.

The sound of a door opening and harsh footsteps treading down the hallway next to you interrupted your thoughts. The four of you froze, listening to the muttering voice of Dr Kim disappearing down the corridor as he muttered about being interrupted.

‘The room’s empty.’ I.N. stated.

Jeno stood up, quietly opening the door and checking that it was clear before turning back to the rest of you.

‘Let’s go.’

---

‘This better be important.’ Dr Kim stormed into his office. ‘I have other business to attend to.’

‘Sir, you’re going to want to see this.’

The head doctor, Dr Kim, turned his head towards the voice of his assistant. On their computer screen was a video, a video of your conversation from last night. Dr Kim leaned on the desk in front of him as he listened to the four of you talk.

‘Ok, so we’re all set for going back into the simulation.’

‘Yes. Let’s blow this thing up.’ 

Dr Kim took a deep breath as he tried to make sense of this development. 

‘How did they find out?’ He asked, his voice quiet but the anger clear.

‘We don’t know.’ His assistant replied. ‘But they’re planning to head back into the simulation and shut it down. They’ve... they’ve found the kill switch.’

Dr Kim’s eyes shot to his assistant, who once again shrugged, answering the question he hadn’t yet asked.

‘Then the answer is simple. We need to stop them. Shut down the pod room, no one goes in and I want to be alerted if there is any attempt to override the system. And you-’ Dr Kim clicked at the bodyguard on his right side. ‘Let’s go pay our little heroes a visit. I think they’re in need of a few new memories, don’t you?’

---

You watched as I.N. shut the door tight behind him, making sure to twist the lock. He stopped briefly, taking a quick look around before beginning his instructions.

‘Ok, Wooyoung, go into that cupboard and grab the solution that’s there, y/n, find me a syringe and Jeno, go and open three of those pods.’

You all nodded, quickly scrambling to fulfil your orders. You were pulling open random drawers, desperately looking for a syringe for I.N. to use. You were on your seventh when you finally found it. You turned around triumphantly, holding it out for I.N. to take when the lights surrounding the door went red and a low electronic groan echoed out.

‘What was that?’ Jeno asked to no one in particular.

‘We don’t have time to wait around and find out.’ I.N. grabbed the syringe out of you hand while uttering those words. The tension was unbearable, all of you knowing that you had a very short amount of time before you were caught.

What none of you knew was that, you had already run out of time.

---

Dr Kim threw open Wooyoung’s door, a shout of frustration leaving his mouth as he found it empty. He had been to all of your rooms in an attempt to find you. He stormed into the corridor again, his eyes drifting to the pod room down the hall. He walked up towards the door, pressed his ear against the wood, and listened.

His guard behind him had a hand on his gun as he watched Dr Kim’s face transform into an expression of absolute rage.

‘They’re in there.’ He forced through gritted teeth. He turned around and looked at his guard before shouting. ‘Get this door open!’

The guard moved forwards immediately, putting the gun back in its holster and attempting to kick down the door. After a few tries he turned around.

‘It won’t budge. It needs to be opened from the control room.’ He informed the doctor in front of him.

Dr Kim let out a strangled scream and lunged forward to grab the radio off the guard’s waist. He lifted it up to his mouth and spoke into it, shouting instructions at the people in the control room.

‘I want the door to the pod room open right now!’

‘But Dr Kim, if that-’ A static voice came through from the other side, giving him some excuse as to why he needed to wait.

‘I don’t care! Open the door now!’ Dr Kim threw the radio back at the guard in front of him and watched as the lights around the door changed from a red to white, signalling that it was unlocked.

He threw the door open and burst into the room.

---

‘Get this door open!’

Dr Kim’s voice travelled through the door separating you and the four of you inside looked at each other in fear.

‘Jeno, quick! Come here.’ I.N. instructed, moving the syringe so that it was close to his neck. He had already given you and Wooyoung injections, only Jeno’s was left. He pulled the syringe out, ready to send you back into the simulation. ‘Go and lie in a pod and close the door on top of you.’

His voice was sharp and clear, not a single trace of fear in it, the only thing betraying him were his slightly shaking hands. You could hear a loud bang come from the door as you ran towards the closest pod. You turned back towards I.N. as a thought crossed your mind.

‘I.N.!’ You called out, only getting a hum in response. ‘Can you do me a favour?’

I.N. looked up at you for a split second, his expression conveying all he needed to say.

Now is not the time to ask questions but yes, what do you need?

‘Please, look after Hyuck’s sister for me? Make sure that she’s okay.’

I.N. nodded.

‘I promise.’

You felt a small amount of relief flow through you. You were leaving without speaking to her so you were glad to know that she would be protected. You quickly lay down in your open pod, pulled the door down over you, and, as the door clicked shut, you were encased in a pale blue light.

A few seconds passed before I.N’s voice came through.

‘Ok, I can’t seem to put you straight into the army base for some reason, the location is locked on here and I don’t have time to figure out how to hack it, but I’m going to drop you as close as I can. It’s in the nearby city and looks like it’s just under half a day’s walk away.’

You took a deep breath as you mentally pictured the maps you had drawn up. You knew you had planned some routes that went through nearby cities, you just weren’t sure which on you were going to be dropped in.

‘If I remember correctly from when we went in, you’re going to get very drowsy in a minute, just relax into it. Let the simulation take you okay? Don’t panic.’

He paused for a minute, leaving you in silence, your own breathing being the only thing you could hear. You could feel your eyes begin to relax and the tiredness swept through your veins. You could feel your heart rate begin to rise, all the memories from the simulation flooding back through your mind. Your father’s death, Jeno’s death, Donghyuck’s sister’s death, the first girl you killed. But you forced those pictures out of your mind. This time wasn’t going to be like that. You were prepared. You weren’t going in there to just fight for your life, you were going in there to save everyone. I.N.’s voice came back over the speakers, just as you lost consciousness completely.

‘Good luck.’

---

You opened your eyes.

You were surprised to find yourself standing up. You were stood in the middle of a road, clearly on an abandoned high street. The shops up and down the pavement were empty, some even having been looted. You turned to look around you, spotting Wooyoung and Jeno a little further down.

You took an experimental step, relieved when you didn’t go crashing to the ground, and took off in a jog. Both of the boys saw you moving towards them and came forwards to meet you halfway.

You came to a halt when you reached them, the three of you standing in silence.

‘Well...’ Wooyoung spoke, his eyes constantly darting around your surroundings. ‘We made it.’

‘Yeah, I guess we did.’ You mumbled, your eyes looking down at the ground. It was only when you did this, did you realise the clothes that you were wearing. ‘Oh my god! I’m in the clothes I died in.’ You realised, both Jeno and Wooyoung’s eyes darting to their bodies as well.

You recognised Jeno’s outfit from the final day at Mark, the sight of him running through the infested house on the monitors was not one that you would easily forget, and judging from Wooyoung’s shocked face, he was also wearing what he had been killed in.

‘Wow. Yeah, thankfully the clothes from just before we died. Cause, you know, there wouldn’t be much left of mine otherwise.’ Jeno’s shot a smile at the two of you. 

You stared at him in disbelief, a laugh leaving you despite the circumstances.

‘Only you could joke about blowing yourself up like that.’ You chuckled.

But Wooyoung whirled around to stare at Jeno.

‘You blew yourself up?’ He asked, as Jeno nodded in confirmation.

‘Yeah, just pulled the pin on a grenade and ran into a group of zombies.’ He shrugged like it was no big deal, causing Wooyoung to stare at you.

‘It’s true.’ You informed him. ‘We were in the floor above. The blast knocked us off our feet.’ Your voice got quieter towards the end. Even though Jeno was very much alive, listening to the blast and coming down to the wreckage of Mark’s kitchen wasn’t an easy thing to forget.

Jeno placed a hand on your shoulder, sending you a comforting smile. You sent one back before turning to Wooyoung again.

‘But what about you? San told me all about your heroics, sacrificing yourself so that they could get into the army base.’ You grinned at him, watching as Wooyoung blushed slightly.

‘I’m not the only one though, who sacrificed myself for San am I?’ He asked, looking you directly in the eye.

Your smile shrunk slightly, leaving only a sad one on your lips.

‘We weren’t both making it out of that alive.’

You all fell into silence after you spoke those words, all replaying the scenes of your own deaths in your minds. It wasn’t something you ever expected to be haunted with, but here you were, stumbling back through this wasted version of the world, being stalked by your own ghost.

‘Let’s just get our weapons and move on?’ You suggested, breaking the tension as both boys nodded in agreement.

‘If I remember correctly...’ Wooyoung muttered, mainly to himself as he walked through a broken shop window. He disappeared for a while, making yours and Jeno’s hearts race in fear. You had forgotten the terror that came along with losing sight of someone for a few seconds in this climate. 

His head popped up again, a childish smile on his face. 

‘Found it.’ He informed you, even though neither you nor Jeno had any clue as to what “it” was.

‘You know,’ Wooyoung continued. ‘I.N. actually couldn’t have dropped us in a better place, I grew up around here and I know that the owner of this store was very paranoid about people stealing his things. So he had a secret compartment put in, and filled it with these.’

Wooyoung appeared over the top again, this time holding a gun in each hand. They were large guns, similar to the kind that you had used at Mark’s. He handed one to each of you and then grabbed one more for himself. He also pulled a box out that was filled with cases of spare bullets.

‘I thought we might need these too.’ He said as he unzipped a backpack on the floor, emptying the contents and filling it again with the cases of bullets and a few spare pistols. He also made sure to hand both you and Jeno a handgun. 

‘How do you know all of this?’ Jeno asked, his eyes wide at the sight in front of him.

‘Hmmm? Oh I worked here part time. It paid quite well actually. He only ever took on three students a year so it was really competitive.’ Wooyoung replied.

‘So he told all his employees about this? How come no one else took these?’ You wondered aloud.

‘Oh no. He didn’t tell all of his employees. Only me.’ Wooyoung corrected you.

‘Well, please don’t take this the wrong way, but why you?’

Wooyoung looked up at Jeno’s question, diverting his eyes from the gun in front of him.

‘Simple. He liked me.’

Another large smile broke out across the boy’s face, one that made you smile with him, without realising it. Wooyoung was such a happy virus, someone who could make people happy or brighten their day without even trying. Your mind drifted to Donghyuck. The only boy who could make you smile even in the worst of circumstances. You missed him. You missed him so much that it physically hurt. It sometimes felt like he was the only thing keeping you going.

‘Right.’ Wooyoung’s voice cut through your train of thought. ‘Shall we go?’

You opened your mouth to answer but before you got a chance to, a low groan sounded through the high street. It was a noise that you hadn’t heard for a while, but nevertheless, still managed to send a chill of terror down your spine.

You turned slowly and made eye contact with the zombie staring at you through the broken store window.

---

‘Where are they?’ The Dr Kim bellowed as he burst into the camera room. ‘I want eyes on the three of them right now!’

All he got in response were frantic nods from the staff as they combed through every camera that they possibly could to find the four of you.

‘Doctor! I found them.’ A voice from the far left called out.

‘Put them up on the screen.’ Dr Kim instructed, watching as the main screen on the wall lit up with a picture of you all walking through the empty high street.

‘That street... I know that street.’ Dr Kim mused. He turned to the guard on his left and barked an instruction. ‘You, go to y/n’s room and grab the papers on her bed.’

The guard left immediately, running down the corridor.

‘Send a zombie their way.’

The staff nodded in response to his request and watched as you turned to look at the zombie now watching you through the window. Dr Kim focused as Wooyoung pulled the gun up and shot it through the head immediately, not wasting a second.

‘They’re not afraid to kill anymore. They know that they’ll only wake the person up. I want them out of there as soon as possible.’

‘Do you want us to organise for them to die? Or to pull their pods out?’ One of the crew asked.

‘No.’ Dr Kim muttered. ‘They know too much, and there’s no guarantee that they won’t figure it out again. Fake memories are hard to create and even harder to make last, our best chance was putting the two of them into a relationship. If that didn’t work before it’s not worth wasting the time and resources to try and do it again.’

‘So, what should we do doctor?’ The same person questioned.

‘There’s only one answer really, they can’t leave. We have to make sure they turn. Push forwards the mutation of the virus. What stage are we at currently?’

‘Stage 3 out of 5.’ Another voice appeared from somewhere in the room, Dr Kim didn’t know and didn’t care where.

‘Mutate it. I want stage 5. Enable the virus to be transmitted through insects. If they get bitten by an infected mosquito, I want them infected, if they eat a vegetable grown near infected bugs in the soil, I want the disease to travel to the food, if they smell a flower pollinated by a bee, I want that bee to be infected and I want the virus to transmit to them. Understand?’

He looked around at the staff behind him, all of them shouting agreement with his plan and turning towards their computers to put it into action. 

The guard appeared again,  holding out the papers towards Dr Kim. The doctor practically ripped them out of his hands, rolling them out on the table in front of him. He pointed to one drawing in particular.

‘Look, they’ve planned their route.’ He could now see exactly the journey you were planning to take to reach the army base. He checked the screen and saw the mutated virus already starting to have effects. He smiled and turned to the staff in front of him. ‘What do you say we send a few old friends to break up the party?’

---

Wooyoung reacted before either you or Jeno could, pulling the gun into position and shooting a bullet straight into the zombie’s forehead. You watched as its body hit the ground with a dull thud.

‘Jesus.’ Wooyoung breathed. ‘I forgot how terrifying seeing one of those was.’

Jeno turned around where he was and sent Wooyoung a nod.

‘Yeah me too, thanks.’

Wooyoung shrugged it off.

‘Probably better for them right? I mean, they’re gonna wake up now.’

‘Yeah, you’re right’ You piped up. ‘We can’t be afraid to pull the trigger anymore. We know nothing bad is going to happen so just, aim for the head so that it’s quick and doesn’t leave them in pain.’

Jeno and Wooyoung nodded slowly. As well as the three of you knew what was waiting for you on the outside of the simulation, and that dying here was nothing to be afraid of, it was still difficult to pull that trigger.

‘We seriously need to move, we don’t want to stop if we can help it.’ Wooyoung said, hoisting the bag over his shoulder.

Jeno turned to you expectantly, waiting to see what direction you were going in.

‘Ok, from the routes I created, we need to head West from here. Luckily for us, there’s an almost direct path from where we are now, to the army base.’

You pointed in the direction you needed to head as you spoke, Wooyoung nodding in agreement. Having someone around who knew these areas would be incredibly useful.

The three of you set off, your hands firmly on your weapons as you began your trek to the army base. You walked all the way down the high street, crossing the empty roads to take other paths. You ensured that you always took the largest street possible, not wanting to meet a group of zombies in a tight alleyway.

All the minutes seemed to blur into one as you walked. Your mind began to wander and you thought of I.N. You wondered if he had gotten into trouble when they had found him alone in the pod room. You were scared that they were going to wipe his memories again, but you were even more afraid that they were going to hurt him. You hoped that he had stayed true to his word and that he was looking after Donghyuck’s sister. You were praying that she would be okay.

The tall buildings gradually began to shrink as you left the centre of the town you were dropped in. Jeno was a few steps ahead of the rest of you and Wooyoung, naturally walking at a faster pace. The silence between the three of you was getting louder with every step when suddenly, the low groan that you had not missed in the slightest, cut through. Your heart sank, out of annoyance rather than fear.

That annoyance quickly evolved into fear when you recognised the zombie leading the silent pack walking towards you.

It was Hongjoon.

Someone who had run the army base when you were there. He had offered you support before and after every run, he had been there to listen anytime you needed to talk. You knew he was someone who could be trusted.

But here he was. In front of you, stumbling forward as though he had no idea who you were.

Wooyoung didn’t move, his voice shaking slightly as he tried to talk.

‘Hyung?’

Hongjoon’s eyes shot towards his younger friend, opening slightly wider for a second, as if in recognition, before they turned back to you, narrowed, and he shot forwards. He moved like lightening, you only had a second to shout out before you were on the ground, underneath Hongjoon who was biting at you with everything he had.

Wooyoung pulled his gun into position and aimed at his friend’s head. He could hear your shouts as you pushed against the infected boy with all your might, yet he didn’t pull the trigger.

‘Wooyoung, shoot!’ You screamed. ‘It’s not real! Shoot!’

A shot rang out and Hongjoon collapsed on top of you. You rolled him off you and on to the ground and looked up. It wasn’t Wooyoung who had fired, it was Jeno. Jeno grabbed you by the hand and pulled you up. He turned to shoot an accusing look at Wooyoung, preparing to say something, but he was interrupted by the rest of the crowd of zombies breaking out into a run behind you. 

The three of you took off. You tried leading the boys on your planned route to the army base but more zombies just appeared from that direction.

‘How are there so many all of a sudden?’ Jeno asked in between breaths.

‘I don’t know!’ You said, frustration bubbling up inside you. ‘It’s almost as if they’re spawning here.’ Then a sudden realisation dawned on you. ‘The lab must have found our plans. They know our route, we have to find another way.’

Jeno’s eyes widened in desperation, the both of you wracking your brains in an attempt to think of an escape plan. You hadn’t noticed that in an attempt to escape the undead hoard chasing you, you had circled back and were heading back into the main city. 

Suddenly, Wooyoung’s voice rang out.

‘I know a way. Follow me.’

He sped up as he ran back into the streets of the city he knew. You and Jeno both followed, piling on the extra speed in order to keep up. You turned a sharp corner a few seconds after Wooyoung and found him attempting to open a manhole cover. Jeno crouched down next to him to help and, together, they lifted the metal cover off. It was on hinges so it should be easy to close after you.

‘You’ve gotta be kidding me.’ You groaned.

‘It’s either down here with a few rats, or out there with them.’ Wooyoung nodded in the direction of the zombies. Their footsteps getting dangerously loud.

You sighed, nodding in agreement. Wooyoung climbed in first and then Jeno held out a hand to offer you help.

‘No.’ You bluntly refused.

‘No? y/n I thought you said you were ok going in? We don’t have-’

‘Not that kind of no.’ You cut him off. ‘I’m going in, I’m just going in last.’

You could see Jeno was confused so you explained hurriedly, trying to keep your voice as steady and as hard as possible. But you didn’t quite manage to stop it form shaking.

‘The last time you offered to go last was at Mark’s and the next think I knew, I was watching you die. I don’t care if this is a simulation, I’m not risking it again.’

Jeno’s expression completely changed. He looked like he wanted to say something but Wooyoung voice travelled up from below before he could.

‘What the hell is taking you two so long? Don’t worry, I know these tunnels.’

Jeno swung his legs into the manhole, climbing down the ladder quickly. You waited until he was a few rungs down before lower yourself in too. You had just got your lower body in and you were reaching for the lid when the first zombie skidded around the corner. It let out a sort of yell, almost in triumph, and you slamming the cover shut over you. You bent yourself in half slightly, not being far enough down the ladder to close the top and stand up straight.

You thought that would be okay but the lid started to move up again and you got a glimpse of the zombie trying to open it.

‘Wooyoung! How do I shut this?’ You screamed down.

‘The wheel on the inside. Turn it!’ Wooyoung yelled back, the panic clear in his voice.

If you didn’t get this wheel locked it would be game over.

You tried to step down slightly, not being able to pull the door down with force at the angle you were standing. However, it was incredibly difficult as you had both your hands on the wheel above you. You placed another foot down, but this time you misjudged where the step was and slipped. You went down about two rungs, a yelp escaping you as you did so.

‘Y/n!’ Wooyoung screamed from the floor.

You felt a strong hand come up and grab the back of your thigh, steadying you.

‘You’re okay. Now, close it.’ Jeno’s words brought you right back down to earth and filled you with the strength you needed.

You gave the cover a powerful tug, yanking the wheel to the right as you did so. You kept both hands there, turning the wheel until you couldn’t physically turn it anymore. Eventually you stilled, your hands stopping their frantic movements.

You stood where you were, pausing just to catch your breath.

‘We’ve gotta keep moving.’ Wooyoung’s voice echoed up through the tunnel and you nodded.

You released the metal wheel above you, instead grabbing the ladder and lowering yourself down onto the floor.

‘Let’s go. I know a path into the woods, I’m pretty sure that it has an exit close to the army base.’

Wooyoung made to move off but Jeno’s hand shot out, grabbing him by the shoulder, stilling his movements.

‘Not so fast kiddo.’ He said, staring the shorter male down.

‘I’m older than you.’ Wooyoung muttered, his eyes facing the floor. Despite the fact that Wooyoung was older, it was obvious who had the power in this verbal exchange.

