#// of course we couldn't get it in the boat and wouldn't want too

[edenpoise]

eyyyyy! we managed to catch an 8-foot bull shark ! he was so pretty, took like a good 30 mins to reel him in!

[jinnie-ret]

ok but imagine chans sister comes to visit the boys and gets attacked by saesangs. comfort from chan as well as his own guilt that it happened?? while the boys do their best to fix everything and make it okay? my love for angsty fics is really showing damn

cold water

stray kids x reader (platonic)

genre: angst, angst, and more angst

content warnings: saesangs, violence, drowning

word count: 3.3k

summary: when chan's sister pays the boys a visit in Seoul, during their S-CLASS mv shooting, no one could have expected the day to end the way it would.

Thank you so much for this request! I've been trying to write it for the past couple of days because this idea instantly popped into my head, I hope it fulfills the angst you've been looking for!

As always, like, reblog if you enjoyed, and my asks are open for any requests you may have. And let me know if you'd like to be tagged when I post :)

MAIN MASTERLIST

Y/N was glad to finally settle down in Seoul after her flight from Sydney. She was excited to see Bang Chan again, it had been a while as she hadn't been able to fly over with Hannah and go to their concerts, too busy with her school work. You see, Y/N always dreamed of being a director, and so when Chan had offered her to come watch them film their newest music video for their upcoming title track, S-CLASS, she couldn't deny his offer. Especially since he had promised that it would be a new experience for not just her, but for him and the rest of the boys too.

And boy was he right. If you had asked Y/N if she was going on a nighttime shoot, on a boat, in the middle of Han River, she would have laughed in your face, but her brother was big time now, and as much as she'd tease him and deny it, she was proud of Bang Chan. He even managed to get a comment along those lines from her earlier in the day.

"Y/Nnie, aren't you proud of your big bro?" Chan bounced around happily, excited for his younger sister to be staying with them, shaking her shoulders at the same time.

"Yeah, yeah," she rolled her eyes, unable to hide her growing smile as she stood in the entrance of the dorms he shared with Changbin, Han, and Hyunjin.

Speaking of, they all appeared, hearing the commotion of their leader and someone else.

"Woah, is that you, Y/N? You've grown!" Han patted her head as he greeted her.

"Not by much," she laughed, ducking away when the head pats turned into borderline hair ruffling, and no one touches her hair.

"Who knows, maybe you'll be taller than Changbinnie!" Hyunjin laughed.

"There's no way, Y/N got the small genes too, just like me and Hannah, Lucas is the only one who is tall out of us siblings," Chan sighed.

"It's so annoying. We're twins. He's got height to spare, why couldn't he give me some of it?" Y/N whined, causing Chan to laugh at her.

"Ah, join us on the dark side Y/N," Chan gestured to him and the other 2 members of 3RACHA.

"I'm in a dorm full of shorties," Hyunjin shook his head.

"Surprise, shawtyyyy," Y/N did some jazz hands, causing Han and Chan to laugh because they got the reference.

"Anyways let's drop your bags off in the spare room, then we can grab something to eat and head to the shoot, yeah?" Chan suggested as he picked up Y/N's luggage and carried it with him.

"Sounds good to me," Y/N nodded as she followed along.

Best. Dinner. Ever.

Bulgogi. Fried chicken. Kimchi. It was a proper feast. Although, the boys didn't have too much as they said they didn't want to feel bloated during the shoot, and they'd probably get some more food later. Y/N wouldn't be able to turn down that offer too, especially since her brother was paying for it all.

"So how old are you now, Y/Nnie?" Seungmin asked as she traveled with the other boys to their shoot.

"I'm 17," Y/N replied, the boys letting out noises of surprise.

"I remember when we debuted, you were only 12!" Felix gasped.

"Well, times have changed haha, it's been like 5 years, you know, you guys have been doing this for a small while now," Y/N pointed out. Of course she wasn't going to be a child forever.

"That makes me feel old," Lee Know sighs, throwing his head back against the headrest in the car.

"Well, you are the oldest one in here hyung," Jeongin patted his shoulder condescendingly.

"Yah! Our driver hyung is older than me!" Lee Know replied, turning around and staring daggers at his youngest member.

Y/N couldn't help but giggle at the interactions they had. She was glad her brother was surrounded by such good people. She knew he had found it tough before when he saw his other trainee friends debut, not fully realising how isolating that must have been until a few years ago now.

"You know, you're pretty cool, Chris," Y/N stared in awe at the boat they were about to board.

"Thanks, sis," he wrapped her in a small side hug, not teasing her this time yet still having a bashful expression on his face.

They all boarded the boat, staff, crew, members. Not realising the two suspicious hooded figures following them on and instantly hiding. In fact, Y/N thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye, jolting around so suddenly she caught the attention of Chan once more.

"You good?" he raised an eyebrow at her, looking around now also.

"Thought I saw something... it's probably nothing," Y/N brushed it off.

"It's probably jet lag," Chan guessed, and Y/N nodded along anyways. It had been a long flight over, and she was feeling her energy slowly drop. Yet that didn't stop her from eagerly trying to pick up every detail of the shoot, from the camera angles, to how many takes it took the boys on different scenes, and to other unseen aspects of the shoot.

"So let me get this right, they're going to CGI a massive octopus in?" Y/N said with wide eyes, wondering why it would be there.

"Yeah, and?" Felix shrugged.

"And Seungmin is going to dance next to it for some reason?" Y/N clasped her hands behind her back.

"So?" Han shrugged. These sorts of ideas weren't really anything out of the ordinary for them.

"That's sick!" Y/N cheered in English, making the boys jump from her sudden mood change they witnessed, thinking she was criticising what was happening at first. They now understood she was just an excitable girl.

She had been diligently taking down notes on her phone the whole time, taking photos also. The crew had been worried at first that she'd reveal spoilers for the filming, but Chan reassured them all that Y/N was a good kid and she wouldn't do anything like that.

"Hey, Chris, is there a toilet on here?" two girls crouched on a lower part of the boat heard Y/N ask her brother. Of course they recognised the girl when they snuck on earlier. They were fans before their likes turned to obsessions, so of course they knew that Y/N was Chan's sister.

"Just downstairs one and to the left," they heard Chan reply and had to hide their squeals. Maybe if they saw Y/N, they could pretend to be best friends with her and then get closer to Chan. And then, once they got closer to Chan, they could become closer with the other members too.

Delusion was a disease.

Y/N put her phone torch light on as she headed down one flight of stairs and entered the bathroom, a light flickering on instantly. She went to enter a cubicle before a bright light shined in her face and left her wincing and feeling startled.

In reality, it was the two saesang girls' best bet in getting away before they were caught. And they didn't even feel bad for what they did. It's not like they went to the extremes of using a laser.

"Ah," Y/N winced as she rubbed her eyes, but she ignored it and soon returned upstairs.

"Are you ok? You look a bit disoriented," Hyunjin checked on the younger girl as he took a break, getting his hair and clothes touched up and adjusted.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just, a bit, I don't know," Y/N didn't know what else to say. She had a bad feeling now, swearing she had heard some giggles and footsteps running away from her after she was temporarily blinded.

"Is being on the boat all too much?" Seungmin asked, feeling bad for the girl who looked dazed.

"Hey, Y/N, why don't you take a moment, yeah, I know all the cameras and lights can be a bit overwhelming," Chan came over as soon as he heard the tone difference in the voices of his group.

"Ok, I'll just be round that corner, I'm going to look out at the river," Y/N told him, receiving a satisfied nod in response as she walked off. Perhaps all she needed really was just a breather. Yes, all the set and ideas were amazing, but it was very fast paced. What happened to their song, 'My Pace'?

Y/N giggled to herself, looking out at the water before she heard people approach her from behind.

"Chris, I still need some time-"

"Ah, so you are his sister..." one of the girls, looking around 20 years old, and staring down Y/N.

"Oh, are you staff here? Sorry, Chris, umm, Chan said it was okay to come down here, but I can move if-"

"No, why don't you stay?" the other girl evily smiled.

"Well, if you're sure..." Y/N nodded and turned back towards the water, before her head was yanked back and she fell to the floor of the boat with a thud.

"Hey!" Y/N shouted, but her mouth was instantly covered.

"You're going to give us exactly what we want, isn't that right?" a harsh voice whispered into her ear with gritted teeth. But Y/N shook her head pleadingly, not wanting to be caught up in anything violent.

"Stupid!" she was slapped across the face, letting out a whimper from the pain before she was pinned to the ground.

"Listen here, you little bitch. You may think you're living the high life as Chan's sister but you've got it all wrong. Now, you're going to walk back up there with and introduce us properly to that lovely brother of yours, pretend we got lost down here, just two staff members gone missing," a girl squeezed her wrists tight as Y/N couldn't move from her position.

"Ow, shit. Get off!" Y/N struggled in their grip, feeling terrified. This is certainly not what she expected when she came to visit her brother for an innocent work experience trip.

"Do it, now," they hauled her up and pushed her back towards where everyone else was working.

"I don't have to do anything you tell me. I'll just call the police and-" Y/N bravely began as she held up her phone but it was soon knocked out of her hands, and sink into the depths of the Han River.

"Oops," a girl innocently giggled.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Y/N shouted loudly, loud enough that she would be heard by the others, particularly her older brother who was due to go down and check on her because he thought she had been taking too long.

"Some may say that," the two girls cackled maniacally amongst themselves, like it was the best inside joke in the world.

"That was my phone! It had everything on it! I need it!" Y/N shouted once more, Chan, Lee Know and Changbin's footsteps becoming more rushed now. The other two immediately joined Chan on the way when they too heard the shouting.

Y/N had a pair of hands wrapped around her throat, the other unoccupied as the owner of them smirked and simply whispered.

"Aw, you better go get it then."

In a split second, Chan and the rest of the hyung line watched as Y/N was hurled over the edge of the boat, screaming as she fell before a splash was heard.

"Y/N!!!" Chan screamed in complete and utter panic. It was dark, it was cold, and now his sister was forced to try and stay afloat in such freezing temperatures like the waters of Han River.

"Are you crazy?!" Lee Know yelled at the two girls, who were excited to see the boys, not realising the consequences of their actions.

"Y/N!!! Y/N!!! Can you hear me?!" Chan heartbreakingly yelled as he looked over the edge of the boat railings and tried to see the head of his sister pop up.

Y/N felt her airways open before she cold help it. Ice cold water, working its way through her body as it traveled to her lungs and caused her to let out muffled pleas for help, trying to swim to the surface.

"Somebody get help! Someone fell in the water!!" Changbin used his loud voice to his advantage as he signalled the emergency crew with a lifeboat to drop down into the water and try and find Y/N.

"No, no, no, I can't believe this, no..." Chan whimpered, hands clenching onto the railing so tightly that his knuckles had turned white.

"Chan, it's ok, they'll find her," Felix had come up behind him, trying to calm him down even though he himself was feeling the exact same way. All of the boys were. There was anger, there was panic, there was... grief too. Nothing had been confirmed, but the what ifs flying through everyone's minds had killed the thoughts in their brains telling them that there was still a chance.

"I can't see her!!! I can't see her!!!" Chan paced, running his fingers through his hair as he cried. He cried so hard. The members couldn't remember the last time they saw their leader like this. But he was a family man, through and through. He'd do anything to protect those around him, especially those close to him.

"Get rid of these girls!" Han lead over some staff members to the two saesangs who had been stood starstruck the whole time Lee Know cussed them out, only infuriating him more.

"Y/N!" Hyunjin tried.

"Y/Nnie!" Seungmin tried.

"Y/N!" Jeongin tried.

They all tried calling her but there was no luck so far. The boat had been deployed into the river and it had bright lights reflecting off of the water, hoping to catch sight of Y/N.

"I should have protected her! I promised her!" Chan angrily pointed out towards the water, tears continuously falling as his members wrapping him in their arms comfortingly and trying to keep him calm

"Y/N! I see her! To the right! She's there!" Lee Know yelled down at the boat operators, who quickly jumped into action as they grabbed the shivering girl, trying to make sure she was breathing as they transported her onto land, where the boys on the boat were now pulling in too.

Y/N didn't remember much of what happened. Her body slowly became more and more numb, yet it carried her to the surface of the water, where she fortunately was floating on her back. She coughed and spluttered, and it seemed to let her breathe with a bit more improvement. Or maybe it was when she was wrapped in a foil blanket, hearing shouts of her name and feeling the rocking of a boat as she was moved somewhere.

The ground felt flat. But she couldn't mistake the warmth of her brother, even in her haziness.

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry this happened to you, my Y/Nnie. I won't let anyone come near you ever again, I'll protect you. Chris is sorry, Y/N," Chan cried as he held his sister tightly against him, wrapping the blanket tighter around her and not caring about the discomfort he felt from sitting down in his tight leather trousers. Tears rolled down his cheeks, the other members gathered around and looking shaken up too, hands over there mouth or a supportive hand on Chan's shoulder.

"Please, can we pause the filming? I need to make sure she's ok," Chan pleaded with the staff, who immediately and wordlessly nodded at him, feeling incredibly upset themselves at what had happened. They had seen the brightness in the girl's eyes, when she asked them questions about how things worked and why they did them.

"We're all here for you, hyung," Changbin kneeled down next to Bang Chan and wrapped an arm around his shoulder at the same time. He knew how tough Chan could be on himself, and this was going to eat him up for weeks, maybe even years.

Y/N coughed, becoming aware of her surroundings and momentarily thrashing around before a gentle voice calmed her in an instant.

"Y/N, I've got you love, I've got you yeah, you're ok, you're alive," Chan tried not to let his voice break as he squeezed her tighter in his arms.

"The, girls, pushed, couldn't breathe," Y/N spluttered, her words coming out jumbled as flashes of the situation that just happened flushed through her mind.

"Sssh, sssh, I know, I know, but you're safe now, yeah?" Chan did his best to reassure her and stop her mind from going into overdrive, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Sir, we should really call get her to a hospital, she may have secondary drowning. We can't risk anything."

Within a heartbeat Chan was nodding, medics coming over as she was lifted into the back of an ambulance, and now, instead of Y/N, he was the one who was frozen.

"Hyung, come on, you need to go with her, we'll follow behind," Felix ushered him to stand.

"She... she nearly..." Chan spoke in disbelief, not wanting to finish his sentence as reality hit him hard like a truck.

"But she didn't," Lee Know said firmly, "go with her," he pushed him towards the ambulance.

Chan sat numbly in the ambulance, hand holding his little sister's, the youngest Bahng. What would his parents say? He had failed them, failed Y/N, failed his duty as an older brother. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't even realise they had arrived at the hospital, and Y/N seemed to be more with it than before as she was being carted out the back of the ambulance.

"No, wait, Chan, I want my brother," Y/N whimpered as he went out of her sight, trying to tell the paramedics that she needed him. The other members had arrived too but she needed only one person with her.

"Hyung, we're here now, she needs you," Jeongin drags his oldest hyung out of the ambulance towards Y/N.

Chan stayed with her until she was discharged. He had no second thoughts to any news articles that would be dispatched, or what the company would say. All that was running through his mind was family, family, family.

"Chris?" Y/N weakly said from her bed. Well, it wasn't her bed technically. It was the one that belonged to the spare room in the dorms. She laid there wondering why this had to happen to her. If it wasn't for those saesangs...

"What is it? You need something to eat? Are you in pain?" Chan fussed over her.

"It's not your fault," Y/N whispered. Her quiet words shattered something in Chan's heart.

"Don't," he shook his head.

"I know that look, Chris, just don't blame yourself. It was those girls. You didn't push me into the river," Y/N spoke quietly, trying to make eye contact with her brother but he couldn't even look her in the eyes.

"Don't talk about it!"

"Look at me!" Y/N shouted, putting all her effort into using her voice and causing her to start coughing.

This made Chan go into high alert as he sat her up and patted her back instantly, like it was habit, just as he would have done when he first held her at the age of ten.

"I need you, Chris, please don't get lost in your own head, I need you here with me," Y/N teared up, and Chan knew that she didn't mean physically being there. This was a whole other matter.

"I'm sorry, it's okay, Y/Nnie, I'm here," Chan hugged her tightly, feeling her relax.

"I can't stop thinking about it," Y/N cried, shoulders shaking.

"This should have never happened to you," Chan wiped her tears gently.

"I promise you, you will never come to any harm again, ok? Me and the boys, we'll help you recover, we'll take care of you. No one will ever hurt you again, Y/Nnie, I swear."

tagged: @skz-streamer @oo-li

[countrymusiclover]

1 - The Arrangement

Part 2

The Last Velaryon

Tag list @rise-my-angel @cdragons

When I was a child I wouldn't have believed you if you told me that one day I would find myself tangled in the claws of both a Lion and Wolf......

Monterys Velaryon, a name that every young child knew of our house before my grandparents died. He was declared the heir to Driftmark at only the age of six and got control of an entire fleet of ships and sea. The name doesn't truly live alive to this day...except for the fact that I exist as the only true born child. My father only was with one noble girl but she died giving birth to me.

But in this world women don't get any claim to a household

Walking through the castle hallways I was lost in my own thoughts about our current situation. It was declared that House Velaryon was to no longer have any high power when House Baratheon took the Iron Throne from the Targaryen.  So we had a small castle that was near the same sea that brushed up against Dragonstone that was also claimed by the Stag house too.

Footsteps came running down towards me when I stopped to peek out one of the windows. "! There you are. I went into your chambers but couldn't find you."

