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bulletballet-arch · 3 years

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The Revised [ Full ] History of Eve in Picture Perfect

( until I decide to tweak and edit it some more )

In this verse, Eve’s mother Linda would reside in Brooklyn for three years after the death of her husband, William Littlejohn, his brother Malcolm, and Malcolm’s wife Yvette. Initially, she stays in Brooklyn simply because she feels she is supposed to. Her in-laws, Amos and Liza, want to observe her. Similarly, Linda’s parents want to ensure she is fine after narrowly facing death. Haunted by the massacre, Linda suffers from survivor’s syndrome, but she is never allowed to vocalize the pain felt. In the midst of secretly attending therapy sessions ( while Eve is taken care of by her Grandma Evelyn and Papa Giuseppe ) Linda finds that her lifestyle is stagnant. She feels as though she is a woman who does whatever someone else wants. Therefore, Linda decides to move to Manhattan with the five-year-old Eve in tow. They live in a luxurious apartment and Linda makes her living as a secretary on Wall Street while Eve attends ballet classes.

Linda didn’t have to be a secretary, as the Littlejohns (and her father) provided her with money, but she liked working. It kept her mind off things. Sometimes things would feel great until people asked her was her husband the late William Littlejohn. In time, Linda gets a boyfriend who is a stockbroker. He’s white, he’s a recent divorcee and because she worked so closely with him, Linda knew it would be unprofessional to date him. But she thought to herself, ‘this is my decision. It’s okay because I have some control.’ The idea of control was a myth, though. She became his arm candy, similar to what happened within the Littlejohn Family when she initially became linked with William.

Linda could not complain too much, though. Because her new lover was good to Eve. The overall excellent dynamic caused them to get married. Their marriage lasts for four years. Eve is eight years old when they divorce. It’s a divorce that’s long. Messy. He was going to jail for a pyramid scheme was a part of and Linda didn’t want to stand by him. After the divorce - and the trial - Linda decides she could use a break. She decides that she and Eve should leave the country for a little while. Because why not? She has the money. The first country they go to is England, staying in London.

It was supposed to be a month-long vacation, but she kept putting off returning home. She didn’t want to house hunt back in New York, she didn’t want to be identified with a scandal, she didn’t want to see any family. So they began living in London. When Eve is nine years old, Linda would decide to go to South Africa. Eve experienced cities such as Durban, Ghana, Cape Town. While Linda was really in Africa to become more connected to her ancestors, all and all, she thought the experience would be good for Eve. Her baby girl could have a lot of memories of different buildings, landscapes, cultures. And, this exposure did make Eve happy, however, she had no stable school life or friendships. So on a social level, Eve was miserable. She also tried having pen pals, but that only worked for so long before both parties ceased writing one another. Eve did feel at home when she was in New York with her extended family during holidays like Christmas. Eve’s maternal grandparents wanted her to live with them, but her mother refused it. Eve has a vivid memory seated in the back of a taxi, crying because she didn’t want to go to the airport. And as for Linda - well, she would never notice this, but whenever she was deeply distressed, her mental desire was to just keep moving.

When Eve was fifteen years old, her mother fell in love with a highly esteemed professor from the University of Cape Town. This would be her mother’s third significant relationship. They all began living together and he begins an inappropriate relationship with Eve. It’s all an act of grooming that Eve isn’t aware of. Linda catches on to it and calls out her boyfriend for his behavior. However, he is offended by the accusations. He moves out, but he still contacts Eve through phone calls and even picks her up from school at one point without her mother’s consent. Eve remembers her mother always asking her questions, ‘did he touch you?’ ‘What did he do to you?’ Eve was overwhelmed, as she felt her mother didn’t believe her. It caused Eve to give her the silent treatment, which in turn caused Linda to decide to move again. This time, they would leave Africa to live in Europe - France, specifically.

In France, the two moved twice. First to Paris then to Lyon. Eve liked Lyon more than Paris, but was much too stubborn to admit it. Part of Eve was worried that if she was open about her love, then her mother would want to move somewhere else. She attended college with a focus on art conservation. Ultimately, she did not fully complete her apprenticeship because she would meet Alexandre DuBois, a con artist she fell in love with.

He did not expose his true nature to her at first, but she began questioning the source of the jewelry he was continuously giving her. When she reached the conclusion that he was a criminal of some sort, Alexandre kept insisting that it wasn’t as much of an issue that she was making it out to be. To prove this he wanted Eve to come with him to a job wanting Eve to participate as well. Eve declined, she wasn’t trying to get in any legal trouble. However, Alexandre said he didn’t like boring women. Offended, she agreed. He slicked down his hair so it could appear straight. Wore his best suit. Meanwhile, he instructed Eve to dress as though she was going to attend the most extravagant party. When they stood side by side, Alexandre was looking like a wealthy white man with a young, black mistress. The trick, Alexandre told her, was to always act as though you belong. For days Eve waited for consequences. For the police to knock at her door. Something. It didn’t happen. She told herself never again, but she got addicted to stealing with Alexandre, as it became an adrenaline rush.

Eventually, Eve and Alexandre were apprehended by law enforcement. Linda bailed Eve out and told her that if she was not going to continue reaching for her career goals then she would send her to America. Eve would fight back, insisting that she was an adult, so she doesn’t have to go to America just because she said so. Linda then has enough and states that since Eve is a young adult, she can live with Alexandre. The relationship that would progress between Eve and Alexandre was not without its faults. Even when Eve moved in with him, Alexandre was cheating on her discreetly. He had his alternate hookups and one-night stands, with Eve simply being his main girlfriend. When women smugly confronted Eve of how Alexandre was nothing but a womanizer and she was his latest victim, she fought for the sheer integrity of his name. Behind closed doors, when Eve confronted Alexandre about his inability to be monogamous: he blackened her eye.

The relationship comes to an end when Alexandre gains access to an elite party. During their fumbled job, they would be acknowledged by someone who would be very influential in Eve’s future, Gisella Agostini of the Corsican Mafia. The two would leave the scene in shame, fiercely arguing in the car about who messed up. Eve brings up how he’s a liar and manipulator, only for Alexandre to rip the pearls from her neck and kick her out his car. She had to find her way back to safety in the dark of the night.

While Alexandre and Eve are separated, the Agostini family does research on the two. They see that Alexandre has a long history of theft, and even a previous murder charge, while Eve just seems to be a college student who got caught up in the thrill of crime. First, Alexandre is snatched off the street by Agostini goons. In what he deemed as an act of self-preservation, he sells Eve out, claiming it was her idea.

When Eve is abducted by the crime family, Gisella confronts her directly. The old woman states that she could fix everything and spare her from her ‘husband’s wrath.’ But the truth is, Gisella’s husband doesn’t do anything in the crime family any longer due to his age and illnesses, but Gisella uses him as a ‘front’ to reign. Eve ends up working for the crime family, and in little moments, she ever so gradually speculates she is in the midst of a female mob boss. As the months go along, Eve’s mother wants to make amends but Eve doesn’t want her mother to know she is now gang-affiliated. Eve is very afraid for her life. This leads to more mother-daughter tension due to the lack of communication.

As the years pass on, Gisella is progressively attached to Eve. This is reflective of how she has her own passion for the world and the diverse people who live in it (especially those of the African diaspora.) In turn, Eve initially grows to feel like she’s a part of some sort of stable family. Ultimately, their relationship gradually becomes overbearing and toxic. Eve is literally feeling like she’s owned and controlled by an old white woman. Therefore, Eve distances herself from dealing with Gisella personally because it was too much. However, Eve continued working for the crime family in regards to assassinations and heists, but she was not eating at Gisella’s home for dinner or talking over tea. Eve decides to make amends with Gisella by the time she is 31. Little did she know, the woman was on her death bed at this point. They were kind to one another and Gisella lets Eve know she can do whatever she wants now. Later that week, the old woman would die. While Gisella’s death comes as a shock - Eve was also feeling relieved. Afterward, Eve has mild conflict with Gisella’s nephew who feels like she should not be leaving the crime family, but Eve insists Gisella harbored no ill will towards her and wanted her to do whatever she wanted. So, she’s leaving.

Eve relocates to New York to begin a new, stable life. It’s what she wants. It’s what she needs. Or so she thinks. She thought New York would have her feel at home and content as it did when she was a child, but she didn't feel this way at all. She felt like a stranger among her family, like a guest or something. Eve proceeds to sell the art she makes for a living and gains recognition from it. Admittedly, she’s bored with a quiet life. It is entering a relationship with Salvatore Scozzari that sparks her passion for crime, although he would much rather her marry him and live a quiet but glamorous life. But in the end? Eve can’t do it. Breaking up with Sal by claiming she’ll be working at a gallery in California, she travels to another state. Her life as a thief starting up a second time.

#long post tw //#grooming tw //#v; picture perfect.

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finalsegamangalover · 3 years

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“Always and Forever, Here and Now” ( Reno x Reader )

Waking in the oddest of hours you didn’t quite understand it, you yourself awoken from a dream that left you so angry. But quickly dismissing it and telling yourself it's existence didn’t matter you also noticed something else out of the corner of your eye. As you laid next to him in the dark you heard his breathing change, yes he was still asleep but it was beginning to pick up pace a bit gradually. He tightened his jaw and seemed troubled borderline pained. A second later his eyes snapped opened and shot up from his side of the bed panting and sweating from the fears of his nightmare; a slight inhale of air that seemed jagged from strain signaled you he needed help. He wanted to scream but he was still unconscious to know that he could’ve. Your hands gently touched his shoulders as you sat up and held him closely. His tears streamed hot and fast as he sobbed groquestly at the sight of his fears. Resting his forehead against your shoulder whilst you held him close and tried to coax him to calm down.

“It’s okay, I’m here… I’m here Reno..” you kept saying as the red-haired man whimpered in defeat remembering the horrible image before him; he was coming to terms slowly.

“You are safe, it is only a dream..” You felt him tuck his head under your chin as he cried into your nape. Caressing his back in soothing circles holding him closely.

“Do you want to talk about it?” You asked after a moment or two passed by. He nodded and sniffled regaining his character. Sighing heavily he rubbed his eyes and inhaled deeply.

“It was happening again. The world was dying and we had a mission to take care of. I was borderline dying but Rude managed to save me in exchange for his…” Reno’s voice quivered and cracked in between words as you still provided comfort. He hung his head low.

“I felt ashamed.. He shouldn’t have given up his for mine. I hate the fact of how he thinks of me as childish or reckless in some regards but that doesn’t give him the okay to leave me like that..” His eyes empty and a pang of remorse emanated. You knew they were thick as blood, family by friendship alone. As you witnessed the dread on Reno’s face it caused you to frown sadly.

“I know how you feel Reno, its going to be okay. You both are still here and alive.”

“Like hell we should be..” Reno was going too far, starting to enter that dark place again. Rude warned you about this phase and was it deadly if it progressed. You had to act fact, get right to the point.

“Stop that! You cannot blame yourself for what your job puts you through. These are not your choices, these were orders. I know it doesn’t make up for the fact of morality being present but that doesn’t mean you beat yourself up. You are just doing what you're told to do..” You spoke softly as he shook his head.

“I wish I never dropped that plate..” he admitted. You sympathized with him and held his hand.

“I know you wish time could reverse itself and to fix that point, all you can do now though is forgive yourself.”

“I don’t deserve it..” He was starting to shut himself out. Not this time, not if you had a say in it.

“You deserve compassion, love, respect, and most of all redemption. But you cannot fill someone else’s cup unless yours is overflowing. You deserve to feel a chance at happiness and to live your life in your own way. To relish the gifts and joys one would receive in this path of the living.” your hand touched his cheek as he nuzzled into it crying still.

“You deserve to be just as human as I Reno. Life is too short to be chained by mistakes. It’s up to you to learn to not remake them and continue to live the best that you can be.. all that you can be.” Your words touched him as he now cried silently next to you. He knew your heart was in the right place and he was honored to hear that not everyone has hate and disdain fueling them. He loved how wise and loving you spoke, caring and envisioning the good or ‘learning lesson’ in any scenario. The way you reached out to him, provided stability and a sense of tranquility always bode Reno to adore you more. He was more than grateful to have you by his side; your words resonated passionately within his ears brought all the more recognizing on just how beautiful your heart was.

Reno reached out for a hug as you both sat there together. Within a split second you took the invitation as he squeezed you laying down slowly. His head nuzzled into the top of your head as you listened to his heartbeat soothingly. He didn't feel the adrenaline anymore which explained the slowed heart rate but he inhaled and exhaled a little more noticeably.

“Can I ask you something..?” Reno whispered. You nodded in response.

“Can you sing me our song? I know it’s late and all but it helps..” He blushed a bit stroking his thumb against your back. You smiled and cleared your throat recalling the lyrics clear as a day.

“Is love so fragile, And the heart so hollow. Shatter with words Impossible to follow. You're saying I'm fragile, I try not to be. I search only for something I can't see…” his muscle tension lessened as you kept singing a couple more verses. He gradually began to feel sleepier as his verse appeared.

“You in the moonlight, with your sleepy eyes. Could you ever love a man like me? And you were right, when I walked into your house. I knew I'd never want to leave. Sometimes I'm a strong man, sometimes cold and scared; and sometimes I cry. But that time I saw you, I knew with you to light my nights, somehow I'd get by…” Your voice almost choked on a few words as fresh tears trailed down his perfect cheeks. Both of you signing together in harmony.

“ Lovers forever, face to face. My city ,your mountain stay with me stay.. I need you to love me, I need you today. Give to me your leather take from me my lace..” He nuzzled closely as you drew the covers up more. He and yourself falling asleep feeling a bit lighter. Just before your eyes closed you looked up to see him smiling as your hand cupped his face. His hand gently held your, the warmth of the blanket surrounding you both just as the moonlight peered through the window shining in the room and eventually reaching to your side of the bed. The lighting captured and glistened your wedding bands. Uttering the last line.

“Give to me your leather. Take from me my lace.. But take from me my lace… Take from me my lace”.

#reno ff7 #reno of the turks #reno sinclair #shinra #SFW #love #Tom Petty #Stevie Nicks #Rude ff7 #Rude of the turks

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silyabeeodess · 4 years

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Tangled: The Series Analysis, Cassandra's Betrayal

Before I begin, I feel like I have to set this announcement, as it’ll be a big part over both why I’m making this analysis and why it’s necessary for those of us watching the show. I don’t often say much regarding this kind of stuff, but I’ve noticed there’s starting to become a repeating problem in cartoons (especially recent Disney ones, a lot of which are trying to mimic the Gravity Falls formula and can’t quite hit the mark). That problem is when a show creates a “big reveal” and then caters to that point so much that it deteriorates other aspects of the show or the characters that reveal involves. Sometimes, it’s on the fault of the fandoms for banking too much on them, but the shows themselves can be in the wrong too by sweeping other things under the rug in the name of those reveals. When Cass took the Moonstone and announced herself as Mother Gothel’s daughter--as much as it was expected by a lot of people--this very thing happened. Furthermore, this isn’t to make up excuses for Cass’ actions, just to give some logic that seems to be disregarded in the overview. Expect this post not to agree with a lot of mainstream thoughts and feelings among the fanbase, or at least the ones more-often vocally expressed. I’m calling out the elephant in the room, but I’m just not invested enough to join in a long debate either.

For this analysis, I’ll largely be covering S2 for references. While we do see Cass and Rapunzel’s friendship with its problems as early as S1 (like in Challenge of the Brave), S2 focuses more on the gradual decline of their friendship. More than that though, it’s also important because both of those two were at high points of their lives at the start of the season. Rapunzel was finally leaving to go out and discover a world beyond Corona, along with searching for answers to the mystery of the black rocks, while Cass had garnered enough respect from both her father and the rest of the guard at the end of S1 to be entrusted to lead the battle against Varian and rescue the queen. She can’t called a simple lady-in-waiting anymore. For all the talk lately of Cass playing “second fiddle” and being jealous of Rapunzel because of it, this meant that Cass had an opportunity to stay in Corona and continue to focus on her own goals. Except she didn't. She followed Rapunzel along on her journey because she was her friend and she felt it was her duty. We can tell how much more respect she’s gained because, above the others in the group, it was Cass that Rapunzel’s father entrusted her safety to:

“Not that I don't think you can handle yourself, but I promised your dad I'd keep you safe, and I'd hate to lose you less than a week on the road.” -Cassandra, in Beyond the Corona Walls

There’s also already some tension with Cass and Rapunzel right from the start:

“Not that you shouldn’t trust the endorsement of three lifetime criminals, Raps, but maybe you should trust me too. I just wanna make sure that we’re not losing sight of what we’re doing out here.”

Cass had a goal and was on-route to fulfilling it, but placed a greater value in Rapunzel’s safety and mission over that. This idea would later fall in line with the following verse from “Waiting in the Wings,” which indicates that it’s not just people or circumstances holding Cass back, but some of the personal choices she’s made that have set her own wants on the sidelines.

“I hear my cue and yet I’m kept there waiting, Know what to do, and still I stand there waiting.”

Even Rapunzel would confirm later in Season Three that Cassandra stayed with her for her by choice.

“She could've had everything she wanted. She had the chance to become a warrior, but she chose our friendship instead.” -Rapunzel, in Beginnings

Here comes the glaring issue though, and some of you are not gonna like me for saying it. Rapunzel’s not that great a friend to Cass or--at times--even in general. Before you come at me with torches and pitchforks, let’s go over some points in the show that indicate this:

Despite all of her attempts at hosting a festival in Vardaros falling flat because her personal interests/tastes don’t fall in line with the people while clearly Cass’ tastes do, she gets petty over it. Rapunzel may have thought she was being delicate, but she dismissed all of Cass’ ideas even though other people like Vex had already shown approval toward Cass’ ways of doing things. On top of that, Rapunzel was the one to suggest they split up instead of trying to work things out together. Yes, Cass stayed angry until the end of the episode, but she sure didn’t start it.

Rapunzel’s always running off to do her own thing despite how many warnings Cass tries to give her in order to keep her safe, such as in Freebird, where she trusts two total strangers over her best friend because “it’ll be fun!”

She often trusts people over Cass, who she’s known longer than many and was loyal to her. This issue of trust goes especially for Adira who--while being a good person in the end--does attack them during their initial meeting and for all they know could’ve been leading them to use as human sacrifices or toward any other dangers because she refused to be honest with them. She doesn’t really start listening to Cass until after it’s already too late because she’d already shown she doesn’t have faith in her decisions several times over.

In Rapunzel and the Dark Tree, Raps uses a dark magic spell she knows she can’t control to defeat Hector despite the fact that she could’ve ended up killing her friends and herself as a result because she nearly did earlier. Cass warned her against this too, but remained by her side to protect her still when she didn’t listen. Sure enough, she burns Cass’ arm.

The point above is made worse in the episode, Rapunzel: Day One, because then Raps decides to blame Cass for getting injured and draws her looking like a monster as if she herself has a right to be angry. (In contrast, Raps is shown to feel some--at least buried--guilt based on the events in Rapunzeltopia, but she never acts on it in a positive or healthy way.) She also gets mad at Cass for not talking about what happened despite the fact that sometimes people need space before they can, constantly pushing what she wants and thinks Cass needs over Cass’ own choices until she loses her memory later in the episode. Cass didn’t talk because she was ready: Cass talked to Raps because she felt guilty. And why would she feel like she can talk to Raps anyway if Raps practically ignores everything she says?

“But if she had just listened to me and stayed out of it, this all could have been avoided! And I feel like we could work things out, but she refuses to talk about it! Wow. Ugh, I didn't mean to make her look that angry.”

Last point that connects to the one above as well, Rapunzel is then made a total hypocrite for trying to force Cass to talk when she also needs time to sort out her feelings over Cass’ betrayal at the start of Season Three and does her own thing despite Eugene trying to be there for her--listening to no one, getting herself in trouble, and forcing people to come to her rescue as always.

One point that I want to make clear is that I’m not saying these are bad character choices for Rapunzel: She’s been locked in a tower all her life, so it’s not reasonable to expect her to have the best social skills. She hasn’t had friends until this series beyond Pascal and Eugene, so she doesn’t know how to handle a lot of situations. However, it should also be recognized that her behavior is often selfish and reactionary, and she hardly gets anything more than a slap on the wrist whenever she has to face the consequences of her actions--rarely growing from them and repeating the same mistakes time and time again. (Granted, this can also be pinned on bad writing.) She often pushes her values onto the people around her as well--with good intentions, sure, but good intentions aren’t synonymous with good choices. By doing this, she’d taken advantage of Cass’ friendship and dismissed all of the sacrifices Cass has made for her sake.

“But I’m not that naïve girl in the tower anymore.” “I can take care of myself.”

Yes you are and no you can’t, you dimwit. You’ve still got a lot to learn, so get off your high horse and actually listen to someone instead of running off to dance over a cliff and picking up dark magic you were already warned about several times over.