‘You didn’t take the shot.’ Jeno said, watching as Wooyoung swallowed. ‘You had a clear shot, you wouldn’t have hit y/n, but you didn’t take the shot. Instead you put her in danger, and in turn, endangering everything that we’re trying to do here. You know it’s not going harm them. Why didn’t you take the shot?’

‘I tried to. But he was still my friend. I was staring at the face of my friend. I know that he’s going to wake up, and that he’s probably better off dead than as one of those, but... I just didn’t think it would be that hard to pull the trigger. I’ve done it plenty of times. Hell, I even did it earlier today, but when I was looking into the eyes of someone I knew... I couldn’t do it.’

Jeno sighed deeply. You could tell that he understood where Wooyoung was coming from.

‘Ok.’ He said, Wooyoung looking up in shock at how fast Jeno moved on from it. ‘No one got hurt, and hopefully by taking this route we shouldn’t have to see anyone else.’

Wooyoung smiled thankfully, turning around and pointing down the tunnel.

‘It’s this way.’

And once again, you set off.

---

Your throat was dry, your legs ached and you were tired. You had been walking for hours and you were worried that it was going to be dark when you left the safety of these tunnels. Wooyoung wasn’t lying when he said that he knew them well, from the easy way he was guiding you through them, he had clearly spent a lot of time in them when he was younger. You had to admit that Wooyoung had made himself an invaluable member of your team. You really had no idea how you could have gotten this far without him.

As thankful as you were to everything Wooyoung had done so far, you had never loved him more than when he told you that you could stop walking. He approached the ladder in front of him, gently placing his hands on either side and whispering.

‘This is it.’

He climbed first, turning the wheel to unlock it at the top and wincing as it creaked loudly as he pushed it open. Wooyoung paused with it open slightly, listening for the tell tale noises of the undead, and then continued to open it completely.

You climbed out of the top, savouring the fresh air, pausing to listen for a guttural groan or ominous footsteps but, instead, you were greeted with a blissful silence. 

Well, almost blissful.

‘Careful!’

A voice echoed through woods, a voice strangely familiar that caused both yours and Jeno’s head shoot up.

‘That sounded like Renjun.’ You whispered breathlessly, the thought of seeing your longest friend after what had felt like an eternity was almost alien to you.

‘I know. But it can’t have been him, he’s at the base.’ Jeno reasoned.

‘Jaemin, you ridiculously stupid moron.’ The voice appeared again, causing you and Jeno to share a smile.

‘No.’ Jeno’s eyes curved up into crescents. ‘That’s Renjun.’

‘Renjun!’ You shouted out, starting to jog towards where you had heard him before.

You didn’t get a reply, causing to you panic as an indescribable feeling of sadness took over you. 

‘Renjun, it’s the grief. It can cause you to hear people when they’re not there.’

‘I’m not an idiot, San. I know my best friend’s voice.’

Your heart sped up again, warmth spreading throughout your entire body as you called out.

‘Renjun?’

This time you got a reply.

‘Y/n?’ You heard footsteps speed up, getting louder as they got closer to you. ‘Oh please be real, please be real, please be-’

Renjun turned into your line of vision, his words and movements stopping suddenly as he laid eyes on you. You smiled at him, tears starting to blur your vision.

‘Hi.’ You said.

That was all it took. Renjun threw himself forwards, pulling you in for the tightest hug you had ever felt in your life. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders and hugged him back, feeling his tears begin to wet your neck.

‘You’re real. I knew it, you’re real.’

His words got lost in a haze of disbelief and shock at the sight of you standing in front of him, alive.

He pulled away, cupping your hands with his face, wiping away the tears that had fallen. He just stared at you, utter amazement gracing his features. Then, finally, a smile broke out. The largest smile you had ever seen. He wrapped his arms back around your waist, pulling you around in a circle as he screamed happily into the air.

‘I was right!’

It was at this moment that Jeno, Jaemin and San also found their way to where you were. You pulled away from Renjun, staring at the two boys behind him as Renjun’s eyes locked on to Jeno. You stroked Renjun’s face one last time as you moved away. Renjun hit Jeno at full force, hugging him tight and bursting into tears again. You didn’t move, looking only at Jaemin. He was staring back at you, clearly not knowing what to say.

So you smiled.

‘Miss me?’ You asked, watching as Jaemin’s face broke out into a smile matching yours and he laughed with glee as he ran towards you. He picked you up in a hug, his laughter never stopping. You couldn’t help but laugh back. He put you down, finally managing to get some words out.

‘Oh god I missed you so much. You’re alive!’

You nodded, the smile on your face was starting to hurt but you couldn’t make it smaller even if you wanted to. You pulled away from him after a short while, allowing him to greet Jeno and you were left facing San.

San didn’t meet your eyes, instead choosing to stare at his feet.

‘San?’ You asked, hoping that he would at least look at you.

You could see the boy blinking rapidly, chewing on his bottom lip at the same time. Eventually you couldn’t take it anymore. You walked towards him and pulled him in for a hug. The second your hand made contact with his shoulder, San broke down, hugging you as tight as the others and whispering about how sorry he was.

‘Shhhhh, it wasn’t your fault. You did exactly what you should have done.’ You comforted him.

You pulled away sooner than you wanted to, but you knew he had to see Wooyoung.

‘I have a surprise for you.’ You said, smiling at him.

San sent you a teary but confused smile back, and you wordlessly grabbed his hand and turned him around.

Upon seeing Wooyoung, San moved faster than you had ever seen him move before. He shot towards the boy, Wooyoung moving forwards too as they reunited. Renjun appeared back at your shoulder, keeping an arm around you, as if to remind himself that you were really there.

‘I’m so happy you’re okay, but I have to ask, how?’

You shared a look with Jeno and called out to Wooyoung and San.

‘We’ll tell you on the way. It’s not an easy story.’

‘On the way? Wait where are you going?’ Jaemin asked, placing a hand on your chest to stop you moving.

‘Back to the army base.’ Jeno explained. ‘There’s something there that we need to do.’

Renjun and Jaemin shared a nervous look.

‘What’s happened?’ You asked, your hope diminishing by the second.

‘We’ve lost the army base.’ Renjun said bluntly. ‘People started turning from the inside, with no scratch, bite, or even contact with a zombie. It was as if it was in the air. Anyone who could abandoned the building immediately. Within under two hours it wasn’t safe anymore.’

‘Are you three the only ones who made it out?’ Wooyoung voiced the question you were too afraid to ask.

‘We don’t know.’ San chimed in. ‘The three of us left within a few seconds of each other. All we know is that we were the first out. If anyone got out after us, they can’t be far away.’

‘This isn’t part of the plan.’ You whispered, bringing your hand up to your head to rub your forehead.

‘What plan?’ Renjun asked, his eyes flickering between you and Jeno.

‘The plan. The plan that’s going to save us, to end this all.’ You rambled, not even fully sure of what you were saying.

‘End this all? Wait do you know how to stop the apocalypse?’ Jaemin asked.

‘There is no apocalypse!’ You exploded. ‘None of this is fucking real! It’s a damn simulation.’

‘A simulation...’ Renjun repeated.

‘Yes, a simulation. Aren’t the three of us proof enough that this can’t be real life. Jaemin, you shot me. In the head. How the fuck would I recover from that?’

Jaemin flinched at the reminder of your death. Jeno, noticing how your distressed state was unsettling others, tried to calm you down.

‘y/n, just breath for a minute ok?’

You whirled around.

‘No! Not okay. I’m so fucking done with this. How much hell have we been put through. I have killed people, and watched them been killed. I have lost friends, lost memories, left people behind, fought for my life and it still isn’t enough. When is this shit going to end? What more can they put me through?’

You turned towards the sky and screamed.

‘Fuck you! You hear that Dr Kim? Fuck you and your little experiment. I’m still finding a way to shut you down. Because you know what? I’m getting that happy ending. Cause after all the shit you’ve put me through, I fucking deserve it!’

You sat down, trying to catch your breath after your meltdown. You stared at the grass in front of you, ignoring the five sets of eyes watching your every move.

‘You went through something pretty rough on the outside didn’t you?’ Jaemin asked, assuming there was something more to your anger than what you had just learnt.

‘Yeah. It wasn’t easy.’ Jeno clarified. You were glad he didn’t go into more detail and even more glad that the boys didn’t ask for more.

You stood up, pulling your gun around to your front and took off.

‘Uhhh, y/n? Where are you going?’ Renjun asked.

‘To the army base.’ You declared. ‘I’m still shutting this thing down. Even if I had to do it alone.’

‘Who the hell said you were going to be doing it alone?’ Jeno’s words caused you to stop and turn around.

‘You’re coming with me?’

Jaemin shrugged, grabbing the pistol that Jeno offered him and beginning to walk towards you, the other boys all following.

‘Well, we started this together. Might as well end it that way to.’

---

The doors to the army base were open when you arrived. The wide gates were oddly unnerving, open gates were normally a symbol of welcoming, but this only reminded you of the gates to hell.

‘Remember, just get to the button and press it. That’s all we need to do so just focus on that.’ Jeno reminded you all. His voice was clear and steady, not a hint of fear in it. It was the voice of a true leader.

You stepped forward, ready to face whatever came at you.

---

You don’t know where it went so wrong.

Only you and Jeno were left alive and unbitten. The rest of you had been picked off one by one. They appeared out of nowhere, moved quickly and silently and were almost impossible to find. You had no idea what had made the zombies so dangerous all of a sudden. They had lost the slow paces of the previous kind, the fast bursts only maintained for a few seconds, and now had the agility of 20 year olds. It was as if they had retained the characteristics of the people they used to be. It was even harder to know that it was you friends picking you off just predators pick off the weakest member of the herd.

The two of you moved silently, aware of the moving shadows that signified the walking ghosts of your friends. You had only seen a few faces yet. You’d seen Chan, Changbin and Jongho as well as Mark and Chenle. It was seeing Mark and Chenle that was the most difficult, and in that minute you understood better than ever before, why Wooyoung couldn’t pull the trigger on Hongjoon. 

A scream came from your left and you turned and blindly fired. You missed and watched as a figure you recognised to be Jaemin’s slunk back down the corridor.

You were only a few minutes away from the button, but at the pace you were moving, it would take you ages. You had to speed up. There was a door up ahead, one that was already open, as if it was awaiting the two of you. It only took one short shared look for the plan to be formed. You counted to three under your breath.

One

Two

Three

You threw yourself forwards, sprinting towards the open door as fast as you could, Jeno doing the same. Jeno reached the doorway before you did, and, as you cleared the distance, he slammed the door shut behind you.

You whirled around as you heard another loud bang on the door and saw Jeno pushing himself up against it to hold it in place. All of a sudden it made perfect sense as to why the door had been open.

It had no hinges.

The zombified bodies of your friends were pushing against it, clawing desperately to try and reach Jeno.

‘y/n, you have to go! Run now and find that button.’ Jeno’s voce was strained, all his energy being used to keep the door in place.

‘No, Jeno you have to go. You know the base better than I do.’ You reasoned.

‘Do you think I can go anywhere right now?’ He asked, pushing back on the door again as it began to budge. ‘Don’t be an idiot y/n, just go! I’ll hold them off for as long as I can.’

So you ran, you turned on your tail and sprinted down the hallway. You were pretty sure that you only had to get down this hallway, one set of stairs and one last door before you were at the button.

You were so close. Surely nothing could stop you now. All the zombies were upstairs, you had a free run.

You had just turned the second last corner of the corridor when you felt two hands grab your arm tightly and teeth quickly sank into the skin.

You let out a scream in pain, the zombie releasing your arm and stepping back from you, its work now done. You spun around and came face to face with the zombie who bit you.

Donghyuck.

Your heart stopped as you looked at the boy you loved. He stared back at you with no recognition, his eyes dull and his skin coloured with a sickening grey tine. You didn’t have time to mourn him. Your only hope was now getting to that button before you turned and forgot who you were. If you turned, all hope was lost and this would all have been for nothing. You knew from the last time you were bitten that you only had a few minutes, probably less if the doctors at the lab had mutated the virus. The pain in your upper arm was excruciating.

You stumbled forward, trying desperately to remember Jeno’s drawing of the army base layout. You turned a corner and came across a set of stairs, taking you down into the basement.

You took the first one, you vision starting to disappear as dark spots danced across the scene in front of you.

You took the fourth one. Focusing only on that button you had to do something with.

You landed at the bottom.

You stood there, not moving, confused beyond belief as to what you were doing. Why were you here? You had no reason to be at this level. You should be upstairs so that you could leave the base soon. 

You turned around, away from the door in front of you. You looked up the stairs and saw Jeno. His eyes a cloudy white colour, and the veins across his arms and neck running black. Your eyes focused on a small black object behind him, however, something that was built into the wall, you had never noticed it before.

A camera.

You swung yourself around so that you were facing towards the door again. You knew what you were doing. You knew who you were. You knew what was behind that door.

You turned the handle, throwing yourself against it when it didn’t open. You banged the door with your shoulder, screaming in frustration when it refused to open.

You took a step back and lifted your foot. You kicked the door with all your force, relief flooding your system when it swung open. However, the momentum of the kick carried you through and you didn’t have the balance to keep yourself upright. You landed on your back, a sickening crack echoing off the walls as your head came in contact with the concrete floor.

You groaned in pain, recognising how your voice was sounding more and more like the undead’s. You summoned every bit of strength that you had and pulled yourself up so that you were on all fours.

You tucked your legs under you and pushed yourself up from the floor.

This was the room that Jeno was talking about. You vaguely registered a tunnel to the left, one that you assumed led out into the forest. And in front of you, only a few steps away, was an almost empty control panel with only one small button on it.

The entire room was spinning and your vision was getting darker by the second. You didn’t know if you had any strength left to continue forwards, holding on to the door to keep yourself upright. You head was pounding, your arm was throbbing and your heart was aching.

Your body was screaming at you with everything it had for you to stop, to give up, to rest. But you couldn’t. You couldn’t give up now. Not when you were so close.

You stepped forwards. You thought of Renjun. The boy who had never left your side since the day he met you. He was fiercely loyal, always prepared to do everything he could to protect the ones he loved. To protect you.

You stepped again. You thought of Jaemin. The boy who had saved your life more times than you cared to admit. He had diligently watched over you, cared for you and loved you when you couldn’t do it yourself. He wouldn’t hesitate to keep going. To rescue you.

You stepped once more, collapsing on the counter in front of you, the button in sight. You thought of Jeno. The boy who had been through exactly what you had and was the only one to know the true pain of it. He had protected you from more than you knew and you knew he would never stop protecting you. To shield you.

You pulled yourself up, the button within your reach. You thought of Donghyuck. The boy who you loved more than anything else in this world. The boy who you would do anything for. He was sunshine personified, always finding any way he could to make you happy and always ready to fight anything that had made you sad. There wasn’t a thing that he would not do for you. He would volunteer to go through hell and back a million times without even thinking about it. To save you.

You threw yourself forwards, the last thing you saw being the button spinning with the room as your vision disappeared completely. You brought your hand down in a final attempt to hit the kill switch, your brain only managing to register one final sound as your legs gave out completely and you blacked out.

Click.

---

The dull pain at the back of your head was the first thing you noticed. You tried opening your eyes, but your eyelids felt so heavy it was impossible. You gave up, trying instead to listen to the movement around you. You managed to register a woman’s voice somewhere in the haze.

You tried again to open your eyes, this time succeeding slightly. This prompted the woman watching over you to call for a nurse. You couldn’t see the nurse through the blurred slit of vision you had, but she had a soothing voice, one that radiated comfort.

‘Don’t overwork yourself y/n. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. Just take your time and you’ll be able to wake up.’

You took a deep breath, relaxing your eyelids so that they were fully shut, and tried again. Finally, you managed to open them all the way. The room gradually came into focus, and you saw that you were lying on your bed in your room at the lab. You saw the nurse next to you and your eyes widened.

‘This place- it’s not safe. It’s not what you think. We need to-’

The nurse put a hand on your shoulder, pushing your body back into the bed.

‘Calm down y/n, it’s okay. We know. A Yang Jeong-In called and explained the situation to us. At first, we were skeptical, but we sent an investigation over anyway. We owe you a great deal y/n. You’ve saved a lot of people.’

She smiled at you as you fell back into the pillows.

‘I didn’t do it alone.’ You insisted. ‘Wait, how long have I been asleep? How long was I in the simulation for.’

The nurse chuckled.

‘Don’t worry sweetheart. You haven’t lost a year of your life. In fact, it’s only just been around 30 hours since you went back in. You saved us in a day.’

‘Wait... it worked? We did it?’ You whispered, not quite believing that it was finally over.

‘You did it y/n. You’re safe now. In fact, your friends are also all awake. When you’re ready, you can come and see them.’

The nurse smile at you as you nodded. You began to sit up, but fell back immediately when the pain in your head flared up again. The nurse grabbed a pill and some water from your bedside table and handed them to you.

‘Here, take this. You took a nasty fall in the simulation and your body is convinced that it has concussion. Now since it didn’t really happen, you don’t, but it may hurt for a short while. This should help.’

You nodded absentmindedly as she spoke, purely obsessed with the thought of seeing your friends again.

You attempted to sit up again, this time with much more ease.

‘Wow, that worked fast.’ You commented, causing a light laugh from the nurse at your side.

She gave you a supporting hand as you climbed out of bed and stood up. You walked shakily over to the door, leaning on the frame slightly for support as the nurse opened it.

You headed outside, amazed by what you were greeted with. There were police, detectives and special investigators all over the scene. Dr Kim was sat in the lobby when you passed, in handcuffs and being read his rights. He looked up as you walked by, and if looks could kill, you would have been a pile of ash on the floor. But they couldn’t. So instead, you paused, held eye contact for a second and smiled before moving on.

You were finished with that.

Your nurse led you to the room that you recognised as the test centre. It was where all your skills had been testing once you left the simulation the first time.

‘The room has been cleared out and turned into a relaxing space. At the moment, we’re just using if for your group. We thought that since you saved all of us you deserved your own area.’

The genuine smile on the nurse’s face made you laugh in happiness. She turned the handle and pushed the door open.

‘I’ll leave you be.’ She whispered from behind, pulling it shut gently as you walked it.

The sight in front of you brought tears to your eyes. Jeno and Jaemin were collapsed next to each other of a sofa, looking at something on a phone in front of them, Chenle and Jisung were attempting to teach Renjun a sort of clapping game, Chan and I.N. were standing in the far corner chatting with Mark and a few others and San and Wooyoung were laughing at something over a box of pizza.

But the best sight of all, was right in front of you.

There, sat on the floor, his little sister curled up in his lap as he peppered little kisses all over her face, was Donghyuck. Alive and happy. He held he close, treasuring the fact that he got to have her back. He laughed at something she said, the sound reaching your heart immediately and you realised just how much you had missed him.

Renjun noticed you first. He had given up on learning whatever game Chenle and Jisung were trying to teach him and turned around, coming face to face with your smiling figure. 

‘Look who it is!’ He announced, easily gaining the attention of the rest of the room. They all turned around to look at you, smiles breaking across all of their faces as they did so. ‘Our saving grace.’

‘Lets hear it for our hero!’ Jeno called out, causing the room to erupt in cheers, screams and claps as you stood there slightly awkwardly. 

You looked at Hyuck again, this time finding him staring right back at you. His sister moved off his lap, allowing him to stand. The entire room was watching as he made his way towards you. He didn’t break stride, instead choosing to pull you in towards him for a hug. His arms wrapped tightly around your waist as he pressed you against his chest. Your arms moved up by themselves, finding their place behind his neck and holding on for dear life.

The hug got tighter and more desperate the longer it went on, Donghyuck holding onto you as if you slip away if he let go. Little did he know, you weren’t going anywhere. He mumbled out a few words, you only just managing to catch them because of how his face was buried into your neck.

‘I missed you.’

‘I missed you too.’ You whispered back, relieved to finally be back with him.

‘Don’t you guys think that you two are slightly beyond hugging?’ Renjun’s voice interrupted your moment, causing you both to turn and stare at him incredulously. ‘Come on! If this experience has taught us anything, surely it’s that time is precious and we shouldn’t waste it dancing around our feelings.’

As much as you loved Renjun, you had never wanted to hit him more than you did at that moment. You wanted to talk to Hyuck about your feelings but not in front of everyone and, now that the reality of that conversation was dawning on you, you were nervous for it.

Hyuck, on the other hand, seemed to ponder Renjun words before turning back to you.

‘You know, he has a point.’ He mused a cheeky smile on his face.

‘Hmmm?’ You hummed, not sure where he was going with this.

Donghyuck simply took a small breath before pulling you in again. He used his hands, that were still resting on your waist, you pull you in closer, and then moved on up to cup your face as he leaned it. You had about half a second to understand what was happening before his lips were on yours.

