#'I have some spare people in my head' sounds so funny to say out of context lol

[eryanlainfa]

You can just say you're plural if you want They cannot stop you Labels are boring sometimes but it's still fun to use vaguer labels because if you're just like "Yeah I might have some spare people in my head. cause the childhood trauma" then nobody can stop you from hanging out in system communities Also you don't have to "have enough amnesia" or feel like you have "enough difference between alters" or anything there's no like. rulebook

Sometimes I do refer to myself as plural actually ^^ There are days it's easier for me to do so

And yeah you're right there ISN'T a rulebook I'm just super selfconcious about everything TTwTT I am working on that haha

Thank you for the reassuring words that means a lot <3

[yourlocaljonghoe]

Your Gentle Hands (Please Don't Ever Let Go Of Me Again). || Kim Hongjoong. [ Part 2 ]

Part 1 here.

Summary: meeting the local outcast shouldn't have ended with you slowly falling for him. yet you did, all while knowing you could never have this man, because you were already someones else's wife. two lovers, a dress shop, and a violent man between it all. we all know how this ends, right? ... right?

Pairing: dressmaker!kim hongjoong x fem. reader

Genre: angst, fluff, suggestive

Wordcount: 22.7k

Warnings: misogyny, mentions of (domestic) violence, injuries, wounds, scars, lots of tears and trauma, allusions to sex but cuts right before the actual act

A/N: all i have to say is... thank fucking god i finally finished it. i struggled so much, and though i still love it im also so sick of this fic haha. there are so many people i want to thank for listening to my rambling, brainstorming and constantly reassuring me: @ghstzzn, @skteezcursed, @xomakara and also to @pali-writes-atiny-bit who beta read the whole thing <33 please don't forget to reblog and like! divider credits as always to @firefly-graphics!

Available here on AO3.

“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are to become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No … don’t blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But it is!”

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

The room around you was quiet, save for the distant ticking of the old grandfather clock in the hallway. As a child, you'd hated this clock. Now, as an adult, you despised it.

Your hands rested in your lap, the delicate lace of the dress you loved so much pooling around you like the last remnants of a life that, albeit short, once felt full of promises. The world outside was moving on, the townsfolk bustling about with their daily tasks, their lives seemingly untouched by the darkness that has taken hold of your heart.

It was funny, hilarious even.

Because despite pretending not to, they all knew, bowed their heads in shame whenever you walked by.

Yet not a single soul had ever cared.

Not until a man was dead, and another one was jailed for his murder.

You leaned your forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching as the winter sun set over the distant hills, casting a golden glow on the town below. The streets were full of people rushing to finish their errands before nightfall, their faces etched with concern and urgency. None of them spared a glance in the direction of your family's old house, none of them knew the depth of your despair.

Or maybe they did. Maybe they just didn't care. 

It wouldn't be the first time.

The sound of the door creaking open drew your attention, but you didn't turn to look. You knew who it was. Your mother had a way of entering a room that felt like an invasion, like an unwelcome breeze slipping through a crack in the window.

“You’re still wearing that costume,” she said, voice low and disapproving. “That man. Hongjoong. You shouldn't-”

“Shouldn't what, Mother? Mourn the only person who ever truly cared for me?”

You kept your forehead pressed against the glass, your breath fogging up a small circle. The lace of your dress felt heavy now, like a shroud. Once, you had worn it with pride. It had been a gift from Hongjoong, back when his friendship, care and love felt like a lifeline. Back when you were still able to see him, touch him, kiss him-

“Why do you still have it on?” she continued, stepping further into the room. Her footsteps were slow, deliberate. “It's time to let go of the past.”

You finally turned to face her, your eyes cold. The sight of her stirred a boiling rage within you, a fury that had been simmering for too long. She looked at you with the same passive face she always had, the face of a woman who turned away from the truths she didn't want to see.

“You let him do this to me,” you said, your voice trembling with restrained anger. “You saw the bruises. You heard the screams. And you did nothing.”

She flinched, just slightly, but quickly regained her composure, fidgeting with her hands. You two had that habit in common. “I did what I thought was best. It was a different time-”

“Different time?” you interrupted, standing up. The lace dress flowed around you, the wind making it flare up. “You watched your daughter suffer, and you did nothing. That's not the past. That's just who you are.”

Your mother’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, but you felt no pity for her. Not anymore. The betrayal was too deep, the wounds too fresh.

“E-everything's changed now,” she said softly. “He's gone. You’re free.”

“Free?!” you echoed, laughing bitterly. “Free to live in this prison of horrible memories? Free to be haunted by the faces of all the people who turned away? Free to watch the man I love be behind bars for a crime I committed?”

Silence fell between you, heavy and oppressive. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway seemed so, so much louder now.

“You need to let go,” she whispered, a plea hidden in her tone.

“And you need to face what you did,” you replied, your voice cold and unwavering. “Or, well, didn't do.”

With that, you turned back to the window, shutting her out once more. The sun had nearly disappeared behind the hills, casting long shadows across the town. 

You wouldn't stay here much longer. You had a plan, and soon, it would be time to carry it out.

But before that, you had to see your entire family again. And tonight, while celebrating another successful harvest season was the perfect opportunity. Even though the bond you once shared was inevitably broken, they were your family, your people, whom you once loved and shared many memories with.

One last time, you wanted to look them right in the eye.

Because afterwards, you vowed to never speak to them again.

“Miyeon isn't coming today?” you asked as you and your eldest sister set the table. Unfortunately for you, you had to take off Hongjoong’s dress for real this time. To keep the peace, your mother insisted.

“She's with child, Y/N. She can't travel that far. Unlike some of us, she actually fulfills her wifely duties”, she remarked snarky, her voice cold and arrogant. 

You didn't take her usual bait. “What a shame. May she and her unborn be healthy,” you whispered. You were being honest; you truly wanted that. Your middle sister was a good human, and you knew if she and her husband Gikwang wouldn't be away so much traveling the world, she would probably be the only family member you could truly lean on.

Unlike Jisoo, the eldest of you. Your relationship had always been strained, even as children. While you and Miyeon were close, Jisoo had always thought of herself as the best of the best, thus never bothering to actually spend time with you.

And when she married her wealthy husband, Juwon, her arrogance reached a whole new level. When your family's fortune went downhill and you had to marry below your status, her evil, cruel nature fully revealed itself to you. 

While she was always cordial with your parents and sister, in private, you were her personal punching bag.

Your sister's voice snapped you back to the present. “Father's been asking about you,” Jisoo said, arranging the cutlery with a meticulousness that bordered on obsessiveness. “He's worried.”

“Worried?” you echoed, suppressing a bitter laugh. “Funny, he didn't seem worried at all when he handed me over to a monster.”

Jisoo’s lips pressed into a thin line. “He did what he thought was best for the family. You were meant to secure our future.”

“And look how well that turned out,” you said, the sarcasm dripping from your words. “One dead, another imprisoned, and me... here, all alone.”

For a brief moment, you could swear your sister's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of something almost like sympathy crossing her features. “Y/N...”

But you weren’t in the mood for her half-hearted attempts at empathy. “Save it, Jisoo. You’ve made your feelings clear enough over the years.”

Silence fell over the room as the two of you continued to set the table. God, in moments like these, you really needed Miyeon. Or ‘Always the peacemaker Miyeon’, as you called her. Because now, this large dining room, once a place full of warmth and laughter, felt like a mausoleum, merely filled with the ghosts and memories of happier, easier times. The ornate chandelier above - one of the rare expensive items your family kept after your father lost his job and status -, the polished wooden floors, the family portraits lining the walls - they all seemed to mock the illusion of a perfect family that had long since shattered.

The room fell into an uneasy silence afterwards. Jisoo's meticulously manicured fingers continued moving with precision, setting each fork and knife in its place, perfectly in order.

“Y/N,” Jisoo began again, her voice softer this time. “I know you’ve been through a lot. But we’re still family. We have to… find a way to move forward.”

You looked at her, really looked at her for the first time in years. Behind the cold exterior, you saw traces of the sister you once played with in the gardens, the sister that, despite never being interested in the same things as Miyeon and you, tried her best to somewhat bond with you, all for the sake of the family. Before life had driven a wedge between you. Now, all those memories felt like they belonged to another lifetime, a dream you could barely recall.

“Moving forward,” you repeated, almost to yourself. “It sounds so simple when you say it.”

“It’s not simple,” Jisoo admitted, setting down the last knife and turning to face you fully. “But it’s necessary.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but the sound of footsteps in the hallway made you pause. Your father entered the room, his once robust frame now slightly stooped with age and worry. His eyes, once so full of authority, now seemed to carry the weight of too many regrets.

He looked as miserable as you felt. 

“Y/N,” he said, “It’s good to see you. You've been hiding in your room every time I come back from the fields, I thought… I thought you were ignoring me.”

You nodded, not trusting yourself to speak because yes, you totally were ignoring him. Your relationship with your father had always been complicated, and recent events had only made it worse.. He had been the one to arrange your marriage, to send you into the hands of the man who had caused you so much pain. Forgiveness was a luxury you couldn’t afford, not yet.

Not ever, maybe.

“Father,” you finally managed, your voice tight. “Jisoo and I were just finishing setting the table.”

He glanced at the table, then back at you, his eyes searching your face for something, anything - understanding, perhaps, or absolution. “Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to have the family together again, minus your lovely sister of course.”

Jisoo moved to stand beside him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “Are you worried? She's in good health, father, the delivery will surely go well.”

You tried so hard not to get upset at the scene unfolding in front of you. Seeing him so worried about Miyeon stung, because when has he ever shown you this kind of emotion?

He nodded, but his expression remained troubled. “Where’s your mother?”

“In the sitting room,” you replied. “She’s... resting.”

The truth was, you had left her standing in the middle of that room after yet another argument, lost in her own guilt and sorrow. But you didn’t have the energy to explain that to your father. 

“I’ll go get her,” he said, turning to leave. “Dinner will be ready soon. Jisoo, get your sons from the garden.”

As he walked away, you felt a pang of something close to pity. For all his faults, your father was still trying to hold the family together, still clinging to the hope that things could return to some semblance of normalcy. But you knew better.

Jisoo’s voice pulled you back to the present. “We should finish up. Mother won’t be happy if everything isn’t perfect.”

You nodded, moving mechanically as you placed the last of the plates on the table. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted in from the kitchen, mingling with the tension in the air. This dinner, this facade of normalcy, felt like a cruel joke. But for now, you played along, if only to keep the peace a little while longer.

Dinner was… a strained affair, to say the least. Your family gathered around the table, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on faces that had grown distant and unfamiliar. Your mother, seated at the head, looked as if she were holding herself together by sheer force of will. Beside her, your father’s attempts at small talk fell flat, met with monosyllabic responses and uncomfortable silences.

Jisoo, always the dutiful daughter, tried to keep the conversation going. “Father, have you heard from the merchants about the new trade routes? I read that they’re opening up opportunities in the south. It could be good for the farm, we could get more profit and such.”

Your father nodded, seizing on the topic like a lifeline. “Yes, I’ve been in contact with a few of them. They say the prospects are promising. It could be a chance to recover some of what we’ve lost.”

You listened with half an ear, your thoughts all over the place.

You wondered what Hongjoong was doing at this very moment. Was he getting enough food? Was the little prison cell cold? Was he… Was he thinking about you, just like you were thinking about him? All you could think about was the memory of his touch, his voice, once your only source of comfort, now a constant torment. He was the only person who had ever truly understood you, and now he was paying the price for your actions.

“Y/N?” your mother’s voice brought you right back to reality, “Did you hear me?”

You blinked, realizing she had been speaking to you. “I’m sorry, Mother. What did you say?”

She sighed, a sound full of frustration and sadness. “I asked if you had any plans now that... now that things have changed.”

You knew what she meant. Now that your husband was dead, now that the scandal had rocked your family to its core. “I haven’t decided yet,” you said carefully. “There’s a lot to think about.”

Your mother nodded, her eyes flickering to your father, then back to you. “Just remember, we’re here for you. No matter what.”

You wanted to believe her, but the years of neglect and indifference had built walls that were impossible to tear down. “Thank you,” you said, though the words felt hollow.

As the meal wore on, the conversation thankfully turned to more mundane matters - Jisoo’s children, Miyeon’s pregnancy, the upcoming harvest celebration in town. It was as if everyone was trying to pretend that nothing had changed, that you were still a family bound by more than just blood and obligation.

But you knew better. And as you looked around the table at the faces of your family, you couldn’t help but wonder if they felt that, slowly but surely, you were no longer a part of them.

Later on, as everyone else was lingering in the living room already, you turned around to your mother, now all alone with you in the kitchen. “Mother?” you asked.

“What is it?”

“The bread you made… can I have some more of it? It was… very good.”

For a split second, she looked you right in the eye. 

“...Sure, my daughter.”

She knew something was up.

But maybe, maybe, not intervening with your plans was her way of finally apologizing to you.

The small police station was cold and dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. As you stepped inside, Officer Kim, one of only four officers in your town, looked up from his desk, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity as he spotted you.

“Mrs. Y/N,” he greeted, standing up. “What brings you here at this hour?”

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself. “I need to see him,” you said, your voice cold and determined. “I need to face the man who killed my husband before he is executed.”

Officer Kim’s eyes widened slightly, but after composing himself, he nodded. “Of course. Just... be careful. He’s not in the best of moods.”

You forced a tight smile. “Thank you, Officer Kim. I brought this as a token of my appreciation.” You handed him the neatly wrapped loaf of bread. “It’s from my mother. She insisted.”

He accepted the gift with a nod. “Thank you, ma’am. That’s very kind of you.”

As he led you down the short hallway to the cells, your heart pounded in your chest. The air grew colder the more you entered the building. At one point, it was so cold you felt multiple shivers run down your spine. God, Hongjoong must have frozen to death here. 

You shook your head, taking another deep breath. You had to act, and act well, for your plan to work.

“There he is,” Officer Kim said, nodding toward the second cell. Hongjoong sat on the narrow cot, his head bowed, his hands clasped together. At the sound of your approach, he looked up, his eyes meeting yours instantly.

You saw the turmoil of emotions behind his eyes. Guilt, sorrow, and so much relief to finally see you again.

“Y/N,” he began, but you cut him off with a glare.

“Don’t you dare say my name,” you hissed, stepping closer to the bars. “You have no right to speak to me.”

Hongjoong’s eyes widened, but he quickly masked his emotions. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes.

“I needed to see you,” you spat, your voice dripping with venom. “I needed to look into the eyes of the man who murdered my husband.”

Officer Kim shifted uncomfortably beside you, clearly uneasy with the tension. “I’ll give you a few minutes,” he said, retreating back to his desk. “But don’t take too long.”

You waited until his footsteps faded before turning back to Hongjoong, your expression softening. “I’m sorry,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I had to make it convincing.”

Hongjoong reached through the bars, his fingers brushing against yours. “What are you doing here?” he asked again, his voice trembling. He looked unwell; skinnier than ever before, his eyes sunken in and some torn, old clothes on his shivering frame.

“I have a plan to get you out,” you said, glancing over your shoulder to ensure Officer Kim wasn’t coming back just yet. “The bread I gave him... it’s poisoned. Not enough to kill, just enough to make him sick. When he’s down, I’ll get the keys and we’ll leave. Together.”

Hongjoong’s eyes filled with a mix of admiration and worry. “You’re risking everything for me.”

“I’d risk anything for you,” you confirmed, your voice breaking. “You’re the only person who’s ever truly cared for me. I can’t lose you.”

Before he could respond, you heard a muffled groan from the direction of the desk. It seemed as if officer Kim was already feeling the effects of the poison, his footsteps stumbling as he tried to return.

“Now,” you whispered urgently. “We have to go now.”

You hurried back to the entrance of the cells, finding Officer Kim slumped over his desk, groaning in pain. He looked up at you, confusion and betrayal clearly visible in his eyes.

“Mrs. Y/N... what...”

“I’m so, so sorry,” you said softly, reaching for the keys on his belt. “I had to.”

You returned to Hongjoong’s cell, unlocking the door with trembling hands. The door swung open with a creak, and he stepped out, his hand immediately finding yours.

“Let’s go,” you said, pulling him toward the back exit. “We don’t have much time.”

“Wait,” he said, and halted his steps. Before you could fully turn around and ask what's wrong, he was all over you. 

His arms wrapped around you in a fierce embrace, pulling you close as if he were afraid you might disappear. You could feel his heartbeat, fast and erratic, echoing your own.

“I thought I’d lost you,” he murmured into your hair, his voice choked with emotion. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

You held onto him just as tightly, savoring the warmth and solidity of his body against yours. “We don’t have much time,” you whispered, even though you wanted nothing more than to stay in his arms forever. “We have to go.”

Hongjoong nodded, pulling back slightly but keeping a firm grip on your hand. Together, you made your way out, your hearts pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration. The night was cold and still, the moon casting a pale light over the deserted streets..

“We’ll head to the forest,” you said, squeezing Hongjoong’s hand. “I hid a few resources for us by the tree where we first met. Along with… along with some evidence. Against my former husband.”

“You want… you want to prove my innocence?”

You looked at him, and nodded. “You are innocent after all. And… and I am too.”

Hongjoong’s grip tightened on your hand as the two of you made your way through the dark, narrow streets. “I have someone who can help us,” he whispered urgently. “Someone… powerful.”

You glanced at him. “Who?”

“I can't tell you yet. But trust me, she can definitely help us.”

She?

You nodded, but your mind raced. “...Alright, let’s get to the tree first. We need those resources.”

The two of you moved down the all too familiar path. The town was quiet, the only sound the occasional bark of a distant dog or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Beside you, Hongjoong wasn't as quick as he'd usually be; the weeks of solitary confinement, barely enough food and cold temperatures were clearly evident, yet he did not once fall behind. You reached the tree where you and Hongjoong had first met, a towering oak tree.

The place where it all started.

“There,” you whispered, pointing to a hollow at the base of the tree. Hongjoong knelt down, reaching into the hollow and pulling out a small bag. He opened it, revealing the few precious items you had hidden: food, water, a change of clothes, and most importantly, the evidence that could clear Hongjoong’s name.

“These letters,” you said, pulling out a bundle of crumpled papers. “They’re from my husband. Threatening me, detailing his abuse and plans to ruin our family if I didn’t comply. They’ll prove what kind of man he really was.”

Hongjoong nodded, his eyes hardening. “We’ll make sure everyone knows the truth. But first, we need to get out of here.”

“Don't you want to rest?” you asked, clearly worried about his current state.

He just took your hand and placed a chaste kiss on it. “Later. I have to make sure you're safe first.”

“And you, too,” you added.

“And me too,” he repeated.

So, the two of you set off again, moving through the shadows, your hearts pounding in unison. As you reached the main street, you were determined to make it as far as possible, as quickly as possible. But as you rounded a corner, you came to a sudden halt.

A carriage awaited you, its dark silhouette looming in the moonlight. And standing beside it, his expression grim, was your father.

“Father,” you whispered, your voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. “What are you doing here?”

He stepped forward, his eyes locked on yours. “I… had a feeling you’d try to run,” he said quietly. “And I couldn’t let you do it alone.”

You stared at him, confusion swirling in your mind. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I’ve made many mistakes, Y/N. So, so many mistakes. But letting you suffer in silence was the worst of all. I’m not here to stop you. I’m here to help you. Even if it means I'll never see you again.”

Hongjoong stepped protectively in front of you, his eyes narrowed. “Why should we trust you? You never protected her before, why now?”

Your father met his gaze steadily. “Because I love my daughter.”

“You're a liar,” you whispered, hot, angry tears threatening to escape your eyes.

He fiercely shook his head. “I'm a bad person, Y/N. I do not want to earn my forgiveness with this. But I'm not a liar. Never that. Take this carriage and go, wherever you two want to.”

You looked at Hongjoong, then back at your father. “And what about you?”

He shook his head. “I’ll stay behind and livel with the consequences. It’s the least I can do.”

Tears filled your eyes as you stepped forward, embracing your father tightly. It was the first hug you shared in a long, long time, and also the last one. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice breaking.

He held you close for a moment, then gently pushed you toward the carriage. “Go. Be safe. And don’t look back.”

You and Hongjoong climbed into the carriage, the soft leather seats a stark contrast to the cold, hard ground you had just left. As the carriage began to move, you looked out the window, watching your father’s figure grow smaller and smaller until it fully disappeared into the night.

The carriage rattled along the narrow, winding road, the wheels clattering over the uneven stones. The night was cold, the air crisp with the promise of frost. You wrapped a blanket around yourself and Hongjoong, sharing the warmth as best you could. The lantern hanging from the carriage’s front swayed with each bump, casting erratic shadows that danced across the landscape.

The path ahead was long and treacherous, leading through dense forests and over rocky hills. Every so often, the carriage would hit a particularly deep rut, jolting you both almost freaking the horse out numerous times.

Luckily for you, Hongjoong was some kind of animal whisperer and managed to calm the horse pretty quickly each time.

As the hours passed, the moon climbed higher in the sky, its pale light filtering through the bare branches of the trees. The forest around you was alive with nocturnal sounds - the hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves, the distant cry of a fox. You kept a wary eye on the shadows, aware that danger could lurk in the darkness.

Dawn was beginning to break when the carriage crested a hill, revealing a panoramic view of the valley below. The first light of day painted the landscape in soft hues of pink and gold, the rolling hills stretching out like a patchwork quilt. It was a moment of fleeting beauty, a reminder of the world beyond your troubles.

“It's so pretty here,” you whispered. Hongjoong hummed in return, his gaze slowly becoming more and more unfocused.

He was tired, and in desperate need for some rest.

“Let me drive for a while,” you said softly, touching Hongjoong's arm. “You need to rest.”

Hongjoong shook his head, though his exhaustion was evident. “I’ll rest later. We need to put as much distance between us and the town as possible.”

“Please,” you insisted, your voice gentle but firm. “You’re no good to me if you collapse from exhaustion. Let me take over until we find an inn.”

He hesitated, then finally nodded, knowing you were right. The carriage came to a halt, and you swapped places. As you took the reins, Hongjoong settled into the seat, wrapping the blanket tightly around himself. His eyes closed almost immediately, the tension in his body easing as he finally allowed himself to rest a little.

You guided the carriage along the winding road, the rhythm of the horse’s hooves a steady, comforting beat. The landscape around you began to change as the sun climbed higher, the dense forest giving way to open fields and distant mountains. 

Hours passed, and you kept a vigilant eye on the road ahead. Occasionally, you would glance back at Hongjoong, who slept fitfully, his brow furrowed even in rest. The evidence you had gathered against your husband lay safely tucked away, a lifeline that could clear Hongjoong’s name and secure your future together.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the fields, you spotted a small village nestled at the base of the mountains. It was far enough from your town that you felt safe enough to stop for a while. The village appeared peaceful and quiet, only a few people out on the street at this hour.

You gently shook Hongjoong awake as the carriage rolled to a stop at the edge of the village. He stirred, blinking groggily. “Where are we?”

“A village,” you replied, helping him down from the carriage. “We can rest here for the night.”

He nodded, too tired to argue. The two of you made your way to the inn, a modest building with a welcoming glow emanating from its windows. 

The inn's common room was a bustling hub of activity, filled with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of mugs. The innkeeper, a plump woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, greeted you as you approached the counter.

“Good evening, dear,” she said, her voice soft and welcoming. “What can I do for you?”

“We need a room for the night,” you replied, glancing back at Hongjoong, who was leaning heavily against the wall, fighting to stay awake.

The older woman nodded, her eyes flickering to Hongjoong before returning to you. "Of course, dear. We have one room available, but it only has one bed. I hope… that’s alright?”

Her eyes flickered towards your hand. There was no ring on it and so, if you took that single bed room, it would be quiet… frivolous.

You felt a flush rise to your cheeks. You yearned to be close to him, to feel his warmth and comfort, but after everything that happened, the thoughts of sleeping close to someone terrified you. And, most important in this current situation; you weren’t married yet. 

Hongjoong, sensing your hesitation, stepped forward. “That will be fine,” he said softly, tired eyes settling upon your figure. “Thank you.”

It seemed you were the only one caring about appearances.

The innkeeper's smile widened, and she quickly handed you a key. “Room 3, just up the stairs. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.”

You nodded, taking the key with trembling hands. “Thank you,” you managed.

You carefully led Hongjoong up the narrow staircase. The wooden steps creaked under your weight, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway. It seemed that with your arrival, the sound of previous laughter had fully died down. Or maybe the ringing in your ears was too loud for you to notice any other noises. When you reached the door to your room, you hesitated for a moment before unlocking it and pushing it open.

The room was small but cozy, with a single bed pushed against one wall and a small window that offered a view of the village below. The bed was covered with a thick, quilted blanket, and a simple wooden chair sat in the corner.

Hongjoong sank onto the bed with a sigh, his eyes already half-closed. You stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of what to do next.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong murmured, his voice gentle. “You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor.”

You shook your head, stepping closer. “No, you need to rest properly. We'll share the bed. It’s... it’s fine.”

He looked at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and gratitude. “Are you sure?”

You nodded, though your heart was pounding in your chest. “Yes. We'll manage. I trust you.”

And you did. What you did not trust though were your inner demons.

Hongjoong fully collapsed onto the bed, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. You sat beside him, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “Rest now,” you whispered. “We’ll figure out the rest in the morning. I'll go ahead and fetch us something to eat, okay?”

He nodded, his eyes already closing. You stayed by his side for a few minutes, then quietly left the room to look for food you both desperately needed.

After finding some bread, cheese, and a couple of apples in the inn's small kitchen, you returned to the room. The scent of the simple meal filled the space, mingling with the comforting warmth of the inn. Hongjoong stirred as you entered, his eyes slowly opening.

