#SCREAMING AND CRYING OVER THEM BOTH WAHHHHHH

[fivveweeks]

hi its me it's verdante angst anon (angstnon? idk) again

shaking ur hand SHAKING UR HAND you get me you get me you fuciigndnsn get me

"They're a tragedy, the both of them. Dante's fine with that. (They have to be, they have no choice in this) Given enough time a tragedy turns into a comedy. Maybe they'll be able to laugh about this in the end. Maybe it'll even be divine."

you don't undertsysnds how feral i am about these two. i am firm staunch zealous believer in verg not seeing himself being worthy of like anything good not until he has payed for his sins or wtvr he wants that to mean. i think he exercises a lot of self control to make sure he has like an arm and a leg and several bodies worth of space between him and anyone trying to get close to him (xcept Charon ofc). actively turns and runs from that shit bc 1. he doesn't deserve it. 2. he literally does not have the time for that shit

dnate on the other hand— chronic workaholic, to the point they can and will push personal feelings aside for the sake of their job. if u look up the word professionalism you WILL see Dante Limbus Company as a synonym. they keep their feelings in check (under several locks and keys) in the back of their mind aging like fine wine. they're aware they're not a choice and they're okay with it. it's their fault anyway, they're such a silly little fool.

it has always been doomed from the start. do you understand? it has always been hopeless. it was never meant to be.

dante knew/knows/accepts this, they do not have a choice. (but then again when do they ever?)

ANON YOU'RE SO FUCKING INSANE I NEED TO TWIRL U AROUND LIKE HOLY SHIT U GET IT!!!

YOU HAVE NO IDEA how much of a firm believer i am about Dante being a chronic workaholic. NOBODY FUCKING TALKS ABOUT IT YET BUT literally i do not think they need to sleep/they cannot sleep/gets little to no sleep at all and instead spends all their time up night reviewing battle plans and rewatching past battles on their little PDA. its a combination of anxiety and wanting to step up as a better manager (if we take into account of limbus players dissecting the gameplay meta of EGOs and ids we can literally translate that into Dante pouring over how to better manage the sinners). god forbid them from stepping out of line due to personal feelings bc they a) do not want to piss off vergilius and risk his wrath b) do not want to piss off vergilius bc they respect him (and like him) as a coworker, a boss, a color fixer and their guide too much. they are the EPITOME of professionalism. their work and responsibilities as a manager COMES FIRST

Vergilius too, you put it into words on him as a person. Literally he doesnt think he deserves it AND he doesnt have the time for that shit (for real verg in canon seems to really hate ppl wasting his time over trivial shit). i think even theres some distance between him and charon but he mostly crosses the space bc he's too guilt bound to deny charon some form of connection (bc it is his fault in the first place), so he is soft to her and her only.

it's like watching two parallel lines running along each other and no matter how close they get they will NEVER touch ever. ISNT THAT A TRAGEDY???

but its not all angst, they at least find a little light in the situation. verg would come to appreciate how dante respects him and his circumstances and would be pleased that they are like-minded enough to keep things professional between them, so he is comfortable in confiding in dante on certain topics (in canto 2 where verg and dante stands together by the side to watch the sinners get their ass peeled and verg telling dante why they should experience it for once lives rent free in my head bc he actually bothered to explain to dante wauhgshfh). he admits that dante is the only sinner that he can have a convo with. he fucking told dante to not befriend him after sharing a little history on charon. dante would appreciate the little moments they get to spend with him

just brief pockets of time with each other, despite everything. i like to think they are both the kind of ppl who would accept that things are just not meant to be, so they will take what little they can (what little they're allowed).

in the grand scheme of lcb and the city they are both nothing but a pair of pawns trying to make the best of their situation without getting in the way. they have no choice.

and to come across another who understands this is a rare, rare gem in their crapsack world, so how can we blame them for having a little bit of pining among the acceptance. mutual respect blooming into requited love that is unable to be acted upon. a divine comedy in its own right. im going to kms

[soda-pop-kandy-krush]

If your taking any more requests for the t-word could you do Royality? If not it’s fine! I hope you have an amazing day!

- ✨anon

of course i can!! and awww thank you! that’s so sweet! i hope you are, too 🥺💗

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1. Who has the cutest tickle laugh?

by the breadth of a hair, it’s got to be patty-cakes 🥺 he just sounds like he’s having such a good time!! watching him laugh is like watching a baby smile- you can’t help but smile back. it’s so happy and joyful and his giggles are absolutely precious and it’s so so so sweet how much he loves it, he gets so excited and couldn't disguise it if he tried... SAYING THAT, roman’s laughter is also wonderful. loud and happy and unapologetic, but in a dorky kind of way that makes him a lil bit embarrassed but also he’s having too much fun to care

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2. Who is ticklish in unusual places and where would that be?

honestly, i don’t think they’re super ticklish in any unusual places! but the insides of patton’s thighs are really sensitive, and roman loves to lay on top of his legs, wrap an arm around his knees, and go to town with his free hand squeezing up and down and trying to get to the slightly chubbier part on the inside because it makes patton wheeze with giggles agshgdsfhh. naturally, he has to seek revenge by enlisting the others’ help to hold princey’s arms above his head whilst he goes through all of the silly tickle games (counting his ribs, singing nursery rhymes, etc. etc.) 🤷‍♀️

EDIT: I FORGOT THAT I SAID PATTON HAS TICKLISH ANKLES! another spot roman loves to exploit ahsjghfhgh but this is way more gentle, sometimes patton will crash on the couch for a little mid-afternoon snooze and roman will pull his feet onto his lap and skitter his fingers around his ankles and up the hem of his pants and make him snuffle and squeak and giggle in the half-sleepy state where he’s awake but too tired to really move or bat him away 😭

-

3. Who gets cheer-up tickles?

roman! he can reeeeally throw a tantrum when he wants to lmao, but usually it’s only over something trivial because he’s the resident ✨drama queen✨, so patton takes it upon himself to put a smile back on the grumpy prince’s face by wrapping his arms around him and cuddling/tickling/babbling nonsense into his ear until he can’t help but burst into cackles wahhhhhh

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4. Who takes advantage of the other one getting their arms stuck while taking off their shirt?

they are both CONSTANTLY doing this to each other omg their playful energy is seriously the best i love it so much ahshghfghh. roman’s worst spot is his armpits, and patton’s belly is a close second to his thighs, so how could either of them possibly walk by without taking advantage? i can imagine patton being all mischievous and teasy like ‘kiddo, if you wanted me to tickle you, you should have just asked!’ and before roman can even begin to think about defending himself patton has started scribbling under both arms and he’s folded in half with a screech LMAO but then roman won’t even say a word, he’ll just shake a hand against the fleshy part of his stomach and patton will shriek and roman will be like ‘whaaat? it’s so cute! i’m just giving it the attention it deserves!’ and leaves him with a poke to the bellybutton 🥺