Donghyuck kissed you.

Finally, after all these years and struggles, you finally got to kiss the boy you loved. You kissed him back, shyly at first but, as with the hug, the emotions grew. Before you knew it you were pouring all the love you had for the boy into your kiss, praying that he would be able to feel it.

When you finally pulled away you stared into his eyes. You ignored the cheers and shouts of “finally” coming from your friends, only focusing on the boy in front of you. He gently tilted his head forwards, so that his forehead was pressed to yours.

‘I love you.’ He whispered.

‘I love you too.’ You replied, your voice as quiet as his, but your words just as powerful.

---

After a couple of hours, you and Hyuck eventually excused yourself from the rest of your friends, choosing to instead go back to your room and spend some time alone together. Hyuck’s sister had headed back to her room earlier, leaving just the two of you wandering the halls side by side.

‘You know.’ Hyuck grabbed your hand, lacing your fingers with his as he talked. ‘i always knew that, if any of us was gonna save the world, it would be you.’

You blushed.

‘I didn’t save the world... Besides, I don’t know why I’m getting all the credit! Without everyone in that room, we wouldn’t have done it.’

‘I know.’ Hyuck giggled. ‘But you’re still the one who pressed that button. And according to Jeno, you’re the one who figured out the truth as well. Let me just compliment you! I like being able to say that my girlfriend saved the world.’

You looked at him out of the corner of your eye, unable to stop the smile from spreading across your face.

‘Girlfriend?’ You questioned, watching as Hyuck began to get flustered.

‘Uhhh- I mean... we haven’t really had a chance to talk about it yet but... hopefully?’ He questioned, looking shyly at you.

‘Sounds perfect.’ You grinned, squeezing his hand that was in yours.

And for a minute, all was right with the world. Until two words cause Donghyuck to freeze where he was, terror consuming him.

‘You bastard!’ Donghyuck’s father came storming up to the two of you. ‘What gives you the right to act that way? Thinking you can treat me like that? I don’t care if it was in a simulation, you’re going to pay for that.’

Donghyuck’s father lifted up a fist, in an attempt to hit him, but Hyuck was faster. He pushed on the opposite shoulder on his father’s body and stepped back, watching as the momentum of his father’s punch threw his body around in a full circle. Donghyuck pushed you behind him slightly, wanting to protect you.

This action did not go unnoticed by his father, who tilted his head to the side, observing how you gripped his arm and how Donghyuck was shielding you.

‘Ohhhh.’ He realised, a wicked smile taking over his features. ‘So the two of you fell in love.’ The smile dropped off him completely. ‘How sweet. Maybe, if Donghyuck refuses to face the consequences of his actions, someone else could take the punishment for him.’

‘Back off!’ Donghyuck barked, moving you properly behind him. ‘You don’t touch her.’

‘Protective are we?’ His father teased but Hyuck didn’t reply. ‘What would you do to protect her? How far would you go? Would you shout at me? Would you threaten me? Would you hit me?’

His father had been circling Donghyuck all this time, trying to find the right moment to pounce. Only when you arm appeared around Donghyuck’s waist did he make his move. He lashed out with a harsh punch to Donghyuck’s shoulder, causing the boy to fall to the floor, and grabbed you holding you by the wrist with one hand and around the neck with the other.

‘I’ll kill you!’ Donghyuck screamed, losing his mind at the thought of his father hurting yet another person he loved. He stood up, preparing to charge at his father.

‘Take one step closer and I’ll cut off her air supply.’ His dad’s voice was quiet, no more theatrics or teases, just a pure, cold-blooded threat. Then his voice changed again, back into the taunting manner it was previously. ‘Or maybe I’ll just do it now.’ He began to push down slightly, making you swallow out of discomfort. He gradually pushed down more, making it increasingly difficult for you to breathe. ‘Maybe that will finally get you to throw a punch.’

Down the end of the corridor you recognised the police uniform, meaning that Donghyuck’s father had run out of time. You swung your foot underneath you, taking him by surprise and effectively ruining his balance. Hyuck took his chance while his father was out of it and pulled you back into the safety on his arms. He stroked the hair out of your face.

‘Are you okay?’ He asked, concern and guilt prominent on his features.

‘I’m okay.’ You reassured, falling back into his embrace.

‘You bitch!’ Donghyuck’s father roared and he prepared to throw himself at the two of you again. But this time he was met with the police. One officer tackled him immediately, forcing him to the ground as another secured his arms behind his back with a pair of handcuffs around his wrists.

You and Hyuck watched as he was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Donghyuck’s mother and multiple account of domestic, physical and verbal abuse. Just as he was being pulled up he look at Donghyuck one last time.

‘When will you be a man and learn how to throw a punch.’ He spat.

Hyuck stood up calmly, pulling you with him and keeping an arm around you at all times, but he never took his eyes off his father.

‘Being a man isn’t about being able to throw a punch. It’s about what you would take a punch for. I will never throw a punch, because I will never be like you. Goodbye father.’

You watched as Donghyuck’s father was dragged away in handcuffs. Only once he had disappeared around the corner did you turn to Hyuck.

‘I’m proud of you.’ You smiled slightly.

‘Thank you.’ Hyuck whispered, smiling back and placing a kiss on your forehead. ‘I have one favour to ask you though.’

‘Yeah?’ You looked up at him.

‘Can we go to bed? I’m exhausted.’ He said, watching as you burst into laughter at his mundane request.

‘Sure we can.’ You agreed, your body starting to agree with Hyuck.

---

You lay in your bed, your head on Donghyuck’s chest, his arms around you and your legs entwined. You’d been mindlessly chatting for the last few minutes but the conversation had since then drifted off into a comfortable silence.

‘I figured it out you know.’ Donghyuck informed you suddenly, causing you to look up at him from where you were laying.

‘What did you figure out?’ You asked, entertaining his antics.

‘That it wasn’t a real virus and that there were higher powers responsible for it. I figured it out first.’ His slightly smug yet still teasing voice brought a smile to your lips.

‘How did you do that?’ You were genuinely curious as to how he had come to this conclusion.

‘Remember? At the beginning, as soon as the virus broke out, I told you it was government created.’ Now the smugness was really coming through on his voice, showing how he was clearly enjoying this.

‘Go to sleep Hyuck.’ You chuckled.

‘I’m just saying.’ He whined, pulling his arms around you tighter.

You didn’t reply to that one, choosing instead to smile. You nuzzled further into Hyuck’s chest, relishing in the fact that you finally get to be close to him. 

And that’s how you spent your first night of freedom. Curled up next to the boy you loved, with him whispering sweet nothings into your ear, all thoughts and dangers of the simulation far behind you.

Turns out you finally did get your happy ever after.

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

[tngrace]

hello! For the 4 words prompts list, can I request “This was never right.” thanks 💛

Thank you @sixringss for the prompt. Sorry it took me a minute to get something out. Just had to wait for the right inspiration. Hope you like it. Coda/slight canon divergence for 2.04- big brother Judd is really taking over everything these days. 🤷🏻‍♀️ and this really got away from me 🙈

4 word prompt Masterlist

I have one left to write. I promise I haven't forgotten you @immortalstrand just trying to find the right inspiration for the prompt. Hopefully will be out soon 🙏🏻

As always thanks @moviegeek03 for helping nail down the idea. 😘

TK had been so excited when he realized he was finally gonna get to meet Carlos's parents. That is until Carlos had introduced him as a friend. He'd done his best not to let it show, but he know Carlos had picked up on his silence on the way home. The fight they'd just had wasn't his finer moment either. He knew he shouldn't have walked out; he knew Carlos was hiding something just from the pain in his eyes, but he'd been too hurt to care.

He grimaces as he recalls his words about making more space in Carlos's closet. That hadn't been fair. Carlos had put up with so much of his crap in the beginning, and here he was leaving again. Oh well. It was done and now he had to find somewhere to go to lick his wounds.

He didn't really wanna go home; his parents on his nerves between the lovey dovey and their new weirdness he'd picked up on at the station the other day. Marjan was out with her fiancé, and he didn't want to call Paul, knowing he'd get a lecture. Mateo's energy would be too much for him right now, so that just left Judd.

He let out a sigh at the realization. Judd would let him crash no questions asked. But TK wasn't sure he wanted Judd's big brother routine. He let out another sigh knowing he didn't have a choice unless he wanted to deal with his parents. He sent Judd a text asking if he could come over before ordering an Uber.

Upon arrival, TK let out another sigh as he stood on the Ryder's front porch. He wasn't sure if Grace was home or if he'd be interrupting anything, so he stood there for the longest biting at his lip even though Judd had replied an affirmative to his text. By the time he'd worked up the nerve to go knock, the door swung up with Judd propped in the doorway. "You just gonna stand there all night pretty boy or you gonna get your ass in here?" Judd asked not picking up TK's nervous energy yet.

"Juddson Ryder, that is no way to talk to a guest," Grace said lightly slapping him with a towel as she joined him at the door.

"Ah it's just TK Gracie," he laughed before looking at TK's face now that he was closer.

"Ah hell," he sighed noticing the bitten lip and the bag. "Get in here little bother," he said pulling TK inside.

"I didn't... I hope I'm not interrupting," he says this to Grace, the bottom lip still between his teeth. "I just.... I didn't know where else to go," he says quietly looking down.

Judd takes his bag wondering what in the hell had caused this as Grace reassured TK with a hug he wasn't interrupting anything and was always welcome. "Thanks, Grace," TK tells her quietly as Grace leads him to the couch with Judd following. Judd sits down across from TK in a chair as TK wrings his hands. Grace sends Judd a worried look before he gives her a reassuring smile.

"I'm gonna get us some tea," she annouces giving TK's shoulder a squeeze as she walks by.

"Thanks darling," Judd smiles. Once Grace is in the kitchen getting the tea, Judd debates waiting TK out or point blanking asking him what's up. The longer he watches TK sit in anxiety, he decides he can't stand watching it so he's just gonna ask.

"Something happen with your parents?" Judd asks him. At TK's shake of the head no, Judd let's out a soft sigh. "Alright. Carlos then?" He asks as Grace returns with the tea. She takes up a spot by TK on the couch ready to offer him the comfort he so apparently needs. Judd can't stand the kicked puppy look TK pulls at his question about it being about Carlos.

"Sweetie, you don't have to tell us anything you don't want to," Grace says before Judd can disagree. "We're here for you no matter what. You wanna talk, we'll listen," she says sending Judd a pointed look. "You just wanna sleep, we'll get you in bed. Whatever you need TK no conditions," Grace says before relaxing into the couch and sipping her tea.

TK sends her a grateful look before the kicked puppy look returns. "Carlos and I had a fight," he says softly. "And I didn't want to deal with my parents yet. They're just.... yea," he says trailing off.

Grace hums having heard from Judd how insufferable Owen and Gwyn have been for TK.

"We ran into Carlos's parents at the farmers market. I've been dying to meet them, and he's been avoiding it. He introduced me as his friend," TK says trying not to break down on his friends.

"Like hell he did," Judd growls before Grace sends him another pointed look with a quiet "Juddson."

TK is still ringing his hands and Grace lays a comforting hand on his back. "Did he explain why?" Grace asks him when the silences stretches on for a minute too long. "Because anyone with eyes can see how in love you two are. So it doesn't make sense, he'd back track without some reason."

"Is he not out to them," Judd asks leaning closer to TK's space to try and calm him down as well. He's seen first hand what happens when TK works himself up with his anxiety.

"He said he is," TK says finally meeting Judd's eyes.

"Grace is right," Judd declares. "Anyone with eyes can see how in love you two are. It's sickening," he teases making TK chuckle finally.

"Yea well.... this was never right..." he sighs. "He's met my parents but any time I brought up meeting his, he avoided it."

Judd and Grace share a look before deciding with their eyes that Judd would take the lead. "TK, I know you're hurt. Hell I'm pissed for you. But you gotta remember too that Carlos grew up here. It might not have always been as easy for him as it was for you," Judd says treading as carefully as he can.

"Yea... he said something about my parents similar to that," TK sighs softly.

Judd and Grace both hum with nods. "That boy is crazy for you. God only knows why," Judd teases making TK roll his eyes. "Maybe his parents are traditionalist," Judd hedges. "Maybe you only meet them when you know you're in it for life. Carlos could be protecting you, not wanting to make you run," Judd says watching as his words sink in even though he's trying to be gentle with TK. TK looks even more down knowing all the crap he put Carlos through in the beginning.

"Or maybe it's something totally different," Judd amends hating TK's perfected kicked puppy look. "Look you're more than welcome to stay here, you know that," Judd says. "But you're gonna be restless. You need to talk to him TK. Yea it hurt when he called you a friend, and you got mad, and you both probably said things you regret now. He made you feel insecure by calling you a friend, and you paid him back by leaving and probably making him feel just as insecure."

TK is looking at Judd with tearfilled eyes and it kills him to see his little brother hurting, but there's nothing he can do to fix it and he needs TK to hear truths and not just platitudes. "You're right," TK murmurs after a minute. "Could you," TK doesn't even finish before Judd is up and getting his keys.

TK thanks Grace once again giving her a hug as she reassures him everything is gonna work out. Judd has his bag, and then they're getting in his truck heading back towards Carlos.

"Thanks Judd," TK says in between chewing on his hoodie string.

"No thanks needed T. That's what brothers do," Judd says shooting him a half smile. "Besides you know who will give it to ya straight when you're being an idiot," he laughs as TK grunts and rolls his eyes once more.

They're at Carlos's before TK even knows it. "Just talk to him. It'll be fine. And if it's not call me and I'll kill him," Judd promises.

"That won't be necessary," TK says with a laugh before grabbing his bag and getting out. "Thanks again Judd. I appreciate it."

"I know. Now get on in there," Judd says. He makes sure TK gets to the door and then he's off.

TK stares at the front door for the longest just like he did at Judd's. His poor lip is bitten raw at this point. He debates using his key, but decides against it since he's not sure how Carlos is feeling at this point. He knocks on the door still biting his lip as he sees Carlos looking thru the window before the door opens with a quiet hey.

He can tell Carlos is being guarded and TK doesn't blame him. He said some awful things and just left earlier. "Hi. Can I come in?" TK hedges and he knows he's still radiating just as much nervous energy as he was at Judd's.

"You got a key," Carlos says the indifference and confusion rolling off him in waves.

"Yea I thought maybe you might want that back," TK says biting his bottom lip once more.

"Why are we breaking up? Or did that already happen because it kinda felt like it did." There's not any venom in Carlos's voice, more like he's resigned to the fact he just lost one of the best things he's ever had.

"No," TK quickly reassures before he remembers Carlos might have a different opinion after today. "I mean I hope not."

Carlos let's out a breath and steps aside opening the door wider. "Come in," he says.

TK goes in dropping his bag at the door and he knows Carlos catches it but doesn't say anything. He's ringing his hands and pacing a little before turning to look at Carlos who is still by the door. "Ok, look. I know I was a little bitch.."

"No you weren't," Carlos says pained that TK could still think so little of himself.

"Yes I was," TK insists because he knows he was out of line earlier and Carlos is gonna listen. "And I just wanted to say I'm not sorry." He let's out a breath but barrels on despite Carlos's are you serious look. "I'm not sorry Carlos. I know I made it seem like your relationship with your parents was about me, but really it's about us." Carlos still isn't saying anything and TK is worried. "Do you know what I mean?" He asks.

"Not really," Carlos says confused. TK hums before turning and walking to sit because he knows if he keeps standing he's going to pace and he wants Carlos to have his full attention for this conversation.

He remembers Judd's words of advice and tries to better explain himself. "When you didn't tell your parents that I was your boyfriend, it made me feel insecure about our relationship and what I mean to you."

He can see Carlos's heart breaking once more and he hates he's the cause of his pain, but TK knows he has to be truthful.

"That kills me," Carlos says and TK knows it's true just from looking at him as Carlos finally moves closer. He sits down across from TK, and TK can feel and see Carlos's nerves, his hands ringing just like TK's had done earlier. "Which is exactly why I was avoiding introducing you because I didn't want that to happen and I knew it would."

"Yea but didn't it have to? I mean they knew you were gay," TK says trying to understand his boyfriend.

"They know, yes," Carlos says his eyes filled with tears which just makes TK hurt all the more. Carlos can't stop ringing his hands, and now TK understands how everyone feels around him when he's worked up. He just wants to comfort Carlos but first he needs to understand.

"I came out to them when I was seventeen, and they were shocked," Carlos can't meet his eyes and TK doesn't try to make him. "I... I... I... knew it rocked their world, but they hugged me, told me they loved me, and that was that." Carlos took a deep breath as TK laid his hands over Carlos's to still them.

TK knew Carlos wasn't done so he kept quiet to let him finish. "It got brought up a few times over the years, but there's also an understanding in our family that you only bring someone home to meet the parents once you're sure someone is going to be your life partner. They didn't meet my brother in law until Gabriella wanted him to propose. I just.... I didn't want to freak you out. Because I know we love each other, TK I love you more than anything, but I couldn't.... I wasn't ready to take that chance and have you freak out on me," Carlos finishes his eyes down cast and the unsaid "I didn't want you to leave me" hanging between them.

TK slowly tilts Carlos's chin up so they can see each other. "You could've told me that instead of avoiding the entire conversation. It makes perfect sense Carlos."

Carlos nods knowing he should've just told TK. "I was too afraid of losing you, and I almost did anyways."

TK squeezes Carlos's hands catching his eyes once more. He can't let Carlos drown in self hate any longer. "You haven't lost me. I'm not giving up on us that easily. As Judd said anyone can see how much we love each other to the point it's sickening, as if he's one to talk," TK chuckles.

"Judd huh?" Carlos finally laughs a little.

"Yea," TK nods with a bashful smile. "He uh.... he's the reason I'm here. He told me I was being an idiot and that I never considered how insecure you might feel in all of this. And for that I am sorry," TK says softly.

Carlos tries to cut him off, but TK doesn't let him. "No Judd was right. I felt insecure so I tried to hurt you the same way. I left just like you thought I would; I said things I shouldn't have. It wasn't my best moment."

"Wasn't mine either," Carlos murmurs.

TK nods. "But Carlos, I'm all in," TK murmurs leaning in close as he squeezes Carlos's hands once more. "However much time you need. I'm not gonna run, I'm not gonna leave. Whenever you want me to meet them as your other half, I'll be ready," TK says with the softest of smiles. "Because I love you and I'm sure about you."

TK reaches up and wipes the tear from Carlos's cheeks. "I love you too TK," Carlos whispers as their lips meet for a soft kiss. Things might not always be perfect or right, but they would overcome them together because their love never fails.

[sugarspundream]

So I just wanted to get some thoughts out and I wanted to hear the opinions of others in this matter if you’re willing to give it, but I had some thoughts about what’s going on on cherp right now.

To begin, I’m not touching the underage stuff. That’s not really what I want to discuss at all.

I’m really frustrated as of late with the way the mod team treats the website users. I don’t want to take away from any of the work they’ve done on the website or anything like that, I appreciate them for putting in the time to run the website and I’m thankful for their continued efforts to keep it up.

I’m irritated because I feel like in a lot of cases, the mod team is extremely dismissive of people’s feelings, especially with the discord. The way they answer other people is sometimes mean or coarse, or even downright malicious.

If you are running a discord server, especially a large one, and you are not able to control your emotions— you should not be a mod. That’s it. Being a mod means you will probably have to answer repetitive questions. Being a mod means you will have to answer people who are maybe not always socially conscious.

Many of the people who use the site are friendly, and sometimes they post in the wrong channel. I’m upset because the answer that some of these mods have is to snap at those people who fucked up on accident, and act as if they had made that mistake on purpose. I also personally feel like the way the mod team talks to the users is incredibly condescending.

Especially with the downtime, I’ve been very disappointed with the way that the mods have been treating users who are nervous or want to seek more information. By this time we all understand that the downtime does not have an ETA. But you have to understand that some users use the site to cope. Everyone has a coping mechanism, and belittling the users for being anxious or upset because the site isn’t up is just... mean. I do not say this lightly, multipara roleplay has gotten me through some of the most bleak and dark times of my life. There were some days where that is literally everything I had to look forward to.

I understand it’s frustrating when people are asking you the same question a thousand times, but there have been times where mods have bitten users heads off over the smallest things, and you can tell this has had an effect by the way that users sometimes literally grovel now to the mods when they make a mistake. It makes me really sad.

I repeat again, if you are not able to hold your temper you don’t deserve to be a mod. Holding power over people is a very delicate position, and it’s important you don’t abuse your power. Shame on you. And if you’re getting angry because you’re too thinly spread, you need to train more mods. Don’t take your anger and frustration out on the users. It’s unprofessional and immature.

