#this is their relationship in a nutshell really

[freakystrashdump]

Real talk that "brat? Oh I am a good girl, on my best behavior always" post is ingrained in my head since I saw it, so here is a reminder to myself that it's a good lil comic idea too for Salem and Priest

Her just unashamedly looking Priest in the eye while she says that with the most shit eating grin, meanwhile his glare could probably curdle milk.

#sure it is meant to be read as a kink thing #but this is really just their relationship in a nutshell #ya shouldnt have tried to end her priest #now she is everyones problem #the coven #trash text

[sicklyseraphnsuch]

Simon really doesn't question Betty, and you know, that's not a bad thing. Betty is a woman who knows her own mind. Simon's not about to mansplain Betty's desires to Betty.

And it really is quite clear that he follows her lead throughout their whole relationship.

(Note: I wrote this at 3am so unsure how much sense this makes)

In this scene, when he compliments Betty for figuring out the petroglyphs (petrigrofs lol) on the vase, he laughs and makes a throwaway comment about Betty coming with him on the next trip. I do believe it's a throwaway because he just throws it out there.

But Betty snaps onto that opportunity like a fish catching bait. Or maybe a cat pouncing on a mouse. She didn't have to say that she's missing a whole other trip for his, but she does and also follows up with the conclusion that yes. She will go with him.

There's an awkward, "Oookay..." from Simon that belies a hesitancy. But Betty seems intent on taking the inch she was given and making it a mile. Who is Simon to question this grown woman's decisions?

This follows through with Betty making the move to take their relationship to the next level.

Simon was complacent. That's the story of Simon's life. He was complacent and content to keep their relationship professional. Betty makes the leap. That's the story of their romance. Betty makes the leap and confesses to Simon.

And in his confession to her, Simon simply echoes her words right back.

And why not? Why not say the thing that she explicitly wants from him? Why not follow the instructions? Why take a risk and say things differently than what has explicitly been laid out for him?

But that's also Simon's flaw in a nutshell. For a smart guy, he's absolute Shit at picking up what Betty puts down. Even when it's staring him straight in the face.

And Betty herself is terrified of being frank about her feelings for him. Look at the way she confesses to him. She leaves a letter in a book that he might check out soon (maybe in a week, maybe in a month, maybe in a year, who knows?). It was rather roundabout, wasn't it? "I drop my love letter in a book so maybe you will find it"?

To be fair, she is afraid of coming off as too strong. Her rambling about her trip before accepting Simon's offer lends to the idea of someone thinking through her thoughts out loud, but also emphasizing in a roundabout way how much she really Really likes him. Simon does not pick up her attraction to him.

He calls her "library girl" because she is a veritable stranger, why would he reciprocate her attraction right off the bat? Cautious, careful Simon yielding to love at first sight? It's not his style. But Betty does half the work of falling in love with him prior to meeting him. All Simon needs to do is notice.

Simon disappoints her on two occassions. He calls her "indispensable", despite the now clear chemistry between them. He didn't ask her out in the following two weeks, and in his words kept things "professional" despite her Very obvious infatuation with him and what she dearly wants from him. ("And I love you love you love you love you, is it obvious to everyone else?")

And then that SCENE.

He's done it! He used her words! (Because clearly his first approach to lecture her didn't communicate his feelings - Simon, you donk)

And look at her face, she is so ready to be kissed! But Simon tucks her hair behind her ear and lets go. Betty leans in but... again, she stops herself from coming on too strong.

Because she takes the lead. She always takes the lead, and Simon is happy to follow her! But Betty is not a bastion of confidence. Again, we go back to my earlier point: Betty did half the hard work of falling in love with Simon before she met him.

This leads to two things - she can't be secure in the knowledge that Simon loves her as equally because she already loved him before they met and what if she's just imagining things because she's biased and wants her to love him? Likewise, she is intent on proving to Simon that she is lovable to him and he just follows along, without ever getting the chance to show how much he loves her.

He is complacent to be loved and to follow her lead on how to love. He doesn't act without her letter. He uses her words to confess.

Because Betty did half the work of falling for Simon when Simon wasn't around, how could he know the depth of her feelings? How can he be confident that she wouldn't leave the moment he mucks it up when he doesn't really know why she sticks around in the first place? Why wouldn't he beg for her to love him when he went crown crazy?

Why wouldn't he spend the last few seconds of a precious spell to forgive her for leaving him because why wouldn't she leave?

Here's my theory, what Simon sees is not Betty's conviction in her love for him - Simon sees a woman who knows her mind and changes priorities with alacrity. She had a research trip that she's willing to dump in a second? Well, research trips are important but hey, maybe that means her priorities are not cemented. She could love this now and choose to love another thing later.

It's like two ships passing each other through the night. Betty and Simon are terrible at being confident and secure in their love for one another to the point that they drive themselves crazy over it. Betty has something to prove. Simon is waiting for her to leave.

Why wouldn't he question her lack of pursuits? Betty knows herself. She'll go when she pleases, wouldn't she? Why wouldn't she?

The end result: Betty keeps taking the lead and Simon keeps following her, but a partnership is supposed to be on equal footing. They're supposed to travel together. And because Simon lacks the initiative or the assertiveness to balance out the relarionship, Betty is left to run wild with her insecurities, which in turn prevents her from pursuing her passions as all her drive fixates on securing Simon.

"Where will I go without you?"

"I'll never know."

#adventure time #simon petrikov #fionna and cake #betty grof #fionna and cake spoilers

[theygotlost]

vetinari is such a fascinating character to me because you cannot simply call him evil. he has all the aesthetic trappings of the Evil Ruler: a self-proclaimed tyrant, serious black robes, a devilish goatee, the tendency to raise an eyebrow or steeple his fingers in a grim manner, the torture chambers and dungeons in his palace, his wretched little pet that he loves so much, everyone is deathly afraid to cross him for fear of the Consequences, so on and so forth...

but he's not "EVIL". he doesn't take delight in senseless violence or act cruel for cruelty's sake. he's not ambitious or hungry for power. he's never a true antagonist, and is often working on the same side as the protagonists (or it might be more accurate to describe his role as a secret third thing). he's really not an unreasonable man on the whole. if vetinari is one thing, he's a pragmatist.

he considers idealism a waste of time because he knows his subjects too well for that. he can easily understand a cruel and villainous attitude, which is not the same thing as agreeing with it: with every new development in technology or society he immediately asks, "how are people going to exploit this? how could it be used dangerously?" not because he plans on doing it himself, but because it pays to know how somebody else will. ankh-morporkians agree: love him or hate him, vetinari's system works because it meets people where they're at.

this started as a post just about vetinari but then it got me thinking.... vetinari's method is not the only successful form of leadership we see. carrot is a natural born (ahem) leader whose outlook is the polar opposite from vetinari's; he operates on the assumption that everyone has good intentions and are fundamentally good people. and because he believes it so strongly and earnestly, people can't help but believe that it must be true, hence a self-fullfilling prophecy. which is great! the world would benefit immensely from more carrots!

buuut..... you can't really run a government that way, can you? you can't just say "let's all pinky promise to be chill and act super niceys from now on ok? 🙂" as a legally binding contract for millions of people. you need something to fall back on when that contract is inevitably violated. carrot can't imagine that anyone would ever do that, but vetinari knows they will, and accounts for every possible contingency. I think what pratchett is telling us, in a nutshell, is to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

the relationship between vetinari and carrot is one I don't see discussed much (admittedly since it's not very substantial), but it's interesting to think about. in his interactions with carrot vetinari is usually bemused at best and impatient at worst, but we know he's plenty smart enough to recognize carrot's value and what he's capable of.

#ahhhhhh this ones been sitting in my drafts for 5 months ivr rewritten it a hundred times #discworld

[mysterycitrus]

I'm not sure if you've already answered something like this, but what are your reasons for disliking Tom Taylor?

I haven't read everything of his regarding the Titans and Dick but I don't really like what I've seen so far. I was excited at first with the current Titans run, etc. But that excitement has faded away.

What I don't like that is hard to put into words is his writing seems to reflect that he doesn't really understand the characters that he's writing, AND he seems to prefer Dick with Babs instead of Kory.

But what are your thoughts on Tom Taylor's writing?

in a nutshell — tom taylor is a fundamentally incurious person who writes comics to go viral on twitter. there’s no tangible substance in what he writes aside from moments of unearned toothless fluff, he isn’t interested in preserving legacy relationships or characterisation, and he lauds himself as a champion of representation while blocking those from marginalised communities who critique his works for being harmful or otherwise inaccurate.

his writing on nightwing reinvented dick grayson as a spineless, inoffensive character with almost no conviction. babs gordon has been removed from oracle entirely and exists as his girlfriend who lovingly banters with him but otherwise possesses no personal stance on any issue. his portrayal of bludhaven is devoid of its grit, style, or culture. dick’s ability to perform basic tasks as a hero — solving cases on his own, any degree of instinct or self preservation, acting like an adult — is notably absent. his chip about kory manifests in strongarming babs into being dicks one true love — something that defies existing canon and harms both of their existing relationships with other characters.

his writing on titans pisses me off even more, because now he has a wide cast of established characters that he can water down into stereotypes, flat characterisation lifted out of the cartoon, and bad politics. raven is basically a non-character who exists to be bb’s girlfriend. roy is totally absent. kory is underwritten. donna is flat and lifeless. the dynamics of the group are totally off. the decisions they make are bad, and because he’s established dick as a dunce i don’t understand why anyone would sincerely trust him to lead this group.

the issue is that there are no stakes. taylor’s liberalism allows for surface-level representation with no substance and no personality. why should i care that superman is bi if said superman decides to hug space-hitler instead of fighting him? why would i care that dick grayson is back in bludhaven if every character around him exists to support his new, inferior storytelling? taylor does not appear interested in improving his craft or actually collaborating with the people he claims to represent. there is no compassion, no sincere interest in nuanced storytelling. only window dressing with shiny cover art by dan mora

#is this too mean? idc fuck that guy #my proudest moment was meeting him at a con and telling him his hat was ugly ❤️ #nightwing #dick grayson #teen titans #dc comics #the ask and the answer

[kneelingshadowsalome]

Genuinely so obsessed with the ask you answered about reader being associated with König’s childhood bullies and coming back years later to try and make amends……. I need the angst, the drama, the nasty disgusting degrading sex, the absolute turmoil on both of their parts 😭 I am starving for this, the way you portray König especially there is exactly how I’ve always envisioned him in my mind!!!!!! And then with reader desperately trying to make him happy now out of guilt and her crush that’s grown 10x since she saw him in school, delusionally hoping and believing there’s a *relationship* between them and she can fix what she thinks she allowed to happen back then 10 years after the fact, while König is constantly fighting himself to not fall for reader despite his own buried crush resurfacing, and convincing himself he’s only using her to release stress and tension after assignment while simultaneously holding so much resentment for her and her sheer proximity to the people that tormented him back then, I am foaming at the mouth for the toxic dynamics to be found there !!!!!!!!! The old him begging to fulfill some childish need to have her, while this new monstrous version of himself only wants to watch her suffer to repent for how he had to suffer !!!!!!!!!!!!

I know right?! I’m obsessed with this too!

I’m so here for the toxic relationship dynamic (sue me), also me and @bucca2/@wordstome had a whole conversation about this yesterday because König would bend over backwards to self sabotage this shit.

(The following is mainly a summary from our brainstorm session from last night + I have bucca to thank for the precious meme at the end, it’s König in a nutshell with his high school crush lol)

First of all our girl is sooo in love. She was in love when they were young, but now? She’s a goner, König is out of this world. He's so handsome, so confident, the epitome of cool if there ever was one... and God, would you look at those muscles?

Now she can finally drool all over him but back then, what was she to do? As the shy one of the clique, she always tried to avoid attention; she could never have endured what König did. Perhaps it was cowardly of her, but she really was just scared. She could only dream about him from afar, and in her dreams, they would both change schools due to their parents moving or something... Ending up in the same area, finally getting to be together like it was a miracle, Deus ex Machina.

Her silly dreams never came true, but it looks like they're coming to fruition now. And this time, she's going to make everything better! Now that they're both grown up and free from their tormentors she can finally admit that she has feelings for him, feelings that are only sparked fast aflame when she sees the man he has become.

And König can’t stand it.

Where was she when he was odd and scrawny? Where was she when he cried himself to sleep over her?? Of course she wants him now that he’s big, independent and menacing, an odd nerd who discovered guns and gym... He thought she was better than this.

Deep inside, he’s still like this:

...but we just need to forget about it because König is NOT going to fold for this girl.

He’s not.

And the sex is so NASTY. Bordering on degrading, König wants to be a gentleman when it comes to ladies, but this one? This one he wants to fuck like he paid for her. She brings out the beast in him, and he finds himself asking her to get on her knees and blow his cock on some filthy cruise... Fucks her like he doesn’t love her, and she’s absolutely lovestruck, when did König become so mean? (God, that she loves him)

Trying not to fall in love with her (as if he ever fell out), König is so incredibly mad at this girl – is this what she wanted this whole time? A buff jerk who fucks her doggystyle until her knees bleed, who gives her the bare minimum, who barely even calls her when he’s away? (He has to physically restrain himself from doing that because of course he’d like to hear her pick up the phone with pure hope in her voice)

While changing his tactics and devising a plot to make her pay, König doesn’t even understand that he’s falling fast for her again while becoming now (seemingly) the best version of himself. It's only to dump her later, of course. He's just being nice so that she'll cry over losing him later. He brings her flowers, eats her out for hours, getting sick satisfaction from the way she cries about how it’s the best sex she’s ever had. He’s going to bring her to her knees, in more ways than just one... She’s going to remember him for the rest of his life when he rearranges her guts, ruining her for any other man.

König is becoming the thing he hates the most while she’s learned her lesson, now wearing her heart on her sleeve. No more shame and secrets, she’s not afraid to tell him how she feels! How she always had a small crush on him… And not even that small… How she loved to hear his presentations, no matter what silly subject they were about because he had actually done his research. How she could’ve swooned when his voice changed. After a short breaking period, he started to talk lower than anyone else in the class, earning himself more of that bullying because he sounded so manly at such a young age.

König is about to burst a blood vessel when hearing all this: she had a crush on him back then? What the actual fuck??

And then come the cuddles, the slow mornings, the coffee and toast, the showering together… She leaves her toothbrush in his place, and it stares at him accusingly from the side of the sink. She wears his t-shirts and looks absolutely gorgeous, mouth-watering and sweet in them. His sexy little minx, the one who didn’t get away…

Wait, what? No. No. No!

And when his high school sweetheart confesses her love for him for the first time, she's so open and vulnerable and sweet about it. Like she has been from the start, his sweet, sweet girl, exactly the kind of woman he always wanted to bring home to see his mom. König is about to lose his mind when she tugs at his shirt, almost cries when she says how much she loves him and couldn’t bear to live without him… She would cry herself to the grave if anything ever happened to him…

(König is like:)

#könig angst #könig fluff #mmm this is so nasty and delicious #they're practically soulmates #collaborating with other writers #könig x highschool sweetheart

[lirotation]

My Tav x Astarion relationship in a nutshell. Oh, I wrote destiny, I really meant Canon. Yep, just got around to play the new epilogue. Oh boy, they don't spare him an ounce of mercy, do they? Why are they so cruel to him? I had a glimmer of hope for a minute that maybe, just maybe he would be able to stay under sunlight but nope, ouch.

