#He buries anything he finds ''ugly'' until he snaps and lashes out. This ranges from mankiller bug instincts to discomfort being touched.

[beebfreeb]

Seeing as King Candy has his Candybug form, if Combo Breaker had a narratively fitting final boss form, what would it be?

Interesting question! I have ideas and concepts that are part of something I plan to make at a later date, so I will give you my "what if he got ate by a bug" thoughts.

Breaker is extraordinarily good at repressing what he wants, so this made me think: Wouldn't it be funny if he experienced the beautiful euphoria of being a horrible killing machine for a solid 5 seconds before he went NO THIS IS TOO WEIRD WHAT IF PEOPLE DON'T LIKE ME.

He'd be 100% bug inside, but using the power of vertex editing, pretending that he doesn't even want to kill and eat people AND, he'd be terrible at it!

[1piece-for-you]

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭 — 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

[𝐀𝐒𝐊] - 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨😊𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲 — 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐒𝐋... 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫?🙏🏼 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐬𝐬

[𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄] - 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐒𝐋! 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 

━━ 𝐄𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐝

— In the eyes of the public, Kidd is indisputably an uncontrollable savage; a menace that is shrouded in death and terror. He stands with an unwavering form that spits ichor and acid towards every authoritarian, barbarian, and civilian in his path, and his crew proudly shares the same sentiments as their captain, for they are just as ravenous and power-hungry as Kidd.

— And as his lover, a sense of pride thrums beneath your skin whenever you read headlines detailing the Kid Pirate’s most recent bloodshed. It is a thrilling sensation, knowing that Kidd possesses such monstrous strength, yet he treats you so wonderfully gentle with the right degree of roughness. 

— The strong grasp Kidd has on you are both enthralling and welcomed. The implication of being kept in his hardened arms with no escape never ceases to send biting tingles down the curve of your spine. His possessive behavior towards you is no secret; the mad scowl resembling that of hellhounds were enough to signal to all the unworthy individuals that you were undoubtedly claimed by him.

— Though selfish mannerism is befitting for the walking explosive that is Eustass Captain Kidd, the word jealousy never did quite seem to belong in his vocabulary. 

— And you were inclined to believe such a notion; Kidd is incredibly brazen with his earthly desires and greed for treasures he deems worthy of belonging in his collection. There never existed a reason for him to be jealous since the planets were constantly aligned in his favor. Whatever his target was, it will inevitably end up in his clutches.

— But the truth is, that attitude was only retained until you stepped into Kidd’s life. All the people he held in his bed before were for cheap, fleeting pleasure, and the materialistic goods in his possession are nothing more than replaceable, inanimate objects. You do not, nor ever will, belong in either of those categories; you are too precious to be labeled as anything other than Kidd’s treasured lover. 

— And so, after officializing your relationship, an unforeseen development was occurring within Kidd’s psyche. In the open air, where his sharp eyes take notice of the lingering gazes and judging stares your presence attracts, a newfound threat looms behind him. The sickly green claws of jealousy ropes around his neck, clawing at his throat to shout threats of murder towards any and all of your pursuers. 

— He would never admit it, but the slumbering insecurity buried deep in his metallic heart had finally awoken, rearing its ugly head whenever jealousy seeps into the cracks of his frame. 

— While you are considerate of Kidd’s feelings and would genuinely never wish for him to feel even the slightest bit of distress, your more sadistic side is a little too tempted to garner this reaction out of him. And as destructive as his rampages could be, which hinders the livelihood of both the innocent and Kid Pirates themselves, the entertainment you derive from them is intoxicating.

— There is plenty to notice of Kidd’s hostile behavior during his jealous outbreaks; the prominent veins throbbing on his neck, the faded white on the knuckles of his clenched fists, the feral eyes of a beast that craves red to be spilled. It is these same details that made Kidd so alluring in the first place.

— The most notable event of Kidd lashing out was when journalists for the News Coos had sought you out for an exclusive interview on your boyfriend. It was during one of those rare occasions when you had the privilege of self-isolation whenever visiting a relatively secluded island. Being asked to an interview was certainly a strange occurrence, but otherwise, you gladly accepted their invitation, just for the pure enjoyment you would receive when Kidd learns of this; it was sure to be a spectacle. 

— And oh, how right you were. You would even dare to compare the next morning of cotton candy and yellow rays to a night of vivid, scattered fireworks. The imaginary sparks that flew from the grinding of his teeth and the vicious glare that was scorching the newspaper to char as he traced the front headlines; the sight alone had undoubtedly left you high on cloud nine. A shame that Kidd did not share your view on the matter. The article was entirely laced with inflated lies and pompous descriptions courtesy of you, which the journalists easily lapped up, but those details were not what pressed Kidd’s gears.

— The picture accompanying the interview was none other than one of you; a quaint, charming photo that encapsulated your smile. It seemed that the editors deemed photos of Kidd to be both unnecessary and tasteless; he is a renowned pirate, his fiery red and crazed snarl is engraved into everyone’s mind. And so, that day’s newspaper had essentially settled you in the limelight. For that, he was livid beyond the orbit; he was furiously seething. You were swarmed with harmless threats, stuttered quibbles, and poorly disguised compliments for nearly a week.

— “How can you interact with these nobodies?” “If you wanted to talk about me, then I’m right here to listen, you know!” “Why would you let someone take a picture of you? Now the world will see how-! They’ll know about your existence!” “How dare you look so- look so damn cute!” - How brazen of you, to find a riled up Eustass Kidd be your guilty pleasure.

— But you know his limits, as any lover should when it concerns their partners, and to calm down that brute of yours, you resort to the two most effective methods; hushed whispers of sweet honey and melting wax, or close contact of bodies with not even a hairsbreadth of space in between. 

—But really, it never matters what you do, Kidd is always happy to indulge your needs and his own, especially if it rids that grotesque, sliver of doubt that nips at his mind as he drowns himself in the nectar of ecstasy. As long as you remain by his side and in his embrace, he will be content, and the same goes for you.

━━ 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫

— Killer is a dangerous man. He is the manifestation of dreading silence and disguisable malice; his mere presence of which that is both suffocating and daunting never ceases to send his foes onto trembling knees. It is honestly a shame that people allow his estranged mask to cloud their better judgment and underestimate his true strength, for they would be no different from mindless sheep wandering into the wolf’s den.  

— But perhaps there is some delight to be found in the fact that the masses remain ignorant of Killer’s more feral side, which lies beneath his metal veil of mystery and obscurity. Though, the real pleasure of it all truly descends upon your core when you are graciously given the chance to witness him succumb to the boiling heat of jealousy.

— Killer may be the level-headed one of the crew, with his silent bravado and hardened resolution, but that simply means he is more capable of hiding his true intentions. In a sort of absurdly humorous way, Killer could be compared to the infamous Pandora’s box; dare yourself to probe the enigma and be rewarded the gift of miserable consequences. 

— Typically, it would be an utter chore to garner any sort of instinctual response laced in ire from Killer; his patience and composure do rarely snap, but then again, it may be due to the iron pride he latches onto that refuses to falter in the face of his enemies. Well, whatever the incentive is, Killer effortlessly deflects and counters any shunning whims and mockery throttled his way, no matter the level of triviality in the situation. 

— And yet, when those supposedly trifling incidences drag you into its cesspool of festering problems, a rivulet of frigid panic whirls within him. There was something so prolifically revolting about heeding his lover involved in such situations, and that bitter inkling only deepens when he finds some weak nobodies casting empty promises and vapid flirts at you. The confinement in his chest would be too tight, suffocating his velvet rope in endless unease; it was impossible for him to ignore it, to ignore the desire to show you were his. 

— Now, Killer will never act out so intrusively at a scale that would cause you discomfort; he greatly respects your boundaries and privacy, shown through his timid head tilts and hovering hands as he waits for your confirmation to coddle you in tender intimacy. But sometimes, Killer’s need for a release from the thrumming tension and frustration distorts his reasoning, whether in the form of cloaked malice or blatant aggression. 

—  If it is the former, Killer would quietly come in between you and the other party with feigned formalities and subtle contact. His bold assertions range from small doting to shameless proximity; a brush of his bronze skin against your own warmth, a possessive embrace around your waist to pull you back against his steel frame, a shift of view to his mask, where you knew that Killer was riddling you with all his passion and reverence through his masked gaze.

