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#ok sorry but i still can't get over that family history story
fictionadventurer · 7 months
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cocochannel00 · 3 years
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The Azoff Family: A Case Study on one of the Music Industry’s Most Connected Families
(ft. a breakdown of the Grammy voting process and problems)
This is very long so I will try and split it up into categories for everyone (sorry I got carried away- I spent like 2 hours writing this) but enjoy!
*Disclaimer: I want to preface while the majority of this is based in research, some parts may be speculation. I don’t know the family personally so I can’t tell you what goes on behind closed doors but I can tell you how parts of the entertainment/music industry work. I’ve had 5 internships in the industry (one in marketing at one of the big record labels) and the rest of my work is publicity (what I enjoy) and events and a former advisor used to run in the same circles as Irving Azoff (and he spilled some tea last year) I’m not out here to diminish the hard work of any artists or their teams, I’m simply here to showcase parts of the industry that aren’t always shown.*
Please also see: Story Time: How Fan Pages Directly Impact Columbia Records Decisions and Harry Styles Image
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IRVING AZOFF: NEVER STOP THE GRIND
Let’s begin with the great business man himself Mr. Irving Azoff Irving Azoff is the literal posture child for connections and power in the music industry (he was also inducted into the 2020 rock and roll hall of fame class which is like a huge fucking deal for a manager to be inducted so you know he's the real deal)
In conclusion, I love Irving Azoff and his drive.
Irving Azoff: Early Years Run Down:
He came up middle class (dad was a pharmacist, mom a bookkeeper) in Danville, Illinois
He dropped out of college to run a small Midwestern concert-booking empire and managed local acts in the era
Opportunity came knocking and he got the chance to manage the Eagles and the rest is history
He's one of the best negotiators and has negotiated business on behalf of stars like Stevie Nicks, the Eagles, and Jimmy Buffet
Azoff has been an incredible manager and his drive to always advocate for his clients while basically not giving two sh*ts about what people think of him has gotten him the incredible reputation he has today.
All of Irving Azoff’s Major Job Positions:
Former President MCA (major label)
Former CEO of Ticketmaster and executive chairman of Live Nation Entertainment, the behemoth formed from Ticketmaster’s merger with Live Nation.
In 2013 he and Cablevision Systems Corp. CEO and New York Knicks owner James Dolan formed a partnership, Azoff MSG Entertainment (Currently still CEO)
----> Azoff also ran the Forum in Inglewood under Azoff MSG Entertainment after MSG purchased it in 2012 (it was sold in 2020 to the owner of the Clippers) — why do you think Harry played the forum for the Fine Line show? Azoff connection
Azoff MSG Entertainment encompasses all of the other companies including Full Stop Management, Global Music Rights (performance-rights org), and the Oak View Group (arena developing company)
He also is the co-founder and manager of the lobbying group Music Artists Coalition, a group that helps lobby for artists-rights issues such as royalty rates, copyright issue and healthcare insurance (see he's not all bad)
Essentially what I'm getting at is this man knows anybody who's anybody. He's the man you want on your team to help promote your music, plan your tour, and get you on that Grammy nom list.
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JEFFREY AZOFF: THE CHILD OF NEPOTISM
So for those of you that don't know, Jeffery Azoff is Harry's current manager and the son of Irving Azoff (the third of four kids). He's currently a partner at Full Stop Management, the company owned by Irving and the one artists such as Harry, Haim, the Eagles, Kings of Leon, and Meghan Trainer are signed to.
Jeffrey graduated from the University of Colorado's Leeds School of Business and started working fresh out of college at his father's old Management company (Frontline Management) working under Maroon 5's manager Jordan Feldstein (the only way you get that kind of internship/job as a 21 year old fresh out of college is if your family or family friends gives it to you). He worked here for 5 years.
Direct Quote from Irving Azoff to Jeffrey (really tells you a lot): "Listen carefully, because I’m going to say this one time. You have a phone and you have my last name. If you can’t figure it out, you’re not my son."
After working for his father, Jeffrey moved on to the talent agency CAA (Creative Artist Agency) where he worked for roughly 3 and half years before joining his dad in forming Full Stop Management in 2016.
While he was at CAA, Irving moved over clients like Christina Aguilera and the Eagles to the talent agency to help with tour booking instead of doing it internally through LiveNation (he was CEO).
Even though I'm sure Jeff has had to work somewhat hard to get to where he is (or at least to mess up his dad's work as he doesn't seem like the type to take laziness well), the door into the industry and every job was basically handed to him on a silver platter.
Not to mention if you watch episodes of keeping up with the  kardashians (like myself) you can actually see Jeff hanging out with kendall and the rest of the fam at their Palm Springs house (you know you're a nepotism kid if you have an in with the Kardashian crew). Invite me next time Jeffrey!!!
Think of the Azoff's as the mafia family of the music industry, you don't mess with the mafia
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THE GRAMMY AWARDS: STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON STEROIDS
Ok so here's where we’re going to get into a bit more of the speculation/grey area. I don't need to tell you that award shows are corrupt (See the Golden Globes Emily in Paris scandal) and the Grammys are not an exception. Think of the Grammys as one big student council/government elections where despite the fact the teachers tell you six times to vote for the best candidate, you're still going to vote for your friends even if they aren't the best.
A simplified break-down of Grammy voting:
1) Recording Academy voting members (artists, producers, musicians- anyone involved first hand with the creation of music; All voting members must have been producers, performers or engineers on six or more tracks of a commercially released album (or 12 or more digital tracks) and record labels will submit nominations in various categories to the grammys (songs need to be released commercially between October 1 of the previous year and September 30th of this year). You can also become a voting member by either winning a grammy or being endorsed by a current voting member (hint hint)
2) Once received, the recording academy with have the academy of trustees and its reviewers organize them and approve any changes to the 30 categories/fields (aka they can add new categories or remove old ones; so no best ukulele album of the year -- this is where things get funky)
There's speculation that during this stage when these special groups of 8-10 people are organizing genres, there's an "unwritten rule" that you need to be careful what album you green light (especially for famous artists) if you don't want them to win) (Rob Kenner said this- he used to be on one of these committees). Famous people tend to get more votes from clueless or lay Academy members that don't know the specialized categories or don't care enough to listen to songs that aren't radio trending.
3) After the nominations occur, Voting members begin their first voting. Members can vote for the four general categories of record of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best new artist and a maximum of 15 categories, all within their areas of expertise. Now the interesting thing is that while these are the guidelines there is literally nothing stopping them from voting in whatever categories they want (i.g. a rapper voting in the opera category despite not listening to opera). Theses ballots are all tallied and the top 20 entries are determined in each category (funky moment #2)
In 12 of the 84 categories those top 20 go to the ballot and it's done; for the rest it’s not like that. 59 categories including the big four go to a "nomination review committees" (identities are protected so they can't get lobbied... sure) who take a look at the top 20 and narrow it down to 7 or 8. (these are the special committees the Weekend talked about when he was snubbed). They're supposed to choose the nominees "based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible recordings" which lets be real if that was the case Watermelon Sugar (along with most of the others in the category) I don't think would have been nomimated as they are very generic pop (none of them are special... sorry to the WM lovers out there).
This committee is basically held to THE HONOR CODE SYSTEM... I mean tell me when the last time the honor code system worked in literally any scenario (literally wtf). Don't take my word for it though the former CEO of the Academy Deborah Dugan (a queen) filed a complaint against the Recording Academy basically claiming that the nomination review process was rigged (she was fired after 5 months on the job).
Quote from Deborah Dugan "Members of the board [of trustees] and the secret committees chose artists with whom they have personal or business relationships... It is not unusual for artists who have relationships with Board members and who ranked at the bottom of the initial 20-artist list to end up receiving nominations."
These review committees can also exploit there power by adding up to two nominees that don't appear on the top 20 list to the final voting ballot (except in the 4 big categories - which watermelon sugar that one wasn't nominated for)
They also have craft committees for like non performance stuff (like album notes, engineering and arranging) that don't even get voted on by the academy voting members
4) After all of that fucked up mess, the grammy's decided is ok, the ballots go back to the voting members for the final vote. Deloitte (an accounting firm) then counts all of them, seals them in envelopes, and delivers them to the Grammy award show.
** The Grammy's just announced this year they're removing the "secret committees" so let's see how things shift in the next couple of years**
So obviously I'm not saying this to discredit Harry's nomination or his win as Fine Line was in the US top 20 albums for the majority of 2020, however, we must acknowledge privilege. Harry has a big name to him and a huge following, and while all of that shouldn't be taken into account, it does. He also has the Azoffs, a very well connected family with friends in lots of places that would be able to put in a good word here and there to get support behind Harry. Harry won best pop solo performance for Watermelon Sugar in a category with Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Dua Lipa. Look at the names there, the songs (ya'll can try and remember them cause I'm too lazy to write it out) and tell me that those top names with all of the music produced didn't get there through some connections.
Do with all this information what you will and if you are interested in learning more about the entertainment industry on your own Endeavor (owners of WME, a big talent agency like CAA) is hosting a free online program called the Excellence Program to help guide the future generation of industry executives. The program is a-synchronous and starts on July 12th. Highly recommend giving it a go if you're interested!!!
Alright ya'll that's it. Feel free to message me with your thoughts!
Extra Sources if you'd like to read:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkdndn/how-grammys-voting-actually-works-and-where-the-alleged-corruption-lies
https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/voting-process
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-05/irving-azoff-eagles-manager
https://celebrityaccess.com/caarchive/jeffrey-azoff-exits-caa-to-launch-new-management-company/
https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/features/grammy-awards-secret-committees-945532/
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammy-awards-eliminate-secret-committees-voting-changes-1163887/
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lovee-infected · 3 years
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OK i hope i'm not bothering you but im the same anon who made the castlevania connection and i've been thinking :3c [Castlevania spoilers for the general lore/tw death, fire] since Lisa got burned because she was considered a witch in middle ages i think Malleus' s/o would get killed because they are married to a fae, a fae royalty to make things worse [if i remember correctly Faes and humans have problems in twst Canon but im not sure] that would wreck Malleus since his s/o was the first human to steal his heart and now they are gone because of their own kin, also Lilia could take the role of Death as Dracula's servant since death was very royal to Dracula and has been there with him for the longest time.. Sorry if any of these sound incoherent i can't speak English jdhsjshjssbsjj
Congrats nonnie, Castlevania au exists now👏👏👏
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Note: You don't need to have watched Castlevania to understand this au, it just follows similar dynamics and storyline as the series!
Warning(s): Major character death, mildy yandere themes, pain, pain pain and lots of pain. Malleus having another mental breakdown as if being an orphan and growing without any friends hadn't already done enough of damage to him...
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It's pretty well known that there has been wars between fae and humans in the past, there's also a possibility that Malleus's or even Silver's parents might've been killed during those wars. Malleus on the other hand would one day be the King of fairies, therefore he's most likely expected to marry a fae of a proper social, and royal class like him.
If Malleus waa meant to fall for a human of all creatures, it's not that far from mind that not only the valley of thorns, but rather the whole community would object to his marriage as the future King. At this point most of them (expect those close to him like Lilia, Sebek or Silver) don't even care about Malleus's desires and decisions; his genuine feelings for a man child isn't enough to wash away the hatred and bitterness the whole fae community hold toward humans, therefore going against Malleus's wish and... getting rid of s/o would be crucial if the royal family wants to avoid another war.
While Malleus believes this marriage would be a chance for fae and humans to reunite, the chaos caused between the fae community is overwhelming; even members of the royal Court riot when the truth behind young prince's secret lover is unfold and soon enough, (y/n) is marked as a threat to the entire valley of thorns.
Yet, Malleus would still choose to marry his beloved child of man regardless of the great antagonism his marriage faced, he is the King and he has the final word to decide whether he should marry his s/o or not.
As he's aware if the hatred his people may hold towards his s/o now, he trusts you with his trusted and loyal bodyguard, Silver and Sebek to protect you from any possible danger; leaving the castle as well is considered to be a threat, so the s/o needs to be under extreme protection which insures their safety.
However, several years after his marriage to s/o, Malleus decides maybe the word is now ready to accept this child of man as their King's partner since it's been years since the last wave of oppositions toward the King's marriage.
Perhaps it's finally time for human and fae to reunite as fairies have finally accepted his s/o, however...
...The betrayal that leads to his beloved human's death and Malleus's mental break down was never going to be from the fairies,
It was meant to be from humans, the s/o gets killed, by the hands of their own people.
(Y/n) has been marked as a threat toward humanity because they were married to Malleus, the King of darkness and mister of all evil.
Malleus spent decades protecting his child of man from the deadliest of faes and scariest of monster, only for them to get betrayed by their own kind, their own people.
Humans...humans, the grudge he has been for this pathetic word over centuries, way before he met (y/n), way before he fell for one of those pathetic humans. He thought s/o could change the way he saw humans, he thought he was going to forget the wounds those disgusting creatures had left on his heart, he thought he could finally come to trust humans but ah, how fool of him.
My my... wasn't he being just too naive? Thinking that there was actually a way for humans to change but no, humans will never change. He laughs at his own patheticness for trusting humans with his beloved child of man's safety as his heart shatters to thousands of pieces, (y/n) is gone, he lost them, he lost them.
It was his very own fault for being such a fool, his love for s/o had blinded him to the point of forgetting what humans are truly like. His hatred toward humans shall last till the very end of this pathetic world and will takeover each and every of those pathetic creatures expect for one, (y/n).
S/o is the true love of his life and the only human Malleus will never hate, they were superior in each and every aspects Malleus could've used to measure a creature's worthiness and purity, if (y/n) of all human had to be the one to die, then no one, not a single soul of them deserves to breathe.
Way through human history, humans have done nothing but to destroy and sacrifice other creatures for the sake of their own greed and fear, their patheticness, their unworthiness, their selfishness.
Humans are the cause of nothing but pain and harm, therefore they shouldn't exist.
...If this, is meant to be how his story ends, let it also be the end of all humans who took his beloved, his child of man, his (y/n) from him...
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latte-fairytaekwoon · 3 years
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𝓐𝓾𝓻𝓸𝓻𝓪 𝓐𝓼𝔂𝓵𝓾𝓶: 𝓙𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓨𝓾𝓷𝓱𝓸
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𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚌 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙, 𝚢𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚛, 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚖, 𝚜𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎, 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚍𝚎𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚜. 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗.
𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝚈𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚎! 𝙹𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚈𝚞𝚗𝚑𝚘 × 𝙿𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 (𝙵𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚎)
𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 𝟹𝙺
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚝, 𝚂𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙵𝚕𝚞𝚏𝚏, 𝚈𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝙰𝚄
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I breathed out an airy and desolate sigh through my nose, obviously I unconsciously did it a little too loud as the raven haired male sitting across from me looked down at the floor.
"It was all my fault.....wasn't it?"
I looked up, the glasses sitting on my nose bridge tilting slightly that I had to push them back up so I could study his features, or should I say, his expressions. His eyelids never blinked once, his eyes were trained on the pattern of the carpet underneath him, but I knew his mind was elsewhere. I looked with pity at the bandages wrapped around his wrists, some of the edges stained with fresh blood. I gulped slightly, my stomach threatening to spill out my meager lunch of an apple and avocado toast slice from earlier. I could handle hearing patients tell and retell me about how they stabbed their parents to death, cut off their significant other's genitals because they were unloyal to them, even tackled a deranged lunatic that once tried to...... seduce me to put mildly.......
But to this day, I can't help but get dizzy when I treat or deal with patients who are self harming victims, because yes, they are victims. Victims of their own self loathing, guilt, and depressive state that isn't their fault. It just pains me so much to see them resort to such drastic measures...
But I'm also not stupid and know some, if not most only do it for attention or to manipulate others, and Yunho is a case not far from it. Which is why I was the one sent to deal with him. All the other psychologists would have fallen for his sad puppy eyes, good looks, well built physique and would have released him too early into the world. Not that he's dangerous and a threat to society, but he's not emotionally nor mentally stable to go deal with daily life yet. And I'm not a softie by any means even if I'm patient and meek doctor when necessary. But I'm objective and I seek deeper into the true person hiding behind the front they put in front of me.
"Do you believe it was your fault Yunho?" Usually one would get scolded for answering a question with a question, but I prefer this method in order to get my patients to reason and draw out their own conclusions......
And makes them pour out their true answers.
I watch Yunho ponder for a moment.
"It has to be- otherwise she wouldn't have...wouldn't have-"
He bites back a choked sob, teeth tightening and gritting against themselves as he fails to contain his tears. His hands cover his face as he begins to cry uncontrollably, desperate and heartwrenching wails resonating throughout the 4 walls keeping us company. Reaching for the purple plaid box on the coffee table between us, I take out a few tissues and stand up from my seat. Lightly tapping on his shoulder, I whisper a 'here' to him. He thanks me, but since he's crying too hard no sound comes out his throat. For the next few minutes, he's blowing out his runny nose, all red just like his eyes from crying too hard. He's sniffling while trying to control his previous hyperventilating session. I want to hug him or at least give him a pat in the back. But I can't, I can only sit back and try to imagine the agony he's probably going through, try to put myself in his shoes as I dive deep into the event that got him here in the first place:
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Coming back from a trip to the store, Yunho momentarily looks around confused when he heard his baby daughter crying. Quickly putting the bags on the kitchen counter, he makes his way over to the nursery that adjoined the main bedroom. Calling out for his wife, he receives no response as he walks down the hallway. He calls once more for her but stops midway as he opens the slightly ajar door. His heart stops beating and his veins run cold as he stares into the lifeless body of his beloved wife hanging in the room, feeling as if the oxygen is being ripped out from his lungs, suffocating slowly.
