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cloveroctobers · 5 months
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OCTOBER PROMPTS 🦇 — 11. Evan “Buck” Buckley
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A/N: my man, my man, my man!! Hopefully we get to see you soon and I can actually get the nerve to finish season six—I only have maybe 4 episodes left? Then I’ll dive into 9-1-1 lone star while we wait. Regardless I thought this would be funny and a little creepy to write so here we are! Enjoy 😉
Synopsis: Buck loves the new house you live in together and although you’re not crazy about it…you decide to pull a prank on your boyfriend to liven up the place that perhaps leads to you opening doors for a uninvited guest?
PROMPTS ARE FROM HERE & HERE & I’m using: A buys a crappy sound machine and plants it in the house. While it plays ghost noises and spooky sounds, A hopes they can convince B that the place is haunted. + “Come on, if there was ever a time for me to be superstitious it’s definitely now.”
*GIF BELONGS TO: @911edit
<- read my previous anthology prompt here.
꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎ ꩜
“BABE!” Buck yelled into your ear after pulling the headphone away.
You flinch as you stand up straight from the kitchen island and away from your overnight oats, “Yes?” You press with raised brows.
Buck waves his hands around, “you don’t hear that?”
“Hear what?” You question, pausing the podcast and resting your headphones to lay around your neck, “I didn’t even know you were home.”
Buck immediately frowns, “don’t tell me that. That means anybody could be hiding in here and you wouldn’t even know because of those stupid things.”
“You bought them for me.”
“Yeah to use at the gym and keep those meathead douchebags away while I’m not around.” Buck explained which made you smirk with a roll of your eyes.
“Listen,” Buck said again as you moved around the modern kitchen (that you hated) to place the now empty bowl and spoon into the sink.
Placing a hand on your hip you glance around the new open floor plan home that you and Buck moved into together. The modern contemporary home was such a contrast from the outside to the inside with its exterior being too boxy for your liking but you enjoyed the black exterior and the courtyard and pool. The inside was much lighter, from white to cream walls, along with the high ceilings which made the home feel bigger and instantly sold Buck who believed this would be your forever home.
You on the other hand were not convinced but nobody could ever say you weren’t open to trying new experiences. It’s only been four months settling in and there were still some things you wanted to change like: mainly the wall colors but Buck was convinced furniture and decor could replace that urge.
Sighing you say, “I don’t hear anything Ev,” you tap the sink on, “maybe you should lay down? Was it a rough day?”
“No, it was a breeze.” Buck fanned his hand along before resting them both flat against the White Island counter, “…maybe it’s a bird or something?”
“Well what exactly did it sound like?”
“Like scratching. Kinda like Pearla when she tries to sneak into our room at night,” Buck answers before glancing around, “matter of fact, where is she?”
“At the groomers. She won’t be ready until after four,” you inform Buck of the whereabouts of your old English sheepdog.
Buck dips his head, looking at his watch, “it’s 3:42.”
“Shoot! time does really get away from me,” you widen your eyes as you quickly finish washing the dishes before spinning around to shove it into the dishwasher.
Buck nods his head, “I’ll drive.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah,” Buck shrugs his shoulders, “it’s a nice crisp day and…I don’t want you having any accidents considering your hearing isn’t the best right now.” He playfully lifts the headphones from your neck to place down while you roll your eyes again.
You lean towards him smug, “ah, I see what this is…you’re scared to stay here by yourself because of this imaginary noise you’re hearing.”
“I’m not! And i don’t think it’s in my head.” Buck defended while you went over to the couch to shove your hoodie back over your gym attire.
“Uh huh,” you say as Buck scoffs ready to plead his case as you lock up the home behind you.
The next time Buck hears the noise is around 3am when you’re both tucked away at the back of the home in bed. It’s not a pleasant sound as his eyes snap open to the darkness of the room, the moaning and creaking almost sounds like a mixture of a whale and the cracking of a ship that meets the bottom of the ocean. Buck knows he should stop clicking on random things on YouTube before bed that leads him down a deep dive but this isn’t the first time he’s hearing that groaning sound.
It was brief before on his day off while you were at work and he was lounging on the couch watching some twisted documentary about Russ McKamey. Buck tried to brush it off as something that was on screen since it stopped when he paused the television but he couldn’t hear it while watching again. Was this truly in his head? He started to think but here he was— technically—the third time hearing the noise for much longer.
When he peaks over at you with your back to him, he lightly grips your shoulder and leans over to see that you’re still fast asleep and sits up in bed. By the edge of the bed, he spots Pearla on the floor with her fluffy ears perked up and Buck nods his head.
“You hear it too, girl? I know I’m not going crazy!” Buck whisper-yells to the dog who’s definitely more alert than you are.
Buck’s crawling out of bed with Pearla at his ankles, taking a deep inhale he opens the bedroom door to peak down the left of the hallway towards the front of the new home and only sees darkness. Pausing for a moment he listens for the noise again but the home is eerily quiet.
Buck stands there for at least two minutes before he considers closing the door but the creaking starts up again, sending Pearla flying out of the room barking as she tries to locate the noise first.
“Pearla!” Buck yells for the dog who disappears down the hallway and out of sight.
He blows a whistle with his fingers to get her attention, stepping into the hallway now but Pearla is nowhere to be seen. When he glances over his shoulder back in your direction, you’re still in fact sound asleep. Usually you’re the light sleeper out of the pair but somehow in this early morning, you’re having a grand time in dreamland.
Reaching for the doorknob, Buck slowly pulls the door closed with a soft click and begins taking the path to the main areas of the home. Pass the three bedrooms and the half bath on the left, Buck scans the dining room, kitchen, and living room to find it all empty. Confusion is written all over Buck’s face as he stands in the center of the home, hands on his hips as he’s searching but…for what?
The groaning picks up again just as a touch goes to his hips. Buck yelps, whipping around to face you who’s actually holding their composure. Buck holds onto his chest ready to let out a exhale but the look you cast behind your shoulder then back to meet Buck’s island water eyes you say, “the house is haunted.”
“What?” Buck let’s out a full exhale, trying to calm his heart rate.
You swallow, hands still holding onto Buck’s hips, “I hear it too.”
He tightens his jaw, ears picking up on the noise but now it’s the loudest it’s ever been, making you grip your very sensitive ears.
“Wait here,” Buck suggests, hands flexing as he picks up a fire poker that was left leaning against the industrial bookcase from his old apartment, “it sounds like it’s coming from the laundry room.”
You huff, feet slapping against the floor as you latch right onto the back of his shirt, “hell no! You’re not leaving me behind in this sketchy house.”
“Ohhh,” Buck sing songs, “now it’s sketchy but when I said it’s been weird lately you tell me I need a nap.”
You hiss, “be quiet, we’re supposed to be stealthy when sneaking up on a ghost.”
“I wasn’t aware that you had experience with the paranormal.” Buck looks back at you with a frown before slowly leading the way back towards the bedrooms.
“I’ve seen ghost whisperer you know?”
“…am i supposed to know what that is?”
“It’s a show Maddie and I are currently binge watching, now ssh!” Your attempt to silence the man was met but Buck used this silence to steady his heartbeat.
If this house was truly haunted then it was going to be hard to explain this to the insurance company when he’s done tearing up the place.
And we all know Buck’s not afraid of some action. His arm goes out to shield you as you both slide up against the wall opposite of the door that leads into the small laundry room. Buck couldn’t hear Pearla’s barking anymore and she did go in the opposite direction so he hoped whatever this is, didn’t harm your beloved dog.
“On my count,” Buck signals peering at you shortly to make sure you understood where he was going with this, “three…two…”
Of course he didn’t say “one” as he pushed the door back, revealing the very normal looking laundry room. Everything appeared in tack as Buck stepped into the room, hand reaching out to shove some clothes on the rack aside and then checking the cabinets above the washer and dryer.
“Huh,” Buck hummed before pulling the appliances open to find them both empty, “nothing.”
When he turns to face you, you’re hugging yourself but your brows are still furrowed in disbelief. He reaches to flick the light off and steps towards you to exit the room but a screeching noise picks up yet again. Instead of it sounding like it’s in the laundry room, it’s appears as if it’s coming from back towards the front of the home.
“No freaking way!” Buck yells, bringing the fire poker up like a bat as he runs down the hallway.
You scream at his back, “stop running towards danger you idiot!”
Buck ignores you, following the sound right to the pantry door, which is closed shut. He wastes no time, pulling the door back to reveal a gray and white Pearla fleeing from the room with a whine. Buck almost recoils at how loud the sound is coming from the pantry but steps in anyway, looking around the spacious storage room until the door shuts right behind him.
He tries the knob but to no avail, he turns back to the dark room, dropping down into a push up motion to check underneath the shelves. The thirty year old was just waiting to see something further unusual but got back to his feet just to be shoved towards the shelves.
Buck steadies his hands out in front of himself, catching himself against the shelves but not without the goods crashing onto the floor. He spins back around as the cracking noise picks up, almost making his teeth ache at the sound but that doesn’t stop him from swinging the fire poker wildly in the air. He’s not sure when the poker breaks one of the shelves but he spots a flash of red way at the top behind a acrylic container.
Panting Buck begins latching and crawling up on the shelves and swipes a hand across the top shelf, knocking the contents onto the floor to spot some sort of machine that suddenly shoots a weak steam of fog his way, followed by the creaking sound. Buck presses on top of it which sends out that screeching sound that makes Buck slip at the upsetting noise.
He’s shouting your name once he aims his footing right, landing back on it but not without the machine slipping right towards his face and knocking Buck off balance.
“I’m just glad it’s not broken,” you say for what felt like the thirteenth time as you hold the door open; ten am later that morning, leading your boyfriend back into your shared home that Buck secretly didn’t want to come back to.
The bandage on his bruised and cut up nose was prominent but Buck still sported a small smile on his face. “See what happens when you try to prank me. Now you have to tell everyone that I did in fact fight a ghost.”
The pantry door was jammed by the time you got to Buck, hearing him calling your name and Pearla barking for your attention. It wasn’t something it commonly did but you just deemed it as your anxiety getting the best of you, struggling to get it open. You were in on a bet with Chimney and Hen since Eddie (surprisingly) and Bobby didn’t want to participate—that you could convince Buck that your new home was haunted.
However you weren’t expecting for him to go investigating and get smacked in the face with the crap ghost machine you purchased off eBay. You were just happy that you weren’t the cause of Buck almost breaking his nose (you didn’t intend for the machine to slide off the shelf) but everything else you’ll take responsibility for.
“Sit,” you ordered Buck by his arms who laughed at you going into your nurturing role, “you know they’ll never believe that right?”
Buck kicks his feet up along the couch with a sigh, “but it could be a plot twist x2 with there actually being some haunted vibes going on. I mean…you did set me up.”
You pout as stood in the kitchen, “it was supposed to be all in good fun but then you had to go Rambo—being Buck. Did I mention how sorry I am?”
Buck laughs, “it’s just a scratch,” as Pearla jumps up beside him to rest her head in his lap, “it’ll heal and I can take a joke but just know…you did start a prank war for the rest of this fall season. You have no idea what you just unleashed.”
You didn’t like how Buck was rubbing his hands together in wicked joy but you’ll learn to deal with it.
“Yeah that’s what Maddie said,” you mumbled as you pulled open the fridge, “so before you come up with those ideas…I can make you your favorite breakfast.”
Buck grins, “that’ll be nice but I’d prefer a cuddle first.”
“Is your head hurting?”
Buck lolls his head, “I told you babe, I feel fine. Now get over here.”
You make a cross motion as you cautiously step over to Buck who shakes his head at you with a grin. Once you’re close enough, he reaches for your sweatshirt to yank you to his other side since Pearla made her claim on his left.
“Now that I know I’m not going crazy anymore, I can really enjoy this house with my two favorite people.” Buck curls a arm around you and rests the other along the back of the couch after patting Pearla’s head.
Resting your head against Buck’s chest you sink into the comfort each other. However that doesn’t last long with the sound of glass shattering from the mirror that once hung on the wall above the wooden chest that contained the record player on top of it.
The silence is almost deafening now as the both of you watch the pieces of the mirror decorate the floor.
Buck says, “Come on, if there was ever a time to be superstitious it’s definitely now.”
You knew a broken mirror was not a good sign and Buck started to feel like it wasn’t really all in his head as the flashes of what happened earlier this morning played back in his head. It couldn’t just be the trash machine you bought whenever and Buck really wasn’t that clumsy to trip over his feet so what gives?
Spookiness can be fun but Buck could always sense when things didn’t exactly feel right anymore? He believed in the full moon, mercury in retrograde and he strongly believed in when things weren’t just a good scare.
“So you agree, we should go house hunting?”
Again? Buck hated the process when he was on his own but with you it felt nice, like there was a definite future to look forward to.
“Yeah,” Buck states, “I think I’m done ghost hunting for awhile.”
“Hell yeah you are.” You respond, keeping your eyes towards the area just in case you saw something else that didn’t sit right with you; while reaching for your phone.
The both of you didn’t bother to debate over where you would be escaping to for the night as you searched your contacts for your realtor and fast.
꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎꩜⌖ㄨ࿔⚡︎ ꩜
Continue with my fall anthology prompts here.
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thenerdykneazle · 4 months
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Wild Ride
Summary: You and Seb aren't on the best of terms in sixth year. He's desperate to get you to let him back into your life - to the point of inviting himself along on a trip to Clagmar Coast to get ingredients for Garreth's newest potion. The simple errand turns out to be much more dangerous than either of you could have anticipated.
Sebastian Sallow x M!MC
Another collab with the talented @darch7995 who turned this story into audios. Listen to part 1. I gave Rina a task with this one with all the fighting, and she killed it. If you've never heard her audios, you're missing out.
Warnings: violence, swearing, angst with a happy ending, reckoning with the Scriptorium b/c I'm still mad it's glossed over in the game lol
Word count: 6203
You stalked along the edge of the raised platform, scoping out the perfect angle. “Accio!” you said, dragging the blue stone towards you. You held on longer than normal. You released the spell, and the stone kept rolling. It smacked into a red one at the end of the court, which jolted forward – right off the platform and into the grass. The blue sphere slowed to a stop just before the edge, earning you another 50 points.
“Ugh! That’s the third game in a row,” Leander groaned.
“You really should stop going first,” you said, unable to hold back a chuckle.
Leander glared at you. “I should just stop playing,” he said hopelessly.
“Also a valid option,” you replied drily before smirking at him.
You grabbed your bag and sauntered off to head into the library to get some studying done for once.
“Hey, MC! Do you have a moment?” Garreth said as he jogged up to you.
“Sure. What’s up?” you replied as Garreth joined in step.
“I’ve got a favour to ask,” he said. “I need you to help me track down an ingredient.”
You sighed. “Yeah, okay. What is it this time?”
Garreth beamed at you. “You’re the best! It’s just knarl quills,” he said.
“Knarl quills? Seriously?” you interrupted, indignant. “Can’t you just buy some in Hogsmeade?”
“Normally, I would, but Brood & Peck is wiped out after Sharp’s lesson on Laughing Potion. It’ll take weeks for them to get new stock. But it gave me a brilliant idea for a new drink. I’m calling it Gigglewater. Imagine pairing a nice buzz from firewhisky with the euphoria of Laughing Potion! So…think you could get some quills for me?”
He looked at you with a hopeful expression.
“All right. I know where to find a den,” you said, resigning yourself to being an errand boy yet again. “But if this brew of yours works out, I expect a steady supply.”
“Brilliant!” Garreth said, clapping both hands on your shoulders. “You’ll have as much as you can drink, mate. I promise.”
Garreth bolted off to go prepare the rest of his ingredients. You picked up your pace to head inside before your to-do list could grow any longer. Before you’d taken ten steps, you were stopped by another voice.
“Oi! MC!” they called from across the grounds.
You turned to see Sebastian headed toward you with his broom slung over his shoulder.
“I’m headed to the pitch to get in some practice before Quidditch try-outs start next week. You want to join? Ominis mentioned you’re planning to go for chaser,” he said. He added under his breath, “Not sure why he knew before I did, but…”
“Oh,” you said uncomfortably. “I was just headed inside to study, actually. Got to finish that essay on bowtruckles for Howin. But you have fun.”
“Oh,” Sebastian said, crestfallen. He had been excited to practise with you – you never turned down a chance to fly. He’d also hoped a little rough-and-tumble play on the pitch might relieve some of the tension he felt around you lately. “Yeah, no problem. I suppose school does come first.” He forced a laugh. “So, what, uh…what did Garreth want?”
You assumed he had been aiming for a ‘casual’ tone with his question. He ended up sounding rather nervous. “Just help with another potion,” you said shortly.