“Food,” you announced with a soft smile, sitting down on the edge of the bed and handing him a piece of bread. “It's not much, but it's something.”

He took the bread with a grateful smile, his fingers brushing against yours. “Thank you,” he murmured, taking a bite. “This is perfect.”

You both ate in silence for a while. Despite the simplicity of the meal, it felt like a feast after eating little to nothing the past few days. Hongjoong's presence, his gentle smile, and the way he looked at you with such trust and affection made the food taste even better.

As you carefully cut and shared the apples with him, your fingers occasionally brushed against his, each touch sending a small shiver down your spine. The tension of the past days seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and connection. You found yourself laughing softly at the way Hongjoong tried to juggle the uncut apples, almost dropping them.

“You're hopeless,” you teased, giggling as he finally managed to catch them.

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I'm just a man hopelessly in love,” he corrected, his tone playful yet sincere.

Your heart fluttered at his words, and you couldn't help but laugh, a genuine, carefree sound that you hadn't heard from yourself in a long time. It felt good to laugh, to share this moment of lightness with him.

As the meal came to an end, you both settled back on the bed, the small space forcing you to be close. Hongjoong's warmth radiated against your side, his arm brushing against yours. Despite the comfort of his presence, your body immediately tensed.

The last time a man laid next to you, he'd done unspeakable things to you. 

But this… this was Hongjoong. Your Hongjoong.

You trusted him.

Yet at the same time, you were still terrified.

You tried to focus on his steady breathing, the rise and fall of his chest, but your heart raced, and your skin prickled with unease. You felt a knot of anxiety forming in your stomach, your muscles tightening involuntarily.

You couldn't breathe.

Hongjoong sensed your discomfort, his hand gently covering yours. “It's okay,” he whispered, his voice soothing. “I'm here.”

You nodded, but his reassurance did little to calm the storm inside you. Your mind was flooded with conflicting thoughts and emotions. The warmth of his body was both a comfort and a reminder of all you had endured. You wanted to relax, to let go and feel safe, but your body wouldn't allow it.

Your breathing quickened, your chest tightening. You could feel your pulse pounding in your ears, each beat drowning out every other sound. Your hands trembled, and you clutched the blanket tightly, trying to ground yourself.

“Breathe,” he murmured, his voice soft and steady. “Just breathe with me.”

“I can't,” you sobbed.

“Shhh. Just close your eyes.”

You did as he said, focusing on his voice, his warmth. Slowly, you matched your breathing to his. The tension in your muscles began to ease, though the fear still lingered at the edges of your mind.

Hongjoong's hand never left yours, his thumb tracing soothing patterns on your skin. “You're safe,” he whispered, his voice a balm to your frayed nerves. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

Tears welled up in your eyes. You squeezed his hand, finding strength in his presence. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice trembling.

He pulled you closer, his arms wrapping around you in a gentle embrace. You felt the steady beat of his heart against your cheek, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest grounding you. “We'll get through this,” he murmured. “Together.”

“You know,” you slowly began, carefully turning around. Now, face to face with him, you carefully lifted your fingers and started tracing husband features; his acquainted eyebrows, over husband prominent cheekbones to his soft, plush lips, where you remained a little longer.

“I don't think I'd be alive without you, Kim Hongjoong. For that… for you, coming into my life and selflessly saving me, I am beyond thankful. But at the same time… at the same time, I can't help but think that if you'd never met me… you could still live your normal life. Sometimes… it gets all too much.”

You held his gaze, your fingers repeating your previous actions of lightly tracing the curve of his lips. “You’ve given me so much, Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “More than I ever thought I deserved.”

His hand came up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. “You deserve everything, Y/N. More than I could ever give.”

The sincerity in his eyes made your heart ache. “I don't know what I'd do without you,” you said, your voice breaking. “You've been my rock, my savior. I... I don't know if I can ever repay you.”

Hongjoong's hand moved to the back of your neck, his fingers gently kneading the tension there. “You don't need to repay me. Just being with you is enough. Seeing you smile, hearing your laughter... that's all I need for the rest of my life.”

You closed your eyes, savoring the feel of his touch. His fingers were warm and strong, yet so gentle. It was a stark contrast to the harshness you had known before. 

“You shine so bright, Joongie. Like the sun. My sun.”

He leaned in closer, his forehead resting against yours. “And you will shine like that too again. Soon,” he breathed, his lips brushing against your skin. The intimacy of the moment made your heart race, but it wasn't fear this time. It was something else, something deeper.

Something only Kim Hongjoong could make you feel.

You opened your eyes, finding his face so close to yours that you could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes. “Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I'm scared. Not of you, but of losing you. Of the future. Of what might happen if they find us.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering. “We won't let that happen. We're stronger together. They won't find us. Once we're in the capital, I’ll handle everything, okay?”

His words gave you strength, and you found yourself leaning into him, your lips brushing against his in a tender, lingering kiss. It was slow and gentle, a silent promise of your love and devotion towards each other. His hand slipped into your hair, holding you close as your lips moved together, exploring and savoring each other.

When you finally pulled back, you were both breathing heavily, your foreheads still touching. “I love you,” you whispered, your voice filled with pure, raw emotion.

Hongjoong's eyes softened, his thumb tracing your jawline. “And I love you,” he replied, his voice just as tender. “More than words can say.”

You stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside forgotten. In his embrace, you felt safe, cherished, and deeply loved. The fear and anxiety that had plagued you began to fade, replaced by a warmth that spread through your entire being.

“Let’s rest now,” he whispered, his voice a soothing balm. “Tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll face it together.”

You nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. “Together,” you echoed, your voice steady.

He gently guided you down onto the bed, pulling the blanket over both of you. His arms remained around you, holding you close as you settled into the warmth of his embrace. 

As you drifted off to sleep, you felt his lips press a gentle kiss to your temple, his breath warm against your skin. “Goodnight, my love,” he murmured, his voice a soft caress.

“Goodnight,” you whispered back, your heart full. 

That night, you finally had a good, peaceful sleep.

“How long until we arrive at the capital?”

Hongjoong was leaning against the carriage window, his eyes scanning the horizon. A storm would be coming soon, he said.

“Two more days, if we keep this pace,” he replied, turning to face you. “The storm may slow us down a bit.”

You nodded. The journey had been long and exhausting, the constant tension of being on the run making you an anxious mess. But with Hongjoong by your side, you felt a strength you had never known before.

The carriage jostled along the uneven road, the sounds of the wheels clattering against the stones a constant reminder of the distance still left to travel. You glanced at Hongjoong, his face etched with determination despite the exhaustion that lingered in his eyes.

“We’ll make it,” you said softly, more to yourself than to him. “We have to.”

He reached out, taking your hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We will,” he affirmed, his voice steady. “And once we’re there, we’ll find a way to solve all this mess. To start over.”

You leaned against him, drawing comfort from his presence. 

You traveled through several more small villages, their inhabitants just beginning to stir. Farmers led their livestock out to pasture, and shopkeepers opened their doors, the smell of fresh bread and morning fires wafting through the air. The sight of these simple, everyday routines filled you with a strange sense of peace, a reminder that life went on, and that, maybe in the future, your life may look like this too.

Simple yet happy and fulfilling.

And then, you arrived. 

You gasped as the large gates of the city appeared in front of you.

The capital was a sprawling maze of streets and alleys, bustling with activity. Everything here was just so much larger, louder and generally more impressive, a stark contrast to the quiet, simpler life you had known. The noise and commotion seemed to close in around you, but Hongjoong’s steady presence kept you grounded.

“It's a lot to take in, right?” he asked.

You nodded, mouth opened in awe as you took in your surroundings. “It's huge. I can't stop looking everywhere!”

He laughed, gently squeezing your hand. “We'll have plenty of time to explore everything once we've settled in properly. I'll show you all my favorite places, okay?”

You smiled at him. A gentle, real smile. “Okay!”

Hongjoong looked around, his eyes bright with excitement despite the exhaustion. “Luckily for us, two of my closest friends live here. They’re good people, and I’m sure they’ll offer us a place to stay.”

You felt a wave of relief wash over you. “That would be wonderful. I can’t wait to meet them. You haven't told me much about your past, so I’m really excited, Joongie.”

“In the future, I'll tell you everything you want to know. My past, present and future are yours, Y/N.”

Your heart fluttered, and a deep blush coated your face. A sheepish smile stole its way onto your lips.

Hongjoong led you through the bustling streets, expertly navigating the maze of alleys and markets. After a few twists and turns, you arrived at a modest but welcoming home. 

He hastily jumped up the carriage and then held his hand out for you to take it. You smiled at him. Your lover was a true gentleman, and it made you feel all giddy inside, even at such a small gesture.

Hongjoong knocked on the door, and moments later, it swung open to reveal a tall, athletic man with sharp features and an inquisitive look.

“Hongjoong?” the man said in surprise, his eyes widening. The first thing you noticed was his clothes. They looked… expensive. And yet, he lived in such a small home.

You wondered what his story was.

“What are you doing here?”

“San, it’s a long story,” Hongjoong replied, pulling San into a hug. “We need a place to stay. Is Wooyoung home?”

San nodded, stepping aside to let you both in. “He’s in the kitchen. Come in.”

As you stepped inside, you were immediately greeted by the comforting smell of home-cooked food. A few moments later, another man appeared, carrying a tray of freshly baked bread. He had a playful sparkle in his eyes and a welcoming smile on his face.

“Who do we have here?” Wooyoung asked, setting the tray down and wiping his hands on a towel.

“Wooyoung, this is my friend,” Hongjoong introduced you. “She's been traveling with me.”

Wooyoung’s eyes widened in surprise and then softened. “Well, any friend of Hongjoong’s is welcome here. Please, make yourself at home.”

You felt a warmth spread through you at their genuine hospitality. San and Wooyoung led you to a cozy living room where a fire crackled in the hearth. You sank into a comfortable chair, letting out a sigh as your aching muscles relaxed.

“Sorry for the sudden arrival,” Hongjoong said, his tone sincere. “We didn’t have time to send word ahead.”

San waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. We’re just glad you’re safe. What’s going on?”

Hongjoong looked at you first, before briefly explaining: “It's too long of a story to share in detail. But, we had to flee from where we came from and are now on a mission to… clear up some misunderstandings. I can promise you two that you'll be kept out of any trouble. I just… need a safe place, especially to keep my woman safe.”

San nodded, curiously glancing towards you as the words ‘my woman’ left Hongjoong’s mouth. You smiled awkwardly at the man. “We have a spare room you can use, Hongjoong.”

Tears of gratitude welled up in your eyes. It wasn't much, but just having a place to stay, surrounded by people you knew Hongjoong trusted, was enough to make you feel all sorts of emotions. 

“Thank you,” you said, your voice choked with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

Hongjoong squeezed your hand again, his own eyes full of gratitude. “We’re going to be okay,” he whispered softly. “Wooyoung and San are good, nice people. How about you just relax and befriend them while I'll do the work, hm?”

“I couldn't possibly-”

“Oh, but you can”, he interrupted you, playfully playing with your hair. “My Y/N should never worry her pretty head about anything again now that she's with me.”

You giggled sheepishly. “Oh Joongie, you're such a flirt!”

“Ahem.” A voice interrupted you and suddenly, the bubble around the two of you burst and you were reminded that you were not alone but, in fact, in the house of two men who were now very openly staring at you.

One who was cackling behind his hand like a menace - Wooyoung - and the other one who did not know where he should look. You, or the very interesting ceiling?

“So, ‘my woman', huh?” Wooyoung teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Since when did you become such a romantic, Hongjoong? And most importantly: where’s our invitation to the wedding?”

Hongjoong’s ears turned a deep shade of red, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. “Wooyoung, now’s not the time…”

“Oh, but it’s always the time for love, Joongie!” Wooyoung replied with a dramatic flourish. “Here we were, thinking you were just wandering around from city to city and selling your dresses, but no, you were secretly out there sweeping a lovely lady off her feet!”

San tried to interject, a desperate attempt to hold the man beside him back. “Wooyoung, maybe we should-”

“San, don’t be a killjoy,” Wooyoung interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. “This is the most excitement we’ve had in weeks! Besides, our Hongjoong, who couldn't even look a woman into the eye the last time we saw him, has finally grown up. We must celebrate!”

“I'm older than both of you, Wooyoung!”

Hongjoong buried his face in his hands, clearly embarrassed. You couldn’t help but giggle at the situation, feeling a bit more at ease in the presence of the two strangers now.

“Y/N, you should know,” Wooyoung continued, leaning in conspiratorially, “Hongjoong here is quite the catch. He’s a gentleman, a true and talented dressmaker, and apparently, a poet. ‘My woman’, indeed.”

San finally managed to find his voice. “Alright, Wooyoung, give them a break. They’ve had a long journey, and they need rest, not your joking.”

Wooyoung pouted dramatically. “Fine, fine. But don’t think this conversation is over, Hongjoong. We need all the juicy details later.”

Hongjoong groaned, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. “You never change, do you, Wooyoung?”

“Never,” Wooyoung replied proudly. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

San shook his head, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Let’s get you both settled in. You can rest, and we’ll talk more later. Until then Wooyoung, behave yourself.”

Wooyoung saluted playfully. “Aye, aye, captain!”

Later that evening, after a hearty meal and much laughter with Wooyoung and San, you were led into a small, cozy room. The modest bed in the corner looked incredibly inviting after the long journey. You quickly freshened up, San kindly lending you some spare clothing for the night, before returning back to the room. Hongjoong was already there, lying on his back, staring at the ceiling lost in thought. You quietly slipped in beside him, the bed creaking softly under your weight.

He turned to you, his expression softening as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from your face. “How are you feeling?” he asked gently.

“Tired,” you admitted, snuggling closer to him. 

Only then did you realize that, despite sharing the bed with him multiple times now, this was the first time both of you wore proper sleeping clothing. Therefore, both of you were a bit… more exposed than usual.

Suddenly, you were very, very aware of the naked skin his hand was occasionally touching.

And your heart skipped a beat. This time, not of the usual warmth Hongjoong ignited within you all the time.

No, this time, there was also a hint of fear rushing through your veins.

You closed your eyes for a moment, savoring the softness of his touch, yet the past clung to you like a shroud, and you felt a flicker of hesitation within you.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong’s voice pulled you from your thoughts, low and soothing, “you can trust me.” There was an earnestness in his tone, a promise that echoed in the silence of the room. He shifted closer, his body radiating heat and a sense of safety that beckoned you to let go of your fears and open your eyes to meet him.

Nothing but sincerity and love greeted you in his gaze.

As his hand traced a gentle path along your arm, you shivered at the sensation. It was a touch that was so different from what you had known, devoid of the harshness that had once marred your skin and spirit. His fingers danced lightly over your wrist, and you felt a rush of warmth that sent a thrill through your heart, igniting a yearning you had thought was lost forever.

“Is this okay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort. You nodded carefully. It was a struggle to separate the innocence of his affection from the painful memories that tainted your every being. You could feel your breath quicken as he leaned closer, the scent of him - fresh and comforting - surrounding you like a soft embrace.

Hongjoong’s fingers slipped beneath your chin, tilting your face towards his. The way he looked at you, with such reverence and care, made your heart ache. “You’re safe with me,” he murmured, and it felt like a balm to your soul. You had craved this kind of tenderness, and even though the man in front of you was willing to give it to you, to give you his all, a remaining feeling of panic remained deep inside of you.

“I'm sorry you have to deal with this again. One may think that after we slept side by side so many times already I would get used to it. I don't know why I'm so pathe-”

“Princess, don't you dare finish this sentence. You're incredible and don't have to apologize for a single thing.”

He leaned in, brushing his lips softly against yours, a gentle caress that sent shivers down your spine. It was a kiss that said so, so much, a kiss that was patient and completely unhurried. You melted into him, feeling the warmth of his body envelop you like a protective cocoon.

You did your best to believe in his words.

That night, nothing more happened. 

Hongjoong knew that it would take you a long while to truly let go of your fears.

And, while tracing more gentle kisses along your skin, all he said was: “I don't need you to give me your body to know that you are already mine and I am yours.”

The next day, as you slowly woke up and blinked the tears away, you noticed two things immediately: winter was coming, and the temperatures were dropping quickly and, most importantly; Hongjoong's side of the bed was empty.

There was no logical explanation for the panic that immediately set in, yet you felt your chest tightening and your heart pounding quickly. You rushed out of bed, almost stumbling over your own feet as you slipped into the soft pantoffels San provided you with, and sprinted down the stairs. 

“Woah, what's the rush-”

“Wooyoung”, you interrupted the man with sleepy, still half-closed eyes, “Where's Hongjoong?”

He scratched the back of his hand. “He left when you fell asleep last night. All he said was that he had some matters to take care of and would be back early in the morning. He… isn't back yet?”

The weight of Wooyoung's words hit you like a train. If Hongjoong had promised to be back by morning, then where was he? The sun was already peeking through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room, and there was still no sign of him. A thousand thoughts raced through your mind as you tried to make sense of the situation.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself as the panic threatened to overwhelm you. “No… he isn't back yet,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. The words felt foreign on your tongue. 

Wooyoung's expression shifted from confusion to concern. “Maybe he got held up somewhere? You know how he is… always taking on more than he should.”

You shook your head, refusing to accept that as the answer. “He wouldn't just leave without telling me. Not like this.” 

But what if he would? 

The unease in your chest grew stronger, the fear tightening its grip around your heart.

Wooyoung reached out, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe he's on his way back right now.”

But you could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the doubt he was trying so hard to hide. The pit in your stomach deepened, and you knew you couldn't just sit around waiting, hoping that everything would be okay. 

“I need to find him,” you said, determination lacing your voice. You quickly turned on your heel, heading for the door without another word.

"Wait!" Wooyoung called after you, but you were already halfway out the door, your mind set on one thing: finding Hongjoong.

And then you pumped head first into San.

“Careful, little one. What's the-”

“Have you seen Hongjoong?” you blurted out, your voice trembling as you nearly collided with San.

San’s usually warm expression was replaced with a frown. “No, I haven’t. What’s going on? Why are you in such a rush?”

You hesitated, your mind racing. Should you tell them? Would they even understand? Hongjoong hasn't told them anything concrete about your situation as of now, and you weren't sure if you should tell them without him present.

“He’s… He’s not back yet. Wooyoung said he left last night, but he should’ve been back by now.”

San’s eyes widened. “And he hasn't said where he's going?”

You shook your head, fighting to keep your voice steady. “No. But I... I can’t just sit around and wait. I need to find him.”

San looked conflicted, glancing over at Wooyoung, who had followed you outside. “But you don’t know your way around the capital. You could get lost or… worse.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but San gently placed a hand on your arm, stopping you. “I get that you’re worried, but let’s wait a bit longer, okay? He wouldn’t want you getting into trouble trying to find him.”

The thought of sitting around doing nothing while Hongjoong was out there - somewhere - felt unbearable. He was shouldering all your problems alone, and it made you both guilty and mad that he didn't even tell you a single thing. 

Reluctantly, you nodded, and San led you back inside the house. The atmosphere was heavy as the three of you settled into the living room, the clock on the wall ticking away the minutes in agonizing slowness.

“So… uh…”

Awkward silence set in, both men looking at each other concerned. Wooyoung, trying to lighten the mood, leaned back on the couch and stretched.

“Uh.. Did you know that San literally can't sleep without hugging something? And with something, I mean me - like, this man doesn't know how strong he is and literally suffocates me every night!”, he laughs.

You glanced at San, who looked somewhat mortified, a blush creeping up his neck. “Wooyoung…” he muttered, giving him a half-hearted glare. Unfortunately, his joke did nothing to soothe your nerves. If anything, it only made the awkwardness more palpable. “Uh, that's… interesting,” you mumbled, not really knowing what else to say. You liked them both, but conversations with them always felt like you were navigating a minefield, unsure of where to step. 

Especially now that Hongjoong wasn't here with you.

San rubbed the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “It's not like that, really. It's just… a comfort thing, I guess.”

You fidgeted with the hem of your shirt, stealing glances at Wooyoung and San, who were both trying, in their own ways, to lighten the atmosphere. They were being so kind, so patient, but it only made you feel worse. You weren’t used to this. It was foreign, almost suffocating, in a way you couldn't quite understand. 

Wooyoung cleared his throat, breaking the silence, seemingly ignoring that you still haven't said anything to his joking attempt to lighten the mood. “So, uh, have you had breakfast yet? I can make something if you’re hungry.”

You shook your head, though the thought of eating made your stomach twist in a knot. “No, I’m… I’m not really hungry.” 

“Coffee, then?” San offered, trying to keep the conversation going. “Or tea? I think there’s still some left in the kitchen.” 

You hesitated, not wanting to seem ungrateful. “Maybe… tea?” It felt like the right thing to say, even if you weren’t sure you could stomach anything right now. 

San nodded, giving you a small, encouraging smile. “Tea it is. I’ll be right back.” He got up, his footsteps almost too loud in the quiet room, leaving you alone with Wooyoung. The silence between you and the other man was thick, both of you unsure of what to say. You could feel his gaze on you, but you kept your eyes fixed on the floor, afraid that if you looked up, he’d see just how out of sorts you really were.

Wooyoung shifted in his seat, clearly trying to come up with something to break the tension. “You know, I don’t think we’ve really had the chance to talk much… Just us,” he said.

“Yeah,” you murmured, feeling your cheeks heat up. You wanted to be able to talk to him, to say something normal, but the words just wouldn’t come. It was frustrating - feeling like you were locked inside your own head, even when you desperately wanted to reach out. He leaned back, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I get it, though. Meeting new people can be… overwhelming.”

You looked up at him. “It’s just… I’m not really used to this. To any of this,” you admitted quietly, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

Wooyoung nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I figured. But hey, no pressure. We’re just… trying to make you feel welcome, you know? You're Hongjoong's girl, after all.”

“I know,” you replied quickly, feeling a pang of guilt. “I really appreciate it. I do. It’s just… hard, sometimes.”

He didn’t press you, just nodded again, his eyes soft. “It’s okay. We’re not in any rush. We’ve all got our own issues, you know?”

Before you could respond, San returned, holding a steaming mug of tea. He handed it to you with a small, reassuring smile. “Here you go. It’s chamomile - good for relaxing.” 

“Thanks,” you whispered, wrapping your hands around the warm mug, letting the heat seep into your skin. 

San settled back into his seat, the three of you once again falling into a somewhat awkward silence. You sipped your tea, the warmth soothing your throat, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside you. They were trying so hard, and that only made it worse. You could see the effort in every glance, every word. They didn’t know your past, your struggles, and you didn’t know how to tell them - didn’t even know if you should. And so you stayed quiet, trapped in your own thoughts, feeling like an outsider despite their best efforts.

“I guess… I’m just not good at this,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“At what?” San asked gently, leaning forward slightly.

“Talking. Being around people. Making… friends I don’t know how to…” You trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Wooyoung chuckled softly, not in a mocking way, but as if he understood more than you realized. “You’re doing just fine. We’re not exactly pros at this either, you know. Most of the time, we’re just winging it.”

San nodded in agreement. “He’s right. It’s okay to not know what to say. We’re just… glad you’re here.”

Their words made something inside you ache. You still weren’t used to kindness without strings attached, to people caring just because. It felt undeserved, even after Hongjoong showed you that you did in fact deserve it, and that made you even more unsure of how to act. 

“Thanks,” you whispered, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you. You wanted to be better at this, for them, for Hongjoong, but you didn’t know how.

Wooyoung grinned, nudging your shoulder lightly. “No need to thank us. We’re all in this together, right?”

You nodded, managing a small smile in return. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. And that was enough for now.

If someone would've told you that you'd ever be genuinely mad at Kim Hongjoong, you definitely would've laughed right in their face. Because Hongjoong was the kindest, sweetest man you'd ever known, so what would ever make you angry at him?

“Ah, look who's back,” was all you said as you heard the door close behind you.

You had never imagined feeling this way toward Hongjoong, the man who you grew to love so much. But now, as you stood in your shared living room, hearing the door close behind you, that anger burned hotter, fueled by the fear and helplessness that had consumed you all morning.

You didn't turn around to face him immediately, your hands clenched into fists at your sides. Your mind raced with thoughts, each one only making the knot in your chest tighter. 

The sound of his footsteps approaching filled the room, and you could feel his presence behind you, close enough to touch. For a moment, you considered letting it go, just brushing it all under the rug like you’d done with so many things before. But this was different. This problem wasn't just his alone; this was your life too, your problems, your fears, and he had just walked away, leaving you in the dark.

Hongjoong hesitated. “I’m sorry I was gone for so long,” he began, but that was all it took to make you whirl around, your emotions spilling over.

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” The words came out harsher than you intended, but you couldn’t stop them. “You left without saying a word, Hongjoong. I don't even know where you went! You promised you’d be back by morning, and then you just… didn’t come back. It's almost midnight now! Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

His eyes widened, clearly taken aback by your outburst. “I didn’t mean to worry you,” he said, his voice softening, but you could see the guilt in his eyes. “I just had to take care of some things-”

“But why alone?” you interrupted, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. “Why do you always do this? You think you have to handle everything by yourself, like I’m some fragile thing that needs to be protected. But this is my problem too, Joong! I have a right to know, to help, to be there with you! Because…” your voice broke, and you looked at the floor as you wiped a tear away, “because the guilt is eating me alive, Joong. Without me… without me, none of this would have ever happened. It all began with me, so I should… I should take responsibility too.”

Hongjoong’s expression softened as he saw the tears welling up in your eyes. “Hey, hey, no,” he murmured, stepping closer and reaching out to cup your face, but you took a step back and shook your head silently.

“Don’t,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “Don’t act like this is just something we can brush aside, like it’s no big deal. You think you’re protecting me by keeping things from me, but you’re not. You’re only making it worse. I can’t keep doing this, Joong. I can’t keep pretending that it’s okay for you to shut me out. For you to shoulder everything alone.”

