#'kim is a black coffee kind of guy' false he drinks black coffee at work solely for appearance

[57sfinest]

kim is such a funny little guy like he emphasizes how little the rcm salary is when you ask about it (5500 reál annually- 460/mo) but here he is with his nice electronic sports watch and his little instant camera and his fancy revolutionary cosplay for plainclothes and he's living in the GRIH which can't be cheap and he's got his fancy little mnemotechnique notebooks which are like the moleskine of elysium i guess and his fancy little ballpoints that he does NOT want to share with you which i bet is because they cost him like a week of salary. and this is the rcm he's not getting stipends for supplies or watches or housing or probably even the gas for the kineema. poor as fuck but he is going to buy himself his little treats god damn it. if he lived in our world you know he'd be out getting himself a $9 vanilla soy milk half caf dirty chai iced latte every morning on the way to the station and eating instant noodles every night to claw out room in the budget for it

[dibidibifiction]

Criminal In My Mind: Chapter 3

Warning: foul language

Pairings: Choi Minho x Reader; Kim Jonghyun x Kim Kibum (side) Word count: 1.8k

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction made for personal entertainment of readers. The writer does not ever intend to offend her readers nor does she aim to spread false information about anyone as to pay any disrespect to the real-life persons whom the characters are based on. She also does not claim ownership to any of the images that are being used.

masterlist Chapter 2

Y/N

I just received a phone call from Minho to notify me that Taemin has been brought to the hospital. I’m now in a cab on my way there, out of breath from being anxious and in a hurry at the same time.

I just told that kid not to do something stupid!

Minho told me that Taemin’s going to be okay but what I’m worried about now is keeping this a secret. I hate lying to Mr. Lee.

So, that’s his name. Minho, like from the book series, Maze Runner. He didn’t sound hostile at all when I talked to him on the phone. He actually sounded reassuring and respectful.

I arrive at the emergency room and immediately catch the sight of him as he stands up to approach me. 

“Hey, thank you so much for being here for him. I’m Y/n. Where is he?”

“Right in there,” Minho leads me to Taemin. Although I find myself staring at his back for a second, eyeing his features briefly, as I’m quite astonished by his obvious handsomeness.

I walk right up to Taemin, almost teary. “What happened to you? I thought I already told you not to do something stupid!”

“It’s not my fault, Noona. My girlfriend’s ex and his friends got back at me for stealing her, which is not really the case at all. She came onto me!”

This kid is so adorable that he never fails to make me laugh. I could never be mad at him. “Well, I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Thanks to Minho Hyung. He would’ve fought off those guys if they hadn’t run away fast enough. He and his pretty girlfriend helped me and rushed me over here. For free I might add.”

I turn to Minho, “Oh, you didn’t have to do that. I promise we’ll pay you back.”

He chuckles charmingly, “There’s no need for that. Anyway, I have to go. I have to drop my mom off at the airport. Taemin, stay out of trouble.”

We watch him walk away. He does look cuter when he smiles. The chuckle with his deep voice was just a bonus. For some reason, he has this flaming charisma that I find sexy. With his muscular manly figure showing off despite wearing a loose shirt, and his long arms and legs. I wonder how tall he is. And that ass? I mean no disrespect but fuck! 

“Was that really his girlfriend that drove you here or was it his mom or his sister?”

“I think she’s too young to be that guy’s mom. Why, do you like him?”

“I didn’t say that!” My voice sounds so high and loud that I seem defensive.

“Oh, please. You’re already smitten,” he continues to annoy me. “Not only is he hot and handsome, but he’s really kind, too. God, I’ll be all over that guy if I was a woman. Or gay.”

I laugh at what Taemin says. Regardless of how ridiculous that sounds, I’m afraid that he might be right.

. . .

Days have gone by after that Taemin incident. It’s finally my day off tomorrow! I have over an hour left before my shift ends.

I will finally get to see Kibum tonight, who I haven’t seen in a long time. We barely hang out anymore ever since he moved out of town with his own family for a bigger place. 

He’s been my best friend since junior high school. I had no friends back then because everybody’s too uncomfortable to speak to me after I survived the abduction. He was the new kid in school. One lunchtime, I was having trouble pumping ketchup onto my plate because my limbs were too small and weak. He then helped me out since he’s surprisingly strong for quite a skinny guy at the time. Since then, after we first shared our love for ketchup, that’s how we came to be. We also went to the same college and got the same undergraduate, only he carried on his studies to pursue dermatology and I finally got to be a florist.

Speak of the devil, “Kim Kibum!” I answer my phone.

“I hope you’re carrying some aspirin with you because we are gonna party until roofs blow off!”

“Who are you kidding? You hate clubs,” I get confused at first but immediately realize he’s just being sarcastic.”

“The fuck I do. I just thought I could trick you. But we’re still drinking. I went into clubs so rarely in college but now, I have three-year-old boy twins and a fiancé, who I met in one of those clubs,” he laughs too loudly. Funny for someone who hates noisy and crowded places.