As if sensing his agitation, his daughter's cries from the other room grow louder, so much that they raise concern from their next door neighbor, a kind and sweet old lady who more than once has offered her help in watching over the child or help them out in any way she could. Typing in the passcode, she makes it there just in time to stop the tall male from inflicting more harm upon himself as he holds onto his wife's body in agony. Having been left with no choice, she immediately calls for an ambulance, who arrive there shortly and take him to a nearby hospital.
He was monitored 24/7 as he had a history of attempted suicide before. The nurses and doctors didn't want another episode to happen again, not wanting to leave a barely 1 year old fatherless as well as motherless. As an investigation went, police found a journal hidden deep between the mattresses on the bed. When they poured over the first pages, they knew there was much more to the story than just a doting husband who couldn't live without his wife, hence why he was relocated to the infamous asylum......
And a specialized woman was tasked to not only unmask the truth, but hopefully help a poor broken mind be put back together again.
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Hence why I'm here now, the folder I had read over and over again still on my lap. It honestly amazed me that I'd actually get to work on a case like this, and of course I took up the challenge of digging into a mind like Yunho's, not just to help him, but to leave a precedent for any other situations like this that came after.
"A precedent?" I remember the officer asking me.
"Yes. You'd be surprised just how common these types of toxic relationships there are in an everyday basis yet no one ever looks deeper because they're too focused treating a depressed person who's trying to kill themselves and don't focus on what they really are...."
Shutting the folder, I tucked it under my arm before turning on my heel.
"A manipulative individual who'll do anything to keep someone tied to them forever."
That's how I viewed Yunho, it's how I should be viewing him. At least until I could hopefully get him to change.
"How's......is my daughter ok?"
I let out a soft hum and nod as I scribbled something down on the notepad.
"She's fine. We're having someone take care of her in the meantime, don't worry."
Yunho let out a sigh of relief, fingers fidgeting against his thighs as he mustered up the courage to say something.
"Could I.....could I please see her?"
From the sad look in my eyes he could already tell the answer was negative.
"I'm sorry Yunho....I'm afraid until we see some improvement, we can't allow you to be reunited with her just yet."
I tried to keep my voice steady as I said that, bracing myself to possibly see him breakdown once more. He had already lost his wife and now learning that his only child was forced away from him could possibly send him spiraling down into another episode.
But Yunho instead took a deep breath and seemed calm.
"I understand.....it's ok..." I knew he was saying those last two words more to himself than to me.
Lifting his face up, he suddenly shocked me by looking so bright and rather happy.
"So I guess it's best if we begin right?"
Even to this day, I don't know whether I should have been delighted to have such a compliant patient.....
Or terrified.
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"Tell me Yunho, what was your first reaction when you saw your wife?"
A subtle hint of a smile curled at the corners of his lips.
"I thought she was the kindest and most caring person in the world, very pretty too. She just walked in and the room instantly lit up."
He was reminiscing about those times, I could tell. That fond look on his face was unmistakable.
"Do you believe you fell in love at first sight with her?"
His smile suddenly dissipated, eyebrows scrunching together as if recollecting memories from so long ago.
"I think.......I felt attracted to her.....but.....I don't think it was love?"
I could tell he felt conflicted with himself, but that's exactly what I wanted. I want him to question every feeling and sensation he felt at the moment so he could decide for himself if it was real or just a mere illusion he held. If he starts to second guess or question what he felt then he'd start reasoning and come to the conclusion that what he felt was wrong and mistaken. He'd see that his actions weren't justified.
"So when do you truly believe you fell in love with her?"
I stopped writing on my notepad and watched him close his eyes as he tried to pinpoint the exact time he felt whatever he thought was love.
"One night....one of our friends was feeling down in spirits. I witnessed how caring she was towards them...kindly reassuring them that they were loved, that they mattered. I vividly remember her kind eyes and loving smile as she comforted them. Then it hit me that she was that kind of person. Selfless, caring, doting, would sacrifice anything for her friends and family...... it was hard for anyone not to fall in love with her."
He turned his hand over, studying the wedding ring that he still wore to this day, the engravings of their initials being his prime interest.
"And at that moment I knew I had to have her. I couldn't let anyone else have her. I wanted her.... that love, compassion, empathy..her confidence and strong nature, I wanted-"
He stopped mid sentence and his eyes wizened in horror as he came to the realization I had foreseen long ago. He looked up at me, meeting my unwavering eyes that held no emotion at that moment.
"She had all the qualities I had always lacked in."
I took my glasses off and nodded.
"And I unconsciously wanted them for myself.... but the only way I could have them was...through her?" He seemed sickened with himself.
"Not exactly Yunho. You could have learnt to love yourself and raise your self esteem." I quickly scribbled my observation down.
"But I didn't. Instead I caged her up and slowly tore her down."
I couldn't help but let out an involuntary smile as he drew out that conclusion.
"Glad to know you've accepted that fact, even if it took several months for you to understand."
Shutting the notepad, I lifted myself up from my chair, straightening my blouse. Yunho followed suit.
"Is our session over?" He was always so polite, always escorting me out and holding the door open for me, which other doctors would have adamantly refused, too scared to come close to their patients. But not me. I let them have certain liberties at times.
"Not yet Yunho. As you've made remarkable progress, I got permission for you to see someone."
He was momentarily confused for a split second. Poor thing probably thought it was one of the nurses coming in to give him some new medication to take, which he hated with a passion. Stepping outside for a brief moment, I happily took the young baby in my arms, the little girl already used to seeing me as I always went to go see her after being with Yunho for a few hours. When I came back inside he had his back turned to me, once again staring off into nowhere. The light gurgled babbles the baby emitted caught his attention immediately. He whipped his head around so fast I thought he'd break his neck for a second. He teared up as the child began squealing in excitement as she recognized her father right away.
"Oh my-" He choked up with tears that he couldn't finish his sentence.
I calmly walked over to him, lightly bouncing the baby in my arms. Yunho hesitantly reached his hands out.
"Can I..?" He had such a hopeful glint in his eyes.
I didn't answer, I merely held his daughter out to him. As soon as she felt his embrace, she latched onto him as if he was one of the teddy bears she often slept with. Perhaps he was one.
No....he is one.
In my time of spending time with Yunho, I've come to strongly believe he is a sweet and tender individual. And judging by the way the little girl feels safe in his arms, I do believe he is capable of being truly loved.....
If he learns how to properly love not just someone else, but himself too.
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Stepping out of my car, I quickly grab the small pink bag on the passenger seat before locking it. Treading through the small patch of green grass, I ring the doorbell and wait for one of the occupants to open up for me. No surprise, I'm greeted by the same raven haired male I met nearly 3 years ago. He looks delighted to see me.
"Y/N. Hi!"
I wave at him, a small but genuine smile on my features.
"Hi Yunho. Did I come at a bad time?" I notice the apron covered in flour and leftover egg on it.
"Oh no not at all. Please come in."
Moving aside to let me pass, my nose catches the scent of baked goods filling the air. I can distinctly recognize the hints of lavender and french vanilla, an odd but surprisingly tasty combination. I spot out of the corner of my eye a little head peeking out from the kitchen, curious to know who had come to pay them a visit. Letting out a squeal, she quickly ran over to attach herself on my leg.
"Y/N!"
I chuckled and lightly run my fingers through her hair which was longer than the last time I saw it.
"Hi Jina, I see you've been baking something." We both chuckle as I scraped off some cake batter that had gotten on the tip of her button nose.
"Me and dad are making cupcakes for my friend's birthday party tomorrow." She explained.
"Wow that's a really nice gesture. I bet they'll turn out delicious."
Remembering that I was short on time and that I had one last task to carry out, I pull out the bag I had hidden behind my back and hand it to her.
"It's for you."
Her eyes began to sparkle so much they could rival all the stars in the galaxy. After thanking me like 20 thousand times, she plopped her tiny body on the couch to tear into the contents inside it. I shake my head before taking out a small paper from inside my trench coat.
"And this is for you."
Taking the slip from my fingers, Yunho opens it up and scans what it says. He seems confused for a moment, not fully understanding what it means. He looks to me once more, probably for the last time, asking for an explanation.
"It's your official release from the institution. No more drop in visits, no more eyes on you 24/7, and soon you won't have to continue with the prescribed medication, although when that happens they will send someone once in a while to check up and make sure you're ok without them."
Yunho nods but it is a rather sad and pained nod.
"So this means you won't be seeing us any longer?"
I inhale deeply and nod.
"This was a temporary thing until you got better Yunho. After all....I was only the doctor assigned to you."
It hurt me to say that as much as it probably hurt him, as much as it'd hurt Jina to know I wouldn't be coming back anymore.
"Can't we at least be friends?"
I hated seeing those puppy eyes of him practically beg me, signature trait he passed on to his daughter.
"That would be completely unprofessional of my part Yunho. I deeply cherish and treasure all the time we spent together and I'm beyond happy and satisfied that you've come so far since the start of our journey..."
I sighed deeply.
"But every journey has an end." He finished my sentence.
Extending his hand out to me, I took it and gave it a firm shake.
"I'm really going to miss you." He admitted.
"Me too. Me too."
Going over to the momentarily forgotten 4 year old, she let out an 'oof' when she suddenly found herself cooped up in my embrace.
"Take care of yourself and of your dad ok?"
I kissed the top of her head, her grinning face not registering that this might be the last time she ever saw me. Yunho walked me out the door and even escorted me all the way to my car. Always the gentleman, he held the door open for me. Before I could even get one foot inside, I felt a large hand grip my wrist. Turning to him, I was flustered when he suddenly pulled me close to him.
"Please don't leave. I need you....I..."
He looked conflicted with himself as he tried to finish his words. Taking a deep breath, he confessed:
"I love you."
My heart sank. He said the 3 words I hoped he'd never direct at me. Mainly because I was scared as he was. Don't get me wrong, Yunho is a wonderful man, and he truly deserves to be loved....
But am I certain that he has finally learned to love? Or is it because he feels he needs me?........
Only one way to find out.
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angellesword · 3 years
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YOUR EYES TELL | JJK (08)
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Summary: You live in a world where people see in black and white. The solution to finally see the colors? It's simple. You need to meet your soulmate and look at him in the eyes, but what if the person bound to you is already contented with the monochromatic world? What if...Jeongguk, your soulmate, is already in love with someone else?
Alternatively:
"A future without you is a world without color."
Genre: soulmate au, e2l, slow burn, angst, fluff, roommate au
Pairing: Artist!Jungkook x Lawyer!Reader
Word Count: 3.6k
Series: CHAPTER 7 | CHAPTER 9
warnings: unrealistic court happenings i am not a lawyer ok mention of physical abuse, drinking problems, child trauma, mental illness, and infidelity. I want to build a whole new world in this fic that’s why i also didn’t research about divorce trials I’m sorry. OC is kind of annoying/disappointing in this chapter (?) or not (?) Young Choi Soobin of TXT is the kid in this chapter’s moodboard
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Jeongguk was the ex-boyfriend Red was talking about.
You figured this out when you were at Seokjin's party. Frankly, the way your soulmate was looking at Red was already a giveaway, but then you had to confirm it yourself.
The only way to do that was to either confront Jeongguk or your assistant.
You chose neither and it was because you were afraid to hear what they would or wouldn't say. This being said, you resorted to your last option.
"Come on..." It was hard to sit on the floor when you're wearing a damn long dress, but this didn't stop you from rummaging through Red's personal things.
It's the middle of the night. You left Jeongguk at your apartment right after he reached his high.
You just wanted to teach him a lesson for being a brat. He was always so rude to you and you honestly thought that he was just in denial—that soon enough, he would realize that you two were really destined to be together.
Apparently, that wasn't going to happen.
You went to your office at one in the morning just to find something that would verify your speculation. You got what you wanted. The photograph of Jeongguk kissing your assistant confirmed it.
Your tears fell.
You didn't know why you felt betrayed. It wasn't like they wanted this. They hadn't done anything wrong. Fate was just cruel. Why didn't you meet Jeongguk first? You couldn't blame him for falling in love with Red—she was sweet, beautiful, and smart. Anyone would definitely like her, so you had no choice but to swallow the lump in your throat and accept this.
You just had to pretend like everything was alright.
It wasn't.
The divorce trial was near and there were still so many things you had to fix. Work was seriously draining the hell out of you and it wasn't like Jeongguk was helping. He was actually adding up to the stress you were feeling.
Jeongguk was giving you the silent treatment and no—it wasn't the type of silence you were used to. Before Seokjin's party, your soulmate was quiet, but not really. He would occasionally huff to let you know that he was annoyed at you. He would also stamp his feet and slam the door just to spite you.
You didn't mind. You knew he was just being a brat; however, things were different now.
After the night of Seokjin's party, Jeongguk changed. He was eerily silent, always avoiding eye contact with you.
You tried talking to him. Regrettably, you were only greeted by stillness.
"You want pizza, Gukkie?"
Nothing.
"Have you watched the latest episode of Start-up?"
Still nothing.
"Did you have a good sleep?"
Nope. Nothing. Nada.
"Wanna make out on the couch?"
Jeongguk's head jolted to your direction. His eyes were wide, cheeks turning crimson because of your bold statement.
"Hey!" You giggled, clearly happy with his reaction. "You finally looked at me!"
Jeongguk shook his head and then he went straight to his room.
You were unbelievable.
You pouted your lips, giving up. You had a feeling that he would come around.
He did. Days later, Jeongguk surprised you when he stood right in front of the door of your apartment. He was blocking your way out.
"Gukkie, I'm going to be late." You sighed. He reminded you of Miri, your cat that's always trying to stop you from leaving.
"You can't leave." His jaw clenched.
You let out a breath once again.
"Don't do this please. Mr. Kim needs me,"
The trial was happening today. You needed to run down a few things with your client before you go to the court room.
"You just don't get it, do you?" Jeongguk folded his arms over his chest.
You stared at him.
"I don't get what?" It was hard to keep your composure when the thing you had been trying to avoid for so long was being rubbed in your face. You knew exactly what Jeongguk was implying.
"—that you want me to drop this case because you want Red all to yourself?"
Jeongguk froze. What was the point of staying silent when you always knew what was running inside his head?
You just always knew.
"You don't have to pretend that you care about Soobin's well-being. I have enough people doing just that," you slightly pushed Jeongguk to the side so that you could pass through the door.
Ah, people.
They're all the same, always trying to conceal their self-interest by pretending that they care for others.
You liked Jeongguk—actually; you were convinced you loved him. He was your soulmate after all, but sometimes love wasn't enough to just give into what he wanted.
This wasn't about your relationship. This was about Soobin's welfare. He's just a child. You were a lawyer who swore an oath to protect the oppressed and incapable. You were their voice.
It sounded cheesy, but this was the type of person you aspired to be. The world was already dark, it wouldn't hurt to be someone's light.
Jeongguk didn't understand your reasons. It was evident when he showed up in court to watch you defend Kim Seokjin.
At first, you thought your eyes were failing you. Was he really here? Was he really the man at the back of the room wearing that big hoodie?
It was him. The familiar scowl on his face said so. Jeongguk was the only person who looked at you like you had offended his whole family.
"All rise!"
You turned to your client upon hearing the bailiff's demand.
"It's going to be alright," assured by you.
Seokjin smiled. He was looking at Red instead of you. He needed the comfort of his soulmate.
Red grinned back. She wasn't worried. She trusted you. She was certain you would succeed. Soobin wasn't going to be taken away from his father.
The first few minutes of the trial went smooth. You had your story straight and with the way the judge was nodding; you instantly knew she was in favor of your side.
Unfortunately, things started to go ugly during the cross-examination of witnesses.
Jung Hoseok was the first one to take the stand. He was the expert witness.
"You are the marriage counselor of Mr. and Mrs. Kim for months now, right?"
"Yes." Hoseok answered the opposing counsel. It was weird seeing him this serious. Your friend was always grinning, but you told him to try to keep a neutral face. This way, the judge and the jury wouldn't know if he was caught off guard by the question of the other side's attorney.
"Mr. Jung, is it true that marriage counselors rarely suggest divorce to their clients?"
"Depends—" Hoseok bit his tongue. You told him to simply answer yes or no. Be responsive to the question and never explain. "I mean, yes."
"And yet here we are..." Ms. Choi, the opposing attorney, shrugged her shoulders.
"Objection!" You stood up. "Relevance?"
You didn't understand why Ms. Choi asked that question to Hoseok when she's just shrugging it off now.
"Sustained." The judge felt the same way.
Ms. Choi raised her hand as if surrendering.
"My bad. I'm just curious, you know? If Mr. Jung is indeed an effective counselor, then why did he suggest that the Kim couple push through the divorce?"