“Oh, are you going into the forest?” he asked, eyebrows raising slightly. He stood his broom up on the ground, leaning on the handle. “Need a hand?”
“No, I’m fine, thanks,” you said with a tight smile.
“It’s no trouble,” Sebastian insisted with an annoying level of earnestness. “Besides, I can’t have my charge wandering through the woods alone.”
You rolled your eyes. “Professor Weasley put you in charge of me for one trip to Hogsmeade – a year ago. I can handle myself, thanks,” you said before turning to head inside.
“Wait!” Sebastian called as he shouldered his broom again and jogged after you. “I know you don’t need my help. I just thought it might be nice to hang out. It’s…been a while.”
“Has it?” you said, feigning ignorance. “I hadn’t noticed, really.”
“Are you cross with me about something?” Sebastian asked, grabbing your arm to stop you.
You pulled it back out of his grasp. “Maybe I’m just not in the mood to hang out,” you replied coolly, avoiding the question.
“Well, I could come with you to study,” Sebastian said. “I miss my friend.”
You gave a bitter laugh. “Is that what we are?” you asked as you crossed your arms over your chest in what you hoped was an imposing stance.
His brows drew together. “Don’t be ridiculous! Of course, we’re friends!” he asserted.
You flattened your mouth into a thin line and gave a disbelieving grunt. “I figured I was more of a useful acquaintance,” you replied.
“Are you actually joking?” Sebastian asked, gaping at you.
You sighed. “I don’t have time for this,” you said. “If you want to help, then fine. Meet me in the Room of Requirement at half 9.”
“Yeah, okay,” Sebastian said, looking like he wanted to say a lot more. “I’ll see you then.”
“Grand,” you said sarcastically.
That night, Sebastian arrived in the Room of Requirement at 9:35. “Sorry I’m late!” he said as he burst in. “Weasley was asking me all sorts of questions when she found me wandering the corridors. I swear that woman has an extra sense about when students are planning to sneak out.”
“It’s fine,” you said tersely. “We’ve got a long journey ahead, though. We should get going.” You checked your supply of potions again. You made sure Sebastian had a full set, too. Garreth had set you up with a large store of all sorts of potions, including a particularly strong form of the edurus potion. You had to admit that your partnership with the ginger was quite mutually beneficial.
“Is this what you did all the time last year?” Sebastian asked. “Sneaking out and running around the Highlands?”
You shrugged. “Basically,” you confirmed.
“No wonder you were always so exhausted,” he said. “I swear you had permanent bags under your eyes.”
You shot a glare at him. “Cheers, mate,” you said sarcastically.
“Not that you looked bad,” he assured you, hands raised in defence.
“Mhmm,” you said sceptically as you grabbed a handful of floo powder. You threw it into the little flame. “Clagmar Coast.”
You disappeared in a haze of flames and soot.
Sebastian sighed. “Smooth, Sallow. Real smooth,” he said to himself, shaking his head. He quickly went through the floo, as well.
He landed in a small cabin. It was cold, as the shabby building let the wind rolling off the sea slip through its many cracks. He pulled his cloak more tightly around himself as the two of you stepped out of the little hut and onto the beach. “Merlin, it’s freezing out here!” Sebastian groused.
“Yeah, that tends to happen when the sun goes down,” you snapped as you started down the beach.
“What is your problem lately?” Sebastian asked as he followed you.
Before you could answer, you heard a distant voice.
“I swear, every time we draw straws for patrol, I get the short one,” a man said.
“Hide!” you hissed in a low voice. You practically body-slammed Sebastian against the cabin, tucking yourselves just behind the chimney. As you did, Sebastian steadied himself with a hand on the wall and the other on the chimney, while you slapped your hand over his mouth so that he didn’t make noise. All he got out was a little “oof” as his back hit the stone wall.
You cast a nonverbal disillusionment charm over the both of you. Sebastian’s heart was racing. He genuinely wasn’t sure if it was due to the sudden presence of unfriendlies or your practically invisible body pressed against his in the near-perfect reverse of the position he so frequently desired to put you in lately.
You both heard the crunch of their footsteps on the sand as the two dark wizards approached.
“I don’t see why you’re complaining. Going on patrol’s more interesting than standing around at the camp,” a feminine voice replied as the footsteps continued to draw nearer.
“At least there aren’t dugbogs at the camp,” the man huffed. “That last one nearly took my eye out with that slimy tongue!”
Just then, Sebastian’s hand slipped as the brick he’d been holding came loose. He squeezed his eyes shut, wincing as it clattered against the rocky ground.
“What was that?” the woman asked.
“It came from over there!” the man replied.
“Bombarda!” the woman yelled.
Sebastian launched you both away from the cabin just before the spell hit the chimney you’d been hiding behind. It burst apart, sending dust and brick in every direction. Your disillusionment released as you tumbled across the damp sand before clambering to your feet.
“Stupefy!” you yelled, aiming for the man in front.
“Confringo!” Sebastian said just a split second slower.
The man, who was dressed in a soldier’s uniform, dodged your spell but was hit with Sebastian’s. He yelled in pain as the fiery curse burned his side. “You’ll pay for that!” he said.
The woman, an assassin, sent a slew of curses your way. You dodged and deflected, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Meanwhile, the soldier was locked in a duel with Sebastian.
“Time for some assistance,” the assassin said, aiming her wand at the ground.
Several inferi burst out of the sandy shoreline. They lunged for you. “Incendio!” you shouted. The ring of flames that erupted around you knocked them back. You levitated one before dispatching of another. A third clawed deep gashes into your back. As you whipped around, sending a blasting curse its way, the assassin hit you with a disarming charm.
The inferius crumpled in a burst of flames as your wand went flying. With your wand gone, the inferius you had levitated crashed back to the ground.
Sebastian finished off the soldier with a severing charm before summoning the remaining inferius away from you just as it lunged to attack. You dove into the sand, and just as you grasped your wand, the assassin attacked. “Petrificus totalus!”
The spell hit you as you were half-way to your feet. You could do nothing as you heard the assassin cry out, “Expulso!”
You were blasted back into the rocky cliffs that rose up from the sand behind the ruins of the cottage. You collided with a crunch before falling to the ground. Your lungs burned as you tried to replace the air that had been knocked out of them by the impact.
“Reducto!” Sebastian roared. A blue jet of light erupted from his wand. It arced through the air before striking the assassin in the chest. She shattered into ash – the sea breeze scattered her remains across the wet sand before the tide rinsed them away.
Sebastian turned to you, looking panic-stricken as he saw your crumpled form. Behind him, the soldier who lay bleeding on the beach raised his wand. You summoned your remaining strength, reaching deep inside to your connection to the ancient magic, and sent a nearby boulder soaring through the air before crashing it down on the man’s body. It collided with a sickening crunch as his bones splintered apart. His arm fell back to the earth. He didn’t move again.
Sebastian had watched the final blow with wide eyes. His attention quickly snapped back to you as you struggled to get back to your feet. He rushed over and grabbed your arm. “I’ve got you,” he said.
“I’m fine!” you bit out, ripping your arm from his grasp in a painful, jerking motion.
“I was just trying to help!” Sebastian said irritably.
“Yeah, well, you helped enough giving our position away by knocking that stone loose,” you said. You uncapped a wiggenweld and gulped it down. The ache in your side faded, and you were able to breathe easily again.
“You’re seriously blaming me for a loose rock?” he asked.
“It’s an old shack. You should’ve been more careful,” you argued. “Clearly it didn’t take much to bring down that chimney.” You gestured to the wreckage.
“Yes, well, we’ll certainly be needing a different way back to the castle,” Sebastian said bashfully.
“What an astute observation,” you said sarcastically. You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “We should get going before anyone notices that two Ashwinders are missing. The knarl den is in a cave just west of here.”
You made haste up the rest of the coast, breathing a sigh of relief when you reached the mouth of the cave without incident. “Well, that’s inviting,” Sebastian said, noting all the warning signs and paintings of skulls and crossbones. “‘Turn back or perish.’ What more invitation do we need?”
“Oh, it’s not so bad inside,” you said. “Especially since all the poachers should be gone.”
“Any other surprises that might be awaiting us in there?” he asked.
“I mean, it’s a cave, so spiders are likely,” you said.
“Naturally,” Sebastian replied unenthusiastically. “I’ve been living arachnid-free for too long, anyway.”
You gave him a cheeky smile. “Look at you learning the difference between insects and arachnids,” you said with mock pride. “You studied over the summer didn’t you, you little bookworm?”
Sebastian gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes. “I’m so glad that Ashwinder didn’t knock that charming sense of humour out of you,” he said sarcastically.
“Come on, you grump,” you said. “I don’t want to be out all night.” You ducked into the cave, and he followed after you with a begrudging “fine.”
The first half of the trek into the cave was uneventful other than some cobwebs and egg sacks, both of which were easily burned away. Fortunately, there was no sign that any poachers currently occupied the cave. It was just damp corridors, jumping over crevices, and climbing ladders.
Sebastian groaned as you started up yet another ladder. It was even taller than the earlier ones. “You were just gallivanting through caves like this all the time on top of all the things we got up to together?” he asked.
You paused in your ascent. “Pretty much,” you confirmed. “That and helping Poppy to fight poachers and Natty to take down Harlow.”
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten that. Or all the errands you were running for other students – which, clearly, is one hobby you haven’t given up,” he said. He followed you up the ladder. He had to admit, all this climbing did come with the perk of some very nice views of your arse as the fabric of your trousers was pulled taught against it. You were waiting casually as Sebastian hauled himself up the last bit of the ladder. He doubled over, hands on his knees, as he caught his breath. “No wonder you’re so fit.”
You raised an eyebrow at him.
“I-I mean, not fit fit, but actually fit,” he added quickly. “Not that you’re ugly, though! It’s just that you’re very, erm…athletic…is my point.”
You nodded slowly, resisting the urge to laugh at him. A small smirk had found its way to your lips, though. “Right…Maybe you should worry about your own stamina, Sebastian,” you said. “You do have quidditch try-outs coming up.”
“Yeah, that’s probably good advice,” he said sheepishly. He was thankful for the flush he had already had from all the climbing, or his embarrassment would be obvious in the blush on his face.
You just shook your head at him before marching on. The awkward conversation was quickly forgotten as he had to focus on crossing rickety boards and passages with steep drop-offs. You progressed rather quickly through the maze of tunnels as you were able to recall the proper path forward.
“You know, it’s quite nice going through a cave without you stopping every five feet to rummage through an old chest,” Sebastian teased.
“Well, if we’re sharing, it’s nice having you actually follow my lead to hide and assess a situation before rushing in wand blazing,” you said, glancing back at him before ducking into a tunnel.
“That was one time!” he argued as he followed in behind you.
“Only if you don’t count the second trip into the catacombs. Or the scriptorium. Where you cursed me. Which, I never got the chance to say, but fuck you for being able to, by the way,” you said.
Sebastian was taken aback. This was not how he anticipated the night going.
“What had I done to you at that point, anyway?” you continued.
You were out of the low tunnel now and were moving at a quick pace. Sebastian grabbed your hand so you would stop and look at him. “Just wait a second, will you?” he said.
He sighed, releasing your hand and then shifting nervously on his feet as he tried to find the right words. You watched him impatiently with an arched brow.
“You hadn’t done anything,” Sebastian said honestly. “I just wanted to get us out of there.”
“Well, you must’ve had some reason to hate me enough to want to cause me that much pain,” you replied bitterly.
“I didn’t,” he vowed. “I imagined that the day I brought you to Feldcroft to meet Anne – when you talked to Uncle Solomon after our fight – you sided with him. And I imagined that you would try to stop me from finding a cure for Anne. Obviously, I know that’s not true. But it was the only way I could think to want to hurt you. Even then, I…when you started screaming…” He squeezed his eyes shut as if in pain. “I don’t think I could do it again. I still have nightmares about it.”
You nodded in understanding. “So do I,” you admitted.
Sebastian knew he had caused you immense pain that night. He loathed himself for it. He had lost his nerve the second you started screaming, though the curse had still crackled between you and the door for what seemed like an eternity afterward. He had never considered, though, that it haunted you like it did him. “Merlin, I’m so sorry. I…I didn’t know,” he said. His eyes had welled with tears.
“I think it’ll help – knowing what you were thinking, I mean,” you said. “In the dream, you just don’t stop. Not when the door melts away. Not when Ominis begs you to. The pain goes on and on until I wake up.”
“I swear I’ll never, ever hurt you again,” Sebastian vowed. He couldn’t bear the thought of all the pain he had put you through. The curse alone was bad enough. But having to relive the torture in your sleep? More than ever, Sebastian regretted not insisting you learn the curse to cast it on him, instead.
“You’d better not,” you said light-heartedly. “Now let’s keep moving. We’re almost to the den.”
You reached the nest of the knarls with only a few spider hatchlings to dispose of during the rest of the trek.
The den was in the middle of a grassy patch. Moonlight filtered in through gaps in the cave ceiling. Several knarls scurried about, fleeing into their nests when they saw you and Sebastian approaching. You two filled a satchel with shed quills. It was tedious work picking up the tiny spines, and you were admittedly thankful you didn’t have to do it alone.
“That should do it!” you said. “Now, we’ve just got to get back out of here.”
Sebastian quickly spotted an exit from the cave right by the nest. “Why didn’t we come in this way?” Sebastian asked as you walked along the gravel path.
“I didn’t remember it was here,” you admitted. He gave you an irritated look. “I’ve been in a lot of caves, you know. I can’t remember every detail.”
Sebastian just chuckled at you. Though, his smile disappeared when you shrieked. In the darkness, you hadn’t noticed the path took a steep downturn. Sebastian yelled your name as you slipped out of sight. He jumped down after you without hesitation. You tumbled out onto a path carved between the rocky hills of the seaside. Sebastian soon slid next to you. He stood up first and extended a hand to help you. “Are you hurt?” he asked as he pulled you to your feet.
“Just a few scrapes,” you assured him.
All of a sudden, jets of light streamed all around you. You and Sebastian dove for cover as the spells blasted dirt up from the ground and ricocheted off the rocks. You two managed to scramble behind a large rock formation along the path. “I guess the Ashwinders noticed their scouts went missing,” Sebastian said.
“Or else heard me yelling when I went arse over tit,” you replied.
More spells flew overhead. They were coming from the ruins atop a nearby hill.
“Cover me,” you ordered.
You popped up, and Sebastian sent a deluge of spells up at the hill.
“Accio! Bombarda!” you said, summoning one of the Ashwinders into range before blasting them back into the cliffs. Sebastian levitated another foe before slamming them back to the ground. You and Sebastian each sent a flurry of curses at respective enemies, while dodging curses sent from a third. When the other two Ashwinders were down, you both focused on the sole remaining combatant. You each sent a blasting curse at her, and the infernos seemed to magnify each other. She was taken out instantly.
“Well, that was surprisingly easy,” Sebastian remarked brightly.
The wooshes of apparating forms sounded all around you as enemy after enemy appeared in a haze of black smoke.
You sighed. “You had to say it, didn’t you?”
Before you knew it, there were a dozen Ashwinders around you. You and Sebastian quickly downed edurus potions and started firing off spells. You injured several of them, but it was difficult to focus on any particular foe with so many running around. That made it difficult to thin their numbers. You took a thunderbrew, as well. You also threw out some tentaculas. You were pulling out all the stops to try to get the upper hand. You quickly took out three of the Ashwinders, using your ancient magic to call down additional lightning upon them each in turn. You both took another edurus potion to keep your protection. A few exploding charms, blasting curses, and a severing charm later, and you were down to the last four enemies. You disarmed one, and the fire they had been summoning rained down on them instead of you.
As Sebastian dispatched another one of the Ashwinders, another wave started apparating in. There were close to twenty surrounding you now. “Well, this is just perfect,” Sebastian said sarcastically as he sent several basic casts at an animagus, forcing them back into human form. “Where are they all coming from?”
“Clagmar Castle is just over that hill. They’ve got a stronghold there,” you replied while dodging incoming spells.
You downed potion after potion – edurus, thunderbrew, and maxima. You even threw out more tentaculas and a few Chinese chomping cabbages for good measure. You threw spells, boulders, and even dark wizards you’d transfigured into barrels of explosives until you and Sebastian were the only two left standing.
You both gasped for breath. “Are you okay?” Sebastian asked.
“Yeah. You?” you replied.
“I’m fine. This better be some bloody magnificent potion Garreth’s working on, though,” Sebastian groused.
You rolled your eyes. “Let’s just get out of here before–”
More Ashwinders began apparating in around you before you could finish your sentence. Around the bend, a troll collared in goblin metal emerged on the path.