“I know. I was there the whole fucking time! Is Jonghyun Oppa coming, too?” I ask him.

“Uh, no, he went home to his mom with the boys. It’s just a few neighborhoods away from where you are. He might come and join us tomorrow morning.”

“That’s fine. We can just meet up at SM Café.”

“Oh, are still friends with that Jinki guy? I thought we didn't like him anymore.”

“Hey, come on, we only went out for a week. We didn’t even sleep together. Plus, he is a perfect gentleman, although sometimes annoying because of his jokes. But there’s no reason to fall out.”

“Does he still flirt with you?” he asks me teasingly.

“Yes, be right there,” I tell a customer who has just walked in and called out for assistance. “Hey, I gotta go. I’ll see you later, honey. Love you. Bye.”

I hang up and instantly turn to the customer by the vases section of the store.

After almost an hour discussing kinds of soil, pots, and vases with a customer, Mr. Lee comes in from the back of the shop, “Mr. Lee, what are you doing here?”

“Well, I live here. My apartment’s right upstairs,” he’s frowning like an old man who screams at children who wouldn’t get off his lawn.

I laugh at this hilarious sarcasm. “I mean aren’t you supposed to go to the dentist this afternoon and get your teeth fixed?”

“I changed my mind. I’m happy the way my teeth are,” he tells me while smiling widely. “By the way, I hired two new florists to cover for you as you arrange flowers your way all day long. I know how swamped you can be handling customers, deliveries, and bouquets all at the same time. Plus, we have more than enough money to pay for extra help thanks to you. So, congratulations, you’re my new head florist!” 

“No way, really? Thank you so much, Mr. Lee!” I jump up and down out of glee. I almost hug him.

“No problem. Oh, and you get a pay raise. Now get out of here. I got this,” he insists, patting me on the head.

I go home to take a shower and put on some more attractive clothes and bold, glam makeup because I don’t know where Kibum and I will end up going, just like the old times. Even though we didn’t often go to clubs—well, he didn’t—we still drank together at our dorm, resto-bars, and barbeque places. I always wanted to be ready to live this single drunk life in case some sexy guy wants to get on with me.

This time I take the bus to SM café and by the time I arrive, I catch Kibum’s car just pulling in for parking. I go ahead, walking into the café, and get relieved that it’s less crowded than it was this morning. I take a seat at a table by the window as Jinki approaches me. 

“Hey, is your shift almost over?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I get off at-”

“Oh, my God, Kim Kibum!” I scream and suddenly rush over to Kibum and give him a long tight hug. “I missed you so much!” 

Last time I saw him, his hair was pastel purple and longer. Now, it’s blonde and shorter, almost to his roots. I swear this man pulls off every single hairstyle and every single outfit. I can never understand how he does it. There’s not a day when he is not gorgeous.

“I missed you too, babe!” We’re screaming like a couple of teenagers who are so ready for spring break.

“You remember Jinki?” I introduce them then they exchange their hellos.

“What can I get you guys?” Jinki asks, as merry as always.

“Iced black coffee for me and…” I look to Kibum.

“Iced low-fat latté and a piece of red velvet cake for me. Thanks!”

“Great! I’ll be right back with your orders. Nice to see you again, Kibum.”

Kibum smiles and waves at Jinki as he walks away, grabbing empty trays from recently left-out tables. 

“He got cuter, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, he did.”

“Then what are you doing? Get on with it. You’re not getting any younger.”

“Yeah, well, he’s not the kind of guy I get attracted to. You know what I mean? It’s just...” I go on and on trying to explain, listing down reasons but nothing I say seems to make sense.

Kibum stares at me for a second with a wrinkled forehead and slightly parted lips. “I literally didn’t get a single thing from what you just said.”

“Well, there’s this guy I’m hoping to-”

“Here are your drinks and one red velvet cake. Hope you enjoy,” Jinki is back, placing our beverages on the table.

“Thank you so much!” Kibum exclaims.

“I get off at nine,” Jinki turns to me.

“That’s soon. We’ll just wait for you,” I tell him. “We have a lot of catching up to do anyway.

“Alright, as long as you guys don’t mind. We can drink here if you want. I still got several bottles of soju left from when my friends came over last week.”

“Sure, that would be great! It’s less trouble,” Kibum tilts his head toward my direction, referring to me and the many nights I got into trouble in every college bar.”

. . .

I start hearing familiar voices in the background fading in.

“Right, right. So what happened with you and the girl?” I hear Jinki laughing.

“What do you think? I haven’t seen her ever since. I decided to take the twins with me since she didn’t want them. Then Jonghyun and I eventually got back together and worked everything out the way...”

I open my eyes just to realize I passed out. I look around, we’re still at the café. I look at my watch, it’s almost midnight. 

Holy shit, have I grown weak? I scold myself. It's only been two hours since we started drinking.