All of this can also sum up a great deal of why Cass feels the way she does. She absolutely has a reason to be angry, but she still tries to do right by Rapunzel by staying at her side and continuing to warn her no matter how often she’s dismissed. At that point though, even if she wanted go, she can’t because of her duty. Because of the promise she made to the king to protect Raps and because that’ll be her job still as a member of the guard. She can’t let her feelings get in the way or everything she’s done to be a part of the guard would crumble--not to mention she’d be working for Raps after she took the crown, so she’s effectively stuck.

I want you to imagine this in a smaller, slice-of-life scenario: You’re in your group of friends, but they never listen to you. Whatever you want to do is set aside and whatever you say is ignored. When they need help you go to them, but they rarely, if ever, return the favor. You’re expected to give things up for them, but not the other way around. You’re trying to push them forward while their dismissal of your thoughts and feelings only seems to hold you back.

You can’t constantly treat someone so poorly without them eventually getting sick of it. Cass had Rapunzel’s largely one-sided “friendship,” a scarred beyond repair limb, people mocking her, and a future that seemed to repeat more of the same with no one ever taking her side. The issue with Gothel being Cass’ mother and leaving her wasn’t strictly the cause of Cass’ betrayal: It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Now, Cass taking the Moonstone isn’t justified. Just because she’s been wronged doesn’t mean it’s ok for her to do the same and act reckless. However, we can tell so far in Season Three that Cass and her emotions--pain, rage, and insecurity--are being manipulated. She’s not outright malicious or evil as she doesn’t want to follow the “destiny” she’s been told to face by destroying Rapunzel, but now she thinks she’s got someone putting her first and giving her a chance to shine through the Enchanted Girl. Maybe she even thinks that there’s no going back--the Moonstone does look like it’s now physically a part of her, again she’s being manipulated, and it would follow an arc similar to what Varian experienced.

I’m not gonna make any guesses on if or how Cass could be redeemed: I just hope that, if she is, she’s not the only one apologizing like in Rapunzel: Day One. Cass’ actions are wrong, but there was a lot leading up to them.

#cass #cassandra #analysis #tv show #cartoon #rapunzel #tangled #tangled the series #Cassandra's betrayal #Disney

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wistfulcynic · 5 years

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The Sleep of the Sun

SUMMARY: It’s eighteen years after Emma and Killian defeated Cora and her plan to flood their world with dark magic, and the story moves on to their son Liam. A sweet and loving boy with the ability to shift into a dog at will, he is also more observant than his parents give him credit for.

And now, as Samhain approaches, something dark is brewing in the forest yet again...

Written for @cspupstravaganza, following on from The Very Witching Time and potentially leading to something for next year’s Supernatural Summer...

ALL the thanks to everyone who encouraged me to continue in this verse which I love so much, including @thisonesatellite and @katie-dub for all their love and brilliant beta skills, and to @teamhook, @kmomof4, @darkcolinodonorgasm and @shireness-says for all the love for puppy!Liam on the Discord. He loves you too ❤️❤️

@mariakov81, @stahlop, @ohmightydevviepuu, @thejollyroger-writer, @resident-of-storybrooke, @snowbellewells, @jennjenn615, @winterbaby89, @scientificapricot, @tiganasummertree, @captainsjedi, @ultraluckycatnd (importing the tag list from TVWT, I hope you don’t mind!)

Rating: G Words: 2.4K Tags: shapeshifters, witchcraft, witchcraft AU, original CS children, family fluff

On AO3

The Sleep of the Sun:

The scents of autumn fill his nose as he runs through the forest, the crisp air and the dying leaves and the moist earth. Hints of wood smoke and moss and mushrooms, blackberries and raw chestnuts, all distinct and clear in his head, gradually becoming one with names as his mother teaches him the lore of the forest.

There is another scent too. It was always there, faint in his earliest memories and growing stronger with each passing year. It’s not a pleasant scent; it’s hard and menacing, dark in a different way to the smell of the leaves and earth. He tried once to explain it to his mother but the look on her face stopped the words in his throat, then she hugged him hard and said she’d take care of it.

He can smell it now, stronger than ever as Samhain approaches. The turning of the year when the veil between the worlds is thin and his mother and sister perform their ancient rituals of death and rebirth. This year there is worry behind his mother’s eyes as she lights the candles in the windows each morning and unfamiliar stones in the tumbling bowls she places alongside them, and her mouth is set grimly in the evenings as she pores over crumbling books and whispers to his father about knotholes and barriers and darkness. She doesn’t know he can hear her, and Liam is not yet ready for his parents to discover that he hears as a dog does even in human form.

He ignores the scent today. Samhain is still a week away and he prefers to revel in all the delights the forest holds for an energetic young dog. His ears stream behind him as he races through the trees, his paws that are still too big for his body falling silently on the forest floor. He chases a squirrel until it scurries up a tree, yipping delightedly when it chatters at him from the branches. The squirrel knows as all the forest creatures do that he means it no harm and just likes to see it run. He sniffs a rabbit next and goes to seek it, running faster as the scent grows stronger, as he picks up on its trail. His senses tell him it’s close and then he catches a twitch of motion, a glimpse of a fluffy tail through a gap in the underbrush. He crouches down and his muscles tense in preparation for his pounce and then he hears the call.

“Liam.” His father’s voice in his head, put there by the connection they share that even his mother can’t explain, and by a spell of hers she could explain but won’t. “It’s time to come home, lad. Dinner’s nearly on the table.”

He briefly weighs the merits of being late to dinner in order to catch the rabbit and decides against it. His mother is tense enough as it is. He turns away from the scent trail and races home. The garden gate swings open as he approaches and he dashes through it, yipping a greeting to the garden magic as he goes. As he bounds up the steps his form shimmers with a golden light, stretches, lengthens, the gait shifting as he takes off from four feet and lands on two, and when he opens the screen door it’s as a human child. One small for his age and uncommonly graceful, with blond hair that falls messily into eyes that always match the colour of the sky.

His mother doesn’t like him to be a dog at the dinner table.

—

“Is that you, Liam?” Emma called from the kitchen as he ran inside, letting the screen door slam shut behind him. “Wash your hands before you come to the table.”

“I know, Mom!” he groused, kicking off his shoes before heading upstairs to bathroom he shared with his sister. Quickly he washed his hands, remembering to use soap even though he hated how it smelled, then peeked his head into Rowenna’s room on his way back downstairs. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, bent over a large, leather-bound book.

“Whatcha reading?” he asked her, and she jumped in alarm.

“Oh! Liam! I didn’t hear you come in.”

He frowned at that. She would’ve had to be really absorbed in her book not to hear him. Their dad claimed he sounded like a herd of elephants going up and down the stairs. “I just asked what you’re reading.”

“Ah. It’s, um, just something for Samhain. Mom’s worried that—” she broke off, flushing guilty pink. “Er— let’s just call it a witch thing. Is it dinnertime?”

“Yeah.” Liam wasn’t always great at picking up on verbal cues but even he could spot this blatant attempt to change the subject. But Wren’s shoulders were tight with the same tension their mother had been carrying in hers the past few weeks, so he smoothed out his frown and let it go.

“What are we having?” she asked him.

He sniffed the air. “Pumpkin soup and grilled cheese.”

“Mmm, perfect.” She shut her book and set it aside, stretching and rolling her shoulders as she got up from her bed. “Hey,” she said, putting her arm around him. “I think you’re getting taller!”

“I’m not,” he grumbled. “I’m still too small.”

“No such thing as too small, or too big,” she replied, squeezing his shoulders. “Just the size you are. And remember, Dad says he was small for his age until he was about seventeen, then he grew like eight inches in one summer. I bet that’s what happens to you.”

“That’s still six years from now,” said Liam, with a hint of a whine just creeping into his voice. “That’s forever.”

Rowenna laughed with all the wisdom of her own sixteen years. “It’ll come eventually,” she said. “Let’s go eat.”

In the kitchen they found their parents standing next to the stove, kissing. At the sound of the door opening Killian broke the kiss but leaned his forehead against his wife’s, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek as he murmured quiet words and she nodded. Liam’s sharp ears picked up the sound of his father’s voice clearly but he quickly tuned it out before his brain could register any of the words, concentrating on the the bubbling of the soup and sizzling of the grilled cheese, and on Rowenna’s long-suffering sigh. Some things he knew instinctively were not for him to hear.

Rowenna stomped to the table and dragged her chair from under it with a drawn-out whine of wood on flagstones, muttering right here in the kitchen and like they’re my age just loudly enough for her parents to hear. Emma and Killian pulled apart, he to smirk at his daughter and she to brush her fingers over her eyes and turn back to the stove.

“Liam,” she called, “Come here so I can check your hands.” He approached and held them out for her to inspect. She made a show of examining them closely, turning them over and sniffing them. “You used soap?” she asked sternly, a smile hovering just at the corners of her mouth.

She must know he had, but he played along. It was their special silly game. “Yes, Mom, jeez.” He rolled his eyes, unconsciously imitating her own much-used gesture.

Her smile widened, then began to quiver at the edges and for a terrible moment he thought she might cry. Instead she pulled him into a tight hug. “I love you, kid,” she whispered.

He wished he was in dog form so he could lick her face and make her laugh, wag his tail so hard it took the rest of his body with it. Human words were just not enough to express what he felt for her. For all his family.

“I love you too, Mom,” he said anyway, and squeezed her back.

She held him for another brief moment then kissed his head. “Go sit down, I’ll bring the food in a minute.”

Liam went to the table sat down in his chair next to his dad, who grinned at him and ruffled his hair.

“How was your run, lad?”

“Good. I almost caught a rabbit.”

“Almost, hmm?” Killian raised an eyebrow.

“I would’ve got it, but then someone made me come home for dinner,” retorted Liam, and his father laughed.

Emma set a bowl of soup in front of him, and a plate with a crispy golden sandwich oozing warm cheese. Liam wagged his butt in his seat. It wasn’t always easy, he reflected, having a witch for a mother. You never got away with telling lies, even tiny harmless ones like no of course I didn’t knock over that vase with my tail, and it wasn’t always clear what things in the kitchen were food and what were spells. But one undeniable upside was that your grilled cheese stayed oozy no matter how long it took you to finish it. He picked up half of it —cut into triangles just as he liked— and watched the cheese strings stretch. He stretched them as far as he could until they snapped, sprung back and stuck to his arm. He giggled.

“Try not to make too much of a mess,” Emma chided, but her smile was indulgent. Liam wrapped the cheese strings around the corner of the sandwich and dipped it into his soup. He breathed deeply as he took a bite, enjoying the rich smell of the pumpkin that had been growing in the garden just that morning, the fresh ground spices his mother added to it, the crispy sage leaf on top and the drizzle of hazelnut oil, the buttery bread and the salty cheese.

The four of them ate in silence for a minute then Emma spoke.

“Did you find anything, Wren?”

“Not yet. But I’m only halfway through the book, I’ll do the rest after dinner.”

Emma hesitated, a frown wrinkling her brow, then shook her head. “No, it’ll wait until tomorrow.”

“Mom, I can do it—”

“No. We still have time, and you have homework.”

“Homework might not matter in a week,” muttered Rowenna, not quite under her breath.

Emma gave a little hiss of warning and Killian frowned at his daughter. Liam concentrated on his soup, canine senses on full alert.

“Just saying,” huffed Rowenna. “You’re both being very relaxed about this when it could easily—” Emma hissed louder and Rowenna broke off, scowling. “Fine,” she grumbled. “Not like anyone ever listens to me anyway. Now I know how Cassandra felt.”

“Because you did your homework,” Killian pointed out. “Otherwise you wouldn’t know who Cassandra even was. Would you?” He waggled his eyebrows at Rowenna, who managed to hold back her giggle for nearly ten seconds.

“All right, point taken,” she laughed. “Stop it, Dad, you look like you’re having a stroke.”

Killian laughed too and Liam grinned into his soup. Even Emma chuckled, the lines of worry in her forehead smoothing out and her eyes twinkling.

After dinner Liam, his own homework completed, stood at his window watching the moon rise over the tops of the trees, large and pale and nearly full. In a few days it would be a Hunter’s Moon, and glow dark orange in the sky. He loved the moon normally, but tonight it gave him an uneasy feeling, like a prickling beneath his skin. He shifted into dog form and snuck on silent paws to Wren’s door, finding it open a tiny crack. Nudging it open further with his nose, he slipped inside. His sister was curled up on her bed with a book in her hand, a school paperback this time, and a notebook lying open next to her. With a graceful leap Liam bounded up onto the bed and licked her face.

“Hey.” She laid her book aside and hugged him, running her hands soothingly through his fur. “Everything okay?”

Barking would draw their parents’ attention, so he gave a small whine and licked the tip of her nose. “Yeah,” she said with a sigh. “Stuff’s a bit unsettling right now. Want some lap time?”

He whimpered louder, bathing her face in enthusiastic kisses. She chuckled and sat up, crossing her legs to make a spot for him. “Curl on up then,” she said.

Liam had heard of sibling rivalry —mostly from his cousin Leo, who had eight year old twin sisters— but he had never felt it himself. He loved his sister. He loved everyone.

“A true canine nature,” laughed his father, who understood. Just as Liam understood that there were times when his dad missed being a dog.

Wren also understood. As witches tended to be she was close to nature, her connection to the forest magic remarkable even for the women in their family. She knew the exact moment the geese began their journey south each autumn and she felt when the first buds of tender green burst open on the trees each spring. And she more than anyone else in his family knew when Liam just needed to curl up in a lap and have someone scratch his ears.

“Did I ever tell you I asked Mom once if I could learn to be an animagus?” she asked him as her clever fingers found the precise spot where he most loved to be rubbed. “So I could go running in the forest with you. But she said that’s only in Harry Potter and that your magic is unique. She said it probably owes a bit to traces of Dad’s curse, but most of it is just you.”

She leaned down to rest her cheek against his head. “I know you feel the weirdness in the forest right now. You can probably smell it.”

He whimpered in affirmation.

“I thought so. I wish I could tell you what’s going on but Mom swore me to secrecy and actually we aren’t completely sure. But whatever it is, Mom and Dad will handle it. You know that, right?”

He risked a tiny yip and licked her wrist. She kissed his head and picked her book back up, continuing to pet him as she read. Liam snuggled deeper into her lap and closed his eyes. As he slipped into slumber, he realised that his unease from earlier was gone. Because Rowenna was right. Whatever was going on in the forest that his family wasn’t telling him —still insisting on protecting him even though he was almost twelve— he was certain there was no magic his mother couldn’t handle, no mystery his dad couldn’t solve. They would take care of it, of course they would. That was what they did.

#cspupstravaganza #cs fic #cs ff au #cs ff #magic au #shapeshifter #witchcraft #the sleep of the sun #profdanglaisstuff

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elitaxne · 4 years

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Does Elita have any flaws? Like she seems to be described as perfect at everything, and idk it seems off? I’m praying to god she’s not a Mary Sue in disguise. I absolutely love your take on Elita, and this isn’t hate in any form!! It’s just really strange to read things on your blog and see perfectionism everywhere? If it is that Elita is some superwoman then that’s a good enough answer for me

「 OOC. 」

I mean, if you want the short answer then: yes, of course, she has many flaws and in different capacities — that’s what makes her a complex character. For a longer more fleshed out answer, I’ll break it down under the cut, tbh I’m glad you asked because it’s an interesting character study ( at least, I think so ) :3

Elita’s personality in terms of strengths and weaknesses range from blatantly obvious ( in certain verses ) to more subtle in nature that are picked up by reading threads, memes, headcanons, etc. But, the way I’ve written her has everything grow or decrease gradually. I’ll explain in more detail since her flaws / character changes from verse to verse, as markers of growth depending on what stage of her life she’s in.

First though, I want to touch on the perfectionism you mentioned because that is a huge part of who Elita is. She is, by nature, a perfectionist and it stems from her innate desire to be the best of the best in every capacity, and also, to be in control. This trait has a dual-purpose as one of her major flaws: the need for perfection and the need for control. She is highly intelligent and is curious by nature, mixed with the need to be perfect, all three traits fuel Elita to her core.

This leads to another flaw of hers: pride. In her early verses, especially the war verse, Elita has worked hard to become ‘perfect’ and continues to push herself towards the unattainable goal of being truly perfect. Thus, she takes tremendous pride in herself and is highly judgemental and critical of others not at her standard. She KNOWS she is one of, if not, the best in the room, and the ego-inflation is most prevalent in the war threads when she first meets Optimus.

The pride and perfectionism have since tempered over time as she’s grown, since with age and war comes humility and wisdom. During the war she was a young hot-shot, now, she’s a mother, and helping to lead a planet. She’s grown out of those flaws, but, isn’t immune to them. She still has trouble relinquishing control and struggles with things not being perfect, having the twins has been the biggest test for this. She’s getting better at it but, subtly, it’s still there and something she is actively working through.

Keeping with the theme of perfectionism, this can also be seen really clearly when her and Optimus were trying to get pregnant. It could almost be considered an obsessive-compulsion: having everything in order and being in control. Truly, it stems from the anxiety of not being in control and things not being to her perfect plan. Biggest takeaway is that everything is cyclical.

In terms of other personality flaws I’ll just list them out since they all stem from the major flaws listed above: highly competitive ( feeds into perfection, pride, and inflated-ego ), can be very jealous ( see the war-verse threads ), cold / detached ( seemingly emotionless and robotic as a commander and councillor at first glance. This again stems from being in control, and keeping her emotions in control is the biggest stressor / fatal flaw imo), slight workaholic ( having kids has placed tension in this area ), bad at asking for help / admitting she can’t do something ( again, pride / perfectionism ), anger / wrath ( can be very volatile if she lets her emotions bubble over ), impatient. All of these traits are prevalent in her current / main verse, but are most notable in her ‘younger’ years: I.E. war verse, crossing into earth verse.

Another to note is that Elita does suffer from PTSD. These flare-ups, again, had higher stressors / triggers during the war, but does pop up every now and then in her mainverse. In all honesty it’s something I want to explore more of but just haven’t yet.

Personality aside she also has physical set-backs that I don’t necessarily want to consider FLAWS, but impede in one way or another. Elita has a degenerative disease in her T-Cog which will lead to her inevitable inability to transform. This is something that’s been explored and seen start to take hold during the war, in the earth verse, and now the affects are at maximum in her main verse.

Another, which is something most noticeable in the AU as Ariel, but, Elita has a speech impediment / stutter. Over time she’s trained herself out of it but when she’s very stressed or highly emotional the stutter returns. It’s another reason why she is hell-bent on keeping control because it’s a personal point of shame in herself, and something about herself she loathes deep down.

I hope that helped explain things !! I love answering questions like these :3

#/ long post #[ character study deep dive no one asked for ]#[ BUT HERE YA GO ]#[ she's not a mary sue in disguise ]#[ there's tons of flaws all there embedded in her character ]#[ but it's also contrasted against someone who strives to be perfect ]#[ so it's sometimes a subtle and complex thing. ]#[ not glaringly obvious like being a drug addict or abusive yenno? ]#╰ ♔ ·｡ ┊ ғɪғᴛʏ sʜᴀᴅᴇs ᴏғ ɢʀᴇʏғᴀᴄᴇs ○「 ᴀɴᴏɴ 」#╰ ♔ ·｡ ┊ ᴅᴜʟʏ ɴᴏᴛᴇᴅ ○「 ᴀsᴋʙᴏx 」

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efrmellifer · 4 years

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Lullaby

note: the lullaby is a mix of multiple demos of “Stranded Lullaby” by Miracle Musical

The birds were singing in Ishgard, even so late into the night, and that was all Etien could hear other than Aymeric’s breaths, quiet yet audible.

“Are you still having trouble sleeping?” She asked softly, though she lay completely still in case he was asleep, so she didn’t wake him.

“I could ask you the same, seeing as you seem to be awake this late as well.”

At the same time, they replied to each other, “yes.”

Etien sat up then, sighing a little as she rubbed at her eye. “Well, come here.”

Aymeric rolled over to look up at her, and smiled when she opened her arms. He didn’t quite dive into them, too tired to do so, but he did slide in with an eagerness.

She wrapped her arms around him, humming in delight. “Hello.”

“You’re so warm,” he mumbled into her nightgown.

She smiled, her hand settling on his back. “How shall I help you sleep?” She cooed after a moment, hand leaving its position of being spread between his shoulder blades to instead smooth back his hair as he looked up at her.

“Well. At the risk of sounding childish…”

Etien giggled. “I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again, Aymeric. Any time you need. Is there a specific song you want?”

He shook his head. “You can choose. You always choose such pretty lullabies. Are they all from the Shroud?”

“Not all of them. The one I have in mind is actually from Limsa Lominsa. You’ll see why.” She swallowed. “I want to learn some Ishgardian ones eventually… for when we have children. But that’s not for now. For now, settle in, and hopefully you can get some sleep. All right?”

Aymeric yawned as he nodded, then settled his head into Etien’s lap again.

She took a deep breath, released it, and then another to start singing, her hand returning to Aymeric’s back, gradually starting to rub a careful oval.

It was just a habit—she’d done it for her siblings, for Alphinaud, now for Aymeric. It was something for her hands to do while she sang, and she found it expedited the process of easing people to sleep. Which was good, because as much as she wouldn’t mind singing until dawn, if it would help him, she was sure she’d go hoarse first.