The reunion party was a delightful touch. If only they had that at the initial release, I wouldn't be so bitter and would've been able to finish my 2nd playthrough.

So...if Karlach and Wyll are both not romanced, and they go to Avernus together, they become a canon couple? I love the new Karlach ending. Ah, I am jealous of Karlach fans.

#astarion #bg3 fanart #astarion fanart #baldur's gate 3 #baldurs gate 3 fanart #procreate #bg3 #bg3 comic #astarion comic #bg3 webcomic #webcomic #artstarion #astarion x female tav #baldurs gate 3

[pachimation]

redrawing my very first chiscara comic/art i ever did for chscr day!!

old comic under the cut!!

lol a bunch of sappy semi serious stuff below bc i cant help but be a bit genuine about this ship today :’3

i cant possibly put into words how important this silly little ship and its community mean to me haha,,,, this comic was made in 2021 but i didnt really get serious about chscr until late 2022 after a bunch of pretty bad interpersonal stuff happened and i needed an outlet,, COINCIDENTALLY a certain someone was announced to be playable around then and i was already thought chscr was Pretty Neat™️ so i ended up diving headfirst into the ship. it also gave me a good excuse to work on more comics too!! i’d done a pretty big zhongven comic earlier that year in the summer, but in terms of lore there was only so much i could have worked with at the moment.

childe and scaramouche have that perfect combination of silliness and angst and violence that could be explored or expanded in so many ways and i love love love seeing other people’s interpretations of their dynamic and relationship. they’re so complex,,,,they’re narrative foils,,,they’re narrative parallels,,,they’re trans allegories,,,they’re flies in the spiderweb of the games lore,,,they’re my stupid little meow meows,,, they’re just two losers i want to see make out,,,

in a nutshell, they’re everything to me. well, i hope i get that kind of sentiment across in my own comics,,,,

and i cant get started on all the people ive met through chiscara or the way that having something i can call “my thing”, as in, the thing that i like and that i will spend a lot of time and effort (and money, but lets not talk about that) to surround myself with because it makes me smile. its stupid to say, but being a nerd about these two stupid guys who have never had a single canon onscreen interaction in some random game has made me a much happier and confident person that i could have ever imagined back in my freshman year of college,,, when i say i dont know who i’d be if i hadnt gotten into chiscara, i really do mean it lol

i’m actually surprised i’m making it to over a full year of regular-ishly making art, especially for the same game and ship! thats never happened before and my art has improved so much over this past year!! more than anything else, i’m happy! i get to be excited talking about these characters with my friends and i love to see art of them pop up on the tl. i make stickers of them and decorate my phonecase with them and have little figures of them in my room that i look at when im up late at night working on schoolwork. sometimes just the thought of finishing a comic or daydreaming about a scenario or seeing what my mutuals are up to are some of the few things getting me through a tough day.

,,,,so believe me when i say, to both childe and scara and to everyone else as obsessed with these pathic losers as i am, thank you! i’m having a lot of fun!!!

(also i just found out tumblrs copy/paste doesnt work on my ipad??? idk if this ends up legible i may or may not have deleted smth by accident and im not in a mood to proofread haha)

#genshin impact #childe #tartaglia #scaramouche #chiscara #scarachilde #my art #comic #no super long rant in the tags this time bc i already made a chscr rant haha #happy chiscara day everybody!!

[verysium]

I’ve been seeing some discourse around twitter about the blue lock boys and whether they’d be a loyal bf or not 😭 Curious to know who do you think would be more inclined to cheat or who just wouldn’t at all!!!

I saw someone say sae would 100% cheat like whattt I feel like he wouldn’t even bother looking at anyone else if he already has someone (Cuz I mean dating him would likely mean you actually mean something to him) but I digress

ok anon you had me pulling up a whole argumentative essay here cus WHO TF SAID SAE WOULD 100% CHEAT??? 😔 that mischaracterization is so painfully inaccurate. twitter really took the whole emotionally unavailable itoshi archetype and ran with it. let me just clear the air here because my man deserves some explanation.

sae itoshi would not cheat. as in capital N and capital O. he took nearly an entire decade off his life just to work on his own issues and finally form a functional and healthy relationship with another human being. and you're telling me he's just going to let all that wash down the drain for someone else? 😒 twitter logic really be showing its illogical side here. apparently a man can be loyal to a professional sports career for eighteen years, but he can't be loyal to his significant other.

i think this misunderstanding probably happened cus of shidou. people read the manga and saw that sae dropped rin for a bug-eyed freak and automatically assumed he was disloyal. 😑 let me just say two things here:

(1) sae and shidou's relationship is strictly professional. imagine being stuck in an god awful corporate office with coworkers who bore you with their weaponized incompetence and a boss who annoys the living shit out of you. and then one day, the company hires a new recruit who is probably the most unhinged and debauched creature known to man. you're probably left wondering how he even got hired in the first place. but then you find out...he's useful. he takes risks and gets a high return on what he invests. it's impulsive and stupid, really. but at least it's unconventional and outside-the-box. he has your interest piqued. that's basically sae and shidou in a nutshell.

(2) just because sae gave shidou his number after the u-20 game does NOT mean he would do the same to any other person who would try to encroach on your relationship. and let's be real here. sae would get one text from shidou and block his contact.

anyways, here is my analysis on the bllk boys in general. introducing the anti-cheating to pro-cheating spectrum:

(A) cannot cheat under any circumstance (as in they already hate the fact that they live on a planet with 8.1 billion other people who are not you):

itoshi brothers (atp they don't even have the physical or mental capacity to entertain a third party), ness, reo

(B) cannot cheat due to physical incapability (literally cannot pull anyone within a five-meter radius to cheat with):

ego, igarashi, raichi, bachira (not that he's in any way unattractive...it's just...i feel like he would purposefully act weird to drive off people who aren't you)

(C) could not cheat (basically option A and B but less problematic version)

yukimiya, barou, kunigami, noa, loki, gagamaru, chigiri, niko, hiori, karasu (baby boy literally felt inferior cus his crush was the cutest in his class), kurona (head empty, just you)

(D) would not cheat (on you but everyone else is not included)

isagi (unintentionally a homewrecker to others but would never let anyone homewreck his relationship with you), leonardo (idk why but i just don't trust him entirely)

(E) could cheat (depends on what they get out of it):

kaiser, shidou (honestly what did you expect when you willingly dated a blonde man...)

(F) would cheat (either proven by canon or they accidentally fucked up somehow):

otoya, oliver, nagi

#asks #blue lock #bllk #bllk fluff #rin itoshi #isagi yoichi #itoshi rin #shidou ryusei #hiori yo #barou shouei #nagi seishiro #reo mikage #oliver aiku #otoya eita #noel noa #leonardo luna #itoshi sae #bllk shidou #michael kaiser #alexis ness #karasu tabito #kurona ranze #yoichi isagi #yukimiya kenyu #chigiri hyoma #niko ikki #gagamaru gin #loki #kunigami rensuke #bachira meguru

[all4aoki]

  ⊹ 𝓕INALLY ˒ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ 𝓘 𝓓ESPERATELY 𝓒ALL 𝓨OU ⠀Ꮺ ָ࣪ ۰ ִ

EN- & Aoki YN`s relationships in a nutshell . . . enha x f!reader, poly!enha, enha8thmember

©all4aoki, 2024

ꔫ ˖ 이희승 || ⵌ YNHEEZ - SMARTIEZ ?? popularity 76% dating since after Drunk-Dazed era

᱖ You’re literally his baby. One of his favorite joys in the world. That, and you both are so playful and shy that your relationship with him has become one of ENGENEs’ favorite joys as well (sometimes even for the other members too). He always claims that you’re constantly whining for attention and clinging to him at all times when really, he’s the one that’s being babied. (not that you don’t do those things from time to time). Heeseung tends to become more relaxed around you, easing into a comfortable headspace where he knows it’s safe to be himself because his trust in you is unmatched. Sooo he’s just projecting and describing himself ><

That being said, when you’re with him, new sides of the two of you are shown: the quietness of his extrovert and the loudness of your introvert. And when this happens, your guys’ humor is unmatched, and the laughter never stops. Spending time with him alone could probably give you abs in under two weeks. Because while you’re making jokes, he’s dying of laughter which only makes you laugh. Then he makes his little comments and everyone else has to leave you both alone to be in your world. Trust is a big part of your relationship with Heeseung. Considering you’re three years younger than him, he takes it upon himself to protect you from everything bad in the world and make sure you stay as happy as possible. He would never forgive himself if your choice of profession took an unfixable toll on your beautiful personality. You allow yourself to be an escape from the pressures of your guys’ lives. When you both are with each other, you can imagine that you’re just two normal people in love. (I mean, you are, but still).

Affection-wise, Heeseung loves to be touching you at all times. They’re all tame, he’s not a very possessive person, so his PDA isn’t meant to show people that you’re his, but to make sure that you’re there with him. His favorite thing in the world is hugs, carrying you around is a close second, and he loves laying in your lap as well. He’s truly such a sweetheart and he’s so kind. You’re often following him around as well–wherever he is, you’re not that far behind. And he adores how you go to him first, most of the time, when you need help with things.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

lowkey loser!bf & popular!gf coded, is always wanting to film TikTok challenges with u, his fav stage fits of urs r when u wear red, listened to Lana’s entire discography for u, shares all of his ideas (no matter what they r ) with u first!, u hav the most tour stage interactions with him, wearing his caps / hats whenever u hav to put together an airport fit, playing guitar with him like this :,)

✶ UNITZ

노래방즈 / Karaokez, 위아래즈 / Top to Bottomz

ꔫ ˖ 박종성 || ⵌ JONGYN - BAEBEEZ ?? popularity 63% dating since after Border : Day One era

᱖ Jay was very awkward when you both first met through I-Land. He’d never been in a relationship before and was unsure of the way to approach and treat the girl he liked. Because of this, you were the one to initiate the majority of your guys’ first interactions. But as time went on and he got used to your personality and got to know your likes, he became the one to ask if you both could spend time together and to randomly start conversations. And THEN, when you both started dating, this trait was multiplied by hundreds. If he learned anything from his parents, it was how you should respect and treat a woman. Because of that acknowledgment, it became surprisingly easy for you to open up to him. Out of all the members, he’s probably the one who knows the most about your worries, best moments, worst moments, fears, and hopes. All of it. And in return, he’s opened up to you easily too.

The level of communication between the two of you is unreal as well. Words don’t even have to be exchanged for you to know what he’s thinking, for him to know what you need, etc. You both just got to that point of understanding each other so quickly that the other feels necessary in each other’s lives. When you’re not with each other, it almost feels like you’re missing an arm or a leg… or just overall an essential part of yourself. But he knows you need your space as well, considering you have six other boys in your relationship, so he doesn’t hesitate to give you that either. But, Jay will always be there to check in on you, and you’ll always be there to let him know that if he ever needs anything then you’re the one he should go to. You have a soft spot for Jay too. You’re always giving him compliments and laughing at his jokes awkwardly when no one else is, and simply reassuring him no matter what because you’re both aware of how strongly insecurities affect the other person.

Jay isn’t a huge fan of displaying his affection publicly, but behind closed doors, he’s usually all over you. He’s another one of the members who loves carrying you around (it’s rare for your feet to ever be on the ground at the dorms), he loves it when you just hold onto him like a koala while he’s moving around doing chores or something along those lines. And he’s obsessed with watching you get ready / unready as well. He wants to learn how to do your hair and makeup so badly (never skincare, Sunoo would never speak to him again if he tried to do that), just so someday he can help you with it. He’ll sit next to your vanity as you get ready and ask you questions about the products or what techniques you’re using, and then he’ll kiss you before taking something and studying it even more. Jay loves helping you get dressed too but that’s for another drabble. He’s your safe place, and you’re his.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

u both being scared of everything, having the weirdest nicknames for each other, listening to TV Girl together, being parents to ur stuffed animals, 9/10 times being in his team for EN O’ CLOCK, so many shopping trips with him, him looking for your reaction after he makes a joke, sharing water bottles during practice

✶ UNITZ

노래방즈 / Karaokez, 위아래즈 / Top to Bottomz

ꔫ ˖ 심재윤 // GWAEYONGIZ - SHIMKI ⵌ !! popularity 80% dating since after Drunk-Dazed era

᱖ If anyone wants to get anything done, they will not put you and Jake together. Because if they do, then one of you will end up on the floor in tears from laughing too hard. His outgoing sense of humor and your random sense of humor is a combination that others love to watch the outcome of. That, and you love teasing him more than anything else. You just find it so easy to point out the weird or unusual things he does that’ll make you both die a little bit (him from faux embarrassment and you from giggles). It’s all fun and games for you until Jake decides to tease back, a common occurrence in your relationship. Because the one thing you can’t handle is his flirtiness. He knows you so well since his initial extrovertedness made you comfortable enough to be yourself around him, and therefore, he knows what makes you tick and hide your face in your hands. So you have to remind yourself that if you take it too far with teasing him, you’re most likely going to get some interesting words whispered in your ear or his nose brushing against yours or his hands running along the expanse of your thighs. Something along those lines.

Jake is the one who pushes you out of your comfort zone the most and the one you often do new things with. You’ve learned a lot with him: how to not care as much about what others think, truly believing that it’s okay to make more mistakes, etc. You’re a pair that has grown with each other and therefore, knows what it takes to strengthen each other’s weaknesses and when it passes the other’s boundaries. And while you both enjoy experimenting with hobbies and new places, you have also created many safe places through your dates. There’s a specific Japanese restaurant that you frequent with him, you willingly go fishing with him (except you set a limit of 4x a month), and even just going to HYBE’s parking garage to mess around on skateboards is enough for you both. When you’re with him, you feel like a little kid again and to say the least, you prefer quality time with Jake to anything else. Also, you guys talk on a different level than some of the others since his first language is English, which is also one of the languages you grew up with. It’s easier to express things and understand each other. So on particularly difficult days it’s become your guys’ nature to sit in one of your rooms or lay together to talk things out.