-

5. How did they discover each other’s ticklishness?

as dad of the mind palace, it’s patton duty and honour to know everybody’s tickle spots and which to go for in any given situation. i feel like he has a sixth sense for guessing where everybody’s worst spots will be, and it’s yet to fail him ahshshfghh he just knows lmao but also!! i feel like maybe for he and roman specifically, he would invite himself to the imagination one day and see that roman was working on fencing technique (as all proper princes should), and patton can tell he needs a break and so is like ‘wanna duel with me for a little while, kiddo?’ and roman is kinda confused but hey, why not? so he agrees and patton snaps his fingers and suddenly his sword is gone and the ground is covered in pillows and blankets and patton tackles him to the ground and roman realises that he never clarified what kind of duel patton meant, but can barely squeeze a word in edgeways as he tickles him within an inch of his life. then, they cuddle, and THEN, it’s patton’s turn, and they’re left a breathless pile of giggles by the end of it all hehe 😌

-

6. Who can’t take tickle bites?

PATTONNNN they make him squeal like nothing else, and roman loves it. it’s especially amusing, because he isn’t all that ticklish around his neck/ears, only enough to make him chuckle a little bit, so being able to get patton somewhere he knows he can’t get him back is really satisfying. but he shouldn’t hold his breath, because patton will probably surprise him one day and pin him down and do the same to his ribs and launch him out of orbit with how bad it tickles ahshgdhfjgh 😭😭

-

7. Who has to be tickle-forced out of bed in the morning?

this could go either way: roman could burst into patton’s room and bounce on his bed and squeeze any bit of skin he can get at under the covers, begging him to come and do something with him, OR patton could slide into roman’s room and settle on the edge of his bed and gently run fingers through his hair and down his back and sides, creeping them slooowly up his ribs before suddenly going superfast like he’s heading for his armpits but stopping just before and making roman scream ‘I’M UP, I’M UP!’

-

8. Who gives up in a tickle fight?

lmaoooo neither of these two have much of a tolerance built up, they’re usually the ones tormenting poor logan and virgil, but roman’s is MARGINALLY better than patton’s- plus he’s super strong- so he’s often able to turn things around and hold patton down and get a really good spot that has him crying for mercy (which is a feat in itself, since he loves it so much ahshdgh). but generally it’s a 60:40 split- patton can give just as good as he gets and knows exactly how to make roman squeal 👀

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9. Who is in danger of getting hurt when attacking the other?

patton is quite content to just lay there and be tickled without causing that much fuss ahshdjfjgh but roman is deeefinitely a kicker unless you pin him lmao he’s so squirmy!! he’ll twist and wriggle and try to go for the other person’s spots as much as he can because he just can’t. sit. STILL

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10. Who always provokes the other into tickling them and how?

i feel like patton catches onto when roman wants tickles pretty quickly and so will generally give them to him if he wants it (unless he wants to be a teasy nightmare and make him ask for it hehe), which usually results in roman getting him back which is great!! but also sometimes the tickle monster wants tickies too and so patton will occasionally ‘make himself available to be tickled’ (very different to asking for it /s) by stretching his arms up or shoving his feet into roman’s lap or giggling a little too hard at a funny joke/line on a show so roman will give him what he wants ahshdjfjgh (which he always does, because his efforts are genuinely adorable and he couldn’t just NOT reward him) 🥺💗

[animewolfgamer]

MLP Fanfiction Story: Armor Fillies Chapter 27, A badland to apologize right?

HEEEEEEEEEEELP!

A saw cuts deep at a moderate pace as Buttons Mash struggles to get out of the box. “COME ON GUYS! I don’t want to be the half of a plank of wood!”

“WELL WHO’S FAULT IS THAT!?” Sweetie Belle jumps back, avoiding the Gem monster’s giant fist.

Everywhere is complete chaos with all the fillies fighting against a bunch of mini gem monsters and mare minions across the magician studio in Applewood. Props and sets get destroyed in the wreckage. Walls are being cracked open, causing the studio beams to crumble.

“GRRRA!” Glaive strikes his golden claw down, breaking it into many pieces.

Gemstone jumps into the wreckage, summoning a median size gemstone. “Batter up!” With a single strike, the stone cracks into millions of small pieces. The Mare minions suffer a lot of cuts and bruises as a result.  

Boomer latches on the giant gem monster with Scootaloo riding up top on his back. The rest continue to hold off the remaining mare minions. More come out from the top hats ranging from simple white mares to chocolate colored mare packed with carrot grenades.  

“HOW MANY OF THESE MARE CAN POP UP!?” Imp jumped off the table before it was engulfed in the explosion.

Applebloom and Windy stumbled a bit as the unconscious bodies of Mares surrounded them. The ground begin to shake a bit. They looked back, seeing a huge two pony size pink =mare along with a big black bow tie. He growled as he showed off his huge arm muscles despite looking out of shape.

Windy look down, giving a awkward smile. “Not cool man…”

“HA HA HA HA HA!” The sound of laughter emerges out of nowhere. “You think you had any chance when you go up against the AMAZING MUMBO!” One of the hats shot out fireworks and confetti as two white bunnies carry a light blue unicorn stallion with a white handsome mane as he wears the most snazziest magician tuxedo suit known to pony. “Perhaps you shouldn’t bother me when I am rightly taking all the bits from my show.”

“Saids the stallion who is robbing everypony’s bits for magic tricks!” Windy quickly dodged the incoming attacking, hitting the pink bunny in the face.

He nodded slowly, chuckling. “I gave them merchandise because everyone loves cute bunnies!”

“Gotcha!” Gemstone lunges at him with a pick ax. But her sudden movement stopped right as she was in inches of him. “HUH!?”

“Oh you utter moron.” With a flick of his wand, Gem flies across the stage, crashing through the top theater rows of chairs.

“Ugh…” She slowly picked herself up. “Ok...time for plan B.”

As the fight continues, Sweetie Belle quickly sneaks away as the gem monster is too busy with the other fillies. She grabs the saw but the pressure and weight is just too much. “UGH!”

“I don’t want to be slice like a robot in mecha robot masters 3!” Button’s eyes watered at an uncontrollable rate.

She took a second look, “Hmmm?” Her eyes widen, having her lips form a smile. “Ok,” Absorbing all the fresh air around her, a soft turn began to form as visible musical notes surround the moving saw. Within just a few second, the saw immediately stopped. Sweetie Belle grabs the saw, throwing it like a dagger as it collided with the concrete wall.

With the box wide open, Buttons jumped for joy. “Hallelujah!” He turned around, running towards her. “Thank-”

Her hoof collided with his cheeks, leaving a huge burn mark.

“OW…..” His eyes went huge, giving the pucker lips. “Why….”

“BECAUSE YOU’RE STUPIDITY BROKE WHATEVER PATIENCE I HAVE!” She turn back, crossing her hooves, containing all the anger within her puff up cheeks. “Seriously why the heck are you even here!?”

Button shook his head, taking a deep breath. “I’m here because i wanted to apologize to you for the way I have been acting, Ok…”

Her ears blew out steam. Her face began to change into a light reddish color. As she face him, her eyes burst into flames as her face lowered down, making the most uncomfortable looking frown she could ever do.

Button’s head shrunk, “Eeeeep….”

“Maybe….you….should…” A huge steam burst around her face, “NOT INTERRUPT ME WHEN I’M ON A MISSION!”

