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taeyongtime · 4 years

Text

silver cufflinks

genre: escape artist!taeyong | circus!au

featuring: NCT’s Taeyong

word count: 7,467 words

a/n: an idea of old that i finally managed to execute after 3 years and a culmination of 14 handwritten pages :)

“Have you heard? Neon Lights is in town!”

You shake your head, never heard the name before.

“You’ve never heard of the Neon Lights Circus?” Your friend’s jaw drops in awe, unbelieving of such a thing. “It’s only the best circus in all of Asia!

“Surely your father has heard of them? Didn't you say he used to perform with a circus?”

“That was a long time ago,” you ponder, recalling all the wild stories from your father’s travels with a wandering circus. “Isn’t this Neon Lights relatively new?”

“Twenty years is hardly new.”

Urged to ask about Neon Lights, you give in and promise to ask your father once you return home. However, the question goes unasked when you see the circle of family surrounding the door to your parents’ bedroom, the upcoming announcement completely unexpected.

“Your father… he’s gone, dear.”

—

You clutch the locked leather-bound volume in hand, following the person in front closely as the line moves slowly towards the ticket booth of the Neon Lights circus. The hype not to be underestimated, what looked to be fifty people are already lined up once the circus’ nighttime hours had been announced one hour prior. Some were new faces who wanted to get a taste of what the acclaimed circus had to offer, others familiar patrons who couldn’t wait to see what was new in store compared to previous shows. All in all, the anticipation for entry is palpable, tingling excitement dancing in the air while the line inched its way up.

Finally, you make it to the booth, handing over the correct amount of money in exchange for an admissions ticket. Green-and-black striped tents greet you once you pass the iron gates, neon lights fitting of the circus’ name dotting the main path. Elaborate signs boasting of acts and other surprises do little to catch your attention, only one goal in mind today as you pass each tent that isn’t the one you wanted. However, you can’t seem to find the tent in question, opting to pop into the next one you see to ask for directions.

“Oh, sorry,” you mumble, bumping paths with the figure dressed in black before the fire breathers’ tent. “I didn’t see you there.”

“No problem,” he dismisses, brushing the sleeves of his black blazer, “You’re good.”

“By the way, do you know where I can find the escape artist?”

He arches an eyebrow. “The escape artist?”

“…Never mind.”

Lifting the curtains, you pass him and enter the tent. Three fire breathers are still in uniform, skipping around the stage with flaming torches in their hands.

“Hey,” you yell at the top of your lungs. “Do any of you know where the escape artist is?”

“Can’t hear you,” hollers the one juggling three torches at once. “Come closer!”

You climb over the rope separating the audience seats from the performers, already halfway up the stage until you feel yourself pulled back down.

“You could’ve died standing so close to the fire breather,” hisses the man you’d bumped into outside, “Follow me.”

“Why should I?”

“I didn’t know you were so desperate to meet me that you’d stick your face into blazing fire to ask my whereabouts.”

“Wait, you’re the escape artist?”

◇

The escape artist’s tent is smaller than expected, a ring of thirty chairs circling the performing space that provides no covers for any sleight of hand. He gestures for you to sit in any of the open chairs and you let out a cry of surprise at hearing the shrill caw overhead.

“My raven won’t bite,” he reassures, reaching a hand to pet the bird that lands on his left arm. “Henry is quite friendly.”

You take a seat and remember the locked journal, extending it to him.

“My father left this for you.”

“Who’s your father?”

“Have you heard of the magician Eriol Kim? That’s my father’s stage name.”

He must know, the downcast glance and dipped head obvious signs that he was familiar with your father.

“Can you open the journal?” you ask, offering the locked volume again. “No one in the family’s been able to open it even though we were left with the key.”

“Let me see.”

He takes the journal and studies the lock, turning the book in his hands before reaching behind his ear and pulling out a bobby pin. Twisting the pin, he sticks the gadget into the lock, fiddling with it a few times before hearing the satisfactory click.

“Old man probably left you guys with a fake key,” he reasons, flipping through the pages. “Had to quench your thirst for answers but still keep his secrets a secret.”

“What kind of secrets?”

The escape artist smiles, placing the lock back in place.

“Secrets.”

Unsatisfied with his answer, you pester him some more but he zips his lips.

“If you’ll excuse me, I must prepare for tonight’s show.”

“Hey, you can’t just kick me out, you weirdo!”

“The name’s Taeyong,” he drawls, waving his fingers in a cheery goodbye. “Maybe we can talk more when you come by again tomorrow.”

—

You end up going back to the circus tomorrow and the day after, each night determined to convince Taeyong to let you see your father’s journal. Not once does the escape artist comply, even giggling playfully when he decides he wants your assistance in a performance. Under the pressure of the audience, you find yourself obliging, soon earning yourself an assistant title to the regulars that stop by every night to watch him perform.

“And now my lovely assistant will set fire to the barrel!”

You get up at hearing the cue and extract the lighter from your pocket, eyeing the barrel warily. The speakers overhead crackle, Taeyong assuring the audience he is unable to push open the barrel’s lid.

“If my assistant can prepare—”

Caught off guard by the utterance, you drop the lighter before he can finish, a quick flame growing at the base of the barrel. The prepared sticks of firewood and gasoline catches almost immediately, fear and excitement mixed into the audience’s response.

“Fire, fire…”

Hushed murmurs of fire echo across the circle, and the only thing on your mind is the fire extinguisher—which you run towards and focus the nozzle on the flaming barrel. Puffs of white envelop the on looking audience, your heart thumping erratically as the flames die out. Timing key in pulling off a successful act, you knew full well one mishap like that can shift the entire performance towards failure and ultimately an untimely death.

Please don’t be in there, please tell me you freed yourself before…before…

“Well, that was a close one.”

Taeyong steps out from the cloud, hair tinged white as he brushes his blazer and pants dry with his hands. Everyone cheers, already forgetting the impending risk of his death from the barrel that had been set aflame earlier than arranged.

“Thank you,” he bows, shooting a quick smirk at the crowd. “It is my honor to perform for you tonight!”

Once tonight’s audience leaves his tent, you run towards him and grab him by the shoulders, checking to see if he is still in one piece.

Taeyong laughs at your antics. “What are you doing?”

“You… You’re not dead.”

He scoffs. “Of course not.”

“…Thank goodness, I...”

Slumping to the ground, you shake your head as you process the prior events once more. Thankfully nothing had gone awry and Taeyong had made it out before the barrel burned to bits and pieces, your mistake passed off as an added measure of suspense for his escape.

“I have something for you.”

Looking up, your eyes land on the slip of green paper in his hands, bordered in metallic ebony with emerald lettering at the center.

“What is this?”

“Unlimited access pass,” he explains, “So you don’t have to pay to get in.”

“Bold of you to assume I’ll come back after nearly killing you tonight.”

He grins, cheekiness rolling off his shoulders. “You’re not going to leave when you still don’t know what your father wrote in his journal.”

You let out a chuckle. “I don’t care about that anymore.”

Now it is his turn to sit down, crossing his legs as he rocks to and fro.

“You don’t want to know your father’s secrets?”

“Secrets are called secrets for a reason,” you begin, still holding tight to the unlimited access pass. “These things weren’t mine to begin with and I should respect that.”

Taeyong nods, silver earrings glistening in the lamp light. “I respect you for it, Y/N.”

You startle, staring at him wide-eyed. “How do you know my name?”

“Did some research of my own after you told me Eriol was your father. He said he’ll introduce me to you someday when I first started studying under him.”

“Really? He’s never mentioned you to me before.”

A dry laugh tickles his throat. “Probably didn’t bother anymore after I left without telling him.”

You sense there is a deeper story behind the relationship Taeyong had with your father, but don’t bother to ask.

“That’s enough for tonight,” he concludes, extending a hand to help you up after hopping back on his feet. “Come on, I’ll show you around the rest of the circus.”

You take the offered hand and pull yourself up, scowling. “I don’t need you when I’ve been around the rest of the circus before.”

“Have you seen the white tigers in the Wild Cats tent?”

“There’s a separate tent for tigers?”

The disgusted look on his face says it all. “Clearly you still haven’t been to the best tents around here.”

—

The call at 4pm is unexpected, much less the name that appears on caller ID.

Not sure when Taeyong had inputted his phone number into your device or when he had gotten hold of your contact information, you ignore the ringtone and return to enjoying the fresh cup of oolong tea and just baked sugar cookies for the midday snack. Barely having two sips of tea, you grumble when the phone rings again, this time answering and ready to tell him off for interrupting your teatime.

“What do you want, weirdo?”

“Hello, is this Y/N? Mister Lee Taeyong is currently at the police station; he said this is a good number to reach you, his friend?”

“Excuse me?”

You arrive at the police station thirty minutes later, eyes widened at seeing the limp figure slumped over the table.

“Taeyong?”

Taeyong lifts his head up at hearing his name, the officers standing next to him following closely behind.

“What the…”

He giggles, face flushed as he proudly holds up his hands, an officer cuffed to each wrist.

“Mister Lee claims he misplaced the key,” the office on the right begins calmly, “He gave us your name and contact information when we asked if there is anyone else who may know how to unlock his handcuffs.”

“Um… I can try.”

You kneel to meet Taeyong at eye level, doing your best to not get distracted by the puppy-dog eyes and giggly expression on his face. You smell a faint hint of alcohol; how much had he drank to reach such a wasted state that he had managed to handcuff two well-trained police officers to him?

“Weirdo, how much did you drink? Where is your key?”

“Dunno,” he slurs, letting out a hiccup. “Had one bottle, two?”

“Not even that much,” you mutter, reaching your hands into his jacket pockets and coming up empty. “Lightweight.”

“I cuffed two officers, Y/N. You’re under arrest, officers!”

Ignoring the grumbles and displeasure at being cuffed by a mere civilian, you suddenly remember his bobby pin trick. Reaching by his ear, your fingers grab hold of the pin tucked in his hair, easing it out and fiddling it into each cuff.

The officers wring out their hands once freed, and you quickly help a dizzy Taeyong up.

“Sorry for all the trouble,” you apologize on his behalf, “It won’t happen again.”

◇

Taeyong opens his eyes to find himself in a home that isn’t his tent, the surroundings completely unfamiliar until he sees the photo frame on the nightstand by the bed.

A family photo. He spots his mentor immediately, as stoic as ever posing tight-lipped before the camera.

“I’m sorry for running away, Teacher.”

Sitting up, he eases off the bed and makes a lap around the apartment, taking note of where your things are placed. Not too shabby for someone raised by a magician, although his mentor had also been one to keep a messy desk once he sees the haphazardly scattered papers and uncapped pens on your work table. He starts to reorganize, but pauses midway when he spots the clipped newspaper article.

Impossible. How could he have not realized that was why you’d suddenly appeared in his life?

“Hey, you’re awake.”

He turns at hearing your voice, staring you down.

“Why didn’t you tell me Eriol is dead?”

You manage a soft smile, taking off your sneakers and easing into a pair of purple slippers. “I thought you already knew the moment I gave you his journal.”

“How could I…”

He slams a hand on the table, ignoring the shrill screech at his fingers crushing the small porcelain cup just below his fist. Blood starts to trickle from the shards embedded in his skin, and you hurriedly sit him down before rushing to grab the first-aid kit.

“Idiot... This might hurt, can you withstand it?”

“It’s fine,” he insists, the wince at the first pluck betraying him already. “Don’t… Don’t bother.”

“You owe me a new tea set,” you mutter, plucking out a second and third shard of porcelain. “I’m going to make you buy me an expensive one to make up for it.”

The ramble about tea sets does its job to distract him from the pain. Soon, his hand is porcelain-free and bandaged all the way around, much to his dismay as he twists his wrist and scowls at seeing the mummified right hand.

“This is my good hand you bandaged up.”

“Then don’t perform tonight,” you point out, “You should be resting if you sustained an injury.”

—

He surprisingly follows your lead, not returning to the circus later in the evening. Social media explodes with posts regarding his no-show, but he is not bothered at all. It is rare for him to have a chance to spend time away from the circus, let alone do things other than perform escape tricks.

Tonight, he can live as Lee Taeyong the regular civilian, not Taeyong the escape artist of the Neon Lights circus.

“What is this?”

“A claw machine,” you explain, pointing at the assortment of plush toys kept contained in the red box. “You’ve never played one before?”

“…No.”

Without another word, you pull him inside the arcade. Bright lights and jingling game music greets your ears, the splash of colors across the perimeters enough to send your head spinning with indecision on which machine to play. Not many people besides you and Taeyong, luckily no one recognizes him as a member of the circus.

“Can you get me that one?” you ask, pointing at a pink bunny tucked in the back corner.

“You actually want a toy from here?” he quips, arching an eyebrow. “And me to get it for you?”

“Please,” you pout, batting your eyelashes. “You’re so good with your hands!”

He holds up the bandaged right hand and you gulp.

“I forgot about that.”

“Hmm,” he grumbles, “Step aside and I’ll see what I can do.”

You insert a coin into the slot and he grabs hold of the joystick, angling the claws directly above the bunny. Pushing the button to lower the claw, the prongs are dropped low, opening and closing into empty air before makings its way up again.

“Another one,” Taeyong mutters, eyes fixed on the toy. “We’re not leaving until I get you that bunny.”

It takes him a good two hours and an entire basket of coins to become familiar with the machine, finally maneuvering the claws deftly to pick up the bunny and drop it out. Your excited squeal brings a rare smile to his face, the first of the night. Refusing to take a stab at a different machine, Taeyong pulls you after him to play a shooting game, proving his skill once again when he secures the most kills in all three rounds of killing zombies. Darts, basketball hoops, even a coin toss is easy.

You raise the white flag after he changes his mind about the claw machine, securing almost five more stuffed plush toys under his belt before calling it quits.

“I didn’t think I’d have so much fun,” he admits after stepping out of the arcade under close watch from arcade staff. “The claw is actually not that hard to operate.”

“They were ready to pull you aside for questioning,” you laugh, swinging your stuffed bunny by its ear. “It took you only twenty minutes to get even their bigger toys out of the machines.”

“I gave all those back,” Taeyong drawls, rolling up the cuffs of his sleeves. “I was only trying hard for the bunny.”

“Thank you,” you grin, waving the bunny’s left paw in thanks. “Bunny is happy to go to her new home.”

“Sure.”

He makes an extra point to escort you home at such a late hour, his mere presence reassuring while you turn the corner and spot your apartment complex amid the single alit streetlight.

“This is it,” you begin, turning to him with a soft smile. “Thank you again for tonight.”

Taeyong returns the smile with an even rarer toothy grin. “I should be thanking you for showing me how fun claw machines are.”

“You must have had a lot on your mind tonight. Drinking and not wanting to perform.”

Your words catch him off guard, hitting a little too close to home.

“Yeah.”

Conversation quickly slows, neither knowing what to say until he breaks the silence.

“Good night, Y/N. I’d better go before it gets too late.”

“Wait,” you blurt out, “When can I see you again?”

He replies immediately. “Tomorrow morning. You don’t want to miss tomorrow morning’s show.”

The anticipation already has you excited for tomorrow, so much so that you end up taking a quick shower and turning into bed early for the so-called surprise.

—

You wait until the rest of the crowd is gone, running towards Taeyong and cupping his face in your hands.

“Is your mouth okay?”

“Never better,” Taeyong answers, opening and closing his mouth to prove it. “Why?”

“The threaded needles… how did you swallow all of that with just a drink of water?”

His eyes twinkle with a knowing glint that he knew more than he was letting on.

“Practice.”

Not satisfied with his answer, you proceed to snake your hands into his blazer, empty-handed and needle-less once you finish the pat down.

“Where are the needles?”

“I knew you’d search me, so I already put them away.”

The cheeky smile on his face said it all; you punch him lightly in teasing and he pretends to wince from pain. The gesture is feigned, but you stop, concern replacing the playfulness in your eyes.

“Did I hurt you?” you blubber, unable to stop the tremble in your voice. “I… I didn’t mean…”

“I’m fine,” he laughs, tilting his head in confusion. “Just playing with you.”

“O…Oh.”

He picks up on your sudden retreat, taking a step forward and intertwining his fingers with yours.

“Sorry,” he whispers, the soft murmur so unlike the playful and confident persona he possessed on stage. “I won’t do that again.”

Unsure how to react, you quickly look away and wiggle out of his grip. His hand lingers midair before dropping against his sides, equally as awkward after the intimate touch.

“So… amazing show as usual,” you speak up, easing into a new topic. “There’s always something new every night.”

“Thanks.” The response is a heavy one, loaded with more weight than called for. “I appreciate it.”

“You don’t sound happy at the compliment.”

He sighs, taking a seat on the ground. “Can I tell you something?”

“Sure.”

“I… I’ve been wanting to leave the circus.”

“Leave?” you echo. “And go where?”

“I don’t know. I’ve wanted to leave for a long time now; I feel that there’s more to the world than these green-and-black striped tents.”

“Then go.”

“There’s no way I can leave this circus. There’s a special clause in the contract I signed with the ringmaster:

“Undying loyalty is the price you must pay

“for Death to take a step back on your few remaining days.”

You frown at the cryptic words. “I don’t understand, Taeyong.”

He proceeds to take off his blazer, bare torso and chest decked with scars of multiple lengths. Varying in depth as well, you can see where fatality may have struck if the wound had sunk just a little deeper, been inflicted a few centimeters in one direction or the next. Multiple close calls with Death’s door right in front of your face.

“Don’t cry,” Taeyong groans, tremors underlying the toughness in his tone as he puts the garment back on. “Don’t… Don’t make me feel like shit for making you cry.”

The sniffles and tears are unstoppable. “Did they do that to you? For wanting to leave?”

“No. These were all from natural causes that happened to me after I made clear I wanted to leave.”

He gestures to the left collarbone area, just short of the neck. “I have two here from the knife thrower’s misses, even though their knives never miss.” The guiding finger moves down to the right side of his waist. “Burns from the fire breathers, bites from the wild cats that are usually so docile in front of their trainers, the list goes on.”

You don’t want to hear any more. “I… I can try to put in a good word. Maybe I can use my father’s name to—”

Taeyong shakes his head. “It’s no use. The contract is binding.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“It is what it is.” He reaches a hand forward. “Come on, I’ll show you the tents you haven’t been to yet.”

You slap his hand away. “Don’t try to shift the conversation.”

Any remaining excuses cease, the morning soiled. Without waiting for a response, you exit his tent and start to inquire about the ringmaster and each performer’s contract with the circus, determined to help him gain his freedom from the circus that kept him bound to its paper chains.

—

The impending mention of Neon Lights’ departure to America brings little to be disappointed about, especially when you hadn’t gotten anywhere in discovering how to nullify Taeyong’s contract with the circus.

No form of records existed besides old articles praising the astounding performances. The lineup hadn’t changed since the founding of the circus: acrobats, magicians, clowns, wild cat tamers, knife throwers, fire breathers, and the escape artist. Your head spun in circles during those weeks of research, frustrated at the inability to find the link that connected these broken pieces of Taeyong’s vague narrative.

“Have you packed all your things?”

Your turn at the sound of your mother’s voice, shaking your head. “Not quite.”

She steps over the opened suitcase on the floor and takes a seat on the bed.

“Are you sure you want to go with me to Hong Kong?”

“Yup. I just need to decide what remaining clothes I want to bring over.”

Not convinced, she takes your hand and squeezes, the touch simultaneously comforting and freezing you in place. You open your mouth, but fail to form words into a cohesive sentence. How were you supposed to tell her about Taeyong? How were you supposed to tell her the reason you readily accepted to leave was to avoid a man who had somehow snaked his way into your heart without you knowing it?

“If there’s someone you want to stay here for, you can.”

“Mom, I…”

“You’ve been leafing through your father’s things,” she interjects, “I see the name ‘Taeyong’ in your notes often and found that name in one of your father’s pictures with his students.”

“Do you know him?” you ask curiously.

“Not well,” she admits with a sigh, “Your father was always very excited whenever he mentioned that boy. Said he had finally found an appropriate successor to his work, but then…”

“But then?”

“Taeyong disappeared one day. No note, just gone. Your father was so shocked he wouldn’t leave his study for an entire month.”

“Oh.”

“Have you seen him lately?”

You nod. “Taeyong’s a member of the Neon Lights circus that’s currently in town.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Biting back a snappy retort, you return to packing and soon fill in the remaining space in your suitcase.

“Do you need to say goodbye?” she asks, getting up from the bed and zipping shut the suitcase. “We won’t be back for quite some time.”

“The circus is leaving for America next,” you mumble, “I haven’t spoken to him since he told me they were leaving.”

She doesn’t pry further, excusing herself and leaving to your own devices. The lingering thought of Taeyong is stifling, plaguing both your head and heart about the indecision between letting him know of your departure or not.

“Damn it, that idiot is getting in my head.”

◇

Taeyong sits before the mirror with a scowl on his face, thoughts muddled on why you haven’t shown up since he told you about tonight’s final show in the city before leaving for America. The grand finale performance already halfway in session, it will not be long before it is his turn to go on.

“Taeyong, you’re up!”

Gritting his teeth, he abandons his spot backstage and makes his way onto the main stage, basking in the spotlight and roaring applause at his entrance. One low bow and he frowns, feigning surprise at his already cuffed hands. Two fire breathers juggle torches around him, eventually escorting the escape artist as planned off to the side and into a large box. He listens for the cue to start once another lock is inserted into the hatch, preventing an escape from a mere push from the inside. The handcuff key already extracted from the secret pocket sewn into his blazer, his thoughts return to you and he begins to ponder on why you haven’t answered any of his calls or messages. Had he offended you the night he told you about his contract with the circus?

“Presenting now, the tank!”

The box suddenly lifts into the air, shifting him off balance at the abrupt movement. His fingers lose hold of the key; it is too narrow of a space to kneel to try and retrieve it.

Fuck, there better not be—

His ears pick up the sound of gushing water, confirming his fears once he is set down on a flat surface, presumably the springboard directly above the open tank. Prior rehearsals hadn’t consisted of a filled water tank, much less being encased in a box when the original execution of the trick only required locks by the feet.

“Can Taeyong escape from the locked box while cuffed and submerged in water?” the announce asks the audience.

“Yes!”

No. No, I can’t.

“Do you believe in him?”

No! This wasn’t in the original trick that I had practiced for!

“Yes!!”

The box is pushed off the platform, and Taeyong’s mind goes blank upon spotting the water that starts to seep in while his hands are still locked in cuffs.

—

[four months later, Hong Kong]

Fate catches you off guard when you least expect it, the subway ads for the Neon Lights circus a sight for sore eyes. Not even six months into the stay in Hong Kong and the circus is already snaking its way back into your life, bringing along memories of the escape artist who’d had such close ties to you even before your initial meeting. You had ultimately decided not to tell Taeyong about leaving for Hong Kong, flight of departure coincidentally on the same day as the circus’ finale show before leaving for America. Now, upon seeing the ad, you wonder if you should stop to say hello for old time’s sake.

Of course, that is assuming he is still performing with them and not…

You hand rummage through your bag, taking out the black wallet and the green slip is still inside as expected. One unlimited access pass granting free admission into the Neon Lights circus with no mention of an expiration date.

“Opening night at 6pm… Surprises galore…”

—

The line outside the circus is twists around two entire blocks, popular no matter where it goes. Clutching the access pass in hand, you take a step forward but pause in your tracks. Were you ready to see Taeyong again? Would he be mad at seeing you here when he’d taken extra care to inform you about the last show in your city?

What was he to you, even? A friend? Or perhaps something more?

“You’re not going in?”

The masked figure tilts his head in confusion, a gesture you recognize immediately upon hearing his voice.

“Isn’t that the unlimited access pass I gave you? Did it expire?”

“No… It still works, Taeyong.”

He quickly grabs your hand and pulls you aside, away from the turning heads that had heard the escape artist’s name.

“I didn’t tell anyone I’m skipping opening night,” he hisses, “Don’t be so loud next time.”

“Me, loud?” you echo, shaking his head away. “You’re the one who snuck out!”

“Why didn’t you show up during the finale show?”

As expected, he gets straight to the point.

“Family emergency,” you answer. “I had a flight to catch.”

He narrows his eyes. “Uh-huh.”

“Relative on my mom’s side. She’s getting better, but we're staying longer just to make sure.

“Did America treat you well?”

“I was recuperating during the American portion of our travels.”

Concern flickers in your eyes. “H-How did you get hurt?”

He spits bitterly at recalling the incident. “Unexpected variables during one of my escapes. Nearly drowned to death if one of the clowns hadn’t noticed things were too still up on stage.”

“But you never slip up, not even during the most pressuring circumstances.”

“I was preoccupied in my thoughts.”

“What were you thinking about?”

“…You.”

His answer is not one you’d predicted; you laugh it off and wave a hand over your face in dismissal.

“I’m serious, Y/N.”

“...Oh.”

“Are you going in?” he asks again. “I can get us to the front of the line in a matter of seconds.”

“Do you… Do you actually have some time to grab dinner?”

“Sure.”

An hour of catching up at a local diner later, you exit the establishment with a cup of hot milk tea in hand, Taeyong holding open the door for you since your hands were full. Outside, the night is still young, streets teeming with people and signs brightly alit from cafes, boutiques, and more.

“Can I escort you home?” he asks, rubbing his hands together in the chilly air. “I don’t want to go back to the circus just yet.”

You take in the thin blazer and ripped jeans adorned on his lithe body. “Care for a coffee at my place to warm up before you go?”

“I’d love that.”

Upon arriving at your apartment, you note the blue slippers by the shoe cabinet, your mother still out as scheduled with her friends.

“Take a seat. Coffee will be ready in a bit.”

He follows you to the kitchen instead and snorts at seeing the stick of instant coffee powder in the black mug.

“What,” you grumble, “We don’t have an espresso machine or anything fancy like that here.”

“Instant coffee is fast,” he smiles, holding back a snicker. “I look forward to it.”

It doesn’t even take two minutes to prepare the coffee, but Taeyong takes his time with the drink, so slow that you wonder if he’s stalling to not leave so early.

“Is the coffee not to your liking?” you speak up. “You barely touched it.”

“Oh, it’s great.” He takes a larger sip, giving you thumbs up. “I just wanted to savor it.”

“There’s two more packs in the pantry if you want it.”

“Yes, please.”

You hear the door open by the time you hand off the second cup of coffee, your mother surprised at seeing Taeyong by the sofa.

“You are…?”

He bows low, careful to not drop the mug. “Hello, Ma’am.”

“Mom, this is Taeyong,” you begin, hurrying over to help her with her bags. “Taeyong, this is my mother.”

He nods again when she greets him and you pick to sit next to him, leaving a space for your mother on the other side.

“Have you had dinner?” she asks, addressing both of you.

“Yes,” he speaks up, beating you to it. “Y/N was kind enough to offer coffee since it’s so cold outside.”

“I wonder why,” you mutter under your breath, eyeing the large rips on his black jeans.

You tune out the small talk between your mother and Taeyong, not once taking your eyes off the latter. He seemingly notices, subtly shifting closer until the gap is closed and your shoulders are touching ever so slightly.

“Have you shown him your father’s things, dear? He’d probably like to see them.”

You stand up, shaking your head. “Want to see?”