"You know I don't care about being stuck up in the same rooms all the time." I responded leaning my back against the wall responding to my lady in waiting who was also my best friend, Chezney Ally.

She became close to me since she had lost her mother at a later age then I did. Unfortunately I never got to know who she was. Chezney had dark brown hair pinned up into two braids while she wore a light blue dress to match our house colors. "You're not trapped here, ."

"Really. Let's think about this shall we." I tapped my chin with my index finger in thought. "I live in a castle that is only surrounded by sea and the only way I will ever be forced to never see this place again is if I wed off to some snob lord far far away."

Chezney sends me a raised brow. "Don't say that you could be wed to a young lord who is actually nice to you."

"Pfft I doubt that. But anyway, what were you wanting me for exactly?" I questioned my friend.

She clasped her hands together. "Since you're not busy with ridiculous lessons can we go swimming off the castle."

"Absolutely you know I love the thrill." I nodded in agreement where we both ran through the hallways. I wasn't wearing flat dress shoes like she was. I was wearing riding boots with a knee length sea blue tunic shirt that was big enough on me it looks like a dress.

Chezney swings opened the door that led to one of the boat docks that was just a little high above the water. She ran to the edge not caring about her clothes get wet when she hit down into the sea. "Come on, !" She cheered, pooping her head above water.

Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear I ran forward and hugged my knees to my chest. I hit the water and felt my hair that was in a braid slightly fall apart. "If I ever have a husband they better be fun or I'm running away." I swam up taking a breath once my head is out of water.

"And I'll come with you if they allow that." She replied, grinning at me.

Splashing some water playfully in her direction I laughed. "Of course I'll allow it and if they don't then I'll find a way to make them."

"Yeah I know you will. Uh oh they found us." Chezney splashed some water back at me looking over my shoulder and her smile dropped.

Turning around in the water I glared at the young guard my father had assigned to me for my protection since he was always busy with being Lord of the Tides. "What are you doing here, Antler!"

"You're wanted by the small council, My lady." He bowed with the wind catching his dark brown curly locks.

Shaking my head I grumbled. "What could they want with me? And tell whoever is asking that I am spending time with my friend."

"I don't think that will fair over with your father, Lady Haelesa ." Antler gulped in a slight nervous tone. "For he is the one asking for your presence at the time."

"I better go. Can't keep daddy waiting I suppose." I swam away and Chezney followed after me. We didn't bother changing into dry clothes since he clearly wanted to see me right this second.  Tying my boot laces back properly I sighed following Antler through the dark hallways. The castle was usually cold during nighttime but during the day the ocean wind wasn't unbearable. I honestly enjoyed the taste of sea more than most did and that's saying something since we're all raised to be able to handle sea life. The three of us finally halted outside a set of large double doors where Antler knocked three times signaling we were there.

The doors opened and I stepped inside seeing my father's lord advisors and him sitting around a circle table. The doors were shut behind me where I felt slightly nervous since Antler and Chezney were left outside in the hall. "Leave me alone to speak with my daughter now." My father Monterys declared getting to his feet.

"What did you want to talk to me about, father?" I questioned softly under my breath.

His eyes locked on mine. "It has come to my attention that our house is almost gone. Our heirs are either dying out or are Bastards by my only living son. That needs to change before we're gone forever."

"Change how?" I nervously asked him.

My father rounded the table and came to stand in front of me. He placed his hands on my shoulders before he spoke out. "It is past time you were wed, ."

"What...no." Immediately came from my mouth.

He lowers his gaze. "This isn't up for discussion, dear. It must happen to save our house and name."

"That's not right, father.  Something shouldn't just be done because it's been done for a thousand years and no one else has had the balls to change the tradition!" I snapped at my father in disbelief.

He drops his hands from my shoulders. "Watch your tone. You are my daughter and you will serve your house like your mother did before she died."

"If the only way I will ever see the rest of the world is through a ridiculous marriage then I have one condition. Chezney comes with me to whatever house you're sending me to for the rest of my life." I suggested to him with my hands on my hips.

The lord of the tides paused in thought watching me closely then finally replying. "Fine. I'll inform Lord Tywin of the response.....just remember where you come from my dear girl."

"The Old, the True, the Brave." I mumbled back to him when he started to walk away from me until I realized what he had said to me. "Wait a second you said Tywin Lannister?"

My father looked over his shoulder. "Yes I did. Tywin of House Lannister. You are to wed his eldest son Jaime. You will be sailed to Kings Landing and from there the wedding should take place within a fortnight."

"But isn't Jaime a member of the Kingsguard? He took the oath. He can't marry or bear children with anyone. He would be exactly like my brother." Listing off my fingers, this wasn't making sense anymore.

Lord Monterys moved back and sat down in his lord chair. He ran a hand over his chin in silence. I knew that he had a lot of weight on his shoulders and I was probably making it worse. Yet I had all the time in the world to read up on all the houses and history that we had gotten from Dragonstone. "Tywin has assured me that he was removed of his white cloak by King Robert Baratheon. The man who now seats the Iron Throne. So you shouldn't be worried about such matters. Now go back and start packing your leaving in a few days."

"Okay...I still love you father." Pausing in my step just beside the double doors I eyed my father in his chair figuring this would be the last time I saw him.

He sends me a grin. "I love you too, ."

The day for me to leave my family home had finally come to pass. The whole castle staff had been gathering supplies and getting the ship prepared that would go to King's Landing. Gazing out the window I just sat on the windowsill listening to the sea hit against the castle as best as I could. There was no guarantee that we would immediately go to Casterly Rock so this comforting sound needs to be my last memory of home. ", can I come in?" Chezney's voice broke me from the silence.

"It's open, Chez." I answered her, seeing her peak her head inside.

She shut the door with her foot behind her. "Antler sent me to inform you that everything is ready. We just need to get you dressed to go."

"I'm not wearing a tight dress on that boat. It doesn't matter if I'm marrying the wealthiest family in the seven kingdoms, I will be comfortable for as long as I can." I responded to my friend watching her go over to my chest of clothes and shoes searching around for what we could pick.

Sliding down from the seel my bare feet hit the wooden floor until I snagged my boots on. Tying the laces I stood upright. "Okay so let's do one of your brother's old tunics that he grew out of." Chezney draws out some dark blue trousers with a sea blue tunic.

"Can you do the braid your mother taught you?" I asked her to sit down at the window once I had changed my clothes for the trip.

She nodded beginning on the braid. "I heard some of the kitchen staff gossiping about the man you're to marry. They said that Jaime is supposed to be so handsome and the best swordsman in the kingdoms."

"Looks and sword skill aren't all that should define a person. From what I read about the Lannister's they throw gold at all their problems. It's the decisions that someone makes that matters." I rolled my eyes when she finished the braid, letting my silver-blonde hair over my right shoulder.

Chezney shakes her head. "Maybe you'll get lucky and you'll find your right person before your wedding." We clasped hands and left the castle with my father accompanying us on the journey. I don't really remember much of the trip. It was just a lot of sea and not many nights of proper sleep before we were woke to see a much warmer climate and a large populated city unlike what I was used to.

One of the Baratheon guards helped me out of the boat when we ported it to land. My gaze shifted around recognizing the certain king and his queen that was Jaime's twin sister Cersei. "Lady Velaryon, here I thought that your house was gone for good. And all the material with your name had been forged into weapons." Someone remarked in my direction where my gaze shifted across the crowd of people.

I finally stopped searching when I met a second pair of green eyes and blonde hair that fell almost down to his shoulders. And a sword attached to his hip. "Jaime Lannister, I presume."

"The one and only, my lady." He smirked at me smugly.

Putting one hand on my hip I flipped my hair out of my face, getting the sense that I was right about what I read about this family. "Well, be careful, Lannister. My house may not be as known as yours. But I may surprise you and everyone here." Jaime smirked still down at me before I took a bow in front of him and Chezney just quietly smiled at our interaction knowing this was not going to be an easy arrangement.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[blood-grove]

unnatural bleeding

merfolk au!

previous <- part 2 -> part 3

parings: gaz x reader

chars: gaz, price , soap , ghost

tws: blood, injuries, violence, past abuse, language, slow burn, rude reader.

a/n: sorry if it seems like im rushing i want to have most of the parts be the slow burn rather then the build up again not proof read we ride or die

tags; @chickennn-soupp <3 !

You slept nearly the entire day till you stirred awake at the near by noise of the wood creaking on the dock.

You groaned quietly as you shifted getting ready to pull yourself back into the water the tide had started to come back in and your wounds weren't bleeding much but you couldn't stay here for long anyways.

"What the hell?"

Your thoughts were quickly interrupted by a voice as you quickly turned towards it sort of flinching back slightly you weren't close to the dock at all but it still felt too close.

You've been around humans enough to know a a lot things.

You knew how to read and understand English well enough and speak it too it always amazed them for some reason even though you were always capable at mimicking or learning other languages they always saw you as just a slightly higher intelligent animal.

So you knew a phone when you saw one and you knew what it usually meant to so once they pulled it out without much hesitation you dived back under you were starting to dry out a bit.

"Wait wait!-"

You just ignored them as you swam a good distance away it was too risky for you to linger your injuries still fresh and you haven't the slightest clue to take care of them.

-

When he decided to take a break down at the docks for a quick smoke he did not at all expect to see a fucking Orca mer of all fuckin things the words just slipped out of his mouth before he could stop them.

"What the hell?"

They looked like they'd been threw a blender poor thing, They flinched when he guess they heard his voice staring at him now it was hard to see much of what they looked like but he fished out his phone quickly as he flicked threw his contacts dialing a number only to realized the mer was starting to move.

"Wait wait!-"

He cursed internally as you already slipped into the water just as the phone had picked up.

"Price!"

"Fuckin' hell Garrick pipe down-"

"Ah I know- I know- But It's urgent-"

"I swear Gaz if it's about that dog."

"It's not this time I promise! I got another case on our hands."

-

You had found another set of rocks to rest on messing with a shell you had snagged from a coral bed a ways back but you had snagged some seaweed in a attempt to replicate the way humans would bandage you.

It was messy and barely actually helped but it covered the few wounds you could manage to wrap without pain flaring up.

The sudden urge of hunger came over you realizing you haven't eaten in a while your last meal was when you were fed this morning.

Surely hunting wouldn't be that hard?.

It was not that hard honestly,

If hunting was scaring off some poor saps from there kill was hunting you were lucky they mistook your grizzled appearance as experience and strength rather than weakness.

Because you were most definitely weak as you dug into the poor creatures flesh you couldn't identify what it was as you ate it but you didn't care there wasn't a bad taste and you hadn't keeled over from some toxin so you were alright.

You eventually finished off most of it before leaving the rest there you were full now swimming off to god knows where your wounds didn't stop hurting of course which slowed you down greatly.

You eventually found yourself another place to sleep for the night your wounds would hopefully start doing something other than stay open and risk infection or even tearing worse.

What you didn't expect to be waken up to was the sound of the familiar rumble of a boat that was way too close voices that sounded way to clear you were supposed to be too far out for any human to happen upon you.

You were not in the mood for squeal and the shutter and flash of cameras today as you slinked back under the water and swam off.

What you also failed to expect is for the boat to start following you, You initially thought they got bored and were going to turn there boat back around to shore but of course not they were following you.

You just kept swimming forcing yourself to go faster swimming a bit lower hoping they'd lose you but they didn't.

Familiar dread rose in you panic slightly rising as you kept swimming ignoring the burn and strain you were putting on you wounds.

You didn't want to go back brief flashes of memories obscuring your vision dug up from you subconscious The chase, The shots, And the blood there was so much you couldn't breath you were covered in it.

You blinked away the memories you couldn't lose yourself not now as you took a quick breath and that was your mistake as you felt a sudden sharp pain in your tail crying out as you thrashed turning yourself to try to rip out the dart that had been shot into you it was on the smaller side but sharp enough to pierce threw your thick skin of your tail fin.

Fatigue had already set in as you eventually ripped the thing out the boat had stopped muffle warped voices from above the water as the whirr of a machine came to life.

You couldn't fucking go back not like this they'd kill you or worse, Why would they want you bad you were ruined you weren't young and energetic and naive you didn't have the hope of escape you used too.

You didn't have much time to think of your demise much more as thee was another sharp pain in your back before you fell unconscious.

a/n: woooo new pov ee also how would you guys feel if i dropped the height chart of all characters ? (your much bigger than you think orcas r huge so u being half a orca would make you massive enough :3)

[pandorasword]

Chaeri as the 8th and youngest member of BTS.

CHAERI'S MASTERLIST

❒ OPTIONAL PREVIOUS READING: SILVER LIPS PT.1 | SILVER LIPS PT.2 It can actually stand alone

❒ genre: Angst

❒ words: 7.5k

❒ summary: In which a kiss leads Chaeri to a forced hiatus and, when she returns to Korea for New Year's Eve, Jungkook decides to visit her

❒ warnings: swearing; heated argument;

❒ pairing: Jungkook x 8thmember!OC

❒ notes: I've had this drabble in my drafts for quite some time but could never find the courage to finish it. I'd really like to know what you think about it, I've put a lot of effort into it 🤧

2 a.m. decisions

December 31, 2021

Jungkook found himself in a hazy state, caught between the realms of sleep and wakefulness, as he lay back on the ferry that would take him from Seoul to Jeju Island. The gentle rocking of the boat, coupled with the rhythmic hum of the engine, created a soothing lullaby that threatened to draw him deeper into his dreams.

As his eyes fluttered shut, memories intertwined with his subconscious to form vivid images of a recent meeting. It had been almost a month ago that he and Chaeri had sat before their superiors, anxiety coursing through their veins. The atmosphere had been tense, and they knew that the consequences that lay ahead would shape their uncertain future.

In a dreamlike state, the scene unfolded before him. The conference room was cold and sterile, the polished table standing as a barrier between the artists and the authority figures. The managers' stern expressions reflected their disapproval, his head had turned towards Chaeri to catch the emotion behind her eyes.

Had he ever seen her really afraid before? Not that he could remember, and at that moment the resolute set of her jaw was no different. She shifted in her seat, glancing around the room with a cool detachment.

She looked nonchalantly at the people in front of them, as if they would not tell her again that the relationship she was desperately clinging to had to end once and for all.

The thump of a manager's hand on the desk made him flinch in both dream and reality; an overhead image of him and Chaeri locked in a kiss in a dressing room began to form before his eyes.

Anger and shame at the invasion of their privacy brought a warmth to his cheeks.

"Do you have any idea how much we had to pay to keep those photos from getting out?"

Chaeri's delicate hand, adorned with a ring on each finger, swept across his view, taking the photo and studying it. The corners of her lips turned up, "Too bad, we look great in this one" she said in a mocking voice.

Jungkook wanted to tell her not to try these people's patience, but he knew that Chaeri wouldn't listen to anyone.

"This is embarrassing," the manager remarked, eyes bulging and face flushed. He quickly snatched the photo away from Chaeri, knowing that something so dangerous in her possession could become even more so.

"It's a shame there were cameras in our dressing room instead" she stood up and tapped the wood of the luxurious desk with both palms, "Should we perhaps take legal action against those who are supposed to be in charge of our privacy? How much money would that cost?"

Jungkook's heart raced as Chaeri's defiant words hung in the air. He knew that her fiery spirit couldn't be tamed, but he also understood the consequences of further challenging their managers. He felt a mixture of admiration and apprehension.

There was an uneasy silence in the room. The managers exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of frustration and resignation. It was clear that the situation had got out of hand.

The man who had confiscated the incriminating picture let out a sigh and tried to hide his anger. He leaned back in his chair, his features softening as he met Jungkook's gaze. "We've invested a lot in this group," he said, knowing that he had to put pressure on Jungkook, that he was the weak link between the two in this case, "Our main concern is to preserve the team's reputation and stability."

Then he leaned forward, his voice filled with a mixture of toughness and false concern. "Jungkook, we have come to a delicate conclusion" he began, his eyes searching for any sign of understanding from the young idol. "In order to prevent further negative impact on the group's image and possible scandals, we believe it would be best for you to complete your military service earlier than originally planned."

"No!" the words roll out of his tongue, his eyes wide.

He did not know if his mind was distorting the memory of that day in his sleep, but he seemed to see a satisfied smile on the Executive's face. His eyes slid from him to her, who had returned to her seat, her hands clenched in what appeared to be a painful grip. She held back from speaking, knowing it would only make the situation worse.

"We've talked about enlisting and it's still a long way off for me" Jungkook added, trying to appear more composed.

Joining the army meant putting his life on hold, leaving his family, friends, activities, music and fans behind.

He didn't want to do that. He wasn't ready.

He still had so much to do.

Just as the dream reached its crescendo, Jungkook was jolted awake. 

A child running away from his mother's arms had stumbled over his feet and landed on his legs.

In the eyes of others, the mask and hat made him an ordinary citizen on the ferry to join his family for New Year's Eve.

He rubbed his eyes with one hand and tried to push the remnants of that restless sleep out of his mind.

After all, he had not had to do his military service. Not yet.

He felt guilty about it, as if the blame he placed on himself was not enough.

He pinched his nose from above his mask, a little self-inflicted punishment for causing the sequence of events that had brought him, that had brought them both, to this point.

He used to do it every time the images of him and Chaeri outside the office played in his head; when he had pulled his arm away from her touch because he was too angry, too committed to how unfair the choice they had forced him to make was, to the way they controlled his life.

The following day, the staff told him and the other males in BTS that a statement would be posted on Big Hit's official account that afternoon.

Jungkook had been nauseous, ready to read about his departure into the gloomy world as a cadet. But... it did not turn out the way he thought it would.