Jake is one of the 3 members that you get “clingy” with. He’s a huge fan of physical affection (sometimes you’re convinced he needs it to survive), so you’ve become extremely comfortable touching him wherever and whenever. When you laugh with him, 9/10 you’re throwing yourself onto him, you’re almost always giving him back hugs, and it’s rare to see you guys not holding hands. It’s become second nature for you to reach for him to hold his arm, and fans have gotten used to him holding onto your waist at airports or subconsciously grabbing your thighs when you’re sitting next to him. Enhypen’s staff has also had to develop a sixth sense for whenever you’re on his lap or he’s holding your face to pull you in for a kiss. When you guys are together, neither of you are shy, whether that’s physically or socially, because if you could sum up your relationship with him in one word, it would be comfort.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

shares all of his food with u and vice versa, making fun of each other’s accents, ur layla’s mom and he’s ur cats’ dad, he always goes with u when ur getting ur nails done, ur makeup unnies (lovingly) HATE him cause he’s always leaving bite marks and hickeys that are impossible to cover, quoting the most niche memes with him, you’ve built 10+ lego sets with him, hitting his arms when u get excited

✶ UNITZ

Tinyz, 노래방즈 / Karaokez, 10Yearz, Clingyz

ꔫ ˖ 박성훈 || ⵌ YNHOON - COUPLEZ ?? popularity 93% dating since right after I-LAND

᱖ Real-life representation of soulmates, the red string theory, fate, anything that entails being meant for someone. That’s your relationship with Sunghoon. During I-Land, when you first even saw him, it was love at first sight on both ends. It took a bit for you both to get comfortable around each other and truly let your personalities shine, but once you did, it became clear that you were each other’s person. You would do anything for him and he would do the same for you. You share a connection with him where neither of you need words to express your feelings, and while it may not be as strong as the knowing you have with Jay, it’s still there and impossible to ignore. Sunghoon is a giver, and ever since Enhypen’s debut, you’ve received gifts more often than you ever have before, and you don’t even have to mention something twice for him to be doing it for you. He gets your food, refills your water bottle, brings you your phone charger, ties your shoelaces and takes off your heels, and everything in between. You’re both genuinely happy around each other. That smile of his that only comes out around certain people is on display 24/7 when you’re with him and you feel refreshed and energized when you spend time with him. Which is just truly amazing considering how picky you are about your social battery.

You’re always mirroring whatever he does and repeating what he says almost unconsciously. To say the least, you’ve adopted some of his habits. Without hesitation, you would do almost anything he asks of you, and honestly, your guys’ relationship probably borders on the line of a little bit obsessive. You’re always looking out for each other, your safety is his first priority and his happiness is yours. He’s the kind of person who handles boyfriend duties flawlessly, making sure you aren’t walking on the side of the sidewalk closest to the street, checking in on how you’re feeling at least once a day, and doing little things that show you how important you are to him. And the way you flirt with each other is by being a little bit mean. In a teasing way. He laughs at you when you get mad cause he thinks it’s cute, so he has to apologize twice when you get even more annoyed at “him not taking you seriously” (he does, you’re literally just the most adorable person ever). He does get possessive at times, which usually leads to insecurity, so you praising him and just simply loving on him throughout the day has become a crucial factor in your relationship. A little bit of your reassurance at these times is enough for him, and he’ll go right back to rubbing it in the others’ faces that he got you first.

Surprisingly, Sunghoon can be pretty affectionate in public. But his ways of touching you are a bit more intense in terms that he just kind of moves you around as he pleases (manhandles). He’s always carrying you around bridal style, has an arm slung around your waist, is guiding you around with your arms and there have been some points where out of habit he’s grabbed the back of your neck ㅠㅠ He also really loves playing with your hair, so stylists have to keep him away from you after they finished doing your hair because if they’re not careful he’ll be giving you a scalp massage or twirling a strand around his finger while removing the hairpieces that had just been added so he has more to touch. Sunghoon is a big fan of being held by you too. He’ll gladly admit that he doesn’t mind being the little spoon. Whenever you’re sitting down expect his head to find its way onto your lap. And you let him do whatever, because as long as he’s happy, then you’re happy.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

rotting in bed together whenever u guys get freetime, matching outfits / picking out each other’s outfits, giggling and blushing whenever u make eye contact with him, taking the most horrendous pictures of each other, u both have promise rings, play fighting and him never letting u win, exchanging (judgy/OMG/‘did u see that?’) glances whenever something happens, his eyes always being on u when watching ehna’s performances

✶ UNITZ

Bermuda Triangle, 10Yearz

ꔫ ˖ 김선우 || ⵌ NOOKIZ - DOUBLEZ ?? popularity 59% dating since after Tamed-Dashed era

᱖ You didn’t really believe in the importance of friendship before dating until you met Sunoo, who is someone who understands that deep connections are important for good relationships. You became close friends with him before your relationship took a romantic turn, and you wouldn’t want it any other way. With the rest of your partners (while you have no complaints about how they came to be your lovers) the friendship stage was skipped a bit since they had always been kind of romantic towards you. Sunoo is one of the exceptions to this. During I-Land, you didn’t spend a lot of time with him until Chamber 5, where you both were quick to bond over the stresses of struggling health-wise and the thoughts of not debuting. Both then and now it’s easy for you to relate to each other, and it’s effortless when you’re sharing your feelings and thoughts. Sunoo is the kind of person who the majority of the time hates putting strict restraints on his life so when he felt an attraction towards you starting to grow, he simply accepted it and began turning even more of his attention to you. Sunoo and you have a lot in common and you both already spent most of your time together, so it was difficult to pick up on his feelings at first.

But once he joined the relationship, his affections became much more clear (and obvious, cause when it comes to your boys you tend to be a little blind). He’s big on quality time and words of affirmation, so you make sure to be with him for long periods when you’re able to: he likes doing skincare together, doing random quizzes, playing video games, etc. And you’re always there to praise him and give him even more confidence. Sunoo’s comfortable with his femininity, which does wonders for your guys’ relationship. He’s never embarrassed to do anything with you that other guys might consider “girly”, it’s rare for him to feel threatened by others, and he’s always keeping in mind things you don’t like. You don’t like deciding where to eat? That’s fine, he can do it this time. One of the members is struggling to get a gift for you? They’ll go to Sunoo first. He makes sure whoever's room you’re sleeping in has a fan loud enough for white noise. Basically, despite him being more feminine than the others, he’s still good at providing and leading your guys’ relationship. You’re always making sure he’s taking care of himself as well. Sometimes, Sunoo struggles with motivation and productivity, so you’re always making him good food and helping him complete little tasks.

It was a surprise to you when you found out that Sunoo’s not a fan of physical affection. You always do your best to respect this boundary, but you do tend to be quite a loving person, so sometimes you forget about how much he enjoys his personal space. Except for the times when you grab onto his arm to hold onto… and the times when you come to him for cuddles. Basically, he makes an exception for you, even if it only lasts for a few minutes. Now, of course, he has his moments when all he wants to do is kiss you and give you the back scratches that you love so much, but most of the time you’re both content with intimate stares and exchanging cute smiles that lead to you both blushing.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

matching jellycats and pyjamas, all of ur guys’ selcas being iconic, Sun hating k-dramas but he watches them with u anyway, making baked goods / dessert for him, flowers for each other 24/7, decorating the dorm w him, keeping his photocard in ur phone case, him always paying for u <3

✶ UNITZ

Bermuda Triangle, Tinyz, Maknae Line / Kiddoz, Sunshinez

ꔫ ˖ 양정원 // YANG2 - YNWON ⵌ !! popularity 89% dating since after Drunk-Dazed era

᱖ Miss Independent meets Mr Caretaker with your guys’ relationship. He’s learned that with Jay, you barely have to lift a finger, so Jungwon often tries to follow suit and do kind of the same thing. However, as much as you appreciate being taken care of by him, you recognize that he has to take care of and lead 7 other people a majority of the time as well. So, in an attempt to lessen the stress that Jungwon is often under, you don’t let him do a lot of things for you, instead, opting to do them for him. You and him have had lots of talks about how to balance this aspect of your relationship because Jungwon does like being in control, but you want him to have time where he isn’t worrying about someone. And for now, he performs little acts of service for you while you try to keep things organized and running smoothly for him so you’re both happy. You both like to tease each other as well. Sometimes when things get intense during practice and training, you’ll mess with him a bit to loosen him up and allow him to let his frustrations out to you (or onto you, when acceptable). And teasing is just one of his top 3 love languages, so it’s a regular part of your love with him.

Jungwon is a very fun person to be around. Not only is he extremely funny, but he’s also the only member that is also a 04 liner. So while you both still respect each other, your relationship has a sort of free-ness that the others don’t. He’s only about two months older than you, but he still allows you to let another side of yourself show where you let yourself be a little bossy and make playful jokes that might’ve earned you a wary glance with the older members. Jungwon is also very encouraging of you. He always makes sure you have a chance to speak and express your thoughts and opinions, double-checking that you’re comfortable in any situation, cheering you on when you’re taking part in solo activities, etc. Jungwon’s favorite thing to do is spend time with you. Especially outside. Walks, bike rides, and picnics have become staples for both of you. It’s just so refreshing to be in nature, and since you already energize each other, it makes sense that you would continue that energization by being in a recharging place. Jungwon and you act like a married couple too, which ENGENEs love to see. You make sure to always be honest with one another, have an insane amount of inside jokes, and he has the cutest ways of expressing his love for you (cheek taps, leaning towards you when he laughs, always pushing past the other boys to be the one sitting next to you!)

You get EXTREME cuteness aggression with Jungwon. Because let’s be honest, he’s just the cutest person ever. So it’s not abnormal for you to bite him sometimes as your coping mechanism for his adorableness. Another result is that you’re usually all over him, which makes him the second person of the “yn clingy line” (or whatever you want to call it). When he sits down, you’re not far behind him, going straight for his lap and your head falling onto his shoulder. When he’s standing up, you slip underneath his arm and hug his waist, waddling along with him when he decides it’s time to move. And cuddling with Jungwon has to top all of it. His body runs on the warmer side, so it’s difficult to lay with him for a long amount of time, so you both make the best out of it and cuddle as often as possible. His presence is so comforting for you, and simply laying on his chest silences all of your stresses and worries so you can focus and love him.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

kisses kisses kisses, u guys r always mc-ing together, sharing glasses, ur both obsessed with strawberries (literally this), sending each other tiktoks going “this is u”, english lessons every weekend, resting ur head on his shoulder 24/7, binging shows together

✶ UNITZ

Tinyz, Maknae Line / Kiddoz, Clingyz, Sunshinez

ꔫ ˖ 西村 力 || ⵌ RIKIYNZ - GAYOZAZ ?? popularity 91% dating since after Blessed-Cursed era

᱖ In Riki’s words, “It took you 500 years to like me back” when really, you’d just seen him as more of a little brother until Blessed-Cursed. He’s always looked up to you in a way. You’ve inspired him to grow as an artist and as a person with the way you’ve cared for him and just the way you are as a person. Riki’s always harbored a little crush on you ever since I-Land, but it never became serious until you both started to spend more and more time together after your debut. It’s so effortless for you guys to be together because first of all, you’re both Japanese, and second of all, your calmness and patience allow him to let his personality shine. He still loves pulling pranks and (lovingly) making fun of you, but it’s significantly less than the others since you get girlfriend privilege. You both came into the industry young, so it’s only natural for you to relate to each other, and he’s the one you go to for the majority of your worries. Riki’s very mature, and he loves giving you advice. Anything to make you feel better and be happy. And you’re the president of the Ni-ki Protection Club. It’s easy for you to read each other, so when things get to be a little too much, you’re always there to sweep him away to hole up in one of your rooms to heal and feel at home together. You’re always defending him no matter what, and he does the same. Even if you may not be aware of his protectiveness, Riki’s always keeping an eye out for you, and doesn’t hesitate to question those that are rude to you in any way.

A big thing for both of you is seeing each other truly enjoy themselves and have fun because, to say the least, life as an idol hasn’t been easy for either of you. So you’re constantly sharing moments with him where you're the only two people in the world, laughing and being carefree without sparing a thought to anything else. These moments happen at the most random times, where happy memories are created by doing the most impulsive things so you both have positive things to look back on. And since you both come from the same culture, spending time with him is like spending time with your younger self, and you can showcase yourself through your first language with him. Which is something that’s so unbelievably important to both of you. This connection with him keeps you in touch with the person you were before you moved to New Zealand and decided to become an idol, something that’s strangely calming. Quality time and words of affirmation are huge with Riki. So not only are you always making good memories with him, but you’re also giving him praise and cheering him on. You become the biggest hype woman when Riki’s involved. But it’s also routine for him to cheer you on in a different way. Simply by admiring you and your unreal performance skills, only to come up to you after a stage and cuddle into you. It’s his way of saying you were amazing by acknowledging how hard you’ve worked and by helping you relax again.

Speaking of cuddling, Riki is the final person that you share physical affection with the most! It’s the kind of touch that comes along with your first love, so he always wants to be near you and holding your hand. He isn’t afraid to be playful with his expressions sometimes… chasing you around, carrying you over his shoulder, wrestling and tickling you, all of it. So in return, you usually try to fight back. Other times, you just let it happen and hug him tightly when he’s calmed down. You both look at each other in a way that other people can’t help but gawk at, and he’s not afraid to show his love for you. HYBE isn’t very approving of these moments, though, so it’s rare for fans to get content with him leaning onto you and looking up at you with hearts as pupils. But, when things are live, nothing can stop him from showing off his feelings towards you.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

ties ur shoes for u, so. many. compliments, loves when u wear bows in ur hair, (lovingly) teasing u when u make choreo mistakes, cooking Japanese dishes to enjoy together, gets u little presents whenever the group travels (“this reminded me of u”), takes pics of u simply because he wants to keep the memories, matching phone cases, demands to sit next to u for car rides

✶ UNITZ

Maknae Line / Kiddoz, 위아래즈 / Top to Bottomz, 10Yearz, Clingyz

𑂴₍ᐢ𑂴ᐢ ₎ BONUS !

ꔫ ˖ 변상미 || ⵌ YNSANGZ - GOSSIPZ ?? popularity 73% besties since before I-LAND

᱖ Sangmi just kind of appeared when you were both trainees and immediately after two words were exchanged you became best friends. It was like you spawned in for each other. With her, you don’t feel the need to be anything you aren’t or the need to try and fill silences. You understand each other’s humor to the point where you’ll say the same niche references at the same time and start making obscure references that only the other would laugh at. You just get each other. It’s as simple as that. You’ve been through so much together: training, fighting for a spot in Enhypen, learning how to become an idol, and facing all of the hate the world has to offer. If it weren’t for her, you probably wouldn’t have even made it through the first part of I-Land. She was the only one who constantly stood up for you and made sure you were okay, and you both confided in each other and built a level of trust where you would pick her over anyone. And vice versa, of course. You tell each other everything and anything, so it’s like you guys share the same brain. She knows when you get tired of being out and about and you know when she gets into the headspace when the only thing she does is beat herself up. Therefore, you both also know all of the ways to help each other feel better. Even if it’s just lying in silence.

You’re always getting in trouble with her too, since it’s rare for you both to shut up when you’re together. Choreographers always have to scold you and when Enhypen is on tour sometimes the only way to separate you from Sangmi is if one of the boys literally carries you away. She’s like your cool older sister who you’re absolutely obsessed with and that you want to be just like. So sometimes you might steal her clothes without asking or use her lipstick, but she never gets mad at you because she does those exact same things too. You have to be careful when you’re shopping with Sangmi because anything you pick up or call “cute” she’ll buy it for you even if you insist you don’t actually want it (okay Sugar Mommy) and sometimes it makes you want to cry when you think about how generous and supportive she is. Being supportive is one of her strongest qualities so in return you do your best to shower her with love as well. Doing small tasks with her like running groceries, hyping her up, being understanding and listening, and making it clear that you truly know her.