Taeyong nods, following closely as you show him the way to your father’s study. Once inside, you step back and he approaches the desk first, leafing through the ample notebooks and eyes shifting to and fro at all the new information. None of it had made sense to you, but maybe it was more appropriate to have the right person see it, notably one who also followed the school of magic tricks and the escape arts.

“This is what I was practicing,” he gushes excitedly, beckoning you over. “I didn’t practice with water, but if I start to practice holding my breath...”

You peek over his shoulder, lips turned to a frown. “That looks dangerous.”

“Not if you have the proper equipment.” He continues to scroll past each page, eyes glowing like a child who’s been told Christmas had come early this year. The excitement palpable to grasp, you find your lips widening to a grin each time he makes a noise of delight on a new page, just as happy as he is about your father’s old notes.

The bubble of joy pops, however, with the sound of rain pitter-pattering against the windows, quickly growing into steady sheets of rainwater that pound hard on the glass.

“Have him stay for the night,” your mother’s voice echoes down the hall. “It’s late and raining too hard.”

“You heard her,” you begin, turning to Taeyong with your hands thrown up in defeat. “You’re staying the night.”

A mischievous smirk dances across his lips, briefly before he turns his back on you. “I’m good in here.”

“Are you sure? It’s more comfortable for you to sleep on the couch outside.”

“Who says I’ll be sleeping tonight?”

—

Thunder roars into the night, startling you awake. The clock on the nightstand reads 3am, hardly an hour for a sane person to be alert. You let out a yawn and shuffle out of bed, heading to the kitchen for a drink of water before turning in again.

On your way, you pass your father’s study and notice the slight crack in the door. Pushing it open, you feel your eyes widening at the sight of the empty desk. All your father’s notes and papers recording his life’s work in the escape arts gone, what hits the nail on the head is the absence of the man who had been so excited to see his teacher’s remaining research, gone without a trace.

“Taeyong?”

No words. The only sounds you hear are the rain and the clink of metal against the floorboards, the fallen handcuffs sending chills down your tired back.

—

You wonder why Taeyong is always on your mind, the man nothing more than one of your father’s former students.

Since his uncanny disappearance that one rainy night, you’d been unconsciously keeping an extra eye out whenever you pass by the circus. Fans of the escape artist were just as worried, not hearing any news of him for almost two full weeks now. Circus staff also had surprisingly nothing to say on the matter, sparking outrage at the supposed negligence for the performer’s health and wellbeing. All this hubbub over a man who had simply gone off the grid entirely… a small part of you had considered the possibility that he had planned this all along to hype up whatever trick he had tucked up his sleeves.

“Any news on Taeyong?”

The staff running the ticket booth shakes her head. “We’re trying our best to get more information from the administrators as well.”

Nodding in thanks, you cast an eye to the crowd waiting anxiously on the side and shake your head. Collective sighs echo across the group, but are soon replaced by curious murmurs at the string of ringtones and vibrations simultaneously emitted from everyone’s mobile devices. Your own included, you open the notification and find yourself automatically redirected to what looked to be a stage. The curtains part, revealing a dark-haired Taeyong in his signature fitted black blazer and ripped jeans.

“It’s Taeyong!”

“He’s alive, that’s really him!”

“Welcome!” the escape artist says warmly to the camera, “Thank you for tuning in to my broadcast!”

Why is this idiot livestreaming when he has an entire stage at the circus?

“Today I have a very special trick prepared,” he continues, “So special that I decided to broadcast my performance for everyone in the world to see!”

You immediately rush towards the ticket booth, the other twenty people thinking the same as bodies clamor to reach the entryway and get in to view the escape in person.

◇

The raven perched atop the wooden barrel lets out a shrill caw at seeing its master lock himself in a pair of handcuffs. Spooked by the abrupt noise, the young clown acting as Taeyong’s assistant shuffles backwards, nearly knocking over the stack of books on the table.

“Why are you so scared, little clown? Henry is a very nice bird.”

“A-Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks, checking that the camera isn’t recording before continuing. “I-I don’t want to get in trouble if… if…”

Taeyong lets out a laugh, the raven flapping its wings in unison. “You don’t believe I’ll succeed?”

“It’s not that,” the clown replies hastily, “It’s just—”

“I did not spend all this time preparing away from prying eyes for nothing.” He smiles; it is a dangerous gesture that strikes fear in the youth. “This is my ticket to freedom from the shackles that is this stupid circus, you see.”

“Y-Yes.”

“Plus, you know what to do if you think something’s gone wrong.”

He casts a glance at the sealed envelope at the center of the notes he took from your father’s study, a trace of longing flickering in his dark eyes. “Make sure you deliver that envelope to who it’s addressed for should anything happen to me.”

◇

Taeyong’s tent is empty once you enter the circus, leaving you stumped on his location when you see the water tank entering the frame. The setup for his trick resembled the diagram in your father’s notes: the stick figure hanging upside down into a tank of water, feet locked while in suspension. Not even your father could perform such a trick to an audience, the skill necessary to pull it off beyond his aptitude at his prime.

You’d always known Taeyong loved to push his performances to the limit, but this time it felt like a direct knock on Death’s door rather than a test of his skill in the art of escape.

Not finding him anywhere in the circus, you take a seat on the bench by the acrobats’ tent and reopen the online broadcast, your only link to Taeyong’s whereabouts. The camera pans out on the water tank placed center stage, filled to the brim and Taeyong already handing upside down above it.

You idiot…

“My assistants will begin to count down the seconds before I start,” he announces, grinning while inverted. “10!”

The two clowns below count down the remaining ten seconds, letting go after lowering him into the filled tank. Air bubbles already start to float to the surface, the footage rendering you immobile while gripping the phone with all your strength.

He’ll succeed. He… He has to succeed.

Handcuffs unlocked at last, he shows his freed hands to the front and the curtains draw together, obscuring the view of the tank. Everything is still and seemingly on the projected track for success—at least it is until your ears pick up the faint sound of a strangled cry behind the curtains.

The two clowns pick up on the mishap, rushing to check in on Taeyong. You scoot forward on the bench, heart in your hands while waiting for something—anything—to happen behind the screen. Comments start pouring in, everyone tuned in demanding to see what had happened and if the escape had been successful.

Finally, the curtains pull back, and you nearly faint from shock at seeing the broken tank. Puddles of water and broken shards of glass litter the stage, the clowns slumped unconscious off the side. They come to in the next thirty seconds, shaking their heads and equally as shocked once they spot the remains of the water tank. None of them knew what had happened, the single black feather in the middle of the stage sending a more ominous warning to the audience than cheers for unprecedented success.

“Taeyong, he… he’s gone.”

��

“Are you Y/N?”

You look up, greeted by the darkened sky and curious gaze of a clown half in makeup, a black raven perched on his left shoulder.

“Y..Yes, that's me.”

“Taeyong said to give this to you if anything happens to him.”

He hands over a sealed envelope, bulky in size. The raven takes off from its perch, briefly circling overhead before flying away into the night. Unsure on the purpose behind the delivery, you thank the clown and he bids a quick goodbye, leaving you on your own within the circus.

Taking a deep breath, you tear through the seal and a pair of handcuffs fall out of the envelope, followed by two slips of paper. The first piece is another unlimited access pass to the circus, while the second is ink-stained with scribbles scrawled messily along the lines. You set the handcuffs aside and pick up the second piece of paper, unable to stop the tears flowing down your face upon reading the handwritten letter from the escape artist himself.

◇

If you’re reading this letter, it means I either succeeded in my water chamber escape or died trying. I’m not going to tell you which because a magician never reveals his secrets.

Please forgive me for disappearing without letting you know what I’ve been doing. I wanted to do something no escape artist has ever done before, and I knew this was the greatest challenge yet when I saw the blueprint in your father’s notes. You’ll understand, right? Even if you don’t, even if you hate me for pushing myself to the limit for an escape trick, I’m content that I could perform and leave behind my name as one of the greatest escape artists in the renowned Neon Lights circus.

Are you angry at me for leaving things so messy like this? Don’t be. It’s not pretty when your eyes darken and lips purse into that familiar scowl of yours. I want you to remember me as someone who was very happy to have met you, even during all the times I annoyed you and used your father’s name to get you to come back to the circus to see me.

Now that I’m free, I’ll even tell you something else you’ll likely hate me for—I think I started to like you when I saw you worry about me after the fire extinguisher incident. I should’ve been mad at you for dropping the lighter early, but I couldn’t find it in me to do that. My apologies for not telling you sooner.

Yours, Taeyong.

◇

“Idiot,” you hiss, biting your lips hard enough to draw blood, “You’re an absolute idiot.”

#neowritingsnet #nct scenarios #taeyong scenarios #nct imagines #taeyong imagines #nct fanfic #taeyong fanfic #circus!au

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deanandthephantoms · 3 years

Text

I'm going bananas for you. (a Charlie Gillespie story.)

A/N: So. I was talking with @julie-thefatones and we stumbled upon the topic of Charlie and how he loves bananas.. - listen it was 3am we we're having fun you can't blame us.- ANYWAY. i turned that conversation into this little story. Enjoy reading it haha!

Wordcount : 1328 --

Today was gonna be a good day. The cast of Julie and the Phantoms had, after 2 years of waiting, finally been able to go on a world tour. A little over two years ago Charlie met Y/N and not long after their first meeting they started dating which quickly turned into them being an official couple. Due to Covid and quarantine they practically ended up living together and both had loved every minute of it. When things stared to get better and the world slowly became normal again the official JATP-World tour was announced and as excited as Charlie was he was not excited about the fact that he would have to miss Y/N for literal months. He couldn’t be away from her for that long! So he had, one day, gotten down on his knees – causing a bit of panic and confusion, making people think he was about to propose- only to beg Y/N to come with him on tour. A proposal Y/N happily said yes to under the condition she could bring her best friend Hannah, so she wouldn’t be lonely during rehearsals and stuff. She also would have said yes to a marriage proposal by the way, but that was apparently something for another day. At this point the cast had played different states and cities and every city had organized his own Fan-action. From all waving a flashlight during unsaid Emily. to throwing colorful balloons around during Edge of great. It had been awesome. And it had inspired Y/N and Hannah to organize a little something as well.. and that brings us to Today..

I was woken up by soft kisses that were being placed all over my face. Before actually opening my eyes I enjoyed the feeling of Charlie’s arms around me, there really was no place where I felt more at home than in his arms. The soft kisses making my heart flutter. I snuggled closer to his bare warm chest, giving away that I had in fact woken up. “Morning sleepyhead” He said in the morning voice I loved all too much. “Morning” I smiled before I kissed him. “Are you ready to play your biggest show yet?” I asked him. They were playing in New York tonight, the biggest venue they had played to date. “YEAH I AM! There’s gonna be so many cool people to rock out with I can’t wait!’ Charlie was always excited to get on stage but I could tell the show tonight got him a bit over excited. “you know what babe, me too. Can’t wait to see you kill it on stage again.’ ‘ Yeaah you like seeing me pretending to be a rockstar ey?’ there was a teasing tone in his voice. “What do you mean pretend? You are a rockstar Charlie.” I reply dead serious before adding “Cause you’re a star and you rock my world.” “ooof. Not your best pick up line babe..” “Oh i know.” and then we just both laugh. There was never a grumpy start of the day with this man.

Later that day we arrived to the venue for Soundchecks and a short rehearsal for the night. That’s when I meet up with Hannah. “Did you bring the costumes for tonight?” I ask her. “She laughs at me “yeah was kind of hard to sneak them in without anyone noticing but they’re in the building” “Goooood! I’m curious to see if the fans will work with us on this one.. and even more curious to see Charlies face if they do.” Just the image of it in my head cracks me up. That’s when I hear Owens voice behind me “What’s so funny?” “nooothing.” Me and Hannah reply in our most innocent ways. “You’re up to something aren’t you?” I share a look with Hannah trying to decide whether we should tell Owen or not. That’s when Hannah makes the decision for us. “We may have kind of planned a prank on Charlie?” Prank on Charlie is all Owen needed to be fully on our side. “ooooh what are we doing?” he asks. “Well you know how he’s kind of know for eating bananas right?” “yeah. The dude is eating them all the time. But..” Hannah cuts Owen off: “Right. So as a Joke we asked all the fans to come in dressed in normal clothes, but to put on their banana costumes when now or never is about to happen . And then once he gets off stage we’ll be wearing a banana costume as well just to make it clear where the joke is coming from.” Owen bursts out in laughter “ok. That’s gold I hope it works’ he says after composing himself. “ Don’t mention a thing to Charlie okay? Just act normal or he’ll know we’re up to something” I say to Owen before he gets back on stage. He just gives me a nod as assurance.

Hannah and me are alone again and decide to log on to our fake fan account to hype up our idea one last time. We had over the last few days gotten a lot of reactions of fans who told us they were gonna do it. Now we’ll just have to wait and see what happens tonight.

After all having dinner together with the whole cast and crew the show was about to begin. The venue was starting to fill gradually and one glance into the crowd had told me and Hannah that at least everyone had gotten the message about wearing normal clothes to begin with. Seconds before the cast is about to go on stage I find Charlie, wrapping my arms around his waist I pull him close to me. “Go rock their world, rockstar” we share a deep kiss. Before I let him go up on the stage. I don’t think I will ever get used to the sound of all those screams when the cast first appears on stage. It really is deafening. They start of with a song they al wrote together and after that a few more songs by other cast members follow. The fans know that after Savannah’s ‘all eyes on me’ performance it’s time for Now or never. This is it. This is the moment me and Hannah have been waiting for all day. Sav gets off the stage and the first notes of Now or Never start to play. In no time the entire crowd starts turning yellow. “ WE DID IT Y/N! THEY’RE WEARING THEIR COSTUMES !” Hannah yells at me. “ I KNOWWW!” I just say waiting for Charlie to come on stage and see his reaction. And there he is. I see Owen laugh at the scene. Charlie seems genuinely confused at the sight of an entire crowd of bananas. He shrugs it off like a total pro and gets into the song skipping and hopping around like he always does. But that moment of confusion was enough to have me and my best friend dying of laughter. At the end of song Charlie takes the mic and goes “YOU’RE ALL LOOKING WONDERFUL TONIGHT!” making the crowd go wild with cheers. Before coming of the stage only to be greeted by me in my banana costume. He stops and looks at me with a confused face. “Youu… you did this?”

I step towards him and pull him closer to me. “Welll.. What can I say? I’m going Bananas for you and I just had to show that to you.” He laughs at me “You’re so weird. I love you.” and then pulls me in for a kiss. That’s when Owen walks by ‘You also just eat a crazy amount of bananas dude. It’s a problem.’ That made me laugh. It ruined our sweet little moment but that was fine. Charlie gives Owen a offended look. “He’s not wrong you know.. You do love you bananas” I laugh before pulling him in for another kiss.

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mywonuderful · 4 years

Text

Not So Cold-Hearted Pt.21

Summary: Y/N, a member of a popular newly debut girl group and Wonwoo has what some may call a relationship with emotional ambivalent. Will their relationship remain cold-blooded or will they finally come to an agreement and become something more?

Pairing: Jeon Wonwoo x Reader

A/N: As always, if anyone is interested in being added into the taglist for this series, please feel free to send in a ask or message me!

masterlist

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

You quickly scurried back stage and changed into your stage outfit before you heard a knock on the door. You wore a ruffled cropped off-the shoulder top along with a skort and your hair was in loose curls with some braids to fit the vibe of the music. “Come in!” The door peeked opened as Moonbin pops his head in, smiling excitedly. “Your outfit looks so cute! I can’t wait to show everyone all our hard work.” He took a sit on one of the dressing chairs beside you as you looked at yourself, nervously smiling your reply. “You okay?” “Yeah I’m fine. Just a little nervous. It’s my first performance without members and all.” You looked and started playing with your fingers. “Everything will be perfectly! You can show your members and everyone just how amazing you are! I’m sure they’ll all eagerly waiting as well.” He tries cheering you up as your looked over to him, humming a soft ‘right.’

“Moonbin, you need to double check your mic once more, could you come out for a second?” One of the staff called him out as he left to room. You remained seated, facing the mirror as you looked at yourself, feeling your heart raise in speed when you heard the crowd scream as one of the performances finishing as yours comes near, You tried calming yourself by taking deep breaths and closing your eyes. You suddenly heard a buzzing of your phone against the table. As your phone lits up, you saw that you had a incoming message.

‘Don’t be nervous. You’ll do great.’ Your eyes widen as you read the message from Wonwoo. Just as you were about to reply he sent in one more message. ‘Good luck.’ The corners of your mouth lifted up into a smile as you let out a soft sigh. “Y/N! It’s almost time. Let’s go!” Moonbin pulled you by the arm as you shut your phone before getting up.

---

You were currently backstage in one of the side stages that was away from the main stage as one of the groups were performing on. Staffs had their hands all over you, trying to finish up any touches and fixes as you focused your breath, trying to slow down your quick heart beat. As you glanced over your shoulder, you could tell he was quite nervous as well as he eyes kept on quivering. You found it quite cute about how he was all calm about it before and now but yet, who wouldn’t be nervous on such a big stage. You reached over to his hand and grabbed on to it as his head turned to your, in shock on your movements.

“Don’t worry, we’ll do great like you said.” you smiled and gave his hand a quick squeeze as he returned with a blushing grin. Applause and screams filled the backstage as the you saw the group leaving the stage through one of the monitors. You eyes looked through the gap of the cloth curtain which divided the backstage and steps to the side stage, seeing the faces of fans with huge smiles, and glows in their eyes as the next performance begins. “Y/N and Moonbin, you can now head on out to the stairwell. Don’t go up yet until they finish performing and the MCs come out.” You pulled out one of your ear-set to hear the staff trying to speak out the crowd. The both of you remained in silence, staring at the monitor as the group ends the performance and walked out. Moonbin give you a firm nod before he headed on out first. You placed your hand over your chest and closed your eyes for a second to claim yourself.

‘You got this.’ you thought to yourself as slowly stepped out of the curtains with some staff following behind. You stood closely behind Moonbin as the room lights up and the MCs began talking.

“OH MY GOSH IT’S MOONBIN AND Y/N.” you heard some fans screamed. You slowly lifted your head, meeting the eyes of the fans who started screaming and waving frantically. Moonbin seemed to have noticed as well as he chuckled and gave them a small wave as you followed as well. Your eyes wondered trying to find your table with your members when your eyes found Wonwoo, whos table was facing the stage you’re performing on. Your eyes then wandered to your members as you saw some of them bickering over snacks they snuck in.

“Okay, you guys can head on up now. Good luck!” Moonbin turned around and gave you a fist bump before stepping on up. Your mind went blank, not knowing if it was from the nervousness or just from all the sound but there was no going back now. As you stepped on to the stage, you saw the staff hurry back as you got into position.

“Since this year’s theme is cover songs, that’ll only mean one thing....” “Special stages!” The two MCs sang together. Your area was dark but you were still able to see Moonbin has he looked over at you before sticking his hand out for a high-five. You smiled and returned it where he then mouth ‘let’s kill this stage.’ “So, for the next performance, it’ll be a special collaboration!” “No way? With whom?” “*Insert ASTRO song* Astro’s Moonbin and....” “Newly hot debut group, Eunoia’s Y/N!” The crowd goes wild as your eyes glanced forward to see your members whipping out the phones, getting ready to record your performance and the surprised expression of Seventeen as well as many other idols. Minghao softly smiled at your name whereas Wonwoo looked down making your heart drop before some of his members nudged and teased him as you saw him let out a small smile. “Please welcome, Moonbin and Y/N!” Everyone clapped and screamed as the lights dimmed and the whole arena falls into darkness and silent. You got into your expression and position, trying to take steady breaths but the lights on your stage illuminated and the music starting playing. As you and Moonbin performed, your nervousness slowly faded and you started getting loose in yourself, feeling comfortable as if you were practicing with Moonbin. Your eyes would peek over at your members, seeing how hard their screaming and cheering along with the boys who all chanted. Minghao was looking at you with glowly eyes, watching your passionately as you gazed over at Wonwoo who couldn’t help but to smile as well. You felt yourself being lost in the performance as the fans shouted and pumped their lightsticks. Even through such difficult choreography, you were able to get through it with Moonbin as if the two of you were having fun, smiling at each other while singing and ended the performance in a strong stance. As your chest heaved up and down, your eyes were filled with fans jumping up and down, idols standing up to applaud and your ears were filled with cheers, and screams. You couldn’t help but to get lost in the moment as you looked up at Moonbin and shot him a smile before he chuckled and give you a pat on the head, driving the crowd even more crazier before the lights died down and the both of you exited the stage with heavy breaths.

“That was absolutely amazing!” Moonbin acclaimed as soon as you entered back stage. “Wow...” You were still speechless of how everything went. “Everything was like a blur.” “I’m so glad I choose you as my partner.” He complimented as you blushed before the staff ran over to wipe off the sweat. After taking a group photo, you headed back into the change room to get your phone. Turning it on, you read the new incoming message you got.

‘Who would’ve known that your smile and voice could melt my heart. You did amazing Y/N.’ you read the text message from Minghao as a huge smile grew on your face. Your refreshed your text messages a few times, hoping for something from Wonwoo.

“Y/N? You can head back on now. Everyone has been moved to the awards sitting area so you can head on there after you change back.” One of the staff popped in to inform you before you sighed, putting down your phone and got changed back into your dress. As the MCs introduced the awards, you walked up the side stairs to the seating area. You shyly bowed as you passed the idols to pay your respect as they bowed their heads. You quickly rushed over to your members before taking a seat beside them. “THAT WAS AMAZING!” “I already replayed the video like 8 times.” “You and Moonbin must’ve worked your heads off choreographing and practicing.” “That’s our Y/N!” “I bet you everyone will be fans of you in no time!” all your members spoke as you shook your head in embarrassment. “I was so nervous up there. It’s so different without you guys.” You confesses as they all spatted out more compliments. “Your members were right, that performance was definitely a sight. Everyone was hooked on it.” A male voice said as you turned around and saw Hoshi waving as the rest gave you thumbs up. Wonwoo give you a small nod as you smiled and thanked them before returning your attention to the MCs.

“Now, onto the competitive awards for the best female group!” The MC announced as you and your members started getting nervous. You were noticed that your group was nominated for multiple categories but that was the most given to your group. “This group has been known for their hardworking, passionate and synergy. With all their personalities and high-spirits, they are well off one of the most hyped female groups.” “Don’t be fooled. Even though they are considered one of the new groups, they have sure ranked up to the top, taking top charts worldwide.” your members’ eyes widen as they heard ‘new groups.’ You heart started racing again, with the chance of your group being nominated. “This years best female artist goes to.....” your members started holding hands together, tightly gripping it as they waited for the winner to be called. “...Congratulations to Eunoia for being this year’s Best Female Group!” The MCs joyed as your eyes shot open, meeting the surprised and shocked expression of your members as well. Your members all stood up, shakily as they were still shocked as you were as well. You walked past the idols who applaud and the crowd screams in a pitches as you and your member headed up to the main stage. “Congratulations! But before I hand this over to you I have something else to add.” The MC holds back the metal as you and your group stood in confusion as well as everyone. “I would also like to announce Eunoia as the winners of this years Best Dance Performance and World Performer!” A hand few to your mouth as the staff brought out 2 more awards and the audience goes wild one again. Your members looked at each other with eyes that were about to pop out of their sockets. Remi handed you one of the awards to hold as you stepped forward to speak. “Thank you for your speech. Would you like to say anything for your international fans?” One of the MCs asked as all your members turned their heads to you. You were taken back since you had nothing prepared, thinking that you wouldn’t need to speak nor win any awards. Slowly stepping up to the mic, your mind goes blank.

“Um... I’d like to speak on behalf of Eunoia that we are so thankful for being able to stand on this stage and winning three awards. We wouldn’venever thought to come this far without the help of every one of you. Thank you all from supporting us and staying by our side. We will promise to continue working hard and harder in the future! Let’s all make some memorable memories together.” You spoke in English as fans started screaming at your words. You bowed and backed up as the MCs thanked you before you headed down back to your seat. The rest of the awards flew by, as the final awards were being announced before the performances resumes.

“This year’s artist awards goes to... SEVENTEEN!” You stood up and cheered without a second thought before your members all chuckled and followed along. You turned around as they all looked quite startled before walking up. “We you like to thank.....” Seungcheol started giving his speech as you admired them from afar, smiling widely with your hands clasped together as you looks at each of their faces. Your eyes shifted to Wonwoo who was nodding as his scanned the audience before landing on yours, meeting your sight. Your smile grew as you gave him a small thumbs up as he lets out a small chuckle, making Dino glancing back at him before he covers his mouth. “Thank you everyone for voting and all the nominates. Once again, congratulations to all the winners for tonight’s ceremony. Now, shall we get back to the performances?” The MCs introduced the upcoming performances as you heard shuffling in the back, making you turn around to see the boys getting up and heading off to the side. “Good luck!” You whispered loudly as Minghao turned and to give you a grin, making your feel a tingle in your heart. You tried asking Minghao multiple times what song they were covering but every time you tried to bring up the question, he would either walk away or say something off topic which you found yourself falling for. Your mind started to wandering what songs you would see them covering, when suddenly you saw hands waving in the corner of your eyes. Shifting your head to the direction, you saw a small group of fans holding massive cameras, trying to get your attention as you let out a chuckle, and smiled with a small wave as they shrieked in excitement. Idols were performing one after another, from different platforms of stages with beams of lights, bursts of fire and confetti. Your head started aching, probably from all the loud pounding of music and movement of light, making you more dizzy as you rested your head on your hand. “Y/N? Are you alright? Do you feel sick?” Nari, who was sitting beside you notices and asked with her voice full of worry. “I’m probably not used to all the loud music and lights.” You confessed as your rested her hand on your back, trying to sooth you. Luckily, the pain didn’t seem to increase and that it was only a little bothersome. As the next group got on, you saw multiple shadows scurrying onto the main stage. “Isn’t that Seventeen?” you leaned over to mumble to your members as they narrowed their eyes, trying to see the figures through the dark. “Hmm.. I can’t tell, there’s too many of them.” Mira replied “Too many of them is Seventeen.” Na On rolled her eyes with a smile. The music as your members turned to look at each other with your jaws dropped. “This is our song?!” Skype screamed as all your members started cheering. The lights filled the stage as the boys started dancing and singing to one of your hits since debut. As your part came up, Wonwoo pops up and sang while cheerfully smiling making you fall for his smile. You shook your head, trying to get rid of the weird thoughts as your eyes sparkled while watching the rest of their performance. You and your members were holding handing, singing along as everyone was immersed in their cover of your song. They ended their performance with the screeching and the hectic pumping of carat bongs as they bowed and left the stage to head on back to their seats. As they walked on back, you hovered over the edge of the platform, asking the staff to bring some water. You and and your members quickly brought up the bottles of waters and opened it for them as the walked past to take a seat. “That performance was amazing!” You twisted open the bottle as you handed it to Minghao with a grin. They were clearly all still out of breath but Minghao still lets out his ever-so soft smile at you. You turned our head behind to see Wonwoo resting his elbow on his knees, his palms pressed up against his forehead as he caught his breath. You popped open the cap of the bottle, and nervously brought it towards him. “H-Here. Great job on the performance by the way, it was exceptional.” His head raised to glance at the bottle before chugging the whole thing. “Thanks.” His voice was still breathless. You nodded before turning back to the stage to watching the next couple of performances

“Eunoia, please follow me to get ready for your performance.” A staff comes up to with a clipboard and a in-ear mic. Your members nodded and all started standing up to leave to backstage to change into their stage outfits. “Good luck Y/N~ I can’t wait to see your performance!” Mingyu fisted the air as you chuckled as you left. As you walked backstage there was something important that lingered in your mind but you just couldn’t get a hold of it.

