#I'm sorry Bryn he's an asshole

[benevolentgodloki]

There is nothing pure abt valkyrie

"Not now there isn't."

[nocturnalswarehouse]

Chapter 3 - The First Job

Fic Series: At Long Last

Pairing: Brynjolf x Female Dovahkiin|Dragonborn (Adranelle Rolaine)

Premise: Eight years after being declared the Dragonborn, and three years after Alduin is defeated, Adranelle (Adi) Rolaine finds herself back in Riften to help Brynjolf with the Thieves Guild's reputation.

Masterlist

Taglist: @thequeenofthewinter

Word count: 1,540

A/N: PLEASE READ, IMPORTANT! This is the last chapter that will be up until after June 6! After that, I will have a proper updating schedule. It'll be weekly for sure but that's all I've figured out. Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

Mercer Frey was every bit an asshole that Adi remembered. He was brash, arrogant, and clearly needed a vacation. It didn’t help that he never liked her in the first place, always treated her like she was some beggar on the street. This time wasn’t any different, the Breton telling her to get a job from Vex before he initiated her into the guild. Brynjolf was to tag along and make sure she didn’t do anything stupid, supposedly. Something about Adi needing to prove that she’s not as “idiotic” as she was over a decade ago. 

She was tempted to Shout at him at that moment. 

The job Vex gave her was simple. All Adi needed to do was plant a gold necklace in Bolli’s home, and get out without getting caught. Brynjolf would be with her to keep watch and tip off a guard once Adi was finished and out of sight. It went off without a hitch, the thieves lucky that Bolli was at The Bee and the Barb for dinner, his wife Nivenor nowhere to be found. 

“Probably off cheating on her husband with another poor bloke,” Brynjolf commented when they found the home completely empty. He gave her the latest gossip about the couple, Adi already having a vague idea of Bolli and Nivenor’s dynamic. 

With the job finished, Adi insisted that she and Brynjolf take a break at the docks. She wasn’t quite ready to face Mercer again, and the Nord was more than happy to let his friend have a breather. “Why does he hate me?” 

“He doesn’t hate you, lass!” Brynjolf insisted for the tenth time. 

“He does, Bryn,” Adi said. She stopped pacing and looked down at the Nord. “I have never heard him say a single nice thing to me.” 

“He’s just been stressed.”

Groaning, Adi ran her hands over her face. She loved Brynjolf, she really did, but he worshipped the Guild Master almost too much. While he did recognize when Mercer was being too harsh at times, he would always make an excuse as to why he was acting that way. Adi knew there was something off about him, but Brynjolf was the last person she’d talk to about it. There was no getting through to him without evidence.

“Look.”

“Hm?”

“I know you owe a lot to Mercer for taking you in when you had nowhere else to go,” Adi took a seat next to him. “But you can’t be blind to the way he treats other members. And that includes you.” 

“I suppose you’re right, but-” 

“Sorry to interrupt, but I need help. I’m going to lose my job at the Riften Fishery.” 

Adi and Brynjolf looked up to see an Argonian woman. She seemed exhausted and worried, and if Adi wasn’t mistaken the Argonian was going through withdrawal. “Why might you lose your job?”

“It’s in danger.” She spoke quickly as if she had a bounty on her back. Adi stood up to be at eye-level with the woman and listened as she told her story. “The owner, Bolli, said that if I show up for work in this condition one more time, then I'm out. I don't mean to do this to myself, but I can't help it. I tried some skooma a year ago, and ever since then, I can't stop! If you could give me a healing potion, I could cleanse this poison from my body and get back to my life."

“What’s your name?” Adi sifted through her restocked satchel and handed the Argonian a healing potion. 

“Wujeeta,” she answered. She took the bottle from Adi and downed it in one go. “Your kindness will never be forgotten. Here, take this. It’s all I can offer for what you’ve given me.” 

“No need,” Adi refused the gift. “I did this because I wanted to.”

“If you’re sure…” 

“I am, and thank you.” She smiled at Wujeeta, who seemed to relax. 

“Where did you get your skooma?” Brynjolf asked, now standing behind Adi. 

“Look, I don’t think I should say.” She shook her head. “I mean, they could kill me!” 

“I think you owe me one,” Adi said, gently. While Brynjolf was the one with the silver tongue, Adi’s years of being an assassin and the Dragonborn have given her enough practice. Different tactics worked to persuade different people, and she could tell that Wujeeta would tell someone that seemed trustworthy. The Guild armour was deceiving, and she could see in Wujeeta’s eyes that she saw Adi as an ally.  

“Okay… Okay, I’ll tell you.” Wujeeta took a deep breath. “I get my skooma from Sarthis Idren. He has some sort of setup over at the Riften Warehouse. You can’t get inside, though. They’ve kept that place locked up tight since the war began.” 

“Who has a key to the warehouse?” Brynjolf piped up. He was just trying to help, but Wujeeta eyed him suspiciously. 

Adi gave Wujeeta a small nod, letting her know that he can be trusted. “I overheard Bolli say that only the Jarl carries the key to the warehouse. When I meet Sarthis there, he’s usually waiting for me outside with his bodyguard.”

“Got it,” Adi made a mental note to visit the Jarl in the morning. She would do it now if not for the darkening sky and the exhaustion beginning to set in. “What will you do now?”

"If it wasn't for skooma, I'd already be on my way out of this horrible city. All my gold... completely gone. Now I have to start over. I'll never use skooma again! Although I suppose a little mead now and then would be harmless..." 

“You’ll be fine,” Adi assured her. “I promise.”

“Thank you.” 

“We should get back,” Brynjolf nudged Adi. They bid the Argonian goodbye and walked back to the Guild entrance beneath the grave. Walking in silence, Brynjold glanced at Adi and noticed she had something on her mind. “Septim for your thoughts, lass?”

“I think a visit to the Jarl is in order,” she admitted. “You know me, I don’t like to see good people harmed.” 

“Sometimes you’re too good a person, lass.” He said, leaning over to push the insignia inward while Adi watched out for any potential witnesses. Once they successfully got into the Cistern, they met with Vex in the Tavern, and Adi received her reward. 

