#Gon didn't bring anything to the table

[wusopiejung25]

i just want to say that the ending didn't make any sense. So what, Jo Yeong is the destiny that Gon was looking for his entire life, the person that actually save his life (the very reason he fell in love with fl) and almost injured to death because of it???? then that fact got thrown away suddenly and mean absolutely nothing because he wasn't a girl????????? We got the show displaying the formation of their bond as an intro, teasing us throughout the show how outsiders keep mistaking them as a couple, showing us who ACTUALLY saves him in the past, and you telling me their relationship isn't the conclusion???? I'm rioting.

Why do you want to catch the culprit yourself? Do you want a Brave Citizen Award? Why would I catch the culprit myself? You should be catching the culprit as the captain of the Royal Guard.

THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH | EP. 01 dir. Baek Sang-hoon, Jung Ji-hyun, Yoo Je-won

[mayxthexforce]

Now that I've taken Obi-Wan as a muse, I'm subjecting y'all to my thoughts. Starting with the Hero Of The Confederacy arc of The Clone Wars comics.

First, the cover, cause it fucking kills me

Average dinner with the most chaotically dramatic Jedi lineage.

Now for real, this arc is one of my favorites because of how emotional it makes me and the depth it adds to the Obi-Wan–Dooku–Qui-Gon situation.

First, a quick summary of the plot. During the clone wars, Obi-Wan is invited to dinner with the royal family of the planet Valahari because of disputes related to the fact separatist ships that gunned down innocent people were found to have Valahari engines. Up until that point, Valahari remained neutral in the war. But given that their engines —Valahari is known for making the fastest ships in the galaxy— are benefiting the Separatists, the Republic wants to ensure that doesn't happen again. Obi-Wan insists they must try to solve this peacefully, secure an alliance, because he knows the royal family and is close to them. But Obi-Wan is not the only one trying to achieve an alliance.

So Obi-Wan goes there (with Anakin, obviously, do NOT separate them) and this is how he is received:

LOOK AT HIS FACE, HE'S SO SOFT. THE ROYAL FAMILY, BUT ESPECIALLY ELODORE, ARE SO FUCKING FOND OF HIM!

A whole extra layer of depth is added to this fondness when we read further and find out that Elodore is, in fact, an old flame of Dooku's and that Dooku still has feelings for her, to the point he helped her destroy all information the Jedi had about her force sensitive son, who she refused to give away. So, Dooku is a more-than-a-friend of the royal family, Qui-Gon was very close to them and so is Obi-Wan.

And Dooku is there, too.

This situation kills me. Obi-Wan is close enough to Elodore and her family that later —when he sneaks into her bedroom chambers by climbing in through a window— she doesn't think anything bad of him. So now I can't stop thinking about how, last time Obi-Wan was in a situation like this with Dooku: sitting at a table for dinner full of other people, he was probably very young (Elodore's words about him having grown into a handsome young man and Harko mentioning Qui-Gon's death imply they haven't seen him in a while, over 13 years), he was probably quite young. So I can't help but think about a young Obi-Wan having a fancy dinner with the royal family, being chided by Dooku about how he should sit straight and get his elbows off the table, only for Qui-Gon, sitting between them, to hunch over and put his elbows on the table, smiling with feigned innocence like he doesn't know why Dooku is glaring at him now.

Then, Harko Vane is killed by Ventress because she messed with his ship, Anakin is framed for it and while the Jedi Order knows that it was not Anakin, Valahari is out for justice and of course whoever brings them justice for their dead ruler is gonna earn their loyalty. So everything turns into a race against time as the Republic is trying to punish Anakin for a crime he didn't commit, and Obi-Wan is trying to prove his innocence (Does this remind anyone else of a certain plot with Ahsoka?).

It's a nice parallel with the Ahsoka being framed for a crime she didn't commit arc. Especially because we see how differently Anakin and Obi-Wan deal with what's basically the exact same situation. While Anakin went after Ahsoka, wanting to secure her safety before they proved her innocence; Obi-Wan trusted his Padawan, he trusted that Anakin would be able to keep himself safe and alive without him while he went above and beyond to prove Anakin's innocence. Obi-Wan succeeds where Anakin failed.

Harko and Elodore's force sensitive son, Toffen, is also out for revenge against Anakin, going down a dark path, so there's that extra threat. Dooku actually tried to save both Harko and Toffen from ending up dead, but fails and their deaths along with the fact Obi-Wan went straight to Elodore to prove Anakin's innocence showing her Ventress, Dooku's apprentice, messing with Harko's ship, completely kill any chance he had of being with the woman he loved. Which causes even more hatred towards Obi-Wan and Anakin, and towards Palpatine because later, Palpatine throws the whole "no attachments" thing back at Dooku for failing to ensure an alliance with Valahari all because of an old love.

I wish we'd gotten more arcs like this in the actual show.

[ossidae-passeridae]

welcome to my table bring your hunger, please?

Yussss, I love this fic and have been slowly tapping away at it for ages now. One day it'll get done. I keep worldbuilding more GFFA vampire lore, then trying to work out how to fit it into the story, and the damn thing keeps growing...

-- -- -- --

Despite his worry coiling low in his stomach at Satine coming to Coruscant rather than giving him information over the comm, Obi-Wan can't help but smile. "I'll do my best, dear, but you know me. I hardly seek it out."

Satine's expression is wry, even through the tiny image. "On that, we can both agree. I'll let you know when I've arrived, we can have tea. I'll even bring you some of my shig blend, I'm sure you must be low by now." 

His smile softens into something near painfully fond at Satine remembering how much he adored her family's blend. Such a small thing, in the grand scheme of things, but she always remembered. Always offered to bolster his stores of them, so he didn't have to go without. 

"With an offer like that, I can hardly refuse."

"Two days. I have to go make arrangements, but comm me if anything changes."

"Of course, 'alor."

She makes that same inelegant snort, the one reserved only for her clan, her closest friends, then hangs up on him. 

Obi-Wan stares into the middle distance for a time, until someone bumps against him on the street. Right, yes, he's still in the middle of mid-level Coruscant, on the fringes of the Mandalorian sector. It's not yet noon, so he still has time before he's due back to the temple for his afternoon classes. 

His stomach rumbles plaintively. Yes, that's probably the first order of business — he had lost a fair amount of blood last night. Which also likely explained why he was feeling persistently woozy as well, now he's thinking about it. Perhaps he could find a shop that sold traditional Mandalorian black soup. The combination of a hearty dose of iron and lots of liquid sounded perfect right about now. 

———— 

Two days later, Satine arrives on Coruscant with as little fuss as possible, which was to say vastly more fuss than she desired. Obi-Wan watches her process into the Senate District over the holonews, then watches her address to the Senate with equal interest. Satine truly is an excellent politician, her way with words is something to behold.

An hour or so later, he gets a comm with an address. He tells his Master that he plans to be out that evening, and is waved off with a good-natured grin and a wink. “It’s not like that, Master!” he pleads, even as Qui-Gon smiles and nods and clearly does not believe a word he says. 

“Stay safe, Padawan. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” That, Obi-Wan knows from horrifying experience, is an extremely short list. He loves his Master, but he is also the worst.

Satine’s rooms in the Senate District are understated but well designed, with every element chosen specifically to reflect elements of Mandalore’s history. He’s ushered through the public sitting room, and into Satine’s personal suite where she’s just finishing unpinning her hair from its complex whorls, a task in which she pauses to turn and smile at Obi-Wan as he slips through the door.

[mosinterlude]

━━ DON'T DATE MY BROTHER! ✦ kim taehyung is more of a brother then you are right now.(happy thanks for adopting me day.)

Y/N tries their best not to cry in front of Konon, but the older girl still knows. She doesn't say anything though, just like she didn't say anything when Y/N told their friends that Jimin had responded before he actually did. Konon didn't say anything either time because the two of them knew how the conversation would go.

(“You can't keep excusing this, Y/N. It's one thing for him to be busy, but to barely be active in your life and still tell you what to do? Y/N please.”

“He’s just busy, Konon. He doesn't have time for me anymore. And i'm not a baby, he doesn't need to text me all the time, i’m a big girl. I promise, i’m fine.”)

They were, in fact, not fine at all. They would sob into their pillow at night or scream as loudly as they wanted; their parents were always, and they mean alway traveling. The last time they saw Y/N for more than three minutes was when they were 12.

Kim Taehyung, however, notices also. Not by anything they say, or even how they act; They've done an excellent job at fronting. But he always knew. Unlike Konon, he did have a few things to say. As soon as Konon excuses herself to the bathroom in the middle of their lunch, Taehyung clears his throat the way he does when Jungkook says something so unbearably unfunny.

“Y/N.” He starts, clasping his hands together, like he's about to tell them they have three hours to move out or he’s calling the cops for trespassing. “You know-”

“Thank you for bringing me here, by the way.” They state, smiling. Even if they know what he’s gonna say, they've heard it so many times before. Mainly from Konon, even if she's just trying to help. They don't have the heart or bravery to admit she’s right. “God, I haven't seen you in forever. This is nice, you know? You were always like a brother to me, out of everyone.” They laugh, then scrunch their nose. “Not like I'm saying I don't have a brother, cuz duh Jimin, but you know what I mean.” He does, he knows they meant what they originally said, and the undertone behind it. It says loud and clear: You’re more of a brother then He is right now. And god if that doesn't break his fucking heart. But then they say something that breaks him altogether.

“Don't tell Jimin about this, yeah? I know he gets busy and probably feels bad about not being able to do this stuff with me.” They give him a small smile, and Konon comes back to the table, telling the pair that she met a girl in there who recognized her and that's what took so long. Taehyung looks back down at his food, appetite gone with the previous conversation.

✿ * 𓈀 synopsis :: Being Park Jimin's younger sister comes with pros and cons. Cons, Park Y/N will never experience a true day of peace in her life. Pros, they were able to became friend's with other idol's sisters, and even though they became friends because of their brothers, they stayed friends because they all fit together, like pieces of a puzzle. Only thing? Don't fall for anyone's brother. Easy enough, until Y/N exposes her two year crush on Nishimura Konon's brother, Nishimura Riki. Not just to Konon though, half the world.

prev. masterlist. next.

ꗃ : ˖ ۫ ◖ 𓂃 mo's interlude :: god poor fucking y/n she needs a break!! she gets kne next chapter i promise you guys okay?? jimin gon act a fool for a fee more chapters

ꗃ : ˖ ۫ ◖ 𓂃 taglists :: ddmb taglist. @a-era @ijustmetyouandthisiscrazy @oddeonu @bigtoewinwin @szniki @meiiiwa @doggolovesblog @artstaeh @nomniki perm taglist. @jangwonie @strwberrydinosaur @luv4vernon

[harrysmimi]

Lovely

Chapter 17: First Step

Series Master list

More of my work

It was Christmas!

Hebe was spending time with her Dadda, her grandma and her Aunty Gem. She got along so well with them as well, she was a little shy for a day.

YN went to shopping alone for Hebe and herself. Hebe needed a lot more warm clothes here as she is not used to cold weather in London. Hebe was doing just fine, she doesn't have any fever or cold anymore she's back to being her cheeky little toddler self, running around wearing her iconic dresses and sparkly shoes.

It's been different since YN came to London to have Hebe meet her grandmother and Aunty Gemma. She's been spending days with her dad and YN would then go and pick her up at night before dinner. She was feeling a little— no, she was feeling very left out. YN was so used to having Hebe all to herself and she'd find fun stuff to do with her or take her out on Mummy-daughter dates to parks or to movies or something fun at home. December was the favourite month of the year for YN now as Hebe wouldn't want to go out in cold much, she'd cuddle up to her Mummy, because she is warm and cosy. YN loved that, and she does not work in December what so ever! From the second week of December to second week of January are only dedicated to Princess Hebe!

Today, YN thought she'd bring herself up to ask Harry to let her have Hebe today and he can take her the next day. But Hebe enjoyed so much at her Grandma's house, she'd rant about her day to YN all morning about what she did the day before her dad would come and get her. And it is Christmas day. YN didn't wanted her to not enjoy her day, she worried now Hebe wouldn't want to be with her Mummy as she seems to enjoy her Grandma and Aunty's company so much! Couple of days ago she didn't wanted to go back with her Mummy at night. YN was hurt but she's a toddler she's gonna do what she pleases, YN can't really scold her for that. She doesn't scold her daughter for anything at all.

"Dadda is here!" Hebe gasped hearing the door bell ring. YN chuckled at her excitement and went to get the door and yes it was Harry.

"Dadda!" Hebe ran towards her dad and jumped on him. Every morning they meet like they haven't seen each other in decades!

"Happy Chwis'mas!" Hebe celebrated.

"Happy Christmas Princess!" Harry kissed her head.

"She needs to change then you can take her." YN said.

"Yeah, okay!" Harry nodded. He came a little early today to get her. "What about we eat some chocolate doughnuts before we go out?"

"Yes!" Hebe celebrated.

"Alright, I'll go and get your clothes ready for you yeah?" YN patted Hebe's head.

"I got doughnuts for everyone, YN." Harry stopped her grabbing her wrist.

"Oh! You, you didn't had to." YN stuttered feeling the warmth of his hand.

"It's okay, I wanted to. Come on." He walked to the dining area.

"I gon' go get pwates!" Hebe wiggled down her dad's arms and ran to the kitchen. YN made sure to supervise her as she took out the dishes from the lower drawers and jogged back out, she kept the plates on the table and climbed up on her dad's lap. YN pulled herself a chair as well. Harry served one doughnut each on three plates. They were chocolate hazelnut doughnuts!

YN doesn't try to intrude in his family time just because he have her daughter. Some times Anne would forcefully make her stay and have dinner with them but that was all. Harry has been super caring lately. Not only for Hebe but for her too. Of course he would have his alone time with Hebe and take her out little daddy-daughter date, but he'd make sure to have YN involved with them most of the time. He loved to spend time with both of them. Though he have now stopped trying as hard to get back with her as before. He have realised he just can't force her because they have a child together.

YN didn't wanted to be alone without Hebe today at all. She cried whilst in shower this morning when Hebe was sleeping. She is her mum, she misses her. And it's been new and hard for her to leave her daughter.

Harry noticed that YN was very slow getting Hebe ready for her day today. She gave her a bath, washed and dried her hair. Put her in nice pretty clothes. Now she was braiding her hair into fishtail braids which take a lot of time and Hebe is going to be wearing a beanie anyway. It was just her subconscious trying to spend more time with her. Hebe was very patient with her Mummy as well. They laughed and giggled on their inside jokes. Yes the Mummy and baby have inside jokes!

"I can get her shoes on. Now you go and get ready. We'll all go to Grandma's together." Harry said, he smiled at Hebe who's face lit up at her Grandma's name. Hebe loved Anne's cats so much!

"No, I don't to intrude. But thank you." YN shook her head trying to hold back her tears she crouched down in front of Hebe. She was sitting on the edge of her bed with her sock covered feet dangling down. YN put her shoes on for her and tied the laces quickly for her.

"You won't be intruding anything. Come on, Mum would love to have you over." Harry stressed a tiny bit.

"It's fine Harry." YN was not going to get herself attached to Anne. She dangerously reminded YN of her own mum. Anne is very loving and caring and that's what YN has been craving for years now. And even Gemma, she was older than her but she is so much like her little sister. YN was not going to let her attachment issues get to her.

......................................................................

YN was alone now. She doesn't work during her break and have her emails pending all month but as she had nothing to do, she started going through her emails. She was being approached for a new movie. It was a RomCom. But she was done with her emails sooner than she thought.

She was missing her sister so she played their stupid little vlogs they made for fun. It was just filled with giggles and her sister's antiques. The pranks they pulled on their mother together. It was something which did not made her cry but laugh. She paused the video when she heard a knock on her door. It was three in afternoon. It was also Hebe's afternoon nap time, she haven't received any text from Harry on how she is doing. She'd text him but she doesn't want to interrupt. YN went to get the door. It was Harry.

"Where is Hebe?" YN asked the furst thing.

"Hello to you too darling. And she is napping at mum's don't worry. Mum have invited you over now." He explained.

"What? Oh- I... Ummm... I don't think I should be going. I don't want to you know... Intrude." She stuttered trying to find right words.

"For the last time lovely, you're not going to intrude anything. Come on, go put on your coat. Hebe will he very happy to see you as well." He insisted.

"I don't know Harry, your family will be there." She shook her head.

"It's just going to be me, Hebe, Mum and Gemma." He said, "Mum didn't wanted to overwhelm Hebe with a bunch of new people and I wouldn't let that happen anyway. At least not without your consent, you're her Mummy afterall. So go on and get your coat and hat."

She just looked at him with the slightest hint of a puppy's gaze in her eyes. He could tell she was trying hard not to have a breakdown or at least not show any signs of vulnerability in front of him. She's been this way since he have met her again. It was a scary thing for her, he knew her way too well for her liking.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing." She shook her head as she walked in living room and shut her laptop and went back to her work around the house.

"Bring Hebe back if you don't want to leave Harry. You can't just leave her alone there even if she is napping." She told him seeing him lounge on her sofa like a king.

"She's with my mum." Harry said.

"You know she is a handful some times. You are her dad be responsible and don't make me second guess my decisions now Harry!" She warned him.