‘Was it during rehearsal again...?’ you thought to yourself as you entered your group’s dressing room as all the staff was running back and forth with outfits and makeup in the hands.

The problem on the side of the stage.

<<prev // next>>

#jeon wonwoo #wonwoo #wonwoo seventeen #wonwoo x reader #wonwoo scenarios #wonwoo imagines #wonwoo fluff #seventeen scenarios #seventeen imagines #seventeen fluff #kpop #kpop fanfiction #kpop scenarios #nsch

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hysteriium · 4 years

Text

Doctor’s Orders

(Gif isn’t mine)

(A/n): I had a request for some Dark Knight nurse Joker action so,,,,, here! Hope it satisfies! :) @pennyship is my HYPE she is the light of my LIFE she helped me make sure this was coherent and lmk if I was being too much of a self-deprecating asshole HIFSHDFUIS. Enjoy!

(Summary): A deal’s a deal.

(Pairing): DK!Joker x Reader

(Word Count): 7,200k+

(Warnings): Smut (18+), swearing, dub-con, implied stalking.

———

The sea of people your shoulders were ramming up against seemed to be a never-ending stream of mayhem; a faucet that desperately needed to be turned. Truthfully, you were surprised you hadn’t been dunked, swept under the furious stampede of shoes and trampled on.

Ever since the threat was made by Joker, the hospital had been thrown into panic mode. Staff, law enforcement, and the clamour of patients added to the suffocatingly anxious air. It was proving to be a very tolling day, the cherry on top – a sour, bitter one might you add – was that somewhere in between you'd lost your necklace. You remembered twirling the small pendant between your thumb and forefinger while everyone, you included, crowded around the small TV in the waiting room.

Just minutes after receiving the news, after hearing that soul-chilling voice announce its equally as cold plans, the jewellery vanished. During the rush, there was the possibility someone had snatched it off you. Too distracted by the waves of patients you had to tend to, you guessed you failed to notice its absence until too late. Alternatively, your meddling could have loosened the delicate piece, rendering its tumble inevitable. So much so, that when you were practically slamming into people, like a typical game of bumper cars, it may have fallen.

Regardless, it was gone, irrespective of its sentimental value. For now, you had more pressing matters to worry about.

Lives.

Coworkers tried their hardest to lead subjects to safety, whether by their beds or by feeble arms. It looked like an accident in itself waiting to happen, a ticking time bomb which no one would have the luxury to clean up after. A dramatic number of personnel had dropped off the face of the earth within minutes of the news broadcast and so you all tried to make do. There was no doubt the hefty chunk had left to escape the danger, fearful for their own lives.

Irony at its finest.

As you attempted to escape the barrage and locate your next patient, a sharp turn took you into one of the rooms. The cubic area wasn’t large and its walls were coated with a particularly unappealing shade of mint green – a style which after all these years seemed as hideous as the first time your poor eyes made contact with it. The empty bed settled within the middle told you the patient had already been assisted, and you were about to leave when a flash of white and copper caught your vision. Upon second glance, you realised it was another nurse. With her back turned, you could see the glistening of her short framed hair. She looked to be occupied, her posture odd and hunched over, hiding whatever she was doing. You could also hear... mumbling?

Curious.

Clearly not hearing you enter, you promptly cleared your throat, trying not to startle her. Then, you approached.

“Everyone’s crazy out there…” you started with a bitter laugh.

The further you travelled, the more obvious the grumbles became. The clacking of something metallic emerged with your increasing proximity, a clamour from a fidgeting of some sort. After a quick flicker, you noticed that her shoulders were quite broad, along with her seemingly defined biceps. While it was more of an observation, the pit in your stomach told you something about her was off.

No response. Not even an acknowledgement.

Your amusement subsided when it was met with the ever-so-reassuring retort of silence, your smile falling as well when your next words received the very same.

“Especially since everyone’s ditched.”

You were about to ask if she was alright, considering your existence had apparently been downgraded to ‘invisible,’ when suddenly, you froze.

A pool of crimson had seized your attention.

The woman who was yet to speak, let alone turn, went rigid when she heard you gasp. Your hand had automatically flown to your mouth then, the distinctive whack of skin slapping echoed throughout the room. Though, such a change was lost on you as your instincts immediately kicked in. The source of the sinister liquid was hidden behind the bed, but you didn’t need to see any more of the scene to already make a conclusion. A little shuffle to the right had informed you that the man had been an officer, his uniform soaking up the seemingly fresh bullet wound wedged just above his heart.

Immediately, your gaze returned to your questionable coworker, the adrenaline rushing through you tingling your fingertips. In one swift movement, you had forced yourself up against the wall opposite her, your shaky figure slowly sidestepping towards the exit, ready to pounce for the door. The disturbing reality of the situation washed over you when the new angle enabled you to view what her frame was protecting – what she had been playing with all along.

A gun.

“M-ma’am?” The whimper that left you was a pathetic sound, one that coincided with the wavering of your lips. To top things off, like the legendary klutz you were, you stumbled over one of the metallic bins, a small rectangular thing that only served to signal your intent to escape.

That had been the last straw.

“Ah-ah-ah!” She sung, abruptly whirling around.

Or, more accurately, he.

Dressed there in all his glory stood the very man who’d threatened to blow up the entire building. Threatened to kill hundreds of innocents in the process. To say you saw your life flash before your eyes when he reared his gun towards you was an understatement; all colour draining from your face as if it had merely been coated on like his own face paint. The glaring abyss, angry and entrancing, was reminiscent of the gaping hole in your heart, decaying from the ever-so-acidic weight of terror. And, even though half of his face was concealed by a white surgical mask – an absurd combination with the makeup – he still succeeded to emit a viciously deadly aura.

He had snuck in and hidden right under everyone's noses.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

With a cringe, he yanked off the mask. The 'snap!' of its elastic strings bouncing back emanated as he flung it behind him uncaringly. Peeling off the copper wig and discarding it similarly, he snickered at your expression, “well, helloo, beautiful.”

Involuntarily, you felt ice glide down your spine, branching throughout your body and leaving its distinctive mark in the form of risen skin. The sound of his voice was enough to strike fright in anyone. He'd proven as such from his inception. The very thought of what he'd do to you was even more disturbing.

“D-don't.”

“Awww, scared of this lil ol' thing?” Sadistic giggles spilled from his lips as he jiggled the weapon.

“She won't bi-te,” the last portion had his tongue flicking off the roof of his mouth.

Your eyes had been darting from him to the firearm nestled loosely in his grasp, his hand worryingly relaxed for such a weapon of butchery. Contemplating whether or not you had an opportunity to run for it, a sudden cry rippled the silence.

A sharp inhale followed by another moan to your left had you twisting your neck, deviating from the oh-so-dangerous man in front of you. Similarly, the gun locked in his clutch was flung towards the origin. The slant of his weapon – downturned towards the floor – spoke volumes; told you all you needed to know.

The man was still alive.

“You know what the, uh, funny thing is about people?” Joker started, his voice dangerous and spoken with an edge, a serrated knife slicing into the well-bolstered tautness of the air.

“They're like,” he paused, looking up at the ceiling as if to remember. The whole charade, his wiggling fingers and his drawn-out words were all to drag out the gut-churning anticipation, “insects.”

You knew he was talking to you, even if his focus was elsewhere and occupied by the man who he’d previously shot. It didn't take much observation to pinpoint the man's strange idiosyncrasies. The way his tongue darted out, speedily scaling the risen tissue on the corners of his lips, the unpredictable fluctuations in his tone, the controlled gestures of his hands. All screamed erratic.

Suddenly scrunching his nose, he dragged back the hammer with his thumb, the small clacks from the small extension exacerbating the wild drumming of your heart.

“Theeey. Just. Don't. Die–”

“WAIT!” You shouted, shooting out your trembling palms.

It had been an improvised move, one that could have gotten you killed, but the innate tendency to prevent bloodshed (well, more), seemed to override logic. You had trained all your life for this job – to be a nurse and help people. Like hell you were about to just stand by and let him kill another innocent on your watch. Either you'd succeed or die trying.

Leaning over the bed to view the state the man was in, you recognised positive signs. Like always, things could be better, but he was still fighting. Meaning, there was still a chance you could bring him back from the brink of death and get him to safety. You just needed to convince the other male waving the firearm around somehow. Surprise him.

“Ju-just–” you swallowed the lump in your throat and shut your glassy eyes for a brief moment to release a steady breath, “take me instead.”

“A-and then–” you riskily took a step forward, your palms still raised defensively, “the-then you can do anything you want. Please. Just let me help him.”

The man who had his head angled, essentially letting it hang, perked up his eyebrows at your proposal, the prominent creases of his forehead no longer fully concealed by his smudged greasepaint. Slowly, like a big cat toying with its prey, he prowled forward. His steady approach had you shrinking back into the wall behind you, your arms firmly planting themselves against its chilly surface while the trickle of laughter revealed his wicked pleasure. The taunting voices in your head told you that you’d worsened the situation and further cornered yourself into his vile trap – playing right into his hands.

With no concept of personal space, he then hovered over you, face only centimetres away from your own. You could tell this was just one of the ways he intimidated people – gained control. By some miracle, you endured eye contact.

“Hmm, are ya willing to shake on that, sweethear-t?” He drawled, the sudden weight shoved against your stomach involuntarily coercing you to look down; down at the handgun practically connected to you, the point of its muzzle hiding in the fabric of your uniform. When you naively tried to create more distance, the attempt ended up as a pathetic, miserable display. Soon, you gave in, your fingers reaching around the gun. Slow, stuttering motions manipulated your wrist as you worked to mimic the action of a handshake.

The hum he emitted at the interaction was deep and reverberated – almost like a purr – the sound igniting an unimaginable yearning you tried with all your might to suppress. You didn't even want to acknowledge it, mentally kicking yourself when you instinctively glanced at his lips. You prayed he didn't notice, but a part of you knew better. The way he inched closer, your noses nearly touching confirmed this, coaxing you to look back up at him. Focusing into those dark, glittering eyes, you saw the hellfire behind them, a black hole which sucked out any form of innocence; a cesspool which bred corruption. Speckles of intrigue swam in them.

Or was it excitement?

You couldn't exactly tell, but you knew it was bad news. Knew that you had, most likely, made one of the worst deals in your life.

To compare this man to the devil, the master of deals, was inaccurate. With only just one, tiny, interaction, you could infer this. No. He was much worse. Worse because unlike fairytales, unlike the mystic, this man existed. He could, if he so very willed, demolish you in an instant.

“Welll,” his gaze lingered on for a split second – just enough for you to notice – before he reared himself back, “that settles it.”

Joker, who was much taller, was able to effortlessly shift his focus to the policeman struggling to push himself up against the wall. The injured man shimmied back into its cold reinforcements while one of his hands desperately fiddled with his belt.

Entirely shielded from the scene due to your angle, the most visible section being his head, you missed the way the wounded man drew his firearm and aimed it for the anarchist in front of you. The only sign something had transpired was the blur of white in front of you bobbing low, as well as the dizzy scent of smoky gunpowder. As the shot rang out, echoing throughout the room like an explosion, causing brief deafness, Joker ducked down just in time. The bullet whizzed above him, wedging itself into the wall behind, just missing the glass of the door; a permanent, antithetical imprint.

“Op– and that's my cue,” with a quick wink, he grabbed his previously discarded attire.

“See you around, doll,” he said, zipping out of the room entirely.

The officer slumped up against the wall when he realised he hadn't hit his target, exhaustion enveloping his form. You made your way to the dying man as fast as you could and began to tend to him.

“Oh!”

You jolted away from your patient when Joker suddenly appeared again, head peeking from the corner. He had the surgical mask, although this was lowered and the wig was back on, concealing the scraggly strands of dyed hair.

“And – heheh – you mayyy want to, uh, make it fast,” he shook the detonator in his hand, clicking his tongue twice with a crooked grin before he took off for good.

With the door now wide open and the overwhelmingly white hallway visible, you quickly noticed how empty it was. It was virtually a ghost town. While this meant it was easier to navigate him to safety, it also spelled trouble. After halting his bleeding, you were going to need to move him, this being problematic since you weren't exactly the strongest.

You weren't up to that part yet, however.

"Stay with me okay? Can you hear me?"

The dazed look in his eyes and the expansion of his pupils told you that he was experiencing head trauma. Assessing the small bloody mark against the green paint and the gruesome splatter near it, you were able to figure out a rough idea of what happened. The force of the bullet had propelled him backwards and whipped his head back, it rutting up against the wall while it tried to catch up with his body. The aggressive hit to the cranium was what finally knocked him out, rendering him limp until he later regained consciousness.

Ouch.

It took a moment, though the gentle nod of his head answered your question.

"Good," grabbing scissors from one of the tables nearby, you tore into his shirt, finding the source of the wound. Another positive – just from the way the crimson liquid was flowing, it was clear no arteries had been hit.

"What's your name?"

It was essential to keep the victim as awake as possible, your questioning aiming to do just that.

No longer at his side, you rushed around the room like a chicken with its head cut off, frantically trying to find a tourniquet or any sort of compressor.

“Daniel," his voice came out strained and delayed.

"Well Daniel, we're going to get you out of here, alright?" You said, hoping he could hear your reassurances over your wild searching.

The room was more of a mess than when you entered, bits and pieces of equipment decorating the floor as if a twister had come through and hurled them there. You found it funny how in times of great urgency the things you needed most you could never find.

You were about to give up and tear Daniel's uniform, using the shreds of his suit when your quivering digits stumbled across precisely what was needed. When you found the tourniquet, you had to literally hold yourself back from screaming eureka. You hastily returned to the disoriented man and dragged along one of the wheelchairs which had been abandoned. In no time, the wound, both entry and exit, had been covered, the utensil applying a great deal of pressure. Daniel's cries hadn't been easy to listen to but as you gently eased him into the wheelchair, they lessened.

The home stretch.

Fiercely clutching the push handles, you flew into the corridor, extremely conscious of the time and the tiny device which had been attached to Joker's palm like superglue. The mental image motivated you to maintain your swift pace, Daniel's head lolling to the side, jostling with each sudden movement.

By some miracle, as you pushed through those automatic glass doors, you saw the last of the patients being loaded into the yellow school buses. Using the ramp, relief washed over you like a chilled breeze on a hot summer's day. The closest bus was where you headed, and you flagged down one of the doctors to get immediate help for Daniel. Within minutes, he was moved into the bus receiving treatment.

About to dispose of the wheelchair, an enormous roar had you rearing your head back to the hospital. The ground shook with each stuttering explosion, the surreal view forcing you to look on with wide eyes. It was a distressing sight to process, but for some reason, you were unable to look away from the tragedy.

This was especially the case when a familiar blob of white waddled out of the building with outstretched arms, his painted smile wider than ever. As if everything had been predestined, he knew exactly where you were, immediately noticing you gawking. Stuck between the weird limbo of boarding the bus, he gave you a wave. It wasn't fast, nor one in which required his whole limb. It was a slow, controlled one, only the tips of his fingers obliging. Time seemed to slow with the movement, each drawn out wiggle adding to the deep-rooted layers of terror and astonishment. A staring contest ensued.

Before you could intake the sight anymore, let alone process it, you felt the distinctive clutch of hands from behind, pawing at you. As you were hauled into the bus by your underarms, the doors slammed shut with a hiss. Then, the bus booked it, your eyes never deterring.

Nor his.

———

Hours after the event, Joker had been captured and thrown into Arkham Asylum like most criminals in Gotham. While your job was more or less blown to smithereens and unsalvageable, forcing you to look elsewhere, you were sure it had marked the end of your interactions with him.

All in all, life seemed to revert back to normal. Weeks passed as you hunted for another position, and ultimately, your searching paid off when you found another hospital. Resuming your duty as a nurse, Daniel had been transferred to the same institution for treatment as chance so happened and in a weird twist, you were assigned as his carer. His recovery wasn't very long but within that small time frame you knew him, you’d come to enjoy his company – perhaps a bit too much. Time revealed the feeling was mutual by how, as he so eloquently put it, he owed you dinner for 'saving his ass'.

How could you have resisted?

However, like the venomous serpent it was, fate appeared to strike when you least expected it; baring and infiltrating with its noxious fangs. This much was proven when you arrived back home from said ‘dinner.’ Expecting a night filled with laughter and shy glances, reality was disappointing. Instead, you were met with a boatload of anxiety and stress.

For starters, the dress you had laid out earlier in the morning had magically disappeared when you returned from work, and you eventually gave up searching after a ridiculous amount of time. Opting to leave the house with a backup, you hadn’t dared to peek at the time. Yet, the worst was yet to come; the straw that broke the camel's back was the amount the traffic jam you wound up in.

Everything that could’ve gone wrong, went wrong.

In total, the high of the night, came screeching to a stop when you spotted blinding flashes of red and blue. Combined with the waving, directing hands of law enforcement, the weight of dread compelled you to roll down your window and ask around. A few ignored you, though you had gotten some one-worded answers – ‘accident,’ and ‘crash’ being the mains. Yet, none of their explanations, underwhelming and dismissive at best, prepared you for the shock which cocooned your worn form as the culprit revealed itself – a firetruck.

On fire.

It was almost like a sick joke.

The truck was completely destroyed and wedged between the entrance of the bridge, blocking exactly where you needed to go. In summary, it looked like you weren’t seeing Daniel anytime soon.

Heaven only knew how long you sat in the car for when you arrived back home again. Resting your throbbing forehead against the leather steering wheel in a pathetic attempt to fight the manifesting tension headache. You had practically driven in one giant loop. It felt as though the Gods were laughing at you, all huddled around each other in their perfect utopia looking down, pointing and snickering.

You needed a drink.

When you finally did stumble out of the vehicle, you just managed to make out the small rectangular object placed ever so delicately on your doorstep. Then, with the automatic sensor light flickering on, you were able to identify the material it was sheathed in: recycled wrapping paper. Purple tinted and crinkled, the colour complemented the vibrant green bow criss-crossed on top.

The hues alone communicated enough.

Hey, at least Joker was an environmentalist.

Even rotting in a cell, he was still able to pull strings, sustaining some semblance of terror. He must’ve had men on the outside, eager to do his bidding.

The strange feeling of being watched, the apparent echoes trailing your footsteps, the disordered internal debates sparked by open windows over the past few weeks finally made sense. You had merely chalked off the occurrences and the growing collection of missing items to your overactive imagination. To your paranoia.

The naive belief that Joker was too busy wrapped up in a straitjacket to chase up on the deal you’d idiotically settled on had been shattered, thrown to the ground and stomped on. Originally, you doubted he even remembered the agreement; he certainly didn't seem like a man capable of holding down a thought – the chaotic energy emanating from him so astounding it was almost a phenomenon. Though, this had been wrong. Foolishly, you had thought yourself safe.

Foolishly, you were mistaken.

The joke was on you.

You wanted to go to the cops. You wanted to turn in the little gift of death. The hovering worry of it being tampered with in some way, everlasting. Running rampant and wild with possibilities, your imagination outrageously tried to guess what was inside while your curiosity simultaneously nagged at you.

Overwhelmed by the two shrieking entities, you reached down to pick up the small package, most likely adding to your list of dumb decisions. A small Joker card was attached to the bow, the bottom-half dangling, while tiny, messy crimson writing demanded the card to be flipped. It read:

'Tick tock!'

The phrase was repeated in scratchy, crazed scribbles, decorating the card in a rather unsettling fashion.

Swamped with confusion, itching fingers coaxed you to look inside the ambitiously innocuous box. Within its cardboard confounds laid a circular pocket watch – withered and deteriorated. You could barely make out the thin hair-line cracks in the glass. Although deceivingly harmless at first inspection, further scrutiny revealed they were deep-rooted and hardly repairable.

Your heart skipped a beat when the sensory light suddenly shut off, but you didn’t need it any longer. Not with the harrowing imprint of the card cruelly carved into your brain. Ultimately, the message was loud and clear:

The end was nigh.

Your end.

The very words Joker had uttered to you haunted your thoughts like a spectre: a promise of your finale. Of your very last, spectacular, blue-faced, gasping breath. You were about to pull out your keys to unlock the door and barricade yourself inside when you noticed something horrifically disturbing.

The door was slightly open.

With a hand reaching for the phone and ready to dial the police, your shoulder served to nudge it open. No groans emerged from its hinges as you pushed yourself inside, immediately heading left in the darkness to the kitchen. In the hopes of reducing any noise, you'd taken off your heels before you entered the house, mindfully placing them away from the door in case you needed to make a quick exit.

Your go-to stop was the cutlery drawer. Gently sliding it open, you felt around for a knife, snatching it away when you found the right one. As if on cue, the kitchen light flicked on, rendering you momentarily blind from the dramatic shift in luminance. Like a newly birthed animal, scrambling to comprehend its surroundings, you flipped your body against the counter and wordlessly threatened the intruder. Pretending like it would make a difference, you waved the weapon around carelessly, eyes attempting to adjust.

"Sorry for the deee-lay," a familiar voice drawled, one that shook you to your very core. Within the few seconds of focusing, you observed how Joker mimicked a cringe, dragging out his 'e's'. His figure was resting against the second door frame, opposite of the way you had snuck in. The plum coat he often wore was lost and his sleeves were hastily rolled back to his elbows, exposing his toned arms. Along with all this, the infamous green vest was no longer hugging his waist, instead the tucked in hexagonal blue patterned shirt made a firm appearance, with olive diamond ridden suspenders.

"I've been a bit… busy."

"And, uh, by the looks of it," he paused as he eyed you up and down, scanning the form-fitting dress you completely forgot you had on, "you have too."

In an attempt to shield yourself from his sweeping, to hide how begrudgingly exposed you felt, you crossed your arms against your chest. It was a gesture he ignored.

"How did your little play date…" He clicked his tongue, waving his hands in gestures of quotations, “go, hmm?”

You couldn’t help the involuntary falter in your expression when the words left his mouth. The series of unfortunate events which appeared to plague your day no longer resembled coincidence. The thought that he had been monitoring every movement was disturbing to say the least.

“Not so well?” He continued with an all-knowing grin, tilting his head until it was properly angled against the door frame, following the lead of his body. The only divergence was in his suffocating gaze, displaying ponderance.

“Seems like poor Daniel, uh, missed his chance."

The way his name rolled off of Joker’s tongue contained deep-seated malice, a guttural growl which had you rutting back into the counter with a jump. Bruises were sure to form on the tender flesh of your backside by morning.

“Wh-what did you do?” The words came out mumbled as if you were afraid to know the answer, and in a way, you supposed you were. Still shaking, you hardly deterred the point of the knife from the criminal in front of you, the blade wavering so much it almost looked like its length was vibrating on its own accord.

"Ohhh, nothing a little gasoline couldn’t fix…”

It was only then when you realised he was slowly making his way towards you, slow and calculated and ready to pounce. With each one of his steps, you could feel every agonising jolt from your heart – feel it pick up its pace.

Then, you mulled over his comment, recalling the terrible traffic, the ember hellblaze engulfing the raging red of the firetruck, and the amount of time it took you to maneuver out of the driving nightmare.

It was all because of him.

“And now that I have you allll to myself, we can get down to business," by now he had already inched halfway into the room.

"I swe-swear to God, I will use this if you don't step back."

Regardless of how many times you swiped the knife – to get it to look like you were actually serious about using the weapon – Joker remained unperturbed.

"But all I wanted to do was say hiii," he paused his advances, his hands shooting up to display his palms while his scarred mouth fell into a mocking pout, "especially to my favvvvou-rite nurse."

“I-I’m warning you–”

He was barely a meter in front of you now as his towering figure practically cornered you like your first encounter. The wave of déjà vu flooding your senses drove you to raise the knife and plunge – or at least try to. Stopped midair was the kitchen utensil, along with your struggling arm by his forceful grip. He hadn’t even cared to toss a glance at the incoming weapon, maintaining composition as he swiftly and effortlessly succeeded in capturing your wrist. Only after did he shift attention, a low whistle of feigned surprise his barbed acknowledgment. He had drained all your hope, then. Killed whatever shred of optimism you had left in the process; hell, it didn’t even look like he was trying.

In one swift maneuver, he ripped the blade out of your hands and quickly tossed it to the side, pinning your lower half against the counter as he did so, "did you – heeheh – really think I was just gonna let you go? Hmm? Forget about ya?”

You tried your best next to use your hands – to slap him, to push him away, to wriggle out of the trap his body had forced you in. Yet, tricky vine-like hands excelled in capturing your own. Then, acting like nothing happened, as if it were a mere momentary hiccup, he continued, his tongue flickering out to dab at his scars, "no no no, you see, you caught my eye."

"A selfless little bird!”

“Willinggg to sacrifice your life for another,” he spat, vicious and gruff; the volatility of his tone made it hard to decipher his thoughts. Though, it wasn’t as if you were well versed in such a thing to begin with. One moment revealed mockery, the next, disdain.

What was real?

Maneuvering his hold on your wrists into one hand, his unoccupied digits reached for your hair, twirling a small strand that had fallen in front of your face during the struggle, “I've come to coll-ect.”

“P-please-” Your breathing came out uneven through your nostrils as you clamped your eyes shut, still attempting to create distance. The feeling from last time, the shame woven into the forbidden craving had arisen again and you essentially prayed that he chalked off your squirming to fear and not to a specific… discomfort.

"Noww, relaaax – doctor’s orders,” he hummed, wiggling his eyebrows. A trickle of joy spilled from his scarred lips, “what happened to that bravery?”

You had shied away from his stare up until then, the rough hold which had migrated to your chin forcefully wiggling you closer. When your eyes met his dark ones, his eyebrows flicked upwards in what seemed like a tic.

“I-if you’re going to kill me, just do it,” you forced out. Gloved fingers squeezed at your cheeks.

“I’ve had a change of heart.”

His thumb swiped your quivering lower lip, a sight he was thoroughly engaged in. Mere centimetres apart, it was there when you realised, with his breath sweeping against your mouth, that you wanted to kiss him. You really had sunken.

“Though, I am looking forward to – oh how did you put it? Letting me do what I want?"

In one sudden, erratic movement, he wedged his knee between your legs and lifted the limb slowly, sliding it up until he reached your cunt. With your lungs feeling like they’d been robbed of air, you inhaled sharply, dizziness overtaking you. The tightening pressure around your wrists acted like a constrictor knot, its bindings strengthening the more you writhed.

“Do you remember that, sweetpea?”

He rocked his knee which in turn rutted against the cabinet, enabling his thigh to brush your clit through soaked panties. Your dress was bunched up and pooled around his leg, hiding a good portion of his pinstripe trousers and in a response you weren’t particularly proud of, you released a choked moan, his actions providing the semblance of the relief you were chasing – craved.

"Hmm, yeah?" He cooed, high pitched and almost like he was talking to a child.