Hongjoong’s hand dropped to his side, his face crumbling with regret. “I never wanted to shut you out. I just… I didn’t want you to worry, didn’t want you to feel like you had to carry this burden. You're still so… hurt. I thought I was doing the right thing by handling it on my own.”

“But it’s not just your burden to carry!” you cried, your voice breaking. “We’re supposed to be in this together, Joong. You don’t get to decide what I can or can’t handle. You don’t get to just leave me in the dark, wondering if you’re okay, wondering if you’ll even come back. I was worried sick the whole day!”

His eyes were filled with a pain that mirrored your own, and for a moment, he looked like he didn’t know what to say, like he didn’t know how to make this right. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was hurt you. I’m so, so sorry.”

You shook your head, tears spilling over your cheeks as you looked at him, at the man you loved more than anything in the world, the man who had somehow become a stranger to you in this moment. 

“I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight,” you mumbled. “You may talk to me again when you're finally ready to include me in your plans. Until then… good night, Joong.”

“Y/N, wait-”

But the door shut close behind you before he could finish his sentence.

“H‐hey, I'm sorry, I really didn't want to eavesdrop, but I heard you two arguing...” San’s voice trailed off, his gaze meeting yours. The moment your tear-filled eyes locked with his, the emotions you’d been trying so hard to keep in check threatened to overflow.

For a second, you hesitated. You weren’t close to San - not really. He was still more of a stranger than a friend, someone who was kind and caring but still somewhat distant. But right now, you felt like you were drowning, and he was the only solid thing within your reach.

Without thinking, you moved towards him. As soon as you reached him, you hesitated again, but before you could pull back, San’s arms wrapped around you in a warm, protective embrace. You buried your face in his chest, and the dam inside you finally broke.

Tears poured down your cheeks as you cried against him, the sobs you’d been holding back all day finally breaking free. San stiffened for a moment, clearly caught off guard, but he quickly relaxed, his hold tightening slightly as he let you cry it out.

The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against your ear - it was the first comfort you’d felt all day. But even as he stood there comforting you, you still felt torn. The only person you'd ever fully confined in was Hongjoong. This was new territory for you, and it was both comforting and terrifying at the same time.

San didn’t say anything, just stood there quietly, holding you as you trembled in his arms. His hand moved slowly to your back, rubbing gentle circles as he tried to soothe you. His touch was hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing.

As your sobs subsided, leaving you with shaky breaths and red, tear-streaked cheeks, you slowly pulled back, wiping your eyes. You were still in his arms, but you felt the awkwardness creeping back in, and your gaze wandered again, not knowing where to look.

“I… I’m sorry,” you whispered, your voice hoarse from crying. “I didn’t mean to…”

San shook his head, his gaze softening. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said quietly. “You’ve been through a lot. It’s okay to break down sometimes.”

You managed a small, shaky smile, but the uncertainty was still there, lingering between you. “I just… I don’t know what to do, San. I feel so lost. Hongjoong… he means everything to me, but he’s shutting me out. I know he has only my best interest at heart, but… This is my story, too. And I don’t know how to handle that.”

San hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. “I’m not gonna pretend I know exactly what you’re going through,” he began, “but I do know that Hongjoong cares about you - more than you probably realize. He’s just… used to handling things on his own. ”

You nodded.

“You’re… you’re really kind, San,” you murmured, your voice still trembling. “But we barely know each other. I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

San’s expression softened even more, and he gave you a small, reassuring smile. “You’re not a burden. We all have our struggles, and sometimes it helps to have someone to lean on, even if it’s someone you’re not that close to… yet.” He added that last word with a gentle emphasis, as if offering a bridge to something more.

You looked up at him, meeting his eyes, and for the first time, you felt a small crack in the walls you've built around yourself. 

And so, in the heat of the moment, you told him everything. San brought you to the living room, where he carefully sat you down and wrapped you in a blanket, and as Wooyoung joined you two, you told them everything.

About your marriage, your family, your town - and about the man who took it upon himself to save you from this cruel fate.

The tension between you and Hongjoong had been unbearable for days. Ever since that night, neither of you had spoken more than a few words to each other. 

You had thrown yourself into anything that could keep your mind busy - cleaning, reading, anything to avoid thinking about the rift that had formed between you and the man you loved. 

Then, one evening, as you sat alone in the living room, lost in thought, you heard the front door creak open. Hongjoong stepped in, his presence immediately filling the room with the weight of everything left unsaid. Your heart clenched at the sight of him - he looked exhausted, worn down by the stress of the past few days.

He stood there for a moment, just looking at you, as if trying to gauge your mood, before finally breaking the silence. “We need to talk.”

The words sent a chill down your spine, but you nodded, too tired to resist any longer. “Okay,” you said quietly, standing up from the couch and facing him.

Hongjoong swallowed, his throat bobbing as he struggled to find the right words. “I know you’re still angry at me,” he began, his voice low and strained. “And I understand why. I learned my lesson, Y/N. But now… now I wanna include you. If you… if you want that.”

You didn’t say anything, just watched him, your heart beating faster as he continued.

“There’s someone we need to see,” he said after a pause, his eyes searching for yours. “Someone who can help us, who can clear my name and… maybe, just maybe, give us a chance at a life without all this running and hiding.”

You blinked, not sure if you’d heard him correctly. “Who… who are you talking about?”

Hongjoong took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he was about to say. “The Queen,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s the only one powerful enough to undo this mess. I’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with her for days, but she’s… she’s not easy to reach. But now… now we can finally meet her.”

Your eyes widened in shock. “The Queen? As in… the Queen?” 

The Queen was a figure of almost mythical power, someone so far removed from your world that the idea of asking for her help seemed as impossible as wishing on a star.

But Hongjoong’s expression was deadly serious, and you could see the determination burning in his eyes. He wasn’t just grasping at straws - he truly believed this was your last chance, your only hope to end the nightmare that had taken over your lives.

“The Queen,” he confirmed, his voice steady, though his hands were shaking slightly as he reached out to you. 

“You know… I… I’ve worked for her for years, Y/N. I made her gowns, her dresses, the wedding dress she wore when she married the King… that was mine. She told me once, when I presented it to her, that if I ever needed anything, anything at all, she would do her best to help me. And I never thought I’d have to take her up on that offer, but now… I have no other choice.”

“The Queen… oh my God,” you whispered. “This is… insane.”

The reality of what Hongjoong was saying began to sink in, and your mind spun with the implications. The Queen, the most powerful woman in the kingdom, someone who could alter the course of your lives with just a single word… It was overwhelming, to say the least. You’d grown up hearing stories about her, tales of her beauty, wisdom, and strength. But those were just stories. The idea of meeting her, let alone asking for her help, seemed impossible. Yet here Hongjoong was, standing in front of you, serious and resolute.

“I know it sounds insane,” Hongjoong said, his voice breaking through your thoughts. “But this is our best chance, Y/N. Maybe our only chance. And we have evidence. The letters, remember?

“-And the scars on my body,” you whispered. 

Hongjoong bawled his hands, his jaw clenching immediately. “You never… told me you had remaining scars.”

You nodded. “Ignoring them is easier. I try to… forget them entirely when I can.”

Without a word, he moved closer, wrapping an arm around your shoulders in a silent gesture of comfort. You leaned into him, the warmth of his body making you relax immediately.

After a moment, he cleared his throat, shifting the focus back to the task at hand. “We need to get ready,” he said, his voice steady. “If we’re going to meet the Queen, we can’t go in looking like this.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“There’s no time to waste. I have to make something for us,” he said, determination flashing in his eyes. “We need to look elegant. I might not have my supplies here, but I can work with what we have.”

Your heart raced at the thought of him making outfits from scratch. “Are you sure you can do that?”

He nodded firmly, already moving toward the small room where you were temporarily staying in Wooyoung and San's house. “I’ll figure it out. Just give me a minute to gather some things.”

You watched as he began searching through the limited fabric and materials you had, his hands working swiftly. He rummaged through the closet, pulling out old sheets and any leftover clothing you had brought along. You felt a mixture of admiration and anxiety as you realized the weight of what he was attempting to do.

“What do you need me to do?” you asked, stepping closer to him.

“There's a shop nearby that sells fabrics,” he said, already rummaging through his pockets for money, “I need you to buy me some. Can you do that?”

Your heart raced at the urgency in his voice, but a wave of uncertainty washed over you. “Uh, sure, but... I’m not sure where it is,” you admitted, glancing out the window. The sun was starting to set, and you were acutely aware of the time slipping away.

“I’ll draw you a quick map,” he said, moving quickly to grab a scrap of paper and a pen. He sketched a simple layout, marking the route to the shop with clear, careful lines. “You can do this, Y/N. Just follow the map, and don’t let anyone see you.”

You nodded. “What do you need me to get?” 

“Just some quality fabric, something that looks nice but isn’t too extravagant. Maybe something dark for me, something light and flowing for you,” he instructed, glancing up at you. “Can you remember that?”

You took a deep breath, nodding again. “Yes, I can do that.”

“Great,” he said, folding the paper and handing it to you. “I’ll need you back as soon as possible. We don’t have much time.”

“I’ll be quick,” you promised. As you turned to leave, you caught a glimpse of him, already immersed in his work, the fabric and thread strewn across the table like a chaotic canvas. 

As you stepped outside, the cool evening air hit your face. You followed the map he had drawn. The shop wasn’t far, and soon you found yourself standing in front of a small fabric store, the sign creaking softly in the breeze.

Once inside, the overwhelming scent of textiles filled your senses. Bolts of fabric in every color and texture lined the walls, and the shopkeeper gave you a curious look as you stepped in. Remembering Hongjoong’s instructions, you immediately focused on finding something that fit his descriptions. 

After scanning the shelves, you spotted a soft, flowing fabric in a light cream color that seemed perfect. You could almost picture how beautiful it would look on you. With that in mind, you also searched for a darker fabric for Hongjoong. You settled on a deep navy blue, rich yet understated, that would complement the cream tone perfectly.

With your choices made, you approached the counter, your heart pounding as you handed over the money Hongjoong had given you. The shopkeeper smiled and carefully wrapped the fabric. 

“Thank you,” you said, clutching the bundle tightly as you headed back outside. 

As you stepped through the door of Wooyoung and San's house, you saw Hongjoong still working diligently. He looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw the fabric in your arms. “You did it!” he exclaimed, taking the fabric from you. “This is perfect!”

You smiled, relieved to see his excitement. “I hope it’s what you wanted. I wasn’t sure…”

“It’s exactly what I needed,” he said, moving quickly to lay the fabric out on the table. “Now, we can start putting everything together.”

Hongjoong spread the fabrics across the table, eyes gleaming with purpose. “This is going to be incredible,” he said, barely able to contain his excitement. You watched him with admiration as he quickly sketched designs in his notebook, his mind racing with ideas.

The first night stretched on, the room dimly lit by a single lamp casting shadows on the walls. You could hear the rhythmic hum of the sewing machine as Hongjoong lost himself in the work. 

Time blurred as the night turned into dawn, and you found yourself falling in and out of sleep. The only sounds were the soft whir of the machine and the occasional rustle of fabric. You’d occasionally catch Hongjoong stealing glances at you, and though he was clearly exhausted, there was a fire in his eyes that wouldn't die down.

By morning, the first pieces of your outfits began to take shape. “Look at this,” Hongjoong said, holding up the bodice of your gown. His excitement was contagious, and you couldn't help but smile. “It’s coming together beautifully, don’t you think?”

“It’s stunning, Hongjoong,” you replied, your heart swelling with admiration. “I can't wait to see the final piece.”

As he set it down and returned to his work, you noticed how hard he had to concentrate just to keep his eyes open. He was clearly pushing himself to the limit. You wanted to urge him to take a break, to rest for a moment, but you hesitated.

Hongjoong moved with practiced precision, cutting and sewing and cutting and sewing; repeating the same routine over and over again.

Yet, as the hours ticked by, his pace slowed down more and more.

“Hongjoong,” you finally said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Maybe you should take a break. You’ve been at this for so long.”

He paused, looking at you with those tired yet determined eyes. “I can’t stop now. We’re so close. I just need to finish your gown, and then I’ll rest, I promise.”

You sighed. “Okay, but promise me you’ll take care of yourself too. I don’t want you collapsing from exhaustion when we meet the Queen.”

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but the laughter quickly faded as he nodded. “I promise, Y/N. Just a bit longer.”

A bit longer turned out to be one more day full of work.

On the evening of the second day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Hongjoong finally stepped back, surveying the gown he had made for you. The fabric flowed beautifully, a soft cream color with delicate embroidery that accentuates your figure. It was breathtaking.

“Look,” he said, gesturing to the dress. “It’s finished.”

“It doesn't matter how many dresses of yours I'll see, I'll always be amazed… you're so talented, Joongie,” you said, slowly stepping between his legs and carefully combing through his hair.

Hongjoong slung his arms around your waist and laid his head on your stomach, closing his eyes for a few minutes.

You took a deep breath, letting the warmth of his reassurance settle within you. “So, how exactly will we get to the palace?” you asked, trying to shift the focus from your worries to practical matters.

He pulled away slightly, his eyes brightening as he began to explain. “The Queen’s servants are discreet and efficient. After I sent word to her, she agreed to send a carriage for us. It should arrive tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?” The reality sent your heart racing again. “Do we have everything ready? What if something goes wrong?”

Hongjoong chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry. Everything is in place. The only thing we need to do is stay calm.”

The following morning arrived way too fast. You woke to the sound of birds chirping outside and a warm breeze entering your room through the window.

Hongjoong was already up, carefully folding the outfits he had poured his heart into over the past two days. You stood up and approached him, placing a gentle hand on his back. “Are you ready for this?” you asked softly.

He nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, offering you a small smile. 

You gave him a reassuring nod yourself, though your own nerves were starting to fray. The idea of meeting the Queen, of putting your fate in her hands, felt surreal. But there was no turning back now. You quickly changed into the gown Hongjoong had created for you, the fabric cool against your skin, yet surprisingly comforting. It fit you perfectly, accentuating your form in all the right ways, the soft cream color making you feel both elegant and ethereal.

Though the dress Hongjoong created back in your hometown, the one so blue it reminded you if the sea itself, would always be your favorite, this one was nonetheless nothing but breathtaking. 

When you finally emerged, Hongjoong’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at you for a long moment, a proud smile stealing its way on his lips. “You look… beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Just like I imagined.”

You smiled, stepping closer to him. “You look amazing, too.”

Hongjoong's gaze softened as you stepped closer. All that mattered was him, standing before you, his eyes tracing every curve and line of your face.

You reached out, your fingers trembling slightly as you brushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. His breath hitched at the simple touch, and you could see the raw emotion in his eyes, the love, the desire, and the lingering regret of the days you'd spent apart. 

His hands found your waist, pulling you gently but firmly against him. The heat of his body against yours sent a shiver down your spine, and you felt your heart pounding in your chest, 

Hongjoong’s eyes searched yours, silently asking for permission, for reassurance. You didn’t need to say a word - your eyes told him everything he needed to know. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in, his lips hovering just a breath away from yours. The anticipation was almost unbearable.

When his lips finally met yours, the world around you seemed to disappear. The kiss was slow, almost hesitant at first, as if he was savoring every second. His lips were soft, warm, and as they moved against yours, you felt a deep, aching need stirring within you, a need that had been building for days, weeks, months.

Your hands found their way to his shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as you pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. Hongjoong responded in kind, his grip on your waist tightening as his other hand tangled in your hair, tilting your head back to gain better access. The kiss grew more intense, more passionate, as if all the emotions you'd both been holding back were pouring out in this one, desperate act.

You could taste the urgency on his lips, feel the way his heart was racing just as fast as yours. His tongue brushed against yours, sending a wave of heat through your body that made you feel like you were melting into him. The kiss was everything - sweet and tender, yet fierce and consuming.

Hongjoong’s hands roamed your back, pulling you even closer, until there was no space left between you. You could feel the strength in his arms, the way his muscles tensed under your touch, and it only made you want him more. 

When you finally broke apart, both of you were breathing heavily, your foreheads resting against each other as you tried to catch your breath. Hongjoong’s eyes were half-lidded, his lips slightly swollen from the intensity of the kiss. He looked at you with an expression that was equal parts awe and desire, as if he couldn’t quite believe you were real, that this very moment here was real.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I love you so much.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and you cupped his face in your hands, brushing your thumbs gently across his cheeks. “I love you too, Hongjoong. I always have. I always will.”

He smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made your heart skip a beat. And then, without another word, he leaned in and kissed you again, slow and deep, as if he had all the time in the world to show you just how much he loved you, how much you meant to him.

“You ready?” he asked as he took a step back. You instantly missed his lips on yours, but you nodded nonetheless. 

He offered you his hand, and you took it without hesitation.  

As you stepped aside, clearly overdressed in this rural neighborhood, the carriage was already waiting, a sleek, black vehicle with the Queen’s crest emblazoned on the side. The horses were well-groomed, their coats gleaming in the sunlight. A stern-looking driver stood by, his expression unreadable as he held the door open for you. With one last deep breath, you and Hongjoong climbed inside, settling onto the plush seats.

The carriage began to move slowly, the sound of the wheels clattering against the cobblestones filled the silence. You glanced at Hongjoong, who was staring out the window, his jaw clenched. 

For a while, neither of you spoke. You simply watched the world pass by outside. 

Finally, Hongjoong broke the silence, his voice low and contemplative. “Do you remember the first time we met?”

The question caught you off guard, and you turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden change in topic. But as you met his gaze, you could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a softness in his eyes that you hadn’t seen in days.

The sudden shift in conversation caught you off guard, but a small smile crept onto your face as the memory came flooding back. “Of course, I remember,” you replied, chuckling softly. “How could I forget that? Ah, Django… I miss him… And Benji… oh God, my little Benji… I hope they're all well.”

“They are, my love. I'm sure they are.”

And then, as the carriage rounded a final bend, the palace finally came into view. It was a magnificent structure, with its white marble walls glowing in the fading light. The Queen’s residence was every bit as awe-inspiring as the stories had said, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens.

Your breath caught in your throat at the sight, and you felt Hongjoong’s grip on your hand tighten.

As the carriage drew closer, you could see a group of palace guards standing right outside the gates, their armor gleaming under the soft glow of the lanterns that lined the pathway to the grand entrance. The carriage came to a smooth stop, and the driver emerged, opening the door for you and Hongjoong.

You took a deep breath. Hongjoong stepped out first, offering his hand to help you down. As your feet touched the ground, you felt a shiver run down your spine.

The grand doors of the palace opened with a slow, deliberate creak, revealing a tall, elegant woman dressed in a deep burgundy gown. Her presence was commanding, yet her expression was kind as she approached.

“Welcome,” she said, her voice smooth and authoritative. “The Queen has been expecting you.”

You exchanged a quick glance with Hongjoong, who gave you a small nod, before you both followed the woman inside. The interior of the palace was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with high ceilings adorned with various paintings and chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds. The floor beneath your feet was made of polished marble, and the soft click of your shoes were echoing through the halls.

As you walked deeper into the palace, the grandeur only increased. Walls were lined with portraits of past kings and queens, their eyes seeming to follow you as you passed. 

Finally, you were led to a pair of ornately carved doors, which the woman pushed open with ease. Beyond them was a grand chamber, bathed in the warm light of a thousand candles. At the far end of the room, seated on a throne that seemed to be carved out of pure gold, was the Queen herself.

She was as regal as you had imagined, with an aura of quiet power that made the room feel smaller, the air more charged. Her hair was a rich, dark color, intricately braided and adorned with jewels that sparkled with every movement. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, fixed on you and Hongjoong as you entered the room.

“Your Majesty,” Hongjoong said, bowing deeply before you had a chance to follow his lead.

The Queen’s gaze softened as she looked at Hongjoong, a small smile playing on her lips. “Rise, Hongjoong,” she said, her voice warm but firm. “It has been a long time.”

Hongjoong straightened up, but his grip on your hand tightened. You could feel the tension in his body as he struggled to maintain his composure. The Queen’s eyes flicked to you, her expression unreadable. “I see you have brought someone with you, Hongjoong. Please, both of you, come closer.”

You nodded, bowing deeply in respect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady despite the anxiety that almost made you fall ill.

The Queen studied you for a moment before her gaze returned to Hongjoong. “I understand you’ve come to ask for my help?” she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Hongjoong replied. “We’ve found ourselves in desperate need of your help. I’ve brought evidence to prove our case, but… there is also something that only Y/N can show you.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And what is this evidence?”

Hongjoong hesitated, glancing at you before speaking. “Your Majesty, before I ask Y/N to show you the evidence, I feel it’s important for you to understand her story - our story - in its entirety.”

The Queen nodded, her expression growing more serious as she settled back into her seat, indicating for him to continue.

Hongjoong took a long, deep breath. “Y/N came from a decent, middle-class family. They lived comfortably - not wealthy, but certainly not poor. Her future should have been secure, perhaps with a marriage that would maintain or even improve her standing in society. But things took a dark turn.”

He paused, glancing at you as if seeking your permission to continue. You gave him a small nod, and he went on, his voice heavy with emotion.

“Her father… he made a decision that changed everything. He married her off to a man well below her status - a drunkard, a violent brute. This man - he was no husband. He was a monster. He raped and beat her almost every day, treating her worse than a common servant. She was trapped in a nightmare, until she… until she had to kill him in self defense to save the both of us.”

“And to protect me,” you chimed in, your desperate gaze finding the woman before you before you continued: “J-joong- I mean, Hongjoong took the blame upon himself. He… he was about to be beheaded for a crime he didn't commit, so I… I took it upon myself to release him and flee with him.”

“We are here to plead our innocence, and to ask for a royal pardon of you, your Majesty,” Hongjoong spoke, standing proud and tall beside you, like the safe haven he always was for you.

“A royal pardon, you say?” she asked.

“Yes. Since no one in our town bothered to even investigate, we ask for you to review all evidence and overturn the decision.”

The Queen’s expression remained inscrutable, giving away nothing of her thoughts. Silence stretched in the grand chamber, broken only by the faint crackling of the candles and the distant echo of footsteps in the vast corridors beyond.

At last, the Queen rose from her throne, the jewels in her hair catching the light as she moved. She descended the steps from the throne with grace 

“I can see the truth in your eyes, but understand this - granting a royal pardon is not a decision I take lightly. There must be undeniable proof,” she said.

She turned to you, her sharp gaze assessing. “Y/N, I need you to show me the evidence Hongjoong mentioned. Whatever it is, it must be enough to convince me beyond doubt.”

You reached into your cloak, pulling out a stack of worn, yellowed letters tied together with a frayed ribbon. Your hands shook as you untied them, revealing the harsh, almost frenzied handwriting of your late husband. You could feel the Queen’s eyes on you, her gaze intense, as you stepped forward and placed the letters in her outstretched hand.

“These letters,” you said, struggling to keep your voice steady, “are from my deceased husband. In them, he admits to everything - his abuse, his threats, and… even his intent to kill me one day. They are his own words, Your Majesty. Written in moments of drunken rage, or cruel clarity. He was proud of what he did, and he never hid that from anyone. But he was also reckless, and he left these behind, never thinking they might be used against him.”

The Queen’s expression remained unreadable once again as she began to read the letters. The room was silent save for the sound of rustling paper. With each page she turned, you felt your heart pound louder, your hands clasping Hongjoong’s tighter.

After what felt like an eternity, the Queen looked up from the letters. Her gaze was more somber now, tinged with something that might have been pity, or perhaps understanding.

“These letters are indeed compelling,” she said slowly, “but it alone is not enough. The word of a dead man, though through his own admission, cannot fully clear your names. I need more.”

You hesitated, biting your lip. “Your Majesty,” you began, choosing your words carefully, “the whole town knew what was happening. They turned a blind eye, because… because they didn’t want to get involved. I don’t know if I can rely on their testimony. But… my parents, though they looked away for so long, showed great remorse before I fled. They knew what was happening, and they did nothing to stop it. I… though I can never reconcile with them, I have no choice but to trust them this one last time.”

The Queen’s gaze softened slightly as she regarded you. “And you believe they will speak the truth, even now?”

You nodded, though you felt a knot of uncertainty in your stomach. “Yes, Your Majesty. They have to.”

The Queen considered this for a long moment before nodding slowly. “Very well. I will send for your parents and have them brought here to testify. But… there's another thing you want to show me, right?”

You swallowed hard. The letters had made an impact, but the Queen needed more, something undeniable. Your heart raced as you prepared to reveal the evidence that you had hidden for so long, even from yourself.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you replied, your voice trembling. “There is… one more thing I can show you.”

The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly. You hesitated, glancing at Hongjoong, who was watching you, his eyes telling more than words ever could. His presence gave you the strength to go on.

“My body bears the scars of my husband's cruelty,” you said quietly, “Scars that… tell the story of what he did to me.”

For a small second, something in her eyes flickered - perhaps sympathy, perhaps disgust at the thought of such brutality. But it disappeared as fast as it appeared, and she composed herself quickly. “Very well,” she said, her voice low and measured. “Show me.”

But before you could move, the Queen raised a hand to stop you. “Hongjoong,” she addressed him firmly, “you must wait outside. As you are not married, it would be inappropriate for you to remain here.”

Hongjoong looked like he wanted to protest, but he caught himself, understanding his words would make no impact. He nodded and gave you a reassuring look. “I’ll be right outside,” he said softly. “You’re not alone.”

You nodded, trying to offer him a smile. “Thank you, Hongjoong.”

As he was escorted out of the room, the Queen waited until the door closed before turning back to you. The room felt emptier without Hongjoong by your side, but you tried to stay calm nonetheless. 