Button spat out, “But...But...But I just wanted to make sure because I care about you!”

Sweetie Belle face hoof, sliding downward. “You think that doing it here is a good time!?”

Suddenly Button’s eyes stopped watering. His face scrunch up, having a uncontrollable breath. “WELL I AT LEAST SHOW I CARE EVEN WHEN YOU'RE AN ARMOR WHATEVER!”  

“OH DON’T GET ANGRY WITH ME!” She pointed her hoof furiously, tapping it on his chest at a repeated rate. “YOU'RE THE ONE WHO JUST HAPPENED TO BE CAUGHT BY MUMBO’S GOONS!”

The two kept on shouting and insulting each, leaving no signs of fatigue. Being at the center stage, everypony stopped what their doing as they bask in the amount of anger.

Windy facehoof, “Are they really doing this?”

Mumbo quickly pops up at the left side of the stage, flicking his wand around with no one catching him on site. “A lovers quarrel in my stage!?” With multiple waves of his wand, he finish it off with the magic words. “HOCUS….POCUS!” The beam shoots out of the wand, heading straight to Sweetie Belle specifically.

Buttons halted his yelling, seeing the beam in line towards her. “LOOK OUT!” Button pushes her out the way but it was too late.

The magic beam surrounded them both, freezing them in place. A loud sizzling noise emits from the magic before the two pop out of existence within this theater.

Every Filly quickly run up, grabbing whatever ashes they could.

“SWEETIE BELLE!” Scootaloo mash it all together, “Come on Sweetie Belle!”

“Please tell me they’re not what I think I am seeing right?” Glavie couldn’t process what has happened.

“Oh you must not worry,” Mumbo pops right in front of them. “I’m not that insane,” He laughed as his Bunny henchmen forms around. “But I wouldn’t worry about them for a while.”

“Dang it!” Imp stomped his frustration out.

The sound of thunder surrounded Flutter’s hooves, “We’ll worry about it later but right now let's just finish this!”

The rest of the fillies grabbed their weapons, charging in with the bunnies, letting out a battle cry.

A harsh desert wind blows at alarming rate. Tumbleweeds fall down the cliff sides of the rock formation. Buffalo groups travel in packs, leaving a bunch of hoof prints on the ground. One of the buffaloes stopped, spotting a lake near by. As he takes a huge sip, wind suddenly blows around him. He looked up, spitting out all his water as a huge light appears right on top of him. With no hesitation, he sprinted far away as the two fillies drop right into the water.

“GAHHH!” Sweetie Belle shot up from lake, spitting out all the water.

“BLEH!” Buttons quickly swam out, vomiting water. “What happen!?” He shook his head, shaking the water off him before lying down. “OW!” He jumped up, noticing a small cactus. “Wait where did this come from!?”

Sweetie took a deep breath, “I think we're at the desert.”

Buttons eyes widen as he look around. “WAHHHHHH! WHY ARE WE IN A DESERT!?”

As his screams became louder like a screaming banshee, Sweetie Belle teeth gritted against each other, with her eyes slowly closing. “OHHHH SHUT UP!” With a single command, Buttons freeze from position. “Instead of screaming like a little baby, how about you help me get out of this predicament!” ��

He drops to his flank, letting out a tear. “Ok….” Buttons gave the puppy dog look as he whimpered.  

“Ugh…” Sweetie took a long deep breath. Her eyes shift focus on the sun as it slowly sets behind the canyons. “Oh great…”

Buttons slide his hooves together nervously. “Ummm is it gonna get dark soon?”

Sweetie turned around, spotting a cave near by. “Come on Buttons! Let's head over there!”

“But…” Buttons body shiver rapidly, “I’m afraid of dark-” Sweetie Belle grabs him by hoof, pulling him at a fast pace.

The sun slowly hides behind the the canyons. The moon engulfs the desert with darkness as the wind blows extremely harsh. Howls whirled along with the sound of rattles around the cave entrance.        

Buttons groaned, curling himself in a fetal position.    

Sweetie Belle sat back, grinning her teeth. “How long are you gonna be like that!?”

He stop, setting back on the bumpy rocks. “I’m sorry…”

Silence began to take over. The two looked at each other for a moment, only to look away after a few seconds. Any attempt to see eye to eye was nothing but fruitless. The two growl, flicking small pebbles away from them.

Sweetie Belle stand up, taking a deep breath. “Buttons….I want to ask you something?”

His eyes drift focus on her, getting a little shaken up.

“Do you really want to be with me after finding out of this?” She looked away, scratching her mane. “Please, give me a straight answer…”

Buttons hold his breath, darting his eyes around like pinballs.  

She slowly nodded her head, getting a bit frustrated of his actions. “So you’re not going to give me a straight answer then!?”

He looks down on himself, taking a deep breath. “I….I just don’t know….”

Without a word, Sweetie headed to a rock. She laid her head, crossing her hooves as she avoids any eye contact with him.

Buttons stares deeply at the wall, “I’m just getting use to it…” His eyes closed, laying back on the cave wall. A small snore begins to form, as he leaves for dreamland.

The two fall into a deep sleep. Unbeknownst The small trembles around the cave. A shadow covers the cave entrance. A loud roar was sent throughout the desert, barely denting the ears of our fillies.

_________________________________________________________________________

The Sun slowly rises, setting a beam of light directly inside the cave.  

Sweetie Belle and Buttons prepare for the long trip ahead of them. Thanks to the lake, they drank about 7 liters of water, keeping themselves hydrated from the heat.

“Oh boy I feel so fresh!” She dunk her head, letting the water being absorbed by her skin. “Rarity was right about water being nature’s lotion.”

“Sweetie Belle I have to ask,” Buttons tipped his beanie as he scratch his mane. “Why couldn’t you just teleport us back to ponyville?”

She nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. “I wish I could Buttons, but my magic is not powerful enough to so!” Sweetie Belle took a long sip before continuing, “I can only teleport a few meters. I’m sorry.”

“Oh...right.” The disheartening he express within his voice catches her attention.  

Sweetie Belle got up and walked away. “Come on Buttons! We got a long journey ahead of us.”

Buttons let out a garbled up sigh, “Nice going! Why don’t you treat her like a monster while you're at it!”

“What was that!?” She turn around, giving a glare only a scary monster could show.

“Nothing…” Buttons quickly walked right past her, hiding his frightened face from her. “Lets just get going!”

Upon miles of grounded sand, the two kept themselves at a very moderate pace. The sun is at the highest temperature, causing a bit of a blindness in their vision. Sweetie Belle didn’t care but Button’s body is getting a lot weaker despite all the water he drank. At first, she is disappointed for him but she didn’t want him to suffer anymore. She picked him up, carrying him for the remaining trip.  

“Ugh!”--Her legs shakes up a bit--“you're a bit heavy there.”   

Button’s smiled, taking a lot of quick breaths. “Thank you…”

The complement causes her cheeks to turn red despite holding her angry face.

After a few more miles, the two made a quick stop at a tall rock formation casting a shadow across the desert.

Sweetie Belle sets him down, wiping out all the sweat dripping from her forehead. “I think we should take a break.”