Hello. 

This is Big Hit Music.

We would like to take this opportunity to address an important matter regarding one of our talented artists, Chaeri, from BTS. As you know, we at Big Hit Entertainment prioritize open communication with our fans, and we believe it is crucial to keep you informed about the happenings within our agency and the group.

After careful consideration and discussions with Chaeri, we have come to a mutual decision regarding her future endeavors. Chaeri has expressed a deep passion for choreography and an eagerness to further explore her skills in this field. In pursuit of her dreams, Chaeri will be taking a temporary hiatus from the group to pursue a degree in choreography in the United States.

While we understand that this news may come as a surprise and possibly evoke mixed emotions, we want to emphasize that Chaeri's temporary departure is not a permanent separation. It is a strategic decision made to provide her with the opportunity to grow and develop her artistic abilities, ultimately benefiting her and the group in the long run.

During her time abroad, Chaeri will have the chance to immerse herself in a new environment and gain valuable experiences in the field of choreography. We have every confidence that she will seize this opportunity and return to us with an enhanced skill set, bringing a fresh perspective to her artistry and the group's performances.

We also want to assure our fans that BTS will continue its activities and promotions as a unified and dedicated team. The remaining members will work diligently to deliver the music and performances that you have come to love and expect from us. We kindly ask for your continued support and encouragement during this transitional period.

Chaeri's absence may be felt, but we believe that it is a necessary step in her personal and artistic growth. We hope that you will join us in sending her your warmest wishes as she embarks on this new chapter of her journey. We firmly believe that her passion, dedication, and undeniable talent will shine through as she pursues her dreams.

Please keep an eye out for future updates as we share Chaeri's progress and any developments regarding her return. 

As always, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and love for BTS. Together, we will continue to make unforgettable memories and write a remarkable story.

Thank you for your support and  understanding during this time.

Sincerely,

Big Hit Entertainment

And December 1 was the day he had to say goodbye to her.

─────────

Chaeri's feet pressed against the aged cobblestone pathway leading to her father's humble abode, and the memories of adolescence came flooding back. She felt 13 years old again, as if she'd never grown up at all.

The red tiled roof had seen better days, its vibrant hue now faded with age, but it still stood strong against the elements that battered against it for years. White washed walls with deep blue tiles adorned one side of the house, and this image was burnt into Chaeri's mind like a snapshot from an old photo album. The memory of the afternoon she spent with her grandmother, painting with her tile by tile, belonged to almost ten years.

She had been pushing for years to upgrade her father to a nicer place; something more modern and comfortable. But no matter how hard she pleaded or cajoled, his answer always remained the same: 'No'.

An invigorating salty smell filled Chaeri's nostrils, while the sound of waves crashing against the shore resonated in the air and spread throughout the way to her father's home. Chaeri smiled fondly; she was happy that her father never agreed with her after all.

The house may have been small, but in the short time that she had lived there, she had always found it to be full of love and warmth, and most of her fondest memories had dwelt there.

Her eyes glazed over as she waited for her dad to come and open the door, knocking with slightly shaking hands.

She told herself that the tears that threatened her eyes came from the strong wind that was blowing through her hair, bringing fistfuls of sand from the beach a few yards away that irritated her iris, and it was not because going back there, in the situation she was in, made her feel helpless, just as how she felt when she was a teenager.

She was an adult now, but what had been the difference?

Her life still seemed to be scripted by others.

After a time that seemed endless, but was really only a handful of seconds, her father's face peered through the door.

He had salt and pepper hair, sweet lines around his eyes and a smile that warmed her heart. 

"Chaeri, my beautiful daughter. I am so happy to see you. My little cherry."

Chaeri melted into the warmth of her father's embrace. She could feel his calloused hands squeezing her, the scent of fried fish wafting from his woollen shirt and the tingle of his unkempt beard on her cheek.

She was at home.

─────────

Chaeri was finally out of the expensive clothes she'd been wearing all day and had her photo taken at Incheon airport for her return to Korea.

She had been anxious on the flight back, it was her first time back since BigHit announced her temporary (forced) hiatus, and she was concerned of how her fans would react to, but she was met with an outpour of love and support that melted away all of her worries.

In order to spend the day at home, she had opted to wear something much more comfortable and warm. 

Her father had lit a fire in the hearth and although the rooms were now cosy, the chill from the nearby ocean still managed to penetrate through the sealed windows, especially when the wind blew hard outside. 

As Chaeri sank into the plush cushions of the couch, her father bustled into the room with a steaming mug of hot cocoa. The smell of chocolate and warmth filled her nose, and she gratefully wrapped her hands around it, feeling the heat seeping through her fingers and radiating up to her cheeks. She took a sip and closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh that resonated deep within her chest.

Her father sat down on the armrest of the couch where she was relaxing "How was your flight, my cherry?"

"It was good, appa" she raised her gaze to meet his, a small smile brightened her face "The fans were so supportive, it made me feel grateful for them" She took another sip of the boiling liquid, a hint of chocolate staining her lip, and just like when she was a child, he wiped her face with his thumb and laughed a gentle, fatherly laugh "I'm just happy to be back home with you"

"I'm glad you're back, my daughter. You know I love having you here with me. Your grandmother and I have missed you a lot" 

"By the way!" she said, rising abruptly from the couch. She took one of her father's hands and put the steaming mug between his fingers: "I've brought you a souvenir. When is Granny coming home?" 

Without waiting for an answer, Chaeri ran to her teenage bedroom, rummaged through her suitcase until she found a crumpled package "Magnet!" With child-like excitement, she unwrapped a little city skyline printed over a bright red background and showed it to her father before perching on the kitchen counter to add it to the long collection on their fridge door, Chaeri smiled to herself – collecting fridge magnets was a family tradition.

"Granny will be home soon, you know how she is. She never misses a drink with her friends" The man put the mug on the table, then walked over and looked at the beautiful representation Chaeri had bought "So, how was New York? Is life there what you expected? Have you met people? You're studying hard. Aren't you?"

She stared out the window for a few seconds, mesmerized by the fury of the sea. The waves crashed against the shore with a furious roar and salty foam flew from their peaks as they crested. Seagulls bobbed on the turbulent surface, trying to swoop low enough to snag fish but being forced back up into the air each time an especially large wave rolled in.

Her heart sank with dread.

Was she supposed to tell him the truth?

She knew her father was a kind and sensitive man; would he be able to handle learning that his loved daughter was unhappy? That his daughter had offered to take a break from her career in order to keep Jungkook from having to go off to the military?

No, she wasn't going to tell him anything

"New York was great, dad. I can't wait to go back there to continue my studies." 

Her father's mouth turned up at the corner, pleased with her response. He patted her head fondly. "That's good to hear, my cherry. I always knew you were destined for great things." He leaned in closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And what does Jungkook think? Your boyfriend is not going to miss you being so many miles away from him?"

Chaeri's cheeks burned as she realized he thought Jungkok was still her boyfriend.

She felt awful for not mentioning even that part of her life, thinking it would make him and her grandmother terribly unhappy. Jungkook had been a family member in their eyes, although no one else of her family knew.

Damn it, she had to stop lying.

"Dad, Jungkook and I.."

"My beautiful Chaeri, you are home!! Come and give your granny a hug"

As she spoke, Kang Myeong-ja - her grandmother - burst into the room, unannounced as always. The familiar scent of lavender and musk mingled with cigarette smoke hit her nose. Grandma's hair, dyed a deep coal black, contrasted with the few strands of white that started to sprout at the roots. She wore a smart expression on her face, complimented by a pearl necklace that hung around her neck. The sight of her grandmother made the truth that was about to spill from her tongue vanish in an instant and be replaced with an overwhelming urge to embrace the elder.

─────────

Chaeri’s stomach grumbled as the fragrant aroma of her father’s cooking wafted through the air. He had spent all the morning fishing in the nearby ocean and was now busy chopping, simmering, and sautéing a variety of seafood, vegetables, and herbs. She smiled as she heard his hearty laughter mingling with her grandmother's sweet southern drawl coming from the kitchen. Setting the table, Chaeri felt excited for a delicious family dinner.

Her father carefully placed the lengthy plate onto the table with a triumphant grin that could only mean one thing - it was time for her to take a picture for Jin. Since the first time the two met, they created a bond that was so strong and paternal, almost as if Jin were his son. 

With sincere pride glinting in his eyes, her dad beamed upon her and said: “Here, take a good picture for my beloved Jin – this will make him proud.”

A delicious fried fish recipe was photographed by Chaeri and posted on the group chat she shared with her members

She spent a few moments re-reading the messages the boys had sent the day before, when she had warned them that she would only be back in Korea for a few days and would not be able to visit them. 

"Text him, text your boyfriend!" Grandma giggled and sat in her rocking chair, a lit cigar perched between two fingers. "Tell him he's a punk. Holidays are supposed to be spent with your loved ones" she shook her head in slight disappointment, her eyes never losing that hint of teasing she used to play with her "That excuse of being too busy doesn't hold up. Tsk" Smoke drifted out of her mouth in rivulets, curling around each other before disappearing into the air, leaving no trace of their passage. 

Chaeri's eyes turned to her grandmother's face. They reflected the sparks from the crackling wood in the fireplace and the festive lights the homeowners had carefully placed in every corner of the house.

Chaeri put her mobile phone back in her pocket and bit her lip "Grandma, please stop" She rolled her eyes with fake annoyance "Jungkook is always busy, even busier than me. Don't blame him" Don't blame him if BigHit is forbidding us to be a couple, she wanted to tell her.

"I'll give him a good scolding the next time I see him!"

"I'll have him come prepared to hear you scream" 

Her father chuckled at their banter, a wide smile on his face while bringing to the table yet another plate of something that smells awfully delicious "It's good to have you home. We should do this more often, have family dinners together"

"It is not a family dinner if my granddaughter’s beloved fiancé is not with us!" 

"Grandma!!! I don't even understand why you're taking it so personally, when you were young you didn't even use to celebrate 31 December"

"Are you calling me old, you little brat?"

"I would never do that"

"Come on, Mom, he'll definitely be here for New Year's Eve in February. Isn't that right, Chaeri?"

"Sure" she replied unconvincingly, purposely keeping her eyes down on the table as she committed her own hands to arranging plates and glasses to the places where they would be seated in a minute.

"I'll buy it when I see it" her grandmother huffed out another mouthful of cigar.

The ringing of the front door bell prevented both Chaeri and her dad from answering the perky old lady.

"I'll get it" the girl made her way to the front door, but was stopped by Myeong-ja. 

"Let me take care of it. It will definitely be Jae-suk."

"Your neighbor?"

"Yes, she lost at Gò-Stop this morning and promised me a plate of her delicious hotteok. She better not see you, her granddaughter adores you."

"Oh, okay." 

She walked just far enough away to help her father again with the serving and setting the food on the table when, a few feet away, she heard an excited shout "Jungkook-ah! Look how handsome you've gotten, my little one!" and then a thud that sounded a lot like a slap against a shoulder " You are the same old slouch, Is it right to show up right at dinnertime?"

"Excuse me granny"

Chaeri almost dropped the glass in her hand as she turned to witness that indeed, to her horror and delight, Jungkook was actually in the doorway.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything" he said, as he made his way into the room. "I just wanted to-"

Chaeri skipped over to Jungkook, her arms outstretched. She hugged his muscled arm tightly and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek, mouthing the words "Please play along" into his ear.

With an overly exaggerated smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Chaeri said brightly, “You just wanted to surprise me? That's so sweet, I was hurt when you told me yesterday that you couldn't be here because of work commitments.”

Jungkook's mouth dropped open in surprise before realization dawned on him. He laughed nervously and nodded. "That's right," he said. "A surprise."

─────────

Jeju was experiencing an unusually harsh winter that year, with bitterly cold winds that challenged the effectiveness of heaters and fireplaces, struggling to keep the moisture from seeping through the wooden cracks in the windows.

Despite the icy weather, Chaeri found herself feeling surprisingly hot, almost on the brink of sweating. As they all gathered around the table, seated on cushions embroidered by her grandmother, the traditional tatami table exuded a gentle warmth, which was comforting. Under the tablecloth, her leg was pressed against Jungkook's, adding to her flustered feelings.

Surprisingly, dinner was proceeding smoothly, contrary to her initial fear of a catastrophic turn of events. Chaeri had worried that Jungkook might confess to her family about their break-up, about how living in New York was not her choice, that BigHit was holding her to a contract where she had as much to gain as to lose; topics that wouldn't be ideal for a holiday dinner conversation. However, Jungkook had skillfully caught on and played along with the facade.

In those four walls that night, he was still her boyfriend. He interacted warmly with 

her family, laughing with her father, pouring alcohol for her grandmother, and serving her generously. Despite the true situation they were in, Chaeri found herself yearning for a moment when she could forget everything and lean her head on Jungkook's shoulder between plates, holding his hand, and feeling the sweetness of his kisses on her knuckles…

Jungkook appeared to sense Chaeri's unspoken desires, or perhaps he shared similar feelings, as he gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders, offering her a comforting embrace. She gratefully leaned into his supportive presence, finding solace in his touch.

As the dinner came to an end, the guy spoke up, expressing his appreciation, "Everything was delicious, sir. Thank you for the dinner."

Her father smiled warmly, responding, "Thank you for coming, Jungkook-ah."

With the atmosphere filled with warmth and love, the older man refilled all four glasses, as the clock struck just a few minutes to midnight.

Dad and Grandma exchanged a knowing glance as they held up their glasses containing fizzy, alcoholic drinks. "Now that we're in our golden years..." he began, only to be interrupted by Grandma's scoff. "Speak for yourself!" she exclaimed, sparking laughter throughout the room. Dad chuckled before restarting his speech. "Alright, let me restart: Since you are younger than us..can I go on?" He asked his mother, who nodded in approval with a grin. "Let this midnight toast be for you. May life bring you joy and lead you to wherever your hearts desire, always side-by-side."

─────────

"Are you sure you don't want to come, even if it's later? It is going to be a long celebration in town" Grandma shouted over the sound of fireworks as her son helped her put on a warm coat.

"No, Granny," Chaeri and Jungkook replied in unison, still seated at the table while the rest of their family was getting ready to attend the beach festivities."Someone might recognize us and cause a big fuss, so you both go have fun instead! Make lots of videos!" she smiled. 

"I can try to make a few without my finger blocking the camera," her father joked as he bundled up in a coat, scarf, and gloves to ward off the cold temperatures. "I can't promise anything though!"

"We'll appreciate the effort."

The man paused in the doorway, turning to them. "Chaeri, you remember how to handle the generator issue, right?"

The girl nodded, recalling the seemingly endless power outages during her stay at the house and how often her father had been forced to reset the electric generator in the backyard.

They all had strong emotional ties to that home, but objectively it needed a thorough renovation.

Chaeri gave his father a thumbs up and said confidently, "No problem. But why do we have to be so unlucky as to lose power just tonight?" 

"One never knows" he replied, and shut the door behind him.

Maybe he just had a feeling that it was about to happen, or maybe it happened so often that it was a coincidence; but within a few minutes of her father saying that, the house suddenly plunged into darkness, leaving the two of them uncertain if they should brave the cold and restore the electricity or take advantage of this unexpected darkness.

─────────

The darkness wrapped them like a blanket, the way children build forts out of pillows and comforters to hide from adult eyes.

The darkness gave them that kind of comfort, the lines of their faces barely visible, their lips emitting little puffs of cold from the sudden selloff of the house's heating, their legs touching under the table-the only real clue that they were really side by side.

The moon was obscured by clouds that evening, failing to provide any kind of illumination inside the houses whose rooflights were off. It seemed as if it had never risen, the moon, also too busy in celebration to really care to do its duty.

From the window, at irregular intervals, fireworks rose into the sky, bursting into tiny colored teardrops in order to fall back to the ground.

From his seat, Jungkook, whenever this happened, had the impression that Chaeri was being crowned with the most beautiful of jewels. 

The few seconds of dim glow from the plaza festivities and the fireworks allowed the two to be able to look at each other.

They were an inch away from each other, yet the distance weighed between them as if they were still on two different continents.

Her half-moon of dark lashes had trapped small tears at the tips, which threatened to trickle down her cheeks at any moment.

His slightly flushed nose, a synonym they were sharing the same feeling.

Gently, two of Chaeri's fingertips went to meet the small scar on Jungkook's cheek, running over it more than once. That simple gesture was able to give them both warmth in a room that had grown icy in a matter of minutes.

She didn't need to be able to see to trace every line of his face.

She knew by heart every mole, every scar, every hard line that had formed since he had become a man. She knew where his lips began and ended, where the dimples appeared of which, as a young man, he had been so ashamed to show.

Jungkook abandoned himself against her fingers, leading her to open her palm to take in his face, needy of her touch. He had always been. Even before he knew he was totally, hopelessly in love with her, he had always longed to be caressed by Chaeri.

The game of colors arising in the house from the crackling of rockets in the sky brought back to his mind an evening of many years before when, under the twinkling lights of one of Seoul's largest night markets, Jungkook had thought Chaeri was breathtakingly beautiful. And over the years, she had only blossomed even more.

He bent his face just enough to allow his lips to tangle with her fingers, and leave a small kiss on each of them, from thumb to pinky.

Chaeri's lips parted to make the slightest sound, pleased by the guy's attentions "I've missed you" she bit her lip soon after, words like that had the taste of forbidden since they had been forced to break up years earlier because of the contract they had with their company. A huge price for a huge success, her manager often told her.