Ms. Choi was furrowing her brow at Hoseok.
"Isn't that true, Counselor Jung? You told Mrs. Kim that it's better to end her marriage with Mr. Kim?"
"Yes." The expert witness answered truthfully.
The opposing side's attorney smiled mockingly.
"It's because you feared for Mrs. Kim's safety, right?"
"What?" Jung Hoseok was lost.
"Come on, Mr. Jung you know exactly what I am talking about! You found out that Mr. Kim is an alcoholic and you are scared that he might harm Mrs. Kim and Soobin, right?" Ms. Choi pointed at the five year old kid who was busy coloring books in the far corner of the room. He was with Seokjin's mother.
"Objection, Your Honor! Compound question!" You glared at Ms. Choi.
"Sustained." The judge clenched her jaw. "Ms. Choi, separate your questions. You are misleading the jury..."
Ms. Choi was flustered, yet she still held her head high. She knew she had the upper hand here.
"Is Mr. Kim alcoholic, Mr. Jung?" She tried again.
Hoseok cleared his throat.
"He had a history of abusing alcohol years ago."
"And you know this because you're also a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, correct?"
"Yes..."
"And Mr. Kim Seokjin also told you about his issue with regard to alcohol abuse?"
"Yes." Hoseok swallowed hard.
There were papers that could attest to Hoseok's claim. This was a win for Mrs. Kim. You could see her growing sarcastic smile that was directed at Red.
You inhaled deeply.
"Mr. Jung, can you please tell us the rate of patients going through alcohol relapse?"
"Uh, it's sixty to ninety percent after the first year of treatment," answered by Hoseok.
"I see. How long has it been since Mr. Kim sobered up?"
"As far as I know, it has been three years."
"Huh." Ms. Choi crossed her arms. "So is there a possibility that Mr. Kim would experience an alcohol relapse?"
"Yes."
"What's the statistical probability, Mr. Jung?"
"About fifty percent high." Hoseok looked dejected. He wanted to help Seokjin win the case, but he couldn't lie.
"I see." Ms. Choi was smiling as if she had already won the case.
"Can you tell us now the effects of experiencing an alcohol relapse? Or a slip?"
Hoseok's palms were sweating. Slip was one episode of drinking alcohol after trying to stay sober. Relapse, on the other hand, was the return to unhealthy behavior. Slip wasn't always followed by a relapse.
Hoseok also explained that there were different stages of relapse. Emotional relapse could cause suppression of emotions, becoming more isolated, trying to blame other people, and aggression, especially when they were confronted. There's also mental and physical relapse which included glamorizing alcohol and compulsive desires to drink.
"No further questions, Your Honor." The corner of Ms. Choi's mouth turned up upon realizing that the jury was in favor of their side now.
You had to step up your game.
The next witness was Son Chae-young. She was Soobin's babysitter. Chae-young had been living with the Kims ever since Soobin was born. She's a witness testifying against Seokjin.
Chae-young cleared her throat when your eyes landed on her. She already felt uncomfortable because of the way you were looking at her.
The way you stand up—shoulder down, neck long—was intimidating.
"You have a really nice necklace, Ms. Son."
Chae-young flinched upon hearing your compliment. She was confused. Mrs. Kim and Attorney Choi told her that you were scary, this was evident by the way you present yourself, but then...the way your eyes light up made her feel at ease. Your voice was soft too.
"Ah...thanks," regardless of your sweet persona, Chae-young still couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Why were you looking at her as if she was important? As if you were here to protect and not cross-examine her?
"Is it from Cartier?"
"Yes!" The babysitter beamed at you as she touched her pretty jewelry.
You smiled warmly at her.
"Did you buy it yourself?"
"Objection! Relevance?" The opposing lawyer clenched her fist. She was shaking, causing you to smile bigger. Guess she knew what was coming to her, huh?
"I'm getting there, Your Honor," said by you. Your expression screamed confidence that the judge was compelled to believe you.
"Overruled."
You continued.
"So...Ms. Son, did you buy that necklace? Or is it a gift?"
"Uh..." Chae-young's lips trembled. She was looking at Mrs. Kim, as if she was asking for her boss' help. "I-I bought it for myself..."
"I see." You nodded. Humoring her. "Do you have any other job aside from babysitting Kim Soobin?"
The nanny shook her head.
"N-No. I'm a full-time nanny of Mrs. Kim's son." Chae-young's lips were still shaking; her eyes were quivering as well.
"Hm, interesting..." You went closer to the witness. "That means you're earning what? Two hundred fifty dollars a month?"
"Objection, Your Honor! I still can't see the relevance of this!" Ms. Choi was losing her mind.
You turned to glare at her.
"Can’t you really see the relevance of this or are you just scared?"
You heard the judge's hit the gavel; she was calling your attention.
"Get to the point right now." The judge demanded at you. It was this or your statement was going to be sustained.
"I am merely establishing my point, Your Honor." Your voice was rough. "The necklace Ms. Son is wearing is worth four thousand three hundred dollars. I know because I have the same necklace and it took me, a lawyer, months!" You paused for a while just to emphasize the word months, "to buy it."
You turned to Chae-young when the judge remained silent.
"So tell me, Ms. Son, how can a full-time nanny like you who's earning minimum wage buy that kind of luxurious jewelry? Huh?" You were standing too close to the witness so Attorney Choi used this as an opportunity to object.
"Your Honor, she is badgering the witness!"
"Overruled." But the judge wasn't having any of it. "Answer the question, Ms. Son."
"I'm sorry!" The nanny's face twisted in fear. "Mrs. Kim bought it for me—"
"It's a gift!" Mrs. Kim blurted out, unable to contain her anger anymore. God. She hated you. "I bought it for her last month! It's my birthday gift for her!"
You smirked. Attorney Choi was panicking. She was caressing Mrs. Kim's hand, telling her to calm down.
Sadly, Mrs. Kim could not be stopped.
"Why am I explaining to you when you have no right to question my intention! It's my money so I get to decide what to do with it!"
She was yelling at you and it almost made you laugh. Why was she so defensive?
"May I remind you that you are a married woman, Mrs. Kim? You have to consider your husband's decision when it comes to spending that amount of money." You said this while glancing at the jury.
Base on their expressions, you knew that they agreed with you. This was a win on your side. One of the valid reasons of Seokjin for wanting a divorce was this. Mrs. Kim didn't know how to manage their assets.
You weren't done, though. You had to discredit the witness. You had to win the jury's side in all aspects.
"And you said you bought it last month for Ms. Son's birthday?" You shook your head, focusing your eyes at the nanny.
"Tell us, Ms. Son, when is your birthday?"
Mrs. Kim's face became pale upon hearing your question.
"January seventeen...”
You turned your attention back to Mrs. Kim again.
"Your birthday present is many months late, Mrs. Kim. Either that or you're just lying to hide the fact that you gave Ms. Son the necklace in exchange of testifying against your husband—"
"Objection—"Attorney Choi tried to stop you, but you cut her off too.
"Isn't that right, Ms. Son? You are bribed by your boss to say that you always see Mr. Kim Seokjin drinking alcohol—"
"Your Honor—" The opposing attorney was losing control, her objections were drowning because of how loud your voice was.
"Mrs. Kim wants you to lie! To say that her husband isn't a good father! That he isn't a good influence to Soobin!"
"Yes!"
You stopped trying to pressure Chae-young because it already worked. She admitted the truth.
"Mrs. Kim bribed me!" The babysitter sobbed, looking at you like you were the Lord and she was a sinner.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I-I can't say no, please...please...I need this job!"
"You bitch!" Mrs. Kim abruptly stood up. She wanted to attack you; fortunately the security officers were able to stop her.
The jury was surprised to see Mrs. Kim's violent reaction. You, on the other hand, didn't even flinch.
You were used to this kind of scene. Besides, you couldn't get sidetracked. You still needed to prove your point.
And so you faced the jury.
"Is this the kind of person that you want to raise a sweet, innocent five year-old kid?"
One of the members of the jury clutched her chest. She was affected by what you had said. Truthfully, they were almost decided to grant the sole custody to Mrs. Kim; however, upon seeing the latter's behavior, the jury was having second thoughts now.
"Just look at her!" You pointed at Mrs. Kim who was still seething with rage.
"She constrained an adult! Imagine the bad things she could force Soobin to do! Mrs. Kim is a manipulator!" You raised your voice dramatically.
"My actions are nothing compared to what that asshole is doing!" Mrs. Kim screamed as she angrily pointed at her husband.
She was crying.
Kim Seokjin was quiet. He was shocked by your responses. He didn't expect you to be this bold. You were different from the lawyer he thought he knew.
You didn't have any limit. You didn't know when to stop just to prove a point.
"He's teaching my son that it's okay to be unfaithful to your wife! Jury, please!" Mrs. Kim was desperate. "Don't let him come near my son! He's a drunken bastard!"
The judge was hitting the gavel again. There were too much drama and unnecessary comments from Mrs. Kim.
You shook your head. You couldn't stop now. The jury was undecided. They changed their minds from time to time. You could see sympathy in their eyes as they looked at the wife.
"Mr. Kim Seokjin is sober! You should be ashamed of yourself, Mrs. Kim! You keep blaming your husband when you're the reason why he turned alcoholic in the first place—"
"Objection, Your Honor!" Attorney Choi glared at you. "The attorney is assuming facts!"
You disagreed before the judge could say sustained.
"Am I?" You smirked at the judge before turning to your table to get your evidence.
Seokjin looked at you nervously.
"Please tell me you're not doing what I think you're doing," groaned by your client.
You were blinded by your role as a lawyer, so you ignored Seokjin's plea.
"Don't do this..."
Seokjin was already too late.
"I have here the evidence that will prove that Mrs. Kim is the reason why her husband turned alcoholic."
You brought out the printed photos of Seokjin's beaten up face. Bruises, cuts, and other physical injuries were seen.
The jury gasped. Attorney Choi was groaning as she told the judge that these photos were not entered into evidence.
You were playing dirty, but so were they. Ms. Choi told you that they wouldn't bring Mr. Kim's sobriety issue in this court. She lied.
"These pictures are given to me by Mrs. Kim Sunghee, Seokjin's mother." You glanced at your client's mother.
"She knows that her son's wife was assaulting him. Seokjin didn't want to feel his wife's punches so he resorted to drinking the pain away. Mr. Kim just wants to be numb."
"N-No..." Your client's tears streamed down his cheeks. He was calling your name, begging you to stop.
It felt like everyone was begging you to stop; even Sunghee was shaking her head.
It was wrong. This was a mistake. Seokjin's mother realized this when Soobin began to cry. He was silently crying at first, but when the little boy saw the photos in your hand, he started hyperventilating.
"Appa!" Soobin's eyes dilated. He could barely breathe.
Mrs. Kim stood up to attend to her son.
"Soobin!" Mrs. Kim was wailing.
Things were becoming messy.
You didn't understand what was happening, so you just stood there.
"Appa! A-Appa is hurting!" Soobin was losing it; his eyes were rolling in the back of his head.
"Call 911!" Red shouted.
The noise was deafening.
You still didn't get what was happening.
Seokjin went near you.
"I told you not to do it!" He shouted, snatching the photos away from your shaky hands.
"This isn't about me or my wife!" Seokjin continued to scream at you.
You were stunned.
Your client was blaming you.
This is your fault! Seokjin said.
You were wrong. You didn't have to bring out these photos because apparently, Soobin knew.
He witnessed how his mom used to beat up his father.
The poor kid was traumatized.
He had to get some help.
His parents thought he had recovered.
It had been years.
The thing about trauma was, it never went away. It was there—silently sleeping and waiting for that one thing that would trigger it.
You triggered Soobin.
"I-I didn't know..." Your voice was low as you stated your excuse.
No one wanted to hear your lame excuse, not even Jeongguk.
You looked at your soulmate once.
You looked at him desperately.
You looked at him hoping that he would understand—like he would comfort you.
He would never.
Jeongguk had this look in his eyes, the kind of feeling that expressed disappointment.
Jeongguk was disappointed in you.
It was clear because right now, he was shaking his head as if you had done the most horrifying thing in the world.
He shook his head before leaving you all alone.
No one wanted to be with you.
You were a disgrace.
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skedd8 · 3 years
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LUCA 👏 IS 👏 A 👏 GREAT 👏 MOVIE and here's why
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The movie itself is just SO pleasing to the eye (Thanks to Disney's and Pixar's art studios collaborating i assume). Speaking of the movie's production, I always found that Disney/Pixar movies are always the ones that give THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE. Like I'm talking about SCARS-ON-YOUR-HEART kind of big impact (nOt the bad kind of scars tho). These movies always leave me crying on the ground, questioning my existence and most importantly, they never fail to cease my weak heart.
Ok so this movie is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL because it's a compelling story on its own but it has actual real life issues in it and it just makes it more HEARTFELT. And all of these issues are represented in such a BIG-BRAINED way. (Real life issues such as:
1) the bad experiences that lgbtq+ kids and adults always go through ['sea monsters' queer people not being accepted in 'Portorosso' society]
2) THE NEURODIVERGENCE!! like man the kids are neurodivergent and you can't tell me otherwise. The way all three of them stim, the boys looking out of place, alberto stealing collecting & hoarding stuff and giullia's & luca's "sorry, too much?" IS JUST- These representations are SO important for all the neurodivergent bbys who need to see more of themselves out there to know they're real, valid and LOVED.
3) There are way more stuff that were represented like disabled ppl [Massimo], bullying [Ercole], orphans/disowned kids with their found family [Alberto] and the history of REFUGEES in italy also depicted as the sea monsters.)
Now, what I really wanted to talk about was the WAY these representations were carefully implented into the movie. You see, my homophobic sister who has an impressive 'gaydar' (more impressive than mine sometimes) wasn't really able to see the queer coded characters [The lesbian sea monsters]. But I'm absolutely sure she and the homophobes noticed the interactions between luca & alberto ESPECIALLY near the end that are sure to be depicted as romantic by heteronormative standards if it was with a boy and a girl. But thankfully not exactly really but yeah, the subtle representation of the queer coded characters were subtle enough that my sister didn't spew hate and the whole homophobic 'what has the world become' crap at the end.
The happiness and gratefulness I felt to not hear the words of hate was OUT OF THIS WORLD (and that is proof of how messed up society is). Most of the time, my conservative family would always say homophobic crap when they see even the slightest of lgbtq+ content or even out of the blue. In the end, they'd always sleep like innocent babies while I would always bawl my eyes out silently and cry myself to sleep thinking I was the literal spawn of satan and that no one will accept me.
This style of representation is great for closeted kids who are stuck with their homophobic family on movie nights and just don't have the strength to not break down when they have to listen to the hate directed to people like them coming from their own family. FAMILY. My heart dies a little everytime they insult the characters I relate to and my heart can only take so much.
Anyway, I still can't get over how casual and normal the behaviors of neurodivergence were portrayed. Because sometimes most times, there are heartless, close-minded people that make fun of mentally ill people and those people are the ones I want to throw off a cliff. Though, till this day I still beg for more films or any content with good representation for all the minorities out there (poc, lgbtq+ people, disabled people & etc), I'm still thankful for this subtle kind of representation because even though it's small, it's actually huge and important to the people who need it, these subtle depictions of themselves can show that they are perfectly normal and valid just like any other person.
In conclusion, yes I like this movie very much.
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pixie88 · 3 years
Text
Oxford to the Cotswolds
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Chapter 23 - Always the Bridesmaid.  
A/N: So here it is the LAST chapter of Always the Bridesmaid. I kinda feel  sad but I know it’s not the end of H&L.Thanks so much @aussieez​ for proof reading. Thank you again to all those following this story and continue to follow it, you have no idea how much it means to me that you take the time to read.😘  
I’m finalizing my tag list for this over the next few days, so again if you like to be tagged just let me know!
Read previous chapters HERE!
Warnings: Fluff & NSFW
Word Count: 2914
Pairings: Laila x Harry
Enjoy! 😘 
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A week later.
After their little spat, Harry decided maybe now was the time to take up his parents offer of using their cottage. They had their trip planned out, they would leave London on the Sunday morning stop at Oxford for a day or two and get to his parents' cottage on the Tuesday afternoon. "We are staying in an old prison that has been converted into a hotel?" Laila asks as they drove along the M40 "Yeah, I thought it was unusual and right up your street?" he takes his eyes off the road for a second to wink at her "You know the whole cops and robbers thing"
She rolls her eyes and laughs, "I'm guessing you're the criminal?" he smirks. "Nah, I'm a law abiding citizen, my love. You seem like the troublemaker here!" she laughs, "I've been looking up all the sites we need to visit while we are there"
He knew she wouldn't be able to visit a place without doing her research.
"Where do you need to visit then?" she smiles at the fact he asked "So, there is the obvious Bridge of Sighs, which is kind of a copy of the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Carfax tower the views of Oxford, from there are supposed to be amazing, Martyr's Cross which is a cross they have in the road where two Anglican bishops and the Archbishop of Canterbury were burned, oh and there is a Harry Potter tour around the University as some scenes were filmed there and Oxford Castle which is right next door to our prison hotel!"