She eased into the song, voice hesitant until she found the volume she wanted. “Lullaby only made for two, I’ve waited since the start of time to sing it now for you. And I love you, I really do. It’s all been heard before, but now I mean it more— hear me here, someday my voice might not be near.” She sighed before the next verse. “Here we are, floating in the dark, and though we don’t know where we’re going, we embark on, sail on, sail on. We’ve only so much time, I wish you could be mine evermore, maybe there’s nowhere to explore. I was made for you, you were made for me. Simply you and me were made to be; it’s standard fare, but I don’t care right now.”

Aymeric might have sighed, or he laughed; either way, Etien felt his breath warming a patch of the fabric on her leg.

“There’s a bit of tension in the swell, of dreamt debris adrift amidst the waves and then dispelled. Aimless thoughts and papers blown around, a million moments meant remembered rest in deep dark sound.” She couldn’t remember the words here, so she hummed the tune and picked up where she remembered. “I'd like to know why you are all alone while I'm lost at sea… I’ll never be the one you want.”

“Oh, that’s not true, Etien,” Aymeric murmured.

“It’s a lullaby, darling, not an autobiography,” she replied with a laugh. “Shh. Just sleep.”

Her hand moved to his hair now, fingers coming through the satin waves, so like the deep dark waters she was singing about at the moment.

She sang words again. “The ocean fills my chest, fighting with the mess. I am given to the sea and sky, the sparkling waves, the sparkling stars of thoughts of you. I’d like to know why you are all alone while I’m lost at sea. Maybe we'll be there when you want.” She hummed the tune a little more as she skipped to the last verse. “Lullaby floating in the dark, along the other songs that came before ours lost in the stars. I won’t be overdue, this song was meant for you. I’ll love you ‘til you’re gone; our song goes on and on. Good night and maybe we’re sleeping after all.”

Her hand continued traveling along his spine while his breathing slowed and deepened. She was comfortable enough, propped against the pillows, so she tipped her head back to fall asleep like that.

Well, physically, she was comfortable enough. Her heart was near to bursting at how tightly Aymeric had been holding onto her as she sang. He was still gripping her nightgown in a loose fist.

As if she would go anywhere, when she could stay here, her lap his pillow, and let her fingers tangle in his hair.

She hoped he was sleeping well.

#Aytien #100% certified genuine Aytien Fluff #fic

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the-colony-roleplay · 5 years

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OCS, SKELETONS & AN ALL NEW NWRF EXTRAVAGANZA

Okay guys! We come to you with another really exciting announcement!

As you probably know, Lottie and I are always working hard behind the scenes coming up with ideas for future plots, and potential changes/expansions that will help ensure the longevity of the Colony’s life. And we have lots in store for you guys, things that we hope to release or expand over the next year, but our current project and focus, especially since we’re not able to get into the next Games Live Play until Game season is back upon us in the verse, is to do with helping to foster an actively played, NWRF presence at the Colony.

After some discussion about the current environment of the game, and the kinds of things that might help to make it continue to prosper as well as it has been these past couple years, we’d like to help strengthen the active conflict dynamic within the RP. As of now, the verse has plenty to work with, which has helped us immensely in the last three years, since the drop of the NWRF plot. However, we’ve been thinking that since we’re all one big happy family just trying to play a cool game, what kinds of tools can we introduce to help make the game even better and more accessible for everyone? So....

Introducing ‘Plot Device’ Skeleton bios!

Starting now, we’re going to start working on and rolling out skeleton bios specifically designed for characters that will help move the plot forward, and open doors for new and exciting tension and content! For the time being, since this is essentially an NWRF themed promotional festival (lol, the irony is obscene), all of these skeletons will be NWRF, with potential for other roles and bio types in the future.

These skeletons, however, will come with their own parameters for activity and play, which will hopefully help make filling these roles more feasible, and make the gameplay more exciting and fun for the whole group! The parameters will be as follows:

Skeletons (or ‘skeles’ as I’ve taken to calling them) will be designed in such a way that they can be temporary, if need be. That is to say, if we’re in need of someone on a temporary basis to help make a certain plot more interesting or dynamic, these characters can be played on a temporary basis. Of course, hanging onto them is always encouraged too! If you fall in love, who are we to take them away from you! :)

Picking up a skeleton will not count towards your character count.

Muns will not be specifically required to write paras on skeletons, UNLESS it’s for a big/action heavy plot, etc. Essentially, we will always encourage paras, especially since half of y’alls chats are basically long enough to be paras—but with these skeles, you will not be expected to para in the same way you are with regular bios. The exception to this will be applied when you’re participating in a plot where the content sort of demands para format anyway.

Skeleton bios will have an extended activity limit of TEN days. We know that NWRF type characters can be a heavier load sometimes, in terms of muse, and the weightiness of threads. But these skeletons are designed more to be sort of part-time characters, whose appearances on the dash will really help shake things up, but don’t necessarily have to be as present. That being said, goodness gracious, if you can be as active on them as your other characters please do so. We are not suggesting you can’t dedicate as much time to these guys. Just that they are designed to be more flexible, so more people feel they have the time to pick them up, which will help add cool versatility to the active player plotting opportunities.

Similarly, Skeles will not be expected to have as many on going interactions at one given time. So, yes, we still want people to RP with a variety of characters and members, and try to experience plotting and threading with everyone eventually. But you will not be under the same expectations to have that many threads going at one given time, or to reply to as many starters, etc. We still hope for diversity, but as ‘plot-device’ characters, our goal for them is to add range to the dash that will be beneficial to the plot and for people’s muse, while not bogging down our muns or be quite as large of a commitment. (We may set a minimum number of 3, but these rules will be solidified in the future).

Skeles will only have suggested FCs (some requirements accordingly, like POC, etc) age ranges, +/- traits, and general summaries. Like most skeletons, these will be character guides that we would like the muns to get creative with and flesh out in their own way. We will provide character labels, (rather than full names), job titles, a small summary of the character, and some general aesthetic/moods. From there, you will be free to do the rest. This also means that the application will be different for these bios, and that will be released at a later date.

Skeletons that are dropped will be handled on a case by case basis much like any other bio. They’ll either be closed and written out of the story, reopened to be played again in the future, or potentially reopened as a full bio, if the mun decides to release it as such.

Skeleton bios will only be available to current members. This is strictly because if you are going to be a member of this RP, you should start with a fully committed character, with regular activity requirements and participation. We want new members to get the most out of their time here and to really be a part of this community, and these particular skeletons are fashioned in such a way that the requirements wouldn’t be beneficial to you as a new member. However, if you are a new member and you’re interested in NWRF roles, keep in mind there will always be the full NWRF bios, as found on on our open masterlist, as well as the possibility of writing OCs! And finally, if you’ve absolutely fallen in love with a skeleton, and want to apply for it as a full character with normal activity requirements, that’s certainly something that could be discussed, and we encourage you to come to us about that if you’d like!

NWRF OOC Blog

One of the challenging things about playing NWRF characters is their connection to the main plot, which is largely executed and controlled by the admins, so communication is essential, and across so many players in so many different timezones, it can sometimes be confusing. So, starting this week, we’re going to be introducing a secondary OOC, that will be specifically reserved for plotting and sharing information between NWRF reps, guards, lab techs, etc etc etc, with regards to the goings on in the Colony. It will be where you can easily plot and drop notes and ideas, so you all have one place to communicate together where timezones won’t be an issue, and things won’t get too cluttered like they might in a group chat.

The separation of this is only to be able to retain a bit of fun and mystery when it comes to Lottie and I not wanting to spoil event ideas and plot drops for everyone, but needing to loop in some of the NWRF for their own character dev or what have you, etc. This OOC, however, will never be for socializing, because we have no intention of splitting up the family in anyway. It’ll exclusively be for plotting and the sharing of NWRF related info, etc. We’re hoping this method will help facilitate an easier and more cohesive system to playing an NWRF character.

Opening NWRF OCs

We’ve been on OC ban for some time now, and we had planned to do another stint of opening them up for a limited time. We have decided, however, to simply fully open NWRF OCs. (Not to worry, there will be more opportunities to apply for non-NWRF OCs in the future, but if anyone is interested in that, come chat with us about it off anon!) For now, however, since our current goal is to focus on getting more NWRF up and running in the game play, and we didn’t necessarily want to go on an NWRF exclusive ban, we figured this was a great alternative!

The NWRF Incentive! (Better than it sounds!!)

So, in the interest of boosting our NWRF presence here at Col22, we’re sort of rolling out a Bay-Day-Sale type promotion (haha). So, for a limited time only, anyone who applies for a FULL NWRF OPEN BIO (as in not a skeleton) will get to enjoy an extended activity limit of 9 DAYS for the first 3 MONTHS after their application. This is purely promotional, and will not be offered forever, but for the time being, it’s a little extra incentive for you guys to get your bums in gear! We also figured since the Skeleton bios will have a more lax activity limit, we may as well boost our full NWRF bios as well! The more the merrier, right!?

In Closing...

Obviously, the roll out of the skeletons themselves will take some time, and will be gradual. Lottie is about to go on a hiatus for about a week, and obviously I’m working stupid film hours, but hopefully we’ll get some posted for you next weekend! We just really wanted to give everyone the news now, so people can start thinking about it.

If you have any ideas of things you’d like to see as skeletons, definitely let us know, and feel free to pitch us your ideas! And as always, if you have any questions at all or things you want clarified about this, don’t be afraid to hit us up here on the main blog! Please refer to the Ask Box so we can reply publicly and benefit everyone!

Okay, that’s all for now folks! So much love to you all from the both of us, and so very proud!!!

xoxo

Col!Mods

#col22admin #literate rp #sci fi rp #para rp #mature rp #skeletons #plot device skeletons #nwrf

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cjostrander · 5 years

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Creed: Human Clay

Well; i am back to another anniversary review and have decided to tackle Creed’s most well known album. It turns 20 years old this year and is something that is better to have off the list sooner than later. Let’s begin and see how well this album has stood the test of time!

Are You Ready? (Single): We begin with the first single and it begins with a middle eastern type melody to ease the listener in with some wonder before shifting into some standard mainstream rock riffs. The bass has a prominence presence in the mix and works with the drums to keep things moving in a pretty easygoing note. Scott produces a pretty strong delivery that is straightforward but infuses a good deal of relaxed rage in his vocals. The lyrics prove to be straightforward in a simplistic manner but retain ample catchiness to follow along to pleasantly. The chorus helps to push things along smoothly and will shape this up to be a safe pick for them to play live. So you know; i have seen this album played in its entirety before they ended their reunion era tours. As you guys can expect with this song and album in general; you are looking into mainstream rock n roll that won’t favors accessibility over complexity. 8/10

What If (Single): This next single is one of my favorites from the band and it begins with a sinister guitar melody that brings forth a pleasing sense of darkness and lurking tension. It sets itself up nice and easy before guitar riffs roar into one of the most powerful rockers on the album. Scott arrives with a full dose of fury in his vocals to grasp the listener’s attention. The lyrics are some of the album’s catchiest and provides ample sing along moments during the chorus. It moves along nice and steady with aggressively powerful drum bashing and focused guitar blasts. This track is a must see for during a live performance and showcases Scott’s vocals at the top of their game. The prominent presence of the bass in their music is a good move because it helps to prevent the band from feeling empty anywhere. 9/10

Beautiful: This track begins with a low but soothing guitar melody underneath Scott's casual opening. The guitars infuse a clever balance between cultural melodies and more muscular riffs to keep a steady balance for the listener to encounter. The drums deliver a decent show of aggression in the background to add to the muscle of the guitars without trying to absorb too much of the spotlight. The lyrics aren’t bad but do focus more heavily on a spoken word style and as such may risk leading the listener to some boredom due to its lower level of catchiness than on the last couple songs. The guitar solo produces a nicely melodic atmosphere and showcases some of Mark Tremonti’s early technicality without really venturing too far into it. 8/10

Say I: Guitars immediately begin this one off with a nice level of muscular force for the listener to feel engaged by. It still showcases those echoed middle eastern tinged guitar riffs that Tremonti was very prominent with during his early career. Scott takes on a more risky vocal style that is very firm and focused but ventures on with a lighter show of musical prominence than on the previous tracks. Because of that while; instrumentally it is an interesting piece to pick apart; it does progress rather slowly and risks leading the listener to a state of boredom. This is mainly due to a near absent focus on making the vocals or lyrics display a sense of catchiness to move along to. Still not a bad piece but more suited to being background music to set a rhythm; as opposed to deserving heavy focus. 7/10

Wrong Way: Echoed guitar melodies begin the song on a worldly yet gloomy tone that fits with a title of the track. Scott arrives with a lecturing style of vocals that gradually displays some interesting melodies without feeling the need to bring out the muscle from the guitars and drums. Despite feeling like a straightforward filler track it moves by pretty quickly and doesn’t do much to offend as it does to really be memorable to the listener. Hopefully the next couple tracks bring a little more magic into the album. This and the last track do a decent job of prolonging the listening experience for what it’s worth. 7/10

Faceless Man: More of the middle eastern riffs arrive to create the worldly feeling of a journey underway. Scott delivers some pretty melodic verses and the inclusion of acoustic riffs helps to give his vocals a nice texture that would showcase a solid live performance for the band. It stays nice and melodic and the lyrics should do well to keep the listener focused while the instrumentals maintain a soothing sense of relaxation that would be properly appreciated in this album. They do still bring some of their signature muscle later on in the song that will help it to be more well rounded track for mainstream rock fans. This one definitely will also be a highlight for Scott's vocals due to the level of convincingly emotional power he develops as the song reaches its gradual ending. Definitely one of the stronger tracks that isn’t a hit. 8.5/10

Never Die: Guitars begin with an odd yet interesting echo melody that feels like waking up on a rough morning with a hangover. I mean that in a positive manner since i could see a humorous music video centered on that type of excess scenario. The vocals are good and deliver a good show of force while the drum bash around a bit more this time of some slightly angrier riffs. It keeps that chime like guitar melody running consistent throughout the song and even though it’s not bad; i could see a half engaged listener growing gradually annoyed due to its persistence. The lyrics on this one are decent and will deliver a decent focal point for a listener that is interested in it; Though i don’t envision many listeners in this genre that will really give the music that level of analysis. They do have some decent near-jam segments that will fluff its live appeal and shape this up to be another of the more well-rounded non hit tracks. 8/10

With Arms Wide Open (Single): Now these next two singles are signatures for the band and begin with a highly memorable guitar melody; which immediately lulls the listener into a deep state of ease. Scott arrives with a calm and assuring vocal presence that is full of reflection and growth. This can probably be easily viewed as containing some of the Scott’s most memorable lyrics of his career. That will be a major focal point in this track but the instrumentals do a pretty good job of emphasizing the emotion in Scott’s voice. I would definitely suggest checking this track and the next one out if just discovering the band or browsing the album; because it is a staple track that has endured pretty firmly throughout the years 9/10

Higher (Single): This next staple for the band as a whole begins with a reassuringly theraputic guitar melody but with a bit more power guitar wise than the last song. Scott enters pretty smoothly and provides it with a decent level of melody and power for the listener to be soothed by. The lyrics are decently strong and will be a good focal point for the listener and help to cement it as one of the band’s consistent live staples. As with the last track it is a pretty straightforward track that is honestly simplistic but emotionally compelling. It is surely to be around for another 20 years on the radio as long as 90′s era music remains played. But if Nickelback’s older work is still played then this band is a given; since both play to the same market for better or for worse depending on your personal taste preference. 8.5/10

Wash Away Those Tears: This is the longest track on the album at roughly 6 minutes long. It shifts the album back towards a more somber note verses the last two tracks. Scott arrives with a more echoed and angsty style in comparison to the previous material. As a result he is much less supported instrumentally and can leave this track feeling somewhat empty as a result. Instrumentals gradually do pick up in activity and help Scott to achieve some level of melody in his lyrics. It does gradually grow to hit the listener with a nicely climatic level of power and vocal emotion. It does help to make the long build up worth it even if its not screaming for attention. It would make for a good live piece to come across as long as the setlist flow is solid. As for the album flow its lengthy but keeps you occupied in a positive manner. 8/10

Inside Us All: This finale track starts off with a stronger sense of melodic urgency in the guitar riffs. It is soothing but thought provoking in terms of emotion. Scott arrives with a calming sense of melody that makes effective use of his lyrics to really grasp onto the listener’s need for theraputic release. As a result it has a decently fitting atmosphere for a finale track for this album. It keeps things straightforward as is typical but a continued ability to get you thinking whether its about the music itself or your own personal conflicts. 8/10

Overall album rating: 8.1/10

Well it got a fairly decent score and actually stood out as a much more well rounded album than i expected it to be. It is still what you would label as mainstream generic radio rock; but it is the better of the lot. It is lengthy but flows pretty smoothly as an overall album and does provide you with ample opportunity for reflection; which is hard to find in this type of music. I would rate it as being very mood oriented in terms of appreciation and is best suited for an easygoing day in which you want something with energy and some attempt at complexity without throwing the kitchen sink at you. I would suggest that you give it a listen when the mood feels right but play it in album sequence.

*Reviewer’s Pick*

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eeveevie · 5 years

Note

I LIVE FOR ALIEVE. #4 because alistair sexting. need i say more. if you've done this one before (which btw, you should link me), then #11 or #23~

from this list

“trying to go down on the other, under the table, during dinner”

ayeee @elfrooted, the real MVP for those of you who missed TWYMMF. That’s right. The Way You Make Me Feel. CousCous and Alibear up in this bitch, once again, after so so long.

Alistair x Evelyn Cousland (TWYMMF/AU verse)

1401 words (under a cut) | Mature content | Ao3

Evelyn had never left work so quickly before, making a maddash from her desk and down the stairs, practically mowing down others as shequickly walked towards her car. It had been the first day back from the timeshe had taken off for Cullen and Aurelie’s wedding, and in that week a lot had happened.

Yes, her friends had married, but it was Evelyn who foundherself in her own sort of honeymoon with Alistair. They had taken their time(perhaps too much time) resolving thetension between one another in the last few months, but they were finallybeyond the hurt and confusion and onto something wonderful. They loved each other, and made sure that it waswell-known, well-spoken statement during the week they spent locked away in theapartment they shared.

Of course, a lot of that week was also spent making up forlost time, as Alistair put it. They hardly left the bedroom, and when they did,it wasn’t unusual for them to end up as a naked heap of limbs somewhere else inthe apartment. Blanket fort? Yep. Kitchen? Day one. Her bedroom? Night three.

It was a struggle, to say the least, to get back into a workroutine. In the quiet moments between reviewing cases her mind would wander,and she wondered if her expression was as love-struck as she felt. Evelynreminded herself it wasn’t just the sexshe was delighted about. She was happy, so happyto be with the one person she could be completely honest and open with.Alistair truly was her soulmate, inevery sense of the word.

As soon as she entered the apartment, she tried to ignorethe way her body instantly warmed at the sight of him in the kitchen, clearlyfinishing up preparing their evening meal. Alistair was staring at her with asideways grin, eyes sparkling not dissimilar to how they had when she firsttold him she loved him. She hoped he never stopped looking at her like that.

“You’re home!” he greeted.

Evelyn quickly set her belongings down on the kitchen bar,toeing off her heels as she rounded the corner to meet him in a tight hug. “Imissed you,” she mumbled into his shoulder.

Alistair let out a soft chuckle. “You have no idea how hardof a day I had at work.”

“Is that a double entendre?” she asked with a laugh, pullingaway just enough so she could glance up at him.

He shrugged. “It can be, now that I think about it.”

“Hmm,” Evelyn hummed, a tingle running up her spine as oneof his hands rested on her hip. A few of his fingers rustled at the fabric ofher shirt, attempting to untuck it from her skirt. “Too bad I wasn’t there tohelp.”

“Next time,” he smiled, a certain redness creeping up hisneck and up to the tips of his ears. Alistair dipped his head down next,capturing her lips in a soft kiss. A few seconds and she returned the gesture,content to let her body melt against his. But then she smelled whateverwonderful dinner he had cooked and pulled away—if they continued to kiss, she’dlikely go hungry. Well, in the literal way, at least.

“You cooked?” she questioned, reluctantly pulling away.

Alistair sucked in a breath, blinking a few times beforenodding. He gestured towards the stove. “I think I’ve perfected the art of pastaand red sauce. There’s garlic bread on the table. Fresh from the oven!”

While she was hesitant to pull away completely, she knewthat the night was still young. First, eat diner. Then they could go back to a handsall over mentality. Evelyn sat down at the table nook in the kitchen,shrugging off her blazer as she watched him plate two servings, setting hersdown before sitting down across from her. She poured the last of the wine theyhad been gifted—courtesy of the Rutherfords—and the two silently toasted.

Evelyn paced herself as she ate, giggling through bites asAlistair told her about his day at the security office. It had been a mundaneday for him, save for the numerous amount of teasing and innuendo he receivedfrom Zevran. Apparently the Antivan had tried to give Alistair advice, much to his chagrin.

“Not that you need it,” Evelyn commented with a wink.

Alistair’s eyebrows jumped up and he smirked. “Oh?”