But such seemingly poisoned words, how could they taste like honey? How could any declaration of love, in any form, be so destructive?

"I'm sorry," Jungkook whispered, his mouth still moving against her skin "It's my fault" he found the strength to break the contact they had made and Chaeri's hand fell back onto her lap.

"It's not your fault" she grabbed with her fingers the pillow Jungkook was sitting on, stitched with patterns of silver waves and little sailboats. She pulled him more toward her, to further erase the space between them.

She could then feel his breath on her skin.

"They forced you away because of me."

"I chose to do that."

"Because of me. I should have... I should have just done what they wanted and not complained" His eyes sparkled because of the veil of tears that had formed in front of his irises, another firework illuminated his face enough for Chaeri to see his struggling expression.

She forced herself to make a smile and, when she realized that the room had descended into darkness again, she reached for Jungkook's hand and brought it to her lips, allowing him to feel the upward curve of it "For me it's New York, I am studying what I like. That's the way it should be. Your alternative was..." a shiver ran down her spine as she spoke "...enlisting." 

Just the thought of him leaving so prematurely made her stomach turn, the taste of all the fried fish her father had cooked rising in her throat in an acid grip.

"You speak English less than I do" Jungkook began cautiously, pressing his thumb on the girl's lower lip "You hate to study" his other fingers went to close around her chin "You wanted to stay with us" He exhaled abruptly through his nose, to hold back the anger that was mounting inside him "How could it be better this way? It wasn't what you wanted." 

"It's okay" she told him, her voice soft but firm. She wanted the anger inside him to fade, wanted him to be fine. 

She moved just close enough to press her lips to his, their legs colliding in that now uncomfortable position made her decide to sit on him. She slipped her legs from the calves down under the edge of the tablecloth. She had not sat so that her body was facing him totally, but it was enough for her to turn just enough for their noses to collide.

Jungkook's arms did not hesitate in clinging to her hips, grabbing onto the soft cotton of the sweater Chaeri was wearing with his fingertips, savoring the feel of her lips on his. Her lips were always so smooth, he thought. He had never kissed lips as soft.

His head spun as they both parted their lips to taste each other, caressing tongues. He felt like a teenager again at the first kiss, his cheeks burning and his heart going so hard he could hear the powerful pounding in his ears, muffling any other noise.

When their mouths snapped at the separation, Chaeri stuck her head between Jungkook's neck and shoulder. His scent invaded all her senses. Would there ever be anyone whose smell she would love as much as his? She doubted it.

Jungkook's hands shifted from her waist to the back of her sweater, caressing the fabric tenderly. He couldn’t get enough of her—the way her body moved with his, the heat radiating from her lips. He wanted to never let go.

"Please...Not yet" he murmured, then nuzzled against her face until their mouths were an inch apart again. "Don't stop."

Chaeri trailed her fingertips down his spine, using the collar of his hoodie as a direct access to his skin. The tips left trails of red in their wake and Jungkook arched his back, letting out a quivering breath. 

She clutched him tighter as she captured his parted lips once more. 

She did not want to stop kissing him either.

Jungkook lowered himself so that Chaeri was now lying on the wooden floor and then cupped the back of her head with his hand to cushion it from the hard surface; careful not to place all of his weight on top of her, he propped himself up with one elbow beyond her face and knees beside her body.

Chaeri explored his mouth; Jungkook's sweet warmth was like hot honey; kissing him felt like a homecoming to a place she thought she'd lost long ago. 

She bent one leg around his hip and pressed down hard enough to make him collapse onto her, melding their bodies together.

Jungkook started giving her frenetic kisses; first at the corner of her lips, then traveling downwards to kiss her exposed throat, making Chaeri's body shudder with delight. He kissed each eyelid in turn and then undid the zipper that kept her warmth in, revealing the smooth expanse of her collarbone and raining more kisses on it repeatedly. His hands began exploring further down, massaging away all tension between them as they moved lower and lower until they finally reached hers hips again where he gripped tightly. He placed his hands behind her back, fingers pressing into her skin and leaving a trail of warmth then settled his head onto her chest.

Chaeri could feel his heart hammering against his chest as it synchronized with hers; breaths coming out in shallow gasps as both tried to calm themselves down “Let’s just stay like this forever” murmured, holding him tight in her arms and kissing the top of his head.

Jungkook did not respond to her words, too overwhelmed with everything that he was feeling; the warmth of her embrace, the faint scent of peaches clinging to her skin, and the tenderness of her touch. All he wanted was to remain in this moment, forgetting the world outside of her cuddle, forgetting why he had gone there in the first place, and that it could not be postponed any further.

"We can't go on like this" Jungkook's words were barely above a whisper, muffled by the way his mouth was pressed against her belly, but despite this, they cut like a knife through the tranquility of their hug. "We can't keep doing this. We can't keep sneaking around and pretending like everything is okay when it's not" He had to strain to make out her features in the deep darkness, barely lifting his head to look into her eyes 

"No, we can't" He was right. How many more times would they have to break up because they were caught, only to fall into temptation every time they were alone and feel guilty about the group's future? They could not go on like this. Things had to change

"When I come back we should find a new company."

"Eunwoo will introduce me to a girl"

They talked over each other, overlapping but, despite it, Chaeri had no doubts about what she had heard from him.

Her eyes slowly widened as the realization of Jungkook's words hit her.

She pushed against his chest to make him end up on the ground and she sat down, suddenly the parquet floor felt even colder than before. Her mouth opened several times, but no sound threatened to come out. What was she supposed to say?

A tear escaped Jungkook's eyes and he did not even bother to wipe it away, he positioned himself on his knees, leaning back toward her who instead slid away at least another 30 centimeters "Every time we are together.." His voice trembled, becoming more and more erratic as he watched Chaeri move away from him "We hurt ourselves, or we put our group in trouble" He reached out a hand toward her but stopped it in midair "Every time we're together, it ends up worse for you, and I can't-I can't keep doing this"

Chaeri's eyes filled with tears; A mixture of disbelief, sadness and anger was getting the best of her "Don't use fucking excuses! If you feel like fucking others, don't pretend it's for my sake!" she stood up, and with her so did him.

For a few moments they just stared at each other in silence; Chaeri could feel all her emotions bubbling up inside her ready to explode.

"You know it's not like that" The knot formed in his throat hurt more and more, making choked words come out of his mouth "That's not what I want"

"Then why do you come here talking shit about wanting to meet others! Are you fucking drunk? Did you hit your head?"

Chaeri tried hard to control herself from slapping him back to his senses due to the nonsense he was saying. She understood him more than anyone else, and was sure that the decision he was making was solely influenced by the guilt he felt towards her. 

"Listen," she said while nervously running her hand through her hair "This situation is incredibly negative and too much to handle. I know. But we have to face it without overreacting and being impulsive. You always tell me that, right?" She stepped closer to him and added, "Until last month, you were the person advising me. You were the one telling me this stuff. You were the one telling me to be hopeful about our future. You can't come out like that now. I don't accept that."

Jungkook bit his lip so hard he could feel the metallic taste of blood spilling over his tongue, mixed with the salt of the tears he could not contain. He must have seemed pathetic to her, he thought. As pathetic as when she had met him and didn't have the courage to even speak to her.

"We can't go on like this."

"Stop saying that!!" Her miserable self-control had lasted less than a few minutes.

She was sure that if anyone were outside the front door, they would have clearly heard what was going on between the two, as loud as her tone of voice was getting. But she didn't care 

"Your problem is that you're a fucking coward!"

He shook his head and closed his eyes, shutting out the world around him. He wasn't a coward, and he knew it.

"I have always fought! I've always turned against the company to try to save our relationship. You wonder why it's always worse for me!? That's the reason, because I always put my neck on the line while you sit back and cry!" her words now tumbling uncontrollably from her lips. It was as if the usual filters between brain and mouth had failed, overwhelmed by the torrent of emotion.

The world before her eyes had transformed into a kaleidoscope of red, anger blurring her perception of reality, overshadowing all reason.

"Are you even listening to me?!"

It was then Jungkook's rage boiled over. A primal urge, unrelated to his actual feelings or thoughts, surged within him. It was an instinctive defense mechanism triggered at the wrong time and aimed towards the wrong person - a countermeasure against her barrage of insults. 

"What did you expect me to do! That I would threaten everyone's hard work for a girl?"

Chaeri's breath caught in her throat when she heard the words. They sounded like they were coming from far away, and she couldn't quite make them out. She wanted to believe that she had misheard, but deep down, she knew that wasn't the case. Slowly, painfully, the meaning of the words sunk in. Her heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces as she stood there, unable to process what she had just heard.

Jungkook's anger dissipated like a gust of wind, replaced with an icy fear that crawled up his spine. It was only at that moment that the weight of what he said hit him.

When yet another bright and colorful ray of light illuminated the room, allowing him to see clearly that Chaeri's face lost all trace of anger, replaced by a disappointment and emptiness she had never looked at him with. Only then.

With a trembling hand he reached out for her, but all he could feel was the coldness of the air around him and the emptiness in his heart. She took a step back

"No"

"I didn't mean it.." He tried to take back the pain he'd inflicted, he attempted to undo what he had done "I'm so sorry"

"You know what," she looked away from him to turn her gaze once more beyond the window, focusing on the noises, the colors, and the jagged beach just beyond to maintain her voice flat and emotionless despite the war waging in her mind "Fine. Do whatever you want. I don't care" 

Her hands found their way into the pockets of her pants and she turned towards him, bumping into his shoulder before finally reaching for the doorknob and flinging it open wide. 

A gust of cold air crept inside the house, the trinkets of shells that her grandmother cherished so much clinking together in a gentle symphony that filled the room with a surreal beauty and softness that seemed cruel at that moment. 

The sound of her father’s clock on the wall rang loudly as it struck two in the morning, adding to the general cacophony of noise.

She turned her gaze back to him "But don't come back to me, because I'll break your fucking heart."

─────────

Apparently, Jeon Jungkook could have whatever he wanted at any time, and even if it happened to be the middle of New Year's Eve, it was achievable. Though it meant taking his staff away from their own festivities with their loved ones. He was too drained to feel bad about that now, though; but thank goodness nobody asked him anything.

He wasn't capable of answering anything at that moment.

His mouth felt foul now, like all the delicious treats he had consumed earlier that night had turned sour in his stomach. His eyes were bloodshot, two violet circles under each one, and everyone would have thought he hadn't slept in days. Maybe they'd assume he had partied so hard that he reduced himself to this state - but he thought he could detect a subtle look of worry in some of their glances.

He booked for a private ferry to take him back home to Seoul.

Late at night, on a public holiday, Jungkook had still been able to buy everything he wanted with his own money. 

The money allowed him to have whatever he wanted, but it was of no use in getting the one thing he really wanted.

The seat next to his creaked under the weight of his young manager. The faint voice of the protagonist of the TV show he was watching on his cell phone reached the ears of the guy to whom he decided to turn his attention, to quiet his restless thoughts.

It didn't take him long to reconnect that face to one of the most watched series by him and the rest of the members in their old dorm; How I met your mother had kept them company during long gym sessions, lazy breakfasts, and dinnertime binges.

"Nothing good happens after 2 am," spoke Ted, the main character. Jungkook was jolted by a shiver, noticing how much the figure locked in the cell phone seemed to be looking him straight in the eye. "When it's after 2 am, just go to sleep, because the decisions you make after 2 am are the wrong decisions."

His throat tightened and a wave of nausea rose within as he considered those words. 

What the hell did he do?

taglist: @alixnsuperstxr | @bts-dream | @enchantingbrowneyedgirl | @ycuvi | @cosmicwintr

[obaex]

the one that chases you (one) - rafe cameron

summary: jj makes a decision that will alter the course of your summer, driving you to figure out who you really are and who you really want.

word count: 1k

warnings: mention of drugs, heartbreak

a/n: my first series! i hope y'all enjoy it. it's fully written, i plan on releasing a new part every few days. let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

series masterlist

You were laying with your head on JJ's lap, eyes fluttering, heavy with the weight of a day in the sun and the weed that had been passed around earlier. John B navigated the boat to the dock and JJ shifted you off of him to help tie it off and unload the cooler. He had been off today. Distant. When you kissed him, you felt like his mind was somewhere else and he wasn't his usual handsy self. You had chalked this up to a bad day, but you couldn't scratch the feeling that there was something else brewing under the surface. You had been dating for months now and with summer just getting started you were excited to spend your days surfing, going to the beach together and partying at the boneyard.

You were the last one off the boat and JJ pulled you aside as the others wandered off the dock and into the chateau.

"Hey, can we talk for a minute?"

Your heart plummeted into your stomach. This didn't bode well.

"JJ…what is it?" you said, instantly concerned.

"The last few months have been great. Honestly, so fun. But, summer is here and we're going to be so busy with everything and I want to have time for the boys, you know? To hang out with John B and Pope, I mean even Kie really. I think we'd be better off as friends. Just keep things chill, you know?"

This wasn't happening.

Every word was a punch to your gut. Your lip was quivering involuntarily, but you didn't want him to see you cry. Just keep things chill? After six months together spent tangled up in his sheets, your hands running through his blonde hair, blue eyes transfixed on you? Just keep things chill? You had been falling hard and fast, the L-word lingering on your lips, too afraid to say it for fear it wouldn't be reciprocated and now your worst nightmare had come true. You thought you had finally held the attention of the island's playboy, now you were just one in a long line of broken hearts. You felt like a fool.

You knew if you tried to say anything your emotions would get the best of you, so you pursed your lips tightly and nodded like you totally, absolutely understood and agreed.

"Nice! Right on. I knew you'd get it” he said. “So, like we're cool to start seeing other people, it won't be weird?"

Was he really asking you about seeing other people in the same breath that he was breaking up with you?

"Seriously, JJ?" you broke your silence, incredulous. "Un-fucking-believable." And with that, your tears began to flow. "I don't know why I thought I was any different to you, why I thought I was special. Clearly I'm not, so go do what you want to do, I won't stand in your way."

You shoved past him, picking up your pace as you ran down the dock, embarrassed and ashamed that you let him see you crumble. He didn't say anything, he didn't try to follow you, he just let you go.

"Hey - what's going on?" Sarah called from the back porch as you ran past her towards your car. She continued to call after you, chasing you as you got into your front seat, your tears falling heavily now as sobs wracked your body. You fumbled your keys, trying to put them in the ignition and failing.

"Oh my god, he didn't" she said, instantly piecing together the situation. "I am so sorry, come here." She crawled into the front seat next to you, pulling you into her arms.

"Give me the keys, you can't drive like this. I'll take you home." You relented, crawling into the passenger seat, resting your head against the window and continuing to cry as she navigated back to Figure 8.

Just like her and Kie, you were a kook-turned-pogue, enticed by the carefree, laidback nature of life on the cut and the smooth-talking blonde surfer that had said all the right things. So much for that.

Sarah pulled into your driveway, located right next to hers. You had been best friends and neighbors your entire life and you never felt more grateful to have her taking care of you as she came inside and tucked you into your bed.

"Obligatory best friend speech" she said, "I know you cared about him, more than you let him know. I am so damn sorry Y/N, I hate to see you like this. You deserve so much more than him. Seriously, you deserve someone that's going to chase after you and pursue you and only have eyes for you. And I promise he's out there. Everything happens for a reason. But, for now you need to give yourself time to rest and heal and cry and eat the tub of ice cream in your freezer. Okay?"

You nodded, sniffling and reached out to hug her before burying yourself deep in your sheets.

Sarah crossed through your backyard into hers, sliding through the front door and making her way to the kitchen where Wheezie sat on her phone.

"Are you seriously home on a Saturday night right now?" she asked teasingly.

Sarah shot her a look, "Friend emergency."

"What happened?"

"Do not repeat this, but Y/N and JJ broke up. It was awful, she's devastated."

"What!? What an asshole."

"Wheezie!"

"It's true!"

"You're not wrong. He is just not boyfriend material. Promise me you'll stay away from boys forever?" Sarah said, ruffling her sister's hair as she made her way upstairs. She rounded the corner and ran straight into Rafe who was lingering in the hallway. She eyed him suspiciously, “Were you eavesdropping?" she asked.

"What? No? M'just going to get a drink" he mumbled, brushing past her.

In reality, he had heard every word and his mind was running a mile a minute.

part two series masterlist

[dlthedescent]

TWENTY-FIVE: A HERO'S RETURN

The ride was quiet—tranquil, even—but uncanny.

Crane stood at the bow, watching the scenery drift by. After everything he'd seen—the horrors and deaths—the peace almost startled him. How long had it been since he heard birds chirping and insects humming?

Far too long.

Caroline's boat slipped from the channel into a riverbed untouched by the undead. Against his hardened skin beat the morning sun above and the cool breeze from the water below.

But Crane knew better than to let his guard down. The peace wouldn't last. Above them, the Strait's highway stretched over with its looming shadow. Somewhere up there, he spotted movement—slow, staggering shapes—and faint, incomprehensible groans carried on the wind.

Stragglers huddled in the shade, and deeper within nearby tunnels, the Volatiles waited for night.

"Here we are," Jack's voice broke the silence, and Crane followed her gaze. "Harran."

The edge of Harran, though.

Further down the canal, low-rise buildings crept over the tree line. The urban architecture looked no different from Scanderoon: pillars of smoke rising into the golden horizon, the dreary atmosphere, and the haunting wails in the distance.

It hit Crane like a slap to the face, returning to where it all began. Not in the same light as coming back 'home' but heading to Harran's Borderway from a very long road trip.