YN have noticed her anger issues have been getting a little worse from past few days. Harry is annoying her. He's being annoyingly caring not just towards their daughter— as he should!— but towards her too. He'd have her involved her in little things he would plan with Hebe. She was so angry that he have the audacity to leave her like that, avoid such a vulnerable conversation of confessing their feelings for each other everytime she brought it up, she let him be around her daughter, and he's being lovely and caring towards her. She wanted to punch a hole in the cement wall so fucking bad!

She still loves and cares about him so much that she's mad at him. She felt pathetic! She wouldn't care about anyone who have broken her heart as bad as he have. Her mum and sister always told her how scary it is that how easily she cut people off who means no good for her. Why couldn't she bring herself to do it with him? Just tell him to go fuck himself somewhere else and get the fuck out of her life? Shouldn't be that hard.

"Harry!" She barged out of kitchen and stood towering over him, "either go bring my daughter back to me, or leave and be there with her!"

YN doesn't know how Hebe really is with his mum and sister. They're amazing people. But Hebe is just too young, she needs her Mummy, Harry knows that too. He was shitting his pants when she was throwing a fit the first time she spend the night at his when she didn't saw her Mummy. Of course she is very attached to her Grandma and Aunty Gems but she cried the other day YN took a little longer to go get her because she was stuck in traffic. YN hates seeing even her eyes getting teary!

"Alright, chill out." Harry said simply, "I need you to come with me and you can bring her back yourself. Of course, if she wants to."

"You took her yourself and bring her back yourself, you know I'm keeping very detailed tabs on you with her!" YN was really pissed. "I swear to god if Anne calls you now saying she is crying. I will literally kill you!"

"Okay, Mama bear. Please calm down. For real. Please?" Now he is intimidated by her, "she isn't napping, infact playing board games with Gemma. I just said that to get you to spend time with us. Even Mum called you, didn't she, after Hebe and I reached there? You're alone here, both your friends are back in LA, I don't want you to spend your Christmas alone even if you don't celebrate it. You can still hang out with our family."

"I can go a day without her." YN said. Hebe is her only family now.

"I don't think you know how this works darling. You're not spending much time with her since you got here. It's not and it shouldn't be how it works." Harry said. "You don't think I didn't see what you were doing, getting her ready at the slowest pace possible. She is your daughter too, you can't just give up your happiness, which is obviously with her, like that. Yeah she is having fun with her Grandma and Aunty doesn't mean she shouldn't get to spend time with you. As much as I get jealous that you are her favourite parent and person in this whole entire world and not me too, but it's the truth."

"You don't want to forgive me, I'm not going to force you for that. You're already doing so much for me by letting me spend time with her and be her dad." He added.

"I, I am not going to let myself get attached to anyone. Ever. I am so done with everything." She shook her head. "Just go back to her or bring her back to me."

"YN—"

"Harry just do as I say for fucks sake!" She raised her voice out of frustration, but instantly regretted it. A look of hurt washed over his features more quicker than she realised she shouldn't have done that. It broke her heart into a trillion pieces.

"I, I am sorry. I shou—"

"No, now I'm done. I'm trying my hardest here to mend things back with you and get my shit together because I fucked up when I could have been more mature I think I deserve a second change which you're not willing to give me." He said in one breathe, "will bring her back."

"You don't get to say that!" She said stopping him on his track. "You had your family with you! I had no fucking one. Yes it was my choice to keep her but doesn't mean my feelings you crush and threw in front of a fucking bullet train like that, do not fucking matter! You DON'T get to be all caring for me now! I am doing this for the sake of my child because I want her to have everything I never got okay! I was never interested in even letting you see her ever again. But I did for her. Because everyone deserves both their parents! Is it too much that I'm asking you to be there for her and leave me alone because I'm scared you're going to leave her alone again and go on cruises all over Europe with your another PR Stunt? I don't think so! You have the audacity to ask me to calm down? I lost my only family to death merely months before you walked in, I never felt alone because you were there. Pick up my life together like that just to leave to scatter again."

"Don't give the excuse of the shit show your management had put up for two fucking years. I work in the same damn industry I have never seen a monstrosity like that before. Do you think I trust you with Hebe when I have done everything to protect her from the lime light? Did you even know I kept her even after all those articles and that picture floating around the internet? No you did not! You think I trust you enough for you to be able to protect her identity while she is still a minor when you're always going on staged ass pap walks all around USA? But I am trying hard too, aren't I? Your girlfriend can put her child through shit like that even if his face was blurred, I don't give a fuck. You don't know what is going on in my head when she's alone with you."

And she kept going, tears flowing down her cheeks now. "You don't know shit people have said about her when she was three months old predicting her future twenty years from now on. I am her mother for gods sake. I can kill and die for her in a heartbeat if I have to. You don't know shit we have went through, it scares me how she is going to react reading all of that because it is still going to be there forever! I would want to die if she grows to hate me because her Mummy failed to keep her safe and away from shitty people on social media and news and what not!"

Harry is absolutely shocked watching her falling back on the sofa as she cried into the palm of her hand. He didn't know she went through all of that, he would be absolutely sad if Hebe grows to hate him for any reason and YN is trying so hard to keep her away from the lime light. They live in LA and still she has never been caught by paparazzi anywhere with Hebe and she takes her out a lot. Harry have never seen YN cry like this after that one day. She have so much bottled up inside her. He carefully approached her as he crouched in front of her, wrapping his fingers around her wrist he pulled her hands away from her face.

"If I'm being honest YN don't really know what happened. You were so good at taking everything off of the internet, couldn't even get the chance to see it." He spoke softly realising she shouldn't have raised his voice back at her like that, "I am sorry, I shouldn't have raised my voice at you like that. But really try to trust me I've got my shit together."

"I don't trust you." She shook her head.

"I won't blame you. I'm not going even ask for us to get back together now, would never want to drag you into anything you don't want. But we can't be like this. We have to co-exist peacefully for Hebe. At least until she is old enough to understand these things. You hate me, I understand why and I deserve it."

YN didn't even realise he have her hand sandwiched in between his two, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her wrist. She is so used to being lonely by now that an affectionate touch is just so foreign to her. She glanced down at their hands. She should have been able to move on from him by now, she shouldn't still be so much in love with him. It is getting worse with his subtle affection towards her which never goes unnoticed by her. Him taking Hebe to these placed YN didn't know existed in London and even dragging her with them both. Him asking for her approval and consent with anything related to Hebe. Just over all having her involved in everything with their daughter.

"I can't do this!" She shook her head again, "I still love you so much it is stupid. This shouldn't be like this when it's been almost three years. I want to hate you but I can't!"

"I'm sorry." Was all he could think of to say. "I am so sorry love. Really. I really love you too. If you're stupid for that then count me in too. You can't just stop loving someone like that!"

His heart was felt so swollen up that he thought it is going to combust into his chest seeing her like that. He never realised Hebe just looks like but she is completely like her mother. Seeing YN cry reminded him of the morning Hebe was crying for her Mummy. Taking in short sharp breaths in between her sobs, YN is just like that.

"I am sorry, hate to see you cry." Harry repeated his apology and was willing to do so a hundred million times.

"First step to every relationship is trust and you did not trust me. Even if you said we were just friends who slep with each other. How could you do that?" She looked him dead in the eyes saying what have hurt her so much. "I would have never came back to you if she wasn't yours Harry. I am not that low-life to be like other girls who have came to you in past!"

She is right. She brought her up so well on her own. She doesn't need him nor does Hebe. Really. It was the bitter truth!

"I am so sorry. Love you know how manipulative people can be in this industry. I have learned the hard way. I have really." His vision was cloudy with his own eyes getting teary. She looked so hurt. It wouldn't have happened if he would have went his damn intuition!

That wasn't only reason. Being called a whore and a bad mother thousands and thousands of people if not millions is much more worse! Conspiracy theories being made on her and who her child's father is the most disgusting shit she have ever seen in her entire life!

"Being called a whore and a bad mum. People saying your child is not going end up having a good future or maybe end up in a fucking rehab without their father around is not something any mother wants to hear!" She continued, "your baby sitter didn't tell you about that shit huh? Why would he?"

"No you're none of that!" Harry stressed, "you are not that and you're the best mum! I have never seen more polite toddler than our daughter YN, I am definitely not being biased here. It shouldn't matter what people say lovely. Even if I wouldn't have come around she'd grow up to be an amazing person like you. I know and I understand— trust me!— it sucks to have thousands of people pulling you down like that. But you know that's not true and that's all it should take to not let it get to you and prove those fuckers wrong!"

"I know, not everyone is same. But we can try and make it easier on us. You never told me about me this and you know we have talked about this, it feels good to just let it out." He is now sat on both his knees in front of her, both her hands in his. "Can I hug you?"

"Please!" She nodded. Harry let out a sigh of relief as he pulled her in a warm hug. He was taken by surprise as she was way too quickly to wrap her arms around his torso as tightly as she could buried her face into the fabric of his shirt.

"It's okay. Everything is fine." He rubbed her back. The same way she clung onto him the first time both of them were intimate, but there was nothing sexual about this hug. She is just in need of assuring touch from another one from her own species. His heart felt so sore in his chest. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his torso, the fabric of his shirt clutched in her fists tightly.

"I just worry about Hebe, I don't want her to go through anything that I have went through." She mumbled, she felt so vulnerable in his arms as he held her pliant body close to him.

"She is not going to, we'll be there for her," he assured her, then it clicked him a possibility of something bad. He worried for her, he wanted her to talk to him openly but not force her, "are you trying to tell me something love?"

That made her pull back from the hug, she took in a long breath as she wiped off her tears. Sniffling she looked at him, "No." was all he got in answer from her.

"I am not going to force you to talk about anything which makes you uncomfortable. But you know, lovie, you can talk to me about everything and anything." He told her, his palm on her knee warming her skin through her pants. A new set of tears formed in her eyes as he told her that.

She does not feel right to have such a vulnerable conversation with him, which does not have anything to do with Hebe. But it have everything to do with herself. She can not trust him enough to be vulnerable enough to talk about anything bothering her. Things which keep her up all night some times, that is why tires herself as much as she can just so she can go take in some sleep before her daughter is up, ready to try and take over the world with her glittery giggles and starry smiles. YN just settled on a nod.

"Okay, I'll go get ready and be there before dinner. You can go if you want." YN suggested.

"Wait, you're going to come to the dinner?" A beam took over his serious features.

"Yeah. For Hebe." YN nodded again.

"I, I don't mind waiting for you." He offered, but earned a hard look from her, "okay, I'll go back to her please don't kill me." He stood up to leave.

"Will be waiting for you." He told her once at the door, looking at her with hopeful eyes before he disappeared in the hallway.

YN closed the door with a sigh. She really craved some family time, did she agreed for Hebe's sake for herself? Maybe both. She got ready, washed her face with freezing cold water to make her puffy face go back to normal. She did not wanted anyone to know she was just sobbing, she put on some makeup to cover her eyebags, changed up into yet another turtle neck jumper and dark blue jeans, and she headed to see Hebe. YN made sure to take the gifts she got for Anne and Gemma and even Harry from Hebe and her. The other day YN took Hebe out and she helped her Mummy pick out presents for her Grandma and Aunty Gemma.

......................................................................

"MUMMY!" Hebe squealed as she ran to her mother and hugged her legs. YN liked to think she misses her even at her Grandma's.

"Hello baby!" YN caressed her hair.

"Hey!" Gemma chirped seeing YN and approached her with a warm hug. "So happy you came."

"Hi, thank you inviting me." YN smiled hugging her back.

"Oh, come on, you're always welcome here!" It was Anne scoffing as she emerged from her bedroom.

"Thank you, Mrs. Twist." YN said. "Hebe, do you want to give your grandma and Aunty Gemma presents you got?" She suggested.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Hebe got excited, she took the bags from her Mummy.

"Oh you didn't had to YN." Anne cooed to the girl as she hugged her too.

"They're from Hebe." YN made an excuse, which was halfway true. "Hebe, can you carry all of that? Let me help you, yeah?"

"Yes, pwease." Hebe realised she could not carry bags on her own so she gave up. They all settled down on the sofa, YN passed on Hebe presents for Gemma first. YN made sure to get Anne and Gemma jewelry from her line, and a two gifts Hebe picked out.

"Oh thank you so much princess!" Gemma kissed Hebe's head, accepting the presents from her.

"Open it? Pwease?" Hebe asked.

"You want me to?"

"Mhmm!" The girl nodded. Gemma opened the bag which had Yellow tissue paper on it. There was a cardigan from a small boutique she have heard such amazing things from. The next bag had a gold necklace with G charm, and a pretty dainty bracelet.

"These are very pretty, thank you!" Gemma looked at Hebe and then at YN.

"Hebe picked them." YN shared.

"You have a very good taste like your Dadda, I must say." Anne commented. YN could see Harry's body puff up proudly from the corner for her eyes.

"Gwandma's pwesents?" Hebe went back to her Mummy. YN passed on three more bags to Hebe and she carried it to her Grandma on her fuzzy sock clad feet. YN picked out a cat printed mug for Anne, knowing how much she loves cats and Tea. Same set of necklace and bracelet with A charms on them, and a jumper Hebe wanted to buy for her Grandma. Hence, Anne ended up with three presents, or maybe she is Hebe's favourite person in her family.

"Thank you so much Hebe!" Anne cooed, kissing both of Hebe's chubby dimply cheeks, one last peck was placed on her forehead.

"Dadda!" Hebe squealed and took the last bag from her Mummy. It was from Gucci, the bag was huge, Hebe could hardly carry it. She placed it ny her dad's feet.

"Is this for me?" Harry asked.

"Mhmm!" Hebe nodded pulling down her beanie with both of her hands over her ears. Harry picked her up from the ground and sat her on her lap.

"Would you mind helping me open it?" Harry asked to which Hebe nodded, he pulled out the box from the bag and set it on Hebe's lap gently. She was quickly to open the box, the lid fell down on the rug doing a single backflip. Harry let her take out the drawstring tote, he can tell those are shoes.

"Open it!" Hebe complained seeing her dad just watching her open his present.

"Okay." Harry opened his present.

He was right. There were a pair of white kicks, looked to be custom. He have seen Hebe wore a same pair just yesterday, which were sent to YN for Hebe by Alessandro Michele. Harry knows very well YN hates spoiling Hebe with luxury brands, she even called him out for getting Hebe custom dresses from Gucci and custom stuff for his little princess. And she is right, they shouldn't be spoiling her with luxury fashion items from such a young age. That means, YN got them made in his size, he liked to assume that. He also knows that she's become really good friends with Alessandro. Harry was kinda in love with the idea of her putting so much thought into his Christmas present. The shoes were amazing, with Alice in Wonderland themed glittery characters all over them, they earned a gast from little green eyed girl in his lap.

"It's so pwetty!" Hebe squealed, touching the Cheshire cat with her chubby small pointer finger.

"Aren't they?" Harry mused, giving his daughter a kiss on her head.

"Are we done opening presents?" Anne enquired.

"Oh no, mum!" Gemma chirped, "we have YN's presents."

"Oh you didn't had to get me anything." YN perked up on her seat at the mention of her name in same sentence talking about presents for her. Gemma disappeared somewhere before YN could say anything else. She found the girl by the Christmas with, Gemma came back with a few bags.

"There are a few cards Hebe made this afternoon as well." Gemma said. YN looked at her daughter who had a huge proud grin on her pretty face.

"Thank you, I'll open them later." YN smiled.

After dinner, Gemma and Anne planned on going out to the backyard. Start a born fire, Anne suggested to roast marshmallows. Gemma quickly ran in and got vegan marshmallows, of course, Hebe followed her like a puppy.

"Who wants tea?" Harry asked.

"Everyone!" Gemma rolled her eyes, does he really need to ask though?

"I, I can go make tea for everyone, if you don't mind me using your kitchen Mrs. Twist." YN suggested.

"Of course darling." Anne nodded, "tea's in the left cabinet from the corner."

"Okay, I'll be back in a few." YN nodded and headed in. The cabinets were a little high, YN had to get up on her tippy-toes to reach the shelf but she got it. She was trying to find kettle, she filled up the kettle with water. YN struggled to get the kettle back on the heating thing, she never used kettles for the exact reason and opts for putting a pot of water on stove directly.

"You need help there?"

She almost dropped the kettle, startled by Harry's question. He popped up out of nowhere!

"You scared me!" YN complained, "and no I've got this."

Harry watched as she struggled for one minute straight to get the kettle back on it's place. She succeeded though. She started looking for milk and sugar.

"Sugar is in that cabinet." Harry said pointing at the exact cabinet she was opening. "I, I'll get the milk." He looked away sheepishly and padded to the fridge. He swore he saw her smile at his stupidness. At least he made her smile!

"Thank you coming to the dinner." Harry spoke after a moment of silence.

"I came here for Hebe." YN told him.

"But it made me happy. And thank you for the shoes." He stood next to her, leaning onto the kitchen counter.

"Your welcome." She smiled a genuine smile.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did." She joked.

"Funny." He rolled his eyes, "can we at least try and be friends? We don't have to, not even for Hebe. I'm sure she will understand once she grows up, she is a very smart kid. But we can at least try and be friends?" His heart became heavy just by the way she glanced at him before getting back to steeping the tea. He made her sad again.