You guys never really fight either. When you do, it’s more of a silent treatment until you hang out again and you say, “I was mad at you cause you blah blah blah” and then it’s easy to talk everything out. You’re really protective of her so if anyone so much as spells her name wrong on purpose they’re getting a side eye from you. Sangmi and you are like Sunshine x Sunshine and are convinced that you’re twins even though you don’t share a mother. You’re closer than best friends, and honestly, you actually are twins because you share part of the same soul. At your guys’ core, you are one.

✶ MORE THOUGHTS

best friend by laufey is ur ANTHEM, adapting each other’s texting styles, fans always catching u guys out n about w.out staff, barbie movie marathons, unit photo shoots putting the whole world in shock, irl Serena Van Der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, clips upon clips of u guys gossiping, sonny angel collection competitions

✶ UNITZ

Tinyz, Sunshinez

마리셀의 노트 , I was looking at this and seriously thought I wrote so much for each member but they were all roughly between 500 ~ 600😅 requests will be opening soon so don’t be afraid to send stuff in!💗🌷 please disregard any grammar mistakes lololol🫶🏻💐

#⺡aoki yn ₊ #disclaimerꜝꜝthis is FICTIONAL #poly!enhypen #poly enhypen #poly enhypen x reader #enhypen x reader #ot7 x reader #enha #enhypen #enhypen 8th member #enhypen added member #jungwon x reader #heeseung x reader #jay x reader #jake x reader #sunghoon x reader #sunoo x reader #niki x reader #enhypen x you #enhypen x female reader

[stars-and-clouds]

Xavier Romance Headcanons 🌟

SFW:

Spoiler warning: spoils the myths and side stories for Xavier.

in a nutshell: soft, smitten, possessive, romantic, horny, playful and needy.

he'd be very observant, I think. Despite his drowsy disposition, Xavier tends to be very alert. Especially when it comes to noticing your little reactions, what you did and didn't, what you said or not.

he'd mention these observations the next day, about how nice your hair looked with a different partition, or what he thought of a new bracelet you wore. You'd be left wondering how sweet he is but to him noticing little things about you is second nature.

in the begining though, he'd be distant and slightly cold because he's terrified

he is scared of losing you again and he doesn't think he's good enough for you

but that is the irony- he feels so ill-deserving of you but he still wants you

Xavier is a mix of mild-yandere and kuudere imo.

once you're together it won't take him long to take the plunge and open up more because he wants it so bad. he craves the intimacy and companionship after decades of loneliness and yearning

he will rarely hide his feelings from you unless they can cause issues in some way to his ultimate plan

his cool and calm demeanor will rarely break, even when he makes embarrassing confessions to you

he'd really say the most outrageous things with a straight face

"I love how you smell." he'd blurt out loud enough for everyone in the grocery aisle to hear, his face nearing the crook of your neck. "Xavier! We're in public!" to which he'd simply shrug.

possessive. he's very possessive and jealous.

he literally pulled the "you know other men?" card in the Succumb memory lmao

jokes aside, he's waited for you for so long and he's wanted you so bad

I can imagine him beating himself up about how easily he gets jealous once you're in a serious relationship. he doesn't want to be this easily jealous but it's so hard.

he loves you so much and he never wants to restrict you or hold you back but he's so fucking scared

Xavier has lost you once, probably more times, before. you died in his arms. that kind of pain becomes all consuming

is it any wonder he is so possessive of you? so scared to lose you?

if not to death, to someone else?

he travelled so far, he waited so long, he fought so hard to find you again and now you're here and he's terrified

what if you don't love him back? what if he's not good enough? what if you find someone else better than him? what if he can't save you again?

yet as you spend more and more time together, he'd sleep less often.

"On a night like this sleeping feels like a waste of time." he'd take you out to watch the stars

when he'd really be looking at you, to be honest

there would be no side glances with this man. he'd stare at you unabashedly.

no secret nudging to touch your fingers as you walk, he'd simply hold your hand if he wants to

he'd be huge into skinship, I feel

he has just wanted you to be here for so long as now you are and he missed you and he wants to feel you all the time

he'd love to cook for you as well (as well as he can) and when he messes up he'd pout in the cutest way and be clingy all day because he's sad about it but doesn't want to show it

did I mention he'd be clingy? a lot

it won't be too often but when he's bored or free he'd be pining for your attention a lot

as relaxed as he looks he isn't ever off his guard, that's why he doesn't panic

he'd be very protective of you, having seen you perish so many times

he won't show you outright nor would he panic because being on the look out for your safety is just his priority, he would be on it without another thought

Going to release an NSFW part too :eyes:

#xavier #xavier love and deepspace #love and deepspace xavier #lnds #lads #xavier lads #lnds xavier #xavier x mc #mc x xavier #xavier fluff #love and deepspace fluff #xavier romance #headcanons love and deepspace #xavier headcanons #xavier one shots

[writing-for-life]

Dream and How He Experiences Love

(Or: When the Unreal is at War with the Real, and Finally Understanding Unconditional Love Tightens the Noose Around Your Neck That Has Been There All Along)

And as always: Send me asks about everything Sandman-related!

Let me start this one with a few adjectives from the horse’s mouth (aka: Neil Gaiman said so 🤣) as to what Dream is actually like:

from: Vertigo Chase Card Set

So in short: This is probably the most accurate way to describe Dream in a nutshell, from the author himself, fully knowing that Murphy doesn’t lend himself well to be described in a nutshell.

And of course it’s absolutely fine if we want to head-canon him just being 5 out of those 50 (or none of them at all)—our stories are our own. At the end of the day, we went through a whole year of Tumblrfication (I might have made up that word), and getting back to the series will be tough. So is trying to align what the current prevalent perception of Dream is like in parts of the fandom, and what he is like in both comics and series (show and comics really aren’t that different where it matters, and I’ll die on that hill). I already worry about the fallout if I look at what happened with GO or OFMD, but that just as an aside.

Anyway, Dream in fandom spaces is often portrayed as either a pathetic wet cat who can’t get to grips with anything and constantly needs rescued in one way or another, or as a completely unfeeling arsehole incapable of relating to the human experience and being horrible all around. There are very few shades of grey in how some fans perceive him, when just the list of above adjectives shows us how complex he is as a character.

One thing that obviously comes up regularly are his relationships, be they romantic or platonic. So I just wanted to draw attention to the adjectives that relate strongly to the relational element in him (although they all apply in one way or another):

touchy, sentimental, cold, loving, [elusive], gentle, hurt, deep, intense, solitary, romantic, shy, intangible, lonely

Dream is the unreal. His way of loving relates very deeply to what stereotypical romantic love is: Romance and reality are a contradiction in terms—romanticism is dreaming because it is, at its very core, an idealised view. The intangible dream that comes back to bite us in the arse once reality sets in. And his flavour of love is the prototype of idealised and intangible (=romantic) and can never be anything else by his very nature.

And I’ve often thought that the way he experiences love is also a large part of why his existence is so difficult for him, and why he ultimately makes the choices he makes. Yes, he detests his function, but if he weren't so lonely (and weren't doomed to be so by his very purpose), he might find it easier to bear.

Let me look at, and draw parallels to, the 7 types of love as the Ancient Greeks perceived them [quick note about the image references: I would have loved to give more, but there is a limit. Also: Apologies I have no alt text for the comic panels at this point, I might add them at a later stage if I find the time]…

Eros

That’s both sexual and romantic love (to varying degrees), and it can be fleeting (like a dream) if not anchored in a less idealised view. So there’s your first cue—he totally experiences that kind of love.

The Ancient Greeks also thought it was a dangerous type of love, one that clouds our judgment and one that won’t last if not combined with some of the other types. And Dream himself knows this and probably relates (he detests his sibling Desire for “meddling”, after all). And yet, he is the intangible, the ungrounded, the unreal.

It’s all over every single one of his relationships we witness:

Killalla—“gifted” by Desire. We never get any cue as to what exactly they were up to, but it can be assumed desire, for whatever, played a large part in their relationship. Killalla makes no secret about it either (and is at the same time uncertain whether she truly loves him while being confused Dream might actually love her after what seems a very short time, at least in cosmic terms). Suffice it to say, he has a very idealised view of her and their relationship. Romantic idiocy at its best: He has literal stars in his eyes and is so grateful for Desire’s help he is basically kissing their boots in gratitude.

Alianora—again one of Desire’s gifts. And Dream tried, and I definitely think he was at least romantically (and physically) attracted to her (the art is very hard to interpret otherwise, neither is the context--she was gifted by Desire, after all). But this relationship is generally a tricky one because there is gratefulness and guilt n the mix, and that is sometimes a very unfortunate combination. He also couldn’t fully trust her because of his deep mistrust of D/desire. And lo and behold, of course the relationship soured when romantic and (potentially physical) attraction waned.

Nada—pursuing each other on and off, broadcasting sexy time all over the Dreaming because he's just so head over heels and literally bursting at the seams—need I say more? Yes, he does say to her that her body does not matter to him, which I 100% believe is true. He also says that he will love her as no mortal man can. But everything that transpires is still deeply informed by romantic attraction, because quite frankly: You don't feel love yet after you've barely met someone. It's again a deeply idealised view and that is something inherently romantic in tandem (in this case) with physical desire. Again, because D/desire was involved.

As to the particulars of Nada’s banishment to hell, and why Dream acted so out of character compared to his other failed relationships: You can find all of it here.

Calliope—read her speech at the Wake is all I’ll say. That is someone making romantic love so integral to their whole existence, I don’t even know where to start. He puts the world at her feet and makes sure she always comes first (quite literally) while they are still loved up…

Thessaly—he's the romantic idiot (affectionately) in the rain with his coat billowing in the wind, and referring to her “weighing him dispassionately and finding him wanting”. It was only a handful of months--you don't feel true, stable love at that point. Again, it has the idealised view of romance (and potentially sexual desire) written all over it. He would have given her the world, just like he would have given the world to Nada and Calliope. That is the trope of every freaking romance novel, and that is exactly how he perceives love.

Titania—who knows, she keeps her mouth shut.

Ludus

I think he has a hard time to be flirtatious and playful (at least, we don't really see it. We never really see him during the courting stage, and what went down with Thessaly was hardly "flirtatious". `Then again, bickering like they did in A Game of You is electrifying to some, so who knows. She also said at his wake he was cautious and nervous). And if he comes across as flirtatious (there is a charming on that list of adjectives after all), it’s just because he is so deliberate in everything he does that he might just push someone’s (right) buttons, so to speak. But that’s not the same as “no strings attached”-love, because I honestly believe he’s incapable of experiencing love that way. There is no “casual” with him. He always stays attached to the people/women he once loved, even if the relationship sours. He still loves each and every single one of them, he never stops. But he also doesn’t in a way that’s sustainable, and it’s an unsolvable conflict due to what/who he is.

Philia

Most closely translated as friendship and affection. Platonic love, if you will. It is also a love between equals. He has a hard time with it and only slowly learns what it means through his relationship with Hob. Needless to say: The Ancient Greeks valued platonic love as one of the highest forms of love. Hence, I’m personally reluctant to turn it into something else/slant it towards romance, because that’s exactly what this part of the story is about: His relationship to Hob is important and grows/lasts because it is not romantic in the comics.

Storge

Unconditional love for family, especially children. Based on complete acceptance and potentially sacrifice. Doesn’t need to be reciprocated. You feel it, no matter what, and you act accordingly. And for Dream and Orpheus, that didn’t work until it did. Or, let’s rather say: I don’t want to assume he didn’t feel it. But he pushed it down in his hurt and pride (as did his son in his grief). No further comment, because that one hurts.

Agape

Altruistic, universal, all-encompassing. And that’s so deeply at the core of his being, and so central to his whole conflict that I don’t even know where to start. From not wanting to kill the first vortex (or Rose, for that matter), to telling John Dee he’s hurting the dreamers, and that being his main concern while he himself was writhing on the floor in agony, to “humanity I love you”, to a million other things. He cares so deeply, there is such a deep concern for sentient beings in their entirety that it’s quite literally impossible to call it anything other than love. And it’s also what plays a large part in his demise.

Pragma

Oh, here we go. I honestly believe he likes the idea of committed and long-lasting. And he’s trying. So very hard. Calliope is the best example. Alianora was another one, because it’s not like they broke up swiftly (hard to tell how long they lasted, but since she had stayed in the Dreaming too long to go anywhere else, it wouldn’t surprise me if we’re actually talking a very, very long time. He called it “a goodly while”, and considering how old he is, I doubt that equals only months, or even just a few years, especially since he is fully aware how short his relationship to Thessaly was). And he wanted to stay true to his promise. But he is who/what he is: the unreal. And as the personification of that, love both feels real for him but will also forever stay intangible. It’s heartbreaking really. Again, it has written the contradiction between romantic love (the ideal) and pragmatic love (the thing that is grounded in reality) written all over it.

Philautia

And that’s the most heartbreaking one. He is incapable of self-love and full of self-loathing instead. The Ancient Greeks used to say that you can’t give what you don’t have. And it’s hard to feel compassion for the flaws we perceive in others if we don’t have that self-compassion for the exact same flaw in ourselves. And that one hurts in so many ways, from his not being able to forgive himself (which is mirrored in his relationship to Nada, who also couldn’t forgive herself—she didn’t need his forgiveness, she needed her own) to Orpheus being so much like him apart from one major difference: he’s mortal in spirit, and even immortality doesn’t change that. And Dream struggles with the part of his child that is so like him for a million reasons that would burst this meta at the seams, but again: it’s hard to love in others what we detest in ourselves, knowingly or unknowingly.

So in short: The particular flavours of love Dream feels (Eros, Agape, Philia growing slowly over time) and the ones he doesn’t (Ludus, Pragma, Philautia) are also at the very root of how the story goes.

And when he finally truly understands what Storge/unconditional love is--both in the way he reassesses his relationship to Nada but especially in how he finally submits to his love for Orpheus (with all that entails)--and when he allows it to become real, it’s what tightens the noose around his neck. But that noose has been around his neck loosely all along…

#the sandman #dream of the endless #morpheus #sandman #sandman meta #neil gaiman #the sandman meta #sandman bookclub #sandman book club #sandman spoilers #the sandman comics #hob gadling #the sandman netflix #nada sandman #orpheus sandman #calliope sandman #killalla of the glow #sandman alianora #desire of the endless #thessaly #morpheus and his doomed relationships #dream and how he feels love or doesn't

[miriamforster]

I had a realization yesterday.

I got the Investigate Kagha quest in the Emerald grove after missing it the first time and I convinced her to leave the Shadow Druids. But Kagha said something interesting after we won. About how she thought power was the solution to their problems.

And isn’t that just the game in a nutshell.

BG3 is all about power.

Why we want it, what we do with it, how much we’ll pay to have it. Can you seek power for good reasons? Is it ever worth the cost?

Every major character in the game is defined by their relationship with power, including the player.

