#Up in the air chapter 3

[lukin08]

Up In The Air- Chapter 3

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC: 2300

Summary: Tired of her nomad lifestyle, traveling nurse Anna Arendelle on a whim picks Pensacola Florida as her new town to try find a sense of home. Meanwhile, Navy Pilot Kristoff Bjorgman has accepted a dream position at the Naval station in the same town. After a chance encounter goes south, the two of them find their lives entwined, with neither of them all that happy about it!

Also available on AO3

Previous Chapters- Chapter 1 Chapter 2

“Anna!” The table yelled out in unison, some in the group raising their drinks as they called her name.  Camila hadn’t been joking when she said everyone would be out.  Most the nurses, techs and doctors who were off were standing or sitting around the three high tops pushed together.

“I saved you a seat,” Camila said as she ran over to meet Anna.  Camila led Anna over to the tables to a stool between her and Sue.  There was a spread of food already on the tables and Anna quickly filled up a plate.  She was famished.  Between her morning shift at the hospital and working at the OB’s office, she didn’t find any time to grab lunch.  

“So, how was the Dr. Intilli’s,” Camila asked, handing Anna a beer.

Sue leaned in before Anna could answer.  “I hope Dr. Intilli is single for the number of hours you’re putting in at his office and how much you talk about him.  I’ve never heard him mention anyone, so I’ll remain hopeful.”

“If you must know, his partner helped me find the house I’m renting.  They’re a lovely couple.  And I like working there when they are short staffed.  Gives me something to do.”

“Something to do!” Sue threw her hands up.  “Anna, you’ve been here for over a month!  Your ‘something to do’ should be filled with getting out and having fun.”

“You sound just like Camila.”

“Good.  You should listen to us!  Now let me help get you initiated into the club.”

“Sue, stop!” Camila reprimanded.  

“Anna’s the one that said she was ready to start dating again.  I’m just helping her along.”

Camila shook her head.  “What I meant was, she’s not interested in any sailors.”

“Oh please.  Was one date really that bad?”

Anna nodded, rolling her eyes as she took a drink from her beer.  “I shouldn’t have told you two about that.”

Camila nudged Anna.  “Don’t mind her.  She’s biased because of her husband.”

Anna’s head swiveled to Sue.  “Your husband was in the Navy?”

Sue smiled and winked.  “20 years.  His last station was Pensacola and we ended up staying.  So yes, I’m a little biased, but if you don’t want military let’s see what the options are.”  Sue started scanning the bar.

Anna looked at her quizzically.  “What do you mean?”

“Sue can spot military from a mile away.” Camila answered.

“They all have a certain look to them,” Sue said as she continued to look around, until she stopped her focus at the back of the bar.  “See the group at the back there?  All Navy.  The two across from us, not.  But they don’t look like your type.”

 “You know my type too?  Anna snorted when she laughed.  “Ok.  I must know.  What is your secret?  How do you know who’s who?”

“First and most importantly,” Sue said, holding up her finger.  “Years of being around it.  And second,” she glanced around until she zeroed in on two men entering the bar.  “There it is.  See that one, with the brown hair?” Anna looked in the direction Sue was focused on.  “The hair usually gives it away- neat and short most of the time.  Also, see how he’s walking?  It’s too precise.  Yeah, that one’s definitely Navy.  Although he does have a bit of swager in his step.  Probably a fly boy.”

“Fly boy?”

“A pilot.”

“Oh, he’s cute!” Camila added as she looked over and pointed in that direction.  “But I like his friend more.  Anna what do you think?”

Anna grabbed her hand, shoving it down quicky.  “Camila, stop!  They’ll see us.”

“That’s the point!  Sue what do you make of the other one?”

Sue looked intently for a moment.  “You know, I can’t really tell.  He’s either a local or an officer.  It’s a toss-up, really.”

Anna kept her gaze on the duo until they found a pub table not too far away and started talking.  She had to agree with Camila.  Both men were good looking, but something drew her more to the second one.  Anna didn’t realize she was staring until one of the doctors asked her a question and pulled her back into the conversation with the group.   

Five minutes later, Sue was sliding off her pub chair.  “Ok, here we go ladies.”

Anna shot a look at Sue.  “Where are you going?”

Sue had a laser focus on the bar.  “To gather intel.  I’ll be back soon.”

Anna could only watch as Sue sauntered up to the bar right next to one of the men from the table.  She hid her face in her hands.  “Oh, this isn’t going to go well.”

“Relax,” Camila said then got distracted.  She held up a sheet of paper from the table.  “Oh, look.  They have karaoke tonight.  Fun!”