Protests – a whole bouquet of them sprouted from your vocal cords, their great green stalks filling the width of your throat, clogging it. So much so that instead of frantic clusters of ‘no,’ ‘stop,’ ‘get away from me,’ strangled noises and gasping moans trickled out. At least that's what you told yourself; because to face cold harsh reality would have proved to be too much. To realise that so much as one nudge from the cold criminal could reduce you to putty, a hot melting mess would be repugnant! To realise that those flowers hardly represented your innocence and more so the blossoming of carnality was a hard seed to swallow.

And so, perhaps it was better to hide behind the excuse of obstruction even though the weakness in your knees told you different, even though you were leaning into him and transfixed on his lips. And maybe, just maybe, it was better to ignore how your stomach leapt at his resonating growl and how he pulled you by your wrists, and how you continued to ignore the auspicious swell in your chest as the risen skin of his scars brushed your cheeks and how the quick prod of his tongue coaxed you into a sloppy open-mouthed kiss and how your honeyed hums pressed against his mouth and how he darkly chuckled and–

Fuck.

Fuck it.

Melting into the way his tongue teased yours, you rolled your hips, meeting the occasional bounces as you rode his thigh. His free hand began its slow ascent up your dress, squeezing greedily at the flesh and when he knew you weren’t going anywhere, he relinquished his domineering hold on your wrist. In a move that seemed all too comfortable, natural even, your arms reached up to rest on his shoulders while the wandering hands nearing the waistband of your panties suddenly yanked the material – a fierce ‘snap!’ forcing you to jolt.

You had no time to recover when he hoisted you on top of the kitchen counter. The sudden liftoff was rough considering his handling but the landing was even more so when he plopped you on its surface; the small squeak of pain followed by skewed mimicking and taunts. Regardless of the humiliation, the sudden loss of contact had you whining pitifully in the middle of the room, a reaction you were positive only urged his sadistic inclinations.

“Wooould ya look at that,” Joker smirked, directing you to the sizable wet spot in his suit pants.

The heat rushed to your cheeks instantly at the vulgar display, a rose dusting sweeping the area. With his knee still propped up against the counter, he was able to push his way between your thighs losing your ability to shut them knee to knee.

No matter how much he tried to poke at your eagerness, shame was void. Such a point was proven when you leaned backwards slightly, adjusting your position, never straying far from his lips. Once done, you reached for the digits circling the skin of your hips. Joker hardly seemed fazed by the sudden contact, though he watched you intently with squinted eyes – intrigue the dominating emotion. Said narrowing was so subtle that if you hadn’t been looking up at him the whole time, you wouldn’t have picked up on it at all.

The gentle trail you led him down, from your hip to your inner thigh, and then, finally, to your slit had been drawn out, the pleasured groan he emitted a forbidden delight submerged in concupiscence. Slickness coated the tips of his gloves as they toyed with the area, his long digits sliding easily inside from how wet you were.

“One second you’re scared stiff,” he grinned, eyes flicking between you and the way his unhurried fingers filled you up.

“The next you’re allll ho-t and bothered.”

With no time to adjust, he ditched the leisurely act and started a much more impatient speed. You eagerly leaned into the sly, slithering touch which happily found you were braless. Curled markings scratched into the edges of the counter, coinciding with the tortuous ascension of poisonous fingers – a poison in which seemed to seep its way into your bloodstream instantly, manipulating every feeling, every thought, every sensation to the firey, prickling rush of desire; of him.

“What does that say about you, huh?”

Knowing exactly what you needed, his thumb promptly found your nipple. With both hands busy, the sheer euphoria they propagated brought on a daze.

“It says I’m a nurse,” you warbled, breathing heavy.

Jokers eyebrows furrowed, though quickly reverted in seemingly the very same twitch; it appeared he always wanted to have the upper-hand. To control. Nonetheless, he was eager for your continuance, the way his skilful fingers glided inside you, exploring, not stopping in the slightest. The swell of pleasure which forced your toes to curl and your hips to rise let you know you were close.

“I’m built for high-pressure situations.”

“Is that so?” He said, his voice as smooth as silk. He leaned in again, so close that measuring the distance would have been redundant. Strands of green, which were once woven neatly (or more, as neatly as they could get for the man), deviated. Each curl bounced along with every thrust.

“Care to put your money where your mouth is, sweetheart?” He grunted, pinching the sensitive nub between his thumb and forefinger, drawing out a sharp mewl.

“Another deal?” You forced out, breathing a laugh.

“If you, uh, think you can handle it,” he flopped his head to the side and performed his idiosyncrasy with an impish twinkle in his eye, “you know I’m a man of my w–”

You both paused.

During the exchange, you swore you had heard something. Considering Joker’s sudden halt too, you were certain it hadn’t been your imagination. The only thing louder than the silence was the furious ‘rap rap rap’ of your heart, a thunderous drum calling out for something – anything to mask its bellows.

‘Mass hysteria’ was doing rounds in your mind as an explanation for the sudden, unexplained noise until finally, it repeated. Short, sharp, and distinguishable.

This time, you heard it clear as day.

Your name.

“(Y/n)?”

It seemed you were the only one who remained in your fixed state as Joker clamped a hand over your mouth. However, he continued with his thrusts, controlling them into a slower pace; a patience you didn’t think he had. With your tongue, you ran the muscle against his gloved fingers, biting into the material, a signal to ditch the covering. It appeared to work too, because within seconds his bare flesh replaced it. He slipped two digits into your mouth instead and pressed the pads of his digits of your appendage. Immediately, you hollowed your cheeks, looking up at his lust ridden gaze as you sucked. A delighted purr resonated from him.

“Good girl,” he growled, curling the fingers still inside you; marking the end of his teasing. Joker, more agitated by the second, returned to his previous rhythm, the kitchen counter groaning.

So much for patience.

The interruption was almost forgotten as you began to reach your peak. Arching your back, you forced Joker closer to you and clung onto him, ensuring each rapid ram reached his knuckles. In a flurry of desperation, you pawed at his arm, trying to redirect the hand not currently busy fucking you into oblivion. With a small ‘pop’ he left your mouth, finding your neck with your guiding. His fingers wrapped around the area perfectly, squeezing while a laugh left him.

“Well, aren’t you just full of surprises.”

“(Y/n)?” The voice repeated. You heard your door slam shut soon after, only just now had it occurred it had been left open the whole time.

“Hey, the door was open,” they confirmed, continuing as you heard the distinctive thud of boots searching the house, presumably searching for you.

Mumbled, nonsensical phrases left your mouth in the violent flurry of release, suppressed by the pressure around your throat. In the midst of things, the top half of your dress had fallen and bundled around your waist. As you went rigid, your nails clawed and sunk into the back of his shirt, stealing a few grunts. Too wrapped up in your own pleasure, you missed how Joker intently watched your climax, mischievous eyes deviating to the exposed flesh of your shoulder.

“I heard about the accident, and I guessed you wouldn’t have made it so I decided dinner here would be–”

Joker without warning had bitten into your shoulder, the unexpected intermingle of pain and pleasure coaxing you to cry out. Such an interruption warranted the frantic footsteps heading your way.

Shit.

“Is everything ok–”

Splat.

Both you and Joker whipped your heads around to the source which was now in one of the doorways of the kitchen. There stood Daniel, horror stricken and trying his hardest to comprehend the scene before him. A demanding contrast of colours – flowers, wrapped and nicely presented, had fallen to the floor in surprise, explaining the slap of sadness.

No one said anything.

The thick mist of unease permeated through the kitchen, suffocating everyone inside. Well, at least those prone to embarrassment. Although you couldn’t see the cocky smirk on the jester’s face, you could feel the distinctive rumble of laughter brewing from the way you continued to cling onto his back.

In short, Joker was shameless.

No sooner than when you had realised such a thing was festering – it erupted, breaking the spell time had cast on the small box of a room. Hysterics was contrasted with Daniel’s visible confusion and, dare you say, hurt. The blood had rushed to his face, whether in anger or embarrassment it was clear it was both. A small part of you felt bad, it truly did, though it was difficult to sustain when Joker, without even so much as looking at you, forced you back further to a 130-degree angle until your upper half was leaning against the kitchen wall. Without missing a beat, he started to fiddle with his pants, a vicious, sharp smile delivering the final slice to the intruder’s heart.

“The early bird gets the worm, Daniel.”

#Joker x reader #The Dark Knight #Dk!Joker #Heath Ledger Joker #My writing #joker x you #The Joker x reader #Joker x y/n #Heath Ledger #Joker #Fanfiction #Nurse Joker #Nurse Joker x reader #Christopher Nolan Batman

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beeprblog · 3 years

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Beepr Goes To Shows: Governor’s Ball 2021.

In this first installment of Beepr Goes To Shows, I spent all 3-days at this years Governor’s Ball to give you crowd coverage you deserve and concert recaps/reviews you want. Stay tuned for more show write-ups and other updates!

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist

What happens when you put two legends on the same stage? You get one hell of a fucking show. Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist were on another level that Friday afternoon, delivering classics from Madlib collaborative albums (Crime Pays, Fake Names, Palm Olive, Thuggin), recent singles from Freddie (Big Boss Rabbit, Gang Signs), and all your favorite offerings from Alfredo (Baby $Hit, Scottie Beam, Something To Rap About). The braggadocious swagger Freddie brings to the stage is tempered by Alchemist’s suave production and generally reserved demeanor, making them a very balanced performance. Despite being an acclaimed producer, you get the sense that The Alchemist is there to support Freddie rather than make the performance about himself. Freddie’s natural humor shines through in between songs, cracking jokes while taking tokes and hitting a bottle of Hennessy. Chants of “Fuck police,” cheers for the Alchemist, and concert-goers belting choruses created a deafening atmosphere, rivaling some sold out indoor venues I’ve visited. To call Freddie a cult artist would be disrespectful of all the mainstream achievements (Grammy nominations, cracking Billboard Top 25s, etc), and yet for some reason, he remains on the fringes of superstardom. Part of what people love about Freddie Gibbs is his larger than life personality, as he has an authenticity about him that’s naturally charismatic. If there’s anything I can be certain about after that set, it’s that Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist have undeniable chemistry and I hope they have more on the way.

Phoebe Bridgers

In January of 2018, a report from Nielsen Music identified that rap had surpassed rock in terms of overall music consumption. But Phoebe Bridgers will not allow her genre to go quietly into the night. She very well may be the next iteration of a rockstar. From her band all being in uniform, to the stage production, and most importantly, her diehard fans: Phoebe Bridgers is killing it in all aspects of the game. Apparently, I had been living under rock for quite some time as I only did a deep dive into her music when I saw her on the Governor’s Ball lineup announcement. How foolish was I? Phoebe has an incredible catalogue despite being only 27 (bolstered by her work with groups like Boygenius and Better Oblivion Community Center). Songs like Motion Sickness, Garden Song, and ICU feel more like Phoebe hosting a singalong, as the entire crowd is belting back each and every lyric at the top of their lungs with emphatic energy. Tracks like Kyoto also fall into that category, but there’s an immense rush of excitement as the brilliance of Bridger’s music blares through over the speakers for the chorus. Ballads like I Know The End are blissful moments of serenity, as I found myself swaying with my eyes closed in my little spot in the crowd. Her nonchalance in between songs is intoxicating, as it’s a beautiful contrast to her immensely emotive and personal performance. It’s so endearing to see past what’s on the outside and find an individual who profoundly cares about their work. What perhaps is most endearing about Phoebe’s performance is how she’s unabashedly herself: quips like “Fuck nihilism, too” are interjected in between songs, her outfit a glamorized rendition of the classic skeleton t-shirts. While I might have been late to the party in terms of the Phoebe Bridgers hype train, you can bet I’m going to be early to every one of her shows from here on out.

A$AP Rocky

As Saturday night of Governor’s Ball was drawing near to an end, there were millions of individual conversations buzzing around in the crowd. But almost all of them were centered around one question: When will A$AP Rocky start? At 9:12pm EST, our question was answered, with a bang. Crowd surfing around in an inflatable car, bullhorn in hand, Rocky showed off some new sounds as unreleased tracks (Grim Freestyle amongst the slew of unreleased tracks) boomed over speakers. Mosh pits opened up left and right as the concert slowly evolved into a beautiful, New York block party-esque chaos. Hearing recent work like his features on Slowthai’s MAZZA and Famous Dex’s PICK IT UP were unexpected yet gratifying moments. But what really amplified the crowd was hearing some of the “older” radio hits. I can’t remember a time in recent memory when I’ve been as excited as when the first synths on LPFJ2 and Telephone Calls hit. Classics like Praise Da Lord and Yamborghini High ensured that there were no lapses in energy or excitement. Babushka Boi set the crowd ablaze, as the off-key notes intermingled in the beat acted as cues for the rowdy meter to kick it up a notch. Rocky even gave up some of his set to ensure the rest of the Mob was represented, as he had the DJ play Plane Jane by A$AP Ferg. The softer side of Rocky’s discography was met with equal anticipation as Sundress and A$AP Forever were met with exuberant cheers. Fully embracing his trippy side, after asking us if we liked hallucinogens, Rocky performed L$D to a roaring crowd (he also teased us with the unreleased Mushroom Clouds after asking us if we fucked with mushrooms too). During what felt like a showcase of the Harlem rappers’ ability to generate raucous ovation, the time had the crew informed Rocky his set had to be wrapped up. An earnest plea to keep it going was made, begging to at least get off Peso, but the euphoria was always going to be finite. It’s safe to say, anyone saying Rocky fell off is full of it.

Burna Boy

From start to finish, Burna Boy kept it hot. Bringing plenty of Nigerian flair to the CitiField air, I can safely say that Burna Boy’s set was one of the most enjoyable of the weekend. Even before he appeared, loud chants imploring him to take the stage could be heard ringing throughout the grounds. As his band and mom (who doubles as his manager) patiently waited, you could see them grinning and laughing as they knew we were in for a great show. Burna Boy then graced the stage and we were transported to another world, filled with laid back vibes, political protest, and triumph. Opening up with Gbona, it was apparent that the entire show was going to be electric. Hitting dance moves, grinning from ear to ear, it was obvious that Burna Boy planned on making a stellar first impression at the Governor’s Ball (he also earned major New York brownie points by giving us an animated performance of his velvety feature on Enjoy Yourself by Pop Smoke). Hearing some of my favorite songs live cemented them even further in the favorites category, as his performance adds another level of fun and personality. Collateral Damage, a beautifully subverted political protest anthem, felt truly harmonious as the entire crowd chanted the chorus with their fists in the air. As much as I love my AirPods, the heartfelt energy of both the crowd and Burna Boy I felt in the crowd during Anybody and Dangote could never be matched by speakers. Even the less upbeat songs (such as Wetin Man Go Do) he performed were met with incredibly cheerful reactions as. Live riffs from the band during some of his most popular singles added great spice for those who are familiar but equally exciting for new listeners. It’s apparent that there’s a great sense of camaraderie amongst the whole crew, that their main goal is to put on a memorable and joyous show. I can only hope that Burna Boy and the band make trips to the states more frequently.

Ellie Goulding

Have you ever felt the urge to forget everything that’s worrying you and just live in the here and now? Then you should go to as many Ellie Goulding shows as humanly possible. There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with some of her work (I’ll get to that in a bit), but it’s an entirely other thing to see her bring them to life. Hidden under the surface of a soft-spoken, singer-songwriter is a powerhouse performer, ready to give the show and attendees her everything. Watching her confidence grow during the set, seeing her come out of a shell that had likely developed as a result of not touring, was a beautiful sight to behold. In between comments about how grateful she was to be performing, quips about her outfit, you really got to watch her conviction begin to grow and take root. Anthemic at every instance, the crowd was equally ready to return the same energy Goulding graced us with. The only thing that was all over the place about her refined and poised performance was the eclectic mix of work she pulled from. From Lights (and yes, if you’re curious, that shit slapped) all the way up to her latest album, Brightest Blue, we got treated to the Ellie Goulding evolution set. Intermingling a solid slate of collaborations like Diplo’s Close To Me (I don’t know if I’ve ever sung along as fervently as I did for that one), Calvin Harris’ I Need Your Love (okay, I lied, this is the one where I lost my voice), and Major Lazer’s Powerful, there was a reference point regarding how they discovered Goulding for everyone in the audience. Hearing oldies like Aftertaste, Anything Could Happen, and Only You instantly transported me to simpler times, back when bills and deadlines seemed like an abstract concept. In another edition of music star leads a sing-a-long, the crowd could have taken over for Lights and Love Me Like You Do. Thankfully, we got to hear Ellie too. It’s a magical moment when a few hundred (maybe a full thousand) are all united by one common goal: to embrace the present and shower the performer with adoration in the form of knowing every lyric. Harmony amongst total strangers, tied together through a common love of music. Ellie Goulding gave us more than one of the best sets from the weekend, she gave us a sense of unity and togetherness unlike any other I’ve experienced.

Post Malone

When you find a superstar, with millions of fans and millions in the bank, that you feel like you can still crack open a crispy Bud Light, you’ve found something special. And we all know that Post Malone loves a cold one. The final chapter of Governor’s Ball 2021 ended with Post Malone’s Sunday night set, a perfect way to wind down the weekend. Opening up the set with an inquisitive “Hello?” to test out the mic, this show was one of the most authentic and down-to-earth concerts I’ve been to in quite some time. It almost feels like you’re just hanging out hearing some song ideas from your friend Austin Post, wearing some regular denim shorts and a “Where’s Waldo” style striped shirt, until the audible roars from the crowd of “Posty” remind you you’re at a headliner. Arguably the most larger-than-life aspect of Post’s set was his entrance on the stage, via a smoke-cloud suspended platform adorned with metal chains. With a healthy mix of beerbongs & bentley’s, Hollywood’s Bleeding, recent singles and old hits, Post Malone was showing us all of his repertoire. Chugging beers at the request of the crowd, checking in with all of us in between songs, calling for celebration and happiness, Post goes to great lengths to ensure that the crowd is with it and that everyone is having a good time. Tracks like Psycho were somehow both relaxing and energizing at the same time, as the chorus transformed the venue into an incredible echo-chamber. We also got to see how many friends Post has, as we got guest appearances from Young Thug (performing Goodbyes), Roddy Rich (gracing us with Every Season and The Box), and 21 Savage (to perform Rockstar, which Post Malone did his best to embody all night). With each feature, the crowd seemed to kick into another fear of excitement, but that’s not to say people didn’t lose it for some of Post’s solo work. Stay, which Post performed seated strumming an acoustic guitar, was as heartfelt as it could get in its stripped down state. Despite previously admitting to not being able to sing without autotune, you could see how much he cared about capping off the weekend right while performing that song (without autotune in an effort to be as real as possible). White Iverson and Congratulations were both barn-burners, as the whole festival grounds were chanting lyrics and bouncing along. After a very long weekend of raging and raving, Post Malone’s set managed to run through the whole gambit of festival emotions: joy, excitement, surprise, and relief. It’d be disingenuous to say anything other than Austin Post has mastered the art of headlining.

#beepr #concerts #concert review #livemusic #governors ball

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vocalxtributes · 3 years

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[Tw// Violence, mentions of blood and death]

13 tributes. No guaranteed number of winners.

No more practices or do overs. This is it.

This is the beginning of the Décès Match.

The first batch of tributes were revealed to the whole nation. The reigning champion. Académie céleste, in other words, Yoon Jeonghan's team.

Trumpets were blaring. Camera's were flashing. Cheers could be heard everywhere. People were excited for this year's match. Almost everyone was watching the match. It would be the first ever match where all four of the cursed abilities would be present. Three of which Jeonghan had.

To say that the tributes were nervous was an understatement. Almost all of the five tributes were being affected by pressure and worry. Jihoon was pacing back and forth the waiting area, Joshua was muttering words to himself, Seungkwan was bouncing his leg up and down, and Seokmin was already crying while talking to someone on the phone. However Jeonghan... He seemed the most calm out of all the tributes but if one looked closely, they would see the leader's eyes constantly flashing from red and black as his fingers twitched, small amounts of smoke appearing and disappearing.

It was not until it was announced that the tributes would be transported in five minutes that Jeonghan snapped out of his little moment and walked towards his members.

"Gather around everyone. I have a few words to say to all of you."

Everyone did as the leader said, gathering around and linking arms with each other. "I want you all to remember that the first thing we have to do is find each other okay? We need to stay alive and find each other. That's our best straight to keep everyone alive", The leader reminded. "And please keep in mind that no matter what happens out there, I am proud of you. You've all come such a long way to be as amazing as you all are right now. I'm sure everyone will do great. And... You all mean a lot to me. Let's all survive yeah?" His members nodded and hugged each other tightly, "We can do this! We've trained hard for this!" Jihoon exclaimed, trying to hype up the others, the healer smiled "We'll win. We have the best team ever."

"Yes we do. They should be nervous." Seungkwan joked. The team was in good spirits, ready for the game when a staff member approached the team, informing them that they would be transported to the arena now.

One by one the tributes were taken to random safe places in the arena where they would wait.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

The buzzer goes off.

The match has officially begun.

Each of Jeonghan's members spread out, doing their best to locate each other without having to run into the other tributes. All his members were doing well, some of them pausing the search to create weapons for themselves, some trying to look for food.

[The paragraph after this will be focusing mostly on Jeonghan.]

Jeonghan sprinted into one direction, fast enough to explore the area quicker, while still trying to be quiet in order to not attract the attention of others.

Slash.

A sharp wooden spear came flying from nowhere, grazing the leader's arm. Jeonghan hissed in pain, there was no way that that was a normal knife. He gripped the wound and looked around before he was tackled to the ground, the spear pointed against his throat.

The leader looked up at his attacker, reading the name and position embroidered on the male's uniform.

'Xu Minghao/The8'

Jeonghan met the eyes of the attacker, a merciless glare in his eyes. "Would you rather die here right now from this spear? Or would you like to suffer and die from my poison that entered your body him?"

"How touching that you're letting me choose how to die in such a threatening way." Jeonghan chuckled. "You have no idea who I am don't you?"

"And why would I care about who you are?" Minghao replies, pressing the spear harder against the leader's throat, puncturing Jeonghan's skin. Jeonghan let out a gasp as he felt a sticky substance from where the spear was at, he didn't need to see it to know that it was his own blood. "Well, you should care about who I am because if you knew who I was, you would've known better and just leave me be." He smiles and uses his ability to stop Minghao from moving, paralyzing him temporarily and getting him off of his body.

"You're t-the cursed one-" The attacker mumbled.

"Indeed I am." Jeonghan says as he ripped the sleeve of his uniform, tying it around his neck to slow down his bleeding. "Lucky for you, I'm not in the mood to kill yet. I'll leave you alone. You'll be able to move in a couple hours. Goodluck." He says, chuckling as he walked away from the attacker.

The leader continued to explore his surroundings, only to be caught in an illusion just a few hours after his first encounter with another tribute.

Hours into the match, the exact moment the leader was caught in an illusion, Seokmin felt an intense feeling that his leader was in danger. And he set out to find him.

Only to cross the paths of two other tributes.

He was sent into a fit of panic, and he froze on the spot.

"See hyung? I told you there was another tribute around here." The Oracle snapped his head towards the owner of the voice, seeing a male with dark brown hair, on his uniform the word 'Oracle' and the name 'Dino' were embroidered, the other male having 'Leader/Healer' and 'Hoshi' on his uniform.

Seokmin calmed down a bit after knowing that he encountered two people who were the least likely to attack him.

He was wrong.

The two ganged up on him and it all happened too fast. Seokmin was on the ground clutching his eyes that was burning in pain.

"You're a h-healer- You're supposed to h-heal people. N-not hurt them-" Seokmin says once he's steadied his breathing. "Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do." Hoshi shrugs as he nods at Dino, giving him a knowing look. Dino grabs a vial of water and opens it, splashing water on Seokmin's face. "The water will help with the pain." Hoshi mutters, a slight smirk appearing on his lips.

The Oracle removes his hands from his eyes, opening them slowly once the pain has subsided. But... He couldn't see anything.

He was blind.

"How dare you take away my sight..." The oracle weakly spat.

The two teammates erupt in laughter. "We wanted to have our fun with you." Dino says, trying to calm himself down as Hoshi crouched in front of Seokmin, holding onto his jaw.

"Fun time is over."

Snap.

Meanwhile, Jeonghan was still trapped in the middle of the illusion, a scene that Jeonghan had always dreamed of was happening to him right now. He was seated on a swing, next to the love of his life. And slowly they both leaned in. His wildest dream was about to happen, he wanted to stay in the moment forever.

A loud canon sound booms through the entire arena, followed by a robotic voice.

"Two Oracles have been eliminated."

That statement snapped Jeonghan out from the illusion. He realized he was in the match and what has happened was all fake. Rage and worry filled his system and he unleashed his smoke, hearing the screams of the trickster responsible of the illusion. And he kept going. Until the illusion was gone and the screams were no more.

The leader walked up to the dead body hidden by some fallen trees, reading the name of his first victim.

Wen Junhui.

Another canon.

"A trickster has been eliminated."

He suddenly remembered the robotic voice alerting them of the elimination of two oracles and he started running frantically looking for Seokmin.

He stumbled and fell, landing next to a body. Eyes pitch black, neck snapped. He propped himself up, looking closely at the body, and then realization struck him.

"SEOKMIN NO!"

[This is based from a story that admin wrote. Everything is purely fictional.]

[PS. Don't come @ me]

Tags: @moonlit-jaemin @yanlee (og) @ekjjh @m00n-purplerose-chatbot @seventeen-chatbot @boxer-joshua @decadewonwoo @marcelinethevamp-cb @bimbo-sana @bimbo-somi @iceskater-sana @vampiremomo @seleneminnie @yanderechae @bossladylisa @baristadahyun @kaanghana @vampireprince-jeonghan @shin-haneul @yandere-bc @maniac-yeonjun @badboyjjh @shyboicya @midari-jieun @fairy-twice @demon-lee @heathenxbovs @hunter-chaeyoung @scholar-lia @thewolfpack-cb @split-jiu @la-soleilmafia-cb @urboys @camboy-superm @yourlele @yanderejoy @playboyyoungk @hybridteez @yanderetzuyu @neodaddies @npc-haechan @m-brian (DM for +/-)

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faithylilac · 3 years

Text

The party party part 4

Cj and Carter were sitting by a tree, a bit away from the rest of their group. Carter was quietly saying “Nyah” over and over, rocking themselves back and forth. Poor CJ didn’t know what to do to calm them down. “Carter, sorry if this seems rude. What would you do if we stumble upon some very evil dude with a stupid mustache and a cat?” The goddess asked her nymph friend. Carter stopped sobbing and look at her with a straight face, “cry.”

But unbeknownst to them, the large group was coming up from behind them. “Hey Carter, look at this looser!” Dax appeared with a knocked out monk in A baby carrier on his back. Carter starts screaming and climbs up the tree. “Crap, did the paper bag fall of?” The god ask, trying to look behind him. “I got it.” Cj stomps at the ground and a giant tulip appears. She snips off the bulb and shoves it down on the cat boy monk’s head. “Ok Carter, scary Nyah Nyah boy is gone now!” Cj shouted from the base of the tree. Carter then jumped down from the tree and looked completely fine and not as if he was crying for twenty minutes.