“Bollocks,” you said as you realised you were out of edurus and thunderbrew potions. You downed a maxima potion.
The troll charged you both, and you dove in opposite directions to avoid its attacks. It caught Sebastian’s side with a swipe of his club, and he flew high into the air before landing hard on the ground.
You focused on the troll first, while dodging attacks from the dark wizards. You dodged another swing of its club before flipping it back into its own face with a knockback jinx. While it was dazed, you sent spell after spell at it. In your rush to attack the creature while it was vulnerable, you didn’t see the duellist behind you. They blasted you with a reductor curse as you dealt a final blow to the troll. It knocked you forward as a burning pain spread through your back. You yelled in pain. You landed on your stomach, but you quickly rolled over despite the agony it caused. You cast a protection charm just in time to block their next spell.
Sebastian disengaged from the executioner he had been duelling to focus on your attacker. “Confringo!” he yelled, blasting them off their feet. “Accio! Incendio!”
Sebastian cast a severing charm that separated the witch’s head from her already lifeless body and both thudded to the ground. His eyes were filled with pure rage.
Just then, a bolt of green light coursed through the air, hitting Sebastian in the leg. For a brief, terrifying moment as he crumpled to the ground, you thought he’d been hit with a killing curse. But as he cried out, you knew he was alive. For now, at least.
“Reducto!” you yelled, blasting the executioner back, but, somehow, he was still standing.
You scrambled to your feet as the three remaining Ashwinders began to close in. Sebastian was still writhing in pain. “Now this has become personal, you little brat,” the executioner growled.
“Like lambs to the slaughter,” another wizard said.
“I'll put some flowers on your grave,” the third said, chuckling darkly.
They froze when a loud roar came from behind you. The ground shook as a large beast leapt into view from the cliffs and sprinted forward. The wizards shrieked, but their cries were short-lived as the massive graphorn trampled them. Sebastian yelled in fear as the graphorn rounded on him.
“No!” you yelled.
The graphorn turned and headed straight for you.
“Hey, you stupid monster!” Sebastian said, raising his wand as he struggled to his feet.
“Sebastian, don’t!” you yelled, lunging to get between the wizard and the beast.
The graphorn growled behind you.
“Get out of the way, MC!” Sebastian yelled.
“Stand down,” you ordered before turning to the large beast. “Easy boy. He’s on our side.”
The beast instantly relaxed. You reached out a hand to pet his muzzle. He nuzzled into your shoulder, closing his eyes as you stroked his neck.
“You know this overgrown lizard?” Sebastian said, flabbergasted.
The graphorn huffed.
“He didn’t mean it,” you said soothingly. “This is the Lord of the Shore. He was part of my final trial with the Keepers. Lord of the Shore, this is Sebastian. He’s my friend.”
“So, we’re back to being friends now, are we?” Sebastian asked.
“I’d say we’ve been through enough tonight to merit it,” you replied. “Speaking of, do you have a spare wiggenweld? That reductor curse bloody hurts.”
“Yeah, here,” he said, limping over to you. He handed you a phial before downing his own.
You grimaced as you downed the brew. You hoped you never had to take another potion in your life, as you felt near bursting with how many you’d had to drink that night.
“We should get moving before the next wave finds us,” you said as you mounted the graphorn.
“You want me to ride that?” Sebastian asked in disbelief.
The Lord of the Shore growled.
“No offence,” Sebastian added quickly.
“The nearest usable floo is in Bainburgh. Unless you brought a broom, then your only other option is to walk and face whoever you find along the way,” you said, holding out a hand to him.
“I’ll take my chances,” he said stubbornly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Sebastian, just get on!” you urged.
“Ugh, fine!” he relented.
He grabbed your hand and mounted the beast behind you.
“You can pet him if you like,” you offered.
“I think I’ll pass,” Sebastian replied, looking horrified by the idea.
You rolled your eyes. “Suit yourself. Now hold on,” you said.
For a moment, Sebastian didn’t know where to place his hands. He eventually decided on holding onto your hips. His face flushed as he settled in behind you. It was a rather intimate position to be in.
“All right, boy, Sebastian’s not used to this, so unless we see any dark wizards, let’s start nice and–” The Lord of the Shore started out in a sprint, making both of you yelp. “SLOW!”
You held onto the graphorn’s neck, while Sebastian clung to you with his whole body as he yelled ineffectually.
“No need to race now, my friend,” you said nervously.
The beast continued on at full speed.
“Slow down now,” you said, willing him to listen. He did not.
“Is he always like this?” Sebastian asked as the graphorn crashed through barricades blocking the path.
“No, he’s normally much calmer,” you replied, yelling over the rushing wind. “I think you offended him.”
“Offended him?” Sebastian roared.
He shrieked again as the Lord of the Shore leapt into the air over another set of barricades. The beast landed on the ground with a hard thud that nearly bounced you both off. A few remaining Ashwinders attempted to slow the massive animal, but he mowed them down.
He crossed the bridge toward Bainburgh, then deviated down to the beach.
“Where are you going? We need to get to the floo!” you said, but the graphorn trekked on. “Stop! Not through the–”
The Lord of the Shore splashed through the creek, soaking you and Sebastian.
“…water,” you said dismally as the beast continued splashing his way down the stream. You gave an exasperated sigh. “Thanks for that.”
Sebastian, who had gotten a mouthful of water due to his screaming, coughed and spluttered. “Okay! I’m sorry I called you an overgrown lizard!” Sebastian said. “Just let us down!”
The Lord of the Shore slowed to a walk, and you breathed out a sigh of relief. “There’s a lad,” you said, patting his neck. “Are you done with your tantrum now?”
The animal growled at you.
“Guess not,” you quipped.
“Sorry,” Sebastian muttered when he realised he was still wrapped around you. He quickly went back to holding your hips.
“Oh, erm, don’t…don’t worry about it,” you said, a blush rising to your cheeks.
The Lord of the Shore kept a leisurely trot toward Bainburgh. It was rather bumpy riding bareback on a graphorn, even when he was just walking. Every step the beast took was making your arse bounce along Sebastian’s front. He had his eyes squeezed shut and his teeth digging into his bottom lip as he tried not to be hyperaware of the sensation.
He tried to push himself backward to put space between you two and end the maddening friction.
“Ow! Sebastian!” you said as his hands dug into your hips. “Enough with the death grip! I promise you’re not going to fall off.”
His cheeks flushed as you glared at him over your shoulder. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly. He looked like a scorned child as he stared down, avoiding eye contact with you. Eventually, Sebastian was still able to shift his hips back enough to stop his suffering.
“Merlin, I can’t believe the sun’s starting to come up!” you said as you noticed the light peeking over the horizon. “I guess it’s been a longer night than I realised.”
“Time flies when you’re having fun,” Sebastian joked. “Or, you know, fighting for your life.”
You laughed. “I’m gonna squeeze in a bath and a nap before defence against the dark arts when we get back,” you said.
“Maybe Professor Hecat will give us a free period if we tell her we fought two dozen dark wizards and a troll,” he joked.
You laughed. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” you said. “Thank you for your help tonight, by the way. I don’t know what would’ve happened if those Ashwinders had found me alone.”
He smiled, but there was a sadness behind it. “Anytime,” he said.
He was relieved when you reached Bainburgh and he could finally dismount. “Thank you for rescuing us,” you said, patting the graphorn. “I’ll come visit you soon.”
The beast chuffed happily. He even gave Sebastian a lick before setting off.
“Ugh, that’s disgusting,” he groused once he was certain the Lord of the Shore wouldn’t hear him.
You just chucked. “At least he likes you now,” you replied. You threw floo powder into the green flame. “Room of Requirement, Hogwarts.”
You whirled through the floo, appearing almost instantly in the familiar room. You stepped aside and Sebastian whooshed into the room a moment later.
“You know, I was hoping that he’s not the only one who’s forgiven me,” Sebastian replied. “I really am sorry.”
“What for?” you asked.
“All of fifth year, basically. But especially cursing you,” he replied. You had almost forgotten about your earlier fight. “I should’ve insisted you or Ominis cast the curse on me. It was my fault we were trapped down there.”
“I don’t think either of us would’ve preferred that,” you said honestly. “It’s not a night I’d wish to repeat, but…we did what we had to. All three of us would be dead otherwise.”
Sebastian ran a hand through his hair anxiously. “What if Ominis was right? What if we could’ve found another way?” he argued as he began pacing. “I mean, I didn’t even try. Not bombarda or confringo or finite incantatem. I didn’t do anything to try to protect you.”
You shrugged. “You were focused on helping Anne,” you said simply.
He turned back toward you. “And I’ve used that as an excuse to hurt too many people,” he said. He looked at you imploringly. “I just…I want you to know that I really am trying to change.”
You pulled him into a tight hug. “I know, Sebastian. And I’m glad you are.”
Sebastian melted into your embrace. Of all people, he needed you to accept him. If you could see all the parts of him you had and not run away, then perhaps there was hope for him yet. If you still saw good in him, then he would continue to believe it was there.
Sebastian pulled back to look at you. “I was really scared that Ashwinder was going to finish you off,” he said gravely.
You nodded in understanding. “I thought that executioner hit you with a killing curse,” you admitted. “I was terrified that I’d…I’d lost you.” You cleared the emotion out of your throat. “I mean, you’re a git, but…I don’t know what I’d do if you were gone.”
He gave you a crooked smile. “You’ll always be stuck with me, I’m afraid,” he said.
“That doesn’t sound like such a bad thing,” you replied.
Sebastian bit his lip. He looked uncertain about his next words. “MC, I realised something…when I thought you were going to be taken from me,” he said. “I…I don’t want to never have told you…”
“Told me what?” you asked, prodding him to continue.
He took a steadying breath. “Well, you see, I…I like you…as more than a friend, I mean.”
You stared at him in disbelief.
Sebastian shifted uncomfortably as the silence stretched. “Could you…say something?” he asked. “I mean, it’s okay if you don’t feel the same. I know I haven’t treated you the best. But I swear I don’t just see you as a means to help with Anne or defeating goblins. I really do care quite–Mmph!”
You had crashed your lips into his. The kiss was brief but passionate. “The feeling’s mutual,” you said, beaming at him.
Sebastian, though he had been caught off guard, recovered quickly. He reconnected your lips, kissing you fiercely as he pushed you back against the wall. He gripped your robes in both hands as he pinned his body against yours. You gripped his strong arms as you returned his fervour, sliding your tongue across his bottom lip teasingly before delving into his mouth. He had the coppery taste of a hard-fought battle, and it spurred you on as you thought again of how close you’d been to losing him.
You were the one to break the kiss as your lungs burned, begging for oxygen. “We should get what sleep we can,” you said, and Sebastian reluctantly let you go.
“Right,” he said as he recollected himself. “Well, maybe we could…go to Hogsmeade this weekend?”
You smiled. “Only if you promise there won’t be any trolls,” you joked.
“I’ve always thought you handled them quite well,” he said playfully. “But I’ll scope it out beforehand to make sure it’s troll-free.”
“Then it’s a date,” you said, unable to stop grinning. “We could go visit the Lord of the Shore after, too! He’ll probably even let you ride him alone.”
“Erm, yeah. Course. Brilliant,” Sebastian replied uneasily.
“Only joking!” you assured him.
He breathed out a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank Merlin!”
A/N: Not me headcannoning that Garreth invented gigglewater. Also, the cave is modelled after the phoenix cave, just in a different part of the map now. That whole entrance/exit thing is true in the game, and I felt the need to include it in this story.
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There At The Box
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ONE SHOT
|| Prev - The Grammys ||
Summary: After reuniting at the Grammys, it is now time for the Brit awards, where Harry has been nominated for four. He has invited YN to join him, and she will do whatever it takes to be there for him, as long as she can make it.
A/N: Finally got this out, over a week later. But it's here. Legitimately didn't think there'd be a part 2, but how could I not when our boy won 4 for 4 Brits?!?!
Warnings: Some explicit language, airport troubles, alcohol consumption
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"You've got to be kidding me!"
"I'm sorry Ms. YLN, but we had to delay the flight."
You pinch the bridge of your nose, doing your best to take deep breaths and not completely lose it on this innocent attendant.
"How long will it take?"
"I'm…not entirely sure. It could potentially take a couple of hours…"
"This isn't happening." You mumble, throwing your face down into your palms as you sit there, helpless, in your seat on the airplane. "Diana, Peter, can you do anything? Please tell me you can do something."
Your manager and assistant give each other worried looks and it makes your heart sink.
Unfortunately, you had a prior commitment earlier in the day in Edinburgh, but told him that you would fly out as soon as it was done. You planned to have your outfit, plus hair and makeup teams, there on board with you and head straight to the venue from the airport. Everything seemed to be scheduled out nicely and going accordingly. Until now, that is. Because the jet you had managed to rent seems to be having some sort of mechanical issue, and is keeping you from being exactly where you want to be. Right by Harry.
You just got back with Harry, practically six days ago. He somehow, through the magic that comes from him being Harry Styles, managed to get you a seat at his table for The Brits. You were so honored, and happy, and excited that he wanted you there with him, and there's nowhere else you'd rather be.
"We're working on it, YN."
"There's just not much-" Peter gets interrupted by a swift elbow to his side by Diana.
"We're working on it."
You're never a diva, at least you try your hardest not to be, but this is the one moment you wish you had the capacity to demand that everything gets fixed and figured out so that you can get what you want.
"I know you're trying." You sigh. "Just… let me down easy once you know for sure."
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You stand as best you can on the airplane, while your stylist zips up your dress and your makeup artist applies things to your face during commercial breaks.
Everyone around you is already buzzing over Harry's first win of the night, for Best Pop Act, when Peter begins to hush them down and turn up the volume on the television. It's the second award Harry's nominated for, and you're already on the edge of your nerves.
"So the Brit Awards goes to…" Lucien Laviscourt begins, asking his co-star for a drumroll as he opens the envelope. "The man that just does not stop. Harry Styles."
The camera shows Harry's head drop and a wide grin immediately appear on his face. He yells a little 'lets go' as he stands up and makes his way to the stage. You can tell his emotions are already building as he looks down at his second award.
"Umm, thank you again. Umm… I wanna start by, umm, I wanna thank my family for being the most supportive, understanding, patient, loving, umm, family that I could've ever asked for."
He goes on to thank his mum, and the crowd goes wild when he mentions the other members of One Direction. As if you weren't already gutted to be missing out, that part pains you. To be there in that moment would be absolutely thrilling, and if it were not now safely carrying you and your team to the destination you so desperately want to be at, you'd be cursing the plane for making you late.
"I'm really, really grateful for this and I'm very aware of my privilege up here tonight, so this award is for Rina, Charley, Florence, Mabel, and Becky. Thank you so much."
Your eyes water as he mentions his 'privilege' and honors the women who were looked over for nominations in that category. If ever there were to be someone, other than one of them, to win, of course it should be him. He is such an ally, and supporter, and even though you don't feel as if he should apologize for winning, your heart is so warmed at how humble he is. How willing he is to give the spotlight to someone else.
The group cheers on for the next few awards, and you join in when Wet Leg wins their second. Shouts ring out when Harry wins this third Brit award for Song of the Year.
With each win, or even glimpse you get of Harry, your heart is torn further into two. You're so proud of him, and happy for him, but you are also simultaneously filling up with guilt that you can't be alongside him, or even just in the room, to support him. You know he won't be mad. You know it's not your fault, and he will understand. But you can't stop it.
The entire cabin of people laugh as Harry walks off stage to kiss Lewis Capaldi, and as the jet finally pulls into the hanger. But you can't help the sadness it's causing alongside the joy.
Finally in the car, and on your way from the airport, you huddle between Diana and Peter as Stanley Tucci presents the nominees for Album of the Year.
"And the winner is…" Stanley opens the envelope and takes a big breath, you holding your own as your hand squeezes the phone. "Harry Styles. Harry's House."
The three of you scream out, watching from behind the screen, as Harry heads back to the stage, for his fourth and final time.
Tears begin to form and Peter quickly hands you a tissue to not ruin the hard work your team put into your makeup look.
You watch on, as he hugs and laughs with Stanley, expressing how much he loves him as soon as he lifts the microphone. All the emotions, and probably a small amount of alcohol, fueling his bright smile.
"This, uh… this night has been really, really special to me and I will never forget it. Thank you so much for the welcome home, I appreciate it so much. There is no place like home. Thank you, thank you, thank you." He takes a breath for a moment as he looks down to the crowd of fans and peers, causing you to feel that even though his mind is most surely swirling around, that this moment is really sinking in. But what's sinking in more and more for you is the fact that you aren't there. "I’m so, so proud to be a British artist out there in the world. I’m so proud to be here tonight celebrating British artists and British music. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m gonna hand it over to Tom and Tyler. Thank you so much for this, I’m so grateful. Thank you.”
