Tumgik
#also getting updates from almost everyone makes today’s email especially exciting!
raychleadele · 2 years
Text
Wild, horrifying, action packed Dracula Daily email today! And made better by editorial choices in my opinion. I don’t recall what order these entries are presented in in the original book (I have a copy, I could check, but it’s in another room and I’m on the couch so), but it would be easy as the DD editor to justify giving us the same set of entries but in a different order. Lucy’s diary entries could’ve been presented back to back but they weren’t. Mina’s letter could’ve been presented earlier in the email rather than at the end, as she was likely writing earlier in the day than Lucy, who wrote in the evening/middle of the night. But I like this order, for two reasons.
1: Going from Seward rejoicing that he can have a much needed good night’s sleep because Van Helsing did not request his help tonight, to the bitter shock that his help was requested but he didn’t know until too late, seeing the telegram after Seward’s entry hits harder than I think it would if we’d have seen it first.
2: Similarly with Mina’s letter, the fact that it comes as the last entry today makes it all the more painful to read. I do think that if today’s email was truly presented chronologically, Mina’s letter would likely come before Lucy’s entries, or at least before her second one. But seeing Mina ask about Lucy’s mother, immediately after watching the woman die, hurts more than it would have had we read Mina’s letter first.
I guess my point here is to say thanks to the editor. I don’t know if these choices were made intentionally or not, but different choices could’ve been made and I think today’s email would’ve been less effective horror if it had been presented differently.
120 notes · View notes
sgtjbbhasmyheart · 3 years
Text
Drunk Texting Is(n’t) Bad for Your Health- Chapter Six (part 1)
Series Summary: Talk about your unconventional meet-cute! Bucky receives a text by mistake requesting he prove he's not Reader's sister. The easy dialogue between Reader and Bucky sparks a natural friendship, but could it lead to more? Bucky still deems himself unworthy of any form of affection or love. Reader is hellbent to prove him wrong. With the help of some (meddling) friends along the way, Bucky may get his happily-ever-after after all.
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader
Word Count: 3293
Warnings: ANGST, bad language words
A/N: Tumblr sucks. It forced me to split this chapter up because I exceeded the text block limit. That’s just how I write! Link to part 2 at the end.
A/N 2: Thank you again to everyone for showing this story so much love! And thank you to everyone for your patience and support as I struggled to put this out. As you can tell from the multiple parts, it was a doozy. 🥰 divider credit- @firefly-graphics​
In case you missed the update, I will be publishing a new chapter every other Saturday from here on out. Schedule is in the Masterlist in my header.
DO NOT copy or replicate without my permission.
Tumblr media
Monday morning rolled around, and your good mood from the weekend followed you into the office. Spending all of Saturday and the majority of Sunday texting James had lent to this early morning cheerfulness. You couldn’t help the smile on your face. You had even managed to arrive before most of your team.  
You hummed a sweet melody as you booted up your computer and organized a few files for Timmons to peruse. They were statements intended for the press needing his approval about a particular prominent CEO or A-list celebrity client. The firm was not confirming nor denying any knowledge of said client’s whereabouts the previous week or why there was photographic evidence of them coming out of FlashDancers NYC. Other files included those seeking rebranding approval for existing companies looking to revamp their image.
Most importantly, today was contract signing day for Stark Industries. 
You had compiled the document from a generic template the company used for all its clients, manually plugging in Stark Industries’ information in the correct spots and changing or omitting any services rendered or not. E-signing contracts were not only environmentally responsible, but they also saved a lot of your time from printing out numerous copies of a single agreement.
All you needed now was Timmons’ go-ahead to email the contract, and Pepper Potts could plug in her Jane Hancock.
Seeing Timmons enter the workroom, tweed coat draped over his forearm and attaché in hand, you rose from the seat behind your desk. You shuffled into his office after him.
He hung his jacket from the coat rack in the corner near a bank of expansive windows and placed the small, leather case he’d been carrying on the sturdy oak desk. He pulled out a stack of papers and tapped the pile against the desktop to straighten them before setting them down. Looking up at you briefly, he tugged out his laptop next.
You positioned a mug of coffee on Timmons’ desk, turning the handle just so, making it easier for him to grab. You cleared your throat gently. He glanced up at you again.
“Here’s the media statements for today,” you said, handing him a group of manila folders. You smoothed down the hem of your cardigan, smiling at the reminder of Bucky. You wished there had been a way to apologize to him again. He had left your apartment with such a pained look on his face. Maybe you could ask Peter. “And the Stark contract pdf is ready to go. I can email it over to you for final approval.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Timmons replied absent-mindedly, lifting the organized piles on the desk as if looking for something.
“Oh, okay,” you returned, nodding your head diminutively. “Do you want me to forward the contract on to Ms. Potts, then?”
“Ah-ha!” Timmons exclaimed, plucking a pen from underneath a stack of envelopes. He twirled the writing implement in his hand and peered at you, finally taking in your presence for the first time that morning.
An uncomfortable feeling washed over you as he evaluated you from head to toe. What was he looking at? Your hands tensed into fists as you continued to wait for his answer, growing impatient.
“Should I go ahead and do that, then, sir?” you asked, folding your arms across your chest like a protective suit of armor to deflect prying eyes.
“Yes, yes. That should be acceptable,” Timmons answered.
It threw you off balance. What had gotten into him? Timmons always had to have the final say on everything. It was so unlike him!
“Just so we’re clear- I will be sending the Stark Industries contract via email to Pepper Potts to e-sign,” you said, seeking clarification. You wanted to dot all i’s and cross all t’s because you weren’t going to lay your ass on the line for a misunderstanding. Especially not with something as crucial as the Stark Industries account.
“What? No, there’s been a change of plans,” he corrected.
You stared at him dumbfounded. Was he purposely trying to give you mental whiplash?
“Change of plans,” you affirmed. “Has Stark Industries decided not to use the firm, sir?”
“Oh, no. They’re still going with us,” Timmons said, rearranging the clutter he’d made on his desk.
You dropped your arms to your sides, although inside, you felt like throwing them into the air in frustration. Why was he so vague? He was usually wholly transparent with you. “Would you mind explaining it to me, please?” you asked, borderline annoyed. “Last time I checked, Stark Industries’ contract signing was still on the calendar for today’s agenda.”
“And it still is,” Timmons acknowledged. “It’s moved to an in-person signing.”
Your stomach plunged to the floor. Shit! You hadn’t printed out the contract! When was the appointment? How much time did you have? So many questions flew through your head.
How could Timmons keep something like this from you? Your heart hammered in your chest. You practically wobbled on your feet. Were you going to be sick?
I’m going to get fucking fired over this, you thought, trying to steady your breathing.
“Will you be ready to go in twenty minutes?” Timmons questioned, sitting down in the comfy desk chair and opening his laptop.
“Go?” you squeaked, attempting to recall how much you had in savings. You shook your head, trying to understand his words. Was he already asking you to clear out your desk?
“Yes. The car will be here at nine,” he said, keyboard clacking as he typed something.
“Car?” you asked, finding great difficulty comprehending the situation. Your head felt like it was stuffed with cotton.
Timmons regarded you in bafflement. “Have you been drinking?”
“What? NO!” you declared. You didn’t need that added to “the inability to perform required tasks” as a reason for your firing.  “I’m-I’m just really confused, sir.”
“About what?” Timmons asked, sitting back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap.
“Well…” you started. “What do we need a car for?”
His chocolate brown eyes shone with what you imagined might be excitement. “To drive upstate, of course.” He smirked as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desktop.
Upstate? What was upstate?
Timmons’ smile broadened as realization crept across your face. “Are we-”
“Yup!” he interrupted gleefully. He was like a child in a candy store. “We are headed to the Avengers Compound with a personal invitation from Tony Stark himself!”
You blinked several times at your boss, not entirely computing what he’d said. You were usually a lot quicker on the uptake than this. Why were you having such an off-day? 
“We?” you asked, shaking your head clear of the cobwebs. Why on Earth would he bring you along?
“I need someone who knows the ins and outs of these contract signings,” he said, fiddling with his pen again.
Wasn’t that his job?
“I’m just the schmoozer- the people-person,” he admitted, shrugging. “You’re the real brains behind this whole operation.
You nodded your head in agreement. He wasn’t wrong. The office would collectively collapse without you, and it felt good to hear your actual boss say it out loud.
“You better not forget it, either. Especially when my job performance evaluation comes around,” you asserted.
Timmons swiftly saluted you as if he was the subordinate. You huffed a laugh at him while shaking your head with incredulity. You took a step or two toward the office door before looking over your shoulder at him.
Timmons had turned back to his laptop screen already and started typing again. “So, twenty minutes?” he asked with an air of levity.
You faltered, nearly tripping over your feet. “Wait? You were serious about that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Timmons wondered, looking up hurriedly from his laptop.
“I need to print out the contract and make copies, for one thing,” you mentioned, almost accusatory. Maybe if he had warned you ahead of time, you wouldn’t be so defensive.
“Already taken care of,” he soothed.
“What do you mean it’s ‘already taken care of’?” you asked, raising your hands to make quotation marks with your fingers.
“I had one of the other grunts do it last night.”
You gaped at Timmons like a goldfish, mouth popping open and closed. Did you hear him correctly? Timmons did something to make your job easier? You could hug him right now! You felt like pinching yourself to make sure it wasn’t a dream.
Once you gathered your wits again, you glanced to your feet bashfully. “Oh,” you spoke, absently fingering the bottom button of your cardigan. “Thank you.” You smiled gratefully.
Timmons returned the smile with one of his own. “You’re welcome.”
“Nine o’clock, then,” you agreed, moving further toward the doorway.
“On the dot!”
Tumblr media
Words couldn’t even begin to describe the Avengers Compound. You’d seen it on the news, sure, but that didn’t compare to seeing it in real life. It was grandiose, imposing. You felt dwarfed in size looking up to the high rooftop. 
It was almost ostentatious in a way. Much like the man who designed it. Larger than life.
Tony Stark.
Tony had insisted he take you and Timmons around on the tour of the compound. You still hadn’t seen the need for a tour.
“When Tony Stark invites you to tour the Avengers compound, you don’t say no,” Timmons had said in the car-ride up when you questioned why it was necessary.
It was all superfluous, really. Like Tony was trying to woo the firm to sign them, not the other way around.
A headache was forming at the base of your skull as you waited in line at the reception desk to return your visitor security badge.
The tour of the facility seemed to have been drug out longer than it needed. Tony had appeared overeager to show off every little gadget or trinket. Or maybe he just liked to hear himself talk.
When Timmons excepted the lunch invitation after the tour was completed, you felt the urge to run down to the armory, grab a gun, and shoot yourself in the foot. You were kicking yourself for ever agreeing to come on this dumb tour.
As the line slowly dragged forward, the muffled noise of men’s voices caught your ear. It sounded like an argument. Your line of sight followed to where the altercation originated.
Standing twenty feet away was Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes, clearly disagreeing.
Your breath stilled as you watched the two super soldiers quarrel in a near-stage-whisper. What could they be fighting about?
From your place in line, you saw Bucky shake his head adamantly, his chestnut hair swishing about his shoulders. He might have even stamped his foot like a child, but you were too preoccupied with the look of abject horror on his face. He turned away as if to flee, but his friend caught him by the shoulder to stop him.
Were you causing this reaction from him?
You looked to your right to see if there was possibly someone else. All you noticed, though, was an empty space. Had you hurt Bucky’s feelings that badly? Your stomach clenched. The last thing you wanted was to be on an Avengers’ shit-list.
Glancing back to the two men, you caught Steve gesturing Bucky forward with short sweeping motions of his hands. Bucky shook his head again, stubbornly.
Even at this distance, you could feel the frustration rolling off Captain America.
Like a sucker-punch to the gut, you suddenly became very aware you were eavesdropping on Captain America and his best friend.
Your cheeks heated instantaneously, embarrassed of your staring. You shouldn’t be spying on them, you admonished. No matter how much your curiosity is piqued. 
It was none of your business.
You turned away from them, facing the reception desk again.
As hard as you tried not to pay attention, you could still see what looked like wild gesturing from the corner of your eye.
What if they started fighting? Shouldn’t you be conscious of your surroundings for your own safety? You fidgeted in your spot as you debated your moral compass.
Fuck it, you thought.
As you peered over to the two super soldiers, Steve shoved Bucky forward gently, causing the latter to trip over his booted feet. Bucky glared back at his friend, his hands clenching into fists. Steve shooed him further. You could barely make out the word “Go!” on his lips.
As if in slow motion, you eyed Bucky taking step after step toward you. Was he coming over here?
Once you realized what was happening, your heart plummeted to your knees as your head whipped around to the front of the line.
Bucky Barnes was definitely walking over to you. 
Had he noticed you staring?
You tried to stabilize your heart rate with slow, easy breaths, but Bucky was beside you much sooner than you could imagine.
A waft of aftershave hit your nose- woodsy and deliciously masculine. Your stomach swooped.
God, he smelled good.
Without having to turn your head, you could feel his brawny mass hovering near you.
How do you play this?
Perplexed? 
“Oh, my gosh! I had no idea you’d be here!” Of course, he wouldn’t believe that. This is where the Avengers lived. He’d probably think you were a stalker.
Apologetic?
“I’m so sorry Peter and I made fun of you! Will you ever forgive me?” Nah, too needy or clingy.
Or--
Before you could think of any other ways to portray the situation, you heard a large gush of air escape from Bucky. Was he nervous?
“Hey-hey, (Y/N),” he said, voice shaky.
You gazed to your left. Bucky looked as white as a ghost. Had his ego taken that big of a hit?
At that moment, you wanted to do nothing more than wrap him in your arms and tell him sorry, and everything would be okay. You couldn’t, of course. You didn’t know the guy. So you settled for the next best thing.
You smiled at him beatifically. “Hello, Mr. Barnes.”
Like a veil had been pulled, his demeanor changed instantly. He returned the smile. “Ja-” he started but scrunched his nose as if he’d made a mistake. “Please. Call me Bucky.”
“Okay, Bucky,” you replied.
Timmons turned around, ahead of you in line, and eyeballed you. You gave him a dismissive look, praying he wouldn’t butt in.
“So, you here visiting?” Bucky asked, observing the badge in your hand.
“Sorta. It’s a work thing,” you remarked, waving the plastic fob in the air. “Stark Industries has hired my firm as their PR representative. It was signing day.”
“Ah,” Bucky said, nodding in understanding.
“And I got the tour and lunch courtesy of Tony Stark,” you added.
“Oh, yeah?” Bucky’s eyebrows raised in interest. “What did you think?”
“Honestly?” You watched Bucky shake his head in agreement. “It was extremely overwhelming. How do you not get lost in this place?”
Bucky laughed. Crinkles appeared in the corners of his eyes, yet he looked so boyish. He was beautiful.
“When I first got here, I did several times,” he huffed. “Every hallway looks exactly the same!”
“Right?!” you exclaimed. “I kept thanking my lucky stars that I had a tour guide!” 
Timmons rolled his eyes and pivoted, facing front.
“Steve had to draw me a map to help me find my living quarters after the third time,” Bucky confessed, running a hand through his hair.
“Oh, no!” you empathized, bringing a hand up to cover your mouth. “That must have been so embarrassing!”
“Bird brain caught wind of it and gave me shit for weeks,” he lamented.
You gave him a confused look, not understanding who or what he was referring to.
Realizing his mistake, Bucky corrected, “Sorry. Bird brain is Sam.”
“Because he’s Falcon?”
Bucky bobbed his head yes, looking a little sheepish.
“It’s clever,” you grinned. “I like it.”
Bucky reciprocated the smile, and your chest warmed. It was a feeling you usually felt while texting James. Light and airy.
Finally making it to the reception desk, you relinquished your security badge to the pretty blonde in the too-tight sweater set. She handed you a clipboard to initial and fill out your departure time.
While signing, you surveyed the blonde as Bucky stepped closer. Her eyelashes fluttered rapidly, and she bit down on her bottom lip. Was she giving him bedroom eyes?
A new kind of warmth flooded your body. It felt a lot like jealousy as it snaked its way up to your ribs and circled your collarbones, which was absurd because you had no claim to this man. You’d met him one other time. Why would you feel this way?
Shoving the clipboard back at the receptionist, you spun toward Bucky. He regarded her politely and nodded, “Ma’am.”
Her shoulders slumped, and a frown slithered onto her painted lips. Somehow you felt triumphant, but not sure why. Bucky hadn’t picked you over her.
Your heart thumped harder in your chest as you walked side by side with Bucky, nearing the exit. You were suddenly overcome with the feeling of apologizing. What had you told James if you ever saw Bucky again? Apologize profusely and ask him to coffee.
You smiled at Bucky once again as he rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. The sound of a throat clearing resonated nearby. It wasn’t until you glanced up did you register Timmons standing so close. You had nearly forgotten about him.
Trying to gather your courage, you glimpsed between the two men. Bucky was squinting suspiciously at Timmons, and it made you chuckle lightly. “Easy tiger,” you assured. “That’s my boss, Roger Timmons.”
Bucky’s blue eyes widened a fraction, and he raised a hand in hello. “Sir.”
Timmons raised his chin in acknowledgment before looking down at his watch. You took it as his way of telling you to hurry up.
Okay, it’s now or never.
“Would you like to go to coffee with me?” Bucky blurted out, cheeks coloring pink.
Your eyes roamed across his handsome face. The boyishness was back, along with a touch of uncertainty. He was sweet, regardless of what the media claimed about him. Your lips curled up into a broad smile. “You read my mind,” you revealed, then winced. “That’s not one of your superpowers, is it?”
Bucky tittered. “No, no mind-reading.”
“Good,” you said, relieved.
“Whaddya say? Coffee?”
You dipped your head in a slow yes. “It’ll have to be after work, though.” You motioned over your shoulder with your thumb. “The slave driver over there is taking me back to the office to put me to work.”
Giggling, as you heard a scoff come from behind where you were standing, you reached into your purse and pulled out a pen and an old receipt. You quickly jotted down your work address. Handing it to Bucky, you began moving towards Timmons. “I get off at five,” you called. “I’ll meet you in the lobby.” You waved goodbye.
Bucky smirked. “Don’t work too hard!”
You flashed him one last smile before disappearing through the exit door.
You had a coffee date with Bucky Barnes!
You couldn’t believe it! The giddiness swelled inside you.
You gazed at Timmons’ profile as you walked to the waiting car parked at the curb. He had that look on his face.
It was a long drive back to the city. There was no way you could endure it if he started up now.
You gave a stern look before you stated, “Whatever you’re thinking, keep it to yourself.”
Timmons threw his hands up in mock surrender. “I wasn’t thinking anything.”
“Uh-huh,” you said dubiously. Timmons smiled smugly as you both climbed into the town car.
Chapter Five | Chapter 6 (part 2)
DTIBFYH Tag list:
@hommoturttle​ @courtneychicken​ @vicmc624​ @shawnie--jo​ @redbarn1995​ @learisa​ @austynparksandpizza​ @ddowii​ @comeasyoudar​ @notsoinnocentrebel​ @i-have-no-life-charlie​ @champagneacademiaproblems​ @oldschoolkiddo​ @jillweasley @thefridgeismybestie​ @versacefloors @justab-eautifulmess​ @the-doctors-fallen-angel​ @saintsha​ @artaxerxesthegreat​ @emmabarnes​ @captain-asguard​ @herondalesunsetcurve​ @holl2712​ @rosalynshields​ @met4no1a​ @kitkatd7​ @broccoli111 @beautifulsweetschaos​ @strawberrywoman​ @tlcwrites​ @aerolanya​ @socalgem1124​ @cminr​ @fangirl-swagg​ @broco8​ @chook007​ @dracris33​
Permanent Tag list:
@indigo123789​ @buckybarnes1982​ @strangersstranger​
Send an ask to be added to the tag list!
130 notes · View notes
ohkiyo · 4 years
Text
Tumblr media
characters: black jackals, reader, and schweiden adlers (quick appearance).
warnings: lots of cursing.
word count: 9.3k
a/n: I was supposed to upload this one a few days ago, but I got lazy and I was always feeling sleepy so I didn’t have time to fix it. Hehehe, please enjoy this one! :D I’m lowkey bullying Atsumu in this chapter, but don’t worry, I still love him! XD
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────» 
         msby navigation || main navigation
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
When Shugo was appointed as team captain, he didn’t really give it much thought and accepted the title with pride along with the responsibilities that come with it. He had the experience of being a captain when he was still a student, so it’s nothing new. The only difference is that he’s leading a team full of grown men instead of hormonal teenagers.
With a team like the MSBY Black Jackals, one of the top teams in the V.League Division 1, you’d expect players who are more on the professional side of the spectrum, the kind that always means business, practice first relax later, that kind of thing.
However, he was proven wrong when the younger ones of the team, namely, Bokuto Kotaro, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Miya Atsumu, and Hinata Shoyo are involved, the atmosphere is far from serious. Of course, when it’s time for practice they’re more focused, giving 110% into their training.
Even so, once that whistle is blown, signaling a break from practice, all hell breaks loose. If it is not Bokuto and Hinata bouncing around and screaming, it would be Atsumu and Sakusa bickering, well mainly Sakusa roasting Atsumu and the blond Miya trying to come up with the best come back he could think of.
From what Shugo could remember, Atsumu had none so far, so it was safe to say the setter’s verbal game is weak.
It’s not just them either, the older ones, namely, Oliver Barnes, Adriah Thomas, and Inunaki Shion would sometimes join the other four when they’re feeling playful that day, which just give Shugo more problems to deal with, and when all seven of them joined forces it just increase Shugo’s chances of growing gray hair at age 29.
They have a manager of course and he is there to help keep everyone in check, making sure they behave and all. But, with the team becoming even more well known, emails for brand deals, interviews and magazine photoshoots were sent almost every single day that it needs immediate attention and the only one for that job is their manager himself, Mizuno Takato.
Leaving Shugo to mostly deal with the team on his own.
So when Coach Foster and Takato told him they’ll be having another manager to take care of the team’s internal affairs, he was so happy he almost cried.
“Everyone I would like you all to meet, (L/n) (Y/n) and she will be your manager starting today so take good care of her”
You bowed your head as everyone shouted a “Welcome to the team!” with Takato holding up your very own MSBY jersey jacket. As everyone went around to introduce themselves to you one by one.
“Hey, hey, hey! (Y/n) I can’t believe you’re back!” Bokuto bounded over to you, picking you up, then spinning you around laughing as Hinata excitedly babbles beside him.
“Welcome back (Y/n)!”
You giggled, happy to finally see the friends you left all those years ago “I’m home!"
Bokuto gently places you on the ground, planting your feet to the wooden floor as you steady yourself. While the others who were curious about the exchange and the sunshine duo's familiarity with you walks over.
“You know her Kotaro, Shoyo?” Oliver inquired as Bokuto nodded his head, taking hold of your shoulders and pulling you in front of him, facing your new teammates.
“She was our manager back in high school, while Hinata met her during our training camps”
That was months ago and every day you have proven yourself to be a very reliable manager and Shugo could not be any happier.
“Congratulations everyone! That was a very good game” you said, giving them their towels and drinks as they sat down on the bench. Resting their tired muscles and regaining the lost energy from a very tiring 3 set match.
The Azuma Pharmacy Green Rockets were not an easy opponent, especially with players such as Kiryu Wakatsu, who was once a part of the top three aces in Japan and Goshiki Tsutomu who was Ushijima’s junior back in high school. Nevertheless, they still manage and won the game a good way to start their Monday.
“Goshiki’s straight is still as cool as ever” Hinata stated gulping down his water as Adriah and Shugo let out a sigh, remembering how they had problems blocking his spikes because of how close they mostly were to the line.
“He’s a very tricky opponent”
“Here you go, Sakusa-san” you pass Sakusa his own towel, the one you had specifically separated from the others as the spiker nodded at you in thanks, dabbing it on his face whilst listening to his teammate’s give their own commentary of the game and their insights of the opposing team’s players.
“Shugo, someone wants to have an interview” Takato called as the captain stood up from his seat about to walk to where they were waiting before he stops in his tracks and looks back.
“How about let’s have Bokuto, Atsumu, Sakusa, and Hinata do the interview this time?” he suggested, as Sakusa’s lips turned into a frown while the other three vigorously nodded their head “They're the stars of today’s game I’m sure the interviewer would love to hear from them”
Sakusa tried to make a last-minute getaway, but Atsumu took hold of the towel wrap around his neck and started dragging him, following after their captain.