Carter seemed to have calmed down completely, even though all they did was shove a flower on a passed out cat boy. Faithy, Echo, and the two new guest finally caught up with everyone and Faithy was hyped. “Cj, Carter! You gotta meet Jo and Ash! They’re gonna show us how to get to the nearest village.” Faithy announced, but ummmmm she forgot something.

“Yeah, I’m Jo, that’s Ash.” The taller one intruded herself and stuck her hand out for Carter to shake it. Carter screamed in her face and ran back up the tree. “CARTER! YOU WILL COME DOWN AND APOLOGIZE!” Faithy screamed at him, just causing him to screech uncontrollably. Faithy turned to Ash and Jo and smiled sweetly. “I’m sorry for his behavior, and I’m sorry for mine.” Without a moment to question what she said, she pulls out her mace and starts hacking at the tree.

Ash and Jo looked over to the other party members, out of fear? Eh, mainly confusion. But judging by their expressions, this was a normal Tuesday. They look back the priestess and she’s gotten through most of tree and kicks it down. Carter was in fact screaming the whole time, but it got louder as the tree fell with him in it. It made a loud clash and the two conscious cat people reconsider their life choices.

“Faithy, you could have just asked me to come down.” Carter said as he got up unscathed. “Sorry, my bad dude.” Faithy replied as she dust herself off.

“Now apologize to our new friends.” Carter apparently forgot they were there and start screaming yet again. But he was screaming so much his throat ran dry and started choking on his own saliva and passed out. Yes that’s how that works— I DON’T CARE WHAT GOOGLE SAYS.

“Dax, do we have another baby carrier?” Echo asked. “Yeah, but I’m already carrying Mr Ed Sheeran jr.” Dax shook about and the monk’s limbs just flopped around. “Dang, I would carry Carter, but my shoes don’t have the support for it.”

“I mean, can’t you just leave him on that conveniently placed pole right there?” Cj spoke up while pointing at a weird pole sticking out of the ground. They all nodded, and Dax went to stick the monk on the pole.

“Anyway, sorry about Carter. They’re highly afraid of cats for some reason. We haven’t unlocked that part of his backstory yet.” Faithy explained to their new friends. They just nod, not sure what to do. They’re just afraid because they’re gonna be stuck with these lunatics for a while.

After a few hours, they all arrive at a town. With hope in her eyes, Faithy looks for an inn, hoping to skip a tavern this time around, as that normally gets the group into trouble. Behold! The first thing she lays her eyes on is a sign that says, “completely empty inn that’s super cheep that can house your family of 7!” Hopefully no crazy bald man screams about family while they’re there.

“Ok. So, I need a room for my precious family of seven. How can I acquire such a luxury?” The priestess asked the innkeeper. Of course it was the inn keeper, it would be really awkward if that was a random guest...... Dax was doing that on the other side of the room. He was very surprised when Faithy was able to acquire a room and he wasn’t.

They all pile into the room which had 7 beds, which is weird cause you’d think the parents would share one— but good for this inn for making accommodations for single parents. “Ok. What do we do now? Carter is passed out and you’ve banned us from going to the pub.” Cj asked, it was pretty much on everyone’s minds. Faithy eyes went wide, she forgot to actually explain crucial details.

“OKAY! Echo, please wake up Carter and we’ll get this party started.” Echo got up and went over to bed Dax threw him down on and leaned over him. Echo looked rather princely today, maybe it was going to wake it’s love with true love’s kiss? No, cause kissing unconscious people without their consent is weird and creepy and not romantic so don’t do it. “Carter wake up, there are seals.” The nymph immediately shot up and nearly smacked echo in the head with his own.

“Ok, I was lied to. Echo I can’t believe you... actually I can, I just don’t like this current situation.” Carter replied. Echo quickly scooped him up in it’s arms and carried the nymph over to the others. “Dang, Carter coming in style. But alas, no one wishes to carry me!” Dax said dramatically. The blue boy and the goth wizard just roll their eyes and sit down.

“OKAY! So I’ve been lacking in the leader department as of late so.... after this meeting, someone else is getting the leader stick.” Faithy announced. Of course that kinda confused half the people there, man imagine almost doubling your group in a day. “Anyway. I’ll let Jo and Ash explained who they are, then Cj, and I guess it would be polite if the people that have been together for more than a day explain ourselves.” She explained. Everyone seemed chill with that arrangement.

Jo stood up, with her cloak still on. “Hi, so my name is Jo— some people call me Jojo, kinda bizarre if you just add on to my name to make a nickname... anyway...” she then pulled out a map. “Ash is traveling musician and I’m his protection. Anyway, he is going to preform for the sacred protector of Bees up north.” Jo explained while outlining their rout on the map.

“Apparently she’s getting married or something.” Ash cut in and Jo nodded. “Anyway, your leader realized you will be heading north for a while and decided traveling in a big group would be beneficial for everyone.” The bard explained.

“Perfect! Anyway, Cj, your turn. A lot happened since we met, I don’t think we remember much of what you told us.” Faithy said, trying to move things along.

A big weight fell off Cj’s chest. She knew she said things about herself that she’s shouldn’t have, it was a relief on her part. “Well, I have a good relationship with plant life. They will help me out when I call on them or when I don’t... the plants tend to sense when I’m in distress.” She explained as she conjured a vine to come closer that was peaking from the window.

“But I also ran a flower shop that I inherited from— my grandmother... yes her... well she was like a grandmother to me.” Cj quickly shut down, feeling as if she had said too much.

“Anyway, I know everyone is dying to know about me! Hi I’m Echo, I’m super hot I know. I kinda just tuned into lizards. I tried the bug thing, I hated it and went back to lizards cause they’re super cool and swaggy.” Echo said dramatically. “And don’t feel like you have to stay with one kind of magic! What do you need themes for? That’s super mega lame— it’s pretty sussy baka moment.”

Ahhhhh Echo, never failed to speak it’s mind. It’s an inspiration to us all, making people wanting to be their true selves— NO IM NOT PROJECTING... Echo is just an honest person that will tell you when it is adventuring out with others instead of being like “oh yeah, I got to go to sleep”

“I’m Carter, I’m blue, I like seals.” Carter got straight to the point I guess. “Also if someone looks rich, they won’t be much longer. Hehe knifes.”

Faithy just blinks at him slowly. She sighs, just grateful he isn’t screaming at the cat people.

“Hey mortals, I’m Dax, I’m also God. Right now I can sense the nararator wants to make a stupid joke, but they know I would kill them if they did.” Dax piped in. Wait a diddly darn minute, why would I want to make the joke “Dax the—“

“I would tell the tale of how I stumbled across my current favorite mortals, but it’s just not as fun when there aren’t any drunk people around.” Dax took a lean back in the chair that just randomly appeared and started dozing off.

“Hi, I’m Faithy.” The priestess simply ignored her friend and went on. “I was left at the temple as a baby, very generic I know. Anyway, someone left what I thought was a delicious lasagna in my office, so I decided to chow down. What I didn’t know was that was the sacred offering of one the most important nights of the year.... anyway I’m on the run from a whole religion....” she sighed and pulled her knees up to her chest.

At one point I wasn’t sure I was gonna get this far with this story, But here I am! Who do you think the new leader should be? Idk, I haven’t thought that far ahead.

Masterlist

#friendfiction #the party party #original story #cottage core goddess might fight chaos god???#family of seven #found family #cat boys #cat girl #blue boy is terrified of hot people I guess #oh and is scared of Ed sheeran I guess

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caps-lockdown · 4 years

Text

3 AM

Hello lovelies here is my entry for @justkendings 1K challenge! If ya’ll couldn’t tell I’m trying to branch out and try some writing challenges this year.

Prompts were “Dude. It’s 3 in the morning.” and “I don’t suppose you’ve got a blowtorch around here?”

Thoughts are in italics. It’s also my first time writing a complete AU so be kind. Alright here we go!

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader Modern Neighbor AU

Words: 6,310 HOLY CRIPES THIS GOT AWAY FROM ME

Warnings: Swear words, booze and tons of fluff. Some crude humor. Tony, Bucky, and Sam being impatient and grumpy.

Summary: You’re a Nanny by day and a diner waitress by night. Steve is a first responder who gets off late. You both live in the same apartment building. Insert cavity inducing meet cute here.

It’s in Y/N Y/L/N format. I own nothing but my mistakes/no beta.

A/N: I imagined this like an episode of Friends, so I took a couple of lines from the show as little Easter Eggs, lemme know if you find them. And also know I don’t own friends but I’m super obsessed and what can I say? No one told me life was gonna be this way.

Enjoy!

Saturday, 3 AM

You were certain you were going to fall asleep standing up. The elevator creaked to a stop on the 23rd floor of your apartment building and you zombie dragged your body down the hall. 1-A and screaming kids? Nope. Five-B complete with another wannabe Broadway superstar warming up their vocals to Britney Spears? You live in New York city. There’s one on every floor. You looked across the hallway when you reached your door at 3-C where 7-D sat. You’ve lived here for almost two years and have never met the inhabitants of the two bedroom across from your two bedroom. Not that you had tons of time. You were a Nanny during the day most days, and on nights like tonight you worked at a Diner.

Almost there. You could hear the siren call of your bed, a tired smile at the thought of a hot shower for your screaming feet spreading across your face as you lazily jammed your key ring into the door. You glanced at your wrist watch.

2:50 AM

Your shift at the diner aptly named “The Night Owl” had run a tad bit on the long side tonight, a gaggle of high school theater kids flooding your tables at the tail end of your shift. They were riding the high of their opening night of “Footloose”, demanding cheese fries, milkshakes, and whatever amount of Marge’s meatloaf was remaining from the day. You brushed off a piece of the aforementioned dinner special from your apron, slowly pushing the door open. Not that your attempt to be quiet did any good, the tell tale squeaking of the ancient hinges announcing your nearly KO’d arrival.

Sam was in the living room in less than a minute after you shut the door, a slightly grumpy look on his face.

“Long night?”

“Almost thirty teenagers Sam,” You fell into the overstuffed recliner, reaching to take off your sneakers when there was a soft knock at your door. “Shit, I hope I didn’t wake the neighbors.”

“Relax Y/N, I got this.” Sam walked his own groggy body to the door, looking into the peephole before shaking his head and opening the door with another loud squeak.

You leaned to catch a sight of the person, your heart momentarily stopping as your gaze fell upon the most perfect looking man you had ever seen. Please let him be a neighbor.

Blonde hair sat messily atop his head, still slightly damp from a shower that you no doubt wished you could have been a fly on a wall for. If the tight blue t-shirt that was one flex away from ripping off this walking Adonis was any indication, you would have happily offered to hold the loofa for him too.

“I am so sorry to bother you at this hour. I live right across the hall, in 7-D and I was wondering if I could borrow a cup and a half of sugar from you?”

Sam stared at him, his face void of any emotion. “Sugar? Seriously?”

“Yea you see it’s a coworker, a friend really, birthday tomorrow and I said I would make a cake for him, but ah…I forgot to buy sugar before my shift. I’m a first responder and so when I got off work everything was closed. So you see I heard your door open and thought if I could ask you before you went to bed then I had a decent chance.”

Sam’s face remained stoic. “Dude. It’s 3 in the morning.”

“Actually it’s 2:58,” You replied coolly, pulling your roommate back and replacing him. “A cup and a half of sugar is no problem at all. Give us two shakes, k?”

“Thank you SO much,” The tall drink of water gushed, you giving him a small and peppy “No problem!” before making your way to your kitchen. You always managed to keep extra essentials in the pantry, your fingers easily finding your spare bag of sugar, taking note of the half full open one. “Go back to bed Sam, I’ll handle it.”

“Be careful Y/N, I’ve seen this horror movie before.” Sam warned with a wary look at the man before walking into his room and shutting the door with a THUD.

You handed the full bag of sugar to the man, enjoying the warmth from his hands as they brushed yours. “Sorry about him, it’s way past his bedtime.”

“Your boyfriend was right to be grumpy. It’s stupid early.” You chuckled, “What? Did I say something funny?”

“Sam isn’t my boyfriend, he’s my roommate. Truth be told most of the time I want to kill him. I imagine that would be multiplied ten-fold if we were actually dating.”

“I understand.” He shuffled his slipper clad feet on the floor for a moment before snapping his eyes to yours. “Uh thanks for the…the sugar. I only needed…”

“We have plenty, and I hate measuring things at 3 in the morning.”

“Actually it’s, “He checked his cell phone, “3:14”

Cheeky. “Then you better get to baking that cake then huh?” You smiled at his flustered appearance when he hastily nodded,

“Right, thanks again!”He turned to walk into his own open doorway. A dark haired man with a goatee you hadn’t noticed before stood in a gold and red bathrobe, trying to get a look at you around his brick shithouse built dwelling mate. Probably his partner. Damn it all. You shut the door with a defeated sigh. Figures.

The door to Steve and Tony’s apartment had the terrible habit of slamming shut, the hinges like its neighbor shot but in different ways. This morning was no different. SLAM

Steve nodded to his roommate after throwing the lock.

“Who’s the babe?” Tony asked, mischief floating in his eyes as Steve fought the urge to roll his own into the back of his head.

“Obviously our neighbor Tony. She was kind enough to lend me some sugar to bake Bucky’s cake.” He held up the bag for emphasis. “See?”

“Well shit Steve if you just wanted some sugar all you had to do was ask…” Steve fake gagged as he walked past his roommate, the older man throwing his hand to his chest in mock hurt. “What I just don’t do it for you anymore? You gotta go get your sugar from other women now? Am I not enough?!”

“There is too much to unpack there Ton, so please, for the love of everything holy, just go to bed.”

“Fine. But don’t expect me to wait up for your cheatin ass!”Steve pinched the bridge of his nose as Tony swayed his hips back into his room, “Next time ya see her, get her number for me?”

“Fat chance asshole, I saw her first.” Steve waved off his roommate sticking out his tongue before Tony shut the door, shaking his head and redirecting his focus to the task at hand.

It was going to be a long morning.

Saturday, 1 PM

“RISE AND SHINE YOU BEAUTIFUL MESS!”

You groaned, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as you sat up in the living room. How had you fallen asleep on the couch? And when did you fall asleep on the couch? You reached for the outstretched coffee cup Sam handed you, the hot green tea sloshing in its container as you brought it to your mouth. “I see you watched the season finale of QVC. Worth the hype?”

Your middle finger was met with a pained expression, “Oh Y/N, that is obscenely un-ladylike. What would your poor mother think?”

“Well she’s been dead seventeen years Sam, so I imagine not a thing.” You smiled tightlipped at your roommate who shook his head.

“Ya always gotta play the dead mom card?”

“Hmm that depends,” You spoke to the screen in front of you, “You gonna keep wearing too tight tee shirts and pants in a last ditch effort to get a girlfriend?”

“You wound me my lady. You cut me so deep just now.”

“Whatever, don’t you have work?” Your eyebrow raised when he shook his head.

“Nah foreman gave us the weekend off since we’re ahead of schedule. Don’t you got the kids today? Or the Owl?”

“Nope I don’t got either til Monday. I’m taking the kids to the Zoo when they get back from their family reunion.” You chuckled into your cup, “I’ve actually missed the little fuckers.”

“Well you have been their nanny for the last three years. What’re ya gonna do when they’re grown?”

“Sidney isn’t even in middle school yet Sam cut me a break. I got another four years, easy.”

“Well what should we do with our new free time?”

“How about we go to the park? Grab some lunch, enjoy the sunshine. Tonight we can binge Golden Girls and drink way too much wine and order take out? My treat?” Sam seemed to ponder for a minute before nodding,

“For once you actually know what you want so who am I to say no?” You threw a pillow at him from the couch which he dodged with ease.

“Gotta be faster than…”

The second pillow didn’t miss as you squealed and ran to your room to get ready.

~~Meanwhile in 7-D~~

“No…too corny…no….not corny enough…”

Steve rubbed the back of his neck, a pile of sticky notes in a crumbled heap next to his desk. Writing a simple thank you note to your neighbor shouldn’t be this hard. It wouldn’t be, if you hadn’t been so incredibly attractive that he forgot to human. He never even introduced himself! He didn’t even ask your name! Tony said to cut himself some slack because it had been so early but Steve’s ma would hang him out to dry if she knew he had been knocking on some beautiful woman’s door at 3am.

He needed a nap.

The cake was baked and already frosted, sitting pretty ready for the big night tonight. He had used some of the sugar to make a nice coffee butter cream to ice the dark chocolate cake. Steve was super thankful you had given him the whole bag, or else Bucky would have gotten an unfrosted, sad cake. That would have definitely demoted him from “Best friend status”.

As if on cue his phone vibrated with a text message from his now a year older friend in a group chat for tonight.

Get some sleep old man, we got a long night tonight. –B

Yea yea I’m goin, sucks I have to sleep during this beautiful day though –S

This weather is freaking weird. Nearly sixty in MARCH? –B

Yea and global warming isn’t real. >.> –T

On that note I’m passing out, still on for 7?-S

Yep-B

Correct, sleep well boo thang! See you soon! Have sweet dreams of me! XoXo-T

How can I when you’re a living nightmare?-S

Steve rubbed his eyes, slapping his last written sticky note on the new bag of sugar before going to his room and passing out for a few hours.

Saturday, 6:30 PM

You and Sam had a lovely time walking central park, stopping at your favorite pizza place for lunch and just spending time catching up. You’ve been best friends since high school, and with both of you being on such odd hours most days it had become pretty difficult to enjoy the moments in between. The two of you were laughing your asses off as you made your way to your door, six bottles of wine swinging in bags at your sides.

Tonight was going to be exactly what you both needed.

Sam looked down when you nearly tripped over a block on something outside your door, “What the hell?”

You lowered yours to the floor, where a new bag of sugar sat, along with an attached sticky note. Thanks again for the sugar, Sugar. The cake is sure to be a big hit. -Steve

You beamed as Sam reached down to pick it off the floor. “Looks like 7-D has got a sweet spot for you.”

“Oh Sam shaddup.” You groaned, shutting the door behind him. “He’s just being nice.”

“Yea sure, you gonna ask mister Sweet tooth out?”

“We both know I never will Sam, I’m too nervous about that kind of thing.” A defeated sigh left you as you sat back down on the couch and began setting up for the evening, “’sides, I think he’s batting for the same team. A very handsome man was waiting for him this morning.”

“Oh honey I’m sorry but there is a chance he’s like a screen door in a hurricane?” You tilted your head in confusion when he grinned, “Swings both ways? He assumed we were dating, so why should you assume they are?”

“Because they’d be the cutest couple in the whole damn building?” You laughed bitterly, setting the remote down on the table while the opening credits started playing. “Now will you call out for Thai already? All the wine shopping made me a starving Marvin.”

“You got it dude!” Sam agreed, hopping over the couch with a loud “WOOHOO” and landing next to you, picking up one of the many take out menus on the coffee table. “Usual spot or we looking to be adventurous this evening?”

“I so don’t have the strength for new tonight Sam, you know what I like.”

Sam saluted you before pulling out his phone, you turning down the volume as he ordered food.

Yea, exactly what you needed.

Sunday, 3 AM

“Sam….Sammy….” You whined, holding the broken corkscrew in a tipsy sadness. This was my favorite wine opener.

“Aww man, that was my favorite wine opener!” Sam echoed your thoughts, both of you giving your old friend a moment of silence before you ceremoniously dropped it into the trashcan.

“Our only wine opener.” You said with a sigh. Sam followed suit.

“What now? We still have two bottles to go through!”

Your eyes widened at your bright idea, rushing for the door as fast as your wine-soaked body could carry you and throwing the door open. You winced at the loud creak, hoping one day you’d remember to WD-40 the hinges. Your smile dropped when no one answered the door across the hall, turning back to Sam with a disappointed shrug. “No one home. I guess we’ll have to quit while we’re ahead.”

“That’s quittin talk!” Sam slurred, using the doorframe as a post, drifting off into thought as to how you could obtain a new corkscrew at this hour.

That’s when you heard it. An obnoxious laugh flooding the hall from the elevator, followed by loud, fumbling footsteps and a lot of cuss words.

“Jesus…Bucky…You’re such a damn lightweight anymore…What…what happened to you?” You recognized the brunette from earlier this morning, the blond god helping him hold up a dark haired man as they made their way towards their door. “Oh great and now the hot girl in 3-C is standing outside our door and we look like shit. Thanks Barnes.”

You took in their scraped and slightly bloodied appearance with a shocked expression, Sam wrinkling his nose at the smell of blood. “You guys look terrible. Rough night?”

The other half of 7-D winced when you stared at him, “We’ve been in worse scraps than this. But yeah, wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.” He gave you a soft, split lip smile. “What can I do for you beautiful?”

Your face burned up at the compliment, although you were positive the wine wasn’t helping matters. “Do….dddo you have a corkscrew? Ours broke.” You stammered, and followed it with a “What happened to you three?”

“Oh you know how birthdays parties and booze go.” Steve gave massive side eye to the man in the middle, “Someone didn’t want to share his cake I made him, sadly the rest is history.”

The drunk man in question had the good sense to look somewhat guilty as he sloppily threw his head up to look at the man, “JAMES DOESN’T SHARE FOOD!” He affirmed in a loud voice before dragging his gaze to you, his eyes widening in surprise. “Damn you…you weren’kidding Steve….she IS a babe.” The man attempted to wink at you with a black eye, you shaking your head at the absurdity of it all. “My….my name’s James but everyonecallsme Bucky. But you….you can callmewhatever you want sweets….”

“Alright Pal, let’s get your dumbass inside.” Steve gritted out with a clenched jaw as you darted out of the way. “And we got a couple corkscrews, so you can borrow one, no problem.”

“I got a screw she can have…” Tony muttered, barely missing 7-D’s free arm, letting go of Barnes in the process. He landed face first on the floor with a wham.

”YoU….YOu…ASShole!” Bucky spat angrily into the floor, trying in vain to pick himself up, “What…whatthefuck did I EVER do to you?!”

Tony scoffed, “Please, you want the short list or the long list?”

Laughter bubbled out of you and Sam while the blond quickly went into the kitchen and dug through drawers. He was back in a flash, holding out a wine opener that looked…

“That’s the same one we had!” You laughed, taking it from him while running your fingers over his as he released it with a small shudder. “You’re a life saver Steve!”

“I do what I can,” He replied with a chuckle.

“Hereally is a… lifesaver sweet thang.” Bucky said and you looked down to see he had managed to roll himself over in his inebriated state, staring at the two of you with a dreamy expression, “You two….wouldmakegreatlooking babies.”

“And I think that’s our cue.” Sam said with a tight lipped smile. “Thanks again dude, we’ll get this back to you ASAP.” You didn’t hold back your disappointment when the blond nodded.

“Take your time, and don’t mention it.” He looked at you, blue eyes making you want to drown in them, “Have a good night 3-C.”

“You…you too Steve.” You managed to get out before being dragged out of the doorway by your roommate. You stared at him when he shut the door and threw the lock, walking over to the unopened bottle with newfound purpose. “What the hell was that about?” You jumped slightly when the door across the hall slammed shut.

“They were making me nervous Y/N, I don’t like the way they all talked to you.”

“Steve isn’t like the others Sam, you need to stop being so overprotective.”

“That Bucky dude was one sentence away from getting a second black eye.”

“You’re a big baby. Now get to pouring that wine! I gotta see what Dorothy was going to say to Blanche!”

“Yes ma’am.” Sam rolled his eyes before uncorking the bottle. “Anything else ma’am?”

You had already hit resume on the t.v, grabbing a handful of stale popcorn and throwing most of it in your mouth, making a face at the pieces that fell to the floor. You wasted no time snatching the glass from him before the two of you sat on the couch, continuing your binge.

~~Meanwhile~~

“You NEED to ask her out Stevie!” Tony whined, holding the ice pack to his head. Steve shook his head, throwing Bucky a bag of frozen peas. Which he didn’t catch. Steve should have figured as much.

“I don’t NEED to do anything Tony. So shaddup already.” He warned, Bucky cocking his head in confusion.

“Why not? You said she ain’t dating her roomie right?”

“Doesn’t mean she ain’t seeing anyone else.” He admonished, getting really tired of his friends poking their noses into his personal life. Again

“What do you have to lose if she is? She’s insanely hot dude, at least get on a first name basis with her!”

He still hadn’t gotten your name. Shit.

“Alright mister Casanova, and just how do you suggest I do that?”

“Go ask to borrow something.” Bucky suggested, a little more sober than he had been a couple hours ago. Which wasn’t much, but any progress is progress.

Steve pulled a face, “You’re an idiot.”

“But I’m your idiot.” He smiled brightly, standing to stretch and accidentally knocking off the hideous “Better latte than never” coffee mug Steve had been too nice to throw away. He had gotten it as a gift, the eyesore coming from a female patient whose life he had saved a couple years ago. It was a nice thought, but the bright green and hot pink polka dots weren’t really his thing. “Oh no! Whatever shall we do!”

“You dick!” Tony glared, pointing to the shards of ceramic that littered the cheap hardwood floors, “We haven’t bought a new dustpan yet!”

Bucky tapped his temple, pointing to the door. “Looks like you’ll have to ask the hot neighbor.”

Steve checked his phone. 4:30 AM “No way, it’s too fucking early.”

“They still might be up.” Bucky shrugged, padding his way to the door and opening it with a dramatic flourish. He cupped his ear, leaning into the hallway. Steve heard your giggle fit from the other side of the hall, small smile creeping its way over his lips. How Fortuitous. “Could I be anymore right?”

“Alright you win this round.” Steve wiped his face with his arm, careful to avoid his split lip as he walked into the hall, but not before hip checking Bucky. “Jesus I hope she doesn’t think I’m a creep.”

He lightly knocked, hearing a small yelp on the other side followed by a gruff “I swear if it’s 7-D again I’m gonna…”

“Lay off him Sam, he’s hot and has been nothing but sweet. You rather it be the bitchy land…”

Steve jumped back when you pulled the door open, having a bit of difficulty with the new amount of wine you’ve consumed and hanging onto it as the SQQQQUUUUUEAAAK made you wince. You really needed to get that fixed. “Steve, hi…your ears burning? We were just talking about you!”

Apparently you couldn’t whisper when you were drunk. Steve found it adorable.

“No I uh, didn’t hear a thing. I got a weird question.”

“I got a weird answer.” You deadpanned, right before erupting into a fit of giggles. “Shoot”

“You got a dustpan? Bucky broke a mug and we haven’t had a chance to get a new one since the stove incident a few months back.”

You stared at him, eyes wide. “How do you leave a dustpan on a stove?”

“Hangover Breakfast.”

“Ah. Say no more. You wanna step in for a sec?”

“Uh yea, sure.” Steve stepped into your space and immediately felt like he was home. All of the décor on the walls, the perfectly coordinated knick knacks. Hell even your curtains matched. It was an elegant take on pastels and spring themes. A lovely antique bird cage with flowers hung in the window. Stunning shades of blues and purples covered the furniture and windows, offsetting the gray colors of the couch, chair and tables. “Your space is amazing.”

“Thanks, it’s all Y/N and her HGTV obsession. Thankfully it’s all seasonal.” Sam laughed, emptying his glass. “You want a glass of wine while you wait? She usually doesn’t take long but we’ve had quite a bit to drink and right now I’d bet money she forgot which closet it’s in. We only have the one but her drunk brain sucks ass.” As if on cue the two men twisted their heads at the sound of you clamoring through the small closet.