When I was in college, I didn’t stop drinking while the sun was still hiding. I could go all night partying even with people I didn’t know, as long as they didn't sell drugs or dressed up as a cop. What happened to me? Maybe I’m too old for this shit.

“There she is!” Jinki is laughing at me.

Just after a few minutes, I still crave for a fun night so I resume drinking and join the boys. Turns out the night is still young and the fun is just continuing on. 

Would you look at that, I’m not too old for this shit after all!

Chapter 4

[bangtan-sonyeonddaeng]

Namjoon Scenario| You meet in a museum

You had wandered through the museum, admiring all of the sculptures, art pieces, and artifacts from history. This kind of stuff absolutely fascinated you and you loved learning about the different pieces. As you were walking through the museum you had passed the same man at least three times. He was wearing a black mask to cover the bottom of his face, but you know he smiled at you at least once by the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. You were looking at a particularly beautiful painting when the man strolled up next to you, his hands in his pockets admiring the piece. You caught him sneaking a glance at you and felt your cheeks burning. You turn your gaze to look at him too, and decide he looks like he’s quite handsome. His brown eyes are literally shining as he stares at the art piece.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” You’re still looking at him and he turns to you, raising his eyebrow questioningly at you.

“Huh? Oh! Yeah! I really like this one.” He smirks at you and turns back to it.

“Have you ever heard of this artist before?”

“To be honest no. Do you know anything about him?” He goes into a long speech talking about not only the piece, but the history of the artist and you are amazed at the knowledge he posses. He smiles at you sheepishly and rubs the back of his head.

“Ah sorry, I’m rambling on..”

“No it’s fine really! I actually think its fascinating how you know so much. You’re really smart. You definitely know more than the museum workers that’s for sure. Every time I ask them questions its like they’re reading from a script and I don’t really learn much.” He smiles at you and holds his hand out. 

“I’m Namjoon.” Shock roles through your body when you hear that name. It can’t be that Namjoon can it? You knew they were in town for a concert but what would be the chances that this man you’re talking to is actually him. You quickly push the thought into the back of your mind and take his hand. He doesn’t really shake your hand, just holds it gently and giving a light squeeze before releasing it. 

“Y/n. Nice to meet you.” 

“You too. Do you want to walk around the rest of the museum together? I can try to answer your questions as best as I can and tell you about the different pieces.” You agree instantly and walk around with him, just being fascinated by how much he knows. As the day goes on and you notice there are people in suits watching the two of you closely it’s suddenly becoming more and more possible that this man you are talking to is from the group you have been idolizing for so long now. You start to notice his voice sounds like him, the way he laughs sounds like him. And if he would just take that damn mask off-

“You okay?” Your internal rant is interrupted by his voice.

“Yeah sorry. What did you say?”

“I asked if you wanted to go to the cafe next door, get a coffee. As much as I love learning about the artifacts I would much rather get to know you. If that’s okay?” He holds his hand out and you take it gladly, lacing your fingers together. It feels natural, like you two have known each other your whole lives. As you are walking over to the cafe you have an internal panic when you realize he’s going to be taking off his mask to drink his coffee and then then you’ll finally find out if he is who you suspect.

“What do you want to drink y/n? I’ll buy.” 

“Hmm.. what do you think I would like?” He recites your choice perfectly and you’re honestly kind of surprised.

“How did you know that? Are you psychic too?” He laughs at you and shakes his head. 

When you get your drinks you move to a secluded corner of the cafe. You sip your drink as he stares out the window. 

“Aren’t you going to have your coffee?” He seems to be instantly snapped to of his thoughts and pulls his mask down. You feel like the air is knocked out of you when you realize that yes, you indeed have spent most of your day with the man you have idolized and thought was completely untouchable. He smiles at you, his dimples on full display and you feel your heart beat racing. Never in a million years did you ever think that sweet smile was going to be directed at you.

“So, do you live here?”

“Oh, no I’m just in town for a conce- I mean vacation! Yeah I just came here for vacation. What about you?” He smirks at you and sets his drink down.

“I guess you could say the same.” You two spend the next 30 minutes talking before one of the guys in the suits comes up to him and says something in Korean.

“Ah, I’m sorry but it seems I have to go.. I’d really like to see you again. Can I take you on a date tomorrow?” You blink rapidly and consider his words. Do you want to go? Absolutely. But you don’t want it to be under any false pretenses.

“I’d love too.. But I feel like I should tell you something before you agree to go with me.”

“Funny I was thinking the same thing. You first.”

“I know who you are Namjoon. I’ve been an army for a really long time now. I just wanted to clear the air now so you didn’t think I was hiding anything from you and just using you..” He slumps back in his chair and his eyes gloss over, as he’s considering your words carefully. When he looks back up he’s smiling at you again and if you weren’t sitting you swear your knees would give out.

“I still want to take you out. I really enjoyed talking to you. You’re smart, and beautiful. And we have a lot in common. I want to get to know you better and I want you to get to know me better too. As Kim Namjoon, not RM.” The wide smile that spreads across your face is blinding. You nod your head in agreement and take his hand across the table and give it a squeeze.