You hand the phone to Diana, watery eyes and a smile displayed on your face. You missed it. In person, at least. But, as pained as it makes you, you are still going to show up for him. And you are going to celebrate with him the rest of the night.
"Well, to the after party it is."
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You make a mental note to give your styling teams extra long vacations soon, because their magic has enabled your hair to stay in place and the usual stress-induced sweat to stay at bay.
You do what you can to catch your breath as you prepare to step out from the back seat of the car, and head into The Box.
A deep breath, followed by another, and as soon as the door swings open you are bombarded with bright flashes of light.
Your security guard guides you inside and it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, and your ears to adjust to all the new noise.
Instantly, and almost instinctively, your attention is drawn to that beautiful, loud laugh that you know so well, and you barely make out the figure of a very happy Harry Styles, beaming from the events of the night. All the sadness, guilt, and pain melt seeing him so joyful, and is replaced with pride. Pride, and the desperate need to be by him now.
You push your way through the crowd, and as you find yourself a few feet from Harry, who has yet to see you, your body is halted as Lizzo stands in front of you.
"Hey honey!" She exclaims, exuberantly. You attempt to glance past her for a moment, and when you look back you find her expression has quickly changed. "I thought you were gonna be at the award ceremony, what happened?"
"Don't even get me started…" You begin to scowl at how things unfolded earlier, but quickly wave it off, not wanting to slip back into that negativity. Especially since you're there now.
"Damn. Well, I missed you!" She states, wrapping her arms around you. Another glimpse of Harry sets your heart fluttering as you pull away from your friend's embrace. "Harry really missed you."
"I'm here now." You reply.
"YN… he's a little drunk…"
You let out a loud laugh, finding humor in the fact that it doesn't come as a shock to you.
"I figured as much."
"Yeah but, like… he was really bummed you weren't there." She replies, as solemnly as possible in such a loud, vibrant atmosphere. "And he had a few to drink…"
"Okay…"
You glance past her again and this time meet Harry's gaze. You give Lizzo a quick smile and maneuver around her, rushing up to him and wrapping your arms around his neck, placing a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Hey there superstar! I'm so proud of you!" You exclaim, pulling back to meet his gorgeous, yet glazed over, green eyes.
"You didn't come." He states, a frown appearing between his brows.
Your eyes grow wide and your heart stops. That was not even close to a reaction you thought he would have. You smile though, hoping to ease the tension that you feel coming on.
"I'm sorry. The-"
"You didn't come!" He repeats suddenly, the furrow between his eyes becoming even more intense, causing a tightening in your chest.
"Harry… I was trying…"
"You coulda told me you weren't coming."
"I was trying! I texted you, Gemma, and Jeff!" You scoff, crossing your arms over your chest.
"I was a little busy…"
"I know, Harry." You reply through gritted teeth. You understand that alcohol is playing a role here, but his attitude is still not warranted. But this must be what Lizzo was trying to tell you. Or potentially warn you about.
Harry shakes his head and looks to the ground, the frown almost permanent on his face.
"This was supposed to be an amazing night." He sighs, swirling around the contents in the glass he has in his hand.
"What the hell? You just won four Brit awards! How is this not an amazing night?"
"You should've been there." He scowls, causing your jaw to clench and your entire body to tense.
"This isn't fair."
"No. It's not." He runs his free hand through his hair, annoying you in the way that it still manages to fall back into place perfectly. Especially at this moment.
"I think… I think you should walk away." You utter, your heart hurting and your eyes beginning to water.
"Fine." He quickly replies, turning around as fast as the words left his mouth, and walking in the complete opposite direction of where you stand.
You could fall over right there, feeling as if you were just punched in the gut. This is not how that moment was supposed to go. Or this night. It was not even a consideration that he would be upset. You thought he would understand, but he didn't even let you explain.
So, not only were you not able to be there to cheer him on when he won, but now you aren't even able to celebrate with him at the party. A sinking feeling enters your mind. One that causes your feet to instantly head in the direction of the exit.
The worry you had, before the breakup, comes creeping back in. What if he thinks this is too difficult to do with you?
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Your plan for escape was foiled before you even made it to the front door. Rhian and Hester from Wet Leg managed to grab your attention, by grabbing your arm, and pulled you into their conversation with the rest of the band.
It's not that you really minded talking with them, especially since you wanted to extend your congratulations anyway, but your mind keeps wandering back to your conversation with Harry. The interaction has left you in a less than ideal mood for celebrations.
Your eyes wander around the room, and land on the man you always seem to want to find in a crowd. Your breath hitches when you see he is looking right back at you. The expression on his face is no longer of anger, or frustration, or whatever he was feeling that left you two needing some space. Now, his features have softened, but still don't display any positivity.
Rhian's laugh catches your attention again, and you turn back to focus on the conversation unfolding in front of you. At least the people close by are happy you're there.
You suddenly feel a presence appear next to you and turn to the side to see Harry's saddened expression meet yours.
"Hello friends! Congratulations again." He states, removing his arm and embracing each of them for a moment.
"Thank you Harry! For everything!" Rhian giggles, turning to Hester as they gush over how unbelievable their wins were. You remember that feeling. It really doesn't change, even when you win another award, and you love seeing how happy they are. They deserve a fun night. Truthfully, so does Harry. So you decide to return to your previous plan of getting out of there.
"I think I'm going to call it a night everyone." You state, keeping your gaze on the girls, but noticing Harry's shoot right over to you.
You give them all a hug, shooting a polite smile to the man next to you, and turn to head to the exit.
You feel an arm snake around your waist and squeeze your side, which makes you slow your speed dramatically.
"Can I have a moment with you…" Harry whispers, his lips close enough to your ear that you feel his breath on your neck and it makes you shudder. "Before you go? Please?"
You manage a nod and let him guide you to a corner that seems to be a lot less crowded, and a tiny bit more quiet.
He stands in front of you, leaning against the wall beside him, and drops his head.
"YN, I'm…" He sighs, rubbing one hand against the back of his neck. His eyes flicker up to yours, and you determine that the expression you saw earlier was one of sadness. "I'm… I'm really, really sorry."
Surprise fills you, because so does frustration.
"Harry, I don't think you know how much I wanted to be there for you tonight! My damn flight got delayed and we tried everything to get here on time!" You exclaim, your breathing labored due to your quick response.
"I know. Peter just told me." He replies quietly, dropping his head again to look down at the floor.
"But you should've listened to me. I thought we were going to talk about things when they bothered us, but you wouldn't even hear my simple explanation for why I wasn't there tonight! How is this even going to work between us if this happens not even a week after we get back together?" You blurt out.
Harry immediately straightens up and your chest tightens. You didn't mean to let that all out. Not there at least. But, you promised to communicate with him and if he isn't going to, then you will. Although, you never truly meant to question the reunion of your relationship.
"Fuck, YN, I'm so fucking sorry." He answers, a shakiness and hint of worry in his voice. "It was a crazy night. I was so grateful when I won, and genuinely happy that I did, but each time I got sad that you weren't there. And… maybe I got a little worried."
"About what?"
"That… it's so fucking stupid… that you changed your mind about coming because… maybe you changed your mind about me."
He pulls his lips inward and closes his eyes, giving you a moment to cover your mouth in an attempt to hide the unintentional laugh that threatens to come out. You don't mean to, but you find it funny that after your little confession at the Grammys, he would question whether you still want to be with him. And that you had the same worry about him.
"Harry…" Your palms cup his cheeks, holding his face in front of yours, waiting for him to open his eyes. "Hey…"
He pries them open slowly, and you can feel his body relax under your touch.
"There was, and is, nowhere else I'd rather be than by your side, cheering you on." You smile, swiftly being matched by his delicious, dimpled grin.
"I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have… reacted that way. And I should've listened. I'm an idiot. I just missed you. So much." He states, moving his hands to grab your waist and drawing you closer to him. "So, so much."
"I missed you too." You bite your lower lip. "But we have got to be better about talking to each other."
"I know. I will. We will." He sighs with a small smile, and his nervousness makes you giggle.
"I love you, Harry."
"I love you too. This really is an amazing night."
"Good." You place your hands in his chest, tracing the outline of the tattoos peeking out from his top. "But you know… I am still a little upset with you about something…"
His eyes go wide with shock and maybe even a little guilt, which you quickly want to squash.
"I saw you kiss Lewis, and then Stanley Tucci!"
Harry's expression immediately changes as he lets out that loud laugh that you can only fall in love with more each time you hear it.
"Well, you weren't there…" He shrugs, taking a sip of his drink as his gaze flickers down to your lips.
"Hm. I think I need to take back what's mine." You immediately reply, feeling a heat and need for him quickly growing inside. "Let's leave."
"What?" He chuckles, staring into your eyes as if to gauge your sincerity. You give him as lustful a look as you can, without being too obvious, and another grin quickly appears across his face. "Let me finish my dri-"
"Take it with you…" You whisper, your fingers traveling up the nape of his neck into his curly locks. You lick your lips, leaning closer to his, and press them firmly together.
"Jeff?" Harry shouts, swiveling around to find his friend. "Call the car. We're heading out!"
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Main Masterlist
•••
If you like what I post, and want to just send some extra support, I have a ko-fi account. Even the smallest amount is greatly appreciated. There is no obligation or expectation to donate, because I am honestly just so grateful that you're here! 💗 Bee xx
•••
Overall: @watermelonsugacry @tw1nflamebruis3 @hopefulwastelandcreation @tenaciousperfectionunknown @that-daydream-look @queenmadi2 @runway-to-my-aid @theekyliepage @be-yourss @b-reads-things @behindmygreyeyes @michellekstyles @a-strange-familiar @yousunshineyoutempter @buckybarnessimpp @sagcas-latte @msolbesg @sleutherclaw @katiebaxterrrrrr @percysaidnever @mrspeacem1nusone @thurhomish @harrystylesrecs @vickiii17 @itsbebeyyy @divalovesyou @bxbyysstuff @jessitpwk @sunshinemoonsposts @theroosterswife24 @boybands-baseball @austynparksandpizza @missmielyhoran @harryspirate @qualitygiantshoepsychic @tiaamberxx @matildasatellite @fool4him @cherryshouse @yatebe-kohayu @perfectzinenerdperson @babyiamperfectforyou @daphnesutton @around1302 @daydreamingofmatilda @swiftmendeshoran @one-sweet-gubler @jerseygirlinca @harrylover47 @carey86 @woanderry
If your name is blue, I couldn't tag you
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writingwithcolor · 9 months
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Japanese Q Speedround: Google Is Right There
Hi, it’s mod Rina. It’s time to speedrun some asks. 
@troublsomeidiots​ asked: 
I'm writing a character who is both black and Japanese and lives in japan in a primarily Japanese area and wanted some help in writing a person who is biracial who lives in primarily homogenous society? Like what kind of struggles she would face, especially as a person who has never met anyone who is black other than in passing?
Open Youtube. Hit search bar on Youtube. "being black in japan" "half black half japanese in japan" "black hafu in japan". Try different combinations of keywords. Bon voyage.
(neither Marika nor I are Black. We will not be speaking to experiences we do not have.) (we can outsource to some of our friends if you ask a specific question. These are not specific questions.) 
(Black Japanese readers--please feel free to comment if there’s something you want OP to know!)
@layzeal​ asked: 
Hello! I have a question regarding family/last names in Edo period Japan. My story takes place in 1816, my character was born in 1796 from a commoner family (that she gets separated from a few years later, and in a different country).
I've read that regular people in Japan didn't adopt the use of family names until Meiji restoration, but I'm not sure how true that is. Would a family of commoners in that period carry a family name, or would they only use their first names? And any idea if that family would have to present a last name when moving/passing by a different country that does use them?
It's important for me to know, since the existence of a last name or not would quite heavily influence how hard it'd be for the family to meet again, and which means would be used. Thanks in advance!
When I gave Google some keywords from your query, the second result explained how pre-Meiji commoners without family/clan names used bynames to distinguish themselves, and gives additional data on them. Maybe give it another Google? 
@weavefeather asked:
Hello, I am a writer and I really need some advice. I am wotking on my book since a few years, maybe 2 or 3, and I finally got the points together how it could begin. My plan is that my MC (named Nanami Kudo) is an lawyer of the FBI and has to go to her homecountry Japan, beacuse they send her to foreign investigations about a syndicate of people.....  And the some things happen, like her brother who still lives in jp doesn't really welcomes her, some complications with the police and so on... 
But thats not the point! Im really struggling to take in words how she gets to the other country, leaving her home behind and her partner she worked with. Do you have any advice on it, maybe how to structure it, some words or scenarios that fit?
How she gets to the other country: …..She flies there.
How US government agents/workers relocate and what the experience is like: That's your job to google. We are not government agents. Try anecdata on reddit, reddit AMAs, and Quora.
It’s unclear what her relationship/proximity to Japan is. What kind of nikkei is she? Is she mixed race or monoracial? How much Japanese can she speak? So many unknowns. Go read our Japanese tag and appreciate just how many ways one can be a Japanese person. Until then, you are nowhere near close to being able to write a nikkei homecoming plot. 
Lastly, you are the author. Give us scenarios yourself and come back to us.
In Conclusion
Guys, you all gots to google some more. It’s beneficial to both of us: not only do we get to help with more specific things and have enough info to do so, but you don’t have to wait months until your ask comes through the backlog only to receive an answer you could have researched in anywhere from a couple days to 3 minutes. 
~ Rina
“But Rina, I don’t know how!” 
You’re in luck!
First, try one of our own post on Google shortcuts. 
Second, stay tuned for some very relevant posts...
COMING SOON: WWC’s A Beginner’s Guide to Academic Research
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zhounauts · 8 months
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crown prince!lee heeseung x f!reader // warnings: cursing, fainting (?) part two series masterlist
a/n got inspo for this after rereading this reincarnation webtoon i used to like a lot, these reincarnation stories are lwk a guitly pleasure of mine so i was like why not write one
+ is this even considered an x reader??? like heeseung hates u oopsie lolz
anyways enjoy (hopefully)
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YOU WOKE UP WITH AN EPIPHANY , to give the two leads their happy ending. despite the fact that you had woken up in a stereotypical reincarnation manhwa, the author was far from stereotypical. not only did she have a strange almost concerning obsession with her two main leads, but she was also a goody-two shoes rule follower who told you that the original plot of the story and every single event must be followed and copied to perfection.
unfortunately for her, you said fuck that, had knights take her away and put her in a mansion on the outskirts of the kingdom where she wouldn't be able to reach you. so now, instead of scheming devious, nefarious acts against the female protagonist you now took advantage of your personal chef who worked relentlessly at your constant requests to try all the fancy dishes you could've never afforded in your previous life.
"the audacity!" rina, your maid suddenly exclaims, holding a letter.
"i can't believe this! my lady, this is outrageous! how can saintess sora write and send something so shameless!? " faye your second maid exclaims.
"hm?" you ask, focusing on the blueberry cheesecake in front of you, "what happened faye?"
"the saintess sent an invitation for her tea party! she wrote, 'countess i know we are not on good terms because of the crown prince, but the other ladies and i hope that you will join our humble tea party, and put aside your grudge'" you chew on the cake.
"oh, okay,"
"OKAY!?" the two scream.
"m-my lady! how does this not bother you? she is being disrespectful and using the fact that she has the crown prince's affections despite you are his soon-to-be wife!"
"oh, that's true," you shrug, "what can i do about it? if he likes her better okay then, i don't want to marry him anyways," rina collapses into faye's arms.
"my lady! rina are you--"
"with all due respect, but my lady, back then you would've done something! why the change of heart now?"
"well. . .he doesn't like me?? like it's pretty obvious, and i was just naive and uhm, craving for male validation back then or something like that i guess. it doesn't matter to me anymore,"
". . ."
"besides, his highness prince jay is more my type ,"
"MY LADY-"
"I MIGHT FAINT-"
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after calming down your fainting maids, you had reassured them that you would go to the tea party and give the female protagonist, saintess sora, a taste of her own medicine for the disrespect she had sown you. (you were not planning this at all)
so now here you were, a week later getting dressed for the pain-in-the-ass tea party. "my lady we will dress you up to be the most beautiful at the party!" your maids exclaim.
"that's really. . .not necessary you know? i'll wear one of the dresses i usually wear," rina starts to lecture you, before a knock interrupts. faye rushes out of the dressing area, to open the door.
"your highness!" she exclaims, bowing. you peek out from behind the dressing area and head out.