"Harry, I had feelings for you once, I don't think I can just be friends with you." She explained with apologetic eyes. He is still in love with her and he is sure by now he still have romantic feelings for her.

"Okay." Harry nodded. He doesn't want to force her into anything.

He looked down feeling a tug at the end of his jumper. It was Hebe, looking up at him with her green eyes she got from him.

"Gwandma's said to check up on my Mummy." Hebe said as if she is there to protect her mother. Harry felt offended, sure he have told his mum that he definitely is annoying YN by his acts of wanting them both to be together. He did not expected her to send one of her soldiers to protect YN.

"Awh! Thank you lovely!" YN cooed chuckling. Hebe wrapped her arms around her Mummy's thighs in a warm bear hug. It made Harry jealous some times, but it never fails to melt his heart seeing them share such a sweet relationship, how much Hebe is obsessed and obviously in love with her mother.

"Whatchu doin' Mumma?" Hebe enquired.

"I am making tea baby." YN told her.

"Can I 'ave some pwease?" She asked.

"A sip or two," YN agreed, "yeah? No more than that."

"You sure about that?" Harry asked.

"It's just tea." YN shrugged, "Bebe come on, go out ahead," she ushered her girlie out to where everyone is, just so she doesn't hurt herself with hot tea YN was carrying in her hands. But she was scooped up by her dad as he sprinted out with the squealing and laughing girl.

......................................................................

YN was heading back home with Hebe, she was half asleep in her Mummy's arms as everyone said good night to them both. YN strapped Hebe in her car seat and got into divers seat herself. But her car won't start. Well, she rented it, the vehicle wasn't exactly hers.

"What's wrong love?" Harry asked, he was still waiting for her drive away in the driveway.

"It won't start." She got the the car to check what wrong with it.

"I can drive you back, will have someone come over and fix it tomorrow." Harry offered.

"No it's okay, thank you." She said, opened the bonnet to see what is wrong. She did knew a lot of things about cars and what to check, being alone came with a lot of learning. She will have to pay extra at the rental now, awesome!

"Did you rent this?" Harry enquired.

"Uhhh.. yeah." She nodded, "I will just ask someone to get the car and get another one."

"Don't worry about it, come on I'll put Hebe into my car, will drop you both off to yours." He walked to the back seat of the to get a sleeping Hebe out.

"It's fine, I'll just call a cab." YN said.

"Oh come on." Harry sighed scooping up Hebe in his arms, he put her in his car and strapped her up. He jogged to the passenger seat and opened the door for YN, "get in!" He demanded.

Well, she got a free ride back home, so she got in. Harry closed the door once she was in and jogged around to get into drivers seat. He silently drove her back to her flat. Entire ride back home YN kept checking up on Hebe.

"Don't worry she is fine." Harry assured her, YN looked at him and nodded her head before looking back on the road in front of her.

"I have some work coming up next week so we'll be heading back home in two days." YN said after a moment of silence.

"Oh." Was Harry's first reaction, "alright, I'll be back in LA for recording in two week anyway."

"Yeah." YN nodded.

"Can't you stay until the end of the week?" He asked.

"I want Hebe to adjust back to the time zone, she'd be fussy." YN explained.

"Mhmm I understand." Harry nodded, he is going to miss Hebe a lot. He's gotten so used to her now that he have spent more than just two weeks straight with her. Her calling him Dadda will never get old for him.

"I am sorry if that made you upset. You can take her with you for a week if you want. I didn't know I'd have few urgent table readings scheduled." Her voice was soft as she felt bad for taking Hebe away from him.

"It's alright. She needs you more I understand." He said

Once at her building, Harry helped YN with Hebe and got her and Hebe's presents from the boot.

"I'll take that, you don't have to—"

"Hush! Come on." He locked his car started walking in her building with bags in both his hands. Hebe was clinging onto her Mummy. YN followed Harry, he helped her with the door.

"I'll put her to bed." YN said and walked into her bedroom and tucked Hebe in after taking off her coat, she can change her into her PJs later. "Thank you."

"Of course." Harry nodded, "can we go out tomorrow if you're really heading home?"

"You can take Hebe, I have some work tomorrow." YN said.

"Oh, I, I was thinking we could all go out somewhere. But it's fine," he looked visibly upset it made YN feel bad.

"I'll try and see if I can get off early." She said in hurry, "for, for Hebe." She added making a smile creep up on his face, it was not a very subtle way to cover up what she said.

"For Hebe, yeah." He repeated making his way out the main door, a cheeky smile more prominent as she shot a finger gun in her direction before he disappeared down rhe hallway.

He is now looking forward to seeing her and their daughter the next day.

[pandora15]

Deadcember 2021 Day 5 Alternate Prompt #2: Stabbed in the Back

For Anakin Skywalker, being trapped in Hondo Ohnaka's pirate compound with no lightsaber was annoying on most days. Even if he had Obi-Wan as company.

Being trapped in said compound with no lightsaber while being literally attached to Obi-Wan and Count Dooku was even more aggravating.

The Count was the one who cut Anakin's hand off, the one who was responsible for the war and all the destruction it caused. He was a Sith, a monster who intended on bringing darkness to the galaxy.

And regardless of the strange relationship Dooku had with Obi-Wan through one Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin knew that Dooku had little regard for him.

That was enough to put Anakin on edge.

As Dooku moved closer to the cell bars and extended a hand forward towards the plate of food on the table outside of their cell, Anakin sighed.

"Don't you think our priority should be 'escape first, eat second'?" Anakin asked, sharing an amused glance with Obi-Wan.

Dooku didn't immediately respond, instead allowing the plate to lift itself up into the air and move closer to the cell. When he did respond, he addressed Obi-Wan and completely ignored Anakin.

"Do control your protégé's insolence so I can concentrate," he commanded, tilting his head back towards Obi-Wan ever so slightly.

Through the cell bars, Anakin watched as the plate clattered to the floor, leaving only a knife floating in the air. The knife inched closer to the cell door.

Obi-Wan grinned. "Anakin," he said, turning towards him ever so slightly.

"What?"

"Control your insolence. The Count is concentrating."

Obi-Wan found this funny, for some reason that Anakin couldn't understand. Or — more likely — he was using humor to avoid having to think too deeply about the fact that they were being forced to work with a Sith.

Though that didn't sound like something Obi-Wan would do to deal with such a situation.

Anakin sighed and looked back outside the cell, watching as the knife moved to the side of the cell and slid into the locking mechanism.

A clicking sound, and then the cell door slid open.

"Well done," Dooku commented as he stepped outside of the cell, "if I do say so myself."

"Most impressive," Obi-Wan snarked as he walked out of the cell.

Anakin rolled his eyes and followed, checking the other side of the room for any of Hondo's men.

The last thing any of them needed was to be caught and thrown back into the cell. Anakin wanted his lightsaber back, and then he wanted out of this stupid compound, out of this situation.

Sighing, he scanned the side of the room for supplies: keycard passes, weapons, a map, anything that would help them get through the compound. He was dimly aware of movement behind him, but Anakin ignored it, assuming that Obi-Wan was keeping an eye on the Count for now, that —

"Anakin!"

Obi-Wan's voice, cutting through the air, sharp and uncharacteristically intense.

Anakin turned to see Dooku standing right in front of him, knife in hand as it moved downwards towards his chest. He froze in shock, and in that split-second, two hands grabbed his shoulders and shoved him backwards, as far as he could go, considering the bonds tying them together.

Anakin watched as Dooku's eyes widened as Obi-Wan pushed himself in the path of the knife, as it plunged into his spine and dragged down a few inches before Dooku's hand pulled it back out.

Obi-Wan let out a gasp, bowing his head forward, Dooku stumbled back, hands climbing up to his face in abject horror, and Anakin's blood went cold.

"What have you done?" Anakin exclaimed, moving closer to Obi-Wan. In truth, he had no idea who the question was directed to: was it Dooku, who literally tried to kill Anakin, or Obi-Wan, who put himself in harm's way to protect Anakin again?

Maybe it was both.

Or neither.

All Anakin knew was that moments later, Obi-Wan crumpled to the ground with a quiet sigh, legs no longer supporting his weight.

"Obi-Wan, stay with me," Anakin whispered. He was dimly aware of Dooku kneeling down on Obi-Wan's other side, so he looked up at the Sith — the murderer — and snarled. "Get away from him."

Dooku's eyes narrowed. "This was not my intention."

Shaking his head, Anakin carefully rolled Obi-Wan onto his side, leaning forward to find the wound on his back. He could feel Obi-Wan struggling to breathe against him, his body shaking violently under Anakin's hands.

"Stay with me," Anakin repeated. "Obi-Wan, do you hear me? You just need to hold on."

"An —"

Obi-Wan choked and groaned, teeth chattering.

"The wound is fatal."

Anakin looked up at Dooku, who was gesturing to the floor around them, which was now soaked with blood. Up until now, Anakin had forced himself to ignore just how much blood Obi-Wan was losing, just how quickly he was losing it.

"Shut up," he muttered. "This is your fault."

He didn't bother to see how Dooku responded.

Carefully, Anakin sat down in the growing pool of blood and propped Obi-Wan against his legs, making sure that the wound on his back wasn't touching anything.

"Obi-Wan, I'm here," Anakin whispered.

Obi-Wan let out a quiet groan and opened his eyes. His lips twitched into a quiet smile.

"You didn't have to do that, you know," he said. "You should've just —"

"No." Obi-Wan's hand reached up to brush Anakin's cheek. "Brother."

Something deep inside of Anakin hurt, as though it was being ripped outside of him.

As though he was about to lose a vital part of himself — something that would never be replaced.

"Brother," Anakin echoed.

Obi-Wan sighed and then went completely still.

And the world crashed down around him.

(Pandora's Deadcember 2021 Masterlist)

[janeelyakiri]

100-150 years have passed since S/O died, skeles have moved on with their respective lives and things are going well... until recently. Throughout the last couple nights their plagued with Dreams? Memories? Dreamories? of S/O and can’t seem to get them out of their head. It’s gets to a point wherein they begin hallucinating S/O in crowds or just in the corner of their eye and whenever they reach out they disappear, fading away out of their reach. Their respective bro is getting extremely worried. Eventually they go out for a walk with no real destination in mind just trying to clear their head and figure outs what’s happening with them. Before they notice they’ve ended up in their and S/Os favorite spot (up to you Jan ;) and after standing around a bit they here the sound of someone clearing their throat, they look beside them and it’s S/O the same as the first time they met, just standing their smiling at them.

S/O Reincarnates

Under cut bc i feel some of this gon get loooong sdjfk

also from the sound of it, S/O remembers so we'll go with that!

Macaw- He doesn't believe it at first. He's not the lucky one to get someone he loves *twice*! He's more likely to believe he's hallucinating or that S/O is from another dimension. It takes a LOT of convincing. But his S/O would know how to help and handle him <3

Lupo- Tears, big fat orange tears as he scoops them up and swings them around. So SO happy!! He Immediately invites them over, to talk their ears off about all that's changed- HE runs the Garage now! Oh wait sorry nono please tell him how life has been! Was anything different?? They stay up all night to talk, falling asleep on the couch holding eachother.

Falcon- Thinks it's a trick at first. A bit cold, dodgy, but if S/O is patient with him, he'll relax and accept that this IS his S/O. Then he'll be crying and holding them and not letting go.

Jackal- Like Falcon, he's SURE it's a trick at first. He interrogates them rather rudely. But if S/O is honest and well, prepared for this, then Jackal tentatively lets them back into his life. It's going to be an uphill battle, but Jackal /is/ willing to learn to love again.

Jay- More than eager to scoop them up and kiss their face! Perhaps a little too eager to return to how things were. He's gonna fuck up a little here and there, and S/O will have to help him out. Not EVERYTHING is the same after all, a lot happens in 150 years.

Fox- He thinks he's being stalked. He's panicky and scared, till someone calls out to him as he's at his and his S/O's favorite park. He hears S/O's nickname for him and spins around, sockets wide and a little scared. There is S/O, and he breaks into sobs. His S/O, his mate! He'll take a bit to calm down, but he'll snuggle with them so HAPPY and feeling safe and loved.

Crow- If it's still standing, he's working at The LABS still when he bumps into them. He's grown (not physically) and has mellowed a little. Seeing his past partner everywhere has made him a little on edge, but then turns the tables and corners them. He's shocked, and a little bit of his old self shines through. He picks them up and holds them, tears of show slipping out his sockets. He'll bring them back to the LABS to excitedly show his brother he wasn't crazy. Hound might still believe otherwise.

Hound- He's sus. He doesn't trust one bit. He's gonna avoid them for some time, but S/O will wear him down eventually. He breaks when he finally allows touch, and wraps his arms around them. He's missed them *so much*. It takes a while for things to reach 'normal' for them, but if S/O is patient, it'll be worth it <3

Vulture- He was just doing another job in the same AU he met his first S/O in. They just have to say his *name*, and he stops in his tracks. He doesn't care how, they smell like his mate. The look like his mate. They're coming home with him, ready or not. He missed them so, and he's not letting go.

Hyena- He didn't want to go to that AU again, the one his S/O was from. But his favorite store is there... The one he and S/O would shop at all the time. Granted it's different thanks to time moving but it still has his favorite meats and pastas. They reach for the same box of pasta and stare at one another. Hyena then drops his basket and scoops them up, face buried in their neck and soft sobs heard. His mate... his...

Robin- It's not so great for him. His S/O DIED. Dead things STAY DEAD. S/O's gotta be very careful or they might end up dead again. Robin and Dingo are the only two of the group to deal with a resetting human in their underground.

Dingo- He can't tell if he's actually being stalked or if someone's messing with him. Shattered loves doing that after all. When he and S/O finally meet again, he's... torn. He wants SO MUCH to be with them, to sleep beside them and have more puppies with them... But he knows his brother will remember their face, and freak out. Dingo and his S/O will have to keep things secret.

[xxlittle0birdxx]

Bail looked at her askance. 'I wasn't aware that you were intimidated by anything.' Satine had always handled everything the galaxy and fate had seen fit to throw at her with a remarkable sense of equanimity.

'Yes, well. Dodging assassins is less dangerous than cocktail parties with the Coruscanti elite. One wrong word and one's reputation is tarnished for decades. And I can't afford that. Not if Mandalore is to survive.'

Bail had to concede she was right. It was an additional burden that he didn't have, given his and Breha's families' long history of governance and diplomacy on Alderaan. 'No need to worry about that here. Sit down. I'll bring you a drink.' He gestured to a well-padded sofa. 'You look as though you could use one.' She looked alarmingly pale and far wearier than corralling the various factions on Mandalore could account for. He turned toward a table, arrayed with various bottles holding jewel-bright liqueurs. 'I'm afraid you'll have to put with just my company tonight.'

'Oh?' Satine tried not to feel disappointment, and failed miserably.

'Qui-gon and Obi-wan left a week ago. They're expected to be off-world for at least another two weeks.'

'That's a shame.' Satine took a few steps toward the sofa when her knees buckled and the room began to spin, tilting on its axis.

Bail darted forward, catching her from behind before she could hit the floor, his hands splayed across her middle. He was rewarded with a strong nudge in the center of one palm. Bail rarely allowed shock to appear on his face, but in this moment, he couldn't prevent it if he'd tried.

'Karabast,' Satine whispered, dread clenching around her heart at the idea that her secret was out.

[hellowkatey]

Ghosts of the Past: the continuation

A continuation of what happens after Obi-Wan sees Nield twenty years after Melida/Daan. Anakin finds out his former master's rough apprenticeship beginnings, Obi-Wan faces some unexpected consequences of his past when Ahsoks gets hurt, and Nield addresses some regrets.

Read ch. 1 here | Read it all on AO3

Anakin is in the middle of combing droid parts and blaster dust out of his hair when there's a knock at his door. Considering Ahsoka is having a sleepover with Barriss, he just spoke to Padmé and she is at her apartment waiting for him, and Obi-Wan is supposed to be on a campaign, he has no idea who could be showing up at his door this late at night.

Watch it be a council member giving me some random task that'll ruin my night with Padmé.

The door buzzes open, and he's surprised to find it is indeed a council member ready to interrupt the night with his wife. The council member being Obi-Wan.

"Obi-Wan?"

"Hello to you, too, Anakin."

"Aren't you supposed to be in the middle of a battle?"

It looks like he's just walked off the battlefield. His robes are dirty and singed in places where blasters blew right through the material. He at least took off his armor, but from the dirt still smeared across his cheek, that's pretty much all he's done. Anakin's confusion quickly turns into concern. It's unlike Obi-Wan to show up anywhere looking rough for wear, even if it's just to see him. The knight's worry raises as he realizes his master grips a handle of Corellian whiskey in his right hand.

"Ended the battle early," he says distantly. His eyes are a little glassy and cheeks tinged pink. "Are you going to invite me in or do you want your dinner in the hallway?"

"Dinner?" Anakin looks to his former master's other hand and realizes he's also holding two bags of Dex's take-out. "Oh. Right, sorry," he steps back, and Obi-Wan strides into his apartment.

He's acting weird. That as much is obvious. Anakin tries to brush up against his master's shields to get a feel for his mood, but they're tighter than usual. Another red flag.