“NO!” Buttons quickly stand up despite his hooves collapsing on him. “I can still walk…”

“Buttons…” She placed him back to the warm pillar wall. “Don’t push yourself there…”

He let out a long drawn out sigh, looking upwards. “You sure this place is safe?”

She gave a wide eye look until seconds later, a bunch of shadows started to pop in and out from the shade. At the corner of her vision, a bunch of vultures are circling around them. Every single one began to give them a very uncomfortable stink eye.

Buttons entire body shakes uncontrollably. “They look really hungry there…”

Sweetie Belle laid right next him, snuggling his head as she use his left shoulder as a cushion. “I’m here Buttons…” His uncontrollably shaking began to wither. “To be totally honest, I was kinda hoping you do that…” He laughed awkwardly, forming a shaky but comfortable smile.

The two stayed quiet for a while. The coldness from the pillar began to spread around their bodies, giving them immense cool down from the heat.

Sweetie Looks up to him, seeing buttons closing his eyes as he takes a deep breath. “Feeling better there?”

Button looks up, avoiding any kind of eye contact. “I….I’m fine.” Unfortunately the vultures’ ravenous glares too much for him. “Ok maybe I’m not fine!”

Sweetie Belle picked herself up, standing right in front of Buttons.

One single look already made him tremble beneath his knees. “OH come on Sweetie Belle! Your worse then my mother!”

A long winded sigh came out, with her eyes looking a lot tired. “Buttons….Just give it to me straight please.”

Buttons’ teeth grinned together, scraping the junk food off the top of his teeth. His eyes barely looked at her. “I’m….Just trying to get use this secret life you have with your friends.”

Sweetie Belle gave the most unsettling stink eye he has ever seen. “Buttons…” The tone of her voice sends shivers down his spine.

“OK I AM SCARED!” The load shout caused the vulture to scatter. “You got me there...I….” Button tumbled down, holding his body in place. “I was just scared about the power everypony possesses.” He curls into a ball, sticking his face inside. “It’s just so sudden and I couldn’t even process it all!”

Silence began to take over. The sound of hooves stepping on sand became louder by the second.

Buttons quickly stands on his four hooves, noticing the sand prints going around him. “Oh crap..” His head turned 360, witnessing Sweetie Belle facing at the rock pillar. “Sweetie…”

“Shut up…” A spiteful phrase cause him to freeze up. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

Button lips pulled back, closing his eye as tight as possible.

Suddenly a loud rumble caught them by surprise. The two fell right on the rocky terrain, spitting out any rocks scooped up by their mouths.

“What it that!?” Buttons darted his head, unable to control his breathe. “It’s getting louder!?”

“Would you-” Sweetie Belle stop mid sentence. Her eyes open wide with her jaw dropped. Buttons turned his head around, “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Falling right on his flank, he desperately skid his way behind Sweetie Belle.

A large looking cockroach like creature appears like a skyscraper. Its legs were bird like with claws covered red coating along with suction cup mouths and small tentacles around it. It opens its mouth, unleashing a loud ear piercing roar across the badlands.

Sweetie and Buttons slapped their hooves into their ears, barely covering themselves from the piercing scream.

“TOOOOO MUCH!” She froze in place, focusing all her strength towards her front hooves.

“IT’S REAL! IT’S REALLY REAL!” Buttons maintains posture, unable to look away from a monstrosity of an animal.

The creature raise its front legs, extending its claws.

Sweetie Belle body trembled, shaking her head constantly.

“OH NO!” Buttons grabs Sweetie Belle, pulling her away.

The claws slammed right onto the ground, causing a huge earthquake around the surrounding area.

Buttons holds Sweetie Belle tight. The two rolled down the deformed area, suffering scraps and bruises around their bodies. Buttons slammed right into a deform rock, “GAHH!” The combined force of Sweetie Belle body and the solid aggregate cause a huge bruise on his back. “OW!”

“BUTTONS!” Sweetie Belle quickly picks him up, “You ok!?”

His eyes stayed focus on the creature despite the pain, “Its….A Mongolian walker….”

She looked up, analyzing the creature detail once more. “A WHAT!?”

“It’s…OUCH!” Buttons body tingle, grinded his teeth together. “It’s…”

“Don’t speak! LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!”

Within her top speed, she ignore all the pain of the small rocks sticking on the hooves with every step. The low rumbles of hoofsteps cause her to jump off the ground within every step. The pain within her hooves began to increase. Her teeth clench harder and harder, causing immense strain by the second.

The creature catches up to them.

Sweetie Belle stopped in place with her eyes peeled wide open. “What is this thing doing?”

It’s entire body raises up by a few feet. Its legs creepily step closer and closer.

“OH NO!” Sweetie Belle panicily trot in place as the entire body slowly descends towards them. “Come on, come on! Think!” Her eyes stopped, looking right above her head. “Ok let's see if this can work!” She bites deep within her lower lip, as sparks came in a faster rate. “COME ON WORK YOU STUPID….HORN!” Her voice grunted and cracked as the creature body lowered. The creature’s breath swept through her mane.

A light engulfed her.

The ground shook immensely, causing every natural made object to shake. The vultures left in packs, leaving feathers in their wake. The creature stands up, taking a look underneath. No corpses...no food.

The echo of its roar could be heard all the way from Canterlot.

____________________________________

In a flash of light, Sweetie Belle and Buttons emerge right into a small pool of clean refreshing water surrounded by palm trees.

“GAHHH!” Sweetie Belle pops out from water, dragging buttons to shore. “Buttons!” She patted him back, slapping him with all her might. “COME ON WAKE UP!”

A burst of water upchucks straight on her, wetting her entire mane. “OW!” Buttons cough uncontrollably, letting out every lasting drop of water. “How...How did with escape?” No answer was given. He felt the tightness of her hooves wrapped around him. Buttons chuckle, giving her a pat on her head.

Suddenly, Sweetie Belle pushes him away. Her frown became more noticeable as the bags of her eyes get more dreary...

Buttons turned away, taking a long drawn out breath. “It's a Mongolian walker if you want to know…”     

She tilted her head. “A Mongo….what?”

“A Mongolian walker,” His body shivered as he hugs himself from the cold. “I never thought they existed. I only know it as a boss from a RPG I played.” Buttons breath quickly became uncontrollable. “That thing is now out there and it we’re its meal!”

Sweetie Belle laid back, looking at the sky. “Where are my friends right now…?”

Button took a small breather. “You don’t see me as one right now?”

She tipped her head, letting out a loud growl. “Buttons...I don’t want to deal with this right now.I want to make sure we don’t become that things next meal!” Sweetie Belle turned away from Buttons, tilting her head up and flicking her tail. “HMMF!”

Buttons walked away from her, sitting right behind the palm tree. “I’ll give you personal space ok…”

The two kept their mouth closed tight as they stayed in their lanes. The sun slowly descends into the mountains. Vultures began to flock over their heads.

As the moon slowly sets in, Buttons kicks the palm, knocking all the coconuts down as one conveniently cracks in two upon landing. “Sweetie Belle?” Buttons called out, carrying the crack coconut on his back, “Hey Sweetie Belle?” He stopped, noticing her in a fetal position. “You hungry?”