As he left the room, the Queen gestured to a few of her attendants, and a group of maids quickly approached. Your dress was elegant, more elaborate than you were used to, and you realized you would need help to reveal the scars that were hidden beneath its layers.

The maids moved with practiced efficiency, unfastening the intricate clasps and loosening the delicate fabric of your gown. You felt a wave of vulnerability wash over you as they carefully peeled back the layers, revealing the faint, jagged lines etched into your skin. 

The Queen stepped closer, her gaze intense as she examined the marks. She didn’t speak, but her silence was heavy.

After a long moment, she stepped back, her eyes closing for a moment. “These scars… they cannot be ignored.” She turned to one of her attendants, a stern-looking guard who had been standing by the door. “Send for a scrivener,” she commanded. “These letters and the scars on her body must be documented.”

The man bowed and hurried out of the chamber, leaving you alone with the Queen and the maids, who carefully refastened your dress. The Queen’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at you. “Hongjoong has been a long confidante of mine, so naturally, he has my trust” she said, “But there is still a process that must be followed. The evidence will be recorded, and your parents and anyone else willing to testify will be brought before me. Until then, I must uphold the law.”

Once the scrivener arrived and began documenting the evidence, the Queen addressed you again. “You will be given quarters where you can rest,” she said, her tone kind but firm. “And I will ensure that you have everything you need until the trial begins. Be strong, Y/N. The truth will come to light.”

You bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

And with that, the Queen turned and left the chamber, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Now all you could do was wait.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong's voice reached you the moment you stepped into the tower room. But before you could even respond, you found yourself distracted by your surroundings. For a place meant to imprison you, the room was unexpectedly luxurious - far more so than anything you'd ever experienced. The walls were draped with rich tapestries and the bed was covered in soft linens. A large, plush rug covered the stone floor, and the air smelled faintly of lavender.

You paused, blinking in surprise at the sight. This was supposed to be your prison? It surely made you feel out of place, like it belonged to a royal guest chamber rather than a cell.

"Are you alright?" Hongjoong’s voice broke through your thoughts, concern etched in his features as he took a step closer to you. But before you could answer, the door behind you creaked open again, and a small group of maids entered.

“Your bath is ready, my lady,” one of them said with a polite bow, her voice soft yet firm. “Please, come with us.”

My lady?

You looked at Hongjoong, startled and confused. He gave you an encouraging nod, though he looked just as confused as you.

“Go on,” he said gently. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”

Reluctantly, you allowed the maids to lead you away, down a small corridor that connected to an adjoining room. The room was even more elaborate, with a large copper tub set in the center, already filled with steaming water that scented the air with rose petals and herbs. Thick, fluffy towels were neatly stacked nearby, and a selection of fine soaps and oils were arranged on a small table besides.

They helped you quickly undress and step into the bath. The warm water immediately melted away the tension from your muscles. As they poured fragrant oils into the water, your eyes closed and you sank deeper into the water. The maids worked in silence, their hands gentle as they washed your hair and scrubbed your skin with fine soaps. Eventually, the bath was over, and you were lifted from the water, wrapped in a thick, warm towel. The maids dried you off and led you to a big mirror where they brushed your hair and dressed you in a white nightgown that felt impossibly soft against your skin.

Once they were done, they stepped back, quietly observing you. You glanced at your reflection in the mirror, almost not recognizing yourself. The nightgown was simple yet elegant, the white fabric almost transparent against your skin. It flowed down to your ankles, delicate lace trimming the neckline and sleeves. It made you look delicate and almost… sensual. 

Still deep in thought, you were guided back to the main room where Hongjoong was waiting. As you stepped into the room, you saw him pacing near the window, lost in thought. The moment he heard your footsteps, he turned around, and his breath hitched in his throat when he saw you.

For a long, long moment, he simply stared at you, his eyes wide as they traveled over your figure. His usual calm and collected demeanor seemed to crumble as a faint blush colored his cheeks. He quickly looked away, his jaw tightening as he struggled to maintain his composure.

“You-” Hongjoong began, his voice strained as he took a step closer, his gaze flicking back to you before quickly averting again. “You look… beautiful.” His words were quiet, and you could see the internal battle playing out within him as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

You could see the way his eyes darkened whenever he sneaked a glance at you, something that made your heart skip a beat. His fingers twitched as if he wanted to reach out and touch you but was holding himself back. The air between you was thick with unspoken tension.

Hongjoong cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure, but the way he avoided your gaze told you that he was struggling. “I… I didn't mean to stare,” he muttered, his voice rougher than usual. "I just… You-”

You took a step closer. Hongjoong's eyes snapped to yours, and for a moment, you saw a flash of something raw and intoxicating in his expression - something that sent a shiver down your spine, something that made your mouth dry and your heart beat faster.

“Hongjoong,” you said softly, the sound of his name breaking the silence that had settled between you. “I'm fine. You can-”

“Sir, your bath is prepared as well,” one of the maids said with a polite bow. “Please allow us to assist you.”

Hongjoong stiffened slightly at the offer, clearly taken aback. “Uh, that's not necessary,” he stammered, his usual confidence faltering as a blush crept up his neck. “I can manage on my own.”

The maid, seemingly unfazed, simply nodded. “Of course, sir. But if you require anything, we will be right outside.” With that, she and the others gracefully exited the room, leaving the two of you alone once more.

Hongjoong let out a quiet sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair as he glanced back at you. “Well, I suppose I should... take that bath now,” he said.

You nodded, offering him a small smile. “I'll wait here,” you said softly, trying to ease the tension in the room.

He stood there for another moment, as if he wanted to say something more, but instead, he simply gave you a nod before retreating into the bathroom. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Desperately, you tried to distract yourself from the fact that the man of your dreams was completely bare just a few feet away. But just after a few minutes, you had to admit that it was pointless, and so, your feet took you to the bathroom once again.

You hesitated outside the door, your heart pounding in your chest. You knew this was a bad idea, that you were crossing a line, but curiosity got the better of you. Slowly, you pushed the door open just enough to slip inside.

Hongjoong was sitting in the tub, his back to the door, the water lapping gently around his figure. Steam filled the room, the scent of the same herbs and soaps you previously used in the air. His head was slightly bowed, his eyes closed, and he seemed lost in thought, completely unaware of your presence.

For a moment, you just stood there, silently watching him. His usually sharp features were entirely relaxed, his shoulders sacked as he soaked in the water. You couldn’t help but admire the way the droplets clung to his skin, the way the muscles in his back moved with each breath he took.

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you silently crossed the room. The soft pads of your feet made no noise on the stone floor as you approached the tub. Without thinking, you reached for a cloth that was hanging nearby, dipping it into the warm water.

He still hadn’t noticed you as you knelt beside the tub. Your hand hovered for a moment before you gathered the courage to press the cloth gently against his back.

Hongjoong stiffened immediately, his eyes snapping open as he realized someone was there. He turned his head sharply, his eyes wide as he met your gaze.

“Y/N?” His voice was breathless, and he immediately tried to shield his naked body from you. “What are you doing?”

You bit your lip, trying to fight back the blush that was creeping up your cheeks. “I thought… I thought I’d help you relax,” you said softly, your voice trembling with nerves.

Hongjoong’s gaze flicked down to the cloth in your hand and then back to your face. His expression was unreadable, but you could see the way his breathing had quickened, the way his muscles tensed under your touch.

“Y/N… you don’t have to…” He trailed off, his voice faltering as you began to gently scrub his back, your movements slow and careful. You could feel the tension in his body slowly melting away under your touch.

He let out a shaky breath, his head dropping forward again as he allowed himself to relax. “You don't have to do this,” he murmured, though he didn't sound entirely convinced either.

You smiled a little, continuing your work, the cloth gliding over his skin in soothing circles. “Maybe not,” you whispered, “but I wanted to.”

Hongjoong’s breathing was uneven, each exhale shaky as you worked your way across his shoulders, the cloth tracing the lines of his muscles. You could see the way his body tensed, his fists clenching against the edge of the tub as if he was trying to control himself. 

“Y/N,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, almost pleading. “W-we should really stop… I-”

You gently pressed a finger against his lips, silencing him almost instantly. “Hongjoong,” you whispered, “I want to… I’m ready.”

His eyes found yours, wide with surprise and something else - something deeper. His gaze searched yours, as if he was trying to find any hint of uncertainty, any reason to stop this before it went too far.

But you didn’t waver. You had been through so much, had faced so many demons from your past, and now, standing here with him, you felt a sense of clarity you hadn’t in a long time. You wanted this, wanted him - wanted to break down the walls you had built so carefully around your heart.

Slowly, you leaned in closer, your breath mingling with his as you pressed a soft kiss to his temple. His eyes fluttered shut at the contact, a shiver running through his body. You could feel his resistance, the way he fought to hold himself back, but there was also something in the way he leaned into your touch, a silent plea for more.

Your lips traveled from his temple to his ear, brushing against the sensitive skin as you whispered, “I know you try to hold yourself back for my sake. But I’m not scared, Joongie. Not anymore.”

Hongjoong’s eyes were locked on yours, the intensity in his gaze making your breath hitch. Without breaking eye contact, he stood, water cascading off his naked, sculpted body, droplets glistening on his skin in the soft, dim light of the room. 

Before you could say anything, his arms wrapped around you, lifting you effortlessly from where you stood. Your breath caught in your throat as he pulled you close, his wet skin soaking through your clothes as he carried you out the room. 

He reached the bed and gently laid you down on the soft sheets, the fabric cool against your heated skin. You looked up at him, your heart racing as he knelt beside you, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, his hair damp and falling into his eyes. He was completely bare, his body on full display, and yet his focus was entirely on you.

Slowly, he leaned down, his lips brushing against yours in a slow, passionate kiss. His hand slid up your side, fingers grazing your ribs, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The kiss deepened, his tongue teasing yours, fighting your own in a battle of dominance you quickly lost.

Hongjoong’s hand moved under your gown, and with a gentle tug, he began to lift it, his fingertips brushing against your skin as he pulled it over your head. The cool air hit your newly exposed skin, making you shiver, but the heat of his gaze warmed you instantly. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of you, his eyes so full of love and lust it made you ache.

“You’re so, so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. He leaned in again, his lips trailing down your neck, leaving soft, lingering kisses as he made his way to your collarbone. Each kiss sent a jolt of electricity through you, your breath coming in shallow gasps as you felt him explore your body with his lips, his hands, his entire being.

He moved lower, his hands sliding over your skin, slowly. You shivered under his touch, your hands gripping the sheets as you tried to steady yourself, your heart pounding in your chest.

His hands moved delicately, tracing the lines of your body, exploring every curve, every dip, every inch of your skin. He was in no rush, savoring it all; every moment, every touch, every breath you took. The way he looked at you, the way he touched you, it was as if he was worshiping you, as if you were the most precious thing in the world to him.

“Y/N,” he whispered against your lips, his voice shaky, filled with emotion. “I want this to be perfect for you… for us.”

You reached up, cupping his face in your hands, your eyes meeting his with a soft, reassuring smile. “It already is,” you murmured, your voice filled with the same emotion you saw reflected in his eyes. “You make everything perfect for me, Joongie.”

He smiled, a tender, almost shy smile that made your heart flutter. “I’ve wanted this for so long… wanted you for so long,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper as he pressed his forehead against yours.

“I know,” you whispered back, your fingers brushing through his damp hair. “I’ve wanted this too… I’ve wanted you.”

His breath caught in his throat, his eyes darkening with something deeper, more intense. “I’m scared… of hurting you,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. “Of moving too fast.”

You shook your head gently, your hands moving to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath your palm. “You could never hurt me,” you assured him softly. “I trust you, Hongjoong. I’m ready… because I know these hands of yours could never hurt me like he did.”

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to steady himself. When he opened them again, they were filled with an intensity that took your breath away. “I want to love you… properly, Y/N.”

You smiled, your heart swelling with love and adoration for the man above you. “Then love me, Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice trembling with anticipation. “Love me the way you’ve always wanted to. Make me yours.”

He chuckled, before slowly lowering himself into you. “Silly woman. You've been mine the moment I met you.”

If anyone would've told you you'd ever see your parents on their knees, begging for mercy in front of you, you would've laughed right in their face.

But here you were. Witnessing it at this very moment.

Well, technically it wasn't in front of you - but the Queen, who was looking at them with intense, cold eyes.

You stood to the side, Hongjoong right beside you, close enough to witness every detail, yet far enough to keep the emotional distance you needed to not break down in tears.

The Queen's voice cut through the silence. “You have been called before the court to deliver your testimony. If you lie, it will have severe consequences,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We have gathered here today because a man was killed. Without any evidence or witness testimony, it was decided that Kim Hongjoong was the one responsible and would be hanged for it. Now, after careful investigation, I and everyone else here is fairly confident that this is not what happened. The man who died abused his wife L/N Y/N for close to a decade. And everyone supposedly knew. On the night of the alleged crime, it is to be assumed he came home to beat her once again. Kim Hongjoong was just there at the wrong time. Y/N had to kill her husband in self defense to protect the both of them,” the Queen continued. 

The whole room was deadly silent. Only the occasional sobs of your mother could be heard.

“Now I ask of you to truthfully answer my questions”, she said, looking at your parents directly, “is it true that you knew your daughter was getting abused?”

The silence that followed the Queen's question was suffocating, each second stretching into an eternity. Your father kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his hands trembling slightly as he knelt beside your mother. 

You remembered the last time you saw him. The moment where he apologized, where you saw the pain in his eyes. But would he also admit to his faults in public?

The Queen's eyes bore into them. She was not just asking for a simple answer; she was demanding the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And there was no escaping it.

Your father was the first to speak, his voice barely above a whisper, rough and strained. “We… we knew,” he confessed, the words stumbling out of him like a boulder finally giving way to gravity. “We knew what was happening, Your Majesty.”

A collective gasp rippled through the courtroom, but you remained still, your heart pounding in your chest as the truth you had been denied for so long was finally laid bare. Your mother’s sobs grew louder, her hands covering her face as if to shield herself from the reality of what was happening.

The Queen’s gaze did not waver. “And yet, you did nothing to help her?” she pressed, her tone hardening. “You allowed your daughter to suffer for years, without lifting a finger to protect her? Knowing that one day she could possibly be killed?”

Your mother finally lifted her head, her face streaked with tears. “We… we were afraid,” she stammered, her voice shaking with emotion. “We didn’t know what to do… We thought… we thought it would be worse if we intervened.”

A bitter taste filled your mouth as you listened to their excuses. They had left you to fend for yourself in a nightmare, and had turned their backs on you when you needed them the most. 

Even after you tried for months, years to come to terms with their betrayal, it still hurt deeply.

The Queen narrowed her eyes, but her expression gave nothing away. “You thought it would be worse?” she repeated, “Worse than watching your daughter endure unimaginable suffering? Worse than allowing her to be beaten, night after night, while you did nothing?”

Your mother’s tears flowed uncontrollably now, her sobs wracking her body as she nodded, unable to form any coherent response. Your father remained silent, his head hanging low, as if the weight of his guilt was too much to bear.

The Queen’s gaze flicked to you for a moment, her expression softening just slightly as she took in the sight of you standing there, silent and strong beside Hongjoong. 

This wasn't the first time you saw that expression on her face, and for a second you were left wondering if, maybe, she understood your pain. Really understood.

From woman to woman, from victim to victim.

“Your Majesty,” your father spoke again, his voice hoarse with emotion. “We… we failed her. We know that now. We were wrong, and we are deeply sorry.”

For a second, his eyes found yours. And though you knew you could never forgive them, you saw nothing but love and guilt in your father's eyes.

Maybe in another life, where you as a woman would have more rights, you all could have been a happy, normal family.

Maybe.

“But… There is one last thing I want to do for my daughter,” he whispered. “Your Majesty, if I may…?”

Her gaze flicked towards you. You clutched Hongjoong’s hands tighter, before giving her a final nod.

“Go on,” she said.

Your father hesitated for a moment, gathering his courage, before speaking again. “I brought them here, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “The rest of the people who stayed quiet. I brought all of them here today.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between your father and you. The courtroom seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her decision. Your eyes widened and you immediately felt a lump form in your throat. 

Finally, the Queen nodded, “Bring them in.”

She turned towards the grand double doors at the back of the room, and with a slight motion of her hand, the guards opened them. One by one, a dozen people began to file in, their faces pale and solemn. You recognized each one of them - neighbors, former friends, even the local shopkeepers who had all turned a blind eye to your bruises and hushed cries for help. They looked as though they were walking to their own execution, eyes downcast, hands desperately clutching their clothes.

As they entered, they arranged themselves in a line before you, and then, as if guided by an unspoken command, they all began to bow. The sight of it - the people who had once ignored your pain now bowing before you, in front of the Queen herself - struck you like a blow to the heart.

You tightened your grip on Hongjoong’s hand, your breath hitching as the overwhelming weight of the moment began to settle over you. Tears welled up in your eyes, and no matter how much you tried to hold them back, they eventually began to spill over, silently tracing lines down your cheeks. Hongjoong’s hand remained warm and steady in yours, his presence grounding you as you struggled to process the scene before you.

Slowly, an elderly woman who had been your neighbor for years, stepped forward. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Y/N… we have no excuse for what we did, or rather, what we didn’t do. We failed you, just as your parents did. We saw the signs, but we chose to look away, to pretend it wasn’t our business. And for that… we are truly sorry.”

As everyone in line took their turn to speak, offering their apologies, their regrets, and their shame, the emotions you had been holding back for so long finally broke free. You wept openly now, the sound of your sobs filling the otherwise silent courtroom. These were the apologies you had never expected to hear, the recognition of your suffering that had been denied to you for so many years.

Hongjoong wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you close, and you leaned into him, burying your face in his neck. The tears kept coming, and you let them. 

After each person spoke to you, they all remained bowed, waiting for your response. The Queen, too, seemed to be waiting, her gaze fixed on you.

You took a shaky breath, wiping your tears with the back of your hand as you tried to find the right words. But there were no words that could truly capture the enormity of what you were feeling. So instead, you simply nodded, acknowledging their apologies once and for all.

“Thank you,” you managed to whisper, your voice raw and hoarse. “Thank you for saying what I needed to hear… even if it’s too late.”

There was a collective sigh of relief from the crowd, but the weight of the moment still pressed down heavily on you. The Queen stepped forward, her presence immediately commanding everyone's attention. “You have all acknowledged your failings here today,” she said, “A man has died, and even if Y/N pulled the trigger, everyone here knows that at the end of the day, she remains an innocent woman. A woman who had to save herself because no one else did.”

As her final words settled over the courtroom, you felt a deep, heavy relief wash over you. The people who had failed you had spoken their apologies, and though it could never erase the pain you endured, the recognition of your suffering soothed your wounded soul.

Hongjoong kept a protective arm around you as you walked outside. The air outside the courtroom was crisp, the world feeling both too small and too vast after what had just happened. You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, when you heard a familiar voice calling your name.

“Y/N!”

You turned just in time to see your sister Miyeon rushing towards you, tears already streaming down her face. Her belly was still slightly rounded from her recent pregnancy, and in her arms, she cradled her newborn, your tiny niece or nephew, who was bundled up warmly against her chest.

Miyeon threw her arms around you, careful not to hurt her child, pulling you into a tight embrace as she sobbed uncontrollably. “I’m so sorry,” she choked out between sobs, her voice filled with guilt and anguish. “I didn’t know... I didn’t know everything that was happening. If I had known, I would have been there for you. I should have been there for you!”

You held her tightly, your own tears spilling over once more as you buried your face in her shoulder. “Miyeon, it’s okay,” you whispered, even as your voice trembled. “I know you would’ve helped me if you could. You were far away, and you had no idea. You were also preparing to be a mother… I never wanted to burden you with my pain.”

“But you’re my sister,” she cried, pulling back to look at you with red, puffy eyes. “I should have been here. I should have done something, anything, to protect you. How could I have let this happen to you?”

You shook your head. “You couldn’t have known, Miyeon. None of this was your fault. I don’t blame you, not even for a second.”

Before you could respond, her husband, Gikwang, who had been standing a few steps behind her, joined the two of you. His expression was filled with compassion and guilt as he handed you a small, trembling bundle. “We… we brought something for you,” he said gently. “One of Hongjoong’s neighbors found him in his house and thought you’d want him back.”

Your breath caught in your throat as he placed the tiny, trembling creature in your arms.

“Benji!” you cried out.

The moment he was in your arms, the dam you had been holding back broke entirely. You clutched him to you, your sobs echoing through the quiet corridor as you cried even harder than you just moments before.

Hongjoong stood beside you, his hand on your back, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears as he watched you cradle Benji. Miyeon wrapped her arms around both you and Benji, and for a long, long while, you simply stood there, the three of you wrapped in a comforting embrace. As you finally pulled back, wiping your tears away, you looked at Miyeon and Hongjoong, then down at Benji, who was now purring softly in your arms, and also at Gikwang and their newborn child.

With a trembling but genuine smile, you whispered, "Thank you, Miyeon. Thank you for being here. And thank you for bringing him back to me."

Miyeon nodded, her own smile breaking through her tears. "I’ll always be here for you, Y/N. No matter what. You and I will keep in contact, right? You'll come visit me and I'll visit you, right? And… and you and Hongjoong will be happy together, right?”

As you wiped the last of your tears away, you gave Miyeon a firm nod. “Yes,” you replied, your voice steady for the first time in what felt like an eternity. “We will keep in contact. I’ll visit you, and you can come visit us. And yes… Hongjoong and I will be happy together. We’ll find a way to move forward.”

Miyeon smiled through her tears, her grip on her newborn tightening slightly as she nodded back. “Good,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion. “That’s all I want for you, Y/N. To be happy. You deserve that more than anything.”

Gikwang placed a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder. “You’re strong, Y/N,” he said softly. “And even if your parents and Jisoo aren't included, you have us that care about you, no matter how far apart we may be.”

You took a long, deep breath before looking down at Benji, who was still purring contentedly in your arms, then up at Hongjoong, who met your gaze with a look of unwavering support and love.

“Let’s go,” Hongjoong murmured, his hand gently squeezing yours. “It’s time to head home.”

You nodded. Turning back to your sister, you reached out and gave her one last, lingering hug. “I’ll see you soon,” you promised, “until then, take care. And also of your bab-”

“Jihoon. His name is Jihoon,” she whispered, carefully cradling the baby in her arms.

You smiled warmly at her and her child. “Take care of Jihoon too, okay?”

With that, you and Hongjoong turned and began to walk away, Benji still cradled safely in your arms. 

“Hey, Joongie?” you asked.

“Hm?”

“Do you think Django is doing well?

He laughed. “Oh, I know he is. That damn goat is probably terrorizing the whole town by now.”

My Dearest Husband,

I hope this letter finds you well and you are not too weary from your travels. Though I'm proud the Queen has once again asked for one of your dresses, the house feels a little quieter without you here, though Miyeon, Gikwang, and little Jihoon are doing their best to fill the void. You wouldn’t believe how much he’s grown since you last saw him – he’s already running around like he owns the place. God, I’ve had to take more breaks than usual chasing after him. I’m sure you can guess why.

Miyeon has been a great help, though, and Gikwang even managed to fix the squeaky gate that’s been bothering you for months. We spent yesterday walking along the shore, Jihoon squealing with delight every time the waves came in. It made me think of how much you would’ve enjoyed the sight with him together. The sea is as beautiful as ever, though not nearly as beautiful as it is when I get to share it with you.

Oh, our little shop is thriving more than I could’ve imagined. Your teachings on sewing have paid off wonderfully, and the people can’t seem to get enough of the dresses I make. I'm so honored, though I still try and convince them yours are so much better. They keep saying how elegant the stitching is and how there’s something special about each piece. I always smile and tell them it’s because they were made with love – a love you taught me with every thread and needle. Though I do admit, I’ve had to slow down a bit these days. The shop misses you, too, but it’s running smoothly, and I can’t wait for you to see how well it's been going. 

I know you were worried about leaving me alone, but honestly, my love, you overthink too much. I think you forget sometimes just how capable I am. I may be waddling more than walking at this point, but I can still manage just fine, especially with Miyeon here to keep an eye on me. But I can’t help but smile when I think about how you’re already fretting over our little one, even before she’s born. You and your little princess – I can just see it now, the way you’ll spoil her rotten with all those tiny dresses you’ve been making. If she’s anything like her father, she’ll be quite the charmer, and I can’t wait to see you two together, hand in hand, as you show her the world.

She’s been kicking more these past few days, and it hurts like crazy. I can't wait to finally meet her. I’m already dreaming of the day when we’ll finally get to meet her. I know you’re just as eager as I am – I can see it in the way you smile whenever you talk about her. Our little princess. I think she knows, too, because she always seems to calm down when I think about you.

So, my love, don’t worry too much about us. We’re safe, happy, and counting down the days until you’re back home. The sea is waiting, the shop is thriving, and most importantly, your little family is here, eagerly anticipating your return. I’ll keep everything running smoothly until you’re back – though I must admit, I’m looking forward to resting when our little one decides it’s time to make her grand entrance.

Take care of yourself, and don’t let business keep you away for too long. We miss you dearly.

With all my love,

Your Wife

[themainreactor]

"You are the most persistent person that I've ever met in my life."

In which, Megumi's sure he could never rival your bravery. You had the audacity to ask if he'd go on a date with you almost the exact moment the two of you met. By some luck, he finally agreed after he got stuck with you and his classmates in a mall and now he's not sure what to do with himself. He better not have fallen for a random ditzy girl.

"What?"

"Can you take me out?"

"..."

"..."

"Like... Take you out... With a gun?" Megumi squinted at the girl, deciding to play stupid to spare his mental stability.

He has not yet been able to decide if he's being tricked or tested in the thirty seconds he's been around you and your antics.