“Nah I’ll pass. I’ve had more than enough for tonight. Thanks though.”

“I FOUND IT!” You emerged from the depths of Narnia, hair a mess and shirt rumpled holding a bright pink dustpan. The guys won’t him live that down, he could already hear them now. As if reading his thoughts you offered an apologetic smile, “Sorry bout the color.”

“It’s fine, you’re an absolute angel. Thank you.”

“Hey anytime, you’re quitelovelytolookat.” You got out in one long breath, eyes wide as you hoped he didn’t catch all of that. Wine made your sober thoughts flow out of your mouth a lot easier, which was always embarrassing.

“You’re quite attractive too Y/N.” Your eyes remained wide as you stared in panic.

“How did you…”

“Easy there no need to freak out, I’m not a stalker.” Steve chuckled, throwing his now dustpan clad hands in defense. “Sam told me. Like two minutes ago.” You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding, Sam rolling his eyes. This was so cute he wanted to puke. “Well I should get back to the guys before they figure out a way to burn the building down.”

“Right…” You gave a half smile, careful to get a good eyeful of his perfect ass as he left. The door shut with a loud creak. “He’s really cute Sam.” Sam made a face when his door slammed.

“Then do what NORMAL people do and, “He gripped your shoulders, giggles falling out of you as he gently shook you with every word, “Ask. Him out!”

“I barely know him Sam.”

“That what dates are for. Although with your track record you might as well just ask to borrow something after an hour. “

And with Sam’s brilliant idea lodged in your head you decided to do just that.

5:30 AM

Crreeeeeak

Your slightly less than sober self tiptoed into the hall, attempting to listen to the guys arguing over movies before knocking on the door. Steve answered the door in record time.

“Whatcha need Sweetheart?”

“You got any extra bags of popcorn? We’re out.”

“Sure thing, hang on.” You accepted the bags gratefully. “Anything else?”

“Favorite color?”

“Blue.”

“Blue….ok bye!”

“Bye”

Slam

Creeeeeeeak

6:30 AM

Slam

Knock

Your turn to open the door with a Creeeeeak

“Yes?”

“You got an iron?” Steve asked sheepishly, Tony, being slightly annoyed at the interruption of movie time poked his head into the hall.

“Why do you need an Iron? We have an Iron! I’m the Iron Man in this apartment!”

“She might have one not covered in cheese grease.” Steve said pointedly, Bucky looking guilty from opposite of Tony.

“That happened one time months ago! I bet it still works fine!” You gave the men a sympathetic glance.

Steve looked pleadingly at you. “Please.” You nodded, walking past a slightly irked and sleepy Sam to dig through the closet, returning promptly with an iron. “Thanks Doll, what’s your favorite movie?”

“Casablanca. You?”

“Pride and prejudice…” Your heart melted for .5 seconds before he quickly added “And Zombies.”

“Gotcha. Well, have a good morning. “

“Yea you too Y/N.”

Creeeeaaaak

Slam

7:30 AM

Creeeeeak

Knock Knock

Steve rubbed at his eyes before perking up at the sight of you in pjs, sleepy look on your own face as well.

“I don’t suppose you’ve got a blowtorch around here?” You asked casually.

Steve looked stunned. “Uh….One, should I be concerned for Sam’s well being?” You quickly shook your head. “Alright…Two, why do you need a blowtorch?”

“Crème Brulee” You laughed at his reaction, his eyebrows so far into his hairline they almost got lost into his hair. An exaggeration on your part but it was still definitely a sight. “Relax, I’m mostly sober. Just hungry.”

“There is no way your custard could have set by now.”

He noticed how you looked impressed before shrugging as if it were nothing, “It has when you own a blast chiller. Being employed by two world renowned chefs has its perks.”

“I guess. Hang on.” You managed to catch a glimpse of Tony and Bucky partially glaring at you from the living room.

“I’m not keeping you guys up am I?”

“Only meant to go to bed four hours ago.” Tony snapped before grinning, “But if you come in and cuddle with me til I fall asleep I’ll consider us even.” He winked and you felt slightly self conscious for standing in a doorway in a tank top and shorts.

“Tony, go to bed. No one is keeping you out here.” Steve tossed across his shoulder before handing you the handheld heat device. “One blowtorch. “

“Thanks Steve. Want me to bring you some?” You asked innocently, cradling the blowtorch like a newborn. Bucky cleared his throat. “I think Tony and I deserve some for putting up with you two all night.” You gave a deep sigh before nodding slowly.

“Done. I did plan on bringing you some anyway, for being so nice to me. And like a belated birthday present.” Bucky’s eyes almost bulged out of his head, whipping it over to Steve at such a speed you thought it would pop off and get carried out of the window.

“If you don’t marry her I call dibs.” You held up a finger before heading back to your apartment, the door being left open for the simple fact that Sam had threatened to smother you. His hangover was coming in hot, and he was always so cranky when he had one. You put the finishing touches on the small ramekins, using the blowtorch with skilled hands. The parents of the kids you sat most of the week had taught you a thing or two after all. You carefully set them on a tray and along with a French press of fresh coffee, bridged the gap between your two doors once more.

You set the tray down on the coffee table in front of three sets of hungry eyes. “I hope you like it!” You said cheerfully, taking a minute to soak in the childlike wonder that graced the three men’s faces. They took no time digging into the confection, Bucky and Tony making nearly identical moans at their first spoonful.

“I take back all the bad things I was thinking about you.” Tony got out before moaning again, “This stuff should be illegal.” You shook your head, slowly backtracking through the door.

“I’m glad, but I should be trying to sleep now. I hope you all have a goodnight…I mean morning.” You rushed back to your apartment with a loud crrreeeeeaaaak.

“She’s perfect.” Steve gushed after nearly inhaling his dessert.

“If only you had remembered to ask her out.” Tony muffled out, going to town on licking the inside of the small bowl as if there were any stray pieces of burnt sugar remaining. “Now it looks like I’m going to have to. Really have to twist my arm.”

Steve looked at your closed door in disappointment. “Shit.”

8:00 AM

Slam

Steve raised his hand, waiting a moment to knock. He’d been an annoying asshole all night to his roommates, not to mention yours. He should just call it a night but he desperately needed to ask you out before he lost his nerve. And before Tony had a chance to. He lightly rapped on the door, holding his breath while the door creaked open. But you didn’t answer.

One extremely pissed off and extremely hungover Sam Wilson did.

“Someone better be dying 7-D.”

“Oh uh no…sorry I was uh…” Steve trailed off, looking for a way to cover his ass from the obvious wrath coming his way. “Spit it out I don’t have all day.” Sam warned, tapping his foot impatiently.

“DoyouhaveablenderIcouldborrow?” Steve shot out, the mumbled jumbled mess making Sam quirk a brow, crossing his arms.

“Come again?”

“Sorry, “ Steve cleared his throat before starting again, “Do you have a blender I can borrow? For Bloody Marys? The guys are gonna have a wicked hangover and I thought I’d be nice and make them when they wake up.”

“A blender seems like the exact opposite of what they need with a hangover but what the hell. If it gets you out of my hair.“ Sam sighed, rubbing his eyes, “Hang on.” It took Sam ten seconds to retrieve the contraption and all of its matching parts. Steve would have been impressed, if he hadn’t felt so bad.

“One blender. Now let me die in peace.”

“Thanks…?” “Sam. Sam Wilson.”

“Sam.” Steve tried the name on for size with a wide smile. “Nice name.”

“Don’t push your luck Steve, Y/N may have fallen for that pretty boy crap but I sure as shit won’t.”

“I don’t suppose you two will want a Bloody Mary later?”

The door was already closing, Sam speaking into the shrinking crack with indifference. “Not unless it’s made out of sleep. Goodnight 7-D”

Steve thought his was the only door in the hallway that could slam.

Sunday, 3PM

“Y/N we need more toilet paper!” Sam called from the closet next to the bathroom, you hastily scribbling the words down on a post it note before grabbing your keys.

“I’m on it! If you think of anything else, text me!” You rushed out the door, not noticing you had forgotten to grab your apartment keys on the counter. You always carried two separate key rings, in the highly likely scenario of someone trying to mug you. Sam looked at them, wheels beginning to turn.

~~In 7-D~~

“I’m going out to get some celery!” Steve called, grabbing his keys and slipping on some worn sneakers, “If you need anything just message me!” Slam

“Today’s the day I change the locks.” Tony said confidently, retreating to his room briefly to grab the new set. He had been waiting for both of them to be home, but with the way Steve had been with Y/N all night he had a score to settle. Groaning at the sound of the trash man outside he pressed the once frozen bag of carrots to his head, walking out and past a comatose Bucky on the couch. Tony glared. Asshole can sleep through anything.

He was counting on it.

4:15pm

You were extremely concerned when you reached the apartment building and realized you forgotten your keys, temporary panic set in before you remembered two things.

One, Sam was still home.

And two, he was a light sleeper.

You practically sprinted down the hall, paying no mind to the tall blond that was slapped against his own door in defeat, random items along either side of the doorway. As you neared your own door you noticed a small pile of items had migrated outside as well, a bright orange sticky note attached to the oak door.

“They’ve locked us out.” Steve said with a groan, bag holding celery and coffee hitting the ground with an unimpressed thud. “They’re punishing us for this morning.”

“No way!” You bit out, knocking on the door angrily, “Wilma! Open this retched door if you ever want to take a shit again!” You looked down at the ground, finally acknowledging the objects. “What the hell is all of this?”

“It the things we borrowed from each other last night.” Came the blonde’s response, you recognizing the bright pink dust pan, French press, and Iron. Among other things he had asked for in the early hours.

“When did you borrow my blender?” You asked pointedly, noticing how Steve’s face turned a slight pink.

“This morning. I got Sam.” You mouth made a perfect O shape, taking the sticky note off the door. What he said-Sam

“This note makes no sense.” You whispered, scratching the crown of your head, looking up to Steve to see his blush deepen. “What’s this about?”

“Uh….here.” He handed you his own crumpled up note.

You can come in when you’ve grown a pair and asked her out –Tony

“Oh.” You stared at the note, shifting your weight from foot to foot while your hallway partner studied your face as if it was the first time meeting you. He jumped in surprise when you looked up again at him with a beaming smile, “Well how about lunch?”

“You’re not hungover?” He asked curiously, you scoffed.

“Please, I’m no rookie.”

“Lunch sounds great Y/N,” Steve beamed his own mega watt smile your way and held out his arm, “You ever been to Kay’s?”

“I looove Kay’s!” You gushed, grabbing his hand and dragging him down the hall, but not before yelling loudly. “IT’S A DATE! NOW YOU GUYS CAN PUT OUR STUFF BACK!”

The three men were happy to do it, thankful for some more peace and quiet. Even if only temporarily.

Six Months Later, 3 AM

Crreeeeaaaak

“God damnit.”

Your eyes shot open to the sound of your apartment door opening, waiting for the infernal door to scream in protest before it was shut. But that never came. Instead the sound of power tools and more cussing filled the air for a few moments before the sound of rattling metal and plastic containers flooded your ears. Curious, you threw on some slippers and opened your door, walking into the living room.

Your heart fluttered at the sight of Steve Rogers replacing your door hinges.

“Good morning handsome.” You called, walking up behind him and wrapping your arms around his solid middle, “You’re busy this morning. Long shift?”

“Nothing major, “ Steve moved so his arm came to rest around your side, “figured it was time we got this fixed. Especially since I live here now.”

“My hero,” You snarked, “whatever would I do without you?”

He snickered, “Probably kill Sam by now.”

“Yup.” You grinned when he let out a loud bark of laughter, “And now it’s just another thing you can hold over him when you see him and Tony this afternoon for brunch.”

“Copy that. Their apartment or ours this time?”He questioned, itching to get his hands on you.

“Theirs. So we have plenty of tim..” He gripped you tight and cut you off with a kiss, you responding immediately. Steve sighed and picked you up effortlessly while you wrapped your legs around him. He pushed the door shut and tossed the lock over with ease, walking both of you back to your room.

Both doors closed with a soft click.

The end.

Tagging: @kaytizzle @giggleberts @cuffski @pies-wands-and-more

#justkendingwritingchallenge #steve rogers x y/n #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers fanfiction #marvel au #marvel fanfiction

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aghasexxy · 4 years

Text

ONE WOMAN SHOW PT. 2 | Im Jaebum

Pairing: Reader x Im Jaebum

Words: 1688

Genre: Smut

Warnings: Stripping/ Teasing

Summary: you work at the most famous strip club in Los Angeles and you have customers that come in asking for you all the time. Including one mysterious man whose father is the head of the K-Town mob. And who closes down the club once a week to discuss “business”.

The sound of the city spills into the club on a very packed Friday night. The last Friday of 2019. The last Friday of the decade. Our doors have been open for less than an hour and the club is already filled to the brim with men and women unable to walk steadily. I look across the club from backstage, laughing at the chaos out there. But those people don’t matter to me. Only one person does. And he’s nowhere in sight.

“Y/N,” I turn around to see my best friend Wendy. She’s grinning ear to ear as usual. She grabs my face with her delicate hands. “Could you pretend to be excited please? This is the final Friday of the decade!” She squeals like a kid in Disneyland. “I promise I’m excited. I’m just expecting someone,” I look back towards the bar. “Would that someone be JB?” I look back at her with a smirk and roll my eyes. “Y/N! You need to stop fucking

around and just go for it! He obviously wants you!” A whistle breaks through the sound of the dancers laughing and chatting. Our boss calls us for a final pep talk before the night truly begins.

“Ladies!,” he exclaims, demanding the attention of every dancer. “First and foremost, welcome to the end of the decade,” we all erupt in hoots, hollers, and applause. “We’ve really kicked ass this year and I’m so proud of all we accomplished. Both on stage and behind the scenes. To say we ended the year off with a bang is an understatement,” he whips out a stack of cash from his back pocket, snickering at everyone’s slack jaws. I stand arms crossed, completely unimpressed. “We helped sell a lot of product this year, all without any raids. Good work!” We all clap and talk amongst ourselves. He gets our attention again. “Okay for tonight, the lineup for the main show is Claire, Denise, Angie, Loren, Tabitha, Wendy, and of course,” I roll my eyes and smile as all the girls look to me and cheer my name. “Our star Y/N!” The room erupts in applause and I try to shush them. “Okay ladies! Go get dressed! We start in 45 minutes!” Applause erupts as we all rush to the dressing room.

I apply setting spray to my face to finish off my makeup look for the night. Looking in the mirror, I am in awe of the work of art I created. Wendy whistles at me from across the room and I giggle. She walks over to my vanity. “Yo mami you got a man?” I turn around. “Wendy why are you like this?!” She shrugs. “I’m pretty sure that whoever wrote the best friend manual included one of the rules to be “hype up your best friend in the most obnoxious way you know how”,” she kisses my cheek. “So that’s what I’m doing!” I stand up and take off my trench coat to show her my outfit of choice. The lights in the room flash which means that the show is about to begin. The girls scatter like roaches and I call Wendy over. “I’m wearing his favorite lingerie tonight for my set,” I say slyly as she grins from ear to ear. “Ahhhh I love that one! You’re gonna be breaking necks tonight for sure! If not his then everyone else’s!”

An hour goes by and Wendy is just now wrapping up her set. A member of the stage crew comes back to the dressing room. “You’re up in 10 Y/N,” I nod and make some final touch ups. Wendy peels around the corner, her hair in her face as she tries to catch her breath. “You killed it out there!,” I yell, running over to hug her. “How was the crowd? Did you see JB?” I pull back and before she can answer, I get called to the stage. On my way out, Wendy gives my ass a nice love tap. “You’ll find out,” she says as I walk to the side stage.

The announcer goes on stage before me and starts my introduction. The audience cease their hoots and hollers so that he can speak. “Ladies and gentleman, we all can admit that nothing is sexier than when we come home after a long day of work and the first thing we see is our significant other walking around in your favorite lingerie set,” men start whistling and I can’t help but blush. “And tonight, for those single, lonely souls, you’ll get to experience that fantasy for the very first time.” The audience erupts in applause along with the other performers watching behind me. I can’t help but just smile. “Y’all have been waiting for her all night! Here she is, our stunning duchess Y/N!” As the audience loses their minds once again, I let out a breath and stand tall. Here we go.

Wasabi by Little Mix starts to play as I strut on stage. Bills start to fly the moment I come into view and men are on their feet cheering for me. They don’t mean shit to me of course. My eyes scan the room, hoping to lock onto piercing brown ones. I keep smiling as I strut down the catwalk to the pole in the middle. I take off my robe, earning an eruption of applause and whistles. I look out on the floor again when I lock eyes with him. JB. There he was, sitting right in my line of vision. His smirk accompanied with him man spreading in his chair was enough for me to get on my knees right then and there. I twirl around nice and slow, giving him something to look at. He’s probably having a hard time keeping it together right now: his favorite dancer in his favorite lingerie set performing for strangers instead of just him. I press my back against my pole, dropping low in slow motion. My eyes never leave his. Maybe I should punish him for being late, show him who’s boss.The music stops and I receive a standing ovation from the crowd. Everyone was on their feet including him. The MC comes out on stage.

“Wow Y/N! Another show-stopping entrance! You know what time it is! Time to pick a lucky guy in the crowd to give him a lap dance!” The sounds of whoops and hollers at this point are deafening. “Now Y/N, what song would you like to dance to?” I turn to the DJ. “Play Rules by Doja Cat for me, please.” The MC fans his face dramatically as the crowd goes crazy once again. I look back out and see JB. His eyes burn into me like daggers. I know what that look means.

“DJ, if you would,” the MC asks as he scurried offstage. The music starts and my eyes start to wander. I walk onto the floor, locking eyes with every horny middle-aged man I see. I blow kisses, wink, and smile and it’s enough to get tens of hundreds of dollars thrown my way. The floor vibrates from the intense bass in the music and I am locked onto my target. JB looks me up and down as I circle around him. My fingers drag across his broad shoulders and I take a seat on his lap, licking my lips as I lock eyes with him. “You wanna play with me, baby,” he whispers softly to me, my pussy clenching and instantly getting wet. The men around us were cheering JB on and whistling loudly. I stand up and reach out my hand, answering his question with a simple head nod. He snickers and grabs hold, triggering another roar of applause from those watching. We walked back to the stage where a lonely chair sat. The spotlight shines over it as the metal gives off a supernatural glow in the white light. He sits down, not leaving my eyes for one second. “You know the rules sir,” I lean in, his cologne overwhelming my senses. “No touching,” I whisper sensually. I stand up and turn around. I look at him as I bend over, my ass being the only thing he has his eyes on. I come back up slowly and smack my ass. I can’t help myself from smiling at the evil mug on his face. This is torture for him. He wants to wreck me to no end, I know he does. But house rules say otherwise. I strut back over to him, kicking his left foot out. “Spread your legs,” I demand. I climb onto his lap and I feel a pulsating sensation from under me. “You like that?” I ask sweetly, like I’m not torturing him. I slowly start to grind on his clothed dick and he lets out the deepest moan I’ve ever heard in my life. I feel myself getting wet at the sound of it. “Yeah daddy?,” I whisper, grinding him a little faster. I stop and lean all the way back. My hands graze the ground along with my head as our crotches stay glued together. I come back up slowly, my breast threatening to pop out into his face. I come all the way up and the song is over. The crowd cheers and I get a standing ovation. He leans in closer to me and our noses barely graze each other’s. “I’m going to make a mess of you Y/N. You’re mine,” I bite my lip and giggle. “I hope that’s a promise, babe.” I wink at JB and stroke his face before turning around to address the audience. “Thank you for coming out tonight everyone! Happy new year!” The crowd yells it back and erupts in applause. I turn back to JB. “Let’s give a big round of applause for my performance partner tonight!” Whistles and claps follow as he walks off stage. I just know by the look in his eye that the next time I see him, he will have his way with me. And I can’t wait.

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newbie-weeb26 · 4 years

Text

Sports (Chapter 2)

Credit to: @lovely-wiccann for helping me out

Warning: Panic attack

Another day. In fact, it was a couple days after your first day of school. “Alright darling, today is the sports festival. Are you ready?” You look at present mic and tense up. “Uh dad...” you start to get anxious. “I don’t think I should do the festival.” Your dad widens his eyes. “Why not y/n? You know you can get an internship when you participate.” You brush your hair with tears at the corner of your eyes. “I know I can, but I don’t think I can go through it. You know that I hate it when people get hurt.” Mic smiles. “Listen here, I will accept your decision. You’re also still new, so you have the right to not do the festival.” You smile and hug him. “Thanks dad. Well, I’ll see you at school.” You wave and he does the same.

On your way to school, Uraraka comes up behind you. “Hey y/n! Are you pumped for the festival? I have been training non-stop.” You giggle. “Who are you, my dad?” The both of you giggle at your silly question. “I am, but I need to tell you something and you can’t tell anyone.” Uraraka looks confused as she leans in closer to you. “I’m not doing the sports festival,” you whisper in her ear. She has the same reaction as your dad. “Wha- why?” You both walk to your locker and tell her why. You say that you didn’t have time to train and that you are still pretty new, so you want to start things more slowly. The best thing about having Uraraka as a friend, she listens and understands. “That’s alright. I mean, if you did tell everyone, they would probably understand. I’ll keep it to myself, unless you want me to tell Deku, since you are also really close to him also.” You sigh in relief. “Thanks. You never know, I might have to protect the class from either Bakugo or Todoroki.” Both of you talk and walk to class.

Right when you step foot into the room, everyone was hype. “Aw yeah, time to beat some ass!” Kirishima said. The secret starts to eat away at you. Should you tell them right now? Do you lie? You walk back to Uraraka. “This secret is eating away at my flesh. Should I tell them right now?” She looks at you. “Well, I think that you should, so there is no confusion, but that is your decision.” You smile. Alright, you’re gonna tell everyone. You walk up to the front of the class. No one notices, but Uraraka smiles and nods. “I have decided to not participate in the festival.” Everyone freezes. Right then and there, you wanted to run and cry in the bathroom. Deku looks at you. “I mean, you are still new, so that is understandable.” Everyone listens to his statement and they start to agree. “As class representative, I respect this decision of my fellow class mate.” Iida stands up and bows. A wave of relief goes over you.

“Just as I thought extra, you’re more of a coward as I thought.” Bakugo said, under his breath. You hum, causing to turn your hair blue. “Said the person who was really unstable last sports day.” You smile and spray his head with little spritzes of water. Before you know it, you’re sitting on the bleachers, cheering for your fellow classmates. It was the obstacle course round, so everyone is starting off. Todoroki is in the lead, along with Bakugo. This is going to be interesting. When you were getting into it, someone calls your name. “Hey y/n. Can I sit here with you?” You look over your shoulder. “Oh hey Mashirao. What are you doing here?” He looks at you and says, “well I decided to sit out because I don’t really think it’s fun. Last festival, I felt left out, so now I’m here.” You nod your head and motion him to sit next to you. Mashirao sits next to you and watches and cheers. “I gotta be honest, I am kind off nervous about the one on one battles. I don’t like violence.” He nods his head.

“Yeah, last years battles were brutal, but I think it is going to be a bit lighter this time.” You agree with him. “OH MY! IT LOOKS LIKE OCHACO URARAKA HAS TWISTED HER ANKLE!” Mic yells over the loud speakers. Once you hear that, your heart sinks. “No. Not now! I gotta go to recovery girl!” You get out of your seat and run to the nurse’s office. Luckily, Uraraka was there on the bed. “Uraraka. Are you okay?” You get more nervous. She looks up at you and nods. “I’m alright, just in a bit of pain.” You sigh in relief. “Hello dearie. She will be alright. I just gotta heal her up.” Recovery girl smiles at you. “Uhm, c-can I heal her?” Uraraka looks at you confused. “Why yes you can.” The nurse accepts the offer. You hum and your hair turns into a dark pink. You place your hand on your friend’s ankle, and healing power comes out of your hand. “Alright, I healed it, but make sure you keep your weight off of it, because it can make it even more injured.” You smile and look up at her. “I think you have been putting too much stress on yourself, so you should take a mental break for now.” Uraraka nods her head and recovery girl wraps her ankle. “You are a talented young woman y/n. Thank you for healing her.”

Now three of you are sitting in the bleachers. You, Mashirao, and Uraraka. At this point, everyone are at the finish line and on their way into the stadium again. “I wonder who is going to come in. I hope they are from our class.” Uraraka said in an excited tone. All of the sudden, you see Todoroki run through the tunnel, onto the field. “IT LOOKS LIKE THE WINNER OF THE OBSTACLE COURSE IS SHOTO TODOROKI!” Everyone cheers. Deku comes in second, and Bakugo came in third. Welp, he looks mad. You cheer for the winners and everyone else, since they did worked hard. The second event happened, but it really wasn’t that interesting, but Bakugo won that one. Anyway, it’s time for the one on one battles. You were nervous, since you don’t want anyone to get hurt. You see Todoroki walking to the bleachers, along with deku. “Hey Deku and Todoroki! You both did great!” You tell them. “Well thank you y/n. Uraraka, how are you feeling?’ Deku asked, worried. “I feel a lot better, now that y/n healed me with her healing power.” Kirishima, overhearing the conversation, interrupts the group. “Wait, y/n has healing power? That is so cool! Now Midoryia doesn’t have to rely on recovery girl so often.” He joked, causing you to laugh and Deku to roll his eyes.

The fire glows and Midnight announces the names of the first people to go against each other. “Mei Hatsume vs. Hitoshi Shinso! And... BEGIN!” The fights go off one after the other after the other. After, for what felt like forever, it was Deku vs. Bakugo. This isn’t going to end well. “Hey Iida, switch seats with me.” Iida turns around and looks at you. “Why?” He asked. “I have a feeling that this battle isn’t going to go well. I have a force field power, just in case. Also... you need to make sure that I don’t fall over this balcony when I do do it.” Iida nods in agreement and switches seats with you. “I am just as nervous as you for this battle. Bakugo will try to kill Deku if he wants to.” Tsyuyu said to you. “It’s okay. My shield can take strong hits. If he does attack here, I can protect everyone.” Momo looks at you. “I’ll make a blanket to add another level of protection.” You nod at Momo, saying that her idea is a good one. “DEKU YOU BASTARD! I AM GOING TO BLAST YOU OFF OF THIS EARTH!” Everyone looks at the battle. Bakugo is facing towards the 1A bleachers. Momo also sees this, so she creates a blanket right away, covering everyone in the class. “Iida, hold on tight to me.” He grabs your shirt as tight as he can. You hum and change your hair color to white.

Bakugo sets off a big blast towards your way. You bring your hands out. “EVERYONE, DUCK!” The force field forms and the blast reverses, heading towards Bakugo. “KAACHAN!” Deku lunges for Bakugo and they just missed the explosion heading towards them. You bring down the force field and everyone uncover themselves. “WOAH WOAH WOAH! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN!?” You hear your dad yell through the speakers. “It seems like one of the students in 1A used a forcefield to protect the other students from Bakugo’s attack. That is very brave for them.” Aizawa said. You drop to your knees and feel your heart pounding in your chest. “Y/n. Her quirk: Humming melody. She can do any power depending on her humming style. The color of her hair also changes to the color of the power.” Aizawa explains your quirk, causing everyone to be confused on why you weren’t in the festival. Tears run down your face because of the fact that you told yourself that you didn’t want the attention of everyone all over the world. You run out of the bleachers and into the hall that leads everyone toward the seats.