"Sounds like a couple of days of learning!" he laughs at her "NOT just learning! There is a bar with magical cocktails, ones in test tubes, with fire and even smoke!" she's excited.
Harry doesn't know it, but Laila is a bit of a history buff, if she goes somewhere new she will research the hell out of it. Not long after they moved to London Laila was still adjusting to life in the city, Ezra could see his granddaughter struggling, so he planned a day out with her.
They stood on platform 5 at Harrow and Wealdstone Station "Grandad, where are we going?" she asked him "You will see when we get there!" he smiles at her. The train ride wasn't long. Fifty minutes later they pulled into Bletchley Station "Grandad, why are we here?" he chuckled "And I thought you knew everything about World War 2!" he winks at her, but it doesn't click until 10 minutes later when they were standing outside Bletchley Park.
Laila's eyes are wide "Oh my god!! This....this is where Alan Turing cracked the enigma machine!!" she squealed with excitement before hugging him. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she's beaming, she takes his hand and drags him through the doors.
This was one thing he and his granddaughter had in common, was their interest in World War 2. They spent hours looking around the huts where it all happened. He never saw her face light up so much as she looked around at the artefacts. They had a look around Station X (National Radio Centre) and when they finally reached the Mansion Laila was overjoyed "Grandad, just think all those people that helped crack the code have been in this very room...no house!!"
They spend hours looking around, before grabbing something to eat at hut 4 "Grandad, just think this is where they would get lunch or even dinner!" she looks around the hut "Laila, just think while they were here no one knew! They had to lie about working here, they couldn't tell anyone even family members. They had to take a vow of silence" he said.
This rang true, as years later Max was building an annex for a couple at the end of their garden and when he got talking to the Nan, whom the annex was being built for she told him how her mum worked at Bletchley Park and had to take a vow of silence which she kept until the park reopened as a museum in 1994.
When it was time to go home Laila couldn't thank him enough for taking her there "Just don't tell your brothers!" she laughs, "I've taken the Bletchley Park vow of silence!"
They finally arrived, Harry pulls into a parking space outside the hotel and a valet comes over Harry hands him the keys and they head in with their cases. They check in; "you will be on the fifth floor in room 135, so take the lift to the right once you go through those doors. Here is your room key and enjoy your stay!" she smiles. "I'm sure we will!" Harry grins at her before they make their way to their room.
"Did you ever watch the TV show Bad Girls?" Laila asks him as the lift takes them to the fifth floor. "I did! Izzy made me watch it with her. That woman that played Yvonne plays Shirley from Eastenders now, doesn't she?" she laughs, "I thought you don't watch it?" she nudges him as the doors open "I don't but when you put it on what am I supposed to do?" he winks.
"129...130...4 more rooms to go," she calls behind her. "Actually 5 more my love," he laughs, she turns to look at him "No! You don't include our room!" she protests. "I think you do," he laughs at her. "NO! No, you don't," he doesn't argue with her.
They dump their bags and head out to look around the city "Oh, they have a Harry Potter tour" Laila's tone is ecstatic, Harry sighs "Don't you want to do it?" she asks "If you want to we will do it" her eyes scan his face "Did the kids in school use to take the piss out of you in school because you had the same name?" she asks, he laughs, "No, if anything they used to call me...oh what was his fat mate called?"
"Crabbe?" she looks at him. "Yeah, that's the one," he offers a weak smile, she runs her fingers through his hair before her arms cling around his neck "Well, who's laughing now? I bet a lot of the girls and boys that bullied you regret it now! You are handsome, fit, funny and you are mine" she winks, he can't help smiling at her "And I have a drop dead gorgeous girlfriend" he says making her blush.
"We'll do something else," she smiles at him and kisses his lips "No, we'll do the tour if you want to!" she looks how long the tour is "2 hours, argh, I'd rather be doing some kinda cardio" he looks at her confused and she laughs, "use your imagination, you are a personal trainer" she winks. He quickly gets the hint "Right, what do we need to look at before I drag you back to the hotel?" he grins at her.
Later.
After dinner, they had back up to their room, "I'm going for a shower" Laila winks at him "OK, I'll grab one after you," she smirks "I was thinking more along the lines of you joining me," she doesn't have to ask him twice, he picks her up and she wraps her legs around his waist as he walks them to the bathroom.
After their shower, Laila notices the chocolate on the bed as she's drying herself. "Oh wow! They're shaped like handcuffs!" she giggles "Hmmm.....that reminds me," he wanders over to his case in just his towel and pulls out a pair of metal handcuffs. "And what do you intend to do with those Mr. Taylor?" she bites her lip "Oh, maybe make an arrest," he winks at her, she notices his arousal through the towel "Oh, on what grounds?" she asks.
"Hmmm....for being stubborn and sarcastic, but also gorgeous, funny, adorable and extremely impossible not to fall in love with" he stands in front of her, pulling off her towel until it drops to the floor. He cups her face, his thumb runs over her lips before capturing them with his, he lifts her arms above her head and his hands run up her arms before he suddenly cuffs her hands.
She smirks against his lips "Oh, PC Taylor, what do I have to do to get you to uncuff me?" his kiss becomes more intense. She drops her hands, so they are wrapped around his neck, he moves them until the backs of her knees hit the bed. They fall onto it with Harry landing on top of her "Well, Miss. Carelli, I think you can convince me somehow" his fingers finds her core.
She hisses at the contact, his other hand comes up and pins her arms above her head as he found her slick petals. "I thought I was the one who had to.....oh shit...convince you to free me," she can barely get her words out, his lips find her pulse line "How exactly are you planning on doing that?" he smirks against her neck.
"Stand up and I'll show you," he does as she says, she sits up and pulls off his towel. Grasping him, she works her hand along him a few times before her mouth follows the same path, he groans as his hips thrust forward in need. Her pillowy lips work along his hardened member, he grunts as her jaw slacks, taking him in further "Fuck...." he mutters.
He rocks his hips back and forth as her tongue runs along the ridges of his cock, he grips a fistful of her hair. His head fell back as he groans, "That's...it gorgeous! Fuck...".  She hums against him and her pace moves faster. His knees bucks, her apex is throbbing as she feels him nearing the edge "Laila....I'm...gonna....fuck!" he jerks as he hits his climax and he groans.
She releases him from her mouth and looks up at him. "Are you going to uncuff me now?" she asks as she's sat on her feet, he looks down at her with a grin. He lifts her up and throws her onto the bed, making her giggle "Hey, you said would take these off!" he has a mischievous grin on his face. "Well, Miss. Carelli! I prefer to have you like this, sorry." he captures her lips.
"That's not fair......." she protests, but she soon cuts off as he moves down her body to her centre, his hands grasp the back of both her thighs. His tongue moves apart her folds "Oh Harry!" she moves her arms to run her fingers through his hair. He pulls away, lifts her arms above her head again and kisses her lips "Keep them there!" he tells her before moving back to her core.
Her breathing hitches, he sucks against her clit, making her cry out "Ohhh"
A little later.
His legs are entwined with hers beneath the sheets, she's cuddled up against him as her head rests on his chest "When we get back do you think we should look at properties?" she lifts up and places her hand against his chest stroking his chest hair, looking up to him. He smirks at her, "definitely!" he strokes her hair away from her face "What if we have a look online now?" she stares into his ocean blue eyes and bites her lip waiting for his response.
He reaches for his phone "Let's have a look," he loads up and scrolls through the properties. "What are we going for?" he asks "Somewhere with gates, private drive and pool," she laughs, he digs his fingers into her ribs and she tries to wiggle away "Ahhhh! Harry! Stop!!"  his phone is discarded, he cups her face and claims her lips.
His body covers hers and he takes her against.
The next day.
They are back in the car on the way to Harry's parents cottage in Wyck Rissington, Gloucestershire.
Along the way they find a supermarket and grab a few essentials before they continued their drive. They arrive at the cottage 10 minutes later "Aww wow! This is cute!" she smiles as they get out the car. "And it's ours for the next few days" he winks at her.
They head inside, "wow, look at those beams!" she points up at the ceiling. "Have you been here before?" she looks to Harry. "Nah, Mum and Dad haven't let any of us use it...well until now" he winks.
Once they bring in their bags inside, he takes her hand and they have a look around when Harry spots a hot tub outside "Oh, what do we have here?" he nods as he opens the door "I didn't bring a swimsuit!" he has a devilish grin. "Who said anything about swimsuits?" she bit her lip and shook her head at him.
Harry runs Laila a bubble bath with candles around the tub and told her to relax while he cooked dinner. The water was warm against her skin as she sinks into the bathtub, a minute or so later there is a knock on the bathroom door before Harry wanders in with a glass of wine "Here you go, my love," she smiles up at him as she takes the glass "Thank you! So, what's for dinner?"
He leans over kisses her nose and winks "You'll find out when it's on the table. Now enjoy." He leaves her to it.
34 minutes later.
Laila walks into the bedroom and Harry has laid out a dress grey dress on the bed for her to wear. She smiles and starts to get dressed, underneath she puts on some lacy lingerie she had brought for the trip. When she's dressed, she goes in search for Harry, as soon as she saw him, she blushes but can't help but laugh.
"Harry!! What are you doing?" he's stood in the kitchen in just an apron and his boxers, he looks up at her and grins. "You've heard of the Naked Chef right?" he winks. "But he isn't actually naked!" she laughs at him. "I'm not either! I was thinking about it but I thought that would be unsanitary. I see you're wearing the dress I picked out for you." She makes her way over to him.
"Yeah, but the view would be...very sexy," she squeezes his behind "What's for dinner?" she looks around him on the kitchen side "Ah, ah, ah go and sit down," he moves, so she can't see, she sighs, "Fine!" Laila pulls out her phone and sends a picture she took earlier.
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Laila looks over to Harry, biting her lip and he catches her checking him out. "You realise I'm not dinner right?" He says. She looks up catching his eye, "might not be dinner, but there is always dessert!" She winks twirling her hair. He chuckles turning back to cooking.
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She puts down her phone as he comes over with 2 plates, placing them on table. "Ooo spaghetti and meatballs!" he pours them more wine, Laila twirls her fork collecting the spaghetti "Did you ever see the film The Lady and the Tramp?" she looks over to him. "I have. Mila made me watch it once." He laughs. "Do think we can do a Lady and the Tramp kiss?" she hold up a a string of spaghetti and he chuckles "We can try. Let me put it in my mouth first" Laila cracks and can't help but laugh "OH MY GOD!!"
"Come on, let's give it ago!" He takes the end of the spaghetti and lifts the other side to Laila, she takes it in her mouth and begins to get closer to Harry until their lips are just above each other's. He brushes his lips lightly over hers before pulling away. "Come on, eat up" he smiles at her and she rolls her eyes at him.
After dinner, he takes their plates. "I'll wash them up," she offers. "You can or I can put them in the dishwasher," he jokes, "Actually, you load the dishwasher. I'm going to start up the hot tub!" she gets up from the table "Already done, my love!" he winks at her. "Oh OK!" she stands and lets her dress fall off her shoulders until it's a puddle on the floor.
He looks her up and down. "I didn't bring a swimsuit, but this will do?" say asks as she makes her way to the back door. His eyes never leave hers, she grins, knowing she had him hook, line and sinker. He quickly closes the dish washer and chases after her, she squeals running from him and towards the door.
@lem-20​ @aussieez​ @secretaryunpaid​ @irisofpurple​ @khoicesbyk​ @txemrn​ @gloriousalmondvoiddreamer​ @tea-me-kah​ @casualpostqueen​ @beautifuluknownvoid​ @wombatsxkookaburras​
Their moans fill the night sky, both are blissfully happy.
Series 2 - Chapter 1
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gretavanfleetposts · 2 years
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hiya! congrats on 300 followers, it's absolutely deserved <3 i was wondering if i could request a ship? i love how detailed you make them, they're always so lovely
my name is léna (she/they), i'm queer and a capricorn :) i'm 5'2 with blue eyes and jaw length curly blonde hair. i'm a linguistics major with a minor in queer/gender studies (i also studied music psych and history of art in the past, which i'm still very interested in)
i'm an ambivert, i love being with my friends and partying but always need some quiet/alone time to recharge. my add sometimes makes it hard for me to stay comfortable in social situations, as i can stim a lot and get severe touch and sound sensory overload and it's very tiring
my favourite books have to be one last stop, the heartstopper series, and the picture of dorian gray! my go-to movies will always be tangled, lotr/the hobbit, and howl's moving castle :)
my brother and i were raised on rock by our parents so my pick-me-up song is don't stop me now by queen, and i listen to so many different genres my shuffle always gives me the weirdest mixes
in my free time i play the guitar and sing, bake a lot of gluten free stuff, read/write stories, and go to museums or hang out with my best friends at cafés <3 when i'm back home from uni for summer and christmas i work at my local bookstore!
my ultimate favourite pieces of clothing have to be my thrifted oversize jean jacket and my doc martens, can't go anywhere without them
i have three cats that i miss dearly and absolutely cannot keep a plant alive, no matter what kind it is
sorry that this turned out to be so long, i hope that's ok! take care <3
Hey gorgeous!
❤: First of all, you sound so smart. You talked about like 4 different things in regards to your schooling and each one sounded impressive. You seem like you're very open to learning which is always a good thing. I love your movie taste; you seem like the perfect person to marathon LOTR with. And honestly it sounds like there's nothing you're not good at?? Talk about talented. Also I wish I worked at a bookstore. You're out here living the dream. Not to mention, you've broken in Doc Martens which is truly the most impressive part of all of this.
Ship: Jake
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Because: You and Jake would instantly bond over rock music, obviously. But you also have so many other interests that scream Jake in my opinion. You guys would play the guitar together, you'd read together, you'd have crazy loud nights with his band mates and then go home and recharge together. I can see him popping into the bookstore you work at to surprise you while he's home for the holidays, too, which would probably be the best surprise ever.
Scenario:
Christmas in your town was usually one of your favorite times of the year
The town was strung up with lights and wreaths and garland; it looked like something out of a Hallmark movie
The bookstore you worked at over the holiday season was especially festive this time of year, decorations gracing practically every open surface
Normally as you bustled about the store, you'd be filled with excitement about Christmas but this year, all you could think about was the boy that was with his family in Michigan and once again too far away from you
It felt like Jake had just gotten done touring when he jetted back home to his family and of course, you understood. You wanted him to be there with them. But you hadn't seen him in almost two months and it was starting to get to you
He did promise he would come see you after the holidays so you were trying to keep your mind focused on that as you organized the books on the shelf in front of you
The day eased on slowly despite how busy the store was throughout the morning and by late afternoon when the sun was already casting golden shadows through the store windows, there was a lull in customers
You meandered around the tight aisles of books, looking for covers to tidy to busy your hands
You heard the bell of the front door as it swung open and the footsteps of a customer as they entered but continued what you were doing when you heard your coworker greet them
Noticing a book out of place, you had just plucked it from the shelf when you heard the voice of the customer speaking to the coworker that had greeted them muffled from somewhere within the store
It couldn't be him
It sure sounded like him, though
You wove through the aisles, trying to locate where the talking was coming from when suddenly it grew quiet
You stood there amongst the books for a moment, silently wondering if you were going crazy or not, when a voice came from directly behind you
"Excuse me, miss, but I believe the other clerk said you'd be able to help me find a certain book?"
You spun around fast. It was Jake
The book in your hand dropped to the ground as you practically jumped into his arms and threw your own around his neck, an excited squeal escaping your lips
You felt a laugh resonate through him as he placed your feet back on the floor
He explained that he couldn't wait any longer to see you so he planned to spend Christmas with you and your family and then whisk you away to Christmas with his family
And truly you couldn't be more delighted to accompany him
I'm so happy you like our ships! Thank you for the request!
-⭐
Ships are currently closed
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acciocriativity · 3 years
Text
The First Meeting ||Harry Potter
Pairing: Harry Potter x You
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Summary: Your life takes a 360º turn when you discover that you are a witch and that you are going to study and live in a world completely different from yours. In the midst of so much change, you meet a boy who is feeling the same. 
 
Word Count: 2.4k
N / A: This is the first fanfic that I am posting on Tumblr, so it would be very important to me if you leave your opinion here and also English it's not my first language, if I made a mistake, I'll like to know and correct it.
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 The day started rainy, which is not surprising considering that I am in England, more specifically in the city of London. However, I, as an immigrant from hot lands, consider rainy days bad luck, because something always happens wrong. 
And to my despair, today was supposed to be perfect. 
It was only a month ago that I discovered to be a witch and for my happiness, it has nothing to do with pointy noses and pure evil. Apparently the only similarity is the hats, since in the two moments I was around real wizards, I saw several people wearing them.
 My family, for the most part, being a completely devout Catholic, did not accept my new reality so well, not to say it was hell on Earth. In short, if I went, I wouldn't be able to set foot in the house again, as they weren't going to house a sinful witch. 
That bearded gentleman was kind enough to help me find another place to stay, while my parents would think better of it. Although I was unable to thank him or at least speak after being expelled from my home, or old home.