“I would love that. Thank you for trusting me.”

“I take it you’re in town for the concert in two days then?” 

“Yeah. I’m sorry I lied I just didn’t want to scare you off. I was having a really nice time.”

“Well, technically you didn’t lie I mean, you are on vacation right?” You nod and are about to say something else when the guy in the suit comes back.

“Ah, I’m sorry I truly do need to leave now.”He takes out a pen and writes his number down on the napkin and hands it to you.

“Text me later and we can work out the details for tomorrow. Sound good?”

“Okay. Bye Namjoon.”

“Bye y/n. I’ll see you soon.”

[minister-for-femslash]

Hard Choices

Summary: With his memories restored, Quentin and Alice face a difficult choice when it comes to Julia.

Warnings: Mentions of rape

Pairings: Julia/Penny23 

Word Count: 4,960

Author’s Note: A fic for Welters Challenge, Procrastination Week, theme: Blackout

Quentin spends days in bed.

His head lies back against the pillow. His hair clings to his forehead with sweat as he thrashes across the mattress, the bed sheet long discarded. His temperature is high, too high and Alice spends hours by his side pressing a damp cloth against his face and neck as he whimpers and whines.

His mind is at war. Quentin's memories are still forming, still taking shape, forcing out the falseness of Brian and it's taking it's toll.

He mutters, whispers her name and grasps at her hand.

"The Beast," he says. "He's coming."

"No. The Beast is gone, Quentin, you're safe." Alice stops. "You're safe from him."

Quentin shakes his head.

"He killed you." His eyes are squeezed tight. A tear slips out and makes it way down his cheek. "He killed you!"

"I'm here. Quentin, I'm right here. See me," she says.

Quentin doesn't open his eyes, but he seems to settle slightly and when he stops thrashing and his grip on her hand loosens she leaves him to sleep.

She finds Dean Fogg in the kitchen. He watches her closely as she grabs some ice from the freezer and places a few cubes into a towel.

"How is he?"

"He's in pain."

"Yes, I imagine he would be. The reversal process can be rather unpleasant."

"It shouldn't be necessary."

Dean Fogg goes silent for a moment. Alice grabs a glass from the cupboard and quickly fills it with water.

"I suppose you're right. I did make a mistake, but we both bare a responsibility for what happened at the castle, don't we, Miss Quinn?"

Alice doesn't respond. There's nothing for her to say, they both know the answer. Instead she takes the glass of water and the damp cloth, and heads back upstairs.

She sits by Quentin's side, wipes the sweat from his brow, brings the glass to his lips whenever he becomes lucid enough to ask for it, and hopes that he can make it through this. When he starts muttering again, about Julia, and Margo, and Eliot, screaming for them, her own tears fall.

By day five Quentin is well enough to eat. Alice makes him a sandwich and when he devours it in a few minutes, she makes him another. He goes back to sleep. It's more peaceful this time.

By day six he's out of bed. His legs are shaky as he discards the pyjamas and pulls on his clothes. He almost falls and Alice grabs his arm.

"You should be in bed. You're not strong enough to be up yet,"Alice says. "The potion is still..."

"I'm fine." Quentin steadies himself.

Alice lets go of his arm and he manages to stand by himself. She looks at him. She doesn't say anything but she doesn't have to. He stops. The button and fly on his jeans are still undone as he leans against the chest of drawers and takes in a deep breath. Alice can hear him wheeze slightly.

"The monster is still out there and the others, they don't know he's coming. Julia and Margo and..." He stops.

He shakes his head and Alice can see the pain etched on his face.

"They're vulnerable. At any moment he could... And Eliot." There's a quiver in his voice as he says Eliot's name. "The longer the monster is in his body the less chance there is that... I have to do something. I have to save him."

"Okay."

-----

Quentin leans against Alice as they head out of the cottage, across the grounds and step through Brakebills' many protective wards. She feels him shiver.

The taxi is waiting for them two streets away. Quentin flashes her a look when she leads him towards it but he says nothing. They climb in and Alice gives the driver the address. L'Experience on Target street. A small but quaint French restaurant. It's lunchtime, which means its quieter than of an evening and they can seat themselves. They choose a small table at the back and Alice orders a bottle of the house red when the waiter brings them the menus.

"What are we doing here?" Quentin asks.

"Just wait." She checks her watch and then looks over at the door.

Alice almost misses her entrance when the waiter returns with the bottle and insists one of them check to see if it’s corked. She takes a quick sip and nods her head. He asks if their ready to order and when Alice tells him they need a few minutes he leaves the bottle and another glass. By the time Alice turns back she's already sitting at the bar.

"Jules," Quentin says.

"Yeah. They named her Kim."

"She looks..."

"What?"

"Different."

Alice looks at her closely.