"my lady you are not ready--"
"your highness, a pleasure to have you here," you say, bowing.
"y/n," heeseung addresses coldly, "are you attending sora's tea party?"
"yes, your highness,"
"she was telling me she was worried you would reject her request, due to your dislike for her," he says, narrowing his eyes at you bitterly. you stare at him unimpressed.
"my apologies, your highness, if i offend you by saying this. however you and saintess sora seem to be mistaken,"
"my lady don't--"
"i literally don't give a shit,"
"oh dear gods," rina mutters, and she collapses.
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a/n lemme know how it was 😋😋
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canaidliafail · 1 year
Text
Stay grounded pt.4
[ part 5]
streamer abby x streamer reader 🌿 MDI
notes: alright so this was long. almost 4k words if Im right but its cause I had a lot I wanted to say. This episode is a lil more depressing then the rest since I spoke a bit on loss & trauma. I hope you don’t mind that and still enjoy reading it 🤍 it does end on a very positive note though :>
CW: trauma and mentions of loss of parental figures, sexual content, alcohol usage and Abby being a community strap
•ABBY’s POV•
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•if I leave, maybe I can start again , Do right on the wrongs and have a better chance •
_________
In your darkest hours, when it's most difficult to stay afloat you will find yourself in absolute cold white solitude . It's not that you don’t have friends, it's that your fall tends to happen when everyone is away,
you friends will have exams or an important event, your parents will most likely be drowning in work.
such is the course of life. So with bared teeth and a tense jaw you have no choice but to march on. Abby's downfall came in the form of persistent nightmares where she would see her dad. Every year near his death’s anniversary she would become a shell of herself and in those weak moments she leaped back into old habits and sought out comfort in old connections. Until the consequences of those actions caught up to her and she paid double the price in fallen friendships and blackmail
In grief your judgment is clouded. Your anger takes the best of you but see, the world doesn’t owe you an apology.You know, you don’t get over a loved one's death. You just learn to live with it. Live with that and every other hard bitter truth. And that's what Abby learned to do.
_________
Abby enjoyed her routine and the way she had neatly organized every aspect of her life. She maintained a perfect balance of secrecy and exposure and kept everything under wraps, emotions included. Her manager did occasionally usher her to post more scandalous things since she was about to open an onlyfans but abby remained adamant that her crowd would find out about it without her saying so much as a word
Everything had a plan and purpose and everything was peaceful. Until you came into her life out of nowhere. She could not understand why did her mind stay so hangup on your name after that stream but she was sure she had seen it before.
perhaps in a fanart or maybe a shoutout?
so she went to check that day her socials until she saw your repost and the familiar username popped up cottoncandy
she looked at it and went through your profile and hated how intrigued she was by your interests but mostly by your appearance. There was something too unique to pass by and so she had decided to close her phone and go to the gym.
I can not allow someone in my life right now. Everything is in its place and it just…it wont work
She tried to convince herself while getting dressed. But you lingered in her mind like a vulture circling around waiting to pounce. There was a girl at her gym, one that she didn't know her name but she was presentable and had a spunky attitude and most importantly, really wanted Abbys attention. Abby was in the middle of taking a break between sets and took off her cap to wipe her face from the sweat with her gym towel. The girl approached her then and had her usual chatter that often times lasted around three…maybe four minutes. This time she was determined to ask Abby out. And Abby normally would agree without giving much thought into it. Nora once had called her community strap and she hated how well that nickname fit. When the question came though Abby found herself putting on her black hat back on and lowering it enough that the shadow would cover her eyes,rejecting the expecting girl curtly and went back to her sets with more force than usual. Because nothing today went “as it usually fucking would”
When she went back home she spent a good few hours stalking you and then another few denying she did that.
she texted Nora who unceremoniously left her on
read
“fuck” abby mumbled
It had been…years since she felt a spark of interest towards someone. Sure she was sexually active. Ever since she had her sexuality figured out she spent a year making up for lost time sleeping left and right with every woman that winked at her. However none of those girls -which did not lack in wit or looks in any way- piqued her interest. So she was bothered by you and why you were on her mind so much. She doom scrolled your entire page and when that was no longer enough she searched your YouTube channel to find your videos. 2.
Only two videos which meant thats how much it took for you to move to streaming. She rested on her couch and Alice whined next to her
“I do not need my own dog bullying me right now” she growled and Alice laid on her bed feigning innocence. She put your video playing in the background.and would chuckle at your jokes and then she would actually break into loud laughter and would replay a moment in awe. Eventually when wrapping up the video you sat back and had a talk in response to an older question
-I like this game.it speaks on the experience of loss which ,well…anyone who has personally lived through it would know how isolating that feeling is. I like that. Most importantly I like that depending on where you are in life you will take a very different message from this game, the purpose of revenge, forgiveness or acceptance. Or maybe something else that I am not in that stage to grasp yet. Highly recommend you guys play it as well-
She was taken aback. She didn't expect this video to end on such a note and she felt her heart ache. Not in pain but in something else entirely. Her frustration turned into delight. She started liking what you did to her and that was enough for her to make a move
___________
Ellie and Abby had a weird relationship. Abby no longer hated her but she didn’t like her either, however being in the same community and city meant you would have to be involved one way with one another thus she took the smart, professional decision to keep things civil. It was her managers request really, no. It was a demand actually but she followed through. So while they occasionally would post a pic whenever they hang out, Abby wanted nothing more to do with her unless necessary and she believed that the feelings were mutual.
However when she saw Ellie take notice of you the way she had something snapped. Abby had the privilege of being in Ellie “close friends” story and saw the upcoming comment of her admiring you and she got jealous. so she had to pull something. Something to keep you focused on her.
Her insecurities always got the best of her in times like this and when it happened she was irrational. She decided buying you that beloved statue that you mentioned more than once on your streams would send the message clearly
you didn’t. Because gifts were anonymous. But someone did get the message a few days later
“explain this purchase please” he asked mad and impatient
“Thought you wanted me to branch out and go international. She is an upcoming streamer and-“
“oh. So its a she. Explains a lot then. Should I be concerned for more large expenses on behalf of your breaching out?”
said her manager with a sharp tone. Abby pursed her lips and looked up and away in concentration. Truthfully she was bad at this. at being professional. That's why she had a manager. She forgot to account for the fact that the transactions she made went through him, which was usually a good thing. She forgot why now, but it was
“I promise I won’t do anything stupid…well-“
she tried and she heard Isaacs deep breathing on the other line
“yes?”
silence
“abby speak. I’ve known you long enough”
“So I thought of sending her a video…would that be good?”
“I do not want to know about your private sex life”
“no see I won’t directly send it…”
more silence. Abby chewed on her lip and rubbed her neck. She was sitting on her gaming chair ready to film and she was hot and ready enough which she feared Isaacs boring tone would turn her off and would ruin her plan
“It has to be behind a paywall. Abby this is business and even though I don’t want to ruin whatever fairytale shit you are living in you can’t keep doing whatever you want, you have a name and”
she put he phone on speaker and left it on her desk. she walked to her kitchen, made a coffee and filled alices bowl with food. when she went back to the room Isaac was still talking
“alright so how much should I charge?”
“400. The way you usually do”
“400?! There’s no way she will pay that- She doesn’t even know it will be sent only to her” she protested and he groaned
“200?” she asked
“250 and that's final” and he finally hung up. She smiled and once she was back and ready she started filming.
it started slow and she didn’t really intend to go too far. just enough to give you a taste of her. She had a very clear image of you in her head. Eventually though her thoughts drifted to you between her thighs, on your knees and ready to taste her. She let out a sigh and her fingers circled her clit in slow motions. she pictured you biting the waistband and asking for permission, looking up at her with those lovely eyes. your voice came a lot cleared than she expected
“Can I? abs?” and she groaned and let out a chocked
-fuck- as her hand went lower and she started fingering herself. She tried to fool herself that it was your tongue against her folds instead of her rough calloused fingers
“fuck cotton-“ she whispered and folded in on herself as she started thrusting harder still not getting the satisfaction that she craved. she wanted to feel you. On top of her riding her strap and beneath her as she rode your face. She knew you would look good all messed up, makeup ruined from the heated session.
What did you sound like when you moaned ? Were you loud in bed ? did you talk a lot? were you shy?
Fuck I wanna know…I need to know you
and with that she came. she grabbed her phone and the 20 minute video she had planned had to be cut at the 3 minute mark due to her stupidity calling out your name. Loud and clear too. she sat on the floor and stared at the footage for a good few minutes before sending it and waiting with the tab open.
within the first hour she already feared that you would buy the video. she even considered deleting it and sending it for free. she could deal with Isaac tomorrow
but few minutes later she saw the pending turn to paid
_________
Almost as if in another timeline, she had to visit a professional on matters she deemed unimportant, and if they ever mattered to her, she now forgot why.
Abbys therapist was a woman cunning and smart and could decode everything about Abby. They had been working for a year. That was the longest that Abby ever stuck with the same therapist before running away in anger at the lack of progress. She was unsure if this one helped, but she did find herself accepting her anger and coming to terms with it. She would still cry about it and she would always stay spiteful to her peers that still had their parents close.
“I’m happy that you seem more willing to open up your heart again Abby. I have to ask though. Are you sure this isn’t a hopeful trauma bond that you are seeking to create?”
“No, definitely not. Sure I liked that she seemed more insightful and all but no, I just like her for all the other aspects” Her therapist took note of that and Abby felt insecure in herself and her decisions once again
________
After her bold move on onlyfans, She did expect to get the silent treatment but she underestimated how stubborn you would be about it and that was a thing that really excited her.
such a brat
She held the plastic cup in her hand and stared at the clear liquid as it swished back and forth.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. What if she doesn’t even like me? I mean I know she has been following me for a while but that doesn’t say anything…”
Manny leaned against the table and crossed his arms in consideration.
“I dont know man I think she does like you, she’s probably just shy or something”
“shy?!Manny she hasn’t texted me in two days and we were supposed to call again last night”
“oh, so two days is too much but you leaving her on ready for weeks is fine?”
Abby rolled her eyes
“Do you have to remember every little thing?!” She looked around at the crowd dancing and playing beer pong. She didn’t even remember whose villa this was, only that it was a big shot youtubers that she got invited to. She usually avoided these events. Abby, despite of everyone's assumptions, was in fact shy and a little awkward and when Mel & Owen were at these parties it made her a lot more tense than she already was. She saw the couple in a corner kiss and then talk with others and eventually Mel would glare at Abby.
With a long sigh she grabbed her phone to check your profile. you had a story next to the statue she got you and she felt her cheeks heat up in excitement the room finally going quiet as her focus was directed at your photo. She slid up to respond to the image and was interrupted by someone getting a little too close to her personal space
“So you know her?” Ellie asked. Abby looked at the short girl and held back a scoff
“Kind of. We occasionally talk”
Ellie nod and looked around and then back at Abby
“Ugh…do you perhaps know if she is..single? or lesbian?”Abby sat on that and realized you actually had never explicitly announced your sexuality which made her reconsider every damn thing she did so far. Then came the next question.
were you even single ? or did she just make a move on someone who is spoken for?
Abby noticed ellie cock a brow and before she could smirk in triumph she locked her phone and shoved it in her pocket
“Yes she is but she already has her eyes on someone” She half lied. I mean she did hope you had your sights set on her but she couldn’t know for sure. You had talked about things before but somehow Abby never even thought to question you about those very crucial details.
“hm…I see” said Ellie and abby gave her a curt nod and excused herself. She was in no mood to talk to her any further than that but she felt uneasy. Ellie was persistent and Ellie was also, very openly a lesbian. she was attractive and there was no reason you wouldn’t be attracted to her.
“fuck this is so stupid” she mumbled to herself and went to fill her cup with more alcohol. there was no way she would be able to handle the night otherwise.
At this point two things were possible. She was drunk or she was seeing things. She double checked and indeed, there was a message from you. a few actually with videos attached and all. If she were at home, she would be screaming in ecstasy. she went to the bathroom for privacy and checked your chat which consisted of a mess of texts thanking her for the gift and the rest fawning over how ‘gorgeous Eivor looks in this size” and Abby bit her lip to stop herself from smiling anymore like an idiot. It was adorable. She watched the videos again and again of you showing her the statue which she didn't really care about but just your excited voice was enough for her to stay hooked on those three, 4 second clips.
Glad you liked the gift
Cotton candy: liked ????? My God I need to make it up to you somehow I don't know how, like dfjjdkrkge
A breathy chuckle escaped Abbys lips as her heart swelled at the sight of your texts. She noticed in the short span of talking to you that you tended to speak a lot more and a lot faster when it came to your interests. Without filter too and she liked that.
How about that call that you completely ghosted me on?
Cottoncandy: Ok listen I was…well
Cottoncandy: Fine sure. I’m free now if you are ?
Sure. I'll go take a shower and be back
And Abby rushed out of the bathroom and went straight to Manny to ask for her coat and car keys.
“What ,are you leaving?”
“Yeah sorry I’m not feeling so well, think I’m getting another migraine”
She said morphing her face into a pained expression and grabbed her leather jacket the minute he passed it over to her. She had never seen herself fold so fast over a girl and she was not in the mental state to acknowledge how embarrassing all of this was on her behalf
half an hour later when she was back home she immediately texted you trying to seem cool, relaxed, unbothered even
ready?
cottoncandy: sure :)
and she pressed “call”
__________
Things were just easier after that. She noticed you relax up and get bolder, responding to her posts more often and occasionally sending a text without waiting for her to post a story which she admitted to have started doing a lot more often for the sole purpose of giving you the push you needed to talk to her. You would often hang out at each other's streams and she quickly found out that when it came to humor, it was identical to one another and would throw jabs at each other that kept the chat entertained and Isaac pleased because your audience had new things to speculate. Abby was public with her friendships without disclosing anything more which left her audience running in circles and trying to pry more private information. This whole back and forth with you now reignited the audience's spark and due to how new it was, everyone seemed supportive and excited. In the back of her mind, Abby feared that this would eventually prove to be difficult to manage but she forced herself to stop rushing things in her head.
At the end of the day, so far you two were just friends who talked and, well, had probably simultaneously jacked off at the thought of one another without ever addressing that. That was another thing Abby chose not to speak about despite the fact that she would obsessively check on who purchased her sets to come to the sad realization that she had in fact scared you off her onlyfans.
She wasn’t sure if all of those were things she was supposed to feel, after all she had never taken it slow with anyone. Not that she ever gave them the time being that she would mostly do one night stands. With you it was different and she had to understand if it was due to the distance or if you were special to her after all
cottoncandy: Uni was AWFUL. I am actually dropping out
you are so dramatic
Came her response to which she received a fiery series of messages of you whining about how difficult things were before winter break.
cottoncandy: I honestly can't wait for it. I am so excited to just rest :)))
any plans? Do you have a trip planned with your friends or maybe your partner?
you read the message immediately but it took you a few minutes to respond and Abby gave a pat on her back in a derogatory way.
this is the worst possible way I could’ve asked if she is single
cottoncandy: no specific plans and no partner. I'll probably rot on my couch since my plans on going on a trip crumbled.I would cry but my tears run thin due to exams these days
You really like traveling dont you?
Cottoncandy: Who doesn’t ? I love visiting my friends abroad or vice versa
Abby didn't travel much. Not outside the country at least. She considered your messages and tried not to delude herself into a double meaning. Were you asking for an invite or were you inviting her ? Perhaps you were just venting. She was Picking at a thin layer of unstuck plastic from her table and toyed with it until it snapped. Either was she now knew you were not seeing someone and she could make a move guilt free
There wasn’t really a discreet way to go about this and if she was going to suggest it, you would need at least a heads up to rearrange your schedule.
I could visit you for winter break. I’m usually free around that time
She was rambling. She never spoke that much. But the rewarding excited messages that followed suit were rewarding enough to make up for her discomfort
Cottoncandy: Holy shit are you , wait for real?!
Sure. I always wanted to visit your city
She didn't. Again, Abby didn't travel. She didn't care about traveling. She just wanted to see you. Her phone screen went blank and then your face popped up on call.
“Yes?”
-Did you mean it? Cause if so I need to prepare things
“Like I said. We both have those two weeks available and it was about time I took a little trip. I could talk my manager into believing this is for work”
-Oh sure. If you want we can do a collab as well so that you don't take a loss in revenue and stuff
“Cotton its fine. I just wanna hang out with you. Don’t worry, leave that up to me”
She reassured and felt her ego inflate at how easily you seemed to be put at ease with her words. She couldn’t know for sure if her attraction was romantic or just sexual but she sure as hell loved the way you two aligned.