Astarion, Gale, and the Emperor are the obvious ones. The first two have to be talked out of seeking massive power for their own reasons, meanwhile the Emperor is pushing illithid power as the solution to all the player’s problems.

Power is part of the other arcs too though. Shadowheart wants to be a Dark Justiciar, Lae’zel wants to ride a dragon and ascend. Wyll made a pact he hates so he could save people.

Karlach is the only origin who doesn’t really want power, but that’s because the thing that gives her power is literally killing her. It makes it impossible for her to live the life she craves. Power makes her untouchable for most of the game.

Power isolates

For me, every origin character ending (and the player’s) comes down to a choice between power and connection. Do we choose the power on offer and pay the price? Or do we stay connected to our humanity and to each other?*

God, what a great fucking game.

*Disclaimer: this is not a moral judgment about choices in the game. There are valid reasons why some characters might choose power, but even if there weren’t, the whole point of fiction is to explore these kinds of questions in a way we can’t in real life. The choices in the game are there to be played, feel free to use them as you like.

#the only bad choice in the game is killing Karlach #just kidding #but really #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #astarion #gale dekarios #wyll ravengard #lae'zel #shadowheart #karlach #bg3 durge #bg3 headcanons #Miriam plays bg3

[mazeinthemiroh]

hi, you wrote skz x a puppy like s/o but what about skz with a black cat like s/o

stray kids with a 'black cat' s/o

genre: fluff

warnings: none?

please like and reblog if you enjoy :D

chan

he's so golden retriever coded so you guys are a combo people wouldn't expect. if you think of the way chan acts with minho, that's sort of your relationship in a nutshell. he's so affectionate and loving towards you and while you are not as outward with your affection, you accept it with confusion but openness. he loves how catlike you are and will continue to think you're adorable af.

minho

you guys are a power couple. also, people are kinda intimated by you both but that's alright because you only have eyes for each other so no one else really matters. you guys are so sexy together jdbfhsifoewiy giving each other knowing looks from across the room and smirking at each other when someone you don't like starts speaking. idk you're both icons.

changbin

an unlikely duo but it works. he will make fun of your aloofness and make it his mission to bring you out of your shell. not that you're shy, just that you keep to yourself and are quite reserved in social situations, while binnie is a social butterfly. but genuinely, he likes how your personality compliments his and he's hella attracted to how confident you are in yourself.

hyunjin

hyunnie is attracted to all sorts of different people. he too is quite independent and needs his alone time, so he is fine with you being like that too. but you two are together, he brings out the much softer side to you mainly cos he's freaking adorable. each other's company is enough for the both of you and you don't feel you're missing out on any social events because neither of you is too keen on them to begin with!

jisung

he was extremely attracted to you from the get-go. he liked how mysterious you are and thought of you to be a bit of a question mark when he first met you. so he made it his goal to try and 'figure you out', and has done a pretty good job since. despite having different personalities, you both have the same sort of humour and get along more naturally than other people do.

felix

this ray of sunshine absolutely adores you, despite being slightly intimidated when he met you for the very first time. felix has the type of personality that you are drawn to, as well as want to protect. while he has a more innocent approach to life, you want to make sure he is happy and free to express himself how he wants. you're like his number 1 protector as well as the other members lol.

seungmin

he's such a puppy-dog and is the cutest boy ever, we know this. but i can see this relationship work well because, even though minnie has the characteristics of a dog, he has a witty and sharp mind on him too. so he can keep up with your sarcastic remarks and cynical outlooks just as much as anyone else. he's very good at adapting to different types of humour!

jeongin

my favourite pair, not even gonna lie about it. he appreciates and admires your independence and likes the fact that you can share comfortable silences that never feel awkward. you both prefer each other's company to going out with a massive group of people, so you go out on regular dates just to bask in each other's comfortable presence.

#stray kids #skz #kpop #skz reactions #stray kids reactions #skz reacts #stray kids reacts #kpop reactions #bangchan #bang chan #chan #minho #lee minho #lee know #seungmin #kim seungmin #hyunjin #hwang hyunjin #jeongin #yang jeongin #i.n #changbin #seo changbin #lee felix #felix #han jisung #han #jisung #skz scenarios #skz imagines

[dangermousie]

God, that was so fucking hot!

But also, I am sorry, she totally gets off on driving him to distraction and making him be all domineering and desperate at once:

Deliciousness!

I love that the kiss breaks and she looks at the hand he wrecked for her. They are delightfully codependent.

She really really gets turned on by how much he is desperate for her and I find that glorious!

And then SHE kisses him.

Premarital sex, let's gooooo!

Awwwwww

My favorite ship dynamic in a nutshell! (And shows who has all the power in that relationship to boot; I love me possessive headcase MLs but only when FL holds the whiphand.)

#cdrama #story of kunning palace #zhang ling he #bai lu

[bonefall]

how is nightcloud characterized in BB? (does she slay…)

She DOES slay. My girlie...

In a nutshell, I'm actually super fascinated by this little family. I don't like how Nightcloud is part of the Civil War on the side of Mudclaw, but that NEVER comes up and never contributes to anything.

SO Nightcloud is kinda this sad case where she's REALLY trying to be better. She only feels guilty for joining the Rebellion in the sense that it caused a ton of destruction and got her Clanmates hurt... but Mudclaw and his rebels were terrible.

She WANTS to take away some kind of lesson, not be like him. Their anger towards people like Brushblaze was exploited and the fight was so brutal and unnecessary... but also, she doesn't really GET it. She still really dislikes outsiders. She feels a discomfort in her belly thinking about WindClan's purity being threatened.

Unfortunately, being in a toxic relationship with Crowfeather made this worse. When he wants to hurt her, he compares her to "Feathertail."

Both a RiverClan cat, and this perfect mate that she can never seem to be. It hits every weak point, and makes her boil with anger and insecurity.

Unfortunately, this gets worse with time. BB!Breeze will actually be taking away some xenophobic sentiment from her specifically.

But as a mom? Nightcloud is one of the best. She LOVES her kid.

It started with her own Mi, Hillrunner. She never wanted to be like Hillrunner.

Her and her sibling, Tawnyfur, were some of the first kits born in the WindClan camp after its return from exile. Their mother was Downwind.

Crookedstar and Nightstar combined forces, trying to drive them out a second time. ThunderClan came to save them, AGAIN

But it was too late to save Downwind.

Nightkit was too young to remember it, but Hillrunner ALWAYS stressed that she travelled so, so far with her twin, only to be forced to bury her when they came home.

Hill and Down are identical twins. Hillrunner just had a scratch on her nose.

Not that it excuses anything, but Hillrunner... she was SUPER traumatized by the WindClan Massacre, the exile, her sister's death, and then everything that followed.

She was TERRIFIED of outsiders, to the point of fury. Tawny and Night were equally afraid of her, and loved her. Hillrunner's short fuse was absolutely unpredictable and often ended up being taken out on the kits.

And... that's something Nightcloud desperately wants to avoid being. She remembers how scared she was just to make noise at night if she wanted to shift around in the nest.

Tawnyfur was a young warrior when they died in the BloodClan battle. Hillrunner had also passed on by that point-- probably in a skirmish with TigerClan.

And suddenly, Nightcloud was alone.

She's also one of the strongest fighters in WindClan. Her and Willowclaw are two of the heaviest hitters in my mind for some reason.

In terms of personality though, in a PLOT TWIST, I actually plan to write Nightcloud as a bit sweeter than she is in canon. She gets FURIOUS when she's pushed, but is one of the more generally polite cats in WindClan. Especially in early Po3 when she really is trying to atone for her part in the rebellion.

I just think she's neat.

#I also give her a vibe like... a very tired opera singer #Who married a famous but toxic author #She's huge and fluffy and gorgeous. But so so tired. #And Crow is kind of lanky and snappy looking #Better bones au

[novelizt]

I CAN BUILD A CASTLE OUT OF ALL THE BRICKS THEY THROW AT ME ☁︎ ANTHONY LOCKWOOD

GENRE ➺ angst + fluff, fake relationship

SYNOPSIS ➺ you recruit the daring anthony lockwood to stage a relationship that will rile up the press and give his company publicity.

WC ➺ 10.9k

DISCLAIMER ➺ actress! reader. the fic also sings the "all these people think love's for show, but I would die for you in secret" beat. lockwood calls reader "darling" and "starlet" because... you'll read why. i'm not sure if The Daily Gazette is a real thing. if it is, i mean no slander — this is merely fiction and I needed a publication name.

NOTE ➺ this is for the oldest/only child who takes on a lot for their family — i see you. also, imagine the nick-priyanka chair pull; i like to think that it's lockwood and darling in a nutshell. my ideas were all over the place so this came out a bit messier than i anticipated, but it is lockwood content so i hope you enjoy! especially you, @t2sh0 !!

They say the brightest stars are the ones that burn out first. That was probably what the gazette was counting on, at least.

Ever since you stepped into the limelight, and shortly earned the title of London's Darling, they made a dime a dozen in making your business their business. They would sing your name to high praise one moment then drag it through the mud the next.

You were content with letting them run their mouths, because it was no skin off your nose, but you drew the line at insulting your family.

Someone at the gazette thought it would be absolutely riveting to write about the dirt poor origins you were raised from. In the article, they not only criticized you, but put your parents under a microscope as well.

"All that really happened is, their daughter put on diamonds and called herself a queen," the Daily Gazette said. "It's only about time until they return to their roots—of which aren't much."

They insinuated that you might not even be your father's daughter—or if you were, it wouldn't be long 'til you came out to be as ill as he was. They called your mother weak for not being as proacticve in generating money, and you a fool for being their lapdog. No one in their right mind would just sit and let a publication sully their name like that.

If they were going to make up hullabaloo, you were going to step ahead and give them something else to talk about, and what better play than having London's Darling Starlet fall in love?

It had came to your attention that the gazette had set their eyes on one agency in particular: Lockwood and Company. Specifically one, Anthony Lockwood.

Where they besmirched your name, they glorified his. The kid was talented at weaving through a conversation, you'd give him that. From what you'd read, you already knew he liked being in the glare of publicity.

You were taking a gamble when you walked right up to their statute of work without a disguise. If the someone at the gazette saw you, you hoped that they would get the ball rolling. All that would be left to do is recruit Mr. Lockwood.

But Lockwood hadn't been the one to greet you at the door. You tried not to appear too shocked, but no one really expects to see someone geared in oversized cleaning gear. Whoever it was looked more alien than human.

"Arif's?" the curly haired boy inquired.

You were tempted to scratch your head, because what in the world was an 'Arifs'?

You were conjuring up a response, but then the boy was shoved aside. The girl who had taken his placed looked both inquisitive and sleep-deprived at the same time. Some kind of recognition happened in her eyes and you smiled, mirroring hers.

The curly haired boy looked positively disturbed by it.

"Hello," you said delicately. "does Mr. Lockwood happen to be in at the moment?"

"He is," the girl said. "You must be the Darling of London. I've seen you in the papers. My friend, Norrie, would be so happy if you could—"

"Luce?"

You weren't usually struck by strangers but you knew right away, that it must be him: Anthony Lockwood. He had the timbre and tone of a well-trained celebrity. It was no wonder the gazette was tripping over themselves to write him.

"Lucy's busy smiling at the Darling of London, or whatever she called her," the curly-haired boy reported, akin to a child who wanted to see their sibling be scolded.

"George," Lockwood turned his attention with a terse intonation. "why don't you pop on the kettle?"

George's smirk fell. He muttered something at Lucy before retreating to the door beside the stairwell. The wide berth he left gave you your first glimpse of the gazette's most recent favorite.

Anthony Lockwood was a spectacle in a suit and tie, looking exactly like his pictures in the papers. He cleaned up nicely enough. You just couldn't help but wince at the disarray his hair was in.

"Lucy, will you please?" Lockwood gave Lucy a look. She cast a glance at you before hesitantly joining George in the kitchen.

You made a mental note to ask about her friend, Norrie, later. It's the least you could do for her saving you from George.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Lockwood turned his attention back to you. He leaned easily against the doorframe, giving off the impression that he was conversational enough, even if you weren't being very good at being polite.

"Welcome to Lockwood and Co., I'm Anthony Lockwood," he said courteously, flashing a smile that would make the press go crazy. You've seen just one like it on cast mates, but he had done it so well you know he'd practiced to get it perfect, or maybe he was naturally good at smiling. You wouldn't know. His voice waded through your reverie. "How can we help you?"

"The kind of help I need isn't a usual request, Mr. Lockwood," you said forwardly. You glanced over his shoulder before offering a chaste smile. "May I come in?"

—

You didn't expect an audience of three after being lead to the receiving room. Then again, you should have. The reasonable assumption was that you were here for ghost-related troubles. You weren't sure how to clarify that you weren't.

You accepted a cup of tea and took in the air in the room before proceeding. Lockwood was sat right across from you, attentively bent toward you. Lucy was trying to keep on a amiable façade in her seat (likely to get a signature for her friend). George was... being himself. He was an odd one, but he had rid himself of his space suit, so that was nice. None of them seemed to be hostile though. That was always a good thing.

"I have a personal favor to ask of you," you started. You rested your hands over your knees, retaining your resolution. "and it involves the recent rumors about me."

"Which one? The one about your prissy attitude or the inevitable downfall of your entire family?" George wasn't as ignorant as he made himself out to be. He took a sip of tea when Lucy glared his way. Lockwood didn't look too surprised by his snide, George must regularly be like this.

You stifled a laugh of your own, amused by his forward nature. "Both, to be honest. The gazette has been generous with their slander lately." You tapped your finger on your knee. "One can only take so much . . . That's what brought me here. I need your help to keep them under control. You'll be properly compensated, of course."

"Miss Darling—" Lockwood started. It wasn't your name but you let it be since he sounded genuine enough. "—we are a psychical agency. What you're asking, it's out of our area of expertise."

"I am aware of that, but I'm not making this request to Lockwood & Co.," you said firmly. You steeled yourself when you set your eyes on him. He flinched under the intensity. "I'm asking you directly, Mr. Lockwood."

George hunched forward, unsuccessfully staunching a laugh. Lucy had straightened in her seat, eyes bugged out of her head. And Lockwood? The surprise on his face couldn't have been fake. He blinked and blinked, but his brain couldn't catch up.

You went on. "My family's been involved. I can't sit idly by while their names are being tarnished. I need something to dissolve those rumors, or at least distract the public enough to forget about them."

He cleared his throat but it was clear he was still ruffled by your earlier admission. "And how would I contribute to that?"

You tried to sound professional, but even your most prim tone sounded odd when it came to a request like this. "I need you to court me."

George stopped trying to muffle his laughter. He even grew bold enough to take a biscuit to snack on. "This is rich. 'Court' and 'Lockwood' in the same sentence? Never thought I'd see the day. You're better off with someone like Quill Kipps, Miss Darling—was it? At least he can act."

Lockwood shot a glare at George but he didn't budge, smiling as he devoured his biscuit. Lucy had recovered and gave her two cents. "George is right. Lockwood doesn't have the best track record in terms of subtlety."

Lockwood looked affronted. "I'm not as bad as you make me out to be."