“C'mon Omi-Omi, it'll be fun" Atsumu just grinned, watching Sakusa's face morph into a scowl as he tugs on the towel “Just live a little”
“I am living”
You quickly pack the empty water bottles and the dirty towels into the bag that Takato was holding while the rest slowly made their way back into the locker room “I’ll leave them to you (Y/n)”
You nodded, jogging after your teammates and immediately spotting them just outside the court, they've already started because you could hear the questions the reporter were asking them as you move to stand beside Shugo. The interview was going well, they were giving honest answers and honest opinions about the game, however, as it goes on, the reporter seems to have taken a liking towards Sakusa because he seems to be the only person the reporter was pointing the microphone at.
While the three idiots who were being ignored decided it was a good idea to do gymnastics at the back. You and Shugo watch in horror as Bokuto does a double backflip, landing perfectly on his feet, both hands raise high, Hinata mimicking his actions and Atsumu following after with a front split all the while not breaking eye contact from the journalist who had notice them. Sakusa who has had enough just plastered on the biggest I-Don’t-Give-A-Fuck face while giving one-word answers.
Shugo who can’t do anything about it just banged his head on the wall. He wished he could have an early retirement but God he’s still young.
“What happened?” Inunaki asks watching from the door as you scolded the four from their stupid stunt. Only Bokuto and Hinata were the ones who look guilty and were muttering apologies under their breath while Atsumu was pouting saying things like.
"I did nothing wrong" or "She was being rude"
Meanwhile, Sakusa doesn't even understand why you're getting angry with him as well, he answered that woman's question like what he was told to do, he just chose the fastest route and the lady seems happy.
“You’ll see later”
They didn't even have to wait long because, after an hour, the video was already circulating the internet, earning hundreds of views by the minute with people commenting like crazy.
“The good thing is, we just earned ourselves more fans” Adriah laugh, Takato’s phone in his hand, the device letting out a ding every minute as the team’s official Twitter and Instagram account were flooding with notifications of new followers or tagged posts.
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
Meeting their fans were always one of the things they love to do, the prospect of connecting with people who had supported them throughout the years that they played just keeps them even more motivated to train harder and play better.
“Okay everyone, be gentle with the kids alright? Bokuto, Hinata I’m looking at you” The captain shot the two mentioned players a look to emphasize his point however the mentor-disciple duo wasn't even listening and instead was jumping in excitement, waving at the kids waiting at the other side of the field.
You chuckled, they're just the same as they were in high school and here you thought they've matured a little bit now that they're in their 20s.
Right now, the team was in Kawasaki for a mini fan event held in one of the city's local elementary schools. The team came to an agreement last night, after watching the hilarious black jackals’ post-game interview, that it would not be just fun and games. They should also discuss some bits and pieces of the position they play to give the children some insights and give an early understanding in case they plan to pursue a volleyball career in the future.
However, with kids being kids, didn't seem to care nor interested in the slightest because once it started, they quickly run to their favorite member and started climbing them like trees. The tall ones, especially Adriah and Oliver have at least two kids hanging on each arm, with one of their back, and another on their leg.
"It's good work-out" Takato noted, telling the other kids to do the same to the rest of the members before snapping a few photos to update the fans of the team's schedule for the day.
You guffawed watching as they tackle Atsumu to the ground, the blond screaming for help while clawing at thin air for something to grab.
"Don't worry Atsumu-san, I'll help you!" Hinata tried so hard to pull Atsumu up, but another kid jump on his back resulting in him losing his footing and falling beside the setter.
Bokuto wanted to offer his assistance, but a little girl accidentally tripped him, landing on the two.
"Bokkun, yer heavy!"
"Sorry!"
It turned into a messy dog pile and Sakusa, who was beside the chaos, move his own horde of children to another area before showing his wrist trick. A chorus of oohs and aahs was heard, as the kids watch with wide eyes as it easily bends forward before a boy decided to do the same, but backward, and you have never been so bothered by something before.
You close both eyes, involuntarily shuddering 'Goodness, what are they feeding these children?' you crack an eye open to take a quick peek to check if they stopped but no, another kid also wanted to show his own freak talent and now there's three of them.
You turn around, you're just going to let them do their thing, they seem to be enjoying it anyway.
Feeling a tug on your skirt, you look down to see a little girl looking at you with sparkling eyes.
“Onee-san, you’re so pretty” she said in awe, as you leaned down to be at eye level with the girl.
“Oh? But you’re prettier”
She shook her head, and place her small hands on your cheek “But onee-san is like a princess”
You clutch a hand to your chest at how precious this little girl was, Takato was definitely having a field day because he has not stopped taking pictures. The girl took your hand and led you towards the garden, sitting you down under the tree as she picks up a flower crown and placing it on your head.
“There! It fits you perfectly!” she beamed as you try your best not to just wrap her up in your arms and hug her all day, she was just so cute. Her smile is so bright that somehow she reminded you of Hinata, a ball of sunshine with smiles that could light up the whole room.
“Do you have another one?” she nodded her head and showed you another that was half-finish. You remove a few pieces of flowers, switching it with ones of a different color then adjusting its size before tying both ends.
“Now, there are two princesses” you put the crown on her head as she giggled.
You continued making more flower accessories with her, flower bracelets, flower necklaces, and the likes then putting them on each other. She was a bright and bubbly girl, she would share you some stories of her and her older siblings, her parents and her friends in the elementary school.
You wanted to hear more, she was a good storyteller.
Time flies by so fast when you are having fun is what they would always say and you agreed with that saying because before you even knew it, it was time to go home. Everyone is standing by the gate, saying their goodbyes and telling promises to visit again.
“Bye-bye, pretty onee-chan!” she waves at you, standing beside her teacher, proudly wearing her flower accessories.
Later that evening, everyone was lounging around in the living room, tired from playing with the kids all day. The others were watching the news, however, no one was even listening to the television, because their attention was in the game Oliver and Shugo were having.
Inunaki leaned down to whisper something to Oliver, who's face light up, as he moves his queen to eat Shugo's rook.
"Hey, no coaching!"
Inunaki just shrugs his shoulders in response as he discusses their next strategy.
"I'll help you Meian-san" Hinata took a seat beside his captain, observing the board with such concentration. Brown eyes carefully scanning the positions each piece were place before whispering in Shugo’s ear. Following his suggestion with no doubt whatsoever, Shugo moves his queen forward only for it to get eaten by Oliver's pawn.
“Bwahaha!” Atsumu was bent over, clutching his stomach as he wipes the tears forming at the corner of his eyes while Bokuto tries to console his dejected kouhai in between laughter.
Inunaki and Oliver snickered sharing a high five.
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
“Adriah, I need you to tighten that block a little more!”
“That’s good, keep it up Kiyoomi!”
“Okay, follow up, follow up!”
You stood at the sidelines, your eyes following their move as they were currently having a match against each other, Coach Foster and Takato were beside you observing the men on the court while occasionally giving out directives.
A camcorder was prep on your left side to record the practices, the videos will be used as a study material to properly assess the things that needs to be corrected in order to improve their gameplay. While you note down the commentary Coach Foster was saying to add later.
It went on for an hour, their stamina never fails to amaze you as they continuously, jump, dive, and run just to keep the ball in the air. After checking his wristwatch Coach Foster decided that it was time to end the training for the day. So he blew his whistle and the game immediately came to a halt, the ball bouncing on the wooden floor and they drag their tired bodies to gather in front of him, wiping their sweat with their shirt as they waited for his announcements.
“Okay boys good job today, keep in mind what I said and practice more on what you need to improve”
They slowly bob their head up and down, too tired to give out a verbal reply. Coach Foster doesn’t seem to mind because he knows they’re taking his advice seriously.
“This will be the last practice for this week so enjoy your weekend off and rest properly”
After that, they immediately spread out and started cleaning up the gym as fast as their tired bodies can so that they could finally rest and eat some good food.
"Shugo I need the report for last week, can you give it to me by tomorrow?"
"Yes coach, I'm almost done"
Lies, he hasn't even started yet and he was nervous that he won’t be able to finish it on time and if he ever submit the report late, Coach Foster was going to whoop his ass. So many things have happened this week that he never finds the time to start it yet, not even a single paragraph.
No, not even a single sentence.
Seeing your captain's inner turmoil, you walk up to him and whispered "Don't worry, I'll help you"
Shugo shot you a grateful smile, ruffling your hair "You're a savior kid"
That was how you found yourself sitting in the kitchen counter, laptop in front of you, staring at your current work. It would have been easy if the report was in Japanese but Coach Foster prefers it in English.
Shugo was sitting across you, hands fast and typing away, Takato was seated beside you rewriting your notes while the others, who still weren’t feeling sleepy at 11 pm were in the living room watching a movie.
"How do you spell Schweiden again?"
"S-c-h-w...uhh" Shugo's mind seems to have failed him mid-spell as he closes his eyes to try and remember.
"S-c-h-w-e-i-d-e-n" Sakusa finished for him as he walks into the kitchen to get himself a glass of water. The movie must have already ended because the others were already piling into the kitchen, cans, and bottles of drinks in hand and food wrappers place in bowls.
"How's the report going?" Inunaki peered behind Shugo's shoulder.
"It's going great" It’s not, it’s actually not, Shugo is definitely close to pulling his hair out. He glared at his laptop as he continues on smashing the keyboard keys, opting to finish the report as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, you felt like your brain was short-circuiting, English is definitely a hard language, it's complex, it's tricky and certainly a pain. One word can mean two things depending on the pronunciation and its sentence usage and can have a whole different meaning when spelled and one letter is missing, like for example 'public', take one letter out and what do we get?
Pubic.
Anyway, that's not the point, the point is English is hard, and you were close to losing your mind.
You took a sip of your drink, which was coffee mix with a monster energy drink, it was definitely death in a cup but you couldn't care less. You need to stay awake and your deadly concoction was doing a great job keeping your eyes open.
"You know” you started resting your chin on your palm, taking a break from your suffering “I find it amazing how the names of professional volleyball teams are so long like-”
You scroll through the list you have saved in your laptop's notepad “-three to five words at most yet they are referred to by a single name"
"What do you mean?" Takato shifts his eyes from his notebook to you tracing the rim of your cup as your eyes focus themselves on the ceiling.
"I mean there's the Eastern Japan Paper Mills Raijin and everyone calls them Raijin, the Azuma Pharmacy Green Rockets is called Green Rockets while Schweiden Adlers is referred to as Adlers"
"Yes, go on"
"MSBY Black Jackals is sometimes called MSBY or Black Jackals but even those names are a mouthful"
By now, everyone's attention was on you, curiosity flooding their mind as they wait for you to finish.
"So the team is mostly referred to as BJ" you look up and with the most serious face ever, you said "But has anyone even realize that BJ also stands for blowjob?"
Hinata, who was drinking a glass of milk choke on his drink while Atsumu slowly turns to look at Bokuto mouthing a "What the fuck?"
Oliver let out a nervous chuckle "You should take a break (Y/n)" he tries to set your laptop aside so you could rest your exhausted brain, but you shook your head and started working again, finally having the idea outlined in your head. That short break was very effective because your hands were seamlessly gliding over the keyboard keys, as input more words in to your work.
"Also, what does MSBY even mean? Most Significant Byte? I don’t get it"
They don’t get it either, as to where this is all coming from. They swore you have it stored in your mind for so long and just waited for the right moment to tell it.
It was amazing too because while you were going on and on about anything that you could think of, you were also typing on your laptop. Hinata took a peek to see if you were actually doing your job instead of just key smashing, but he was surprised when he saw you busting out an actual paragraph in English while spewing out nonsense in Japanese.
Multi-tasking sure is an impressive skill. He should learn it sometime.
You ran a hand through your hair, you were starting to have trouble again. You were in the zone for about 30 minutes but after that, the effect of your drink started to wear off and you were on a dead end.
The others had decided you hang out in the house's big kitchen doing their own thing, your eyes darted from every corner of the room, trying to find some sort of a cure to help your mental block.
Adriah was seated next to you scrolling through his phone as he nibbled on a pocky stick, you tap him on the shoulder as he looks up at you questioningly "Adriah-san, could you slap me in the face?"
Taken aback by your request he sputtered, almost dropping his phone "W-what?"
"I need something to keep me awake and this is not working anymore" you gestured to your now empty cup "I'm guessing the pain might keep me awake until I'm done with this"
Now, if you actually wanted to feel pain you could have asked at least one of the team's spikers, but you were not dumb enough to actually do that.
Adriah search your eyes for any signs that you were joking, but he found none "Are you sure (Y/n)?"
You assured him that it would be fine, so he raises his hand up as you prepare yourself for the impact.
Sleep must have been overtaking everyone's mind because it took them a few seconds to realize what was happening. Adriah's hand already collided with your face, he had underestimated the force he put in that slap but then soon find out he put too much when a smack resonated inside the kitchen as your body fell from the stool and landing on the cold tiles.
The whole room erupted into a panic as your body lays unmoving on the floor.
“Oh meu Deus!”
"Shit, shit, shit. Adriah what did you do?!" Inunaki kneeled down beside you, the cheek where Adriah hit was glowing red with a visible hand mark starting to form.
"I don't know, I just did what she ask me!" Adriah replied, equally as panicked.
Takato was now checking your pulse, to see if it was still beating. It was a bit exaggerated, a slap wouldn't kill you but with how strong Adriah did it. Takato wouldn't even be surprised if you snapped a vein in your neck.
Bokuto being the drama queen that he is, was shouting words like “(Y/n), don’t die you’re still young!” followed by a “Akaashi will be so sad if you go!”
And Atsumu, instead of being a good senpai that he claims he is, didn’t even think to help you. Instead, the first thing he did was to grab his phone and went live on Instagram to broadcast the madness happening in your shared kitchen.
"Goddammit Adriah!"
"Why are you blaming me?!"
Fortunately, you just passed out; picking you up, Takato carried you back into your room, and tucks you in. Gently closing your door, he goes back into the kitchen to calm them down before the neighbor calls the police on them.
He let out a heavy exhale, rubbing his temples “They’re hopeless”
What would he do without you?
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
When you woke up the next day, you could still feel a stinging sensation on your cheek, your head hurt as well, you wondered what happened to you after you blacked out. You sat up in your bed, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and checking the clock on your night stand to see that it was already 8 am.
So you get out of bed, and walk downstairs into the kitchen to see everyone already there preparing breakfast. It seems like it wasn't just you who woke up late, because after Adriah slapped you to sleep, Shugo roped all of them into helping him with his report, and since none of them were familiar with the job. It took them until 2 am before they were finished and immediately e-mailed the document to Coach Foster.
"Good morning, how's your cheek?" Oliver eyed the slowly fading red mark on your cheek, standing besides Inunaki, holding a plate as the libero carefully places the pancakes in a neat stack, then flipping the other one that was still in the pan.
"It still hurts a little" you took a seat between Hinata and Sakusa, already eating their breakfast. 
Adriah passed you a plate with five pancakes stacked on top of each other, a slice of banana on the side, followed by a cup of your favorite coffee. Your eyes were literally sparkling, the food looks so delicious and it smell so so good you almost drooled “I'm sorry about last night"
He gave you a gentle smile, eyes soft, whoever was going to be this man’s future lover sure is very lucky.
"There is nothing to be sorry about Adriah-san, I was the one who asked for it" He was such a sweetheart, it wasn’t even his fault yet he took the time to prepare your food himself, now you just felt guilty by asking him to hit you.
You took the bottle of maple syrup Sakusa handed to you as you drizzled some of it on top of your pancakes "Also, please remind me to never do that again"
Everyone collectively agreed, after last night's scare, there was no way they were going to agree to any odd request you have, no matter how serious you were. 
Breakfast was quick, mainly because everyone had a photoshoot to attend at 10. It was a magazine photoshoot for a swimwear by a very well known brand, however it was also the photoshoot they were looking forward to. Because not only was the brand a favorite of theirs, they’ll be partnered with famous models as well, so it was a win-win on their part.
After everyone was finished, the dishes were immediately cleaned, the table wiped off of any food crumbs while the trash was taken out. The guys went back to their room to get ready, and once everyone was ready to go, they piled into the bus as it drove off to the beach which was the venue for the photoshoot.
"It's sure is refreshing to be walking by the sea" Inunaki gazed towards the blue water splashing along the shore, following after their two managers towards the area where tents, chairs and cameras were already set-up.
"It looks so beautiful too" Oliver said, kicking the white sand under his flip flops as the staff led them to the chairs lined out. The make-up artist immediately worked on their look that was going to be aligned with the photoshoot's theme.
"Ahh~ it's so hot" you hold the mini fan closer to Bokuto's face while Sakusa takes the one you were holding out for him, beads of sweat running down your face as Takato took care of the others. Of all the times they have to choose, it has to be in the middle of the day, when the sun is up and proudly shining.
The models were in another tent, dressed in their robes while they waited for the stylist to finish the last touches on the boys’ hair, once done, they changed into their designated swimwear, while the girls removed the robes they were wearing. 
It took them about two hours before they were finished, the director wanted to get as many shots as he could so he had plenty to choose from. The break in  between takes were crazy because the make-up artist and stylist had to jump from one person to another just to do some retouches, the girls especially, were very fussy and wanted their make-up redone every thirty minutes.
“This is the last time I’m working with models” Sakusa grumbles, as you hand him a packet of wet wipes as he takes a piece and rubs the lipstick stain off his cheek when the model he partnered with gave him a kiss earlier.
You could only offer him a sympathetic smile, even though this was not his first endorsement, he still wasn’t used to interacting with strangers. Not so keen to them casually touching him and invading his personal space.
“Oh Kiyoomi~” Sakusa let out a groan before turning to look at the woman jogging towards him, already changed into a yellow sundress and a sunhat on top of her head. “Here”
She placed a folded paper on his palm “Call me” then blew him a kiss before she walked away. Sakusa opened the paper to see her name, number and even address written on it.  He stared at the paper for a good second, before he met your eyes.
He just looks so done with everything.
“Isn’t this our lucky day?” Shugo whistled, pieces of papers on his hand while slinging an arm around Bokuto’s shoulder and sharing a grin with the pepper haired male. With Atsumu trailing behind them, saving the ones he received in his phone. Oliver threw his away because he’s happily married, while Adriah, Inunaki and Hinata gave theirs to either Bokuto or Shugo.
“The models” Sakusa started, looking at them as he crumples the paper on his hand “They’re married, all of them”
Oh 
Shugo dropped the papers in shock, jaws slack while Bokuto immediately deleted his copy, not wanting to get involved in a scandal just in case, and Atsumu was still having second thoughts, staring at his phone, his thumb hovering over the delete button.
Should he or should he not?
Sakusa just rolls his eyes before stalking off into the tent.
They quickly change back into their own clothes, leaving the venue with bags of the swimwear they just modeled. The brand’s logo is big and bright in the middle as your group walks to where the bus was parked.
“Ah, Captain Jackal” Shugo turned his head to see Schweiden’s captain walking over to him, wearing their team uniform, his hand raised in a wave.
“Bird” He leaned to the side noting the group of children crowding behind the area where he just left “Were you doing a meet and greet?”
“Yes, surprisingly the kids love Ushijima and Kageyama” Fukuro pointed to the two mentioned players with kids crowding at their feet, some hanging on their back while the others tugs on their arm “By the way, is (Y/n) here?”
Shugo pressed his lips into a thin line, turning his body to face Fukuro properly. “I know what you’re trying to do”
“No, you don’t”
“We’re not giving you our manager, get your own”
“But you already have two!” 
“I don’t care!”
They glared at each other, a month after you became a part of the team, Fukuro tried to recruit you into joining the Adlers. He even sent Ushijima, Hoshiumi and Kageyama to talk to you hoping that the idea of having familiar faces in the team would change your mind but alas, you were more comfortable with MSBY so you declined every attempt.
However, Fukuro found your one weakness and he’s using it to his advantage whenever he can.
He caught sight of your figure standing near the bus, he shot Shugo a smirk before cupping his hands around his mouth “Oi (Y/n), Adloo’s here!”
They heard you gasp, letting out an excited squeal.
“Adloo!”
You shove your things into Atsumu’s hands and sprint towards the mascot who was already holding out his arms for you. Shugo felt his eye twitch at the smug look on Fukuro’s face as they watched you rock the mascot back and forth with glee. He marched to where you were burying your face on Adloo’s soft fabric and plucking you from its side, then walking towards the bus, but not before shooting Fukuro the dirty finger.
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
It was finally the weekend and it was the start of their long awaited day off, Takato had left early to go home to his pregnant wife while Oliver also went home to his family. Leaving the single ones to enjoy the weekend to themselves. It was already 8 am and you were currently sitting on the laundry room’s floor, separating the whites from the colored ones. 
The dirty laundry had been left lying there for almost a week because of how busy everyone was, everyday there was always something new to do, new places to go, and new schedules to follow. Now that it was Saturday, you took it as the chance to finally do it.
Picking up a piece of shirt, you saw a big spider laying underneath it. You jump up, letting out an inhumanly shriek as it circles around in its place.
“(Y/n) are you okay?! What happened?!” you pointed to the spider now crawling the walls of the washing machine, while running to hide behind them in the hopes they’ll get rid of it.
“What the fu-”
“Miya, kill that thing” Sakusa pushed Atsumu forward as the blond stumbled into the room, brown eyes zeroed in on the insect in fear that it might jump on him the second he turned away.
“Are ya crazy?! That thing’s huge!” 
He jammed himself in between Shugo and Adriah, pushing the two forward to be the new sacrificial lamb, the bug now sitting on the top of the washing machine stared back at them, unmoving. Black orbs following their movement, calculating, as if choosing his victim.
 Which of these idiots should it jump on first? 
“That’s it, this place is infected, we’re leaving”
“Hold on a sec, we ain’t leaving this place just because of one spider” Atsumu tried to reason with the man, but no luck however because Sakusa just thought of another way to get rid of the spider.
“Fine, lets burn it down then”
Sakusa turns to retrieve a fire starter and gasoline from the supply closet, actually serious. Atsumu quickly grabbed the back of his shirt, stopping him from actually setting the house on fire. If there was one thing that everyone learned from being with Sakusa for so long, when he says he is going to do something, he is going to do it.
No bullshitting.
So if he says he’s going to throw Atsumu out of the second floor balcony, best believe he’d be doing it an hour after his declaration.
“Even worse! This house costs millions Omi, our combined earnings won’t even cover for the damage!” 
“Actually, it can”
“(Y/n), yer not helping”
“Okay, that’s enough” Shugo went in between the two “Let’s catch the spider first before it gets away”
“Uh… Meian-san” Hinata lifted a shaky hand pointing to where the arachnid was supposed to be, but the space is empty. Panic ensues and everyone searches high and low for the bug, lifting up furniture and other decorations looking behind paintings and opening kitchen drawers.
“Everyone it’s here!” Adriah called from the living room, he tiptoed towards the spider, jar in hand, ready to catch it in case it disappears again. You held in a breath when he was only a few centimeters away, slowly he lifted the jar and covered the spider. Sliding a paper underneath it, then took it outside to dispose of it.
Inunaki let out a sigh of relief before walking back into the kitchen to finish inspecting the fridge for any more ingredients to cook. The gang had decided to have Shabu-Shabu for lunch later and he was checking if there were enough ingredients left to serve 8 people. While you went back to the laundry room to load the clothes into the washing machine.
“We need to buy more” Inunaki closes the fridge door, as he checks the cupboards for the sauces and other spices.  “Meats and vegetables especially”
He took a piece of paper and wrote down what needs to be bought, double-checking the list if he forgot anything. 
“We’ll go!” Atsumu pulled Hinata and Bokuto towards him then pointing a finger at Sakusa who was spraying the kitchen counter with some lysol then wiping it with a rug “Omi-Omi too”
“What? No” 
He declined, but the blond just ignored his protest before looking at the older members. “We’ll be fine”
“Are you sure?” Adriah leaned on the counter as he looked at the troublesome four, they have done grocery shopping so many times before and it always turned out okay, the only difference is that before there was at least one of the older members accompanying them, while this time, they were choosing to go by themselves.
“No need to worry Adriah-san” Hinata tried to reassure the man, and although Adriah did relax a little he still hadn’t agreed to it yet. You walk in the kitchen, the first batch of laundry already in the washing machine, tumbling around as the detergent removes the dirt and bad smell.