Sweetie turned her head, giving him the stink eye before turning away.

Buttons laughs awkwardly, “I guess you're not that hungry…”

She scoots away, wrapping her left hoof around her head.  

He drops right on his flank, having the crack coconut slide off. Buttons bites his tongue, stomping on the hard rocky grass ground.

“SWEETIE BELLE I GET IT!” His teeth bites against each other as his face became redder as a burned horseshoe. “I know what I said was uncalled for, but I was worried that I’m no longer on good terms because of my fears ok!” Buttons rubs his mane all over, making a mess of his hair. “BUT CAN WE NOT GO THERE? WE’RE ON THE RUN FROM A GIANT FREAKING BUG CREATURE THAT WANTS TO EAT US!” With a single breath, he lies next to her with his hooves spread out.

The sound of hooves steps catches his attention. Sweetie Belle stands right next to him, groaning despite her voice sounding out of touch. “Buttons….I’m just very upset that you saw me as a threat.”

Buttons shoots up, wrapping his arms around her. “I don’t see you as that! You’re still the best filly that I ever talked too!”

She pushes him away, turning his back on him. “But….”

“I’m just worried that you’ll get hurt…” Buttons lunges himself on top of her.

Her head tilts down. A paint of rays covers her face as the sunshine rises, “Well it's good that you worry about me.”

Sweetie Belle smacks her lips against his.

Buttons entire body freezes, his pure white eyeballs contrasting with his reddening face. She pulls back, melting the wall between them with her captivating smile and a small soft giggle escaping from her mouth.  

Buttons kept on stuttering as he splashes into the pond, waking him up from the trance. “BLAH!” He jumps right back into her arms, “Well...at least I got a kiss from the prettiest filly ever…”

Sweetie’s hooves gently tap his nose. “Lets try to work together so we can-”

“LOOK OUT!”

Buttons jumps onto her.

The two slowly looked ahead. A huge stinger—as big as a dining table pierce the rock like it was tissue paper. The crack spread around the rock, breaking it into many tiny pieces. Both of them stepped back, spotting a bunch of black bees with white patterns around them. Big black eyes occupied the bulk of their faces, leaving a small mouth with crooked sharp teeth.

“Mongolian bee hunters!?”

Panicking, Buttons grabs Sweetie Belle before making a mad dash for their lives.

The bee’s began pursuit, firing their stringers like homing magic shots.

“Hey!” Sweetie Belle struggles out of Button’s grasp. “Let me fight them off!”

“Can’t you wait till we find some cover first!” He skid across the dirt, throwing her right behind some rock piles before jumping in.

Needles showered the rocks, piecing them threw with every crack getting wider and farther.

“Sweetie Belle!” Buttons prone himself, shaking like a mad pony. “Now might be the time to use those powers!”

Her tail aligned with her cutie mark, “Armor up!” Within a quick flash, Sweetie jumped out of the rock, throwing her microphone at the bee swarm. One gets its wing flinged off, causing the bee to spiral to the ground. “Gotcha!”

The rest of the swarm flew towards her, unleashing a fusillade of stingers. With quick reflexes, Sweetie Belle ran by as every needle implant themselves on the ground. As one gets close, she launches her microphone as it wraps around the neck area.

“Time for a small ride!” Off the ground, she landed nicely on the bee’s belly. “EEK!” She jumped off, rubbing her flank on the cold hard ground. “OW! OW! OW! OW!”

“Oh yeah, I forgot…” Buttons peaks out from cover. “These bees have very sharp skin around them.”

Sweetie Belle stopped in place as her body shakes uncontrollably. “Would’ve been nice if you told me that earlier!”

Buttons slowly groans, “I swear you're worse then my mo-” His eyes widen, spotting one of the bee’s raising its stinger right behind her. “Sweetie Belle look out!”   

She quickly spun around, kicking the bee right into the lake. The water covered the entirety of its wings, sinking like a ship. “Oooooo…” Sweetie Belle ran right past the swarm as they take pursuit. “Not the brightest bunch huh?” With one jump into the water, a huge splash engulfs the swarm by surprise.

Soaked in so much water, the wings no longer respond. Every single one hit the ground, unable to move a single inch from each other. Their bodies twitch, grasping at every opportunity to move.

Sweetie Belle jumped for joy, “Move all you want but it's gonna be a while till you’re dried up!”

“SWEETIE BELLE!” Buttons tackled hugged her, crying tears of joy. “I thought you were a goner.”  

She pats him on head, setting him aside. “I told you that I can handle it. You shouldn’t have to-”

Her eyes catches a speeding stinger popping out of the water like a fierce piranha.

“LOOK OUT!”

She pushed Buttons just before the stinker exit out of the water. The sound of metal scraping across the armor as it pass by.

“OH NO!” Buttons quickly picked her up. “ARE YOU OK THERE!?”

“No need to panic,” she giggled as she patted his head. “That stinger only broke a small chunk of armor.”

Buttons let out all his breath in one go. “That was super close….that would’ve….”

“Buttons,”--She place her hooves on his shoulder--“I'm Ok now.” Her face gets closer, pecking him on the forehead. “Now how about we get out of here before the bees recover.”

He laughed softly, grabbing coconuts around him. “Well, let's brings some snacks then?”  

_______________________________________

The sun peaked through the mountain ridge, causing the two to stumble.

“Ugh that is what we get for traveling all night.” Buttons pours coconut milk all over his his head. “Ahhh that hits the spot.”

Sweetie Belle let out a small chuckle. “Aren’t you one exciting colt.”

“Well..” He looked away, hiding his burning cheeks. “It’s a given.”

“Once we get-” Her mouthed stopped. Her yes widen like an owl.

Buttons looked at the same direction, noticing a maze like rock pillar formation. Walls upon walls of deformed pillars covered from their point of view with no end in sight. “A maze…” his head tilted downwards, pulling back a growl. “I figure something like this will happen.”

She closed her eyes, shaking her head like a rattle with her left front hoof forward. “Come on, Buttons….We gotta go through it.”

“Ugh!” Swiping the rock, he lash out his tongue out of displeasurement. “I could say just go around it, but that would probably take too long anyway.”

Taking the first step, the pillar formation were open ended at first. The two took a deep breath of fresh before going in deeper….and deeper...and deeper. Taking many turns, everything had a similar feel to them with each passing minute. The heat began to spread throughout their bodies like a wretched disease.

“Ugh!” Buttons laid back on the warm pillar walls, swiping out all the sweat from his forehead. “It feels like hours have past.” His eyes went numbed for a second, “I swear if I don’t get some wa-” He pause, noticing a half of coconut filled with water right on the palm of her hoof. His eyes widen, with his lips lowered. “You sure about this?”

She smiled, “I already drank too much anyway.”

“Heh..” He covered his face, laughing awkwardly. “Dang it! I’m feeling so light headed today.”

Sound of innocent laughter began to fill around them. The weight of their situation faded away for a moment. However it came back like a barbell. Buttons and Sweetie Belle sticked together like glue, hearing all the buzzing noises around them.

“Sweetie Belle…” his body shaken without any way to control it.

She place her tail on her cutie mark, keeping her stance in checked.

Sounds of pure rock cracking reached their ears.