"You're right," George said gleefully, smiling at you with his eyes. "He's worse."

"You know what," Lockwood said with renewed inspiration. "I'll help you, Miss Darling. Regardless of what my colleagues have to say." He turned his attention to you. You almost cracked a smile at the sheer determination in his complexion. Anthony Lockwood clearly despised being bad at anything. "I'm at your service, starting this very second." He poked the table to enunciate every word. Amused didn't feel like an apt word to describe what you were feeling.

"I was hoping you'd be the opposite of subtle," you said with a polite smile. "You're an enigma to the gazette, Mr. Lockwood. I need you to attract as much attention to us as you can."

He lifted his chin with that award-winning smile. "Consider it done."

George was still grinning to himself, finishing off his biscuit with a dodgy sort of laugh. Lucy had thrown herself back, likely holding in a sigh by the way her shoulders sunk.

Regardless, you felt hope rush through you as you reached across the table, sealing the deal with a handshake that shouldn't have been half as memorable as it was.

—

Lucy's Norrie had set off the domino effect, and you would be forever grateful for it. It didn't take long for the gazette to catch wind and write up their narrative.

!! LOCKWOOD & CO.'S SPECIAL CONNECTION TO LONDON'S DARLING

Recipients, it has come to our attention that London's Darling has shipped out a special signed poster for a friend from Lockwood & Co. The two parties have never had an interaction prior to this instance. We suspect a budding alliance from two very distinct worlds. More about Lockwood & Co.'s most recent escapade on page 7!

It was the first time you finished reading an article without your jaw tensing. It was doing well for your family's temperaments as well. Your mother was now inquiring about the blooming relationship between you and a certain someone instead of agonizing over the manic rumors told about the family. Whenever asked, you feigned ignorance and left the conversation at that.

—

The next time the gazette wrote about London's Darling and Lockwood & Co., it had been about a genuine act of kindness that had been caught on camera.

The trio had finished up a case late in the morning and you dropped by to gift them a hearty breakfast. You didn't intend for the gazette to pick up on the minute interaction, but they always found ways to weasel their way into things. If you didn't despise them so, you would have given them credit for their tenacity.

!! LONDON'S DARLING NOW BECOMING THE DARLING OF LOCKWOOD & CO.

Recipients, an insider recounts the story of seeing our Darling at 35 Portland Row. Coincidentally, the official offices for the psychical agency, Lockwood & Co. She narrates that the starlet had hand-delivered doughnuts and some other necessities; Actively taking time out of her bustling schedule to tend to the operatives she has recently befriended. For the first time since her limelight debut, she has a heart! Our insider also notes a particularly bright smile from the agency's founder and boss, Anthony Lockwood. Is this another one of our Darling's summer flings? See page 4 for news about Darling's controversial role in unveiled coming-of-age film.

You saw a couple reading the recent print as you were walking to Portland Row. They were particularly giggly, so it was safe to assume that the public was falling for your theatrics.

You arrived to Lockwood's abode with a smile.

—

"The gazette's gone feral, haven't they?" George exasperated, throwing the paper on the table after he had cut out Lockwood & Co's bit in the headlines. "You didn't even have to try for this one, did you?"

"Not at all," you chuckled. "They have a way of finding out, even if we don't mean for them to."

"They could have chosen a better picture," Lockwood murmured, eyes permanently narrowed at the cut-out George had hung on their wall. "I did not look that worn out that morning."

"I can't remember it, so I can't lie," Lucy said passively. She slid a pot of tamarind soup through the disarray of cups and papers. It gave you a wider glimpse of the doodles on the cloth. Lockwood had explained the nuance of the doodles earlier. You strongly believed anyone would find the scrawled notes (and insults) endearing.

You leaned over the table as the fragrance of the soup wafted into the air, like tendrils of smoke tempting you for a taste. You held back a smile and tried not to stare at their dinner for too long. You had more self-control than that, but, despite your best efforts, your stomach had a mind of its own.

Your stomach didn't usually rumble but it had chosen that specific moment to do so. You tried to play it off but the members of Lockwood & Co. had already paused in their steps, turning to you with varying levels of surprise. George looked disturbed; Lucy, startled; and Lockwood, amused.

"Hungry?" Lockwood asked, already knowing the answer.

"Not at all," you waved off. He saw right through your stoicism with a growing smile. "It was just a stomach cramp," you insisted.

He didn't move his eyes away from you as he pulled out a chair, but didn't sit in it. "Can't send you home with your belly doing that, can we, George?"

"The gazette might as well write us up for being terrible hosts," George said agreeably.

Lucy set out an additional plate and bowl. "We have a reputation to uphold, you know."

There was an air of something you couldn't quite place. You saw Lockwood's smile first, amused and welcoming all at once. From the corner of your eye, you found George and Lucy doing the same. There was no other word that could describe the moment other than 'warm'. With a feeble smile, you sat in the chair Lockwood had pulled out for you and tried not to look like a mangy raccoon in the midst of a famine.

Only when the sound of clinking cutlery and plates filled the room did you muster the courage to speak again. "Thank you for having me."

"Don't mention it, Starlet," Lockwood said, nudging your side. "You're the reason our clients have been burgeoning lately."

"Who knew a movie star had so much influence?" George asked rhetorically. "If we keep this up, we might be able to afford more biscuits."

"Even if that happens, the biscuit rule stays," Lucy stated, pointing her spoon at George.

There was always something gleefully odd about this place. Sometimes, it was hard to keep up. "What is this biscuit rule?" you asked, looking between all three of them.

"I'll tell you after dinner," Lockwood promised, carefully placing a bowl of soup next to your plate. "Eat. You must be starving."

You withheld the urge to smile but found that, even with your experties in pretending, you had a hard time acting in the company of Lockwood and Co.

—

"How strict is the biscuit rule rotation?" you inquired Lucy.

You had never experienced sleeping over at someone else's house. Doing so, at your mature age, felt a little zany. Not that you could do much about it.

The expert (Anthony John Lockwood) was firm about not letting you walk home at this dark hour. Even more so because the sun had set earlier than expected. Hence, the reason you found yourself rooming with Lucy for the night.

"Strict," was Lucy's answer; half with you, half not. She was at the vanity, writing in a journal. Likely for her friend, Norrie—if their names scribbled on the front was anything to go by. She looked so focused, you would have guessed she was aspiring to out-write the folks at the Daily Gazette.

Defeated, you heaved a sigh and submitted yourself to a few moments of quiet in a place so unfamiliar.

The bed bounced under your weight. The springs you heard in the mattress reminded of you of home, yet, the stars on the ceiling reminded you that you weren't. Most of them clung on but some had fallen off, leaving behind star-shaped irregularities in the paint. You counted four fallen stars before you were reeled back by the feeling of another weight falling beside you.

"Comfortable, Miss Darling?"

Lockwood.

You righted your posture. He sat up with you, taken-aback by your shift in demeanor.

"Yes," you said stiffly, combing down your hair. "Thank you for letting me stay the night."

"I couldn't let you go in good conscience," he said offhandedly. "Don't be tense. I'm only here to offer pajamas."

Your eyes found the neat pile stacked right beside him. The little act of kindness had warranted him a smile, one he returned with equal sheepishness.

"Thank you," you said again.

"It's no trouble." He flourished his hand as he said it. The springs creaked again when he shuffled off the bed. "Sleep well, Miss Darling."

"My name or just 'Darling' is fine, Mr. Lockwood. 'Miss' is much too formal."

"It's Anthony then, darling." He said it with such resounding charm, you almost regret allowing him to continue on that way. "Sleep well," he trailed off.

He stared at you, like he was looking for something in you. You were accustomed to getting weird, prolonged glances in the street, but you felt conscious when it was him. You blamed it on First Sleep-over Jitters. When you finally averted your gaze, he snapped out of his reverie. With a noncommital smile, he jerked a thumb at the door. "I'm right downstairs if you need anything."

"I'll keep that in mind, Anthony." As you said it, you couldn't shake the feeling similar to stepping into a classroom for the first time. There was a flash of surprise on his face before he schooled his expression, back to his notorious smile.

You wouldn't have known, but he couldn't shake the thought that he'd never heard his name sound so nice before.

He held back a smile as he said, "Goodnight then, darling."

You did worse at hiding yours. "Goodnight, Anthony."

You said his name so carefully, he ought to think he was important. Even if the smiles exchanged were bashful, it encapsulated his world.

He retreated to the steps, halting to occasionally look at you before Lucy had gotten sick of his snail pace and told him to bugger off. She had taken her side of the bed when her journal entry for Norrie was finished.

"Is he always that odd?" you asked her, taking the pajamas and heading to the bathroom to change.

The clothes were light, but they weighed much more to you. Who could blame you for admiring a simple shirt and pajama pants? That was your first sleep-over, after all.

Past your ogling, you could still hear Lucy's voice through the door. "Who, Lockwood? Not usually. Suppose he wants to make a good impression."

"Because I'm your highest paying client?" you inquired in a sing-song tone, slipping the shirt over your head. You should have expected the smell of lavender to engulf you.

Lucy snorted, laying back on her pillows. "Because he's a fan, Miss Darling."

"You can call me by my name, Ms. Carlyle," you chuckled, trying to keep your tone even as you examine which way the pajama pants go.

"And you can call me by mine, Miss Darling," she retorted.

When you got your pajama situation under control, you poked your head out of he door. "Touché, Lucy."

She tipped her invisible hat. "I try, Miss Darling."

"Is my name ugly?" You questioned, tone bordering on a sigh. You set yourself down on the vacant side of her bed, planting straight into the pillow on contact. "Just tell me that it is, I won't be offended. Why else would people avoid it like the plague?"

"Miss Darling does sound odd, doesn't it? In my opinion, it's quite regal. You should change your surname to it, honestly. The word just fits you."

You exhaled, catching sight of the stars on the ceiling once more. "And who gave you that absurd idea?"

"Lockwood did," she told you, taking you by surprise. You physically reeled at the fact. "He watched—What was the name of that film again?—Timeless. You played the teenage version of the main character. He wouldn't shut up about the movie for ages, said your character was his favorite. I believe her name was—"

"Darling..." you whispered the same time she said it.

"—and he kept going on and on and on about how you were the epitome of the word. He wouldn't put a stopper on it," Lucy shook her head, recalling his raving vividly. "We couldn't get him to shut up, even while we were off on fieldwork. Eventually, it stuck with us. I couldn't unsee you as 'Miss Darling'. Then the press started calling you 'The Darling of London'. It only proved his case. If there was a word more fitting than 'insufferable', 'Lockwood' would be it."

You believed snorting was the only correct response to that.

"I'm surprised he hasn't fallen over himself trying to impress you," she chuckled. Lucy crossed her arms over her belly, cozying up to her pillow. "Don't tell him I told you though. He might take away my turn in the biscuit rotation. He can be petty like that."

"Sounds childish," you muttered.

"I wouldn't put it past him," Lucy said with a shrug. "He already thinks he's God's gift."

"He's in the good graces of the Daily Gazette. So, he's close enough to it for me," you chuckled.

"Only you would think that." Lucy shook her head. "Go to sleep, Miss Darling. Else you'll have nightmares 'bout him."

"Is that a real warning?"

Lucy shut off the lights. "Yes," she said into the dark.

It was far too late for you. Just seeing the gentle limerence on the ceiling brought your thoughts right back to him.

Unbeknownst to you, Lockwood couldn't put his mind to rest either. Him knowing you were just a stairwell away was an involuntary shot of adrenaline.

—

Amusement parks smelt like burned popcorn and sugar. It was unbearably noisy but the neon lights and the shining attractions negated the cons. Lockwood thought he might just kiss you for bringing them here on a Thursday.

There were enough people to make the place feel alive but it wasn't so crowded that they couldn't get on the rides they wanted to try.

He namely appreciated that fact because Lucy and George didn't look too upset about being out of their element. They looked excited, even. Lucy was glancing at a shooting game and George was oddly fascinated by the horror house.

As if driving them here wasn't surprise enough, you dropped a heavy pouch in each of their palms with the simple instruction to knock themselves out.

After agreeing to meet up before dark, the group broke into three. Lucy went off to win herself a rapier, George was off to scare the clowns in the horror house, and Lockwood was trailing behind you.

"You can do your own thing, Anthony," you reassured, lined up for cotton candy. "I can handle myself in daylight."

"Darling, I'm a gentleman. I can't leave a dame alone in such a vast scape," he replied, bold enough to tap your nose. "What kind of make-believe boyfriend would I be if I did?"

He was amused by the way you rolled your eyes. Lockwood was convinced that only you could make something so trivial so enigmatic. Warmth prickled on your cheeks, turning them the same shade of pink as the cotton candy the store owner handed to you. You ordered one for Lockwood before telling him, "Press isn't here—they'd have to pay the tall entrance fee to enter. At ease, soldier."

"Negative. I'm staying by you—as a very concerned friend," he rebutted with resolve, asking for a brief pause to receive the cotton cone spun for him. "Is that so bad?"

"I thought you three deserved to enjoy some time away from work," you confessed.

You didn't know where to head so Lockwood steered you toward a bench, guiding you with one hand on the small of your back. It took all your effort to keep your expression neutral but you continued to chatter, biting down the urge to grin like an idiot.

The only way you knew how to distract yourself was to speak. And speak, you did. "You're either working with ghouls or with me for you know what. I thought you'd be sick of me by now," you joked.

"Of you? Never."

He said it like it wasn't an arrow straight to your heart, and you couldn't shirk the feeling that you should have prepared yourself better. He was Anthony Lockwood, after all.

Like the heathen he is, took a sizeable bite out of his fluff of cotton candy. In your favor, your attention was drawn somewhere else. His upper lip was crusted in princess pink sugar and he was flashing his princely smile, completely unaware of his mustache. You pressed your lips together to keep your laugh in.

He lowered his head, trying to meet your eyes, to no avail. You screwed them shut and curled into yourself to keep your composure.

He cocked a brow. "Cute as you are, I want to know what are you laughing about."

"Nothing," you said unconvincingly. You took a glance at him and snorted.

With a pinched expression, he looked at himself in the reflection of a metal stall then he rubbed the sugar away with the sleeve of his coat, scarlet tinging his ears.

"Never speak of this," he told you.

You mimed yourself zipping your lips and he nodded, satisfied.

Your composure broke the moment he crossed his arms and hunched into himself like a kid.

—

You'd been to that same amusement park many times in your life. You rode the same rides back when you were a starlet in the entertainment world. You won the same prizes when you wanted to impress your parents. You ate the same food you did when you were a tyke.

All those memories, and none of them compared to experiencing all of it with Anthony John Lockwood. His incandescence weaved into every new memory, leaving his face seared into the back of your eyelids. Even if you tried to deny it, the pain in your cheeks reminded you that you spend hours on end smiling with him or at him.

Despite your best efforts, his presence made you feel something you never expected to feel for anyone. There was no word for it, and you refused to give it a name.

When the sky theatened to turn orange, you snagged his arm and drove him all the way to your favorite ride. Even if you craned your neck all the way, you could never see the top of the ferris wheel. Perhaps Lockwood could, but you were too timid to ask.