“I don’t see a problem” Shugo pipes up “They’re adults now, I’m sure they wouldn’t fail something as simple as grocery shopping”
Inunaki was still a bit hesitant, his eyes darting to each face of the younger members of the team, though mainly focusing themselves on Atsumu and Bokuto, because he knows those two share a brain cell but don’t know how to use it.  However, Shugo is right, so he gave you the list and the money before following the five of you into the garage.
“So who’s driving?” Shugo held up the keys, twirling them on his fingers while they put on their face mask and cap to avoid getting recognized in public.
“I will” 
He stared at Atsumu, eyes blinking before turning to you, jiggling the keys. “(Y/n)?”
You shook your head. “I’m still learning Meian-san”
“Ya gotta trust me captain!”
“I find that hard to do Atsumu”
Shugo retorted, but still dropped the keys to Atsumu’s hand as the blond opened the car and turned it on.
“Don’t damage her!”
“We won’t!”
The three of them watched, as the car went out into the driveway and zoomed through the streets. Leaving a trail of dust behind as the vehicle went out of sight in just seconds.
“I think, I made a mistake”
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
You stumbled out of the car, your heart beating fast and knees wobbly, clutching the side of the door as the trauma of a near death experience still haunts your mind.
"I think I'm going to throw up" Hinata pressed his palm on his mouth, face pale, his other hand wrapped around his stomach as he tried to contain the puke threatening to come out.
“I thought you said you could drive?” Sakusa shot Atsumu a glare, adjusting his mask. When the setter offered to drive, you thought he was actually good at it, you did not expect for him to almost crash the car at the gasoline station or nearly run an old woman over.
“That was dangerous Tsum-Tsum” Bokuto massaged his forehead, he hit the back of the driver’s seat rather hard when Atsumu slammed his foot on the break, just a few feet away from killing an old lady. Fortunately, there were no traffic enforcers nor police officers nearby and the woman didn’t even realize she was close to meeting her creator today. She happily crossed that street, as if she owned the place.
“Hey! I’m just not use to this car okay?” the setter reasoned patting the car’s hood, rubbing his palm over the sleek black top “It’s different from the one I drive back home”
“If you can drive it doesn’t matter what car, you’ll still be able to drive it properly” Sakusa crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow “Did you even pass your driving test?”
“Of course I did, I got 90%,” Atsumu answered proudly, placing his hands on his hips with his head held high and his lips upturned into a smile.
“Was the instructor a girl?”
“Yes”
There was silence, everyone staring at him doubtfully, eyes narrowed and judging.
“Stop looking at me like that!”
“But guys…” Hinata called as he waved them over, pointing at a long scratch mark on the passenger’s door. It was big, about an arm’s length. “Captain is going to kill us”
You walk around the vehicle to check the other side, to see another one on the side of the car’s hood. You clutch your head in frustration, face drained of any color, it would’ve been okay if it was just one, but there’s actually two of them. “Meian-san just bought this four months ago”
“We have to pass by a repair shop before we go home” Bokuto scratched the back of his head. “Tsum-Tsum is paying for the paint job of course”
“Alright, alright. Sheesh. Let’s go buy the groceries first” Atsumu quickly huddled everyone together and started pushing you all into the market’s entrance.
The farmers’ market is always the best place to buy ingredients, it’s cheap compared to the ones sold in malls where prices are doubled, sometimes even tripled, and it’s just ridiculously expensive. You can bargain with the vendors as well, in case some of the items were a bit too pricey. Luckily, the market isn’t too crowded, there weren’t many people buying yet which was unexpected since this place is usually packed during the weekend.
However, there was also one thing that you didn’t expect. Apparently, with how many times you frequent this place during your shopping trips, either one of the boys had made friends with some of the vendors.
“Hinata look, it’s you!” Bokuto held a tangerine next to Hinata’s head lifting his hat a little and grinning at how the fruit’s color was almost the same shade as his disciple’s hair. 
You pick up another tangerine, examining it for any damages before looking through the rest of the ones displayed. While the others look through the rest of the fruits they offer, bananas, avocados, apples and some grapes. Anything they found very appealing was picked up and placed inside the bag.
“How much for all of these?” you look at the girl, pointing at the bag that’s almost filled with fruits, but she seems to be looking at something else. You turn around, following where her eyes were focused to see the troublesome four eating some of the fruits.
“We haven’t paid for those yet!” you shriek before turning to the girl again and bowing furiously “I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!”
“Wouldja relax (Y/n)-chan?” Atsumu took hold of your shoulder, stopping you from hitting your forehead on one of the crates “These are free samples”
He pointed to the little corner of the stall where smaller size crates were neatly arranged, three pieces of each fruit sitting inside with the sign reading free sample, pasted at the front.
“They’re really good (Y/n), here” Bokuto fed you a piece, watching as you munch on the sweet and juicy fruit.
You let out a hum, swallowing the fruit “This is good” you turn to look at the girl, eyes wide “This is really good
She gave you a shy smile, a light shade of pink now visible on her cheeks “Really? Thank you”
“So, how much for all of these?” you opened your bag, pulling out your wallet.
“It’s okay, this is free”
You almost drop your wallet from what she said, you shook your head fishing out a few thousand yen bills and giving it to her “No, this is too much”
She pushes back your hand, lifting up your bag and giving it to your companions “Consider it as a gift” then she moves to serve the other customer in waiting, waving your group goodbye.
Sakusa pushed you to move when he still saw you staring at the rejected money in your hand, leading you to where you were going to buy your meat. Passing through the vegetable stands where you still need to buy some for when you’re finished at the butcher’s shop.
“Hiruma-san good morning!”
“Ah, come in come in!” an old man from behind the counter grinned, lifting the clever over his head before bringing it down on the thick meat place on his wooden chopping board. “What would you like today?”
He wipes his hands on his apron, walking behind the glass case grabbing a tong, snapping it a few times as they pick the meat they like for their lunch later. They were pointing mostly at anything they lay their eyes on, and Sakusa has to remind them about the budget and that they can’t have pork, beef, lamb, and duck at the same time.
“The others didn’t come with you today?” the old man asked, picking up the pork and beef slices that were far too many and bagging them.  Then he grabbed another bag and went to the fish area.
“They’re busy at the house”
At the corner, you were counting the money, mentally calculating your budget again. The old man was giving large portions of the meat and you knew that it wasn't very cheap. Just a few cuts alone were worth a few hundred yen, what more when there are two types of meat involved with different varieties of fish thrown into the mix.
He tied the bags then gave it to Atsumu and Bokuto as Sakusa refused to touch the raw meat, not until it had been washed properly, not even if it’s packed away in a bag.
“This one is on the house”
“What? No!” you scrambled towards the man, almost tripping yourself in the process “Hiruma-san please just take the money, this is too much”
“This is a thank you for being such good patrons” he didn’t even let you say another word, the man just walked off to the other side of the display case catering to another customer who walked in.
What is up with these people ignoring you?
Hinata led you out, patting your back, chuckling at the pout on your face.
“Hinata, is our money not good enough?” 
“Maybe they’re just feeling generous today (Y/n)” 
You stood outside the shop, eyebrows furrowed in thought, you were starting to wonder if they were genuinely just being generous folks or there was something hidden behind their actions. 
“Now, all we need are the vegetables then we can go home”
You look around for a nearby vegetable stall, one that you think is not friends with any of the guys so they’ll have no choice but to accept your money like a proper businessman.
“That one” you pointed to the one just besides the meat shop. “I’ll go”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, just stay put” then you walk off face determined. “Hello”
The vendor put down the crate he was holding, wiping his hands on his pants and walking over to you.
“(Y/n)?” You internally groaned, your old high school classmate standing in front of you at the other side of the stall, and here you were hoping it wouldn't be anyone you know.
“Masuda, long time no see” you nodded your head at him, picking through the vegetables. They were all fresh, he must’ve just arrived.
“Yeah, six years is a long time” He grabbed a basket holding it out for you, as you picked out, mushrooms, carrot, green onion and napa cabbage. “Doing some grocery shopping for the team?”
He gestures to the large amounts of vegetables you’re dropping in the basket “Yep, they’re big eaters. All of them”
He laugh placing them inside a plastic bag “They’re athletes after all” 
“How much?”
You accepted the plastic big, the money ready in your hand.
“No. it’s free” you squint your eyes at him, pursing your lips “Consider it as my payback for helping me so many time during high school”
“School has nothing to do with this Masuda” you grab his hand, slamming the money on his palm “So for the love of all things holy, just accept the money”
You stared him down, daring him to refuse it one more time. He nodded his head, clutching the cash as you walked away satisfied that finally, finally, someone accepted your payment. You swore, if these people just keep on giving their products away just because the customer is a friend or a relative, you won’t be surprised if they go home without any profit at the end of the day.
“Let’s stop by the repair shop first then we’ll go home” Atsumu reminded before looking down at Sakusa’s outstretched hand “What?”
“Give me the keys, I’m driving this time” He snatched it out of Atsumu’s hand then climbed into the driver’s seat.
«──────────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ────────────»
"It's such a nice day today isn't it?" Shugo leaned back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head. The cabana tent serves as a good shade from the afternoon sun.
Adriah removes one of the earbuds from his ear, hands still moving across his notebook as he writes his notes from his Japanese lessons "It is, the sun feels really good"
They were now in the backyard enjoying the rest of the day besides the pool, Hinata and Bokuto were already playing in the water doing some diving tricks they saw on YouTube. (Y/n) and Atsumu were on the other side, the girl dying the setter’s hair as his roots were starting to show up, meanwhile Sakusa was still inside, probably finishing up on his cleaning.
“Wish days like these would last” Inunaki leaned down, opening the cooler beside his feet, grabbing three bottles of beer and giving it to the two. Opening the packet of chips resting on the table as they munch on some snacks, listening to the song they had put on the speaker to play.
"Kiyoomi, what have you got there?" Adriah asks as the germaphobe walks towards the garbage bags. Masked on his face, his hands covered with plastic gloves, holding what seems to be a ziplock bag filled with some sort of articles of clothing.
"Miya's dirty underwear" he swiftly answered, opening one of the bags and immediately tossing the ziplock bag inside and closing it again "He left it lying around in the bathroom again so I'm throwing it away"
He walks back into the house, probably to resume his cleaning escapades as the three older men could only watch his retreating figure, speechless.
"Should we tell Atsumu?" Adriah took a worried glance towards the piled garbage bag, eyebrows furrow in concern, before looking at the two again.
Inunaki waves his hand, biting on a potato chip "Nah, he'll find out soon once he realizes he's missing a few pair"
So they just continued whatever they were doing, Hinata and Bokuto's shouts and laughter echoing throughout the open space. A cool wind blew past them, ruffling the leaves of the trees planted near the fence as the flowers swayed along with it.
"Bokuto grab a drink here" the pepper haired male pauses his game with Hinata as he climbs out of the pool, water dripping from his body as he crouches in front of the cooler.
"Do you have soda Meian-san?" He rummaged through the multiple bottles and cans of alcohol, pushing the blocks of ice to the side before his eyes landed on the familiar green and black color scheme of a mountain dew can. 
He took the can, and three more bottles before opening them and walking to where Hinata was now sitting at the edge on Atsumu and (Y/n)'s side of the pool, giving (Y/n) the soda and the two other bottles to Atsumu and Hinata.
“I’m still bothered about Atsumu’s underwear” Adriah once again turned around in his chair, eyes trained on the garbage bag, waiting for the time it gets to be picked up. “We could-“
A loud honking sound was heard from the other side of the fence as you stopped what you were doing. "The garbage truck is here" jogging to where the bags were resting. Bokuto and Hinata follow after her. Helping the girl carry them out, with their setter's underwear lying amongst the trash in one of the bags, and Atsumu, who was none the wiser, happily held the back gate open as the three walked out and gave it to the garbage man.
They shared a look, as if they had just indirectly participated in a crime, as the garbage truck drives away towards the other houses in the neighborhood. 
“Let’s just hope Atsumu still have some spare left”
Sakusa who have already finished cleaning walk towards their area. Already changed into a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and a pair of flip-flops with a book tuck under his arms.
"You want a drink Kiyoomi?" 
"No, thank you" Sakusa answered, before situating himself on the lounge chair and opening his book. It was rare for Sakusa himself to willingly join everyone, he's usually not into gathering or bonding that much, so the team must have reached a new level of personal hygiene for the Sakusa Kiyoomi to hang out with them.
It's probably the result of (Y/n) constantly reminding them to wash their hands with alcohol and hand sanitizers, telling them to wear face masks when they're out travelling. Lecturing them how pollution and their constant exposure to sweat and social interactions with other people can lead to a disease. When you had said that, they thought you were going to evolve into Sakusa 2.0 but remembered that you were a university graduate with a degree in sports science so they can’t really argue with that one.
“Maybe I should dye my hair as well, what do you guys think?” Shugo started as the two looked at him questioningly, watching as the captain inspected his hair through his phone’s front camera, running his hand through it as he tugs at the end.
Inunaki snorts, slumping on his chair “Oh please, you’re already old”
“I’m not old! I’m only 29”
The libero deadpanned at him “You’re literally one birthday away into turning 30”
Adriah just laughs, closing his notebook and looking at his captain “What color do you have in mind?”
“Blond looks cool” Shugo shrugs his shoulders, watching as you apply the last remaining dye on Atsumu’s hair.
Inunaki groaned “Oh god no, you’ll look like an old man trying to be hip”
“I told you, I’m not old!”
“Oh yeah? Because that gray hair says otherwise”
“What?”
Inunaki and Adriah pointed at the front part of his hair, as he held up his phone to see a strand of gray hair sticking out among his dark locks.
“What the fuck”
“Congratulations captain, that is a milestone” Adriah patted him on the back laughing.
Shugo stared at it in disbelief, lifting a hand and wrapping it on his finger then tugging.
"Don't pull it out, did you not learn from your elders?" Inunaki scolded him, slapping his hand away.
"Learn what?"
"If you pluck it out, they'll spread faster. Just let it be, it's not even that noticeable"
Shugo looked at it again then ruffled his hair to see if it could be hidden within the rest, and was satisfied when he saw it could be covered.
Silence filled them again, munching on their chips and drinking when Atsumu's booming voice erupted from the depths of the huge house.
“Where the heck are all my underwear?!”
241 notes · View notes
astonishinglegends · 3 years
Text
Ep 196: The Christmas Monolith and the Warminster Thing
"The air was brazenly filled with a menacing sound. Sudden vibrations came overhead, chilling in intensity. They tore the quiet atmosphere to raucous rags and descended upon her savagely. Shockwaves pounded at her head, neck and shoulders."
– Descriptions of the “Thing” by Arthur Shuttlewood, as reported in his book, The Warminster Mystery
Description:
In a rare dual-subject episode for us, we take a look at two somewhat Christmas-themed stories, the mysterious yet not-so-mysterious "Utah Monolith" and the Warminster "Thing." In the first part of the show, we discuss the recent discovery of a 9.8-foot-tall metal triangular prism-shaped pillar we've dubbed "The Christmas Monolith." This story made the rounds after state biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources spotted the out-of-place-artifact while conducting a survey of bighorn sheep by helicopter over San Juan County in southeastern Utah on November 18, 2020. Two days later, the Utah Department of Public Safety posted a photo of the monolith on Instagram, with more pictures and videos of the puzzling pillar to follow. The internet and media outlets were soon abuzz with speculation about who, human, alien, or otherwise, would've illegally planted the iconic looking structure in such a remote red sandstone slot canyon in the middle of nowhere and why. Other metal columns have appeared in Romania and California, prompting the question, are these pranks, artworks, a message, or perhaps all three? The second part of our show tonight examines a freakish "flap" of High Strangeness that's so fantastic in its details and so widely experienced at the time that it's baffling why the story has mostly become forgotten. Generally considered to have gotten its start in the early hours of Christmas morning in 1964, this saga of shocking incidents in hindsight seems to have only publically peaked on December 25th and continued well into the following year, and only gradually declined in the decade to follow. The holiday literally started with a bang for the residents of the town of Warminster in Wiltshire County in southwestern England. Numerous citizens and British soldiers training nearby awoke to a medley of piercing, thundering, clattering, metallic noises in the sky and on their rooftops, the nature of which nearly defies description. The strange and untraceable sounds would continue to accost the townsfolk, with some reporting these sonic attacks were so violent it threw them to the ground and sickened their pets. As 1965 wore on, the unearthly rackets would eventually coincide with sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena and craft so unique they sound unusual even for a UFO wave. And what bouillabaisse of the bizarre would be complete without cattle disappearances, freaky interstellar messengers, and tall, humanoid-alien visitors? Warminster had it all. All told, this series of strangeness was so beyond comprehension, and with no vocabulary to satisfactorily describe it, the phenomena became simply known as the Warminster "Thing."
Location:
The former site of the “Utah Monolith” a.k.a. “The Christmas Monolith.” The 9.8-foot tall metal prism-shaped triangular pillar was discovered on November 18, 2020, in a red sandstone slot canyon in the former Lockhart Basin in northern San Juan County, Utah. The structure was spotted by state biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources while conducting a survey of bighorn sheep by helicopter. The monolith was seen being removed by four unknown men on November 27, 2020. If you zoom in all the way on the above map you can see its shadow.
Location:
The town of Warminster in the western part of Wiltshire county in southwestern England. Warminster sits on the western edge of Salisbury Plain, famous for the standing stones of Stonehenge and Avebury as well as other ancient landmarks, and known as “crop circle country.” Wiltshire is also home to training facilities for the British military.
Reference Links:
The “Utah Monolith” on Wikipedia
“The Warminster ‘Thing’: UFOs and Supernatural Disturbances in ‘Small Town England’” by “MirageMan” on AboveTopSecret.com
The UFO-Warminster website
The timeline of events on the UFO-Warminster website
“The mystery of Warminster's 'UFO'“ By Kevin Goodman on the BBC News website
“UFO called “The Thing” celebrates 50th anniversary in Warminster” on OpenMinds.tv
“BBC Documentary on the Warminster UFO Flap” on AboveTopSecret.com
“1964, United Kingdom, The Warminster Thing (UFO)” on UFOCasebook.com
Warminster, a town in southwestern England
Wiltshire County, England
“10 Unsolved Christmastime Mysteries” by Robin Warder on Listverse.com
SPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPECIAL SPONSORS:
FIND OTHER GREAT DEALS FROM OUR SHOW’S SPONSORS BY CLICKING HERE!
The Great Courses Plus – There are so many benefits to lifelong learning, which is why we love The Great Courses Plus! Learn about virtually anything, now with over 11,000 lectures on almost any subject you can think of – from history and science to learning a new language, how to play an instrument, learn magic tricks, train your dog, or explore topics like food, the arts, travel, business, and self-improvement. And all taught by world-leading professors and experts in their field. Their app lets you download and listen to only the audio from the courses or watch the videos, just like a podcast. Switch between all your devices and pick up right where you left off. Available for iOS and Android. Take it from us, a subscription to The Great Courses Plus is a fantastic holiday gift idea for everyone on your list this year! So no matter who’s on your list, you can’t go wrong with The Great Courses Plus. Learn more about gift subscriptions by visiting our special URL today: TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/LEGENDS. And while you’re there, start your own journey with a 14-day FREE TRIAL!
Skylight – The holidays are just around the corner. Are you looking for a way to stay connected with loved ones during the holidays? Many of us are separated from extended family members these days, especially the older ones. But now there’s a great way for all of us to feel connected and loved, and that’s with a Skylight Frame. Skylight Frame is a digital photo frame that you can update instantly by email from anywhere. It’s a great way to feel close to those you love even when you’re separated. It sets up effortlessly in under 60 seconds! Just plug it in, use the touch screen to connect to your wireless network, and enjoy! Sending photos to Skylight is effortless – any chosen family member or friend can just email them to a personal Skylight email address, and they’ll pop up in seconds, so it’s a great way to keep large networks feeling in touch and less lonely. Skylight comes in a black frame and white matte, and with a gorgeous 10” touch screen, it’s a beautiful touch to any home. You can swipe through photos with your finger and even tap to thank the person who sent a photo. It’s 100% satisfaction guaranteed and if you don’t love your Skylight, they’ll offer you a FULL refund. You can pre-load it with your favorite photos for a personalized gift! And right now, as a special offer, you can get $10 OFF your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com and enter the Promo Code “Legends”
FightCamp – Most workouts are not that exciting. But there really is nothing more exciting and engaging than learning boxing and kickboxing. And that’s exactly why people are saying that FightCamp is the only workout they’ve stuck with. FightCamp provides boxing and kickboxing workouts and tutorials that keep you engaged, learning, excited, and motivated… a program that’s never boring, and always challenging! FightCamp brings the boxing gym to your living room with a tech twist! They provide all the gear, top trainers, and a new technology that tracks your punches – everything you need to get great workouts in! The boxing workout has always been ranked as one of the best ways to get in shape and it's honestly one of the most fun ways to combine cardio and strength training. They provide everything to start boxing from home, which means amazing at-home boxing equipment along with new boxing and bodyweight workouts released every week. It’s the perfect at-home workout for anyone. For men, women, even families, and great for all fitness levels. You’ll love it! And with the FightCamp punch tracking tech, you can see your progress, work on your technique and compete with others or more importantly your past self. It’s also a great holiday gift! FightCamp allows you to pay over time, with Affirm financing you can get your FightCamp set up right away, make easy monthly payments over 24 months, and it’s yours to keep at the end! Plus, you save on commute time and gas, if your gym is even open these days. And since you can have up to five accounts per household, you can get a full boxing gym for the whole house to use! FightCamp offers flexible financing for as low as zero percent APR and zero dollars down! And right now as a limited-time holiday offer, get FREE SHIPPING and a gift valued up to $109 with every FightCamp package. Just go to JoinFightCamp.com/LEGENDS.
Best Fiends – If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time while engaging your brain and enjoying breathtaking visuals and a gripping story, your answer is Best Fiends! Best Fiends is a casual, matching puzzle game that the whole family can play, but really made for adults, and you don’t need to be a gamer to be great at it! You can also play it the way YOU want to, wherever you want, and as much or as little as you want! Collect cute and funny cryptid-like insect creatures while battling silly slugs as you advance through stages in the Best Fiends world. Connect with friends and family through Social Media and challenge them to beat your levels or help them along. This unique puzzle game doesn’t require the internet, so it’s great to play offline while traveling or commuting, and Best Fiends has thousands of levels already, with new levels, events, and characters added every month – it’s hours of fun right at your fingertips and it never gets old! With over 100 million downloads and tons of five-star reviews, Best Fiends is a must-play! Download for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the “R,” Best Fiends!
Miller High Life – When we realize how crazy the world can get, it’s the simple joys in life and “every day wins” that call for a celebration. Just safely getting together with friends and family to enjoy each other’s company should be a moment to cherish; to relax, to have a beer, and some laughs. Miller High Life was created over 100 years ago so that everyone could enjoy the good life, the “High Life,” with a high-quality, unpretentious beer that was within everyone’s reach. With a crisp, refreshing taste and tiny bubbles, it’s been known as “The Champagne of Beers” from its start on New Years’ Eve in 1903. It’s been faithfully brewed the same way ever since, and this summer, Miller High Life will help you raise a toast to celebrate life’s simple, special moments with their limited-edition champagne cans, in stores now. Miller High Life, The Champagne of Beers. A quality beer within everyone’s reach. *Celebrate Responsibly, Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WI.
Credits:
Episode 196: The Christmas Monolith and the Warminster Thing.  Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess; Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel. Sound Design by Ryan McCullough; Tess Pfeifle, Producer, and Lead Researcher; Research Support from the astonishing League of Astonishing Researchers, a.k.a. The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2020 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
7 notes · View notes
fanficshiddles · 4 years
Text
Caught in his web, Chapter 13
Loki had a big grin on his face while some of the local people clapped and cheered for him. He waved and bowed a little before then cutting the ribbon and opening the new homeless shelter that he’d fully funded.
He shook hands with the mayor and posed with him for a few pictures, then gave a small speech before going inside with the mayor and press to show them around. He was very pleased with his work, and everyone else was too. It was going to be a vital part of the community, the homeless situation was getting worse.
When Loki got into his car to leave, James was there too.
‘Nice way of covering up your… disposables.’ James grinned.