“Wait,what?”

***********************

“Hey Svenny,” Sue heard the bartender say as she watched him put both hands on the edge of the bar.  “Sorry for the wait.  I’m down two wait staff tonight.”  He handed over two bottles of beer. “Great to see you again!  How you’ve been doing, bud?  I see you managed to get Kris out.”

The man turned and looked behind him.  “Miracles do happen.”

“Well, I can’t speak for my brother, but I’m sure Cliff is appreciative.”

“I’m always up for dragging his ass out and making him live a little.”

The bartender chuckled as he glanced over to the table then turned his attention back to Sven.  “How long are you in town?’

“Just a few more days.  I’ve got a few weeks of leave before I report to my new assignment, and we wanted to see Kris.  It’s been too long.” 

“I heard you’re reassigned to the States now that your deployment is over.  Congrats!  Where are you going?”

“Virginia Beach.  And thanks.  Finally.  Hopefully we should be back for a long time.”

“Good to hear.  How’s the wife doing?”

Sue heard a sigh, and she already knew where the conversation was going.  She listened to them talk before she couldn’t hold it in anymore.  “Want some unsolicited advice from a wife of a 20-year naval veteran?” 

***********************************

“What’s going on now?” Anna asked, not able to look over at the bar.

Camila was watching Sue’s every move.  “She’s talking to them.  He’s giving her a look.  Oh wait!  He’s smiling at her!”

“That can’t be good.”

“I’m sure it’s fine.”  Camila hopped off the chair with the paper in hand.  “I’ll be back in a minute. I’m going to put our names on the list for karaoke.”

A few minutes later, Sue was bouncing back to the table, drinks in hand and smiling like a Cheshire cat.

“What was that about?” Anna asked, crossing her arms and squinting her eyes at Sue.

“Top secret military stuff.  But look, he bought us drinks!”  Sue sat down and passed Anna’s drink over.  “I don’t know what it is, but it looked like it was strong.”

“Sounds like I may need it.”

Sue ignored her and started in.  “Here’s the deal. The one at the bar… off the table.  Married and from what I could gather, happily.  So, hands off.  But the blond is definitely single.  And the more I get a look at him, fucking hot.  I see it as a win-win situation for everyone.  So, now you may go talk to him.”

“Just like that?”

“Why not?”

“Because!”  Anna threw her face in her hands.  “I am going to need a drink for that.”

Sue pushed hers over.  “Then you can have mine too.  I’m not drinking anymore tonight.  Early shift tomorrow.”

Camila was back as soon as Anna finished her drink. Anna grabbed Sue’s when Camila dragged her over by the karaoke.

***************************

“Cheers,” Sven clinked his beer to Kristoff’s and both men took a swig of their glasses.   “Thanks for showing me around today.  That was a dream come true.”

Kristoff sat back in thought for a moment.  “Yeah, glad we could do that.  The team liked you…surprisingly.” A corner of Kristoff's mouth turned up.

“What are you talking about?  Everyone loves me.  I’m a joy to have in class.  Ask my second-grade teacher.”

“And it was all downhill after that. But seriously, it was nice to be able to take someone on base besides my parents to see everything.”

“You ready for El Centro? I can’t believe you leave soon.”

“It’s come up so fast.”  Kristoff shook his head.  “Everything’s been a blur since July.  Between transitioning duties in Norfolk, moving down here, getting in the jets and starting to learn the show, I barely know which way is up.  We already started working on the routine.”

“How is it?”

Kristoff let out a high bark of a laugh.  “Rough.  But the boss wants us to have a basic feel for the show in the air before we leave.”

Sven leaned forward on his elbows, his face turning serious.  “Be honest.  What’s it like?  Flying the jet with the team?”

The grin from Kristoff said it all.  “Amazing.”

Sven clapped his hands and leaned back against his chair.  He wore a huge smile from ear to ear.  “I fucking knew it!  What a dream!  Now you get 8 weeks in Cali flying with the Angels and you’ll come back a cohesive team!”

“Don’t glamourize it too much.  It’s not like I’ll be sitting at the beach.  That’s 8 weeks of intense work in the Mohave Desert.”

“I’ll glamorize it all I want!  Do you know how many pilots would kill to be in your position?”

“I’m fully aware.”

Sven took another drink of his beer.  He sat the bottle down, spinning the bottom edge of the glass on the table.  “Remember when we used to talk about trying out for the Angels when we were in the Academy?  You actually did it.”

“You could too.”