The decorative lights looked weak in daylight but it was magical nonetheless. Nothing could complete your day like hopping into your favorite gondola and seeing the park from all the way up.

When you pulled him back, he had to complain. "That one was empty." Lockwood frowned at the dandy green gondola that circled past.

"No, no. We can't take that one, it has to be this one."

Lockwood had never seen so much excitement shine through your usually collected demeanor. It was like a breath of fresh air. He couldn't bring himself to fight you on it.

When the coral pink gondola swung to a stop and creaked its doors open, you pulled him right into its bowels. The interior was vandalized with countless pens and markers. Even in the chaos, he recognized your penmanship. It was messier than it was now but it was undeniably yours. Only you swooped your 'y's that extravagantly.

Someday soon, I'm going to be the biggest star you'll ever see!

Some of the ink was scratched off but the message stood the test of time. He wondered if you remember even writing it, but one glance at you told him all he needed to know. You paid no mind to the vandalism, eyes enthralled by the rising view outside. He felt his cheeks ache from the beginnings of a smile. He forced it down when you laid your eyes on him.

"Just wait 'til we reach the top. The pathways form a giant star if you look down. There's nothing quite like it."

Endeared, he asked, "How did you find that out?"

If your smile was anything to go by, the memory was very fond to you. "The first time I passed an audition, my parents took me up here and told me to look down. I was terrified of heights back then but they told me some things were worth conquering fears for." You let out a seraphic laugh at the memory. "I saw the giant star . . . and I swore that I'd be a bigger star than it one day; that all their sacrifices would be worth it. They did their best to support me and my pipe dream. I would pay back their labor, ten-fold."

"And you did," Lockwood said in an out-of-breath kind of way. You didn't know what to make of it.

"And I did," you whispered in reply. "I even scribbled my promise somewhere in here. I don't remember where exactly. May have been scratched off."

"Maybe," Lockwood chuckled, leaning his side against the wall; hiding your kiddish penmanship from your view. He had no explanation as to why he did, but he'd rather you to focus on the present. You achieved a lot between then and now. He thought it was much nicer to look forward than to look back.

He didn't realize how long the trip to the top would be. The silence didn't feel tense or forced, it was comfortable. Like an air of understanding had made the air warm instead of still.

Perhaps it was you and how unguarded you had become since stepping into the gondola, but all he knew was that your honest heart inspired him to be brave. He took a leap in a brightly painted gondola, miles up from the ground, just about to touch the clouds.

"My family would have loved seeing this," he said.

Your eyes tore away from the view to look at him. Curiosity whirling in those eyes of yours. "Where is your family? I don't think I've seen them. Are they abroad?"

When you looked at him like that, he forgot all his fears. "They aren't around anymore."

Your expression heartened. You turned all your attention to him. "I'm so sorry, Anthony. I shouldn't have—"

"No," he interrupted you, a ghost of a smile on his face. "I want you to know."

Your lips quivered, forming something that was a half-smile, half-frown. "I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything. I just thought you should know." His eyes fell to his knees, picking at the frays of his coat sleeves to distract himself. "My parents were researchers. They wanted to know what rituals other cultures had to communicate with spirits and keep themselves safe. They were working when they passed away. My sister, Jessica, she was ghost-touched." Everything came out when he was looking directly at you. Knowing you were paying attention was solace enough. "You should have seen the ghost when I was done with him, ha. As for my family . . . Even if they're not around anymore, they continue to remind me of the most valuable lessons. I do my best to never forget."

"Must be why you're so protective of Lucy and George," you said lightly, offering him a sunrise of a smile that brought back the color into the world.

"I am," he said with renewed confidence. "I'd do anything for them."

"Like make deals with prissy, troubled actresses?" you jested, bumping your knee against his.

His lips twitched, threatening a smile. "Yeah." He bumped his knee to yours but didn't move away, content with being close to you in any way you'd have him. "Exactly."

A smile crept up your face. "You have a wonderful family now, Anthony."

"I would say the same but I realize I haven't met them yet."

You threw your head back, laughing. The sound was so precious, he wished he had half the hearing of Lucy to remember it well. "Someday, Anthony. Someday..."

"I'll hold you to it."

The light that filtered in turned yellow, touching your face with gold. The sun was dipping between the far hills and, finally, your gondola had reached the pinnacle of the wheel.

You gently cupped his chin to turn his attention to the view. Your touch made his breath hitch, but the view had successfully stolen the air from his lungs. Even in his wildest dreams, he couldn't have predicted just how breath-taking the view was.

True to your word, the amusement park was laid out in a way that made the pathways draw a star—the stall lights that began to appear accentuated the shape. The stripped roofs of the attractions were like swirling patterns that encircled the the display. For lack of a better word, it was stupendous.

Your voice matched the sereneness of the moment. "My grandparents said that seeing fireworks from the top of a ferris wheel was an experience like no other, but with the Problem and the curfew, we might never be able to see something like it..."

"Wouldn't hurt to dream though, would it?"

You chuckled. "No, it wouldn't..."

Vaguely, in the reflection of the window, he saw your smile. A true, unfiltered smile. It's the brightest you'd ever appeared to him, and it was worlds better than the view you were gawking over.

The magic fizzled when the gondola began to decend, bringing you closer to earth and away from the utopia in the middle of a ferris wheel.

He couldn't recognize you once your mask came back on. Lockwood didn't realize why until he saw a flash of light in the corner of his eye.

The gazette had spilled coffee all over a perfectly good day.

—

!! LOCKWOOD'S DARLING

Recipients, we can confirm that there is a blooming romance between London's favorite Starlet and Lockwood & Co.'s charismatic leader. In the middle of a busy week for both individuals, they set aside time for a romantic ferris wheel ride in Starcrest Amusement Park—an ideal recreational venue for families and couples. See also: additional reports from our inside sources on page 7.

!! A DARLING'S DARLING

Recipients, we have more news on London's most fetching young couple. Both Darling and Lockwood have been growing bolder in putting their relationship in the spotlight. Recent reports state that Darling had invited Lockwood and Company to her film set — a feat of trust we haven't seen from her until she'd been swept of her feet by her latest and only suitor, Anthony Lockwood. He even presented her a bouquet of her favored flowers upon visiting. Backstage photographs from our insider on page 3!

!! A NOT VERY INVISIBLE STRING

Recipients, London's most captivating young couple was spotted wearing matching red-string bracelets, shifting to the 'private but not secret' path in their relationship. However, we always fetch you the ripest updates on their heart-stopping romance. More on page 4!

—

You were more than pleased by the sound of swishing newspaper and the snip of scissors. George had extracted another pretty picture of the recent news and hung it on the wall of achievements.

"Featured on a handful of headlines and it hasn't even been a year," Lockwood said, sounding very pleased with himself. He barely lifted a finger and Lockwood and Co. already had five additional clippings to their wall. "Gazette patrons are calling in to have us take care of visitors with all this media exposure." He set his hands on the stair newel and set his chin on them, looking up at you. It may have been a trick of a light but he was more radiant from where you were standing. "I have you to thank for that."

"You're the one helping me," you smiled. "I haven't heard a bad word about myself or my family. The peace is . . . unsettling. They really are bent on painting you as a saint, Anthony."

"Am I not?" he smiled.

You returned it, just as joyous. "That's the charisma I need for my birthday ball."

That made him straighten and grow brighter, if that were possible. "Birthday ball?"

You nodded, returning your eyes to Lockwood & Co.'s wall of accomplishments. "Lucy and George, too. It's a black tie event, and, yes, you may bring your rapiers."

He tilted his head, jarred. "What kind of people will be in attendance if we're allowed rapiers?"

"The most terrifying kind," you said with exaggerated dread, starting for the door. "Extended family I don't know well and journalists."

He sped ahead, clicking the door open for you. "Petrifying."

"Very," you chuckled. "Can I expect you to be there?"

He leaned toward you and you deluded yourself to believe he was doing so for his own benefit, but you knew damn well that there was a camera in the corner of your eye. Lockwood had caught sight of it before you, crowding you against the doorframe to paint the stomach-fluttering picture of a boy who simply couldn't resist being near his girl.

The idea was far more appealing than it was supposed to be.

His voice sounded saccharine up close. "What kind of flowers does your mother like?"

You titlted your head. "What for?"

"It's common courtesy to gift the in-laws. It wouldn't hurt to be prepared." He grinned at you, and you couldn't help but return it.

"She likes roses, and my dad is a fan of Ferrero Rochers."

"Noted," he chirped. He tugged a strand of your hair lightly before pulling away, taking his warmth with him.

You mustered a convincing enough smile. "Goodbye, Anthony."

"Goodbye, darling starlet."

He should have known you were going to do something. You grew up under the limelight, after all.

You've kissed many boys but he hoped you don't kiss them like you kissed him. Truthfully, it was only a kiss on the cheek, but he'd recall the feeling of your lips at the most untimely moments. He was ghost-touched because he couldn't shirk it.

—

You gave them a plot of the house. So, they did expect your house to be massive. What you did not tell them was the fact that your birthday ball was a masquerade ball. Lockwood was quite struck as he watched people file in with half their faces concealed under frivolously decorated masks. Lucy and George were just as confused.

"You're sure you didn't hear her say anything about this?" Lucy asked, hugging her arms as the evening chill began to creep in.

"Positively. Would I lie about something like this?" Lockwood replied, readjusting his grip on the generous bouquet of roses.

"Lie or not, we have to head in eventually. Unless your girl has a butler or handmaid who'd fetch us," George nipped. It was bad enough that Lockwood had forced him into a suit, but he had to stand in the freezing cold while passerbys walked right into the grandeur of your family's estate. The chandeliers casted gold silhouettes across the shadows. George bet it was warm in there. "Perhaps a visitor will come put us out of our misery."

"Keep your shirt on, George," Lockwood said firmly. "Perhaps having us enter without decoration was her intention."

"Who goes to a masquerade ball without a mask?" George scoffed.

"Lockwood & Co., apparently." Lucy rolled her eyes. She cast a nervous glance behind her but found lanterns had been lit. They smelt of lavender, reassuring her that despite your family's reputation, you weren't ignorant to the Problem. "Shall we head inside or face the treacherous cold?"

Lockwood, thoroughly done with their snideness, promptly decided on the former. He rolled his shoulders back and righted his posture before joining the line to the threshold.

"I see a buffet," Lucy said with new-found energy. Suddenly, the cold wasn't so unforgiving.

"Is that a chocolate fountain?" George inquired. Even if he did his best to keep his tone even, they caught the subtle intonation on the word 'chocolate'.

"Compose yourselves," Lockwood reminded primly. "we are representatives of the agency as well as guests, so, do try to mingle before losing yourselves in the smorgasbord."

"Sure."

"Absolutely."

Lockwood didn't know who said what, but he knew their answers were merely supplementary. They would bolt for the buffet as soon as the made it past the front door. At least their concerns about the lack of disguise were put to rest.

As they neared the doors, the warmth from the inside began to thaw away their frigidness. By the time they stepped into your abode, they were swallowed by the luxury. The word 'cold' didn't exist in a place as decadent as this.

The velvet curtains were pulled back fully, showcasing ceiling-length windows that glimmered with reflections of your guests, . A large chandelier illuminated the ballroom, washing everyone in supple, golden light. It brought out everyone's best features. Even the floor was polished so perfectly, it could have been a mirror.

If he didn't know better, Lockwood would have thought he walked right into a fairytale. He didn't realize Lucy and George had made their escape until he looked behind himself to find them gone.

He didn't have to idle by for very long. Like how sun rays pierce through storm clouds, you parted the crowd. You shone under the chandelier-light, a star put on earth, and you smiled so brightly he had to think you only smile like that for him. Lockwood lost his words, but his mouth was moving.

You were chuckling when you neared. Only when you dodged the roses and leaned on your toes to kiss his cheek did he realize that you didn't supply yourself with a mask either. His earlier guess had been right.

Whatever mirage he was in the middle of was cut through by two more figures coming into view; your parents, most likely. You resembled them a lot.

His joints went rigid but he was experienced enough to project an easygoing energy. All while he repressed bubbling exclamations.

He played on his best smile and reached for your father's outstretched hand. They met in the middle for a firm handshake.

"You must be the lad our little darling speaks so highly of," Mr. Darling chuckled. He had the kind of smile that put everyone in the room at ease. It reached his eyes. He must be the one you inherited your eye-smile from. A nail of guilt hit him right on the head because it was obvious that the man didn't know his daughter's romance was a fad. "Anthony, is it?"

"You're correct," Lockwood said amiably. His smile widened as he watched your mother's eyes gravitate to the bouquet of roses. "Anthony Lockwood, at your service, sir. And ma'am . . . These are for you." He offered the arrangement to your mother, who accepted them with the grace of a royal. You must have inherited that from her. He would have found it adoring if another strike of guilt didn't come down on him.

"How courteous," your mother said, hiding a smile behind her newly acquired bouquet. Her eyes moved to you and you shared a look Lockwood didn't quite understand. His stomach churned. Your mother then shot a peculiar look at him — like she could see right through him. It made his blood run cold.

Lockwood didn't have the option to ponder on it. Your father had seized Lockwood's attention with a firm pat on the shoulder. Lockwood had to tense his back to keep himself from toppling over.

As grayed as your father was, he had the kind of voice that commanded authority. "Don't be coy, boy. You can call us Ma and Pa. If our little starlet likes you enough to introduce you to us, you must be something special."

Lockwood glanced at you, momentarily paused by your smile. "She's the special one between us, sir—"

"Pa," your father corrected.

"Pa," Lockwood rectified smilingly. He wasn't sure what about it made him feel so melancholic and comforted at the same time. "I should be groveling at her feet. I'm very lucky to have caught her attention."

"I like the way you talk. It's no wonder she's so taken by you, Anthony."

Your father surprised Lockwood with a boisterous laugh. He was sure the room tremored for a moment. Lockwood was happy enough to laugh with him, the same time his heart was pounding against his ribcage.

The exchange was interrupted by your mother's squeal of delight. She had found the Ferrero Rochers laying in the bed of roses. She, with bright eyes, brandished them to her husband and Mr. Darling looked positively thrilled by the surprise.

"And thoughtful, too." Your father gave Lockwood the kind of nod you'd only get after you ask for their daughter's hand in marriage. "He's a keeper, little darling."

Lockwood's smile shook. Your mother looked at him strangely once more. He tried to regained himself.

Guilt.

Guilt.

GUILT.

It was drowning him, yet, he kept his cool. (At least, tried to.) You didn't seem to notice the change in his attitude.

You, with your rosy cheeks and resplendent smile, hooked your arm with Lockwood's and said, "I know, pa. That's the plan."

—

"That was not the plan," Lockwood respired, loosening his tie as soon as he stepped into open air. Even when he breathed in lavender, his lungs felt as if they were stuffed with cotton.

You had lead him to a balcony to give him a moment of reprieve only to be met with a glare. So much for being bad at acting, you were convinced his earlier niceties were real.

You regarded him with crossed arms, your cool façade practically a wall between you. "I invited, and you came. That's all that happened here."