"The 212th was granted a week of leave before our next campaign," Obi-Wan explains, setting down the bottle and bags on Anakin's table. Anakin slips into his usual chair as Obi-Wan sets a bag of food in front of him. "Their's starts tomorrow, but Cody took over the debriefing so I could make it back early." Obi-Wan sits now, unwrapping his own burger. He stops when he realizes Anakin is still staring at him, food untouched. "What, do you not order a double burger and curly fries anymore?"

"What's going on?"

The Jedi Master raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Can I not come visit my former padawan?"

"Are you seriously going to act like you aren't being weird right now?"

"I'm acting as I normally do, Anakin."

"You left the front early and you started drinking without me. What's wrong, Obi-Wan?"

Anakin expects him to get defensive. Expects him to turn on Master Mode and lecture him about respect or whatever. But instead, Obi-Wan sighs and sets down his burger.

"I want to tell you a story, Anakin. A story that..." his eyes flicker to the bottle of whiskey, "requires a little bit of loosening up on my end."

Somehow him being honest is more worrisome than if he did get defensive and lie about it. So Anakin stops arguing with him, nods, and goes to the kitchen. He takes the moment to send his wife a quick message that he would probably not make it over for the night since Obi-Wan needs some company. Padmé will understand. Anakin returns with two cups, one with ice and the other with ice and some cola. He hands the one with only ice to Obi-Wan.

"You're freaking me out," Anakin says as he adds a small amount of the whiskey to his soda. How the hell can he drink this stuff straight?

His former master smiles. "No need to freak out."

"What is it about?"

"Well if you allow me to speak—"

"Okay, okay. Let's hope this story lives up to the suspense you've created."

Obi-Wan grimaces, taking a long swig of his drink before clearing his throat. "When you were a padawan, you used to always ask me about what missions I was going on when I was your age. Do you remember?"

Anakin leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah, but you never actually told me."

Obi-Wan shakes his head. "No, I didn't, I know. I always felt bad about not telling you. You were quite the pouter. But I convinced myself that telling you about my early missions would do more harm than good."

"You're freaking me out again, Obi-Wan."

"Just listen. Before the war started, there was a rule that younglings had to be chosen by a Master by the age of thirteen. If not, the youngling was reassigned to one of the other Jedi corps."

"Okay..."

"In my case, I was assigned to the AgriCorps."

Anakin leans forward as disbelief courses through him. "Wait, wh—"

"I aged out," Obi-Wan interrupts, not meeting his eyes anymore. Instead, he stares out the window beyond Anakin. "Qui-Gon considered taking me as his padawan but decided against it. In his words, I had too much anger within me. So the Jedi reassigned me to the AgriCorps on Bandomeer."

Anger? Obi-Wan? "That doesn't make sense."

"It's what happened," Obi-Wan whispers. "I began as a Jedi farmer, and Qui-Gon coincidentally came to Bandomeer for unrelated Jedi business. That in itself is a long story, but I was captured and Qui-Gon came to save me. He then decided to train me."

"Obi-Wan why didn't you tell—"

"This is the preface of my story. So you understand the context of what happens later." Anakin leans back again, biting on the inside of his lip with nervous anticipation. If this is just the background, how bad can the actual story be? "So Qui-Gon and I did not start on a good note. He had no interest in training another student. His last padawan fell to the Dark Side... and was actually the one who captured me on Bandomeer. Needless to say, he was wary of me in the beginning."

"But he warmed up to you, right? You and Master Jinn were close when I met you guys."

Obi-Wan presses his lips into a thin line, finally looking Anakin in the eye again. "Eventually, yes. We found common ground and he grew to be like a father to me. But due to my actions, that did not happen for a few years."

He pauses, taking another sip of his drink, and then gesturing to the untouched Dex's bag. "Your food is going to get cold, you know."

"I know." Anakin ignores the food.

"We were sent on a mission to Melida/Daan," Obi-Wan continues. "It was a planet in the midst of a civil war. The Melida vs. the Daan. Or, so we believed. We were there to retrieve a Jedi that had failed to check-in. She was trying to negotiate peace between these groups, but we discovered it was not just the Melida and the Daan fighting one another. There was a third group. All the children from both sides had left their families and formed their own side. The Young, they called themselves, and their mission was to bring and end to this multi-generational war."

Anakin vaguely recognizes the name Melida/Daan from his history classes but remembers nothing else about it.

"We found the missing Jedi. She was hurt, so Qui-Gon was eager to return to the Temple. But the Young were pleading for our assistance. He told me we couldn't help them. I disagreed, and we had an argument. So he gave me an ultimatum. Either I come with him, or I stay to fight with the Young."

Anakin's eyes grow wide. "Master, you didn't—"

"I stayed."

"But he came back right? He dropped off his friend and came back to help you!"

The silence that falls over the room says what Obi-Wan doesn't. The Jedi Master resumes staring out of the window.

"I fought with the Young for nearly a year."

"How old were you?"

Anakin doesn't like the pause that comes before his master's answer. "Thirteen. Fourteen by the end."

"You were a kid," Anakin mutters in disbelief.

"I was, but... I was one of the eldest. There were seven-year-olds who were wielding blasters. Eleven-year-olds were dying in bombings. Friends that I loved dearly died in my arms, and other friends found ways to blame me for deaths I could not control." Anakin can see the tears brimming in his Master's eyes. His own hands are shaking.

"Qui-Gon did come, though, didn't he?"

"We were so close to peace, but we were only kids. Warfare and diplomacy require different types of decorum. I called the Jedi to help us finally end things. The council sent Qui-Gon."

Anakin deflates.

"We negotiated peace. This time I returned to the Temple with him, but he was not pleased with me. I had made almost all of his worst fears about taking another padawan come true."

"You didn't turn to the Dark Side or anything, though!"

"I left the Order, Anakin," Obi-Wan lets out a shaky breath. "The council was reluctant to accept me back, but thank the Force they did. Qui-Gon on the other hand... He took me on a whim, and when I defied him it was like a slap in the face. I was placed on probation while he decided if he was going to continue as my master. Evidently, he eventually did forgive me, but it was a long, painful road."

Feeling constricted in his seat, Anakin stands, pacing into the living room. He's learned so much information so quickly. That his master almost wasn't a Jedi? Obi-Wan Kenobi, council member and Jedi Master was almost a farmer? Qui-Gon Jinn left his thirteen-year-old padawan in the middle of a war for a year?

It doesn't make sense yet he can feel his former master's anxious energy clouding the Force. He isn't lying. Anakin turns to the man waiting quietly for him to say something. Though he has so many questions, the first that pops out of his mouth is: "Why are you telling me this now?"

"We had a diplomat make an emergency repair stop on my flagship just before this last battle. A representative from what is now Melidaan."

"The... unified planet, then?"

He nods. "His name is Nield, and I fought alongside him in the war. It was the first time I'd seen him since. It was also the first time in years I'd really talked about the war out loud, and... I realized I've been ignoring this for almost twenty years now. I avoiding telling you because I didn't want you to be disappointed in me like Qui-Gon was—"

"Master! Disappointed in you? I would never—"

"You are so much like him, you know," Obi-Wan says with a wistful smile. The glossiness in his eyes is even more prominent as the alcohol starts to settle in.

"You think I'd leave you in a war zone?"

A soft smile appears on his master's face, "Technically you have. On a number of occasions, actually."

"Those were sanctioned abandonments."

Obi-Wan chuckles, wiping his eyes on the back of his sleeve. "You have all his best qualities, Anakin. And some of his more annoying ones, but I've chosen to forgive those."

The knight walks over to the window with his back to Obi-Wan, arms folded across his chest. He's still overwhelmed by this new information. Unsure of how to feel. Sympathetic? No, Obi-Wan hates it when people pity him. Angry? He has the right to be frustrated that Obi-Wan has been lying to him for years. Letting him believe that he was this perfect padawan with a perfect apprenticeship...

But the overwhelming emotion that is hitting Anakin is not pity or anger, but guilt. Because a part of Anakin has always held onto the secret belief that things would be different if Qui-Gon Jinn had lived. That Master Jinn would have understood him in a way that Obi-Wan just can't because he was model Jedi.

He's been wrong all this time.

Anakin is suddenly thrust back to a time when he himself was a padawan feeling the galaxy pull him in a different direction. He told Obi-Wan he was going to leave the Order after their mission. And Obi-Wan still stayed by his side. Still treated him the same and protected him. It was ultimately Obi-Wan's unconditional support that persuaded Anakin to stay with the Jedi. Would Qui-Gon have done the same for me?

For the last ten years, Anakin has told himself that Qui-Gon would have stayed by his side. Now, he isn't so sure.

"I'm sorry," Anakin finally says, slowly turning around. Obi-Wan is quick to rise from his seat and approach him.

"I did not tell you this so you pity me—"

"I'm sorry I doubted you," Obi-Wan falls silent. "And for all the times I pushed you away because I didn't think you understood what it was like to feel like a screw-up... Force, I was horrible sometimes! Why didn't you ever tell me?"

The Master steps closer, placing his hands on Anakin's shoulders. "I truly did not think it would help. Or that you would think I was discounting your feelings, and I would never want to do that."

"What about your feelings?" Obi-Wan swallows hard, obviously not expecting this sort of question. He squeezes Anakin's shoulders, smiling softly.

"I am still learning how to confront them. And this— confiding in you— is part of that process."

Anakin can't hold himself back anymore. He closes the gap between them, throwing his arms around Obi-Wan and hugging him tightly. And Obi-Wan does not hesitate to hug him back.

There was a time when Anakin was a young padawan when he believed his Master was the greatest Jedi who ever lived. Sith Killer with a silver tongue, Obi-Wan Kenobi. A valiant knight and an even better teacher. He's always looked up to Obi-Wan. Saw him as a father figure. Though that giddy feeling of pride for his Master faded as he grew, Anakin feels it now just as he did when he was ten. Obi-Wan is by no means the perfect Jedi he's always believed him to be, but Anakin prefers it that way. Somehow it makes him even better.

______

Waging battles in desolate landscapes was one thing, but when the fighting spreads to urban areas, Obi-Wan is always on edge. There is something fundamentally wrong with tearing through the middle of a city with tanks and cannons. It's so easy to distance oneself from the reality of war. Easy to see the tall buildings and duracrete streets as either cover or a tactical liability. Obi-Wan just sees family homes left vacant. Stores and restaurants ransacked and abandoned. The amount of desolation depends on the length and amount of resistance the locals put up against their Separatist occupation.

And this city has been under the thumb of the droid army since the beginning.

Tesha Prime was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nestled in the middle of Separatist-controlled planets, it stood no chance of maintaining its independence. It's estimated they were under secret occupation as early as the Trade Federation blockade of Naboo, but their pleas for assistance were stifled until recently.

Obi-Wan one came to Tesha Prime as a padawan. One of Qui-Gon's side missions-- he enjoyed their specialty textiles and made a detour to purchase a friend a throw blanket. Its capital of Taloona was a beautiful city, advanced in technology but maintained the vintage glamor and elegance of their Old Republic architecture. Walking the streets now, it pains his heart to see crumbled buildings and durasteel military structures taking over the once picturesque skyline. War has tainted the rich history of this planet. Basically erased it. As the Jedi General moves swiftly through the waves of droids, diverting blaster shots from his valiant soldiers trying to free this city, he cannot help but be reminded of Melida/Daan.

Melida/Daan was an urban planet much like Tesha Prime. Completely different in their architectural inspirations and cultures, but violence does not discriminate. Rubble looks the same no matter what it used to be. He remembers Melida/Daan in the hastily painted graffiti urging for resistance against their aggressors. In the sound of bombs causing duracrete walls to collapse. In the yells of pain and the shouts of orders as medic clones traverse the battlefield to pull their fallen brothers out.

Obi-Wan grimaces, biting on his bottom lip so hard he tastes blood.

Seeing Nield and telling Cody and Anakin about his early exposure to war has brought about an unexpected consequence. Remembering. The nightmares of seeing Cerasi's murder and holding children as their life Forces faded away plagues his nights. Sometimes he will awake with a start, his first instinct to reach beside him where Nield used to sleep an arm's length away. When he doesn't feel a warm presence nearby, Obi-Wan begins to panic until he turns on the light and realizes he is not in the barracks of the Young, but in his quarters aboard his star destroyer. He's not thirteen, he's thirty-six.

Try as he might, though, the memories of his youth are not leaving him alone. He's been distracted by the flashes of Melida/Daan in battle before, but Taloona is messing with his mind more than usual. The city air smells the same. The wrecked streets feel the same beneath his boots. Obi-Wan is just thankful that his training allows him to shove his anxiety aside. He releases it into every moment of calm he can find. He must stay on his game for his men. For the people of Taloona and Tesha Prime.

But it's a shrill gasp of pain exploding through the Force that makes Obi-Wan tunnel. He whirls around from his place atop a fire escape and can see Ahsoka on street level with the 501st's battle route. Her eyes wide and arms wrapped around her chest as her knees buckle and she falls to the ground. The air leaves his lungs as though he's been punched.

"Ahsoka!" he yells as he leaps from the fourth story of the fire escape. The 501st has begun to regroup to compensate, Rex barreling through the crowd to reach her. Obi-Wan gets to her first, pulling himself between her and the front line and tucking her into his lap.

She's so small, he realizes. So young. Barely older than I was.

"You'll be okay," Obi-Wan says, cradling her head in the crook of his arm. He blinks and there's blood everywhere, dear Force, where did this blood come from?  He presses his hands to the center of her chest where the blood seems to be pouring out.

"Obi-Wan?" the voice calling his name is distant, but he ignores it. I need to stop the bleeding. He squeezes his eyes shut to keep himself from vomiting.

"Do you hear me? You'll be okay, Cerasi," he whispers.

"Master Obi-Wan?" Louder this time. Closer. A warm palm rests against his cheek and when he opens his eyes Ahsoka is staring up at him with deep concern laced in her features.

She's awake? That can't be! The blaster shot... the blood... No, there is no blood. There never was. Ahsoka is lying in his arms, a scorch mark on the breastplate of her armor, but it didn't go all the way through. He blinks through the tears in his eyes. This is not Melida/Daan. I'm not there anymore. I'm thirty-six, and the war is over. This is the Clone Wars. Ahsoka is Anakin's padawan. I'm not thirteen. Melida/Daan is at peace. Nield is alive and well.

"General?" Another voice. He looks up and realizes he isn't alone. Captain Rex is giving Ahsoka a stim, glancing up at the High General every so often. Cody kneels next to his brother, more focused on Obi-Wan as reality slowly creeps back. Though he cannot see his face beneath his helmet, he can feel Cody's patient understanding. These men unfortunately know the look of someone lost in a time other than the present. And Cody is one of the few that knows exactly where his mind has gone.

"General Kenobi, are you alright?" Cody attempts to get his attention again. This time Obi-Wan nods, trying to relax the tension in his muscles.

"Yes... of course," he looks down at Ahsoka who's hand slips from his cheek. It reminds him too much of the way Cerasi's hand dropped like dead weight as her heart stopped. He shakes away the memory. The stim is setting in, clearing the cloudiness of shock from her eyes. "Are you alright young one?"

"Yes, Master Kenobi, it just surprised me. It's a good thing I had on armor for this battle."

Obi-Wan swallows thickly. The Young never had real armor. On such small bodies and without adequate medical attention, nearly every hit was a lethal one. He smiles, slowly sitting her up. "A very good thing indeed."

The battle felt like it droned on for days. Perhaps because a rotation on Tesha Prime is thirty-four hours. Or because Obi-Wan completely immersed himself in the Force, letting his instincts take charge over his mind. Obviously, his mind was not to be trusted. He's just thankful his brief blur into the past didn't cause more of a scene.

Obi-Wan walks through the aftermath now. The shooting and the bombings have ceased, but sometimes silence isn't any better than the sounds of war. At least focusing on the battle kept his mind occupied. Now he buries himself in his cloak, tucking his hands away so nobody can see they're still shaking.

"Master Kenobi?" the voice is soft, unimposing. Obi-Wan turns to find Ahsoka standing a few paces away. She's out of the armor now and in her usual clothing. Like Obi-Wan, her cloak is draped around her as the night finally settles in to cool the heat of the day. Despite the scare from earlier, she looks unharmed.

But she looks younger than Obi-Wan usually notices her to be. Maybe it's the too-big cloak that swallows her lanky adolescent figure. Or the timidness on her face that is not characteristic of his grand padawan.

"Yes, Padawan? How are you feeling?"

She catches up to him and matches his pace. The Togruta shrugs.

"Tired. A little sore, but Kix says none of my ribs are broken. Just a little bruised."

"And Anakin, have you seen him yet?" Anakin took charge of the air raid, leaving Ahsoka to command the troops from the ground. Obi-Wan hasn't run into him yet, but he expects his former padawan to come looking for him once word gets around about Ahsoka's close call and Obi-Wan's... strong reaction.

Ahsoka shakes her head. "No, but he commed me. The fighters are just going to go back to the hangers. The battle went on for so long they need to refuel."

Obi-Wan pinches the hairs on his chin. "Of course, smart of him. No need to waste fuel to land and take off again," he glances over at the padawan with a playful smirk. "Though don't tell him I said he was smart. After the stunts he pulled in the air, the last thing he needs is an ego boost." The padawan chuckles softly, but her smile fades quickly. They walk in silence for a few moments before Obi-Wan rocks into her to nudge her to the side. "I can tell something is troubling you, young one."