“Mercer’s gone back to Riftweald, so you’ll have to meet with him in the morning,” Vex told them. “He’s got a certain job for you that will really put you to the test.”

“You don’t mean…” Brynjolf’s eyes widened, confusing the half-Breton. Vex merely nodded and dismissed them. 

“What was she talking about, Bryn?” Adi asked as they walked back to the Cistern. 

“A job even our little Vex couldn’t complete, lass,” he sighed. “But we’ll speak with Mercer about it tomorrow. For now, get some rest.” 

Adi couldn’t help the feeling of anxiety rising in her chest. Vex had more experience than she did. If the veteran couldn’t complete this job, there was little chance for the assassin to have success. Was Mercer doing this to try and get rid of Adi? What was his problem with her? 

“Lass, you’ll be fine,” Brynjolf assured her from the bed next to her. “I know for a fact you’ve done more dangerous jobs.” 

She looked over at him, just as Brynjolf had undressed his armour. The white undershirt he wore clung to his body, outlining his chest and abdomen. What made it better - or worse, Adi couldn’t decide - was that his hair was pulled into a ponytail, revealing small black hoops on both earlobes. Feeling heat rise to her face, she quickly looked away as she took off her Guild armour. “Do you not live in Riftweald anymore?” 

“I do,” Bryn said, smirking at Adi’s red face and quick motion to try and hide it. Looking at her,  he couldn’t help but notice the scars that littered her body. One, in particular, caught his eye. On her shoulder blade was a jagged scar, bright white against her tawny skin. There were a few others that looked similar, but less striking. “But I know you have nightmares, and that they can get worse when you sleep somewhere unfamiliar. I want to make sure you settle in here.” 

“You remembered.” Adi looked back at her friend, shocked. She had told him that a long time ago, and only because she spent the night in Riftweald when Mercer was out of town for a job. Brynjolf had convinced Vald it was allowed, only to get yelled at by Mercer when the Breton got back two days later. 

“Aye, lass.” he smiled kindly at her. Brynjolf cared about Adi more than anyone in the Guild and felt personally responsible to make sure she was okay. He had noticed Mercer was more hostile toward her than he had ever been around anyone, not that Bryn would mention anything to Adi. The last thing he wanted was for her to be right. It could’ve been a bad day, but there was no way of telling with Mercer. Besides, Brynjolf didn’t want her to feel discouraged when the Guild Master gave her the Goldenglow job. 

[rae-arts777]

because i'm a sucker for a fake dating AU, 7 & soudam? or kuzuhina? or any DR ship your heart desires babe

Kuzuhina cause I love you Bryn

(Btw this is NOT a short fic hahaha, I ended up writing 2288 words)

He’s My Boyfriend, Yeah That’s it..

#7 Fake dating

Summary: Fuyuhiko needs a plus one

“Why?” Hajime felt like the yakuza was pulling his leg.

Did Fuyuhiko seriously ask him to hang out? More importantly, did he just ask him on a date?

“Listen bastard this isn’t exactly an ideal for me either.” The shorter male growled, “I hate attending these family functions alone.”

“Why don’t you just go with your girlfriend?” Hajime asked

“PEKO IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!!” Fuyuhiko snapped, “I mean! Fuck! One she’s like my sister, we’re just close! Two she’s busy! I’m fucking proud she has her own plans rather then hovering over me! And I’m sure as hell not going to ruin that by asking her to come with me!” he explained

“Ok but why me? Aren’t you and Kaz really close?”

“Please that pink hair bastard won’t last a minute in a room full of yauzkas”

“Uhhhh….Nagito?”

“Is that a joke?”

Hajime sighed, guessing he really was Fuyuhiko’s most reliable option, “Ok fine, I guess it gives me an excuse to get out of the house.”

“Good, come on, we're going shopping.”

“I have a suit a home” Hajime protested

“No offense but I'm a hundred percent certain your suit is not suited for a yakuza gathering. Consider this as my thank you for dragging you to my shit family function.”

Before Hajime could protest further, Fuyuhiko grabbed his wrist and dragged him out. Despite the size difference, Fuyuhiko was surprisingly strong. Hajime sighed, he knew there was no point in protesting.

Hajime felt as if he tried on the whole store at this point. Every time he saw the price tag, he felt like he wanted to die. He felt a little bad for allowing Fuyuhiko to spend this much on him for a suit for a one time use.

Stepping out of the dressing room with the last outfit on, “Are we done yet?” Hajime groaned.

Fuyuhiko looked up from his phone and froze. Hajime for sure could pass for a common yakuza. Fuyuhiko cleared his throat and walked towards him.

“It’s missing something.” Fuyuhiko grabbed a red tie and applied it to the taller male.

Hajime felt tense with how close Fuyuhiko was. He watched as the shorter male took his time adjusting the tie.

“Umm..there..” Fuyuhiko turned him around to the mirror “You look good, better then nothing I guess.”

“Why do I feel like a sugar baby?” Hajime jokes.

“Oh shut the fuck up tall bastard.” Fuyuhiko handed his card to the retailer, “He’ll be wearing this out.”

“What are you going to wear?”

“I already have something picked out at home. I'll change when we get there.”

The retailer returned Fuyuhiko’s card, “Thank you for shopping with us.”

“Yeah thanks for the help.” He nodded, “Let’s go Hajime.” the yakuza walked out.

Hajime grabbed his bag and started to follow, but was stopped by the retailer.

“I just wanted to say, you and your boyfriend are super cute together.” She smiled.

“Boyfriend?” Hajime was taken back.

Did they seriously get mistaken for boyfriends? Did they act like boyfriends? Who else thought it? Should he correct her?

Hajime stared at the retailer who had a big smile on her face.

“....Thanks, yeah my boyfriend and I appreciate your help.”

“Shop with us again soon!” she waved him bye as he left.

Trying to catch up to Fuyuhiko, he felt his mind racing. Why didn’t she correct her? Why did it not bother him? Hajime shook his head. No, it was just easier to just say yes cause they have somewhere to be, no time to explain, yeah that’s it. Better she told Hajime and not Fuyuhiko.

The two arrived at the Kuzuryu manor. Fuyuhiko led Hajime inside, there were already a few guests.