You were just a random girl carrying a volleyball in one hand and a drink in another. He had bumped into you and apologized but now you were just standing here and flirting with him as if you had nowhere to be. Heck, maybe you didn't have anywhere to be.

You had the straightest face too so he really wasn't sure if you meant that you wanted him to kill you or not. He was feeling like he shouldn't indulge you but he was going to let you anyway.

"You’re funny, but the answers no. I meant take me out on a date." You chuckle, an unbothered smile gracing your face.

It was a nice smile but it threw Megumi off. He had always seen confessions with people all red-faced and shy so this wasn't what he was expecting. You didn't seem at all embarrassed by your request for a companion on a date.

"... You... I don't even know your name." Megumi hesitantly replied.

"Y/N L/N, that's my name."

A small tick mark formed right under his eye as if he was frustrated with your presence. In reality he was just about to have his brain seize up if you didn't stop doing whatever it was you were trying to do. You just seemed so unbothered by your confession to liking him, a stranger, that it was messing up his composure.

How the heck does one react to someone they just accidentally bumped into asking them for a date? Who even were you? He was in a damn subway station with you so what were you trying to get into?

"... So... Would you take me on a date? Or would you rather I take you on one? Both seem like pretty good options." You joked, tilting your head to the side when Megumi avoids your gaze.

"... I-I don't get it, what... Why would you even want to date me? We just met." Megumi stuttered.

He was feeling an impending headache from all these direct questions and answers. In no way was Megumi hesitant about being rude and turning people down but there was something different about you and it was frustrating him. For some reason he didn't want to hurt your feelings even though there was no way he'd say yes.

At least you were pretty calm about your request, like you understood that it wasn't an appropriate question for the situation and you wouldn't be unhappy if he had said no.

"... Well... Huh, how do I explain this... I don't really have a good answer." You mumble quietly to yourself, tossing your volleyball up in the air before catching it again. "Hypothetically speaking, would me saying to you that I find you attractive not be a good enough response?"

"... Well... It's certainly a response." Megumi grumbled under his breath, looking away so that you wouldn't see his blush.

Megumi wasn't sure if he was dreaming or if he was sick because this was legitimately crazy. What type of courage did you have that you could just stand there without any shame as you told him that you thought he was good looking?

"... Not a good one I assume?" You asked.

"Not really." Megumi replied, just listening to that awkward silence between you and him.

"... So would you take me out on a date?"

Was this girl serious?

"I mean... I just met you."

"... Yep... So would you?"

"... Maybe... If we meet again."

"Well... That sounds like a plan." You playfully reply, finally blushing a bit before taking a sip of your drink.

Maybe wanting to see you blush was a bad idea. He wanted to see it just to make sure you were human but now it was making him blush. How annoying.

"You don't really seem disappointed." Megumi finally commented, trying not to make any type of expression as he sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

"Well I know it's a weird question to ask someone you just met and I can't force you to take me out on a date." You laugh, barely paying attention to the shuttle that just arrived.

"Why did you want to talk to me anyway?"

"I just thought you were a really romantic looking kind of person and I should talk to you. I figured you'd say no anyway."

"Sure." He huffed out, feeling warmth engulf his face again. He was no doubt flustered again, probably beet red and it made him feel more embarrassed.

"Well is it okay if you tell me your name?" You ask, not wanting to keep him up any further since he was probably one of the people getting on the shuttle.

Megumi briefly looked at you, he was so confused about what was happening and for some reason he didn't actually want to leave yet.

"It's Fushiguro." Megumi mumbled before following everyone else onto the train.

"No full name?" You inquired, teasing him just a bit even though you weren't sure you'd even see this guy again. All you know is that you liked this guy a lot and wanted to talk.

Megumi almost groaned at the question. You were definitely persistent when it came to what you wanted, that was something he could respect at least.

"Megumi... Megumi Fushiguro."

"That's a pretty name, alright I won't hold you up any longer. Bye handsome." You waved, watching as he turned around entirely and walked into the shuttle without waving back at you. You embarrassed him to no end.

You sighed before walking out of the subway station, waiting right up front of the stairs where your friend had asked up to meet with you.

You figured that Megumi Fushiguro thought you were crazy but you didn't mind one bit. If you ever did see him again, you'd definitely try to shoot your shot a second time since he seemed so down to earth and cool.

...

"Fushiguro right?"

"Yeah, that's my name." He tiredly sighed.

"Can I call you Megumi?"

Megumi looked at you, another tick mark forming on his forehead. Naturally he would say no but the way you asked with your gentle tone and kind smile was making him cave. Great, this was humiliating.

"Uh... Sure I guess."

"Well... This is kind of like a date, no?" You almost laughed, trying not to bother the frustrated looking boy anymore than you already had.

It had been about two weeks give or take since you first met each other at the subway station. Now he had accidentally bumped into you yet again, almost dropping his coffee before he turned around to apologize and he recognized you.

Then he actually dropped his coffee.

Thankfully you offered to buy him another one and even though he didn't want to give in to you, he agreed… Since he still wanted some coffee. So now you were just a happy girl walking with Fushiguro to wherever he was going. You had bought him a coffee and had gotten yourself a small box of cake to eat for later.

"Uh... This isn't a date." Megumi corrected, not wanting to think that you had gotten what you wanted.

"Are you sure? This seems like it would be a pretty nice romantic walk don't you think?"

"Yeah I'm sure." Megumi sighed, looking at literally anything and everything but you. Why would you say romantic? It had him almost choking on his coffee.

"... Well how about we're just hanging out then?" You smiled at him, getting just a bit closer as you walked next to him.

Megumi sipped his coffee a bit before looking at you, feeling conflicted about it. It's not like he liked you or anything, cause he definitely didn't that was for sure...

He didn't even want to hang out, he was an antisocial person and he shouldn't indulge you anymore.

I mean c'mon, he knew the whole love at first sight thing wasn't real and he still barely knew anything about you. Though love at first sight seemed like you, as if you were some delusional hopeless romantic.

He could afford to indulge you a bit more... Right?

Just a little bit more.

"Sure this can just be a hang out." He finally replied, gaining one of the most precious smiles from anyone he's ever seen.

"That's good, then maybe I can get you to date me after."

"That's not going to happen."

"Why not? We know each other a little bit better now I think."

"Yeah? I still barely know you." Megumi smiled a bit, trying not to be too open with her even though he found her... Almost fun to be around.

"Yep, you drink black coffee and I like cake-"

"Most people like cake-"

"And barely anyone likes black coffee, that's something unique about you."

"But liking cake isn't unique."

"Jeez, you're missing the point." You huffed, feeling frustrated until you heard a small chuckle come from him.

"Well I think that's fine because I'm making my own point," Megumi replied, fully unbothered by your frustrated expression. "we're still technically strangers. At best we'd be acquaintances."

"Can't you tell me a bit about yourself if that's what you think?"

"Absolutely not." Megumi mumbled before taking another drink out of his coffee.

"Well can I talk a little bit about myself?" You ask, yawning a bit.

"Knock yourself out-"

"Cool, I just switched schools and I play volleyball there. At my other school I just used to be one of those people in the suits, like those big fluffy animal mascots? Yep, that was me and then I recently got a job at this skating rink-"

You just kept rambling as you followed him and honestly, Megumi wasn't expecting you to just dive into a topic about yourself so quickly.

As annoying as hearing you talk about yourself first sounded to him, he found himself listening as if he was enamoured in your life story, though it was all over the place and you jumped from one topic to the next.

Then of course there had to be this annoying, frustrating, mind consuming, grating voice that made Megumi want to find some painkillers.

"Megumi!"

"Oh, who's that?" You asked, tilting your head to look back at the white haired man with the black blindfold. Why was he wearing a blindfold?

"... That's my teacher." Megumi groaned, turning around to face the man.

"Hey! Who's your friend?" Gojo smiled at you, gaining a small smile back and a bow of her head.

"This is L/N-"

"Don't call me that, you can just call me Y/N since I'm calling you Megumi." You interrupted, getting Gojo to raise an eyebrow.

"... Okay." Megumi blushed, turning his gaze to the concrete instead of you.

"It's nice to meet you sir." You greet Gojo as he gives you a thumbs up.

"Nice to meet you too little lady, my names Gojo."

"Right... What were we even talking about again?" You turned to Megumi, watching as he continued to sip on his cup of coffee

"Someone name Yoko."

"Oh right! Then there's Yoko, he hates me for the most part so I don't mess with him even though I have to see him for advanced math almost everyday and then there's my teacher named Mr. Touya-"

Gojo's smile brightened ever so slightly, watching as this girl just kept talking about random stuff that most people wouldn't really care about. He then looked at Megumi, watching as he payed attention to you and Gojo already knew something he probably shouldn't.

He grinned before playfully elbowing Megumi, Megumi just grunted and smacked his elbow away but that didn't stop him from listening to your crazy life story.

"So unfortunately we lost that competition but at the same time I didn't expect much from it when I don't know how to dance all that well anyway and then my mom helped with- Oh my gosh you wanna know something?!"

Gojo internally laughed at how cute you were and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop any noise from coming out. Megumi jumped, almost dropping his cup again from your sudden yelling. You scared him for no reason.

"What!? What happened to your mother!?" Megumi frantically asked.

"Huh?"

"...Huh!?" Megumi yelled, his eye twitched a bit. You were talking about your mom and then you suddenly asked if he wanted to know something in a panicked voice. So what the hell did you mean now by 'huh?'

"Huh what?"

"What happened to your mother?" He asked again, taking a breath and lowering his voice ever so slightly so it didn't seem like he was yelling at you. Gojo just started giggling, silently thanking himself for setting up this time that he'd meet up with Megumi since he got to meet you now.

"... Oh! Nothing happened to my mother but I just remembered that my dad is making plans to take me to Paris in like a three weeks since he's working there overseas!" You yelled in excitement, smiling at Megumi as if nothing was the matter.

Megumi is pretty sure he just short-circuited cause how are you able to jump from one conversation to another like that? He could say it was annoying but instead it made him want to know more even though it was drastically draining his social battery.

"Yep... So that's my life, what's yours?"

"... Um... You think just because you've shared your life with me you'll find out about mine?"

"... Well why not?!" You asked, shrugging your shoulders. I mean, you did just tell this boy everything interesting about you and your life in the span of ten minutes.

"It's because he's antisocial but don't worry, I'm sure he liked it-"

"Shut up." Megumi harshly glared at his teacher before sighing when he heard you laugh.

"I guess that's alright then, well I'll see you later then huh Megumi?"

"Yeah I guess-"

"Oh wait! Can I ask you again?"

"Ask me what?" Megumi plays dumb again, hoping you won't pursue this while Gojo's here.

"If you'll take me out."

"Oh! That'd be sweet but now that I think about it, he's getting some of his teeth removed in a few days so maybe not!" Gojo interrupted, teasing the situation even more whilst getting hit in the back by Megumi. He didn’t care since his infinity stopped the attack anyway

"I mean, no I'm not taking you out... At least not yet." Megumi mumbled the last part, Gojo looking at him before pouting while you just smiled.

"Alright then, I'll see you soon and hopefully I can get you to change your mind."

"Bye little lady!" Gojo waved with a bright smile, Megumi just nodding his head in your direction before continuing his walk.

And with that, you were off, waving goodbye at the two as you parted ways.

It was silent for a good twenty seconds and even though Megumi had hope that Gojo wouldn't talk about this, he knew not to believe in it fully.

"So who was that lovely girl?"

"She's L/N, I just met her like two weeks ago... Don't lie about me like that again with her-"

"Are you guys dating? Oh my gosh Is she your girlfriend? You two don’t take each other’s innocence ! You're too young for that!"

"What the hell!? No! We're just acquaintances damnit! Now drop it!"

...

Megumi didn't ask for this. Megumi didn't want to be here right now. Megumi would much rather be cooking with Maki than in a mall with you.

Nobara and Yuji had wanted to go to the mall to buy some clothes and other things so that's where they were going, Megumi unfortunately not having a choice as Gojo brought him along.

But somehow, he found himself meeting you once again and accidentally bumping into you... Yet again. He of course apologized but it seemed like it was no longer a coincidence that he kept bumping into you, it couldn't be.

The only unfortunate thing about this was the fact that he was with his classmates and annoying teacher and it made this so much more embarrassing when he knew what would happen.

Gojo had already ratted him out to Nobara and Yuji about you, claiming you were his girlfriend even though he had to yell over Gojo to correct him. If they saw you now with him, they would embarrass him to no end just like they did with the random woman that had asked him for directions.

"Hey Megumi! How are-"

"Don't be so loud." He mumbled, grabbing onto your forearm to move you to another part of the store as quickly as humanly possible.

"I wasn't being loud, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just don't wanna be here."

He wasn't trying to get caught in all of this because you were so bold and he was so reserved there was no way his dignity would survive, especially since you liked him so damn much.

"You're being kind of pushy y'know that? Are you taking me on that date now?" You replied giddily, happy to see him as you walked with him and left your area to follow Fushiguro.

"Don't ask me that question anymore, you're the most persistent person that I've ever met in my life."

"Aw c'mon, it's not like I'd be boring. I could be a great date-"

"Y'know what? Fine, I'll take you out on a date later just shush!" Megumi hissed and finally he let you go, sighing and turning around before his face froze up. Shoot, not Yuji. He always tattletaled when Megumi talked with any girl.

So Megumi quickly got on all fours to crawl under the clothing racks, not bothering to bring you with him and just opting to peek his head out to converse with you.

"Where are you going?" You quietly asked him, flabbergasted at the sight of this stoic boy bringing himself to such a desperate place that he was hiding from someone.

"I need you not to mention me at all okay, they don't need to be asking-"

"Who?"

"Nobody, they're just annoying people that brought me here today against my will."

"Then I guess I should thank them since I get to see your handsome face again don't you think? And you're going to take me on a date." You smile, not caring a bit when Megumi's face got all red again.

Hr groaned when he looked behind you. Yuji had found his way towards this scandalous situation.

Yukon wasn't expecting Megumi to be crawling under something like that and talking to a cute girl whilst they talk about dating. She called him handsome, how sweet.

"Um... Hey, what's your name?"

You turned around, facing the boy with pink hair and the same school uniform as Megumi had.

"Y/N L/N, what's your's?"

"Oh! I'm Yuji Itadori, I've heard a lot about you!" He greeted, giving you his hand to shake.

"Really? That's nice."

"Hey Kugisaki! Gojo Sensei! Guess who Fushiguro found?!" Itadori yelled, gaining the other two's along with literally everyone else in the stores attention.

Megumi embarrassingly crawled out of his hiding space, regretting even coming here because he didn't want any of this. Though now that he thinks about it, it seemed kind of impossible for you to feel flustered so it was more like he didn't want to be thrown under the bus in front of you.

"Who?" Nobara walked over, yawning as if she was fully uninterested in what he had to say.

"The girl that Megumi's into!"

Megumi cringed when Yuji had said it that way and took it upon himself to smack Yuji upside the head while you were preoccupied with everyone else.

"Oh really?! I'm Nobara Kugisaki, the best girl here besides you of course." She immediately smiled at you before placing her hand on her hip with some sass. Now she was fully interested in what was going on.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Y/N!" You smiled, taking into account what Yuji had said. If you really were the girl that Megumi was interested in, then maybe he'd finally say yes this time.

"Well little lady, we were about to go eat together. You wanna come join us?"

"I'd like that, if it's okay with you Megumi." You nodded, Fushiguro sighing before he replied with a small 'sure'. Yuji and Nobara almost squealed at you calling him by his first name.

So you and everyone else finished buying whatever they had gotten from the store, Nobara immediately decided that she would get you some cute dresses and stuff while Yuji just talked to you.

You seemed interesting enough and you must have been a pretty impressive person to get Megumi's attention.

"Yeah that's how we found out that not only is Megumi dislexic but he has like twenty different varieties of gel for his hair. Not to mention all the romance novels he has-"

"I do not have romance novels in my dorm room." Megumi growled with a threatening glare pointed at her. She just laughed and continued talking even though Megumi having to correct her every ten seconds about what she was saying to you.

He shouldn't have cared, it shouldn't have mattered to him whether or not they tried to tease him and you. After all, It's not like he actually liked you... He couldn't like you... At least not really, he just met you like three weeks ago.

"Yeah Kugisaki, don't lie about stuff like that when they'd be so cute together. Just like Gojo would say, "Get off of him, you damn homewreckers!" Though the gel thing is completely true." Yuji teased, only adding fuel to the flame.

"I'm going to kill all of you." Megumi grumbled in-between his teeth. You just laughed, almost dying at how hilarious it was that they were teasing him.

"You shouldn't kill us." Gojo stated with a teasing expression. "especially when we're going to be the ones at your wedding-"

"Stop it!"

...

"So where would you take me?"

"I don't know... Probably like a cafe or something." Megumi replied, almost forgetting that he had actually said yes to you by some miracle.

Though he kind of realized that he had been lying to himself for a bit. It's not like he outwardly liked you like you did him.

But he was lying about not falling for you. At least he wanted to be around you and that was something since he almost never wanted to be around anyone.

"Well it's a good thing you gave me your phone number so now I can text you about it later." You smiled, looking up at the sunset colored sky.

"I guess."

Yuji, Nobara, and Gojo were trying their best to be inconspicuous about spying. Megumi and you had just walked out of the food court to talk outside and they couldn't help themselves since they were like annoying, eavesdropping children.

"What that boy Itadori said, was it true?"

"What did he say?"

"That you're into me?"

Megumi had to refrain from letting a scowl come onto his face. He was definitely going to smack the shit out of Yuji when they got back to campus.

Then again, he might as well tell the truth. Was he into you at the moment? Hypothetically speaking he shouldn't be since the two of you still didn't know each other that well but in reality, yes he was into you.

He blames you for it, it's your fault he's into you.

"Yeah." He finally responded, making you surprised. You didn't think he would actually say yes, you were just bringing it up to tease him.

"... Really? I'm into you too."

"I know that, you started off with that when we first met." Megumi chuckled, looking at you with a calm face.

He wasn't annoyed, stressed out or frustrated, he didn't look like he might strangle someone at that moment and it just made you more excited. He had a soft side that he was sharing with you for just a bit.

"Right."

"..."

"..."

"I can't actually believe you're going to be taking me on a date!" You smile, having quite the hard time holding your excitement in.

"Yeah, well I can't really believe it either. I can't even really believe that I like you so imagine how I feel."

Nobara sighed, getting bored as she watched the love birds stand in silence. It wasn't like this was annoying she just wasn't trying to wait this long to see some results.

"Shh!" Yuji whisper yelled, elbowing Nobara only to get elbowed back.

"Ow! Quit it!"

"Shut up! I don't-"

"They're gonna notice us." Gojo lifted up his blindfold while talking to the two, effectively getting Yuji and Nobara to be quiet.

"Welp, I gotta go anyway but it was nice to see you again, and meet your friends." You smiled at Megumi, getting a nod from him in return. The spying company had successfully evaded your attention.

"I'll see you later."

"Alright, bye- Oh wait!" You quickly turned around and surprised Megumi when you came close enough to him to kiss his cheek.

And then you were off, waving Megumi goodbye as if you didn't do anything at all. But Megumi knew what you did and he felt it, a light and yet tender kiss.

His face got all red again, he could feel it and his chest did the thing where it beats way too fast. He was gonna have heart failure soon If you didn't stop.

"Woah!"

Megumi turned around, looking at the voice only to glare at the three that were hiding in a bush. They weren't even quiet about it, they looked so obvious it was annoying.

"Did you see that? It was so cute!" Gojo gushes, eyeing the picture of the two that Yuji took.

"Hell yeah it was! The picture turned out great!"

"It did?! Let me see it! Oh my gosh that's so sweet! And they're going to have their first date together too?!" Nobara smirked.

"This is so great damnit and they have so much chemistry! I'll bet you ten hundred yen that they'll end up in the same bed in like a month-" Yuji started, already taking out some money to show off until he got cut off by a voice.

"I'm giving you all five seconds." Was all Megumi said as he stood in front of the bush and that was their cue to get their asses back into the mall before he called one of his shikigami to eat them.

[letters2won]

Hi may I ask for an idolNiki x black reader fiction Where she's one year younger than him and is really scared to admit her feelings/confess because of fans who say that he doesn't like black people /black girls soo she starts to try and give him space so she doesn't come off as clingy/pushy and he tells her that their just stupid obviously and that he loves her too but she so convinced that the fans are right

︶︶︶︶༉‧₊˚. LETTER TO MY 13 YR OLD SELF

pairing: idol!niki x black!reader ⋆ genre: hurt/comfort ⋆ warnings: self doubt, harmful comments, let me know if i missed anything!

1.2k wc

⤷ i hope this was to your liking :( it’s my first time trying hurt/comfort but this was nice to write so thank you for requesting

did i get emotional writing this? yes because i related to this a lil tee much 🤏

¡ requests: open !

Everyone could see the love seeping out of you for Niki. You knew what you were getting into the moment you felt these feelings starting to rise.

They were only getting stronger and stronger day by day, it was hard trying to not spill out a monologue to him on what was stirring inside of you.

But lately, you realized how out of reach he is. Noticing all the beautiful fair skinned girlies surround him caused you to spend time staring at your own reflection. You started to softly touch your cheeks and hair, furrowing your eyebrows at the thought of him not wanting to date someone like you.

You rubbed your face tiredly as you walked out your bathroom and into your dorm room.

“Hey yn! Hope you don’t mind that I used your spare key..”

You jumped at the sound of his voice, holding your chest before going to hit him with your pillow. “Niki! You should’ve at least texted me, someone could’ve seen you, you know!” and in response he just rolled his eyes playfully.

“How was your fansign today?” you asked as you got up to grab some clothes he left over to change in knowing his current clothes were too hot. You didn’t notice him staring at your every movement before he hummed to himself.

“Tiring… but it was funny! Heeseung-” he then proceeded to go into detail about everything that went down. You gave him reassuring hums and smiles to let him know you’re still listening even with you back turned.

You eventually felt your heart drop at a mention of a fan. “And there was a pretty engene today! She was so charming and funny, definitely had a way with her words” he chuckled lightly to himself.

Biting the inside of your cheek, now you know you definitely can’t confess anything to him.

“You must be tired, yea? Are you staying the night?”

He frowned slightly, “Can’t, I have practice all day tomorrow so you probably won’t hear from me.” You sighed and gave him a reassuring smile.

“That’s fine, text me when you're free, ‘kay?” and he nodded. You walked him to the door and gave him a big hug finding comfort in the warmth radiating off of him. He softly kissed your forehead before letting go, causing you to stare in awe.

“See you later pretty!” he cheekily stated before closing the door. Oh boy, you were in trouble, the pounding of your heart being living proof of it.

That night you tossed and turned, missing having his head on your chest through the night. You gave up trying to sleep and went to twitter, the bright screen causing you to squint a bit to adjust. Scrolling mindlessly on twitter until you came across a tweet that had your eyes watering a little.

“Niki wouldn’t date a black girl in my opinion, he probably also likes experienced girls too!”

Hurriedly, you look through the comments to see people agreeing with her. Yea a few comments were disagreeing but that didn’t make you feel better. You honestly felt sick to your stomach.

You sat up quickly to read more. “He definitely doesn't like them clingy, he enjoys personal space.” That’s how you found yourself going through a loophole on twitter feeling even more shitty about yourself.

Why did it have to be like this? Was that how he really feels? You know you could ask him, I mean he’s literally your best friend! But you felt too embarrassed to even ask him how he felt dating girls like you. Did he believe the stereotypes surrounding black girls?

Your heart started to ache. You already felt self conscious about your skin, but this just made you feel 10x shittier. You got up to stare at yourself again. Eyes tearing up as you start to wish your hair weren't so kinky and how you would love to have long blonde hair or blue eyes. Wishing you weren’t so different.

That night you went to bed with a heavy heart.

The next morning you saw Niki messages but you were still hurting and decided to avoid him. You can't handle looking at him or speaking to him knowing you’ll break down in front of him.

Niki on the other hand was worried that the forehead kiss is why you’re so distant. He could barely concentrate at practice. The boys noticed it, giving him concerned glances.

“Good work today boys! Niki you’re normally on your A-game but today you were so off. Work harder okay? Get some rest everyone, see you tomorrow,” the dance coach let out.

Niki was too spaced out to even care about what he had to say. He was in a rush to see you. He needed to make sure he didn’t break any boundaries. He couldn’t lose you like this, he thought to himself as he rushed out the dance studio.

He knew it was risky to be at your dorm without any disguise but he pushed it to the back of his mind as soon as he saw your door come into view.

Knocking anxiously but you didn’t move an inch. Not wanting to get bothered right now as you cuddle up with your blanket and comfort cartoon show playing in the background.

Niki checked his pockets hoping he brought the spare key with him.

Sighing in relief, he quietly opened your door. Your dimly lit up living room welcomed him in as he closed the door softly. He could already tell something was wrong as he recognized your comfort show playing which made him even more anxious.

“Yn…can we talk?”

Your saddened eyes turned to look at him and he felt like he was shot in the heart seeing you look like this. He cautiously sat on your bed as he heard the soft sobs echo through the room.

“I just wish I could be what you wanted, Niki. You are so close but so out of reach from me. If I was pale skinned would it be different, I wonder? Would you feel less ashamed knowing I fit in with you?”

Niki pulled you closer to him, rocking back and forth. “Is that why you've been ignoring me? Because of those stupid opinionated comments?”

“Yn, I liked you for you. I love how we are different from each other. Being able to learn from you and see things from your point of view helped me grow as a person. It helped me learn to love you.”

Your head shot up, scanning his face to see if you heard wrong. “Yn you didn’t hear wrong, i meant it.”

“You’re so beautiful to me and I want you to allow me to show you that” Niki finished up.

Eyes tearing up as you sense his sincerity, you pushed your forehead against his. “Sorry for making you worry.. I was already embarrassed.”