"Master Kenobi... who is Cerasi?"

Obi-Wan's own smile disappears. "Where did you... hear that name?"

"You called me Cerasi... when I was shot. I didn't even realize it at first, but I remembered and... I don't mean to pry, and you don't have to tell me, I was just curious--"

"It's alright Ahsoka," he stops her rambling, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. They stop walking in the middle of a market square and he leads her to sit on the edge of a large fountain. It has long run dry and is half-decimated, but it is a place to stop. "Cerasi was a good friend of mine. And she... was hurt in a very similar way to you, but unfortunately, she did not have armor to protect her."

"So she's..."

Obi-Wan nods.

The padawan exhales shakily, her fingers brushing against the place the blaster would have hit her. "Were you... there when it happened?"

He nods. "I was."

Her hand rests over his and she squeezes his fingers. "I'm sorry about your friend, Master Kenobi."

"It was a long time ago. I'm not sure why I said her name."

"It happens. Sometimes I almost accidentally call you Master Skywalker. Or I call Anakin Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan smiles. "Oh, I bet he hates it when you do that."

"I keep telling him it's a compliment but he doesn't want to hear it."

They both laugh. Obi-Wan lets the peace and lightness of the moment settle around his body like a warm blanket. While he hates the fact that padawans are fighting in this war, he also loves their resilient presence. Ahsoka never fails to make him feel better, even when she isn't actively trying to.

"I'm glad you're okay, Ahsoka. Though I will be more insistent you wear that armor from now on. We can send your measurements to have you properly outfitted in gear that won't hinder your saber technique."

"But Master, then I won't have a good reason to not wear it."

"But it'll make your Grandmaster worry about you less."

Ahsoka sighs dramatically. "In that case, I guess I could learn to work around it."

Obi-Wan rolls his eyes and tucks his hands back into the sleeves of his cloak. "I swear, you and Anakin are going to be the death of me one day."

"Not if you wear your armor, Master," she says with a wry smile. Ahsoka glances at her comm and stands.

"Is Anakin asking where you are?"

"Rex. I told him I'd help with the med evacs," her blue eyes flicker up. The universal silent plead for dismissal.

"Go on," the general nods.

"Are you sure you're okay, Master Kenobi? I can tell Rex I'm sitting with you."

He stands and places a hand on her shoulder. "I am. We can talk more after dinner."

Ahsoka smiles and takes off running back toward the evac zone. Her cloak billows behind her as she disappears around the corner. The Jedi Master exhales a deep breath he wasn't aware he was holding.

_______

Nield, two drinks already warm in his belly, walks into the quiet cantina with the perfect amount of confidence to get through what he's about to do. It doesn't take long for his gaze to rest on the two cloaked figures seated at the bar. Before he can convince himself otherwise, the diplomat crosses where the two men are seated.

When he ran into Obi-Wan Kenobi two standard months ago, Nield was shocked at how the scrawny Jedi had changed after so many years. While it should not have been a surprise— he himself had changed quite a bit as well— in his head, Obi-Wan was still a thirteen-year-old with a horrible haircut and a pretentious amount of self-importance. (Nield has been to enough therapy since his warring days to realize his hatred of the young Jedi was a lot of his own projection. It did not change the way his mind remembered the boy that was once his companion.)

But alas, Kenobi grew up into a Jedi Master and a High General. When they spoke those months ago, Nield congratulated him on achieving his Jedi rank. They spent many nights during the war talking about the people they wanted to become once the fighting was resolved. Nield remembered Obi-Wan's anxieties over whether or not he would try to return to the Order that left him behind.

He questioned the second rank he had achieved, though. High General of the Grand Army of the Republic. Nield wasn't questioning his qualifications— Kenobi was a natural-born leader, even as a kid. There was no doubt he excelled at his position. What he questioned was why. Why would he want to take on that role again?

That led to a much longer explanation. One that Nield walked away deciding the answer his old friend was avoiding was simply: I did not want to go to war again, I had to.

Obi-Wan, of course, had the same question for him. Travel the galaxy was his previous answer to the question: who do I want to be when I'm not fighting a damned civil war? It wasn't what he told the others of The Young, but a secret desire he confided in Obi-Wan while they chatted to keep one another awake on watches. Nield wanted to be a nomad. He wanted his home to be among the stars rather than a planet or civilization.

"And you became a representative for the very planet you wanted to put behind you forever," Obi-Wan had said with the same smugness Nield gave him.

"I do get to travel."

"I suppose. But it isn't living among the stars."

They ended the night with the conclusion that they both failed their childhood dreams in some ways. But what is adulthood, if not living to find things to regret?

For Nield, he ironically walked away from his reunion with Obi-Wan with new regrets. Which is what brings him to this random cantina on Keitrum.

He doesn't need to try and get the attention of the Jedi General— as he approaches, Obi-Wan Kenobi's stool swivels around. There's confusion in his tired eyes and furrowed brow, and then he relaxes, a small smile on his lips.

"What a surprise," he muses, causing his companion to also turn around. Nield recognizes the shaggy dark hair and piercing gaze of General Anakin Skywalker almost immediately. "What brings you to Keitrum, old friend?"

"Definitely not the same reasons as you," Nield says tightly, eyeing the armor they were keeping hidden beneath their billowing robes. Well-used armor, tainted with dried blood and oil stains. Obi-Wan is clad in a more complete ensemble of shoulder, chest, arm, and leg pieces, while the younger General appears to only sport the shoulder and chest armor. Oh, the false security of youth. They look as though they came straight from the battlefield to grab a celebratory drink. Nield suspects that is exactly the case.

"Friend of yours, Master?" Skywalker says, curious eyes flickering between the two of them.

"Something of the sort," Obi-Wan replies, leaning back so they can see one another. "Anakin, this is Nield, a Representative of Melidaan. I met him—"

"When you were part of The Young?" The wide-eyed General finishes, suddenly looking his age. Nield raises an eyebrow at Kenobi. So you told him after all.

"Yes, we... fought together."

"And against one another," Nield adds.

"Yes, that too, I suppose."

Nield settles down on the opposite side of Kenobi and listens as he explains to the young man the nature of their... history. Though Obi-Wan gives him a charitable amount of leeway and understanding for his actions, Nield can't help the guilt that builds as the story goes on.

Especially as Skywalker keeps looking his way with increasing outrage and obvious protectiveness over his former Master.

"...after Cerasi... died," Obi-Wan says in a softer voice. "we had very different approaches on how to proceed."

"You wanted revenge?" Anakin asks Nield with off-putting intensity. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

"I was angry," he glances at Obi-Wan. "I thought about it a lot, though. How the people who killed her needed to pay. Obi-Wan had to help me get out of that mindset. It wasn't what she would have wanted."

Now it's Obi-Wan's turn to look surprised. They'd avoided recounting the specifics of the war when they last talked, and that's exactly what Nield regretted. He never got to tell Obi-Wan he's sorry for the way their friendship splintered back then. The war, the death— it changed him for the worse. It aged his soul, made his heart turn to stone. It took many, many years to come back from the shell of a person he became.

"We were kids," Obi-Wan whispers, a creak in his tone.

"I'm still sorry. You did nothing but help us when nobody else would. You were always one of us, no matter what I said as a punk kid. You were one of us, and honestly, the best of us. Your name still comes up among those of us that remain."

The Jedi Master stares at him for a long moment before staring down at his drink as he swirls it. Skywalker assumes being a wallflower, switching between fiddling with the commlink on his wrist and monitoring his Master's facial expressions.

"How many?"

"About half from when we last saw you." A moment of silence. Nield lets out a breath and then continues. "Not all gone, just not living on Melidaan anymore. They attended university. Traveled. Got married and moved away."

Neither say it, but he knows they both are thinking it. We fought so hard for a peaceful home. Leaving seemed like a dishonor to those who died with the dream of growing old on the land they left their family for.

But Obi-Wan left too. And Nield does not actually blame him nor anyone else for leaving.

"I hope they're well."

Skywalker's hand suddenly clasps Kenobi's shoulder. "Ahoska and the men are here. I'm gonna go tell them to put their drinks on your tab."

"Anakin, don't you dare, the accounting department was so angry with me last time!" he calls after him, but the young General has already disappeared into the thickening crowd. Obi-Wan sighs and looks back at Nield who can't help the amusement on his face.

"So that's Anakin Skywalker."

"In all his glory, yes."

"He reminds me of you as a kid."

"Oh Force, don't tell him that. I'll never hear the end of it."

Nield laughs. "I'm glad I got to meet him. Put a face to your stories."

"I take it meeting my former padawan is not the reason you have come out of your way to find me. Nor is this the coincidence you make it out to be."

"Perceptive as always. I just realized we skirted around the obvious when we last spoke. Pretended that I didn't alienate you from the Young after you devoted everything to help us."

"Like I said earlier, we were kids, Nield."

"And like I also said earlier, I'm sorry. That's why I wanted to see you again."

Obi-Wan smiles, holding out his hand. Nield shakes it. "I'm sorry too, old friend. I'm glad we got to see one another again because I needed to thank you. You and one of my officers convinced me to finally tell Anakin about the war."

"How'd he react?"

"Better than I anticipated. But now every free moment has turned into storytime."

Nield recalls the few fond moments of the war when Obi-Wan would sit in the center of the room and tell all the younger kids a bedtime story. An attempt to thwart the nightmares away. "You were always good at telling stories."

"Apparently so. I usually draw quite an audience."

"It helps though. Talking about it. Doesn't it?"

The Jedi General nods. "For the most part. Though I see our war everywhere, now."

"The dreams?" Nield asks. Obi-Wan frowns. That's a yes. "The war can't be helping. Every time a speeder backfired I thought I was..."

"Back there again," The Jedi finishes for him. "Yes... Our recent terrestrial battles have not been helping."

Nield cannot imagine what it must be like to be back in the middle of a warzone. The fact the galaxy is at war at all was enough of a trigger for the flashbacks to his youth. It's why he takes his duty as a representative so seriously. He will do anything and everything to keep his home away from this conflict.

But his friend does not have that luxury. Nield waits for Kenobi to meet his eyes again.

"It still affects me, too. Bad days come out of nowhere. No matter how many times people tell me 'recovery isn't linear' it still surprises me. But before I knew it, I had more good days than bad and even the bad days didn't compare to what they used to be. It'll get better, Obi-Wan. I promise you it will."

Obi-Wan holds his stare. He's harder to read now than when he was thirteen, but Nield can still recognize the look in the Jedi's eye when he trusts someone. Though Nield doesn't feel he deserves this trust, for Obi-Wan's sake he's glad he's willing to listen.

"I will remember that," the Jedi says softly. "Thank you."

Nield raises the drink that was placed before him at some point. Obi-Wan does the same. The words come tumbling out before he can think of anything else to say. "To our brothers and sisters in the trenches... and the pursuit of peace."

The chant feels acidic on his tongue.

"We fight for our future, and the lives those who have died deserved," Obi-Wan continues. He hasn't forgotten it either.

"To unity."

"To freedom."

"To the Young," they say together, voices barely carrying beyond the space between them. Their cups clink together, and for a moment they're back in the lookout station. Kenobi, Nield, Cerasi, and half a bottle of red wine they found when pillaging an abandoned home for supplies. They didn't actually drink the wine-- it was obviously rancid. But that cheer they made up between giggles and dares to taste the sour beverage became their battle cry.

He tries to sip his brew but it tastes like that damn expired wine. For some reason, that makes him smile. Somehow the moments Nield cherishes the most lie among the worst points of his life. Perhaps because Cerasi never made it past the war to record over the old memories with new ones. Perhaps because Obi-Wan disappeared before Nield could come to his senses.

But for some reason, he's been granted another chance. Nield isn't sure what he did to deserve such a gift, but he'll accept it. Kenobi sits next to him, washing away the bittersweet chant of their youth with a brew.

Another survivor, and now, a friend once again.

[siimjaeyun]

Chapter 4: Attack of the Man Crab 

Synopsis: During the promotion festival of a new water brand, a crab man submerges from beneath the sand to take away any victim in its sight. But it makes a complete 360, when you're the one who disappears, and Jay, your twin brother, is forced into a mystery to bring you back. 

Series Masterlist

----- 

The night had settled in, and the young couple took their time setting up the nets onto the blank beach. 

“Can we go home already?” The girl rolled her eyes, and took a place on the bench nearby. 

“I promised WonderWater we would have it set up for the volleyball tournament.” 

“Fine, pass me some water.” The boy, trying to be as sweet as possible, handed her the bottle, but didn't have the reaction he planned for when she smacked it down. 

“I only drink WonderWater!” 

“You’re such a pain you know.” He turned back his attention on placing the last volleyballs inside the basket; it had to be perfectly tidy by tomorrow. In the meantime, nobody noticed the two pair of green eyes that emerged from the sand, and before long, a broad red crab pounced on the couple. With its left claw, it grasped the young girl making her cry out for help. 

“Haha very funny Jane. This is some sick trap huh.” He had no intentions to believe her, but once her body had fully been engulfed into the sand, he began to dig and found nothing. Soon, the crab resurfaced; he had claimed his second victim. 

------ 

“WonderWater! Get your gluten-free, fat-free, zero calorie WonderWater!” The mascot cheered out to the crowd, and meanwhile the teen mystery group had arrived at the volleyball tournament. 

“Let’s get some nachos before the game!” Sunoo led the way to Jack’s Shack, a local beach food store that served food in every variety. It took a few steps to arrive, seeing as though it had been moved to the other side of the beach. 

“Hey Jack!” 

“What I can do for y’all?” He kept his attention at the cone in front of him, passing it on to the customer who had been there a while ago. 

“The usual.” 

“Hey Jack, isn’t your shack usually where the courts are?”

“Blasted council moves my shop every time, every damn time.” With a tone of anger, he aggressively started chucking at the pineapple, cutting it into cubes and placing it inside the container. 

“Jungwon and I will head first to get some seats.” You grabbed Jungwon and dragged him over to the court, and the poor boy was confused by your sudden behaviour. Originally, you thought of explaining your lost heart confessions about Heeseung, but chose to stay quiet after a noticeable embarrassment. 

Eventually, the other five boys made their way to you; their hands full of snacks to keep their short attention spans busy while the girls volleyball team began. 

“Is that Jay?” You twisted your head forwards and saw him in the first row with the boy’s soccer team; he was proudly supporting the match, of course, probably for the pretty girls on the team. 

“Tsk, he’s probably only here because it’s the girl’s volleyball team.” 

Time elapsed, before a slow rumble began. The ground beneath you began to shake. 

“Is that an earthquake?” Sunghoon managed to get a hold of the pole aside from him before taking his friends with him. Prioritizing the younger members, he helped Jungwon and Sunoo get a hold first, before reaching out to Jake. 

Heeseung grabbed your shoulders, but managed to witness how the crab leaped from beneath. The whole beach was sent into a frenzy, and most had managed to run away. A young girl however was not as lucky. Her body was in the clutch of the crab’s claw, and it was swayed back and forth in a zigzag  pattern. 

The creature had now disappeared once more. 

------ 

“That was way too close.” You managed to hold yourself together as you stared at the younger duo bickering in front of the officer who questioned them over the incidents. 

“And they say we’re too immature.” Sunghoon managed a small scoff and took a glance at the row of gym like lockers under the red tent. A blue name tag stamped (JACK) stood out to him; it caught his eye. 

“Take a look.” Heeseung inspected the name tag, and when he attempted to open it, a pile of sand escaped from the locker and trailed onto the floor. 

“I mean Jack would have a good reason to attack.” 

“Come on, the only way to find out is to set a trap.” Heeseung gladly took the lead, managing to finally steal his friends away from the attention of the authorities. 

------ 

“Y/n, you’ll be the bait. I mean what's more perfect than a young girl!” 

“Finally, we won’t have to be the bait this time!” Jungwon jumped in delight and stuck his tongue out at you. 

“You’re lucky I love you guys.” While you went away into the van to place on the bathing suit you had brought with you earlier, the boys got to work on the trap. 

A large pot was placed smack in the middle, and a plunger attached to a spring was dug below. 

“Sunghoon and Jake will stay on lookout by those rocks over there.” He pointed the direction towards the two mounted boulders on the edge of the pier. 

“Jungwon, Sunoo, and I will be keeping an eye on Jack’s Shack.” 

Meantime, you continued to struggle with getting dressed, but eventually you were successful. As you checked to make sure the suit was properly tied, you once more noticed the white bracelet in your hand. Jake. 

You held it in your hand and walked onto the hot floor; it burned the soles of your feet. The bottle of sunscreen made its way to you, slathering your skin to avoid getting a slight sunburn. As you continued with your own thing, the same beady eyes popped over the sand, scanning your surroundings. It drew downward before springing onto you. 

The bottle slipped from your hands, and your feet carried you towards the trap. 

“Guys! The trap!” Sunghoon went forward to help you, but by mistake triggered the plunger below which sent him into the pot meant for the crab man. 

“Y/n!” Heeseung came out from his hiding regime, and tried to reach for you but it was too late. Your body was swallowed whole in the sand, and the only thing Heeseung managed was the continuous motion of scraping the sand. 

The white bracelet glistened under the sunlight; you were gone. 