“Just stay here.” Fuyuhiko sat him at a table, “I’ll be back in a second.”

Hajime looked around, it was hard to believe these were the people Fuyuhiko hung around with daily. Awkwardly he fidgeted with his hands, he was thirsty. There was a mini bar across the room, he just needed water. It wouldn’t hurt to get up for a few seconds for water.

Hajime made his way over the minibar. The bartender glanced at him and raised an eyebrow.

“Who are you with?”

“Oh I’m just here with Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu, I just wanted water.” Hajime explained.

The bartender sided with Hajime as he got the boy a glass of water.

“What are your relations to him?” Was this an interrogation?

Hajime hesitated “I’m...here as...his plus one…”

“A date?”

“Yes...date...he’s my...boy..friend.” Hajime drugged out. Shit he did it again.

“Boyfriend? Huh. Well guess you never know huh? Enjoy your evening.” The bartender turned to help another guest.

Hajime shuddered and took his water back to the table. Why did he say boyfriend? He could have just said friend. This was different from the store, the bartender will most likely tell Fuyuhiko something. Shit.

As Hajime’s mind was racing, he was pulled out from a tap on the shoulder.

“Hey.” Natsumi sat next to him.

“Oh, hey Natsumi '' Hajime sighed in relief, at least there was one more person there he knew.

“Did my dipshit brother drag you to this?” She asked.

“Well he needed a plus one, and I needed an excuse to get out of the house. So I sort of agreed to this.”

“I see, speaking of that asshole, where is he?”

“He said he needed to change real quick. I think he should be back soon.”

“Bastard! Leaving you here all alone! Sorry my brother dragged you on a sucky date. Come on, you’re coming with me.”

Before Hajime could protest, Natsumi was already dragging him away. How is it that he's been dragged by both Kuzuryu today?

Fuyuhiko returned to the table, dressed in a more fancy suit for the occasion. Real quick he noticed Hajime was gone.

“That fucking bastard!”

Fuyuhiko started to walk around looking for him. Deep down he was worried, he shouldn’t have left Hajime alone in a room full of people like this. God knows who he’s with. Scanning the room, Fuyuhiko’s eyes finally landed on Hajime, but his blood boiled.

Hajime is wrapped up in a group of Natsumi’s friends. A guy resting his hand on Hajime’s shoulder. It was clear the male was trying to flirt with Hajime.

Fuyuhiko stormed up to them, “Hey.” Just as the guy turned around, Fuyuhiko struck him in the jaw.

“Jesus Christ bro!” Natsumi yelled “Seriously?! Why are you attacking my friends?!”

“Well tell your fucking “friend” to keep his hands to himself!!” Fuyuhiko snapped.

Hajime flinched, shit he felt like this was a little bit of his fault.

“Why do you care so much?! Hajime is just trying to enjoy himself!”

“I care because-” wait, why did Fuyuhiko care so much? “Because…..” he grabbed Hajime’s arm and pulled him towards him “isn’t it obvious? I brought him as my date! Cause! We’re dating! Yeah! That’s it!” Fuyuhiko proclaimed, the heat rising on his cheeks.

Hajime felt his whole face turn red, did he hear him right? Natsumi looked between the two, studying both their faces.

“Oh. My bad bro I didn’t know!” She smirked at Hajime, “I’m surprised you didn’t mention you’re dating my brother.”

“Oh well...it’s..” hajime looked at Fuyuhiko “We just recently started dating!”

“Yeah!” Fuyuhiko chimed in, “We..started dating...this past week!”

“Yeah..uhhh, Fuyuhiko asked me out.” Hajime smirked a bit “I seriously never seen him so flushed, he was all so shy and nervous. Had a letter and everything. It was just so cute.”

“HUH?!” Fuyuhiko glared at him “I think you’re remembering things wrong! Yeah I asked you out but YOU were the one who was all shy! You guys should have seen him! The bastard was practically sobbing because he was so flustered.”

Natsumi smirked watching the two, “Please tell us more!”

“Yeah please do!” another person chimed in

“Where did he confess?”

“How long have you liked him?”

“Have you two gone on any dates yet?”

“So is he like your eye candy?”

“Wait, the boss likes men?”

Hajime and Fuyuhiko were bombarded with questions. The two looked at each other, well there was no turning back now.

The supposed yuzuka gathering turned into a hearing of Hajime and Fuyuhiko's love story, everyone was invested. The two tried to bounce off of each other’s stories, but also both tried to embarrass the other in some way.

“If I remembered correctly, you were the one staring at me in the locker rooms.” Hajime smirked

“Like hell I was! You’re one to talk! You’re not slick, you were practically drooling over me in there. Now that I think about it, you did tell Nagito that you liked me.” Fuyuhiko chuckled.

“Oh...well I do guess saying I like chihuahuas is the same thing.”

“THE FUCK YOU SAY?!”

The room busted out in laughter.

“Awww you two are just two cute.” Natsumi smiled, “I didn’t know bro was such a romantic!”

“Shut the fuck up you bitch.” Fuyuhiko growled.

Natsumi just smiled, “I have to say it was such an interesting story, but I think we’re all tired of hearing about your love life.”

Thank god, both of them sighed in relief.

“We want to see! So give us a kiss!”

“WHAT?!” Both of them yelled at her.

“Yeah, kiss him!”

“Kiss!”

“Come on!”

The whole room was chanting for them to kiss.

“I mean it’s natural for you two. YOU DID SAY your first kiss was in your classroom late at the end of a school day.” Natsumi snickered, “So is a simple kiss a problem?”

The two males looked at each other, feeling their cheeks turn red.

“Ok…” Hajime said

“No problem, no problem at all....” Fuyuhiko mumbled.

The two awkwardly faced each other. They fumbled with their hands not knowing where to place them. Fuyuhiko grumbled and rested his hand on Hajime’s waist. Awkwardly, Hajime draped his arms over Fuyuhiko’s shoulders. Hajime looked down at him, he never saw Fuyuhiko so nervous.

“Everyone is staring…” Hajime whispered.

“yeah...I know...can’t really turn back now..” Fuyhukio tried to avoid eye contact.