Julia is wearing a suit. Black trousers and a white blouse buttoned to the collar - work clothes. Her hair is scraped back into a tight ponytail. It's her heels that stand out; purple, not so bright to be garish but bright enough to add a splash of colour to an otherwise plain outfit.

"She's an architect. Her firm's just a couple of blocks from here," Alice says, as if that explains it, but Quentin's right. There's something different about her.

Alice noticed it the first time she saw her. There's a lightness to her, a calmness. As if the weight of the world has fallen from her shoulders.

Alice watches as Julia pulls the bobble out of her hair and runs her fingers through it a couple of times. She undoes the top two buttons on her blouse and then reaches into her handbag for lipstick which she applies quickly and without the use of a mirror. The bartender brings her drink, pink gin and lemonade - Alice has seen her order it before - and after some small conversation Julia undoes another button on her blouse.

"She has a lunch date, " Alice says.

"How do you know that?"

"I've been watching her, I heard her make it." She sees the surprise on Quentin's face. "Just basic reconnaissance. The Library weren't exactly forthcoming with information about your new identities so I've been doing some research."

"By stalking us."

"It seemed like the most effective way."

Alice glances towards the door.

"Is that why we're here? To watch?"

"No." Alice reaches into her pocket and takes out a small vial full of purple liquid. It shimmers under the light. It twists and turns in the bottle as if it's trying to find it's way out.

"Is that...?"

"Yeah."

Quentin reaches out and picks up the vial. The liquid presses up against the glass as if it's trying to reach out to him.

He places the vial back on the table.

"So what's the plan? Are we just going to walk over there and slip it in her drink?"

"I was thinking of something a little more subtle. Stay here." Alice stands up.

"Where are you going?"

Alice smiles.

"The restroom. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Alice switches on the tap. She gathers the cold water in her hands and splashes it against her cheeks. It doesn't have much effect so she tries again. She's tired. There are large, black bags under her eyes and she can't stifle her yawn. She's been living predominantly off coffee and adrenalin since Dean Fogg broke her out of the Library. When this is over - if it's ever over - the first thing she plans to do is sleep, for at least a week.

She heads back into the dining room, intent on ordering a coffee from the first waiter she finds, but when she gets back to the table Quentin isn't there. For a moment she panics. She looks around and sees him standing by the bar. He's leaning against it, trying to appear casual, but it's not working.

He's talking to Julia, or at least he's trying to. She's leaning away from him, her smile is forced and she fiddles with the straw in her drink.

Alice quickly walks over.

"Sweetie," she says, as she places her hand on his lower back. "What are doing? I've already got us a bottle of wine." She makes a show of looking at Julia. "Oh hello, Kim isn't it?"

Julia looks confused as Alice holds out her hand.

"Alice Quinn. We met at Bianca and Darren's engagement party. I work with Carl, in human resources."

There's a moments pause where Julia's eyebrow furrow as she looks at Alice, half a second where she has to make a decision. She plasters a smile on her face - more convincing than the one she was giving Quentin but still fake - and shakes Alice's hand.

"Yes of course, hi." There's an over enthusiastic tone to her voice. "It's good to see you again."

"You too. This is my boyfriend."

"Hello," Julia says, as she shakes Quentin’s hand.

Quentin doesn't say anything, he just stares at her until Alice gives his shins a little kick.

"Hi," he says. "It's nice to meet you."

"So, what are you doing here?" Alice asks

"I'm suppose to be on a date actually, but he seems to be running a little late."

"I'm sure he'll show up," Quentin says.

"Is it your fiancée? The guy you're waiting for."

"Erm, no." Julia looks down at her hand. There's a faint line around her finger where her engagement ring use to be. "Actually, we erm, we called off the engagement. I called off the engagement."

"Oh I'm sorry. What happened?" Alice asks even though she already knows the answer.

"It'll sound terrible."

"No it won't."

"Trust me it will. Every time I try to say it out loud it sound awful, I'm awful."

"Maybe that's why you should say it," Quentin says. "Because it sounds so awful."

"I met someone else."

Alice sees the slight flicker of a genuine smile on Julia's face.

"It's going to sound crazy but the moment I saw him I... Do you ever get that feeling when you meet someone, like, I know you, I don't know who you are but I know you?"

"Yeah, yeah I have." Alice glances at Quentin. 

She sees a flash of purple in his hand as he subtly tries to pull Julia's glass towards him. She shifts closer to him, moves her hand across his back and grabs the fabric of his jacket just near his elbow. She manages to pull his arm back and he looks at her. She shakes her head.

Quentin places the vial into his pocket.

"I didn't cheat if that's what you're thinking. It's just, meeting Hansel, it made me realise, Anthony's a great guy. He's smart and funny, and kind, but he's just not the person I'm meant to be with."

"And you think this Hansel guy is?" Alice asks.

"This is only our fourth date, so I think it's a little too soon to be..." Julia pauses. She bites down on her bottom lip. "Yeah maybe. Oh my god that sounds crazy." Julia laughs. "He's a D.J. Can you believe that? If my parents found out I was dating a D.J."