And his fears about the state of Harran were neither unfounded nor proven. He wasn't close to the Tower, the Slums, or Old Town—miles away from anyone familiar. The only relief was that, somehow, the city hadn't been nuked off the map.

Now he stood at the threshold. The truth was waiting ahead. The same, suffocating questions buzzed loudly inside his skull.

"The Outskirts aren't too far from here either," Jack pointed from the helm, shining her warm grin. "...We could take a detour."

Did he show his anxiety again without realizing it? Once more, she offered baffling options to him when Jack made it her goal to go to Harran.

"Your call, mate."

Crane hesitated, only realizing himself. Nearly standing from his seat, his neck stretched out like a bird's as he stared at the approaching skyline. He exhaled and propped himself down.

"...Stay the course."

Again, Crane was grounded. Again, Jack didn't pry on his anxiety and relief. And again, he did not attempt to deflect his behavior. She gave him space and waited—as she said, she had all the time in the world.

At his own pace. Yeah, right. He could barely organize his thoughts when it came to Harran.

The joking offer, however… helped lighten the weight on his chest. Maybe it wasn't a bad idea, either…

But Kyle Crane couldn't keep running forever.

The boat trip had stretched for hours, winding through channels, with the Strait guiding them. The advantage of having a boat was blissful: no trudging through roads or tunnels filled with nests.

If only he had managed to get his hands on one in the past. Of course, Harran's infrastructure had never allowed for such vehicles.

When they would reach land, the Border would be an entirely new territory for Crane.

"Bzzt-zt! You reached Harran yet, Jack?"

Miles from Scanderoon, the comms crackled with a voice they wouldn't hear again for a while. They'd already said their goodbyes before leaving the Junction, but the young runner's presence felt like a breath of fresh air in the heavy atmosphere.

"Just made it to the Border," Jack replied.

"Is it as bad as Scanderoon?" Siv asked.

"Can't say for certain until we dock."

One deep sigh escaped the comms. Dodging the question wasn't what Siv wanted to hear, but she'd been down that road before. So Siv never pushed further, for the best.

She likely shared the same kind of worries as Crane did. A local from Harran, worried about her mother, friends, and family.

How small his world had become since awakening as a sentient zombie. Then it stretched further, bit by bit. First from meeting Jack. Then from a kid named Siv.

"If you've got something on your mind, now's the time to spill it," Jack urged, pulling back on the throttle and slowing the boat to a crawl. "Reception's horrible out here."

"Geez. Thanks for putting my mind at ease."

"I don't sugarcoat things, Princess. This might be the last time you hear from us."

"Yeah… You found Peri. Do…do you think you can find my mom?"

Omph, what a way to put the Retrieval specialist on the spot—Crane could see it in her body language, despite Jack's attempt to hide it.

It was a tall order; after four months, was it even possible to find anyone still alive?

But Jack didn't know quits

"I can try."

"...'But it might not be what I want'."

Siv was smart; keeping her hopes low had become the norm.

"Give me the details," Jack pressed. "If she's out there, I'll find her for you."

A deep sigh came from the other end. "She's a nurse. Eva. Worked at Harran City Hospital."

"Got it."

"And Jack? Freakazoid?"

Crane recoiled in surprise. He never thought the young Runner would call him—yes, with that nickname but he wouldn't hold that on her. Regardless, it was a sign that she was warming to him, despite their past hiccups.

"Good luc-zzzt!"

And that was it—the last call with civilization. A final wish of good luck they'd hear.

It was nothing new to Jack—dropped signals had become routine since leaving the Outskirts. Holding a conversation for more than five minutes felt like a rare miracle these days.

And just like that, silence crept back as she steered the boat down the narrow concrete river.

"So," Freakazoid broke the quiet and counted each name with his talons. "We got Umit, that girl's mother, and your cousin."

Then gave a narrowed stare at Jack.

"You don't find this overkill?"

"I thought you liked playing the hero." A low blow. She heard his muffled grumble beneath the scarf. "I'm still on the clock, mate. Bad for business if a Retrieval Specialist doesn't do their job."

"Yeah," Freakazoid didn't buy anything she said one bit. "Mind explaining to me more about your job?"

"What's there to explain? Find the mark and bring it back to the client," Jack dodged the question.

"That's oversimplifying it and you know it."

She shrugged. "Yes, well, professionalism's overrated. There's been times I've gone off the books before. I even have my eye on one particular mark."

She pulled a crumpled photo out of her sling bag she'd lifted during a forced interrogation with the GRE's boss. It was a priceless little gift: the face of Kyle Crane.

Freakazoid raised a hairless eyebrow—a fourth, really? "Someone I need to know?"

"Personal." Instead of showing him, Jack slid the photo back into her bag. "Nothing I can't handle."

"Huh. Must've gotten under your skin."

"You could say that." Her smile softened for a moment, then vanished as she spotted something in the distance.

"What?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she twirled the boat sharply, letting it drift until it lined up with a checkpoint at the end of the canal.

"I was afraid of this."

Crane followed her gaze to the culprit: a large metal gate stood their way. The standard to control water flow, but most importantly, to prevent a virus from spreading through the waterways.

There was no easy way past for a boat. Everywhere he looked, as far as the eye could see, were high concrete banks.

The only option would be to abandon the boat and climb out of the canal. And Crane had absolute confidence the brunette wouldn't be too keen to leave Caroline a second time. And then there were the quarantine walls.

"Is there another way in?" he asked.

Jack shook her head. "It's either through there or we cut through the Countryside."

Crane stiffened. His head whipped toward her, wide-eyed, horror written across his face.

"That'll take a day or two. No telling how safe that route is…" Jack explained, unaware of his sudden demeanor.

The Countryside.

The place where everything had begun for Kyle Crane.

Story continues on at these links: FFN and AO3.

[vampymaddy]

Part one - Dammit JJ.

If you couldn't tell already,I'm a pogue,and I swore to myself that I'll make better choices this summer. Thankfully my friends here in The Cut keep me sane. My parents own a pretty neat café, but that's just family business. What I dream of is to get rich,I mean stinking rich. Like those stuck ups in Figure Eight. If I become like one of the kooks you might as well just shoot me. Just like John B says,always a pogue. Now enough with the delusional sappy dreams, right now I don't know what the hell JJ is doing here.

    "Hey,uh,do you think you could come check something out with me? Ya know..help me out?"

He leaned over the counter as I was polishing couple of glasses. I rose a brow and stopped myself, eyeing him up and down.

"Don't tell me you got in trouble"

"Okay so,remember how I said I was a master sailor? Well,um, turns out I'm not. I was steering perfectly like I always am,then outta nowhere a literal bird dive-bombs me. A huge one at it. Could've been a plane and it wouldn't have made a difference. So I duck,the boat swerves,and the next thing I know,I crash into a random deck. Like who constructed it there?And.."

I let my brain process all the rambling as I take a deep needed inhale for my brain.

"JJ stop. Let's just go and see what we can do"

And so we turned up at the place of the incident,my jaw hanging as I looked at the Pogue-Warrior dived into a dock missing serious wood planks at the base.

"It's not that bad right?Right?"

"JJ,it's a kook's dock. If the owners see this we're quite literally fu-"

I stopped as I was cut off by the loud sounds of another boat gliding towards us, and of course, there they were, Rafe fucking Cameron and Topper Thornton. The most annoying Kooks if you were to ask me. Only when I look at Rafe my blood boils. Both looked a bit too joyous to see us this puzzled.

"Well, well, well" Topper yelled out with a smug grin as he stopped the boat engine near the dock to admire the view. "Look who decided to redecorate. How are y'all gonna rebuild that dock? With hopes and dreams?"

Rafe smirked lazily from his seat, putting his glasses on his buzzcut shaved head and his blue eyes glinted towards me and JJ.  I just knew he was enjoying all this.

JJ clenched his fists as he snarled back at Topper. "Don't you two have anything else better to do or are y'all that bored?"

Topper let out a laugh of pure mockery,leaning over the boat to see our bitter faces better. "Oh trust me,we're not worried about the dock,Maybank. But you see,we just wanna remind you that when you screw up on our side of the island,it's also our problem."

"Oh piss off. Got daddy's money and you feel like the king of the island now. You two always have a talent in ruining someone's day" I snarked at them with a small scoff.

Rafe squinted his eyes in interest as he crossed his arms over a blue Polo shirt. How do rich people have so much money yet dress so boring?

"I uh,think your day was already ruined by the smart decision of driving your shitty boat into a dock. It won't be fixed by a few band aids if it helps"

JJ's nostrils flared up from how mad he was,talking back to him of course. The usual JJ style. "Why don't you come right over here,Cameron? We can talk this out just fine with some fists"

Rafe raised his hands in mock surrender, utterly amused. "Easy there,don't want you getting any splinters or something. Looks like you've done enough damage for the day."

JJ almost opened his mouth to say something back but I gave him a glare and succeeded in having him go quiet. Thank God.

Topper raised his brows in a superior manner as he started the boat again. "Good luck with fixing that Pogues. Sure will need it". His little minion Rafe,was just smirking even more before raising his hand and saluting us both.

As they drove away I couldn't help but flip them off,JJ giving me a look of approval. It was something about the Cameron family that I hated and that meant hating Rafe. I can't deny that I had good reasons to. 

JJ placed his hands on his hips with an awkward expression before clearing his throat and looking back to me.

"Well,where's John B?"

[yeonmuse]

BREAK THE WALLS | Kim Hongjoong

Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Full Chapter List

🀥 Government agent Hongjoong x Rebel Oc

🀥 genre | dystopian society, halazia x geurilla concept , enemies to lovers

🀥 word count | 1.1k

🀥 Summary | An organization by the name of Sector 1 was well known for their work in the underground, theyve been well known for the recruiting of teens and using them to form an army since the year 2034. Collecting strays for their rebellion against those in higher power. Now the year is 2064 and the organization still runs strong they run like a family, with the new technology theyve found ways of keeping alive those that have been scorned in any past battles theyve had against the government.

When the government sends in 7 of their best men to infiltrate the organization. What will they do when their cover is blown and their true intentions are revealed? Will they join the rebellion or will they continue to let the government pull their strings like the little puppets they once were?

Skylar district November 4th 2064

Tahani hadnt known why the other three needed to be present for her meeting with Mingyu but of course shed never question it.

"Theres a new shipment of weapons and new cyber parts coming in at the starlight bay, jun warned that the past few days alaurian officials have been moving about the city real heavy which why i'm sending in backup." Mingyus eyes landed on the three boys that had been standing behind the girl the entire meeting.

"San, Wooyoung, Mingi consider this a trial mission before the evaluations. Your job is to look after Hira and get her back safely."

"What- are you kidding me i dont need them to get back safe." Tahani was quick to oppose the idea, not only were they being sent on a mission before evaluation but they had to be with her of all people?

"I don't wanna hear it Hira, Jun specifically asked to see you and knowing Jun if i send you in alone, there's a big chance you won't return to hq. When that guy sets his eyes on something, if he sees an opportunity to get it he will go for it."

Mingyu left no time for the girl to argue his decision any further as soon as he sent Juns exact location to her he sent them off.

"Our first mission and I get to go with Tahani." Mingi smiles and throws an arm over Tahanis shoulder earning a glare from the girl which he simply chose to ignore.

Not much time had passed since the six of them had been recruited to Sector 1, but mingi had already become one of the biggest pains in the ass for Tahani. Despite his brother's continuous questioning on why he was starting to get so close with the girl he'd always say the same thing. 'Keep your enemies closer right' though Tahani would never admit it she found herself occasionally wanting to be nice to the boy, she still didn't trust either of them but she couldn't deny Mingi had a way of getting under your skin.

"It's just a trial. I wouldn't get so excited, you wont have any official missions unless you pass evaluations." She responds in an irritated tone before pushing his arm off her shoulder.

"What are these evaluations anyway, shouldn't we just automatically be in if we're agreeing to give our lives for this cause?" Wooyoungs question made Tahani stop dead in her tracks

"None of you get it do you? This organization isnt as simple as you all seem to think it is. They're not going to allow anyone in that isn't worth it, and after what we went through two years ago they sure as hell aren't letting in another person without knowing their loyalties lie within the Sector. I dont know what you all were thinking when you first stepped into the organization but any prior knowledge you thought you had just got rid of it all. The movement is far too important just to let anyone in." And with that she continued to walk down the pier, the three of them shared looks with one another before following after her.

Now here they were standing on a large dock waiting for a large cargo ship to dock its boat just in front of them. Once the loading ramp slammed down in front of them the three boys were shocked to see a familiar face approach them from the large ship.

"Yeonjun"

"Hira, long time no see." A devilish grin decorated his lips as he took the girls hand into his own and placed a kiss to her knuckles. As if finally realizing she wasn't alone his eyes landed on the three men with shocked faces that stood behind her. He eyed them curiously which raised quite a bit of suspicion in Tahani. The guys had all known Yeonjun very well, he just like Loren was an Alurian soldier that was sent to the Sector to assist on the mission. But upon Lorens return he admitted that Yeonjun had no plans on going back to Alaura tower. He had switched sides. Of course they always wondered if it was true and theyd always wondered why anyone would want to join a group of criminals.

"Who are your friends?" Yeonjun eyed each of them cautiously, he knew damn well who they were but he wanted to hear what Tahani was to say before he made any further moves. The three onlookers watched nervously as they awaited her next words. If things went the wrong way their cover would be blown right then and there.

"Some new recruits, Mingyu, forced me to drag them along. San, Mingi, Wooyoung. Meet Yeonjun, Yeonjun meet the new recruits. Now that that's out of the way can we get to these shipment carts now." Yeonjun eyed the three one last time before taking Tahanis hand and walking her aboard the ship. The three boys let out a sigh of relief as they trailed behind the two.

"All of them are newly imported from aurora, some of these are new technology not even the Alaurians have gotten their hands on yet." He spoke as he opened one of the three full crates before looking at her.

"How much for this shipment and what time can your men get it to the Sector."

"Payment isnt needed, i just want you to nail those assholes this time. As for time of shipment we can have at 10 crates in hq by nightfall." Yeonjun leans against the open crate as he watched the girl take in each weapon.

"Its always a pleasure doing business with you junnie." She smiles and shakes his hand to which he returns with one of his own. As he shook the girls hand he made sure to slip a small piece of paper into her palm before glancing at the three behind her.

"Let Mingyu and Juyeon know i'll be seeing them later." Was all he said before letting go of the girl's arm and watching as the four of them disappeared from the ship then from the dock. He hoped that the warning would serve helpful to them. Though Tahani could tell that something was off with Jun at this meeting she wouldn't have thought it'd have anything to do with the three men that Mingyu allowed to accompany her on the meet. That was until they all had arrived back at hq and parted ways and she finally remembered the battered slip of paper that Yeonjun had slipped into her hand. By the time she read the words on the slip of paper the three boys were already out of sight.

"They're alaurian." Tahanis eyes burned with fury as they remained glued to the tiny slip of paper. Two words, two words alone had sent the girl into a downward spiral

Meanwhile unaware of the girl that theyd left behind now knowing their identity the three boys had slipped away to report back to hongjoong what they had just seen.

[plazmafields]

It's ramble time because I started another playthrough of cyberpunk and have some Thoughts.

(Spoilers probably)

So I said in a previous post that I don't think Kerry is dating V just because Johnny's in his head, and I still believe that. However, I was also under the impression Johnny was a womanizer and way straight. However, now that they've fixed it so that what Johnny says is effected by your approval with him, Johnny's said some ... things. Things that make me think:

He's jealous of Kerry and V's relationship.

If you have high approval when Johnny gives you the quest Holdin' On, you can ask him why he and Kerry were always at odds. Johnny says something to the effect of: "Kerry could never decide if he wanted to fuck me or kick me out of the band. Problem was he has a dick, so I wasn't interested."

Now in my last 2.0 playthrough, my choices at the end of Phantom Liberty locked me into a low approval with Johnny that I couldn't come back from. With low approval, if you ask him in V's apartment if he's ok with you sleeping with Kerry, Johnny says (paraphrasing): "Sleeping with? He fucked you once. Don't get used to it."

However, with high approval he says: "Yeah. Kind of ironic, Kerry was always trying to get into bed with me and I guess he finally got what he wanted thanks to you."

V responds to this with: "You know, it's not always about you. Thought ever cross your mind?" And Johnny gives a snarky remark.

With low approval, Johnny is very defensive about Kerry sleeping with V. He and Kerry were friends, good friends, but even Johnny admits (while at his grave) that he never let anyone get too close to him. Kerry probably knew him second best after Alt, but how much of that was Johnny truly opening up, verses forced proximity? I really don't feel like Johnny is the type to be all "what are your intentions with my boy?" any time Kerry got a new boyfriend.

With high approval, Johnny still manages to make it about himself (as always), but for some reason his tone of voice sounds like he's not joking, he's genuinely thinking about whether this counts as him having fucked Kerry.

Now this leads me to ask: was it Johnny who had the crush on Kerry, and not the other way around? He brings it up all the time while you're doing Kerry's missions, but after Rebel Rebel, Kerry doesn't talk about Johnny unless you ask. None of the options when you talk to him at home mention Johnny, on the boat when he talks about Samurai, he doesn't bring up Johnny, and when he talks about starting a new chapter in his life you can ask "does this have anything to do with Johnny?" he says No very confidently, then takes a second to think and realize that none of this "rebirth" would have happened without V and Johnny. But (at least to me) he doesn't seem to consider Johnny part of his life anymore.