— Ah, even the smallest of his grazes has your mind muddled in pink sugar.

— But as much as his fervid touches leave you teeming in a swirl of rousing electricity, there was no denying that the sparking sensation utterly surges when he follows up with a more assertive approach. And oh my, how his killing intent permeates the atmosphere when he is edged on by the crawling eyesore of your flatterer laying their sullied claws on your petaled features.

— Really now, just who did those specks of grime think they were, to project themselves upon you so invasively? Slamming an object down may be enough to scare off your contriving admirers, but the temptation to simply utilize his raw, brute power to ensure they never awake from their slumber was just too much of a rush for him to reject. However, Killer is more civilized when it pertains to social settings, so brawls prompted by him are not a common affair; but you could still list the numerous times he punched somebody for more warranted reasons, especially when they unmindfully slip themselves into your space by force.

— But the part that swoons your heart into torrid oblivion are the aftermaths of any of his invidious turmoils, when your ever so reserved giant, who can be reduced to melted chocolate and thawed hearts with a touch of your own, returns to you with a shameful expression. Through the veneer for his unmerited insecurity, you could vividly picture the confliction swimming in the depths of his cerulean eyes. 

— As unreasonable as it may sound, Killer is entangled in the firm belief that you had this sparkling image of him where he is this reposeful, yet formidable pirate who also happens to be the ideal boyfriend. It is this same notion that spurs Killer to play the role of a perfect lover; the unfortunate product of his childhood, where he spent years in hiding out of self-doubt. And so, when he finds himself reacting senselessly violent towards a mundane situation, fueled by nothing more than petty feelings, he is inclined to believe that he somehow has broken your trust.

— So it is in your best interest that you remind him of just how perfect he already was, how you adore his qualities, his potential, and his flaws; Killer does so much to deserve that melodic reassurance. Imagine, the radiant blissfulness that would cocoon his being once your comforting voice sends honey swirling through his body. And besides, his possessive arrays are enticing performances, because everything Killer does for you was just so profoundly romantic, even with the couple splashes of crimson here and there.

— Of course, there are other traits of Killer’s for you to wholly cherish him for other than the ones that lean towards his violent streak, but how can you gloss over such displays of ferocity without proper appreciation? He deserves at least some slick pressure poured in with unbridled love and infinite urges, from the top of his crown to the underside of his jagged jawline; perhaps even lower if you are ever so daring.

[alias-b]

sins of my youth. 014

Billy Hargrove x OC! Evie Fenny~ Also posted to my AO3

Summary: It was common knowledge that Billy Hargrove hated Hawkins. Hated Cherry Lane. Even loathed the strange girl next door. Evie Fenny wasn’t too fond of the chaotic Cali transfer either. An awful high school tradition sparks a chain of events that changes everything, ultimately bringing two frayed souls together.

A/N: Thanks for waiting!! Billy & Evie have a quiet morning after the party. Start to face the reality of what they have. Friends reconnect. Enjoy the chapter!! TW: Brock's aggressive drunk behavior. Flashes of past trauma and Pica mentions. Some heavy petting.

Chapter 14: Such Sweet Sorrow

   Evie finally had him.

   For the first time, she was the one gone from the bed as Billy opened his eyes.

   One hand felt for her and touched the wall. Dead air where the warmth used to be. Frowned because he wasn't able to bury his nose in endless brown curls to inhale sweet amber.

   Billy surged up and heard the shower running. Evie singing unabashedly over it like no one was in the house. Something he couldn’t place on the rock and blues end. Bigger than he was used to hearing from her. Sultry even. Lungs vibrating to handle the smooth sound that was ever-growing.

   “Ah oh, smokestack lightnin…” She echoed out against the rush of water. "Oh..."

   Billy pictured her hips swaying about as she washed her hair. Suds and curls slick over her shoulders. Smoke fogging. Huge notes he didn’t know she could handle. 

  "Whoa-oh, tell me, baby..."

   Fuck, he was hard.

   "Where did ya stay last night?"

   A heave followed before he got out of bed. Aching.

   "Why don't ya hear me cryin'?"

   Trying not to picture her body slick against his under the pounding of hot water. Droplets falling over her lips and eyelashes. The notes she reverberated that sounded like moans. Fingers digging into warm flesh.

   Billy had to stop it for his own sanity. Three pounds on the door had her skidding against a bath mat.

   Record scratch.

   “What!” Evie blushed deep maroon because the show was not for him.

   “Play me some Def Leppard, Angel!” Billy echoed back. “Also, I gotta take a leak.” It was satisfying to hear the loud huff follow.

   “My mom’s bathroom is free in her bedroom.”

   “Yeah, I try to avoid parent’s personal rooms when I’m at a girl’s house. If you can believe it.”

   “I don’t. But, I won't dare ask why. I’m just finishing up...and I’m not your personal jukebox!” Evie tilted her head back under the spray. 

   “We’ll see about that, let me in there to press some buttons. I'm a pro.” Billy got lower and playfully jiggled the handle as the water shut off. Both of them acting their usual combative selves with each other. 

   “Keep dreaming, William.” Sarcasm made him feel right at home.

   “Believe me, I will, Evangeline.” Billy stepped out when the door opened. Steam followed Evie scrunching her curls into a towel. Covered in a deep purple bathrobe that drowned her dewy body. Clean and still blushing, tying it tighter at the sight of him there looking positively messy and stunning.

   Ocean eyes sparked without shame.

   “Look at you all glowing and wet. Are you...double knotting that because I’m here?” He teased, getting close so one finger could creep under the tie. A tug had Evie's body flush into his. Heat radiating. Damp ringlets dripping down.

   “Yes.” The reply was instant. “I’m Billy-proofed now.”

   “You couldn’t Billy-proof yourself if you tried.” Towering, her slunk in toward Evie’s unamused expression. Earned himself a wet hair towel tossed over his head. Cackles erupted. 

   “All yours.” Evie hurried around him and shut her bedroom door to get changed. Threw a plain skirt on to tuck a shirt into it. No plans to leave the house or see Heather.

   Heather.

   Evie eyed her bookcase of treats. Plucked up a gemstone and didn’t want anything else. Wanted to struggle and feel it force down. All the random pangs in her stomach. It gnawed. She thought of choking. Of Billy finding her. 

   Slowly, she tapped it back down. Tried to just breathe through it before knuckles rapped the door again.

   “You have my pants.” Came the voice. Evie broke to laugh. 

   “Yeah, yeah.” She clicked the lock and let him in. No makeup and damp curls cascading all over her shoulders. “I’m starving. Breakfast? I can make...toast sorta.”

   “That tone really convinces me. I saw a perfectly good waffle iron in there.” Billy rubbed his shoulder and caught her looking again. A beat before he explained. “Dad had an empty bottle in his hand when he swung. Busted the damn thing on me, okay? It’s ugly, don’t worry about it.”

   She gasped, steering toward him.

   “Did it cut you? He could have broken it on your head or-”

   “Lucky break.” Billy joked, rolling his arm a little before he passed her to snatch his jeans up and put them back on. “He missed my face. I can handle it. Just, let me worry about it, alright? I hate to see your eyes get all huge at me.” Blue yawned and hopped off the bed to follow him before Evie went too.

   “It frightens me more that you’re so...causal.” She spoke lighter, washing out Blue’s dishes to fill them. Meows followed and Billy softened.

   “I make a good breakfast, you want to help me out here?” Bright eyes flashed over his shoulder.

   “We’ve used this thing like once.” Evie chuckled. “Mix is above your head. I’ll get a bowl.” She clicked around to find one and set it out.

   “I don’t want to talk about my dad when I’m with you.” Billy decided, eyes on the window above the sink. He tried to numb. “Okay? Evie, I know you hear things. I need you to pretend you don’t. For me. Just...”

   Broad hands settled on the counter. Submissive. Vulnerable. He didn't turn to see her.

   “I’m allowed to worry still.” She pointed. “But, I’ll give you...space.”

   “Fair.” He seemed the type to leapfrog the subject either way. Evie didn't want him to run. So she just stared at the lines of his back shifting.

   Odd to see him so domestic. All velvet and sleepy. Making breakfast. Evie wondered about putting her arms around him. Kissing his cheek. Dragging him back into bed. Rolling around under cotton sheets.

   Her head shook. No. No. No.