And one more thing— I understand that the decision to ban movement offsite was one that is meant to prevent grooming. However, there shouldn’t be children on the website in the first place. It’s 18 plus. Why are you acting like adults are not able to make decisions for themselves? This downtime would not be so severe if it weren’t for the fact that people have absolutely no way to contact their partners, and will be punished for attempting to do so, even with both parties *wanting* to connect. Are you serious? I know it’s something they’re considering changing in the future, but I’m still like... everyone on the sight should be eighteen. Let them make their own choices. Holy fuck.

[lovelyamneris]

George + Jerry, “The art of not being an idiot is extremely challenging for me.”

I've been hoarding this ask in my inbox for God knows how long I'm so sorry anon. Then I wrote like three quarters of it and posted about that and was immediately hit with writer's block. Here's my attempt at trying to write more seinfeld content for you <3

[Ao3 Link] [Full Series]

It’s early on a Saturday and Monk’s diner bustles with its usual crowd of regulars. George and Jerry are sitting across from each other in a booth by the window; George with a strawberry pastry and hot coffee and Jerry working on his third consecutive double espresso.

Sun pours in and blankets their table with warm early morning light. It’s intimate; in the way that drinking coffee every day with your oldest friend is intimate once it's a routine.

“So do you think that’s funny?” Jerry is asking, doting over a notebook of incomprehensible scribbles, “Are people allowed to laugh at that sort of thing these days or would it be considered a mood killer?”

Jerry is pretty sure that the audience wouldn’t throw tomatoes at him like he’s in a bad Shakespearian play, but stranger things have happened.

George half shrugs, “I don’t know. How would I know?”

“Well, I assumed as a fellow human being you’d have an opinion.”

“Comedy is subjective.” George says waving him off, “Just improvise or something.”

“Surprisingly harder than you think.”

The last time Jerry tried to improvise on stage the only person in the audience laughing was Elaine. And technically she was laughing more at his expense than she was at the joke. Cue the metaphorical tomato throwing. Jerry stares at his notepad and pouts. Why is it so difficult to figure out if his joke is funny or not? Kramer laughed, but perhaps that’s a bad sign.

A moment passes and when he looks back up from his notepad George is about five shades paler. Jerry recognizes the look immediately. It’s the ghostly expression of a man doomed to come face to face with the consequences of his own actions. Never a good sign for George.

“What’s wrong?” Jerry asks. Despite the courtesy of asking the question, he doesn’t seem too concerned by George’s sudden change in demeanor. He’s used to George’s sudden waves of panic. It’s like his default.

“Does that look like Lindsay to you?” George’s voice cracks.

“Psycho sadist Lindsay?” Jerry looks around the diner theatrically, “The one who thinks you got wacked by the mob? Where?”

“In our booth by the door.”

From where they’re sitting, Jerry can only see the side of her head, but it’s definitely Lindsay. She seems a lot happier than he remembers. Back when she was with George, she always had the face of someone who’s just accidently bitten into a lemon. Kramer even called her lemon face once, which was an awful moment for everyone involved.

“That’s her alright.” Jerry confirms, “What do you think she’s doing here?”

“I have absolutely no idea!” George shrinks down in the booth to hide from her, “She knows I get the diner in the breakup. It’s part of our pre-breakup agreement!”

“Ah, the pre-breakup agreement. The prenup of the dating world.” Jerry nods understandingly, “While I’d usually agree with you on that, I think faking your own death gives her a loophole.”

“I died while we were together!” George counters, whisper yelling. He looks awfully frazzled and generally insane, “She’s basically my widow. How does she think you feel having to see my widow at your favorite diner? It’s outrageous!”

Jerry considers this. Ever since the infamous incident with the fancy plates, he’s instinctively crossed to the other side of the street when he’s seen her in public. He’s not sure he’d be able to hold it together if she asked him about his best friend and said best friend’s terrible fate at the hands of the mob. Cracking a grin would probably not be an acceptable response.

And George is technically right. If he was actually dead, Jerry wouldn’t want to see Lindsay at the diner. It would undoubtedly cause a chain of events starting with him thinking about George and moping around about it (Jerry’s not sure he’s capable of moping, but he’s too afraid to find out) and ending with him being all sad and ruining his comedy routine. How are you supposed to be funny when you’re busy thinking about your dead friend?

Jerry relents, “Well, I can’t argue with that logic.”

“What do I do?” George panics, shrinking further down in the booth, “She’s going to kill me, Jerry!”

“I think you’re overreacting. So what if psycho Lindsay sees you? It’s the nineties. Is a dead man not allowed to have a strawberry pastry without persecution?”

George deflates, “You’re not taking this seriously. Lindsay is going to kill me and you’re making your little jokes about it. Great. Thanks a lot.”

“Hey, it’s not like you didn’t bring this on yourself. Even Elaine said she knew this would come back to haunt you eventually. It’s about time you face the music.”

George doesn’t think that sounds appealing at all. He’s gone his whole life avoiding the music. Why should he face it now! In fact, only people who have given up in life subject themselves to the music. If you’re still alive and breathing then it’s your God given right to avoid the music.

“How does Elaine know about the fancy plates?”

“Kramer told her.”

“How did Kramer know?!”

“I told Kramer.”

And of course. Of course, everyone in filled in and up to date on George’s suffering. He shoots Jerry a scathing look and Jerry returns it with a lopsided teasing grin.

Jerry glances down at his empty cup of espresso and frowns. The whole lemon faced Lindsay debacle has distracted him from what’s most important. Caffeine. He’s sure that the waitress is avoiding him because George is causing a scene. Or maybe Jerry is being cut off like he’s a drunk at a bar. Are they allowed to cut you off from caffeine? Is there an unspoken caffeine limit that only waitresses and baristas know about? He decides to investigate further.

Just as he's about to signal for the waitress, Jerry makes eye contact with Lindsay. Her face drops and suddenly she has that lemon faced expression about her again. Uh oh. Lindsay says something to her friend and gets up from her seat, making her way across the diner and towards them.

Jerry gives an enthusiastic wave, the type of wave that you’d give an old friend you’re seeing for the first time in a while. After all, Lindsay was always friendly to him. And she was one of George's most humor-inclined girlfriends! Maybe she'd be able to tell him if the joke was funny or not.

George stares at him in horror, “What? What’s happening?”

“Buck up, buddy, looks like she’s coming over.”

George makes a face like he’s been hit by a bus, but he defeatedly slides back up in his seat. Suddenly Lindsay is beside their booth, arms crossed.

“So, I’m guessing this is a Weekend at Bernie’s situation?” She asks. Jerry appreciates her humor. She seems pretty chill for someone who just found out that her boyfriend has risen from the dead.

“Good guess.” Jerry says conversationally, “Actually, George was getting too cramped in his coffin. He doesn’t do well in small spaces and decided to call the whole death thing off. Good idea if you ask me, the whole funeral thing is always a bit too theatric in my opinion. Like we get it. You're dead. Move on."

“Real classy.” Lindsay shoots back, but Jerry can tell that she liked the joke, “By the way George, I knew it wasn’t real when I called your parents to offer my condolences and your dad laughed at me. Anything to say about that?”

George shrugs, the gig is up as they say, “Admittedly, the art of not being an idiot is extremely challenging for me.”

Lindsay rolls her eyes, "You know what, I don't care." She heads back over to her friend and doesn't look back.

“Huh. She took that pretty well.” Jerry says when Lindsay is out of ear shot, “The way you talk about her I assumed her reaction would’ve been far more deranged.”

“Trust me,” George says seriously, “If you weren’t here she would’ve unhinged her jaw and swallowed me whole like a snake.”

“Too bad. I would’ve liked to see that.”

Finally, the waitress comes back over and Jerry orders another espresso. He considers his joke again.

“Should I ask Lindsay if she thinks the joke’s funny?” Jerry asks seriously. Lindsay is still sitting across the diner with her friend, “I need a woman’s perspective.”

George shrugs, “Jerry, I’m telling you right now, just improvise. Or do the lifeguard bit again. It’s your best.”

[alexlwrites]

Liability

Summary: The one where your best friend of years and love of your life is getting married and wants you to be the maid of honor. Luckily for you, the best man is not exactly happy either.

Pairing: Taehyung x Reader, Jungkook x Reader

Tags: Romance, Humor, Fluff, Angst

A/n: if you enjoy this, please comment and reblog. It really means the world to me and keeps me going!

Part 2: If one thing had been different  (1/3)

(Fanfic masterlist)

(support me on my ko-fi <3 )

(<<<Part one)

The weeks leading to the wedding day felt like a fever induced nightmare, hazy and blurry, filled with stomach aches and anxiety nausea. You threw yourself into work, typing until the tips of your fingers were calloused and your wrists hurt, only leaving the office when the janitor kicked you out with a broom to the butt.

You couldn’t avoid Taehyung. No, that would lead to questions with painful answers or over complicated, dead end lies. So you were avoiding yourself - filling every single second of your schedule with some sort of meaningless task, only resting when your body was exhausted enough to not even bother dreaming.

Sunken cheeks and eyes with purple galaxies around it, you carried yourself like a ghost from place to place, saving up energy for the days when you had to try wedding cakes and pretend that you weren’t going to throw them up later, when you agreed with whatever flower or fabric Haewon chose, holding back your real opinions out of spite, wanting to keep the details of the wedding you’ve planned since you were twelve to yourself.

You already stole the groom, you thought bitterly to yourself while sipping whatever champagne they offered at the venue at 2 pm on a Tuesday, you’re not stealing the lilies too. “No, yeah” you’d end up saying “roses are definitely the way to go.”

Taehyung didn’t notice your sudden introspection, didn’t bat an eye at your pale skin and bitten nails, blinded by Haewon’s ever growing brightness, both riding the newly-engaged high. At this point, you were comfortable on the sidelines, happy at their obliviousness. People in love were easy to fool - you had been fooling yourself for years.

In the first few wedding planning appointments, it was just you and Haewon. She wanted to choose the dress first and the process had a strict “no guys allowed” policy. So you followed her from store to store, accompanied by her supportive mom and overly critical friend, running your hands through dresses you were pessimistically sure you’d never get to wear.

“I still think this is too soon.” Aera, Haewon’s college friend, said in one of the dressing rooms, legs crossed and tapping her heel. Aera was nice and friendly, but vocal in a way that was starting to get to your nerves. Although both of you weren’t happy with the wedding, her approach was to complain her way through it. Yours was to pretend it wasn’t happening, hoping everything would be over.

“I know, Aera” Haewon replied, barely bothering to look at her friend, eyes fixed on her image in the mirror, shining in a lace dress “you have mentioned several times before.”

“But yet you’re still going through with it.”

You rolled your eyes, but didn’t say anything, just like you wished Aera would. Haewon saw your annoyed expression through the mirror and winked at you, amused at your annoyance. “Yes, Aera” she said in the same patient tone a person would use to explain something to a child “Funnily enough I don’t need your approval on all my decisions”.

“I’m not saying you do” Aera was not letting go and you wished for the millionth time you could leave or at least get a pair of earphones “but it is my job as your best friend to give you unsolicited advice. You have only been with Taehyung for like, a year and a half? And your career is just starting to pick up too! Is he really worth it all this…”

“As the groom’s best friend it is my job to tell you to not finish that thought.” you warned, voice still monotone and calm. You didn’t want to start anything with Aera, but you already hated this wedding enough on your own, you didn’t need her help “Look, I’m sure Haewon appreciates your input and how much you care, but if she’s not gonna listen to it then you should support her either way, not try to convince her to leave my best friend everytime we get together.”

Aera didn’t say much after that. She didn’t seem upset or chagrined, more deep in thought than anything else. All her commentary from then on revolved only around the dresses and so the fitting carried on quietly and without further problems.

Later, when the sun was getting down and you were just getting ready to leave the store, Haewon pulled you to the side gently before you had the chance to escape. “Hey, I just wanna thank you for today” she said, closing the door behind her in one of the rooms filled with white gowns “I know Aera can be too much sometimes and I know she didn’t mean to insult Tae or anything…”

You waved her off, avoiding eye contact “It’s fine, don’t worry about it. I get it, really, she’s just looking out for you.”

Haewon had smart eyes, you’ve always thought so. Her stare made you feel exposed, vulnerable, never 100% comfortable. “Taehyung cares a lot about what you think, you know” she sat down in one of the couches “If you said something to him, like Aera’s been saying to me… I don’t think he would’ve gone through with it”.

You wished people would stop telling you how much power you had over this wedding. It felt like the universe was tempting you, giving the opportunity to stop it, to have it your way. But in the end, you could never bring yourself to purposefully get in the way of Taehyung’s happiness, even if for a second you thought you could make him happier.

“I wouldn’t do that.” you ended up saying, crossing your fingers over your lap.

“I know that. Well, now I do.” your heart stopped for a second and silence hung like a death sentence before Haewon continued “You know, before I dated Taehyung I dated a guy for a little over a year and I really thought he was it for me. But he had this best friend and they went way back, just like you and Tae, and I would get so nervous around her. It always felt like a competition, always felt like a pick-your-favorite game that I never won” you didn’t say anything, couldn’t even if you tried “They started dating a week after we broke up.”

The story is so similar but so different at the same time - how many times had the world created variations of the same heartbreak?

“When Taehyung first told me about you, I almost broke up with him” she continued, voice a little quieter, a bit more strained “I thought it would be the same thing all over again. But I just liked him so much.”

You closed your eyes, thinking that maybe you could pretend for a couple of seconds that you weren’t your awful self, someone who spent so much of their times daydreaming of scenarios where you got to be happy and this girl didn’t, where you were the one that got the guy and she got her heart re-shattered.

“And when I first saw you…” well, that probably gave you some peace of mind, you mused bitterly to yourself, nothing to fear here, just a depressed, teletubbie-looking chick “I thought it was a lost battle already.”

If life had a soundtrack, the sound of a scratched vinyl would play loudly enough to scare every bride in the store.

“What?!” you exclaimed, eyes flying open in surprise.

“You are so great, Y/N” Haewon’s tone was so soft “and it sucks that you don’t see yourself the way literally everyone else does.”

Who the fuck is everyone else, you thought, but didn’t say anything, please send them my way.

“You’re so funny, so warm and smart and when you talk everyone in the room listens” she must’ve read the confusion in your face, the absolute bafflement, because as she continued, exasperated “Taehyung cares so much about you and I just thought… I could never really compete with you.”

Huh.

It almost made you laugh, the sick irony of it all, the ridiculousness of this race you both created and then stopped running, thinking the other would inevitably win. How much time you wasted torturing yourself nitpicking everything Haewon had that you didn’t, not thinking that perhaps she was going through the same thing.

“But you’ve never made me feel like I was losing, Y/N.” Haewon grabbed your hand, interlacing your fingers together “You’ve always been so kind and welcoming to me and I’m so thankful for you not making this feel like a competition. For allowing me to be happy with Taehyung.”

The cheap champagne was swirling in your stomach and you felt like throwing up, but what else was new?

“I just want him to be happy.” you had been holding these words close to your chest, repeating to yourself like a mantra. And though it didn’t bring you much peace, it seemed to be enough for Haewon.

“Thank you” she repeated, giving you a hug and a watery smile.

“You’re welcome.” you awkwardly patted her back, hoping she wouldn’t start crying otherwise you would too “Now that I know how important I’ve been to this relationship, don’t expect any wedding gifts from me.”

“You already told me you got us a mini bar.”

“And I’m keeping it to myself. I’m gonna fill it with skin care and alcohol.”

Haewon shook her head “God, you sound just like Taehyung.”

You know the saying, you thought while walking out into the street, still hand in hand with her, like repel like.

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

[isitgintimeyet]

Just A Friend

Just another Sunday and just another chapter. Thanks to all of you who read, like, reblog, comment. i appreciate it more than you know.

thanks to @wickedgoodbooks for the beta

previous

AO3

Chapter 4: From Park to Parlay

There’s something rather special about this time of year with the transition from spring to summer when everything is still so fresh and green. The long, light evenings make me feel like I’ve been given an extra couple of hours in my day.

My flat has a balcony. It’s small—just enough space for a bistro table, two chairs and a few pots of herbs—but I love it. I come home from work and sit out there, sometimes with a cup of coffee, sometimes with something a bit stronger. Of course this is weather dependent — I am in Scotland, after all.

But sometimes, like tonight, sitting on my balcony isn’t enough. I want to be outside in all that fresh air and sunshine. Plus, one of my neighbours has acquired a new hobby, apparently. It’s either learning the violin or strangling cats. Although it sounds more like the latter, I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt and say it’s the former. I have finally managed to identify the piece she’s having a crack at. It’s from ‘Frozen’ — ‘Let It Go’ and I really wish she would.

Besides, if I wander into the park, there’s a certain ice cream kiosk that might still be open. My mouth waters at the thought of their cherry bakewell ice cream. So, I grab a cardigan, keys and a bit of cash, and head out.

As I stroll through the park, I’m thankful that I brought my cardigan. The sun is still warm, but there’s a distinct chill in the shade. Not enough of a chill to put me off an ice cream, though.

The kiosk is just on the verge of closing for the day, but he spies me doing that stupid little pretend run that’s actually no faster than walking and waits. I smile gratefully as I hand over the money in exchange for a double cone. Turning away, I can hear the shutters closing.

There’s a bench nearby, overlooking the pond and still in the sun… unoccupied. I sit down ready to enjoy my ice cream in peace. After the cacophony of a violin bow being scraped painfully across strings, this is sheer bliss — only the sound of a few argumentative ducks and the occasional playful dog. No-one to disturb me, no-one to—

At first, all I can hear are two voices, coming from the path behind me. Nothing above a murmur — one low pitched, the other higher. I can’t make out what they’re saying. Not that I would want to.  The higher voice, a female, is definitely getting louder now. She’s not happy by the sound of it. The other, clearly male, keeps to a calm murmur.

“Are ye telling me I’m imagining things, then?”

I can’t hear the response, but it’s obviously not to her liking.

“I ken she works fer ye.  But she has her eye on ye. I’m no’ stupid. D’ye think I’m a mug?”

The voice sounds a bit familiar but I can’t place it anywhere. Perhaps we go to the same coffee shops or bars or—

“That’s it, James Fraser. I’m going, I mean it... Ye ken where tae find me… this is me, going… bye… I said bye.  Fine, dinna answer me, then.”

The annoyance in her voice registers in my brain. I know why she sounds so familiar— it’s little Miss James-Fraser-isn’t-here-don’t-call-again-ever. Which means that, at any moment, one or other of them might be rounding this corner and think that I was eavesdropping.

Quickly I get to my feet ready to walk away —slap bang straight into Samsonite-owning Jamie Fraser. I take a step back. The first thing I notice is he’s not wearing a white dress shirt this time. He’s far more casually dressed in a plain white t-shirt… a plain white t-shirt now adorned with a large splodge of pink ice cream right in the middle of his chest.

“Oh, gosh, I’m — I’m so sorry,” I stammer apologetically as I fumble in my pockets for a paper serviette or tissue.

He looks up. The vexed expression on his face gives way to one of amusement.

“Claire Beauchamp,” he announces. “I didna recognise ye without yer suitcase.”

“I am sorry,” I continue to apologise as I pass him a somewhat crumpled but clean tissue.

He makes no attempt to leave, but settles himself on the bench and starts to dab ineffectually at the pink stain.

“Was it good?” He nods at the battered cone I am still holding.

“Oh yes, the best. I’d buy you one as compensation but they’re closed now.”

“It’s fine. If I feel the need I can always suck on ma shirt.” He looks down at the stain, glaringly obvious against the pristine white of his t-shirt. “Sae, how are ye doing?”

I perch on the bench next to him. Apparently we’re having a conversation.

“I’m fine, thank you,” I answer politely. “And how are you?”

“Me, I’m no’ sae bad,”  He looks annoyed, then shakes his head and gives a little half smile. “Look, I’m sorry if any of that… er…weel, if ye heard any of that.”

Do I lie? Pretend that I heard nothing? I’m not a very good liar. Geillis always says that I have a glass face, you can see every emotion clearly etched on it and I think she’s right. So I choose to answer noncommittally.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“It’s jes’...” he pauses for a moment, considering his choice of words. “Jes’ … tricky.”

He seems lost in thought. Maybe I need to remind him that his wife-partner-girlfriend-housekeeper has just stormed off and will clearly be awaiting some sort of reaction from him.

“Shouldn’t you be… ?” I gesture towards the path in the direction she must have taken.

“Nah, I’m no’ going after her… no’ this time.” He adds the last bit under his breath.