Uraraka, Iida, Kirishima, and Todoroki chase after you. “Where did she go?” Kirishima asked, looking around. Iida spotted you, crying on the floor, covering your face. “Kirishima and Todoroki, go get present mic.” Iida said. “On it.” They said and ran to get your dad. You felt so stupid and mad. “I didn’t want this attention. I just wanted to protect my friends, but I didn’t want Deku or Bakugo to get hurt and I almost killed them.” Your voice is shaky and your body is trembling. “Humming bird?” You look up with your red eyes and run to Present Mic. “Dad!” You hug him right away, crying in his shoulder. “Shh... its okay. I know that you didn’t want to hurt anyone and that this attention is overwhelming, but you did what was right.” Mic looks at your friends and mouths, “thank you.” He was able to calm you down and places you back onto the ground. “I gotta say, a lot of pros were probably impressed with that defense mechanism. You have one of the kindest hearts, that you would do anything for the class.” You didn’t notice, but everyone was smiling a little. “Thanks dad. So, you’re not mad at me?” Mic shakes his head, no and hugs you. “Alright, I gotta go announce the stats. See you later.” You wave goodbye and look back at your friends. “I am so lucky to have you guys as my friends.” Everyone walks back to the bleachers.

“Now, everyone, it is time for the award ceremony.” Midnight calls. The podium shows up, and, surprisingly, Bakugo is actually controlling himself. “In third place, Shoto Todoroki.” He bows down and they put the medal around his neck. “In second place, Katsuki Bakugo.” Bakugo does the same motion. “And in first place... Izuku Midoryia.” Everyone screams and cheers for Deku. You do the same, since he was your first friend. Just like that, the sports festival was over.

Even though you weren’t participating, at least you supported your classmates

#mha #shoto todoroki #bnha bakugo katsuki #izuku midoriya #bnha fic #mha fic #fic series

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blurry-fics · 4 years

Text

Chapter Sixteen

Tear In My Heart | Series Masterlist

Warnings: All sorts of fluff

Word Count: 2945

Authors’ Note: Sunday posts are back! Also, this is the last full length chapter of this series, so we hope you enjoy it :) (picture credit)

October 2018 - Beginning of the Bandito Tour

"The stage is all prepared!"

"Do you know what we did with Tyler's ukulele?"

"At what time do the boys end Pet Cheetah?"

It had been a year - a year - since Tyler and Josh had placed themselves on a hiatus. Now they were finally back in action to start up their new Bandito Tour, leaving you a scrambling mess to make sure that everything got done on time. This was their biggest tour yet and you wanted to make sure that it was perfect for each and every show that they did. All shows that, unsurprisingly, were sold out each and every time. The fans hadn't let them down and you had known that they wouldn't, although you knew that the boys had become a bit apprehensive in regards to it.

Looking down to your checklist, you marked off a few of the items and then looked around to make sure that everything was in its place for the show that was about to start. Barking out orders in the nicest fashion, you made sure that everyone from the security team to the tech team were in position and ready to roll for when the time came.

"Make sure that the safety team is ready and waiting! There will be a lot of effects on stage, so we need to be careful!" you called out into your headset as you headed back toward the dressing rooms.

Heading to Tyler's door first, you knocked on it a few times to hear a shout on his end.

"Hey, it's Y/N/N. Just letting you know that we have about ten minutes before showtime. Be ready!" you shouted back through the door.

A brief acknowledgment received from him, you nodded and then made your way over to Josh's dressing room shortly after with a knock.

"Josh?"

"Yeah, come on in!"

Turning the door handle, you slowly open the door and see Josh pulling on his shirt as you smiled to him. You closed the door behind you and then leaned against it to watch him, seeing him smile back.

"You ready to get back out there and make your fans happy?"

"God, you don't know how ready I am," he said as he put his shoes on.

A smirk appeared on your face as you kept your eyes on him, watching his every movement.

"Do you remember when I used to have to hold a blanket or towel over you and Tyler as you guys got dressed? Back when there were no dressing rooms?"

Thinking back that far made Josh laugh as he nodded his head in remembrance.

"Ah, I remember that well. It was awkward back then, but now it's just funny to think about. Like the time that Tyler pushed me into you and made us fall."

"Oh, god. I still have to get him back for that. He's such a brat..." you smirked.

"Hey, but all of his insistent nagging of us getting together finally paid off, right?"

You gave him a loving smile.

"It sure did."

Josh slowly wandered over to where you were standing and grabbed your hands, pulling you further into the room. He helped you jump up onto a table and stood in the space between your legs, resting his hands lightly on your hips.

“You know, I’ve been doing some thinking, and… how would you feel about going public?”

Your eyebrows raised in surprise, “With our relationship?”

“Yeah. I mean, the hiatus is over, tour is back on again, we won’t be able to avoid being seen together much longer. I know that you’re the one I want to spend my life with, Y/N, and I want everyone else to know that too.”

“I like that,” you smiled, wrapping your arms around him. “Whenever and however you decide to announce it, I’ll be ready.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Josh leaned down and pressed a kiss to your lips. It was just for a moment, and then he was pulling away from you so that he could finish getting ready.

“Alright, I have some more last minute things I need to do before the show,” you said, grabbing your clipboard and hopping down from the table. “Be in your spot in five minutes.��

“Will do.”

“Good luck out there tonight, Josh. You’re going to kill it.”

He turned to look at you over his shoulder just as you were leaving the room, “Thanks, Y/N/N.”

* * *

You watched as Josh walked back across the bridge, holding your breath as he did so. Everything so far was going exactly as planned, and you didn’t want the one moment that didn’t to result in your boyfriend crashing down into a crowd of hyped up fans. Tyler had crossed over with no problem though, so you weren’t too worried.

You watched as Josh glanced around the arena and brought his hands to the end of his shirt. There was only a split second of confusion in your mind before he ripped it open, exposing his chest to the crowd. In your shock, you grabbed onto the arm of a nearby crew member who looked just as surprised as you did.

“Holy shit,” you murmured into your other hand.

The crowd continued to go wild as Josh made it all the way back to the stage and passed his shirt off to a crew member. You nodded, switching your brain back into “tour manager” mode in a split second. Even if you wanted to spend the rest of the show ogling over your boyfriend, you knew there were still things that you needed to be tending to.

The song came to a close and you waited for Tyler to head towards the crowd for the beginning of Holding On To You. That moment never came, however, as he simply grabbed his mic and sauntered casually towards the front of the stage. You frantically began to look around, wondering what was going on, but all of the crew members seemed unaffected by this change in the schedule.

“Alright, we’re going to be doing something a little different tonight,” Tyler started. “Josh and I want to bring someone very special out on stage tonight.”

Your heart was pounding on your chest. Why hadn’t anybody notified you about this change?

“Y/N,” Tyler said, turning in your direction. “Do you mind coming out here?”

You looked at a nearby crew member, just to confirm that you had heard Tyler correctly. He nodded, so you quickly passed off your clipboard and headset before walking out on stage. There were some cheers as you became visible, but it seemed like nothing compared to the applause that the boys were usually met with.

Tyler slung an arm around you as you took your place next to him, and a moment later you felt Josh’s arm around you too. You turned to look at him, curious as to why he had joined you at the front of the stage. Josh rarely left his drums during the course of a show.

“For those of you who don’t know, this is Y/N. She has been our tour manager since the very early days of our career, way before we were ever playing shows like this. She’s the one that makes sure all of our shows go smoothly, no matter what crazy things are going on behind the scenes. If it weren’t for her, we probably wouldn’t be here right now.”

You took a deep breath and rubbed your eyes, hoping to keep the tears from slipping down your cheeks.

“We just wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done, Y/N,” Tyler smiled at you. “Can we get a round of applause for her?”

The room erupted into the applause that you were used to. It took awhile for them to calm back down, but you didn’t care. You could hardly believe that you were standing here, next to the love of your life and one of your best friends, being cheered on by all these people. If someone had told you this is where you would end up when you first hit submit on the application website, you wouldn’t have believed them.

“But that’s not the only reason we wanted to bring Y/N out here tonight,” Tyler continued, sharing a look with Josh. “To one of us, Y/N is a little more than a tour manager.”

Before you had a chance to process what was going on, Josh turned you towards him and planted a kiss on your lips.

Something about this kiss was different than any of the other times before. Not that it was bad, far from it, but there was a new element to it that you hadn't experienced yet. By the feel of it and the way that Josh was holding you, it almost felt as if he were... proud to show you off? Whatever it was, it made you feel more alive than you ever remembered. So much, in fact, that all sounds around the both you seemed to disappear for a time as the both of you solely focused on one another and no one else. It was a feeling of euphoria, a high that you never wanted to come down from. But, unfortunately, you had to as the both of you were in front of thousands of people and would even be recorded to be put on social media. You slowly wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him back, as the sound of loud cheering and screaming re-entered your ears. The crowd was going wild.

The both of you had decided to pull away as Tyler began laughing into the microphone, smirking widely as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, guys, but this show is PG."

You and Josh laughed at him, while you playfully smacked his arm. He laughed more and then handed the microphone over to Josh, which completely gobsmacked you. Josh absolutely hated speaking in front of large groups of people, but he was willing to do it for this... for you.

"So, in all seriousness, guys, this announcement was about me letting all of you, The Clique, know that Y/N is my girlfriend... if you hadn't guessed that already," he chuckled and was momentarily caught off guard by more loud cheering. "And she's been my girlfriend for a year now. It happened over the hiatus and we're very much in love."

A big smile appeared on your face as you listened to Josh talk about the both of you and how happy he was in the relationship. You couldn't believe how lucky you got with him.

After he was finished, he handed the microphone back to Tyler and then gave you one last kiss on the lips to say goodbye, resting his hands on both sides of your neck to keep you in place. He then backed away with a grin and happily jogged his way back to the drums, which meant that was your cue to exit the stage. Looking back to Tyler, you both hugged once more and then you quickly went backstage again to resume your duties, despite everyone coming up to you with congratulations and hugs. Most of them hadn't really known anything about the relationship, but it was now all in the open and you were extremely happy about that.

* * *

Once the show was over, you were able to relax as nothing bad had happened and everything had gone according to plan - save for the little stunt that Tyler and Josh had pulled by bringing you on stage. But you couldn't be mad at them. Not one bit. You grabbed the boys towels and water bottles, just like you had always done, and watched as they came backstage with looks of elation on their faces. They were happy with everything and that made you feel really good about how things went on your end. They both neared you and took the items out of your hands, gulping down the water almost immediately. Tyler went straight to using his towel to dry off, but Josh gave you a big smile and then pulled you in for a sweaty hug, which caused you to laugh loudly.

"Josh! No! Tyler, help me!" you yelled out to your best friend.

"I don't think that I can help you," he started, looking over to see Jenna make her way over. "I have a wife to go and see."

With that, he was gone. Josh laughed along with you for a few moments before pulling away and using his towel to dry himself off. He watched you for a few moments, not being able to wipe the grin off of his face.

"So, that was some surprise you had in store for me earlier."

"Did you at least like it?"

You gave him a happy smile, resting your hand on his arm.

"I loved it."

“Good, I was afraid it would be too much.”

“It was perfect. Although I will admit that when you asked me about going public earlier today, I was thinking you meant an Instagram post,” you laughed.

“You mean more to me than just an Instagram post,” he answered, snaking his arms around your waist and pulling you close. “You’re my girl.”

“I’m your girl.”

Josh kissed you again, but it was cut short by a distant bark. You pulled away immediately, turning towards the source of the noise.

“Jim!” you called.

The golden retriever jumped around happily and tugged on his leash, eager to close the space between you. You gave the crew member in charge of him the signal to drop his leash, and in moments Jim was barreling towards you and Josh. The two of you bent down to the ground and held your arms out. He laid down right in front of you, turning his tummy up towards you for rubs.

“I missed you,” you cooed. “Were you a good boy while mom and dad were working?”

Jim let his tongue flop out of his mouth, which you took as a yes. You took a moment to look between Jim and Josh, admiring the little family that you had become a part of over the last year.

“Ok, I need to go help the crew get everything ready.” You stood up and brushed some hair off of your pants. “I’ll see you on the bus?”

“Of course.”

Josh took Jim’s leash, gave you a quick kiss on the cheek, and headed off down the hallway. As much as you wanted to stand around and admire your two boys, you knew there was work to be done.

* * *

“Where’s Josh?” you asked as you stepped onto the bus. You were exhausted and ready to cuddle up next to him for the rest of the night.

“Back of the bus with Jim,” Tyler answered.

“Thanks. Oh, and Ty?”

“Yeah?”

“I really appreciated your speech tonight. I hope you know how appreciative I am of everything you two have done for me. You too, Jen.”

Tyler and Jenna both began to smile. “Like I said, we couldn’t have done this without you.”

“And you’ve been the best friend to me over the years,” Jenna chimed in.

You gave them each a quick hug before setting down your stuff and making a beeline for the back of the bus. As Tyler had said, Josh was already in a pair of sweatpants and cuddling in bed with Jim as he scrolled through his phone. His face lit up when he noticed you walk into the room.

“There you are.”

“Hi,” you said, collapsing down next to him on the bed.

“How was finishing up?”

“Not bad. I had to help out some of the newer crew members, but they picked it up pretty quick. Other than that, it wasn’t much different than the last tour.”

“You still remember how to do it even after a year?”

“Shockingly.”

You grabbed a nearby pillow and pulled it under your head, finally allowing your eyes to close and your body to rest after a long night of work.

“Are you tired?”

“Yeah,” you hummed into the pillow.

“You should change into pajamas.”

“One of your shirts?” you smiled.

“Sure.”

You slowly got up and changed into a pair of pajama shorts and one of Josh’s shirts. He continued to scroll through his phone as you rushed through your nightly routine, eager to get into bed with him and Jim.

“Ok, I’m finally done,” you smiled, once again collapsing into bed, this time into Josh’s outstretched arm as well.

“Here to cuddle?”

“As always.”

Josh pulled the blanket up around the three of you while you got comfortable. Between Josh’s strong arms wrapped around you and Jim curled up by your stomach, your eyelids were already beginning to get heavy.

“Hey, Josh?” you mumbled.

“Yes, Y/N/N?” “I love you a lot and I’m really thankful for our little family. I didn’t think I was ever going to be this happy.”

Josh pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, letting his lips linger for a little while.

“I love you too. I wouldn’t give this up for the world.”

You smiled and nestled yourself a little further into his chest.

“You did great tonight, by the way. And that little stunt you pulled on the bridge? I forgot that I had a job to be doing for a moment.”

“It wasn’t dorky?” he laughed.

“Not dorky at all.”

“Thanks. Now we should probably get some rest so that we aren’t wiped for the show tomorrow.”

“Good plan.”

“Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight, Josh.”

* * * * *

Taglist

@topownsmyheart @faceofcontvsions @ohprettyweeper @tylersheavydirtysoul @svintsandghosts @wearebxnditos @breadbinishigh @patdsinner33 @leam-2001

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krizaland · 5 years

Note

Conflict is fun when it's not real. Headcanons for the Tallest becoming interested in Zim's s/o?

I am so HYPED for this ask! I recently just saw the play Wicked and I have been dying to write a drabble where Zim and the reader sing “For good” together. I never had the proper inspiration. Until now! Thank you so much, Anon! Now strap in! This is gonna be a long, bumpy feels trip!

You and Zim had been dating for over two Earth years now! It’s truly amazing how much time could change. Zim had recently revealed himself as an alien to you and he couldn’t be happier that you didn’t run away. You thought his true alien self was waay cuter than his human facade anyway.

However, it seemed that Zim had gone missing!

He hadn’t been at skool in over three days and won’t answer any of your calls on the communicator bracelet he made for you.

Terrified that something might have happened to your boyfriend, you rushed to his base as fast as your legs could take you!

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

You pounded your hand against Zim’s front door.

“Zim?! It’s me, Y/N! Please open up! I need to make sure you’re ok!” You begged as your hand slid down the door.

Thankfully, the door opened but Zim was nowhere to be found.

Instead you found GIR and Minimoose sitting on the couch next to the largest pile of nachos you’ve ever seen.

“GIR? Minimoose? Have either of you seen Zim? He hasn’t been to skool and he won’t answer my calls!” You were almost on the verge of tears as you spoke.

“I don’t know where he is either! I worry about that boy so much! YOU WANT SOME NACHOS?!” GIR chirped as he shoved a gooey handful of nachos in your face.

“No thanks. I just want to see Zim right now.” You sighed as you tried to hold back your tears.

“Hey, keep it down out there. I’m trying to be miserable in my cheesy cocoon of misery.” Zim slurred as he poked his head out of the pile of nachos.

“Zim?! Oh thank goodness you’re alright! I thought something terrible had happened to you!” You cheered.

“Y/N? Is that you? Don’t worry, I’m still alive and stuff. Something terrible did happen to me though.” Zim grumbled as he sunk into the nacho pile.

“What happened, Zim? And why did you turn into a plate of nachos?” You asked nervously.

Zim let out a dramatic groan and flopped out of his cheesy fortress.

He peeled himself off the floor and pulled out an Irken remote.

BLOOP!

Zim pressed a button and a blue holographic map appeared.

“This is the flight path of the Irken Armada. And there, shmillions of lightyears away from that path, is Urth. Do you know what this means, my sweet human?” Zim blubbered as he gestured to the map.

“Your leaders only fly in a straight line?”

“The Tallest aren’t coming!” Zim whimpered as he flopped back onto the ground.

“Oh Zim…I’m so sorry.” You bit your lip as you sat down beside him.

“I’ve lost the respect of my Tallest!” Zim wailed as he climbed onto your lap.

You pulled Zim into a tight hug and gently stroked his antennas. Zim clung to you for dear life as he bawled his ruby eyes out.

When Zim ran out of tears to shed, you gently turned his face to look at you.

“Hey, it’s gonna be alright, Zim. You still have my respect.” You reassured softly.

“Really? You still respect me? Even though I’m a..failure?” Zim choked out.

“Zim, you’re not a failure! You’re literally one of the strongest people I know! I don’t care what your leaders think! You’ll always be my favorite Invader!” You insisted.

Zim let out a gasp as his ruby eyes gazed deeply into your E/C ones.

“I love you, Zim. Your leaders may not be coming but I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.” You declared.

“Promise?”

“I promise, Zim.” You whispered as you kissed his forehead.

In that very moment, Zim’s PAK sparked like crazy.

All you felt was a light buzzing sensation but Zim? Zim felt something he never thought he’d feel.

Zim was feeling rebellious.

Every last shred of respect and loyalty for the Irken Empire was erased form his PAK. The only thing Zim had any respect for now was you.

“Y/N. I am honored to be your love pig. No longer shall I continue to serve an Empire that doesn’t appreciate my incredible genius! From this day forth, the only one I shall serve is you, My human.” Zim announced as he sat upright.

“Yeah! That’s the spirit! Wait! What?” You were excited that Zim no longer wanted to serve the Irken Empire but were caught off guard by the last part.

“My human, you have given me the respect I so truly deserve. You have proven yourself to be far more superior than the so called ‘almighty Tallest’. Therefore I shall pledge my life to serving you and only you.” Zim climbed off your lap and gave you a salute.

Before you had a chance to respond, Zim cupped your face and pulled you into a passionate kiss.

You blushed as your eyelids slowly closed. You let Zim taste every last inch of your mouth as you tasted his.

The two of you didn’t part until you were out of breath.

Once the kiss stopped your mouth remained wide open. That wasn’t supposed to happen. You didn’t quite know how to react at first. However, after a few moments of sitting in shock, you figured out that this was Zim’s way of saying he loved you.

“Wow, Zim! I-I’m so honored!” You stuttered as you slowly stood up.

“As you rightfully should be, My human! Now I will need to cleanse all that I own of any FLITH from that FILTHY EMPIRE!” Zim announced as he put his hands on his hips.

“I shall start with shutting off any long distance communications to The Massive. I can’t have the Tallest find out I’ve rebelled against the Empire! I’ll be deleted on the spot!” Zim explained as he begun to tinker away at the TV monitor.

Unfortunately, Zim had accidentally called the Tallest in the process.

The Tallest groaned as they begrudgingly answered the call.

“What do you want now, Zim?” Red grumbled.

Zim let out a scream the moment the Tallest appeared on screen. He may have rejected the Irken Empire, but he still didn’t want to invoke the wrath of the Tallest.

“Yeah, can’t you see we’re- Hey! Who’s that behind you?” Purple squeaked as he gestured to you.

His PAK sparked a bit as he spoke.

Sweat begun to pour down Zim’s face. This was not good! Not only will the Tallest find out he had betrayed the Empire but they will also find out he had chosen to serve you instead.

To make matters worse, Red had also turned to look at you and his PAK sparked too.

Oh no. Oh no! No! No! No!

This was not good at all! All Zim could do was scream and try to hide you away.

“Hey! Don’t hide them from us!” Purple snapped as he shoved some donuts into his mouth.

“Yeah! Just answer the question, Zim.” Red commanded as he folded his arms.

“This human is simply just one of my experiments! Now I must continue my duties at once! Zim ou-”

“Woah! Woah! Wait! We actually could use that human for uh.. something.” Red stuttered.

“Man, they’re pretty..” Purple sighed.

“Pretty…useful! They seem like a useful asset to the Empire! Just let us beam them aboard the ship and we’ll promote you!” Red lied as he clasped his hands together.

You let out a gasp. As much as you would’ve loved to chew out Zim’s shitty excuses for leaders, you didn’t want them to kill him. All you could do was stand there in shock.

Zim wasn’t feeling much better either.

Zim felt his squeedilyspooch churn. Normally, Zim would be thrilled at the offer of a promotion but now that he no longer wanted to serve the Empire, Red’s offer was worthless to him. However, Zim couldn’t just simply deny a request from the Tallest. Even though he was no longer loyal to them, he didn’t want to be deleted! However, he didn’t even want to think about what horrors those monsters had in store for you.

“Computer! Put the Tallest on hold!” Zim hissed as he pointed to the ceiling.

“Tallest put on hold!” The computer bellowed as the screen paused.

“Are you sure they’re on hold this time?” Zim asked as he narrowed his eyes.

“Yes. Tallest have been put on hold. I double checked.” The computer conformed.

“Good! At least I managed to buy us some time.” Zim sighed as he turned to face you.

“I need to think of a way out of this mess! C’mon, Zim! Think! Think! THINK!” Zim ranted as he paced back and forth.

You let out a deep sigh and looked down at your feet. You didn’t want to be sent to those bastards! Your fear of what they might do to you aside, you wanted to stay by Zim’s side. You didn’t want to abandon him like they did!

However, you had a feeling that the Tallest wouldn’t be too happy if Zim denied their request. As much as you didn’t want to abandon Zim, you also didn’t want him to die.

You knew what you had to do.

“Zim!”

Zim stopped his pacing for a moment and looked at you.

“Send me to the Tallest!” You commanded as tears begun to form in your eyes.

“WHAT?! YOU WISH TO BE SENT TO THE TALLEST?! HAVE YOU THE BRAIN WORMS?!” Zim roared as he grabbed you by the shoulders and shook you.

“Zim! Please understand! I hate them with every fiber of my being but they might kill you if you don’t give me to them! I can’t let you die, Zim! I love you too much!” You sobbed.

“AND I CAN’T LET YOU DIE EITHER! WHO KNOWS WHAT THOSE DIABOLICAL MONSTERS HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU?!” Zim wailed.

“Zim. That’s a risk I’m willing to take. I’d do anything for you.” You insisted.

“But-”

“Anything.”

“You would really risk your life…For mine?” Zim’s voice quivered as he spoke.

“Of course I would! I love you, Zim. You mean everything to me.”

Zim let go of your shoulders as more tears fell from his eyes.

“I love you too, Y/N. As much as I can’t bare to lose you, you make a good point. I guess I don’t really have a choice do I?” Zim’s voice shrank as he spoke.

“No. I guess not.” You sighed as you rubbed your arm,

“So, I guess this is goodbye?” Zim choked out as more tears begun to stream down his cheeks.

You took a deep breath and nodded.

“I’ve heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those… Who help us most to grow if we let them. And we help them in return.

Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s trueBut I know I’m who I am todayBecause I knew you…

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?

But because I knew you…

I have been changed for good” Your voice quivered as you sang.

Zim sniffled and cleared his throat.

“It well may be…That we will never meet again inn this lifetime. So let me say before we part, So much of me is made of what I learned from you.

You’ll be with me. No matter how near or far.And now whatever way our stories end. I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend…” Zim gently took your hands in his.

“Like a ship blown from it’s course

By a solar wind

Like a seed dropped by a spacebird

On a distant world

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?

But because I knew you…” Zim gave your hands a gentle squeeze.

“Because I knew you..” You sniffled.

“I have been changed for good.” You both sang.

“And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness. For all the things I’ve done you blame me for.” Zim let go of your hands and bowed before you.

“But then, I guess we know that there’s blame to share.” You helped Zim to his feet.

“And none of it seems to matter anymore!” You and Zim’s voices melted together as the song continued.

“Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood”

“Like a ship blown from it’s courseBy a solar windLike a seed dropped by a spacebirdOn a distant world”

“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?

I do believe I have been changed for the better.”

“And because I knew you…” Tears streamed down your cheeks

“Because I… knew you” Zim sniffled.

“I have been changed….

For good…” You both sang as you pulled each other into a tight hug.

“Y/N…Oh how I’ll miss you so…” Zim whispered as he clung to you for dear life.

“I’ll miss you too, Zim.” You sniffled as you returned the hug.

After a few more minutes, Zim released you from the hug.

“Goodbye, my love.” Zim choked out as he reluctantly loaded you into the teleporter.

Zim took the Tallest off hold and dried his tears.

“Very well, my Tallest. I will send you the human.” Zim tried to sound sincere but every word came out dripping with venom.

and with that, Zim cut the call and sent you to The Massive.

#invader zim #invader zim headcanons #Invader zim tallest #invader zim red #invader zim purple #Anonymous #defying gravity invader zim

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segadores-y-soldados · 6 years

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Hero 30 needs a map

Long rambly thing. So I was feeling frustrated and a little hyper-fixated on OW earlier this afternoon because the game itself feels very dull right now. My partner @starsherit - who I met through Overwatch - helped me work through my irritation, but they provided a perspective I literally had never thought about before:

There hasn’t been a post-launch hero who did not have a map.

Let me try to explain this a bit:

Plenty of launch heroes didn’t really have a specific map associated with them. D.Va, Lúcio, Mei, Symmetra, Junkrat/Roadhog, even Reinhardt all come to mind. That initially seemed fine: the developers were releasing both new heroes and new maps at a consistent pace. First we had Ana, who was associated with the Temple of Anubis, and then Eichenwalde, which was also part of the first post-launch animation “The Last Bastion.”

Then we had the Sombra ARG, Sombra’s release, and “Infiltration.” These all occurred at Blizzcon 2016.

But then something a little odd happened.

The next map was Oasis.

And it was not...connected to any characters.

...Yet.