I think Johnny HATES that. I think Johnny always saw himself as hot shit and the most desirable man on the planet, and the idea that a gay man didn't want him drives him crazy. If Kerry were straight then of course he wouldn't fall victim to Johnny's charms.

If Kerry were bi (see my previous post if you wanna know my feelings on Kerry's sexuality in game vs in lore) then Johnny would have been able to convince himself Kerry just liked women more than men.

But he's not. Kerry's gay and somehow didn't want to ride Johnny seven ways to Sunday.

I don't know if that makes Johnny bi or not, but I really feel that Kerry wasn't the one who wanted to get into bed with Johnny, it was always the other way around.

~~~

I'm not convinced by this next part, but here's some tentative evidence to the contrary, if you wanna play devil's advocate:

In Kerry's sex scene, we see he likes something a little rough, and in some texts he mentions that he gets turned on when V is short with him (mainly thinking of the text convo you get if you start Phantom Liberty already dating Kerry).

Maybe Kerry likes when people play hard-to-get and ignore him, maybe he's got a bit of a humiliation kink going on, and maybe he got turned on by the way Johnny was always mean to him.

I feel like that's stretching things tho, we don't have a lot of evidence for that, just a text that was added after the initial release of the game, and a single slap in a cut scene.

Another thing to mention because I feel like I can't NOT mention it: why the fuck does Kerry look DIRECTLY into Johnny's eyes as he gets head from a fan on the stairs??? That kinda throws a curve ball into all of this and I'm not sure what to make of it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[that-choir-girl]

Hi, I have a sort of specific request. Could you please write a Frodo Baggins x Hobbit!reader who wants nothing more than to go on an adventure and is childhood friends with Frodo because she loved Bilbo’s stories and none of the other children wanted to play with her because she was so un-hobbitish, then eventually found herself falling in love with Frodo and so when he leaves to go on his quest she is right there at his side, stubborn and extremely excited about it all. Not a hint of nervousness. Sort of being a constant for Frodo. I’d love that very much.

If not no worries. Thank you<3

hi, @dinofromspac3! tysm for requesting! i'ma give this a shot. sorry if the wait was longer, i went to the gym last night and didn't have time to write this. but here we go! hope ya like it :)!

Frodo and I have known each other for a long time. We've known each other since he moved in with his Uncle Bilbo after his parents drowned in some freak boating accident. The poor thing was so distraught for the first few months, and I didn't blame him. I'd often go over with some of his friends so that I could hear Mr. Bilbo's famous, un-Hobbitish adventures. His adventures made me want to go on my own adventure. A lot of Hobbit children thought I was queer as I wistfully dreamed about my own adventures, and didn't really speak to me. But I was okay with that. At least I had Merry, Pippin, Sam, and, of course, Frodo.

Eventually, Frodo asked me if I wanted to go out and pretend to have an adventure like his uncle once did. Of course, we never ventured anywhere outside the Shire. It was not our business to know what the folks from distant lands were up to. Most likely, wars. And adventures, now to think about that. Apparently, Hobbits were nonexistent to the Men, Elves, and Dwarves, and didn't even bother coming to invade the Shire because they knew nothing about it. We were grateful for that, at least. But at the same time, life got a little boring, since we had nothing to do.

Eventually, I found myself falling for Frodo. I didn't want to, but my thoughts were on no one else but him. He was probably the sweetest human being on this entire planet. And I didn't like him because of the large fortune he'd soon inherit from his uncle. The only person who knew I had a crush on the Baggins heir was Rosie Cotton, my friend from the Green Dragon.

When Frodo had gone home with Sam, I went along with them. And soon, Sam and I found ourselves eavesdropping on Frodo's and Gandalf's conversation about a once-lost ring that he was currently in possession of. And soon, we found ourselves going on this adventure, which made me even more nervous than before. Because I knew that what Frodo was carrying was dangerous. I was scared for him, and his life. But so far, everything seemed as normal as it could be. That is, until we reached Weathertop.

I never left his side during that time when he was mortally wounded. I was there at his side the entire time, letting him hold his hand in mine. When a she-elf came to whisk Frodo away to safety, Sam had to hold me back.

"I don't want to leave him!" I exclaimed through tears as I tried to yank myself out of Sam's grip. But his hold was too tight on my arms. I couldn't do anything except to watch as Frodo was whisked away from me.

"I think she's getting him to safety, Miss y/n," Sam tried to reassure me.

Although it did comfort me slightly, I was still nervous about the fact that I could possibly lose my best friend. If I went back to the Shire without him, life would be more dull and boring than it had been before. I wouldn't have a reason to live.

Luckily, Frodo had managed to survive, and I hardly left his side, no matter how tired he was. And when he woke up, I was there to greet him, relieved that he was alive and alright. I stayed by his side before Sam had to pull me away from him so that I could get some rest.

Soon after the council was over, and the Hobbits and I had joined, I could hear Merry and Pippin complaining quite loudly amongst themselves in the garden about mine and Frodo's friendship.

"All they've been doing is giving each other googly, heart-shaped eyes to each other for years. And I'm getting kinda sick of it," Merry complained to Pippin.

"They should be together by now. I'm tired of them standing at a distance and not saying anything."

"You know what, Pip. I'm thinking the exact same thing. They should have confessed their feelings to each other by now."

It took me a moment to realize that they were talking about me and Frodo. I blushed brightly, and pretended to not hear what Merry and Pippin were saying.

Great, they noticed?

I turned and tip-toed away before the duo found out I had been eavesdropping. But not even an hour later, Merry and Pippin found me in my room as I was reading a book I had found from Lord Elrond's large library.

"You could knock next time, ya know," I commented without bothering to look up. I kept my nose buried in the book. "It's not that hard."

The duo ignored me.

"Tell us, y/n," said Pippin. "Do you have a crush on Frodo?"

That got me to look up in surprise, but I quickly recovered, trying to shrug the feeling off.

"No. Why do you bother asking?"

"C'mon, y/n! For years, you've been giving him heart-shaped, lovey-dovey eyes and you never say anything about it! I'm getting a little sick of it." Merry complained

"It's because I'm scared, alright?" I snapped in return.

"C'mon. You shouldn't be scared of confessing, y/n. He likes you, too," Merry insisted.

"You're just saying that so that my hopes can get up," I grumbled as I continued to flip through the book I'd found.

"No! Y/n, we swear to the Valinor, that he likes you back!" Pippin pleaded. I glared at him, not entirely convinced that he was telling me the entire truth.

"And we think that we may know where to find him," Merry added, winking at me.

"It's nighttime. Frodo's probably in bed, and I'm not going to disturb him just to tell him that I like him."

"Oh, come on! You're no fun, y/n! Can you please just trust us? Just this once?"

I glared at them and then sighed, putting my book down.

"Alright, since you asked so nicely." That got both of the boys to cheer. "But don't think that I'll let you off that easily!"

I got up and followed them, letting the duo pull me along. Almost immediately, I regretted letting them do this to me. But at the same time, I knew that I had to confess to Frodo at some point, because I had no idea what our future holds. Any of us could die during this quest.

They led me to the courtyard. Not the same one we'd had the meeting in, but a completely different one.

"Isn't about time that everyone was in bed by now?" I asked, clearly confused.

"Well, not everyone," Merry hinted mysteriously. He then shoved me in the shoulders, trying to get me to go. "Well, go on."

I knew exactly what he was doing. But I sighed and entered the courtyard. There, sitting on the stone bench of Rivendell, was Frodo. He gazed up at the stars. He was so immersed in watching the stars that he jumped when I finally approached him.

"Y/n," he greeted. He patted the empty space next to him, giving me room to sit. "What brings you here?"

"Uh. . . . I dunno. Couldn't sleep, I guess," I quietly replied. "And I guess that I needed some fresh air."

That was partially true. I couldn't sleep, so I had gone ahead and read the book I'd found in Elrond's fancy library. I turned my gaze to the sky, watching the little pinpricks of light twinkling overhead.

"The stars look beautiful tonight," I finally commented.

"Not as beautiful as you," Frodo unexpectedly commented. I turned to stare at him in surprise. He then realized what he'd said, and his eyes went wide. "I-I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have said that! Not this quickly, anyways —"

I only shook my head in reply, smiling softly. I pressed my lips firmly against his, kissing him softly. He tensed, at first, clearly surprised, before melting into the kiss. He wrapped his arms gently around my waist, bringing me closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck, wanting him close to me.

He bit my lower lip, asking politely for entrance. I giggled and granted his request. He explored my mouth, and I explored his. The feeling gave me butterflies. I never wanted this moment to end.

"Gross! Get a room, you two!" Pippin complained loudly. His voice caused us to break apart.

"Quit ruining the moment, you fool of a Took!" I retorted.

"You know what? I think we will get a room," Frodo hastily replied. "C'mon, y/n."

He grabbed my hand and led me to his room, where we snuggled together for the rest of the night.

***Whew! I hope that this was alright! Lemme know if you want any more changes :)!***

[angelbroad]

"I won't let you down"

Type: Fanfiction

Fandom: One Piece

Characters: Left Wing, Donquixote Doflamingo, Rusla

TW: Minor animal death

Impel Down, the most secure prison standing in the world and serving as a symbol of oppression to everyone living in it. A showcase of the power the World Goverment held over everyone. In such an oppressive structure, escape seemed impossible. It wasn't until the wildcard that had been Monkey D. Luffy that a few brave souls had dared to attempt an escape.

It was on a seemingly ordinary night that the marines standing guard at the gates noticed a lone rowing boat approaching the prison, inside of which there was a hunched figure covered by a black cloak.

The marines immediately pointed their weapons at the boat and its occupant.

"Halt!", one said, "Identify yourself!"

The figure slowly rose with their arms also raised to show they were unarmed. The figure then pulled the hood back to reveal her curly hair and single brown eye. The look on the young woman's face was one of determination as she put a hand over her chest.

"My name is Rusla Antelope!", she said, "And I've come to bargain."

The marines easily recognised the one who was now believed to be the former second in command of Left Wing, which was a very bizzare fact considering she had just come sailing to the shark's jaws.

"...What do you mean by bargain?", the other marine asked.

"I want to turn myself in."

That took them by surprise. It's not like Rusla didn't have a bounty, she was bound to earn one as the second in command of one of the Donquioxote Family's most frequent collaborators.

The marines were obviously cautious about this, but Rusla let them take her out of the boat and inside where she was restrained. Rusla didn't have a devil fruit, so there was no need for any extreme measures to be taken to ensure she wouldn't hurt anyone.

"You were loyal to that pirate for the longest time, why turn on her now?", the one who looked to be the most qualified of the marines here had asked Rusla.

"Because even I know when this madness has gone too far.", Rusla replied, "Working with Donquixote Doflamingo had already been a baffling decision, but after what had happened with Vegapunk, I just couldn't stay any longer. Left Wing is planning something with the Straw Hats, and I decided I just couldn't let the world suffer any longer because of them."

The marines seemed convinced enough by the timeline, and of course the possible threat looming over their heads had them listening even more.

"What are your demands to share this information?"

"Only a reduction to my sentence."

"I'm sure that can be arranged. We'll be taking you to Level 1 until we can reach a solution."

Rusla nodded, and allowed herself to be taken away. As she was being walked down the stairs with the two marines, one took off her cloak, maybe believing she had something hidden underneath. But there was nothing, just her clothes.

They reached the first level, and Rusla stepped forward after whispering something in the ear of the marine on her right. Rusla waited until the marines were out of sight to let out a breath. Something under her clothes begun to move, and out from her collar came the ribboned form of Left Wing, who had been hiding under Rusla's clothes. Left Wing broke Rusla's cuffs as she materialised her head to speak.

"Did you handle our marine?"

"I have."

"Good. Stay up here as I go down. Call for the signal as soon as you see us."

With that, Left Wing transformed again and easily found the entrance to the second level of the prison while avoiding major damage thanks to the fluidity of the form her devil fruit allowed her to have. But before she did that, she had taken a package she had one of the prisoners of Level 1 hold onto for a while, as it was sent to him under the pretense a gift. 

Left Wing had a system.

The second Level was easy enough to get through, her monstrous appearance likely confusing its occupants to believing she was yet another beast of Impel Down. It wasn't until she had reached the Sphinx that she tranformed to normal again. Just when the monster was about to speak up however, Left Wing gave him the sizable package. A nice, warm noodle meal. With this distraction from its duties, Left Wing descended to the next Level.

Getting to Level 4 was easier than getting out, as Left Wing was not used to high temperatures of this magnitude. She planned to scale the walls to avoid being spotted as much as possible, but the heat of this place was so intense her flesh would sear every time her ribboned body would make contact with anything. She had to close most of her eyes so they wouldn't dry as fast from the heat. It felt like she was in Hell, and Left Wing had found herself nearly fainting multiple times.

Unfortunately, she was spotted, as her movements were becoming more sluggish until her body simply collapsed. The guards there were about to take her in as well, only to be swallowed whole by a giant toad. Left Wing looked up, pushing past her sweat soaked hair to see the large amphibian turning into a man.

It was Newt, holder of the toad toad fruit and one of her undercover agents in the marines that she had recruited for this specific scenario. He helped her up and towards the entry point of the next level.

"Is all the surveillance taken care of?", she asked in an exasperated tone of voice. She was so damn thirsty.

Newt gave his captain a swig of water as they reached the threshold.

"Not a single den den mushi will pick you up. Me and the others made sure to dispose of them and did everything else you asked.", he said, "The next Level is the opposite of this one. After that, you can reach Donquixote Doflamingo."

Left Wing nodded, and clutching the feather coat, she forced her body to enter the next level of Impel Down.

The bitter cold of Level 4 served as a major whiplash for Left Wing, her body threatening to shut down from the sudden change of temperature or shatter like a cold glass that just had warm liquid poured into it. However, after her initial shock, Left Wing steeled her nerves again. Her thick clothes might have been a nightmare at the previous level, but she could hold herself just fine in this weather. 

Left Wing moved forward, as fast as she was able to on the thick ice that was the floor. She pulled the feather coat up further so it could partially serve as a scarf. The pink feathers tickled her cold face as she heard growling in the distance. Ah, that must be the wolves.

She was indeed soon approached by the beasts, who much to the horror of the prisoners occupying this Level, were sliced and diced like a Sunday roast. It only took a few of the wolves perishing from her devil fruit for the rest to take the hint and leave her alone.

And there it was, the final Level.

So far, Left Wing had made sure to cut off any means of security so the Warden wouldn't catch on, made sure to be as discreet as possible, and to have enough men on the inside that it would be sufficient to pull the same stunt as Luffy had. 

Walking through the halls of the sixth Level, with the keys she had obtained from Newt back at the Blazing Hell, she had naturally received a lot of curious looks from the prisoners. No one she recognised, though. The prisoners had their questions to throw at her, like what it was that she was doing here, if she would assist them, and some even curious about the sudden lack of den den mushi monitoring them.

All that sudden talking caught the attention of a certain former Warlord. Doflamingo could only look at the walls and ceiling from his position, unable to use his devil fruit because of the seastone chains. But what he could see while laying down on his back were the shadows being cast on the stone walls. And in the shadow that had come up, he could recognise the silhouette of his own feather coat. Doflamingo heard the door to his cell creak open, and someone stepping inside.

Finally, he could see Left Wing's single eye looking down at him, almost in disbelief.

"....Took you long enough to pay me a visit.", he commented, making Left Wing breath out a laugh as she worked on unchaining him.

"Like I said, I won't let you down.", she said.

Getting to finally stand on his own two feet once again felt nice. Doflamingo stretched, relishing the feeling of his strength returning to him.

Left Wing then gave him his coat back, rubbing the back of her neck.

"I borrowed this.", she said, "Hope you don't mind."

Doflamingo took his coat back with a smile, which was soon dropped as he grabbed Left Wing by the shoulder and yanked her down so he could slice down a group of marines that was trying to ambush them.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. But how are you planning to get us out, exactly?"

Left Wing quickly gave him a rundown of the plan as they were running for the elevator, which was being called down by another one of her undercover men, all while freeing as many prisoners they could to start a riot as a distraction.

Thankfully, because of the elevator's advantage, Left Wing wouldnt have to suffer through Level 4 again. And even though she had full trust in Doflamingo, she still chose to hold his hand until they reached the elevator to not lose him in the slowly forming riot.

This riot was meant to serve as a distraction for the bulk of the prison guards, dragging them down to the bottom level to deal with the prisoners as she and Doflamingo made their escape. Left Wing instructed the marine assisting them to give the call to the rest of the rest of their crew in Impel Down. And it was only until they had reached Level 1 and could see Rusla that she gave the second signal. From that point on, it was every man for himself. Those that wanted to live, had to get out by themselves. Even if Left Wing knew most of her own men would not survive either.

"You thought this out well."

"You don't wanna know the things I had to do."

They had to rush outside, Angel's Plight was instructed to be in a distance where Doflamingo would be able to use his strings to get them there. This was it, Left Wing won.

But it was then that the sound of a chariot surfing the waves caught her ears.

"Oh for fuck's sake...", Left Wing muttered to Doflamingo's confusion.

The carriage soon approached them and in it stood Abayori, a Retainer of Momonosuke. He should be in Wano, but here he was.