“Oh, ok.”

“That's what she wants, ye ken. The attention, me chasing after her, making promises…” his voice tails off as he realises what he’s doing.

He looks at me and shrugs his shoulders. “I’m sorry. I shouldna be blathering like this tae ye. I dinna ken why.”

I do. Sometimes it’s easier to vent, to get things off your chest, to a stranger rather than family or friends. You can pretty much say what you like, confident that it’s not going to come back and bite you, or spread like chinese whispers around your peer group.

“No need to apologise. It can be easier explaining things to strangers, sometimes.”

He smiles. “Ah, but, I dinna think we’re strangers. After all, I’m well acquainted with yer holiday… er...shall we say, accessories.”

If his intention was to make me blush, he’s succeeded. I feel myself redden. “It was a hen party. I had to get into the spirit.”

“So ye say.” He raises an eyebrow as if to question my explanation.  “Och, dinna mind me, I’m jes’ teasing.”

I screw my face up in mock disgust and he chuckles.

“My mam told me never tae pull faces else ye’ll be stuck like that if the wind changes.”

I assume a serious expression.

“That’s much better, Miss Beauchamp,” his face becomes serious too. “But, aye, I get what ye’re saying— about talking tae people ye dinna ken. Ye’ve no horse in this race, as it were. Everyone else that I ken seems tae have an opinion.”

I’m suddenly conscious that the remains of my cone are still in my hand, now totally melted. Noticing my awkward fidgeting, he returns the crumpled tissue to me. I wipe my hands and deposit all the debris in the bin by the bench. He settles back, obviously keen to continue our conversation.

“Sae, are ye up fer giving me yer opinion then about ma situation?”

I’ve never thought of myself as an agony aunt, but I’m curious to know more about him. It’s reassuring to know other people have complications in their love lives too.

“I don’t know enough to give you my opinion, but feel free to unload, if you want to.”

He leans forward, his large hands resting on his denim clad knees and sighs. He has very nice hands with neatly shaped nails, no ragged cuticles or bitten nails. There’s a smattering of reddish hairs on the back. I always notice a man’s hands. Frank had very smooth, elegant hands with long, slim fingers. Jamie’s are much broader than Frank’s, which fits with his whole Viking throwback vibe. I force myself away from his hands and focus on what he's telling me.

“Ye see, ye get tae an age where all yer friends are in couples and having bairns. And ye feel that’s what ye should do, have a proper ‘relationship’.”

I inhale sharply at the way he says the word, so similar to my own thoughts. He glances at me, and continues.

“Ah, ye ken what I mean. And sae ye go along wi’ it when ye friends introduce ye tae a lass. And ye date… and it’s nice, but there’s always that feeling that they want something more, that they want the whole ‘relationship’ thing. They want more than ye can give. And that leads tae disappointment and arguments. They push, trying tae force ye to commit.”

He sits back and looks at me. “Mebbe it’s…och, i dinna ken. Jes’ ignore me. I’m a stupid dolt.”

“No, I don’t mind at all. Honestly.”

“I mean, Laoghaire is a nice enough lass, but it seems the more she pushes, the more I back away. It makes her more suspicious. If I dinna want her, then she reckons I must be after another. What do ye think?”

Do I tell him about her answering his phone? I mean, it seems like he’s coming to a conclusion all by himself. I decide not to volunteer any more information. And I know I said I wouldn’t give an opinion, but I just can’t help it. This is all too familiar to me.

“It is difficult but, ask yourself, is this fair to Laoghaire, or fair to you? Will this keep happening? I mean, I don’t know her, but will she be satisfied with what you are prepared to give? I think you already know your answer. And I think you know what you must do.”

He sighs again. “Aye, I do. But it’s no’ a pleasant thing, is it?”

I shake my head. The image of Frank’s devastation is still fresh in my mind. “It never is.”

The bench is now in shade, and it’s cooled down a lot. I shiver and wrap my cardigan tightly around me. Time to head home, I think.

“Aye, ye’re right. Time tae go.”

I’m not sure if he’s talking about the evening chill, or what he needs to do about the whole Laoghaire situation.

We both stand up at the same time. He extends his hand, and I take it in mine, which is more than a bit grubby and sticky, with the odd bit of tissue still stuck to it.

“Thank ye for listening, Claire, and fer yer opinion. It’s been a big help tae me. I dinna ken what it is but I feel I can talk tae ye. And I promise, next time, it’s yer turn. Ye can vent like ye want tae me and I’ll do the listening.”

“Will there be a next time?”

He smiles. “Oh aye, I’m sure there will be.”

[ghostiewriter]

I had an idea for 39, I can picture them dress shopping for a kook event kie has to go to and shes getting jjs opinion on them

Ahhh I’m sorry this took so long but I hope you like it! Also thank you for saving me having to come up with something totally alone 💀😂

Word Count: 2.3K

Prompt: “What colour do you like better?”

“So, what is this one for again?”

“The annual country club charity gala.”

“I thought that was last month.”

“Yeah, they have multiple galas, dude. Catch up.”

Kiara was appreciative of the life she was given. She understood her privileges, and she as grateful to live in a world where she didn’t have to worry about the food on her plate or the roof over her head or the money in her account. Her parents had worked hard and it paid off. When she met the pogues, her appreciation grew but she also learnt that she didn’t have to be the only one with these privileges. The boys were stubborn though, so most of it was subtle and never made them feel like she was treating them like charity cases. And the boys also appreciated that despite her background, Kie wasn’t like the usual kooks who rubbed their money in your face. She was humble about it. She used her privileges for good whenever she could.

However, it was easy to forget that Kie was a kook sometimes. Even she, herself, forgot sometimes. She was a pogue at heart, through and through. But then she was thrown into the deep-end of the kook lifestyle by her parents and it was always a harsh reminder. The worst ones were the galas—because what else did rich people have to do in their lives other than have countless parties and events they claimed were for charity and the greater good but was just an excuse to dress up and show off? The answer was nothing. They had nothing else better to do.

Kiara despised these events with a passion. She was all up for raising money for charities and supporting the local organisations that could achieve so much with enough funding. In fact, Kie had dragged the boys down with her to help in local beach clean-ups and charity events where they could help support. However, these kook events just sucked the charity out of the galas and left her with a night of dealing with passive aggressive comments and nosey adults who needed to mind their business.

But no matter how hard she tried, she could never get out of them. It seemed like her mother always had the perfect blackmail to use against her, she knew the perfect things to say that trapped Kiara and gave her no choice but to go to these galas. It was how she now found herself in the mainland boutiques, searching for a new dress. Originally, she had planned to drag Sarah with her but the other claimed she was too wrapped up on event planning that she didn’t have enough time. So, Kiara took her next best options: JJ Maybank, the only person who was free to join her on a day trip to the mainland.

However, dress shopping was a little out of JJ’s comfort zone. When Kie said that they were heading to the mainland, he was expecting something a little more exciting or action packed, not following Kie around some small boutique as he carried the dresses she was picking out of the racks and ignoring the judgemental stares he was getting from people far more appropriately dressed than he was. Apparently the rich weren’t huge fans of tanks and khaki short and combat boots. Sucks to be them.

“They really have no life beyond playing dress up, do they?” JJ muttered as he watched Kie pick up two dresses: one silver and one a light pink. She tilted her head, looking them up and down before she slipped them back onto the rack.

“It’s all they are good at.” She retorted with a snort, not giving JJ much warning before she began to head to the other side of the store.

“You know, for someone who is adamant that she hates these things, you sure take them seriously.” He commented, glancing down at the pile of dresses he had been lugging around since they entered the shop around forty minutes ago.

“Unless I want my head bitten off by my mother, I kinda have to.” She said with a shrug as she took out two dresses before turning to him. “What colour do you like better?”

He glanced between them. One was black—long sleeved, low back and the hem was brushing the floor despite the fact she was holding them up. The second one was red, and JJ noted the long slit that was running up the left side of the dress. The image of Kiara in either of them made him clear his throat a little, hoping that his cheeks weren’t noticeably burning up. “You look hotter in red.”

“Charming.” She deadpanned but she placed the red dress in the pile before she continued to move along the racks. Eventually, Kiara decided she had enough options and dragged him to the dressing room.

JJ sat on the small couch across from the dressing room, head leaning against the wall as his fingers tapped aimlessly against his thighs. “Kie, it’s been like two hours. How much longer?” He whined.

“It’s been like two minutes, dumbass.” She retorted from behind the curtain. “Just gimme a sec.”

“How long does it take to put on one dress?” He muttered. “You know, if you need help undressing, I am happy to offer my assistance.”

“I’m gonna pretend you want to keep your balls and didn’t say that.”

“Ooh, mama’s mad.” He could almost imagine the glare she was sending him through the curtain. “All I’m saying is—” But the words were lost the second the curtain opened and he saw Kiara on the other side.

She was wearing the red dress—the one on the top of the pile. JJ didn’t even know where to focus: on the slit that ran up her leg and made them look never-ending, or the way that it clung onto her body so perfectly like it was made for her, or how the crimson colour complimented her skin and made her look absolutely stunning. He was pretty sure some higher power was laughing down at him and the stuttering mess he had become.

“Uh, yeah,” He mumbled, scratching his nose. “You...it…yeah.”

Kiara smiled a little. “Yeah?”

“That one, should definitely wear that one.” He finally got out, gulping a little before he finally looked up at her.

“I still have five more dresses to try one.” She narrowed her eyes at him before she turned back around, closing the curtain behind him.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” He let out a sigh, running his hands over his face. He could barely survive one dress, let alone five more.

The next hour or so seemed to pass excruciatingly slow. JJ was pretty sure he was in hell and this was his torture, having to watch Kie model all these dresses and look jaw-droppingly beautiful and not be able to do anything about it. It was like the universe decided being stuck in the friend-zone wasn’t bad enough.

Eventually, she was done and sent him to wait outside whilst she paid for the dress she chose. He wasn’t sure it was a blessing or not that he didn’t know which one she would wear. Maybe because he knew that he wouldn’t be the only one that would see her in that dress, and unlike himself, maybe they had a chance.

When Kie exited the store, she gave him a grin before she began tugging his hand as they headed towards a store across the street—further away from the dock where he suspected they would be going.

“Did Cinderella remember she needed some glass slippers?” He teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

“No,” She turned to give him a wink. “She just remembered that her Prince Charming needs a suit.” He tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as he convinced himself that she was just joking back with him.

You see, JJ was so caught up on the dazed state he felt after seeing Kie in all those dresses that it took him up until he was being shoved into the dressing room that he realised what it all meant. She was taking him to the charity gala. He was her date to the charity gala. And just when JJ assumed the torturing couldn’t get worse.

That was how JJ found himself standing amongst some of the richest people on the island, champagne glass in hand as he and John B tried to ignore the judgemental glares being sent their way. They had been told they would meet their dates at the gala, and now both of them were really regretting that plan.

“I don’t know, dude, she never said she was taking you as a friend. Maybe it does mean something.” John B suggested, sparking a little flame of hope in JJ that he quickly extinguished.

“She also never said that we weren’t going as friends.” He muttered with a shrug, downing the rest of the bubbly liquid with one gulp.

“You both are the most oblivious people, I swear.” John B huffed with a shake of his head. “And that’s coming from me of all people.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“THAT!” John B exclaimed, although after receiving some pointed looks, he quickly lowered his voice. “You just proved my p—holy shit!”

JJ’s head snapped around just in time to see Kiara and Sarah at the top of the stairs, however, the blond couldn’t even bring himself to look at the middle Cameron, his eyes were completely drawn to Kie.

And she was in that fucking red dress.

If JJ was struggling for words when he saw her in the dressing room, he was absolutely rendered speechless now. She looked beautiful—no, better than beautiful. She looked like a goddess. JJ had to pinch himself as she walked down the steps towards him just to make sure he was actually alive and hadn’t just died and went to heaven.

And when she stepped off the final step, she couldn’t help but smirk as she placed a finger under his chin. “Better shut your mouth, you’re catching flies, Jay.”

Oh, he was definitely dead.

JJ wasn’t sure how long had passed but he could barely take his eyes off her, and it seems like the other guests couldn’t either. He hated the jealousy that flared up inside him, mostly because he knew that he had no right to feel this way. But that didn’t stop him.

He tried to be subtle about it: stayed by her side for the whole night, casually had his arm around her in any situation he could, made sure to give slightly pointed looks to anyone that stared a little too long at Kiara. He thought he was being subtle but Kiara noticed. Of course she noticed, she wasn’t blind.

They finally had a moment together when they were on the dance floor, a slow song playing around them as the couples populated the dance floor. They were surrounded by people and yet, they still felt like they were in their own bubble.

“So, how pissed is your mum?” He asked, a small smirk on his lips. However, he noticed her confused glance and quickly continued. “You know, that you brought me and not some kook eye candy.”

“I’d say you offer better eye candy than any of them could.” She commented with a small laugh. “But, surprisingly, she wasn’t too bothered. She expected it.”

His eyebrows furrowed together. “She did?”

“Jay…” She trailed off, her hands around his neck faltering a little as she stopped moving, now just staring at him.

“Have I told you how breath-taking you look?” JJ spoke up, desperate to change the topic of conversation. “I mean, I hate to say I told you so but you do look pretty hot in red—”

“JJ.” She said in a soft but firm voice. “Why do you think I brought you as my date?”

He gulped a little, putting on that usual smile he used whenever he was uncomfortable or hurt. She hated that he was using it with her. “Just thought you wanted to get some revenge on your mum since she dragged you to this thing.” He said with a shrug. “Who better to bring into the kook-fest than good ol’ JJ Maybank, right?”

“You can be really dense sometimes, Maybank.” She muttered, her words contradicting the soft expression on her face.

“What?” His voice barely a whisper. They both stood still in the middle of the dance floor, faces inches away from each other.

“I like you, Jay.” She whispered, smiling at him. “And I invited you because I thought you’d finally catch the hint.”

JJ looked at her, mouth slightly agape as he tried to process what she saying. “Y-You like me? As in, like-like me?”

She laughed a little, nodding her head. “Yeah, I like-like you.”

His grin grew a little. “I like-like you too.”

“Good, because otherwise it would be really awkward if I did this.” She murmured before she took his face in her hands, bringing his lips down to her own.

His hands instantly tightened their hold on her waist, tugging her a little closer. They became wrapped up in one another, neither one bothered by the judgemental looks and disgust from the people around them. In that moment, it was just JJ and Kiara. Just Kiara and JJ.

When they finally pulled away from each other, foreheads pressed against each other and matching grins on their faces, JJ found himself once again believing he was dead and in heaven. “I’ve been waiting so long to do that.”

She hummed. “Me too.”

“And to tell you that your ass looks great in this dress.”

“Always the charmer.”

“Only for you.”

“Your ass looks great too in those pants.”

“I know.”

[h0esvck]

Request : Halloween sex? Thank you

It's not Halloween but who gives a fuck, I wanna dress up in cute slutty outfits rn lemme be

Namjoon

You had decided on the outfits for Namjoon and you to wear to the idol Halloween party tonight. When he was handed a wolf outfit (which even had a collar) he got an idea of what the couples costume was about, but nothing could've prepared him for how sexy and cute you looked when you came out of the bathroom. And just like how oblivious and innocent Little Red Riding Hood was, so were you to the way Namjoon was hungrily staring at you, practically licking his lips at the sight of you. "Ready to go?" You asked with an innocent smile as you grabbed your bag of things. "Yes, I'm ready," he said subtly implying he was more than ready to fuck the living hell out of you.

You hum as you drive to the party before walking inside hanging off Namjoon's arm, your big bad wolf who would do anything to protect you rathed than hurt you. You showed off your outfits with a cute smile that could melt anyone's heart. And it truly did melt Namjoon's but at the end of the night Namjoon was still a man, and he still desired to have you, naked and trembling beneath him as he makes you cum so hard around his cock. So that's what he did. As soon as you got home he was upon you like a wolf and it's prey. Ironic considering your outfits. He started with pinning you down on his big bed, and forwarding your legs, laying them over his shoulders as he ate you out until you came. You were still moaning and twitchy from the pleasure of your orgasm when he began to fuck you into the mattress while still wearing his collar. "O-oh god," your back arched and you clenched around him, panting heavily and whining his name as he fucked you so good, hitting all the perfect spots to make you cum again. "God, Namjoon youre gonna makd me cum-!" Your back arches and he leans down and kisses you, fucking you harder and deeper to make you whimper and scream in pleasure. You cum again and Namjoon pulls out before turning you on your belly and fucking you from behind whispering dirty things in your ear. "Is this what you imagined when picking out our outfits? Big bad wolf corners you in his bed and fucks you silly?" He goes faster and you cry out, your pussy sensitive from cumming twice. "Bad girl, such a bad girl, gonna eat you all up," he smacks your ass making your head jerk.

You cum another two times before he's satisfied and cums as well. Your pussy was definitely sore after that, but you didn't give a single fuck.

Seokjin

Seokjin grins as he fixes his collar in the mirror, he has the fake fangs in and blood running down his chin. His hair is styled up and he has contacts in that make his eyes shimmer red in the perfect lighting. He looks absolutely dashing in his medieval vampire costume, it fits him so well and he knows it. He continues to stare at himself into the mirror as he calls your name to come out in your outfit he chose as well. "(Y/N)!~" he calls. "The party starts soon, and I'd like to meet up with the boys early for photos so I can show off my girlfriend to them," he is subtly asking you to hurry up in the bathroom. You smile as you hear him, youre applying vibrant red lipstick as you speak. "Almost done dear~" you finish your make up and you open the door to see Jin checking himself out. You snicker and walk up behind him, hugging him from behind. "Mmm, you look good, " he turns and looks at you before his eyes widen. "And you look," he takes your waist in his hand. "You look even better."

"Is that so?" You raise a brow with a giggle and he smiles. "I'd rather show you than tell you how amazing you look," he leans down and kisses your lip, getting some of the fake blood on your chin. You also had two fake puncture wounds in your neck with blood dripping out for where Jin had bitten you.

He grabs your waist with both hands and turns you to slam you up against the lifesize mirror. "I'll have you dripping with more than blood," he said before kissing you, fondling your breasts and making you moan. He doesn't even take off your clothes, he pushes your skirt up and he and slides your panties to the side where he slides in and fucks you. "O-oh Jin," you whimper and bite you lip as he fucks you against the mirror. You hold onto his wide shoulders for dear life as he fucks you at speeds that felt inhuman, god you were gonna cum so fucking hard. You were so wet and dripping just like Jin had predicted. Maybe something about Jin being a vampire made sense, he never seemed to age and he was just sexy as fuck. Oh fuck, imagining Seokjin as a vampire had your toes curling as you came.

He pulled out and came as well, panting and kissing you with a smile. He checked his watch and his eyes widened, "shit we're gonna be late!" You two hurry to put yourselves back together before meeting up with the others boys, except it's more than obvious what had happened before you showed up. You two subtly get teased about it the whole night.

Yoongi

Yoongi looks at his mint green hair and he chuckles. "You really like the mint don't you?" You smile and nod as you look at your hair in pigtails with the ends dipped in pink and blue dye making them perfect for your costumes. You were the Joker and Harley Quinn and you bith looked amazing. Yoongi even let you put the temporary tattoo's of the jokers on him, it was so so sexy. "Come on let's go," he grabs his leather jacket but you just giggle and push him back onto the couch. "Tha party can wait for us." You wink and he raises a brow a small knowing grin on his face. "Oh is that so?"

You end up in his lap, your shorts off and stockings still on (a hole in the crotch though) bouncing on his cock. "You're my little slut aren't you?" He chuckles gripping your hips tighter and you moan. "All yours puddin'!" You wink and hips jerk as you get close. "G-gonna cum," you say and Yoongi recahes between your legs to rub your throbbing clit until you come undone on his lap. You pant and rest your head on his chest after he pulls out and cums as well. "We should go now," you say, your make up being messed up not a big deal when Harley's make up is always messed up anyways.

Hoseok

Hoseok doesn't get to see you until he shows up at the party. He had to come late because he was busy, but when he came and found you laning against the hood of a car looking all sexy as you talk to some of his friends he was definitely turned on. "Well fuck," he mumbles and walks over, his pants seeming just a bit tighter than they were before.