You spoke for a while and with winter break only a month away you already settled on the dates.
“I have to go to the gym now but I’ll send you a text once I get the tickets so that you know what time Ill be there
-alright perfect! See ya
Abby put her phone away and for a few minutes she would occasionally laugh, softly, while imagining what it would be like. She was nervous and with delight she noticed that she finally regained that spark in her where she had a crush and wanted to speak about her instead of statistics, trauma or finances. she felt good
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itsbubbleteataro · 1 month
Text
Like we're gonna die young
Warnings; drink and alcohol abuse (getting clean) angel dust being angel dust, the Vs
Parings; Alastor x fem reader
Part one of ?
(I blasted so much early 2000s/2010s pop with a sprinkling of punk, playlist here
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You didn't think you were a big deal. You were just some pop star from the early 2000s who ended up in hell. You just liked to keep the party going. When you showed up in hell you found yourself with animalistic features.
Your already wild multi-colored hair be wilder and longer. Your legs now looked something akin to a wolf's. You have two large wold ears. Shrugging you did the only thing you knew how, party. You walked into the nearest club, got too drunk and broke out into a Kesha song. Next thing you know, your a social media hit.
It's been a few years since you came to hell and became an overnight hit. You went to the same bar, acting as some kind of unpaid performer if you were on enough drugs or drunk enough.
You were in a booth, sipping on something someone handed you a while ago, scratching your arm. You were withdrawing, trying to go clean on your own. You knew that you couldn't do alcohol on your own, you would need to get medical help for that one, but drugs? You figured you could do it.
You were three days, you found that scratching your arm seemed to work for now, but it wouldn't quench the hunger that was there. It's been two days and you already wanted to relapse.
You were irritated, only made worse by a new presence at the club, the Vs. All three of them, sitting in the vip section. You gulped as you watched them all take a seat, and the owner of the club, Rina walked over.
Rina had animalistic traits just like you did, only instead of wolf like, she's more fox like. Rina has skin that's more akin to fur, cunning jade colored eyes and long well kept black hair. Rina looked at you with sympathy. She's the only one who knew you were at least trying to get clean.
"(Y/n) I hate to ask, but do you think you could preform tonight? I know you don't work here but the Vs are hear and I'm panicking!"
You nodded agreeing and standing up. You quickly swallowed the rest of your drink while Rina looked at you thankful. The two of you were close, friends. Yet you refused to work under her. You were thinking leaving your empty glass on the bar as you leaned against it.
You snapped your clawed fingers as you knew what song you wanted to do, your fluffy tail waving back and forth to the sound of the music that was already playing.
Before you could even start a second familiar face walked up to you. You recognized her. Cassidy had short black hair cut in a bob. Her eyes inky pools of black with white. She dressed as if she fit into the club crowd, but you knew her better and knew she would much rather wear something else. She snaked an arm around your shoulder and pulled you close,
"(Y/n) I need a favor~ I promise I'll get you whatever ya want if you do it"
Cassidy asked quite straight forward. You nodded your head so she continued,
"Get Vox to talk about himself for me, I've got a hunch he's been up to something"
"Cassie, you know he already does that-"
"Yeah yeah I know but I hear he's been doing a little cheating~"
You raised an eyebrow. Now this was interesting. You always thought Vox and Valentino were an item, apparently they weren't exclusive if they were. You had no idea Vox had even gotten himself into a relationship, let alone knew anyone who would openly date him. You felt bad for whoever he was with, that is if what Cassidy was saying was true.
"Ya got proof?"
You know Cassidy usually doesn't talk to you about things like this unless she has proof. Both you and Rina gasped as the picture Cassie held up with a smirk.
Sure enough it was Vox with a man, making out in a back alley. You smirked, having just the song to push his buttons the way Cassie wanted you too.
As the three of you conversed on a little plan, Angel Dust, Husk, Cheri bomb, Nifty and Sir Pentious walked in the club. Charlie and Vaggie were in Heaven for a meeting about the extermination and Alastor was out for an overlord meeting. Charlie had asked Cheri bomb to take them all out on an outing while the three were away and they ended up at the very same club you were.
The bunch took their seats, Angel Dust making sure to keep an eye on Nifty and making sure she wasn't drinking too much, ending up placing her in Husk's care as she played with his feline like ears.
The music in the club was quickly replaced by yours. (Link here to song) people started cheering as they realized they you were finally singing for the night.
Your foot thumped against the ground as the song started, tail wagging with excitement. As you opened your mouth to sing you cringed, you sounded tipsy. Shaking the thought from your head, the show went on.
Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb realized right away who you were from the start of your performance.
"Holy shite it's (y/n) she's here tonight? Fuck yeah!"
Cheered Cherri Bomb as the group now watched you. While everyone but Nifty, she was busy playing with Husk's wings. Husk raised an eyebrow as Angel Dust pulled out his phone to record the performance.
Meanwhile Rina had taken the picture from Cassie and use her abilities to shift her appearance. Her usual fox like features turned to a more hellborn like one, choosing to look like an imp from lust as that would fit in more. She took the picture from Cassie and set off behind you.
You sang and made your way over to the Vs. you smirked, wanting to get under their skin, but not enough to the point where they would kill you.
As you placed your finger under what you would consider to be Vox's chin, the firm flat metallic edge of his flat screen tv face, Rina walked up, setting down the picture Cassie took.
You take your leave, hips swaying as Angel Dust watches closely, eyebrow lifted. Rina leans over the table and slides the picture to Vox and also takes her leave.
Angel dust focuses his camera on Vox, whose screen glitches for a moment as Val raises an eyebrow before moving it to Rina who shape shifts back into her regular form, before locating your form once more.
You're dancing on the bar, shaking your hips, hands in your hair, enjoying the rush of the show. Angel stops his recording and turns to the group, motioning for them to head back.
The group makes its way to the hotel where Angel makes the mistake of leaving his phone open, with the video up and playing on the main table, having been called over by Charlie for something.
Alastor comes waltzing in after his Overlord meeting, looking over at the miniature picture box he so detested. He raised his staff, about to break it, when he watched your interaction with Vox. The way you looked at him with a slight smirk on your features followed by the picture being slid over almost made him feel something.
Was it admiration? Was it respect? He didn't really care to find out quite yet, all he knew is that he found you quite interesting. He paused the video as it zoomed in on you, smile wide on your face, clearly drunk, but enjoying yourself.
Yes he didn't quite enjoy seeing how drunk you were, but it still didn't change the fact that you had managed to get under Vox's skin with nothing more than what seemed just like a photograph.
He may not have knew how he was feeling but he did know
He just positively had to get his claws on that photograph
---------------------------------------
@slytherin4ever @iheartpieck @luzzbuzz
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morudoru · 1 month
Text
random notes from xeno's route
(chapter 1)
i'll properly translate his route after my break.
!! contains spoilers from xeno's route + game prologue
Chapter 1
this is when rina officially moves into the penthouse with the guys.
he then takes her to exe's practice room to meet ivy, hugh, and xeno.
they're in the middle of practice for a new song, it's the theme song(?) / official soundtrack for a foreign film called "strange game".
pd sakura gathers them around.
ivy could most likely tell that rina was super nervous, so he tries to make her feel more comfortable by saying that she can always approach him for anything.
hugh: (silence)
xeno: ... doesn't concern me.
sakura: you didn't have to put it that way, xeno.
xeno: to ME, at least. this is nothing worth pausing my practice for.
xeno: we're running short of time. say your piece and get out.
pd sakura informs her that she must keep it a secret from her colleagues at work that she's living here for the purpose of completing her proposal.
he then asks her to choose one member she wants to be in-charge of housekeeping for aka she'll only clean that one member's room.
rina can't decide. sakura suggests she pick from one of the three she just met, saying ivy is a good choice because he's easy to talk to.
rina agrees that ivy is nice and it'll definitely be easier to discuss her proposal with him.
but the member who gave her the deepest impression is none other than xeno.
she chooses xeno — because he's the guy with the most impact on exe i.e. his words probably have even more power than their leader (ivy) + he's the strictest amongst all of them.
sakura is stunned, but he expresses that he understands her choice (seeing as her plan is to successfully pitch her proposal for the advertising campaign).
he warns her that xeno is very very strict and definitely not easy to handle.
rina believes that she'll be able to deal with xeno.
afterwards, the three guys come back from practice.
sakura tells xeno about rina becoming his personal housekeeper. mans still does not give a hoot about it.
xeno calls rina by her company's name. she works for aegis public holdings, so he calls her "aegis".
rina feels kinda offended that he couldn't even be arsed to remember her name (spoiler, he does know her name and uses it later on in the route).
xeno: i don't know what's your goal and i don't care to know. but since you're going to be a housekeeper, i expect your work to be perfect. i don't accept haphazard work. fail to meet my expectations and i'll throw you out.
damn xeno.
xeno grabs a bottle of water from the fridge and leaves.
rina is intimidated ofc. she wonders if she pissed him off.
ivy says not to worry too much about it. xeno's in a bad mood because of their practice session just now.
hugh finally says his first sentence, which is that xeno kept repeating his solo part. he's probably not satisfied with it, that's why.
fast forward to night time, rina can't sleep at night because yk... new environment and all.
she realises her phone is missing and she can't find it in the living room either, so she heads to the practice room to search for it.
at the practice room, she sees xeno there and wonders why is he there so late at night.
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xeno catches her watching him and got mad. he grabs her by the wrist and questions why is she there and what was she trying to do.
rina: please let go of me!
xeno: answer me!
and we move to chapter 2.
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blues-valentine · 8 months
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it’s still a bit frustrating readings pws claim to this day that portwell “was meant to be endgame” because it’s like they don’t understand those characters and the underlying premise of “their romance”. there was not romantic undertones to them on season 1 and their romance on season 2 was doomed before it even started. pls media literacy i beg.
I believe one of the main reasons PW/Rinis cling so hard to the whole “real endgames” thing is because they are so used to teen shows staying with the “core 4 ships” formula so they refuse to acknowledge the writers changed things because Rina ended up being more dynamic.
This amazing channel did a really thought out explanation about how PW was doomed from the start. Check it out. It has one of my favorite analysis about the show, especially Rina.
But let’s discuss for a moment:
As you said, there weren’t romantic undertones between Gina and EJ on Season 1. They had a common goal. She wanted Nini out of the role of Gabriella and EJ was jealous of Ricky being around Nini. Gina didn’t care about EJ getting the role of Troy. She was actively advocating for Ricky to keep it. The homecoming situation was a plan Gina came up with thinking Nini would be there and get that frustrated she’d quit the show — she was wrong so she took it out on EJ. And instead of the episode ending in some common ground between Gina and EJ, it ends with Gina leaving with Ricky and connecting with him over feeling like outsiders — which kick starts their whole journey. After that, she stopped pursuing her plan with EJ or seeing him all together. They had a whole conversation about Ricky. And later, another argument used to implicate PW was romantic. The plane ticket. That situation wasn’t about Gina. It was about EJ doing good things and becoming a better person and he was inspired to do so by Nini initially. I won’t say that Season 1 doesn’t end with the potential to turn this dynamic into a romantic one — and they did. But it wasn’t aimed as a endgame build up, and that’s made even clearer once you know the existence of that 206 opening night flashback taking place.
EJ starts Season 2 claiming he feels older than the rest of the group. Already making a point that EJ is moving towards a different life stage. His arc started with college applications and the first hint that he might have a crush on Gina comes suddenly on 205 [conveniently after Gina and Ricky had a fallout]. And the narrative never really says why he liked Gina in the first place. And I feel like in a way it was a distraction for him. I’d say it was easier to see why Gina would develop feelings for EJ. This is why I said pairing those two together felt like a plot device for Gina/Rina than it was to serve EJ’s own arc. He was there when she needed it and one thing about Gina, she craves the attention she lacks from her family unit. Gina liked EJ because “he showed up” and I feel he represented a band aid to her feelings. Just like Gina was to him.
The famous sofa scene, the one PWs claim is the epitome of understanding and connection. But as the person from the video says, it never really showed them being connected to each other — it does the opposite. Gina downright says she doesn’t understand him or what he is dealing with but it’s allowing him to dump his problems on her. She sympathized with him but cannot empathize with him. That scene only showcases how different their lives are about to be and how Gina isn’t at the stage EJ is at yet but at that point in time, it felt like they were the only people willing to listen and be there. And having Gina downright say “I don’t know” to EJ’s issues was straight up a parallel to Gina saying “I know” when Ricky open up to her.
And people claiming the miscommunication issues came out from nowhere are really not paying attention. The only reason Gina and EJ got together was because of Ashlyn’s initiative to clear their misunderstanding. If it wasn’t for her, they would have ended with that in mind. And it showed from the get go EJ assumed and let it awake his insecurities instead of speaking.
Another interesting thing the video points out, that I also noticed right away is how Season 2 is framed as a before and after. Divided by 206, which is the flashback episode but also the moment Gina decides to cut off her friendship with Ricky. It’s not a coincidence 205 sets PW up and 206 makes the argument there’s clearly unspoken issues between Ricky and Gina. But mostly, it sets the “I never do things right the first time, Ricky” thing in motion. I said it back in 206 that this quote had a deeper meaning. And after 206, the narrative insists on letting the audience know EJ could be Gina’s first date, first boyfriend and first kiss. They were spoon feeding you the narrative. EJ was going to be the first, just not the last. 209 is a Rina coded episode and I also pointed it out back when it premiered (X). The episode points out Gina was not over Ricky. It has Jack advising Gina to “care less” in her next relationship. An advice that she takes into consideration. And we also got Jack telling her to pick the safest seat on the plane (planes, a metaphor that has been used for Gina’s feelings about Ricky). Gina ended up this episode already with the mindset that she was going to go forward with a more carefree attitude because safest choice (EJ) = less potential pain. @curtsies-from-princess-ashlyn makes a great analysis on how 209 is an episode divided between Ricky and Gina plus their paralleled/individual arcs (X).
The Season 2 finale ties all of this together with second chance, which I said it was a Rina coded song and here’s this lovely analysis (X). Ricky and Nini having the verses about new beginnings because both of them had moved on from their relationship vs Gina and EJ having the verses about shutting down emotionally with Gina saying she’s safer on the run and EJ saying he isn’t sure about what he wants. Neither Gina and EJ started their relationship in the best mindset.
Now, Season 3 premiere, they bring back the “never do things right the first time” analogy again by hitting you with Gina’s “summer of firsts” = “first boyfriend” “first summer camp” and “firsts” continues being a theme all season. Then, we have Gina sub-conditionally saying a person could interfiere in her relationship with EJ, which is a way to say, Gina is not over Ricky. Like, it was so obvious and it was insane people were still holding onto the idea the season would culminate in a love confession with them.
A lot of Gina’s relationship with EJ started by the fact she was compromising her ambition to fit into a role that was more likable for others. She said this to Nini at the end of Season 2. And you can also tell by the way Gina interacted with EJ. It felt like Gina was trying her best to fit into the role of girlfriend, because she didn’t want her first relationship to fail. And this was noticiable with Sofia’s acting choices. And the fact she later confirmed this was an intentional choice means that there’s awareness there.
I’ve said before, Gina and EJ’s relationship was going to fail for a lot of reasons. Their different stages, the fact Gina was not really herself, the fact she still had unresolved issues with Ricky. Gina needed to date EJ to experience her first relationship and even out the dynamic between Ricky and Gina. Gina was pinning on Season 2, then it was turn for Ricky on Season 3, so they could meet in the middle when they were ready. In fact, Season 2 was the season that made me confirm they were serious about Rina because that level of detail isn’t given to non-endgames.
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shiro-luvs-victor · 21 days
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Alright! So I'm done with Xeno and I'm surprised. It's a good route but there are some issues.
👇👇👇Spoilers 👇👇👇
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Xeno's route isn't too complicated as say, Gilbert's route. The story is good enough to make me wanna keep reading it. I like that from the very start, we get a clear idea of Xeno's personality. A perfectionist.
Xeno is the center of exeCreed and probably also the lead vocalist. Although he's not the actual leader of the group, the members mostly follow him. Xeno is pretty hardworking and I mean VERY HARDWORKING. He always has a plan on how the members perform their stage shows, he's always the one directing everything and everyone listens to him because his ideas and strategies are very good. In short all the members really respect him. But the problem is, if something goes not according to the plan, Xeno will start throwing tantrums. He would scold his members for not going according to the plan. For example, during one of their stage performance, Finn did a dance routine in front of the crowd which was not according to the group's plan. This led to Xeno and the members fighting. Xeno doesn't like it when something, even if its the smallest thing, doesn't go according to the pre-determined plan. Although the other members are frustrated, they still respect Xeno because he's very talented and hardworking. They do raise their voices but in the end, they would just move on like always.