"What the-what are you doing here?", he asked in confusion as his carriage screeched to a stop.

"Not now, dragon boy."

"You know the Vice Admiral?", Doflamingo asked.

"Ex Vice Admiral!", the shorter man argued.

"Look, I have no candles on me.", Left Wing said.

"Why would you need candles for?", Doflamingo asked.

"Because he eats them. One time I threw a round one at him and he chased it like a dog."

"Purple candles taste good, okay??"

"Not to put pressure on anyone,", Rusla interrupted, "but the fucking prison??"

Sure enough, the sound of the marines climbing up was heard. Left Wing turned to Abayori.

"Listen, if we don't get out of here, we're going die. And I'm not referring to just us, get yourself out of range, now."

Most in Abayori's position might have been hesitant, letting a former Warlord escape his rightful fate, but with a sigh and a shrug, the man ordered his horses to continue forward.

"Just don't sink me!", he called out as he sped off.

That was Doflamingo's cue for wrapping a hand around Left Wing, who had Rusla clinging on her leg, and use the string fruit to fly them to Angel's Plight. This brought back some more pleasant memories, and Doflamingo enjoyed feeling freedom once again.

As soon as they were on the ship, the crew worked to have it move further away from Impel Down as Hawk gave Left Wing a den den mushi.

"Men, your time has come to shine.", she practically shouted into the snail. From the other side, she could hear the sounds of shuffling feet, devices beeping faster and faster. "You've done well. I won't forget you. And if you live, you know where to find me."

Rusla barely caught a glimpse of the confused marines and pirates that had managed to escape to the docks as a sudden booming sound filled the air around them. The crew and the two tall captains had to shield themselves from the shockwave caused by the explosion that followed Left Wing's final message.

Left Wing had not only broken Doflamingo out, but constructed a plan to destroy this prison that served as a reminder of the power breathing down the neck of the rest of the world in a pillar of flame and destruction.

Even Doflamingo was surprised, the explosion reflecting on his glasses as Left Wing threw her arms up in triumpth, letting out a laughter so bellowing it felt like she had been holding it in all her life.

"Yes! Yes! Who is not worthy of the Heavens' attention now??"

The crew joined in her victory laps, Doflamingo joining her laughter as what few survivors remained started to resurface from the water or floating unconscious on pieces of rubble. 

Left Wing nearly fainted again, but Doflamingo caught her before she hit the ground.

"Is the captain okay?", Hawk asked.

"Yeah. I'll take her inside. Make sure we get out of here.", the taller man instructed.

Abayori turned to the sound of the explosion, witnessing it from a distance.

.....Maybe he had made a mistake, after all.

[canirove]

Best friends… forever? | Chapter 13

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

"Is that for me?"

"Yep" Fran smiles, giving Mila a red rose. "It may be too much, but I don't know, I saw a guy selling them earlier and couldn't help myself."

"I love it when people get me flowers. Thank you." Rúben always gets her a bouquet after she's won a big game. After losing it too. Rúben...

"Are ok you?" Fran asks her. "You look... I don't know. Weird. Are you sure you want to go out?"

"I do, yes" Mila says. "I need to keep my head busy and stop thinking for a while."

"May I ask what has happened?"

"I'll tell you at the restaurant."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Wow."

"I know" Mila says, taking a bite of her food.

"So you are in love with your best friend, who happens to be Rúben Dias, the Manchester City player."

"I’m not in love with him. I am falling in love with him. It isn’t the same." Or that’s what she tells herself.

"And you came to that conclusion thanks to me?"

"Yeah... And I'm so sorry about it. You probably feel like I used you or something."

"Oh, it’s ok. I knew this was just a fling, that it wasn't going anywhere. Our lifestyles and the fact that we don't live in the same country, make trying something very difficult. To be honest, I'm flattered” Fran shrugs.

"Flattered? What do you mean?"

"You said you chose me because I reminded you of Rúben, and he is like... Fitness, style and career goals. And you, who know him better than anyone, found some of the things he has on me."

"That's... Weird. But ok, if it makes you happy" Mila chuckles.

"Very" Fran smiles.

"Then can we stay as friends? I wouldn't mind having someone I can visit in Sevilla."

"The doors of my house will always be open for you. But what are you going to do now? Are you going to tell Rúben?"

"Oh, no. No, no, no. Just the thought of it makes me feel this thing in my chest and... No."

"Then?"

"I don't know. We still have a couple of weeks left before the preseason starts, so I guess I'll go back to Portugal with the girls."

"You are leaving Cádiz?"

"Next week it is Eva's brother's turn to stay at the house, and he invites his friends. We have to leave" Mila shrugs.

"Then come to Murcia with me."

"What?"

"You said you've never been, right? I think I can convince Pablo to let me take you as my plus one to the wedding. If you want, of course."

"Fran, are you... Are you sure? Wouldn't it be awkward?"

"Nah" he says. "So tell me. Are you in the mood for a Spanish wedding or not?"

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"She isn't coming?"

"Nope. She's staying with some new friends she made" Rúben says.

For the first time in years, Mila is missing their "Portuguese gang" reunion at the end of the holidays. And it doesn’t feel ok.

"New friends? Who?" Bruno asks.

"I'm not sure. She just told me that one of them invited her to his wedding."

"That's odd, isn't it? They just met, and she is going to his wedding."

"Anything to stay away from us" Diogo says. "Or from Rúben."

"Or maybe just from you, who suddenly became the annoying one" Rúben spats.

"Hey, let it be peace" Bruno says. "We are on holidays, remember? Let's try to relax and have fun."

"I don't know how we'll be able to do that with grumpy cat over here" Diogo says, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm not grumpy" Rúben replies.

"Of course not" Diogo snorts.

"Ok, new rule. It is forbidden to talk about Mila" Bruno says. "She doesn't exist, understood?"

"Do you think you can forget about her for a few days?" Diogo asks Rúben.

"I can" he says. But he knows that is a lie. Even when he doesn’t want to, he finds himself thinking about her. And knowing that she is at someone's wedding, definitely with the guy she was talking with on that photo, doesn't help.

"Great!" Bruno says. "Let's cheers to that, and think what we want to do next. Maybe rent a boat?"

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Mila, you look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, Fran" she says, feeling her cheeks getting warm.

"I just hope they don't kick us out of the wedding."

"Why would they do that?"

"Because I'm sure you look ten times better than the bride, and today it is supposed to be her day" he says with a cheeky smile.

"Oh, shut up" she laughs, taking the arm he is offering her.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"That has to be the most bizarre dance of my entire life" Mila laughs, letting herself fall on a chair.

"I just can't believe that, being Portuguese and spending your summers in Spain, you didn't know about Paquito el chocolatero."

"I don't know, maybe I'm normal" she shrugs.

"If you were normal, you would have known about it" Fran laughs.

"It is just so... The moves, you know?"

"I know."

"And everyone dances. Adults, children, the grandparents... Everyone!"

"That's Paquito el chocolatero" he shrugs. "Are you having fun?"

"Lots of fun. Thank you for convincing me to come."

"It's been my pleasure. Though maybe we could... End the night with... Actual pleasure, you know?"

"Fran... Are you asking me if I want to have sex?" Mila laughs, the woman sitting on the table next to theirs giving her an outraged look.

"Just one last time. As a goodbye. To me, to the summer, to Spain..."

"Ok then" she says after thinking about it for a few seconds. She only has a couple of days left of her holidays before she has to go back to Manchester. Before she has to face Rúben and her feelings for him. And God knows how that will go. So maybe having one last wild night with this very nice and very hot guy like Eva liked calling Fran, wasn't such a bad idea.

"You sure? If you don't want to do it it's fine, I totally get it."

"I'm sure" Mila says. "Your room or mine?"

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━ 

Author’s note: In case you are curious about what “Paquito el chocolatero” is, it is a super famous Spanish song with very particular dance moves that it is played on weddings and parties in general, usually when people already are a bit tipsy 😅

The moves that made Mila go 👀 are the ones you can see here at minute 1:27 😂

[the-illiterate-pirate]

Please can I request another oneshot with a female reader. Where she is best friends with Joseph Joestar and they go to Italy together to train their hamon skills. However, as soon as they meet Caesar he falls in love with her which makes Joseph very jealous as he only recently started to feel more than friendship for her :) I can’t wait to read more of your writing :)

Hello again! Thank you for waiting. Yeesh, this was a pain. I don't think I'll be taking anymore love triangle requests in the future. Unless you paid me, hehe.

I hope you enjoy! I tried taking a saltier turn with this one but fear not, we still get our happy ending.

In-A-Godda-Da-Vidda

Woo name change. I feel this one matches the tone better than Jack Stauber. Check it out! It's a long one but it's great

Notes: Fem!reader, female pet names are included, angst, I think that's it!

It was unnatural for Joseph to be acting like some jealous brat. Childish, maybe. But these foreign feelings wrapping around his heart like bramble were becoming unbearable, and Joseph needed to bring an end to them quick.

It had only been a couple days since stepping foot in Italy, and you had already made a strong impression on the blond that set Joseph's blood to a boil. You had him wrapped around your finger, smitten, just like your closest best friend.

Was Joseph jealous because he thought Caesar could steal you away? Of course not! You were smart enough to not fall for his fake charm... Hopefully. He had faith that you wouldn't fall for the Casanova. But Caesar was acting rather bold lately. If Joseph wasn't by your side, the blond would be offering you random weeds and flowers he just so happens to find, telling you sickeningly sweet words that made Joseph want to gag. Gross.

Fear not! Your best friend Joestar would steal you away to protect you from the Italian. Training was taking too much time, Joseph feared. Luckily he was able to sneak away from Lisa Lisa, with you in tow. Rowing a boat was nothing if it meant spending time with you, Joseph didn't care about the subtle ache in his arms once he heard the childlike giggle come from you. He was pulled around all of Venice by you, but he didn't mind a bit. Joseph enjoyed watching you ogle store windows, and comment on the smells of fresh Italian cuisine. You even got him to buy you fresh gelato, something you could finally cross off your bucket list. The time you spent with your best friend was good, hiding away from a (very surely) pissed off Lisa Lisa and Caesar was great fun. The day until you all defeated the Pillar Men was drawing closer, you deserved some time off to relax.

Somehow you both were able to waste a whole day doing nothing in Italy. No more than a couple dollars was spent to make this a day to remember. With the city behind you, you and Joseph watched the sun set behind the sea. It was a beautiful sight to behold, a fitting end to the day. While you walked, the sky was streaked with orange and pink stretching across the sky. Yes, beautiful, but it was your sign that the fun was up, and you had to go back to Suplena Island to face the music.

"Can't believe we have to go back already... Today has been amazing, JoJo." You sigh in defeat, grabbing a hold on your best friend's arm.

There was a cheesy smug look on his face. "Amazing, hmm? I guess you could call it the greatest day of your life, right?!"

"Don't push your luck," You grinned. "Amazing, yes. But today certainly coulda done with some actual food... If Caesar was here I definitely coulda gotten some."

"Oh please, don't bring that cheese head into this!" Joseph groaned in desperation, two hands thrown over his head. You giggle quietly to yourself, "Oops, did I strike a nerve? Sounds like someone is upset. Don't tell me, are you upset because you couldn't take Caesar with you to Italy instead?" You couldn't help to tease him. The growing rivalry between the two was hilarious. Enemies at sight. You would never forget the face Joseph made after Caesar fired back those noodles of squid ink pasta.

Finally made it back to the boat, surrounded with other much better and much more expensive looking ships compared to the wooden row boat you drove in on. Joseph was still salty about your prying even as you neared your very special boat. As you moved to untie the thing Joseph's words stopped you. "The whole point of this trip was to get away from the bastard."

"JoJo, we've only known the guy for less than a month! How are you so jealous?"

"Tch! I'm not jealous! I hate the way he looks at you! Someone needs to protect you from him."

"And how does he look at me, JoJo?"

He thought about for a minute. "Like you're a piece of meat."

That stung you. That shock quickly turned into a dull anger. "Jeez, Joseph. No man is good enough for you! Even as a kid you'd never let me hang out with anyone. You're such a...a–!"

"What was that? Don't tell me you're actually interested in giving that sleazeball a chance!"

"You're a little too late, Joseph."

To help solidify the horrors he dreaded, a familiar accented voice filled in the silence between you two. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere!"

Caesar broke his jog to slide in next to you. He was bundled up heavily to combat the cool Italian night, his hand coming up to hold yours to share his heat. He ignored the awkward silence from your best friend and you, and ignored the angry and betrayed look on Joseph's face to only anger him more.

"What do you think you're doing?! Sneaking away in the middle of your training to goof off? Typical, Joestar!"

"Caesar, please..." You tried to stop with a soft hand placed on his chest. Joseph watched, another nail added to his coffin.

"Cara, you shouldn't indulge him! Going along with his idiotic plans will just get you in trouble."

Joseph's first greeting to his friend was a hearty and quick punch to his face. Caesar was already on the ground before his name left your lips. You dropped to care for him, holding him close as if he was made of glass, you left Joseph still standing, anger so visible in his eye now that it cut through you like a knife through paper.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" You shrieked.

"Me?! You've been dating Caesar behind my back? Since when?!"

"What does it matter to you, Joseph? I'm a grown woman and I can date whoever I please!"

"But you're supposed to be with me!"

He earned himself a shocked silence. As if all of Italy was dying to hear your response. Caesar stood to stare Joseph down, his cheek red from the impact of a wildly thrown fist, unshed tears wetting his eyes. He kept you protectively in his arm, massaging his face with his unused hand. You looked at Joseph just as bewildered, "What?"

"You're supposed to be with me! Not him! It's supposed to be you and me that do all of that cheesy romance stuff together, like calling each other stupid pet names, and kiss in public and gross everyone out! I don't want to do it with anyone else!"

"Joseph... Do you even hear yourself? No, shut up." You forced him silent once he tried to interrupt you, an iron grip on his chin, forcing his face down to look you in your cold eyes. "You had your chance, a long time ago. And you blew it. I'm not gonna wait in a box until you decide you want to have a go at dating with me. I loved you Joseph. I still do! But those feelings have changed, and now we both have to move on."

You let him go and went back to Caesar. He held you closer, a little more softer. The air around you now was uncomfortable and warm, both you and Joseph had your heads bowed in shame unable to look at the other.

You wanted to turn and leave. To look away from the sad sight of your best friend. But you couldn't. It broke your heart to see him like this. You hated how he treated you in the past. Maybe he didn't recognize it at the time, but it was still shitty. And yet...

"And yet, I... Oh, my god."

"Cara mia, what's wrong?" Caesar asked, frightened by your sudden urge to collapse into a ball on the ground, a hand over your face to hide the confused tears seeping from your eyes. You sobbed, "Caesar... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."

The sounds of your distress caught Joseph's attention, too. An alarm sounded in his head, he didn't care about your fight, now he just wanted to make sure you were okay.

"I-I think I, I think... I'm still in love with you, JoJo. I'm sorry Caesar. I-I thought maybe if I tried to date someone new I could get over him, but now... I'm stuck between both of you."

"Oh, Cara please," Caesar held you close, a hand gently brushing through your frazzled hair. He was so soft with you, but did you deserve it? You were a terrible person. No, you didn't. You just used him, and ended up catching feelings for him anyway. Your heart was a mess, you didn't know what to do now. How could you ever fix this mess.

"Don't cry, my love," All while Caesar spoke he wiped away the tears staining your face. "I still love you, too. My feelings have over grown since we became an item. But if your heart still belongs to another man... I am more than happy to let you go to him. But. If you still have feelings for me, then... I see only one other option for us." He looked at Joseph, blue eyes calculated and serious. "We'll share you."

"Excuse me? Like hell I'd share anyone with you!"

"JoJo! Listen to me, if you truly do love this girl then you'll hear what I have to say!"

The brunet went quiet, but not without complaint. Joseph crossed his arms over his chest refusing to look at Caesar again, but he was all ears.

Caesar looks back at you. He took your hands in his. "Cara. If you love us both, and if we both love you. It would only make sense to take us both, correct?"

"Caesar, I don't... We can't do that. What would people think if they saw me with two men instead of one?"

"To hell with them! What matters is if having both of our hearts will make you happy. We only ask that you share your heart with both of us in exchange."

Joseph had come closer. Like his friend he was sat next to you, a comforting hand placed on your thigh. "And Joseph. Would all of this be okay with you..?" He pouted a little, "It's all fine, I s'ppose. As long as you don't make me kiss Caesar, I'd much rather kiss you."

"Then... I'd love to share my heart with both of you! If you'll take it."

Happy to hear, Caesar placed a chaste kiss on your temple. Joseph followed quickly after, taking the back of your hand to his lips. "Now, let us get back to the island. I'll speak to Ms. Lisa Lisa to lighten her punishment."

"Oh, great. I totally forgot about that." Joseph moaned. "Whatever. Say, Y/n, you're coming back with me yeah? Who knows what you've been doing behind my back with Caesar. We need to get even!

"You've had the whole day with her, idiota!" Caesar protested.

"As friends. Now I get to do all types of lovey dovey things with her!"

[padfootagain]

Pirates! (IV)

Part 4 : The Marketplace

Hello everyone! Glad to be back, at long last, with a new chapter for this fic! I’m going to start posting new chapters on a regular basis again.

I hope you like this new chapter!

****

Pairing: Caspian x Pirate!Reader

Warnings: depictions of violence in later chapters (fight scenes… nothing too terrible), slow burn, fluff!

Summary: As ships disappear across the sea, Caspian is forced to go investigate himself. But to win against the wild uncharted waters he must cross to reach his people, he needs to bargain with pirates. And then, he finds you…

Word Count: 2951

Masterlist for the series – Caspian’s Masterlist – Main Masterlist

The Dawn Treader was a true beauty.

Your eyes were wide with admiration as you stared at the beautiful ship. Purple sails glimmering under the sun; the golden dragon’s head that formed its end was the most impressive prow you had ever seen. And Silvia and Charlotte, who had come to inspect Caspian’s ship with you, shared your wonder.