You spot him and smile. "Hoseok!" You get up and kiss him sweetly. "You look, hot baby," you promise and he chuckles shamelessly putting his hand on your ass, "I could say the same for you," he winks and you swat his hand away playfully before going to get you both drinks. Later during the party, Hoseok has you in the bathroom, making out with you furiously as he gropes you all over through your sexy clothes. "Goodness fuck baby," he grinds against you and you bite your lip to muffle a moan. "Need this off, NOW" he says and you nod pulling down the zipper all the way down to your crotch where he sees you in a thong. "Oh fuck (Y/N) I'm gonna cum in my pants if you get any hotter," he pushes your clothes down and he bends you over the sink and begisn to fuck you over it. You had to bite your hand to muffle your noises of pleasure as Hoseok grunted behind you, fucking your tight little hole so good you were dripping down your thighs. Hoseok pulls out and cums on your ass before kneeling down and eating you out until you cum, squirming and moaning his name as your legs shake from pleasure. "Good girl," he smacks your ass and helps you wipe his cum off of yourself before fixing your outfit and going back out to party. Only the other members were close enough to Hoseok to know he had just fucked his girlfriend. They could see it in the way his skin glowed, haply cocky macho man. You went home and fucked again after the party.

Jimin

You and Jimin had decided to show up at the Halloween party as Eric and Ariel. You were so cute together, Jimin with his bouncy black hair and you in your pretty shimmery mermaid tail skirt and cute purple seashell bra. Little did you know your cute outfit was driving Jimin insane. It just reminded Jimin of how much he loved you and your body and how much he wanted to appreciate it. But you were having so much fun talking to the other girls and giggling about god knows what, so he controlled himself for the duration of the party. He hangs out with the boys, has a few drinks and snacks, and when the party is over you two go home. You're tired and want to go to sleep, except you aren't given the chance when Jimin is all over you kissing you in the hallway to the bedroom and groping you like this would be his last chance to ever touch you. "J-Jimin!" You yelp when he hikes up your skirt before you can even get in the bedroom and his hand is between your lets, caressing you through you panties and making you shiver.

"Good god baby you looked so good tonight, I had to control myself from taking you right then and there in front of everyone like a wild animal." He kisses you again. "Fuck, you're in for a sleepless night," he says and you whimper and nod spreading your legs more when he brushes over your clit. "Don't- don't wanna sleep when I can be with you" he looks at you, still for a moment before pushing you into his room and onto hie bed where he kneels and begins to eat you out like the princess you are, giving you everything you deserve and more. Park Jimin was damn thirsty that night and only you could quench his thirst. So you did.

Taehyung

Taehyung is absolutely in LOVE with these outfits for the party, in fact, he loves them so much he asked everyone's opinions on them while you were there. It made you embarrassed but you had to admit the outfits were really cute. You were dressed up as Emily and Victor from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. You both looked cute but you had worn a blue gem plug tonight and it was making you hornier with every step. You tried getting Taehyung's attention a few times but he was so busy with the members you gave up. You'd wait till you got home.

When you did get home you did a dramatic lazy stretch and began taking off your dress in front of Taehyung. "I've been so hot the whole night," you toss your bra aside and then begin to push down your panties which makes Taehyung's eyes widen. "And this darn plug," you kick your panties to the side, completely naked now. "It's been bothering me all night," you bend over in front of him a bit and pull your cheek aside for him to see the pretty blue gem plug. Taehyubg swallows, mouth dry and dick hard in his pants. "If only there was someone to help with it," you stand back up and look at him before smiling. "What?" You ask and he swallows again. "I-I can help," he says and you hum. "Can you? You've been ignoring me all night..." You pout and he lightly glares before pulling your hips forward so you're standing in front of him, hips level with his face making you blush because you're naked. "That was obviously a mistake," he grabs a cheek in both hands, spreading them apart making you gasp. "Now get on the bed, ass up because I wanna see your pretty plug as I fuck you from behind." You blush and nod before leaning down and kissing him before doing as he said. Oh and he did fuck you from behind. Fast and hard and making you cum so hard... Three times.

Jungkook

Jungkook had chosen the outfits since you really didn't wanna be an overwatch character for him so this was the next best thing. It was cute and badass and sexy and you got to ogle your boyfriend's abs all night long. It was a win for you and your uh, sexual fantasies.

Thankful those fantasies of Jungkook taking you and fucking the hell out of you didn't have to stay fantasies long. Jungkook had been ogling you the whole duration of the party as well. So when he cornered you in the hallway and pulled you into the closet, making out with you heavily it was like a dream come true.

"God, you look so fucking hot tonight," he pulls your bra down exposing your breasts and he leans down and kisses and gropes them, sucking your nipples and making you sigh and moan. "I could say the same for you," you say breathlessly as you undo the buttons on his pants. "I can't tell you how many times I imagined you fucking me tonight," you whispered and he groaned, "oh fuck," he quickly yanks down your pants and your underwear with it. He picks you up by your thighs and he wastes no time thrusting into you. You moan loudly and he muffles your moans by kissing you. "We're so perfect for each other," you giggle and he smiles before kissing you again and thrusting fast and hard into you. "So hot baby, so hot and wet for me," he makes you whimper with his words. "That this poor neglected pussy been clenching and throbbing, thinking about my cock all night? Hmm baby girl?" He thrusts hard and your back arches. "Yes-! Yes!" You moan and your toes curl in your boots. "Good, because my cock has been missing your pussy all night,"

You fuck in the closet and afterwards you two are so giggly and acting almost drunk you're high off the pleasure of having sex in public and successfully getting away with it. Neither of you noticed the scratches down Jungkook's back, but everyone else did.

A week later Jungkook gets a letter from BigHit telling him to please refrain from doing such things in the BigHit building. You both want to crawl in a hole from embarrassment.

Masterlist ⛥彡

Hyung's outfits

Maknae's outfits

[tevivinter]

"You’re baking cookies in the communal kitchen at 3 am and I’m angry but also really hungry and need someone to vent to, you conveniently solve all my problems" for Dorian x Marel?

part two of university au for @midnightprelude and @dadrunkwriting​! i’m afraid this deviated a little from the original prompt but i hope you like it! :D

The smell of freshly baked cookies is what drew Dorian towards the kitchen. That, and the curiosity to know who in their right mind wanted to bake at 3 am. He went downstairs quietly, his steps barely making any sound as he approached the communal kitchen - or so he thought.

“Who’s there?” Dorian stopped at the corridor for a moment, partially because he wasn’t expecting to be discovered so soon - but mostly because he recognized that voice. “You can come out already, Sera.” 

Well, that was something.

Dorian took the opportunity to step closer, leaning his left shoulder against the doorframe. His lips curled into a small smile when he spotted Marel sitting - or rather, slouching - on a stool, the upper half of his body almost lying over the nearest counter. “It seems we are prone to meet at late hours, Marel.”

They had met for the first time two weeks ago. Marel blinked, the surprise clear on his face as he stared back at Dorian. “Dorian. Hey.” He quickly straightened his posture, frowning. “What are you doing here?”

Dorian shrugged, his tone light as he checked his nails. “Oh, you know, just wandering aimlessly through the corridors. I heard some students believe these halls are haunted - all the more reason to scare freshmen around, don’t you think?”

Marel placed his phone on the counter before giving him a bored look. “So you basically can’t sleep,” he said, ignoring Dorian’s attempt to joke.

Someone is very grumpy tonight, Dorian thought. “To put it mildly, yes.” He stepped away from the doorframe and into the kitchen. “Mind if I join you for a moment?”

It was Marel’s turn to shrug. “No.” His gaze soon dropped to the floor, and Dorian was quick to notice that something was bothering him. Marel let out a tormented sigh after a moment of silence, running his fingers through his hair. “You’re probably wondering why I’m baking cookies at this hour.”

“Well, I would be lying if I said this wasn’t intriguing to say the least.” Dorian sat on another stool next to Marel’s, facing him as they talked.

“My sister is coming to visit me tomorrow,” Marel continued. “I wanted to buy her a gift or something but I didn’t have the time to do that. So...” He gestured vaguely towards the oven. “I’m doing these instead. It’s her favorite recipe but chances are I’m gonna fuck it up.” He rolled his eyes, voice heavy with frustration. “It will probably taste like shit.”

Dorian held his cheek as he listened, his arm resting over the counter. He didn’t know Marel had a sister until that very moment. Still, the fact that he was doing all of that just to surprise her was undeniably sweet. “Not much of a cook, are you?”

“Not really." Marel checked his phone for a second before glancing back at Dorian. "What about you?"

"I can cook a few things, but truth be told I'm better off tasting food and judging it." Dorian gave him a convinced smirk, gesturing vaguely with his free hand. "I would make a wonderful judge for those cooking reality shows, mind you."

Marel huffed a chuckle, feeling the corners of his mouth lift a little bit. There was something about Dorian that made him feel more at ease - maybe it was his sense of humor or his charming nature.

Or maybe it was his ability to look extremely handsome even at 3am. Marel glanced at Dorian's robes, the black fabric effortlessly hugging his skin with golden details on its sleeves and neck. Even his damned sleeping wear looked fancy, but this shouldn't even be a surprise at this point. Marel quickly glanced away to avoid being too obvious.

"Okay then." Marel hopped out of his stool to fetch a mitten. "Let's see what you think about these cookies."

Dorian raised a brow, his gaze following Marel as he went towards the oven. "You just said they are likely to taste like shit. Not exactly encouraging if you ask me," he said sarcastically.

"That was just me being realistic." Marel opened the oven and took the pan out of it with his gloved hand. Dorian couldn't help but take a peek, the sight of fresh chocolate dipped cookies making his stomach growl in protest. Marel shot him a look before putting the tray on the counter. "But it's okay if you don't want to do it."

Dorian could recognize a challenge anywhere, and that was definitely one. "Kaffas, hurry up and give them to me. You're speaking as if these cookies are radioactive."

"And you're speaking like someone who's dying of hunger," Marel teased.

"I'm not-" Dorian was about to protest when his stomach growled once again, this time even louder so that both of them could hear. He pinched the bridge of his nose impatiently, listening to the sound of Marel's chuckle from the other side of the kitchen. "Alright, fine. There's a chance I might be a little hungry," he admitted, stubbornness still ringing in his voice.

"You could have said that from the beginning." Marel picked a bowl from the cupboard and filled it with some cookies. Then he approached Dorian and handed it over to him. "Go on. Judge me," he challenged, leaning against the counter behind him.

Dorian glanced at the bowl's content and then back at Marel, taking in the sight of his golden eyes for a second. "If you insist." He fetched one cookie with the tips of his fingers, holding it mid-air to have a better look - although his attention quickly went back to Marel. “Looks appealing in an austere kind of way. I happen to fancy the sight quite a lot.”

Marel frowned. “Are you joking? They look ordinary at best,” he said, fully aware of the cookies’ average appearance.

“They do, yes.” Dorian agreed, his amused smile reaching his eyes. “But I wasn’t talking about the cookies.”

“Then why-” Marel was about to complain when he suddenly connected the dots. For fuck’s sake, Dorian was talking about him. Marel stared at the man with a dumbfounded expression, his face blushing furiously under his silvery gaze. He crossed his arms in hopes of looking less like an idiot. “Right. Guess I should have specified,” he mumbled, awkwardly glancing at the floor while Dorian ate.

“The cookies are good,” Dorian said after a short moment of silence, placing the bowl on the counter and pushing it lightly towards Marel. “You shouldn’t worry about it. Why don’t you have some?”

Marel spotted the movement with the corner of his eyes. Just knowing that he didn’t screw things up was enough to lift the weight off his shoulders. “I’m not really into chocolate,” he shrugged. “That’s why I wanted your opinion.” Only then Marel noticed that the bowl was still almost full. He frowned. “Aren’t you going to eat the rest of it?”

Dorian shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but these are meant for your sister. It’s best if you keep them.”

Marel rolled his eyes. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I still got a pan full of cookies. Trust me, no one’s eating all of that.” He uncrossed his arms and returned the bowl to Dorian, taking a few steps towards him to do so. “Besides, your stomach was growling like an ogre. No use denying it.”

Dorian groaned with the last comment. “Your kind words are truly impressive,” he said sarcastically before starting to eat another cookie. “But thank you.”

“No problem.” Marel crossed the kitchen to grab the pan. Dorian watched as he moved each cookie into the same large pot, taking care not to damage them or something. It was honestly cute to see him so focused in that task - Dorian couldn’t force himself to look away. After all, he did mean it when he said that Marel was good looking. He was tall, at least 6’2 by the looks of it, with broad shoulders and an athletic build. Dorian soon found himself to be distracted by Marel’s toned arms, his mind distantly wondering about the origin of all those scars.

“So what made you come here at this hour?” Marel asked, still too focused to even notice Dorian staring at him. “And don’t say you’re out to scare freshmen,” he added.

“And here I thought I had a perfectly convincing answer,” Dorian joked. Still, his smile was short lived despite his attempt of humor. He held back a sigh, holding a half-bitten cookie in the air. “I had an argument with my mother. Nothing out of ordinary at this point, truly.”

Marel let out a breathless laugh, his tone bitter. “Guess we’re not so different then.” He looked at Dorian once the cookie pot was completely filled. “Wanna talk about it? I’m bored and I still need to wash this mess, so...”

As tempting as that could be, Dorian didn’t want to burden Marel with his problems. It was too late for any of that. “Perhaps another time.” He stood up from the stool, bringing the now empty bowl with him as he approached the kitchen sink. “Shall we talk about your meeting with your sister instead? I can help you with the dishes in the meantime,” Dorian offered.

Marel surely wasn’t expecting to hear that, but he certainly wouldn’t complain about receiving help. “Sure.” He took one step aside so that Dorian could use the other side of the sink.

And so they chatted for a while, finding the night to be less shitty than before.

[passable-talent]

Ok ok ok something new... a zuko and maybe azula story about the reader, who is a servant at the palace, who tries her best to fill ursa’s shoes after she’s banished. They feel bad for the kids and they do everything they can as a servant to become a parent/older sibling figure of sorts. Little scenarios of a sleep deprived, crackhead energy fueled teenager looking after two unpredictable children sounds downright hilarious to me 😂. You can make this as fluffy or as angsty as you want!

• • •

Mostly, things were okay after Lady Ursa left.

‘Okay’ was a general term, as two children had just lost their mother. It was very hard, on the staff who loved her, and on the Fire Nation as a whole, but mostly it was hard for her two children. After all, Prince Zuko was only eleven, and Princess Azula only nine.

You had been one of Lady Ursa’s most trusted servants, similar to a Lady in Waiting. You were reassigned, after her disappearance, to look more closely after the young prince and princess. Not as a primary caregiver, of course, but to attend them similarly to how you once had the fire lady.

You took the opportunity happily, and intended to do your best for them. They’d lost their mother, and of course you had no intention to replace her, but you knew that they still needed the support from a more gentle figure than their father.

• • •

“Princess Azula!” You called, running after her down the halls. “You know that your father doesn’t appreciate your running inside the palace!” Azula looked over her shoulder as she ran, giggling. She knew it was against the rules, but found it fun anyway. “We have a courtyard, I’d be happy to invite Ty Lee or Mai to play with you!” Azula stopped and turned to you, her head cocked forward with the sassiness of a confident young girl.

“They’re not as fun, Y/N, as it is to make you chase me.” You sighed as you caught up to her and caught your breath, offering her a smile. She and her brother both got too much scolding and frowning from her father, and you wouldn’t be a source of it as well.

“I’m glad you enjoy my company for something,” you said, and she took off down the hall again with a bright smile.

• • •

Princess Azula seemed less affected by the loss of her mother than Prince Zuko, who took it quite hard. For days he moped around, attending to his training and schooling with silence and focus that allowed for no fun, or smiles. You couldn’t blame him, but your heart broke for him.

“Prince Zuko,” you said softly as you entered the doorway of his bedchamber, “Mai and Ty Lee have come to play with Azula in the courtyard. Perhaps you would like to join them?” You wanted to give him every oppurtunity to reach out to you, to find comfort in you, because that’s what he deserved and needed to get through this. But he just sat on his bed and held the knife his uncle had sent him.

“No thanks,” he said, and slowly you took steps into the bedroom, knowing that he could order you to leave at any time.

“My prince,” you said gently, trying to be as kind and nonthreatening as you could, “I think it would be very beneficial if you spent time with your sister. Your father has been very busy, but she’s right here, and you can still have fun with her and her friends.” He looked away from you, not that he’d been looking toward you in the first place.

“Another time, Y/N,” he said, and you nodded, leaving him alone.

Your heart broke for him- he was such a sweet boy, and didn’t deserve to have his mother taken from him this early.

• • •

“Y/N!” Azula shouted, running across the courtyard from the turtle duck pond, “Zuko hit one of the turtle ducks!”

“I did not!” Zuko yelled before you could even look up. Deep down inside, you groaned- this was going to be a fun little discussion.

“Did too!” Azula shouted back, and you stepped in between the two. You look away from them for one second while they’re seated side by side at the pond, and all hell breaks loose.

Because Agni likes to laugh at you.

“Prince, Princess, we’re going to take turns. Princess Azula, what did you say happened?” You heard Zuko huff at not being asked first, but you were more worried about what would have happened if Azula had been slighted in the same way.

“He threw a big piece of bread right at it,” she said, with authority in her tone. You turned to Zuko, who seemed to be fuming.

“She’s lying!” He said, and you fixed him with a long-suffering expression.

“Prince Zuko, what do you think happened?” Upon being asked to share, he did look aside with a bit of shame.

“I didn’t mean to hit it, I just wanted to give it the bread.”

“There, see?” You said, smiling as you took a step from the two of them. “It was an accident. But Prince Zuko, do remember to feed them smaller pieces, and then this wouldn’t happen. We’ve talked about this, remember?” He nodded and sulked away, moving away from the pond, fearful that he’d get bitten if he got too close.

• • •

General Iroh had invited you for tea on one of your days off, and you gladly took the time to sit and converse with him. He was the most wise individual you’d ever met, and valued his opinion on almost anything.

“I think you’re very noble,” he said, taking a sip, “to do what you’ve done for these past years.” You raised the cup to your lips with a tilt of your head.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve noticed how you look after the prince and princess. I think it has helped them recover from their mother’s disappearance, and I’m glad that you could be there for them.” You smiled as you tasted the tea again.

“Thank you, General,” you said, and you set down the cup for a moment. “Though, to be honest, I’m not sure how much of a difference it’s made. I think that once her mother disappeared, Princess Azula was set on a very harmful path. She’s so gifted, and talented, but she seems...” you trailed off, and shook your head. “I shouldn’t speak of my princess like so.” Iroh smiled at you and nudged your cup back toward you.

“All you can hope to be is a guiding force, Y/N. And you are being an exceptional role model. The prince and princess are lucky to have you.”

• • •

The Fire Lord rarely made appearances before the general public, but today was Princess Azula’s birthday, and so there was to be a brief speech about her skills and talent as an heir to the throne. You knew that as Fire Lord Ozai’s favorite, his praise would be honest, even if focused in some of the wrong areas.

She was to wear a formal robe, and have her hair done. You allowed some of her Ladies in Waiting to dress her, but you wanted to do her hair yourself. You waited in the spa for her to return with her robe adorned, and you smiled when she entered.

“You look beautiful,” you told the young princess, and her expression didn’t change as she walked to a chair seated in front of you.

You styled her hair gently, years of practice keeping you from ever tugging it, even accidentally. She had beautiful, thick hair, and you pulled it back into a top knot to rest the headpiece of the crowned princess within. Gently you pulled two locks out on either side of her forehead to frame her face, just as Lady Ursa had always done.

“There you go,” you said with a smile, “all ready. You’ll have boys all over the fire nation falling for you.” A scowl deepened on her face, and you grew concerned.

“What’s the matter, Princess?”

“You’re not my mom, stop trying to act like it.” With that she stood and marched to where her palanquin was waiting.

You merely stared after her, and hoped that she wouldn’t always harbor such anger.

• • •

“I just can’t do it!” Prince Zuko shouted, having stumbled once again during a firebending form that involved a kick. He dropped to the ground and pouted. “I’ll never be as good as Azula.” You closed the book you had been reading in the grass and turned your attention to him, shaking your head.

“You know, I remember when she said the same about you.” His gaze came up to yours, and you nodded.

“Yes, it’s true,” you said, “when you began your firebending training, and she hadn’t yet presented as a bender. She was quite jealous of you.” He turned his head to the side and began picking at the grass.

“That doesn’t matter,” he said, and you shrugged.

“Maybe. But things change, my prince. You’ll learn, because you have passion, and perseverance. She’s a strong bender, sure, but you have that strength too. You’ve just got to find it, somewhere inside you.” You paused, and narrowed your eyes playfully. “It’s probably right underneath your belly button.” The comment was odd enough to make him laugh, and you were happy that you had brought a smile back to his face.

If you could keep doing that forever, then maybe these kids would turn out okay.