‘Always got to make the most of everything I do.’ Loki grinned.
What the caring public didn’t know was there was a mini grave underneath the homeless shelter. An easy way to dispose of bodies that would never be found, especially since it took almost a year to build. Loki had made sure it wasn’t done too quickly.
‘What are you going to do with any future disposables?’ James asked while typing away on his iPad, updating Loki’s accounts.
Loki trailed his finger across his lower lip. ‘See if Jasmine at the crematorium is off maternity leave yet, I lose track of timings. If not, see how persuasive the maternity cover is.’
‘Will do, boss... Samuel and Ethan could always take up digging at the graveyard again if the push comes to shove.’ James said.
Loki chuckled. ‘Indeed. They would just love that.’
Burying bodies at the graveyard was one of the best ways Loki had found for disposing of bodies. For obvious reasons. No one suspected earth being disturbed at such places.
When Loki eventually returned home that night, after dealing with some more business, it was after midnight. He went upstairs and quietly crept into Chloe’s room, she was sound asleep. Loki had learned that she didn’t bother shutting the curtains, and with it being a frosty night the moon was shining brightly straight into her room. Giving him enough light to see without turning on the lamp and waking her up.
He quietly moved the chair closer towards her bed at the bottom, sat down and slowly sipped on his whiskey. He just watched her, sleeping soundly. On occasion she moved round onto her other side or let out a groan. But she looked peaceful.
After a while, she moved onto her back. Loki took that opportunity to have a little fun.
Moving gracefully, he went up the side of the bed and sat down carefully. He slid his hand underneath the blanket and gently touched her leg. When she didn’t stir, he stroked up her inner thigh and brushed the back of his hand against her cunt, only her knickers keeping him out.
She breathed out deeply, but aside from that didn’t move. Loki was encouraged by that, so kept rubbing her with a little more pressure. He turned his hand around and used more of a cupping motion while he rubbed her.
Chloe started responding by moaning slightly and squirming a little. Loki grinned and aimed for where her clit was. He was tempted to slid his hand down her knickers, but had a feeling that would wake her up completely. So he just stuck to stroking her firmly for a while, working her up nicely.
She started moaning louder, that’s when Loki reluctantly stopped. He carefully stood up and took a few steps away, grinning as she groaned in disappointment. But she rolled onto her side and curled herself up into a ball, no doubt squeezing her thighs together, he guessed.
Smirking to himself, he replaced the chair in its rightful place and slipped out of her room.
-
When Chloe woke up, she was feeling a bit horny. She’d had a weird dream where she was aroused, and it was like she was touching herself. But it also felt quite real in a way, she did wonder if she had touched herself while she was asleep because her knickers were a bit damp.
Not thinking much else of it, she went about her usual morning routine of showering before getting dressed. Then made her way downstairs for breakfast, hoping that Loki wouldn’t be there so she could get peace. But her luck wasn’t in today, as he was sitting at the top of the table with a plate of cereal, tea and a newspaper.
‘Good morning, doll. You’re looking rather radiant this morning.’ He grinned over the paper at her.
She bit her tongue and turned around to leave, but she should’ve known he wouldn’t let her do that.
‘Ah, ah. Come and have breakfast.’ Loki said firmly.
‘God, give me strength.’ She muttered to herself quietly.
Not looking at him, she continued to the table and sat down at her usual seat. She had tried to sit at the opposite end of the table from Loki before, but that didn’t go down too well. So now she didn’t even bother trying.
‘Did you sleep well?’ Loki asked casually while Tania served Chloe’s breakfast.
‘Yes.’
‘Glad to hear it. I’ve made the decision that you can get your phone back at the end of the week, if you continue to behave.’
‘What’s the catch?’ She blurted out.
‘Catch?’ Loki raised an eyebrow at her.
‘There must be a catch. Why would I get my phone back?’
‘No catch. I’m sure you will be wanting to contact your friends in excitement for starting University next month. And I’m almost certain your mother will be happy to hear from you again.’ Loki said with a smile.
‘I’m… I’m allowed to call people?’
‘Of course. Call, text, email. Surf the internet, whatever it is that you like to do. I’ve upgraded your contract so you have unlimited data, calls and texts. In a few months’ time I will be getting phone upgrades for everyone, yourself included.’
Chloe frowned. She wasn’t sure what to make of it all. But kept quiet, not wanting to risk a slip of the tongue by saying thank you. Because she sure as hell shouldn’t have to be thanking him for her own bloody phone.
She got through the rest of breakfast unscathed. To her relief. And he didn’t call for her or go to her room for the rest of the morning.
But just after two in the afternoon, she was on her way downstairs to get something to eat when the doorbell rang. She stopped at the top of the stairs and crouched down, looking between the railings towards the door to see who it was.
Loki came strolling through to answer. Chloe waited with baited breath, hoping it was someone that might be able to help her out. But it was young children, selling cookies for their primary school trip. She thought Loki would flip, annoyed that he was disturbed. But to her surprise, he was more than welcoming to the children.
‘Ah, what do we have here? They look delicious!’ Loki said animatedly, making the kids smile.
‘We’re selling cookies that we made at school, so we can save up for our school trip to the lake district!’ One of the kids said excitedly, not realising that she was speaking to a dangerous man…
Loki crouched down to their level and smiled brightly. ‘Well, I will definitely buy some. I can’t resist cookies. And Pete here, he has a sweet tooth too.’ Loki said as he motioned to his security guard by the door. Pete smiled down at the kids and nodded.
‘Yay!’ The kids all cheered when Loki stood up again and took his wallet from his pocket.
‘How many do you want, Pete?’ Loki asked, looking to him.
‘I’ll have a whole box, should keep me going till lunch.’ Pete chuckled.
Loki gasped in a mocking manner. ‘Costing me a fortune you are! Maybe I need to put him on a diet.’ He chuckled and winked at the kids, making them laugh.
He pulled out plenty of cash, making the kids go ‘oooo’ when he handed quite a few notes to them. ‘I’ll take five boxes. I have plenty of mouths to feed.’ He grinned.
‘Thank you so much!’ The kids all said in excitement as they gave him five boxes. They then went running down the path to the parents that were waiting for them on the pavement.
Loki waved back when they all waved enthusiastically at him. He handed a box to Pete. ‘Don’t eat them all at once.’
‘No promises there, boss.’ Pete chuckled.
Chloe was a bit surprised at what she’d witnessed. She stood up and had just taken one step back up the stairs, when Loki barked her name, making her halt instantly.
‘Chloe. Stop hiding, come down and enjoy these cookies with me.’
Chloe bit her tongue and cursed internally for being caught. She slowly made her way downstairs and when she looked at Loki, for a split second she found it difficult to think that he was so… dangerous and terrifying.
Because he was holding four boxes, with one of the cookies stuffed half in his mouth already and he had a goofy look about him. And it was also the first time that Chloe had seen him in casual clothing, leather trousers, boots and a dark green shirt with the top few buttons undone. He didn’t take days off that often, even at weekends. It was very rare.
She mentally slapped herself for thinking anything different.
He motioned with his head for her to follow him, so she did, albeit reluctantly. First they went to the kitchen, Loki asked Tania to store the cookies apart from a couple he put on a plate.
‘Come on, doll.’ He called on Chloe like she was a dog as he walked out of the kitchen.
She rolled her eyes and followed him obediently into the living room. She shivered as she entered, she really hated this room.
Her eyes widened as she spotted a game of chess set up on the small table by the fireplace. Loki had put two comfy chairs at either side of it.
Loki put the cookies down next to the chess board and went to the bar to pour them both a drink. ‘Have you played chess before?’ He asked, walking over towards her and the table with two glasses.
‘No. It looks boring and pointless.’ Chloe said, not making eye contact with him, instead she just looked at the board and flicked the King over.
‘Only boring people get bored. Sit down.’ Loki whispered into her ear, suddenly right behind her that made her jump.
It’s going to be a long day. She thought as she took a seat.
- Chloe yawned for the hundredth time in the past hour. She was sitting sideways on the chair with her legs draped over the arm, the whiskey that Loki kept pouring her had allowed her to let her guard down a tiny bit. But she was so bored while Loki talked her through her first game of chess.
She reached out for the last cookie but Loki smacked her hand away and grabbed it first. ‘You’ve had enough cookies.’
‘You’ve got, like, five boxes.’ She grumbled.
‘I did. But it doesn’t mean you are to stuff your face with them all.’ He growled.
She let out a groan and threw her head back.
‘It’s your move.’
She looked at the board and moved her King.
‘You don’t want to do that.’ Loki said.
‘Why?’
‘Because then I can take out your King and win.’ Loki said bluntly.
‘Oh, good. You win then!’ She said cheerily and downed the last of her drink, hoping she could go to her room now.
‘You can move it elsewhere, Chloe. This game is just a practice for you. We aren’t finished yet.’ He grinned.
‘Great.’ Chloe sighed and moved her King elsewhere, pleasing Loki.
At this point, she would rather just give him a quick blowjob and be done with spending time with him. Alas, Loki wanted to play chess and Loki always got what he wanted.
So she was stuck.
114 notes · View notes
imagine-loki · 4 years
Text
Caught in his web, Chapter 13
TITLE: Caught in his web CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 13 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki is a crime lord, a very dangerous man in the city. He is owed money, but the man is unable to pay Loki back, so Loki takes his daughter as payment instead.  RATING: M
Loki had a big grin on his face while some of the local people clapped and cheered for him. He waved and bowed a little before then cutting the ribbon and opening the new homeless shelter that he’d fully funded.
He shook hands with the mayor and posed with him for a few pictures, then gave a small speech before going inside with the mayor and press to show them around. He was very pleased with his work, and everyone else was too. It was going to be a vital part of the community, the homeless situation was getting worse.
When Loki got into his car to leave, James was there too.
‘Nice way of covering up your… disposables.’ James grinned.
‘Always got to make the most of everything I do.’ Loki grinned.
What the caring public didn’t know was there was a mini grave underneath the homeless shelter. An easy way to dispose of bodies that would never be found, especially since it took almost a year to build. Loki had made sure it wasn’t done too quickly.
‘What are you going to do with any future disposables?’ James asked while typing away on his iPad, updating Loki’s accounts.
Loki trailed his finger across his lower lip. ‘See if Jasmine at the crematorium is off maternity leave yet, I lose track of timings. If not, see how persuasive the maternity cover is.’
‘Will do, boss… Samuel and Ethan could always take up digging at the graveyard again if the push comes to shove.’ James said.
Loki chuckled. ‘Indeed. They would just love that.’
Burying bodies at the graveyard was one of the best ways Loki had found for disposing of bodies. For obvious reasons. No one suspected earth being disturbed at such places.
When Loki eventually returned home that night, after dealing with some more business, it was after midnight. He went upstairs and quietly crept into Chloe’s room, she was sound asleep. Loki had learned that she didn’t bother shutting the curtains, and with it being a frosty night the moon was shining brightly straight into her room. Giving him enough light to see without turning on the lamp and waking her up.
He quietly moved the chair closer towards her bed at the bottom, sat down and slowly sipped on his whiskey. He just watched her, sleeping soundly. On occasion she moved round onto her other side or let out a groan. But she looked peaceful.
After a while, she moved onto her back. Loki took that opportunity to have a little fun.
Moving gracefully, he went up the side of the bed and sat down carefully. He slid his hand underneath the blanket and gently touched her leg. When she didn’t stir, he stroked up her inner thigh and brushed the back of his hand against her cunt, only her knickers keeping him out.
She breathed out deeply, but aside from that didn’t move. Loki was encouraged by that, so kept rubbing her with a little more pressure. He turned his hand around and used more of a cupping motion while he rubbed her.
Chloe started responding by moaning slightly and squirming a little. Loki grinned and aimed for where her clit was. He was tempted to slid his hand down her knickers, but had a feeling that would wake her up completely. So he just stuck to stroking her firmly for a while, working her up nicely.
She started moaning louder, that’s when Loki reluctantly stopped. He carefully stood up and took a few steps away, grinning as she groaned in disappointment. But she rolled onto her side and curled herself up into a ball, no doubt squeezing her thighs together, he guessed.
Smirking to himself, he replaced the chair in its rightful place and slipped out of her room.
-
When Chloe woke up, she was feeling a bit horny. She’d had a weird dream where she was aroused, and it was like she was touching herself. But it also felt quite real in a way, she did wonder if she had touched herself while she was asleep because her knickers were a bit damp.
Not thinking much else of it, she went about her usual morning routine of showering before getting dressed. Then made her way downstairs for breakfast, hoping that Loki wouldn’t be there so she could get peace. But her luck wasn’t in today, as he was sitting at the top of the table with a plate of cereal, tea and a newspaper.
‘Good morning, doll. You’re looking rather radiant this morning.’ He grinned over the paper at her.
She bit her tongue and turned around to leave, but she should’ve known he wouldn’t let her do that.
‘Ah, ah. Come and have breakfast.’ Loki said firmly.
‘God, give me strength.’ She muttered to herself quietly.
Not looking at him, she continued to the table and sat down at her usual seat. She had tried to sit at the opposite end of the table from Loki before, but that didn’t go down too well. So now she didn’t even bother trying.
‘Did you sleep well?’ Loki asked casually while Tania served Chloe’s breakfast.
‘Yes.’
‘Glad to hear it. I’ve made the decision that you can get your phone back at the end of the week, if you continue to behave.’
‘What’s the catch?’ She blurted out.
‘Catch?’ Loki raised an eyebrow at her.
‘There must be a catch. Why would I get my phone back?’
‘No catch. I’m sure you will be wanting to contact your friends in excitement for starting University next month. And I’m almost certain your mother will be happy to hear from you again.’ Loki said with a smile.
‘I’m… I’m allowed to call people?’
‘Of course. Call, text, email. Surf the internet, whatever it is that you like to do. I’ve upgraded your contract so you have unlimited data, calls and texts. In a few months’ time I will be getting phone upgrades for everyone, yourself included.’
Chloe frowned. She wasn’t sure what to make of it all. But kept quiet, not wanting to risk a slip of the tongue by saying thank you. Because she sure as hell shouldn’t have to be thanking him for her own bloody phone.
She got through the rest of breakfast unscathed. To her relief. And he didn’t call for her or go to her room for the rest of the morning.
But just after two in the afternoon, she was on her way downstairs to get something to eat when the doorbell rang. She stopped at the top of the stairs and crouched down, looking between the railings towards the door to see who it was.
Loki came strolling through to answer. Chloe waited with baited breath, hoping it was someone that might be able to help her out. But it was young children, selling cookies for their primary school trip. She thought Loki would flip, annoyed that he was disturbed. But to her surprise, he was more than welcoming to the children.
‘Ah, what do we have here? They look delicious!’ Loki said animatedly, making the kids smile.
‘We’re selling cookies that we made at school, so we can save up for our school trip to the lake district!’ One of the kids said excitedly, not realising that she was speaking to a dangerous man…
Loki crouched down to their level and smiled brightly. ‘Well, I will definitely buy some. I can’t resist cookies. And Pete here, he has a sweet tooth too.’ Loki said as he motioned to his security guard by the door. Pete smiled down at the kids and nodded.
‘Yay!’ The kids all cheered when Loki stood up again and took his wallet from his pocket.
‘How many do you want, Pete?’ Loki asked, looking to him.
‘I’ll have a whole box, should keep me going till lunch.’ Pete chuckled.
Loki gasped in a mocking manner. ‘Costing me a fortune you are! Maybe I need to put him on a diet.’ He chuckled and winked at the kids, making them laugh.
He pulled out plenty of cash, making the kids go ‘oooo’ when he handed quite a few notes to them. ‘I’ll take five boxes. I have plenty of mouths to feed.’ He grinned.
‘Thank you so much!’ The kids all said in excitement as they gave him five boxes. They then went running down the path to the parents that were waiting for them on the pavement.
Loki waved back when they all waved enthusiastically at him. He handed a box to Pete. ‘Don’t eat them all at once.’
‘No promises there, boss.’ Pete chuckled.
Chloe was a bit surprised at what she’d witnessed. She stood up and had just taken one step back up the stairs, when Loki barked her name, making her halt instantly.
‘Chloe. Stop hiding, come down and enjoy these cookies with me.’
Chloe bit her tongue and cursed internally for being caught. She slowly made her way downstairs and when she looked at Loki, for a split second she found it difficult to think that he was so… dangerous and terrifying.
Because he was holding four boxes, with one of the cookies stuffed half in his mouth already and he had a goofy look about him. And it was also the first time that Chloe had seen him in casual clothing, leather trousers, boots and a dark green shirt with the top few buttons undone. He didn’t take days off that often, even at weekends. It was very rare.
She mentally slapped herself for thinking anything different.
He motioned with his head for her to follow him, so she did, albeit reluctantly. First they went to the kitchen, Loki asked Tania to store the cookies apart from a couple he put on a plate.
‘Come on, doll.’ He called on Chloe like she was a dog as he walked out of the kitchen.
She rolled her eyes and followed him obediently into the living room. She shivered as she entered, she really hated this room.
Her eyes widened as she spotted a game of chess set up on the small table by the fireplace. Loki had put two comfy chairs at either side of it.
Loki put the cookies down next to the chess board and went to the bar to pour them both a drink. ‘Have you played chess before?’ He asked, walking over towards her and the table with two glasses.
‘No. It looks boring and pointless.’ Chloe said, not making eye contact with him, instead she just looked at the board and flicked the King over.
‘Only boring people get bored. Sit down.’ Loki whispered into her ear, suddenly right behind her that made her jump.
It’s going to be a long day. She thought as she took a seat.
- Chloe yawned for the hundredth time in the past hour. She was sitting sideways on the chair with her legs draped over the arm, the whiskey that Loki kept pouring her had allowed her to let her guard down a tiny bit. But she was so bored while Loki talked her through her first game of chess.
She reached out for the last cookie but Loki smacked her hand away and grabbed it first. ‘You’ve had enough cookies.’
‘You’ve got, like, five boxes.’ She grumbled.
‘I did. But it doesn’t mean you are to stuff your face with them all.’ He growled.
She let out a groan and threw her head back.
‘It’s your move.’
She looked at the board and moved her King.
‘You don’t want to do that.’ Loki said.
‘Why?’
‘Because then I can take out your King and win.’ Loki said bluntly.
‘Oh, good. You win then!’ She said cheerily and downed the last of her drink, hoping she could go to her room now.
‘You can move it elsewhere, Chloe. This game is just a practice for you. We aren’t finished yet.’ He grinned.
‘Great.’ Chloe sighed and moved her King elsewhere, pleasing Loki.
At this point, she would rather just give him a quick blowjob and be done with spending time with him. Alas, Loki wanted to play chess and Loki always got what he wanted.
So she was stuck.
36 notes · View notes
Text
Ok actually I know the tags on my gif post I just did said I wasn’t sure when I’d be back, but I’m feeling strangely articulate tonight so here we go. Long-winded under the cut.
TL;DR - Real life is (and will continue to be) a busy bitch, a writer’s ego is a fragile thing, and my Lightning Struck series (Cullen/Evelyn) can now be considered on indefinite hiatus.
Hi! Yes, I’m alive and well and I really do appreciate the messages asking if I was all right and checking on me. You’re all too sweet and kind, and I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. Keep that in mind as this ramble continues, please.
This has been a weird year already, and it’s only March. Normally I’d be like “IT’S ALREADY MARCH?!” but no, this year...It’s only March. That’s how I’ve been feeling.
January started off with a weird mood for me. Over the holidays I had the usual  family stress and blahness that comes with adulthood, but a few fandom things happened too that put me into a rather...difficult headspace, shall we say. For one thing, I will say I’ve noticed I’m not the only one who’s pointed out that it feels like the fandom is dying. And it is. Which is sad. I feel like I only just got here - I’ve played DA for years but I only really started to interact with its fandom in late 2017, so for me it was still all fresh and new and exciting. Seeing that die down, compounded with the Tumblr wank, especially, was really disappointing.
As a creator, too, it was hard not to take that personally. It was hard not to take people moving on to other fandoms and interests and things as an indictment on my work. Rational brain knew that that was the problem, rational me knew that we were all just moving on because other things were catching our interest. It’s natural. But dumb, idiot writer brain was struggling with the fact that I was feeling like I was screaming into the void.
What bothered me more was that I even cared. I never once wanted to care about that. I always preach writing for oneself, and that’s why I write. But I hated  the fact that for a time I’d gotten so much feedback that I noticed its absence when it died down a little. And that’s not anyone’s fault, I’m not begging for comments or feedback, seriously. Again, rational me was shrugging and still wanted to write for me because it was fun and I enjoy it, but the fragile writer ego we all carry around inside us took a hit and began to doubt.
It stopped being fun. Especially because it wasn’t necessarily a total lack of feedback - it was, for me, a lack of feedback on what I was actually, currently working on. Over the holidays for some reason I began to get comments on WIPs that I hadn’t updated in ages - asking me for updates. Now, everyone has their own opinion on those sorts of comments, so this is only my own, and take it with a grain of salt and everything I just mentioned above.
It sucked. It absolutely, 100% sucked. Seeing the email notification that I got a comment would bring me so much joy - only to open it to see that it was a comment on something I hadn’t written for in a long time asking me when I’d feel like providing more content for that fic again. I began to feel like fic was a transaction and I was piling up debts. I started to feel like I owed fandom and readers what they wanted, instead of doing this for the reason I started in the first place - for myself.
I know that Rylen is niche. I know that fics that have very little to do with canon are niche. I know that Abby isn’t always super likable. I know that John is off-putting because he’s such a morally ambiguous OC who has nothing to do with DA and makes really shit decisions. I know all of that, and I’ve never expected any of those fics to get any sort of response, so the fact that they’ve gotten the response that they have still blows my mind and makes me insanely, insanely happy. And so I hated that I felt ungrateful, and that I was doubting my work, and that writing and fandom was beginning to feel like a labor and not something I loved.
The more I noticed I was struggling with working on updates, the more I started to think a break might be in order. When some RL stuff finally cropped up, the fact that I was sort of forced into a break was a blessing in disguise, to be honest. I leaned into the skid and let myself step back to reevaluate why I do this and what I want to get out of it. I fell into a new fandom and worked on random pieces of writing for it, which I threw into the voids of ao3 on a second account and only shared for myself and a few friends who were also falling into that fandom with me. I rediscovered the joy of writing and not caring what response I get. I reignited my love of crafting a story a certain way because I wanted to and not because I thought it was where anyone else thought it should go.
I remembered why I love writing in the first place - for myself.
And with that, I finally began to let go of some things, and let myself mull over decisions I’d been putting off or avoiding. I shrugged off the stress of expectation and “owing” anyone my time or effort, and I’m finally back to enjoying myself and my writing, free of doubt.
With that, I have some news, good and bad. The bad news first - my Cullen muse has left the building. I have waited, and hoped, and tried, but at some point he walked out the door and he hasn’t made an appearance since. That isn’t to say that I don’t still love his character or content about him, but personally, I can no longer write his POV or romance. The ability to do so has eluded me for months now, but I’ve accepted this sad truth at long last. Unless he’s trading banter with Rylen or Abby, his muse is no longer whispering in my ear. And that makes me sad, and for all I know he’ll reemerge some day, ready to help me write again. For now, though, that isn’t possible. Which does, unfortunately, mean that my Cullen/Evelyn WIPs are currently either abandoned or on an indefinite hiatus (I’ve tagged them appropriately on ao3 if you’re curious). If I do manage to return to them, I expect to only focus on Moments Passed and Miss Grey. As for what I’ll do about Beautiful Disaster...I’m not quite certain yet.
It did also mean that I was able to let go of something that had bothered me for a while as well. I’m almost positive no one noticed since it’s been kind of off radar for a while, but - my fic What Are the Odds has been orphaned. I’m still proud of it as a fic, but it came with a lot of baggage and my Cullen/Evelyn pairing was just ever so slightly OOC to the point that comments on it made me cringe. I’m a firm believer in not deleting, and so off to the fandom as an orphaned work it went, to be enjoyed without me having to be aware of it at all.
Now, the good news is - I do 100% still plan on writing Abby/Rylen. Their muses are still there and whispering to me, and I definitely want to continue working on the WIPs I have for them. At the moment After Rain might be slow to update (need to figure out how I’m navigating some canon plot to get me from point A to B to C to D and on). But I plan on trying to finish it as well as the others that I have for them. Abby/Ry live on, because I absolutely love them so much, and the idea of writing for them is back to bringing me joy.