"Screw them," Quentin says. "If he makes you happy..."

Julia smiles.

"Screw them. I like that."

"Well, we should get out of your way. I think your date's just arrived."

Julia looks towards the door. She lifts up her hand and gives a little wave.

"How did you know?" She asks.

Alice hesitates for a moment.

"He looks like a D.J."

Julia lets out a laugh.

"Yeah, he kinda does. It was good to see you again."

She sees Quentin's eyes go wide.

"You too. We'll get out of your way." Alice quickly steers Quentin away from the bar and back towards their table.

Quentin stares over his shoulder.

"Quentin."

"That's Penny."

"Yes."

"That's Penny."

"Don't stare," Alice says as she glances over her shoulder and sees Julia step down off the stool and embrace Penny.

"That's Penny," Quentin says again. He's finally turned away. He drops down into his seat, pours himself a large glass of wine and downs it quickly. "Alice, what's going on?"

"I don't really know, if I'm honest. When the Library conjured up Julia's new identity, they didn't just give her a job, and family and friends like everyone else. They gave her a fiancée. A lawyer. They met in high school, were friends for years and the night before they left for college they both confessed they loved each other at the same time. The Library falsified this entire relationship for her, the perfect relationship and then she met Penny, or Hansel, and it all just crumbled away."

"Was that their plan?"

"I can't imagine it being. Julia's already fought her way through one memory wipe why would they risk her fighting through another by throwing Penny into the mix. No, I think it was just a coincidence, them running into each other like that. Remarkable really."

"Julia said when she first met him, in the other timeline, Penny called her his soulmate. Maybe he was right."

"Really?"

"They found each other."

Julia and Penny walk past their table, and Julia offers them a smile as she does. They sit just a few tables away and Alice watches as Penny immediately takes Julia's hand and gently kisses the back of it.

"They found each other." His voice is quieter than before. "Across timelines, even with brand new identities, they found each other. How do you explain that, other than soulmates?"

"And what about Kady? Where does she stand in all of this?"

Quentin goes quiet for a moment.

"I don't know."

"Are you ready to order?" Their waiter has suddenly reappeared, an order pad and pen in his hand, and a cheesy smile plastered across his face.

"We'll both have the duck," Alice says.

"Excellent choice."

Quentin waits until the waiter has left before he leans closer.

"So what is the plan?" He asks. "I almost had the potion in her glass at the bar until you grabbed my arm."

"We can't do it here."

"Why not?"

"Quentin." She keeps her voice gentle. "Think about what you've been through the last few days, all those memories flooding back into your head. How hard it was, how much pain you were in. We can't do that to her here, we need to make sure she's somewhere safe before we give her the potion. I imagine it's going to be particularly difficult for her."

"And Penny?"

"I think right now, we should treat them as a two for one deal. We need to find a way to get them both back to Brakebills.”

"Is that why we're here?" Quentin asks. "Wait, what do you mean particularly hard for her?"

"She's going to remember."

Quentin looks confused.

"Reynard. The library removed that memory along with all the others. Quentin, she doesn't remember being raped.”

Quentin turns in his chair. He looks over at Julia and so does Alice. Julia smiles, slowly brushes the hair away from her face and then places her hand on Penny's.

When Alice turns back to Quentin he's still looking - no staring. He stares so long and so hard that Penny must feel it because he turns and glares in their direction.

"Quentin," Alice says. She reaches across the table and takes his hand. "Quentin."

"No." He pulls his hand away. "No!" He stands up. The chair scrape loudly across the floor. There's a thud as it tips over and suddenly all eyes are on them. "I can't do this." He rushes out of the restaurant.

"Quentin." Alice chases after him.

Quentin gets halfway up the street before he stops and drops back against the wall of a small flower shop. When Alice catches up he's breathing hard, almost gasping. His face is pale, grey. His eyes are squeezed tight and his head moves from side to side, as if he's trying to shake something, dizziness perhaps.

"Quentin," Alice says.

She reaches for his arm. Suddenly his eyes open, he lifts up his head and she stops. He has a glazed look and for a moment Alice thinks he's going to faint, instead he shakes his head again and then stands up.

"Are you okay?" Alice asks.

"No. I can't do this, Alice. I can't force her to remember that. I can't."

"I understand, Quentin, I do. But we have to do this."

"You don't."

"What?"

"You don't understand, because if you did you wouldn't say that. You wouldn't say we have to do this, you'd know that we can't.

"You think this is easy for me. I have agonized over this for weeks. I have watched her just like I watched you and do you know what I saw? Happiness. She is happy, just like you were. Quentin, you were happy as Brian and I had to take that from you, I had to drag you back into this world of magic and monsters, where everything is hard and everything good just gets ripped away, and now I have to do the same to her. I have to make Julia remember Reynard, I have to make Penny remember Julia's death, I have to make Kady remember Penny's. I have to carry that because the Monster is coming for them and if they don't remember then they're vulnerable."

"There's has to be..."