Sweetie Belle’s turned her head, instantly noticing the cracks right close to their positions. “Move out of the way!”

A part of the wall cracks open.Stingers passing through. The two barely came unscratch. Not a second later, a bright flash engulf Sweetie Belle with armor just at the nick of time.

Buttons swipe the dirt, catching a noticeable feature with her armor. “Sweetie Belle, you might want to take a look at that..”

“What?” She looked, noticing the same hole from before. “I thought this armor would fix itself?”

The bees began flying towards in drones. Sweetie Belle summons her mic, “Alright time for an encore!” She launched the mic straight into the swarm.

The mic met its mark on two unlucky bees. The wires gave them an extreme corseting, eliciting two agonizing screeches.

“Wow…” Buttons eyes widen, trembling at the sight of blood. “Sorry you had to see that but I suggest you get ready to run.” Sweetie spins her mic stands to deflect the stingers. “I’ll catch up soon enough!”

Button’s legs freeze. “Don’t get lost, ok!”

Quickly thawing his frozen legs, he sprints away.

“Woah! WOAH!”  Sweetie sprints her way through the swarm, dodging stingers as their impacts grew closer. With close timing, she jumps on one of the passing stingers. “Hello!” With a single swing, she bash the bee’s head.

With an opening now clear, she puts her legs on full turbo with the bees giving chase. She dashes and turns, but the bees keep on her tail. “OK outrunning them is not gonna work.” She looks around despite the stingers blocking her view from time to time.

“Wait a minute.” A few feet away from her, a pillar with a boulder holding on top came into her sight.

She look back, thinking of bee soup all of sudden. She skid across the rocky ground, firmly placing herself right at the pillar. The bees surround her like a group of timberwolves. “Come on, you stupid bees! Give it your best shot!”

All of them fired at the same time.

“Gotcha!” Sweetie Belle jumps at the nick of time. The stingers pierce the pillars. Cracks snake across the pillar as a crumbling sound echoes through the cavern.

The pillar breaks apart.

One by one, rocks crush the bees, an unholy collective screech of agony piercing the darkness. Their bodily fluids gush out of the rubble as a squelching sound began to accompany the bees’ screams. .Some crawl out, but the boulder tumbling onto their heads puts them out of their misery

Sweetie Belle takes a deep breath, letting out a soft chuckle. “Now to find Button...” She sprints away from the bloody mess. Right as she take a left turn, she stops at an X carved into the wall.

__________________________________________________________

As the sun descends behind the mountains, Button Mash paces back and forth, only stopping for a few seconds to face the exit. “Come on Sweetie Belle….” He continues to pace back and forth.

“BUTTON!” He immediately stop, facing towards the exit before getting tackled hug. “I’m back!” She holds him tight, giving him the biggest squeeze of compassion. “Thank you for leaving a trail there!”

“No...Problem…” Button’s eyes widen, grasping for air. “But can you...let go?”

“OH!” She let him go, seeing his painful reaction. “Sorry I kinda forgot the armor increases strength for a moment there.”

Button shakes his body, positioning himself in a comfortable stance. “So the bee’s didn’t follow you?”

She nodded slowly, “all we have to focus is getting out of this desert!”

Button’s nodded, patting her on the shoulder. “We should be-”

Sounds of crumbling rock catches the attention of the two. The ground shake’s at an uncontrollable rate, causing the two to land on their flanks.

“Oh no…” Button quickly picked up Sweetie Belle, bolting out of there.

The maze like pillar formation break’s with the mongolian walker bursting right through.

“CRAP!” Adrenaline rush threw Button’s body. “Hey why do I feel lightweight than before?” He looked up, noticing a missing passenger. His eyes bulge, stopping in place. “SWEETIE BELLE! YOU CAN’T FIGHT THAT THING!”

Ignoring his words, Sweetie Belle summon’s her mic stand. “I’m not gonna run away from you this time!” She jump, raising her weapon to strike. “Time to-” Suddenly a loud tear of metal catches her attention. Her eye’s set focus on the suddenly long tear from where the bee’s stinger left its mark. “Huh..” Without warning, her armor bust into millions of tiny pieces, turning into glittery dust.

“What…” Now in a vulnerable state, the mongolian walker kicked her so hard that the impact cause her to fly like a pegasus pushing the speed barrier.

“SWEETIE BELLE!” Without hesitation, Button joined in the ride. “GRRRRR!” The speed and trajectory causes his body to crumble. “SWEETIE BELLE!”  

Sweetie turn her head, ignoring all the pain. “HOLD ON!” With her teeth clutching and her eyes shut, A green spark quickly engulf them both, teleporting just 10 miles away from the walker.

Button hold her tight as their bodies contacted the rough rocky ground. The sand soften the fall, “Ow…” He slowly picks himself off “Oh! Sweetie Belle!” He ran up to her, noticing her left bottom hoof bend like a straw. “OH NO!”

Sweetie Belle moans get louder the more she attempt to move. “OW! It hurts so bad!” She grab her broken hoof, putting pressure on the pain. “Armor up...ARMOR UP!” She repeat the phrase yet the armor never appear on command.  

Buttons place her on his back, “Just hold on!” He carries her right into a small rock formation cave, ignoring the roars of the walker from afar.

He gently place Sweetie Belle right on the lease deform rock. Button takes a closer look at the broken hoof, “Now...tell if this-”

“OOOOOOOOW!” The pain is too much for her to handle.

Button panic, gently placing her hoof down. “I’m so sorry!”

Shed’s of tears drip all over her face, whimpering at the pain. “I screwed up…”

“No! No!” Button sits right next to her, patting her head. “You can’t always predict what will happen.”

“BUTTON LOOK AT ME!?” The sudden burst of anger within her voice knocked him out of his position. “MY Left bottom hoof broke, my armor disintegrated and I can’t even summon it!, and now we’re defenseless against that giant cockroach/bird hybrid that it’s coming to eat us!” With all her anger release, she just drop on the rocky surface with tears forming a puddle around her. “I’m so sorry…”

Seeing her broken down like this….It is too much for him. A single tear shed from his left eye, “Oh I can't stand it!” Without hesitation, he picks her off the ground. “Please don’t cry…” His hooves wrap around her, passionately holding her tight. “I’m here Sweetie Belle….I’m here.”

The ground constantly shake. Death comes with every rumble yet the two continue to hold each like there is no tomorrow. “Button….” Sweetie Belle looks at him. Her eyes continue to water, as her pupils widen. “I always wanted a moment like this.”

Buttons chuckle, nuzzling her. “Never thought a pretty filly like you would say that.” His eyes close, forming a wide grin. “I am glad to share this moment with you.”

Hearing those compliments, Sweetie Belle heart thump like rabbit. “I…” Her head slowly move in, puckering her lips together.

The ground rapidly shake till the sound of crushing boulder’s caught their attention from above. The two look up, noticing the roofless cave. The sight of the walker and it’s swarm of Bee cause them to tremble in fear. Button and Sweetie Belle look at each other. One last smile towards each other, with the bee’s homing in on their position’s.

“TIME TO ROCK AND ROLL!” Suddenly a loud guitar twang cause a huge sound wave, knocking all the bee’s away from their position.