I cannot make guarantees on update speed for the foreseeable future, possibly for the rest of the year. Currently RL continues to be a shitshow, as I was reminded today, and writing more than a sentence here or there has been difficult. In a few months I will also be moving, and once at my new destination I actually have a Big Project (a writing one I hope to be able to share here, if people are still around/Tumblr is still a thing) that I intend to make my full time focus. My goal has always been to be a writer, and while fanfic has been an amazing way to explore my writing style/storytelling/character voice, I have plans to get published. I’ll have a better opportunity to put those plans into realistic action later this year, which I’m actually really, insanely excited about.
If you have made it this far, THANK YOU. I love this fandom, and I’ve met so many wonderful, lovely, supportive, talented people in it and I have missed you all dearly during my time away. In no way was this a call out post directed at anyone in particular, and in no way was this a “woe is me, please give me attention” cry for help. I’ve just had a lot of thoughts and feelings during this break, and I actually wanted to sort of vocalize them because: 1) wow I already feel better after doing so, and 2) to let other writers know it’s 100% valid to need to take a break or occasionally get in your head about needing validation/feedback/wonder why we do this when it just feels like screaming into a fathomless void. It’s natural and normal and totally human, and if you’re feeling that way, find someone supportive to help you through and take a step back. Everything will be waiting there for you when you’re ready for it. And remember - do it for yourself because it’s something you enjoy.
xx
24 notes · View notes
localbizlift · 5 years
Text
Calendar influencers? Event social network IRL raises $8M
Why is there no app where you can follow party animals, concert snobs, or conference butterflies for their curated suggestions of events? That’s the next phase of social calendar app IRL that’s launching today on iOS to help you make and discuss plans with friends or discover nearby happenings to fill out your schedule.
The calendar, a historically dorky utility, seems like a strange way to start the next big social network. Many people, especially teens, either don’t use apps like Google Calendar, keep them professional, or merely input plans made elsewhere. But by baking in an Explore tab of event recommendations and the option to follow curators, headliners, and venues, IRL could make calendars communal like Instagram did to cameras.
“There’s Twitter for ‘follow my updates’, there’s Soundcloud for ‘follow my music’, but there’s no ‘follow my events'” IRL CEO Abe Shafi tells me of his plan to turbocharge his calendar app. “They’re arguably the best product that’s been built for organizing what you’re doing but no one has Superhuman’d or Slack’d the calendar. Let’s build a super f*cking dope calendar!” he says with unbridled excitement. He’ll need that passion to persevere as IRL tries to steal a major use case from SMS, messaging apps, and Facebook .
Finding a new opportunity for a social network has attracted a new $8 million Series A funding round for IRL led by Goodwater Capital and joined by Founders Fund and Kleiner Perkins. That builds on its $3 million seed from Founders Fund and Floodgate, whose partner Mike Maples is joining IRL’s board. The startup has also pulled in some entertainment and event CEOs as strategic investors including Warner Bros president Greg Silverman, Lionsgate films president Joe Drake, and Classpass CEO Fritz Lanman to help it recruit calendar influencers users can follow.
Filling Your Social Calendar
In Shafi, investors found a consumate extrovert who can empathize with event-goers. He dropped out of Berkeley to build out his recruitment software startup getTalent before selling it to HR platform Dice where he became VP of product. He started to become disillusioned by tech’s impact on society and almost left the industry before some time at Burning Man rekinkled his fever for events.
IRL CEO Abe Shafi
Shafi teamed up with PayPal’s first board member Scott Banister and early social network founder Greg Tseng. Shafi’s first attempted Gather pissed off a ton of people with spammy invites in 2017. By 2018, he’d restarted as IRL with a focus on building a minimalist calendar where it was easy to create events and invite friends. Evite and Facebook Events were too heavy for making less formal get-togethers with close friends. He wisely chose to geofence his app and launch state by state to maximize density so people would have more pals to plan with.
IRL is now in 14 states with a modest 1.3 million monthly active users and 175,000 dailies, plus 3 million people on the waitlist. “50% of all teens in Texas have downloaded IRL. I wanted to focus on the central states, not Silicon Valley” Shafi explains. Users log in with a phone number or Google, two-way sync their Google Calendar if they have one, and can then manage their existing schedule and create mini-events. The stickiest feature is the ability to group chat with everyone invited so you can hammer out plans. Even users without the app can chime in via text or email. And unlike Facebook where your mom or boss are liable to see your RSVPs, your calendar and what you’re doing on IRL is always private unless you explicitly share it.
The problem is that most of this could be handled with SMS and a more popular calendar. That’s why IRL is doubling-down on event discovery through influencers, which you can’t do anywhere else at scale. With the new version of the app launching today, you’ll be recommended performers, locations, and curators to follow. You’ll see their suggestions in the Explore tab that also includes sub-tabs of Nearby and Trending happenings. There’s also a college-specific feed for users that auth in with their school email address. Curators and event companies like TechCrunch can get their own IRL.com/… URL people can follow more easily than some janky list of events of gallery of flyers on their website. Since pretty much every promoter wants more attendees, IRL’s had little resistance to it indexing all the events from Meetup.com and whatever it can find.
IRL is concentrating on growth for now, but Shafi believes all the intent data about what people want to do could be valuable for directing people to certain restaurants, bars, theaters, or festivals, though he vows that “we’re never going to sell your data to advertisers.” For now IRL is earning money from affiliate fees when people buy tickets or make reservations. Event affiliate margins are infamously slim, but Shafi says IRL can bargain for higher fees as it gains sway over more people’s calendars.
Unfortunately without reams of personal data and leading artificial intelligence that Facebook owns, IRL’s in-house suggestions via the Explore tab can feel pretty haphazard. I saw lots of mediocre happy hours, crafting nights, and community talks that weren’t quite the hip nightlife recommendations I was hoping for, and for now there’s no sorting by category. That’s where Shafi hopes influencers will fill in. And he’s confident that Facebook’s business model discourages it moving deeper into events. “Facebook’s revenue driver is time spent on the app. While meaningful to society, events as a feature is not a primary revenue driver so they don’t get the resources that other features on Facebook get.”
Yet the biggest challenge will be rearranging how people organize their lives. A lot of us are too scatterbrained, lazy, or instinctive to make all our plans days or weeks ahead of time and put them on a calendar. The beauty of mobile is that we can communicate on the fly to meet up. “Solving for spontaneity isn’t our focus so far” Shafi admits. But that’s how so much of our social lives come together.
My biggest problem isn’t finding events to fill my calendar, but knowing which friends are free now to hang out and attend one with me. There are plenty of calendar, event discovery, and offline hangout apps. IRL will have to prove they deserve to be united. At least Shafi says it’s problem worth trying to solve. “I know for a fact that the product of a calendar will outlive me.” He just wants to make it more social first.
1 note · View note
tumblunni · 6 years
Text
MORE UPDATES ON THINGS WHAT HAPPEN
The half week milestone of the hospital house thingie time! I think the term they use for it is "a residential stay"? Cos like its not a hospital its a shared housing block thats just full of doctors. I get to sleep in a real bed and there's a nice community room and board game nights and stuff. But its still really scary how intense the supervision can be! Like they have a window to look into your room once per hour every hour constantly. And they have to go through your undies and catalog them as part of the possessions check. I was not warned about that and it was mega embarassing trying to explain a binder to a bunch of old lady doctors! Oh and i had yo do a urine test today which was possibly the most fuckin embarassing thing in the actual universe. And you're not even allowed to take your own pills! They keep them locked in a big ominous wall of lockers and you have to come into the office and swallow the pill while theyre watching. I guess maybe because some people might be faking their illness and selling their pills on the black market or whatever? But that literally doesnt happen with antidepressants, they have no 'high' or even any effect at all on non-sick people. So it just makes no sense to me and its real embarassing cos like i said i suck at taking pills with plain water and without a straw. The ones i take are real damn chunky things the size of my thumbnail! I think i'l get better at not (literally) choking under pressure over time, tho. Hopefully.
Anyway that's all the bad out of the way! Now the good and the neutral and the just miscellaneous!
Its still nervewracking having to shower in a shared house but they have a cool walk-in shower and ive never tried one of those so it was vaguely interesting. And im allowed to take my showers early at 6am to minimize the chance of anyone else trying to use the door, lol. My biggest fear is having some staff member walk in on me when im naked like back in that homeless hostel. Oh or that time in the homeless hostel where the teenage boys filled the entire bathroom with inflated condoms wall to wall. Like wow so much damn effort to prank the stupid nervous bunni who probably would have been embarassed by literally anything else. Man this place is bringing so many memories of that homeless hostel but at least this time its a place specifically for sick people and they know i'm anxious doing shared cooking and board games and whatever so they dont make fun of me for it. But in a lot of ways that hostel had more freedoms too.. *shrug*
Anyway! A good! I get to have cooking lesson!! I know literally nothing about cooking and now i get to know several thing!! This nice doctor called Josie taught me how to make an omelette and i tasted ham for the first time! That is just how limited my life experiences are, lol. Oh and they want me to say that she's a 'mental health worker' not a doctor, but its all real confusing?? Like they have the staff that look after you and then the only ones we're supposed to call doctors are the ones who actually have the authority to prescribe pills and diagnosies. But like if youre in a hospital you'd call them all doctors, not just the actual surgeon? Or i guess theyre kinda like nursing home staff?? But they cant be support workers cos support workers are specific government assigned inspector type guys like Richard who only meet with you once a week.and i have to remember to not call him a social worker either cos social workers only work with family and custody related stuff. I dunno?? Basically the medical industry has a lot of names that dont really describe what the actual thing is, lol. Anyway the ham omelette was great and now im gonna try and remember so i can try and make it myself next time! HAM ACCOMPLISHED
Also i played bingo with a few other patients and it was fun but funny that i lost 6 times in a row when there were only 3 of us. I got a consolation prize of a pack of neon highlighter pens so hell yeah!!
I'm getting booked in to try some additional classes starting next week on monday and tuesday morning. The computer programming one was sadly unavailable, but i managed tp snag a place in "confidence building group therapy" and "basic how to use power tools". I wasnt really all that interested in that one but i thought it would be a useful skill even if its less fun. And maybe you get to actyally make something to take home at the end? A lil shelf to help organize this awkward lil room better, maybe?
And an unexpected bonus of being semi-hospitalized is that i get a free bus pass! And cos im here cos of my social anxiety theyre gonna help me get outside more and actually use this thing to the fullest! The first thing we did was the trip to actually get the bus pass itself. It was like "bus, take my money to take me to the place where i can never give you money again!" XD Ive been really stupidly nervous about going on tne bus in my old neighbourhood cos MAN it was really isolated there and everything just amplified my mental illness. An almost two hour bus ride to get to ANY SHOPS AT ALL, with only one bus for the whole town so it was always crowded and full of screaming kids and gossipy everyones. Social anxiety: maximum level proud mode!
So yeah i feel BIG ACCONPLISHED! I was able to take this bus for the first time with a doctor coming with me. Power Grandpa The Strong. His actual name is Paul and he has awesome sleeve tattoos of like anchors and dragons and sports teams and stuff! And he likes thrift stores and wearing silly hats too! Its like he's powerful enough to wrestle away everyone's anxieties! I was able to be a bit reckless too and i went out wearing my fave shirt thats like trans pride coloured plaid. A POWERFUL SHIRT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS QUEST! so we went to the office to register this bus pass and i panicked a bit cos apparantky we brought the wrong form and i wrote my name in the wrong box and then my passport photo looked terrible and aaa! But it all worked out and i was kinda freaking out for nothing. And he took me for a lil tour of the place and showed me this cool shop that does spray paint tye dye t shirts with spiderman on them?? Why does this incredibly specific shop exist and how have i never heard of it before?? There was also a new harry potter shop next to the disney shop, and the old used book store i used to visit as a kid was still there, complete with rickety spiral staircase and ominous basement trap door. I'm still not brave enough to go down there, but apparantly its just the history books section so meh. Then we actually went to a fancy coffee shop and i had this brain freeze mango ice frappucchino thing! Im trying all the new foods!!
And i was TOO HIGH ON DECADENCE and made a RECKLESS CHOICE! i blame power gramp's amazing tattoos, they were totally whispering to me that i shoukd screw the rules and ride off into the sunset on a metaphorical harley davidsen of mental health
So i was like Hey Paul I Am Totally Fine Getting Home On My Own, and it was like i was floating off in the distance somewhere begging my body to not speaketh these words. But it ended up working out okay! The excitement of it all and the sense of accomplishmebt from getting there all okay allowed me to mostly not freak out as i spent the day in town and looked at some shops and stuff. Basic Living Skills: Completed! I chilled out in the library (tho i dont have a card yet, alas!) and visited like five comic and anime stores, and got lost but found a Pizza Hut and that was SO NOSTALGIC FOR MY CHILDHOOD and it didnt taste quite as good as i remembered but the waiter guy was super nice and had a similar shirt and it was All Good! Oh and i gave all my money to a homeless person and that's why i'm broke now. And i bought a plastic slug! I just saw it from across the room and was like OH NO I AM BEING MAGNETISED TOWARDS IT OH NO IT HAS ALREADY BEEN BOUGHT. I need to think of a name for this new friend!!
So yeh i got home okay and i felt really acconplished and that was the furthest trip away that i've taken in ages! Man my mental illness makes me feel pathetic, but it also brings ridiculously big joys from the smallest of silly acconplishys!
Oh and thank you so much to the people who sent me emails! It really helped so much to keep me from giving up during the first few days before i made a bit of progress and felt like i could really do this, yknow? Especially big thanks tp the friend who sent me that mysterious super happy song that they found on a mystery disc in a german market?? Im still not sure whether its in greek or hasidic jewish but it sounds AMAZING and i hope someday i can figure out the band so i can hear their other singles!
Ok this is bunni out! BIG HUGS FOR THE EVERYONE AAAA
4 notes · View notes
Text
A Look Into the Future
Characters: Kim Seokjin, Kim Namjoon, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, Jeon Jungkook, Original Characters, Park Chanyeol
Words: 3339
Genre: Parents!Namjin, Preschool Director!Jin, Daddy!Yoongi, Orchestra Conductor!Yoongi, Computer Repairman!Hoseok, College Student!Jimin, College Student!Taehyung, College Student!Jungkook
Warnings: lots of fluff
Summary: “What do they end up doing with their life? Like what does Jungkook decide to do for a job?”; “I need to know how Jimin has been in college. What is he studying?”; “Like I LOVE and ADORE your fic so fucking much it would always be a delight to read new things about and especially about Hoseok’s future? Or at least an update of course! And even more what they all look like in the future BUT DAMN I WOULD READ EVERYTHING ANYTIME”; A look into what the boys choose to study in college and what they choose as a career; Time Period - Jungkook’s first day of college; Ages: Jin - 40, Namjoon - 39, Chanyeol - 23, Yoongi - 23, Sophia - 23, Hoseok - 22, Jimin - 20, Taehyung - 20, Jungkook - 18, Gabriella - 18, Sammie - 4, Chloe - 2 months
A/N: A lot of people were really interested in what each of the boys ended up doing with their lives, so here you go! I’ve also updated the masterlist with the name of another upcoming drabble. Hope you enjoy! <3
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
“And you’re doing okay down there with your brothers? I don’t need to come pack you up and bring you back home?” Namjoon playfully rolled his eyes as he shifted in the bed next to Jin, his phone resting in between the two as they spoke to Jungkook the night before his first day of college.
“Dad, it’s literally only been five days, I am fine.” Jungkook’s voice rang through the speaker, attempting to calm and assure Jin. “I gotta go, Jimin’s boyfriend made dinner for us. It’s Mexican night!”
Both Jin and Namjoon couldn’t help but to smile at how excited their youngest child sounded for food. “Alright, Kookie, I’ll call you tomorrow to see how your first day went.” In response, the couple heard the voices of their three youngest exclaiming into the phone that they missed them. “We miss you too!” Jin and Namjoon said one final goodbye before finally hanging up the phone. Jin sighed deeply, making Namjoon look at him. “What do we do now?” Jin looked at him sadly. “All of our babies are grown up and moved off.”
Namjoon scooted closer to Jin and wrapped his arm over his waist, pressing a kiss to the side of his neck. “You say that like we’ll never see them again.” Jin pouted, making Namjoon continue. “Yoongi lives just a few minutes away, and you see him almost every day when he goes to pick Sammie and Chloe up from the preschool. Hoseok lives just across town, and we both know that the twins and Jungkook plan on coming back as soon as they graduate.” Jin grumbled, obviously not wanting to admit that Namjoon was right. “Come on, we’re supposed to be happy that they all grew up to be good, responsible adults.”
Jin sighed dramatically. “I guess you’re right.” He turned to look at his husband of 15 years. “I hate when you do that.”
“Do what?” Namjoon asked, trailing a few soft kisses along Jin’s jaw.
“Get all logical with me.” Jin pouted more as Namjoon sat up.
“Looks like you need a distraction~” Before Jin could ask Namjoon what he meant, Namjoon was already maneuvering himself to fit between Jin’s legs, making Jin start to giggle as he spread his legs to accommodate him. “We still haven’t celebrated your promotion.” At the end of July, the director of the preschool notified the staff of her retirement, spending the first couple of weeks deciding who would be her successor. She eventually picked Jin, who everyone knew was the obvious choice as he had been working there the longest, and the next day would be his first official day as the director.
“That’s right, we haven’t. Someone’s slacking~” Jin teased, playfully smacking Namjoon’s shoulder before gladly welcoming his lips on his own.
“Morning, Daddy!” Sammie greeted as Yoongi entered the kitchen, still tucking his shirt in as he was running slightly behind that morning.
“Good morning, princess~” Yoongi stopped to kiss the top of his four-year old’s head before walking over to the counter to fix his own breakfast plate. Sophia was also at the counter, making a bottle for the newest addition to their family, two-month-old Chloe. “Thank you for making breakfast.” Yoongi lightly kissed his wife before tickling the bottom of Chloe’s foot. “And there’s the little noisemaker~” Chloe quirked her lips up in a toothless grin as Yoongi spoke to her. “Someone just didn’t want to sleep last night, did they?”
“I think she knows what’s coming for her today.” Sophia said as Yoongi took his plate and joined Sammie at the table to eat. Sophia was referring to how she would be taking Chloe to get her two-month shots that morning, something even she wasn’t looking forward to.
“Chloe’s a strong girl, I think she’ll be fine.” Yoongi assured Sophia as she sat down at the table with them to feed Chloe. As Yoongi finished his eggs, he noticed that Sammie was also done. “Come on, Sammie, it’s time to go brush our teeth~”
The preschool started to pout. “But it’s Bubble Guppies time!” Since they ate breakfast at home, Sophia went to the center a little later in the day with the two girls, allowing Sammie to watch an episode of her favorite show before she finished getting ready each morning.
“I know, baby, but Daddy’s gonna take you to school today, remember?” Sophia was quick to explain before Sammie could get too upset. “I gotta take baby sister to the doctor.”
“Oh yeah~” Sammie said as if she had just remembered then climbed out of her chair and followed Yoongi to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
After getting both their brushes prepared, Yoongi looked down at his daughter. “You ready?” Sammie nodded definitively and put her pink Little Mermaid toothbrush in her mouth, observing her dad closely to mimic his movements as he brushed his teeth. Each time he spit into the sink, he would then step back and pick Sammie up, so she could spit too, setting her back on the floor to continue brushing. When they were finally done, he crouched down in front of her. “Let me see those teeth~” Sammie smiled widely for her dad, who immediately began to praise. “Wow, those are the cleanest teeth I’ve seen! Any cleaner and you would blind me!” Sammie giggled as Yoongi stood back up. “Okay, go get your backpack now~” The preschooler ran off to her room while Yoongi walked into Chloe’s nursery where Sophia was changing the infant. “Please wish me luck~” Yoongi whined, wrapping his arms around Sophia from behind and burying his face in her shoulder.
“Why?” Sophia asked, turning around to face him after fastening the clean diaper and making sure Chloe wasn’t in danger of rolling over and off of the changing table.
“The beginners are playing their instruments for the first time today.” Unlike his younger brothers, who were still in college, the school year for Yoongi began the previous week (earlier if one counted his teacher work days), and after spending one week teaching the sixth graders the proper way to hold their bows and the basics of their instruments, it was time to actually begin teaching them to play.
“Oh, you poor baby~” Sophia indulged him by wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a hug.
“I’m serious! If I had to pick something I hated about my job, besides the lack of budget the school district gives to the orchestra program, it would be this day.”
“I know, I’m being serious, too~” Sophia failed at holding in her laughter, so she chose to lean up and press their lips together to muffle it.
“I’m ready to go!” The couple pulled away as their oldest daughter ran into the room with her backpack and shoes already on, and on the right feet.
“Look at you, putting your shoes on all by yourself!” Sophia praised as she picked Chloe up from the changing table. “Come give me and Chloe bye hugs~” The four-year-old listened and ran to her mother, accepting a kiss from her then leaning in and giving Chloe a kiss herself.
“When will you be at school?” Sammie had gotten extremely used to both her mother and grandfather teaching her class, and her four-year-old mind was worried about what would happen without her mom there.
“Don’t worry, Sammie, I’ll be there just in time to read our story.” Sophia assured her before giving her one more kiss. “Love you~” She told the girl before standing up and giving her husband a bye kiss. “And I love you~”
Yoongi responded with another kiss before taking Sammie’s hand and leading her out of the house, both of them yelling goodbyes over their shoulder.
Hoseok exited his apartment with his bag and, after checking the email on his phone one more time just to confirm he had the right address in mind, walked over to the staircase to go one floor up, still shocked that the client lived in his complex.
After graduating with his Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems Technology, Hoseok started freelancing his repair services to have some form of income as he applied for IT jobs at various places. Now two years later, he’d decided to stick with the self-employment route as he realized people were willing to pay him more than what he had been offered from the few companies that had called him in for an interview.
He finally arrived at the correct apartment and knocked on the door. The door opened and Hoseok immediately found himself feeling flustered as he forced himself to keep his gaze from falling on the young woman’s bare legs. “A-are you, uh, Gabriella?”
“Yes, you must be Hoseok, hi, come on in!” Gabriella rushed out, stepping to the side to let Hoseok into her apartment. “My laptop is right in here on the coffee table.” She directed him to sit on her couch and showed him her laptop. “It’s just been glitching and crashing on me every few minutes, which is extremely inconvenient for me because I just started classes at UACCM last week, and the second week of school is not a good time for my computer to stop working, and I was just gonna take it to best buy, but then one of my friend’s brothers, apparently he was a classmate of yours or something, recommended you to me, so I thought why not, and now I’m rambling.” Hoseok held back a chuckle at the young woman as she looked down at her legs. “And I just realized I’m not wearing any pants, excuse me for just a second.” She ran off to what Hoseok assumed to be her bedroom, and he finally did let out a small laugh, simultaneously releasing the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
While Gabriella was gone, Hoseok began playing around with the laptop in front of him, trying to find the source of the issue. When Gabriella returned, now sporting a pair of jeans, Hoseok immediately stood up and looked at her. “Just from initial observations it seems like it might take me a few days to find the issue and resolve it.” Gabriella’s face fell, and Hoseok rushed to apologize to her. “I’ll try to get it done as fast as I can, but I do have other clients, so it might take a while. If you’re okay with me taking it with me…”
“Oh, yeah, go ahead~” Gabriella nodded and gathered the power cord for him as he gently placed her laptop in his bag. “I’ll just use the computer lab on campus and try to stay ahead of my work until it’s done.”
“There is good news to this.” Hoseok offered. “I live just one floor down, so I can bring it right up as soon as it’s fixed.”
“Oh, I might not be home, though~” Gabriella said. “I also work in Morrilton when I’m not in class, so I don’t get home until late. But I can give you my number and you can call me when it’s fixed, then I can pick it up from your place when I get home.”
Hoseok nodded in agreement. “That sounds good.” He pulled a notepad and pen out of his bag and handed it to Gabriella, so she could write her number down. “I will, hopefully, talk to you in a few days.”
“Yeah, thanks, Hoseok.” Gabriella walked him to the front door and waved before closing it behind him.