 
I've been staying at the Leaky Cauldron ever since, but because of the latest events in my life, I just went out to buy the materials. Being a witch had cost me a lot and I wasn't ready to face that until yesterday. It took me a long time to decide whether to go to Hogwarts or not, but now the certainty that I made the right choice was growing in my chest. 
 Right after having breakfast at one of the bar tables, I waited seated by the person in charge who would accompany me to Kings Cross station, where I was supposed to catch a train. I knew about it the same day that I discovered the magical world but only today I was anxious for that. I must admit that I imagined that we would fly, obviously all the stories lied to all the non-magical children on Earth.  
A few minutes later, a man in a turban appeared through the door and walked towards me, his expression showing no particular emotion when entering or even seeing me sitting, but what scared me was the fragility and fear in his voice.
- Miss Garcia, good morning, are you ready to leave? - He leaned on one leg while looking around worriedly. 
- Yes sir .. is everything ok ?? The bathroom is on that side - I knew it was inconvenient but I couldn't hold my curiosity as I watched his expression change.
- It will be a short trip but we must go now, to not risk losing the train, let's go - his posture was suddenly rigid and his face looked shaken but this time, I kept my thoughts to myself.
 At least he was kind enough to help me with the two suitcases, which were quite heavy due to the amount of books that were inside, I got some History of Magic extra books to learn more about that world. 
And he was not wrong, the path was fast despite the light rain and wet streets. We didn't talk beyond the formalities, I just found out that he is one of my teachers that year, Professor Quirrel and nothing else.
As soon as my feet took a step into the station, the man said goodbye with a nod and left to go his own way with a weird expression, but I didn't care about that for more than 2 seconds. 
I took a deep breath and started to walk following the small crowd of people who would possibly go to work in another city, since I didn't know the way to the platforms. Honestly, I didn't think it would work until I saw the license plate numbers, and I quickly hurried on, because mine was ahead. 
- 7 ... 8 ... 9 ... 10 ?? - I stopped walking at the same moment I realized that mistake, there was nothing between 9 and 10 - I don't believe it ... 
 I stood leaning against a wall looking around as if looking for someone, but in fact I wanted to find a miracle or at least an angel who could tell me what to do in that situation. 
Millions of thoughts crossed my mind within 2 minutes, most of them negative, until something drew attention out of my despair, or rather, someone. A red hair had just gone through the wall, it was so fast I could hardly believe my own eyes. 
Two more people did the same before I managed to close my mouth and walk over there, in shaky, uncertain steps. They hadn't noticed me and I thanked them mentally for it, because I wouldn't be able to pronounce a single right word. The good news is that they were certainly wizards, by the way they dressed and the most logical conclusion is that they would know the right way. 
 I waited for everyone to cross to get closer to that wall, I couldn't hear the conversation but I noticed that the right way to enter is to run. Again I took a deep breath and looked around to see if anyone was noticing me, with the station full, my answer came as a quick no. 
 I closed my eyes and ran about three short steps until I felt a sensation unlike anything I had felt so far. The stone wall seemed to have turned into a wind wall and I easily managed to get to the other side. I immediately opened my eyes after hearing the sound of a train and when looking to the side, there he was. The Hogwarts Express was written right in front of the locomotive.  
 It only took me 10 seconds to notice the difference, the clothes were definitely different and there was an absurd amount of children and teenagers, as I was walking closer to the train entrance, more people were showing up, in a way I didn't know how to explain.  
 The trip was smooth to Hogwarts, I found an empty car as soon as I arrived but soon the seats were being filled and I ended up sharing my cabin with two more girls, I soon noticed that they were sisters and that was the initial topic of our conversation. They were nice and helped me get into the current context of the wizarding world, explaining the basics about Hogwarts as well. 
- And he's here, the boy who defeated you-know-who's going to study with us! - the oldest of the brunettes spoke excitedly with a huge smile on her face. 
- One of my friends told me earlier that she met him in the hall, what is he like? - the youngest asked even knowing that none of us would know the answer. 
 This topic remained for a while, until they decided to take a walk on the train while I read, enjoying some quiet time. Honestly, I wouldn't like to be in this boy's shoes, not only because of the tragedies in his life, but also because of the amount of attention, comments and theories about him.
But I cannot deny it, I would like to meet him, who would not be curious after everything that was being commented on? 
 People got in and out of the car where I was sitting and I tried to have a decent conversation with everyone, but then when two older students came to tell us that we should change clothes, as we were arriving. I preferred to wait because a hurried crowd of students wanted to go first, so I ended up being one of the last to get dressed, but one of the first to leave the train. 
 All the way the view had been impressive but nothing had prepared me for the vision I had when I approached the lake, where we were supposed to go. It was dark and it wasn't raining, the moonlight reflected on the water of the Black Lake like a mirror and I was almost sad to see that we were going to cross by boat, because that image would be blurry. 
I could only see the outline of the huge castle on the other side, but it was enough to see all the splendor of that place and for a few seconds I was paralyzed absorbing the beauty of everything around me, until a voice brought me to reality. 
- Only 4 people on each boat, kids! - I glanced at the giant man, who was talking animatedly to some students, before I sat down in an empty space.
 As soon as we reached the other side, we gathered in a small group on the castle entrance stairs to hear one of the teachers. I remained behind and silent as I was paying attention, until I saw someone passing by and right after I felt a foot stepping on top of mine for several seconds. 
- Hey! Can't you see I'm here ?? - I said indignantly but as low as possible looking at the red-haired boy beside me.
- I ... I'm sorry, I didn't see you - he replied without even looking at me, his face turning as red as the color of his hair.
 I thought about replying but as the teacher was still talking, I just preferred to nod, accepting the apology. Only then did I realize that I caught the attention of two more students, a curly haired girl who cast a disapproving look at the redhead but smiled at me gently and at another dark haired boy, who noticed my gaze and shifted his look to the other side immediately. 
 It didn't take more than 15 minutes before we were inside that incredible hall, instead of a concrete ceiling just like outside, above my head was the most beautiful starry sky I have ever had the pleasure of seeing, with floating candles to complete the view. To my relief, it didn't seem like a common thing for most first year students, who talked quietly among themselves so I didn't look like an idiot admiring alone. 
We were instructed to stay in a queue, I had no idea what was going to happen so I was distracted looking at the stars, which never seemed so achievable until that moment. I wish I could go up there and take at least one, but it would be impossible. 
 We walked slowly until we stopped in front of the other students, who were spread out over 4 tables, my eyes never left the illuminated sky and as a result, I didn't notice that I was too close to the boy in front of me.
I got my first embarrassing moment of the year in less than 10 minutes, because I stepped on the cover of the boy in front of me. All the consequences of that went by very quickly before my eyes. In a second I was out of balance and fell, but that's not the worst part. I accidentally pulled his cloak back, the boy fell out of balance and fell with me, his back to me. It hurts, too much. No more than the weight of my humiliation and shame, but it still hurts.
 My face took on a pinkish tinge as I silently prayed that no one noticed, but that's not what happened. Today was definitely not my lucky day. I could hear half the room laughing and half whispering, so I knew for sure that I had made a big impression on people and a bigger one on the Hogwarts floor. 
- Sorry ... I was distracted - I spoke as quietly as possible looking at the ceiling and again at him.
 He didn't look at me for more than 2 seconds before looking away in that same direction and back to me again. His nod was minimal but noticeable and he soon stood up, which I had forgotten to do in those few seconds.
 What surprised me more than anything in the last month was his hand extended to help me, it didn't take me long to accept the help and so I got up and straightened my clothes trying not to show shock. This was an act of kindness that I couldn't expect from my brothers, considering how angry they would be in a situation like this, but other than shame, I couldn't see a hint of anger in his green eyes. 
- I'm really sorry ... - I said again, loud enough that only he could hear me. 
 The director had called everyone's attention, so most had stopped laughing although that redhead from before just stopped after the mini punch that the brunette gave him. 
- It's okay, it will just be another reason for people to talk about me behind my back - he gave me another small smile on the side but his tone was not the happiest. 
- And why?? I don't know who you are - I was curious because I had not met anyone important in the magical world until then.
 I could see a flash of surprise in his expression but before he could answer me, the names started to be called and little by little the children walked to the stool, where the hat was placed on their heads. After that he didn't answer me, no one else had the courage to say a word because they were very anxious to get their turn and also curious, like me, to know which house the famous Harry Potter would go to. 
- Potter, Harry - called the teacher with a serious but serene expression and a different look in her eyes. 
 From then on, the students' not-so-low whispers started again and I, who was already at the Hufflepuff table, could only be surprised to notice that the boy I dragged to my shame was actually Harry Potter himself. I didn't have the courage to look at him for more than 5 seconds, because again the embarrassment consumed me but this time harder. I only looked at him again when the Gryffindor table radiated in cheers and laughter as soon as he was drawn there and then our eyes met for the last time that night.
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Harry Potter Masterlist
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Yale Gay Subtext in Gilmore Girls Part two: Paris Geller
Like Rory, Paris is also gay but her experience of being gay and the way it works into the Yale metaphor is slightly different. Paris at this point in the story (episode 3.16) isn't talking to Rory. They're forced to speak to one another to work on the speech. Paris loses virginity in this episode to Jamie which I'll talk about later.
For those of you who didn't read my last meta or need a refresher here's a code need to remember: Yale is homosexuality and Harvard is heterosexuality
I’m gonna start with Paris talking to Rory about Jamie because these two are things are connected
By this time at in the episode Paris arrives at Rory’s house to work on the combing her speech with Rory:
PARIS: Rory?
RORY: What, Paris?
PARIS: I slept with Jamie. Last night, after we talked. 
RORY: Was it something I said?
PARIS: I went over there to study and he lit a fire and then we did it. What are your thoughts on that?
RORY: My thoughts?
So the fact that Paris is asking Rory her thoughts about having sex with Jamie is a clear indicator that she wants to Rory to decide how she feels. Which she wouldn't  need if she had enjoyed having sex with Jamie she would've just said so.
Lets continue:
PARIS: Because I’m not exactly sure how I feel about it myself yet. I’ve been going over it in my head. I mean, it seemed to go pretty well. The fire was nice and thank God he didn’t try to put on any ridiculous makeout music, and then it just happened. I was actually fairly surprised at the timing of it because I wasn’t wearing anything particularly alluring, and in the moments just before the act. . .
RORY: Oh, God.
Rory isn't happy about Paris having sex with Jamie. Paris doesn't have a natural inclination toward the idea of enjoying it so she's asking Rory if she liked so she doesn't have to deal with being a lesbian.
Moving on:
PARIS: We were actually discussing modern day Marxism in America, which is not what I would have deemed a ‘come and get it’ sort of conversation, but nevertheless, he came and got it, and I have to figure out what that means to me on a psychological level. So, I thought maybe if you and I could have sort of a healthy debate about it, I could come to some sort of reasonable conclusion about how I should be feeling right about now. So, come on, talk. What do you think?
RORY: I –
PARIS: Are you pro?
RORY: Well –
PARIS: Con?
RORY: Well –
PARIS: Undecided?
She’s asking Rory to decide for her that it was good.
More:
PARIS: Could you focus faster because I really need some feedback here.
RORY: Okay, so you are telling me that you and Jamie. . .
PARIS: Had sex.
RORY: Okay, so, were you safe?
PARIS: Yes, it was a regular after school special.
RORY: Well, was he nice to you?
PARIS: Yes, he was very nice to me.
RORY: And the two of you had discussed this. . .
PARIS: Well, I don’t know that we actually discussed it, it was just sort of implied.
RORY: Implied?
PARIS: Yes, implied. When you’re dating a boy and you’re together for a given amount of time and you’re not Amish, then the eventual occurrence of intercourse is inevitable. I mean, wasn’t it with you?
Paris is speaking about straight sex like it's a burden. Inevitable is a negative word. Straight sex is something she has to do according to heternormativity.
But wait there’s more:
PARIS: Why is it not the time? I mean, if it’s not the time for you, then maybe it’s not the time for me either.
This is  the subtext telling us it will never be time for either of them to have straight sex because they're lesbians
Moving on:
RORY: Paris, you can’t judge what’s right for you against what’s right for me. I mean, we are different, and Jamie and Jess are different.
 PARIS: Well, yeah.
The difference here is that Jamie is straight and Paris is a lesbian whereas Jess and Rory are both gay.
0ne more part of this conversation:
RORY: Maybe it was the time for the two of you.
PARIS: I guess. I just wish I had the data to back it up.
RORY: Some things can’t be analyzed.
Something that can happen with compulsory heterosexuality is that you over-analyze being straight, it's like your over-explaining a concept that you don't relate to because being straight isn't in your nature.
ok so now we get it the Yale speech: 
PARIS: You know, it’s funny, me standing here before you right now. I’ve thought about nothing else for four years but this school, this big important school with all of its history and tradition and really super teachers. And I dedicated myself to it completely, heart and soul, believing in its power, believing in its ability to get me where I needed to go. Harvard. I thought of nothing else. Many of you out there can attest to that fact. I was on my way and nothing could stop me. And here’s the really funny thing – after four years of slaving away, I go home today and I found this. [holds up an envelope] I’m not going to Harvard. I got the tiny envelope, the one that reads, "Sorry, Paris. We’re not interested. Try again next year. Love, Harvard." And the thing that’s really funny here is, who in the world deserves to go to Harvard more than me? Have you seen how hard I’ve worked over these past four years? I mean, can anyone here believe that I’m not go
Let's replace the word Harvard with heterosexuality. She supposed to be straight she needed to be straight. She thought of nothing but being straight. She  supposed to be straight so there no way she could be gay.
This part is also important:
PARIS: And I have to tell you that if you asked me which of those two events I thought would be the least likely to happen, it would not be the not going to Harvard.
Rory is  the one of them that seems the most straight
RORY: Thank you and good night.
PARIS: I’m being punished. I had sex, so now I don’t get to go to Harvard.
RORY: Paris, come on. [leads Paris off the stage]
PARIS: She’s never had sex. She’ll probably go to Harvard. She’s a shoe in. Pack your chastity belt, Gilmore – you’re going to Harvard! 
 Paris has had two things happen to her, she had sex with a man and not enjoyed or even the idea of it and she can't go to Harvard. Harvard represents heterosexuality and when we combine this with the fact that she essentially having a break down about her sexuality these two things tie into each other well. Also, Paris sees having sex with a man as a bad thing, while some of it her internalized misogyny. It's also her way of rationalizing herself as straight
Another Critical Part
PARIS: How could I have not gotten into Harvard? Five generations of Gellar’s have gotten into Harvard. Even if I was the Billy Carter of the family, the name is still supposed to carry some weight.
She’s supposed to be straight like the rest of her family is.
Final Quote from the script:
PARIS: I can’t believe I slept with Jamie. I’m a slut.
RORY: No, you’re not. You love him.
PARIS: What if he doesn’t love me anymore? What if he doesn’t think I’m special anymore? How am I going to tell him I didn’t get into Harvard? What am I gonna do?
How is Paris gonna tell she’s a lesbian
Now we know that Paris goes to Yale, so there more confirmation shes gay.
Part one link
https://jessandroryaregayfightme.tumblr.com/post/633709729271676928/yale-gay-subtext-in-gilmore-girls
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writerforfun · 3 years
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Underwing Challenge Day 6 + Day 7
6. What does your portfolio look like? Talk about as many other WIPs as you’d like here.
I have to be honest here, I never understood portfolio. I mean u understand what it is and its purpose but I never understood how to make it for myself.
But either way I guess I do have certain things I worked on.
Starting of with Collection.
1. Collection: Story 1: Mirror Defect: (DONE) (Sorry no cover)
Not all is as it seems.
Not all can be explained and even when the truth is out not everything will make sense.
"I just lost my brother, I can't lose her."
What can you do when you lose trust in those around you? When grief holds you too close?
When lies are hidden all around you?
When nothing is real?
Can you trust your own eyes? When all goes wrong who can you trust?
"Experitment 1034, you are next"
Is anything real? Are you real?
**Warning: character death, graphic description of the deceased character.**
I SUCK AT SUMMARIES.
The story was originally done to scare my uncle. I was going to send him this other story, which R.L. Stine wibe to it but sadly I lost it.
So here we are. Now this story features Mark, who despite all that has occurred, is trying to fix his broken family, even if it means destrying himself but is this family real?
You can check it out here
2. So, A Deal?: (DONE)
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Met with death she has no choice but to let death consume her.
"No, I can't leave like this! Not like this."
There is no other way, or is there? But is she ready?
"What do you want? Does your soul not fill with rage, anger and despair? Pushing you to the core of vengeance? Don't you feel like a ghost? Dreading you will disappear? You know you are nothing but a ghost, and eventually, you will have to fade."
"I have seen the face of affliction brought by my reality, I'm tortured by the future of things that cannot be, haunted by visions of yesterday."
Her sin is great, but her desire greater. Will she survive the burn?
This was something I did for my school wrok once. Although it is quite different than the original work. I'm quite happy with the last chapter. I honestly just posted it out as a test to see if others would like it.
It took quite an effort and I enjoyed doing the last bit of it. I really want to make a sequal to it, get it going, but not really sure if this is going to go well.
You can check it out here.
3. Solar Elements: (DONE)
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Avatar: The last Airbender inspired.