“SWEETIE BELLE!” The voice’s of familiar faces catches her attention. Her eyes widen, forming the biggest grin on her face. “SWEETIE BELLE!” Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Imp run towards her with open hooves. A massive group hug cause the two to fall as the three cry with tears of joy.

“I THOUGHT YOU WERE A GONNER!” All three shout simultaneously, holding them as tight as ever.

Sweetie laugh, petting all three of them. “I’m glad to see you….LOOK OUT!”

Bee’s fire a barrage of stingers, leaving no time to react.

“Don’t you dare hurt my Imp!” Gemstone slams her pickaxe on the ground. The rock surface cracks open, Summoning a huge crystal wall. The Stingers could barely pearce the solid crystal formation.

Boomer twist his arm like spring, unleashing all of its strength directly at the crystal wall. The center breaks, spreading a storm of crystal shards. The Bee’s attempt to fly away but many succumb huge amount of crystal’s piercing all over their body.

In a flash of lighting, Flutter Kick enter the swarm of bee’s. “It’s time to get shocking!” His entire body spark, discharging an electric charge. The high voltage cause the bee’s to freeze, showing off smoke lines before falling to the ground. “Love the smell of burn bee’s.”

The Mongolian walker raising his front claw feet, unleashing a ear piercing scream.

“Hey over here!” Glave and Nightingale fly towards him, raising their left near hoof.

Glave entire front left feet began to form gold armor around it. “Gold rush you freak!”

The two punch it directly in the face, causing it to fall back a bit.

Everyone huddle together, with Glave picking up Buttons while Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Imp picking up Sweetie Belle.

“Ok the monster should be out for a couple of minutes.” He facen his legs, take a deep breath. “Run like crazy everyone!”

All of them run out there like a herd, forming a dust cloud around.

_________________________________________________

Button’s Knocks on the door, taking a peek in the hospital room. “Can I come in?”

A up beat giggle catch’s his attention. “You can come in buttons!”

Upon the door opening, Sweetie Belle smile is the first to capture his attention while walking towards her. “You doing alright there?”

She nod quickly, “In about a few days, I’ll be walking on all four’s in no time.” Her smile deform, laughing awkwardly. “I am just lucky Rarity bought the fact that I break my hoof from a fall.”

Button laugh loudly, “Well I lie to my mom whenever I have to keep something secret.” His laughter slowly die down, giving her a puppy eye look. “You almost scare me you know that right?”

The great smile she show before slowly disappear, turning her head away. “Well I’m still a learner so there is that.”

He scratch his head, giving a wide eye look. “How long have you been an armor fillie for?”

“Two weeks.” She turned her head, facing him. “I guess I have a lot of things to learn once I head back to the temple.”

Buttons grabs hold of her hoof, “and I’ll be there, every step in the way.”

The cute little smile is too much for her. “Oh you,” Sweetie Belle’s entire face turn red like a tomato.

“Hey..” Small bits of laughter pop up here and there. “Once you recover, you wanna have dinner at my place?” A smile awkwardly forms, scratching his forehead. “My mom wouldn’t mind company coming over.”

“YES!” Without hesitation, a burst of excitement takes over before she is held back by the pain. “Ow ow ow ow!”

“Hey be careful!” Button’s grabs her by the shoulder, placing her back in a comfortable position. *I hope I get use to this armor filly stuff soon…*                                                                        

[defsoulaioa]

Water & Gold Pt.1

W&G:

 "That’s not it, honey. I just.. missed you, so much.“ She pulls me into a tight hug before my dad opened the side door.

Teaser

"Wahhhhhh~~~ It’s so refreshing!” I stretched as Youngjae and I walked off the plane. The weather back home is so pretty; full of heat but yet still windy. “Isn’t it good to be back?” I asked, turning around to see Youngjae carry both of our luggage.

“Uh- huh!” He grunts dropping my stuff onto the ground. 

“Hey!” I yelled in alarm, taking off my shades. “Why did you do that?”

His hand comes over his shoulder to rub the aching pain. “Sorry,” He apologizes.  "…but, I was dying…“ He exhaled exhaustively walking to me. ”…to hold my baby.“ He whispers, smiling meanwhile he cups my face before planting a light kiss on me.

I pushed him away quickly and struck his shoulders. "Don’t do that. People are staring.” I blushed, putting the shades quickly back on.

He pouts. “It’s not like they don’t approve my affection towards you." 

Youngjae chuckles before grabbing his stuff. "They know I’m not that innocent anyways!”

“Whatever, Youngjae!” I shouted from behind and dragged my luggage as I chased after him. “Oooff- why did you stop?” I asked when I bumped into him.

“Are you sure they’re here to pick us up?” He asks. His eyes were scanning the crowd of people blocking the paths, waiting for their loved one or so. “…‘Cause I don’t see them anywhere.”

I looked across the crowd of people and frown.“They might be running late. You know, traffic or so.” I reassured.

“Damn it. I’m tired and just want to sleep.” He yawns, walking his over to set his things beside the metal bench and lying down. “You’re not coming?” He asks, looking at me who was still in the middle of the walkway.

“I’m coming.” I softly smiled and made way for being his pillow as he rests for a bit. I toyed with his hair as he crosses he arms and finds a comfortable spot.

It wasn’t long, and I’m sure Youngjae has already fallen asleep. There was a sudden chill beside me and I tried not to shudder. I tried not to notice it. I tried to remain calm, but I stiffened and bit my lip nervously.

I turned around to what’s bothering me and that’s when I saw it. Her hair was stinking wet, like odor, and parts of it slicked back. Her face pale white and with her long dark black hair that stuck to her face. She was breathing in towards my neck as if she was trying to catch my attention. Her lips were sealed dark blue and under her eyes were pitch black dark circles. Her teeth yellow with her decaying gums. She smiled creepily when she realizes that she’s caught my attention.

My heart thumped a million times faster and I looked around. Everywhere were people with pale decaying faces, no. They weren’t people, they were ghosts. I couldn’t even see the crowds of people anymore. The place has gone cold and dark all of a sudden. My hands trembled as it reached back towards Youngjae who was still sleeping peacefully.

“You don’t want to do that.” The woman beside me spoke with a dark raspy and ugly tone. Her breath stank and smelled like novocaine.

I didn’t want to reply back. I didn’t dare to. My hand only went out to reach Youngjae’s that was lying peacefully on his chest.

“Don’t. Do..! that!” The woman screamed and screeched sharply into my ears, making all the everyone who looked like her in the building shot their eyes at me, glaring daringly. Their eyes sent warnings for me to not do it, as each one of them took a step closer and closer to me.

I quickly grabbed Youngjae’s hand, holding it tightly as I shut my eyes, hoping to wake him up.

Youngjae shot up within a second. “What happened?”

I opened my eyes carefully, scanning around.. they were gone. The place was back to normal, warm and sunny. There was the crowd again, the million conversations and converse filled the room again.

“What’s wrong? HanBi-ah. You look pale white, are you okay?” Youngjae’s hands quickly came over to shake my shoulders.

I dart back to him with wet eyes after being able to scan the area. “Huh-?” I swallowed dryly and coughed a bit.