She couldn’t help but curl her toes at the devious way hewas looking at her now. What was he thinking? Sure, she had a general idea, but with Alistair, anything was possible. Suddenly, hemoved his hand, the fork he was holding dropping to the tile floor with apronounced clink.

“Oh my, it seems as though I’ve dropped my fork,” he saidsarcastically. Evelyn bit down on her bottom lip, suppressing her grin as hewaggled his eyebrows for a split second. “I guess I better go down and pick it up.”

Maker.

Evelyn clenched her thighs together as a wave of excitement washedover her. Alistair quickly dipped beneath the wooden table, and she eyed him ashe crawled towards her legs. She let out a sharp, but delighted yelp as hishands gripped around her ankles, fingers sliding up her calves as he moved herto create space for his body. He kissed the inside of her knee, nose nudging atthe hem of her skirt as he trailed upwards towards the inside of her thigh.

“Pull this up?” he prompted.

Evelyn took the skirt from his hands, lifting her bottomjust enough to hike the fabric above her hips. A part of her was frustratedthat her view of him was obstructed by the table, but when she tried to scootback, she found his hands firmly gripping her thighs to keep her in place. Shemoaned, closing her eyes as he left more, soft, open-mouthed kisses up theinside of her thigh, slowly nudging her legs further apart.

She was incredibly aroused, and could feel the wetnesspooling at her core. Alistair’s fingers hooked into the band of her panties,pulling them away even as his lips hovered over her sex. She could still feelthe fabric hanging off of one ankle as he tugged her forward, prompting her toscoot so she was sitting on the very edge of the chair. Evelyn leaned back,hanging onto the side of the table as his hot breath fanned across hersensitive skin. She threw her head back as he finally made contact, his tonguesweeping up the seam of her sex before focusing on her clit. His lips curledaround the delicate nub, gradually applying more pressure as he sucked.

Fuck. She wasalready so close, especially after a long day of imagining just this exactscenario. His fingers found purchase against her skin, dull fingernailspressing into her thigh and hip as he groaned against her. The rumble had herspasm in reaction, knowing her climax was just a few caresses away. Alistairsped up slightly, the broadness of his tongue spreading her lips more, givinghim greater access to the most sensitive part of her very being.

“I—” the words got caught in her throat as she writhed,sliding further into the chair as his mouth and tongue moved faster and faster.

Evelyn hooked one leg across his back and shoulders as thefirst wave hit her, so hard she thought she was convulsing. She kept him hookedthere, finally managing to cry out as pure pleasure took over. Alistair didn’tslow, not for one moment, carrying her through until her orgasm completelyfaded. By then, she was drenched with sweat, chest heaving as she struggled tocatch her breath. His hands were gentle now as they slid up and down her skin,a soft laugh echoing from beneath the table.

Evelyn opened her eyes, the angle she was in now providingher a good look at his face and expression. He was just as breathless, but hada certain smugness that he only showed after providing her with such ecstasy. Hiseyes darted away, and he smirked.

“Oh, there’s my fork!”Alistair waved it between them. “Silly how forks get away from you—”

Evelyn snatched it, letting out a breathless laugh. “Shut upand fork me.”

#dragon age #alistair theirin #alistair x f!cousland #evelyn cousland #couscous & alibear #otp: say no more #the way you make me feel #a crab writes #fanfic #prompt response #notsafeforcrabs content #elfrooted #potato answer

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thekidultlife · 6 years

Text

Audiophile | Jihoon Idol!AU

Words: 3878

Genre: Plain smut, folks.

(A/N: Well, good luck on this one. It was pretty long like 80% of it is smut)

You entered Jihoon’s studio in the manner that you usually did.

It wasn’t out of the ordinary. You, as the music producer of your own group, had rights and reasons to have a space in the studio. Pledis was still skeptical in giving you your own studio, so thus you had to share with Seventeen’s music prodigy.

It wasn’t like he minded your presence, though he was wary at first. Yet as you gradually assimilated into the room, Jihoon actually took comfort in your company. After all, it could really get lonely at some nights.

And so you entered casually.

Most of your things were left untouched on top of your desk, including your phone. Well, there really isn’t any reason for them to be touched since you just went to eat dinner at three in the morning and Jihoon was somewhere you didn’t know and the studio was one of the most heavily secured places in the building.

You nonchalantly approached your desk and cleared the top; moving notebooks riddled with lyrics away and awakening the PC so you can continue a song you were producing. Picking up your phone, you noticed that you left it on record. Probably because you were recording a melody just before you went to eat and forgot to turn it off.

It was recording for two hours and forty-seven seconds.

You shrugged and sighed.

Before you left for the chicken restaurant just in front of Pledis, Jihoon was still working on something and had refused your invitation to eat with you. You figured that he was working on something really important, so you didn’t bother to persuade him and just went out. Since he wasn’t in the studio by the time you went back, you guessed he had probably went to eat as well.

You tapped on the stop button and placed it on top of your desk as you sat on your armchair. You stretched your arms before you and again tapped on your phone to play the recording. The first part might still be valuable after all.

And so it played—you humming a tune as Jihoon’s furious mouse clicking and keyboard typing is heard on the background. Listening while massaging your fingers, the cogwheels in your head began turning on how you would do the verse. You did some backing and sung a bit of lyrics which you thought would match. However, you still had trouble with how you would do the beat of the song so you began tapping your palms and fingers on the wooden desk until you found it right.

Immersed in the beat that you were creating, you barely noticed the part where you were humming was already over and was replaced just by sheer silence.

And then someone groaned.

Your fingers stopped tapping and you looked around you, confused. Like hell were you getting haunted right now when you have a comeback next month.

Then there was a whimper.

“What the—”

“—ah…haa…”

You shivered at the sounds. Obviously, there were sounds which you shouldn’t be hearing right now. It may either be someone having sex in the studio which was impossible since there were no cabinets nor anything to hide in; or someone was watching porn and left it open.

You rose from your seat and looked around. You definitely weren’t imagining things—there were really legit sounds yet you couldn’t fathom where it was from.

“Oh fuck…yes…”

Now you could clearly identify who it was. Well, you weren’t that surprised really.

“Well, Jihoon is a guy,” you said casually and shrugged, turning to return to your chair.

“Ahh…Y/N…god…”

But that wasn’t what you expected.

The air in the room immediately changed into something heavier.

Another thing which caught you in the headlights was where the sounds were coming from. It finally clicked to you that everything was coming from your phone. That two hour recording was Jihoon jacking off to the thought you.

He groaned in the recording. “…Shit…haa…Y/N…you feel so good….”

You heard the swivel chair creak in the recording and you could imagine Jihoon arching his back and throwing his head on the backrest as he pumped his dick as quickly as he could.

“Fuck…ahh…haa…god…Y/N…I wish I could fuck you…”

His words sent currents right to your core as you immediately rubbed your thighs together; still denying that the recording was turning you on. Slowly, you returned to your seat and continued listening to the recording even though you knew you had to turn it off. But you couldn’t. His moans and grunts were too hypnotizing to your ears which left your throat dry but your underwear drenched.

Your hands which were gripping the armrests tightly gradually crept down to your lap and rubbed circles on the skin exposed by your shorts. Licking your lips, the thoughts which swirled in your mind was getting the better of you, urging your hands to slide down your inner thighs as your legs parted hesitantly.

He grunted.

Slowly, your fingers dipped to your apex and rubbed the forming wet patch on your shorts. It was languid and teasing while you enjoyed the breathy gasps of Jihoon from your phone. Shit. Getting a tad naughtier, your free hand unbuttoned and unzipped your shorts as the other pulled them down to your ankles.

Freer than before, your hand immediately went to your covered clit and placed small touches which had you hitching your breath. You also played with your entrance and imagined Jihoon touching you at the same places you did.

“Shit…ughh…ahh…” You could hear skin on skin as the image of him rubbing his thick cock with parted lips and heavy breaths tainted your mind. Everything in that recording happened in the very same room you were in just a little while ago. It was just some sort of porn clip—it was Jihoon at his dirtiest.

“Ji…” a segment of his name escaped from your lips as you finally removed your underwear and directly rubbed circles on your sensitive nub. “…ahh…Jihoon…”

“…nnm…Y/N…I’m…so, so close…”

His voice had gotten higher and louder as you wished he would whisper those exact same words on your ear as he fucks you hard on the desk. You inserted a digit in you as it slid without trouble and you imagined yourself as the recipient of Jihoon’s rough thrusts and dirty words.

“haa…haa…uhh…yes…Jihoon,” you mumbled, your eyes long closed as you slipped another finger in you yet feeling frustrated at how they just could not reach the spot you wanted. If only Jihoon’s fingers were in you…surely, surely…they would…

“Mmn…Jihoon, please…there…ah—”

“Y/N, you calling for me—OH SHIT. FUCK. I’m sorry—”

Everything was happening too fast.

First, when you heard the real Jihoon’s voice at the doorway, you lunged to pick up your underwear and shorts from the floor and wore them back at Mach speed. Second, Jihoon almost had his eyeballs pop out from its sockets when he saw you half naked and masturbating to none other than him. Third, he slammed the door shut but to his dismay, he shut it the other way, with him and you locked inside the studio together with the awkwardness and the tension swirling in the air.

The both of you tried to avoid each other’s gazes until you accidentally met his and now the two of you were trapped.

“…oh god fuck…ughh…Y/N! I’m coming—”

Jihoon tapped the stop button on your phone and looked away guiltily as his ears were red with embarrassment.

“Wait! I can explain!” you exclaimed first, hiding your hands on your back, away from his sight. “I didn’t record you intentionally, okay? It’s just…! I…uh…I left it on record accidentally and—”

“Oh just fuck this!”

Jihoon interrupted you with a sharp curse and marched towards you with a darkened expression. He pulled you towards him and with a single second of a pause, he had his lips on yours within the next moment.

You couldn’t even process what was actually happening. All you knew was how the kiss was so soft and languid despite how he held on you so tightly on your waist; pushing you flush against his hardness. Yet you enjoyed it all as you mewled in agreement when he slid his tongue in your mouth to play with yours. Instinctively, your arms wound itself around his neck, pulling on his strands of dark hair between your fingers.

“Jihoon…” you whimpered in a soft voice as soon as he left your lips and began nibbling on your jaw and neck; feeling the tingly sensation of his tongue sucking and licking your soft skin.

The grasps on his shoulders tightened when Jihoon began to urge you towards the leather sofa behind you and when your knees had hit its peripheries, he suddenly pushed you down and pinned you underneath him. He returned to giving you numerous splotches on your jaw down to your collarbone as he now slipped his hands underneath your hoodie—an indication that he needed them off of you.

Getting his hint, you pushed him off of you and took them off, throwing them beside the sofa along with your shorts; leaving you basically naked except for your underwear. Jihoon seemed to have forgotten how to breathe when he saw you so bare for him and had been taken over by an instinct to place more marks on your beautiful skin.

“Finally…fucking finally…” he mumbled over and over like spell on your chest as if binding you to be his.

His nimble fingers crept to the hook of your bra so that it could join the rest of your clothes beside the sofa in a bundled heap. Jihoon then leaned forward to catch your hard nub between his lips and sucked as his hand groped your other breast, loving how they felt against his hand.

You squealed at the sensations he was doing on your body as you melted against his touch like putty; repeating his name on your lips like a broken record. Arching your back as Jihoon teased your breasts, you reveled at how his eyes turned feral when you ground your aching core to his clothed hardness.

Feeling too warm and overdressed for the moment, Jihoon removed his shirt as well as his skinny jeans and rejoined you on the couch; hovering above you with a deadly smirk. Inclining himself, he whispered right beside your ear.

“I heard you get off with my voice.”

Without even looking, you could feel his smugness dripping between his words; implying at how you were masturbating with his moans earlier. You could sense a flush of warmth on your cheeks and a lump on our throat yet you couldn’t deny it—you loved his voice especially when it’s saying how he wants to fuck you so much.

His hand crept down to the band of your panties, teasingly slipping his finger around it and pulling it down so, so slowly while the other was caressing your waist in gentle circles.

“Do you want to hear how I’ll fuck you tonight, my baby girl?” he started, now peppering small kisses up and down your neck. “How I’ll fill your tight wet pussy with my cock and fuck you until you can’t walk straight until next week?”

“…fuck…Jihoon…ahh…” you moaned, the hand which was playing with your panties now raking up and down your sensitive inner thighs.

“Oh god, baby. You’ll look so good covered in my cum as I pound into you again and again…” he smiled at you so sweetly and the contrast between his expression and his words made your stomach do somersaults.

Jihoon’s hands then found purchase on your panties and slipped it off of you, a string of wetness on your pussy evident which Jihoon playfully swiped his two fingers with; a mocking grin on his lips.

“I haven’t even touched you here and you’re so wet?” he remarked, placing both hands underneath your legs and spread you wide before him.

“Please touch me…Jihoon, please…” you begged as you covered your face with your arm, unable to look at him when you’re so open and bare.

Jihoon clicked his tongue at you and gently coaxed your arm away. As soon as he was done, he closed the gap between your lips; giving you a long-drawn kiss. His hand found its way on your cheeks and rubbed it slowly and reassuringly.

“Don’t hide, baby girl,” he smiled against your lips, his eyes boring right through you. “You look so beautiful like this. I want to see you looking so dirty, understand?”

Nodding in understanding, you gave Jihoon a small smile as he went back to his position between your legs. Without any warning, he leaned in and took a long stripe on your pussy; his tongue brushing against your sensitive clit as you jolted in surprise, holding to anything you can reach.

“Oh my god…Jihoon…” you cried, as he continued his assault on your clit, lapping all your juices.

He held on to your legs tightly as they instinctively try to close—you were unable to do anything but hold on to his dark lock as he slipped a finger into you. Jihoon then accelerated his face faster and faster as his tongue sucked on your swollen nub; adding a digit and then another when you got significantly wetter than before. Basically, you were nothing but a moaning mess, arching and screaming out Jihoon’s name in praise of how fucking good his tongue was.

When you could feel the beginning of your climax pooling on your stomach, Jihoon pulled out his fingers from you and replaced it with his tongue, exploring your hole earnestly as he gave you dark expression from between your legs. You groaned at this; tears forming in your eyes at how sensitive you have become.

“Are you coming for me, my baby girl?” he asked with his fuckingly rough voice that had you whimpering and bucking against the three fingers which returned pumping in and out of you.

“Ahh…Ji…! Ji…hoon…fuck yes…!” you replied with half lidded eyes and parted lips as your breasts bounced at both of your movements.

Jihoon grinned at you and went back down on your clit so that a few sucks and licks could push you towards your climax. In several minutes, he had you quivering and moaning as your climax had hit you like a bullet train—looking so utterly sexy and dirty for him only as you came.

Jihoon then pulled his fingers out of you and licked them clean on by one, tongue dragging at ever digit while you were unable to look away though your climax still had you shaking. He then leaned in towards you and gave you a peck on the lips. However, you knew this was far from over as the glint on his eyes had not faded yet but rather turned darker.

“My baby girl is up for another round, yeah?” he asked you, his eyes lingering on yours with a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “You can take on my cock now, right babe?”

His use of words made electricity run up and down your spine once again as excitement filled your blood. You can’t help but nod at his suggestion as you felt his clothed length nudge against your thigh. In a sudden impulse, you reached out to him and slowly rubbed your palm against the tent on his boxers while Jihoon gave a restrained moan.

“Yes, just like that, baby,” he muttered under his breath; his eyes closing to feel your touch a bit more.

Feeling a tad courageous, you slipped your hand underneath his underwear and played with the tip of his bare cock which was already slippery with precum. You reveled at how he was so hard and big because of you and only fueled you to pump his length faster; tightening your grip. Jihoon was already humping against your hand as his jaw fell and eyes shut tightly in pleasure.

“Fucking hell, Y/N…ughh…that’s…enough,” he growled at you, yet you didn’t stop. You couldn’t stop.

Jihoon could come with just your hand however, what he wanted today was to fuck you on the couch. Handjobs and blowjobs were for another time. So he got rid of your arm despite how difficult it is and pinned you back on the sofa. You noticed that there were sweat dripping down his brow to his cheeks and the deep pink flush on his skin and ears and you thought that nothing could be so endearing and so sexy at the same time.

“I told you, that’s enough,” he warned you in a low and husky voice that seemed to make you more excited than ever. “You know, bad girls should be punished. On your knees, now.”

Obediently, you turned around so that your ass was in front of him while your arms were supporting your upper body. Jihoon breathed in this sight of you; your wet glistening pussy right there for his taking and your butt so pretty for spanking.

He took his position behind you and dipped two fingers into your core as you keened in delight however, a sudden sharp pain hit your butt cheek that you had to arch your back.

“Count,” he commanded as he hit your ass once more and then rubbing it gently, a third finger burying inside of you. “And don’t come without my permission.”

You couldn’t seem to comprehend what he was asking of you because of the strange mixture of both pain and pleasure you were feeling, so you struggled to utter a single number.

“Baby girl, what did I say?” he asked you with a voice restrained but hungry. You know you couldn’t continue to disobey him anymore.

“C-count…” you replied with a hoarse voice.

“Good.”

As soon as he replied, he struck your ass again as you moaned a number, struggling not to come with how his fingers were thrusting into you. He continued to hit your butt several times until you were merely whispering the number.

“…Ji…I can’t…please…let me come…” you pleaded as tears glassed your eyes.

Sensing that you can’t handle it anymore, Jihoon pulled out his fingers and gently caressed your ass to ease the pain. You were breathing heavily as you noticed him crawling towards you and giving you several chaste kisses on your lips, cheeks, nose, and basically everywhere on your body.

“You’re such a good girl for me, baby,” he smiled down at you as you crept your arms around his shoulders.

“Please give me my reward now…” you replied with a small grin while Jihoon could only kiss you hard on the lips, tongue playing and teeth biting lips.

“Only for my baby girl,” he whispered as he finally removed his boxers; his dick hard against his stomach.

Jihoon then spread your legs apart and teasingly rubbed his length on your still sensitive clit. Mewling, you slapped his arm in reprimand and he only chuckled at you.

Slowly, he slid into your wet and hot pussy as the two of you wallowed in the sensation of each other. You felt him stretch you out in proportions you did not consider despite all the intense foreplay and you could only spread your lips and arch your back in pleasure. Jihoon didn’t expect how different it felt to be inside you; it was a hundred times much better than his good old hand or anything he could think of.

He didn’t try to move at first, considering if you felt comfortable. When you began bucking against him, Jihoon thrusted into you sharply and you groaned so loudly; glad the studio was sound-proofed.

“Fuck, baby…! You feel so good around me…” he muttered beside your ears as he tried to establish his rhythm; pounding inside you so roughly and steadily.

“Ji…hoon…oh my god…ahh…!” you could only utter sweet rasps as he had you gasping with how he pressed his thumb on your clit.

As he continued fucking you hard, Jihoon had his eyes nowhere but on yours as his lips parted in pure pleasure. You could see how he adored you so much with the way he gazed at you—his dark fringes now damp with sweat as it flew in motion with his deep thrusts.

Your arms reached for his back, nails raking on his skin which you realized was one of his kinks as Jihoon grunted in delight at feel of your fingers burying on his shoulder blades. He then lifted your left leg up and placed it over his shoulder so that Jihoon could pound into you deeper. This had you gasp as the new position had the head of his cock brushing against your sensitive spot, nudging you closer and closer to climax. Squeezing around him unconsciously, Jihoon gathered all of his strength not to come so early, yet he knew he wouldn’t last any longer.

In a sudden impulse, Jihoon bent towards you, his eyes searching yours in a whole different level. He had you at the mercy of his intense gaze, forever trapped and mesmerized by his dark chocolate brown orbs. And as if driven by the moment, both your lips touched and melted into a soft and sensual kiss—totally in contrast with how he was driving his cock into you.

“I…I like you…so much…shit…Y/N…I just…!”

He kept on whispering sweet nothings into your ear as he continued to drive into you, while you were holding onto him around his neck, feeling nothing but love and pleasure.

“Ji…ughh...! Faster! Yes…!”

You squealed as he upped his speed to a notch, the knot in you tightening and closing around his cock. You could feel it twitch inside of you and you understood this as a sign that he was already close to climaxing.

“Fuck…Y/N…I’m so close…!”

As soon as he whispered to you, you arched your back and gripped on his shoulder tightly as you reached your long-awaited climax. Jihoon cursed right beside your ear as he kept on pounding through your orgasm, and pulling out soon after; his seed covering your breasts and stomach.

You were still out of it when Jihoon muttered profanities again; wondering how he was supposed to clean you up. Having none of it, you pulled him down to lie next you and buried your face on his bare chest, reveling on the afterglow.

“Let’s think of that later…” you murmured against his skin, littering innocent pecks on his collarbones. “Right now, I want you beside me.”

Surprisingly, Jihoon blushed a deeper shade of red despite how he just had sex with you a few moments ago and without a protest, he swung an arm around your waist to pull you closer.

“I’m serious, you know…about earlier…” he stuttered like a little boy, making you grin.

“Don’t worry,” you replied as you gazed into his concerned eyes. “I think I might share the same feelings as you do…”

When he heard you, Jihoon immediately lit up and held you more closely as he kissed the tip of your nose.