A lot can happen during a lifetime, faultless rotating to flaws, heroes into villains, a lifetime of destruction smiling in your wakes.
A lot can be lost in a lifetime.
"Wolf is going overboard,"
"We do not have time to wait."
"Surrender now and we shall show you all mercy."
"No, we will never yield to you"
"Then so be it."
"You are not prohibited to address better yet conduct such disgrace." "We are still alive!"
"Love you, Son"
A lot can happen during a lifetime, faultless rotating to flaws, heroes into villains, a lifetime of destruction smiling in your wakes.
"And so she has finally awoken."
I had done this for a story contest once, sadly I was unable to win. But I have to behonest, if I had I would have been so annoyed, it was awful, so awful. I won't talk much on it, as I still don't like this too much.
This feature elemtnal magic and time twist you can say, where a character, reborn must choose to either repeat history or change it completely.
4. Pirates tale: (WIPs)
Had this in for a while, been working on it but didn't have a plot till now.
The ship has no name, no crew, nothing. But if you see it, it's already too late.
Legend says they're ghost, some say they are cursed, others....... others don't live to tell the tale.
It was inspired by a prompt I saw once. Hoping to make these pirates cured to be vampires, hidden from all and only visible at night. They are insearch of their first crew captain, the one who must break the cures. Problem is, Captian dies 30 years ago.
Guess, his hidden daughter must be placed instead.
This is dumb, so dumb, but hey, I'll work on it.
5. The Basement: (WIPs)
Another school work.
This one feartures students sneaking into their school's basement. Each with their own story on why the basement is forbbiden.
If only they had listened and not followed through, then maybe they would not have encountered, the hidden dark past of the school.
This has a gay couple, lol I actaully send it to my teacher but I don't think she noticed :(. It needs alot of work though, so this may take a while.
6. To find the Truth: (WIPs)
This one seems to be liked a lot by you guys. Many seem intrigued.
In the dystopian future, when the world government collapsed, when humans fell and the virus took hold, out rose a series of mutants. Their genes mutated by the virus released when a power plant went nuclear.
These mutants, blessed with powers beyond their control, have taken leadership. Smart, strong, powerful and undefeatable. They hold power over the weak like you and me. But I won't let them stop me. I won't let them come in the way.
They are sloppy, weak and useless. The world is filled with criminals, danger and people in need. This world needs justice, it needs help and they won't help, so I will.
"They'll take you away. They take people like them away"
"I won't let them"
I worked up a lot on this in the past few day and have actually most of the plot down. Well the main chracter's backstory at least, even how the virus started and why these mutants have taken over.
I just need to start it out and get it going. I have done that and I was thinking of adding bits and pieces on how the world is after every sub-story, like telling the tale as the story progress.
Was also hoping to give this story, a big reveal as to who these mutants are and how they came to be, why they take other's like them and how they find other's like them.
7. To Sacrifice or To Live? (WIPs)
Still working up on the name here, but the story goes like this.
Two wedding decades a part, each holding nothing but tale forgotten.
An evil entity hanting them both. A power over both familes, readdy to demolish them whole this time.
Will the scarifice work?
Ok, before you turn away, here me out here.
Two weddings, one in the 1900s and the other in 2000s. Both familes trapped in a curse long active, each must work to find a way to break the curse. One failed, made it worse, will the new bride make it? Or will she suffer worse?
8. Collection: Haunting Memories (WIPs)
Jenny doesn't know how she did it but she did. She didn't mean to. She really didn't. But Nina is dead now and it's her fault. She did it.
It's her fault.
Then why do they blame Jake? Jake is sweet, kind and caring. Sure he was the one with the blade, covered in blood and coming to kill Jenny next but it wasn't Jake. Because she saw.
Saw him kill her. Push the blade through Nina, watching as the girl fell. Her blood turning the ground crimson. She saw as the life left Nina's eyes. As the killer slumped to the ground, the control over him wearing off.
Jenny knows because she killed Nina. Then why does no one believe her? And why do her memories differ from Jake's?
“I am telling you what happened.”
“All you are doing is wasting our time.”
“Then be patient, this is all I have. Please just hear me out.”
“We are busy people here. We don’t have time for stupid tales, girl”
“This is not a stupid tale. If you could just listen.”
“We are listening. Listening to you for the past 10 minutes, all you have done so far is tell us useless things. We have things to do.”
“Everything I mention is important. One thing missed and you won’t understand. Please. I need your help.”
“You have 10-”
“15”
“Fine 15 minutes.”
This I hope to work and get done by at least in the next month. It need a lot of work and must be quite slow yet fast paced. I need to make the plot a bit more than just what I have written.
8. Trick? No, I'll take the Treat (WIPs)
Halloween themed. Done quite long ago.
What will you do when your Halloween turns into a nightmare?
I have nothing much on it at the moment, but will update this soon.
7. What kind of partnership are you looking for in this event? Friendship? Somebody to bounce ideas off of? Something else? What sorts of people are you hoping to meet and adopt?
Honeslty, I did a lot of research in the past few days and boy do I ned a lot of work done.
For starters, I need someone who can actually tell me how my work is going, just how kuch of an effort I have out in and how it seems to others.
I need harsh, quite harsh feed back so I know what I am doing wrong, what I should improve with and what interests the reader about the book.
I also say wish to meet and know other writers here. Would love to meet them and get to know them.
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melmac78 · 3 years
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The first chapter of the Tracy’s doing the Overnight/Live Aboard program. It’s a WIP, and and will take a bit to finish as I’ve got to rewrite a couple of scenes as I found they’re implausible. (There are some minor liberties taken on the program, but I try to have anything that can be visited IRL accurate).
These pics correlate to the opening chapter.
Notes: the berth described in story is not exact to the above: The one I stayed in is the door and by the women’s Head (bathroom, accurate as they also have showers), and the quarters displayed above are part of a tour. Also, my headcanon is Texas was allowed to become an independent republic again in the future.
Enjoy.
••••••
Scott Tracy was in love - again. She had sleek curves, a graceful nose, beautiful blue and gold colorings... and long graceful wings.
He stared at the real Navy Blue A-4 Skyhawk Blue Angel that "flew" on a tall, solid pedestal as though soaring the skies.
Scott could imagine being behind the wheel of the plane, zooming through the air to help serve his country. The swooping, diving and turning were all quite vivid in his head, and he got lost in his imagination.
In fact, Scott was so deep in his dream he didn't notice the world around him trying to get his attention - nor the fact he was grabbed and thrown into a fireman's carry.
It wasn't until he saw grey concrete and rough, seashell laden sand - and someone's shoulders hitting Scott in the gut - he realized he was even moving.
Scott finally was snapped out of his thoughts, aided by the crisp, salty air of the Gulf of Mexico. "Hey! Let me go! Put me down!" said the pilot, gently pounding on the man's left shoulder blade.
A gentle base voice laughed. "Sorry birthday boy but there's plenty more to see than your 'girlfriend'," laughed Virgil as he continued to walk the man a short distance to the front entrance of the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, the Texas Republic.
The aircraft carrier, commissioned February 17, 1943, was the fifth one by that name. The previous one - CV-2 was sunk in the Coral Sea during World War I, and people chose to rename a newly built carrier from USS Cabot to Lexington in her predecessor's honor.
The nickname Blue Ghost, coined by Tokyo Rose, was created when the Japanese thought she had been sunk four times, but came back.
She was kept in service until formally decommissioned in 1992, and now had been a museum for almost 70 years.
When Texas was allowed to become its own independent constitutional republic again in 2047, the United States allowed the carrier to still be on display in the Gulf as part of a history sharing program.
When Grandma Tracy gave a Live Aboard trip to Scott for his birthday, he suggested they all go. He said it was all he wanted for his birthday - a trip through history of course, experiencing life on an aircraft carrier, but also spending time with his family.
They would be camping in the old crew quarters below deck as part of the program, as well as enjoy meals in the mess hall and see other sites in Corpus Christi, including the Texas State Aquarium and museums in the area.
Even John happily agreed to come down and stay on Earth for the two nights they would spend camping on board the vintage aircraft carrier, so it was for once the entire family.
Admittedly though no one knew how much excitement this trip would bring for the family.
It was already a struggle for them to keep Gordon from dashing off to the visit the marine wildlife and rehabilitation centers at the aquarium. His invite to feed the fish - inside the aquarium in his scuba gear - and the dolphins wasn't until two days later.
Now, just like Scott had done to Gordon over the aquarium, Virgil had to carry him away to get to where they were supposed to go.
"Oh come on Virg - she's not my girlfriend," said Scott, rolling his eyes as he lightly bopped his brother's head.
Virgil scoffed. "Yeah right - you also have to flirt with the TA-4 Skyhawk, T-2C Buckeye, SNJ-5 Texan, KA3B Skywarrior, N3N Yellow Peril, F/A-18 Hornet, 4A Phantom 2..." he said as he then gently set his brother down beside his others. They had their sleeping bags and backpacks bundled together for the two-night stay, packing clothing and other supplies needed.
What many didn't know there was another special "guest" on board - Thunderbird Four. She was boarded late the night before on a special elevator remaining active on the ship. The other 'Birds were ready to fly with EOS' autopilot at a moment's notice from Tracy Island.
While none of the Tracys thought any vehicle would be needed, they wanted to be ready just in case. Kayo was also on standby, staying at a nearby hotel with a helicopter landing on the rooftop to quickly board Shadow.
Scott chuckled in concession. "All right - I'm the 'Bachelor' for a bunch of aviator beauties," he said looking at the ship. "At least I'm not Gordon and want to kiss a sea turtle or otter."
"Hey - that was in my dreams," said Gordon, who then realized it only made things worse. He chuckled. "Yeah... well, I admit I'm wanting to go to the aquarium already, but I've also been looking forward to staying on the Lexington. I finally get to teach you a thing or two about ship life."
Alan chuckled. "Yeah, such as how to get stuck in the brig for hours misbehaving," he teased.
The aquanaut shook his head. "Can't do that bro - the brig is on the hard-hat tour, and Grandma couldn't get us on that one. Filled up."
"Doesn't mean they couldn't put you in the photo op brig," chuckled John, who was sitting on a large ship anchor as he finished his bottled water and snack.
They laughed at the remark as Virgil sat down by his red-headed brother. "How are you feeling bro? Do you need some more water?" he asked seriously.
John shook his head, waving off the remark. He was still suffering space sickness compounded with a rough descent in Thunderbird Five's space elevator two days prior. It had been bad enough he scared his brothers by passing out shortly after they greeted him in the living room.
They all had been worried his "space sickness" would keep him from going, but Virgil and Brains gave him the OK, as long as he ate and drank whatever he was given by the medic or brothers. They already had told him he'd be buying mozzarella sticks - a specialty - at the concession stand the moment after they got settled on board.
"I'm fine, besides - looks like we're about to start our adventure," John said, nodding toward the middle age man walking up to them.
"The Tracy brothers correct - Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan?" said the man, and the five nodded. "Just wanted to be sure. Your grandmother had already checked in with the girls from the local YMCA. Said though she was going to head to the Wardroom's mess to fix you dinner."
The five brothers gasped in horror, and the man chuckled. "Don't worry - we have people hired to cook the meals. We told her to rest and wait until Scott's birthday celebration - but only bring store bought foods."
Gordon wiped his forehead in a melodramatic fashion. "Whew! for a moment there I was afraid we'd end up getting something that closely resembles SOS."
Alan looked at his older brother, confused. "What's SOS?"
"Well it's also known as Sh..."
Virgil quickly clamped a hand over his seafaring brother's mouth. "Corned beef hash on toast," he said, glaring at Gordon. "SOS is a nickname for the food, and I'd better not hear you say it fully."
Gordon rolled his eyes but conceded.
Alan made a vow to himself to quietly ask his immediate older brother later - out of Virgil's earshot - what the acronym stood for.
The Lexington worker laughed. "Well, now that's settled, let's get started on your Live Aboard program. My name is Jacob Cobalt, and I'll be the ship leader during the next two days aboard the USS Lexington," he said. "Shortly I'll take you aboard so you can unpack in the berthing quarters. You'll be staying in the same area as the Boy Scouts, but have a berth to yourself."
The others nodded. They knew a couple of the workers were informed by the GDF about the need for the five to have their own quarters. Their berth would be slightly smaller than the larger groups, but they would be able to store their IR uniforms without the worry of prying eyes looking through lockers.
Jacob continued. "That said, you'll still have to follow the same rules of the Live Aboard, which means first, you must show proper decorum on this ship. It is a memorial to those who fought and died on it for freedom. Secondly, you have to obey whatever command I say…" he said, smirking before he then changed to a drill instructor tone. "So line up at attention! Backs straight and tuck in your shirt tails!"
The result was a slight comedy of errors when John tripped over a sleeping bag and crashed into Virgil, making both tumble to the ground. As they did they bumped into Gordon's shoulder, making him back into the anchor. Thankfully, all he did was sit on it.
"You have 10 seconds to get in line and shirt tails tucked and get in line," said the ship leader.
Everyone got in line and their tails tucked in by the count of 10 - except Scott.
Jacob clicked his tongue, disappointed. "You of all people - retired Air Force - can't get your shirt tucked in quickly?" he said, motioning Scott to come forward. "Well... I guess you get to give an example of what we do if someone's caught with their shirt untucked."
The other four Tracys laughed. "Oh boy, Flyboy got in trouble," said Gordon, teasing.
Scott gave a feral grin. "Don't think I won't be watching for my chance to get even..." said the eldest as he stood by Jacob.
"I think you'll have plenty of chances Scott…" said Jacob with a smile.
The aquanaut made a show of gulping, to everyone's amusement.
"OK...so what's the penalty?" Scott said, wincing. He hoped it wasn't clean the Head with a toothbrush.
"You have to do 15 pushups - the proper way," said the leader with a chortle.
Scott merely laughed and did as he was told - making sure the final five were single-handed to shush Gordon further.
One he did his 15 pushups, Scott returned to the line and Jacob continued. "OK, now we'll head up to the berthing area. Watch for low overhangs, your step on the ladders, and the lips of the doors so you don't trip over them."
John gave a subtle wince. "I thought I hated gravity before..." he muttered, praying he didn't go flying into a bulkhead not paying attention to the floor. He certainly didn't want to wind up ruining Scott's birthday suffering a concussion.
Virgil put a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder. "It's all right John - we'll make sure you don't fall - down or out," he said knowingly as they gathered their items and headed up the long ramp. They admired the exterior of the Blue Ghost, which included weaponry and lifeboat pods.
At the entrance, they received a blue wristband, showing they were part of the Live Aboard program and could stay past visitor hours before looking around the hangar deck. There was a machine that would simulate a flight simulation for guests while a real simulator lay on display nearby.
Other planes with mannequin workers getting it ready for takeoff, military memorabilia, and mockups for photos graced the area as well.
The Tracys however were heading toward a hatch leading to one of the Heads on the ship. “This way gentlemen,” said Jacob.
John leaned over the railing to look at the ladder of stairs and had a slight case of vertigo. "Oh brother, that's a way down," he muttered.
The youngest brother looked at his brother in sympathy. "You'll be OK John. I'll show you how to get down," said Alan as he started his climb down with his backpack. He faced away from the ladder, making his descent very slow.
When he reached the landing, he turned around, realizing he forgot his sleeping bag. "Um, guys, can you -" said Alan, only to be hit in the face with said item.
Looking up, he saw someone chortling. "Very funny Gordo," said Alan, only to be hit in the face again, this time with Gordon's pillow, then sleeping bag.
"Yeah - it is. You just took the worst way to get down these ladders," said Gordon as he turned around and faced the ladder on his descent. He would've slid down the rails as he did on occasion during his WASP stint, but the rungs were wrapped in rope to add grip safety. Gordon certainly wasn't going to let Alan tease him for rope burns.
Eventually, all five managed to make their way down without much incident. John went last just in case he slipped - and when he did three steps from the bottom, Scott and Virgil caught him. John gave a weak smile in thanks.
Jacob then descended and lead them to a doorway marked "Reserved for Live Aboard Only," and lowered the chain before opening the heavy door.
"OK, here's where you'll be staying the next couple of days. You'll use this head in the evenings after hours, and the showers are behind the wall there," he said, then gestured for them to come inside the quarters.
Inside there was a pool table, old fashioned arcade game that still worked nearly 80 years later, sofas and a ping-pong table. Military memorabilia from the wars the Lexington served in: badges, coats worn by sailors, flags, challenge coins, photos, adorned the walls along with mementos from past guests.
Seeing the youngest look over at the entertainment, the eldest sighed. "We're going to have to keep Alan from the video game, or he'll never go on tours," said Scott, knowing the youngest's fondness for antique games.
Alan rolled his eyes. "I can't play them - I don't have any coins," he said, looking at the game. "Besides - it's that old Donkey Kong game - I defeated it years ago."
The others just shook their head as they followed Jacob through a pair of doors. Turning left, they saw a kitchen area, clean but dark and clearly unused for decades.
Once they descended yet another set of ladders, they arrived at their berth. "Make yourselves at home. You can tour any of the paths until mess in the wardroom at 1800 hours," he said.