He rubbed you back comfortingly, “Don’t be embarrassed, you’re allowed to feel like this, just communicate with me, yea?” and you nodded in agreement.

You looked up at him and saw his eyes flicker to your lips, “can i?” he asked. You smiled and leaned your forehead against his again feeling his soft lips fit with your perfectly.

Sighing in content, he leaned back and you two stayed like that for the night. Holding on so dearly as if you might vanish in thin air.

[momotonescreaming]

STWG Daily Drabble

Prompt: Creation

If the spare room was Eddie’s — filled with amps and guitars and DnD books, desk piled high with half painted miniatures, and notebook upon notebook of his scratchy handwriting — then the garage was Steve’s. One half for the beemer, still in good condition, meticulously kept. The other half for his home workshop. A large workbench, a pegboard filled with tools hung in place, cupboard upon cupboard filled with anything he might need.

When they first moved to the city — into a shitty apartment with Robin — Steve said the freedom made him feel lost. For the first time he had the time and space to do whatever he wanted. No parents telling him what to do, hanging over his shoulder. No people who knew him, no people with preconceived notions. So Steve tried things out.

Joined a casual basketball team, took some night classes at the local Y and at the high school. Said the cooking classes were fun, but he liked cooking at home better. Wasn’t a fan of the knitting, but said it was fun to give it a go. The woodworking class however? Steve took to like a duck to water.

He was fixing cupboards and the loose board on their back deck. Made a birdhouse for that large tree in their backyard. Replaced both their bedside tables with his own handmade ones. Eddie could see how happy it was making him.

And then Steve started getting weird with it. Making odd little things he thought were funny, just because he could. Because they made Eddie laugh.

“Will you and Chips be alright if I lock you in here for a second?” Steve asks, leaning on the doorway  to the spare room, gesturing to the ginger cat currently plastered to Eddie’s side. “I’ve got a surprise.”

“A surprise huh,” Eddie replies, raising an eyebrow, as he turns to face his boyfriend. He’s still wearing his workshop apron, goggles pushed up onto his head, and he looks like he’s buzzing. Steve’s made something. He’s been holing himself in his workshop all week, spending hours there in the evenings, and decidedly not telling Eddie was he was doing in there. And now, Eddie’s assuming, it’s finally done. He’s also sort of buzzing about it. “Me and Chips will be fine.”

“Cool,” Steve says, already starting to close the door. He’s biting back a smile. “I’ll be back.”

“We’ll be here,” Eddie calls, shouting so Steve can hear him. He swears he can hear his boyfriend laugh, ever so faintly.

It doesn’t take long for Steve to come back — without his apron and goggles this time, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“Get up and close your eyes,” he says. Holding out his hand for Eddie to take. “Come on.”

“Okay, okay,” Eddie laughs, easing Chips off of his lap and getting up from his spot at the desk. He takes Steve’s hand, calloused and warm. It’s comforting as he closes his eyes, and trusts Steve to lead him to wherever this surprise is without running him into walls. Chips meows at them as they walk, the bell on his collar jingling as he trots along side them.

Steve lets go of his hand, leaving Eddie in the dark, but he can hear his socked feet pad on the floor.

“Open your eyes, Baby,” Steve says, joy leaking through into his voice. He sounds like he’s bouncing in place. So Eddie does, blinking against the light, and sees Steve standing next to one of the most cursed things he’s ever seen.

“Ta da!” Steve exclaims, holding his hands out to show off his newest work. “My creation!”

His creation is a long wooden pole, square and sleek, with a round base painted black. The part Eddie can’t stop looking at, however. Are the hands. Wooden hands with adjustable fingers, affixed to all sides, littering the top half of the pole. Some have the fingers laying flat, one or two are flipping him off, one in the standard ‘rock on’ symbol.

“Oh my god,” Eddie exclaims, understanding exactly why Steve was sounding so giddy. This is hilarious. It’s everything. He wants it in their house forever. “What is it.”

“A coat rack made of hands.” Steve says simply, shrugging casually, as if that was a normal thing to say.

Inspired by this video by Evan and Katelyn on Youtube

[quixotical-lymbo]

hi! Sorry for requesting AGAIN, I just- augh LOVE your writing, chefs kiss! But anyway- onto the request!

could you do a Wukong or Macaque (whichever one you want, I don’t particularly mind!) with a GN reader who takes dares like super seriously? One of their bad traits is that they don’t know how to step down from a challenge. Someone dared them to microwave a fork? Doesn’t even matter if it was a joke they’re still gonna do it! Romantic if you don’t mind! ^^

also remember to take breaks and drink some water!

Pairing: Macaque x gn!Reader Rating: SFW Summary: Never double dog dare a person who has no fear and the balls to do it.  Warnings/Tags: Pigsy, Sandy, and Mei cameo, implied drowning, and cussing/strong language used.  Word Count: 500+ words 

 

"...ca…seri…sto.."

Your hearing was the first thing that brought you back from the world of unconsciousness. The pounding headache followed after as you swallowed down the lump in your throat. 

"..never…me..and…"

Your eyelids struggled to lift and a soft whine left you as the fuzzy sounding noises  increased tenfold. 

"Well it certainly looks like it!" Pigsy gestured to you, his eyes flicked onto your face before gasping as you managed to crack one eye open.

"..huh..?" You flinched when a collective shout came from the crowd of people circling the bed you were on. Mei, Pigsy, and Sandy were there talking to you all at once. You could barely make out anything other than a few 'I'm glad you're awake' and 'don't ever scare us again.' 

"Will leave you two alone for a bit," Pigsy sternly glanced at the frowning monkey before dragging both dragon-horse girl and blue giant out of the spare room. You looked at Macaque as he approached the left side of the bed, a goofy smile appeared on your lips as you spoke. 

"I did it." 

Macaque narrowed his eyes.

"I did it." 

"I know." Macaque hissed. "You must be dumb or so stupid to believe I actually meant the damn dare in the first place." 

"Well, you shouldn't have teased me," You retorted coolly. "Sitting at the bottom of the ocean for five minutes wasn't that hard after all." 

"Do you have any self preservation? At all?" Macaque growled. "Actually, don't answer that, I already know you don't." 

"I don't see the big deal, you dared me, I did it, and now you're mad," You looked him in the eyes. "I'm fine." 

"You could have died."

"But I didn't," You grinned. Macaque dropped his head in one hand and exhaled deeply. 

"Is this funny to you?"

"What?" 

"Is this situation a joke to you? You could have seriously harmed yourself—no, you could have died all because of me teasing you?" Macaque's eyes peeked from his hand. You rubbed your hand on your arm and mumbled, "...maybe a little-" 

Macaque called your name sharply. 

"Fine, fine, I'm sorry, alright?" You crossed your arms and looked away. 

Macaque stared at your face for a while before reaching over to grab your arm and unravel your cross to hold your hand. Your face felt warm as you felt a pair of lips ghost over your knuckles. 

"No more dares, okay? Not until you're better again." 

"Aw, what? C'mon that's not fair!" 

Macaque rolled his eyes and joined you on the bed. You grunted as the back of your head was pushed and you were forced to lay against his chest. Not that you were complaining. 

"Fine, no more dangerous dares." 

"Yippe!"

"Which I'll monitor from now on." 

"Aw man."

"Don't pout," Macaque wrapped his arms around you. "If you manage to get more rest I'll get you whatever dessert you want." 

"And If I say I want you~?" You threw one leg over his and snuggled closer to the heat radiating off his body. 

"Don't push your luck, sleep." 

“Yes sir~….OW! Okay, I deserved that." 

🍜 - I do not give permission for anyone to translate, copy, republish, or plagiarize any of my written works. I provide no permission for any of my literary works to be used in artificial intelligence. sparkle banner(s) by @adornedwithlight !!

[maplegracefour]

You - Schlatt song fic

* ˚ ✦ Song: You - dodie

Summary: A summer fling. Or was it?

Warnings: Alcohol (minor mention)

Word Count: ~1200 words

Author’s Note: This is very much a vomit on a page moment, I missed the old school 2014 ukulele music I would listen to as a teenager and this came to mind as I was listening. It’s quite choppy and maybe a bit confusing. I’m not really happy with it but enjoy it regardless if you’d like :)

I told you I was looking for some empathy

Well you fooled me

Just, a touch and a thought and I was gone

May 4th 2024, 22:46

Parties weren’t your thing. But alas, if you were going to live in LA, if only temporarily, you had to live the LA lifestyle. At least that’s what your friends said in an attempt to sell you the idea of attending. Funny how as soon as you got there, none of them were anywhere to be seen.

Working on a long-term project that had shifted your life trajectory had seemed worth it at the time, but standing on your own in the corner of some sort of ass-kissing festival seemed like hell on earth. You hadn’t even noticed a figure standing beside you until he spoke.

“You don’t look like you’re having a good time.” He murmurs, nursing a plastic cup of some mysterious liquid.

Your head turned, spinning to greet the smug smirk of JSchlatt himself. You leant back against the wall, gripping your drink a little tighter. “I’m not.” You responded, nonchalantly.

He paused, as though thinking of the exact right thing to say. “Anything I can do to change that?”

“You can answer a question.” You turned to face him, one shoulder against the wall. You two were way closer than you’d expect two people to stand and why did no one tell you that this man is so much more attractive in person? “Why does this place just feel like a massive dick measuring contest? Does anyone here have just an ounce of empathy?”

He laughed, a large belly laugh. The sound was like music to your ears, much to your dismay. 

And now someone’s gonna get to know the better you

When I was supposed to

Why did it have to be you?

September 8th 2024, 15:22

It had hurt much more to leave than you ever had expected it to. Staring out the window of the long-haul flight, your mind was preoccupied. It was hard to even look back at what happened.

How could he just say nothing? How could he pretend that nothing had happened between you? Was it really all just a bit of fun?

I guess

Now the next time there’s an opportunity

I’ll tread more carefully

My heart’s running out of cellotape

October 13th 2024, 19:24

You tried dating, you tried every single app that suggested being able to build any sort of connection. Anything to fill the void inside you that he had left there.

Even if you got on with them, it just wasn’t right. You couldn’t let yourself open up, many of them fizzled away after dry texts. The ones that you had a date with, you can’t remember a single one that called you again afterwards. But you didn’t care.

After him, no one ever made you feel the same.

You know

How is it I’ve never felt that way before?

I was so sure

It wasn’t going to be you

July 2nd 2024, 10:41am

There had been no apprehension. You two slotted in together like you had known each other for years. You spent almost all your time together. Schlatt postponed his flight, telling Ted that it was to work on the podcast, or he wanted to host a couple meeting in person. But Ted knew it was to spend more time with you. 

“Hey man, where’ve you been?” Ted asked, looking up from the couch when Schlatt walked into his apartment. Schlatt waves him off, grumbling something about needing to sleep.

“It’s the middle of the day, the fuck you been doing?” Ted continued his questioning to no avail as Schlatt ignored him and walked into the spare room.

Days of hanging out, cooking you dinner and absolutely thrashing your ass at Mariokart turned into late nights, whispering about your goals and dreams. And then those whispers became sweet nothings, heavy breathing, gasps for more.

Neither of you intended it to be this way, you had insisted that you were just friends. But, that’s not the way it was, was it?

Why do all the red flags,

Just look like so much fun?

I have a habit of

Searching for the damage

To share my love

August 19th 2024, 21:59

You had started to feel more. You couldn’t help it. How could you not?

You knew it was a bad idea, confessing. You’d be gone in a couple of weeks. You had been psyching yourself up for the past few hours whilst curled up on the couch with him, limbs tangled together and a throw blanket draped over you both.

“Jay, can we talk?” You asked, pulling yourself up from his grip to sit opposite him.

He frowned, arms reached out as if you were still in them. “Uh, yeah. What’s going on?”

“I wanted to know where we stand.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“I just thought we were kinda just messin’ around.” He said, scratching the back of his head. His eyes were darting around, avoiding yours. “Nothing serious.”

“Yeah, cool.” You shook your head, a weak laugh escaping your lips.

“You sure? You seemed pretty serious for a sec there.” He said, looking you up and down.

You laughed again, a nervous habit you had as you shook your head again. “Nah, I’m okay. I just wanted to check that we were on the same page.”

I promised to be numb

But somehow you were the one

Now to unwind

Months of a good time

September 8th 2024, 14:41

You noticed the distance immediately. Schlatt went from being at your AirBnB everyday to every other day. Then it was once a week. For a couple hours a time, you would do your business and he would be out, sometimes before you had even made it out of the bed.

He didn’t even say goodbye in person when you had to fly home. 

When that flight took off, you knew that this was the end. A single summer in your life that meant everything turned into a couple months that you just wish you could forget. But he was always in the background of your mind.

People will tell me that I messed up

And it wasn’t love

And I’m secretly hoping they are right

September 16th 2024, 17:22

Confessing to your friends from home seemed like a good idea at the time but they immediately were sceptical.

Of course, it was just a classic case of a fuck-boy. It was a fling. It should have meant nothing. The next best thing will come along soon.

But something in your mind told you that it couldn’t have been. There was something more there, there had to be. You had been checking your phone almost obsessively.

Just one text. But there’s just radio silence.

Because

Whatever it was, it was wonderful

But non functional

November 22nd 2024, 02:37

Your phone was buzzing. Who the fuck would be calling you at this hour?

The screen read ‘unknown’, making you frown. It could be anyone. But you knew who you were hoping it would be. You reached over your bed, picking up the phone and clicking that little green button.

“Hello?” Your voice was raspy, throat dry.

“Did I wake you up?” Oh fuck. Oh shit fuck shit. It was him.

“Yeah.”

“Sorry.” There was silence for a moment, like he was unsure of what to say. “Could I just talk to you for a few minutes?”

I really hope I don’t love you

[tenjiiku]

watari / au

the chronicles of a retired cannibal and his budding (alleged) serial killer neighbour

Michael Kaiser returns to his abode after his work trip, Monday evening — inexplicably vexed towards the World and Y/n. There is no particular order to his annoyance. But the urge to sink his teeth into the earthy ground and the putrid girl’s neck are one and the same. He could fulfill both compulsions at once and still find a way to feel unsatisfied. On the surface, she seems like anyone else. But Michael knows. He knows what the girl is better than she does, herself. He ate women like her for breakfast. Lunch and dinner too. Occasionally. He used to, in his teens. But it is harder to maintain an alibi when you have developed a severe case of stiff back in your thirties. No less hunting someone down for sport. It used to be easier back home. Japan’s scenery has a way of dulling a man for all he is worth.

Michael wants to crush it all.

He thinks he likes her, though. Sure, he often wants to shoot the young woman straight in the head and feast on her flesh that calls out to him like a canary’s tune — but there is some charm in the girl.

Y/n reminds him a lot of himself, you see.

He has only seen her a few times since he moved to the utterly abandoned apartment complex somewhere in Sendai which he now calls home; but each time has been remarkably vivid. Once, she was wearing nothing but a bikini top as a shirt and denim shorts, carrying two large bags filled with groceries in early May. Another, in the laundromat by the residence — humming a show tune, her voice vibrating with the dryer she sits upon, sparing him no mind. Recently, more wantonly — Michael had spotted her by his door to his apartment, pushed up against it by a man taller than her (Humiliatingly, taller than Michael himself as well). He saw a glimpse of her face being utterly devoured in ways which he thought were only possible for people in their late twenties to discover. She had all but spared him a half-lidded glance from across the man’s shoulder and rolled over to push the stranger up against her door, instead. Michael remembers just staring.

But before he could say anything — she was already whisked away into her own place.

He hadn’t heard the man scream, strangely. But the tall fellow hadn’t left her residence for days to follow. Michael wonders how Y/n does it so efficiently — not leaving a trace of their existence behind.

And, presently, he spots her sitting outside her door, squatting by a wilted potted plant — presumably tending to the debilitated creature.

He almost mistakes her voice with the cicadas — him suffering a hallucination due to the Summer heat being a more likely cause than the woman striking up a conversation with him.

But it is real. He is turned to his door, when her saccharine voice calls for him.

“Good day, is it not, Kaiser-san?”

He feels himself go into auto-pilot — having rehearsed the lines he would tell her if she were to ever entertain herself with him. He does not even find himself questioning how she knows his surname. The woman gets around — she is all knowing and spectacularly aware of it. Michael wants to scoff, a little.

Amateur. It was cute.

“Sure.”

“Apologies for last night, sir. My date had too much to drink. Confused our doors.”

It’s funny. She almost sounds apologetic. Michael almost feels sorry for the man she managed to sink her claws in.

“It’s… fine…”

She tilts her head cutely. Dressed in a thin pair of light blue overalls, Michael grows suddenly aware that he is looking down at her chest. He shifts his eyes, and coughs. The sight does not make him uncomfortable — but he realizes he should at least act a little human. The woman places her hands on her knees, seemingly having no qualms of sitting down on the floor by her doorway.

“I feel awful. Really, I would have thrown a fit at myself, if I was in your position. And I did. Twice this morning.”

Curious and amused, Michael asks, “How?”

“I gave myself a cold shower. Then I waxed my legs,” she explains, almost animatedly. “Clean as I may be, it was hellish. Really, Kaiser-san. Believe me — I did not feel good.”

Michael huffs at her strange demeanour and at what she constitutes as a punishment. She was both demure and bold. He’s never seen anything quite like it in a woman. He also tries to block out the image of her showering and softening her already plump skin.

“I… am glad,” he answers.

When the doe-eyed lady (is she doe-eyed? Michael does not know if that is what you would call it. But her eyes are wide as saucers, almost encompassing her entire face when she enlarges them — tantalizingly glistening with a need he wants to fulfill, for whatever reason) does not respond, and simply gazes at him with curiosity — Michael cannot help but feel the need to offer her to come into his apartment for a while.

His knees almost buckle when she responds with a yes, and gets onto her feet to reach him.

“It is settled, then?” She sings, dancing on the tips of her toes.

Michael can only nod and stare dumbly at the cut under her left eye. It wasn’t there before, a few weeks ago. It almost looks like the poor man had tried to fight back.

“How wonderful! It is too beautiful of a day to be feeling guilty. Is it not, Kaiser-san. Is it not?”

He looks down at his hand, unlocking his door and turning the knob but not opening it. “It’s nice.”

He turns to see if Y/n is still looking at him. She is closer in proximity, inches away from his shoulders. He scratches the back of his head and she tilts her head, gesturing to his door.

Michael opens the door, letting the alleged murderer into his apartment complex.

He reckons he should strike up a conversation with her. It is not everyday he encounters someone so much like him.

“The azaleas by the entrance are blooming.”

“Yes, yes! They are. So beautiful, are they not?”

“Mhm.”

Michael reaches his kitchen island. He goes behind it, while Y/n decides to remain across from him. She hops onto one of the stools, and he lets her watch him put his groceries away. He can sense her eyes scanning his place. Michael lives frugally — not many decorations other than cut out pieces of newspaper advertisements he found aesthetically pleasing.

He feels Y/n’s eyes on his neck, his bleached hair tickling at the base of his neck.

“If only my Watari would bloom,” Y/n sighs out in the open.

Michael prolongs the conversation before even realizing it.

“Watari…?”

“My asagao. Morning glory. For whatever reason, I cannot get him to grow.”

And never mind the fact that his murderer — who is also a plant enthusiast, it seems — has a name for her morning glories. The fact that she refers to it as a person peeks Michael’s interest. People like them should not seek pleasure in otherworldly matters if those pleasures were anything but fleeting.

Maybe Michael has grown too old. Kids these days are more advanced than he was. They will chew on your flesh and find happiness in the world without you in it. He briefly wonders if she usually rehearses this same dialogue with all of her victims. Or, perhaps Michael is special.

“I had him in my balcony for the longest of times. Then, my bedroom. Then the kitchen. No matter where I place it, no matter how attentively I water, it refuses to bloom.”

Y/n complains like some sort of petulant, spoiled teenager. Michael wonder if human remains stunt plant growth. He has not tested the theory himself, and with a woman chewing on her bottom lip sitting only a foot away from him is enough for him to finally allow himself to fantasize about this.

He wonders if she is even taking about her morning glory at this point.

“Kaiser-san, your blessings for my Watari would be appreciated at this time. I know I do not deserve them — horrible and filthy as I am — it would mean quite a lot for someone as terrible as myself—,” she starts. But Michael is starting to itch. He turns his back away from her, turning on the sink.

“You have my well wishes.” He spits out, a bit out of breath, “It’s fine.”

It is silent. Michael wonders if she is looking at him like prey. The concept makes the corner of his lips twitch. He lifts a hand to cover his smile. This is the most excited he has been since moving to this place.

“Really, Kaiser-san? Really?”

Still, with his back turned — he lets her think about him a while longer. He wonders how she plans on killing him. Maybe she will take a long route. Reel him in with cherry coloured lips, sheer blouses, a sweet, light voice murmuring his name like a siren song. Michael wouldn’t put it past the girl.

So, he decides to play along.

“Water under the bridge,” he waves, finally turning to look the girl in the eye. She is, of course, still staring. And it seems like something out of a horror film — the way her eyes had darkened, her lips are moist as though she had just licked them, and she looks utterly ravenous.

But she bids him a farewell. “Good day, Kaiser-san.”

So Michael figures that this is it, for today. “Good day.”

When she steps out of his door, Michael makes sure to wait five minutes — until he is certain she has gone from his general vicinity. And he laughs. He laughs until tears escape his eyes. He laughs, stomach starting to hurt but he cannot stop.

He will have his teeth in her by the end of the Summer.

That is to say, only if she doesn’t have her own in his skin, first.

[ohmotherwhereartthou-if]

I have a weird but hopefully adorable ask!

RO reaction to receiving the news that they or MC is pregnant with Octuplets?

(For Elio, MC brings 8 kids home and says these are our kids now :)

Woof, Lord have mercy!

Cassandra: When the doctor reported that there was more than 4 heart beats in there... Girly was lightheaded for hours trying to contemplate. You can bet top dollar after this you both are not ever having any more kids, this is the first and last time.

Valeria: Laughs. Laughs in disbelief and wonder, she didn't even think that was humanly possible. I mean, she is a twin herself to having two or even three in one go was plausible but...8? Good Lord grant her patience, because you two can kiss sleep goodbye.

Tomás: Nah, my man definitely passed out for a few moments. Goddamn, 8?! That's insane, normally he would take majority of the 9 months wrapping his head around being a dad, but now he's gotta come to grips he is having 8 in one go? Yikes.

On the plus side however, he would prep like a mf. 8 hand-made cradles and adjustments were made to the dining table to he could fit all 8 of the little ones into makeshift high chairs. He is literally making a blueprint of the house and trying to figure out how he is going to fit them all into their respective rooms when they are older. He kinda wishes he had more money so he could afford to give them all their own rooms, he would low key debate asking his mom for some money but his pride ultimately would not allow it. He settles on separating them by gender for now, it would be funny af if he got 7 boys and one girl though. Heavens know that girl would be a such a daddy's princess.

-

Ludovica: I worry more on her health tbh, she would worry the whole pregnancy that she would miscarry. So by the end she is so happy they arrived safely and healthy, she honestly would be very overwhelmed by the number of them though. Vica would benefit greatly from having a small family but she would not complain to have all 8. She might make a case that you guys need to hire a few nannies though, she would be very involved with all 8 of her kids but it is all a bit too much for her though.

Aurelio: The best one out of all the RO's that is fit for this situation. He would still 100% throw up upon receiving the news however, goodbye freedom. He would shape up quick and allocate many of his spare rooms in his manor for his kids, no more overnight stays for any party guests that is for sure. He would hire one nanny, aka a governess, for the kids so that he can work comfortably and MC can have some help. His kids will all turn out 100% like him, read that one other RO as parent's ask to see what I mean by that. The havoc these kids will cause on the denizens of Romandi are unspeakable, however I feel like the home life would look a lot like 'The Sound Of Music' (my absolute favorite comfort movie btw) but how the family is at the end. Constant trips, fun games, and a huge loving family. The kids would also probably be similar to those kids from that movie. Putting frogs in people that they don't like clothes lol.

Elio: I mean... He would have questions as to why you suddenly decided that your shared apartment sized home should now be an orphanage. My mans would be shook but also not turn them out, he would at first want to find them all proper homes but I can see he would quickly get attached. He does 100% MC to find or have a job to support all of these kids properly, he would help (by being a house husband) but it would fall mainly on MC to figure out how are you both going to take proper care of these kids in the long term.

[fantasylandbitch]

Summary: You've been friends with Tara since you guys met in college just as you were graduating several months ago, and you haven't been separated since. Throughout the 4 months, you've been introduced to the "core four" such as the twins Mindy and Chad, and to Sam who is learning to be comfortable around you and is slowly catching feelings for her little sister's best friend with a little competition from Ethan and Quinn.

After work, you drive over to their apartment to see if Tara needs help with homework and to enjoy your friend's company only to find out that Tara went to a party and you get pulled into their nightmare. 

It sort of follows the Scream 6 movie and this is my first time making a fan fic and one-shot series so bear with me. 

Warnings: Long story, Cussing, Fluff,

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 2.5 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 4.5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5.5  Chapter 6 Chapter 6.5 Chapter 7 Chapter 7.5 Chapter 8 Chapter 8.5 Chapter 9 (Chapter 9.5 Coming Soon)

After work, you go to your friend Tara and Sam's apartment which they share with their friends Mindy, Anika, Chad, Ethan, and Quinn.

Upon going into the apartment you hear some music before unlocking the door with a spare key that Tara gave you. "Hey Tara I'm home! Need help with homework by chance?" you say walking into their space as you put your bag down near the couch knowing Sam wouldn't be at the apartment for a few hours. "Hello!?" you yell into the apartment wondering where the music was coming from but before you can investigate Quinn opens her bedroom door revealing that she was naked. When you heard the door open you briefly looked in her direction before finding the ceiling interesting to look at.