“But seriously…you touching yourself was fucking hot,” he grinned mischievously. “How about a show for me next time, baby girl?”

-Hyeri

#seventeen #seventeen scenarios #seventeen imagines #seventeen smut #seventeen fluff #seventeen woozi #woozi #lee jihoon

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ow-oc-recalled-blog · 6 years

Text

Gryphon!

Ah! Before I give you his…well everything I have a few things to say!!!

1. I am using a template that I found on Overwatch Amino but I have made an effort to make it detailed! 2. He’s a flying character because I absolutely love flying characters in video games!!!!! 3. I love this blog! 4. Its an old OC by a couple of months (so a few things could get changed) and I already posted it to said Amino mentioned! It actually got on the front page which I am very happy about! 5. I don’t know how to enter the Discord since I’m solely on mobile!!! Do you mind sending a link! Please have fun reading! I put a lot of work into it!

■ Hero Basics Name: Alexis Katsaros Alias/Callsign: Gryphon Age: 38 Nationality: Greek Occupation: Mechanic, Inventor, Explorer Affiliation: Overwatch (formerly) Relations: Lena Oxton (Tracer), Angela Ziegler (Mercy) Base of Operations: Heraklion, Greece Role: Damage Health: 200 Armor: 50 Advantages of Using This Hero: Flight, able to stun people, high mobility. Disadvantages of Using This Hero: Slow descent, easy to spot.

■Weapon

Weapon Name: Heirloom Harpoon Primary Fire: A harpoon passed down from engineer to engineer, this harpoon has become a staple in what makes Alexis Katsaros the strong and independent leader he is. Good for taking out squishy characters. [Type]: Linear Projectile [Damage]: 100 [Ammo]: Infinite [Reload Time]: Since it is attached to the gun, it takes 1.2 seconds to come back to the gun and able to shoot again. [Headshot]: No

■Abilities

Ability #1: Capture Net Ability Voiceline: “Got you!” “Trapped!” Description: This net has 400 health and can be taken down by allies on your team if you are the one trapped. It takes one second to throw. Once trapped you are completely immobilized. You can’t move as your player struggles. Lasts shorter than Ana’s sleep dart. If you hit an enemy while they are in the air, they will drop down straight to the ground. [Cooldown]: 10 seconds

Ability #2: Jump Boost Ability Voiceline: “Whatever comes up!” Description: Gryphon boosts up in the air for eight meters. [Cooldown]: 4 seconds

Ability #3: Dash Ability Voiceline: “Into the action!” Description: Only active when he’s in the air. Gryphon dives to whatever you are pointing at. Whether it’s through the air or down below, Gryphon will dash. If you hit the ground you will get stunned for 1 second. [Cooldown]: 4 seconds

Passive Ability: Thinking Time Description: When high enough, Gryphon has the passive ability to float slower than most enemies. Much like Mercy’s Angelic Float, you don’t need a button however. This helps you scope out the area better if you need to. If you feel you are in danger of a sniper or want to get into the action, you can always use your dash ability.

Ultimate: Electric Netting Friendly Voiceline: “A shocking discovery!” Hostile Voiceline: “Τρέξτε όσο μπορείτε, αγαπητοί εχθροί! (Run as far as you can, dear enemies!)” Description: His net from his ability part of his kit expands into a 4 meter wide net. It stuns anyone hit for 2 seconds. After they are stunned, their walking speed is slowed by 50% for 4 seconds.

■Character

Personality: Gryphon is very intelligent and he knows it. Although putting on a haughty attitude, he is just putting up a front for others to think he is a smart person. He fears if he acts silly or doesn’t keep his tough exterior, people will look down on him. Although not true, he has gotten used to putting on his persona that it’s hard not to go back to that. He’s like this when meeting strangers but once you know him, he’s a giant teddy bear. He is also very neutral in how he sees things. Although slightly more pessimistic, he tries to hype everyone up to further his team’s good outlook on doing good on missions.

Appearance: Gryphon is a man of average height and weight and works out regularly to stay fit. His hair is brown and his eyes are a dark, chocolate brown. He has plenty of oranges, browns, small white highlights, and very dark colors. He also has a bit of futuristic tech added to him. As he is approaching his 40’s, he gains an older look to him. (Also he seems to be a patch and pin collector)

Backstory: Former Overwatch pilot and currently a brilliant inventor and adventurer, Gryphon strives to make his world a better place and is an unstoppable force of wonder and good deeds.

Alexis Katsaros, joined Overwatch’s experimental flight program fairly early on in his twenties. He was known for his quick thinking and his brave discoveries while piloting aircrafts. Although his skills were fierce, he was dropped down to be a mechanic in the flight program. However, since he was still well versed in the aircraft’s functions and piloting skills, he was still a backup in case any pilots came down ill or got hurt during and/or before important missions.

Alexis soon came to be well known around around the base. He was frequently welcomed in more meetings and gradually moved up the ranks. His lust for adventure still blazed in his heart however. He created a flying machine prototype but that wasn’t exactly what Overwatch was into at the time. Defeated, he saved his inventions for later, making even more as the years went by. Alexis soon noticed the tensions between Blackwatch and Overwatch. He slowly faded out of the flight program as he refused to go into meetings, in fear of him becoming a weapon used to prove the two sides wrong/right as he had already experienced in previous meetings. He left soon, fearing the worst of the Overwatch organization as a whole, and taking Angela Zeigler’s nanotechnology to further his research.

Years passed since the fall of Overwatch had been known. He sat in his workshop, slowly working on his inventions and perfecting them. Since leaving Overwatch, he has not had the materials to make his inventions as sleek as they used to be. He decided to revamp his machines. He read up on many of the mechanics, double-checking each time to perfect them. He always had an eye for detail.Now was the time to use it. Now it was the time to be a hero again. Winston’s call was something he needed to see to realize this. Donning an alias of what he believes is the representation of freedom and bravery, Gryphon will become the strong and dependable mechanic he once was and still is.

■Personal Effects

Emotes:

[Default]: Heroic [Default Action]: Gryphon holds up his harpoon and grips it tight. He makes a stern expression towards the camera before resuming his usual stance. - [Emote #1]: Ugh Emote Action: Gryphon makes a nasty face to something in the distance. He then tilts his head back and rolls his eyes, opening his mouth. His character makes an “ugh” sound. He then resumes his position. - [Emote #2]: Sit Emote Action: Gryphon is in a side sitting position to his right. One of his hands rest on his leg while the other holds his body up. He taps his fingers on his leg as he looks around, bored. Continues until player moves - [Emote #3]: Mechanical Emote Action: Gryphon spreads his mechanical wings and puts his hands on his hips. His wings move about and twitch as satisfying clicks of the wings sound. He then resumes his regular position. - [Emote #4]: Chortle Emote Action: Gryphon seems to find something funny and tries to hide his laughter behind his hand. He then can’t hold it anymore. He lowers his hand and laughs loudly. He then resumes his regular position - [Emote #5]: 🎉Dance🎉 Emote Action: Gryphon performs the zeibekiko. It’s a Greek dance. This can see being performed [here.|https://youtu.be/GTFjKnzLeSg] Continues until player moves. (Yes he is that dramatic)

In-Match Voicelines:

[CHATTER]: Hero Intially Selected: “I will protect you, comrades.” During Wait Time: “This is an interesting line-up…” “We may be able to do this.” Respawn: “I’m back!” “I won’t fail again…” “Something had to malfunction!” Healed/ Health Pack Picked Up: “Ahhh.” “So much better!” “Now back to fight!” Damage Boosted: “I am stronger.” Nano-boosted: “I take no orders!” Discord Orb Received: “Dammit!” Resurrected: “Back to the sky!” Enemy Resurrected: “Who didn’t take them out?” “They’re back?”

[COMMUNICATION WHEEL]: Greetings: “Hello.” “Χαιρετίσματα!” Thanks: “Appreciated.” “Thank you.” “I’ll pay you back.” Acknowledge: “I understand what you’re saying.” “κατανοητή.” Need Healing: “I need a healer!” “I am wounded.” Group Up: “Let’s fix this team.” “Group up with me.” Ultimate Status: [Charging]: “Electric netting is charging.” [Almost Ready]: “Electric netting getting to maximum voltage.” [Ready]: “Electric netting, ready to throw.” “My ultimate is ready.”

[CALL OUTS]: Hero Change: “Gryphon, flying into the fray.” Sniper Detected: “I see a sniper!” “Take that sniper out!” Turret Detected: “I infer that they have a turret.” Turret Destroyed: “I destroyed their turret. Carry on.” Teleporter Detected: “I feel the teleporter’s presence.” Teleporter Sighted: “I see their gateway.” Teleporter Destroyed: “Teleporter down. Back to the real fight.” Capturing the Objective: “Capturing the objective! Join me!” Losing the Objective: “I can’t hold them off! Help me!” Escorting the Payload: “Payload is moving. Protect it.” Stop the Payload: “Stop the payload!” Payload Halted: “Why is the payload halted?” Time is Running Out (on Attack): “Time is running out! Let’s get more aggressive!” Time is Running Out (on Defense): “Keep them back!” “We don’t have much time! Keep on the defense!”

[ELIMINATIONS]: Final Blow: “Do you even know how to fight?” “Great fight…ha.” Melee Final Blow: “Hah!” “Thought you could run?” Solo Elimination: “I thought you would be a challenge.” “Someone will come out alive. Hey…that was me.” Kill Streak: “I am on fire!” “Did my equipment catch on fire? Oh no…it was just me.” Multi-kill: “I am a machine!” Witnessed Elimination: “I will avenge you, comrade.” Revenge: “It all comes back around.”

[PURCHASABLE VOICELINES] #1: [Default]: “All of you will be protected.” #2: [Flight to the Finish]: “Flight to the finish!” #3: [Ignorance]: “The ignorant are not aware of their ignorance.” #4: [Grounded]: “No buts! You are grounded.” #5: [Damn!]: “δεκάρα!” #6: [Intimidation Methods]: “It seems my intimidation methods are working, no?” #7: [Read the Room]: “Read the room, γλυκιά μου.” #8: [Heart of a Gryphon]: “Heart of a lion? I would prefer a gryphon, thank you.” #9: [All Greek to Me]: “It’s all Greek to me…which means I understand it perfectly!”

Pre-Match Dialouge: [Gryphon]: “Your mother always was set on leading you away from Overwatch, Amari..” [Pharah]: “I know. She expressed that greatly to me.”

[Mercy]: “I do not like that you stole my technology, Alexis. I would advise you give it back.” [Gryphon]: “And to think you were all ears for new scientific research, Angela.”

[Tracer]: “Alexis! You left so suddenly! Why did you go? Where did you go?” [Gryphon]: “Very personal reasons, Oxton. Maybe we could reminisce after the match to make it up to you?”

[Torbjorn]: “Alexis. Is there any chance I can look over your blueprints for your machines?” [Gryphon]: “I thought it didn’t matter to Overwatch.”

Map Specifc Lines: [Numbani]:”I heard the museum here is quite interesting. I must take a look.”

Skins: Common A: Flamingo- His outfit turns pastel pink on certain parts. - Common B: Cardinal- His outfit turns bright red on certain parts. - Epic A: Myth- His outfit turns into a mix of blues, magentas, and greens. He also have white dots decorated in the blue bits on his suit. - Epic B: Sky- His outfit turns into a mix of pastel blue, grey blue, and cloudy colors. - Epic Summer Games: Yperifáneia- His outfit turns into the Greek flag colors. - Legendary A: Captain/Ahoy! - Because of his harpoon and net, I thought it would be a great idea to give him a pirate skin! This skin would include a more scruffy and unwashed look to him. He gains a pirate hat and his wings look even more homemade than before. His hair turns to a full black and he gains an eyepatch. He gets plenty of packs. Gold, diamond, and silver accessories are flowing out of him. His clothes get thicker. - Legendary B: Workshop/Mechanic- Gryphon gets a dustier and dirty appearance to him. Boots, nails, and work tools are scattered across his attire. He gets an apron along with his skin too. He also gains goggles and a small pack on his thigh full of spare parts. His wings look like they’re in “beta mode.” He also gains a workshop like attire with a belt, stretchy jeans, and stretchy shirts. - Legendary C: Bug-Catcher- This outfit gives him plenty of greens and whites in his outfit. He has bug-like wings and the steam coming out of his machine is now bug spray. His nets have little bugs on them and his harpoon has a softer look to him. - Legendary Uprising: Pilot- A lot like Tracer’s pilot skin only having many more details. He doesn’t have shades but instead goggles. He has health kits on his sides and his suit is more puffy. More details to be added later when I eventually draw out outfit - Legendary Anniversary: Icarus- Coming in with his Greek culture, Gryphon dresses up as Icarus. His wings are more waxy and actually drips wax. He gains a Greek God ensemble and it also takes inspiration from Mercy’s Winged Victory skin. His hair is longer and his eyes are blue. He also gets Greek sandals.

Sprays:

Skyfall: The scene shows him falling down to the ground as his flying machine on his back has springs and loose bolts scattered around him. - Studious: Gryphon is seen reading a book about mechanics and gears and building as a design for his wings are on a white board behind him. - Pilot: Gryphon has a determined look to him as he’s driving an aircraft. One hand is on the wheel as another hand reaches to switch a button on the top.

Oh he’s so cool! His abilities seem so fun! - Disco

#submission #overwatch oc

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imaginesofeverykind · 7 years

Text

Tag, Your It || Sam Drake x Reader ||

Characters: Sam Drake x Fem!Reader

Fandom: Uncharted.

Requested: Yes! My first one!! [A request for Sam where you two are good friends, but both have feelings for each other. You're always flirting and stuff but no one has made a move yet. One day you're playing lasergun with Nate, elena and Sam, girls against boys. Sam finds you and sneaks up to you from behind, putting his gun to your head and holding you against his chest. But instead of shooting it ends up in a hot make out session. Later interrupted by Nate and elena who are wondering where you are :) xx love your writing!]

Prompt: Taking a break from the treasure hunting business, you, Sam, Nate and Elena all decided to unleash your inner children in a free for all game of Lazer Tag. Given the dark environment years of built up sexual tension between you and Sam finally crumbles down on the both of you.

Tags: @rafeadderall @missdictatorme @dragonjedihobbit (Message me if you want to be tagged to get notifications of posts!)

Word Count: 1,798

A/N: Lmaooo so I wrote half of this and saved it as a draft but good old tumblr didn’t save it so heck. Y u gotta do me like that tumblr? SEND THROUGH REQUESTS TOO LOVELIESS <3 its also 2 am so i tried to edit it as best as I could but lmao heck/

Cursing under her breath, Y/N had made a break for the barrier, her heart pounding in her chest. It was dark, hard to hear but she knew they weren’t too far behind her. She leant up against the barrier, panting to gradually gather her breath back before jumping back into the action.

Despite the fact that Y/N was in the centre of a large foam arena and the gun she had in her hand was actual a lazer gun, it was almost as if she was back in Madagascar trying to fend off shoreline mercenary’s or as if she was back in the ruins of Avalon the legendary Island of King Arthur.

The fact was that Y/N, a grown woman and three of her other supposedly more ‘mature’ friends, decided that they’d spend their well deserved break from treasure hunting in an adults arcade filled with games like Lazer tag to fuel their childish needs.

Once Y/N caught her breath she bounded up and over the barrier just in time to see a silhouetted figure dart around a corner. She smirked and chased down the figure, not holding back the trigger when she rounded the corner herself. The lazer shot beamed from the barrel of the gun and hit directly at the chest plate which lit up and triggered the lights to flick on.

“This rounds winner, Y/N.” the autoplay system announced, she grinned proudly and bit back a laugh after discovering her victim was Nate. “What can I say, you gotta be sneakier.” She shoved his shoulder and stepped back awaiting for the next rounds instructions.

Sam and Elena emerged at different sides congratulating Y/N on her victory for that round, she bowed cockily, “it’s all in the strategy.” Sam stood beside her and peered down at her, “oh please, teach us.” A slight smirk pulled on his lips earning a shove in response. “Talent isn’t something you learn Sammy, you just gotta be born with it.”

“Oh why excuse me princess, I am a man of many talents.” Sam retorted, his smirk more evident as he looked down at her. Nate rolled his eyes, “all right you two, I don’t think we need a demonstration.” Of course, Nate’s unnecessary added comment was only to stir the pot between Sam and Y/N. Having been friends for quite some time, it was only natural that the two would end up developing feelings for each other at one point or another. Naturally, that’s exactly what had happened.

For months now, quips weren’t just witty one-liners or typical banter, they were now mistaken quite often as flirting. Nate over the course of the past months had to put up with his brothers not-so-inconspicuous-but-very-conspicious complaining and whining over Y/N. It was obvious that the two were attracted to each other in more ways than one, hell, even Sully picked up on it.

“The next round is, team death match, two teams face off. The team with most amount of hits in fifteen minutes wins. You have thirty seconds to pick your team and sync it to the system.” The automated voice sounded over the arena. Nate was quick to pick, ruffling Y/N’s hair as he made his choice, leaving Sam and Elena unimpressed.

“What? She won the last round!” Nate put his hands up in defence, Y/N however shook her head and walked over to Elena, “we’ll settle this dispute once and for all, who’s better, us girls or you boys. But we all know who’s going to win right?” Y/N raised her eyebrow cheekily, a smirk pulling on her lips.

Elena was far more on board with that Idea knowing that trying to verse a team of Nate and Y/N, they wouldn’t stand a chance. The two girls synced up their colours, it was blue versus red now. “I gotta admit, Y/N... i’m a little hurt you didn’t even think to pick me.” Sam frowned jokingly of course.

The countdown started to flash at ten seconds, as she shrugged and winked at him, “c’mon Sam, you and I both know we’d take down these two in seconds. We gotta give em a chance to win.” She saluted him before the two girls both started to jog the opposite direction of Nate and Sam as the timer continued to beep before lights out.

They had just made it to cover as the lights flicked off suddenly, leaving them in the dark environment only lit up poorly by few LED lights. “I’m thinking you take the west side of the arena and I’ll take the east side.” Y/N whispered, but before Elena could get up and leave she grabbed onto her wrist, “stay behind cover, if it’s quiet enough you’ll be able to hear them walking.”

Both girls has parted ways and followed suit with the plan. Y/N was on the east side of the building, hidden behind a pillar, she stuck her head out to see any movement and immediately ducked back behind the pillar upon seeing a silhouette that was indeed not at all Elena. Her side pressed up against the foam pillar, she kept the lazer gun close to her and sucked in a large breath.

She stuck her head out once more but gasped when someone had pointed their gun to her head and snaked their arm around her waist. She knew that someone was Sam, just by his distinguishable smell and strong embrace. “Bet you regret not picking me for a partner now.” His voice was low and silent, he pressed her up against his chest, proud of his little victory.

A blush crept up her cheeks, she was thankful it was incredibly dark so she could blush shamelessly. A silent laugh passed through her lips as had to comment on how dramatic he was being, “you do realise that shooting me in the head with a lazer does nothing.” she referred to the gear she had set up that registered the lazer beams as hits.

“Sure it does-.” he spun her around, his free arm still gripping her waist. He could only just the outline of her face, “-It thickens the plot.” Joking around like he usually did, would result in witty remark after witty remark laced with flirtatious connotations. However this time, it was different.

For months now tension built up between the two of them, every time they’d make an accidental sexual pun or joke it was almost always followed by suggestive eyes, or every time they would touch accidentally they would linger longer than they should, or hold a gaze longer than necessary.

“thickens the plot?” She repeated, snorting out a soft laugh making him roll his eyes, “I couldn’t think of anything witty to say.” Sam admitted shrugging in defence, he thought it sounded cool but it sounded a lot better in his head than it did coming out of his mouth.

She laughed lightly, “Oh I know, that wasn’t one of your best... but besides the point are you going to shoot me or not?” She may have sound composed and put together but on the inside her heart was racing being pressed up so closely to Sam’s chest she was going into sensory overload. “I haven’t made up my mind yet.” His voice softened, while he could barely see her he knew where she was, and his face hovered closer to hers.

“What’s that supposed to-.” He cut her off by closing the gap between their faces, pressing his lips onto hers carelessly dropping the gun on the floor to and caressing her face gently. He caught her immensely off guard but the sensation was nauseating, the good kind of nausea, the kind that made her chest ache and stomach tingle.

He broke away from her but didn’t go too far, the short few second kiss leaving him clammy and sweaty already as well as Y/N. She looked up at him, only just seeing his features before on instinct she brought her hands up to the back of his head and through his hair. Time started to slow momentarily as they stood in silence, nothing but their soft breath was heard before an instant of animalistic hunger struck the both of them.

The months building up to this moment for them was astonishing, their lips sloppily moved in sync, which contrasted the first kiss incredibly. Y/N ran her fingers through Sam’s hair while his own hands were preoccupied running up and down her sides.

He bit down on her lower lip causing a hum of pleasure to pass her lips before pressing her up against the foam pillar. The two could barely keep their hands of each other, that was due to the fact that they were reluctant to let go after so many months of intense sexual tension.