The Tracys nodded and entered the room, shivering at the abrupt coldness of the berths compared to the rest of the rooms earlier. It had pale olive green walls, tall, thin lockers for storing their items and bunk shelves complete with a thick foam mattress.
There were three levels to the bunks - beds near the ground, middle and near the top.
"Dibs on the top bunk," squeaked Alan as he quickly walked over to the nearest one.
"Hey - I get one," said Gordon.
Scott laughed. "There's enough for all of us to be on the top bunk if we want," he said, though he was going to stay on the middle bunk.
"Not me - I'm not going to fall out and get a concussion," said John, who wisely chose the lowest bunk, which lay about eight inches off the ground.
They chatted and laughed as they wandered around the quarters, choosing and making up their bunks before stuffing their lockers.
After a few minutes, Gordon and Alan walked around to look at where everyone selected to sleep.
Turning one corner, Alan sniggered at the sight in front of him while Gordon coughed to keep from laughing outright.
"Um, International Rescue, we have a situation," the aquanaut said, though his tone was not as serious as the comment would normally entail.
Still though, Scott went into smother hen mode and walked around to the bunks the youngest duo were at, while John followed, interested himself.
When they reached the others, Scott did all he could to keep a serious face himself.
He barely kept it.
"Um Virgil - what on earth possessed you to try and claim a top bunk yourself?" he asked.
The medic was stuck halfway in and out of the bunk, using his feet on the lower bunk to keep the metal edges from pressing into his gut.
In spite of Virgil's wishes and dreams to finally sleep on a top bunk, his large, muscular frame was just too broad to fit through the space between the safety bar, ladder and bed.
"Looks like Papa Bear forgot that those beds are too small for him," said Gordon, laughing.
"Very funny Squidface... can you guys give me a hand?" muttered Virgil.
The brothers laughed and helped assist Virgil down from the top bunk. The man then wisely chose to do the middleman choice and choose the middle bunk - still higher off the ground, but much more space as no bar was needed. He even double checked by effortlessly pulling himself into the bunk, silencing any further teases from Gordon.
Once they ensured everything was in place, and in the cases of the IR uniforms locked in the lockers, Scott turned and faced the others, smiling. "OK - let's take a journey through time... starting with the flight deck," said Scott.
"Of course - got to go see your girlfriends... FAB birthday boy," teased Virgil, and they headed up toward the hangar deck to go on the bridge/flight deck tour.
••••••
To Be Continued …
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thesasscat · 3 years
Text
The Mandela Effect
I don't know who might see this but I'm going to say this right now I AM NOT CRAZY! I just need someone, ANYONE to believe me! It all started a few days ago . .
My life is FAR from perfect, my wife and I are poor getting by on thrifting, and food pantries; I work a job I despise, but my family is what makes it beautiful. The day ended as usual, tucking my eldest in bed for the night, getting my infant to sleep and finally my wife and I going to bed.
This is where things, went so wrong. I've lived my whole life not knowing my greatest fear until I learned about a moment in history called "The man from a country that doesn't exist" and then i realised that was in fact my greatest fear. I'm now living that scenario!
* * *
I woke up in an apartment I have never seen before. Already freaked out I went to get out of bed but found I wasn't alone, I was hoping it was my wife and some how this would make sense, but no it was my ex; I screamed. He woke with a start.
"Cat! What the hell?!."
"What date is it!"
"What has gotten-"
"WHAT FUCKING DATE IS IT!"
"It's December nineth, twenty-twenty. Why are you being such a bitch this morning?!"
Slightly less panicked but also more annoyed with him, I jumped out of the bed and found my phone. I left the room to look for my eldest, I doubted I would find my infant in whatever nightmare I was in! "Felicity! Time to get up! Felicity?!" WHERE IS SHE!
I started feeling tears spring to my eyes as panic welled up again. I searched for my wife in my contacts. It's not here! I tried finding on my Facebook list. No! But I noticed a mutual friend that introduced us however was online. Please have answers! This can't be happening! Please don't let this be real!
Hey question ur still friends w/ Rosalina on Discord or Facebook or wutever yes?
I waited what seemed like an hour, whiping my tears, even though it was likely just three minutes for their response.
U know Rosy?
Uh ya! U introduced us we've been together...well a while now!
......uhhh r u ok? Cuz I never introduced u 2......Cat....she killed herself 2 years ago....I'm sorry but if this is some kind of sick joke it's not funny!
The floor and ceiling suddenly inverted, and everything went black
* * *
I woke up in the same strange apartment but on a couch this time, my head ached as I tried remember everything before. My heart dropped as I remembered what Juno told me, tears spraing up again in gusto, as grief washed over me remembering my wife was dead, likely on the same date as her last attempt but this time she suceeded.
She never knew how much I loved her, of the beautiful baby girl we had together, she never knew the life we built together. I would never have the chance to ever look into those beautiful green eyes of hers or even run my fingers through her hair.
"CAT!"
I snapped to attention he must have been trying to get my attention for a while.
"What."
"Ok what the fuck is up with you today? And who is Felicity?!"
"Our kid! You know sassy blonde blue eyes carbon copy of my but smaller ring any bells?" I completely forgot how much he really brought out the worst in me.
"Did you hit your head or something because you're acting completely crazy!"
"I'M NOT CRAZY!" I shouted bolting upright, "I'M STUCK IN THE MANDELA EFFECT AND NONE OF THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPENING! I LEFT YOU. THREE YEARS AGO! WE HAD A KID! I MOVED ON AND YOU DIDN'T I FOUND SOMEONE NEW AND YOU ALWAYS HATED THAT! HATED THAT I MOVED ON TO SOMEONE BETTER AND STOPPED TAGGING AROUND WITH YOU! THAT I BEGAN PUTTING UP BARRIERS AND REFUSED TO LET YOU TEAR THEM DOWN!" My face felt hot, I was shaking as all of this sank in. He looked taken aback but it didn't matter.
Felicity doesn't even exist here either, my whole life I had before is completely gone for good. My sweet girls.... Annabelle..... Felicity.....
"Uh huh.......you haven't started any new medication right?"
"FUCK YOU!" I shouted, throwing the nearest object at him. I left out the front door livid, not even bothering to grab a change of clothes or shoes, and did something I never thought I would do. I opened my phone and called my mom.
"Hey sweetie!"
"Mom... can you come get me?"
A pause.
"<Dead nam>-" I grimaced as I did my best to pretend she didn't dead name me, "Im, in Utah remember? I would love to see you but that's a bit of a drive, i would have to make just for a visit. Is everything ok?" I pondered whether to tell her or not, but I figured the worst she could do is point out the fact psychosis runs in the family, or just make it about her.
"You'll believe me right?"
Her tone of voice changed to her lawyer voice, "<Dead name> are you safe or do you need someone to get you?"
"No it's just you remember me talling you and the story of a man from a country that didn't exist......and how that freaked me out more than anything in the world?" I tried keeping my voice steady, as tears welled up again.
"Yes but what does that have to do with our conversation?"
I drew a breath, and my words came flooding out "I'm living in it, I'm in some kind of worLD WHERE SOMEHOW I'M BACK WITH CLYDE AND ROSY AND I WERE NEVER TOGETHER WE NEVER HAD OUR LITTLE FAMILY AND WE NEVER MET AND WE NEVER WILL MEET AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE HER GRAVE IS SO I CAN NEVER GO SEE HER AND I'M SCARED AND I WANT THIS TO BE JUST A REALLY BAD DREAM BUT IT'S NOT AND I WANT OUT OF HERE!" I finished through sobs.
Another pause "Ok I am going to call Emily to come get you and let her know you need some air, but I think maybe a trip to the psych hospital is also possibly needed-"
"MOM! I'M NOT CRAZY I DON'T BELONG IN THIS LIFE! YOU HAVE TWO OTHER GRANDCHILDREN THEIR NAMES ARE FELICITY AND ANNABELLE. FELICITY IS FOUR, SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE ME SHE'S SASSY, LOVES POKEMON, MY LITTLE PONY AND DINOSAURS! ANNABELLE IS ALMOST A YEAR OLD SHE WAS THE NICU BABY SHE HAS RED HAIR, SHE'S THE FANCY GIRL! SHE LOVES SOFT THINGS, CUDDLES AND SOFIA THE FIRST! ROSALINA WAS MY WIFE SHE WAS A FEW INCHES TALLER THAN ME AND WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL LIFE TOGETHER!" I'm shaking worse than ever.
"<Dead name>"
"STOP CALLING ME THAT I CAME OUT AS NONBONARY AND CHANGED MY NAME 6 YEARS AGO!"
"I'm going to call your sister now." She said before hainging up. I threw my phone on the ground with all of my strength. I wanted to scream to hit my head as hard as possible and hope to wake up finding out this wasn't real. THIS CAN'T BE REAL!
My younger sister texted my phone the notification popping up on my now shattered screen.
Mom is on the phone with me right now
R u sure ur ok?
I typed furiously, wincing as my fingers caught on glass splinters.
I'M NOT CRAZY!!!!!
* * *
I'm refusing to go any redirect my sister asked for us to go to outside of her place, I know they're having me committed. I'm trying to act casual as I try typing this all on my phone and pretending my shattered screen isn't a big deal. I need just one person please say you believe me! I'm NOT crazy like everyone thinks I am. I'm not acting out some complex delusion, these people I am now grieving are real and I love them more than life itself.
Please, anyone at all tell me you believe me, please show me I'm not the crazy person every one is saying I've become.
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lobster-peach · 4 years
Text
The Girls Bathroom
•••
Part 1
Part 2 -
This is a short story I wrote for my 10th grade creative writing class and I thought I'd share:)
*trigger warnings*
Eating disorders
Mental disorders
Drug/alcohol use
Violence
Child predator/abuse mention
Implied suicide
Another night without sleep. It’s growing less uncommon now. I’ve taken so many things to help me sleep, you’d be surprised that something hasn’t worked by now.
My window is open. I’ve always  liked it that way. It lets the night time air into my room, and it fills my lungs with the sweetest scent, that if it were bottled, I would keep it on me at all times. I’d be the girl people would ask what perfume I was wearing. I’d be the one they complimented. I’d be the one they talked to, in an admiring way. 
The smell reminds me of my childhood home. It reminds me of the smell of a thick and damp forest. It reminds me of the silent happy times. I let the night breeze create ripples in my curtains. 
And It’s peaceful. 
It’s peaceful to watch a force of nature calmly move something as simple as a sheer white window curtain to the beat of its own rhythm. To make it move like it’s dancing in water. 
I’m writing all my thoughts down again, like  I do every time my mind won’t sleep. I’ve noticed that everything feels so surreal at these times. Everything is quiet, the moon is the only light source in sight, the wind making the only other movement besides myself, and the world is still. I lay on my back and stare up at the ceiling, just stare and think about the world, and about life. Stress comes and goes at these times but it usually doesn’t stay that long.
 I think about my family, about myself, about strangers. I wonder if strangers do this too? Do they wear themselves out in the adventure we call curiosity?
I keep asking questions until I finally fall asleep to the sun peaking over the mountains. 
...
I haven’t been to school in weeks. I haven’t actually left my room in weeks either, if you’re not counting the trips to the bathroom. I feel like I've just been a whirlpool of emotions. One second I feel fine, and the next I feel like I’m in someone else’s body, wanting to scream. But today- today is the day I’m changing that. 
I get up, take a shower, and apply the minimum amount of makeup I actually have.
No one is awake in the house, so I slip out without a sound. 
If I’m honest, I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to go to school now, because the second I stepped through the glass doors, I was bombarded with shouts, shoves, and the smell of axe body spray. But right as I was about to turn around, get back into my car, and drive far, far away from this hell-hole, the vice principal noticed me. I saw the shock, and excitement light up in her eyes.
She made a b-line for me.
There was no escape. 
  ...
After an hour or so of sitting and listening to her gush about how much the school had missed me, and that if I "Ever needed anything to come talk to her, or any of the school faculty", I was able to leave her office. If I knew that I would get this bombarded with unwanted attention, I would have never left my house in the first place.
I would just dwell in the thought that I would have to make a living becoming a fast food worker, or selling my body to Sin City herself.
But that would still be better than this. 
...
The brick walls of the school seemed to piss me off even more than they used to now. They seemed to mock me, to make me feel like even more of a failure, with their posters of encouragement and activities. I headed into the girls bathroom to take a breather. Everything starting to kick in. I dashed into a stall and let my empty stomach empty itself even more. Nothing had actually happened to trigger any sort of panic, and I hated myself for it even more. I hated the fact that I couldn't be around people with no filters. I hated that I couldn't sit still in class. I hated that I couldn't just be normal. And now I'm just sitting on the floor trying not to think. But then I hear a knock, and a voice, gently, and quietly asking if I'm alright. My eyes widen. I don't know why I didn't think I would be the only one in a public highschool's girl's bathroom. Theres a part of me that hopes if I stay silent then whoever it was on the other side of the door would go away. But the voice comes back a second time. Still quiet, still gentle, but more urgent. Sounding like they were actually worried. Coming to the conclusion that I can't hide, I stand up and open the door to see one of the school's cheerleaders, Vanny. Her real name was Savannah, but everyone only ever called her Vanny. She looked as surprised as I was when she saw who was standing in front of her. 
    “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bother you. I just heard.. gagging, and I wanted to make sure that  whoever it was, was alri-”
I quickly cut her off.
    “It’s okay! Really!” 
Wow, I sound flustered. 
    “I just needed to let some things…uh… out.”
She let out a small breathy laugh at that. 
    “Yeah, I can tell.” she said
I can just feel the temperature in my cheeks raise at record breaking speed. My internal panic growing with it.
    “I- uh- sorry…”
God, I'm a mess.
She lets out another laugh at that, but this time something that looked somewhat like sympathy showed in her eyes.
    “Don’t be sorry. Really. I get it. It happens to me too.”
I gape at her a little.
But not so much that she would notice. Or at least I hope I so.
What on earth is happening.
But before I can even finish that thought, she's speaking again.
    “I haven’t seen you around all year.  I didn’t think about it that much till now. Do you wanna talk about it?”
She didn't wait for an answer and made her way into the handicap stall and sat against the wall. She just gestures for me to do the same. Part of me wonders if this was some kind of joke. If she had people outside the girls bathroom just waiting to torment me. But against my better judgement, I sit. I can't figure out how I am supposed to act, sit, or even breath. Is there even a right way to handle this?
She begins talking about her history with depression and anxiety. And normally when I hear someone say they have it, it’s not actually the “real deal” if you will. It’s just someone who thinks that it’s the end of the world when something unexpected and bad pops up in their life.
And I know it sounds terrible to judge a person like that, but it's just how things tend to be around here.
But she, she wasn’t like that. 
She tells me everything. How she can’t sleep at night, so she goes on drives. And how she finds that puking her guts out, nasty and as toxic as it seems, feels a little like a release. She tells me about her “friends” and how much she wishes that she could talk to them about everything that’s going on. She just tells me everything. Every feeling she gets. Every reason a tear sometimes slips from her brown eyes.
Everything.
I didn’t know that a person could feel the same way I did. I didn’t know that I could understand a stranger more than myself in just 30 minutes. 
These talks become a regular thing for us. After our second period classes, while the rest of the school left for lunch, we would go into the girls bathroom on the second floor. Into the handicap stall on the far right. And we would talk about everything.
    Vanny was kind. She held the door for me when we were together, she spoke to me like a real person rather than a joke, and she felt like home. There were days however, where she didn’t talk to me. She would send me apologetic glances from across the room so I tried not to think too much about it. I understood. She had a reputation to uphold. And I wasn’t apart of that. If I was, everyone would think of it as a joke. That she was just getting close to me to make fun of me. That was the part I worried about. 
I just wanted to mean something more to her than that. 
I just wanted a friend.
    Everyday that I spent with Vanny lead me into a deeper spiral of what I would call bliss. It was almost like, any trouble I had, any insecurity I had, she could instantly wash away with one look. 
...
I was stopped at an intersection driving home from school, when I noticed the people in the car in beside me were fighting. I didn’t want to invade their privacy, but then I noticed who was sat in the passenger seat. Vanny. The guy, was much older. Dark grey hair, and stubble across his chin. He had his hand on her thigh. I couldn’t see what his expression was clearly, but I had a pretty solid guess. Vanny looked very uncomfortable, she slapped his hand away and said something with her brows furrowed. The guy just laughed and put his hand back. She tried to push it away again but the guy wouldn’t budge. 
I decided to try calling her to make sure she was alright but the phone went straight to voicemail. I started to panic. I didn’t know what to do. I started to roll down the window and shout but the light finally changed to green and the car sped off. I wanted to change lanes and potentially follow them, but I couldn’t with all of the traffic of eager teeangers wanting to go home after a long day. I tried to try calling a few more times, but failed to get any sort of answer. 
My phone was hot from being pressed to my cheek for so long. I got home and the house was empty once again. This time though, my heart sank. I didn’t know who to ask about what I should do.
Me, in my panicked state decided to call the police.
I started blurting out everything that happened but it didn’t help. Without the guys name, plate number, or address, there was nothing they could do besides go to Vanny’s house and see if she was there and OK. 