"Oh heeey y/n" she coos at you eyeing you like a piece of meat.

And you reply with a "Heey Quinn, funny seeing you here" you say now looking towards the dining room.

"Aww is that the best you can come up with?" she says as she reaches for her robe while undressing you with her eyes and you sigh "Wanna join me in the bedroom?" she asks boldly as you cross your arms.

"Very funny, I respect your sex-positive way of life but no thank you...I'm good" you say as you slowly look at her dead in the eye and her brow goes up.

"Your loss, y/n" she ends and before she could close the door to continue her activity, you ask her a question.

"You wouldn't happen to know where Tara is would you?" she stops the door from closing with a sigh before telling you where she is. 

You run to your car putting on your seat belt before pressing the ignition and before you turn onto the street you look both ways before driving away. "Why would she go to some frat party?" you say annoyed while parking your car after 20 minutes of getting there. Then you walk into the building before you catch sight of the stairs and groan, 'I hate stairs' you think to yourself before walking up the stairs to find the door to the frat party, and before you go in you take a breath. When you finally open the door to enter the party your senses are immediately flooded with the smell of booze, sweat, and the sound of horrible music but before you could get caught up in the environment you form a plan and you decided that you would look for Chad. While walking through the crowd of people you scan their faces and as soon as you started your anxiety was building up, it felt like you were walking for hours even though a minute had gone by, before your eyes finally landed on Chad while he was talking to Ethan, your anxiety suddenly dissipating from your body, "Thank god I found you guys!" you say allowed catching their attention.

"Y/n! Nice of you to join us! How have you been?!" Chad says over the music and you yell back.

"Good! Have you seen Tara?!" Chad shakes his head saying.

"I saw her last with my sister!" making you nod so you go find Mindy when you catch Anika smiling and waving you over.

"Hey ladies! Do you know where Tara is!?" and Mindy nods "Yeah she said she went to get another drink!" as she yells over the music. 

Then you turn around to find her, thinking she might be in the kitchen only to hear a commotion near the stairs where you saw Chad last, and when you got closer you started getting protective. You notice the way the frat guy is holding Tara and how Chad is trying to get Tara from him, and then the frat guy says something to Chad something you can't quite hear before Chad pulls the frat guy onto the main level shoving him and the frat guy doing the same back and you decided while pumped with adrenaline to punch the frat guy in Chad's defense making him bleed. 

Then the frat guy shoves you onto the stairs near Tara where there was also glass bottles and in the process your hand breaks one of them, some of the glass shards getting into your skin.

And before Chad can react you hear Sam "Chad Chad" she says stopping him before facing the frat guy and continuing her thoughts "Just going to tase you in the balls real quick" she says tasing the frat guy in the balls "Don't ever lay your hands on my sister" she ends before looking at you sternly and then she leaves with Tara, Chad, and Ethan while Mindy and Anika helped you up as you guys followed suit.

While you guys walked out together you realized that your night was going to be stressful especially how Sam looked at you with disappointment before getting her sister. Then the idea of hearing the Carpenter sisters arguing caused you to drag behind the group not wanting to be a part of it and it didn't go unnoticed by Mindy and Anika. 

They've known you for a few months now, thanks to Tara, and had noticed how you would quietly remove yourself from the group in an attempt to preserve your energy when anyone in their close nit group would argue. Mindy would sometimes be surprised at how receptive you were to everyone's emotions when you did step away while Anika on the other hand saw your kind heart when you volunteered to take her to her date night with Mindy, and nearly punched a guy for almost slurring at them and your ability to pay attention to detail, your kindness, and loyalty to your friends is why they love you. But what they didn't know is that you were super anxious about arguments and are still trying to come off the adrenaline high from earlier.

Then the Carpenter sisters had blown up at each other, pissed beyond belief while their friends watch it all unfold and when Sam was done yelling at her sister, she turns her anger towards you.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" she yells causing you to stop in your tracks as your muscles tense up.

"Listen Sam I was tr-" You were going to explain yourself but she kept coming at you.

"You didn't do shit! You put my sister in harm's way y/n!!!"

You try to step up to gain the upper hand but words were getting caught in your throat "No I didn't, listen-" before Sam shot you the most insulting one yet.

"God you're such a shitty friend, from now on stay away from my sister" she says banishing you from seeing Tara ever again. 

You two stared at each other for a moment blood still boiling and it took everything in Sam to turn away and not berate you further, but you knew, you had have known that she was being protective after Tara told you everything about what happened in Woodsboro, so you stayed behind as your friends try to catch up with Tara. Then you walk to your car and it took you a moment to process everything that was said before you hit the wheel in frustration and you then turn your car on to drive away. While you drive away in the same direction as your friends you notice some girls looking at their phones and then pointing at Sam so you brake in the middle of the street watching your side mirror as the girls throw their drinks at Sam so you backed your car up fast, and before Sam can react you turn your wheel and backed up on to the curb almost hitting the girls who through their drinks, causing said girls to walk faster before sprinting while your friends became speechless as you lowered your passenger window. "Get in the car," you say seriously as Mindy and Anika took not a single second to get into your Pathfinder, as they're not used to seeing you this pissed, and as soon they got in, Ethan and Chad followed suit leaving the Carpenter sisters by themselves.

"I get the passenger seat," Tara says walking to the passenger door.

While Sam took the backseat behind the driver, and with a huff, you looked both ways before driving away not noticing Sam staring at you through the whole ride home, as she was trying to gauge your feelings while she was starting to feel bad about what she said to you. After leaving the scene you drive the gang back to their apartment where you were able to park directly in front of the apartment which lightens your mood a bit, soon turning your car off while everyone got out, everyone except you, Tara, and Sam.

"Thanks for the drive y/n, wanna come up?" Tara says to you.

While Sam uses the rearview mirror to look at you, wanting to say something but she doesn't, and you look over at Tara briefly before connecting eyes with Sam in the mirror, and then looking down at your lap and answering her "Not tonight Tara but I do appreciate the offer. Maybe next time" you say as she nodded.

"Okay well have a safe drive home okay?" now it was your turn.

You nodded before she got out and Sam followed after sighing, soon disappearing into the apartment building. But just as you were about to turn your car on you realize that you didn't have your bag with you "Shiiiit" you say to yourself before looking at their apartment building with a groan, getting out of your car to go to retrieve your bag. "Here we go again," you say to the stairs, and with a huff, you begin the climb, when you finally get to their floor you hear a commotion on the other side, so you gently knock waiting for someone on the other side to open the door for you.

That someone is Ethan, "Hey y/n what can I help you with?" he says leaning on the door frame casually with a light smirk, blocking you from coming in.

But before you can say anything you hear a groan behind him. Then Mindy's question makes him jump "Who's at the door?" she asks walking over to see who's holding Ethan up before sitting down "Hey you".

"I was just coming up to retrieve my bag," you say as Ethan steps out of the way checking you out as you walk away from him.

"Oh yeah? What's keeping you from staying the night?" she asks studying you while you scan the room for your bag when your eyes finally land on it in the dining room.

"Other than work nothing else, why?" you say in an attempt to keep the conversation away from the core problem. 

But Mindy persists as she gets up from her spot next to Anika on the couch to come over to you, fully aware of your schedule "Mind telling me what's up? You seem...I don't think nervy might be the right word for you" Mindy says trying to find a better word when Anika chimes.

"Apprehensive baby" and Mindy snaps her fingers.

"Thanks baby, yeah apprehensive" she says when you hear Tara, Chad, and Quinn join the living room waving at them as they did. 

But before you can answer her you started to feel a stinging sensation in your hand but you ignore it, "I'm still a bit shaken up from everything that happened earlier. I just want to go home and sleep it off" you say to Mindy when she notices that your hand is bleeding.

"Not like that you aren't. Hey Sam!" she calls, as the older Carpenter sister got out of her bedroom.

"Yeah what's wrong?" she says as her eyes scan the room before settling on your figure when Mindy walks over to her whispering something about your hand and how it happened. Then Sam disappears from the room to get a med kit before offering you a seat in the dining room so she can properly take care of you while Tara comes over to lightly talk shit to her sister which you respond to.

"Ease up on your sister Tara she was just looking out for you" making Tara talk back to you.

"I was doing just fine!" she says annoyed.

And you reply with the same energy"Taara 'doing just fine' does not mean abandoning yourself and letting some guy take advantage of you!" And she was about to get in your face when you got up and Sam was going to defend you but Mindy stops her.

"Hey Tara, come help me make dessert" she says "Anika you too baby we could use the help." 

Then you felt a soft hand caress your own making you flinch "Easy y/n, I just want to examine your hand" Sam says leading you to take a seat with her as she examines your left hand and arm just in case, "Relax for me y/n, good girl" she continues causing you to hide your blush. Then Sam pulls your attention back to her "Thank you by the way" you hear her say which is something you know might be hard for her.

"I um..you're welcome" you respond to her nervously and she looks up at you with a smile, while you started playing with the right side of her pant leg rubbing small circles into it. And while Sam was trying to find a way to fix your hand, you took the time to admire her as you looked at her features watching as her lashes flicker across your hand before your eyes moved looking down at her toned arms, but your thoughts bring your eyes back to her face. And you sat there wondering how long did she have to be strong, protective, and fearless? How long has she endured solitude by herself while constantly looking over her shoulder since Woodsboro? And before your brain can process what was happening you say "Sam" you started as she looks up at you and before you can say anything else Anika calls everyone to the table and Mindy sounds off.

"Dessert is ready!" she says happily as the smell of apple pie spreads throughout the apartment and before you can move to a different seat Sam gets up to get you water and painkillers while throwing out the glass shards she pulled from your hand.

"Here's some water and painkillers, make sure you take them," she says handing the cup and two pills to you, and as you take the painkillers with the water you noticed Sam had wrapped your hand up.

"How did you-" You started as Sam was going to sit next to you when Quinn takes her seat, so Sam was going sit on your left but it almost seems like the world was against her because Ethan sat next to you. 

With a light groan, she sat on the other side of the table next to Mindy who was facing in you're direction where you were slightly amused but in a tired way but you woke up a little when Tara and Anika brought over some bowls and utensils so you guys can dig in.

"Hey Sam" Sam turns her head in Chad's direction as he cuts the pie.

"What's up?" she says to him as you watch their interaction.

"Did you know that before you arrived at the party our y/n clocked the frat guy with a right hook?" he asks and you hide behind your hands as Sam looks at you surprised, seeing that your right hand is a bit swollen.

"Is that why his nose was bleeding?" and he nodded with a smile.

When Mindy chimes in "can we talk about how you backed up on to the curb"

And Tara joined in "Yeah I thought that was pretty badass," she says as you sunk deeper into the chair from embarrassment.

"Yeah y/n I was surprised at how pissed you were," Ethan says as the bowls of apple pie were being passed out so you sat up and grabbed one.

After taking your first bite, you hummed with a smile before replying "That wasn't my proudest moment I could have killed someone" you say messaging your eyes to prevent yourself from crying as you feel bad for showing that side of yourself before going back to eating.

"Here an ice bag for your hand," Anika says handing you the ice bag while she takes a seat next to Tara at the table and after you were done with your bowl you take it along with the ice bag to the kitchen sink to clean.

Then Sam came over with her bowl brushing against your right arm letting you know that she was there "I can clean it for you, here" she says taking your bowl.

"Thank you" you say before leaning against the counter and watching your friends from afar when you take a deep breath. As you took a deep breath in, Sam watches you and does the same as she gets done cleaning the bowls before talking to you about earlier that night.

"Y/n I'm sorry that I yelled at you earlier" she says pausing thinking about the events.

"It's okay I know you didn't mean it" you reply looking over at her tiredly but she feels like you're not getting it and just as you are about to return to the table Sam traps you between the counter and herself and you laugh nervously."Samantha Carpenter," you say her full name grabbing Tara's attention from the table as she noticed how close you two are in the kitchen as she was happy to know that her sister can talk to you to but if she didn't know any better she would have thought you guys were trying to mess around in the kitchen. Sam's mouth hung open a little not expecting you to use her full name, "I am aware that you were upset that Tara was at a party intoxicated mind you, and that you felt that it was my idea to take her" She nodded and you continued "You must not know me then, I hate parties like that and I worked up the courage to get your sister out of there or tried to anyway" you say with a sigh looking away from her "I may be Tara's friend but even I can't tell her what to do and I think you should let her spread her wings a little." Now it was Sam's turn to take a deep breath, taking in what you were saying and you added "Pequeño" you say using your pointer finger and thumb to show her what you mean making her smile.

"Are you planning to stay the night?" Sam asks, hoping you will say yes and she watches you as you think about it, noticing how long your lashes are and how your e/c eyes underneath them are intriguing as she held herself back from wanting to kiss your lips but to her nothing beats your kind and understanding personality.

"Sure why not," you say looking up at her and she looks at you with content wondering how she can be so lucky to be graced by you.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 2.5 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 4.5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5.5  Chapter 6 Chapter 6.5 Chapter 7 Chapter 7.5 Chapter 8 Chapter 8.5 Chapter 9 (Chapter 9.5 Coming Soon)

Pequeño means small, little, and short in Spanish depending on how you use it.

I plan to make more for this series because I'm having too much fun letting my brain run wild. Also, constructive criticism is welcomed as I've never done something this in-depth before.

But again look out for more and I'll make sure to link the chapters. I also made a fan playlist if you guys want to check it out, I'll leave a link below if you want to read along with it.

Scream 6 : A Love so Understanding Playlist

[bucknastysbabe]

For the kink bingo image aegon with an innocent wife!reader just teaching her the pleasures of life and loving how innocent she is compared to the whores

So for some reason I forgot to make them married. So I pulled ye old make this even spicier by betrothing her to Aemond and Aegon is already married. Lmk how you feel, xoxoxoxoxo

Kink Bingo - Innocence

Rating: Explicit

Tags: Dry humping, first orgasm, incest, infidelity, innocence kink, alcohol consumption, possessive Aegon, subby behaviors/implied subspace

They lounged in the Godswood. You had dragged your sullen elder brother out to get some sun. He was a creature of the night now and you missed your favorite sibling. Aegon was flopped on his belly, head tucked beneath his arms. You plucked a grape and threw it at his pale bed head.

“Stop it, m’head hurts,” he grumbled.

You rolled your eyes and replied, “Your head is always going to hurt going out to the pillowhouses every night.”

Sunken violet eyes glared at you, his lips set in a pout. He scoffed, “I don’t go to the Street of Silk every night!” You laughed, “So, Flea Bottom pit fights then? Flying to Essos on Sunfyre for a night cap?”

He rolled his eyes, grumbling, “Very funny. I happen to enjoy a good time, what’s wrong with that?”

He rolled over to expose a sliver of pale belly, continuing, “Might do you some good to get out sometimes. Life has much more to offer than lectures with your betrothed and needlepoint with our strange sister.”

You narrowed your eyes in confusion, popping a grape into your mouth. While chewing Aegon snorted, “I’m talking about drinking, carousing, letting loose! None of the stuffy shite Cole and Mother forces on us.” He waved his hands around wildly, “Aemond will have you wearing white before long!”

Suddenly you felt stupid. No wonder he went out. Your older brother had better things to do than sit with his silly sister who still reads about the Others and Children of the Woods. A sister who was betrothed to the spare. A warm hand clasped over your arm. Aegon had leaned closer, a worried tilt to his brow.

“What? Why do you look like a sad kitten?”

You muttered, “You don’t have to spend time with me if I’m boring. I get it.” Embarrassed tears welled in your purple eyes, blinking them away harshly. Aegon cooed and pulled you into his arms. The prince laughed, “You might be more oblivious than me. If I thought you boring then why would I be out here?”

You sniffled, “I don’t know- I just miss you.”

He grinned down at you, thumbing away a crystalline tear. He kept the thumb there, swiping against soft skin. A gleam came to his eyes, Aegon cheering, “Why don’t I teach you a lesson or two on how to live a little. Does that sound good?” You nodded eagerly, wide eyes searching his own.

“Where do we start?”

Aegon clapped his hands together and chirped, “Wine of course. Loosens the body and mind.” He yelled at a nearby servant to bring a couple of flagons. They scurried away with a bow. You giggled, “Criston says wine makes people stupid.”

“That’s exactly the point, Princess.”

Aegon had played around the Godswood with you for hours, feeling like a child again. Not an heir with an expecting wife. He laid with you on the blanket set out earlier, intertwined with your body. Aegon beamed at you, all flushed and giggly from the wine.

He noticed you had took to it easily. Only a pinched look at the first swig but drank with him. Aegon stopped you after the fourth— lest you’d be sick. He hummed, “I changed my mind. I don’t want you to see Flea Bottom.”

His violet eyes gauged the thought bubbling through your hazy mind, achingly wide doe eyes spearing his wicked heart. You hiccuped and laughed, “Why not? Wanna have fun w’ my big brother.” Aegon groaned at the innocent response. You had precisely exhibited why he would not do that.

The prince carded fingers through your pale locks and replied, “It’s too dirty for you. You’re too pure. I’ll throw all the parties here at the keep.”

Aegon knew he was in deep when you whined, “Okayyy- but not even a tour? Daylight atleast! I want to know what has you so enraptured besides the drink.” The elder wasn’t sure if you were playing dumb or the drink had muddled your mind.

You leaned closer into his face, wine stained lips tantalizingly, torturously, close. “Is it the pretty painted girls?” Aegon gulped in fear. He hoped Aemond was somewhere on Vhagar far, far away because he was about to do something bad.

“It is the painted whores is it not? That’s what Aemond says.”

Aegon snapped, “I don’t care about them or what the prick has to say.” Then he cradled your face to smash his lips against your own. Your eyes widened in shock before returning the kiss, pressing the line of your body closer. The rational part of your brain was screaming, but this was exhilarating. Your big brother always knew best.

His tongue flicked along the seam of your lips, coaxing them open. You obliged and gasped in excitement when Aegon’s tongue entered your mouth. All you had gotten was a peck on the cheek from Aemond.

He rolled on top of you, pinning your wrists up above the halo of silvery blonde hair. Aegon didn’t relent, lips sensually sliding against your own. You felt hot and itchy, a need to crawl ever closer into Aegon arising. Your…core was aching and becoming wet. A confused whine ensued.

Aegon panted, cheeks cherry red, “What, baby?” He looked frenzied, eyes wild and hair mussed. You couldn’t figure the words so you pulled Aegon back to your mouth with a moan. The elder giggled and suckled on your tongue, making you clench in need. Everything was so heightened, you aware of every sensation on your flesh.

Eyes lolling around you whimpered, “A-Aegon, I want- I need, oh Aegon!”

Aegon looked like he was going to eat you alive. You weren’t aware of his thoughts, but the prince was delighted with how lovely your innocence was. Sweating and smelling sweet with wine and desire. Simply confused with all the feelings screeching.

You whined into his mouth again, begging for anything. Aegon shushed, “Hold on baby, dear sister, I know what you need.” He dragged a stiff length, oh gods his prick, across your own heated slit. It sent a bolt of pleasure so strong up your spine you clamped your legs around Aegon.

“Smith’s steel balls!”

Aegon guffawed then crooned, “This is why I won’t take you anywhere. I want this all to myself. You’re so cute and pure. You’d faint hearing their swears down there.”

He rutted against you more, talking like he wasn’t sending you into a tizzy. Aegon rasped against your ear, nipping the flesh, “Have you even touched your sweet cunt, sister?” You writhed and babbled, “N-no!” Your hips jerked against Aegon’s need in a sloppy rhythm, seeking out more pleasure greedily.

Aegon grunted and angled himself to strike that more sensitive part of you— getting a pretty cry as a reward. You trembled and begged for his lips. Aegon nipped at your swollen bottom lip and shared a couple of messy, overexcited smacks. The prince groaned, “I’ll show you how on lesson two, fuck you’re soft baby!”

You blubbered, “Oh- oh- Aegon, I think, I’m, what?!”

Darkness enveloped your vision— trembling and twitching all over. Your ass was wet with something now. Aegon rutted a few more times before groaning and falling to his side. You laid like a dead starfish, unable to comprehend anything.

Aegon’s grin appeared from above. He snarked, “Baby sis’s first orgasm. How beautiful. Couldn’t pay the finest whore in Lys to recreate that.” You mewled nonsensically, reaching for his frame. Aegon bundled you into his arms, cooing, “Nope. Not going anywhere. They can’t have my pure pretty angel. Even Aemond.”

“When- is- lesson two,” you croaked.

[lilac-hecox]

congrats on 800 followers!! maybe something with trevrasha? i don’t have any specific request w/ it tho so i understand if u don’t write something

(I used my numbered prompt list and a generator and got this and liked it so!)

Trevor/Arasha - Pessimistic - Trevrasha

--

"If you think i am going to validate your pessimistic thoughts, then you're wrong"

Not for the first time, Trevor wonders if he even belongs at Smosh. Everyone at Smosh is great. They are his friends, and he has fun. It’s a dream to be able to come to the office and hang out with people he genuinely likes, playing games, fucking around, being paid to be stupid and silly on camera. 

His doubts and worries have nothing to do with the actual people at Smosh. No, it all stems from how he is perceived. Trevor won’t lie and say that every Good Mythical Morning fan welcomed him with open arms but he was liked enough there that the comments negative towards him were fewer and further between. 

Now, he’s on Smosh and he’s more heavily featured, and with that exposure comes a whole new wave of attention, and with that attention, Trevor has noticed an uptick in hateful comments or tweets towards him. 

Some fans think he isn’t funny enough, that he doesn’t deserve the spot he got. He can name tweet after tweet with someone making lists of other people they think deserved his spot on the Smosh cast. 

Trevor tries his best to ignore those comments, but he finds they hang heavy on his heart, clouding his brain when he goes to film. It makes him nervous, makes him second-guess his jokes, his performances.

Trevor is at one of the lunch tables. It’s in-between shoots and after lunch so the area is pretty barren. He’s poking at his snack of yogurt when Arasha comes into the room. She’s carrying her own snack, a bag of chips, and she smiles brightly at Trevor as she stops at his table. 

“Can I sit with you?” she asks. 

“Of course, Arasha. You don’t have to ask permission.” 

She smiles and sits and then her eyes are on him. Trevor can almost feel her gaze digging into his chest, his mind, trying to find all the things that seem to be taking over his thoughts. 

“Is something wrong?” she asks as she pops a chip into her mouth. 

Trevor shrugs. He feels a little embarrassed to admit his feelings, admit his insecurities. What if he tells her how he feels and his fears are confirmed? What if everyone else thinks he doesn’t really belong at Smosh either? 

“Come on,” she says gently, “I can tell something is wrong.” 

He and Arasha have been in a lot of videos together lately. Maybe it’s because they are similar in age and bounce off each other well. Whatever the reason, the proximity has made them closer. He still remembers when she sat him down in a make up chair and giddily, and delicately, did his blush for him for their shoot. 

The way she had stood over him, her long hair brushing his chest, the way she smiled and it went all the way to her eyes. Okay, so the proximity between them might have also given Trevor a raging crush on the woman, but he can be professional! 

He sighs, tipping his head back in the plastic chair he’s sitting in. 

“Fine,” he says, “I guess. I feel like lately maybe I shouldn’t be here.” 

He spares a glance at Arasha and her brows knit together in confusion. 

“Are you not happy at Smosh or-” 

“No!” Trevor says quickly, “I am! I’m super happy! I just…I don’t know if I’m funny enough or like…good enough to be here, you know?” 

“Trevor!” Arasha says, “of course you’re funny enough to be here!” 

Trevor shrugs, “I don’t think the majority of the Smosh fans like me.” 

Arasha’s eyes widen and then it’s like an understanding hits her. 

“You’ve been reading hate comments?” 

“Not just hate comments,” Trevor mumbles, “sometimes they tweet me too.” 

She reaches across the table and lays her hand over his. Her nails are a soft purple and her hand is warm where it rests on top of his own. He likes her hands as weird as it sounds. She talks a lot with them. Her fingers are nimble. He also likes her smile, her laugh, her quick wit…he really likes everything about her if he’s being honest. 

“I know it’s hard but you can’t read that stuff, Trev.” 

“But-” 

“Ah!” she says, removing her hand and raising a finger in the air, “Ah, ah. If you think I am going to validate your pessimistic thoughts, then you're wrong."

She’s also really smart. That’s another thing he likes about her. 

“You’re here for a reason. You’re here because you’re funny, and you’re so kind, and you bring a certain light to the camera. You’re exactly where you should be with us, Trevor, so don’t let a vocal minority get you down. You remember when Ian and Anthony bought the company? A bunch of fans were clamoring for them to fire us, but that was just words, just their opinions, and now I’d say we’re all more loved than ever.” 

Trevor nods and he knows realistically she’s right. It’s just hard to remember sometimes. 

“Besides,” she says, her voice going soft, “if you left, who am I going to tease and hang out with?” a smile crosses her face, delicate, sweet. 

“Let’s see, Angela, Chanse, Courtney, Amanda, Spen-” 

“The point is!” she barrels on, a laugh on her lips, “is that, yes, I could hang out with them, but I wanna hang out with you and if you’re gone I can’t do that.” 

She is smiling and Trevor thinks he sees a hint of a blush on her cheeks. He feels warm inside, fond of this woman. The bad thoughts linger in the back of his head but Arasha was like a breath of fresh air, blowing them away, clearing the clouds that fogged up his brain. 

“Okay, okay, fair point,” Trevor says, “If I go no one else is going to understand your Drake and Josh references.” 

“Exactly!” Arasha says with a giggle. She turns her chip bag towards him, “want one?” 

Trevor snags a chip and smiles at her. “Thanks Arasha.” 