Youngjae gave me a worried look, scrunching his brows slightly and slowly turned to look behind him. to where I was looking. “So-something wrong?” He asked looking back at me, a little frightened at why I was acting the way I was.

“N-no,” I whispered in relief. “I thought… I just thought I saw something.”

“That’s a relief. Come on, we should go.” He grunts, grabbing our luggage. “They’re probably here by now.” He looks at his watch and smiled. Helping me get up, he guided us to the exit and out to the parking lot.

“Mom!” I shouted instantly when I saw her. 

“Oh my, HanBi!” She hugged me tightly before hugging Youngjae.

“Come here, son!” My dad patted his back and Youngjae bowed gladly.

“Come on, I can’t wait to get home,” I said happily. “Let’s go out for lunch today,” I smiled excitedly. 

“About that…” My mom pouted.“Sorry honey. Youngjae’s parents and we are having a meeting tomorrow morning in Jeju, that’s why we are leaving to depart just now.” She explains, grabbing her things out of the trunk.

I frowned a bit but glanced up. “That’s fine. Maybe later on. But I don’t want to be home alone while I’m back.”

She rubbed my arms and smiled. “Actually, I was thinking if it was okay for you two to stay together over at the Choi’s residence. Staying home alone in the big house makes me feel… unsafe.”

I looked at my mom and back at Youngjae who was already smirking at me. “But, mom-!”

“Coco’s there too. I bet she’ll miss you lots.” My mom cut me off and shoved me in the car as my dad and Youngjae threw our belongings in the back.

“But Coco doesn’t even like me,” I whined.

“Stop with the buts and whining, will you? It’s good to have the both of you together while we’re away.”

“We’ve been overseas together, living together for 4 years!” I fought back, not getting the point why it’s such a good thing. “What else is good for the both of us?” I complained unhappily.

My mom kept quiet and didn’t reply for a moment. I noticed how the mood had changed and I realized I must’ve stepped over the line. “I-I’m sorry. I just… miss you guys. A lot.” I apologized.

“I missed you too.” She turned back to me, with her teary eyes.

“Why are you crying?” I asked worriedly. “Di-did I say something wrong?”

“No, no. I was just relieved that you’re back home safe and sound.” She patted my head.

“Are you sure? Is anything bothering you? …Work?”

“That’s not it, honey. I just.. missed you, so much.” She pulls me into a tight hug before my dad opened the side door.

“Okay, everything is packed. Let’s take you guys home. Shall we?” Youngjae smiled.

“Wait for Mr. Kim to come back from the washroom. He’ll get you home. Oh, and be safe.” My dad patted Youngjae’s back and starting rolling their things in the cart.

“You too, dad. Take care.” Youngjae smiled and bowed, bidding a goodbye.

My eyes widened. “Did you? Did you just call my dad your dad?” I pointed, and they just all laughed. “Wait isn’t this going too far?” I asked a little stunned. “…Too fast?” I continued when they all ignored me and laughed.

“Oh don’t joke like that, baby! We’re getting engaged this weekend!” Youngjae smiled.

“Wa-what? Mom! Dad! Guys?!” My eyes looked at my parents who smiled and chuckled weakly.

“Yes, honey! You’re getting engaged this weekend!” They laughed hugging me with the widest grin ever.

“Wai- You guys didn’t tell me about this…” I looked back at them confused about what to say. I wasn’t sure if I was excited.. or wasn’t ready.

“We wanted it to be a surprise, actually.” My mom replied.

“A surprise? For me? The soon-to-be-bride surprise?! I should plan it all up when I’m ready!” I complained.

“Hanbi-ah…” Youngjae looked at me as if he grew hurt.

“I-I’m.. sorry.” My eyes drew back down to my feet. “I didn’t mean to say that… I just am not ready for this… I just..” I looked back up at them, and all I could see in their eyes were just disappointment.

“Honey, can we talk about this later? We have to leave for the flight right now. Oh, and before I forget. This man here is your new personal butler. Kim Yugyeom. Treat him well, he’s a year younger than you. ”

“…Right.” My voice lowered and I was hurt. They didn’t wait for me to finish up what I was saying. They didn’t want to hear what I had in mind. Work, work, work. They always chose work over me.

“Come on, baby. Let’s go get some rest first. We’ll clear things out afterward. Okay?” Youngjae placed his hands around my waist and walked us into the car. “The Choi’s residence.” He ordered and we rode silently.

—–

“Youngjae, just why didn’t you tell me?” I looked down at the dark green yard at the back, while the sun sets off, and sat my cup of water down beside me.

“What do you mean, not tell you?” He sat down on the bed and loosened his tie.

“How long have you known about this and not tell me?” I crossed my arms and turned to face him. “Before we left to study abroad? Just when we got here?”

“Ever since the end of high school, I guess.” He lied down on the bed and sighed. Youngjae placed his hands behind his head and rested his eyes.

“And no one ever mentioned this to me? It’s been planned on so long.” I walked over to him and laid beside him. Placing my hand just over his chest, I looked up at his tired face with a sad pout. “Four years already and I’m only knowing now? Isn’t that too unfair?” I got up and sat on top of him. 

“What are you doing…” He grumbled sleepily.

“Trying to get even.” I unbuttoned his shirt slowly and chuckled. “I’m the main act and yet I’m the last to know?”

He got up and placed his forehead over mine. “I’ve been patient this whole time, to not tell you.” He smiled and puckered his lips.

“But still,” I replied with half lidded eyes. “What if I’m not ready to be engaged yet? Isn’t it too fast for me to take it all in? I mean, you could’ve informed me… oh I don’t know months before?! Years?!” I got up from his lap and turned away getting angrier with just the thought of it. The thought of how everyone’s rushing me and all. It was supposed to be a proper family plan for an engagement. It’s like I’m being forced to do this when I don’t even know what’s going on.

“Oh come on, babe.” His hand brushes against my arm.

“I don’t know, Youngjae… I just wish I knew a little earlier.” I turned to look at him and noticed his distressed face. “I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to. It’s that I feel like I’m not ready for this… We just finished studying overseas and we’re finally back here again. Why can’t we just enjoy our time together here before being engaged and all?” I took his hand in mine and looked into his eyes deeply. “Why does it have to be pushed like this?"I whispered.

"I-… I don’t know Hanbi-ah. I didn’t decide it. It was our parents. It’s what they want and… I want.” He sat me down and massaged my shoulders. “Is it not what you want?” He asks.

I stopped his hands. “It’s not what I want right now.”

“Look, why don’t we sleep it off right now. And we can figure it out later in the morning?” He suggests.

I looked at my hands that were resting on my lap, frustrated. “I want to clear it out now.” I sighed.

“I know that you feel like you’re not ready for this. But I know you are Hanbi. Look, it’ll be fine. I know you’re a little surprised by the sudden news, but I know that deep down in your heart you’re excited about the new life. I know that you’re stressing out right now, but I know that once we get through this, it’ll be better.” He kisses the nape of my neck and suddenly pulls me into the bed. “Now come on. Let me at least get some sleep with my baby.” He smiles and turns off the lights before the throwing the sheets over us.