Hajime slowly leaded down, he felt Fuyuhiko’s grip tighten a bit around his waist. Testing the waters, Hajime brushed his lips against the yakuza, giving him one last chance to back out. Even though their lips were barely apart, the shorter one mumbled something the taller one could not pick up. Hajime was taken back when Fuyuhiko actually closed the gap.

Their lips felt awkward at first, smooshed against each other, but they worked with it. Hajime felt himself lean in deeper, as Fuyuhiko brought a hand up to cup Hajime’s cheek, trying to pull the taller male closer against him. The two almost forgot they were in a room filled with people watching him. Almost.

They quickly broke the kiss when they heard a flash of a camera. Fuyuhiko head shot around to see Natsumi holding her phone up with a shit eating grin.

“DELETE THAT!!!” Fuyuhiko screamed

“No thank you!” Natsumi ran off laughing.

Before he chased her, Fuyuhiko turned his attention to the crowd “WHAT?! You got what you wanted! Now fuck off!” He then ran off screaming at Natsumi to delete the picture.

The rest of the night is uneventful. Some people came up to congratulate Hajime and Fuyuhiko on their couple status.

Hajime could not stop thinking about the kiss though. He looked over at Fuyuhiko who was chatting with someone. It didn’t seem like the kiss was getting to him as much as it was to Hajime.

Hajime felt his heart tug a bit. He guessed the kiss did not mean much to Fuyuhiko. I mean why would it? They weren’t even dating. But also, what now? Were they going to stage some big breakup or something?

As the party ended, Fuyuhiko walked Hajime out to the car he had arranged to take Hajime home.

“So….that was something..” Fuyuhiko said.

“Yeah...sure it was..” Hajime looked down at his feet.

“Sorry..for forcing you into that silly narrivate.”

“Oh it’s nothing..I mean it was kind of fun...well I mean..I played along so yeah..” Hajime nervously chuckled.

“yeah ...yeah…”

“You know...funny enough, earlier that retail lady said you and I were cute..heh she thought we were boyfriends, and ummm, I didn’t correct her..” he explained.

“Is that so…?” Fuyuhiko said.

“Yeah...so haha. Anyways I guess we can stage a breakup or something like that.”

“Yeah we can..or we can do something else rather than lie again..”

Hajime looked up to meet Fuyuhiko’s gaze, the shorter male had taken a few steps closer.

“We can make those previous lies true..I mean like...the story about our first date. I honestly..umm fuck...I mean if the park and dinner is an good ideal for you as a..first date..” Fuyuhiko's gaze focused on Hajime’s tie.

Hajime felt his heart race, did Fuyuhiko just ask him on a date?

“I…” Hajime grabbed Fuyuhiko’s hand, the shorter male looking up to meet his gaze, “I would really enjoy that..”

Fuyuhiko blushed and nodded. He let go of Hajime’s hand and opened the car door for him.

“Text me when you get home.”

“Yeah I will.” Hajime got into the car.

“hajime ..”

“yeah ?”

Fuyuhiko grabbed his hand again, and kissed his palm “despite what happened, I..really enjoyed tonight.”

“Yeah me too,” Hajime smiled.

The two waved goodbye and Fuyuhiko closed the car door. He waited on the side of the crib until the car was out of sight. Fuyuhiko rubbed his face, mumbling, feeling his face become flushed again.

“Fuck.”

[mama-ghostie-61542]

A Thousand Lifetimes

Rated M++ for language and themes

If you recognize it--IT AIN'T MINE

Sorry for the OOC-ness

Chapter 7

Kihyun

The next day, after two fittings with costumes, two phone interviews, a shoot for an ad, and a tv spot; I finally got back to the dorms, and back to that story.

Bryn PoV--

As if today wasn't bad enough, I walked into the house to find it completely empty. The kids wandered around and I tried to field a million questions about where they were gonna sleep and what we were gonna eat. That and the meltdowns every five minutes led me to try to call my little brother. I really just needed to talk to another grown-up. As soon as I had supper figured out, I called Joey.

"Hello," said a voice on the other end of the phone.

"Ummm. Hi?"

"Oh. Hello," The voice was familiar, but it wasn't Joey.

"Is Joey close?"

"Sorry. Who?"

"Sorry. Jooheon. Kids call him 'Uncle Joey'. Guess it stuck."

"Hmm. No. You just missed him."

"Dern. Can you pass on a message?"

"Sure."

"Can you tell him to call Bryn when he gets back?"

"Oh! I didn't recognize your voice, Bryn. How are you? It's Kihyun. Joey is in the shower. Can I help you with whatever you need," I asked, biting my lip and praying she would say yes. Just the sound of her voice was both soothing and somehow able to tie me up in knots.

"Actually, I was calling to vent. I've had a particularly terrible day today. Joey is my sobriety sponsor."

"He is? Wow," I said before Honey came charging at me, his hair still wet. "I would still LOVE to talk to YOU," I shouted.

"Gimmie my phone, Kihyun."

I handed him back the phone and heard him say

"What's up, Sis?"

Though I couldn't hear exactly what was said, I could tell by the look on his face, it wasn't good.

"Really?"

Then, Honey sighed. "Lemme see what I can do from here."

"Please, let me help."

If it were possible for him to get any more pissed off, he did. "HE WHAT," he yelled. Then, he pulled the phone from his ear and said, "I need a one way ticket to Peoria International!! I'm gonna kill him. I am gonna fuckin' kill him." Next, he put the phone back to his ear, "Lemme see what I can do here, Sis," he growled as he demanded numbers and wrote them down, and then hung up.

As he started digging on the internet to find the cheapest fare, HyunWoo said, "Hold it, Hot Shot. What happened?"

"That douchbag finally left. He took everything! Even the kids stuff. He left them with NOTHING! That is why Sis was calling. He cleaned out their account and took everything. Damn lucky he couldn't touch the shop accounts or he would have cleaned them out too. Literally everything. She needs a little cash to feed the kids til Friday."

"Thank God it is Wednesday," said CK. from the far side of the room. If anyone had bothered to look, the reflection on his glasses was an Amazon cart with 37 things in it. The only time ANYONE has that many things in an Amazon cart is when they are buying groceries. However, most of those were chips or snack cakes.