Jungkook sat at the bar counter of his new apartment that he shared with his older brothers, sleepily shoveling spoonfuls of oatmeal into his mouth. He looked up when he heard someone enter the room, seeing Taehyung shuffling his way into the kitchen. “Why does my first class have to be at 8:30?” Jungkook complained, dropping his spoon back into his bowl so he could slump over the counter.
Taehyung shrugged. “You’re the one who scheduled it~” He responded as he pulled a box of mini blueberry muffins out of the cabinet.
Jungkook shook his head. “I didn’t even have the choice! It was the only time available and it’s a required class.” He picked his spoon back up but froze when he realized something. “Wait, I thought your first class wasn’t until later.”
“It’s not.” Taehyung answered, sticking one of the muffins in his mouth whole. “But I’m expecting a call and I wanted to make sure I was awake for it.” He spoke around his mouthful of food.
A few minutes later, Jimin came out with his backpack and dance bag. “See you later, guys~”
“Woah, woah, woah~” Jungkook called out, making Jimin stop. “I know you’re not planning on walking out of here without breakfast.”
Jimin turned back around to face his brothers. “Guys, don’t worry, I’m meeting Chanyeol at Louie’s for a breakfast date before my ballet class. I’m not skipping breakfast, trust me.”
“We do,” Taehyung assured him. “We were just making sure.” He picked up another muffin but dropped it as his phone started to ring. “Hey, how’d your appointment go?” He asked the second he answered it, running back to his bedroom for privacy.
“Hey, when are you having lunch?” Jimin asked Jungkook.
“I have, like, an hour break between my first two classes at around 11:30~” Jungkook answered before taking another bite of his oatmeal.
“You’ll probably get out early since it’s the first day. I’m done for the day at 10:30, and I know Taehyung gets out around 11:30 too, so just text us when you get done, then we can meet up for lunch. I’m thinking Cane’s. That sound good to you?”
“Oh, definitely~” Jungkook responded enthusiastically, already getting excited for what he had decided was his new favorite restaurant after his brothers took him to eat there for dinner the night he moved in.
“Great, see you later. Have a good first day~” Jimin walked over and ruffled the 18-year old’s hair before finally leaving the apartment.
Not much later, Jimin was sitting across from his boyfriend of nearly two years at Louie’s café as they had their orders taken. “I would like a Spanish omelet, please.”
As Jimin handed his menu to the waiter, Chanyeol stated his own order. “And I would like the number three combo with pancakes, fried eggs, and bacon.” The couple thanked the waiter as he walked off. “So, you excited for this semester?” Chanyeol took Jimin’s small hand in his own, rubbing his thumb over the smooth skin.
“Well, I finally get to start my core social work classes, so that’ll be a nice breather from all the boring gen ed classes.” Jimin answered honestly, letting himself be lulled to total relaxation from the way Chanyeol had now moved on to massaging his fingers.
“I remember a certain someone constantly gushing over their sociology classes last semester.” Chanyeol teased his younger boyfriend.
“Yeah, those were the non-boring gen ed classes.” Jimin retorted. “What about you, Mr. Almost-Done-With-My-Masters?”
Chanyeol chuckled at Jimin’s attempt at teasing him before answering, now abandoning playing with Jimin’s fingers in favor of intertwining their fingers together. “Well, I have a meeting with my professor today to review my thesis project so far, and then I was hoping to treat my adorable boyfriend to lunch and maybe a cuddle session.”
Jimin sighed. “I told Jungkook that we’d have lunch together today.” Chanyeol pouted, looking absolutely adorable in Jimin’s eyes. “Buuuuut…” Chanyeol looked hopeful at this, “…after lunch, Jungkook will be in class until 6:30, and then Taehyung has class from 2:30-4:00, so if you possibly wanted to come over for some cuddling, or even a little more…” Jimin trailed off, just looking at his boyfriend.
A smile spread across Chanyeol’s face as he leaned in to lightly press his lips to Jimin’s nose, making the 20-year-old scrunch it up. “That sounds great.”
After the couple finished their breakfast, they exited the restaurant and began the trek back to campus. Thankfully the Music & Dramatic Arts Building wasn’t too far, so Jimin didn’t worry too much about being late for his ballet class. They stopped outside the building and Jimin didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. “Thank you for buying me breakfast~” He went up on his tiptoes, but Chanyeol still had to bend down for their lips to meet.
“You are most certainly welcome~” Chanyeol said as soon as they parted. “I’ll come by your apartment a little before 2:00, okay?”
Jimin nodded and leaned up for another kiss. “Bye~” He whispered against Chanyeol’s lips before molding them together again, teasing his boyfriend by allowing him to swipe his tongue against his bottom lip before pulling away fully. “Gotta go!” He said cheerfully before bounding away, knowing that Chanyeol was probably already planning on how to get back at him later.
“Hey, Taehyung~” Taehyung looked up from where he was scrolling through Twitter on his laptop and saw Alyssa, someone he remembered from freshman year. “We’re having a party this weekend, you should totally come.”
Taehyung politely smiled at her as memories from the last time the two of them were at a party together raced through his mind. “Sorry, but I can’t~”
“You haven’t been to a party since freshman year!” Alyssa exclaimed.
“Yeah, I’m kind of trying to focus on my grades right now.” Taehyung responded. “Wanna make sure I get into OT school.”
“I can respect that.” Alyssa said. “But if you ever wanna get together in some other way-“
“I’m taken now.” Taehyung cut her off.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.” She looked guilty over hitting on him.
Taehyung gave her a friendly smile. “It’s okay.”
Alyssa smiled back as she stood up to go back to where she was originally sitting before seeing Taehyung in the same class as her. “Well, I’ll see you around.”
An hour later, Taehyung was sitting at a booth at Raising Cane’s with his brothers, each of them with a chicken strip basket in front of them. “So, Jungkook, how’s your day been so far?”
“Well, I’ve only had one class, but it’s been great so far!” Jungkook picked up a French fry and dipped it in the special Cane’s sauce. “My professor right off the bat asked us to draw something simple just so he could get a feel for everyone’s style, and he complimented me on mine and even asked if he could use it as an example for the entire class. I’m hoping my other art classes today will be just as great.”
“I’m sure they will, Kookie. You’re an amazing artist!” Jimin praised his younger brother as he grabbed the ketchup bottle.
“I’m also really excited for my art history class tomorrow.” Jungkook continued on.
When there was a lull in the conversation, Jimin turned to Taehyung. “By the way, Tae, you might wanna call when you get out of class later, just to make sure it’s safe to come home.”
Taehyung groaned. “Dude, remember our rule about no sexiling!”
“I’m not sexiling you!” Jimin defended himself. “Chanyeol’s not coming over until around the time you leave for class, so you won’t even be home!”
“Just use protection,” was Jungkook’s only comment on the matter as the two 20-year olds began to bicker about the issue at hand. As they continued on, Jungkook glanced at his watch. “I gotta go to class now, see you guys later~”
The twins paused in their quarrel long enough to tell their younger brother goodbye before returning to the matter at hand. “The whole point of you calling is so that we’ll know to wrap it up before you get home!”
Taehyung huffed. “I guess I should be thankful that you warned me instead of letting me walk into it like last time.”
“You said you would be at the library until after midnight!” And thus, started a whole new argument between the two.
Request Drabbles!
19 notes · View notes
female-overlord-3 · 6 years
Text
A Simple Text
Me being productive and super inspired wrote another Love, Simon/ SVTHSA fic. Earlier meeting in the books guys so book spoilers. AO3 tags pretty much explains why I wrote it. Thank you so much to @imawriteriwrite and @bluemoon-golden for both looking it over and being my beta’s! Love you both. This is fluff and might lead to more (read: yes there’s gonna be more if this writing streak continues)! 
*updated 4/1/18 at 4am cause I realized I put the pre-beta’d version. Oops!
An early meeting AU because someone just wanted their best friend happy. What if Simon saw Bram leaving the Elliott Smith shirt? 
They stare at each other frozen. Simon doesn’t know what to think. Bram doesn’t know what to think. It’s like the universe stopped just for this moment to signify how important it is, how life changing this one simple moment is.
It was just a simple text to grab a textbook.
Si man please grab my Math textbook? I left it in Abb’s locker like an absolute moron and it had all my notes! Please please please Simon I will love you forever! -Nick
So here he is standing just a few feet from his and Abby’s locker because Nick asked since Simon was nearby and needed some air. Bram is standing in front of his locker with a plastic bag looped through the handle of a locker staring wide eyed at him, his hands frozen writing something on a piece of paper against the locker. Simon’s locker.
At first Simon doesn’t know what Bram is doing until he sees something white poking out from the bag. ‘No this isn’t-’ His thoughts are racing and he takes a step forward shattering the moment. Like the star athlete he is, Bram bolts the opposite way, pen, paper and bag forgotten as he disappears down the hall. Completely at a loss Simon just stands there in utter shock until his eyes turn back to the bag on his locker. Slowly, he makes his way over and hesitates before removing the bag and peaking inside.
It’s a jersey cotton t-shirt with a logo from Elliott Smith’s Figure Eight. He looks down at it in complete awe then his eyes the paper and pen laying on the floor. It’s blue green construction paper and written on it is a finished note.
I’m assuming Elliott understood that you would have made it to his shows if you could have.
Simon stands frozen again as his brain tries to stop imploding. It’s Blue, Bram is Blue. Cute, adorable, quiet, shy Bram is Blue. Some things are starting to click like as he stares at the perfectly straight print on the note, those times Bram blushed at him, the comment about how being straight or white as the default is annoying, Bram who had his birthday after MLK day which means 118 is January 18th his birthday and Green from Greenfeld. God he’s an absolute oblivious idiot!
Putting the note in the bag Simon turns around to walk back to his car on shaky legs. Somehow he drives himself home without crashing into something, makes it upstairs to his room without trouble, then falls face first on his bed still in disbelief. Shouldn’t he be doing something? Why is he just laying here, doing nothing while the guy he’s in love with is out there and so close?
No Blue needs space. He needs time and he must be as shocked or at least freaked out about being found out and- oh god there was a reason he was there so late with the school pretty much dead. He didn’t want to be seen, for people to know he left the shirt. Pulling the shirt out and tossing the bag behind him to get rid of later, Simon holds it in front of him just just stare at it again. It’s just a t-shirt, some fabric with a bands logo and it shouldn’t mean so much but holy shit it does. This shirt means the world to him after the decreasing messages from Blue which was horrible, and especially after the last one Simon sent getting no reply.
Groaning he buries his face into it hoping maybe he can smother himself with it in frustration. No he can’t do that now with such a special shirt and a very special someone out there. Simon takes a deep breath then lifts his face from the shirt only to feel something stiff when his hands move the shirt. Spreading out so the shirt lays flat, he lifts the neck to see inside and there’s another piece of Blue Green construction paper. It’s a note with the same perfect print.
P.S. I love the way you smile like you don’t realize you’re doing it. I love your perpetual bed head. I love the way you hold eye contact a moment longer than you need to. And I love your moon-grey eyes. So if you think i’m not attracted to you, Simon, you’re crazy.
Below the script is a phone number and Simon doesn’t know whether to text or call the number right now or just wait because he is really lightheaded and feels like he’s going to pass out. His heart is beating like crazy, whole body buzzing with warm tingles while a smile so big breaks across his face, cheeks aching because he knows who Blue is and Blue gave him his number.
They need to talk, to figure everything out and- and he needs to tell this stupidly cute and frustrating guy how much he loves him too.
Now the big question: how?
-
Bram runs, he runs and runs until he’s back on the field where Garrett is waiting for him to take him home. Garrett is smiling at him until he sees the panicked look on his face, concern replacing the excitement. “Bram you okay man?”
Panting he just stares at his best friend and for some reason the question makes him laugh. God is he okay, ya if what just happened is as okay as their new president. No he’s actually horrible and terrified because the person he’s in love with now knows who he is, that he’s Blue and everything is ruined because he’s going to lose this amazing guy. His laugh turns a bit hysterical for a second before he has to catch his breath again, his legs turned to jelly so he stumbles and lets himself drop on to the grass so he can just lay in his back and hope for lightning to hit him or the ground to swallow him up.
Once his breathing is something close to normal he lets out a long sigh and closes his eyes. “I- I’m not sure. I don’t think so.”
He hears Garrett’s feet walking over and sit next to him, just being there as silent support. “I hope you get to okay.” He finally commented as they sit there for a bit longer before silently standing and walk to Garrett's car to head home.
Bram thanks Garrett for the ride and it’s only once he’s in his room lying on his bed, that he starts actually thinking about what happened.
Now Simon knows who he is. Now Simon has is number. Oh god now Simon has his number and the notes he left!
Bram wants to just die already or maybe he can stay in his room forever. He doesn’t know how to feel about this. He’s both horrified this happened but also a little excited. Of course the horror overrides the excitement but now Simon knows who he is, that he’s Blue.
What should he do now? Bram asks himself. Should he email him? Wait to see if Simon uses his number? Wait til tomorrow? He doesn’t want to because honestly right now all of that seems terrifying and now he’s starting to get nauseous.
Taking a bit to think about it, waiting til tomorrow sounds the best for right now. If he loses Simon then he loses Simon. If he gets some form of reply about the shirt or who he is… he’ll cross that bridge if it ever happens.
He gladly let’s sleep take him so today can be behind him.
-
Nick, Leah, and Abby are all settled in the basement at Simon’s after Simon begged and pleaded with his friends to help him so he spilled his verbal guts to them about Blue and eventually Martin. Nick finally caved and told Simon that he actually didn’t leave his textbook. He didn’t say who asked him to do it but that all he had to do was get Simon back on campus and to his locker as soon as possible. For some reason that just makes Simon feel worse.
It takes a literal stranger to make him see who Blue was. Simon was so stuck on all the wrong clues and his stupid crush on Cal to see what was literally right in front of him.
Sinking to the floor Simon just lets out a loud sigh before he looks at Nick with morose eyes. “Tell whoever that is thank you and that i’m a colossal idiot.” Nick just grins at him as he nudges his best friend with his foot. “Ya I will but first we gotta get your guy back!”
Leah and Abby grab his arms to pull him up and bring everyone into a group hug.
Once the questions and teasing was done, the crazy hopeful plan they all come up with is ready to be set into motion.
If everything goes well, Simon reluctantly agrees to go to this restaurant place Abby insists they should celebrate at but he remains firm on Bram only coming if he's comfortable doing so. Leah seems hesitant on joining but she concedes when Simon asks her to be his moral support. If she doesn’t like the place then they’ll take her home.
God Simon hopes this works.
-
Bram drives to school in an almost numb mood. He goes through the motions of parking and heading to his locker but the realization of Nick standing at it catches his attention. “Hey Nick.” He greets him a bit confused. Nick isn’t usually this early and he’s almost always with Abby, Leah or Simon in the morning.
“Morning Bram!” Nick beams at him before seeming to remember why he’s there. His smile turns a little sheepish but doesn’t fall as he brings out something from behind him.
It’s a piece of paper and a large case of Halloween themed Oreo's.
Bram blinks at it before his tired brain makes everything click, his eyes go a little wide as they flick back and forth from Nick to the Oreo's.
“Um ya so ‘you know who’ is really really sorry but also a complete idiot. He- I mean they also say that he hopes this is romantic as hell.”
Bram takes the offered items, or well he supposes they’re gifts now, a little shocked at what’s happening before his eyes go down to the paper in Simon’s script decorated with soccer balls and his shirt number, to read it. It’s a letter.
Dear Blue,
I am a complete ass and i’m so sorry for being such an idiot. This is a very hopeful apology, the first out of three. I should have put all the damn clues together way sooner but of course i’m still dense and can’t seem to apply actual logic to these types of things. I guess you make me illogical. Leah and Abby punched me when Nick told me with a very disappointed face your full name was Abraham. I also realize that i’m even more of a moron and what 118 means.
I still meant what I said about the last email. You’ve become my best friend and I still want to keep you but this goes however you want it to go. We can go back to emailing and not knowing each other’s real identities or by some miracle you can accept these poor attempts at a romantic gesture. Abby has my next apology.
-Love, Simon.
Bram can’t seem to breathe as he rereads the paper again then one more time to make sure he’s not actually dreaming. His eyes cautiously peer up to Nick who’s still smiling as he leans with his back against the lockers.
Nick just shrugs. “I think I know why Garrett sent me a text now.” He gives Bram a pat on the shoulder before wishing him good luck and heading to his own locker.
Left standing there Bram kind of wants to sink to the floor into a puddle because of course Simon would want to do something like this. Taking a deep breath he tries to calm all these whirling emotions and head to first period, the paper folded and tucked into his bag while he puts the Oreo's in his locker. Guess he just has to wait for Abby now.
He doesn’t catch her until the passing period between second and third. Her face lights up when she spots him and with determination she makes her way to him.
“Hey Bram! We’re heading out to eat after rehearsal. Join us if you want to, I was told not to pressure you so i’m going to just give you these and be on my way. Garrett is tagging along so just find him. Again a serious idiot who is willing to grovel. Leah will be at lunch.” She gives his shoulders a gentle squeeze when Bram’s eyes widen in fear. “Hey simple and quiet. No one is going to know unless you want them to okay.” She reassures him and it actually helps. “Thanks.” She hands him a CD case and another paper, this one decorated with music notes, lyrics to some songs, and the Elliott Smiths shirt. He takes them quickly and gives Abby a small smile before dashing to his next class.
Settled in his seat Bram finally looks over the CD case to see a list of songs, all their shared favorites, and the letter which he’s extremely tempted to read so he asks to go to the bathroom to do so away from prying eyes.
Dear Blue,
Music has always helped me calm down and find some semblance of peace. I added all the songs we’ve mentioned and a couple of new ones I think you might like. If you haven’t noticed all the awesome art is thanks to Leah and before you freak out about them knowing, they swore on WAHO that they’d never say a word. I think they’re all more protective of you than me right now which is a given since I did some very shitty things to warrant it. It’s because of them I was able to think of this very sappy and romantic apology. They’ll have your back just like they have mine. I’m honestly really nervous right now and hope you somehow forgive me.
I want you to know I did hope it was you because I call you cute Bram in my head but of course Simon Logic made me think you were straight. God i’m so dense and clueless for someone who’s supposed to be in Hufflepuff. I won’t see you at Lunch because of rehearsals but that’s where apology number 3 is with Leah. I hope it makes you laugh but it might make you blush. I didn’t tell you you’re cute when you blush did I? Well you are and again i’m sorry. I hope I see you after rehearsal.
-Love, Simon.
Bram is a mess of emotions during fourth and he starts to get a bit nauseous the sooner the clock ticks to lunch time. He doesn’t know what he’s feeling right now but he’s does know he’s forgiven Simon since apology number one. The second and whatever the following apology is just cements how much he really does love this stupid boy and his determination to express how truly sorry he is.
He returns to class and tries to stop the smile off his face, folding then placing the letter with the other before trying and slowly failing to pay attention in class. When the bell rings to signal it’s lunch Bram’s hands are shaking and he can feel his heart go a mile a minute. It’s almost like he’s on autopilot as he makes his way to the cafeteria but stops just at the doors that lead inside. His eyes see Leah and Garrett at their table with Morgan and Anna who are off to the side. The former two are chatting away as they watch something on a phone while Garrett and Leah are talking about something huddled together. He can spy an orange packet and another letter which is the only thing that propels him to start walking towards the table.
He hovers a bit before moving to sit next to Garrett. He’s greeted with an arm slung around his shoulder and a small smile from Leah. “Garrett’s lucky that I didn’t punch him for what he did.” The comment makes Garrett freeze as he turns to give his best friend his version of puppy dog eyes. “I didn’t do anything besides send a random text man. I just- I just want you to be happy Bram.” He confessed and who could stay mad at that? He does punch Garrett’s arm lightly before turning his attention back to Leah.
For some reason he’s back to being shy again, the words coming out soft and hesitant.
“So you… umm. You have something for me?” The words are all mumbled together but she seems to hear him clearly as she passes him a packet of Reese's that has a folded note on it and the last letter. This one is Harry Potter themed with lightning bolts, the houses, a small drawing of the castle, owls, and a snitch. “You’re an amazing artist Leah.” The comment makes Leah blush as she gives him another quick smile before digging into her lunch. Garrett and her respectfully scoot down the bench to give him some small form of privacy. Bram really appreciates it.
As much as he wants to read the letter, the small note on the Reese’s is what he reads first.
It does make him blush and laugh, a short chuckle he tries to cover with his hand but both Leah and Garrett snap their head to look at him in awe. They’re both burning with curiosity but can’t get over the shock of hearing him laugh.
Leah’s voice has a touch of wonder when she says, “I think that’s the first time i’ve ever heard you laugh.” Garrett just stares at him with a shocked smile. “Same” His voice is as almost a whisper like he doesn’t realize he said it.
The whole thing makes Bram blush harder as covers his face with one hand and pushes the Reese’s with the note open towards them.
It reads: Oreo’s are still better than sex but like always you’re the exception. Here are your sub-par Reese’s.
Bram quickly leaves them with his gifts in hand as they start laughing, the phrase ‘what a dork’ and ‘omg’ the last thing he hears before he’s out of the cafeteria and walking to his car. He wants total and complete privacy when he reads the last letter so what better place than his car.
Dear Blue,
So i’m now freaking out and still nervous. I think this is what you must have felt like when you were sure i’d actually be intelligent and start figuring out all the clues you left. This is horrible. I think i’m actually getting nauseous (yes i’m using that word now) but i’m still also trying to stay hopeful that you don’t just trash all of these letters or not show up after.
I’ll be honest and say i’d be really sad but if that was what you wanted then i’d just have to suck it up and take the hit. I hope you like the Reese’s and the note. It took me almost 8 times to write the word sex, hell it took me a good 5 minutes to write it here. I sorta wish I didn’t have rehearsal so I could be there to see if you did blush or laugh. I think I might die if I hear your actual laugh though but i’m pretty sure it would be worth it. I’m getting a little tired of saying that i’m sorry because I feel like it’s kind of being overused so here’s another crack at trying to be romantic. Je suis désolé mon cher Bleu. Je t'en supplie, pardonne-moi.
-Love, Simon.
Nothing. Bram’s brain crashed and he’s drawing up a blank, just a blank nothing. The only thing stopping him from going to find Simon right now is class and that Simon is rehearsing. Also the still lingering fear of coming out to people he doesn’t actually know aka fellow students. Garrett was fine. His parents were fine. Leah, Nick, and Abby are fine too but it’s still so new and frightening.
Bram also selfishly wants to keep the emails and what’s going on with Simon mainly between them, keep this private intimate thing they have just for a little bit longer. He can make himself wait till the end of school.
-
Simon cannot make it to the end of rehearsals. He’s literally dying and the fond but annoyed look Abby keeps shooting him doesn’t help. It’s not his fault he keeps zoning out okay, he’s trying his best with everything that’s going on right now.
Finally they get the dismissal from Ms. Albright to go and it takes everything in Simon to not just run out and find Leah or Nick or be brave and go to Bram first. Abby hooks their arms together and it helps ground him just enough to calm down and change. She also makes sure he keeps the make-up on this time.
Once they’ve changed out of costume and start making their way to the parking lot, all his nerves and fears start coming back the closer they get. Simon keeps switching back from keeping his eyes on the ground and searching the crowd of people.
He tries not to be devastated when he only sees Nick and Leah at his car. Abby squeezes his hand in apology.
Nick and Leah seem to notice them and Nick all but sprints towards them as he tackles them in a hug. Leah catches up and sees the faces both Abby and him are making. She groans and nudges Nick. “Don’t you have something for him?” “Oh right!” He digs into his pocket to pull out a folded piece of blue paper and pushes it into Simon’s hand. “He would be here but well- just read the note man i’m sure he’ll explain.”
Unfolding the paper Simon reads the same perfect script and just seeing it lets him breathe again.
Dear Jacques,
Reese’s are not sub-par. I have no idea how I’m going to actually talk to you in person, it was just so much easier by email and even now writing it down. I need to talk to my mom first about going out but I know she’ll let me since I would be Garrett's ride. I also might need just a little bit more time before I actually see you, but I do want to see you again. The only thing stopping me from doing so at Lunch was that you were rehearsing and i’m honestly not sure what I would have done or said. I also hoped that you were Jacques.
As for all the apologies, I forgave you pretty much at the start of the first letter. The two that followed just cemented it and made me miss you even more. I’ll see you soon.
-Love, Bram.