Xeno's personality is greatly influenced by his past and his current mission in life. The reason why Xeno is such a perfectionist and why he's so cold to others? is what we learn from his story.
Xeno or should I say Rio Seika (his real name), his main goal is to find out about his parents' death and take revenge on their killer. Believe it or not, Xeno comes from a very well-off family. His father was the former president of a very big media company. While he was in New York (for his studies, I assume) he received the news that his parents died in a car accident. Xeno was then adopted by his uncle but his uncle didn't treat him well. Xeno also felt very fishy about the way his parents died. This is where Xeno's story arc starts. He decides to run away from his uncle and started living on his own. He decided to be singer and dancer and polish his skills as each day went by. He wasn't a prodigy or anything. Nor did he had dreams of becoming one. He polished his singing and dancing skills everyday so that one day he could become very popular and powerful singer who could then challenge the current president of his father's media company, his uncle. Who is also the killer of his parents.
Xeno's real reason for being an idol is just so because he can be powerful enough to bring down his uncle. But even so, in a way he did end up liking it because when he sings, he still puts whatever emotions he feel into his singing. It's not half-baked. People still feel mesmerised listening to his voice. Even his members.
Xeno simply only sees his members as just co-workers and not as friends at first. In the story, he suffers an injury in the leg which led to his dancing being awkward. Yet he never revealed the injury to his members because of his pride and wanting to be a perfectionist in every way. But the members were smart enough to notice his injury because they have spend together quite some time to know each other very well. This leads to the members forming a bond of understanding each other, and the ice walls around Xeno also starts to slowly melt. We can see Xeno thanking his members and trying to get closer to him. It's really sweet scene.
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I hate to say this, but the story does have some cringy dialogues similar to Ikemen Prince. Here, it's like "Thank you for melting the ice in my heart and turning me into a human." There are lot dialogues like that and I'm sure this isn't how people actually talk. If you talk like that, I suggest you get therapy. I'm being serious.
Another thing I'd like to shed some light on is, how Xeno and Rina (MC) relationship develops. It moves very slowly but we can actually see their relationship improving from the way how Xeno addresses her. Xeno at the start of the story calls her by her company name - 'Aegis'. Later when they get a little bit closer, he calls her by her last name - 'Kawanaga'. Soon, the tone in which he calls her starts to sound more caring and we see him approaching her first rather than other way around. In addition, helping her with her commercial planning and stuff. But the part where I think looked awkward is when Rina out of no where confessed her love for Xeno in Chapter 20. I was surprised seeing the sudden confession out of blue because I felt it was a little too rushed. I can see these two moving closer and having a nice friendship. But for them to fall in love, I would say maybe give them 3 or more chapters and some nice sexual tension scenes to make it seem like there is something romantically going on between them.
But that doesn't matter because the very next chapter Xeno accepts her heart and kisses her. Also he calls her by her first name from then on. I actually loved it when he called her by her first name, Rina.
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Honestly though, I like Xeno AFTER he fell in love with Rina, because before he was very strict and unapproachable also a little bit annoying. But after he fell in love, he becomes the most passionate lover I've ever seen. He went from being:
Xeno: "Aegis! You better do your work properly or I'll kick you out immediately!!"
To:
Xeno: "Rina....I love you so much *kiss kiss kiss* I wanna melt you with my warmth....do you also want too?"
The route is fairly good for a first play but I have a feeling I'm gonna end up liking Jace's route more because his personality is winning my heart (also he has long hair which he ties up). I'd give Xeno's route a 7/10.
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an-aroaces-harem · 25 days
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Ivy Chapter 15
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DISCLAIMER: I just deepl and google translated my way through this because I wanted to know what’s going on, so there are definitely mistakes but I believe I managed the general gist of the story. Anyway, it’s just a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes. Morganatic Idol belongs to Cybird and ABC Frontier, Inc.
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A few days after deciding to support Ivy-san by reducing his workload, the team was ready for the next step.
This time, I was taken to Macau on business for the office.
The photo shoot will take place for an international music magazine.
The weekend schedule was a bullet train ride, making full use of airplanes, helicopters, and location passes.
Ivy: I'm glad it's sunny. It's a great day to be on location.
Hugh: The sunlight ... so sweet.
Jace: It's a little windy, I need to adjust my hair more often.
Finn: It's a pity that we can't swim as we like when we come to the beach, isn't it?
Xeno: It's natural. We're not here for fun.
The local staff joined us, and the shooting began at last.
I actively supported the team members during the filming.
Jace: ... I'm running out of hairspray.
Ivy: Is the spare hairspray on the location bus? I'm just going back to the bus. I'll get it.
Jace: Don't worry, she has already brought it. Aegis-chan, get the spray!
Rina: Yes, I'll get it right away!
Ivy: Huh ...?
Hugh: Waiting, long ... makes me sleepy ...
Ivy: Hugh, don't sleep in the shadows.
Rina: Hugh-san, why don't you listen to some music while you wait? I've brought some earphones.
Hugh: Yeah, I will ... Thanks, Housekeeper-san.
Ivy: ...
Xeno: Is the atmosphere of this photo a little too bright? Does it fit the theme of the shoot and the image of the magazine?
Ivy: I'll just check it out on the proposal. I have it with me ...
Rina: Yes, Xeno-san, here is the most important proposal. I also have a back-number for the magazine.
Xeno: All right. ... You heard it, Ivy. I don't need a hand.
Ivy: Ah ... hm.
Finn: It's hot by the sea. I'm thirsty.
Ivy: Maybe we hould take a short break. Bring us some drinks too ...
Rina: Everybody, I've asked the photographer to take a break!
Rina: Here is your drink. Please drink it and keep yourself hydrated.
Finn: Thank you, Rina. Drink some too, Ivy.
Ivy: ... Ah.
Jace: Aegis-chan, help me out here!
Rina: I'll be right there!
... And it continued like that, running around with everyone's support.
(Hah ... It's a lot of work, even if they're only small things ...)
It is mind-boggling to think this is what Ivy-san was usually doing while keeping up with his busy schedule.
(I hope I'm easing your burden a bit.)
Ivy: ...
Sakura Eito: Get back on the bus. We're moving into town next.
We moved to a new location and started shooting with Ivy-san, Jace-san and Hugh-san.
(This kind of thing is also new to me ...)
As I was watching the preparations from a somewhat secluded spot, one of the local staff members spoke to me in Chinese.
He's rambling on and on about something in a panic, but he doesn't understand ...
(What should I do? I have no idea what he's saying!)
Ivy: !
Jace: Ivy, what's wrong?
Ivy: Rina-chan seems to be in trouble. I'd like to help her, but ...
Jace: Aegis-chan will be fine. ... See, he's gone.
Ivy: Eh? Ah ...!
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't communicate with the staff member that I looked around in a panic.
(The other staff is in a remote location. Could be trouble, I have to do something ...!)
And then.
Finn: What's wrong?
Finn-san approached me.
Rina: This person is trying to tell me something, but I don't understand Chinese ...
Finn: I see. Hold on a minute.
Finn-san turned to the staff.
Finn: What's wrong?
Chinese staff: Important call for you.
He began conversing in fluent Chinese.
(Wow! I remember that Finn-san's language skills are outstanding!)
After a few moments, the conversation ended and the local staff left. Finn-san turned to me.
Finn: I heard that the time allowed for filming on the street here is less than planned.
Finn: We have room in our schedule, but we have to make sure that the whole thing is rolled up and we don't go overboard.
Rina: Well, I didn't know that's what he meant ... You're very good, Finn-san.
Finn: It's no big deal. I mean, shouldn't we tell the rest of the staff.
Rina: I really appreciate it! Thank you very much!
(Thanks to Finn-san for the help ...!)
With a pang of relief, I ran out to relay the message.
Ivy: ...
Jace: She was fine. You can count on Finn at times like this.
Ivy: ... I see. Rina-chan seems to appreciate it.
Ivy: ...
Jace: Eh, what's wrong, Ivy?
Hugh: ... You not feeling well?
Ivy: No ... it's nothing. Nothing like that. It's normal.
Ivy: ... I think we're ready to shoot. Let's go.
Jace: ... No, no. It's definitely out of the ordinary.
Hugh: ... very strange ...
Jace: Is it because he feels inferior to us?
Hugh: ... Maybe ...
Jace: That's definitely true. Oh man, if things continue like this, it's bad. We have to do something!
... After a successful shoot in the city, it's time to move on to another location.
Jace: Aegis-chan, come her for a second.
Jace-san called me in a whisper.
Rina: What's wrong ... woah.
He pulled my hand and four serious-looking people surrounded me.
Rina: Wha-what's going on?
Xeno: Keep your voice down.
Hugh: Ivy ... notices ...
It was somewhat strange because everyone was speaking in hushed tones.
Finn: I heard that Ivy was really depressed just now. I couldn't leave it like that.
Rina: ! Really?
(I didn't notice it, but something must have happened. I certainly can't leave it like that.)
Jace: So we're going to have an emergency meeting. Meet us at Xeno's room tonight at 10.
Xeno: Why in my room ...!?
Finn: No one would guess we're all gathered in your room. It's a good place for a secret meeting.
Xeno: Tch ...
Hugh: And Housekeeper-san ... comes too ...
Rina: I understand.
(I didn't expect a meeting on the road, but I guess everyone is that worried about Ivy-san.)
... and just then, a voice called out to me from behind.
Ivy: Don't you guys get on the bus?
Rina: !
Xeno, Jace, Finn, Hugh: !
Ivy: What are you so surprised about? What's wrong?
Finn: I-it's nothing!
Jace: That's right. We were just talking about how hungry we are. Right?
Rina: Y-yes.
Hugh: I don't know ... either ...
Xeno: Don't worry about it. Just get on with it and let's get to the next location.
The members quickly boarded the location bus.
Ivy: Oh, hey! What are you ... what were you saying?
Rina: Umm, I guess I'll run, too.
I ran to the other staff members, feeling Ivy-san's suspicious gaze on me.
(I hope he doesn't find out ...)
(We're meeting tonight at 10. I'll try not to forget.)
After that ... the filming finished safely until late into the night.
After the entire group, including the staff, has finished their meals, we arrive at a luxurious hotel.
Sakura Eito: Good work, everyone. Let's break up here for today.
At the order of Sakura-san, everyone disperses to their room. The clock says it's past 9:30.
I was about to go to Xeno-san's room to be inconspicuous when I was approached by Ivy-san.
Ivy: I wonder if you'd like to come to my room with me afterwards.
(Finn-san and the others said he was depressed ...)
Rina: What's wrong?
Ivy: Oh, it's not like I'm in trouble. Don't look so worried.
Ivy: I want to talk business.
(I have a meeting ... but I can't turn him down if it's about work.)
Rina: I understand.
Ivy: Thank you. Let's go then.
As soon as I entered the room, he offered me a seat on the sofa.
Ivy: Make yourself comfortable. Do you want a drink?
Rina: Eh ...
Without waiting for a reply, Ivy-san opens the refrigerator and starts making drinks.
(Drinking? I thought we were talking about work ...)
A glass was offered to me in front of my bewildered eyes.
Ivy: It's a champagne cocktail. You liked it before, didn't you?
It must have been when I had dinner with him.
Rina: You remembered it?
Ivy: Of course. How could I forget?
His smile and thoughtfulness make me feel happy.
(I shouldn't drink it, considering what will happen afterwards, but ...)
Rina: Thank you very much. Okay, just a little bit.
I couldn't refuse, so I accepted the glass.
Ivy: Good. It's a special night in Macau, so let's relax together.
Ivy: But I'm not going to drink too much and get drunk like I did the other day. Don't worry.
Rina: O-okay.
I remember his drunken hug and almost kiss, and my hearts starts pounding.
Ivy: ...
He sat down next to me, not across from me, with his glass.
Rina: ...!
The unexpected close proximity makes me concious of the fact that I can't help but be aware of it.
(... Ugh, how embarrassing.)
I couldn't bear the staring eyes, so I looked away and took a sip of my glass.
Ivy: Delicious?
Rina: Yes. Very ...
Ivy: Yeah? ... I'd like to try it. I'd like to have a taste, too.
Ivy-san clutched my glass in his hand.
Rina: !
He took my breath away and brought the glass straight to his own mouth.
Ivy: ... Mmm, it's sweet. It's fragnant and delicious.
... When I realized that my hand had been released, Ivy-san's glass was now in front of my mouth.
Ivy: Please try mine, too.
Rine: Eh, I couldn't possibly ...
Ivy: You don't have to be. But I think it might be a little strong for you.
Ivy: That's what happens when you drink just one sip of a cocktail mixed with juice.
Laughing, he lightly patted my arm.
Rina: ...
... Even without being told, I could see that my face was turning red.
(What's wrong with him? I've never had anyone touch me like this before.)
My heart is loud. I'm so embarrassed, I can't stand it.
Rina: ... Um, didn't you say we are talking about work?
I couldn't take it any longer and asked deceptively.
Ivy-san then said "Oh", and opened his mouth.
Ivy: ... You did a great job at the set today.
Ivy: I was amazed at how well you were able to work as a staff and how well you supported the members.
Rina: Really?
Ivy: Yeah. I always do that kind of thing, so it was a lot easier today.
I'm happy to hear that, but ... his face is clouded.
Ivy: To tell you the truth, it was a little less than fun.
Rina: What? Why?
Ivy: ... because you're always taking care of the others.
Rina: !
Ivy: They're relying on you. They seem to get along with you ...
Rina: Ivy-san ...
(Does that mean ... you're jealous?)
(No way. But if you put it in such easy-to-understand terms ...)
... My heart beats faster and faster.
Ivy: It's nice of you to take your job so seriously, but it's a lot to take care of the members, isn't it?
His arms gently pulled my hips closer.
Ivy: So take it easy and focus on supporting me ...
His beautiful eyes look into my eyes. His voice, as gentle as the calm sea, makes me feel as if I can't help but to fall in love with him ...
(Ivy-san ...)
... It was then that I heard a commotion outside the room.
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Note: The parts in green are spoken in Chinese.
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ystrike1 · 2 years
Text
The Real Daughter is Back - By Rina (8/10)
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Twenty chapters of this have been translated so far, and the yandere is about to bloom...er...maybe explode is a better word. This revenge fantasy subverts some very tired and boring tropes. I'm not going to claim that it's incredibly unique, but it's fun. For now the yandere moments are dialogue/internal thoughts only.
Helga Yttri is a child prodigy. Her useless father and her mother both hate her. Her father is always absent and her mother's hatred is irrational. She's the daughter of a ducal house, but her biological mother is a maid. That's why both of her parents treat her like an object. The Duke and Duchess of Yttri are abusive, but they have high expectations for their fake daughter.
She's a tool for them to use.
She would be in the streets without them, so she has to work hard.
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Helga is a pretty darn good main character. She's not saint but she's never cruel for no reason. Her genius is the glue that is holding the Yttri family together. Also, she has magic but she doesn't use it. Her mother believes that her only biological child is still alive. The Duchess will never accept Helga, because she truly believes that the real thing will return someday.
Why can't the Duchess just sleep with the Duke and have another child?
Well...the Duchess hates him too much to let him touch her.
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Duke Yttri ruined his wife. She was a powerful lady Knight before she met him. Now she's an unloved, overworked housewife who can't keep up anymore. She's a bitter, mean, middle aged woman. She pushes work onto her underage daughter, because she no longer cares about anything but her reputation. She goes to parties. She kisses ass. She pretends to be the perfect mom who taught her daughter to be just as perfect as her.
She's a hollow shell of her former self.
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The Duchess is a great villain because Helga loves her. I know it's fucked up but children do love their abusers sometimes. The Duchess did mold her into the perfect young lady. Helga is hailed as a genius and a beauty. She would not have become so perfect of she didn't work herself half to death for her mother's love.
So, this is the situation.
Helga has two deadbeat parents.
Her brain power is the only thing keeping the duchy from falling.
Technically, she has all the power and she can leave.
She doesn't because she hopes Mother will acknowledge her one day.
It will happen, after mother finally accepts the fact that her real daughter died.
Right?
Wrong.
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Hyillan returns. The Duchess is overjoyed...and she tries to give EVERYTHING to Hyillan. The Duchess says the two girls are going to switch names. What?? This gets weird, and it really makes the Duchess look unstable. Hyillan looks exactly like Helga, but she was raised by a maid. She knows NOTHING about court life or finance. Literally all she has is her pure noble blood.
Also.
You're not gonna believe this.
Hyillan is a very nice girl.