   Billy loaded the hot iron with thick batter and clamped it shut. A hiss tapered off. The sound snapped her back.

   “Hope you’re taking notes.”

   “Definitely.” She chuckled. Figuring he spent a lot of time cooking for himself growing up. Evie stepped up next to him and licked her lips. Gathered the will to say it. “Hey, I, uh...like hanging out with you.”

   Billy’s brow rose. Sly while he bit his tongue. Head tilting to boast.

   “Getting all mushy on me, Angel. Look at you melting between my fingers.” He didn't know the half of it. Lashes batted at her so Evie rolled her eyes.

   “I regret saying it alrea-mmff. ” She had her chin cupped to angle it so their lips could collide. Palm sliding to her neck, a thumb drew a circle into flesh.

   Evie drew out.

   “Did you use my toothbrush? I taste mint.”

   “Just the mouthwash.” Billy laughed at her, pecking between words. “I’m not an animal.”

   “Debatable.” Evie’s hand went behind his neck to bring him back down. Tongue and teeth. Billy actually moaned. Pressed her back into the counter before she pulled out. “You’re gonna burn it.”

   “Shit.” Billy jerked away to save the first waffle just in time before adding another. “Only care so I can impress you.”

   “Sure.” Evie droned. They stood there in silence. Shared one space to make a warm breakfast. Peaceful and smelling of sweet batter. Warm and easy. Almost too easy. Eyes flicking to each other and away between steaming pulses.

   “Syrup.” Evie strained to reach it and Billy brought two plates to the table.

   “You gonna let me cook for you again?” He waited for her to take a bite. Humming blissfully.

   “Oh, my god,” Evie cut another piece. “Okay, I’ll give you this. You’re full of surprises, too. Billy Hargrove can cook. He writes stories he won’t share in school and still gets not half bad grades. And he’s the fucking Keg King.”

   “I think you finally find me interesting.” Billy folded a huge piece in half and swallowed whole. Syrup dripping from his lips to be licked.

   “Ugh, I-” They froze when the phone rang in Evie’s room. Frowning, she cut her food with more ire. Billy shot her a look between bites. “I already know it’s Heather.”

   “She’s gonna get to you eventually,” Billy noted, plate empty. Evie left a sliver out of habit and caught him eyeing it before she slid it to him wordlessly. Wondered what his eating habits at home were. He stabbed it with his fork and swallowed.

   “I know. I just,” Evie searched, “I can’t right now.” With some haste, she got up and took the plates away to wash them. Scrubbing harder than necessary as Billy came into the kitchen. Felt his eyes blare. “Hey, come over here.”

   Billy crossed to her at the sink. Watched Evie turn to grip the counter when he blatantly invaded her space. 

   “This close?” He winked.

   “Just,” Evie’s breath hitcher sharper as she stood tall to see his eyes, “don’t move for a second.”

   Fingertips drew up the hair on his forearms. The veins that pulsed. Danced over his collar gently, felt the heat of him through his tee. Billy just watched with his usual intensity. Evie avoided his eyes and touched him. Delicate caresses that rocked his soul apart. 

   One palm cupped the back of his head. Surged into bedhead curls. Eyes lifting to burn his. Billy gave this wanting, little sound. Leaned in for a taste, but she evaded him. Just to see his eyes cloud. Massaged his neck and pulled him down for a gentler kiss. Pushed her tongue out to taste him first. Sticky sweet maple. Earned another whine.

   Billy inhaled against her. Let Evie have some control and worked to earn it back. Made another breathy sound before he palmed her bottom. Grinding into Evie until he was picking her up to set her on the counter.

   A squeal caught up her throat. She felt his muscles bulge and strain but he did it like she was nothing. Shock etched before Evie was reeling out to dart her eyes all over his expression.

   “Told ya.” He chuckled, pressing in between Evie’s legs. Fingers tucked a blond curl aside before her voice stopped another oncoming kiss.

   “Are we just going to keep doing this until one of us cracks?”

   “Jesus Christ, Evie, we tongue fucked in the middle of the street. During a fight." Blue eyes glinted. "That was already the crack.”

   “I’m just thinking about...after.” She searched for more words and none came.

   “Too young to worry about the after.” Billy leaned back to see her. “I think you want to feel good now and…” He leaned in closer, fingers dancing down her front. “I wanna be the person making you feel good. Pretty simple. Crystal clear. Yes?”

   "Y-Yes." That hot iron hand slipped under her skirt. Billy ghosted their lips and heard Evie shiver at his touch. Sinful fingertips trailing up her inner thigh. Dangerously close. Admiring her unfurling.

   Too pretty when lust blushed her cheeks that obscene red. Full lips opened. No sound came. She sunk into him totally. Stunning.

   Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon.

   "I just don't think you've had the right people making you feel so good, Evie." Billy's voice dipped to a baritone that always turned her to putty. "And the things I'd like to do to you. Hm."

   Lips touched the shell of her ear. Left little kisses that lingered in a uniform trail. Arms tightened around him. Felt his finger draw up the hem of her panties. Readied to curl under the fabric.

   He leaned out for permission. For her to ask him for more because she wanted him just as bad. Billy had to hear her say it. The craving itched him deep in his stomach.

   Evie wiggled in place and then she heard it when they locked eyes again. The unmistakable click of baby pink platform heels. Never had the damn sound filled her with such dread.

   “Fuck.” They scrambled away from the counter. Lungs sputtering until Billy bumped into Evie in the dining room between the kitchen and living space. Craning to see the front door. Keys jiggled the lock. “My mother.” 

   “Hey!” Billy tripped as Evie pressed him out, both knowing they wouldn’t make it to her room.

   “Under the table, I’m not letting her find out about…” The word died. Us. Billy actually laughed on his way under the table, hiding within the embroidered cloth. Evie sprang to attention holding her breath as Mona burst in. Fighting to get her key out.

   “Evie!”

   “Mom…” Evie flashed a smile and tried not to look all blushed and guilty. Like she hadn't just had a boy's erection pressed into her thigh. Like she wasn't about to let Billy Hargrove fuck her on a counter after making her breakfast. “You’re home so early.”

   “Oh, well we had this disagreement down there and I just also couldn’t stand how we left things…” Mona was gesturing aimlessly and setting her bag on the sofa, turning to see Evie before she gasped out. “Baby, what happened to your face?”

   “Uh! I...slipped on the ice going down the steps. Really embarrassing.” Evie touched her brow.

   “Sweetheart,” Mona came to kiss the wounded eye socket all better, “did you ice it well? I should have something that'll cure that right up in my bag.” Manicured hands came to angle and see, tutting. “My poor thing.”

   “It’s fine, really. I was just…” Evie trailed off as Mona hugged her. Tight. “Mom, really I’m okay. What…What happened?”

   “Oh,” she sniffed and laughed it off, “sisters disagree on silly things. They still love each other. And I just kept thinking about you here. I missed my baby.” Mona patted her cheek and smelt the air. “Is that cologne? Did you throw any parties while I was gone?”

   “No, I did adopt a new kitten. She was...a gift from a friend. Blue.”

   “I’ll have to meet the little devil when she wanders out.” A smile flashed. “No parties though, you know I don’t mind a few friends over. Maybe...a nice boy.”

   “Mom.” Evie groaned.

   “Swear on Dolly, no parties though.” Mona joked, sharp talons flicking toward the blonde country queen's framed face.

   “I swear on Dolly. I...did try to make waffles. Craving.” Evie chuckled and slid into a seat at the table. Adjusted the tablecloth some.

   “They don’t smell burnt, I’m impressed.” Mona went to her bag. “Ah, well, I got us all kinds of fresh supplies. Powders and dust. Candles. Oils. Gris-gris. Plenty of sage for the house. And you can’t snoop around my bag because I got you some lovely items for your birthday, missy.”

   “Great,” Evie rubbed her temple and jabbed her sock-clad foot out when Billy’s fingers teased her leg, “listen, mom, about our fight-”

   “What fight?” Mona paused to blink at her daughter, setting new candles up on the shelves. “Oh, that little tiff. Sweetheart, your father and I are still working things out. I didn’t want to tell you because...the thing is…he doesn’t want to see us. In fact, he’s been sending that money to ease his own consciousness and, I won’t accept it. We don’t need him. We have each other, that's enough.”

   Evie wanted to fight her mother on it. Watching the woman click around and keep busy by force so she didn’t have to face those pesky emotions.