P.S. No I don’t want things to go back to the way they were. I think i’m ready for a little bit of change.
P.P.S. Is it bad I do still want to keep you to myself via our emails? I don’t want to hide if this, us, becomes a thing but I still want to keep this private intimate thing we have. Does this make sense?
Simon covers his face with the note and he feels like it might melt off.
Bram wants to see him. Bram forgave him. His plan wasn’t a total fail and Bram doesn’t hate him. They’re going to see each other!  
“Oh my god I need to change!” is the first thing that comes out of his mouth as he leaves his friends to jog to his car. He drops his keys twice and almost hits the car next to him when he opens the door.
A hand grabs his arm and steers him to the passenger side. “I’ll drive Si, you just sit and- i don’t know breathe? Maybe put that away for safekeeping.” Abby taps the blue paper that’s currently crushed against Simon’s chest and he quickly lays it across the dashboard to smooth it out. “I- yes. Smart. I just- help me?” Everyone kindly laughs at the strange voice he’s using and easily pile in so they can head to the Spier's residence. Simon needs to pick up a shirt.
-
It’s a gay bar/restaurant and now Simon wants to die for a whole new different reason.
“Abby really?” He bemoans as they head inside and if Bram doesn’t join them he would totally understand.
She just smirks at him and pushes him through the door. “Why not? We should celebrate for finishing rehearsal and you not being an idiot. Also just think,” she tilts her head so only he can hear “i’m sure you want to hold hands and sit next to each other.” Simon’s face is now permanently red. For life. Why are they friends.
“Maybe.” He mumbles a little excited at the possibility of it but he’s still concerned for Bram. He’s not sure how he’ll feel about all of this. “I just- i’m worried this might be too much for him.”
“I think he’ll be fine.” A soft voice answers him.
Simon spins around so fast he crashes into Nick and then almost stumbles back into Abby. Leah just sighs and rests a hand on his shoulder to steady him. “We’re being shown to our table now guys.”
Simon stands with his hands covering his face and all Bram can think about is how adorable he is right now. The others follow the hostess while he and Simon hang back near the waiting area.
Bram has no idea how but he crosses the few steps between them and stands right next to him, close enough that their shoulders brush together. A small gasp escapes from Simon and now Bram is the one blushing.
“Hi.” Simon squeaks out and gathers as much courage as he can to lift his head and look at Bram. Somehow it’s harder for him look away now.
A small smile greets him and after all this time Bram can finally stare into those moon-grey eyes. “Hi.” he answers and presses their arms together. “We should- um I think-” Simon sends him a smile, understanding what Bram’s trying to say. “Join the others? Ya.” He nudges their shoulders and takes a step before pausing and ducking his head. “I’m really glad you came Bram.” He takes a shaky breath before adding, “And that it’s you.”
Bram didn’t realize how much hearing Simon say his name all hopeful and softly would affect him. He thinks he could listen to only that for the rest of his life. “I’m glad it’s you too Simon.” 
Their hands brush as they walk to join the others, grinning so wide it hurts. Of course their friends make sure to save them a spot so they sit together.
Even though this place is supposed to be a safe place for them, they keep their hands under the table. Both feeling brave they sit pressed together and slowly link their pinkies together.
Garrett ordered for Bram and Leah ordered for Simon so now they just wait for their food arrives.
Of course out of their entire group Abby and Garrett are bouncing in their seats trying their best to let their mutual friends be.
Simon and Bram share a look then shrug.
“Out with it before you both explode.”
Both Abby and Garrett take in a long breath of air before firing off questions one after the other.
“How long has this been going on!”
“Did Spier grovel enough?”
“Simon how can you call yourself a Hufflepuff after this?”
“What did you think about the plan Bram?”
“We have your backs okay, you know that right?”
“Spier I will murder you if you hurt my best friend.”
“Ditto Si, sorry but I'm still annoyed at you.”
“True but we’re all going to make Addison’s ass grass right?”
Leah, Nick, and Abby agreed and then the conversation turned to how they’d make Martin pay for what he did.
Simon gets a little weird about that because he still doesn’t know if he wants to deal with that situation. He closes in on himself just a little but when he says, “Hey it’s- i’m fine about the Martin thing okay. I just don’t want to deal with it anymore so can we just leave it?” Bram looks around to everyone who’s frowning at Simon and then it clicks for him. He didn’t realize anything could make him that angry ever. Bram turns to Simon and gives him a firm questioning look that Simon answers with a meek nod.
“If I see him I might punch him.” Bram says it with such certainty because it’s an actual fact.
Leah flicks a tiny paper ball at Simon. “I call dibs after you.” Simon slowly lifts his head to look at Leah, their eyes having a silent conversation before she grins. “You may have fucked up Si and we’re all still a little mad about it, but what Martin did was cruel and it shouldn’t have happened.” She kicks her feet against his under the table before smirking. “Now I want to know what that Reese’s note was about.”
Bram laughs at the suggested look Garrett gives them and Simon buries his face into his shoulder.
This time it’s Abby and Nick who stare at Bram because again they’ve never heard him laugh before and Nick’s on a team with him.
“It’s just easier to be brave when you don’t know who the other person is.” Bram admits. Now his and Simon’s hands are laced together, he gives it a light squeeze and gets one back.
Simon lets out a rather loud sigh that’s met by everyone awwing at him. He’s never been more thankful for a waiter to arrive with food.
It’s maybe a little bit after that Simon realizes he still has his face pressed into Bram’s shoulder. He moves to pull away but Bram’s hand tightens in his, their eyes meet and they both seem to understand what the other’s trying to say. They’ve slipped so easily into this, being near each other and face to face, the fear and anxiety of how they’d make this work all gone.
It’s the best meal either of them have ever had.
-
It’s after they’ve paid their bill and are hanging out near their cars, that Abby and Garrett realize their questions were never answered.
Simon and Bram share a fond look as they think about how all of this started.
“You guys remember that anonymous post?”
“Omg it was Bram!” Leah gushed.
Bram gives them all a sheepish smile. “One of the most terrifying actions of my life. I’m glad I did it.” They’re in public but that’s not stopping them from standing just a little too close. “I’m glad I emailed you.”
“I’m glad I sent Nick that text!” Garrett winks at them.
“Oh great. Our own personal cupid.” Simon’s drawls. Bram and him give Garrett a flat look.
He holds his hands up in surrender but keeps smiling. “I felt bad at first but I no longer regret it okay. You guys are freaking glowing.”
“Did you like all the sappy gifts?”Abby asks. Her arm is hooked through both Leah and Nicks, who also want to know.
Bram shrugs. “They were alright.” His voice is monotone and Simon gives him a blinding grin as everyone else groans at them. Bram can’t stop the smile that spreads across his face as he looks to Simon. “Well more than alright. Actually really freaking perfect. Of course you’d go all out.”
Simon’s voice goes soft as he just stares at Bram. “I had to.”
“Damn that was sweet.” Abby whispers, breaking their small moment.
They slowly settle into silence and enjoy this bonding moment where they’re all just highschool kids hanging out enjoying life.
A pensive look crosses Nicks face but he looks hesitant to share what's on his mind.
Simon has a feeling he knows so he gives him a small smile. “So… what are you guys going to do now?” Abby and Garrett frown at him but Nick’s dejected face makes them sigh in understanding.
Bram thought he’d be more worried about that question, the big ‘what now’ but he’s not, or well he is but now it seems a little easier to handle. He knows there’s going to be some things that are unavoidable, that they’ll face some hate but he has so much more support now and he does feel a lot better with not having to keep such a big secret anymore.
Simon has already had to deal with some of the backlash of coming out but he can’t be mad because it’s been pretty tame so far and there’ll always be people who just won’t understand or accept it. He’s out now and it’s like he can breathe so much better . His only worry is for Bram and what he’ll want to do but there’s that tiny part of him that hopes they can be together, go on dates and possibly be boyfriends.
“We’ll figure it out, talk about it.” Bram voices. “I already told Simon that I think i’m ready for a little change and I think I got pretty lucky to end up with my long time crush.”
Simon’s eyes go wide at that new bit of information. “I’m the cute guy that you can’t talk to!” He whispers and hides his face in his hands. “Why am I an oblivious idiot?”
“Well at least you’re going to be my oblivious idiot.” Bram blushes when he says it but he keeps his eyes on said adorable oblivious idiot. He’s just incredibly happy right now.
Simon is just- he’s so happy he doesn’t know what to do with himself. “I don’t deserve you.” he bemoans. “Oh I- I never thanked you for the shirt.”
Leah snorts. “The one you kept under your pillow? Also the one you’re wearing?”
“Betrayed!”
“Shut up you’re just sappy.”
Their laughter is interrupted by a phone chiming, of course, everyone checking theirs to see who’s it is. It’s Abby’s, a text from her mom wanting to know when she’ll be home.
“Well guess it’s getting pretty late guys. Ready to head home?”
Everyone reluctantly agrees because there is a thing called school they have tomorrow and all of them are still underage to stay out past curfew.
Simon and Bram linger a bit, not wanting to leave each other just yet.
“I’ll uh text you when I get home? I- I have your number now so we can do that and only if you want to-” Bram chews on his lip as he looks around before bringing Simon into a quick hug. “I’ll be waiting.”
They part and get into their respective cars, grinning like fools the whole drive home.
42 notes · View notes
wandaterrell · 3 years
Text
How to Unite Offline and Online Marketing Channels for Integrated Customer Journey
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REQUEST A DEMO
How to Unite Offline and Online Marketing Channels for Integrated Customer Journey
It is believed that customers are kings. This sentence is true and people who understand it constitute the most profit-making firms. When it comes to reaching out to customers and promoting a business, there are a number of questions to be attended to. One particular major concern of the marketing teams is whether to select offline marketing channels or online marketing strategies. These channels have their own benefits and potentials useful to the company to boost its profits ultimately.
Today we live in an era of technology and digitalization. Therefore, marketers spend quite a lot on digital marketing campaigns. However, every customer’s journey is naturally going to be different. The audience is always made up of various categories, and different marketing ways will appeal to different kinds of people. They do enjoy personal communications at times, which is why offline marketing channels are still in the frame. Many people rely entirely on offline sources to get updates and news about brands. Many marketers apply one-to-one, offline marketing techniques like mailing postcards, networking, attending or hosting trade shows, and cold calling. Nowadays, companies do not have to choose any channel as they can easily combine multiple platforms into one grand marketing strategy.
Online distribution channels include:
Social media platforms
Digital advertisements
Video marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Email Marketing.
Offline distribution channels include:
Print advertisements
Direct Mails
Billboards
Television and newspaper advertising
Trade events and conferences
Flyers, pamphlets, and brochures
Both these modes are interrelated and together can produce astonishing results for the firm. One channel is benefited from the other, and this circle of marketing goes on and on. It is also essential to consider that there are many financial benefits obtained by using a cross-channel approach. That’s because you don’t spend heavily on only one platform and wait for results. Instead, you optimize your resources and put all the channels at work while your company is benefiting greatly.
 Also Read: What is Direct Mail Marketing?
With advanced automation tools, it has become very simple and quick to integrate different channels and properly track everything. This advancement provides your customers with an exceptional customer experience. Cross-channel marketing is now widely incorporated in marketing campaigns to reach out to all segments of people.
Different Ways to Unite Offline and Online Marketing Channels for Customer Journey
For an extensive and integrated customer journey, firms should adopt smart ways to link marketing methods. The merge of offline and online marketing channels can be done in a lot of ways, and there are some things to be taken care of:
Plan a budget, evaluate all channels:
Sometimes, we tend to focus and spend on some campaigns that are absolutely not working for us. At the same time, we also miss out on many productive offline and online distribution channels. This loss can be avoided with proper evaluation of every marketing platform and especially navigating the most popular ones. A proper budget has to be laid out to spend the company resources at the right places proportionately. You need to continuously keep monitoring and analyzing the engagement level that a specific platform is bringing in.
Personalizations are also essential while navigating platforms on a budget. Instead of sending out multiple direct mails, marketers should target a certain number of people. Also, different combinations of cross-channel marketing should be tested, simplifying the process of decision-making.
Conduct regular market research:
Tracking your audience’s behavioral patterns and potential customers helps you learn better what is required. Offline marketing channels and various digital platforms should be used and tracked to see how people are responding. Market research should be performed every now and then to follow the trends of the market. Customer preferences, buying patterns, and other factors keep changing every day. Hence, keeping up with these changing factors is a must.
Motivate your audience:
Always keep your audience excited and connected. VentureBeat had earlier stated in a report that about 75% of people readily wish for businesses to make use of their personal information for an unmatched shopping experience. They want to see what they like and don’t mind spending time and money on the same. For getting these people to like your organization, you need to excite them about what you have to offer. Announce a giveaway, hold an interesting competition, or just give them daily quizzes where they can answer and win. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it is engaging.
In the meanwhile, appreciate your existing customers and express your gratitude. Deploy all methods to retain them and keep them satisfied. This can be done through online and offline marketing channels by continuously keeping up to their expectations and being seen everywhere.
User-Generated Content:
While uniting online and offline advertising channels, it is regularly advised to produce highly engaging content. This content can be utilized jointly on all platforms. Almost all marketers now do this for assured responses and high visibility. However, recently user-generated content is taking up the limelight. The audience finds it more relatable when other people like them have posted the text, images, or videos.
For example, you encourage people to click pictures at your boutique and use a specific hashtag to post them online. You can then repost these images on your channels. This type of content connects people into groups who appreciate your work and are celebrating your brand.
Promote your offline business through online presence:
Several bricks-and-mortar businesses have started working on their online presence. Improving offline customer journey through digital platforms is the new motto. If you have an offline store, say a restaurant or a retail store, and get fewer customers, it is high time to make yourself digitally visible. You can do this via a website, blogs, chatbots, ratings on other websites, and social media pages.
Create an online community and make everyone aware of your existence. People will not respond until they know you. You are more likely to get clients once you get out there in the digital world and make an identity for your brand. Food trucks use these ways very innovatively. They keep posting updates on their whereabouts, which pulls huge crowds at their next location. Posting testimonials of customer experiences prove to be very valuable and beautiful for their social media channels. This emotional bond shifts the mindsets of people and makes marketing successful.
Drive online business through offline modes of communication:
Like the earlier point, you can also present your online business through offline marketing channels. When your customers have been following you on social media, it is good to make them feel your existence in person at times. If your business is all about people buying your products or availing of your services online, offline communication can keep them closely connected.
For instance, you are hosting an online webinar, directly inviting people through invitation cards will indeed create a buzz. Sending direct mails, gifts, advertising in magazines, handing out flyers and brochures, and attending business events are examples of offline marketing. There are many other offline advertising channels that you can incorporate into your campaigns.
Use automation tools:
For performing cross-channel marketing campaigns, you should highly consider using marketing automation tools to assist you in the same. With one common platform linked to every channel, you can make and maintain reliable reports for future planning. You can do a lot more things like insert links, hashtags, and codes on your direct mails or use customer information to personalize advertisements on their screens.
Importance of Connecting Offline and Online Marketing Channels
There are several reasons why more and more marketing teams are getting offline, and online marketing channels collaborated in their plans. When combined, these powerful tools are best for the company and its audience as they, too, have their own preferences. Below are some of the benefits of this smart combination:
Inform and educate people from all walks of life:
Whenever we speak of human beings, the term “diversity” comes to mind. Companies operate in a society where they have to please and keep up with people of all segments to continue their existence. A combined form of marketing helps connect people online and be a part of the offline customer journey. It is essential to inform and educate people about your brand if you are looking at them as potential buyers. However, the goal will not be justified with just one or two marketing channels. The more marketing channels a company gets involved with, the larger is the audience. It makes it more likely to get purchasers and keep the business running smoothly.
Increase and improve your database:
Businesses should keep on increasing the number of people they have on their database. Collecting prospects’ details is an ongoing process that never comes to an end. The executives are always looking for means to improve the quality of their data and, at the same time, keep adding to it. United offline and online distribution channels enable extracting data from many channels simultaneously, which can be of good use. Offline data can be collected in the form of names and contact details when customers are physically visiting somewhere. Online data does not require any physical appearance and is just collected and stored through digital platforms. This data is then put together to enlarge the company’s database, giving rise to more leads and more sales.
Maintain long-term customer relations:
Driving customers to make sales may be the most important business aspect for a firm. But customer retention is equally necessary for long-term relationships and smooth operations. Maintaining customers can be difficult if online and offline advertising channels are not used together. People spend a lot of time on their phones, which makes it a must to have an online presence. If you are digitally visible to a customer, they will remember your brand and continue repeating their purchases. In the same way, sending an appreciation postcard or a letter showing how much you care is a small yet great gesture.
Enhance brand image and visibility:
Increased media coverage, transparency and trust-building, clear brand motives, and high trustworthiness are some of the things that every company wants. When you decide to absolutely level up your online and offline customer journey, using it collectively is the best choice to make. Your brand needs to be visible at all times to everyone. It should be adored and well-recognized by the people and the media. Blended marketing campaigns are sure to achieve this objective and give people a clear reason to look up to your firm as a reputed brand.
Cut down marketing costs:
Marketing and PR costs are cut down to a great extent when multiple offline and online distribution channels are simultaneously utilized. With proper planning and execution, marketing teams can cost-effectively make the company appear everywhere and have a tight grasp of the expenditures. This is because creating content can be costly. The resources are used in an optimized manner when you share the same content over many channels all at once. One message, multiple platforms, and an increased audience can be the real game-changer for a lot of companies.
Simple collateral efforts, more results:
Consistency is the primary key. Being consistent everywhere builds trust among people. It gives them a feeling that they can blindly put their money in that company’s hands and get something valuable and useful. Collateral management of offline advertising channels and online platforms makes marketing time-saving and simple.
Conclusion
Online and offline distribution channels are two opposite sides of a company that needs to work together for a cherished customer journey. There are a lot of advantages to both of these modes individually. But when it is merged into one, the results are excellent. This combination should flow very easily and should be an ever-lasting process. Cross-channel marketing has gained much popularity in the business world, and the reasons are clear and obvious. The more places you are known, the more sales you tend to get. Along with high sales, the enhanced brand image and coverage are absolutely worth the integration.
The mixed-use of offline and online marketing channels is applicable to all business models at any level. Start-ups use it to make themselves known, while already established firms use these channels to maintain their image in the market. Under all circumstances, the ROI is always positive, which makes it an excellent decision to mix and perform.
Ready to Get Started?
Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid
SIGN UPREQUEST A DEMO
The post How to Unite Offline and Online Marketing Channels for Integrated Customer Journey appeared first on PostGrid.
Via https://www.postgrid.com/offline-online-marketing-channels-for-integrated-customer-journey/
source https://postgridplatform.weebly.com/blog/how-to-unite-offline-and-online-marketing-channels-for-integrated-customer-journey source https://irenejvines.blogspot.com/2021/10/how-to-unite-offline-and-online.html
0 notes
sweetnestor · 6 years
Text
12 Days | Chapter 8.2
Two guys that lowkey hate each other are forced to walk in each other’s shoes in order to learn a lesson.
***in collaboration with @themarkiplierexperience
lmao soz its not actually x reader we’re just desperate for attention haaaa
previous
“I want to ask what the origin story behind this is, but I think I’m better off not knowing,” Tom typed. He attached a “selfie” wearing a bright blue shirt with the word “Wowie” printed on it in a strange fashion. Then, he sent the whole thing to Ethan.
He did see the other texts from the boy that he received the evening before, but Tom was dying to show this to him now. He finally had a look at what Ethan’s “merch” was like. To say he was not expecting “wowie” on a t-shirt was an understatement. Why “wowie”?
Halfway through editing this video, Tom kind of despised Ethan… and he definitely hated the word “Wowie” with a burning passion. It wasn’t all bad, though. Tom had spent the day with a funny pair of people: Parker and Andrew. He didn’t have to consciously act like Ethan to get along with the pair. They were so graciously weird that seeing their friend act out of character was considered normal for them… if that made any sense. The three of them, along with Amy, made a video together that was about this awful blue t-shirt. A promotional video, and instead of having a whole filming crew complete with camera men and editors, it was all self made. It was impressive, don’t get him wrong, but Tom only thrived when he was on camera, not behind the scenes.
It was a minute and a half long video, yet it was taking ages for him to put it all together. Not to mention, Tom was awaiting an update from Ethan about Zendaya. Earlier, he had said that she wanted to talk, and god knows what that was supposed to mean. On top of that, Bella was getting a little harder to handle.
Tom had invited her to come along to shoot the video, but she had gotten immensely sheepish and timid when she heard about the people who would be joining them. She made an excuse about having emails to answer and business Skype meetings to have. She only returned to his apartment after hearing that Parker, Andrew, and Amy had left for the day, and even then she just stayed in the living room while Tom finished the video. Weird, but whatever.
A few hours later, Tom could say he was proud of what he had created. The video was very sarcastic, and kind of funny, but it got the message across: “Buy this ugly ass shirt.” Really, he didn’t see the appeal, but Ethan’s fans sure did. The shirt had been on sale on Ethan’s merch store all month, and as of today, there were only ten days left to buy it. Tom learned all of this through Parker, who had a hand in running the store. Thank god he wasn’t left in completely in the dark.
Thing is, Tom easily learned about different aspects of this kid’s life. He knew the girlfriend, a good amount of the friends, and just enough about his personality to get by. The hard part was the YouTube stuff, because everyone around him assumed that he knew what he was doing. They all assumed he was Ethan. How bizarre would it be if Ethan just suddenly asked for help on the basics of editing a simple video? How long would it be for someone to figure that this wasn’t Ethan, that it was somebody else? What would they do, besides throw him in an asylum?
A knock on the bedroom door snapped Tom out of his thoughts. He pulled off his headphones and granted access.
Bella came in, an unreadable expression on her face. “Hey…”
“Hi, love,” Tom greeted, turning in his chair to face her.
She stepped in, looking around the room as she tangled her fingers together. “I don’t mean to interrupt you, I’m just…” She sighed. “This is really stupid, like really stupid…”
“Oh, how bad could it be?” he asked, putting on a kind smile, despite how nervous the sudden tension made him.
Bella picked at her nails to fill the silence. But she finally asked in a soft voice, “why didn’t you ask me to be in your video?”
Honestly, Tom had been hoping she had that conversation with her real boyfriend. Even he found it weird that the “talking to women” bit from the video starred Amy. Why not Bella? It probably wasn’t something to fuss about, but the girl’s nerves radiated for miles, it made Tom himself feel like he had done something wrong. He didn’t even know how to respond.
“I mean, you and Parker came up with the video idea like what? Two weeks ago,” she rambled, “and you guys came up with the ‘talking to girls’ thing and your first thought was Amy? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I-I mean she did come up with the shirt design…”
Ah, so that was the culprit.
“I-It’s not that I wanted to slap you - uh, fake slap you for a video,” Bella went on, her voice getting shaky, “i-it’s just you didn’t think to ask me, I don’t know. Am I freaking out over nothing?”
“You freak out over everything,” Tom said without thinking. There was a small pause before he turned back to the computer.
“I know, it’s what I do,” Bella said, not seeming offended by that statement. “It probably wasn’t a big deal. I shouldn’t have bothered you, sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. Any other thoughts, concerns?” It was half sarcastic, but she took the bait.
“I’ve been… having dreams…”
Ethan was supposed to know that tone, what that particular phrase meant. Tom, on the other hand, was clueless.
“Naughty dreams?”
“No.” Bella’s tone was serious now. She paced around the small recording space, still picking at her nails. “Bad dreams. I’ve had dreams like this before… Ethan, please don’t make me say it.”
It had been five days since the switch, five days of being this girl’s boyfriend, and Tom was getting more and more impatient.
“Don’t talk about it then,” he said with a shrug. “If it’s really that scary, or disturbing, or whatever it is... then you don’t need to speak of it.”
Again, it was silent. Tom definitely said the wrong thing, but he didn’t know how to handle a girl with anxiety. He could barely handle Zendaya, even though he hoped to fix things with her.
“You’re probably right,” Bella spoke at last. She turned on her heel towards the door. “No one wants to remember that time, especially me.” She stopped at the doorway and looked back at him. “Oh, and I just figured out why I was freaking out over Amy. It’s been almost a year since Mark left me for her.”
Whoa. What would Ethan say to that? What would Ethan think about his girlfriend mentioning her ex?