• • •

-🦌 Roe

[falle-ness]

⭐️ for the director’s cut ask!

Thanks for the ask!

I don't have many of fics to choose from, and I love all of my children fics no matter how sometimes undercooked they are :D

One of my fics I keep going back to in terms of imagery and appreciation of symbolism, is The Devil To Pay. My dear comrade and confidante @yddraigwyllt helped me to cook it up.

It's a pre-canonical AU which sheds light on what happened in Brussels.

Except the "interior" of this fic, I absolutely love how my dear co-author, Gwyllt @yddraigwyllt, has come up with the names for the chapters. They are formulas/definitions related to electric charge, field, and potential in physics. And do they reflect each chapter, oh my. This addition gives another layer to the story, which is already rich in terms of character development and psychology.

I can't cite the last scene because of spoilers, though I love it a lot for its cinematic nature:

Ressler, lying on the floor, is covered with Reddington's windbreaker, his body bruised from the baseball bat hits, burned from the defibrillator. He's looking Reddington straight in the eye while Red points Ressler's own gun at him.

But there's another scene I'd enjoyed both researching and writing—Ressler's waterboarding scene. Yeah, my tastes are quite unconditional :D

18+, triggers, and all that.

Red laughs softly and then glances at Brimley's back—he throws his hands up and down, enunciating his orders to the guards. They seat Ressler on a chair and lay him down on his back. He, of course, puts up a fight. Across his chest, stiff rope threads are tightening when he tries to shake off the guard's elbow.

Brimley dampens a cloth with water and then quickly covers Ressler's face. At once, another goon squeezes the agent's temples so Ressler won't jerk his head up. Nodding at the guards to be on the qui vive, Brimley takes a small canister and pours the water on Ressler.

Ressler coughs. Not hard at first because Brimley pours out the water bit by bit, asking questions in between.

Red draws himself closer. Right on time: despite the guard's effort, Ressler's head rhythmically bangs against the floor, and a gurgling sound leaves his throat, like soap bubbles blowing on the inside. When the water stops for an instant, Ressler hungrily gasps for air, his mouth opening and closing under the thick cloth.

Reddington, squatted on the ground, asks quietly:

“Your government doesn't consider it torture, Agent Ressler. And what is your opinion?” He doesn't see the face—the agent's lips are mouthing the words under the wet cloth.

In the fourth minute, Ressler screams his head off as if a dog has bitten down on his balls. He screams but doesn't answer any questions.

The research took me watching the 'fake' waterboarding controlled by pros and done on dummies. I also read the interview of a journalist who was brave enough to actually try it (under the supervision of the military). And I watched the vid where they waterboard the guy.

Now, since I was almost drowned in my childhood by some dickheads, one might think I'd be triggered or scared. Instead, I've learned (@yddraigwyllt Gwyllt, thank you!!) that the most authentic writing is the one which comes from you. Even if it's your fear or traumatic experience. Better put it onto the page then let it rot you on the inside.

We've talked with Gwyllt about what tortures would Red choose and whether he'd enjoy them; we agreed that Red doesn't take pleasure in that, tortures are just an instrument to get the information.

The audience watches the narrative unfold from Red's eyes—I tried to portray some bits and pieces of his daily routine, his wealth, him weaving his cobweb of influence across the continents. During the torture Ressler doesn't say much, and yet I'd love to think all the important things between them have been said with their eyes.

Their odd bond, formed under such circumstances, and thanks to my co-author, perfectly captured in a nuanced way, is why I love these two in the first place.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt.40

Lance was acting like a scatterbrain and he knew it. With Keith’s piercing purple eyes watching him, he felt so self conscious over his every move that he’d already klutzed up half a dozen times. They’d touched... more than touched. Keith had jerked them both off and now he couldn’t remember how to act like a human being. And Keith had skipped to calling him his boyfriend. Not his “maybe boyfriend” or his “kind of boyfriend”, but his boyfriend. His like they were together. Like they were a perfectly normal couple. A perfectly normal couple that’d fooled around... thanks to his body being stupid. Thankfully Keith didn’t speak Spanish, so had no idea what’d been babbling, but that didn’t mean Lance was about to forget begging Keith to make him come.

Slicing the potatoes, Keith sat on the kitchen counter watching on. Before Keith came along, there was a very strict no arses on his counters or tables. Lance didn’t know why he didn’t snap at Keith for it, but he couldn’t bring himself to send him to sit at the kitchen table. Lance was attempting to apologise by making a big dinner to celebrate everyone being there, and everyone knew the secret to the perfect roast potatoes was getting them into the oven an hour or so before the meat went in, once they were seasonsed and coated with oil. Using too much force, the wooden chopping board cracked under the slice. There didn’t seem to be much difference between applying too little, and too much, force. His senses going haywire, or maybe because he was so focused on Keith, he couldn’t regulate the amount of force to use

“Something you want to say?”

Lance bit down a sigh at Keith’s question. He was looking lame all over again

“Potatoes suck”

“Are you sure it’s the potatoes?”

“Fairly...”

“You look flustered. Is your body, okay?”

“It’s fine. I’m fine”

“You broke the chopping board. I’m pretty sure you’re not fine”

“It’s nothing. Just having a little trouble controlling my strength”

“Do you want me to take over? I can do the vegetables while you check on your pasta dish?”

Hunk was usual cooking wingman. Keith had proven he wasn’t a great cook, but he didn’t want to hurt Keith’s feelings by implying he couldn’t do something as simple as slicing potatoes. He could start making the sides, and giving Keith a job meant not having his boyfriend watching him...

“Yeah. Divide and conquer. I’ll start on the sides while you finish the potatoes. We’re probably going to need like half the bag, and then the pumpkin needs cutting up”

Sliding off the bench, Keith bumped him with his hip. Lance trying not to let himself spiral as he placed the knife down on the edge of the broken board

“I’ve got this. You do what you need to”

“Try not to make the pieces too big”

“I make no guarantees”

Dinner had to be perfect. At least as perfect as the night he’d had Shay over. He might not be the greatest people person, but serving a bad meal was like insulting his guests and he’d done enough of that

“If they’re too big they won’t cook through”

“I’ve been watching. I’ll just copy what you did”

Keith’s watching was what had been the problem. The hunter had led him to his bathroom where they’d kissed some more in the shower. Lance felt like that had been too fast, especially seeing Keith could be damn handsy in the shower. Dream Lance was like a sex god, real Lance had been lamer than a horse with a limp. He’d had no idea what to do, neither did Keith. Unfortunately if he was unlucky any future sex dream was now going to be as slow and awkward as he was upstairs... though he did have the memory of Keith above for the rest of his life... so that was nice

“Right. Okay... okay. Sorry, I’m being a stress head”

“Idiot crumpet. I think that’s the preferred term”

Lance felt himself smiling like a dope. Talk about pathetic

“You’re sounding more and more like me every day”

Keith faked a sway

“You wound me”

Lance felt himself crack, snorting with laughter. He knew Keith was trying to make him feel better and appreciated it, though he did wish he wasn’t so thinned skinned about things

“And now you’re mocking me. Thanks for that”

“You asked for it”

Lance pouted. His nervousness was ebbing away now that things seemed to be okay between them... Keith wasn’t acting like he’d been awful in bed... He really was terrible at over thinking

“You’re such a dick”

“What’s that?”

Huffing, Lance mumbled

“You can suck my dick”

Keith let out a laugh, Lance feeling all dopey again at the sound. Emotions were weird things. He’d gone from embarrassed to paranoid, paranoid to perking up, perking up to smiling, and smiling into a brainless dope

“Maybe not right now in the middle of the kitchen with the house full, but I’ll keep it in mind”

Keith delivered the final blow. Lance leaning in to steal a kiss because fuck if Keith hadn’t made him feel a million times better

“What was that for?”

“Just wanted to. You better get cooking, Shiro’s going to be shocked you’re all domesticated”

“I know. I’m cooking and cleaning, training with a real life vampire and I haven’t burned the house down...”

“You did kill my toaster...”

“You kill a toaster once and they never let you hear the end of it”

“You didn’t stop Curtis from killing the second one”

Keith groaned at him

“I bought you a new one...”

“You did, and it’s very nice. So I might forgive you after I get another months teasing out of it”

“What do I have to do to end the teasing early?”

“Cut the onions for the salad?”

“Deal”

What? No. Keith wasn’t supposed to give in so fast. Onions always had Lance in tears, Hunk had shown him how he was supposed to cut them avoiding the tears but it never seemed to work for him

“Dammit! No one likes chopping onions”

“It’s fine... Now shoo, you’re interrupting my potato cutting”

*

Making dinner with someone was always more fun than cooking alone. Keith might be awful at cutting up potatoes, practically massacring them despite having said he’d been watching what Lance was doing. The results clearly said otherwise, but Lance kept his opinion to himself. Having been “forced” to help in the kitchen, Keith had grown pretty adapt to the way Lance liked things done. He’d really made vast improvements, which Lance hoped wouldn’t slip backwards once Keith moved out with Shiro. He’d told Keith he’d teach him about the undead once he’d learned enough to “human”, but it really seemed like he didn’t have that much to teach seeing he’d stayed on the outside of that world as much as possible. While Lance was happy that Keith would be back with his brother, he’d be sad to see Keith leave. Sure, the hunter still managed to get under his skin, but this last month had shown him how far determination could push a person when a little rivalry was sprinkled in. Keith was determined to do his best, even when he had no natural gifts. Everything the hunter had he’d fought for, and fought to learn. He may have been cold and aloof to start with, but Lance now kind of felt proud of how far Keith had come. Even if he was still terrible at dealing with groups of people.

Hearing footsteps, Lance braced himself for their little bubble to be burst. Keith might have only gotten mad trying to talk to Shiro, but the two of them were so close that Lance couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. That’s why Keith and Shiro making up was so important to him. He’d never forgive himself if the two brothers didn’t find a way back to what they were before they crashed his life.

“Holy shit... Keith, are you cooking?”

Pausing, Keith looked to Shiro, the man still looked wiped out

“I was trying to before you interrupted”

Lance felt his breath catch, not sure how to read what Keith had said, the feeling passing as Shiro laughed

“I never thought I’d see the day”

“Fuck you... I’ve cooked for you before”

“I remember. I remember a certain cremated roast...”

“That was then. Lance has been teaching me”

“I hope that doesn’t mean you’ve been getting in the way”

“Not even. Lance, back me up here. How many times have helped you cook dinner since Shiro left?”

He didn’t want to be drawn into the brothers squabbling

“Most nights...”

“See! Lance even lets me use the big knives”

“I can see that. Maybe leaving you here wasn’t such a bad thing after all”

“Nope. Now sit down, you’ll only be in the way if you keep standing there”

Shiro sat at the kitchen table, Lance could feel his eyes on him as he scoured the outside of the cucumber in his hand. For some reason cucumber always tasted better when scoured with a fork

“Other than cooking, anything else you two have been up to?”

Lance’s mind went immediately to what had happened in the bedroom... Shiro was supposed to be sleeping... Had they been too noisy? Keith didn’t seem to share his worry

“Just stuff. We went ghost hunting twice and down that old mineshaft... oh, and to Platt for a bit... but it’s been pretty quiet”

“Have you kept up with your training?”

“Lance has been helping. He’s much better to train with. Coran gave me some tips too”

“Knowing you, you’ve spent more time training than doing anything else”

Lance knew it was being petty, but he didn’t like the feeling that Shiro was trying to imply something without spitting it out

“Keith’s been a big help around here. He helps with all the housework, and Pidge and Hunk really like hanging out with him. Went to the movies, and the bar, plus he’s got his camera to keep him occupied. And, on top of everything, he’s been dependable given I’ve been sick”

“You have a camera?”

That’s what Shiro wanted to focus on?

“Lance bought me one. We didn’t know how long you were gone for and I was supposed to be taking photos of the house, which I couldn’t do without a camera”

“Sounds like you’ve been having a great time. Do you two want any help with dinner?”

“Lance and I have got it. We make a good team”

“You’re much closer than when I left you”

“That’s because a lot’s happened since then. I told you I like him”

“It’s great you’re making friends. Maybe Hunk and Pidge can visit us in Platt? You’d better make the most of this week. I want to get settled in Platt as soon as possible”

Lance noted how he was left out the equation. Shiro might as well be spraying to mark his territory

“You guys don’t have to rush off”

“Well, technically you were a job and we will need to check in with you regularly for the next 6 months”

What? Why? He already checked in with Coran every three weeks or so, more so if you counted phone calls

“Why?”

“Just a follow up on the complaint. You being a breeder makes things more complicated”

So Keith had told him all about that... it wasn’t a great feeling. He’d tried his hardest not to listen to the two siblings, but he could see why Keith had been angry

“I check in with Coran regularly as it is. Plus, I have Curtis here to keep an eye on me”

“Once things settle down, I’m sure that won’t be necessary. I had to pull a lot of strings to make sure Matt and Rieva could relocate here”

“I’m getting the feeling you don’t like me very much, despite using my house like a hotel”

Shiro raised an eyebrow at him. Keith gave a kind of weird twitch like he wanted to reach for him but was scared of him at the same time

“This is work related. It’s nothing personal. On a personal level I’m grateful to you for looking after Keith”

“But?”

“My brother comes first. Giving him a safe and stable home comes first, especially after I transferred us both to Platt without his permission”

Shiro almost seemed like a different person. Lance supposed there was only so much good will that went with saving someone’s life

“I get it. I’m kind of the enemy here. I suppose the sooner you get settled, the better for everyone. Keith, I’ll let you take over here. I’m going to get something to drink before dinner”

Shiro needs to take a chill pill, he’s a bad traveller and a slightly over protective brother, but Keith too the rescue again

[fandomrewrites]

Season 2; Episode 2: Shape Shifted

Hello all! I’m going to be updating every Monday starting the 17! I’m going on vacation the 5-12 which is the only reason why I will not be updating next week. If I have time I may post episode 3 tomorrow but I still have a lot to do before I leave on Wednesday. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and as always constructive criticism is appreciated!

Season 2; Episode 2: Shape Shifted

Pairings: Scott McCall x Twin Sister, Lydia Martin x Best Friend

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2,143

Season 2 Masterlist

Allison volunteered to pick Lydia and I up for school this morning. I sat in the backseat zoning out of the girl’s conversation. My mind was racing a mile a minute. I was ecstatic that my best friend was here and safe but I couldn’t shake the feeling that in the next few days a lot of bad things were going to happen.

“(Y/N/N)? (Y/N)!” I quickly whip my head around and make eye contact with Allison. “We’re here. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, sorry. Just thinking.” Allison nodded, then we opened the doors and stepped out.

As we were walking to the school entrance Allison asked Lydia, “You really don’t remember anything?”

“They called it a fugue state. Which is basically a way of saying ‘we have no idea why you can’t remember running around the woods naked for two days’. Personally, I don’t care. I lost nine pounds.”

I smile at my best friend’s confidence, “Well, I’m glad that you’re okay.”

We all pause at the entrance, “You ready for this?” Allison asks.

“Please. It’s not like my aunt was a serial killer.” My eyes widen at Lydia’s words. I quickly look at Allison and mouth ‘sorry’ before following Lydia through the open door.

As the heavy door falls shut behind us, the whole corridor becomes silent to stare at us. Allison awkwardly leans closer to us and whispers, “Maybe it’s the nine pounds.”

Lydia whips her hair around then with her head held high walks through the crowd, Allison and I by her side.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I sat next to Danny in Mr. Harris’ chemistry class, Scott and Stiles were in front of us, whispering as always. As I’m copying the notes that Harris is writing on the board Stiles leans back to ask Danny and I a question.

“Do either of you know where Jackson is?”

“I saw him heading to the Principal’s office with your dad.” I reply.

“What? Why?”

“Maybe because he lives right across the street from Isaac.” Danny replies.

Danny’s attention goes back to the board once Stiles turns around but I continue to focus on Scott and Stiles wondering why they are curious about Jackson’s whereabouts.

“Okay, everyone please turn to page-” Harris gets cut off as a crumpled up paper hits him on the back of the head. He turns around, glaring at the class, “Who the hell did that?”

Scott and Stiles point to each other, “Both of you go to the Principal’s office, Now!” I watch as they gather their bags and rush out the door. The minute the door is closed, I make a rash decision.

I quickly stand up and rush after the two boys, “Miss McCall!”

“Sorry, I need to pee!” I cringe at my lame and embarrassing excuse as I swing the door open and rush out before Harris can say anything else.

I catch up with the two boys before we reach the office. “Hey! What the hell is going on?”

Scott and Stiles jump at the sound of my voice, “Why are you-” I cut Scott off before he can finish.

“It doesn’t matter. Just tell me what’s going on.”

Scott sighs but answers, “Isaac’s dad was found dead. They think he was murdered. And Isaac is a werewolf.”

My mouth forms in ‘o’ as I take in the information.

We quickly make it to the office and wait outside for the conversation between the Sheriff and Jackson to be over.

Scott listens in and quietly tells us what’s happening. “Jackson knew that Isaac’s dad was abusing him.”

I instantly frown hearing this, poor Isaac. I never really talked to him but he always seemed so sweet. He didn’t deserve that.

“Isaac and his dad were arguing the night he was murdered.” Scott continues.

He straightens up when the conversation ends. Stiles quickly grabs a magazine and holds it up in front of his face, unsuccessfully hiding from his father.

“Hey there, Scott. (Y/N).” Sheriff Stilinski greets my brother and I.

We both smile and wave, watching as he walks away. I was about to follow after him, since I technically wasn’t supposed to be there but before I could move a voice stopped me, “Boys. Miss.”

My head turns towards the voice, Allison’s grandfather. I hover above the chair, halfway out of my seat. “I thought it was only the boys that got sent down. But if you’re skipping class I should probably talk to you too. Why don’t you wait out here?”

I awkwardly smile and sit back down as Scott and Stiles stand up to go into his office.

*_*_*_*_*_*

About ten minutes later, the door opens back up and Scott and Stiles exit. “He said you can go in.” Stiles says. Then he whispers, “Good luck.”

I stand and move to enter Gerard’s office, “Please shut the door.”

I do as he says then suck in a breath as I sit down in front of his desk. “What’s your name?”

“(Y/N) McCall.” I quietly answer.

“Scott’s your brother? And you’re friends with my granddaughter Allison, if I remember correctly.”

“Yeah,” I nod quickly. Just wishing this conversation would be over.

“So, (Y/N). Why were you skipping class?” He asks this as he’s digging through files. He finally pulls one out and before I can answer he continues, “You have good grades. Never really get into trouble. Why start now?”

“I was worried about my brother. I wanted to know what was going on.”

“You’re protective of him?”

I shrug, “I guess. I mean, he’s my twin. I would do anything for him.”

“I don’t want to be the enemy, Miss McCall. And since you don’t get in much trouble, I’ll let you off with a warning. But I don’t want to see you skipping class again.”

“I won’t. Thank you, Principal Argent.” I stand up and quickly walk out the door before he change his mind.

After I quickly left his office I checked the time realizing that there was only about ten minutes left of class. So rather than spending that time in Chemistry I decided to wander around the school until the next period.

*_*_*_*_*_*

After school I went to Lydia’s so we could work on homework together. “So tell me, how are you really feeling after everything?” I asked as we lay on her bed, a bowl of fruit between us.

Lydia hums before answering, “I don’t know. I’m glad that I’m back and that you and Allison are still treating me the same. It just feels like everyone else thinks I’m so freak.”

“You’re Lydia Martin. Don’t let other people’s unimportant opinions bother you. The people who really care about you know that you’re amazing and that you’re just going through a lot right now.”

Lydia lightly smiles at me, showing her vulnerable side that she only ever shares with me. We both turn back to our homework, but not even a minute later the strawberry blonde speaks once more, “I talked to Jackson today.”

“Yeah?” I ask, “What about?”

“I just wanted to thank him. The doctors said if it wasn’t for him finding me and carrying me back I would have died that night.”

I nod, “What did he say?

Lydia scoffed, “He’s an ass. I just- I still love him and I hate that I do.”

I bit my lip, “I know that feeling.” Lydia turns her head at my words. Both of us study the others face trying to read our emotions, “But hey, we’ll always have each other. And with you by my side, I know I can get thorough anything.”

Lydia’s smile grows as she lightly shoves my shoulder, a laugh falling through her lips, “Damn right, (Y/N/N).”

*_*_*_*_*_*

“Hey, Stiles just picked me up. Do you know what’s going on?” I asked Allison as I put her on speaker so Stiles could hear.

“They were asking me all these questions about Lydia and how she was bitten by Peter. And then they sent this guy out,” Stiles quickly interrupts her.