------- 

“Heeseung..Heeseung...LEE HEESEUNG!” Sunoo’s continuous screams had no effect on the poor soul, his hands still attempting to dig at the floor beneath him. 

“I think he’s broken.” 

Jake kept his focus on the white bracelet in his hold; it was the last piece of you before the attack. 

“I called Jay, he’s on his way.” 

“This was my fault, if I hadn’t set off the trap.” RM gave them an apologetic look as he tried to comfort the other heartbroken boy who blamed himself. 

A small ring erupted out of nowhere, and Jungwon opened the door, believing that it was Jay who had arrived. Instead, an envelope with the letters JK welcomed him. 

He ripped the envelope open and dumped the belongings on the table; a piece of paper and a cassette tape were found. 

BREAKING NEWS: TEENS GO MISSING (2001) 

Below, was the photograph of the eight people who had disappeared. 

“Let me see this.” RM looked at the photograph, a stern look appeared on his way, but made sure to not show it to the young group in front of him. 

“Sunoo, play it.” 

“Hello young ones. As you can see, this isn’t the first time kids have disappeared from Seoul. I suggest you start looking.” 

Quiet glances took over the room, so when Jay had finally made himself welcome, he looked at the group oddly. 

“Uh...Jungwon called me earlier, what’s up.” No one dared to respond, semi-afraid of the latter’s response. 

“Y/n...sort of...kind of...got taken by the man crab from the attack at the tournament.” 

“Nice one Jungwon. Is this because I stole y/n’s phone the other day?” No one bothered to look him in the eyes; the reality soon settled into Jay’s mind. 

“How did this happen!?” His loud voice was almost as terrifying as the incident, but he sighed, cupping his face with his bare palms. 

“We’ll find her. We just need a place to look. Grab Heeseung, come on.” Sunghoon’s stern look led the team his way; not bothering to snap Heeseung out of his trance, he threw him over his shoulder. 

“Jay, you drive.” 

------- 

“So my sister is missing, and your response is to come to the school?” Clearly irritated, Jay stopped following the teens in front of him. He was desperate and tired; his sister was missing, how could he not be. 

“Look Jay, we get your urgency, she’s our friend too…” Sunoo took a long pause before declaring his next statement, “If there is anything that we have learned from these mysteries, is that you got to attend to every clue before, and you gotta listen to others.” 

They continued their way down the hall; the walls decorated in shelves with endless books and articles. 

“Where are we anyway?” Jake tried directing his light to all the corners of the room, but found everything to be covered in dust. 

“They call it the morgue. It’s where they keep all the archives of old articles.” Sunghoon pulled back the chair and got to work typing on the computer. Meanwhile, Heeseung took out one of the books, not caring much about the title. 

“Y/n read a book once...she sat in a chair...she liked sitting in chairs.” Five heads abruptly looked at him; He was losing his mind. 

“Not helping Heeseung.” Jay and Jake peered over Sunghoon’s shoulder to take a peek at his screen. 

“The article of the missing kids, I found it.” 

“On the night of twenty years ago, eight teens went missing from the Seoul Caverns. They were reported missing from their parents two hours before, but they vanished.” 

“Seoul Caverns? They’re the ones that run under the beach. Scroll down.” Jay took hold of the mouse, moving down and two new articles appearing. 

“Look it’s Mr.Wonder and James Lee, the day of the inauguration of Wonder Water.” 

“But look there, Jack threatening the town because of his business. It’s time stamped with the same day as the kids went missing.” Small glances were given to one another, and like that they made their way to the next destination. 

------ 

“You know, when they tell you teens have gone missing from the Seoul Caverns, it would usually be the last place you would take us, don’t you think?” Sunoo and Jungwon clinged onto one another, slowly following Jay who had also been pushed to the back. 

“Nothing seems out of place?” Jake continued to lead the group through the caverns, stopping every few feet to investigate the surroundings. 

“You ever think about how y/n has nice hair.” Heeseung continued to let out the occasional sigh, still walking like an empty zombie. 

“Heeseung! Guys!” You managed to hear the voices of people and immediately knew it was your friends to the rescue. 

“Sometimes I can still hear her voice.” 

“That is her voice!” Jay bolted first towards the direction of your screams, and was met with you inside a cage with a couple and a member from the girl’s volleyball team. 

“I’m so happy to see you guys!” You held your grip firm on the metal cage, slowly waiting as Sunoo managed to pick the lock and open it. Since the cage was dangling from the top, you crashed onto the ground. 

“Y/n! You’re alright!” You gave the boys a smile; they clearly needed reassurement after having to stand Heeseung experiencing a life crisis. 

“Here. You’re probably cold.” Jake extended his hand to give you his white hoody; taking it, you placed it over your body and responded with a “thank you.” 

“Look what else I found!” Heeseung looked up and down with his eyes at the large wooden ramps connected to form an entrance to the beach. 

“What kind of crab monster needs a bunch of ramps?” 

“No crab man, I’ll tell you that.” As they thought of a plan to make their way out of the caverns, the crab man escaped from his hiding place, chasing them once more. Heeseung held your hand and brought you with him in the opposite direction as it was persistent on your trail. Jay led the younger members to the right, trying to find a way out. Meanwhile, Sunghoon and Jake directed towards the wooden ramps. 

The crab man retook his grasp on your waist pulling you backwards. 

“Get off her!”Heeseung made an attempt to give it a blow in the claw, and luckily Jay came to help. 

“Push!” Jay and Heeseung each took one claw and managed to remove his firm grip. 

“Hey ugly, over here!” Sunghoon and Jake frantically waved their hands in the air, trying to lure the monster into their direction. They were successful. The two sprinted with all their might up the platforms to the beach, trying to avoid the crab who was using its claws to break through the floorboards. 

“Come on, this way.”  The rest of you hurriedly made your way out of the caverns, looking to help the two boys being chased. 

“Jake the trap!” Sunghoon went first and they both ran to the opposite side, causing the crab to collapse on the plunger, and finally captured inside the pot. 

------- 

“Finally, you can’t escape anymore Jack!” 

“Huh, what did I miss.” Jack, the owner of the food shack stepped out behind you. 

“Then who?” 

Sunghoon skipped towards the crab, and pulled the mask off of it. 

“Meet James Lee. The mascot of WonderWater. I recognized the pattern of his freckles earlier in the article.” 

“That’s right. WonderWater was MY creation! Mine! But Mr.Wonder stole my idea and with my engineering degree, I managed to construct the suit. If anyone came looking, everyone would have the right reasons to suspect Jack. And I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for you meddling consumers!” 

Chief Kim did the usual, and placed the handcuffs on his wrists. 

“Come on, let’s go to RM’s Studio!” You wrapped your arm with Jay and led the way. 

------- 

“So Heeseung, everyone told me how much paranoia you were in earlier.” You moved your two feet slightly waiting for a response. 

“Yeah, but don’t worry. It’s the last time I’ll have feelings. Trust me.” Heeseung fled the conversation and entertained himself with the drumset. 

“Y/n, you dropped this.” Jake plopped the white bracelet into your hold and left immediately as well. 

“Is there anything else I missed? Well, besides Jay surprisingly joining you guys on a mystery.” Jay stopped mid mouthful as he was happily indulging in some snacks with Jungwon and Sunoo. 

“JK dropped this off earlier.” Sunghoon handed you the same newspaper from earlier, and you gasped at seeing the front cover. 

“What is it?” 

“You know that locket I found in the caves, it’s them.” You compared the couple in the locket to two of the faces of the picture; they were the same. 

“Guess JK is right. There is a deeper mystery.” The conversation quickly became muffled as RM shut off the hearing button from his recording studio. It was becoming worrisome and with a blank expression, he stared off. 

Some things are not ready to be exposed. 

------ 

Next: Chapter 5: “Mystery song” 

[snowydaffodils]

Underground

1473 words | Seventeen

Warnings: profanities, violence, mentions of character death, crime, and uh, its a mafia au so its dark. A bit angst too, because its uh, there's deaths and casualties. So we gon be sad about that.

a/n: This is a Seventeen Mafia!AU involving all members of Seventeen, including the ex-supposed-members, too. It includes everyone but the ones who appear is Seungcheol, Soonyoung and Jihoon. It's just a simple prompt I've thought of, and maybe would want to make continuous chapters but I'm still not sure. I hope you enjoy this one, though!

---

Seungcheol sighed, looking at the last of what they had for the week. With that much, they could barely survive food for all thirteen of them, much less feed the survivors. He gripped the straps holding his bulletproof vest on him and dumped the heavy armor on the old couch behind him.

"Is this all we have?" Seungcheol didn't mean to raise his voice, but his frustration was hard to contain. Across him, who for once he was away from his computer screen, was Jihoon, who shared his look of concern.

"With a couple more part times from a few members maybe we can have enough for the survivors as well this week," Jihoon sighed. "But for how much longer do we have to do this, Cheol?"

Born from the Underground, it was difficult for them to work normally in society. They have burdens to carry, and while it was their choice to leave their main families and leave the gangs they were part of, it also became their anchor because they were marked as betrayers.

Resources were hard to get because they weren't only blocked from the open society because of their records, blood and pasts, but also because their previous families decided that they would make it hard for them to gain anything in the Underground. Imagine being blocked off even from the black market.

Soonyoung was on the other side of the table, his guns still attached to his body, his full gear still on, he didn't bother taking anything off because the next mission is in half an hour. His face was grim, as he had just came back from a mission. He had just taken captives away from being trafficked by the infamous Kim family and he succeeded his mission perfectly, but not without cost. Minghao was unconscious when they brought him in, which frightened him on the inside, but he couldn't let his concerns be in the way of the mission. He had carried his member back, Junhui on the other side and Chan clearing anything that was in their path, and Soonyoung had the darkest look on his face. As soon as Jeonghan claimed Minghao's vitals were unharmed and that he would leave, Soonyoung breathed relief, took a few seconds to himself, but immediately went back to work as if nothing happened.

They were literally fighting for their ideals and for their own values, but it certainly wasn't easily. Being outnumbered was one problem when it comes to these mafias, but cutting off resources was proving to make them suffer even more. They have been trying to slowly put the other survivors into society, managing their housing, their jobs, and their identities, but it costs a lot and they can only return so few, when the number of people needed saving was only growing.

"We can't keep doing this," Soonyoung breathed out. Soonyoung was the type to bring the happy atmosphere in the room, one of those who just make the world a little brighter. But once he's on edge, he'd just turn and blow up. The casualty of his member and the stress on necessities were more than enough reasons to push him there. "We can't manage, we can't live like this!"

On normal days, Jihoon would've the more rational one, the cool-headed one, but he, too, was on edge.

"What do you suggest we do, huh? Spit your shit, Soonyoung!" Jihoon retorted. Every single one of them was being too sensitive, they knew this. They wouldn't mean the things they'd say, but they needed to blow off steam anyways.

"I don't fucking know, Jihoon!" Soonyoung cried. "Quit being superheroes!? Get a job, blend to society?! Maybe then Minghao can actually lay on an actual hospital bed!"

"You think I don't want that?" Jihoon snapped back. "You think I haven't been trying for the past years, to put all of you into society, put you to proper jobs, give you new clean identities without having to worry about shit?"

"Well it's all for nothing, isn't it?" At this point Soonyoung didn't realize the words he was spouting. "Tell me, what kind of growth have we gone through the years, Jihoon? Seungcheol, what makes this so different than when we first started?!" Jihoon just glared at him, knowing full well Soonyoung was just on rampage mode, and he wasn't thinking, but every word still struck his heart like spears would've. "Well it's not any different!" Soonyoung cried.

"Shut up, both of you!" Seungcheol yelled. "Just," his hands made their way through his head as he tried to clear his mind and he lowered his voice as he spoke. "Shut up. The boys will hear. We can't have all thirteen of us raging at each other. We have missions to do. People to save."

When Seungcheol first gathered them, they were given a choice, just like any other runaways he had met. To join him, or to keep running. He had never once held them back against their choice. When MingMing chose to go back to China, live a normal life, Seungcheol only wished him luck and bid him goodbye after handing him a new passport Jihoon had managed to get. To both Dongjin and Samuel, he had urged to go back to society after they joined for a while. They were too young. They wanted to help, but when Seungcheol saw what trauma Samuel had to deal with, he asked Jihoon to prioritize the two and hand them their ticket back to society. It was easier, too, because they were young, and not much of a gap in their lives to be filled on paper.

"I'm not telling you to leave or stay," Seungcheol had said. "You can choose, but your ticket is right here, and I promise you'll be fine. You won't have to fight anyone ever again, nobody will touch you. We'll all be here for you, no matter what."

Both Dongjin and Samuel bawled, and Seungcheol had hugged them tightly. On weekends, he kept his promise and checked up on them routinely. He'd escape basecamp and watch them from afar. Only Soonyoung and Jihoon knew where he'd disappear after dark hours, as they sometimes joined him, and other times made the excuses for him. Seungcheol was proud of the two, and that was evident everytime he returned from his "lookout" trips. Once, Seungcheol came home with a rare smile on his face, and it was everything the world needed. "I saw Samuel audition in a company today. He's really talented," he had said, his eyes beaming.

At times like these, Soonyoung questioned why he had to lead this life. Why he had to be the responsible one and save everyone else and why he can't just run like any other person. He wanted to be like Samuel, given the clear way out, and Seungcheol would still have his back no matter what. In fact, they all would. Nobody would blame or judge him for it. But damn him and his pride; him and his conscience. The guilt he would've felt had he left just like that - he won't, couldn't, live through it. Not for the people who were just like him, who were unlucky enough to be born in the dark, not to those who were held against their will, victims of the Underground, and certainly not to those who he treated as brothers.

Soonyoung just screamed. He hated feeling so helpless.

"Soonyoung," Seungcheol called, the bags under his eyes became evidence of his tiredness. "Take a break. Have Jun lead close combat. I'll send Hansol to your team. I'll cover his position."

No. He couldn't rest now, not now when one of his members is already hurt. Soonyoung took a deep breath, and sighed. He shouldn't be hot-headed. Not now when they have mission after mission to complete.

"No, I'm sorry. I'll keep my cool. Minghao's down, I can't leave the team," Soonyoung resigned heavily.

"No," Seungcheol said firmly. "Not when you're emotional. If it bothers you, go get Seokmin and have him back your team up, too."

"I'll be calm, I prom-"

"You know very well I can't make decisions based on promises, Soonyoung. That's not how we work here."

The hurt in Seungcheol's eyes were evident, and both Soonyoung and Jihoon knew full well why. Seungcheol diverted his eyes away; he can't bear to see the eyes of his friends, his long time partners, both wallowing in pity to him and to themselves.

"You guard here - that's final. Jihoon, you make sure he stays. Soonyoung, unarm yourself and go get Seokmin."

Seungcheol didn't stay for more arguments. He left after he took back the bulletproof vest he threw on the couch and went to get his team.

Soonyoung cursed in frustrations, and Jihoon just held his head on his hands.

---

[nctloveclub]

mamihlapinatapai

– pairing: mark lee x reader

– genre: angst!