   This woman who was alive and who sang her songs and who brought cut up pieces of fruit into her daughter's room unprompted. Who made delicious meals and who loved and supported her, despite being overbearing. Despite not wanting to process the negative.

   Not everyone had a person who loved them that deeply, but Evie did. So, she just nodded.

   “No, you’re right.” Hands clasped. “I hope you had a nice time down there.”

   “Yes, it was just a full house and I missed you. That’s all.” Mona pressed her lips. “I like being back home.”

   “Me, too.” Evie gave Billy another light kick for being a handsy shit.

   “I’m going to get the rest of this stuff unpacked in my room and I might have a trip to the store. Never a lazy moment, honey. Do you need anything?”

   “Ah, I can’t think of any-” Evie hitched a gasp and covered it in a cough because Billy’s head slipped between her knees. “-thing!” They clamped shut to keep him in place. Mona blinked and gave her a shrug.

   “Alrighty, dear. Well, let’s say dinner tonight at six?”

   “Six is perfect!” Evie pressed her lips, ready to burst at the mouth on her inner thigh. Teeth nipped and she reached under the table to tug for curls.

   Mona flounced off to her room with the suitcase and Evie shoved out from the table the moment the door shut. Saw Billy's head perk, engulfed in the hanging cloth and looking too innocent.

   "Nice orange panties. Little lacy."

   She scowled at him. Lips touched her knee as an apology until Billy snickered and got pushed as he crawled out.

   “What? I figured you sat down so I-”

   “I was making sure you were covered, asshole.” Evie hissed. “C’mon, you cannot be here. My mom can’t know about us or...me with anyone, she’ll lose her mind.”

   “You mean, she’ll start ordering wedding cakes.” Billy snuck back to the bedroom with her. Realized she had him by the hand. Evie shut the door and put on music so he could grab the rest of his stuff. “Window?”

   “Probably best.” Evie fiddled with her fingers and peered down. Shuddered to let the molten heat subside fully. “Sorry.”

   “Not my first grand escape.” Billy got his jacket and boots on. Looked up from her bed and flashed a smile. “See you around?”

   “You might.” 

   “Swear on Dolly.”

   “Stuff it. Now shoo.” Evie clasped those fidgeting hands behind her as he pushed the window up to climb over it.

   Billy paused in the snowy grass when a palm covered his still gripping the edge. Blue eyes peered to see before lifting to her face, unable to read the expression or those huge, sparkling eyes that were ending him.

   Unable to stop himself.

   He craned to place his lips on her brow. A smile quirked and he had to face away from Evie for the first time. Something burst open and overcame him. Rendered Billy into a daze. Painted new iridescent colors he'd never seen before.

   Fingers curled together. Drawing the connection out even still because they couldn't look at each other. Something else might crack and neither would come back from it.

   “Why’d you do that?” Evie sounded out with no air.

   “I felt like it.” He shifted the toe of his boot into frozen slush to hear grass crunch.

   “Your lips are soft.” Evie peered aside. Butterflies landing within her stomach. For once, it didn't feel empty or like it was weighed down with jagged stones. “I meant what I said about going out. Me and you.”

   Me and you. Sounded so saccharine.

   “I was gonna hold you to it, don’t think I forgot.” Billy peeked to see her and they managed to share another beat.

   Whatever cracked seemed so worth it.

   Evie felt the cold seeping in around him and didn’t let his hand go. Didn't want to because he was letting her see him and touch him. Billy thought of when he was a little boy and his mother took him to see a play.

   Romeo and Juliet. Lovers on the balcony. It seemed silly up until this exact moment where she looked so exquisite.

   Billy longed to create stories with such a hold. Things that distracted from men who hit. Things he could project himself into so others could see inside his chest without it hurting.

   One truth became so clear. Evie didn't hurt.

   "Evie."

   "Yeah?"

   “Are you waiting for me to change on you?” He kept her gaze steady. Thought he saw her eyes well for one second.

   “Honestly, I don’t know what I’m waiting for these days. A charge maybe.”

   Billy looked amused, stretching toward her to settle their foreheads together. Tilting.

   “I’ve heard you sing, Angel, draw it yourself.” He came back. “And talk to Heather.” Billy slipped from her hand and it pained him. It actually collapsed something under his flesh. “Sad eyes are killing me.” He plucked for a cigarette to light up. "You might just kill me, you know that? And I'd let you."

   Evie was lost in him, too.

   “Billy.”

   “Hm?” He gave a sly turn and she bit her lip, picking up Blue when the needy kitten crawled to her for affection.

   “Promise me something.” She cocked her head, dark locks bouncing in the clear daylight. Billy curled a fuller smile at her.

   “Think I won’t do just about anything for you at this point?”

   “Just promise me you won’t change,” she said, “after.”

   “So you admit we’re happening?” He teased and Evie got flat. A finger drew along his chest. Eyes steady. “Cross my heart.”

   Evie shook her head with a smile and started to shut the window. Such sweet sorrow.

   “Hey, flash me for the road.” Billy got vulgar.

   Never mind!

   A huff before she smacked the window shut. Billy laughed on his way around the Hargrove house. Neil’s car was gone to work. Thankfully.

   Susan prepping a meal in the kitchen. Eyes lifted to see the boy still grinning to himself like he held a secret close to his heart.

   “I like that song.” She mused, chopping carrots and celery. Billy skidded to face her in the doorway.

   “Huh?”

   “That Irma Thomas one you were just humming.” A smile followed. "I played it on the cello once. When I was younger. Did you know that?"

   “No... Uh, must’ve been the TV playing it though.” Billy hurried to his room, passing Max with some headphones on so he made a point to flick them off for fun.

   "Jerk." A red scowl followed him as he ruffled her hair and went along. Blissfully uncaring. "Ugh."

   Not missing a beat, Susan went back to her prep. Considered the reality that her stepson was on the cusp of first love.

** ** **

   Evie mulled over her phone the next afternoon. Staring like it might come alive and solve all her problems. If only.

   Blue hopped up for some pets that were granted. Purring encouraged Evie to pluck up the receiver. Dialing before she smacked it down.

   “C’mon, just…” Evie winced and tried again. No answer. She ignored four calls the day before. Frowning, Evie settled the phone down and stood up with Blue. Heart falling.

   And then a ring. Evie didn’t wait for it to end.

   “Hello!” She blurted.

   “Evie!” Heather matched in enthusiasm.

   “...Hey,” Evie sank down holding the kitten to her chest.

   “Hi,” Heather lost what she was about to say and sighed, “can we maybe talk somewhere?”

   “I’d...I'd like that.” Evie searched, licking her lips.

   “I, ugh, went for a walk into town. Want to meet at our cafe?” Heather sounded out, breath spreading cold in the booth. “I’m on a payphone.”

   “Sure. I’ll be there in ten?”

   “Right...right, I’ll see you, I…” Heather welled. “I’m so sorry.”

   “Let’s just talk when I get there.” Evie sniffled. “I’m not mad anymore. It's stupid. It's not us.”

   “O-Okay, I’ll see you in a bit. I’ll order your favorite.”

   “Thanks, Heath. I’ll hurry.” Evie smacked the phone down and let Blue go to wander. “Mom, I’m going to meet Heather!” Hands yanked her boots and coat on.

   “Leftovers in the fridge if you get hungry tonight!” Mona came out fixing her hair in a cocktail dress. “I’m going to meet some friends. Be home later, don’t wait up for me.” Evie stared at the little silver dots decorating her mother’s dress. The sparkly earrings she was putting in. 

   It was clearly a date.

   “Sure.” Evie turned away to go into the cold, shutting the door behind her. Tried to pretend her mother wasn't another fifty logs on the fear of dating Billy Hargrove fire.

   Barely catching the bus at the end of the road, she made it to the opposite side of the main street in no time. Hands stuffed into her pockets while shoulders hitched at the rush of cold. Evie shivered and got to the crosswalk, eyes lifting to see the orange hues inside the little coffee shop. 

   Heather in the window checking her watch with two drinks steaming and ready. Eyes lifted and brightened upon seeing her friend there. A smile crossed before she perked to wave.

   Evie brought her gloved hand out to mirror it. Light as a feather. 

   A weight looped her wrist. Miraculous and dragging. Evie thought she might sink into concrete. A hand attached to a stumbling drunk.