She is not suited for politics, finance or even public speaking. She likes gardening and horseback riding.
Hyillan is the worst possible candidate for a Duchess position. The current Duchess tries to dump everything on her anyway.
It's a complete disaster.
Hyillan doesn't even know how to walk in high heels. Compared to Helga, who worked day and night, she's inferior. So inferior that it's embarrassing.
Even the Duchess knows her daughter isn't capable deep, deep down.
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Helga is pissed. Hyillan didn't intend to steal all of her accomplishments, but it's happening. The Duchess simply doesn't give a shit about all the work Helga did. The Duchess intends to even strip her first name away. Helga plans her revenge. It will be brutal. The Duchess is in denial. When Helga leaves their treasury will dry up, because Helga literally does all of the business in the house.
Her plan is actually quite simple.
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Helga has a fiance named Rohan. He's a prince who spent four years on the battlefield. He's known for his viciousness with a blade. He really loves Helga, even though they haven't seen each other for four years. He is a member of the Imperial family, and they want a Yttri bride. They want a well bred crown princess for their warrior prince. The Duchess was more than happy to sell Helga to the violent man, but now Hyillan is back. The Duchess tells her two daughters to lie. Helga will take the name Hyillan, and marry the evil prince. Hyillan will take the name Helga, and run the Duchy. The two daughters look like twins, so the Duchess thinks the plan will go well.
She's an absolute fool.
Rohan knows pretty much everything about Helga. Her nervous habits, her favorite color, her eating habits, her sleeping habits, the abuse she experienced, the emotions she tried to hide...the list is fucking endless. Rohan is practically a mind reader when it comes to Helga.
He figures out what the Duchess is doing, and he doesn't care.
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As long as he gets to have Helga it doesn't matter. If he has to call her Hyillan so be it. If he has to act cordial with the stupid Yttri family so be it. He'll do whatever Helga says. He tells her to use him. He gifts her a lovely wedding gown and gifts perfectly tailored for her. He'll tolerate the abusive assholes if she tells him too....but...
Helga plans to flee after the wedding.
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Her revenge is pretty fucked up actually. She knows Hyillan is not smart enough to hold a high title. Crown princess is a pretty fucking high title. The imperial family wants a Yttri. They'll get one. After Helga flees Hyillan will have to marry Rohan. That will cause an earthquake of disasters for the Duchy. Helga intends to ruin her abusive mother completely. She is going to take her beloved daughter away from her, and disappear.
Leaving the Duchess with nothing.
Put simply:
Helga will be gone, so no one will be making money for the Duchy.
Hyillan will have to live in the Imperial palace, far away from the Duchy.
Far away from the mother that obsessively longed for her for decades.
Wow.
That's a pretty villainous revenge, but it's not going to work.
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Or...will it???
The prince is crazy for her. The Duchy does need her back, but she has magic. Magic is incredibly rare in this setting. It's her trump card. She uses it to teleport away from her wedding. I'm absolutely certain that she's serious about never helping the Yttri family ever again. Hyillan will probably have to live as a maid (or maybe a very minor noble)
Helga's parents are definitely doomed.
Rohan is enraged, because he wanted to save her. He wanted to whisk Helga away from her awful family and spoil her. This isn't that kind of story though. That kind of sweet revenge isn't enough.
Helga will not be satisfied until the mother that refused to love her back is crushed.
She's a genuine villain. She's knows Rohan loves her. She knows Hyillan is sweet and innocent. She knows her country needs her, but she leaves anyway.
It's kind of great.
I hope Rohan snaps and finds her with his army. His unhinged ranting is very promising.
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joysmercer · 3 months
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any future!rina hc?
not many tbh, i actually enjoy "definite" endings/flash-forwards in most cases but with them im glad it was left open-ended! that said – 
ok so like. the r&j movie's going to flop. you can't just have the same story but simply make them NOT die in the end and expect it to work. but gina's performance is the one thing that gets praised in it, which does help her a lot
ricky's not romeo though kdlfj
they do lsoh for their spring musical. the two of them get cast as audrey ii – they handle the puppets and alternate who says the lines by scene. it's not the part either of them imagined getting but they have a lot of fun
gina goes back to camp the next summer and promptly twists her ankle, so she just choreographs the show but doesn't participate :( which is fine with her tbh, she's very exhausted having just finished the movie and the musical and this is the only break she'll get before starting movie press and stuff (and senior year)
ricky unfortunately has orientation during week 2 of camp so he doesn't go but he sends her care packages every single day and comes to opening night to hand out cards <3
EJ's there to direct again and he and gina become proper friends
the fall musical is &J and gina is obviously juliet and she just rolls her eyes when that's announced. jet's romeo. when the media catches wind of this they have a field day ("porter's performance only emphasizes the missteps in the film…") which is also Not Great
she's also stressed the fuck out because college apps are also happening and ricky ends up driving down every chance he gets to keep her company and help take her mind off of things. turns out he's very good at editing essays (and distracting her…)
he gives her a very sweet pep talk during intermission of the show because she's on the verge of a breakdown at this point
her mom didn't make it to opening night again but both his parents bring her flowers and cheer the loudest during her bows
gina's mom plans a vacation to london over winter break and she begs and begs until her mom lets ricky come too
her mom has business meetings half the time so they wander around holding hands and looking at the christmas lights and doing ALL the touristy things
ricky had no idea what a panto is initially but he enjoys it so much he wonders multiple times why they're not a thing in america
gina just loves that he loved it
the spring musical is cabaret, she's sally, her performance gets her nominated for the jimmy awards (which she goes on to win)
but she decides to focus on school for a bit after high school even though roles are being offered to her left-and-right
she gets a full-ride scholarship to usc and ricky is SO PROUD.
he snuck in through the window the night she told him and he squealed so loudly her mom got scared and ran up there and caught them lol but even she can't hide her smile esp when she finds out the reason
ricky tells her he applied to transfer to csula and got in
obviously she kisses him senseless after that. he tries to shrug it off as not a big deal and shes just like "no, it's amazing, i'm so proud of you" an he starts crying, basically
he explores a ton of majors but eventually decides on education with minors in music production and theatre – he knows whatever he does, he wants to help people feel the way he did when he found the drama club
goes w/o saying but they get married at some point and have a house full of golden-retrievers
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dragon-business · 6 months
Text
Kiryu and queer customs + Nishida’s touch
Oh, Kiryu learning about queer culture. Code phrases, secret language like in spy movies are all cool of course. But also have the context of the invisible wall, and hiding in plane site, and loneliness and fear. Kiryu knows a thing or two about all this already.
But there’s also the camp, the bars, and safe-spaces, and the relief of having someplace you can just relax and be. And also there’s anger of outlining yourself on purpose, just by not conforming to expectations.
Kink is welcomed at pride and in Majima Constuction ✊ Not cops, tho. Unless they are officer Majima 👉👉
(Nishida struggles 101: is it appropriate to cite your boss's fashion as an example of camp for Kiryu?) (Majima is high camp, expensive af, bright, leather, shoes too cool for this world)
– Kiryu, looking at straight porn: *cringe, disgust, looking away* Kiryu, watching naked men engage in the passionate manly bathhouse battle: *smiling, leaning in, tilting the head*
I feels like after discovering queer scene Kiryu’s tolerance for heterosexual stuff dropped. Can’t even sit through porn with a straight face 👉👉👉
Like, why even care, when martial arts movies exist. No more obligatory blank face sit through girl on balloon action :’D
Discovering he doesn’t have to do it (or enjoy it) was probably a relief, too. Unspoken rules of this world are weird and complex, but sometimes it works out.
(Remember how Kiryu immediately ranted to Rina about how boring the typical routine talks with cabare girls are? How tiresome it is to keep playing this game?) (And after that Kiryu told Goromi, that he doesn’t need to pretend with her, and it’s very freeing)
– In Kiryu’s brain, complimenting Goromi is how it’s Supposed to Be, you say nice things to ladies. But he’s still trying to understand what the rules are around mlm stuff. Gotta approach it right.
After many struggles and frustrations, Kiryu might ask Nishida for advice. His help is very needed. Someone gotta tell Kiryu that giving compliments is alright, and gender should not stop him.
Kiryu “gender is not important” Kazuma should get a moment of enlightenment there. Since childhood he has learned to compliment only the ladies. He made Nishiki and some other boys really uncomfortable a couple of times when growing up, and got told that boys don’t really say nice things to each other like that (it makes them feel vulnerable and defensive).
But still… Even if he and Nishiki would always talk all brotherly, and “hi, assface” eachother, Kiryu will always tell other people that Nishiki has the best taste in everything, great hair, and amazing karaoke voice. Because all of this is not compliments… it’s objective reality.
Kiryu himself doesn't really react when hostesses give him fake compliments, but gets super lost when approached on the street, or when girls poke at some unexpected topic. Like when Rina said he would be popular among men. 
Kiryu is an orphan with social issues, he would’ve loved to hear something nice, even if he doesn’t think he does. But he did tell Rina that he would like to be wooed and praised for once, not the one doing it.
Meanwhile, Majima suddenly got self-conscious about sending Kiryu a gift after Kiwami. Even if he did so much to surprise Kiryu, to train him, to get him to smile as well (it was an unexpected bonus at first, wasn’t really planned, but after the first one Majima started to chase those smiles like the fights)
Majima, holding a cue as a weapon: I came to challenge you! Translation: Kiryu seems to like spending time playing games. Also he smiles more when he is relaxed. Not gonna say anything about the fights then, we’re just gonna play some pool. We’re being chill. This can also be a lesson, right? Probably.
Meanwhile, a year later Kiry is watching construction boys flirt at the bars, and some mlm couples being all gooey: ……??? >C *is a bit sad now* 
He missed so much, apparently. A whole world of things. And Majima is in his denial arc now. Hitting on those “unwanted” feelings hard.
Is there some segway to be so at ease with yourself, to be openly affectionate? Is there a milestone he needs to pass? Kiryu can’t discern it >c It seems to just happen for everyone, and it’s upsetting.
And here Nishida’s help will be needed. Coming to Kiryu smoking outside the bar with a big sad frown on his face.
– If Kiryu voices his frustrations, Nishida can explain that yes, society places a lot of weird expectations on people that couldn't possibly fit everyone. And everyone has to follow them even if it's uncomfortable and even if it hurts, just to be accepted, not shut off.
Sometimes to be true to yourself in this world means being alone, and shunned. So it's alright if not everyone can go for it, this is a heavy life to handle. But that's also why people who don't fit in the "rule and form", they need to stick together. Even delinquents form gangs. And queer people have their communities, and tight friend groups. And they make the world where the things that are taboo or different are safe to exist. That's our lot in life – sometimes, to be ourselves (to do just that!), we have to decide to do it. Have to make the world where we can do it, bit by bit. It can be a bar, or a street, or a family, or just another person you are willing to trust.
Because people aren't made for being alone, Nishida thinks. And they can't live with all of themselves locked away forever.
It's a scary path to take, but it's beautiful, too. Seeing the world from a new angle, seeing the new ways you can live and love, seeing beauty where others don't – it makes the world more beautiful, doesn't it?
So yeah, men can compliment other men, just because they want to. It's as simple as that, and also is not – not for everyone. Some rando in the street can still punch you. But also someone out there probably wants to hear these words, because he's also backed up into a corner by what he's supposed to be in this world.
So you can make a new one, safe and accepting world between each other, Nishida says. That's beautiful too.
Nishida's touch needs to be applied to and absorbed by the best of us. Kiryu was telling Rina to be herself, but it came to be a little bit harder to do in practice. Kiryu for sure will come to admire her bravery. Sure, it's more acceptable for women to be affectionate with each other than it is for men. Raises less eyebrows off the bat. But still, she just goes for it. And it's inspiring, in a way.
– before / navigation / next
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papabirdurskeks · 10 months
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23. Introduce OC that has changed from your first idea concerning what the character would be like?
Getting back to answering what is left of these!
But to this question, I have lots of OCs that have gone from Point A to Point B due to lots of reasons! Change in plans for the story or just something about their first draft never clicked well so it had to be redone.
One of these OCs was one of LoZ OCs from an AU I had been working on with my brother. His name is Nashim! c:
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When Nashim first came about, he didn't look like he does now nor represent any of the traits he has now!
When Nashim was first made, he was MUCH younger and more of a love struck teenager looking for adventure (being that I made him when I was still in high school myself, haha). He really was all about being so passionate about finding love, always writing poems and singing songs and the likes.
Not to mention, he is also Gerudo but had no ties to Ganondorf or any of the canon characters (and still doesn't actually). Yet somehow he managed to exist around the same time as these characters. This was before the AU came to mind and after a bit of fumbling around and trying to figure him out more, I decided to scrap this whole idea and just redo him completely from the ground up.
Once this AU came about, Nashim was now aged up to his late 30's and is now the King of the Gerudo in this timeline, leading a resistance group against the Twili Empire that had nearly taken over Hyrule and the lands beyond in a 500 Year War after the events of Twilight Princess.
He's still a super bubbly guy with a heart of gold, welcoming and beloved by his people for his compassion, care, and wisdom; not to mention how far he'll go to fighting for his friends or those in need, no matter how dire the situation can be. He isn't one to think himself above anyone else and loves to know people. Because of this, he is a very important character and leader of the resistance in the story as he helps Aasim (my brother's character) try to confront the Twili Emperor Enasni and bring his empire to an end. He is friends with Aasim and many of the other resistance leaders as well and is well known for optimistic personality that can at times annoy and land him into trouble. But he doesn't care nor does he let negativity bother him.
Nashim, overall, he's one of those guys I'd honestly want to hang out with because of how fun and chill he is to be around compared to the ever gloomy cast of characters about (namely Thorn and Rina haha). Also, I totally see him being voiced by Danny Glover, he is just perfect for this kind of voice cx
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chemical-irwin · 8 months
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oohhhhh i need to spill some thoughts about hsmtmts because the brainrot is real. as a lover of Gina Porter and a day 1 Rina warrior, i LOVED watching Gina getting everything she every wanted, and watching Rina be so amazingly disgustingly in love all season was more amazing than i could’ve imagined
but i also feel like most of the conflict i actually wanted to see maybe be addressed was just… sidestepped?
Rini had a lot of faults as a couple, but i think the bottom line for why they wouldn’t work was because their life goals and levels of ambition made them not compatible.
their communication with each other got bad because they were afraid to tell each other the truth. Ricky tried the long distance relationship and came to the conclusion that he found it difficult. and i think Nini came to the conclusion that she wouldn’t be able to fly and fully be herself while being by his side. (also ricky had feelings for another girl, sooo)
okay but Rina are literally soulmates. the difference is that they love and understand each other so much they are willing to fight through all the hardships and insecurities. they were going to find a way to have it all (and i believe they can)
that’s why i wish that they went through with Gina not being able to be Gabriella. it actually does seem like an alright sacrifice to make when she got the role in the film. just like it wasn’t important for her to be Gabriella in s1, Ricky and Gina making time for each other even though she was on set all day would’ve been a nice thing to see. (but also what is more meta than Gina coming in halfway through the show to sing a Gabriella hsm3 song?)
it would’ve been good to show that Ricky wasn’t worried about their limited time together like he was Nini. and he didn’t need to feel intimidated by Mack, whose ‘at the same level’ as Gina and wouldn’t hold her back. it’s one of Ricky’s biggest insecurities, and he still feels like that in the final.
i also think it would’ve been awesome to see Ricky help Dani. having Ricky’s plot be so Gina focused the last two seasons is fine for showing his character growth with relationships- but i also feel sad a a Ricky fan that he still feels somewhat lost by the end.
i wish somebody would turn and say to him that he’s a leader, and he has this super power to see through peoples hard exteriors and gets them to come out of their shells and connect with others (i loved his and Jets friendship in s3). Dani is supposed to be ambitious and business savvy, she couldve been a good foil for Ricky, instead we got a half baked story with Kourtney that was dropped. Ricky is talented! he should monetise it! (also it would’ve been good to see gina work through jealousy)
the fact Ricky’s conclusion was ‘as long as Gina can help me study, i’ll be able to get A’s go to college’ is definitely a conclusion. Gina getting to film the film in SLC is cool but what about the next film where she won’t have a clever plan for her conflicts? i feel like the show presents these situations to say ‘would this be tough for them? well Gina Porter can move mountains so you won’t have to know!’
sometimes love isn’t always enough for a couple. they actually might be Romeo and Juliet, where they are star-crossed, or they might not be, i feel like we never really got to put them to the test. (the fact that their rain kiss is about a miscommunication about her moms house rules, rather than the actual angst in their relationship was interesting!)
but also this is an 8 episode Disney Plus show soooo y’know
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