Honey, Min, and HyungWon all sat down to iron out how much and what they were gonna contribute.

Silently, I picked up my bank book and palmed the slip of paper with her info on it. Only HyunWoo saw me slip out the door. He stopped me as I waited for the elevator and handed me a few bills from his own wallet before turning back towards the room.

"What," was all I could get out before he interrupted, cutting me off mid-question.

"We look out for our own," He answered before he opened the door to the dorm.

After heading to the nearest Western Union, I called the number on the slip from Honey. When she picked up, I smiled.

"Hey, Bryn, it's Kihyun. I wired you some money. Should be about $100, if everything gets exchanged right."

"Kihyun, you guys didn't have to do that. My dad was already gonna feed the kids. I just needed to talk to someone. This has got me so shaken up, I want a drink really bad. Guess I wasn't too clear with Joey."

"Really? Then why was he," I stopped as a shadow fell over me. "Well, shit. Guess who is now standing right behind me."

"Tell him to calm down."

"Bryn says to calm down. She told me to sit on you if I have to."

"Kihyun! I did not."

"I paraphrased," I laughed. "Besides, Sweets, if looks could kill, I'd be dead right about now."

"Really," she chuckled.

"Oh yeah. He is probably gonna follow me all the way to the dorm. I guess I am not allowed out on my own," I laughed.

"Why," She asked.

"I tend to do dumb things, according to others. Though they may be a little impulsive, they always work out in the end. So don't look the horse in the mouth."

"I won't."

"Good girl," I laughed, "So why did you call him, anyway?"

"I needed someone I could yell at that would not take it personal."

"I am always here. Though, I may occasionally yell back."

She laughed. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Making me laugh. I needed that. "

"Damn. I was looking forward to the screaming match. C'mon, get it started, Angelface," I said as I stopped at the stoplight and waited for the crosswalk. "Do you want me to start," I asked, then pulled the phone away and yelled.

Bringing the phone back to my face, I asked as the crosswalk lit up and I crossed the street, "How was that," I grinned.

"A 10. A fuckin' 10. Have you thought of being a Rockstar," she laughed.

I could almost hear the smile on her face, which made me laugh. Even if my throat killed me in the morning it was worth it.

"Hey, hang on a second. I want to send you something," I said as I put my phone on speaker and started the camera.

"Oh dear God, what now," she asked.

I took a short video of me sending her a kiss and sent it off. "Nothing bad."

"Ok, if you say so. Just not cool with unsolicited dick pics from strange men."

"I would not send you unsolicited dick pics, nor am I a stranger. Now, if you asked for them...Like a good girl," I started and looked over at Honey, who was looking at me with the 'better never do that' face. "Uh-oh."

"What?"

"I'm getting side eye."

She laughed and said, "I know just the look. It screams, 'You'd better not be sending photos of ANY part of your anatomy to my sister'."

"Yes," I laughed. "So how are you feeling? Better?"

"Much. Thank you."

"No problem. I'm here all week. Try the veal," I laughed. "Still want a drink," I asked.

"No. The laughs did it for me. Thank you."

"You are very welcome, Darling. So did you get the video I sent?"

"I did. That was very sweet. Thanks."

"You are very welcome, Pretty Lady. Well, we are back at the dorms."

"I should probably go then," she sighed.

"Just remember I am also available for Mitzvahs," I chuckled, which made her laugh. "Seriously, Sweetie, anytime you need a sounding board or a laugh fest, a screaming match or some naughty-Ow, Mother fucker!-I got smacked on my arm for that last bit. I am always here,"

"Thanks again. Until next time."

I paused and came VERY close to telling her how I felt but said, instead, "Again, you are welcome."

"Bye, Kihyun."

"Bye, Bryn," I breathed, then hung up.

Honey looked at me as he crossed his arms over his chest, "It took everything you had to not tell her 'I love you' didn't it?"

All I could do was nod and hope that my dreams tonight would be better than they had been.

As we got into the elevator, He said, "It was good hearing that you made her laugh."

"I love the sound of her laughter. Once I got her started, I didn't want her to stop. I think that she is just as funny as she is sweet."

"You do know that she will do one of two things, right?"

"What two things?"

"Either immediately send the money right back, or hang on to it and physically give you back every bit. She hates asking for help...of any kind," he said as he opened the door to our dorm.

"Yeah? Wonder why."

He just laughed, "Her ex-fiancée, ex-husband, and her father."

"What happened," I asked as I made us a pot of coffee.

"They all held every penny over her head. Her dad decided he wanted her out the minute she turned 18 and to do it, he threw her out the boat, so to speak. Said if she floated, she never needed help anyway; and if she sank, well, it was her own fault."

"That's abuse. Financial abuse."

"Yep. He was the kind to tell her everything she had was his, that she owned nothing; not even the clothes on her back. He comes from the 'I Own You' school of parenting. Her ex-fiancée would demand she work, then make her late, so she would lose any job she got. Then, he'd take any money she got paid and use it for crap he wanted rather than the bills she had it ear-marked for."

"Oh, tell me he didn't."

"Oh he did. Spent it on girls at the local under 21."

"Shit. He screwed around on her, didn't he?"

"Yep. Which is why if you ever think about cheating, I will castrate you myself," he growled.

Somehow I knew he would do it, and I would let him. "Don't have to worry about that. Can you tell me about her ex-husband?"

"That asshole was a piece of work. Emotionally, Mentally, and Fiscally abusive. The entire time they were together, he would pinch a penny until it died if it was something she needed, but she was expected to turn over her things and cash to him. She worked second shift in a factory; out of the house from half 1 to almost 1 am. He was in semi driver school at the time, racked up a HUGE amount of debt; I'm talking almost 40K. Constantly accused her of cheating when he had a different lot lizard every night. It's a miracle he never gave her anything."

I was disgusted by this guys behavior. To have a woman like her waiting at home and trying his best to break her.

"And that isn't even the worst of his offenses. He screamed at her one night while he was over the road, on training. She was at work, and he called her on her lunch break. The entire time, he screamed at her for having a cold sore and yelled about her cheating loud enough for her co-workers to hear. Her boss to tell her to turn off her phone; that he was tired of hearing that jerk yell at her. The guy he was learning with, told him that 'If I were her, I would be calling the lawyer first thing in the morning, after that shit.' He 'apologized' pretty quickly after that."