"There's isn't, Quentin. We need Julia. It was the gods that imprisoned the monster last time, if we're going to do it again we're going to need a god."

"Julia gave up her powers making the keys, she's not a god anymore."

"I don't think it's that easy to stop and even if you're right, even if giving up her powers did make her mortal again she's still our best chance of getting the other gods to help us. She can talk to Persephone."

"I can talk to Bacchus."

"Bacchus is low level and not exactly known for being helpful."

"And Persephone is? Because according to Julia she just does what she wants."

"I think in this instance she'll realise that helping us is in her best interests." Alice takes a breath. She feels tired again. It washes over her and its her turn to slump against the wall. "Quentin..." She can hear the exhaustion in her own voice.

"I know. But she's my best friend, Alice. I don't know how I can do this to her and forgive myself."

"You don't have to." Alice reaches into his jacket pocket and takes out the vial.

"I just need time."

"Eliot doesn't have time."

"I know. I know somebody has to make the hard choice."

Alice runs her finger across the vial.

“And I'm making this one, so you don't have to.”

-----

They head back to Brakebills. Dean Fogg is waiting for them as they step into the cottage. Quentin doesn't notice him, he just heads straight for the stairs. Alice lingers for a moment and when Fogg gives her a questioning look she shakes her head. She places the vial on a nearby table and follows Quentin up the stairs. Alice can feel Dean Fogg's eyes on her but she ignores it.

Quentin reaches his room and then stops and looks back at her.

"I'm going to get some sleep, maybe you should do the same."

"Okay."

He opens the door. Alice stays in the hallway as he steps inside. She waits for the door to close before she turns away and heads for her own room.

Alice doesn't sleep. She tries, climbs slowly into bed but all she does is toss and turn. She feels hot, so she throws the covers off and then ten minutes later feels cold so she picks them back up again. She turns over the pillow. It doesn't tuck under her head properly so she adjusts it, again, and again. She just can't get comfortable. The numbers on the clock, shining bright red, seem to taunt her, counting down minute by minute, hour by hour and then finally she begins to drift off.

Alice is almost asleep when the door opens. The sound of the click causes her to bolt up in bed, it's a sound she heard too frequently while a prisoner of the Library.

It's Quentin.

He looks at her with surprise. But it's not just surprise, there's concern there as well and after a moment Alice can't stand it. She turns away from him. She grabs the glass of water from the bedside table and takes a drink.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you.” Quentin hovers near the door.

“That's okay. What's the matter?”

“I had a thought,” he takes a seat on the edge of bed. “About Julia and Penny.”

“Okay.” Alice takes another sip of water and then places it back on the bedside table.

“When Julia was talking about Penny she said it was like I knew him.”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“That wasn't Kim talking, that was Julia. Julia remembered Penny and he remembered her, that's why they're together.”

“Yeah.”

“That means there's a part of her that remembers who she really is.”

“It's possible, yes. I don't know is that's quite...”

“I want to offer her the choice.”

“What?”

“Julia. I want to tell her the truth. I want to tell her about magic and Brakebills, about the quest and the castle, about the Library and the memory wipe. I want to tell her about Reynard.” His voice goes soft on the last one. “I want to tell her who she really is and then I want to offer her the choice. She can keep the life she has, a good life but one that is ultimately a lie or she can take the potion  and she can be Julia again, with all the good and bad that comes with that.”

“What if she says no?”

“If it happens then we'll deal with it, but I don't think she will. Julia would want to know the truth.”

“But she isn't Julia, Quentin. I agree with you, Julia would probably take the potion, Julia would want to know but Kim, we don't know what Kim will do.” She sighs. “You know, Julia once told me that life doesn't always ask permission, it just is.”

“This isn't life, Alice, this is us. We're making a choice and I think we should ask her. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Okay. I'll erm... I'll see if I can set up a meeting.”

“Today, yeah.”

“Today.”

Quentin steps off the bed and heads for the door. He opens it and is about to step out into the hallway, only to stop.

“Thank you, Alice.”

“Sure.”

He disappears through the door, and Alice feels herself smile. She climbs out of bed, throws on yesterdays clothes and grabs her phone off the bedside table. She makes the call to Julia's office as she steps into the hallway, completely unsure of what she's going to say other than asking for Kim.

In the end it doesn't matter, the receptionist tells her that Kim is out of the office and as she heads for the stairs she hears voices from downstairs. Dean Fogg's and....

“Julia...” Alice rushes downstairs.

Julia is standing in the middle of the cottage with a mug of something – coffee maybe, or water - in her hand. Her brows are furrowed as she turns slowly on the spot. She's in another suit, dark blue, with sensible black shoes this time. She makes a sort of humming noise as she walks over to one of the walls. She places her hand against it.

“What do you think?” Dean Fogg asks. He stands in the corner of the room and watches her closely.

Alice looks at him and they catch each others eye.

“I'll need some time to draw up the plans, and I'll need to get Marcus, he's my surveyor, down to take a look but yeah, I think we'll be able to do something.”