   It was Tannen’s eyes that shook her. Full of vitriol and rage. Enough to poison anyone. The back of her tongue burned with it. Evie suddenly couldn’t speak there against a harsh rush of winter wind.

   “Fenny. Girl, I was just thinkin ‘bout you.” Tannen smiled all sloppy and he still looked so hateful.

   “Let me go, Brock.” Evie tugged back against him there at the crosswalk. 

   “Just wanna talk. Like we did in that closet. When we hid from the storm together. Was nice.” He made this odd sound. A scrape in the back of his throat. Evie realized he was crying. Unsure why it frightened her more. “Never told anyone else what we talked about, did you know that?”

   “You’re drunk, you need to go home.” Evie leveled out. If his emotions went any higher, they'd burst.

   “Evie!” Heather called across the street. Jogging over as Brock yanked her further along. Into his much taller body. “Hey!”

   “We’re just talking, Holloway, don’t get your thong in a twist.” Tannen pulled a flask from his pocket and gulped, spilling sour alcohol on them both. Evie wrinkled her nose and really began to fight because he was yanking her toward his shiny new car. Already a dent in the side.

   "Get your damn hands off her!"

   "Maybe when I'm finished!" He craned toward the other girl.

   “Let go of her,” Heather grasped for Evie’s arm, “you need help.”

   This manic smile crossed his face.

   “It’s why I’m talking to Fenny, here. She’s just s-so fucking helpful. Pretty pillow for the world to land all its shit on. Aren’t you, girl?” He dropped his flask into the top-down car and pinched Evie’s cheek, got smacked off as she struggled. “Just understands shit. So, we’re gonna go somewhere and talk like we did that night. Think about it too much and you fucked me up. You're gonna fix it.”

   Muscles burst when he plucked Evie up by her elbows and carelessly threw her into the backseat over the door.

   “Stop it!” Evie scrambled up to crawl out as he pushed Heather around. “Just stop.” She got out so he went for her again. Playfully hugging her into his chest. Brutally intoxicated. No one walking the streets to help at the late hour.

   As if they'd try. Fucking people in this town. Minding their business when actual shit goes down but running for the dirty gossip.

   “You were right, girl, everything you said. Fucking sucks. All of it. But, you knew that.” He went on, eyes watery. "All this shit. It's not worth it."

   That gouged her.

   “Brock, you need to let me go, right now.” Evie got wedged between him and the car. “You’re scaring me, do you understand that?” She dropped her voice. Got through to him. “I’m sorry, divorce is shit and parents can fucking suck. But, this isn’t going to make your life better. Destroying yourself and hurting others...just stop. You can stop.” Heather came to tug at him again and he seemed to flood back.

   Evie felt him loosen up so she slipped out and away.

   “You shouldn’t be driving.” She tried. Snatching his wrist to help and the hate poured out. Hot lava burning Evie before a shove sent her back into Heather's arms.

   “Not over,” he muttered to himself, skidding around to get into the car regardless, “not over. Fucking Hawkins trash. Sick of it. All of it.”

   “Brock, just-wait!” Evie felt Heather grip her wrist as he swerved off. “Fuck.”

   “He’s losing it.” Heather pulled again. “Are you okay?”

   “We should call the police, he could hurt someone...or himself.” She added, going to a payphone. “Do you have change?”

   “Yeah...yeah.” Heather fished through her little wallet and Evie smashed some buttons. A couple of snowflakes fell as she hurried to speak into the receiver. Sky darkening above. One sigh followed before she shrugged and set it down.

   “He already has a DUI, this won’t end well.” She rubbed her face. “He was crying.” Like Fredrick. Huge, wet tears hitting cool skin. Hands pulling for more of her to still them.

   They're sick and twisted and hateful and this part of Evie still wanted to nurture. To make it better because she couldn't make herself better.

   “Are you okay, though?” Heather asked again, sweet as pie when she smoothed a snowflake from Evie’s cheek before it could melt away. Brown eyes flickered.

   “Yeah, just spooked I guess.” Hands went back into her pocket so she leaned into the booth. “You?”

   “Just glad he didn’t drive off with you.” Heather shook at the thought noticeably, using her sleeve to itch her nose before she held herself and frowned. “What...did you guys talk about in that closet? You know, before the fight?”

   “I, uh, was pretty drunk so I don’t remember much actually,” Evie sidestepped out of the booth, eyes elsewhere, “it was over a year ago.”

   Brock was an asshole, but these weren’t her secrets to share.

   Evie got a few steps in before sighing ice to turn back to Heather. Stunning there under flickers of snow and stars reflecting in her big eyes. Glowing streetlamps. Hair piled with a baby blue ribbon to match her fuzzy sweater. Lips wobbling. Steady, Evie came to hug her tight.

   “Not mad.”

   “You should be.” Heather sniffled, squeezing her before pulling out. Fingers curling into Evie’s coat. “Listen, the whole thing was dumb. He was normal at the time, I didn’t know he was such a jerk. I just asked if he’d met you and figured you guys might have something in common. I was drunk and maybe vulgar. I'm sorry.”

   “We did, ah,” Evie caught herself, “you were just trying to be a wing-woman and I...I get weird about that stuff. I’m still coming around to the idea of being...desired. I don't know. Let's just go inside.”

   “Ugh, you’re hot, Evie, you are!” Heather smacked her ass as they turned to walk off. Evie jumped a mile into the air giggling which Heather mirrored. Arm slung over her shoulder. “The updated wardrobe was only the beginning. You’re the whole package. Smart. Talented. Hell, you have the Keg King on your line. Just admit you’re a tough bitch already and you deserve only the best.”

   “I have him on my line because someone gave him my number. What happened to busting his balls for me?” 

   “Well, I can make an exception if he makes you smile like that.” Heather teased. “Come on, I bet our drinks are cold.” They went into the cafe to leave Brock and his deranged expression behind. Back to the table after Evie waved at Jesse near the register. “Just got us a hot chocolate, figured we could use it. I can get us another if-”

   “It’s fine, Heather, let’s just sit.” Evie slipped her coat off and exhaled. 

   Behind her eyes, pictures flashed to blind. These snapshots of Fredrick shoving her into bed the same way Brock pushed her into that car. Brown hair slipping over sheets before fingers tugged at her clothing. Standing too tall over her until his shadow cast to shroud her soul. Evie felt lost to so many shadows before him with twisting smiles and thunderous claps.

   A hand pushed into her chest to level the speeding heart and weeping lungs. Willed them to be still and lie down as Heather started to speak. More apologies.

   Evie brought her sweater higher to cover herself. Tugged the sleeves down. Wanted to curl up in too much fabric and drown in a dream of silken sheets and falling begonia petals. So no one could see her skin and burn it.

   Her breath drew tighter, closing in around too many clacking objects. Gemstones and keys. Red pushpins like cherries and that one safety pin that definitely opened on its way down. But, she’d been good again. Things would just come out. They had to.

   They had to.

   The things we put into the world come back at us. It worked both ways.

   “Evie, you’re shaking.” Heather paused to touch her hand and Evie almost lunged back.

   “I-I...I’m okay.” A smile cracked too wide. “Just Tannen.” Evie sputtered this breath like a broken fan, head shaking. Another smile. Even wider. Cheshire cat grin full of whimsy. She gulped and forced the chocolate down. Chalky into her stomach. “Did...Carol hurt you during that fight?”

   “Almost pulled my earring out but I got some hair,” Heather tilted to see Evie’s face, “don’t see much of a mark from that slap. You really gotta stay out of fights, Fenny, you’ll give Billy a run.”

   “Don’t I know it?” Evie watched Heather sip and peer at the little fireplace in the corner. “Mostly just shocked and I fell right into Tommy.” Evie rubbed the corner of her eye. Started to breathe better with her friend here. 

   “I still...feel bad about-”

   “Don’t beat yourself up, Heath,” Evie peered at the frost spreading along the windows. Near ready to obscure the world. Hide them in a warm little corner. “I don’t want that for you.”

   “I put you in danger, Eve. I did that.” Heather frowned again. Took a shaky drink.

   Evie didn’t have the heart to tell her best friend that danger was an old love whose arms she’d always walk into willingly. Body and soul. That she felt here when her heart panged at danger’s shadow and weight looming over her shoulder. Spilling to eat her right up. Weighting her into a damp sheet. Again and again in the same room that held her hostage.