They had to keep reminding them where they were and that as heated as things were going they were most definitely not going to do anything in a foam arena. Of course that meant they were going to have a wild night when they got home. Getting herself lost in the kiss Y/N tugged the ends of Sam’s hair a little too tightly, not that the groan from his mouth was one connected to pain but pleasure.

“Oh please don’t do that.” He murmured against her lips, squeezing her hips slightly. “Sorry.” She mumbled in response, her voice muffled by his lips, “oh no, don’t be sorry, the more you do that the less i’ll be able to hold back from just taking you right here right now.” He admitted, his hands now trailing up to her hair, his calloused thumbs caressing her cheeks softly.

“I don’t have a problem with that.” She mumbled, her hands still in his hair. “You don’t, but we do...” Nate’s voice greeted them, making the two jump apart. They hadn’t noticed the lights had switched back on and Elena and Nate stood not to far with smirks on their faces. “Jesus, Nathan. How long have you been standing there?”

“Oh trust us, we just got here. We wondered where you’d both run off too... oh and by the way I won.” Elena grinned, Nate’s arm around her proudly. “This is a little embarrassing...” Y/N admitted, scratching the back of her neck nervously, her lips swollen, much like Sam’s were as well. “Hardly, but you two lovebirds run along now and you-.” Nate turned to his wife, “owe me fifty bucks.”

“Seriously? You guys bet on us, how original...” Sam groaned, rolling his eyes at his younger brother. At least Sam could very comfortably wrap his arms around Y/N and it not be strange anymore.

#uncharted 4 #sam drake #U4 #request #imagines #one shots #fluff #idek if my writing can be remotely sexy im v sorry #troy baker #Honestly this is turning out to be a Sam Drake blog lmaoooo #idgaf anymore

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monoguk · 7 years

Text

songs about you . how would you feel

FEATURING - jeon jungkook CATEGORY - romance . drama WORD COUNT - 8000+

PARTS - how would you feel . ?

FIRST VERSE

Jungkook’s chest constricts; not because your hands laid all your weight atop his sternum; not because he sheltered all your (negligible) weight atop his lying-down body.

His chest constricts not because he is at a loss of oxygen when his mouth was busy performing a hungry lip-lock ritual with your addicting pink lips, not because his hormones were acting up and that he was very much turned on especially with your mound-y body pressed against him - oh so perfectly.

His chest clenches as his lips chase yours when you pulled away with a giggle - mellifluous in his dazed hearing sense organ - as you regained your breathing. His dazed eyes tried hard to keep away from the sight of your up-turned pink pair of muscles, and after much struggle, gazes up to your umber irises.

“What’s with the sudden making-out, Kook?” He wishes to hold you closer, but you began to sit up with your hands on his chest supporting your movement.

It was like any other cliche hipster romance scene, where the female and male protagonists sat on the open trunk of an old pick-up truck directly under the supervision of a million galactic stars, where the boy would pull the girl onto his lap and kiss the fuck out of her. Then they’d pull away - lips all red and swollen yet still so appetizing to the other’s eyes - and one would say: i like you, a lot.

Instead, Jungkook answers with a - “Just in a good mood,”

Because he would risk so many things if he outlived his fantasy, right then and there. For one, his lifelong friendship with you was something he would never dare to ruin just because he developed feelings for you along the way.

“And what has Jeon Jungkook in a good mood today?” You flash him a smile before you moved to scoot away from him only to situate yourself beside him. He wished nothing more than to have you back ever so close to him, but he pushes down his desires and sits up. For now, he would settle with sitting next to you as close as possible.

It was an overused excuse, what Jungkook had said. Anyone could be in a good mood, but not everyone would kiss the hell out of their best friend. “I cracked the code in my Computer Programming course subject. It took me three meetings before I finally had the program running smoothly.”

“Ain’t you a computer genius?” You cooed, chest slightly rising raggedly caused by the recent make-out session you two had just done.

If anyone is wondering, no, you and Jungkook weren’t in a relationship, though the latter wished you two were.

This whole kissing fiasco originated back in the last years of high school, when teenage hormones were on a rampage, when teenage girls fantasized about having their first kiss taken by a professional kisser. But, Jungkook was the only boy you’ve ever trusted, though he was just as inexperienced as you were, still you thought why not?.

Maybe it was a couple more times of practice kissing in his room -

“Ow, don’t bite too hard.” He would complain

“Go ahead, touch me.” You whispered.

“Man, I love french kissing,” he would breathlessly state.

“We’ll try Angel kissing tomorrow, Jungkook~ See you!”

And then, he would wonder where you would get these new ideas for practice, but it wasn’t like he was complaining, at all.

- that Jungkook finally organized his thoughts and realize that he had been liking you all along. It made his heart bubble up to think that you chose him - of all the boys lining up for your affection - to try these new intimate things out.

In the passing years, it just stuck to you two that kissing would be a common routine between you two. Whether be it in university - where he would suddenly appear in the corner and pull you to some secluded alcove and pepper your face kisses or ingrain a bruising kiss on your lips because you look so hot with red lipstick - or behind either of your houses - where you would giggle and whisper in between lip-locking or neck-kissing the words be quiet, our parents will hear because he liked kissing you sloppily, with lots of sounds and quiet groans for did you just eat a bar of chocolate? - or just a night out like this - where you two are this close to let the obvious sexual tension release, with the stars as your witness and the creaky old pick-up truck your victim.

“What about you? How’s your day?” How Jungkook wished he could casually lace your fingers together with his when you show tell-tale signs of you preparing to talk about a long day filled with adventure. However, intertwining fingers was a little too much for someone who were merely best friends. For now, kissing would be more than enough.

His eyes sparkled, just as yours did, when you began to tell your story. And, although he’s heard you say that your Physics teacher and lecture was the same old for a couple of times now, he still thought of your adventures as a new discovery for him.

When you continued to narrate about your horrible lunch for that day, Jungkook could not resist his urge to rest his face on the juncture of your neck, could no longer prevent himself from sniffing your addicting scent, could not stop himself from peppering kisses on the flesh of your neck. Still, he listened, and ever more so when he hears your tinkling giggles because you both knew you were ticklish.

“Stop it, you’re distracting me.” You giggled. And, despite your protest, Jungkook senses you tilting your head back to give him access to more - more, more, more - of you. It elicits a wide smirk-like grin on his mouth that had him nibbling on your sensitive neck next.

“Like I told you,” Jungkook pretends to leave hickeys on your skin, taking an ample amount inside his hot cavern and very slightly sucking on it, but never really does so. (Although it had been one of his fantasies to leave something on you - visible and unnoticeable at the same time - that depicts his claim on you - mine, mine, mine) “I’m in a very good mood, so, just continue doing your thing and i’ll continue doing mine.”

It was always a surprise to the both of you that you never really went past the thin line differentiating innocent romantic gestures to the actual adulterated actions. But, maybe, it was the constant reminder buzzing in your minds that you two were the best of friends, trying out new things together because of the immense trust you two had on each other. It just so happens, that Jungkook was at the bad receiving end of this ordeal.

“As I was saying,” Jungkook inhales and exhales raggedly, self overwhelmed with everything about you - though he wasn’t really lying when he did tell you about the code he finished that day - that prompted him to shift closer - why would there even be any space between you two? - until he was almost hovering over you.

You spoke fluently while he kissed a little bit sloppier than a while ago - soft pecks turning into nibbling, licking, sucking. His hold across your waist tightens when he actually begins to try and leave hickeys on you - the ragged sighs, the choked tone of your voice as you spoke, the silent sound of your hard swallowing as you continued to tilt your head back, spurring him to go on with his ministrations.

“Jungkook…” It was a sin, hearing you breathlessly whisper his name; a temptation when you whimpered and tilted your head a bit more, for him; a great feat when he pulled away with a growl and furrowed eyebrows and heated cheeks and ragged breathing.

“Is..” You coughed, normalizing your voice - because, damn this boy could kiss one’s neck - “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just…” His hands fists against him, taking long and deep breaths, cheeks turning redder as he contemplated saying - “I’m still a man, hold up.” - never mind, it’s done, i said it.

Despite the embarrassment, you still giggled at him, not the least bit disgusted that your best friend - “You got a boner, because of me? Seriously…”, because honestly you were kind of aroused too. But, you were glad he held back in time, glad your best friend knew his limits.

“You’re not helping, dude,” Jungkook grunted and whined, rolling away from you because your scent was making no amends in helping him calm down. “Go away, just wait for me inside while I… Uhm, calm down…”

It was amusing to tease Jungkook, and even more so when this boy with an impending hard-on was blushing furiously because of his hard-on, but you were his best friend - though you like to torment him, most of the time - and you knew this was no joking business anymore. So, with a final giggle, you swept down to peck the corner of his lip and stood from the back of the pick-up truck abruptly that it creaked and shook the whole vehicle.

“Damn, woman, you’re such a tease.” Jungkook groaned, lifting his leg up, folded it until he could rest his forehead on the kneecap. “Go away, will you?”

“Jeez, okay, okay, I’m going,” you exclaimed, jumping down the back of the truck and trudging towards the driver’s seat. You glanced to one last image of Jungkook breathing heavily before you entered the compartment whilst shaking your head.

Upon the sound of the car door opening then closing - he hears you voicing out a “ya!” as an onomatopoeia for when you struggle (because the truck was too high for your small height) -, he lifts his head up, leaning his crown on the surface of the truck behind him.

He sees the night sky, each star building up random constellations but they commonly twinkle down at him. Gradually, he calms down, but his heart still beats rapidly, for you.

The stars taunt him, saying, tell her, tell her.

But, you bring him back down to earth, as he hears your faint voice singing whatever was playing on the radio.

Your scent was ingrained in his brain - who was he kidding? Everything about you was ingrained in his brain.

For years, he’s been harboring these feelings, and he was sure it was gonna burst out soon - because you were just so beautiful no matter what you did (but especially when he had you pinned down his bed whilst he kissed you languidly) - and it was a great feat whenever he tries not to let too much of his feelings show.

Every time, however, he does tell himself, that it’s not yet the time to confess.

For now, Jungkook would simply indulge in the feeling of you pressed up against him and kissing the hell out of him, of you giggling beside him for every silly stuff your twinkling eyes had witnessed, of you trying to hold back your tears when you talk to him about serious matters, of you staining his shirt with your tears when he says that it’s okay to cry now, of you putting your heart on your sleeve even more so when you were with him.

“Hey, wanna get some mcd take-out?” Jungkook asks, voice raising a bit higher for you to hear. “You drive.”

“That’s unfair, you know i don’t like driving,” of you showing him your irresistible pouting. “But, okay, as long as it’s your treat.”

The car moves, tell-tale signs of you rummaging inside the car to move towards the driver’s seat, and Jungkook chuckles. “I’ve got my pay check anyways, so, fine, anything for you.”

“Woohoo!” Of you being carefree and childish and just too freaking adorable.

“For you,” Of you probably too unaware of Jungkook putting his emotions out in the sleeve that you tightly held on to.

For now, he would hold on to these, but someday he hopes he would get to know how you would feel knowing his feelings.

SECOND VERSE

“What?” He couldn’t believe what you were saying. In his utmost shock, he had to pause his game before turning to look at you - because nobody has ever made Jeon Jungkook pause his game for anybody, not even for you. Or maybe, not even for you two years back.

“I said, let’s kiss.” Your expression was unfazed, but Jungkook was still hoping you would contort your expression into that familiar wide grin and crescent eyes. It never happened, “We aren’t going to date. Just, think of it as practice kisses for when we’re older.”

“But,” Jungkook sputtered in his comfortable position atop his beanbag. He was young, and innocent, and - wtf is my dick getting hard? it’s just kissing!. “Idk, dude, i’m just as clueless as you. I-in case you didn’t know, I’ve never had my first kiss.”

“Exactly my point!” You exclaimed, scooting closer to the teenage Jungkook, “I’ve never been kissed and you’ve never kissed anyone too. I mean, if any one of us makes a mistake, the other wouldn’t notice because we don’t really know the gist of kissing.”

“Whoa, hold up a second. Why do you even want to kiss? We’re still too young.”

“Pffft,” you scoffed, “tell that to my friends who has gone second base.”

To say Jungkook was surprised was an understatement. Yeah, sure, he frequently watched porn in his laptop almost every night. And, yeah, his friends told tales about their make-out with cute babes. But, second base?!

“Come on, kookie~” Jungkook’s eyes widened - both out of arousal (fucking calm down little me!) and of fear that he was going to give in (because you knew he always gave in when you used aegyo). “I think knowing how to kiss before college is actually beneficial. Think of all the girls lining up for you in frat parties because of word that Jeon Jungkook is one hell of a kisser.”

Would you be there? He unconsciously asks, but he shoves those thoughts away, contemplating his answer although he shouldn’t be because why should he kiss his maturing, curvy, beautiful, cute, intelligent, kind - oh never mind. “Alright, but just until we graduate, and then we’ll go back to being best friends who never kissed each other and just knew how to kiss the fuck out of people because they’ve experienced it with someone else. Deal?”

“That’s one long proposal, but okay. Thanks, kook!” You beamed, scooting minutely towards him, “Hold up, when did you learn how to curse?”

Jungkook picks up his controller and came back where he left the game, “Peers can be such a great influence. It’s not like you don’t know words that sailors say.”

“True,” out of the corner of his eyes, Jungkook sees your legs squirming while your attention is directed towards the screen of his television. He knows you weren’t fully watching his game, so he doesn’t let this pass and says - “What is it now?”

You gave out an obvious sigh of relief then faced Jungkook, a determined expression painted across your face - wait, is that… lip balm????! - “Uhm, day 1?”

Jungkook didn’t understand what you had said, staring while your eyes were practically begging and suddenly it made sense.

Red crept up from the base of his neck until steam practically escaped his ears and his face was tinged with flesh-red. “Wh-what? You mean, now?!”

“I-i mean,” you fidgeted, though your face was straight despite the pink streak across your cheeks. “why not? You know, it’s like getting this first kiss thing over with.”

Jungkook furrowed his brows, heart erratically beating against his chest - probably because of the thought that wtf??-! a girl is asking me to kiss her, is the world coming to an end? - just at the same time his expression slightly softens. Because he always thought girls treasured their first kiss, but here you were, determined to have your first kiss taken by him - of all people. (Although, he’s not really complaining when a part of him was glad he was sharing his first kiss with his best friend).

“Uhm, okay, i guess.” Jungkook takes a deep breath, pausing his game then turning to face you, then continues, “Sure, let’s get this over with. Though, are su-?”

“I am. Kook, you’re the only guy I trust,” you reassured, then you turned away, whispering the words, “though sometimes you can be a bitchy brat -”

“- what? okay, the deal is off -”

“Wait!” you exclaimed, scowling something along the words jeez, i was just kidding, partially, “I mean, come on, Jungkook, I would be asking any boy if I was comfortable with kissing a stranger. I would probably be out tonight at my friend’s whose brother apparently liked me.”

Just the thought brought a frown upon Jungkook’s face, but he assures himself he just didn’t like his best friend being uncomfortable with whatever you did. “Okay, so how does this thing work?”

You smile softly at him before you scoot closer, knees touching the other’s and this had Jungkook’s palms turning sweaty.

You and him had a slightly similar case; you were the only person - a female, aside from his mother - he was comfortable with just as he was to you. However, Jungkook - in his innocent state - could not imagine kissing other girls other than you.

“Uhm, do you want me to lean, or you, or d-do you want to meet halfway?” You straighten your back, one hand situating itself on Jungkook’s forearm.

“Halfway, uhm, let’s meet halfway,” Jungkook shyly decides, crouching down closer to where you were.

He watches in amusement as you blink away your nervousness, cheeks pinker than just a moment ago. He doesn’t laugh at you, because he was certain he was just as flushed as you were. Besides, this was you, his special best friend. (Though, deep down, he doesn’t mind kissing you, at all).

“Alright, i’m ready. We move while counting down to three,” You commanded, taking a deep breath before exhaling it and it had Jungkook thinking - ’wtf, she just ate cookies, so fragrant.’

One. You move first, and Jungkook immediately follows after. His heart beats erratically when you close your eyes and slightly pout your lips, when you face was gradually advancing towards his and - i can’t believe this is happening!

Two. He unconsciously follows the movement of your lips as you softly spoke, his eyes trying to keep open just so that he could make his first kiss even more memorable, but he couldn’t stop his eyes until all he could see were blurry figures.

Unconsciously, he looks behind you and sees his closed door and when he realized his door wasn’t locked - when he realized his nosy older brother was just at the room opposite his - he panics and says, “Wait, I-”

His words die out in his tongue and all his thoughts goes straight into the gutter. His surprise shows into his face, but he softens when he realizes - damn shit, her lips are soft.

He breathes out through his nose, relaxing his body and forgetting that he had to lock the door. He thinks why would he even have to close the door? It’s just a first kiss. Not a big deal.

The hand that laid atop his forearm clutched onto it, and it had Jungkook overthinking that his hand didn’t know where to situate itself. But his worries vanish when you pull away - all too quickly - and is replaced by blissful thoughts because the combination of strawberry lip balm and remnants of chocolate chip cookies and the mere feel of your lips innocently pressed up against his was just - “whoa…”

“Y-you didn’t meet me halfway,” you scolded, though your flushed face showed that you were trying hard to hide how flustered losing your first kiss made you.

“I, uhm,” Jungkool scratched his neck, “i thought you would have wanted me to lock the door, then you kissed me and- well, how was it?”

He was waiting for you to answer, wanted to let you know how it was for him, wanted to know what else he needed to improve for - “Can we do it one more time?” - too soon.

Nonetheless, you and Jungkook met in between again.

By the of the night, with flushed cheeks and abnormally beating hearts, you and Jungkook ended day one with a total of - how many times again?

THIRD VERSE

Being with college had its perks and disadvantages.

To put it simply, the mere disadvantage of college is the lack of time in merely eating proper meals, and the two dreadful exams weeks every semester.

Meanwhile, to summarize the perks of being a university student included living independently in personal/shared dorms, unlimited partying, the sense of independence, the various students you meet from different colleges who came from different aspects of life, and just the thrill of doing young and reckless things.

After a week spent in the library or in your room drowning in words from textbooks and noted techniques in your notebook, your best friend puts his plan into action.

“You’re not even studying, Kook.” You silently and irritably sighed when you felt yet another small ball of paper hit the side of your face. You didn’t have to check that Jungkook threw that, for he had been doing that since you started studying an hour ago. “I didn’t even beg you to come to the library with me. If you don’t like it here, you’re free to leave and stop disturbing me.”

“It’s not like you won’t ace it.” Jungkook retorted, picking up all his ammo pooling around your left elbow. “You’re smart, and has a lot of stock knowledge. You even remember the time you -”

“That,” you stopped him - silently - before he could go on with his statement, “is a different case. It was an unforgettable and embarrassing memory, but memorizing for school work is different.”

Jungkook sighed, plopping down on his bent elbows and resting his head atop of it while looking at your direction. He secretly sees an angel, your halo being the subtle light of afternoon rays hitting your back from the window that was coincidentally exactly behind you. “You’re no fun. You’ve been focused in that book for an hour; isn’t your brain exploding yet?”

You kept quiet afterwards, because - as most of the time - he was right; your head was aching with all the studying you’ve been doing. You couldn’t even make it towards half of a two-hour class without having a mini-mental breakdown. You’re only weak defense was you needed to study for high grades.

But, as though Jungkook was reading your mind - how does he do that? - he says, “Taking a break won’t do damage on your reviewing. It’ll help you clear out excess info from your brain.”

“Are you using computer talk on me now?” You teased, focusing your attention on one of the amo balls Jungkook made while you rolled it one the surface of the table with your index finger.

“Maybe,” Jungkook couldn’t contain his sigh, all because you looked prettier with your hair recently dyed red - of all colors - and was styled in french-braided pigtails. Baby hair escaped the tight overlapping of hair along your forehead and sideburns. You almost didn’t look native, but you still looked beautiful for him. “When did you learn to style your hair? I’m impressed.”

You knew Jungkook was teasing because he knew just as much that you were very feminine. But, what kind of best friend was he if he didn’t throw harmless insults every now and then?

You slapped away the hand that gently tugged at the ends of your pigtail nearest Jungkook, but you didn’t repeat it when his hand retreated back to stroking the ends of your braided hair. “You just think it’s nice, and you didn’t want to admit it.”

“You look pretty.” Jungkook pries his gaze away from the silky red strands of your hair in the tightened braid until he meets your soft gaze and upturned lips. “And, I mean it.”

He watched, almost breathlessly, as you prevented your smile from forming wider, but he knew you all to well to know you were very flattered. He needed to compliment you, was his sole excuse.

With his heart bursting from your adorable image, he picks up a paper ball and then -

“I thought we were over this, Jungkook,” instead of a glare, you pouted.

“Well, I might stop if you kiss me.” It was bold of him to ask of that, when tons of people would be able to witness you being unnecessarily intimate with your best friend.

But he leans closely, tempting and teasing and silently coaxing you to - go on, kiss me, unless you’re too chicken for it -, and it makes it hard for you to resist it.