– words: 2.25k

– a/n: its been a while since ive posted but i hope you like it :D i hope to get back into writing after putting it off for so long :(

(n.) a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other would initiate something they both desire but which neither wants to begin

you and mark were best friends, but the two of you haven't known each other long

like usually best friends have known each other since their childhood but you and mark had met in your second year of high school !

it wasn't anything extraordinary just simple. he ended up coming to class late and he had picked the seat next to you.

it was strange at first because it was like ??? ummm who ??? my friend usually sits there ???? (but they were home sick that day oooooh)

so the next day mark sits in the same seat next to you and when you're friend walks in they give you a look and you just shrug

they give you a wink and just sit in the seat in front of you

then that's when mark actually starts talking to you

hes a little shy at first just introducing himself to you and you do the same

at lunch mark ends up finding you and sits across from you

not gonna lie the air is a little awkward but two of you take the lunch period to actually talk and get to know each other

you find out that you had actually went to the same middle school but just in different friend crowds

the conversation was just simple

that's a word that would describe yours' and mark's relationship: simple

he was a breath of fresh air

he was something new, someone who you got along with

over the course of the year, the two of you had actually gotten closer and mark had actually befriended your other friend

"sorry i took your seat...."

your friend just looks at him and laughs, "dude its fine it's just a seat. if anything im glad you helped my little y/n get out of their shell."

you send a playful glare at your friend's way and continue the conversation you had with mark

eventually, your third year of high school has begun and the both of you are extremely close, like no one can separate the two of you

youre sad when you find out mark and you only share the same lunch period, having the same classes but different periods

"it's alright, i'll see you at lunch." he smiles and you nod, mark walking you to your first period

you dread your first day, making small talk with the people around you but you don't mind, impatiently waiting till lunch starts

you and mark immediately meet up, looking for a place to sit in the crowded cafeteria

you sit in a somewhat secluded area, there are still tables surrounding you but it's mostly away from the crowd

the two of you catch up and talk about how your first day has been going

soon enough lunch ends and mark's walking you to your 6th period

the day comes to an end and mark is waiting for you at the front of school, waiting to walk you home

"you know you don't have to walk me, you literally live in the opposite direction." you say as the two of you begin your walk

"i know, i do it because i want to." he replies nonchalantly and for the first time you feel something in your stomach

you feel butterflies in your stomach when mark walks you to your doorstep and they intensify when he gives you a hug before leaving

you watch as mark walks in the direction of his home and cant but wonder what the hell you were feeling

the school year continues to go on and everyday feels like a routine

mark walks you to school and first period, the day goes on, you meet at lunch and he walks you home

but as everyday passes, you cant help but feel more butterflies creep in your stomach as you see mark or when he holds your hand

what you didnt know was that mark had felt the same way, he had started to feel nervous around you, that he couldn’t think straight around you, you made his heart race and his face heat up

he started to become more affectionate towards you, holding your hand more often and wrapping his arm around you casually and also occasionally giving you forehead kisses

mark was just the sweetest boy ever and you couldn't believe that he really was your best friend, he made you feel like you were in a movie, that you were a protagonist in a love novel

he made you feel like you were on clouds and that whenever you were with him you felt like home

it took time for you to fully realize that you had fallen in love with your best friend

mark had also started to pick up on the fact that you were constantly blushing around him and he made you nervous

he felt a weight lifted off his chest, that maybe you reciprocated the feelings he had for you* but as they say, all good things must come to an end eventually

mark had told you that he wanted to become an idol, that music was his passion and something he wanted to pursue

of course you were supportive of him, you wanted to give the whole world to him

you always gave him words of encouragement and praised him for his talent

"remember me when you're famous mark." you say to him one day

"come on y/n, i'll never forget you. besides who said im gonna be famous one day, what if i don't end up making it anywhere?"

your eyes gape at him. "'mark are you serious? of course you're gonna be famous. you're one if the most talented people i know. if anyone were to become famous it would be you, you deserve it. you've worked so hard to achieve your dreams and you're an amazing rapper.

dont ever undermine yourself mark. and if anything, i'll always be here for you. i'll always be here to support you"

mark almost starts crying at your words and he can see the look the in your eyes that meant you meant every word you said

he didn't know what he did in his past life to deserve you but he's glad that he was able to meet you that fateful day

so mark begins his own training, starting to write songs, practice singing and dancing to become an idol

he tells you at lunch one day that a kpop company was gonna be holding global auditions next week and that he's gonna try

you're obviously excited for him and tell him to not worry and that he's gonna make it, that the company would be an absolute fool to not recruit him

then next week comes and mark misses a day of because of auditions

you don't mind, sending him a quick message telling him good luck !!! you got this dude :D

_also you'll be fine stop worrying :_p

the next day mark is back at school and he's anxiously waiting for the company to contact him to see if he made it to the second round

you notice it and reassure him that he'll be fine

but he looks at you and you notice that there's also something else on his mind, you don't question him yet though. he doesn't seem in the right head space

"mark what's wrong?" you ask as mark walks you home

your hand is intertwined in his, and he’s looking down on the sidewalk,

he looks up at you, "what do you mean?"

"at lunch, you seemed pretty anxious about the audition, but something else seemed off about you."

"well yeah im nervous. i think im gonna make it though, the audition was fine." he tells you and your brows furrow

"then whats the problem?" you ask, your voice more quiet

"the company is based in korea. i mean you already knew that but still. if i make it to second and end up passing it, i'll be moving to korea to become an idol." mark explains and your heart stops for a bit

the realization has sunk in your head

all this time you've been encouraging mark and letting him live out his dream but you never realized that you were gonna end up losing him

you feel your eyes start to water and you look up at him, already looking back at you

"dont cry, please." he tells you softly, bringing you into a hug, "i dont want to lose you but i can't hold you back." you whisper into his chest

"but what about us?" he asks, his voice sad

that question was hung in the air, what was gonna happen to you and mark?

you had come to fact that you were in love with him but this was his dream

maybe you could be selfish once, to tell him to stay, to try and pursue a career here, at home

but that wouldn't be fair to mark, this was something he dreamed about, you wouldn't allow yourself be the reason he stayed home

"nothing is gonna happen to us, i'll still be here to support you, even if you're thousands of miles away, i'll always be here for you."

the rest of the walk to your house was quiet, mark having attached you to his side and he didnt seem to plan to let you go anytime soon

when you arrived at your house, mark held you into his arms and his eyes looked into yours

you noticed the gleam in them, full of sadness and longing

you felt your mind screaming at you, to make the first move, to show mark how much you love him before it's too late

but you couldn't bring yourself to do it, it'd be too selfish

mark felt the same emotional turmoil

he wanted to hold you in his arms and just spend the rest of his life with you

he could see the sadness in your eyes and he realized what he would truly be giving up to achieve his dreams

his mind wanted him to just confess his love there, to just cup your cheeks and press his lips to yours

as the two of you gazed into each others eyes, you both came to the realization that you were both feeling the same thing

but the two of you couldn't bring yourself to do it, and with that you separated

mark had finally let go of your waist and you both moved away

you walk into your home and mark went to his

the next day mark tells you he made it to the second round and you give him a smile

a smile mark can see right through

he knows how heartbroken you feel and the pain you feel

he just wished he wasnt the cause of it

the school year is coming to an end and you'll become a senior

mark had ended up passing the second audition and he and his family would be moving to korea

the day he told you, you broke into tears

tears of joy and happiness but also of pain

you were beyond ecstatic for him, he was finally gonna achieve his dream of becoming an idol

but he was leaving, and you wouldnt know if he was ever gonna come back

the school year ends and mark tells you that he'll be moving to korea next week, where he'll be training and starting his senior year

you dread the next couple days

you and mark are inseparable, spending all the time you can before he goes

time goes by quick, one minute the two of you are having a movie night in your living room and the next you're saying your goodbyes at the airport

"i'm sorry y/n" mark tells you

"for what"

"for leaving."

"hey don't be sorry for that, you're pursuing something thats gonna make you happy and that's all i ever want from you, for you to be happy." you say, tears falling from your eyes

mark starts to cry at your words, his thumbs moving to wipe away your tears, which actually make them fall harder

he brings you into a hug and you look up at him and stare into his eyes one last time

the eyes that always made you happy, the eyes that always looked at you in adoration,

the eyes that always made you feel at home

the two can feel the longing the other holds, but you both can't bring yourself to do it

as the two of you continue to hug until mark has to leave you whisper the three words you've yearned to tell him

"i love you." you say, looking right into his eyes

"i love you too."

you hear mark's parents call for him, telling him that they have to board soon

the two of you finally separate and you're full on crying

mark begins to walk off before turning around and giving you one last smile, one you return through your tears

you watch as mark board and you wait and watch as his plane leaves, officially separating you from the boy you love

mark looks out the plane window, watching as the airport begins to get smaller and smaller

he lets out a sigh and feels his heart ache

you take out your phone and text mark, knowing he'll see it when he lands

i love you, dont forget me when you're famous ;)

"oh how could i ever forget you"

[starship-squidlet]

breathe

A/N: Wow, this is a L O N G one... Anyways, this piece is roughly inspired by an artwork I found here on Tumblr! Check it out! I think this is my favorite in this series so far, so I hope you all love it too! Enjoy!

Description: After finding the last of the Scarlet Eyes and laying his brethren to rest, all Kurapika can think of doing is finding Leorio and saying all the things they’ve left unsaid.

Word Count: 2954

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter X Hunter, Kurapika, Leorio, or Zepile, but I do own this story! Cross-posting between ChocolatteKitty-Kat on FF.net and Ao3 and maliciousbubbl3s on Tumblr.

Tap tap tap.

The knock was so quiet that Leorio almost didn't hear it. If he hadn't been looking for any reason to stop studying, he would definitely have ignored it. As it was, he jumped up, sending his chair scooting backwards, and practically bolted out of his room, only to find Zepile with his hand already on the doorknob. Leorio ducked into the kitchen instead, as though it was his plan all along, and started making himself a snack. Probably one of Zepile's friends or clients anyways, he sighed.

When Zepile opened the door, he found a petit blond, dressed sharply in a smart black suit. "Uh… did we have an appointment?" he scratched the back of his head.

The blond took a step back. "I think I have the wrong place," he stammered. "I was looking for… someone else."

Zepile arched an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"

"An old friend," the blond smiled fondly. "He's not expecting me, but I just wanted to stop by and say… hello, I guess."

Zepile nodded. "Hey, Leorio!" he bellowed back into the apartment so loud that Kurapika jumped and took another step back.

Leorio poked his head around the corner from the kitchen and promptly dropped both his plate and his jaw. "K-Kurapika?"

Kurapika's blue eyes were wide with shock. "Leorio?" he whispered.

"You're cleaning that up," Zepile grumbled. He glanced between Leorio, frozen in shock in the kitchen doorway, and Kurapika, trembling in the hallway, and rolled his eyes. "I'm… going to go buy a pack of smokes. And smoke the whole thing. And maybe get dinner. I'll be back later." He stepped into the hall, gave Kurapika a gentle shove through the door, and slammed it shut behind him.

"Uh… wow," Leorio rubbed his arm. "It's, uh… good to see you? Yeah. It is. Really good, actually. I mean, how long has it been? It feels like years. You haven't even been coming to Zodiac meetings. Which, by the way, Cheadle keeps giving me a hard time for, so it would be great if you could just, like, give her a call if you're not going to show up. And speaking of calls, it wouldn't kill you to pick up your phone once in a while! Or at least answer a text or email. There are actually some people in this world who wouldn't mind hearing from you, even if it's just like 'hey, by the way, I'm not dead yet' every once in a while…" He trailed off, noticing the moisture in Kurapika's eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Kurapika murmured. "It's just… good to see you too."

Leorio laughed. "Yeah. It is. Hey, you hungry? I kind of just dropped my sandwich, so I guess I'll make another one… you want anything?"

"Sure," Kurapika smiled softly. "Do you want a hand cleaning that up?"

"Nah, I'm fine," Leorio bent down and started picking up pieces of the broken plate. "Why don't you sit down over there? We can talk while I do this."

Kurapika sat down on the chair Leorio had indicated and watched the tall man as he cleaned the broken plate off the floor. "Are you sure you don't want help?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Leorio laughed. "Hey, how have you been? Like I said, it's been a while."

"I'm… fine," Kurapika said. "What about you? How is med school going?"

"Not bad," Leorio shrugged, putting the last of the glass into an empty coffee can. "I've only failed two classes, so far, mostly because I got busy with Zodiac stuff. It's hard, but it's not bad."

"Have you heard from Gon and Killua lately?" Kurapika asked.

"I get postcards and emails and stuff every now and then," Leorio shrugged. "Seems like they're doing well."

"That's good," Kurapika smiled.

"But something tells me you didn't track me down just to ask about Gon and Killua," Leorio joined Kurapika at the table, carrying two sandwiches.

"No, not really," Kurapika admitted.

"Well?" Leorio prompted.

Kurapika stared down at his lap, hands balled into fists. When he looked up, Leorio could see tears running down his face. "I found them," he whispered. "All of them."

"The eyes?" Leorio asked, his voice soft.

"Yes," Kurapika nodded. "I was able to return them all to my brethren and lay them to rest."

"Wow," Leorio leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms. "That's amazing. I'm really happy for you."

Kurapika smiled, wiping the tears from his cheeks. "Thanks."

"What are you going to do next?" Leorio asked.

"I'm not really sure…" Kurapika sighed, leaning forward and resting his arms on the table. "After the funeral… all I could think about was coming to see you, so that I could tell you what had happened."

.*.*.*.*.*.

Once they had cleaned up from lunch, Kurapika and Leorio moved into the latter's bedroom. Leorio sat cross-legged on the bed, allowing Kurapika to take the desk chair.

"So, what made you decide to come see me?" Leorio asked.

Kurapika hesitated. "To be honest, I'm… not really sure. It was just the first thing I thought of when I completed my goal. I just… wanted to see you."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to see you too, I'm just surprised is all," Leorio said. "I'm… really glad to know you're okay, too."

Kurapika smiled slightly. "You know, for the first time in a while, I really think I might be. Or, at least, could be."

"Give it time," Leorio shrugged. "You've been through more than your fair share of trauma. You need to let that heal. Once it does, you might be surprised to discover that you're a whole new person." To his utter surprise, Kurapika laughed. "Hey, what's that about!?"

"I'm sorry," Kurapika was still grinning--how have I never noticed how pretty he is when he smiles? Leorio mused--but had at least stopped laughing. "I just never expected something so wise to come from you, of all people."

"Excuse me?" Leorio glared. I take it back.

"Sorry, that came out wrong," Kurapika blushed. "It's not that I think you're stupid, because you're definitely not. I've never really thought you were, no matter what I said back during the Hunter Exam. You're just not always the best at… articulation."

Leorio narrowed his gaze even further. "I still feel insulted."

"Sorry," Kurapika's flush deepened, the red spreading from his cheeks to his nose and ears. "I really didn't mean it that way."

Leorio stared at the blond for a long moment, taking in every inch of his appearance, as though he might vanish again in an instant. He might, really. He could walk out that door and never come back. "I missed you," he blurted out before he even knew what he was saying.

Kurapika's head shot up, feathery blond hair falling away to frame his face. "I missed you too."

"No, I mean…" Leorio jumped to his feet and paced a few times in the space between him and Kurapika, then dropped to his knees in front of the smaller man, grabbing both of his hands before Kurapika could pull away. "Look, there's something I want to say, and I'd really appreciate it if you listened to the whole thing before you make up your mind."

Kurapika nodded hesitantly, letting his hands rest in Leorio's on his lap.

Now that he had his attention, Leorio didn't know where to start. Might as well just say it all, in case I never do get to see him again, he gulped. "Ever… ever since that day we met, back during the Hunter Exam, I've been trying to figure out how I felt about you. At first, I thought I hated you. You were so annoying, I couldn't bring myself to think of you as anything but a rival back on the ship. But, the longer the exam went on, and the more time we spent together, the more I began to realize that I definitely didn't hate you. Sure, you were still annoying, but somehow… less? I guess that's right. By the end of the exam, I didn't even really think that any more. And then, when we all went to find Killua together, I was just so happy that I got to spend more time with you, and I didn't even realize how much I was truly coming to care about you. Maybe even as more than a friend…

"And then we got Killua back, and we all went our separate ways, and I couldn't understand why my heart felt like it was breaking so much. All I could think about was seeing you again. I counted down the days to September first, and the closer it got, the more excited I was, and the more scared I was. Excited that I would be able to see you again, and scared at the thought that I would probably lose you again. When I got to the city and found Killua and Gon, it was great, but I couldn't stop thinking about you. And then the more time that passed in which we couldn't get in touch with you, the more scared I got. I was utterly terrified at the thought of losing you completely, and I kept imagining all these worst-case scenarios, and, like, picturing you dead in a ditch somewhere or something. There were worse ones than that, actually, but I don't really want to talk about those.

"Anyway, when we finally found you, and you were okay, it was everything I could do to not run up and hold you in my arms and never let you go again, but, uh, that didn't really seem like something that would be received well, or something remotely practical, so I didn't… Then, at the end of it all, when you were sick, I couldn't bring myself to leave your side for an instant. I was convinced that if I did, all those nightmares would come true, and you wouldn't wake up, so when you did… I don't think I've ever been happier in my life. But then the next day, I was watching you walk away again, and it hurt more than anything. Did Senritsu ever tell you what I said to her that day?"

Kurapika shook his head, watery dark eyes finally rising to meet Leorio's.

"I asked her to keep an eye on you for me," Leorio smiled fondly. "I knew that there was nothing I could do for you, not at that point, so she seemed like the next best thing. She agreed, by the way, so, even when you weren't answering my calls, for a while there I was able to text her to make sure you were okay, and you have literally NO idea how much that saved my sanity."

Kurapika laughed again, shaking his head slightly--just enough to make his blond hair resettle and catch the sunlight, turning it to liquid gold. Leorio lost both his breath and his train of thought at the sight.

"Um, yeah," he mumbled, glancing down at his hands, wrapped firmly around Kurapika's long, thin fingers, and realized that didn't help his focus any either. "Sorry, I just kind of… lost my train of thought for a second there," he chuckled. "Anyways, uh… well, I guess the next time I saw you again was that first Zodiac meeting, but every time you walked away again… it was just the same, over and over again. The thought of you leaving… never knowing if I would actually see you again before you got yourself killed, and thinking that the next time I see you you might be lying dead in a coffin somewhere and I never would have gotten to say all of this, and…" He trailed off again, stopping to catch his breath, and realized, for the first time, that Kurapika's small hands had shifted just enough to squeeze his fingers, and were gripping them tighter and tighter. He glanced back up at Kurapika's face and was shocked to see the dark eyes full to overflowing with tears again.

"Uh, hang on, I have some tissues around here somewhere," Leorio looked around frantically.

"Leorio," Kurapika's voice was reduced to a hoarse whisper.

"Yeah?" he said softly, bringing his focus back to Kurapika's tear-streaked face.

Kurapika pulled his hands out of Leorio's grip and lifted them to cup his face. "I love you too."

Leorio froze, his warm eyes beginning to fill with tears as well. They sat like that for several seconds, before Leorio reached out, wrapped his arms around Kurapika, and pulled him into a bone-crushingly tight hug. Kurapika's arms slipped around his neck to return the embrace. Leorio felt Kurapika's soft, damp cheek brush against his own, along with a rapidly-growing damp spot on his shoulder, as Kurapika balled his fists in the fabric of Leorio's shirt.