"Icky. I hope she ended it there."

"No. That girl has a ton of stay and No show. He ended up deployed to Egypt and told his brother about the girls there. Never thought his brother would run and tell her. She still didn't leave. You left a blister on her cheek one night and he threw her out in the snow."

"Stay and no show? I'm not sure I understand."

"Horse terms," came a voice from the doorway. I had forgotten Hoseok was staying with us while his apartment was getting the pipes fixed. "When a filly is learning to ride, it's said she is full of Show and no Stay. Meaning she looks good, but is too skittish to stand still. Sis--Well Sis may not look like much, but she has tons of loyalty to those who show her the same. She has the patience to play a 30 year long game, and the courage to weather ANY storm. But she has a problem knowing when to leave, and so she gets hurt."

"Hold up! He threw her out in the snow?!"

As Hoseok filled his own mug, he answered, "Yeah, he threw her out of the apartment in the middle of a snowstorm. Lucky her parents were in town. So if you start this with her, and you ever want out; you are gonna have to straight up tell her to go. She won't understand otherwise. She doesn't play games and has a tough time with subtly. So always be direct and honest with her."

I nodded taking it in. There was something I thought I wanted, so I asked, "How is her aegyo"

"If you are looking for overt aegyo, don't. Hers is subtle but she has got it in spades, and she doesn't even know it. It's in the way she plays, either with her guy or her kids," he said as he leaned against the counter, "It's in the subtle blush when you say or do something for her without her asking. It's in a compliment and the smiling eyes that comes with it. She has never had some of the things other girls take for granted, like a stolen kiss or flowers on her birthday. Other things, like those romantic gestures, she has only had once or twice. If I remember right, the last guy to 'play' was an FWB years and years ago, and that guy only stole one kiss, once," Honey replied.

"Don't expect her to run with girls. Most girls find her too harsh, too rough. She doesn't appreciate girls and their whiney, gossipy ways. She never wears makeup, and I have never once seen her with her nails painted. She is a guys-girl, a tom-boy through and through; wasn't made delicate. She is stronger than most people will ever know. However, her heart is extremely delicate, it's been broken and bruised so bad, even I wonder how she is still alive. So, let me tell you, right now," Hoseok said as he sat down his mug and leaned over the counter in my direction, "She may not be blood, but she is my sister."

"Hmm," I nodded. "You really don't have to worry about that," I replied. "How are you related to her again," I asked.

"Distant cousin. Her auntie married my mothers little brother, for all of five minutes. I am only gonna tell you this once, if you hurt that filly in ANY way; you wont walk again."

"Got it," I replied, cringing.

"You know that she won't ask for what she wants or needs. You are gonna need to be damned good at reading between the lines, cause she is so afraid that if she tells you what she needs, what she wants, you will do the same thing every one else has done," Honey said after a minute.

"Run," I answered nodding.

"Yep. Most men can't handle her intensity so they either run or try to turn her down to levels that they can handle without realizing that her fire isn't meant to be dimmed, but fed. She is gonna need you to be just as emotional as her, to show her that it is ok to feel again. She is very touch oriented, very tactile. So a lot of her feelings are touch related."

"I understand, Joey."

"You had better. The only reason I didn't beat the shit out of the other assholes, is that I wasn't there. If I had been, I would have had no problems with a few months in the county lock-up. And if Clark had tried that shit while I was there..."

"Really?"

"Yeah. See, the shit of it is, she fades into the background. She doesn't want all those things that other girls want. She isn't the kind to run or chase. She doesn't play games. She is also emotional. Ease into it. Don't try to love bomb her, she went through that shit with Clark and won't put up with it from you," Hoseok said, then turned to Joey, "Speaking of, did you hear what Lone Elm called him?"

Joey shook his head.

Hoseok grinned. "Elm called him a fuckin fishstick."

Joey started laughing, "Elm called him 'Fishstick'."

I looked back and forth between the two men who were holding themselves up on the counter while they laughed. "I don't get it. What-What's a fishstick?"

A hand landed on my shoulder from behind. I turned to see Changkhyun standing there, an amused look on his face.

"Fishsticks are only available in the States. They are mashed-up fish paste, about an inch wide by around six inches long, which is then breaded. Then, they are to be baked in an oven. Either they turn out soggy or they are hard as a rock; inedible either way. Which is good, because they are fuckin' gross. Nasty little things."

"Are they like the fish at Mickey's?"

"No," CK stated. "The fish there is actually decent. Fishsticks are generally served in school hot lunches on Fridays due either to religious reasons, or because they are cheap and can be purchased by the gross. At any rate, they are still inedible."

"Icky. How in the hell can people do that to their kids?"

"Not a clue. That was why I always took my lunch on Friday. Every Friday, the hot lunch was always the same thing; rock hard fishsticks, soggy tater tots, dehydrated-rehydrated mixed vegetables, and golden glow salad with mayonnaise on the top. It was the grossest meal I have ever seen in my entire life."

I shuddered to think of those poor kids. Forced to eat that nasty stuff.

After reading that, I was glad her kids never had to eat that. She fixed boxes for them. School lunches in the States sounded gross.

'Some things were ok.'

'I thought you took your lunch, Mami?'

'I did. My dad said cold lunch was cheaper. But, there was one day, once or twice a month, that I would get school lunch. They called it pork pattie day, but it was a breaded pork tenderloin on a bun. It was pretty decent. It was pretty gross the rest of the time, but that day wasn't too bad.'

'Have I watched you fix those before?'

'Not sure.'

'Are those the sandwiches where you beat the pork chops to nothing and then bread and fry them?'

'Yes.'

'Those do look pretty tasty,' I said as I dug around for what to fix the next day, so I could write it on the board. 'Hmm. Help, please. Can't figure out supper.'

'Whatcha got?'

'Hmmm. Some sausages, some tiny shrimp, and a package of chicken,' I said as I dug around in the freezer.

"You can use the shrimp and chicken in Gumbo.'