In your hazy mind, you think up of excuse - logical or not: you were going to kiss Jungkook to relieve stress; you were going to kiss Jungkook to relax you mind away from everything related to academics; you were going to kiss this brat because he was asking nicely (though he’s rarely been hasty in kissing you); you were going to kiss him being he was so adorable getting cross-eyed from staring at something below your - oh… you realized my lips - ; you were going to kiss him because he was leaning closer; you were going to kiss Jeon Jungkook because it wasn’t like anybody knew that you two were just -

“Just one kiss, and you stop it with disturbing me. Deal?”

“Sure.”

You took a deep breath before swooping for it softly, lips naturally colliding with his as though you’ve memorized at which angle it was best to kiss Jungkook.

For a moment, you two stayed unmoving - although, Jungkook moved his head back, bringing you along with him, until he had his head laying back down on his crossed forearms while still having your lips beautifully pressed against his - until your partner’s thumb minutely moved and pulled your chin down a bit. The tiny space he created prompted him to bring out the tip of his tongue and then try to invite himself inside your exciting cavern.

He smiles in the kiss when he feels you resist, when he feels the familiar outline of your smile tattooed on his own pair of plump pink lips.

With utter affection, he brings your head lower to the table - to give the most privacy he could make for the both of you - before he began nibbling on your bottom lip; his teeth tickling the inner part of your lips and eliciting a contained giggle from you - because you two were in a library, kissing, for some unknown reason.

You were certain you and Jungkook were not at all discrete, especially when you could sometimes hear the way unintentional smacking sounds from your parting lips would echo across the silent library - hear Jungkook’s chuckle liven up the dull library (or maybe that was just because he was too near for your hearing to intensify).

You feel his hand break away from his made-up pillow and rest naturally on your knee cap, the other hand’s thumb still parting your lips slightly and tugging it down as if to tell you - i want to taste the chocolate you ate earlier. Ever so softly, his fingers brush along your calf, teasing and calming and innocent and suggestive at the same time, but it doesn’t go past massaging the length of your thighs, thankfully.

When he grips the part near your inner thigh, his pulls his hand away momentarily only for you to feel a tug at the fringe of your pigtail braid. He carefully rolls the unbraided strands in between his thumb and index fingers, noticing the widening smile and gradual response against his lips.

He too slightly giggles, grinning up to his cheekbones until he couldn’t kiss you anymore and had to pull away from your addicting kiss only to be met with your grateful smile.

Jungkook would have obviously noticed the orange glow from behind you that made you look so ethereal, so beautiful, that his gaze and smile softens. By now, the sun would be preparing to disappear from the horizon, to invade the other side of the Earth that was momentarily engulfed in peaceful evening darkness, but all Jungkook could think about was the compliment the leaving Sun left on your shining aura.

“It’s getting late, why don’t we come back tomorrow and you get some rest tonight?”

You didn’t want to agree, but the way Jungkook was still pinching your braided hair carefully had you complying in a heartbeat. Nonetheless, you were thankful Jungkook just suggested for you to rest, because as soon as you went back to your dorm room, you almost fell asleep save for the reminder that you should text your best friend a short Good Night.

The next day, there was a higher stack of thick books in front of you - a combination of your science books, of Jungkook’s computer-related studies, and a bunch of random and thick books - that hid you from the rest of the people inside of the library as you and Jungkook studied and shared soft kisses during breaks (and because the latter was persistent, sometimes in the middle of studying).

FOURTH VERSE

“Congrats, man,”

“Yeah, sure thanks,”

“Hey, Jungkook! Congrats!”

“You too, Liz,”

“Which college are you attending, Kook?”

“Just at some random college.”

“Hey, man, we’re having a party tonight and-”

“That’s great,” Jungkook mindlessly replied, sparing this dude he had Calculus with a glance before searching the crowd of mustard yellow and eager parents for a particular student, “Excuse me man, I have somewhere to go. But, yeah, I’ll try making it to the grad party.”

He weaves through the crowd, avoiding as much of his acquaintances as possible - though it was hard to when he had the whole school buddy as his friends and that most parents knew of him from this small town - until he finally reached where he needed to be.

Moderate length brown skirt, mustard yellow blazer, a crimson red tie he picked out personally, black knee-length socks, there was no doubt he would be mistaken. And when his name was called, he knew he was right, “Kookie~”

He met you halfway, strides longer than yours to meet you sooner. He notices the unusual yet natural gloss on your lips and the subtle emphasis on your eyes with products he never would have imagined you would use. It took everything in him not to kiss you then and there, especially when you were beaming excitedly at him and suddenly all he could see was you and the bouquet of roses you held.

“Congratulations to us! We finally graduated!” You cheered, and it somehow clenched his heart.

He had just finally sorted out his feelings a few months ago prior to graduation day, when you continued to sit on his lap - arms around his neck - after a vigorous make-out session (because you suggested to try out french kissing) only to tell him about how you were scared out of your wits with college around the corner. You told him you were uncertain of the career path you were taking, and if you would even be able to make it through the first semester of the first year. Jungkook, with his hands lazily lying atop your waist, calmly told you it was okay to be scared, because the uncertainty of things were naturally unsettling, and that he believes you will succeed in any path you chose to take. He seriously talked to you, telling you that you were a wonderful person, and no profession or being with a higher position should ever dull your beautiful shine. You commented that it was unusual for him to say such wise words, but in the end you thank him, with a soft smile and various types of kissing you researched before coming over.

Then, he remembers just last night after he sneaked out from your window after a few more sweet kisses the words he spoke off; a deal he had stupidly thought of: just until we graduate, and then we’ll go back to being best friends who never kissed each other.

Today was your graduation, and he was hoping you’d be a bit reluctant to actually follow his deal.

“Jungkook? Are you alright?”

He snaps out of his melancholic daze, and meets your worried gaze. He shakes it off with a slight smile, but you knew better.

You look at him with furrowed brows, a mere warning that if you don’t tell me now, it’s f.o., mister.

So, with a sigh, he silently signals to follow him, away from all the crowd. Though he says no particular destination, you still follow him after telling your parents that you would be strolling with Jungkook.

You two pass by random bundle of people - some couples, some families, some friends, some parents - with Jungkook in lead a no destination in mind until you two - much to his luck - reached an empty area.

When Jungkook halts his step, you know you’ve reached where you needed to be, so without further haste, you slid in front of Jungkook and silently asked him what was bothering him.

“I, uh, remember the deal a few months ago?”

You furrowed your brows, struggling to remember what he was talking about, until -

Your face shines in recognition, of the moment when two naive kids tried to give kissing a try, and now here they were, high school graduates and experienced with what they have been practicing out on each other. You remember the limit he set out, and try to understand why he was so bothered by it, unless-

“Oh, yeah, uhm, it’s okay, i agreed on it, so, uh, we’ll stop, sure.” Nervously fumbled with your skirt, realizing that Jungkook wanted whatever was between to end.

Jungkook wished he never brought it up, because you probably didn’t even remember it, and this would probably have never happened if he wasn’t thinking too much. However, he didn’t want to take advantage of your naivety, so he tells himself you were doing both yourselves a favor by staying best friends. “Yeah, uhm, okay. And, yeah, congrats to you too, dude.”

With a single call name, you relaxed, though there was this uncertainty clogged in your chest. Nonetheless, you invited Jungkook over to a dinner party at your house tonight in the way you usually talked and he replied in the same tune as yours that he knew because his mother was doing a cooking tandem with yours.

Getting your usual atmosphere back, you two decided to walk back to your parents. Along the way, Jungkook asks: “Hey, I’ve been invited to a party after dinnertime, wanna come?”, to which you replied, “Sure, why not?”

The time passed quickly, even as yours and Jungkook’s family ate dinner. You faintly remembered how your face contorted weirdly at the taste of soju lingering sharply on your throat when your parents coaxed you and Jungkook to drink up as a first step to adulthood, but you completely remembered the surprise on your face when you pointed out that Jungkook didn’t even look like his throat burned from the alcohol he just consumed. When his parents explained that they frequently asked Jungkook to join then when they drunk, you scrunched your face into a scowl and promised that you would never drink alcohol ever again. However, you remembered that your mother was a bit of a troublemaker and actually convinced you that beer was better-tasting than soju, and you agreed that you didn’t hate the taste as much as you did with soju.

After a night of congratulations from your parents, you and Jungkook informed them that you two had a graduation party to attend to to which they responded with a “Great timing! You kids go on ahead and have some fun while us adults catch up.”

You and Jungkook eventually reached the house of a mutual friend, and to say that it was packed was an understatement; almost all of your fellow batch-mates were there, being liberal and wild even though they’ve just graduated a few hours ago.

However, you and Jungkook did not join their mischief, and instead opted to thread deeper into the house and settle with just drinking a few beers - your request - by the bar. You pass by couples who made-out in all ways - some pairs were actual couples, some where unexpected lovebirds, some were expected to hook up during such occasions, and some were shocking revelations that acts of philandering were happening - until you two reached the more decent and calmer part of the house.

You were the first to take a seat, choosing an empty couch as a refuge, while Jungkook followed after. He takes two beer bottles and offer the other one to you, but you don’t take it. When he puts down the rejected alcohol, he opens up his own and takes a huge swig.

You giggle upon seeing Jungkook so accustomed to alcohol after just one night of drinking a shot in front of their parents, but he sheepishly says that he secretly drinks safe alcohols with his friends too, sometimes.

The night went on with random chatting between the two of you while other people occasionally mingles with you two in moments going as they came. Somewhere along the variety of people who spoke with you and Jungkook were actually romantic admirers of either of you, and every time you two would giggle at their adorable attempt to woo either of you. It wasn’t until a boy - you knew by heart that his name was Do Kyungsoo - approached your little bubble of serenity and popped it gone by actually rendering you speechless and staring discreetly at him while he softly spoke - you were too distracted by his angelic appearance to fully pay attention at his achievements in cooking - that Jungkook began to think that this time it was no funny business.

A simmering feeling invaded his stomach, almost as if he wanted to puke though not because of the 3 bottles of beer he had consumed already, when he notices this other boy smoothly continue to converse with only you (as if Jungkook wasn’t even there!). Jungkook knew Kyungsoo is your type, and he would always laugh over it (and maybe distract your pouting self with a peck on the lips or two or ten or more) but he never really witnessed your affection in action and it just makes him so mad, so possessive, so jealous.

When there was a momentary pause in Kyungsoo’s conversation, Jungkook took it upon his slightly-buzzed self to lean his shoulder casually on your arm. He stares at the other boy while he naturally slides his arm further behind your figure though not really making any movement to maximize skin contact with you.

Jungkook raises a brow when he caught Kyungsoo’s attention, kept it there momentarily, before looking away as though he wasn’t just sending a warning towards the other guy. He listens smugly as Kyungsoo begins stuttering and soon enough the latter was making his way to leave you two alone.

“What was that?” You asked irritably, nudging Jungkook’s shoulder slightly, “Were you just threatening him to go away?”

“No, I was checking somebody out,” Jungkook controlled his expression before he turned to face you, “Why would I shoo away your ideal guy?”

He wished you knew why he did just that, but it was all wishful thinking when you say, “You’re right… Maybe Kyungsoo wasn’t just that into me. Oh, well, there’s still a chance in university.”

Jungkook takes another gulp of his beer, his peripheral view naturally meeting your form and the alcohol in his system almost coaxed him to just lean down and kiss you because you were so adorable with two hands holding your beer can as you sipped little amount of the alcohol.

“So,” Jungkook puts down the empty beer bottle beside him then pops open a new one, “Who were you checking out?”

It came as a surprise, your face leaning closely until your face was level with his neck and your expression was teasing and curious. It came as a temptation, the way your lips were slightly red from the combination of your tinted lip balm, the cold night, and the recent swig of your beer. It came as a truth serum, the way your eyes twinkled in mischief and excited discovery, and it made Jungkook tell you - “I wasn’t checking anybody out, sorry I lied.”

The way he whispers his soft response wipes off your smug grin and is replaced by an expression of realization that you leaned in too close. You remembered times that there would be no hesitation of closing the minimal gap between your lips when it was just the two of you, but you two were on display in front of many people who knew you two very well and suddenly it felt like a struggle to lean back.

You wanted to ask him - “Want to go somewhere else?” - but he beats you to it and pulls you up on your feet before you two rushed away from the party, leaving your beer unfinished on the floor you two were previously sitting at.

Away from the house, it was a lot quieter, but the slight buzz in your heads renders your hearing like an earmuff that puts the sound your wildly beating heart on repeat. Upon reaching another lamp post, Jungkook approaches it, pulling you with him, before softly pinning you to the pole.

“I really want to kiss you right now.” He wastes no opportunity, the alcohol in his system coaxing out a courageous request that he desired with all his heart. But he was still just as sober, to keep his deepest desires hidden from you, especially when you say - “Why don’t you?”

He immediately swoops down, thoughts of regret of kissing his own best friend never really making its way to his intoxicated mind. He keeps the kiss soft, angelic, little tongue and kitten licks along your bottom lip, just like you’ve instructed him to do when you two have practice kissing sessions.

Jungkook tries to keep it innocent, and it was a great achievement for him to not leave you breathless especially when you kept on mewling into his mouth. With the last strand of patience he had in him, Jungkook pulls away, breathless and elated and says - “I want to keep kissing you - in my room, in yours, in the university library, or in our dorm rooms. Please,” he controls his breathing when he lays his forehead on yours, “I need to keep kissing you.”

If there were any meaning behind it at all, you chose to ignore it because you had to reply with a - “Nobody’s stopping you, Kook.”

Jungkook spits out a damn before he kisses you again, under the dimming light of the lamppost, surrounded by calm darkness, as he mutters to your lips, “just until we start dating other people”. Though, he wishes to the stars witnessing your passionate lip-lock that he would be the only one you were willing to date.

FIFTH VERSE

It had been a typical movie night in Jungkook’s dorm room. Though, at same time it was not.

It was visible in the distance between the two of you by Jungkook’s bed, with his laptop by your feet. It was noticeable in the missing warmth usually surrounding you, and the pair of wet muscles usually nestled in the crook of your neck.

You’ve never watched the movie in the screen, but all you could do was steal glances at the boy beside you. Though you knew Jungkook had always been a silent guy, his silence that night was so unnerving that you could almost feel the atmosphere in his room thicken.

Half-way through the movie, you’ve noted that he kept his gaze blank and his body all to himself. You knew he never spared you a glance, because you’ve decided to decipher Jungkook instead of the plot of the movie.

Having had enough, you went to close the lid of his laptop and sit in front of him - knees touching, but eyes not meeting. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Jungkook wanted to ask it sarcastically back to you. He wanted to ask if it wasn’t obvious yet. But, who was he anyway that you’d think he’d feel that way but your best friend?

“I’m just bothered by this code. Why aren’t you watching?” He tried to keep his voice calm, but a voice cracks in his voice escaped, with the image of you smiling replaying in his head; an image of you flustered over another boy.

But, he should have expected it, after all you told him you were going on a date the other night. Still, he went to where you said you would be, and there you were, beautiful as ever in pastel shorts and a plain white tee, giggling and obviously interested in this other guy. Jungkook shouldn’t have followed you around, but he did anyway - from the moment your food date ended, to this guy walking you to your friends, until the part where they ask you how ‘Namjoon’ was, and finally the part where you say “I think I like him.”

It shouldn’t have been a big deal. It was just a crush anyway. You still initiated a searing kiss when you visited Jungkook’s dorm before watching the movie, still sat on his lap when you kept him pressed against your lips, still showed him a different smile you promised would only be for him.

Then, Jungkook remembered how his small affection for you turned into what his feelings were now.

He deserved this, having to keep to himself his confessions when they’re practically begging to burst out from his tongue, but at the same time he didn’t want this.

He wanted to stay as best friends who kiss each other - sometimes in an almost-lewd way - but with no label and no closure. But, what good would that get if you were still free to find that one man you were willing to spend the rest of your life with. It was a shame you never considered Jungkook to be that guy.

“Because, I know you’re lying. Jungkook, stop being a brat and tell me what’s wrong.” He knew you were just accustomed to you calling him a brat and a boy and other teasing names, but it just triggered something in him that made him say, “Why don’t go run to Namjoon and watch movies with him instead? I’m sure he wouldn’t be such a brat to you.”

“What?” To say you were baffled was an understatement. “What does Namjoon have to do with our movie night, Jungkook?”

“Nothing,” Jungkook regretted mentioning that guy, more questions were just thrown at him, “I’m just tired. Go back to your room.”

“No, dude, I’m not going back until you tell me what’s got you down in the dumps. We were just fine a few days ago.”

Yeah, before you had your date with your Prince Charming. Why are you even still with me?

He shouldn’t be getting emotional over a date, he’s had a few (unsuccessful) dates for himself anyways, but the only difference between you two was at the end of the day he would always choose you.

“School. Stress. Listen, just go away.”

You scoffed, indignantly staying in your place as Jungkook laid down on his bed. “You can’t tell you best pal to just go away.”

“Well,” Jungkook’s voice turned low, menacing, angry, as he leaned closer, “best pal, i can. So, go. Away.”

You were surprised to see the fire that burned brightly in his eyes, the raw emotion running though his mind. In that short moment, you wanted to be the water that calms him down, but you accidentally morph into something that turns the situation worse as it is.

You stared back at him, just as vivid as his orbs were, before you broke eye-contact with Jungkook to gather your cellphone and keys and said as you trudged towards the door, “You know what? Fine, I’ll leave you alone. Have fun by yourself, Jungkook.”

Halfway through the door, you turned back to look at your best friend and he was still seated on his bed with his gaze on you. Silent staring ensued, but both of you wanted to say something because it was unusual that you two would fight and if you do fight you wanted to make-up as soon as possible.

But, Jungkook wasn’t budging, and you were convinced you did nothing wrong.

With a heavy heart, you abruptly turned around with an angry frown masking your disappointment before you closed the door to his room.

With a heavy heart, Jungkook plopped back down on his bed, his closed laptop bouncing in the sheets before it hit his thigh flesh. He reaches out to turn it off properly, ignoring the film that was playing and stares a little bit longer at his desktop wallpaper - at the picture of you and him before high school graduation with your wide grin and your arms around his neck. Sighing heavily, he stares at his ceiling, wondering how would you feel if he told you he loved you.

PARTS - how would you feel . ?

#belle writes #jungkook fluff #jungkook smut #jeon scenario #bangtan jeongguk

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emersongrant-blog · 5 years

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© Birthday: March 31st || Age: 21 years old © Zodiac Sign: Aries © Hometown: Lakewood, Florida © Works as a Model © The Token Rich and Pretty Boy Trope™ © With a Dash of Fuckboy Mixed In, Too © Has an Unnecessary Obsession With Gucci © Is Largely Into “Adventures” Because He Likes Being Outside © Surfs Regularly and Spends Copious Amounts of Time at the Beach © Has Big Love For Cars, Mostly the Expensive Kind, but Also in General © Loves Ice Cream and Chipotle Way, Way Too Much © Would Love to be a Stuntman or Racecar Driver One Day

Growing up as the only child to rich parents really would seem like a great thing, one would think, but Grant found that it was something he could’ve probably done without. The parents part, anyway, the money he definitely enjoyed. He grew up in a suburb of Orlando which meant he had plenty to do with that money -copious amounts of luxuries, plenty of opportunity to entertain and spoil himself, not to mention the beaches that he loved spending time at. Grant loved everything about his life -the money, where he lived, the friends he had- except for how things were with his parents.

When Grant was a child, things with his parents were fine; they both had fairly busy jobs -his mother, Liz, a successful OB/GYN with her own practice and his father, Mitchell, being the CFO of a business credit union in Orlando. They never fully left him to his own devices as a small child, though, the two adults working out how to spend time with their son and give him the attention he deserved at a young age. It really was easy to think that they were a happy family, that things would stay that way. When Grant was little, he was the happiest child; energetic, chatty, bordering on rambunctious. He thought he was one of the luckiest kids in the world because his parents paid attention to him and spoiled him.

As Grant got progressively older, more “self sufficient,” however, this started to change. In his pre-teen and early teen years, Grant became more and more aware of the level of neglect he was facing. He was eleven years old with multiple credit cards, an auto-reload on chargeable apps, any toy or video game he’d ever asked for. He even had a personal chef that he had on speed dial for when he wanted anything made for him at home. What he gradually lost was the attention from his parents. He would go to school, he would be playing the sports that he was, perhaps have a girl he wanted to talk about, anything typical of a young boy, and there was no one at home for him to talk to about it, his parents suddenly not having the time for him anymore as he hit ages that they deemed he didn’t “need” it anymore.

It became apparent during this time, too, that the strain in the family didn’t end with his parents simply not paying attention to him the way he liked. There was a strain on the relationship between Liz and Mitchell; they began fighting more about trivial things, started accusing one another of being different. Their focus became more about tearing each other apart and breaking down their marriage than it was about their son who was more or less falling by the wayside. Grant picked up quickly on the fact that his parents were going to be getting a divorce, and because of the way that things had been at home and the way he had been being treated in the wake of all of the drama, he didn’t particularly care. He never really looked at his parents and thought about how in love they were, or how well they worked together or anything like that. He just knew he had a mom and a dad and they took care of him, but somewhere along the way, that changed and it became more about destroying each other than taking care of him.