They stayed wrapped in each other's arms for a long time. Leorio did his best to ignore the protests of his knees from kneeling for so long, but eventually had to loosen his grip on Kurapika and pull away. Reluctantly, the blond did the same, sitting back in the chair and wiping his cheeks.

"Could I get one of those tissues now?" he laughed, his voice thick from crying.

"Yeah," Leorio laughed too, reaching for the box on the top shelf of his desk.

Kurapika blew his nose noisily. "Sorry," he laughed. "I left a wet spot on your shirt."

"It'll dry," Leorio shrugged and sat back down on the bed.

"Can I say something now?"

"Yeah, go for it," Leorio laughed.

"I just… what you said, about the way you felt during the Hunter Exam, I just wanted to say, I felt… pretty much the same way," Kurapika said. He clenched his fists in his lap, staring hard at them. "I thought I hated you at first, but I realized pretty quickly that I didn't hate you, just my first impression of you. I felt a need to protect you… and, again, at first I thought that was just because you seemed so incompetent"--

"Hey!"

"I said seemed! It didn't take me long to realize that you weren't incompetent, or stupid, or weak. Sometime during the fourth phase, when we were on that island, I realized that I wanted to protect you just because I didn't want to see you hurt, and because seeing you hurt made me hurt too. Maybe it was in that cave with Gon and Ponzu and the snakes, seeing you covered in bites and half-dead from the venom… And all I wanted to do, then and after the exam, was to stay by your side and make sure you never got hurt again. But I had made a promise to myself and my clan, and I felt like I needed to fulfill that vow before I could go anywhere with you.

"Then, in Yorknew, when I was leaving with Senritsu, I saw how much you were hurting… and when I realized that I was the one who was making you hurt, I felt like the worst person alive, and how could I keep you from getting hurt if I was the one hurting you? I saw it later too. That's why I tried to distance myself, by not picking up your calls and ignoring the texts and emails… I tried to pretend that I didn't care about you any more. I thought maybe if I lied to myself long enough, I'd actually start to believe it… which, clearly, didn't work.

"I think that, maybe, that's why I'm here now. Trying to say all the things I've refused to let myself say for years and hoping against all hope that you might not hate me, even after everything I've done, and all the times I've hurt you…"

He trailed off as Leorio stood back up and walked over. He crouched back down in front of Kurapika and rested a hand on Kurapika's cheek, the ruby earring hanging from the blond's left ear resting against his fingertips. Kurapika closed his eyes and leaned into Leorio's hand, his own hand reaching up to brush against Leorio's wrist.

"I could never hate you," Leorio murmured, leaning in to rest his forehead against Kurapika's. "Even through all the missed phone calls, and long nights wondering if you were still alive somewhere out there, and unanswered texts, when I thought about hating you, I could never actually make my heart do it. Sure, there were times when I was beyond pissed at you, but I never have, and never will, hate you."

Kurapika opened his eyes, wide and pitch black from his contacts, and stared deep into Leorio's.

Leorio brushed a single stray tear away with his thumb and leaned in close. Slowly, haltingly, gently, he brought his lips to Kurapika's. His hand slipped around to the back of Kurapika's neck, fingers tangling in his impossibly soft hair. His other arm wrapped around Kurapika's middle, pulling his slim body close to Leorio's own. Kurapika wrapped his arms around Leorio again, grabbing on to the fabric of his shirt and holding on as though he was afraid Leorio would disappear--just as Leorio had felt about him earlier.

When Leorio pulled away, Kurapika gasped for breath, his chest heaving. Leorio ran his thumb over the pale skin under it again and kissed the tip of Kurapika's nose. "Breathe," he whispered.

Kurapika nodded and buried his face against Leorio's chest, shivering as tears welled in his eyes again. His fists tightened even more on Leorio's shirt, and he bit his lip, fighting back tears whose cause he couldn't understand.

"How am I supposed to catch my breath when you just steal it away again?"

[thatssonanii]

Guests

HAHN

For the last hour Veronica watched her little sister take over her bedroom and bathroom and now she had to answer her own door because Alice was too busy making dinner for Victoria and her date.

She snatched the door open and sucked her teeth seeing her sister's husband, Hunter, standing there.

"Didn't I tell you that you were not allowed at my house, boy?"

"Cute. Where is Victoria? I know she's here."

"Even if she was here, I wouldn't dare tell you. I hate her but I hate you much more. Get off my porch, boy."

Hunter tried to move around her only to be pushed back. "She's my wife and I wanna see her. Right now. Go on and get her, Veronica."

Veronica rolled her eyes, "I am not the help. You do not give me orders. Get the hell off my property, boy."

"I'm not your boy and I am not leaving without my wife."

"Boy, you gon leave here with a bullet in ya ass if you dont get. Go on now! Get!"

Veronica slammed the door in his face, mumbling going back up the stairs. As soon as she was at the top of the stairs the doorbell rang. She stopped in her tracks and yelled out to her sister.

"Yeah, Ronnie?" Victoria yelled back.

"After tonight, don't bring your ass back to my house," she complained going back down to the door. She slung it opened already fussing. "Didn't I tell your ass to get off my damn porch?"

"No, you actually didn't."

Veronica stared at the man on her doorstep and sighed, "You, go tell Hunter I said get off my property includes his flunkies as well."

Victoria had gotten a text from her date that he was outside stoo she rushed out of the bedroom and downstairs to the door before her sister could close the door on him.

She smiled softly, "Eric, I'm so glad you made it."

"Eric?" Veronica sucked her teeth. "I should have known."

Eric looked between the two women confused. "I could come back another time."

"No the hell you won't," Veronica yelled pulling him gently into the house, "You're gonna come in here right now and yall two are gonna eat. This is not a hotel."

"I see that you've met my sister, Eric. She's usually nicer than this," Victoria explained leading her date towards the living room.

"That's a lie, Vicky," Veronica interjected slamming the door then followed them, "Aht! Aht! We don't sit there! No one sits there."

Victoria rolled her eyes and pulled Eric towards the patio. "We can't sit there cause that's where her ex husband bitch slapped her. We can sit out here."

"Keep it up and the patio will be where I bitch slap you, sister."

Once they were settled at Veronica's patio table, Victoria grabbed Eric's hands in hers and smiled.

"I'm so sorry about my sister. She's actually nice once you get to know her."

Eric laughed, "No, she's not. You don't gotta lie to me."

"I just don't want her to scare you off."

He caressed her cheek softly, "Do you not remember how we met? I watched you violate and damn near kill yout ex husband. Nothing could run me off, sweetheart."

"You're sweet."

"Thank you. Can I call you Vicky though? I thought it was cute when your sister said it."

Victoria slapped his hand from her face and sucked her teeth. "See, now you ruined the moment."

Veronica watched her sister and Eric interact with a slight smile on her face. She hated Hunter, tried to talk her sister out of marrying him but she did anyway. Even though she told them they couldn't come back, Veronica planned to help Victoria with anything she needed if it meant she would leave Hunter for good.

[thatssonanii]

Wait ... Before You Hit Me

Parental Paragraphs

Eli's parents didn't care when they found out he was having sex as long as he didn't bring babies home. And Koda had almost died when his parents caught him. Milo knew they would care and he didn't want to think about what would happen if he got caught. So being the smart (and scary) child that he is, Milo decided to sit down with his parents.

"What did you do?" Jey asked right off the bat.

Milo had asked both of his parents to meet him in the living room after Simba got to sleep.

"I didn't do anything. I just wanted to talk, you guys said I could come to you guys so here we are."

"Let me rephrase your daddy's question. What are you planning on doing?"

Milo stood in front of them, hands clasped together. He was so nervous, his palms were sweating. There was no turning back now though and he didn't want to disappoint his girlfriend.

"I'm gonna have sex. Me and Aunastee."

Both parents busted out laughing. They knew their child was goofy but not this goofy. "Boy, please. You don't even want to talk about sex with your father but you think you're ready to have it. Get out my face."

"I know what this is," Jey chuckled, "Your cousins having sex and you feel left out. You don't really wanna have sex, Lo, you just think you do."

"I'm foreal. We're gonna have sex. We're ready." He argued respectfully as he could.

Apryl got up from the sofa still laughing. She kissed her son's head before leaving the room. Frustration ran through Milo's veins but he wouldn't speak on it. Jey scratched his head, staring at his son.

"Just because I gave you condoms doesn't mean you have to use them, Lo."

"I know but I'm ready, Dad. I am."

"How you know?" Jey asked then stood from the sofa.

"I just do. And so is she. We wanna do this and we're going to."

"You're not like your cousins, Lo. It's a lot that comes with having sex. They're not as emotional as you, you can't handle it."

There wasn't anymore room for conversation and Milo knew it. His parents had shut him down but he wasn't backing down from his decision. Him and Aunastee were going to have sex if it killed him.

"So they just walked out? No discussion?"

"Basically. But I expected that."

The young couple sat in Milo's black Honda Civic in the driveway of his house. They had gone on a date to the movies while his parents and Simba had gone to his aunt's house. He knew they would be gone for awhile, his mama's sister never knew when to stop talking.

Aunastee undid her seatbelt, smiling as she got out the car. Milo followed her slightly confused. When they got to the door, she took his keys from his pocket unlocking the door. Again, he followed her through the house and up to his room.

"What are you doing?" He asked as she looked around and took her jacket off.

"Getting comfortable, dork. What does it look like?" She laughed.

"Um, why? I thought you were goin home, Auni."

She approached him still laughing, kissing his face in between laughs. He kissed her back, his confusion slightly wavering.

"That was before I knew my sister was going to be there. And your people are gone so," she paused to kick her shoes off, "Now's a good time."

"Baby, I want to, I really do. But," he sighed as she kissed his neck still smiling.

"But nothing, Milo. You promised me something and now you're gonna deliver."

The absolution in her voice had turned him on. He liked when she tried to take control. Milo gently pushed his girlfriend onto his bed forgetting about the mess he made when he got dressed. He started to kiss her neck until she wiggled away from him.

"What's wrong?"

She pushed him up and sat up with him. "Not in here though. Issa mess, babe."

"Okay," he nodded. "I can clean up real quick." She shook her head at his suggestion. "Guest room?"

Aunastee nodded and he took her hand leading her out of the room. He stood in the middle of the open hallway trying to decide which room they could use while Aunastee started to open and close doors.

"Oooh I like this one."

Milo saw where his girlfriend stood and immediately shook his head. "No, no, no. Not that room, babe. Any room but that one."

With a smile on her face, Aunastee went into the room much to his dismay. He wanted to have sex but not at the expense of his life. Milo didn't budge, he couldn't.

"Baby, please, come out of there. We have four other rooms to pick from."

"I like this one now get in here." She demanded playfully.

He dropped his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "If you like your life you'll come outta there, Aunastee. You know my mama is crazy and she will know."

"Boy," she laughed, "What're you scared you're gonna get whooped?"

"Honestly, yes," he mumbled to himself before entering his parents bedroom. He found his girlfriend, laid out on his parents' bed in only her bra and panties. "Baby, nooooo."

"Baby, yeeees." She giggled. Aunastee stood on her knees beckoning for Milo to come to her and of course he did. "Stop thinking about your parents and think about me. You got condoms, right?"

He pulled them from his wallet, showing her the gold wrappers his father had given him. Her smile made him smirk and shrug. "My dad knew I was blessed."

She rolled her eyes pulling her on the bed with him. "Get your goofy ass over here before I change my mind."

"Yes ma'am," he whispered pulling his shirt over his head.

"Gotta pee, gotta pee," Simba exclaimed racing pass his parents.

They laughed as they continued their slow walk up the stairs. The house was quiet, for now, Simba wasn't anywhere near sleepy. They hoped he wouldn't wake Milo's grumpy ass up.

"Wash your hands and get your pjs on, Simba."

"Yes, sir," he said coming out of the hall bathroom. Apryl bent down to pull his underwear up the right way and Jey continued on to the bedroom, his sister in law and her family had worn him out. "I go night night with you, Mommy?"

"Uhn uhn, baby. Mommy and Daddy are sleepy. But you can stay up if you want."

"Kay, Mommy. I get snack?" He asked hugging her neck. "Pwease. I want grapes."

"Only if you promise to stay in your bed tonight."

Before he could agree, Jey was standing over them. Simba let his mama go to hug his daddy's leg. Jey rubbed his head lovingly. "Go on in your room, Josiah. Ima get your grapes." Jey walked him to his room, closing the door behind him. "I'm about to kill your son."

"What? We just got home. What could either of them have possibly done?" She asked laughing.

"You laughin now. Go look in our room."

Apryl shook her head figuring Milo had fallen asleep in their bed. He liked to be in their room when his parents were out and Jey hated it. She opened the door, walking slowly through the sitting area in their room not wanting to wake him. Her smile turned into a frown. Jey stood beside her, staring at their disheveled bed their son and his girlfriend slept peacefully.

"Do you wanna do it? Or should I?" Jey asked scratching his beard.

Apryl approached the bed, rubbing Milo's forehead and cheek. "Wake up, Milo," she said sweetly. He mumbled a few incoherent things as he rolled over onto his back, Aunastee taking her place on his chest. Apryl narrowed her eyes as she smacked his bare crest. "Wake your light bright ass up, Adrian!" Both teens jumped out of their sleep, their eyes landing on Apryl. "I know your ass did not fuck this girl in my damn bed! In my new sheets."

"We uh we, we," Milo stuttered.

"Spit. It. Out." Apry spoke through her teeth.

"We uh we fell asleep."

"Oh really," Apryl laughed kicking off her heels, "You really gon sit your naked ass in my bed and lie to me? Is that what you wanna do right now?"

Aunastee held the sheets tightly to her chest, afraid of the position she had put Milo in. "Mrs. Fatu, I am soooo sorry."

Apryl glared in the younger girl's direction. "Girl, shut your ass up talking to me." Aunastee shut her mouth immediately, not wanting to make things worse for him. "I asked you a question, Adrian Lorenzo Fatu. Answer me and answer me now."

"We fell asleep, Mama."

Jey turned around as soon as he saw Apryl approach the bed and reach for the covers. She snatched the covers off exposing their naked bodies. Milo covered him self with a pillow and Aunastee jumped from the bed grabbing her clothes rushing into the bathroom. When she closed the door, Jey turned back around.

"Since when you sleep naked, Lo?" Jey asked calmly. "And in my damn bed at that."

"See I thought he'd learned after we caught his ass smoking but no. No!" Apryl fussed tossing her purse and phone to the side. "I see you've been hanging around that dumbass cousin of yours too much. The no good one too."

Milo grabbed his briefs from the floor, and pulled them up. "They didn't have anything to do with this. I can make decisions on my own. Ya know?"

"Boy, don't get your ass knocked out talkin to your mama like that."

"Get a piece of ass and you think you something, huh?" Apryl pushed poking his chest. "You think cause you have sex, you can disrespect me and my house?"

"No, I don't think any of that, Ma. I'm just sayin."

Jey sucked his teeth cutting his son off. "Say what you gotta say and hurry up."

Milo saw Aunastee come out of the bathroom and nodded at her. She was shaking. She wasn't afraid of her people finding out, she was afraid of Apryl, Jey and what they would do to Milo.

"Take her home and you bring your ass back here, Adrian."

"Yes ma'am. Come on, Auni," he whispered quickly sliding pass his parents.

Aunastee stopped by Apryl grabbing her hand tightly. "Please hear him out."

"Goodbye, Aunastee," Jey said in a low tone. She nodded, running out of the room.

While Milo was gone, Jey and Apryl put the bed clothes and discarded trash into bags and sat them on top of the bed. The two were waiting downstairs in the living room when he got back. He went straight into the living room wanting to get it over with. He saw Jey's belt sitting in the coffee table and panicked.

"Wait," he called out as soon as Jey stood up. "Before you hit me! To be fair, I tried to talk to y'all about this and y'all shut me out."

"You told us you wanted to have sex, Milo. Not that you wanted to have sex in our room."

"Maybe if y'all would've listened to me then it would've have happened, Dad."

Jey stepped closer to him, sticking his neck out. "Are you gettin smart with me? Is that what I just heard?"

"No, sir. Look do what you want to me but please don't be mad at her. She didn't owe y'all anything, I do. I disrespected you guys' bed and there's nothing I can do to take that back. But leave her out of it."

Apryl rolled her eyes. She didn't want to hear shit about his girlfriend, she didn't want him to have in the first place. His scary ass about to get his ass whooped and here he was, worried about Aunastee.

"Your mama and I will talk to her sister. Don't you worry about that. What you need to be worried about is how your allowance is gonna pay for me and your mama a new bed."

"Cause I'm sure as hell not sleeping in a bed you were hunching your lil girlfriend in."

Milo huffed. He was getting frustrated again. "I'm about to be 17. How long did y'all think it would be before this happened?"

"Since you wanna be so damn disrespectful after your daddy beat your ass you can go stay with your cousin, Adrian."

"Mama, no, I don't wanna leave."

Apryl got up from the sofa, she was pissed but she didn't want to see him get whooped. If she saw, she would stop it from happening. She stood in front of Jey, her hand on his chest. He looked down at her, nodding, he knew what that look meant.

"It's up to your father. You better hope he's in a better mood after this, Adrian." She said in passing.