“What guy?”

“He was dressed as a Sheriff’s Deputy.”

“They’re sending him to the station for Isaac.” I say more to Stiles then Allison.

“He was also carrying this box and there was something on it. Like a carving.”

“Do you know what the carving was?”

“Hold on. It’s in one of the books. I’m taking a picture.”

I look at my phone waiting for the picture to load, Stiles keeps glancing down to see the picture too, “Wolfsbane.” We say together.

“What does it mean?” Allison asks, not understanding.

“It means they’re going to kill him.” Stiles sighs as I sink back into the passenger seat.

We hang up with Allison, she has a plan to hopefully slow down the hunter. As she does this, we quickly head to Isaac’s to pick up Derek.

*_*_*_*_*_*

Now in the backseat of the jeep, I eagerly wait for Allison to call me. Phone in hand, the loud ringtone makes me jump. I quickly answer with shaking hands, once again putting her on speaker, “Did you slow him down?”

“You could say that.”

“Okay, we’re headed to the station.”

“Where’s Scott?”

“Isaac’s.”

“Does he have a plan?”

I exchange a look with Stiles before I can decide what to say he answers, “Yeah. But not a very good one. And unfortunately, we don’t have time to come up with anything better.” Once again we hang up with the young hunter.

Finally approaching the police station, Derek, Stiles and I look through the windshield forming a plan. “The keys to every cell are in a password-protected lock box in my father’s office.” Stiles explains.

“How are you getting in the lock box?” Derek asks.

“My father’s got two passwords. My birthday and my mom’s birthday. The problem is getting past the front desk.”

“I’ll distract her.” Derek nods.

Not liking this idea Stiles starts to protest, “Woah, woah, you? You can’t go in there.”

“I was exonerated.”

“You’re still a person of interest.”

“An innocent person.”

“You? Yeah, right.” I instantly punched Stiles’ arm. He glares at me before bringing his attention once more to the Alpha who starts talking again.

“You’re not getting in there without me.”

“Okay. What’s your plan?”

“To distract her.” Derek says once more.

“How? By punching her in the face?” I roll my eyes at Stiles. This is taking too long.

“By talking to her.”

“Oh, obviously. Because when I think of diverting conversation or stimulating banter I think of Derek Hale.”

Derek glares at him. “At least give me a sample. What are you going to open with?” Derek stays silent and continues to glare.

Before Stiles can continue his rant I interrupt, “He’s obviously going to flirt with her.”

Both guys turn to look at me, Derek with raised eyebrows and Stiles with a puzzled look. “What?” I turn my attention to Derek, “You’re an attractive guy, it will work. Now can we go? We’re wasting time.”

*_*_*_*_*_*

Derek makes his way into the station first to distract the deputy. Stiles and I inch our way past the front desk as quickly and quietly as possible. Once we make it into his dad’s office Stiles punches in the password to open the lock box.

“The keys are gone.”

“What?” I turn, confused.

“The keys. They’re not here.” I rush to Stiles side to look into the lock box, seeing that it is empty. We make our way out to the hall, Stiles points toward the left, “You go that way, I’ll go the other. Meet here in 10 minutes.”

I nod and we take off. I quietly make my way through the seemingly empty halls of the station, trying to find Sheriff Stilinski. I turn a corner and crash into a strong chest, “Sorry!” I squeak, glancing up to see Derek, “Oh, it’s just you.”

“Where’s Stiles?”

“The keys were gone. We split up to find his dad or whoever took the keys.” I started walking back the way I came so we could find Stiles. Just as we pass the Sheriff’s office, the fire alarm starts blaring. Derek and I share a look then rush to find Stiles.

Derek leads the way using his heightened werewolf sense to pinpoint exactly where he is. As we turn the corner, Derek lightly pushes me behind him, “Stay here.”

Of course I don’t listen, I slowly make my way into the room to see Stiles cowering on the floor and a deputy knocked out. Derek howls at Isaac, effectively making the teenager change back into a normal boy.

I look on in amazement as Stiles asks, “How’d you do that?”

“I’m the Alpha.” 

[getalittleclosey]

100k+ larry fic rec

hi! i’m becca and i read...so much fic. these rec lists are an accumulation of fic that i’ve read or reread and extra loved from 2016-now. there’s a wide range of stuff here and i think there’s definitely something for everyone!! i divided them up by length so you can check out all those categories below!

please make sure to read tags and warnings on all these fics!! the only things i think i can guarantee is that these are all larry, there’s no non-con, no age play, no eating disorders, no mentions of bg, they end happy, and they’re mostly aus. oh and they’re all on ao3 and some are locked so you’ll need an account! anyway i hope y’all enjoy!!!

under 5k

under 10k

under 25k

under 50k

under 100k

☆ with a whimper by kitundercover 133k

Dystopian AU. Louis has been alone for too long to remember how not to be, and Harry has too much to worry about to deal with a scrawny, wild, stranger. ---

The man grips his arm tightly. “You’re not going to say anything.” It’s not a question.

Louis shakes his head, his body twitching.

“Fine.” Large green eyes survey him before letting go. “It’s cold. Take this. Wear it.”

Louis can’t help another flinch as the man’s long scarf is wrapped around his tender neck, it’s still warm. He touches the soft material. “Thank you.”

The man bears his teeth. “Don’t thank me. Don’t ever thank me.”

☆ never be by cherrystreet 118k

Monica: You've got to see her again. Ross: And why do you care so much? Monica: Because! You could get to live out my fantasy! Ross: You had fantasies about Emily? Monica: No! Y’know, the fantasy! Meet someone from a strange land, fall madly in love, and spend the rest of your lives together.

The one where Harry Styles moves to Connecticut from England for nine months as a part of a study abroad program, and he just so happens to move in with Louis Tomlinson and family.

☆ that sounds fake but okay by dancingontheceiling 113k

Harry Styles is a rookie journalist forced to work the gossip desk at a major New York magazine. Louis Tomlinson is the A-list actor who doesn't appreciate Harry or his articles.

☆ if it kills me by you_explode 111k

Harry and Louis have worked together in a difficult office environment for six years. They're best friends; Louis is the bright spot of all of Harry's days. But Louis is in love with Harry, and Harry's engaged to someone else. And that's only the beginning.

The Office AU. More or less follows the first five seasons. A lot of pining and misunderstanding the depth of feelings and rejection and angst, until there isn’t.

☆ shake me down by agreatperhaps12 209k

Harry's new to college, fresh out of Catholic school and conversion therapy camp, and Louis runs the campus LGBTQIA organization.

☆ love is a rebellious bird by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews 135k

AU in which the boys still make music. Louis is the concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra, Harry is the New! and Exciting! interim conductor/ex-cello prodigy who "has made Mozart cool again" according to Esquire Magazine (Louis hates him immediately, which is definitely why he internet stalked him in his dark bedroom late at night that one time), and Niall is the best. Zayn and Liam are around too.

Don't hum Bolero.

note: i fucking love this one. my current car is named thunder because of it (all the cars i’ve leased over the last 9 years have been named after vague larry fic references)

☆ one more time again by orphan_account 232k

Harry looks down to where Louis is cradling his hand between his own. Louis' hands are slender, the bones delicate, the nails bitten short. The 2-8 on the backs of his fingers is gone, but the faded scar from a skateboarding mishap in Year 7 is still there.

Harry's hand is awkward, knobby-boned and naked, no rings, no tattoos. It's too big for his wrist and his wrist too big for his arm. Yet it still somehow fits in Louis' in the painfully perfect way it always did.

He blinks back the sting in his eyes.

On the morning of his second sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden, Harry wakes up to find that he's sixteen years old, on The X Factor, and that he has a chance to make things right.

A canon-compliant fix-it fic (sort of).

note: there’s a 15k second part

☆ soft hands, fast feet, can’t lose by dolce_piccante 113k

American Uni AU. Harry Styles is a frat boy football star from the wealthy Styles Family athletic dynasty. A celebrity among football fans, he knows how to play, he knows how to party, and he knows how to fuck (all of which is well known among his legion of admirers).

Louis Tomlinson is a student and an athlete, but his similarities to Harry end there. Intelligent, focused, independent, and completely uninterested in Harry’s charms, Louis is an anomaly in a world ruled by football.

A bet about the pair, who might be more similar than they originally thought, brings them together. Shakespeare, ballet, Disney, football, library chats, running, accidental spooning, Daredevil and Domino’s Pizza all blend into one big friendship Frappucino, but who will win in the end?

note: there’s a 5k second part to this

extra note: idk if this is an unpopular opinion but i’ve always preferred this over escapade or rntm

☆ paint me in a million dreams by green_feelings 113k

Harry's one of Hollywood's biggest actors, has made a name for himself in prestigious films and lives the life of a superstar. There's just one thing missing to make it picture-perfect, but the one Harry's in love with is completely out of reach for him. Enter Louis, one of Hollywood's biggest actors himself, who just came out of the closet and taps new genres in the industry. When Louis sacks the role Harry auditioned for in Scorsese's next big film, their irrational feud starts. Who could have guessed it would get even worse when for promo season, their teams decide to present them as a couple for publicity?

In short, Harry's in love with someone and doesn't care about dating anyone else, Louis never felt home in L.A., Liam writes love songs for someone he shouldn't write love songs to, and Niall makes everything better with good food.

☆ walk that mile by purpledaisy 150k

Harry stares at him, the line of his jaw standing out scarily. “I wanted to get the most out of this trip so I planned it carefully.” His voice is low and steady and somehow that’s worse than when he was yelling. “So far, you’ve put your sticky fingers on everything I’ve tried to do.”

“Sticky fingers?” Louis repeats, offended. “Are you saying it’s my fault you got stung by a bee? Had you been alone you would have gotten halfway to the Dotty Diner and ran the car off the road because of an allergic reaction, so don’t go blaming me.”

“Polk-A-Dot Drive In,” Harry spits before getting out of the car. He slams the door shut with a deafening reverb and Louis rolls his eyes. - A Route 66 AU where falling in love was never part of the plan.

☆ landslide by aimmyarrowshigh, spibsy (lucy_and_ramona) 143k

The year is 1976. In November, Jimmy Carter will take control of the White House. Americans are meeting Laverne & Shirley at their apartment in Milwaukee. Hotel California diverges from the reign of Kool & the Gang. And the FBI is still reeling from the repercussions of Watergate, the tragedy at Wounded Knee, Operation Family Secrets, and the strategic terrors of the anti-cult movement.

That's what Special Agent Harry Styles has been told is the basis of his mission to an abandoned farmhouse in rural New Hampshire.

With his hair grown out long and his shirt untucked, he's going undercover to do reconnaissance on suspected cult leader Louis Tomlinson, who has led a group of people out into the middle of nowhere, leaving no record of the life he'd had before. All Harry knows is what the agency gave him: Tomlinson's name, and instructions to figure out what he's doing with the eleven people he brought with him.

In the year that Harry spends undercover and under Louis Tomlinson's wing, he learns more than he ever expected.

note: i will rep this fic until the day i die. even my mom knows how much i love landslide

[artificialqueens]

Time is an illusion, but one that means a lot (Gigi/Jackie) - Thorpe

A/N: Another fic I wrote at 4 a.m. and, actually, it might be my new favourite one. Thank you to my lovely beta, Freyja, for having the patience for my whining and teaching me about time. But a girl has to have a moral spine, so it’s 9.30 and not 9:30, and the English language can suck it.

Summary: Gigi couldn’t care less about the passage of time, but Jackie cares a lot, and they’re in love, so Gigi is trying. Very domestic. Very fluffy.

Gigi barely has any concept of time. If it wasn’t for Jackie, they’d be running late on every other occasion, and that would probably be the only consistency the world could count on when it came to them. Thankfully, there’s Jackie, and it’s the consistency they’re very pleased to lean on. There’s Jackie, with his primness and properness and professionalism, and enough patience to share all of that. He’s making Gigi more mindful of the passage of time - well, he’s trying to. And Gigi knows that actions are more efficient than words when they want to make sure Jackie feels appreciated, so they’re trying, too.

They learn that between 2 and 3 a.m. Jackie is kind and patient, but above all - he’s steady on his legs when Gigi’s own get wobbly. “Careful, baby Geeg,” he says, alongside a playful jab about needing to go to the gym more if Gigi insists on being the lightweight between the two of them. Half-past Jackie is always more than o’clock Jackie, so in the early morning hours racing with dawn he’s caring and doting and adorably standing in the doorway, trying to gauge if there are more pillows needed or less pillows needed. In Gigi’s opinion, the only thing needed is him by their side, but that gets fixed pretty fast usually. 

If a 4 a.m. Jackie is missing, that’s okay. His side of bed is still warm, the coaster on his bedside table is empty, and the duvet is crumpled in an inviting way that speaks of temporarity. Not even a deviation from the norm - just a lapse that neither of them will remember in the morning. Sometimes they put an effort into staying awake until Jackie is back, a glass half filled with water in hand and lips still slightly wet when he finds his favourite place on Gigi’s head. Most of the time Gigi fails, but they still wake up in each other’s arms, so no one’s complaining, really. But if a 5 a.m. Jackie is missing, that means trouble. It makes Gigi jerk awake and fumble with the covers. There’s cold air against their shins, which makes them grimace, and smell of smoke, which makes them frown, and there’s a single source of light coming from the tip of Jackie’s cigarette, which makes them sigh and go to embrace Jackie from behind, and stay like that until he’s ready to talk. But they still prefer that to the nights when there’s no cold air and no smoke, and what they follow are the faint sounds of crying coming from the couch.

Neither of them is a morning bird. Well, that’s a stretch, and the price of trading “I” for “we” - Jackie used to be a morning bird, but he’s been enjoying it vastly less since he started associating sleeping in with waking up to Gigi’s lazy smiles. (Gigi has never been a morning bird, never aspired to be one, even, so they’re yet to find out what a 6 a.m. Jackie is like.) A 7 a.m. version of Jackie gets shushed and coaxed into laying back down with clumsy kisses and caresses. To be honest, Gigi isn’t that sure of what the most effective strategy is, because who can be sure of anything at 7 a.m., but they’re clearly doing something right, because it works. 

An 8 a.m. Jackie is a bit more assertive. He gets too hot under the sheets and another body, and he’s already checked his calendar, which serves as a good motivation. Gigi tries to draw it out. After all, a half-past Jackie is more than an o’clock Jackie, and his favourite tactics usually contain Gigi’s blood rushing south, Jackie’s lips following with just a kiss and a half of a delay. On a good day, 9 a.m. Jackie will be communicating in moans and “yes, right the- ah, oh my god, so fucking good, Gig”. And don’t get them started on a 9.30 Jackie in the shower - on the good days, of course. The best of them. 

10 a.m. Jackie seems a few hours ahead of Gigi. Or weeks. He gets pragmatic - he has his mailbox checked and his phone in hand, on a call with his agent. He’s also left Gigi their coffee on the table, and they’re slowly sipping it, following the Canadian with their eyes, wondering when did he manage to make it and whether it was before or after he got dressed. Again, no concept of time, but they’re trying. They get breakfast ready, because Jackie may be teaching them to put on a handwatch like perfumes and Instagram filters, but they’re the one teaching him to let seconds pass under the radar and find the time for himself between the minutes passing in quiet, little steps. Make it instead of minding it. Still, those are the good days.

Usually, good days are exactly the ones they’re having, but building a life together is more complicated than maths prepares you for, and one plus one equals something weirdly shaped when it’s four arms and four legs and two hearts and an unspecified integer number of quirks and habits, and it’s never odd, but making it even is not always the easiest task. So sometimes those other days happen as well. Perhaps they would happen less if Gigi could say how much the good ones mean, but there are only so many things they can be doing simultaneously, so they pick up on the restlessness that comes with quarters to, and balancing on that delicate perimeter takes up enough attention to push holding an actual conversation out of the focus. 

The restlessness is always there, buzzing under his skin, making Jackie almost vibrate as he’s responding in hums while checking if he took everything he’s going to need before leaving. It’s quieter in the mornings, unless it’s almost 11 and Jan is late to their brunch. But mostly it’s quieter, and Gigi knows that it’ll come out as purring when he makes Jackie’s tea just like he likes it quarter to breakfast, and also that a seismograph would go crazy if it was next to Jackie when his call time is in fifteen, and the staff of the venue still don’t know how to play his music. They’re figuring out how to push the right buttons, taking notice of the way Jackie’s fingers start tapping to the rhythm of the song he’s performing that night and handing him the razor, because, apparently, it’s time to shave, feeling all smug at the surprised, but impressed look they get. But it comes with time, like everything else, and that is the tricky part, obviously. 

A 12 o’clock Jackie is a delight. Corny and witty, making smart word plays and stupid puns, and always winning their playful arguments. Gigi adores him for that, even when they pretend they don’t. He’s charming and gleeful on Cameo, and it’s clear as day why everyone loves him, even though he himself has no idea. Gigi tells him sometimes, tries to explain, and he gets flustered. It’s adorable. They’re absolutely gone for Jackie, and at 12 it feels like too much, but in a good way. If they could, they would hold him tight in their arms and cover his face in kisses and play with his hair and just keep him close and never let go. They can’t, clearly, but Jackie is usually in a good mood at noon, and so they get away with a lot. 

Afternoon Jackie is still a blur. Gigi does their best at dissecting that, but it’s a work in progress. They entertain the idea that they could take a year, two, five, or ten from now, and they’d still have plenty of time to put the pieces in order. Gigi may not have much of a concept of time, but they’ve always had a clear idea when it came to what they wanted, and it’s that they get it. There are no serious promises yet and betting on stars offers only so much certainly, but they know they want Jackie, and that’s something he is very willing to give. So they take it slow, unraveling Jackie. So far they’ve discovered that when they get jealous of Jackie’s attention at 4 p.m., he’s merciless. He teases Gigi and makes them worked up, only to leave them flushed and with lips bitten, because it would kill Jackie to be late, even though it kills Gigi in the process. But then again, they guess it’s less 4 p.m., and more Jackie in general, in his devastatingly hot ways. Alright, maybe Gigi being inhumanly gone for Jackie is less of an hour thing as well. 

But his favourite Jackie is an evening Jackie. It’s 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. and he’s on the stage, loving every second of it. The crowd eats it up - it always does - and throws banknotes at him almost as effectively as Gigi. Sometimes he’s with Chelsea, sometimes with Brita, sometimes by himself, but he’s always beaming, and it makes Gigi’s heart soar. They love performing, they do, but the more time they spend with Jackie, the more they realise nothing can match the way their head spins when Jackie gets off the stage and kisses them, hard and fast, like adrenaline and sweat. They know they’re being petty, but on the nights their gigs overlap they always pout and groan that the tips better make it up to them. Gigi makes good money in clubs, but they’re yet to find out what amount of tips makes missing out on Jackie’s show worth it. They are being petty, but Jackie laughs and understands, and sometimes he can’t make it at 9 p.m., but he gets there at half past, so he’s even more encouraging, and his eyes don’t ever leave Gigi’s body for a second. A 10 p.m. Jackie is fun, chatting with his friends, his arm firmly planted around Gigi’s waist, and if it disappears, it’s never for long. An 11 p.m. Jackie starts making aunt jokes, but he really would prefer to be on his way to their bed by now. Gigi squeezes his hand and goes around saying his goodbyes, even though Jackie assures them they don’t have to. Gigi just nods and kisses him sweetly - mind already made up - sometimes adding an exaggerated, breathy plea for Jackie to take them home. And a wink, just for a good measure. 

They get home at midnight, and a 12 a.m. Jackie is as much of a cuddlebug as Gigi is in the mornings. They love it. They rush through their skincare routine, maybe skipping a step on their way, but it’s easy to excuse when as soon as they get into the bed, they’re pulled into Jackie’s arms, their legs tangling together and goodnight kisses tasting of toothpaste. Then he’s out like a light, leaving Gigi to drift away to the sound of his deep breathing. They drag the tips of their nails over Jackie’s skin, thinking of the nights Jackie doesn’t come to see him, but insist to wait for them either way, and Gigi stumbles home at 1 in the morning to find him snoring on the couch. They chuckle and make sure to take their heels off before attempting to carry Jackie to bed, because if anything - they learn from their mistakes. They’re getting better at that, but Jackie’s never woken up either way. He’s dead to the world, so he doesn’t know that after he’s snuggled up under their duvet, Gigi lays next to him and waits until their eyes get used to the darkness, so that they can trace the strands of his hair falling onto his forehead, the delicate movements of his eyelids, his cheekbones, nose, and strong jaw. His slightly opened lips. Adorable.

A 1 a.m. Gigi is in love, but that’s definitely not an hour thing.