Caspian and his men had hidden their ship in a narrow creek, in order to avoid drawing attention. Such boat couldn’t get unnoticed and wouldn't fail to raise questions. The creek was constituted of a circular beach made of yellow, almost brownish sand towered by high cliffs of sharp dark stones that seemed like they would cut the feet and hands of anyone who would try to climb them. A dense forest spread at the top of the cliff and extended down the slope to reach the main harbour of the island. The deep blue water had once hidden one of the largest sources of pearls, and had for a time made the fortune of the island, as Narnia and other lands were ready to pay a fair prize for their beauty. But an intense use of this resource had made pearls disappear from the island altogether, the inhabitants had turned towards piracy to earn their money, their society slowly decaying along the years.

At the look of admiration in your eyes, Caspian couldn’t refrain a proud smirk.

“Will she be alright by these waters?” he asked with mischief tainting his voice. “Or would you like to take a closer look?”

You slowly nodded, your eyes still fixed on the graceful ship before you.

“I reckon that… one can never be too cautious.”

He tried to hide his growing smile, but failed.

“Follow me, then.”

Caspian guided you on the deck of the Dawn Treader, and you took a walk around. Caspian’s crew scrutinized you with untrusting eyes, but you ignored them. Actually, even if you had wanted to pay attention, you couldn't have done so. Because as you looked back at the crew, the truth struck you like a punch in the stomach.

You had had your doubts, of course, but now… now doubts had turned into certainties, and you weren't sure to like them.

"You are Narnians."

The words passed your lips in a whisper, but clearly all the people around you had heard you. Caspian's expression suddenly changed, growing cautious.

"What about it?" he asked slowly.

You saw Charlotte reaching for the pommel of her sword, just like most of Caspian's crew had.

"Do you dislike Narnians?" Drinian asked with a defiant look in his eyes and an acidic tone in his voice.

Silvia looked up at him defiantly.

"We're not privateers," she replied proudly. "We don't hide behind lords to get immunity."

"That is not what this is about," Caspian replied warily.

"Never trust a lord," Charlotte mumbled, looking at you with a glance full of warning.

"Relax, ladies," you instructed your crew.

Because you had guessed that you had been hired by lords. You didn't know they were Narnians, but that wasn't so important. And in fact, you could see another advantage in this bargain of yours that you hadn't identified before. Through Caspian, who would join you on your ship, you could learn a lot of useful information about Narnia. How to go there, where to go once you were there, would you need papers or things of the kind… And Sylvia who would stay on their ship could gather all these precious information for you as well. You knew she was good enough to sneak inside the Captain's cabin and take a look at the maps there.

You gave Caspian a polite smile.

"You have a very nice ship," you nodded. "She will do good on these waters. But don't count on any of us to call you 'Lord'."

Your hint of humour made Caspian relax instantly, and he gave you an earnest smile.

"I have no intention to ask you to do such thing," he reassured you.

"If you need help to get goods for the journey, Sylvia and Charlotte can show you the market where you can find food, ropes and everything you will need for a long journey."

"We already know the place," Lacusa answered. "But thank you for the offer."

"We can leave in two days," you nodded. "That should give us all enough time to get ready.” "We'll leave with the morning tide."

"Alright."

You climbed down the ship and Charlotte and Sylvia followed you down. You didn't start talking again before you were crossing the sand, out of earshot, just the three of you.

"Sylvia, while you're on that ship, you'll have to get as many information about Narnia as you can."

Your order seemed enough for your two friends to understand perfectly what you had in mind.

"Now, I feel like I've just been promoted to 'spy'," the little rabbit chuckled.

"You take it well."

"And what about that Peter?" Charlotte asked softly.

"We'll keep an eye on him… and I'll make him talk."

"Make him talk? You mean… with a knife or with a smile?"

You let out a laugh.

"With a smile, Charlotte. I have enough charms to make him talk without cutting him into pieces. Besides… have you looked at him? That would be a shame to destroy such a pretty face!"

The three of you advanced towards the only path leading back to town, laughing.

An adventure was awaiting you… filled with risks and dangers. That was just what you had signed up for in the first place.

The marketplace was always busy.

In the morning, the new arrivals of fruits, dry meat and vegetables brought many people to buy food for the week, when they had enough money for that. Slippery hands also stole many apples and loafs of bread, but all merchants on Saint Iron were aware that they would only sell a part of their goods. The rest would disappear in the agile fingers of pickpockets and starving thieves.

In the afternoon, many pirate ships were coming back from the sea, and as the sun rose and then started to decline, the market got filled with trinkets, plates of silver or steel, small statues made of gold. Some were real, some were fake. The blame was never on the seller but the buyer, for failing to notice the scam.

And with the setting sun, a new kind of merchandise was sold in the square: people. May they be prostitutes looking for a few coins against a night, or slavers setting for the highest bids in exchange for their prisoners… the square was filled with the worst people around at that time. Shadows called for a grimmer market.

But Lacusa had since long noticed this pattern, and when he guided Caspian, Drinian, Reepicheep and a few more men, it was still morning, the sun young and shy. The wind was chilly, coming in from the harbour nearby, carrying a heavy scent of salt and seaweed.

The market was stuck in a square too small for its shops and stalls, filled with colours and shouting merchants trying to lure customers to spend the few coins they owned. Caspian was looking around, quite fascinated by the small maze before him: a mix of rags and dirty clothes with colours and appetizing goods. Drunks singing in a corner and women carrying babies in their arms while buying food for supper. And Narnians walked into their midst too. He didn’t notice the fox that walked past him…

“Give him back his pouch, foxie.”

Caspian jumped at the sound of your voice behind him.

The fox stood on its rear legs, looking perfectly innocent.

“Me? I didn’t do anything!”

“Don’t make me step on your tail again,” you replied, your tone humorous, but the coldness of your smile was turning your words into a genuine threat.

You extended your hand towards the fox, waiting for him to give you what he had stolen. Meanwhile, the whole group of Narnians had stopped and was frowning at the scene.

“You wouldn’t dare!” the fox fought back. “I haven’t done anything anyway…”

But when you raised your boot as if to take a step towards him, the fox tried to run away…

…only to collide with Charlotte’s boots.

He fell backwards, cursing and holding its snout, but a second later Sylvia had her blade pressed to his throat as she jumped on his stomach to keep him on the ground.

“Give the money back,” you repeated, your voice perfectly calm.

The fox heaved a sigh, and handed back Caspian’s pouch. It was heavy with coins in your palm, the leather smooth, although it wasn’t new.

“Get a word around. These newcomers are leaving soon, but for as long as they’re on the island, they’re under the protection of the Bleeding Twilight. Which means under my protection. Do you get that, foxie?”

His eyes changed, from annoyance to terror, and he slowly nodded.

“Good. Take it as a warning. Next time, I’ll let Sylvia cut off your pretty tail.”

Sylvia gave a toothy, cruel grin, and the poor thief shook vehemently his head.

“I didn’t know they were with you! They’re off limits, I get it.”

“Good. Spread the word for me, would you?”

“Of course, ma’am!”

“Off with you!”

The fox sprinted away through the crowd as soon as Sylvia stepped away from him.

You couldn’t refrain a chuckle as you saw his orange shape zooming away.

You threw Caspian back his pouch.

“Be more careful next time. Pickpockets are skilful around here.”

“Thank you, Captain,” he gave you a nod, carefully hiding his pouch this time.

“Give it about ten minutes before the word has spread through the market,” Charlotte added. “It’ll be safer for you to venture across town after that.”

“You seem to have a dreadful reputation, then,” Drinian spoke, and he couldn’t help the disgusted wince that twisted his features as he spoke.

But you merely laughed at that.

“I don’t have the worst reputation of the island, if it can reassure you. I would say that I am known for being merciless if my crew is threatened.”

You pointed towards some stales on the left of the square.

“They sell the best ropes over there, don’t buy from the dwarf on the other side of the market, he’s always looking for cheap fibres for his sails and ropes. You’ll find some good food at the back at a purple stall, you can’t miss it, really. Tell them you travel with me, they’ll sell for an honest price. If they’re doubting you, show them this.”

You threw Caspian a small coin, made of cheap copper. It seemed worthless. There was a feather imprinted on the metallic surface, Caspian ran his thumb across the indentures.

“It shows you’re part of my crew. It’s quite an advantage, around here.”

“We are not part of your crew,” Drinian mumbled, but you heard him all the same.

“Peter here will be in a couple of days. Let’s not be cheap!”

You shot him a grin, before heading to buy your own supplies.

And Caspian couldn’t help but stare at you with a smile on his lips.

You were something else…

He guided his men towards the stalls you had indicated, and found that the supplies were of a respectable quality, indeed. When it was time to pay though, he found the price ridiculously high.

“Are you trying to rob us?” Lacusa complained.

“The price is the price,” the merchant shook his head.

“We’re travelling with the Bleeding Twilight,” Caspian told the old man.

But the merchant merely laughed, a hand holding his long brown beard.

“Of course. And then you’ll tell me you’re the King of Narnia! Or Aslan himself!”

He doubled over with laughter.

“Everyone knows Blue Feather only hires women. At least try to make it look convincing.”

But Caspian merely smiled, and handed the merchant your coin.

He frowned hard at the sight, and when he looked up at the Narnians before him, he was almost fearful.

“I’ve never seen you around, so let me give you a piece of advice,” the merchant went on, after checking around that no one could hear him. “If you want to keep your head attached to your neck, don’t mess with Blue Feather and her crew. They may look like they’re softer than the others because they only steal from pirates, but that only shows that they’re stronger than anyone on this island. Only a handful of pirates would dare go against Blue Feather. And if you’ve hurt someone of her crew, you can be certain that she’ll make sure you won’t do it again. If you’ve stolen this from one of her girls, you’d better get used to the idea of having no hands at all anymore.”

But Caspian kept on smiling, looking perfectly calm. With a small gesture of the head, he indicated something on his right.

Above the crowd, the blue feather of your hat was visible, moving slowly.

“I am aware of her reputation,” Caspian answered. “I do want to keep my head attached to my neck, as well was my hands secured to my wrists. I am not stupid enough to trick you this way when Blue Feather is just a few feet away.”

The merchant seemed to hesitate, but finally nodded, and handed Caspian back his coin. He gave him a new price, five times lower.

“That’s a deal,” Caspian smiled, discreetly getting the money out of his pouch.

He couldn’t refrain an amused chuckle at the whole situation. When he turned to the next stall, he noticed your feather again. You were talking with a man. Tall, dark-haired, slim, his skin wrinkled by a life at sea. He seemed young still, barely older than you. By his dirty clothes, by the rapier at his side… it was pretty obvious that he was a pirate or a privateer. He was following you as you walked slowly from a stall to the other. Caspian frowned as he noticed the look of worry you were trying to hide.

Indeed, you were worried. You were worried every time Devos was close to you.

He meant trouble. An awful lot of trouble.

“I’ve just heard that you’re taking in men aboard now. Should I apply for a job?” he asked, flirtation evident in his voice.

But the honey of his tone hid one of the cruellest men you had ever met. And you knew him too well to be fooled, even for a second.

Your voice was cautious and your words chosen with care as you replied.

“They are not part of my crew exactly. It’s more something of a… an alliance.”

“Alliance? You?”

“Is it so surprising?”

“Oh, you can be absolutely charming if you wish to, Y/N, I know that. But you also have a tendency to be very… careful with your trust.”

“I’ve never said anything about trust.”

“Were you hired for a job, then?”

“I haven’t said that either.”

“They must be rich, then. Maybe I should kill them all and take their money.”

“Maybe you should.”

Devos studied you carefully, and you could see the changes in his eyes. His smile was still charming, but his blue eyes were being filled with cruelty, with hunger, with threat…

You struggled to swallow, and couldn’t help but look away.

“I wonder if they have a ship…” Devos spoke slowly, half-lost in thought.

“I don’t know.”

“Must be a pretty one. Because they look awfully clean, and their purses look particularly heavy…”

You didn’t answer, faking interest about some oil. Devos was not fooled though.

“I’ll find that out. Take my share of the profit.”

“They’re under my protection.”

Your voice was perfectly calm, on the tone of a mundane conversation. But Devos knew what it meant. It was a threat.

And he loved it. He had spent many years longing to cut your throat. Perhaps the day had finally come?

“Maybe I’ll wait a little bit then. I can give you that curtesy.”

“How generous…”

He leaned closer, bringing his lips to your ear to let out a whisper that froze you to your bones.

“After I take that ship, I’ll come for yours. And I’ll take my time with you.”

Despite your pounding heart, despite the fear that coursed through your entire frame, you were perfectly composed when you turned to him. You didn’t step away, you merely turned your head towards him, the ghost of a smile on your lips. And despite your terror, your voice was perfectly steady.

“I’d love to see you try, Devos.”

He laughed at that, loud and petulant, and you wished you could have punched him in the face, but you would rather not die so stupidly.

“I’ll see you around, Blue Feather! Until I kill you!”

And with that, he was striding away, leaving you alone. You turned towards Caspian, as you had felt his stare on you for most of your conversation with the privateer.

And he hadn’t heard any word that were exchanged between you and Devos, but it didn’t matter. He noticed the shakiness of your hand when you put the bottle of oil back on the stall. He noticed the way you blinked a few times as you averted your eyes, as if to bring yourself back to the moment.

Caspian had no idea who this man was, but he guessed that he was one of the handful of men the merchant had mentioned, one of those ready to fight you.

Would he mean trouble to Caspian and his crew?

************************************

Taglist: @reg-arcturus-black

[dragonmasterhiccup]

She didn’t care that he seemed to be hurt by her words [well, not right now at least], in her eyes, it was completely justifiable. It needed to be said.

She only got more frustrated when he didn’t respond, his eyes down casted on the ground. She was going to turn around and walk out when he finally decided to speak up.

Scoffing, she replied, “I don’t need anyone to protect me, I can protect myself. I don’t need you, or Twilight, or anyone on this entire island. I can take care of myself.” Her voice was firm with an undertone of anger.

She was however, taken aback by his statement for her to just go. Was this him finally kicking her off in his own ‘subtle’ way? Well that’s what she thought, and if that was the case? Fine. She was fed up with him and this entire island anyways.

She wouldn’t need a dragon either, she could handle herself. Quickly unfastening the buckles, she pulled the saddle off Twilight, glaring up at Hiccup as it hit the ground. Twilight squawked in surprise.

“You want me to leave? Fine, I’ll leave. You will never have to see me ever again. I’m so sick and tired of you, all you’ve done is make everything worse!” She knew that’s wasn’t true, but if she was able to make herself believe that it was, it would hurt less when she left.

She turned around and swiftly made her way out of the stables back in the direction of her hut. She needed to pack.

———

She put her ‘plan’ into place at nightfall when Berk was asleep. She had shoved all of her personal belongings, which wasn’t much, into a basket, throwing it over her shoulder and making her way down to the boating docks.

She was fully aware that she didn’t know how to sail, but whatever, tonight would be the night that she learned.

Picking out a relatively small boat, one that was small but still contained ample storage, she placed her basket in it before heading back to the village.

Her first focus was food and water.

She took multiple trips back and forth, filing up large jugs with water and numerous baskets with food and taking them to the boat.

The only other things she needed was weaponry. Carefully sneaking into the forge, she was able to steal a heavy duty bow [one that was a lot better than hers] along with filling up her quiver with a large amount of arrows.

Cool, she was now a certified thief, how great.

Making her last trip back to the boat, she made sure she had everything before untying it from the dock. It took an embarrassingly long time, but she was finally able to get it moving.

And with that, she had officially left Berk. For good.

(I feel the plot had thickened 🗣️🙌)

Hiccup should have seen this coming, he should have been able to avoid it, he should have thought before he reacted...but he did none of those things.

And here they were.

He nearly reminded her of how well she 'took care of herself' when she was kidnapped, but knew that would be going too far.

Then again, she did call him stupid.

No, no, it would only make things worse. He couldn't say that, wouldn't say that.

He squinted at her, shaking his head. She thinks he wants her to leave Berk?

"No, of course I don't, but you seem pretty bent on leaving! You're too stubborn for your own good..." He ran a hand through his hair. He was one to talk, he was stubborn too, and he knew it.

At her last insult, his jaw had dropped. He knew what she was saying wasn't true, she'd said as much in the past.

But, then again, the truth had a way of coming out when one was angry.

He, Toothless, and Twilight watched her go, the dragons whining sadly at their new friend storming out without saying goodbye.

He let out a breath, placing a hand on both of the dragons.

"It's okay...we both just need time to cool off, that's all..." But was it okay? "I'll talk to her in the morning, give her some time..." He picked up the fallen saddle, brushing the dirt off, before hanging it next to Twilight's stable.

-------------------------

The next morning, he went to Danny's hut to apologize, try to smooth things out.

He knocked on the door.

"D-Danny? It's me...and Toothless. Look, I just, I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I was doing to you what my dad had done to me, and you had every right to be angry--huh? Toothless, what is it?"

The dragon had come up beside Hiccup, his large green eyes narrowed, sensing something, Hiccup couldn't tell just yet.

Toothless clawed open the door, despite Hiccup's warnings to stop, and went inside.

"Toothless! What are you--"

The fireplace was dark, no embers, either. In the winter, that was quite unusual. He looked around, seeing that anything of Danny's was gone... except for the helmet he gave her on Snoggletog, which was on the table.

"Come on, bud. We're going for a flight."