Speaking of the ex, Tom’s phone dinged on his desk. Mark had texted him. Admittedly, Tom wasn’t really texting anyone consistently apart from Ethan. He had also ignored Mark’s texts from the other day, so there was a chance he wasn’t on good terms with the boss.
“Hey look man, I don’t know what’s going on with you lately, but I need an answer. Are you going to be returning to work anytime soon? Or do we need to make a public statement that you don’t work for me anymore? I’m not trying to put pressure on you, or anything with malice. I just need to know what’s going on business wise.”
Public statement? So the fans knew Mark had editors? And there had to be something said publicly when something changed behind the scenes? Is that how YouTube works?
“I think my girlfriend is hung up on you, you’re the last person I need to see right now,” Tom typed for literally no other reason except to see if it sounded like something his other half would say. He chuckled to himself after deeming that it was too ridiculous and out of line and went to delete it…
You know when you mean to do one thing but instead do another? Yeah, Tom somehow mixed up the ‘send’ key and the ‘backspace’ key, and well…
“Fuck!” he snapped, sitting up in his chair, watching as the angry text sent. “No, no, no, no! Shit!”
Oh god, Ethan was so fired.
~
Tom didn’t have the heart to tell Ethan about the wonderful conversation he had with Mark following that text. He read through the messages he received while he was editing over and over again just to avoid telling him what went down. Ethan seemed excited to be in Montreal.
“So guess I have a workout tomorrow morning? Wish me luck bc I’ll actually die.” That’ll be fun to hear about, but it didn’t settle the knot in Tom’s stomach.
“I’m almost ok with the switch if it means getting to stay in this house dude it’s so nice?? I’m never leaving.” Tom was not okay with the switch. He wanted to be in that house right now, leave Ethan with the mess that he made.
“I finished the wowie video. I hate the word wowie. Please never say it again,” he typed and sent before reading the rest of the texts. He noticed that Ethan will either be completely silent, or send multiple texts at once. No in between.
“Also,,,,, fuck kinda friendship you got with Harrison? You give each other lap dances???” Ethan asked. Oh no. Oh god. “Not judging, just wish I’d known you were rejecting zendaya for ur best m8 lolol.”
Tom literally groaned out loud and palmed his forehead. Then, he frantically sent, “IT WASNOTHING WE DONT SPEAK OF IT SHUT UP.” No way he was getting into that with this guy. He wouldn’t understand.
The next message didn’t help very much. “Speaking of Daya, we talked today. She asked abot how you feel and what you thought you 2 had going on. Made it clear it was her choice what happened, but that you’re just friends? Idk man how DO you feel?”
“Anyway, the videos were good. Much better than Tyler’s first edits for sure. Good job, I’m impressed.”
“Shooting starts tomorrow so I’m off to learn everything there is to know about acting…….. By watching some movie wiht the guys, gn.”
Tom sat there for a few minutes, trying to word any of the thoughts in his head. Why couldn’t have Ethan made the Zendaya decision for him? He seems like a nice guy, he’s had a girlfriend for six months, and she didn’t seem tired of him!
“I’ll deal with her when we switch back… by the way when are we gonna switch back??? Anyway, have a good night mate, have a pint for me!”
_____
tag list: @beardedsteveslut @marie-is-in-the-dark @ohsnapitzmoony
_____
next
11 notes · View notes
davewakeman · 4 years
Text
Empty Seats Aren't About Price...
I wrote this in 2017. As I was thinking about the ongoing baseball cheating situation, I wanted to post this again…it will also be interesting to see how this plays out as the coronavirus continues to disrupt things. 
I came across an article on CNBC this morning about teams using “dynamic pricing” to help bring fans back into the stadiums.
The idea behind dynamic pricing is awesome.
It is the idea that a ticket isn’t some static thing and that some games or events have more perceived value to their buyers than others.
The thing is that this is true.
But where the article loses me is that it feels like the newest form of conventional wisdom that is going to weigh down sports is that variable pricing is going to solve all of our ills.
Simply put, “People only buy on price.”
Which if you are versed in any bit of marketing, you know that is simply not true.
Price is an easy excuse when you aren’t offering giving your customers enough value.
Jesse Lawrence from TicketIQ mentions that tickets are a “commodity.”
This is actually true, especially in the way that tickets and events are often sold in today’s market.
When you visit the website of any organization and the emphasis is placed on things like:
Free Parking
Spacious Seating
First-Class Catering
Then, yeah, you have a commodity on your hands.
Compare that to organizations that are selling based upon the value of the experience and the emphasis is on many different things. Instead of features, you’ll get the vivid language that focuses on things like:
Imagination
Creativity
Excitement
There’s a whole different world of expression that isn’t being used by the modern sports and entertainment marketer to maximize attendance and revenue and price alone isn’t going to fix it.
Why?
Because price is often a convenient excuse when the buyer doesn’t see the value in what you are offering.
If price isn’t the solution, what is?
First, price alone isn’t the solution. That’s correct. But that doesn’t mean that pricing isn’t a problem.
For the past several years, we’ve seen teams and leagues work to undercut the secondary by trying to price in a manner that captures all of the perceived revenue that the secondary market is making from the inventory that they sell.
It is very short-sighted for a number of reasons like:
The prices listed on the Internet are almost never the real selling prices and I don’t care what kind of data you think you have, the only people that really know what something sold for are the people doing the buying and selling.
From a psychological standpoint, it is harmful to the team’s brand. There’s an unfair psychological barrier that exists between the primary and secondary. This means that a fan is willing to spend a lot more for a ticket to a hot event on the secondary than they are from the primary in a lot of cases. If you charge $500 on the primary side, a lot of consumers are going to think you are gouging them. If you are on the secondary side, the same price and situation make the buyer feel like a winner! Unfair, but that’s psychology. People are just wired that way and the thing is, they don’t even know it.
By cutting out channels that have incentives to maximize pricing and revenue, this often leads to a downward spiral of having to find partners and channels that have an incentive to create the best “bargains” or “deals” for their consumers, causing a cycling downward of ticket pricing and perceived value of the ticket.
In doing research for an upcoming report on challenges and opportunities in the ticket market in 2018, I found that pricing is one of the top concerns of everyone involved in the ticket industry because they feel like even when tickets are selling well that the pricing mechanisms in place aren’t working well for everyone involved in the industry. Specifically, because the people I have surveyed recognize that an empty seat has a negative multiplying impact on everything about a fan’s experience which can lead to lower attendance and less revenue going forward.
The solution for pricing isn’t simple, but it is a necessity.
First, we need to stop the fighting between the primary and the secondary market.
Right now, the consumer doesn’t care where the ticket comes from. They just want to know that when they buy a ticket that it is valid.
In many instances, consumers go to sites like StubHub or Vivid Seats from the jump. They may not even know that your team has a website.
And, more than likely, they don’t care.
This means that the back and forth over who is right to sell tickets or who is wrong to sell tickets is inside baseball. No one cares.
While the industry is arguing about something that doesn’t seem meaningful to consumers, consumers are being harmed by less than faithful actors like people that are creating tickets to sell multiple times, scams to sell tickets that don’t exist, etc. Or, even worse, this wasted energy misses an opportunity to drive demand for games, concerts, and other events.
The best way forward is for the primary and secondary to work together to just sell tickets. There are billions of dollars in the live entertainment industry and that’s without people maximizing their marketing and selling efforts.
Trust me there is more money to be made by growing the industry further than trying to hoard all the current pennies for yourself.
A rising tide, or something.
Which is why I have been active in industry efforts to bridge the gap between primary and secondary market to create an opportunity to achieve higher attendance and higher revenues.
Instead of fighting like toddlers, we would be better served to work together on some smarter pricing policies.
Those might require that the primary and secondary share revenues or profits on ticket sales.
It might mean that the way sales teams are structured changes.
It likely means that change is going to have to happen.
Guess what?
Change is already happening anyway.
You can’t stop it, but you can embrace it to make it work for you.
That will mean that you can’t just offer up one-size-fits-none pricing and that you likely won’t be able to “set it and forget it.”
You’re going to have to work to constantly update and adjust your pricing to fit your market.
That’s just a fact.
Second, emphasize customer experience.
You’d think that after a new building boom in the States that the customer experience problem would be solved.
And, if you look at the experience as only being driven by rooms, facilities, and offerings…maybe you would have a point.
But the thing is that experience is everything.
In digital marketing, they use the term customer path or customer journey to talk about the steps and moments in a person’s buying experience with your brand.
In sports and entertainment, the path never really ends.
If you are a New York Mets fan, you likely are going to be a fan or customer for life. That means that your journey never ends.
With the advent of social media, it should be easier than ever to have an ongoing, long-term conversation with your fans and customers.
That isn’t the case.
In most instances, social media is a hit and run endeavor. Content is created and dropped onto a social media platform like Twitter, Facebook, or whatever.
If you see it, great!
If you don’t, great!
The thing is that just posting stuff on the Internet on social channels isn’t a great tool to ensure that your customer is always connected to your brand.
What happens if Twitter changes something in their timeline?
Or, Facebook changes their algorithm?
Screwed.
While I just talked about the experience of the digital customer experience extremely briefly, the same eye needs to be applied to every aspect of the customer relationship.
How is the ticket buying process?
Is it convoluted?
Is it smooth?
How is the in-game experience?
Are there huge lines at the gates?
Bottlenecks at certain stands?
Are your ushers and customer service reps strong on the service?
In today’s world, where reviews are only a few taps away, the need to generate a better experience and a more compassionate and considerate experience is more important than ever before.
Because we’ve all seen the scenario play out where one bad review or one bad experience sours a relationship for good.
Don’t do that.
Get everyone’s head into the practice of asking:
“How can we add value to…?”
Then have them answer the question and try to come up with actionable items that will enhance the experience of buying a ticket, being a fan, and being a customer.
Finally, after pricing and experience are looked at, spend a little bit of time on visiting what’s next.
In too many ways, the industry of sports and entertainment can often feel stuck because we get complacent and think that things are always going to be the way that they are today.
Even worse, not just thinking that things are going to stay the way that they are today is thinking that things haven’t really changed at all.
You see this in the reluctance of teams to change the way that they sell to the business community.
You see this in examples that I have heard of inside sales managers telling salespeople that using a personally curated email list to sell last-minute tickets “isn’t really selling.”
These are just two examples of a larger need for the industry to always ask themselves the famous Peter Drucker question, “What is the future that has already occurred?”
Then answering that question so that they can take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
This is likely to help you get in front of customers’ changing wants and needs.
If when you ask this question you don’t allow your focus to stay only in sports and entertainment, it also allows you to capitalize on new technologies and new ideas that are already gaining traction in other industries.
The fact is that it is very easy to get stuck in what works today and to end up surprised when the entire theory of your business changes around you. The aim for any business, not just a sports business, should be to disrupt yourself by always asking what is working, what isn’t working, and what is coming or has already arrived that I am not paying attention to.
This introspection will lead to much wiser decision making and likely put you in a better position to not have to fall back on the idea that the only thing that matters is the price.
Please follow and like us:
Empty Seats Aren’t About Price… was originally published on Wakeman Consulting Group
0 notes
mxnark · 4 years
Text
the best version of yourself 
Tumblr media
december 31, 2019
mina isn’t the type to feel ashamed of herself. everyone around her new that she was confident and outspoken. whatever she thought of inside her head, there would be a 59% chance she’d say it with a 41% chance she’d keep it to herself just because she had some manners. of course, she had some class by making a bunch of rant posts on her spam rather than on her main instagram or main twitter. some of her thoughts on real life would go on her stan twitter, but she’s tried her best to keep that mainly kpop and movies. but, to be honest, she wouldn’t have made a spam had it not been for her mutuals and her friends in real life. 
this time, however, she felt emotions that she was afraid to tell anyone else. 
she usually watched the gayos on her own, since she was the only one in the house who had an interest in them because her favorite idols were on that show. however, the one she always kept an eye on was mbc’s gayo daejejun because of the amazing stages that the idols would perform. not to mention, it was the gayo with the countdown to the new year. however, this time, she debated if she even wanted to watch it considering that this was the same exact one that she made a video audition for, only to not get in. 
when she saw the post on mbc’s page, she was disappointed, but not surprised. it was bold of her to assume she would ever get the chance compared to the other dancers. when she watched the other entries, she was already beginning to feel insecure. but seeing the announcement only supported her negative feelings. however, one name catches her eye and it’s the main reason why she watches the music show tonight. 
chungha isn’t the only reason why she’s watching this, but she’s the one mina looks forward to seeing the most. it’s weird how almost two years ago, mina became a fan from watching her on the fourth season of the mgas. now, she was watching her as not only a fan, but a friend. it’s only a glow up she can talk about on her spam, but she’s able to use her excitement for her tweets while streaming. 
she makes sure to tweet about her favorite idols and their performances before the awaited dance performance comes. when it begins, she quickly takes out her phone as she patiently waits for her friend to be shown on her screen. she manages to record the 30 seconds of chungha’s dance on her instagram story while whisper-screaming throughout all of it. “ahh!!! kim chungha is so cool!!!! she’s the coolest unnie ever!!!” and a bunch of “wow!”’s and “so cool!”’s. for the group performance, she kept all her excitement on her twitter with a few pictures saved for her spam later on. 
it’s odd. before watching this, she thought she was going to feel an overwhelming amount of jealousy just by seeing chungha for a second. but after the performance ended, she couldn’t help but feel inspired. perhaps it was because of the fact that this wasn’t the first time she’s seen chungha on national television, but mina didn’t feel too upset like she thought she would. what a relief. 
she posts the pictures on her spamsta (spam + finsta) once the countdown for the new year is finished and captions it with her thoughts. after she posted it, she locked her phone, turned off her tv, and went upstairs to go to bed, excited for what was to come in the future. 
notokmina: do you see her??/ that’s the coolest bitch in the world !!!! ever !!!!!
watching her tonight gave me so much motivation tbh. i remember i used to be so… starstruck by her when i first saw her on mga4 and now i know her in real life and we’re friends !!!! i’m so glad she got to audition for this and perform onstage in front of a bunch of idols. she’s so cool!!!! 
i’m gonna work hard with future covers so that i can hopefully be dancing on that same stage!!!!!!!!! it’d be cooler if it was w her!!!! but yeah. hopefully if i work hard enough, i can be on the stage like her (and my cousin and brother if theyre reading this who knows) 
she leaves a comment under her post. 
notokmina: unnie, if ur reading this, hi!!! very proud of u uwu 
… 
january 2nd, 2020
having been on stan twitter since she moved back to korea, she’s gotten to explore the many sides of the website. though she’s primarily a kpop fan account, she also keeps tabs on film twitter. it’s to the point where she even has mutuals who are apart of that community and she frequently talks to them about her favorite movies (recently, it’s been about it 2 because she loves her best boys richie and eddie). so of course, when she asked for movie recommendations on her account, she hoped that said mutuals would see it and give their insight. 
though there were many suggestions, she chose lady bird by the end of it. she knew about the movie years ago, but she never really got around to watching it until now. she’s read mixed reviews, so she was never really able to form a solid opinion on this movie. she told herself not to expect much, since this was a coming-of-age film. but, by the end of it, she found herself in tears. she goes on twitter and writes up a tweet as a response to the movie. 
michi @noplayboy_mp3: film oomfs is it weird to say that i kin w lady bird lol  michi @noplayboy_mp3: no but the film is so good i dont want to drop any spoilers but lady bird is like… so relatable? esp bc im kind of in her situation now.  michi @noplayboy_mp3: icb greta gerwig said “michi has rights”... perhaps i will watch little women when i get the chance
before she’s about to make a tweet about watching midsommar next, she hears her phone vibrate. putting her laptop to the side, she picks up her phone and sees an email from snu. 
dear mina, 
the admissions committee at seoul national university has re-reviewed all aspects of your application in its holistic review process, and you have an updated admissions decision. you may now view your updated admissions decision in your portal.
she gasps. 
as she clicks on the link to her portal and logs in, she was immediately welcomed by the site with a big “CONGRATULATIONS!” and if that wasn’t already obvious enough for her, she looks around to find the little “status: accepted” on her page. she sighs in relief and puts her phone to the side as she lies on her bed. she’s not necessarily excited that she got into a school. even now, she was still questioning if she wanted to go to school to begin with. all she knew was that at this point, she was going somewhere. whether or not this is what she really wanted to do, she at least has an idea of where she’s starting. 
maybe now her mom would stop badgering her. maybe now she can show her that she could do things without her. 
“i got accepted into snu today.”
it’s used to start discussion, even though she didn’t really want to talk about it with her. it had to come out somehow because even if she was nervous with how she was going to reply, at least her mom would be aware of it. 
her father was the first to say something about it and mina wants to verbally thank him for speaking before her mom does. “honey, congratulations! i knew you would be able to get into that school.” 
“thank you,” mina says with a small smile before she looks over at her mom to see what she will respond with because it was obvious she had something to say about it. 
“why did it take so long for a response?” she asks. “you applied for early decision, didn’t you?” 
it takes a lot for mina to not say something snarky in response. she’s not going to do that now. not so soon. “well, competition’s pretty tough. a lot of kids are applying for snu. especially in my class.” she wasn’t exactly lying, but it was a better response than “i was waitlisted for a month.” and even if she responded with that, at least she got into the school. wasn’t that enough? 
her mom lets out a small “hm” before eating more of their dinner. “well, good job on getting into that school. with how long the response took, i was starting to worry.” 
mina frowns. “i got into other schools, you know.” 
“but did you want to get into any of those other schools?” when mina’s silent for a response, her mother only continues. “you said that you were aiming for snu and it took long enough in order to get a response.” 
“can’t you just be happy over the fact that i actually got into the school?” mina asks, feeling her voice rise. “i thought you would be proud of me. is it that much of a surprise that i got in?” 
“all of your friends got accepted into their schools quicker.” mina feels her grip tighten on the chopsticks in her hands. “all i’m saying is you should’ve at least tried harder or at least recognize that you should’ve done better.” 
mina finds it hard to calm down after hearing that. it’s not like she didn’t expect a response like that, but to actually hear it from her makes her laugh bitterly. it’s sad to say she’s not surprised because this was what their relationship is at this point. even if she told herself that she just wanted to get into school in order to get her mom off her back, her words only make it seem like she was mocking her even if she reached at least the minimum. it made mina wish her mother lowered her expectations or at least make her own higher. 
she eats her food in a hurry, hoping to get out of this dinner as soon as possible. of course, her mother has an issue with it as she glared at her from across the table. “slow down. you look like an animal eating like that.” 
mina ignores her and she manages to empty her bowl, still trying to bite and swallow the leftover food in her mouth. she quickly stands up from her chair, puts her bowl and utensils in the sink, and runs upstairs, swallowing the last bit of her food down. she closes her door behind her even if she knows her mother was going to go up to her room anyways. when she hears the door open, she rolls her eyes before she turns to her mom. 
“can you knock?” the impatient tone was one she’s used frequently enough. whether or not she was proud of it, she kept that information to herself. 
her mother’s not afraid of it, though. in fact, if anything, she’s probably a professional at dealing with it. “you’re one to talk about manners,” she scolds. “what is with you?! at least try to stay for the entire dinner and not make it seem like you don’t like my company.” 
“why would i do that?” mina scoffs. “you’d yell at me for faking it, anyway.” 
her mom sighs. “why are you so selfish? why do you keep on doing this? do you understand how uncomfortable your father feels whenever we fight? how uncomfortable i feel?!” 
“i’m sorry for being upset over you not being a good mom,” she responds, crossing her arms as if to do the bare minimum of making fun of the woman in front of her who would do the same in their past arguments. “i got into a good school and all you can say is ‘i’m surprised they didn’t reject you straight up’? no ‘congratulations’ or ‘i’m happy you got into the school you wanted to get into’? shouldn’t you at least be glad over the fact that i’m going-” 
“how am i going to explain to the family that it took a few months for my daughter to tell me she got into snu after a few months since she applied?” her mom interrupts her, angering mina even more. “it didn’t take long for jaebeom to get his letter of acceptance. it didn’t take daniel long for him to know if he got in. do you know what they’ll say when i tell them you got accepted after countless times of me saying ‘oh i don’t know yet’, ‘she hasn’t received anything yet’? they’ll think i’m raising-” 
“what? an idiot?” mina laughs. “yeah. i’m sure everyone in the family’s already aware of the fact that i’m never going to be a lawyer living in america. at least i got into a school.” 
her mother then points at mina and she has to hold the urge to not swat the hand away from her face. “look at you! you’re already making yourself sound bad by acting like it’s a miracle they accepted you in the first place!” she criticizes. “you’re supposed to go to school. you’re supposed to get a degree in order to get a good job somewhere. after all your father and i’ve done for you and your brothers, why are you the only one who treats this like it’s not a big deal?!” 
“i am treating this like it’s a big deal!” mina asserts. “do you know how many nights i spent studying for tests that i knew i was going to fail? all the times i had to stay after school in order to make sure it wouldn’t affect my chances?! i worked so hard in the last few months to be accepted and i’m the only one in this room proud of myself for it! it’s like you’re actively trying to find reasons to be disappointed in me, even when i do something good!”
“maybe you should be trying to not constantly disappoint me, then.” her mother turns her back to her daughter and makes way for the door, but mina mutters something else that makes her stop in her steps.
“the one time i do something that i thought could impress you and you’re still disappointed in me.”
her mother doesn’t respond. all she does is stand for a moment before she leaves, not even bothering to close the door behind her. 
0 notes
imagineared · 6 years
Text
*:・゚✧ °O° I Can Go the Distance ( Nov 27 )
It’s been two weeks since I wrote and I do apologize for that, but it was also two weeks where nothing happened in the DCP for me. Of course, the end of the season passed in that time, but honestly, I wasn’t a part of the groups that were talking about it, so it passed and I looked at Twitter to see if anything happened and that was it. That being said as of today, Monday November 27th, I have ten weeks until check-in. Ten weeks, that’s it. And that’s nine weeks of work since I’m putting in my two weeks to have that last week off to make sure things are ready. Part of me will miss my job here, but it will be for the people, even though there really isn’t much I have ever complained about with it. Just one thing, so maybe I’ll come back to it after I return, just depends how things work out. Can’t think too far ahead since a few things have to happen yet. 
But moving on from that, it’s almost the two month mark! Just one week and one day ‘til I get the first DCP Pre-Arrival email. I am excited to see what’s in store, despite the words I have heard. Supposedly the weekly rent has gone up, but honestly, I expected that. It’s important to note that we are at Disney to work and they will make sure we work enough to not only pay rent but have enough after to survive, and it is our duty to pick up more hours if we can to take care of anything else we want to do, just like any other job, so I am not fussed at all. Nor am I worried about surviving ( not when I am in Merchandise and have seen how easy it is to find shifts to pick up with it, especially since the Hub updated as my brother showed me to show a suggested shift on your off day should you want to pick one up ). Anyway, there’s been quite a bit on that front from hearsay. I hope everyone can work it out, because it would be a shame to let the program go if you don’t think you can survive weekly. I think change is just hard because these are college kids having to learn how to build work ethic and learn how to budget when they likely haven’t had to do much of it before. If I can survive paying student loans ( $150 a month ), health insurance ( $50 a month ), cell phone ( $45 a month ), food and essentials ( $185 a month ), half a funko box subscription payment  ( $17.5 a month ), and still save about $300 a month after the weekly rent, on a 40 hr a week paycheck ( which is likely having to pick up some hours to make that happen depending how much they schedule ), it is doable. You just have to be willing to do the work to make it so. If it’s not worth it to you, so be it, but it’s worth it to me. That’s true. Anyway, enough on the controversial. Back to the happy.
Things are coming together well, I’ve been keeping enough hours to have money when I get down there beside for buying all the stuff I still need to get and paying all the things I still have to pay, and that’s honestly without picking anything up, so if I keep picking up hours, I’ll be even better off and for me that’s so exciting, since I’ll want to buy things when I get down there since there’s that 40% and all, and that’s even with the extra spending I’ve done lately to have some cool things for down there like a Fujifilm Insta Max, a FitBit, and a NuWave Fryer ( which I should be picking up soon ). It’s so exciting to me and I’m looking forward to each of these ten weeks despite having to listen to my parents figure out how they’re going to get me down there. It’s a mess, but it’ll work out. I think that’s it for now, though, if I think of something else it’ll come in the next post. I’ll see you guys real soon!
1 note · View note