    I couldn't sleep. My mind was racing with all of the possible things that could be happening right then to my Vanny.
No.
Not my Vanny.
Just Vanny.
I got a call from the police station just hours later. They told me she was safe at home and that I had no reason to worry.
Everything was fine.
...
    I still however rushed to school the next morning, calling and texting her trying to get some sort of insight to if she was really alright. I kept tapping my foot all through my first two periods. My mind couldn’t seem to focus on anything other than the thought of Vanny.
She needed to be okay.
What felt like years of waiting for that wretched bell to signal my release from this prison of unmatched bricks and books, it rang.
I all but ran to the second floor bathroom. And let me tell you, I have never been so happy to hear someone crying. I knocked on the door precisely six times to let her know it was me. I heard her shuffle and stand up. When the door unlocked I rushed in to hug her.
Her face was tear stained, but her eyes were empty.
We sat down and I held her.
Everything just felt... wrong.
I didn't know how to ask her what happened.
I didn't know if I even should.
She felt so fragile in my arms, that I was scared I would break her by saying anything else.
We sat in the bathroom in silence for the rest of the day.
I just let her cry.
At the end of the day I offered to take her home but she fervently said no.
I took her to my house instead, only so I could make sure she was safe.
...
The car ride home was quiet. I was waiting for the right time to ask her about what had happened but I still just didn't know how.
She had stopped crying hours ago but she kept the same empty look in her eyes.
I watched her out of the corner of my eye, just staring at the passing houses.
Her brown hair falling over her shoulders like silk.
I finally spoke up.
"Savannah, what happened?"
She jumped at the sudden sound of my voice.
I couldn't tell if she was going to answer or start crying again.
She was so unreadable.
But her dry lips parted, and her voice rasped out.
"My..."
She breathed out, sounding so wounded.
I had pulled the car into an empty grocery store parking lot and faced her.
"My stepfather... tried t-to...."
She couldn't finish. Her eyes welled up again with tear and she broke.
Her face buried in her hands.
I didn't know what to say.
So many thoughts were racing through my head.
I couldn't speak.
I just stared at her completely horrified.
I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out.
She lifted her face and looked me in the eyes.
"Please don't tell anyone."
"Vanny we have to call the cops we-"
"No!" She yelled, I had never heard her yell.
"Promise me you won't tell anyone. Not your family, not any teachers, not the police."
She was urgently begging me.
"Vanny I can't just let this be. This is serious. He needs to be put in prison for this-"
"Please." She said once more.
"Please."
I looked at her.
Red, wide, eyes staring deep into my soul.
"I-I can't..."
...
I called the police once we got to my house explaining everything.
They got a warrant to search Vanny's stepdad's things and found digital folders of child pornography. They didn't have enough to charge him with the assault, but the files were enough to put him away.
When it happened, Vanny didn't speak to me for weeks.
She was convinced I had betrayed her.
But she eventually came back.
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warriorqueen1991 · 5 years
Text
🎄Heartwarming🎄
Tumblr media
Characters: Negan x Reader
Warnings: fluff
Summary: Your all alone for Christmas and are feeling pretty down, maybe your grinch of a neighbor would like to join you?
Notes: this is my secret fic exchange for @daisysouthmoore MERRY CHRISTMAS HUN 🎄🎁
Thank you @annablack1102 for holding this absolutely amazing exchange 💝💝
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Now sweetheart, ya can't spend Christmas alone...its not…”
You sighed moving into the kitchen “I'm not gonna spend it alone mom, I got…” your voice trailed off as you got lost watching your neighbor curse and yell as he shoveled the snow from his sidewalk. The vibration from your phone causing you to blink back to reality and look at the new message, a frown forming on your face.
Of course Michonne would cancel, she had her hot fiance to cuddle with during Christmas. Apparently he got back early and now you'd be sticking it out by yourself.
How pathetic was that?
“Y/N?! Sweetheart, you there?!!...hello??”
Clearing your throat, you quickly lifted the phone back to your ear, closing your eyes with a fake smile “yes mom, I'm ok...I invited a couple friends over and we're gonna spend Christmas together”. Listening to her continue to worry about you and tell you what to do to be safe was tiresome, but you loved her for it. Letting out a light laugh you shook your head “mom I'll be ok, I'm not going anywhere in this weather, you and dad got nothin’ to worry about. I love you both, ok?”
“Well we love you too sweetheart, just please give us a call before you'd go to sleep or something ok?...just so I can rest easy?”
You nodded “ok...love you”.
“Love you too honey”.
Tapping the red bar on your phone, you sighed rubbing your eyes before a loud crash made you jump “what the hell is he doing over there?!” You growled moving back to the window.
Negan was your next door neighbor, fine as hell, but just about as cuddly as a cactus. Him and his wife had gone through a pretty bad rough patch right before she got diagnosed with cancer. The whole story was pretty scandalous and sad when you thought about it, but everybody somehow knew about it.
Honestly it was no wonder he wasn't the most approachable person, his life was a train wreck.
Pulling back your curtain your eyes widened in disbelief before you covered your mouth to stifle a giggle. Negan was on his porch cursing and swinging a baseball bat around at a bunch of carolers, who looked like they were either going to piss themselves or already had.
“GET THE FUCK OFF MY GODDAMN YARD!!!” he roared just missing one of their heads before they all managed to scurry off his lawn unscathed.
Continuing to giggle at the whole thing, your heart suddenly fell in your stomach when his dark eyes met yours, steam huffing out of his nose like a bull before he stormed back into his house.
Backing away from the window holding your phone to your chest, you ran your other hand down your face as your cheeks turned red. Shit, he saw you. He looked mad. What if he came to your door rantin’ and raving about how you should mind your own damn business?
Worrying your bottom lip, the sudden beep from the oven made you quickly forget about your ill tempered neighbor and focus on your lonely Christmas dinner, and not burning your damn house down.
****
Once all the food was set out on the table, you let out a small sigh. You had cooked more than just for yourself in preparation for Michonne, Maggie and Carol but of course they all had canceled, either because of the weather or because the had families to spend the holidays with.
Chewing the inside of your cheek in thought, you looked over your shoulder before making a decision and grabbing your coat.
The short walk next door was just enough time for you to regret your decision, your gloved hand hovering above the red wood of his front door as the wind and snow whipped around you. Biting your lip, you finally gave the cold wood a solid knock, doing it three more times before the door opened against the chain lock “da fuck you want?!”
Negan's hazel eyes narrowed at you through the crack in the door, his house and what you could see of inside were completely devoid of Christmas decorations.
“I-I….I um..uh..i just... just wanted to invite you over for Christmas d-dinner...ya know if you're free?” you managed to stammer out as you rubbed your hands together.
Negan seemed to look you up and down suspiciously before finally shutting the door once more, your heart sinking to your stomach before you heard the chain rattle against the door. Smiling softly as it opened revealing him in his leather jacket and red scarf “don't need me to bring anything right?” He growled.
“N-No I got everything, made too much for myself and...well...everyone else canceled”.
He chuckled softly “sorry ya had to settle for me”.
You shook your head as you moved to open your door “I didn't settle for anything Negan, I just felt nobody should be alone for Christmas ya know?” Pushing through the door, you took your scarf off before noticing Negan still standing outside the door.
Clearing his throat, he lifted his gaze to the mistletoe hanging above the door before arching his eyebrow at you.
Scrambling to the door, you quickly snatched the sprig of leaf from the wooden hook, shoving it in your pocket with a deep blush “oh...I um...sorry”. Negan smirked before moving into the house, taking his scarf and leather jacket off “nice place”.
“Thank you” you smiled softly before moving into the kitchen, what was it about this man that had you acting like the virgin prom date.
Getting him a cup of hot chocolate and showing him to the living room so you could finish up, You quickly set the table and took a deep breath. Fixing your hair and checking your reflection, you smiled before approaching the doorway “ok, it's ready”.
***
Dinner went pleasantly smooth, Negan wasn't that much of a talker and didn't seem that into the holidays. But he wasn't rude or offputting like he normally was, honestly he just seemed sad.
“So what do you do?” You asked curiously as you sipped your third alcoholic eggnog recipe, Negan was on his fourth and getting more and more talkative by the second.
“Oh I teach the little shits on the hill” he grumbled downing the rest of his drink “gym teacher” he clarified. You smiled with a light giggle “I wouldn't of guessed that, you don't seem the patient type”.
Negan chuckled licking his bottom lip “I'm not”, his hazel eyes stared deep into yours making your cheeks heat up.
“Ya know we've been neighbors for a few years now Y/N and you've never invited me over...hell, ya hardly spare me a goddamn glance”. Resting his elbows on the table, he raised an eyebrow in question “so spare me the bullshit will ya, we both know the only reason I'm here is because ya had nobody else to be with”.
Your eyes widened “n-no...no, honestly I just…” you bit your lip looking down “you scare me Negan...in case ya haven't noticed, you're a little intimidating”.
Negan frowned but nodded “my um...well I'm sure you've heard thestory”. You nodded, who hadn't heard about Negan and Lucille? It was practically town history. He sighed, running his hand down his mouth “well, all that shit went down around the holidays...guess it kinda destroyed the whole Christmas thing for me”.
Frowning, you reached your hand out to slide over his “I'm sorry….really, I am”.
Negan looked down at your  hands for a moment before smiling softly “not your fault sweetheart...honestly bein’ invited over here…” he shook his head letting his smile widen “this really means alot”.
You smiled before getting to your feet, tugging him up with you as ‘all I want for Christmas is you’ started playing softly from the other room. “Dance with me Mr. Grinch” you giggled as he smiled down at you, wrapping your arms around his neck with a bright smile.
Sliding his hands around your waist, he smiled before resting his chin ontop of your head gently swaying your bodies to the music. You closed your eyes getting lost in the warm and comforting moment, the feeling of his large frame encircling yours making you feel safe.
“ya know, you're not as cold hearted as people think Negan” you sighed, snuggling your face into his warm chest “you're actually pretty warm”.
Negan chuckled “maybe it's just the company”, feeling something in your pocket, he slowly slipped the sprig of mistletoe from your Jean's. The corner of his lips quirking up in a smirk as he lifted it above your head “did ya have this planned for anyone in particular?”
Looking up at the plant, you bit your lip with a small smile “it was um...more for my friends, they uh...all had dates”.
Negan leaned down to brush his nose against hers slowly “shame to let it go to waste”.
Sliding your hands from his neck to cup his cheeks, you stood up on your tiptoes to kiss him slowly, your eyes falling shut as his followed suite. The world seemed to heat up around you, the sound of the soft music filling your ears as the hand not holding the mistletoe slid moved to cradle your ribs.
Pulling back slowly, your tongue slid over your bottom lip with a breathy giggle “wow...Merry Christmas to me”.
Negan chuckled kissing you again, the action short and sweet “best Christmas I've ever had sweetheart”.
You smiled brightly, wrapping your arms around him tightly “mine too”. Lost in the warmth of his embrace and the comfort of his presence, softly you began to sing, closing your eyes.
“I won't ask for much this Christmas, I won't even wish for snow. I'm just gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe. I won't make a list and send it to the North Pole for Saint Nick. I won't even stay awake to hear those magic reindeer click. 'Cause I just want you here tonight holding on to me so tight, What more can I do? Baby all I want for Christmas is you”.
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mizukixtsukiyomi · 5 years
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Hi there😊 This might be a bit weird but I would love it if you would write a scenario where Kagome & Inuyasha promise to reunite in the future but when they finally meet, she finds out he has moved on so she decides to move on as well. A few years go by & they meet again by chance but by then Kagome has moved on & he regrets it . I can't decide between Ichigo or Gintoki but Gin's world is quite different from hers so umm I'll leave it up to u? I hope that's ok😅 Thank you for reading😊
I changed it a bit because I usually have a hard time writing out Inuyasha in general (salty feelings towards him). But I hope this is okay?
“You think maybe she chose you because of your white hair? It has to be it. Why would a girl be interested in you in the first place? Your dirt poor, have no sense of romance, oblivious, and just rather have all the sweets to yourself.” The homeless brunette inhaled the from his cigarette before blowing out the fumes. “You are a total loser, Gintoki.”
“Oi, Hasegawa, watch it.” The said samurai looked at the male beside him on the bench as they let the sun set on their view of the park. “You aren’t one to talk about being a loser.”
“Ah~,” Hasegawa gave him a smirk, “that’s the thing, you think it would affect me but I have completely accepted being a loser.”
Shaking his head, Gintoki sipped on the straw connected to the strawberry milk. A quart of strawberry milk he had bought from the convenience store. It had been a mystery when the emperor’s high priestess had started tagging along with Yorozuya, but then it had become a norm for him and her to just hang out. He was oblivious at first to the feelings that were blooming between them, but she was no different from him. If he could say it, they were both idiots in love.
But something had him on edge.
He had seen her talking a mysterious long white haired male the other day when he and Shinpachi had been out grocery shopping (or more so just to buy what they could).
“You said that she hasn’t talked to you since she met up with that good looking dude?” Hasegawa turned his head to the samurai.
“Who said he was good looking?” Gintoki’s brow rose in return. “I hadn’t mentioned anything.”
“Shinpachi-kun said it; he said that maybe that is why Kagome-chan has left you.”
Gintoki’s brow twitched, “you guys are really trying to piss me off, aren’t ya?” Of course it was now setting him to become suspicious of the woman. It was not like her to go silent on them. She always checked up on them (and fed them).
“Rumor has it,” Hasegawa blew another puff of smoke, “he works for the secret demon association.”
“What the hell is that? Stop making crap up.”
“I said it was a rumor! But it has been spreading for a long time now! The emperor, Shige Shige-sama, is in charge of it!” Sliding closer, Hasegawa looked left and right for any citizens that could be eavesdropping. He cupped the side of his lips to hide his words. “Perhaps that man was a demon and she left for something better-bah!”
Shaking the fist off his head, Gintoki stood from his spot. The rumor itself was now putting him in a sour mood. “You are worse than the women gossiping around this neighborhood.” Walking down the path leading towards Shige Shige’s castle, Gintoki’s eyes landed on the traditional structure before noticing the high-tech tower proudly standing behind it. The idea of demons could not be fully ignored; aliens currently roamed their lands.
All stories and possibilities had to be taken in for account.
He knew about Kagome’s distant past. A past she could not really shake off entirely from her memories, but she was moving forward. Lots of promises to her had been broken, and although many had pushed both of them to confess, neither did.
Out of respect to each other.
A scoff blew under his breath. “Since when did I get so soft?” He was aware of the demons Kagome had spoken about, but she never mentioned them being around still in their present time. She lived a cursed life; an eternal soul damned to suffer as a sacrifice for humanity. A silly story for others to hear, but now that he knew the priestess, he understood why she would be stupid to become a sacrifice and end a demon war that had now been erased from history.
And now more than ever, he was aware of the silver haired male she was talking to. He knew. She had described him so well and when he saw them talking outside the gates of the palace, he became wary.
“Gin-san?”
He stopped. Pulling his focus to the front, he blinked at the sight of the priestess in mind. A soft smile curled over her lips as she adjusted her hold on the big bento box held up by expensive silk.
“I have been looking for you.” Kagome took a step closer, “Otose-san said you have been out most of the days and Kagura says you are out being a bum. Sorry I haven’t been checking up on your guys. Shige-Shige-sama has been keep us busy with a few things around the palace.”
His eyes remained glued on her smile before he scoffed and continued his walk. “You suck at lying.”
“Eh…?” She blinked only to close her eyes soon after feeling his rough hands ruffling her hair. Watching him walk past her, Kagome’s shoulders dropped in worry. “Gin-san…?”
“Let’s go, Kagura made dinner today.”
“Dinner?” Kagome repeated as she followed. “What did she make...?”
“Rice and egg.”
Kagome could not help but allow the sigh to escape her before she chuckled. “Isn’t that what you have for breakfast, Gin-san?” And these were the reasons why she always came to visit with food in hand. Brows tightening at the thought of the Yorozuya family, her mind quickly flashed to another distant family now dusting deep in her memories.
“Nee, Gin-san...?”
“Hm?”
They did not stop walking; Kagome’s eyes narrowed with worry as she saw his steps slow down.
“Thank you...”.
The ground underneath his boots crunched as he made a stop. Looking over his shoulder, the white haired samurai noticed her gaze was glued to her own feet. She rarely got this timid. Gintoki exhaled before taking the bento box from her hands as a breeze danced by.
“We should be thanking you.”
Kagome blinked as her head sprung up. The breeze all but muffled his comment. “What?” She whispered. Seeing him continue walk forward, Kagome’s shoulders dropped.
“Let’s go or they are gonna eat all the rice.”
She had avoided him for a few days after an old friend reappeared in her life. Shige Shige had presented her with an opportunity to become a leader to a new corps to protect Edo, but she never thought it would be a corps made of demons. And she never believed he, her old feudal friend, would be back.
Old promises were burnt the moment she saw him. And all it told her was she had to move on.
Live her life.
“Oi,” Gintoki called out, “I’m gonna get your portion, you know?”
Chuckling under her breath, she hurried her steps. “Kagura-chan won’t allow that.”
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