'It has been quite a while since I've had Gumbo. I've never made it before though.'

'Look it up. There are a million Gumbo recipes out there.'

'I think I will do that. Thanks, Baby. Have I told you, today, how awesome you are??'

'Yes, but I can always stand to hear it again,' she laughed.

A/N)--The above abuses......actually happened. First hand experience.

[dragon-swords-prophecies]

Frost & Fire: Excerpt 1

(I'm trying to make this like a weekly thing now, we'll see if I actually do it. I hope I do because I wanna start sharing my writing more)\

Word Count: 654 TW/CW: Mentions of past death (I think that's it let me know if there's anything else that needs tagged?) Frost & Fire Taglist (Ask to be -/+): @gr3y-heron @writing-is-a-martial-art @golden-eyed-writer@magic-is-something-we-create

-X-X-X-

"Oh, I know who you are, Helder-Kromlin. Daughter of the Baron of Halmire, Half-Celestial and Half-Elf. Raised by a Gnome. One twin sister and an older brother named Zibra, who died when you were 19.”

“So we’re on equal footing then, Mesk. You’re the older one, right?”

She hesitated. “What do you mean?”

“So I was right, princess.”

“Don’t ever call me that again,” She pinned Enna to the wall, dagger against her throat.

“Don’t worry, I won’t. Just don’t call me Helder-Kromlin. If you must, call me one or the other.”

“Deal.” Her eyes flashed, but she released Enna.

Ross had walked up while this was happening, and he looked nervous, like he was debating the merits of leaving now to avoid the two rogues.

“Hey, Ross.” Signed Enna, speaking as she did it. Ross was almost completely deaf, and Enna was the best at signing, though Dash wasn’t bad. He just had a tendency to mess up and accidentally cast spells while doing it.

Ross signed back, “Morning. Why are you killing each other barely 5 minutes into the mission?”

“Because she’s a bastard and an asshole.” Enna said, pointing at Mesk.

“Because she’s an asshole.” Said Mesk, pointing at Enna.

“Right.” He signed. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah. Just waiting for Cerea.”

“I’m here.” Said Cerea, walking up.

“Alright. Come on.”

They grabbed horses from the stables, Dash petting his on the nose nervously. The elf was not a fan of horses.

Enna’s mare was dappled gray, and Eryn’s was pure black. Dash’s horse was chestnut brown, and Ross’ was a beautiful bay colored horse with a black mane. Cerea forwent a horse, instead shifting into an eagle and flying with them.

They rode out of the city, and by the time the sun was a quarter of the way on it’s march through the sky they had left the capital long behind them, riding hard and fast for the border.

If they could make it in five days it would be a miracle.

The weather that day was clear, nary a cloud in sight. Thankfully there wasn’t any rain for the first three days, and on the third night Eryn and Enna were on watch together.

“So, why’d you bring up my brother?”

“Why did you bring up my father?”

“Fair point. I’m sorry, by the way. I know how parentage can be a sore spot.”

Eryn laughed mercilessly. “You have no idea.” She tossed her head of thick whote hair, exposing sharply pointed ears. “Half Twilight, see? I’m basically cursed.”

“Fair enough. I would like to add that my mother died six hours after I was born and was killed by her twin brother, so-o.”

“Fine. Maybe we’re even. But you don’t have anything on the assholes at court.”

“Really? We have a former angel, twin thieves, a perpetually pissed off dwarf, and also three advisors who think I should be married off to secure a foregin alliance.”

“Oh, that’s rough. We have three advisors trying to marry off Ivy, a grumpy Captain of the guard, and 12 counciliars, one of whom is incredibly racist and kinda hates me.”

“Ah. That’s not fun.”

“No, it isn’t. At least I’m not the one who’s being married off.”

“Lucky.”

Two nights later there was a rainstorm, and they got delayed by a day. While waiting it out Dash came up to Enna and asked, without preamble, “Who was Zibra?”

Enna shifted, hand going automatically to the daggers at her hip. The dagger Zibra had given to her, specifically. “He was my brother.”

“Anne named Zebra after him.” It wasn’t a question.

Enna nodded.

“Where is he now? Bryn, or somewhere else?”

“I don't know where he’s buried. Maybe in Halmire, maybe in the catacombs there, maybe in Bryn, maybe at Grandfather’s tower next to our mother.”

“Why don’t you?”

“Because I was framed for his death and had to go on the run before his body had even cooled.”

“Oh.”

[mama-ghostie-61542]

A Thousand Lifetimes

Rating M++--language and themes

If you recognize it--IT AIN'T MINE

Sorry for OOC-ness.

Chapter 3

Kihyun

Later that night, after I had the kitchen cleaned, and had gotten ready for bed, I grabbed out the next chapter.

Joey PoV--

It had been several days since I got to Podunk, the first of which I slept, mostly. I did get woken up a few times. Once was when her oldest punched her in the nose and she woke me up for a little help. Let me tell you, if not for his issues I would have went off. As it was, she just handled it.

'Aww, Hell Naw. No punching Mom, little Dude.'

The second day wasn't too bad. We went to the local museum. I really liked the hologram room, and could have spent all day there. But the view from the observation deck was crazy. You could see all the way to the river and almost all of the nature reserve that backed up to the museum property. Bryn bought me a t-shirt and a canned, plush eagle, telling me it was an emergency stuffy. She grabbed herself a wood flute. She said she always wanted to learn to play one.

I laughed, 'Emergency stuffy, eh.' I knew she had a flute but her ex had smashed it one night in a drunk rage.

On the third we went to the wildlife park. I had heard bison were big, but seeing them from the overlook, they are huge. As we walked through that park, I realized that the animals were a lot bigger than the pictures in the books and shows made them look. I also realized that my sister was in her element, with the trees overhead. The wolves greeted her like an old friend, which would be weird, if I hadn't been told that these wolves had adopted her. I also saw my first bald eagle up close. Well, it was in a cage, but still, those birds are HUGE.

The fourth day, however, held a shouting match and Clark storming out the door, as Bryn stood there. Once again his friends were more important. I got the impression that, in his eyes, what he wanted was always more important than what her or the kids needed.

When the door slammed, she was doing her absolute best to reign in her temper.