So Grant let them; he let them fight, he didn’t try to diffuse tensions in the house, he didn’t ask questions or show interest in the fact that things were very obviously going poorly for them. In fact, more often than not, Grant simply left the house. He would go to the beach, or to the mall, or to a friend’s house. He would sit at various local cafes and shops there in Lakewood until the later hours of the evening when they would finally let him know he had to leave because they were closing up for the day. He avoided home as much as possible; not because he couldn’t handle the fighting, but because he couldn’t handle the way that he felt absolutely invisible in his own home.

The divorce was an insanely long process between the adult’s busy work schedules and all the splitting of properties -the Emerson estate, their multiple vacation homes, cars in the garage, details of Liz’s practice, so many things were brought into question given their shared ownership. Grant was mostly miserable through all of it, thinking it was the stupidest fucking thing in the entire world that they couldn’t just break up already and call it a day (who gave a shit who got the Hampton’s house? Buy a new one). While his parents were very good at not paying attention to their son during this entire elongated process, that didn’t stop him from having access to whatever he wanted. Mitchell and Liz practically bought their son during this period of time -the number of credit cards Grant had in his possession only increased, he got not only one car after getting his license but two, he never once got questioned about where he had been all day or what he was spending all of his money on. They gave him the access to do and buy whatever he wanted, and they gave him nothing else, Grant rarely even spoke to his parents for months at a time despite the fact that they were all still living in the same house -because lord forbid one of them leave the house they were fighting over.

Grant never exactly got to the point of acting out in the sense that most people might think. He didn’t get into drugs or vandalism or stealing, nothing like that. Why would he? He could buy himself literally whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. He had cars and money and therefore could go just about anywhere, and his parents weren’t asking any questions so he got away with pretty much anything. No, the way that Grant started to act out was by disappearing. He would leave home and not return for two or three days. Either holed up in a hotel he expended way too much room service at or crashing with friends in town, Grant would stay away from home for as long as possible. There was some hope in the boy that it might make his parents mad enough to actually yell at him -even if they were pissed at least they would notice something. Only, that time never came. Grant was lucky if they even noticed he wasn’t just upstairs in his room at home.

After a while, Grant essentially gave up. It wasn’t worth the time and energy to make a conscious effort for what should have just been given to him. He came to the conclusion that working so hard, hoping beyond hope that things would change and he might actually have a relationship with his own parents again, it just wasn’t worth it. So while he continued to do whatever he wanted in leaving the house to go wherever he pleased and spending money like it was nothing to him, he stopped going out of his way to try to see if they would notice he was missing. He stopped hovering in his mother’s office doorway, waiting for her to look up for longer than a passing moment. He stopped sitting on the opposite end of the couch from his dad, waiting for a conversation to start over the sports game on the TV but having one never come. He just gave it up. He was done. If they didn’t want to act like his parents again, after everything, then they could fuck off for all he cared. He would figure out other ways to feel good about himself, he would give his time and energy to other people who actually made him feel good and some level of cared about.

In high school, Grant became aware very quickly of another way to find the attention and the feeling of validation -for literally anything about him- he was looking for: girls. Incidentally, that validation mostly ended up being about how attractive he was more than anything, but that didn’t bother him, it was something, and something was better than nothing. He learned quickly and easily that being charming could get him very far, so that became everything to him. A part of him might have been aware that it wasn’t right, essentially stealing all of this attention from girls by flirting and complimenting and such, but the bigger part of him couldn’t quite get passed the disconnect in his brain to feel bad about it. If people who were supposed to care about him could make him feel so terrible and unseen, what did it matter if he may hurt somebody’s feelings every now and again? That was fucking life. Grant was well-versed in female relations by the time he was 17. Having lost his virginity as a mere freshman, he was absolutely not a stranger in continuing to have physical relationships with girls throughout his high school career. Sex became something that did more than just make him feel good physically; it was something that gave him value to others, something that was likable about him along with just his pretty face and charming charisma.

Dating wasn’t something that Grant did with any real seriousness. He serially dated in his teens, going out with multiple girls in a year, taking a girl out on three or four dates and calling it a relationship before he would get bored. And while that fact was a little bit true -that he was bored- it was also more than that. Grant had the irrational fear planted in his brain that eventually people would tire of him. His parents had done it, hadn’t they? So his mentality became more geared toward the fact that if people were just going to decide they didn’t give a shit about him after all anyway, why get attached? Why commit? Why let it be something any deeper than a very surface level circumstance? He could get what he needed, what he wanted, out of being with a girl for a little while and then he could move on. It certainly gave him a bit of a reputation in school, but it wasn’t anything that hindered him much.

Because, let’s face it, Grant was obviously a popular kid. He had a large group of friends, and while none of them were super close with him, it didn’t matter. There was a large group of people who made him feel validated, who enjoyed spending time with him sometimes, that was all that mattered. Grant played football in high school, too, which between that and the fact that he was one of the circle of rich kids in the town of Lakewood, it gave him an automatic sense of popularity. Playing football was nothing serious for him, he did it for fun, to stay active, to give him something additional to keep him out of his house for extended periods of time. It was never anything that he wanted to do much with, never anything he was super passionate about; it just happened to facilitate things he needed at the time.

Grant was a junior in high school when his parent’s divorce was finally, finally coming to a long awaited close. He tuned back into how things were going between the two adults just enough to know that they were finally going to be finished. Life might finally go back to something less tense, something quieter. He wasn’t counting on anything to change between himself and his mom and dad -that was just unrealistic at this point, and he had grown passed holding out that specific hope. His mom got the house, and Grant ended up staying with her, just because that was his home and he wasn’t even sure where his dad was going (it wasn’t like they were chatting casually or anything) -not that he really thought they were really going to try fighting for custody anyway. What followed in the months after their divorce was finalized ended up being something that messed with Grant in a lot of ways.

Suddenly it was like a switch had been flipped; like Grant had been sitting in a room with all the lights off, waiting for someone to come turn them on and see him sitting there, and his parents finally had. Because out of no where, Liz started engaging with her son. She would suggest they go out to dinner together at least once a week, she would ask every now and again where he had been and if he had had a good day, she would offer to take him to local car shows on her day off just for fun. Mitchell took to texting him with regularity, daily almost. He would call a couple times a week, too, to “check in.” The man would talk about movies they could go see together, invite Grant to come to the country club and golf with him a couple of his buddies, told Grant that he should come stay with him for weekends sometimes and they could have “bachelor pad” weekends. The attention was so startlingly opposite the lack of interest his parents had in him for so long that Grant was stunted.

It dawned on the boy that what he thought might be a turnaround, a good change for him and the relationships he had with his mom and dad, was actually just the two of them working even harder to buy their child, but in a way that one-upped each other, too. The invites to do special things with either of them were often paired with “bet you haven’t done anything like this with your mom lately, huh?” or “does your dad let you get these for yourself? I imagine not.” It really defeated Grant in a way, that after all the time it had been, after the abrupt switch of a change in their attention for him, that it still wasn’t about him, it wasn’t about being his mom and dad, it was about trying to be better than one another. It was a competition, it was a game, and he was just a pawn on the chessboard.

This realization combined with the level of emotional whiplash really did things to Grant’s psyche, his sense of self worth. It led him further down the path of disconnect with others, in terms of relationships specifically. He buried himself in physical relationships, hooking up with whoever he could, not giving much attention beyond that. He sought out validation from girls more than he had before. He grew reckless in the things he was doing -going on a spur of the moment session of skydiving, trying to teach himself to surf before actually seeking out an instructor, spending more money than he ever had before.

The biggest thing that came of this wave of recklessness in Grant was his involvement in street racing. He had always thoroughly enjoyed cars, paid attention to NASCAR races every now and again, but definitely liked cars for himself, took the time to know them -even though it was mostly more expensive, flashy cars his attention primarily went to. Finding out about the street racing scene in Daytona was more of a blessing in disguise than anything off-putting for him. It gave him the opportunity to mess with cars in a way that he hadn’t, to learn new things about something he enjoyed, and it gave him an entirely new sense of validation, too. Because he was good at racing cars, way better than anyone in the scene expected of the pretty rich kid coming in on a whim. Street racing made him feel good at something, and beyond that it fueled an intense adrenaline rush that quickly became very addicting to Grant. He liked the way that it felt wild and free. It was dangerous, for a number of reasons, and there was no doubting that, but he fucking loved being a part of that scene. And he really did become a part of it, too. While most people in it sort of turned their nose up at him, took to calling him the patronizing nickname “Richie Rich,” he did make a few friends in the scene, he did get to learn new tricks of the trade, per se. Then there were the very opposite-of-shy girls there, too. Definitely no complaints about that.

Grant wasn’t particularly bright in school -he wasn’t stupid, he was just painfully average- so going to college wasn’t exactly on his agenda. Racing became one of his biggest focuses for a long time, which was sort of odd because it wasn’t something he was sharing with other people. The door on sharing things with his parents was still tightly sealed, though of his own doing this time given they were really just kissing his ass giving him attention, so he wasn’t telling them about his extracurricular activities. His friends definitely would not have been cool with him being so reckless with the law or with his own safety, so other than a very specific select couple, none of them knew, either. It was his thing, and he loved it. He still spent a ton of time at the beach, still went on entirely unnecessary shopping binges, still hung out with friends in the groves they tended to come in, that didn’t change, but his nights and weekends became very frequently circulating around going to Daytona for races.

Graduating high school and sticking with his normal social life and racing, Grant really didn’t see much changing for him anytime soon. He toyed with the idea of finally getting a place of his own and leaving his parents behind him entirely -he was only 19 at the time and already thinking that way- but he never actually got around to it. Opportunity ended up coming when he least expected it when he was at a magazine’s cover launch party with a friend of his in Orlando. Grant spoke with a lot of people that night -a couple models he recognized from following on instagram, some magazine executives that he wasn’t too terribly interested in, a few other guys there who were also just there for the open bar and the nicely dressed females. However, Grant also spoke to an agent from Zarzar Modeling Agencies, the woman showing a lot of interest in him. So much so that she recommended that he come to Los Angeles and do a couple trial shoots for the agency, see if he liked modeling. Honestly, it didn’t take much thought. Grant /knew/ he was a good looking guy, it was one thing about him that he consistently got positive attention for, so it wasn’t like he didn’t know he’d take a good picture. Not to mention, it was a whole new level of attention for himself, of validation of self worth, that he just couldn’t pass up.

He didn’t even have a conversation with either of his parents about it first, didn’t give them the time of day about the circumstances. Grant just left Florida and moved to Los Angeles. It wasn’t like it was hard for him to pay for the flight, moving expense, and the place he was living. In further display of his parents being awful, there was barely any concern about him going off on his own, but just as much there wasn’t any pride in it. Both of them badgered him for details that they could help with, things they could send to him or help him attain, the two of them keeping up their trend of attempting to outdo each other. Eventually after settling in California, Grant just stopped contacting them entirely. It was just too draining, it brought on way too many conflicting emotions inside himself, and it wasn’t worth it. Not when he was trying to do things for himself.

Modeling was something that Grant picked up very easily. It’s not exactly the hardest job in the world -though it does have its difficulties- but even passed that was the fact that the camera loved Grant, the agency loved Grant, and the public loved Grant. His already substantial social media following skyrocketed after he signed with Zarzar Modeling and did a few shoots with them. He had on again off again flings with other models, made some new friends, really settled into California living. He loved California, too, it wasn’t too too different from Florida, the vibe was similar enough. Grant was used to adapting to changes anyway, so he had minimal complaints. It wasn’t really like he was missing a ton back home, anyway.

Getting into modeling, and particularly taking off as popularly as he did with multiple photographers and publications, Grant had a lot more eyes on him, a lot more attention being given to him. It certainly was welcomed -the kid loves people complimenting him, loves knowing that he’s worth something even if it is just a few good photos. That being said, however, between the fact that he was more on people’s radar and he was in an entirely new place, his street racing hobby had to be put on the back burner. Every now and again on rare occasions he’ll find a race to go and watch, to immerse in the social aspect of, but he hasn’t been racing cars himself since he moved to California. He definitely misses it, but he argues that everything else he has going for him now could go away if he got in trouble or got hurt racing. So he sticks with observation on occasion instead of getting behind that wheel again.

Grant was happier than he had been in a while, doing new things, finding himself in a way, living his life in California. He kept up with modeling and is still doing that today, successfully. How could he not be successful at it, I suppose, look at him. One of Grant’s best friends from back in Lakewood -Mason Winslow- contacted him after a couple years of Grant living there, mentioning that he and his sister were going to be moving to California, too. Finding out where the Winslow twins were headed, Grant made the smaller scale move from LA to Lockland; this working out alright with his working situations because Zarzar Agencies had an office they operated out of in Long Beach, too. Now he’s living in Lockland in one of Elliot Gold’s luxury condos -thanks to his connection with friend and fellow model Mia.

While it’s very easy for Grant to be written off as the token rich, pretty boy or even so far as the stereotypical fuckboy, there is more to him than that. He won’t openly admit to that, in fact he would much rather everyone think that he’s as simple as that instead of having to go into the deep rooted self worth issues that linger beneath the surface. He is still very charming, very social. He’s a chill individual -loves the beach, loves good food, loves girls. Shallow and air-headed can also be very good identifiers for him, but that’s just socialization for him. He’s pretty and that’s where he really finds his own identity, and it’s something that’s validated frequently for him, too. He can’t help if that means he’s not overly smart (right?) He’s a good kid at heart, he’s not really out here trying to hurt anybody -even though he’s definitely done his fair share of heart breaking. While he’s out on his own, has a steady job, and is living a seemingly grown up sort of life, he definitely still has some maturing to do. Maybe someday he’ll get around to it.

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cjostrander · 5 years

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Nine Inch Nails: Pretty Hate Machine

Hey everyone! Today i was planning on tackling another of the more notable albums up on my list for an anniversary review. I was planning on Ratt’s Out of the Cellar since they have two up this year; Instead i’m going to do the debut album by Nine Inch Nails. I saw that this and the Downward Spiral were up for review so it was a no brainer to scratch at least one off before i got too far in the year and slacked. Last year a lot of goodies were missed and i’m looking to do a bit less of the odd ball albums this year in return. This album has an 80′s synth that is fitting being released at the tailend of that decade. It can probably be viewed as Trent Reznor’s most rudimentary work in terms of straightforwardness but that should be a decent thing for new listeners to ease their way into his work; because his work only continued to get more diverse and experimental from here on out.

Head Like a Hole (Single): We begin the album out strong with arguably his biggest and most mainstream hit (Discounting Closer as mainstream of course). It begins with some interesting click effects before drums arrive to give a rather powerful but contained metal bash. The guitars and synths infuse that 80′s vibe into it full of tension that would be hard not to want to dance to. Trent’s vocals are delivered very straightforward with a sense of angst and gradually grows more frustrated till he arrives at the chorus. The chorus is a perfect crowd pleaser with a loud pouring from Trent of catchy verses to sing along to without going into overdrive in terms of speed. It helps to create a fair degree of momentum to start the album off strong before introducing the listener into Trent’s more unconventional style. I would recommend this as one of your initial tracks to check out when first checking out this band because this is as straightforward of a single as the band gets besides maybe his With Teeth album (Reviewed already). 9.5/10

Terrible Lie: This song begins with a smooth transition from the last song and ventures into a dark and gloomy guitar/drum combo. It melds with Trent rather smoothly to create a rather erotic atmosphere that would be perfect for a bondage session with the misses. The vocals are delivered softly in between back and forth screams that emphasize that disgust in his lyrics rather firmly. It creates a rather catchy flow that would be interesting to see live and follow along to lyrically. The middle section features a real nice build up of tension with minimal instrumentation. The bass is a good help in giving just that little gradual increase for Trent to infuse for angst in his delivery. The back and forth emotion does give it a rather interesting bipolar effect that will further intrigue the listener and hopefully convince them to venture onto the rest of the album. 9.5/10

Down in It (Single): This is the second single for the album and is personally the weaker of the singles. It begins with a stronger 80′s club drum opening and joins with subtle synths and more prominent guitars to create a strong dance atmosphere. Trent is a little more conventional in his vocal style and is a bit more instrumental in the role of his voice. The lyrics are a bit odd to follow along to in terms of substance but it creates a near hip hop like groove that further enhances it’s dance appeal for the era. This one will probably be viewed as one of the most dated tracks on the album due to there being no mistake that it is an 80′s album. Other than that; there’s really nothing to truly complain about because it adds to the album’s flow effectively and maintains a sense of smoothness without those low points of boredom (due to either slowness or general length of the album or songs); that occur during most of his later work. 8.5/10

Sanctified: This track starts off with an interesting drum loop and fantasy themed synths in the background before arriving to meet with a rather firm bass groove. It’s a nice showcase of the bass that creates more of that firm dance appeal for fans of very gloomy night life music. Trent is a bit slower in his delivery which matches the progression of the song and helps to maintain a firm level of smoothness as the guitars gradually introduce more aggressive but spaced out effects. The guitars definitely get more artsy on this track so be sure to pay attention to what they do; even though they are not a commanding force in the song. The lyrics are pretty well done and will enable the listener to have ample substance to follow along to in order to keep the nearly six minute runtime from overstaying its welcome. 8.5/10

Something I Can Never Have ( Featured in the Natural Born Killers film): Now this song is definitely a hidden gem that any fan of Quentin Tarantino’s early classics should immediately recognize. It begins as a very easy fade in from the previous track with a very soothing and blissful key open. It contains a sense of complexity that fully encompasses the less is more format. The Keys work with subtle synths to create a sense of wonder and euphoria that Trent’s vocals deliver a surprising sense of focus and captivation. They deliver on the less is more approach as well due to the level of strength in its lyrics and clever use of electronic effects to pick up potential dull points and infuse it with a strong sense of consistent support. This is certainly best viewed as an example of a very risky experiment for the artist that pulls off with surprising strength and is an easy highlight on the album. Definitely recommend checking it out during a brief browse of the album. Other than that it is a very good way to close the first half of the album; even if it could of easily been the finale track as well. 10/10

Kinda I Want to: This track begins with subtle animal samples before the instrumentals return the album to its 80′s club tone. Trent takes on a more aggressive but firm vocal style that delivers his lyrics with a good sense of emphasis that enables them to succeed in terms of substance and draw. The electronic loops do very well at elevating his vocals and boosting the chorus with a nice sense of life. They bring forth an interesting little guitar jam towards the end which brings forth a little extra diversity in the instrumentation. Other than that it overstays it welcome just a bit but after only feeling that way on a Nine Inch Nails album this far on; its a good thing. 8.5/10

Sin (Single): This is the final single of the album and probably the most aggressive as well. It begins with an eerie synth before drums arrive to really infuse it with a nice dance vibe that will be perfect for a live performance. Trent arrives with a nice sense of erotic swagger that contains some very strong lyrics to follow along to. The instrumentals do very well at elevating the sense of adrenaline in the song and is perfect with the chorus in that regard. The use of electronica really shines on here and even experiments with the guitars to create some very compelling jam segments. This will further elevate it as one of the most performance friendly tracks on the album and is perhaps one of its most mainstream friendly tracks on here as well. 10/10

That’s What I Get: A nicely emotional synth drum opening begins this song on a very complex note before keys arrive to further fill it with a very spiritual energy. Trent arrives with a very vulnerable vocal presence that places firm emphasis on his lyrics and brings forth a sense of wounded emotion that seems rightfully placed at this point in the album. I would definitely recommend checking this track out after warming up to the others because it is definitely a nice treat to come across when in an experimental mood. 9/10

The Only Time: The bass begins this track with a bit of a jazzy like vibe which gives Trent’s more drawn out vocal delivery an interesting flair this time around. The guitars and drums then arrive when Trent’s aggression increases to create an odd yet interesting groove to dance around to somewhat. This track immediately sets itself up to be one of the more oddball tracks on the album but being this far in may work to its advantage if the finale tracks pulls itself off well. 7/10

Ringfinger: This nearly six minute album finale begins with a more straightforward drum synth opening that is groovy and soothing yet simplistic. Trent arrives into the background with a more echoed tone. The lyrics continue to maintain a consistent level of substance that the listener should be able to follow along to fairly well. It does get a little too low at times vocally but still experiments with guitar effects and loops to help keep it from feeling to airy in the background. It ends the album on the a bit of a lengthy note but a filling one nonetheless so cant complain much personally. 8/10

Overall album rating: 8.9/10

Well it’s kind of fitting that an album that came out in 1989 gets a score of 8.9/10 It dethroned With Teeth by a margin of .3 to take the top spot for my Nine Inch Nails reviews. It’s probably the easiest album from him to get into and is very likely responsible for the high score. I would recommend checking it out either this or his more rock centered mid 2000′s work before really getting to in his more diverse work. I hope you guys enjoy the review and maybe if things go right i will put up a review for The Downward Spiral later on in the year. Enjoy your weekend everyone!

*Reviewer’s Pick*

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