"You made a spectacle of me," he rasped, his breath coming out as frost. "I would have been alright with that, but you brought your parents into this. They don't even know you're doing this, do they?"

The way he motioned between you as he said 'this' made you feel like someone's dirty secret. The way you faltered was laughable. Your heart clenched and your nails dug into your palms. You replied the only way you knew how: stronger.

"I don't see what the big issue is, Anthony," you scoffed. "I pay you, you do as I say. What if my parents don't know it's a ploy? The point is to set the stage for the press. I told you that."

"God," he laughed without feeling, raking a hand through his hair. He was heaving like he had just ran a marathon, face turning red. "You don't get it do you? We don't play with people. I don't want to play with people. And that's your family, starlet! Does it not bother you that you are lying to their faces?"

"No, it doesn't," you replied, stoically, standing your ground. "and neither should you. You know I'm doing this for them."

"Are you?" Where you stepped back, he stepped forward. He scoffed. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "It's ironic that a whole ballroom of people hiding behind masks are more honest with themselves than you are to yourself."

"What are you implying?" Your words come out through gritted teeth.

He stood tall, more intimidating than you'd ever seen him. The gauntness in his eyes were more pronounced then. His stature made your composure slip. His words made your knees buckle. "You're an actress. You're a professional at what you do. Even in your own home, you have a façade. Maybe you are, in some twisted way, doing this for the sake of your family, but I can't see that anymore. You're stringing them along . . . As far as I can see, you're just as bad as the gazette makes you out to be. I don't even know if you've been lying to me for the sake of keeping your mask on."

You feel the full force of his words drop down on you. Taking a few steps isn't enough to quiet the rush of throughts crowding your mind. All you see is his despondent face and a hundred and one headlines flash before your eyes.

He takes your hand—making you wish the circumstances were different—before he dropped his red-string bracelet into your palm. It felt heavier than it was supposed to. You couldn't pry your eyes away.

When he turned and left, your thoughts turned into white noise. He had taken every joy with him, deserting you in the muted chatter of what was supposed to be a celebration.

—

!! TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Recipients, it is to our sorrow that the couple that took the country by storm, Darling and Lockwood, seems to have called it quits. Lockwood no longer flaunts the bracelet that had started a trend for couples on this side of the globe. It is unknown whether he had lost it during a skirmish or willingly stopped wearing his. With Darling's trail of broken hearts, it's safe to assume the worst. The Starlet seems to be continuing activities, as usual. The ice princess, unmoved by a romance put to the grave. On a lighter note, read more about Lockwood & Co.'s achievements on page 7.

—

The gazette went for the jugular with that one. For once, they wrote something that had some truth to it. You didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Even your newly developed habit of morning walking barely helped your heartbreak. You've never mourned for something that never was, but, damn, did it hurt. You knew you were in too deep when your feet carried you right to 35 Portland Row.

You stared at the agency plaque for an unnecessary amount of time before you folded yourself over and hugged your knees. At the time, George and Lucy would be out running errands before a case and Lockwood would be arranging their bags inside. Perhaps the security of knowing their schedule made you so confident to sit and wallow the death of what could have been.

Yet, you couldn't mourn that in peace. The silence was interrupted by a shutter. You lifted your head and spotted a paparazzo who didn't even try to hide his presence. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties and already fading. He had a smile on but it set off alarms in your head. You didn't have to ask. You had a feeling. The gazette was all too good at dampening a sunny day.

You stood up quickly but found yourself backed against the wrought-iron gate.

"The Darling Starlet of London... Quite the title. Never thought I'd get to see you in person." His smile widened. You didn't budge. Even with your fiercest glare, he didn't get the message. He looked down at his camera before his smile fell. "Do you know how upset we were when you started going out with that... that pathetic excuse of a human—"

"He's an agent," you cut off. "and he's the reason degenerates like you get to walk the streets without being ghost-touched at every turn."

"Degenerates?" He laughed, covering his mouth. "Oh, Darling Starlet—" The name you found home in was chemical coming from him. "you should know that we made you. He's lucky the chief likes him enough. You'd be nothing without us."

"Without the gazette?" You scoffed, tempted to roll your eyes at the fool. "You do more harm than good."

"But we make or break a career." His hand came away from his mouth, revealing a smile made of pointed teeth. "and what would happen to your folks if your reputation makes a sharp decline, hm? Your father needing all that medicine, your mother taking care of him... What would happen if our little darling turned out to be a little bitch?"

Your anger was boiling over, but the fear of that possibility had crippled you. Words died in your throat. Your will fizzled to nothing. You felt blood drip into your palm, nails clenched into your flesh.

You were still trying to regain yourself when the cold of the gate was pardoned from your back. A familiar warmth replaced it, an arm coming around your middle and a voice that quelled all your fears sounded in your ears. A rapier crossed the distance, severing the neckstrap around the photographer and sending his camera into the pavement. It's lens shattered and the photographer let out a yell.

"If you ever talk to my girlfriend like that again, a broken camera will be the least of your problems."

"Anthony J. Lockwood," the paparazzo snorted. "Your agency hinges on the exposure you get from us. Don't play hero when you know you're defending a sham."

"I'm defending my girlfriend," Lockwood's grip tightened on your hip, and his rapier shined in the light. Your heart did immeasurable things in lieu of Lockwood's doing. "and if you ever threaten my family like this again, I will come after you. The gazette isn't the only publication in London, and I've built a rapport with enough people in the industry to secure my place. I'm not afraid of you."

"You—"

Lockwood turned you around, covering you from view and urging you toward the door. "Head inside, darling. I'll take care of this."

You looked up at him, searching his eyes for resentment or even hate, but found none. His eyes were sunlight through bottles of whiskey. The smile had disarmed you, finally getting through to you.

You took a few hesitant steps before he nodded, assuring you that it was alright. He made sure you were safety inside before he returned his attention to the photographer.

"I do have morals. So, I'll be civil." Lockwood poised his blade. " That said, get off my street before I show you how proficient I am at my job."

—

Some part of you was desperately hoping that things would smooth themselves out after what had transpired. When he offered you his coat before telling you that he'd be walking you home, you knew you were in over your head.

That same night, you flipped the events over in your head. Clenching and unclenching your newly bandaged hand to remind yourself that it was real.

You didn't get much sleep with his voice echoing in your ears and his eyes burned into the back of your eyelids.

—

Your mother must have known something was wrong with you. You mistaked salt for sugar in your morning coffee, you walked into a wall on more than one occasion (a large vase had fallen victim to your daze), and you refused ice cream for the first time in your life.

In the middle of the day, Mama Darling decided that she'd seen enough. She set her knitting things down and urged you to put your book down. You obliged because you couldn't absorb the words anyway.

"My darling girl," your mother started. Her tone is so heartfelt, you felt yourself lax in your seat. A smile came to your face as she caressed your cheek, just as she'd always done. "You've always been such a kind child. So selfless . . . Your only flaw is that you need to know when to let go of your fear and let us handle ourselves, dearest."

You stared at her, lost. She simply smiled, taking your hands in hers. "I know your recent escapades with Anthony were a play, my dear girl." Your spine calcified, heat prickled your eyes. "I always knew. I'm honest when I say he's good for you. He brings out your ugly smile— Don't frown, I mean it in a romantic sense. I know the look of love when I see it, dearest. Don't sacrifice it for pride or fear, my girl. Go get him back."

"Ma," you shuttered, pausing to collect yourself. You were choking on yourself and that wasn't the worst of it. Your vision had blurred from your tears. "you and Pa need me to focus on my career. I have to—"

"No, you don't." She tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and swiped her thumb across your cheek. "You'll always be a princess in the eyes of the public, dearest. Any person with two eyes and common sense will see that. You just have to break out of your shell, actually talk to the journalists. Just not the ones from the Daily Gazette—they are something else entirely."

"They are, aren't they?" You manage to laugh through your tears. Only your mother could make you feel these many things at once. She saw right through you. "Right now, Anthony doesn't even want to talk to me. I'm so scared that if I try, he'll tell me everything I don't want to hear. I'm scared he'll see all the nasty things the gazette talked about and hate me for them."

"Darling," your mother said sternly. "we just went over the fact that the gazette is complete and utter bullshit."

You can't help but snort. The rare curse from her had broken through to you. "Sorry, Ma."

"Don't be sorry, my dear girl, be brave." She flipped your hand over and drew lines across your palm. She did it three times before you realized what she was doing; she was drawing stars. "Some things are worth conquering fears for."

The Starcrest ferris wheel. Stolen smiles. Dreams of fireworks.

Your mother smiled at the renewed light in your eyes. She didn't question you as you bolted to the exit.

"Home before dinner! You may bring Anthony!" she called just before you smiled and closed the door behind you.

—

"Lucy?"

"No, this is George."

The world must hate you. You couldn't do much about that. You coiled the telephone wire around your finger as you took a deep breath. "This is... darling."

"I don't know anyone with a ridiculous name like that. Sorry."

You bit your cheek, inhaling the urge to sigh. "The prissy actress."

"Oh. You." He shuffled, crossing his arms. "Speak, before I hang up."

"I have a favor to ask of you," you winced, already expecting the worst.

"What's in it for me?"

You took a breath. "What do you want? Biscuits? An allowance? Access to the VIP collection in the library—"

"All of that, and you have yourself a deal."

"Done."

—

"George— You're usually against room invasion," Lockwood quipped, allowing himself to be dragged up the steps. "and Lucy wouldn't be happy about this."

"When I tell her what I bargained, she'll be fine with it."

"Bargained?"

"Not that important right now, Lockwood. Sit. And for all things grotesque, don't move."

George had pushed Lockwood into the mustard seat beside the attic window. The latter was ready to protest, confusion evident.

A resounding pop had interrupted him. The lights in the room shifted. The shadows stretched and receeded. It took a moment for Lockwood to realize that there were fireworks going off outside.

On the third floor, he had a bird's eye view of the shower of sparks in varying shades of blues, reds, and yellows. He was wondering where the firework show had come from, but his questions were put to rest with a singular look onto the street.

Other than the tins of fireworks, he saw you—looking much like a panicked frog while lighting the fireworks. You looked absolutely ridiculous. His perceptions of you had been thrown to the wind, and he couldn't help but smile.

The last firework burst into pink sparks, lighting up his eyes and your silhouette; embedding itself into his memories. When the air had cleared, he cracked the window open.

"What are you doing down there? Have you gone mad?"

You cupped your hands around your mouth, shouting an answer at him. "Lighting fireworks! You like dem?"

He shook his head, endeared. "How do you even know how to light them?"

"I don't! It was about time I learned!"

"You really are a lunatic..." he chuckled.

You cocked your head. "What did you say?"

"Come in!"

You showed him your thumbs, scuttling to the front door.

Lockwood had never raced down the stairs so quickly before. He apologized quickly to George, who he had almost bumped to ground floor, and Lucy, who had just gotten home with groceries. He raced for the door; hair a mess, breathing short, but smiling widely. He greeted you with the same smile he had on when you first met.

Cute as he was, you couldn't take it anymore. You reached up, fingers brushing his forehead and fixing the strands that had been bothering you for ages.

"I'm sorry," was the first thing you said. You were still heaving from outrunning fireworks but he wasn't in much better shape. "I was scared, and my first instinct was to act like I don't care, but I do. I care so much. About you."

"I got the message," he laughed, looking over your shoulder to the smoke remnants of the showcase.

"No, I'm not done." You took a breath, bracing yourself for it. "I want you to know about me, too. Pa has been sick for a long time. He worked through it so they could afford my commute to and from auditions. The money Ma made was used for medicine or keeping me in school. We struggled for a long time. Some days, I couldn't sleep because I felt so helpless. I wanted to give back to them with every fiber of my being. When I finally could, I never wanted to go back to having nothing. I was willing to do anything to stay where I was—"

"Darling, I get it—"

"—and I lost sight of who I was doing it for. I was so comfortable in allowing anything just to keep a pristine reputation—"

"Darling—"

"—and I hurt you. I never meant to, I'm so sorry. I realize now that I was wrong and I should have been more honest with you because I don't just want to be colleagues anymore—"

"Oh, shut up already."

He bunched your shirt in his fist, pulling you to him with the anticipation born from a thousand dreams. When his lips touched yours, it felt like all of this was worth the wait.

You were sweet and a little smokey, he could have laughed but settled with smiling into the kiss. You stole a breath from him when you nipped at his bottom lip. He could have spent the night like that but the resounding boom from outside made the two of you jump, breaking away from The Best Kiss Ever™ to see the last of the fireworks finish off the moment with golden sparks.

Lockwood couldn't stay upset. After a short laugh, you grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him right back to you—giving him another kiss to think about for the rest of his life.

—

!! THE COUPLE OF THE CENTRURY, BACK AGAIN !!

Recipients, after a short-lived break, the couple of the century are back—stronger than ever! Various photographs have been taken of them: Dancing in the foyer of the Darling estate, partaking in Mrs. Darling's notorious tea parties, and running away from premiers to steal time for themselves. To see more of them, see page 4!

That was possibly the last good article written about anyone coming from the gazette. Not long after that, they began to be brazen in their attempts to tarnish your reputations. They published photos of the two of you flipping off the photographer, spitting your tongues out at unwanted paparazzi, and spreading the most degrading rumors you had ever heard.

At the same time, the gazette had been losing viewership to London Squire, who was only gaining traction with every article written about the It Couple of Europe. Soon enough, the gazette had lost all credibility; reduced to a mere scandal sheet. It was a breath of fresh air.

The public was enamored by your honest nature and respected the fact that you'd prefer to keep your relationship private. Though, you would be the talk of the town once the Squire got a hold of an exclusive interview.

The topic? Vows, silver rings, and rapiers to cut wedding cake.

DARLING-LOCKWOOD

— It's now official. Our Darling Starlet is off the market after exchanging vows with Lockwood & Co.'s founder and president, Anthony Lockwood. The union took place this weekend in a private ceremony with close family. The couple reveals that the ceremony was grand but they would like nothing more than to keep it to themselves. We are honored that both Mr. & Mrs. Lockwood has given us the opportunity to publish a few pictures taken during their most special day. The writers here at London Squire send all our warmest regards to the newly weds.

The picture wasn't much; Just a scene recreated from the movie that earned you the title of 'Darling'. Even when you shared his name, he persisted in calling you his darling starlet. Though, he takes the utmost pride when he does call you his missus.

NOTE ➺ i don't know if i can get all my 1989 tv songfics done in time but i plan to get them all published before the end of 2023 !

i hope this finds you when you need it. as always, don't be afraid to leave your thoughts in the comments or reblogs. i love to read feedback so don't hold back!!

⌠ @novelizt 2023 ⌡

#— ❨ 🌺 ❩ 𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐙𝐈𝐄'𝐒 𝐔𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐀 ₊˚.༄ #1989 tv songfic collection #anthony lockwood x reader #anthony lockwood x you #lockwood x reader #lockwood and co fanfiction #lockwood x you #lockwood and co x reader #lockwood x y/n #anthony lockwood angst #anthony lockwood fanfiction