   “Guys like Tannen put us in danger,” Evie decided at last, “not the other way around.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you all so much for reading and supporting!! Chat with me and let me know what you think of the story if you have time. xoxo

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[itsmarianstories]

They call me kitty🐾

[Jikook Social Media Au]

Part 28: Monster >> Part 29: Fine?

Jungkook is a bratty college student, who stumbles through life, trying to find his way. He is attractive and he knows it, so he is used to getting whoever he wants. Until a certain cute boy walks into his life with swaying hips and fluttering lashes, who seems completely unimpressed by Jungkook. However, being the stubborn boy that he is Jungkook refuses to give up just yet, not knowing that with that he has already become a figure in Jimins game of life.

(A/N: Okay this time I really need to leave a trigger warning: Torture, Murder, lots of blood is in this chapter, please read with caution!!)

_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.

Jeongguk didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of him crying again. He didn’t want to confirm their impression of him just being a weak boy toy. However, once the man stepped in front of him with a butterfly knife he couldn’t suppress the whimpering. Jeongguk always thought he had a pretty high pain tolerance. Getting tattoos in all kinds of sensitive places was never a problem to him, but this was a completely different situation.

The man knelt down in front of him, the knife dangling loosely from his hand as he grinned up at Jeongguk. 

“Where should we start, huh? Maybe just a nice few little cuts here and there? A stab in the leg?” Jeongguk felt nauseous. He had the desperate urge to get away somehow but everytime he tried the ropes cut deeper into his skin. His wrist had to be bloody already. 

“You still won’t speak, huh?” The man said and lifted the knife up. Jeongguk stared at it with wide eyes and shook his head.

“N-No, please.” He choked out. The man laughed and pressed the knife against his cheek.

“Oh, so you can talk, after all. Got something to say?” Jeongguk tried to gulp but his mouth and throat were too dry. He wanted to cry again.

“I--- I don’t know anything.” Which wasn’t a lie really. Jimin never told him much. All he knew were basics, his name and the new recipe since he did it himself. He wasn’t sure if that were informations that would please the man. He could try but he also didn’t really want to give him what he wanted. Jeongguk is going to die anyway. He could bear a bit of pain. 

“Wrong answer.” The man growled. His grin had disappeared and with a quick movement he brought the knife down right into Jeongguks thigh. The pain was overbearing, it crushed his lungs and rushed through his whole body. He choked on his scream and whimpered again. New tears are now streaming down his cheeks. His left cheek burned a little bit, Jeongguk guessed that the knife did leave a cut there and the salty tears just increased the pain, however it was nothing compared to the knife that was still buried in his thigh. 

“You might wanna reconsider your answer. I’m sure there is something you know.” The man said and pressed the knife down a little more. Jeongguk cried out again and tried to stop his leg from shaking since it was only causing more damage. 

“I--- I r-really don’t know anything. I know he is in a gang a-and has drug labs and br-brothels but that’s all. I- I swear.” He pressed out but the man only sighed exasperated. He pulled out the knife which send another wave of burning hot pain through Jeongguks body and stood up again.

“You are not helping yourself right now.” He said and started pacing around Jeongguks chair. Somehow it made everything worse not being able to see him. “I can appreciate your loyalty but it’s really unnecessary here. It won’t be getting you anywhere.” Jeongguk stared at the deep red patch that was forming on his leg. He could see his own flesh and that just made him even more sick. This wasn’t supposed to happen, all of this wasn’t supposed to happen. Today had been his last exam and it went great. He was feeling amazing and was euphoric to spend the next ten weeks with nothing but lazing around, playing video games, eating all the junk food and maybe fucking Jimin. How did it come to this? 

“What are Kitty’s dirty little secrets, huh?” The man whispered into his ear and Jeongguk jerked a bit before trying to get away from him, but the man grabbed his shoulder and held him tightly. 

“I don’t kno-” Jeongguk was cut off by another wave of pain. It was so extreme that for a moment all he saw was white. He couldn’t breath, he couldn’t move, he couldn’t speak.This was worse than anything he has ever felt combined, even worse than the stab in his leg. 

“Say that again, I dare you.” The man hissed and pulled the knife out of Jeongguks shoulder. Jeongguk wheezed, his vision still blurry and his mind blank. He couldn’t concentrate on anything but the pain. Just as Jeongguk thought he was about to pass out a loud bang could be heard, from somewhere in the building. The whole room shook for a moment, followed by total silent for barely three seconds before all hell broke loose. The sound of gunshots and screams grew louder and louder.

“What the fuck is going on there?!” The man screamed towards his men, who all seem to be alarmed now. One of them pulled out a radio set and mumbled into it. After a few moments a deep voice answerd.

“He--- He’s here.” A groan. “Kitty is here, he brought a whole fucking army. We couldn’t-” More shots could be heard and a rustling sound came from the radio set before another voice spoke up. Jeongguks head snapped up at that voice.

“Seungri, you ugly little motherfucker! Where are you hiding, huh? Did you really think you could get rid of me that easily? Did no one tells you that the cat always catches the rat?” Hope spread through Jeongguks chest like a wildfire. He bit his lip to not sob again. The blonde man cursed and walked over to snatch the device out of his mans hand.

“What do you wanna do, huh? Blow up this whole shithole? I know you, you wouldn’t do that. Here are ‘innocent’ people after all. And I personally have someone here with me that I’m sure you wanna know about.” Seungri spit the word ‘innocent’ out as if it was something ridiculous. Jimins chuckles rang through the room.

“With innocent you mean the women you kidnapped and drugged? We already evacuated them, so don’t worry about that. And Jeongguk, well he was a nice way of passing time but do you really think I’d endanger my men for a boy toy? You can shoot him for all I care.” The hope he felt blew away like a balloon that you prick with a needle. Once again he couldn’t breath. He lowered his head to not show how those words affected him. He really couldn’t tell anymore where the most pain was coming from, his leg, his shoulder or his chest. Jimin continued.

“So you might notice, there is actually nothing stopping me from blowing up this ratnest. It would be a really convenient way to get rid of you and all your shit at once.” Seungri paced through the room angrily and kicked the chair he was sitting on earlier, it flew through the room and crashed against the next wall. The three men by the door looked nervously between each other.

“However, I’m feeling kind of generous today. I can see you tried really hard, so why don’t you and your last three men-” Seungri made a surprised noise and looked up. His eyes searched the corners of the room until they landed on a camera in the left corner over the door. He cursed again.

“come out and we can-” Jimin flicked his tongue “‘talk’ about this whole thing. I give you ten minutes to decide then I’m blowing everything up.” A rustling sound showed that Jimin deemed this conversation over.

“FUCK!” Seungri screamed and threw the radio set against the wall as well. He started pacing through the room again and fisted his hands into his hair. The three man at the door got more and more agitated. 

“What are we gonna do, Boss?” The one who also gave him the knife asked. Seungri stopped pacing and looked over to them.

“How many shots do y’all have left?” He asked and the men started checking all their guns. 

“We have 47 combined.” The man in the middle answered. 

“Okay. They have to be in the control room to be able to see the camera views. The room has only one door, once we made it to the corridor they won’t be able to escape. We’ll have to be quick and precise, but we can do it. Be careful and save your shots.” Seungri ordered and the men immediately started gathering themselves. One of them looked over to Jeongguk quickly.

“What’s with him?” He asked and Seungri followed his eyes before shrugging.

“We’ll just leave him here. He’s gonna die sooner or later.” Jeongguk sobbed again but no one took note of him anymore. And moments later he was alone again. The heavy metal door fell back into it’s lock and Jeongguk allowed himself to cry again. Once again he struggled against his ties but they didn’t move one inch. He looked around for something that might be of help and his eyes landed on the bloody knife that was buried into his shoulder just a few moments earlier. It lay on the ground maybe three feet away from him. He took a shuddering breath and started scooping towards it. The chair made ugly noises as the metal feet scraped over the rough ground. Jeongguk started sweating, probably mostly from pain and he whined again when first drops of sweat reached his injuries. 