Like Ilios and Lijiang, Oasis initially was...“free-floating”. Yes, it was coherent and consistent with the rest of the Overwatch universe, but it had no real ties to the main plot. Eichenwalde at least had Balderich and the Crusader battle to ground it, but Oasis had nothing.

Except a single interaction:

Sombra: So what are we doing here, boss?

Reaper: I need to pay a visit to a friend.

And that led to a lot of speculation about who Reaper’s “friend” was, if Mercy was somehow associated with Oasis, etc. But this was quickly lost in the hype over Numbani, Doomfist’s missing gauntlet, and the release of Orisa.

Orisa was followed by Horizon Lunar Colony.

And that brought Hammond hype.

(You might see where I’m going with this.)

[TL;DR: Hero 30 is probably associated with the next map. Based on the lore and fan reactions, this map is very likely a Vishkar-based map. It’s possible the map might be something else, but Vishkar is currently the last “major” plotline (aside from Mercy’s story) to be explored. A Vishkar map will advance the plot, give more lore to Lúcio and Symmetra, and likely provide teasers for Sanjay Korpal.]

After Horizon, Doomfist arrived. The next map was Junkertown, which despite initial fandom reactions, actually contained hints about Hammond/Wrecking Ball that very few people picked up on (if that).

And then, with Blizzcon 2017, we got Moira.

Many people (who hadn’t picked up on the Reaper-Sombra interaction or her cameo in Masquerade) were very confused. Where was Hammond (presumed by most of the fandom to be a chimp)? Or the Junkertown Queen? But those of us who had been waiting for Reaper’s “friend” to show up were ecstatic! One full year later, Moira connected Oasis to the main plot! There was a bunch of new lore details on the map to dig into! It was an exciting time. Sure, yeah, there was also the cute new map Blizzard World, but it felt like an afterthought.

Come around to early 2018. Brigitte was released and she effectively killed Dive comp at most casual levels, while slowly encouraging the rise of GOATS. The first new map of the year was Rialto, made specifically for Retribution, and then turned into a payload map (with a whole bunch of balancing problems). But no one needed a story for Rialto’s existence because, well, it already had one.

July 2018, we got Wrecking Ball, one full year after the launch of HLC and almost a full year after Junkertown. People were surprised he’s a hamster even though it never technically said he was a monkey, ape, or specifically a chimp. People were even more surprised that he was actually part of the Junkertown plotline (in a small way). But at the very least, he had been teased in advance.

In August 2018, we got Busan, which - like Junkertown and Eichenwalde - filled in a previously empty “gap” in the maps, giving D.Va a real location and setting for her character.

And now...Blizzcon 2018.

We got Ashe, who feels like a complete shot in the dark. Nothing had really implied her existence. We also got Echo, but then we’re immediately told that Echo “isn’t ready” and will not be Hero 30.

Myself and a few other lore fans were confused: for the last six to eight months, in-game interactions had implied that Sanjay Korpal and the rest of the Vishkar plot was steadily being brought to the forefront of the story. Lúcio, Symmetra, Doomfist, Moira, and Sombra had a bunch of new interactions that seemed to be slowly hyping Sanjay up the way that the Reaper-Sombra interaction had hinted at Moira’s existence.

But - and this was my partner’s main point -

There was no new map.

And we knew there wouldn’t be one, Jeff told us as much, but it never really struck me how important maps were for heroes until Gonzo put it that way. The map wasn’t quite ready for Blizzcon 2018 - understandable because Busan had been so massive to develop - but maybe the new map is very closely associated with Hero 30 or even Hero 31, and the team didn’t want that to be overshadowed by the main reveal, Ashe.

Which is effectively what Jeff implied in his pre-Blizzcon developer update.

Here’s how the actual pattern shakes out:

Ana > associated with a launch map (Anubis)

Sombra > associated with a launch map (Dorado)

Orisa > associated with a launch map (Numbani)

Doomfist > associated with a launch map (Numbani)

Moira > associated with a post-launch map (Oasis)

Brigitte > associated with a post-launch map (Eichenwalde)

Wrecking Ball > associated with two post-launch maps (HLC and Junkertown)

Ashe > associated with a launch map (Route 66)

So where does that put us now?

A new map IS being worked on. And, from a lore perspective, it is almost guaranteed to be a “missing” map for two current heroes and likely one particular future hero:

A Vishkar map.

Lúcio and Symmetra are noticeable “missing” a map. Reinhardt (Eichenwalde), Mei (Ecopoint), Junkrat and Roadhog (Junkertown), and D.Va (Busan) all have maps now. The four remaining launch heroes who are still “missing” a map are Lúcio, Symmetra, Mercy, and Torbjörn (but Torb does have some interesting lines for stuff like Volskaya Industries).

It is entirely possible Sanjay is Hero 30 or 31 but the map which helps establish his character wasn’t ready for Blizzcon 2018 - or rather, the team didn’t want to launch it at Blizzcon because it would’ve been downplayed like Oasis and Blizzard World before it.

While this doesn’t override the slew of problems I have with Ashe, it does make her the “easy” choice: release her in tandem with the “Reunion” short (and then be very honest that Echo isn’t ready). It also makes sense why she was barely teased before Blizzcon: she’s associated with a launch map that hasn’t been touched up in over two years. If you look at Ana, Sombra, and Doomfist, all of them had teasers on their own associated maps well before their releases. Ashe, however, was not developed until they started making the “Reunion” short, so she has no actual teasers on Route 66.

Meanwhile, the post-launch maps either teased specific heroes (Oasis and Moira, HLC and Wrecking Ball), or were inherently associated with them (Eichenwalde being strongly associated with Reinhardt and Brigitte, etc).

So what can we guess for Hero 30?

They need a map.

There are at least three maps in the game currently that hint at future heroes, but two of them likely combine for just one:

Lijiang: Whether we like it or not, Lijiang Tower hints that Harold Winston is still alive.

Ilios/Petra: hints at a new archaeologist or geologist character eventually being revealed.

And the next map? The one currently being worked on?

Here are my guesses:

Vishkar: Effectively a matter of “when” not “if.” It might be Utopaea itself, or it could be the Vishkar building in Rio de Janeiro. Either way, it would immediately further the Vishkar storyline, provide new lore for Lúcio and Symmetra, and establish teasers for Sanjay Korpal.

An underwater map: either an Ecopoint (Ecopoint: Hawaii) or the Gwishin Omnium. Could be used to establish an upcoming Hero (or possibly Echo in some way). A fan-requested map now that Horizon Lunar Colony and Busan have been made.

Interesting, in Jeff’s little disclaimer in the pre-Blizzcon Developer Update, he says this (bold is for emphasis):

“To be honest, we felt like [Oasis and Blizzard World] got a little bit lost in the shuffle both during the timing of announcing at Blizzcon and also the time at which we release them - they didn’t have as big of an impact as we really wanted, and we feel like a new map is something very, very special. So we are definitely working on new map content - we know that’s something that you all love and all request often, so don’t think that by us not announcing something at Blizzcon, it does not mean that there’s no work going on, we’re definitely working on new map content. You’re just not going to have any new map content announced at Blizzcon.”

They want us to react to this upcoming map completely “free” from the Blizzcon hype.

This is combined with the fact that, according to Jeff, Hero 30 is already fully playable internally at Blizzard, and that the team always has 2-3 heroes “ready to go” in case something goes wrong with one of them.

Now, this doesn’t guarantee that Sanjay is Hero 30, but it likely narrows down Hero 30′s identity to three major options: Sanjay, so long as a Vishkar map is released in the next two months; Harold Winston, for a “curveball” reveal; or a new archaeologist/geologist associated with Ilios, Petra, and Ayutthaya. Hero 30 could be something different than these -

But it’s the maps which will provide more clues.

#long post #hero 30 #sanjay korpal #vishkar #symmetra #lucio correia dos santos #lucio #satya vaswani #overwatch lore #Gonzo honestly blew my mind #I hadn't noticed this pattern at all #Ashe is the first hero to break what might have been the actual hero pattern

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aomoviegeek · 6 years

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What I think Disney & Lucasfilm should do with Star Wars Episode IX...

This was actually a reply to @themandalorianwolf’s post, but because it was so long, I decided to make it its own post.

Here we go...

I don’t honestly think Rian Johnson’s trilogy was a Disney decision.

Here’s how I think things went down:

Things happen months, even a year before things are announced.

Kathleen Kennedy is clearly attached to Rian Johnson and greenlit his trilogy based off the hype some time ago.

Kathleen Kennedy wasn’t checking in on her projects. Remember the Solo problem? Kathleen didn’t even realize how much trouble the production was in till late. My guess is that TLJ controversy of Rian throwing out JJ’s outline went unnoticed until it was way too late or it wasn’t addressed. It was actually only Rian who did that. The original ep 9 director followed JJ’s outline.

Meanwhile Disney realized after the creative conflict between Rian and Colin, the test screenings showing mixed reviews, Rian’s inflated ego and the cast’s low moral, Disney made the choice to hire JJ back in hopes of salvaging their future.

Disney isn’t stupid. They’re one of the riches companies on the planet. They’re willing to play the long game. Disney let Kathleen Kennedy hang herself and now she’s slowly being fazed out. Rian Johnson is going to lose his trilogy. At best his trilogy will be one movie that is pushed back for some time and die there.

Disney is banking on the success of Episode 9 and here’s my guess on what JJ will do Generally:

Luke Skywalker will return. The PR of killing him was a nightmare and it will probably be retconed with a force teleport. JJ has plans for Luke and I doubt there done.

Finnrey will become canon. The only thing that has stayed a constant was the relationship between Finn and Rey.

John Boyega’s increased popularity, the racial backlash, John’s moral being higher, and JJ’s preceded writing style, Finn will be the lead again and more than likely a Jedi since it was foreshadowed.

Ep 9 will be broken into a 2 part movie to finish the saga of the Skywalkers. One movie will work like the Clone Wars while the other part will be the official closer.

Rey Skywalker will more than likely be a thing. It’s the eaist thing to do and let’s Disney bring Daisy Ridley back as the wise Jedi Master in future movies.

Honestly due to Kylo Ren’s popularity, and the First Order in general, I’m not sure if they’ll kill them off indefinitely. More than likely make some of them disappear into the unknown regions.

Leia…I’m not sure. There’s no good way to handle that. Maybe she’ll be made the Chancellor between the time skip to explain her absence.

The Resistance will just merge back into the New Republic and get their allies from independent factions.

The Skywalker saga will end and probably this will be the ending of trilogy based Star Wars films and just movies like the Avengers.

- @themandalorianwolf

This is gonna be a long post…

I would absolutely 100% love it if they split Episode IX into two parts. Part I in 2019 and Part II in either 2020 or 2021. Why? Because this really might be the only way the sequel trilogy can be properly concluded. There’s WAY too many loose ends and unanswered questions to wrap into one film. They need to take their time with the storyline of Episode IX. I say split into two films, put out Part Iin 2019, surprise us with a Part II announcement and then we’ll wait a year or two to see the official conclusion to the sequel trilogy and possibly the Skywalker Saga as well. And then we’d have 10 movies in the Skywalker Saga instead of 9.

That would be amazing if they brought back Luke, not as a Force Ghost, but alive and well in the flesh. If Jedis are able to teleport themselves as a hologram to other planets, they probably should be able to teleport themselves physically. He just left his robe behind.

FinnRey definitely must be canon!

I repeat - MUST BE CANON!!!

John definitely deserves the spotlight back and I hope JJ can make that happen. Making him Force-sensitive with the potential to become a Jedi would be amazing and I hope we see that as well.

And Finn’s family: If Billy Dee Williams is returning in Episode IX, I honestly think it would be cool if Lando was revealed to be Finn’s father. Then we could get a very emotional, heartwarming father/son reunion and a great setup for Finn’s story in the film.

We could find out that Finn was kidnapped by the First Order when he was a baby and his mother (who was also Force-sensitive) was killed trying to protect him while Lando was too injured to save them and the loss of his son & wife left him traumatized and depressed for years. Hell, maybe Captain Phasma was the one who killed Finn’s mother!

Unless Phasma somehow returns in Episode IX alive and well and more badass than ever, I think Finn would be satisfied to know he avenged his mother’s death without even realizing it. But if Phasma returns though, Finn will be ready for her. Imagine it: A real, totally-badass final battle between Finn and Phasma. Maybe even with an unmasked Phasma. I think that would be extremely awesome.

Rey Skywalker must also be canon.

I repeat - MUST BE CANON!!!

Luke returning physically would also be good for this reveal. It’d give him a chance to explain to Rey, in the flesh instead of a Force Ghost, about his behavior in The Last Jedi, why he never told her the truth, who her mother was, etc. This would also be a great opportunity for Hayden Christensen to return as the Force Ghost of Anakin Skywalker so that he’s there to defend Luke and help explain the truth to Rey.

This would set up a great new storyline for Luke & Rey in Episode IX and maybe, with all that’s happened, he’ll agree to actually train her. And maybe he’ll train Finn as well.

This HAS to happen!

Something else I’d love to see canon: Kaydel Connix to be revealed as Han & Leia’s daughter and Kylo Ren’s sister

This HAS to happen!

I honestly believe this is the best way possible to pay tribute to Carrie Fisher and keep her legacy going both on-screen and off-screen.

And it also allows Leia’s half of the Skywalker bloodline (as well as Han Solo’s bloodline) to continue through Kaydel while Luke’s half continues through Rey. Luke’s daughter and Leia’s daughter keeping their family’s legacy alive, even if Episode IX marks the end of the Skywalker Saga and we never see that family on the big screen ever again.

I would love it if we found out Kaydel’s real name is Breha Solo and Rey’s is Padme Skywalker. Then Leia would have named her daughter after her adoptive mother and Luke would have named his daughter after his & Leia’s mother. Plus, to me, Ben and Breha Solo sounds fitting together, much like Jaina and Jacen Solo from the Expanded Universe.

I would also really love to see Kaydel take over for her mother as General of the Resistance… or the Reborn Rebellion, whatever they wanna call themselves now.

Maybe she could also find a way to combine her alias with her birthname as a way to honor her parents. Maybe she could call herself Kaydel Solo or Kaydel Connix Solo, make Breha her middle name and then her new full name would be Kaydel Breha Connix Solo.

Also…

PONNIX (Poe x Connix)

Just like Finn & Rey, I love these two characters together and I was happy to see them have some screen-time together in The Last Jedi. And if Kaydel is Han & Leia’s daughter, it makes this romance even more interesting.

Darth Vader tortured Han Solo (in The Empire Strikes Back) and then later he became his son-in-law. So now, Kylo Ren tortured Poe Dameron (in The Force Awakens) and later on, he becomes his brother-in-law. Crazy, isn’t it?

Also, given the relationship between Leia and Poe, it would be very interesting for him to become a part of her family. Her son-in-law.

And eventually, Finn, Rey, Kaydel and Poe will all be a family. Rey and Kaydel could even form a strong sisterly relationship (something I’d love to see happen) and their future children could call them “Aunt Rey”, “Aunt Kaydel”, “Uncle Finn” and “Uncle Poe” (that’d also be easier than calling them cousins like in real life).

Also, since it’s rumored that we’ll see Ewan McGregor reprising his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode IX (possibly followed by an Obi-Wan anthology film), maybe we could see… A NEW Kenobi in Episode IX?

This is definitely just excited fan talking, but I think it would be really cool to have a new Kenobi in Episode IX to satisfy those who want Obi-Wan to have a family, who wanna learn more about what he was doing on Tatooine for almost twenty years (other than watching over Luke) and just what his life was like from the very beginning.

Maybe Rey could be both a Skywalker and a Kenobi with her mother & Luke’s wife being Obi-Wan’s daughter. That would definitely explain why Rey is so powerful and make her the granddaughter of two of the greatest and most powerful Jedi Knights ever.

Or maybe Finn could be a Kenobi (for those who have not seen it, I actually have a post about that theory). Yes, believe it or not, not all biracial people have mixed skin colors. Some are darker than others, some are lighter than others. So there is a chance Finn could be Obi-Wan’s grandson and he could still even be Lando’s son. Just reveal that Lando married Obi-Wan’s daughter and they had Finn together.

Plus, we would get to see Obi-Wan’s grandson and Anakin’s granddaughter training together, falling in love with each other, teaming up against Kylo Ren & the First Order together and later marrying each other and having children together - the great-grandchildren of Obi-Wan Kenobi & Anakin Skywalker. And if Finn’s a Calrissian as well, those kids are Luke’s grandchildren through Rey and Lando’s grandchildren through Finn. Crazy, isn’t it?

I’m honestly not counting on a new Kenobi to appear. It really is just excited fan thinking. But I think it would be really cool to have Finn be a Kenobi & Rey a Skywalker or maybe have Rey be both a Skywalker & a Kenobi. That plus Obi-Wan’s potential appearance in Episode IX would be perfect ways to launch and market a Kenobi anthology film possibly coming in the future.

……

Wow. That was a lot!

But at least it’s done.

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wrestlinghasmelike-blog · 6 years

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Monday Night Raw review- January 8th, 2017

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! I hope y’all are doing well, and that your 2018′s are getting off to a great start so far! I’ve been looking forward to Raw all day, let’s hope it’s a good show!

Please let me know what you thought of the show, as well as what you thought of this review! Any type of feedback and criticism is welcomed! Thanks so much for checking this out!

Opening segment- Roman Reigns

Last week we saw Roman and Joe for the IC title, and tonight we see him holding the title high. For those of you who didn’t see the match, I’d highly recommend checking it out because it was a phenomenal match that was put on by two really great performers.The crowd reaction seems mixed on Roman tonight, but overall he’s been getting more cheers than jeers lately.

Jason Jordan is now on his way to the ring, and I just don’t have anything positive to say about him. In the words of my father, “I just want him to get hurt, or something..” No one understands this kid, or why he’s getting this push that he is. His in-ring ability is pretty alright, but he just isn’t anything special to anyone.

Seth Rollins is now on his way down, and we have all 3 members of the “New Shield” joining us in the ring. Seth is definitely playing mentor/mentee with Jordan, and I wish I could pick Seth’s brain about how he feels about it.

OH BOY HOWDY IT’S FINN AND THE CLUB OH GOD I AM DEAD

God, I hope this elevates Finn’s status on Raw. He deserves a better chance, but it’s great to see Finn with Gallows and Anderson. Aaaaaand it’s great to see Finn so happy and smiling with some gggoooodddd boooyyyssss!

It was announced that the main event is going to be a 6-Man Tag match with the Balor Club against Roman, Seth, and Jordan! Get hyped!

Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville

I have to say I’m a little exhausted with seeing this matchup. Let absolution wrestle other women, because that’s what I want to see.

The match started off with the pairing of Mandy and Bayley, and I loved seeing the display of power from Mandy. I don’t think we’ve really seen her ability in the ring, and I’m glad that we’re seeing a showcase of it now. I will say, I am tired of hearing Booker T bring up the fact that Mandy was on Tough Enough a few years back. We get it Booker, you’ve seen Mandy before.

Coming back from commercial, Mandy has control over Sasha, but not for long as Sasha rallies back. Michael Cole is screaming into the mic and saying IT’S BOSS TIME and god help us. Sonya has now been tagged into the match, and I can’t wait to watch her take out Sasha. I don’t like how Sonya does the “put your hair up” thing because it really stops the flow of the match. Once she puts her hair up, however, she does deliver some really fast strikes. Mandy and Sonya really dominated through most of the match, which is usually the match style for these guys now. With a quick roll up from Sasha that turned into the Bank Statement, this less-than-exciting match is over, and the good guys get the win.

WOKEN!Matt vs. Curt Hawkins

Oh man, I love Woken Matt. It’s so weird and silly and I’m just happy that Matt has found something to do with Jeff not being here. Everyone knows that Jeff is the money maker for the Hardys, but with Woken Matt, things are great for Matt. I can’t wait for Jeff to come back to see what the brothers do next.

In the past weeks, we’ve seen Bray Wyatt and Matt go back and forth with promos, but this is the first time we’ve seen Matt wrestle like this. His style isn’t too different, but he does seem to be slowly “transforming” into something else.

There wasn’t much to say on this match, but it does suck for Curt that he’s basically a jobber. I miss him as an Edgehead, but that was a long time ago. Bray came out after Matt won the match, and it turned into a crazy contest with these two just laughing in the middle of the ring. I guess we’ll see if anything happens with these two in the upcoming weeks, and hopefully it doesn’t diffuse after the rumble.

The Return of The Miz!

He’s back everyone! With a nice introduction and song from Elias, The Miz has welcomed us to MizTV! He changed his hair back to the OG spiked haircut, which I like a lot better. I’m glad that MY INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION has come home. I can’t wait to see what The Miz brings us in 2018.

Miz’s guests for tonight were actually the Miztourage, which is a little bit of a letdown, but it was a good goofy segment because Dallas and Axel were giving Miz stupid gifts. But I think we all wanted to see Roman and Miz have a confrontation. As we all remember, Roman beat Miz for the IC title about 2 months ago, and while Roman is a good champ, The Miz is even better.

Miz began listing his accomplishments from 2017, and when you think about it, The Miz had a great year, and he really is one of Raw’s top talents. For 2018, he’s got a daughter on the way, a new movie or two, I think he and Maryse just got a new house?? He will most likely hold another title, and he promises to take back his title.

Cedric Alexander vs. Enzo Amore for the Cruiserweight Championship

I wish that this was a match that took place last week, but Enzo was out sick and could not compete, so we get this match tonight. Earlier in the show, we saw Goldust give Cedric some advice for the match, which is pretty sweet since Goldust is such a legend and to see him support the cruiserweight division is great.

Cedric got the opportunity to face Enzo for the title after a series of Fatal Four Way matches, which he first lost, but after Rich Swann was arrested for domestic violence, the WWE called for a new match which named Cedric as the number one contender.

Right before the commercial break, Cedric took a nasty fall from the top rope after Enzo used the ref as a distraction. For me, I think Cedric oversells and he’s a little too noisy in the ring. If he takes one forearm hit, he screams his head off, and it’s too much. Enzo was setting the pace for the match so far, but Cedric made contact with a dropkick to Enzo, and Cedric looks to make a comeback. With an amazing handspring kick to Enzo, the pin from Cedric leads to a near fall, and Cedric looks close to winning. After the kick from Cedric, it looks like Enzo has a cut above his eye, and from the words of Michael Cole, “Enzo’s face is a huge mess!” It’s hard to say whether or not Enzo is actually cut, or if he bladed, because once it got wiped off, it was like Enzo never got hurt at all.

With a suicide dive from Cedric to Enzo, Enzo got counted out, and with the champion's advantage, Enzo is still the champ. This match didn’t offer anything, and it sucks that Enzo is still holding the title.

The Bar vs. Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews

Oh god, what even is this matchup? This is The Bar y’all, they don’t want to face these guys. I always think it’s great when guys who don’t normally get TV time are seen on TV and get a story, but no one wants to see this. The crowd is dead for this match, which is just a little upsetting.

It was announced before this match that The Bar would get their title rematch at the Rumble, so let’s just see this match as a warmup for The Bar. The crowd is now more into this match now that it is at its midway point. Titus got the crowd really hyped, but The Bar took control back, but not for long as Titus got the small package on Sheamus! I’m shocked! This is a huge win!

Brock Lesnar Responds

Last week, we saw Brock and Kane have a confrontation in the middle of the ring. Tonight, Brock is apparently responding to the attack? I am surprised that we are seeing Brock two weeks in a row. He took time out of his busy days to come and bless us two weeks in a row, what a hero. I am, of course, being an asshole and I want Brock to not be champion anymore. I don’t care who it is anymore, I just don’t want Brock as champion anymore.

I am not thrilled by the idea of this triple threat match for the title at all. It just sucks that Big Man vs. Big Man vs. Big Man sells tickets better than it should.

Kane eventually came out to attack Brock as he and Paul were leaving, and it has moved from the stage to the backstage area, where Braun was waiting to attack as well, and threw Brock and Kane into equipment. He then pulled a grappling hook out of nowhere and threw it to the top of a structure, which then toppled onto both Kane and Brock. We were led to commercial by Paul Heyman screaming his head off and questioning god why he would let this happen. Hilarious.

Samoa Joe vs. Rhyno

I’m sorry, but this match was made just to kill time, and that sucks. I think the stuff with Heath and Rhyno is overplayed at this point, but they’re just hanging onto whatever they can to stay relevant. I also think this is a step backwards for Joe, since he faced Roman last week for the IC title.

Rhyno landed the first few strikes to start the match off, but Joe is now dominating the match. Joe brought Rhyno down, and Rhyno tried to fight back with some chops to the chest, but it wasn’t enough as Joe immediately reversed and took back control. A coquina clutch brought Rhyno down to his knees, and Joe gets the win by submission. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a good spot for Joe after last week, but after Joe cut a promo, he apparently is in the mind set that he was the winner last week! If this is Joe being positive towards this spot, then I hope he keeps a smile on his face.

Asuka was supposed to have a match, but Nia Jax came out and attacked her from behind. I wish it was an actual match, but I guess we’ll see this happen next week!

6-Man Tag Match- Balor Club! vs. The “Champions Club”

Oh god, I’ve been waiting for this match the entire night! Finn being in the main event two weeks in a row is just amazing and I just love, love, love this so much. He’s finally getting some recognition again, he’s being put in a good storyline, and I’m incredibly happy for him, and Gallows and Anderson as well for that matter. Corey Graves brought up their time in Japan, and they showed us a bunch of pictures of baby Finn and the club. Corey even said Being the Elite!

It looks like Seth and Finn will start the match, and no one can forget their history, stemming all the way from Summerslam 2016. The two had a really fast-paced combo of moves that took my breath away, and now Karl comes into the match. Some fast tags in the match, and now the Champion Club has control leading into the commercial break. I don’t know what to call that team, so I guess that will stick for now.

After the break we find Seth and Finn going after each other again. Seth tags in Roman, and Finn looks to be in trouble. Roman went for the superman punch, but with a distraction from Luke, Finn hits a slingblade and tags in Karl. Luke is keeping Reigns down for now with a reverse crossface, but now Reigns is trying to fight back and take Luke down. I do like the fact that Jordan has been kept out of the match entirely so far.

Reigns ends up captializing on Anderson and hits a tilt a whirl, but Anderson is able to get a tag and Roman is not. After Gallows works on Roman, Roman finds a way to superman punch Gallows to tag in Rollins. It’s now Anderson and Rollins, and Rollins looks amazing. Rollins knew he had to fight back, and he really did. Rollins tried to pick up the win for his team, but couldn’t do it. The match got a little messy as both teams distracted the ref, and he couldn’t see the tag. Jordan completely screwed the match and got in the way, but the better team won and Finn hit the Coup de Grace for the win! Hooray for the Balor Club! My heroes!

I thought this was a pretty decent show. Unfortunately, it had a lot of spots that wasted time and could’ve had been better used. I, of course, loved the main event a lot, and Finn just looked so good and so happy. Big things are happening for RAW! The 25th anniversary is happening soon!

Check in tomorrow for my Smackdown Live review! Thanks so much!

#wwe #wwe monday night raw #monday night raw #roman reigns #finn balor #the miz #balor club #samoa joe #brock lesnar #bayley #sasha banks #paige #asuka #nia jax #wrestling #reviews

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