"C'mere, Sis," I said as I held out my arm. She fought so hard. She just stood there; fists clenched white, rage tears pouring down her face, and fighting to get ahold of the monster in her blood. I slowly walked up to her. It wasn't until I hugged my sister that she broke. She is so strong. I thought I was tough, but I am coming to understand that this woman, is far stronger.

She is. She is stronger than anything. And if he had her THAT pissed off, he should have just stood there and taken whatever punishment he had dished out. That asshole's constant disrespect pissed me off to no end. I used to get so frustrated with her for letting him do that.

I woke up suddenly to heard her crying in her sleep. But it wasn't normal crying. It was how a woman sounds when she is trying her best not to cry, to choke back all her tears so they don't hurt anyone else. I got up off of the air mattress to check on her, knowing she had slept on the couch the previous night.

"Sis," I whispered as I reached for her shoulder. But before I could touch her, I felt a mans hand close over my wrist with bone-breaking force. There was nothing physically there, so I let my eyes unfocus for a moment. Following the spirits hand up to his face.

It was unmistakable. Kihyun. But this side of him was one I hadn't seen before. He was wild and feral, unpredictable. Indeed, this way he looked like a warrior king, ready to kill to protect what was his.

'Mine,' He growled.

I nodded. "I know. I know she is yours. I'm not going to hurt her. Please, let me check on her."

That spirit nodded.

I could not stop the chuckle, 'Yeah, I tend to get that way when it comes to her and the kids. Mess with mine... That's what pissed me off about him so much.'

Again, I reached towards my sisters shoulder. I saw a scene that would shake my beliefs to the core. See, I had never even thought about the implications--what if 'six degrees' was really all that separated us from each other. Therefore, everyone on the planet is a friend of a friend. I just didn't expect to see what I saw in her dream.

She is standing in a dark room, with only light being that which surrounds an old man in expertly tanned, white buckskin. He has 3 fingers on his right hand and long white hair. His face was grandfatherly; wrinkly and aged, but with a softness to his eyes that spoke of great love and compassion. In a second, he was handing a carved staff off to a girl at the edge of the dim light. As she stepped forward and into the circle of light, I could see it was Bryn.

Then he said, "Does her appointment meet with the approval of the Council of Elders?"

The drone of a thousand voices surrounded us. They all said one word, 'Yes'.

After less than a second, the staff began to glow, a subtle blue. I could see that it was growing heavy in her small hands. I could see her start to struggle with the weight of it.

The Elder spoke into the darkness, "Is there one here who will assist her in her appointment?"

This is what freaked me out-A voice I have heard for years called out of the darkness, "I will."

My knees started to turn into jelly as he stepped up behind her. Kihyun.

'Wow. Mine would have too, Honey. She had dreamed of me without knowing it.'

He gently touched the staff, cradling it on the outside of her hands and when he touched it, it GLOWED! The bright blue light being given off by the staff resembled the sky or water, and soon after, there began to grown corn and beans from one end and potatoes and squash from the other.

I saw him lean over her shoulder to whisper something in her ear, but I couldn't hear what was said.

'I told her I would find her soon.'

The only thing she would have been able to see was his hair as it fell down in her line of sight

Then the Elder spoke again, "Does this meet with the approval of the Spirits?"

Again the drone of a million voices murmured together, "Yes."

I was suddenly thrown back into my own body and onto the floor.

Bryn quieted back down and fell back into a restful sleep as I snuck off to grab my phone and call Kihyun. It was almost 2 in the morning here, so it would be around 5p in Seoul.

"Hey, Honey. What's up? How is the vacation?"

"Kihyun! It's her. I found her for you!"

"Who?"

"HER! SHE is my sister!!! Bryn. That lady. It's Bryn."

"Send me a pic to confirm, please."

"I can do you one better. Have all the guys around at four, her time, about seven our time. I will set up a facetime with all of us. You can talk to her."

"No, send me a picture. NOW."

I took a picture of her laying there, on the sofa, completely unaware and oblivious to the connection. As I sent the pic, she shifted and wrapped the blanket back around herself, only to fall back into a healing sleep.

Meanwhile--in Seoul--

Kihyun

I had been meditating when I suddenly got the pit of my gut feeling she was in trouble. I could not help it, but somehow, that part of me that I work so hard to keep caged was loose and bounding through our connection to her. That part is feral and unpredictable. He's a wild thing that, to be honest, scares me a little; mostly because when it comes to protecting her, that old battlefield bloodlust returns. That side of me will brain a mother fucker and not think twice.

I used to be scared of it, of my temper. But, I have worked really hard to overcome it. In all truth, I had a blue green eyed catalyst for the integration it required.

After I got off of the phone with Honey, I waited patiently for him to send that pic. It seemed to take forever, but all told was about two minutes. As I opened the image, I saw her, exactly how I had seen her in my dreams, albeit fast asleep. I tried my best to keep from being excited as the day wore on, but it was near impossible. As I crawled into bed that night, I hoped for an easy nights sleep, but ended up laying there, tossing and turning, unable to do much more than doze.

I was amazed at that point. How had she known exactly my reaction to finding out she was real.

Back to Joey.

I tried to lay back down, but her dream and it's implications kept running around in my head. It seemed all I could manage was some light dozing. After fighting to sleep until almost four, I decided that maybe my subconscious wanted me to pick apart her dream. I settled in to meditate on the images and feelings I had picked up from her.

I slid into my own memory of her dream and set to going back over the whole thing, slowly. I focused on the carvings on that staff. After some time, I was pretty sure I had the translation right. It read, 'Hope, Faith, Love, Generosity.' But I noticed that this was only on one side.

On the other sides, there were written other things. Facing them, it read, 'Community, Gifts, Wisdom, Grandmother Moon.' Pointing at the Elder, it read, 'Endurance, Courage, Training, Grandfather Sun'. I could not read the side that was facing the floor.

As I came out of my meditation, I felt a hand on my shoulder, accompanied by petrichor and the smell of newly shorn fields at dawn. A Grandmotherly voice whispered, "You would do well to watch over this Sister, my Grandson. She will need you in the months to come. So will he. Guide them back together so that their souls may finally know peace."