It was exhausting and he was barely moving forward but it was the only hope he had left. Halfway towards the knife he had to make a pause to catch his breath. The movement felt like it was ripping his wounds more open. He heard several gunshots again and wondered what was going on. Would these guys really be able to defeat Jimin? Jeongguk shook his head, he shouldn’t care about that. He made another small hop towards the knife when he heard steps outside of the door. Immediately he froze in place. Was someone coming to kill him off after all? The ‘no-witnesses’ kind of thing. He bit his lip and stared at the door, not daring to move. The steps became louder and stopped in front of the door. Jeongguk held his breath and suppressed a sniffle. 

And then the door clicked and swung open and Jeongguk stared wide-eyed as no other than Jimin stepped into the room. His hair was messy, his eyes had something feral to them and he was covered in blood but his gaze became a bit softer as he saw Jeongguk. His eyes drifted over his whole body and then he came rushed over.

“Oh bunny, I’m so sorry.” Jimin whispered. He pulled the blood-soaked gloves of his hands and threw them to the ground before gently cupping Jeongguks cheeks. The latter was so confused. Was his mind making this up? Playing tricks on him? Giving him a last bit of hope before he’s going to die? 

“What--- why?” He choked out as Jimin let go of him and pulled a clean knife out of his boot. For a second Jeongguk thought Jimin is gonna kill him with it but then the older kneels down and cuts the ties around his wrists and ankles. He sighs as he inspects Jeongguks wounds. 

“It’s gonna hurt like a bitch walking with that.” Jimin said and stood up again. He started undoing his belt and Jeongguk is too shocked to say anything. “I’m sorry for this but your pants are already ruined anyway and the soft fabric is better than anything I’m wearing.” The older mumbled and used the knife to cut off a piece from Jeongguks sweatpants.

“Jimin, what the fuck?” Jeongguk finally said as he somewhat gained his voice back. Jimin started wrapping the fabric of the pants around the belt and then motioned for Jeongguk to stand up.

“I know, Jeongguk. I’m sorry, I really am, for all of this but can we discuss this later? We really need to get you out of here and stitched up, you are losing a lot of blood.” Jimin said and pulled him out off the chair. Jeongguk hopped around on the healthy leg until he found his balance, supporting himself on the backrest of the chair as Jimin crouched down again and wrapped the belt around his leg, directly over his stab wound.

“This is gonna hurt now.” He warned and tied the belt so it was tightly pressing his wound close. Jeongguk groaned. Jimin checked that everything was secured and then stood back up, wrapping one arm around Jeongguks waist and Jeongguk wrapped an arm around Jimins shoulders. Like that they made their way over to the door. 

“Uhm, I should probably warn you. It’s not a pretty sight out there. You don’t have a problem with seeing blood do you?” Jimin asked and Jeongguk gulped. He doesn’t have a problem with blood but he still wasn’t prepared for the amounts of dead bodies laying around. 

“Oh my god,” He gagged as the metallic scent hit his nose just as he stared directly at a man who got shot in the face. 

“Close your eyes, I’ll lead you out of here.” Jimin suggested but Jeongguk couldn’t. He just couldn’t. It was like his eyes were glued to the massacre around them. He has seen scenes like this in movies but it’s so, so different in real life. Jeongguk was sure he could taste the blood on his tongue. It might have just been his own but it didn’t help in this situation. His breathing quickened.

“H-How can you stay so c-calm?” He asked, his voice trembling, nearing a panic attack. They came into another room, with way less corpses but the images were already burned into his mind.

“I’ve seen plenty of worse things.” Jimin answered. Jeongguk wondered what could be worse than this. “Listen, all those people here, were bad. They did a lot of horrible things. Rapists, Kidnapper, Dealer, they sell humans as slaves. They steal and murder without a second thought. No one will miss them.” 

“You can’t know that. They might have had families or-”

“Jeongguk. Stop thinking about it.” Jimin said sternly just as they stepped through a door and cold, fresh night air hit them. Jeongguk greedly gulped down the air to get rid of the blood scent. They were on a parking lot. Several trucks and jeeps were standing around them. Jeongguk saw a lot of men who looked like Jimin. Feral and drenched in blood. Then, further to the left was a group of women who looked traumatized. They were all wearing way too less for the cold night. 

“They would have been sold soon or forced into prostitution.” Jimin explained as he saw Jeongguks look. 

“And now?” The younger asked, wondering what Jimin would do with them. 

“Now we are bringing them to the hospital. Together with you, by the way.” 

“H-Hospital?” Jeongguk repeated. In movies they never go to hospitals, since the police can easily find them there. 

“Duh, you need stitches.” Jimin said matter-of-factly. 

“Isn’t it dangerous for you?” The younger clarified. 

“I have connections to one of the hospitals. The chief doctor there is a regular customer of mine, so in his own interest they are very discrete there.” Jeongguk scoffed at that and regretted it immediately once a hot wave of pain rushed through his shoulder. 

“Of course.” He mumbled and then another thought crossed his mind. “What happened to Seungri?” Jimins grip around his waist tightened a bit as they walked over to one of the Jeeps. 

“I’m not done with him yet. He pulled a lot of shit and he has to pay for it.” 

“Are--- Are you gonna kill him?” Jeongguk asked carefully as they reached the Jeep. A few men were standing around it but no one bothered them as Jimin helped him climbing into the back seat. 

“Why? Would you rather do it yourself?” Jimin asked with a smirk. Jeongguk would have choked on his own saliva if his mouth wasn’t so godamn dry. As if Jimin read his mind he reached under the seat and pulled out a water bottle, handing it over to him. 

“Why would i wanna do that?” Jeongguk said incredulous as he accepted the drink. Jimin shrugged.

“I mean he kidnapped and tortured you. I think that’s a pretty valid reason. You don’t have to kill him if you don’t wanna you can also just knock him out, break some bones you know. There are many possibilities.” Jeongguk has never heard Jimin talk like that. For the first time he really thought about what kind of things Jimin did in his past in order to be where he is now. Everyone told him Jimins way up was covered in blood but he never actually thought about what this really meant.

“That would make me into the same monster as he is.” Jeongguk stated. Jimin chuckled at that. 

“In everyone sleeps a monster, that gets woken up if just enough shit happens to you.” Jimin said and for some reason that made Jeongguk sad. He couldn’t help but wonder what shit happened to Jimin to make him like this. Seungri has mentioned some stuff about Jimin in the past, he just wasn’t sure if he really could believe him. 

“Hey Tae,” Jimin then called and turned away from Jeongguk. A tall guy with fiery eyes and a big smirk on the face turned around. “Make sure everything is cleaned up here, bring the girls to the hospital and Seungri to the base.” Jimin ordered. The tall guy saluted jokingly.

“Aye, aye boss.” He said and marched off. 

“Jongin, let’s go!” Jimin screamed next and seconds later someone got in the driver's seat. Jeongguk leaned back in his seat as they started driving. However, he couldn't relax. Everything was still hurting so badly and the whole events of the night just caught up to him. He wanted to curl up in bed, cry and never leave it again. Maybe he really never should have gotten involved with Jimin.

+++

(A/N: I actuall thought a lot about how to write these last two parts, but in the end I kind of wanted Jimin to be badass and not make everything more complicated. So I hope y’all liked it. Feel free to ask me all your questions if you didn’t understand anything!)

[team-crtq]

RWBY Volume 5 Episode 5 Review

Mod Quartz here again! Look’s like I was right to choose the first episode in each cycle because DAMN, I drew an interesting episode this time around.

So our episode starts off with Sun and Blake going around trying to convince some of the Fanaus of Meangrie to sign a petition it seems to protect Haven Academia while it seems like the animators are looking for every animal trait they can find to meld with one of the character models. I will give credit to animators that they at least try to give Meangrie’s population some more variety as to show the diverse range of Fanaus that can result in their race. Although some do confuse like the more aquatic Fanaus. Do they have the ability to breath underwater? Can they only live in water? Do they reproduce like mammals or like fish? I get that they can’t go into depth so much since theres so little time but, maybe create a World Of Remnant series to play in the off months to explain more. I’m sure losing one or two episodes of RWBY chibi wouldn’t be much compared to clarifying the lore a bit more.

Any how, while Sun ad Blake try to recruit some people to help them (in which Sun almost recruits an unknowning teen but to be far, he was like a foot taller than him), nobody seems to want to help. As Blake explains, the people who came willingly to Meangrie and weren’t born on the island came because they were sick of the pressure and trials of living with humans and just want to be left alone which makes sense. Why else would you choose to live in DEATH AUSTRALIA other than to get away from people? l though I have to wonder about Blake’s line about “putting the world before themselves” line. Is about the world or the humans? We never see WHY they are being rejected which would help here but sadly, we don’t get anything and that keeps us in the dark.