She smiles like she gets it. Like she knows it’s for more than just the chip. 

How could he really care if a handful of Smosh fans didn’t like him? All that mattered right now was that Arasha does and she wants him around.

[whiskey-bumblebee]

Hold Me Closer

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader

Word Count: ~2000

Warnings: mentions of sickness (common cold), reader uses she/her pronouns, hotch briefly kinkshames panty-sniffers

Your foresight has always been startling to Hotch.

You're walking, hand in hand, across a small bridge when you pull away to sneeze into the crook of your elbow.

Aaron raises his eyebrows at you, silently asking if you're okay. You know that if you indicated you weren't, he'd step up to bat against that sneeze. How exactly, you weren't sure, but he'd find a way.

"I'm going to be sick by tomorrow morning," You say plainly.

"How can you possibly-"

"I just know," You reply, conspicuously not taking Aaron's hand again. "And I'm not going to get you sick, so keep your distance," You're smiling, but he knows you're serious.

___

Sure enough, the next morning, Aaron wakes up to the sound of you packing some clothes into a duffel bag. He panics at first.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm sick," You reply, and he hears it in your voice. Your nose is congested, your throat scratchy.

"So you're moving out?"

He snuggles deeper under the covers, relishing the last few minutes of comfort before a long day of death and paperwork.

"I'm just going to stay in the spare room," You explain. "I'll still use the kitchen and whatever, it's just a cold, but I don't think we should sleep together until I'm better."

It's the first time you've been sick during your relationship with Aaron, and he's surprised how seriously you're taking it.

"Honey, you know I don't mind catching whatever you've got," He explains lovingly. "Let me take care of you."

You stop wrestling with the bag's zip for a moment and look over at him.

"This is only a little bit about you," You start, choosing your words carefully. "I don't want to get you sick because then you'll have to take time off. If you take time off, people might literally die. And then that's on me."

"I'm not sure I follow your logic," He says slowly. "That's a big burden you're putting on yourself, honey."

You shrug. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself? I know you might not agree, but it matters to me."

There's a sad expression on his face, but he nods. "Alright. Can I hug you before I leave for work?"

You're hesitant.

"I promise I'll take a hot shower right after. Blast all the germs right off me."

In truth, you were easily convinced. You loved Aaron, and you loved touching him. It would be hard not to hold him until you fully recovered.

"Okay," You murmur, and he springs out of bed like a man 30 years younger.

You tuck your face into his body, and let his strong arms encircle you. He doesn't kiss the side of your head, like he normally does. It's a lovely, warm moment, and all is right in the world. You take a deep breath, inhaling his scent and hoping it sticks in your lungs all week.

"Okay," He whispers. "I'm going to take a shower. If you want to join me, I won't ask any questions."

He pulls away, and his boyish smile almost gets the best of you. He's like a magnet.

"I'm going to be strong," You reply, kneeling down to pick up the duffel so you can take it into the spare room. Aaron tosses you your silk pillow once you have a free hand.

"Don't forget this," He teases. "Every princess needs her satin pillow."

"It's silk," You stress. "And you bought this for me, remember?"

He looks at you, smiling.

"What?" You ask.

"I love you," He replies. "I know it's funny to say, but I'll miss you. Even if you're just in the next room over."

"I love you too, and we can talk through the wall," You affirm. "And if you get really desperate," You glance pointedly at your laundry hamper. "You can always take a pair of my-"

Aaron's nose crinkles at that, and he shakes his head. "No thanks. Too many unsubs..."

You nod, not needing him to elaborate further. "Okay, now please get out."

He holds up his hands playfully, but does as you ask, heading to the ensuite bathroom.

"Do you need your toothbrush?"

You almost laugh at how hard it is to disentangle yourself from the life you both share, even if it's only for a week, and a distance of approximately three metres.

"Yeah," You reply. "I'll come and get it when you're done."

___

"You look like your cat got hit by a car," Rossi says, pulling Aaron aside. "What the hell happened?"

Hotch frowns. "Me and my partner are long distance this week."

Penelope, somehow, manages to overhear that, and within seconds, is just beside the two men. "Where did she go? She didn't mention anything to me." She looks a little dejected.

"Private conversation, Garcia," Rossi interjects, gesturing for her to close the door.

"It's alright, Dave," Aaron replies. "She moved into the spare bedroom."

Rossi laughs a little. "The spare bedroom?"

Aaron's frown deepens. "She's sick, and she said she didn't want to risk me catching her cold."

It's almost as if little pink cartoon hearts flutter around Penelope's head, and she smiles widely. "That's so sweet."

"So no sex?" Derek asks.

"When did you get here?" Aaron asks exasperatedly, glancing around the corner where he and Rossi were standing. To his surprise, the whole team had gathered to eavesdrop. Aaron rolls his eyes.

"Back to work, everyone. And please, no more prying into my private life. I'm sure you wouldn't want me looking into yours either."

The team disperses at that, returning to their desks in the bullpen.

"The spare bedroom?" Rossi repeats, this time in a whisper.

"What's the longest you ever went without seeing your wife?" Aaron replied.

"I've been separated from Diane for-"

"Not separated," Aaron clarified, his jaw clenched. "Apart."

Rossi gives up and shrugs. "I didn't love any of them like you love her, Hotch."

"She's a saint," Aaron murmurs. "I don't know-"

"-What you did to deserve her, okay loverboy, back to kill-y kill-y stabby stabby." Rossi steers him by the shoulders for a few steps until Aaron brushes him off. "Otherwise you might as well be with her at home."

___

Five long days pass. It's torture, for Aaron to hear you coughing through the wall at night. Every now and again, he hears your footsteps and tries to imagine you walking to and from the bathroom, or to and from the kitchen. He tries to imagine what your hair looks like, what you're wearing.

He sits beside the wall every night at 9.

"I love you," He says, just loud enough for it to carry through the plaster.

"I love you too."

"How are you feeling?"

"Almost there," You reply. "I'm just so cold."

"Have you got the heater running? I could start a fire?"

Your laugh is muffled, but he'd recognize the sound anywhere.

"I have the heater running."

You both go to your separate beds, and hours pass. Aaron sleeps uneasily without you beside him. His phone vibrates with a text and he looks at the screen immediately.

< I'm really cold. Could you bring me one of the spare blankets?

He thinks for a moment.

He walks over to the linen cupboard in the hallway, and pulls out your favourite blanket for movie nights. You almost always fell asleep when you were under it. It had a pleasant weight, and it was certainly warm.

He also puts on a surgical mask, looping the elastics around his ears and squeezing the wire to fit his prominent nose.

He knocks twice, and you call out weakly.

He opens the door and takes a single step inside. You don't move, so he walks over to the bed to drape the blanket over you. You're lying in the position you always sleep in when he spoons you, and he can't help himself. He slips into bed behind you, dropping the blanket on the foot of the bed.

"Hey," He murmurs, expecting you to chide him.

"Hey," You murmur back.

"Is this okay?"

You nod. "Pass me a mask?"

He takes one from the stack on your bedside table and passes it over your shoulder. You fit it to your face. His body is warm against yours, and you can't help but snuggle into him, making sure your face isn't facing his. You click into place just as you always have.

"Can I stay?" He whispers.

"Until I fall asleep?" You bargain.

"Okay," He replies.

And for the first time ever, he hopes that you have a long, sleepless night ahead of you.

[rheapankow]

Devils in the Details

paring(s): jj x mom!reader

summary: You never liked JJ Maybank. He was arrogant and sometimes rude. To sum it up, trouble. But he was your daughters' surf instructor. The best on the island and only the best for your girls. But what what happens when one of them lets family secrets slip?

warning: abuse, one cuss word

┌──────┐

He rolled his icy blue eyes. "You're a kook, I don't think money is an issue for you babe. I expect it by the end of the morning when you pick them up or else I'm going have to drop them." The woman's heart stopped as she looked to Matilda and Mercy, fear locked in their green eyes.

"I'll get what I can."

"And be here by noon. I'm not a daycare." With that, he ended the discussion and focused on the girls. "Come on girls, let's put some zinc on. I got pink and purple for my two favorite princesses." They cheered and clung to his leg.

If y/n hadn't watched the previous sessions, she would say he hated children and hated his job, but that was the furthest from the truth. The joy in his eyes when he worked with students and seeing them conquer any task. Tilly could go on for hours about how amazing he was. Mercy  on the other hand just stared at him and worshiped the ground he walked on.

The soft eyes filled with tears, losing any last ounce of dignity. There is no way she could get that money. Full kook, yes. Money, no. Not hers at least. Y/n's dreadful husband, Rafe, sat on a pile of it, checking every expense made, berating every choice made for thier kids, leaving everything to him. She had a small sum on the side that was hidden away, but all of that went to Mercy and Tilly. If he could just wait for Rafe to leave, y/n can sneak to the safe to take a little. She sat in her tinted black Escalade, formulating a plan.

The clock on the dash read '10:45am' as the car sat in the driveway of a multimillion dollar home, all thanks to her husband. As terrible as Rafe was, the luxury made up for where he lacked. Was that a selfish thought? Did that make me a terrible person? It didn't matter at this point. Mercy and Till remained at the forefront of y/n's mind. Protecting their innocents from the sins of their father consumed her mind daily.

"Rafe?" Y/n called out. Despite not seeing his car, you couldn't trust the silence. "I'm home." Once scoping at the place, she raced to his office safe located behind the sail boat. Rafe was simple, his passwords simpler. '6969.'

Y/n skimmed a small stack of cash covering enough for next session of lessons, gas, and ice cream for the girls.

"Excuse me miss?" A small elderly voice call from behind.

Her heart sank, praying the maid wouldn't pass on the information. "Oh Claire I didn't know you were here!"

"Mr. Cameron doesn't like people in here."

"I'm his wife, he knows." Y/n prayed a false bravado would be enough to hide the shaking hands.

"Yes ma'am." Once she left, y/n raced backed to the surfing shack with thirty minutes to spare. That's enough time to finish her latest novel. Enough time to escape from Rafe's wrath when he finds out what she did... again.

Y/n was pulled away from reading by the sound of giggles getting closer. "Mom!" Tilly called out as the door opened. "Please tell me you have the money. He's going to tech me how to duck dive and we're going to go even deeper!"

The lady muster up a smile and said she handled it. "Do you mind getting Mercy buckled so I can give it to him?"

Tilly nodded enthusiastically. For only being five, the girls more advanced than the average kindergartener. She's curious, adventurous, and can't forget funny. Mercy on the hand is cautious yet full of wonder and a deep love for her sister. Mercy does what Sadie does and surfing is just that. The joy it brings seeing both girls eager to learn. Next thing y/n knew they are going to be competing against each other.

"Excuse me, JJ?" Y/n's demeanor was timid, scared he might explode at any second.

"You can just put it on the table and head back to figure eight." The comments were not new, but it still shocked y/n. Didn't he know she grew up just right down the road, didn't he understand she had to work ten times harder to be where you are. Too bad JJ only saw two things, money and women.

"Do you even want to work with my kids?" Y/n let out a heavy sigh. "I don't understand why you have this deep rooted disgust towards me?"

"Your kids have more talent in their pinky toe than I did at that age. They are going to go far in surfing. I hope to be the one to teach them. I don't disgust you, I need to make rent and a living. And I hate your husband."

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry, be better. I'd hate to have to drop them." Y/n's heart sank even further.

"See you tomorrow." With that, y/n walked out, worried about heading home. By the rate her phone was blowing up, Rafe knew. A storm was coming.

—

Y/n did her best to hide the bruises scattered on her, but nothing compared to the shiner and gash on her cheek. "I slipped in the shower" she told the girls, trying to laugh the abuse off for the sake of saving face. That was the easy part. It's the adults that poke holes in every syllable.

"Mommy, are you going to walk with us?" Tilly shyly asked. Ever since the young girl work up, she's been more soft spoken, always close by.

Y/n looked into her eldest daughter's eyes. The glimmer that once was there was gone. 'Does she sense her mother's pain?' The agony engulfed the young mother. "Anything for you girls." Y/n scooped both girls into her arms and began the short journey. "I think you two are getting a little too old for this. I'm not what I used to be." She teased, ignoring the wounds on her ribs.

"Good morning ladies!" JJ made his way to the small group of three. Mercy was the first to run to JJ and engulfed him in a hug. He gladly accepted it. He loved his job and loved all the kids he instructed, but these girls were his best. They were full of life and joy making every lesson fun; a breathe of fresh air.

Tilly cautiously walked over in an uncharacteristically manner. Her eyes sunken back and darker. JJ tried to signal to y/n but she was hidden behind a sun hat and glasses. "I'll be over in the boneyard reading until is time if that's okay?"

Y/n's body slumped over, hiding her face. A mannerism that JJ did not miss. "You can go run errands like usual or something as long as you are back by noon."

"No, I'd like to be close to my girls." JJ ignorantly dismissed her and took the girls to go get their wet suits.

"How are we doing today?" JJ began engaging in conversation with the girls.

"Mommy made tuna mac!" Mercy excitedly screamed about her dinner.

"Was it delicious?" JJ had now turned his question to Tilly.

"Yes." Her shoulders dropped at the thoughts of last night.

"Anyways let's go stretch and then we can get out on the water. Waves won't last all day."

Throughout the session, JJ kept a closer eye on Tilly. Maybe she was coming down with something. She was adamant on continuing the class, not wanting her daddy's money go to waste. As if Rafe wasn't snorting it up his nose like it grew on trees.

"Mister JJ?" Tilly looked at him. "Are you safe?"

The instructor got on a knee to look her in the eyes. "What's up, t?"

"Teacher at school says to talk to someone safe if you need help." JJ glanced at Mercy who was building a sand castle during the break, then back at the older child.

"I am safe, but have you talked to your mommy about it?" He didn't want to overstep his job title, but also didn't want the girls to not trust him.

"I can't." He gently grabbed her hand to encourage her to speak. "Mommy lied to me."

JJ wanted to chuckle but Tilly's eyes showed immense depth of hurt and betrayal. "What makes you say that."

"She says she slipped in the shower, but last night I heard daddy say something mean to mommy. And when I went to go check on her she was sleeping on the floor and had blood on her face." JJ's eyes widened, not wanting to jump to conclusions. "I think daddy hurt mommy. He always hurts mommy."

JJ understood being in Tilly's shoes, but where does he go from here? Should he call cps and watch the family be torn apart? Or should he confront y/n about it? All he knew is he couldn't not do anything. "Would it help if I talk to mommy about it?"

"I don't want her to get sad. I didn't know who else to tell." Tears began streaming down her face. "Help please." The girls sobs reminded him of his own, each cry more heart shattering than the last as she collapsed into his arms. "I'm scared."

JJ did his best to calm the child, but he knew the last ten minutes were going to be less productive and more play. "How about you stay here and play with mister John B and mercy while I go make sure mommy is alright? How does that sound?"

She nodded, slipping out of his arms back to the sand. "Bird, you got them for a second? I need to talk to y/n for a bit." He nodded confused but took charge. Having a kid of own, John B has become great with kids, all those dad tricks.

Y/n leaned perched up against a tree, nose tucked into a book. The sound of the blonde headed man snapped her back to reality. "Y/n?"

"Oh is the session over already? I guess my mind has been somewhere else." Every movement was curated perfectly, shielding her face from his gaze.

"We ended a little early. I, um, wanted to talk to you about Tilly." He stumbled over his words. The last thing JJ wanted to do was make her feel unsafe. How many times has he made comments about how perfect her life was? How many days has he treated her with contempt all because she had what he didn't. Maybe their story has more in common than he thought. 

Y/n was worried about what Tilly said, the young girl is incredibly smart and picks up on everything. What if she-

"Y/n. Please look at me?" JJ's typical cold tone was warm and comforting, something so pure and trusting. As she looked up, her glasses shifted allowing a clear view of her face. Something else JJ didn't miss, something he never imagined.

Hues of blue and black littered her skin. A deep cut ran along the bone. JJ let out a gasp. "Y/n."

"Don't. Just leave it alone." Her voice shook.

"Tilly told me she went to check on you and you were passed out." Y/n's heart stopped. “That didn’t happen. Kids make up stories all the time. Over active imagination.”

“Y/n.”

“I slipped in the shower. I’m fine.” The desperation to believe the lie was evident. “I’m okay, really I’m-”

JJ’s voice became softer than before. “Y/n, please.”

“No, I-” The levy broke through the cracks. Tears began pouring down her sun kissed cheeks.”

For the second time that morning, JJ held another human in his arms. “It’s going to be okay.” He reassured her the best he could. “You’re not alone.”

Once the storm blue over, the lady composed her self. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“I’ve been where Tilly and Mercy have been, except my mom had enough sense to get out, not enough sense to take me with her. I don’t want the girls to be collateral damage.” He leaned in close with a soft smile. “Don’t tell anyone, but I have a soft spot for kids. Especially ones as sweet as yours.”

“They are pretty great.” Y/n took a deep breath. “Did you turn out alright.”

JJ chuckled. “Oh fuck no. She tried to smile, but feared for the future too much.

“I don’t know what to do. They love their dad. I can’t just take them and go. Rafe has all the money. I have a little from teaching, but it’s for the girls. Everything I do is for them, but it wouldn’t be enough for us.” JJ felt the guilt rest on his shoulders. He couldn’t wait one more day for her to get the money, she probably had to sneak money away. Now she’s beaten, bruised, and broken. It’s his job to fix it.

“So let’s come up with a plan. You open a separate bank account, find a better teaching gig or pick up tutoring, prove to yourself you can do it. Then when you feel steady enough, find a place and make an escape plan.”

“Easier said than done.”

JJ nodded. “I know I haven’t been the friendliest person, but I’m here to support you now if you’ll let me. It’s not easy, but I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through. If I can help it.”

Y/n looked deep into his eyes for the first time. “I’m not sure if I want to do this.”

“For Tilly and Mercy.” JJ offered his hand to help her up. “One day at a time.”

“Yea something like that.”

JJ and y/n walked back. The seasons were changing, a new tide was coming. “Change isn’t easy, but you’re going to get out.”

With that, everyone went their separate ways. One day at a time.

└──────┘

A/n: part 2??? Feedback would be so appreciated:) - Rhea

Tag list: @multifandomwhore-003

[jameui]

A LOVE TEXT AWAY - Jung Sungchan & Anton Lee

chapt. 006 _ who are you?

PAIRING: RIIZE's Jung Sungchan & Anton Lee x M!Reader SUMMARY: After a very weird confession over text, things started to go downhill for you, but not entirely, only until two boys came into your life and changed your life forever. NOTE(s): may contain explicit content that's not suitable for younger viewers. please read at your own risk.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: this chapter contains narration

[ chapter index ] [ previous chapter ] [ next chapter ]

the cafeteria is bustling with people, mostly because of students and some are teachers who worked in this school.

"thanks for sparing some time for me, yunho. i would die of boredom inside that room," you said before munching on the clubhouse sandwich that you bought as a snack. you huffed, while yunho only listened to you rant about your class section that he knew always stressed you out. "i mean, like, hello? i'm their classmate, too, you know? and they treat me like i'm invisible. why don't i just stick a pen into their eyes, would they finally see me?"

yunho lets out a sigh. "don't stoop that low, darling. knife those eyes!" yunho laughs darkly, you pulled your face back in terror.

"okay, you're scaring me," you commented, before yunho clears his throat and took a bite of his food. "sorry, i'm just a little stressed with my project partner. he thinks so low of me, like i'm some kind of, what? a complete slacker? puh-lease, i can do better tricks than anyone in my class," you stated out before angrily munching on your sandwich again.

"if you continue to eat your food that way, it's gonna cry," yunho joked.

"hmph!" you huffed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

after a few more story exchanges with yunho, unfortunately he had to leave already since he still had a lot of papers to sign. and here you are on your way back to your classroom with a paper bag filled with snacks that yunho insisted on buying since he had to cut the talk short due to the duty that is necessary to be done today.

you were just about to make a turn around the hallway towards your room, when a man that almost reached the heights of the ceiling suddenly bumped into you, the impact hard enough to make you fall. "shit.." you uttered out as the male continue to run, while your eyes were fixated on him. "could have at least said sorry!" you yelled, tutting your tongue.

you fixed yourself and dusted off any visible dirt on you, when a hand extends towards you which caused you to look up at the owner. "my apologies. it was my fault he bumped into you," the deep voice reverberated as a soft smile is displayed on his lips.

your mouth fell agape at the beauty that is standing right in front of you. he looks so surreal, so ethereal, so out of this world. even his voice sounds pretty. you hesitate to take his hand, but you did and felt the soft skin of his palm. it was like holding onto a baby's.

he helps you up and you still can't believe such man could exist in this world. "are you alright?" he asked you and you only shook your head in reply. "that's a relief. he's born to always make trouble wherever he lands," he said.

you notice his eyes on your name plate before his brows furrowed, questioning. "hold on, sorry for asking, but you're anton's partner, right?"

wait, how did he know? do they know each other? "uh, yes, actually. no one in my class wanted to group up with me, haha, funny story, i end up with him," you answered, that made him sigh. did you say too much?

"so, i'm guessing you're the one that sohee mentioned when he told us about what anton did," he told you.

you smiled. "the one and only," you said sarcastically, then paused. "wait, how do you know sohee?"

"he's a very close friend of mine, back when we were in elementary and he's also a classmate now," he replied, then suddenly remembers he had manners. "park sungchan, by the way. nice to meet you, y/n," he introduced himself, extending an arm as you shook your hands and exchanged smiles.

[pitterpatterpot]

"My new aesthetic is the Bane deciding Aedion needs to rest, and so they just toss him from person to person till he takes the hint and goes to get some sleep." Can you plz write this!!! I would love it and it sounds sooo funny!

I’m FINALLY catching up on asks.

Are some of them over two years old? Yes. Don’t judge me.

~~~

Gavriel has many habits. He’s a man of routine - wake up, eat, train, work, and so on. Of course, those routines have been up in the air as of late with all the changes that have happened. Nowadays it’s more so wake up, deal with some shenanigans, eat, force the others to eat, join Aedion on a morning run, more shenanigans, and so on.

Falling back into a military routine while visiting the Bane is easier. The fact they’re helping clean up a recent avalanche isn’t all that good, and he’s freezing his fingers off while his son only needs to wear a light jacket, but he enjoys the familiarity of it all. There’s a purpose to every day. They shovel the snow, clear debris, and work on relocating the small amount of people who have damaged homes.

What he can’t work out amongst all the mess is where in Mala’s name his son is.

“Erickson!” Gavriel pushes through the snow towards the lieutenant, a large man wielding a shovel. “I heard Aedion was with you!”

He had hoped he’d be able to spend time with his son on this trip, the two of them busier than usual with Terrasen opening up new trade routes through Lysandra’s uncle and his merchant company. Instead, he hasn’t seen hide nor hair of his son. Granted, he’s enjoyed hearing stories from the members of the Bane - many of the inner circle knowing Aedion for years - but he’d enjoying seeing his son once this week.

“Gavriel!” Erickson grins, rakish and delighted as he props his tool against his shoulder, turning away from a pile of wreckage. “How are you? Keeping warm with those spare coats?”

Yes, Gavriel had to borrow an extra coat. He wasn’t raised in a cold climate like his son and most of the Bane members.

“Trying to keep the chill away,” Gavriel chuckles. “Have you seen Aedion?”

“Ah, he was with Lorrison, then he was passed onto me, but I just sent him to Smithy so he’s getting closer to his tent,” Erickson chuckles, scratching his beard. “How’s hoping we can shove him in there, eh?”

Hesitating, Gavriel raises a brow. “I… may be a little lost.”

“Oh!” Erickson snorts. “Guess no one filled you in. The general tends to,wear himself out, and when he does we just send him from person to person to tire him out while leading him back to his tent. Lorrison asked him for help setting up barricades, I had him shoveling snow, and I’m pretty sure Smithy asked him for help moving supplies. He should be dead on his feet soon enough, then Kyllian’ll shove him in the tent and stand guard.”

“That’s-“ Gavriel tries to scramble the words together. “You’ve done this before?”

“Ah, we help our own here,” Erickson smiles. “He does the same for us. It use to be easier though, back when he was with Kyllian. The two would just drag each other to bed-“

“Right, thank you,” Gavriel clears his throat. “I’ll-“

“Say, is Lysandra coming? She’s got a tight rein on him-“

“Thank you, Erickson!” Gavriel calls over his shoulder, heading towards the tents.

“Aye! He’ll probably listen if you tuck him in-“

Ignoring the laugh, Gavriel picks up the pace, wrapping his cloak tighter around himself as the sun sets and takes its warmth with it. The mountains are glorious, full of beauty and a wild, untamed spirit. As well as deadly creatures, frostbite, and a wind that’s like a knife through the chest.

(He may only volunteer for spring trips in the future.)

Aedion’s tent is easy to find - the Bane members had put Gavriel’s right next to it before whisking him away to tell stories. Their enthusiasm to have Gavriel in the camp is touching and funny every time.

As he reaches the tent, Kyllian exits, stopping once he sees Gavriel.

“Thank fuck,” Kyllian groans, tilting his head back. “Please go in there and make sure he stays down. He hasn’t slept in three days.”

“That’s why I haven’t seen him in the morning,” Gavriel sighs and rubs his eyes. “Thank you, Kyllian.”

“Good luck,” Kyllian pats him on the shoulder and trudges off, muttering about ‘stubborn bastards’ under his breath.

Walking into the tent, Gavriel snorts at the sight of his son buried under a pile of furs. A blue eye peeks out at him, irritation emerging in the form of a huff and shuffle.

“Are you aware your army has a method for getting you to sleep?”

Grumbling, Aedion buries his head in the furs. “Did you find that out while searching for another coat?”

They’re close enough now that Gavriel feels no fear in snatching a blanket from his son, laughing at the outraged cry that follows.