“Excellent.” Dean Fogg walks towards her and offers his hand. “I appreciate you coming out here at such short notice.”

“Well when somebody asks for you by name that kind of makes you curious.”

“I saw the work you did on the North Corde building and I was very impressed.”

“My receptionist said you were quite insistent.” She takes a sip from her mug and grimaces slightly as she stares at the contents.

“I was, I wish you could apologize to her, on my behalf. But alas.”

“Dean Fogg,” Alice says. She steps into the living room and Julia smiles.

“Oh, hello again,” Julia says. “What are you doing here?”

“Erm, my boyfriend, he's a Professor here.”

“Oh, nice.”

“Not as nice as a D.J.”

Julia laughs.

“Dean Fogg, can I have a word, please?”

“In a moment, Miss Quinn. I was about to tell Kim here why it is that I asked her to come here today. I think that's rather important, don't you?”

“Don't do this,” Alice leans in close and tries to keep her voice down but she's sure that Julia heard her. “Please.”

“Of course. Feel free to look around,” he says to Julia. “Hopefully inspiration will strike.”

Dean Fogg steps away and Alice follows him.

“What are you doing?”

“I'm thinking of doing some remodelling and Miss Wicker is the only architect that I know.”

“This isn't funny.”

“I'm doing what needs to be done. We are going to need Miss Wicker if we are to deal with the Library.”

“You're the one that wiped her memory in the first place.”

“That was before I had access to all the information. I understand your anger, I do, and you're probably entitled to it, but this is important. If you and Quentin are unable to...”

“We're dealing with it.”

“Are you?”

Alice sees the vial still sitting on the table where she left it last night. She moves quickly past Dean Fogg and scoops it up.

“Quentin has a plan.”

“I'm sure he does.”

“He can do this.”

“Good, I'm glad to hear it. Take that -” he points to the vial in her hand - “and give it to Penny. I'll make up more for the others. We're going to need them all.”

“What about Julia?”

“She's already had her dose.”

“What?”

Alice looks over at Julia. She's slowly walking around the room, looking closely at the layout. She brings the mug to her lips and drinks the rest of whatever is inside. She grimaces again and then places it on a nearby table.

“No,” Alice says. “No, not like this.”

Julia stops. She sways on the spot and then stumbles. Alice rushes over and catches her just as Julia falls. She holds her up. Julia has suddenly turned very pale, just like Quentin did.

“I suddenly don't feel so...” Her eyes seems to roll back inside her head for just a moment.

Alice turns and looks at Dean Fogg.

“You bastard!” She spits the words out.

“What's happening?” Julia asks.

“It's okay. You're gonna be okay.” Alice cradles Julia against her. “You didn't need to do this.”

“I did what needed to be done.”

“No. You did what was easiest for you, just like you did at the castle. You made that deal with the Library because it was the easiest way for you to keep being the Dean of Brakebills even if it meant betraying us and now you're doing it again. You're betraying her because it's easier, because you don't want to take the time to figure out another way. A better way.”

“You think there's a better way.”

“Alice,” Julia's voice sounds faint, muffled against Alice's shoulder. “What's happening? I feel... There's this thing, inside my head, it's...” Julia's legs give out and they both stumble.

“It's okay. I have you. You're going to be okay. Not right away, but you will be okay. I promise.” Alice glares at Dean Fogg. “We were going to ask her. We were going to let her choose, because unlike you, she's capable of making the hard choice.”

“You think this was an easy decision.”

Alice hesitates for a moment. She wants to be certain, wishes she could be certain.

“Yes.”

Dean Fogg stares at her and Alice sees something in his eyes. Then he shakes his head, turns on his heel and walks out of the cottage.

Alice watches him leave, watches the door slam shut behind him and then turns back to Julia, who's gripping her shoulders tight. So tight Alice can feel fingernails digging into her skin. Her eyes are closed.

“Kim,” Alice says. “Kim.” She gets no response. “Julia,” she says tentatively.

“This isn't my... My life is... Who am I?” Julia asks.

“You're Julia. You're Julia Wicker.”

“No. No I'm Ki.... Quentin?”

Alice turns as best she can and sees Quentin standing on the stairs. His hand grips the banister as he stares down at them.

“Quentin?” Julia whispers.

“What did you do?” Quentin rushes down the stairs. “Alice, what did you do?”

“It was Fogg, he gave her the potion. She's remembering.”

He's beside them now. He gently places his hand on Julia's back and she lifts her head out of Alice's shoulder.

“Quentin. We're in the.. Fillory. We're in the books. The witch and the... Did we... The Quest... Did we...” Julia's grip on Alice's shoulders tighten even more. Her head falls back and Alice can't hold her up anymore. The two of them tumble to the floor.

Quentin kneels down next to them.

“Julia,” he says. He takes her hand and Alice takes the other.

Julia's head tips back against the floor, her eyes close and she lets out a scream.