Blake then goes onto say that Adam’s actions will affect them whether they want it to or not as his actions while speaking on behalf of the Fanaus will make things worse for everyone. And sadly this is true. When there is a bad group of people in any vaguely connected group, they all get ht bwith the bad reputation. That’s why organizations like the KKK are bad: Because not only to they harm people for no real reason but then everyone even vaguely connected to them gets hit with their stigma as well. And considering how the White Fang participated in taking down Beacon, things will get ugly if they take out Haven as well.

Then we have Sun not-too-subtly trying to get to know his competition (I know that probably wasn’t his intention but I couldn’t resist.) And Buddy, even with your following, you are still a way better choice than Douchey McStabbyTerrorist. So Blake goes onto explain why she liked Adam and whys he feels the way about him she does now. She says that she has meet people who are basically the embodiment of words and we get her opinions on the reast of Team RWBY (and Sun) before Adam with Ruby being “purity”, Weiss being “defiance”, Yang being “Strength” and Sun being on the fence with a leaning to “Earnest.” Well the Blake shippers are gonna have a field day with this.

Anyway, she goes onto explain Adam. At first she describes him as Justice then as Passion before settling on Spite. And she makes it clear that it isn’t Rage or Hate like we believed him to be but Spite. Blake talks about how Adam operates, how he refuses equality to instead cause suffering to the world he thinks made him suffer before talking Illa and how Adam’s way of thinking is dangerously contiguous. And that really does make sense. It’s really easy to blame the world for your problems and try to enact vengeance on the world for what it did to you.  It’s easy to see yourself as justified in taking back what was taken from you, “eye for an eye” as the saying goes. But it also brings to mind “eye for an eye and the whole world’s blind”: Adam has gone too far to the point that other people are his victims and can take a shot at his eyes. Thus the cycle would keep going and going and going until the whole world breaks down. It emphasies the need to let go and work for the greater good.

We then hear Blake talk a bit about Illa, how she admired Illa for fighting in the White Fang despite the fact that she could pass as human, how she was trained with Illa in how to fight and how to survive and how when Sienna and Adam rose to power, Ill as well as herself became more dangerous people as a whole. Sun then asks what she is gonna do and Blake replies that she’s gonna do for Illa what Sun did for her: be there even as they push others away. This is actually pretty nice as while Sun made a few mistakes in Volume 4 (It was Volume 4, everyone was making mistakes Mostly the writers.), so did Blake. Here we see Blake accepting that and moving beyond that. Blake’s truly developing here. 

After that, we cut to Oscar training with the cane while Ruby walks down to tell him that dinner is ready. Oscar talks a little about how he never really fought before and how he feels so at home with the cane, as though he has had it for a lifetime or even longer. ... DUnno what to make of this with Ozpin so I’ll just move on. Ruby then says that if he keeps training he’ll be readyin no time, dropping Penny’s old Euphamism of “Combat Ready!” And then she goes sad, much like the entire fandom at that line. Oscar catches on and tries saying something but Ruby just tries walking away. This is rather important in that t shows that Ruby still refuses to properly process and grieve for her dead friends. Ruby, for all her strength, is still a child who can’t properly process death well enough.

Then Oscar asks her how she can be okay with everything going, talking about how he’s overwhelmingly scared and how he never asked for any of this. Ruby tries comforting him by saying that she and her friends went to Beacon to help people but how they needed to keep going, which Oscar snaps and lashes out at her about how people have tried to kill her and the world’s about to go to war and how she’s okay with this. We see Ruby look down from Oscar’s gaze and see Oscar calm down right before we get perhaps the greatest speech from Ruby Rose we’ve had yet.

She talks about how when Beacon fell, she lost Pyrrha and Penny. She talks about how even though she didn’t spend a whole lot of time with Penny and Pyrrha, they were still some of the kindest people she knew. She also talked about how that was able to save them and how Pyrrha, in trying to help the world, died knowing she couldn’t win. Ruby talks about how she’s scared, not just for herself but for the whole world because of the ruthlessness she exhibits. She goes onto talk about how she’s in pain from their deaths, how she didn’t get to have more time with them...and how it would have been her instead, where Pyrrha and Penny would have kept fighting no matter the danger. Ruby says that’s why she keeps fight and why she keeps moving forward. Socar walks up to Ruby and smiles thankfully at her while Ruby returns it, wipes away her tears and walks away, giving him words of encouragement.

... I’m probably gonna make a post about this scene in particular and how much it shows Ruby’s strength but for now, let’s say that is very rare for this sentiment to be shown in such a real context.

We stay with Oscar a bit as he talks to Ozpin, who calls Ruby remarkable. Oscar responds by saying that she must have been one of the best huntresses at Beacon. WHile Ozpin admits that Ruby has her own fair share of quirks and flaws like everyone, he talks about how Ruby is able to inspire and keep people moving in spite of the odds. Oscar concludes that things must be hard on her and Ozpin reassures that notion rather grimly.

And to the final scene, we see the Fox Fanaus brothers finishing a message and trying to discuss their thoughts (well, one is, the taller, bigger one just wants to do his duty) while standing in front of what can only be called a WHITE FANG SHRINE. Jesus, Sun calling the White Fang a “cult” is really looking appropriate right now. Especially as when Illa comes in, she bows to them until she is ordered up and the smaller twin refers to the Mistral branch as a “brotherhood.” Listen everyone, I don’t scare easily. I’m a horror movie fan and I once laughed my ass off at the entire line of Hellraiser movies. So know that when I say this, I mean it: I’m freaking scared here.

Although I really love Illa here. She clearly doesn’t like Sienna being killed by Adam as she is shown to vsbly look away upon hearing this and when asking about her, she’s smiling. Sadly, Sienna is said to be buried with honor. (Hey, I at least understood where Sienna was coming from so she does deserve some honor.) And when the taller brother tells her about the story being told to the other branches, she’s seen looking down when calling it a necessary sacrifice. Illa’s being pushed far here and you can tell from her demeanor.

The Fox brothers go on to say that they have another mission which Illa says she’ll do. They talk about how the White Fang is going through a transitional period (read: conversion to true terrorism) and Illa says that for the betterment of the Fanaus, they can do it. They go on to explain how they have control or information in Meangrie and how news of Adam’s takeover hasn’t reached them yet. However, when it does, the people will resist it due to Ghira speaking against them. And because of that, they need to be “silenced” since as, like Sienna, they prevent “true progress.” And since Illa knows Blake, she is integral to the mission. And when she tries talking about the people, they make a vague threat about enforcing control and how they’ll be without a leader until their victory is certain.

And throughout this Illa is looking scared as hell. She is clearly shocked that they would ask her to kill Blake and her family and how they would destabilize Menagrie just to assert power. It’s clear here that Illa is being pushed to the breaking point and its ems the brother’s know this as they rationalize their actions as a “necessary sacrifice.” It’s clear what they are doing here: Trying to rationalize everything they do to avoid people seeing just how deep in the murk they are. It’s what all radicals do.

And Illa exits the scene as they discuss the possibility of Ghira being a martyr before playing Stabby McAbuseyDick’s message. Basically: Man scorned, want girl alive but suffering. Usual Adam stuff. He is clearly insane here, something that even the BROTHERS notice. They rationalize it as being necessary for their now leader, showing that even THEY have more standards and have a more just reason than Adam. Then someone knocks at the door and we see a bat Fanaus by the name of Yuna informing them that he killed a messenger of Ghira’s while the episode ends with them assured that their plans are set. 

All in all, it was another good episode. I really enjoyed the Oscar and Ruby part as we got to see the stress of the duty hit Oscar and see how much Ruby has grown. The last scene with the brothers scared treh crap out of me due to the parallels with cults and just how much I could see this happening in real life. And while I wasn’t a big fan of the first part (mostly because I’m not a Blake fan and that it should have been more detailed): it was still a solid addition and was necessary to set up Blake’s next step in her plotline. Volume 5 seems to be trying to patch up the problems from the previous Volumes and it seems to be doing a pretty good job. Although time will tell if things continue like this.

Until then, see ya in Episode 9!