“Fuck off with that.”  Sven shook his head, dismissing the idea.

“Why?”

“Why?!”  Sven looked like he could barely contain his laughter at the thought.   “Look at you!  You’ve done twice the amount of combat deployments as I have, you’ve been to TOPGUN, you’re a full rank above me.  Plus, all the shit you’ve been through…”

Kristoff crossed his arms.  “So what?  None of that gets you in the Blue Angels.  You have all the required hours and the rank to apply.  There’s a lot of things you have that I don’t that could make you stand out to get on the team.”

“Like what?”

“Like Nic to start.”

“Oh, ok.”  Sven rolled his eyes.  “That’ll help with getting on a team where you FLY AN F-18.”

“It does.  It gives you balance.  I don’t have that.  It’s why I have all the combat deployments, hours and rank.  What else do I have to do?”

Sven tilted his head. “Am I sensing some regret?”

Kristoff’s face remained emotionless.  “Absolutely not.  I’m just showing the comparison.  What I’m saying is you have experiences to bring to the team.  Plus, you’re a damn good pilot with a stunning reputation.”

“Who told you that?”

“Word gets around.”

“Was it Pop Tart?”

Kristoff let out a heartly laugh.  “Definitely not!  I swear how can we both have been deployed with him and you and I never be assigned to the same carrier even once?”

Sven was laughing too.  “Both times I had deployment with Pops, he’d complain about you to me whenever he had the chance.  He really hates you.  I think he’s still angry you gave him that call sign.”

“The guy ate Pop Tarts every meal.  He was asking for it!  I only came up with it and encouraged the name.  The rest of the squad had to agree for it to stick.” 

Sven burst into another fit of laughter before calming down and sighing.  “It would be a blast flying together.”

“Think about it.  Applications are due in the spring if you decide it’s right for you.  I can give you some advice, but you’ll have to figure out your path on your own.”

“Thanks.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“Any time.  Now, how’s Nic really doing?  I didn’t want to ask about anything around her.”

Sven blew out a breath.  “Better.  I was gone for almost 8 months this time.  It takes a toll; delays plans we had...”  Sven trailed off, lost in thought.  Then just as quickly, he snapped out of it and continued.  “I think Nicki’s having a tough time believing I should be home now for a few years at least.”

Sven went on to tell Kristoff how they had started couples therapy that was offered on base to help adjust to him being back and how he felt it was a positive thing for them.  Kristoff didn’t say anything, knowing Sven needed an ear to listen more than any advice.  Not that he would have much to give that would help.  Sven and Nicole were a strong couple, and he was happy to hear them address their issues head on.  After a while the conversations drifted to their families and a vacation Sven was planning.  Sven noticed Kristoff’s attention start to waiver several times, looking over Sven’s shoulder before coming back to the conversation.  He asked Kristoff if he was ok, getting only a dismissive ‘yes’. 

“What are you looking at?” Sven said after Kristoff got distracted again.  He swiveled in the chair to look behind him then back to Kristoff.  “Do you want to sing karaoke that bad?”

“What?  No!”

Sven gave Kristoff a frustrated look then turned away again.  After a few moments, Sven turned back, a shit eating grin on his face.  “You’re watching the red head, aren’t you?”

“Fuck off,” Kristoff said.  He grabbed his beer and took a long drink, his cheeks flashing red.

[defiledtomb]

hellooo, I hope you're feeling well! I was wondering however if ouroboros was still being worked on or if it's on hiatus. Hope I wasn't rude in asking

I don't feel it's rude, after all, I have been keeping the development close to my chest. It is still being worked on, edited and transferred into renpy with graphics and soundbytes galore! However, right now, since about three weeks back, I left my partner of 8 years in the middle of the night with just a change of clothes, my dog, and a laptop. I'm struggling hard but putting on a brave face-- right now I'm coming up with a concept of something else to work on until I get a proper apartment and can get my stationary PC back so I can get back to work on ouro. I'll make a proper post about it tomorrow, so keep an eye on this space!

[keeps-ache]

you're oddly familiar!

[background + timelapse below]

[deus-ex-mona]

pretty minor thing to think about, but i find it interesting how chapter 7 is the first chapter illustration to show chizuutan as chizuru (instead of chuutan)

like, i get it’s a flashback chapter, but we hardly got to see her as chizuru in the previous few chapters thus far… maybe we’ll get to see more of her as her true self after the hiyori fight/make up? only future chapters may tell, i guess…

[starlightparks]

have requested the cruel prince audiobook at my library and its available tomorrow! i know basically nothing about the books but im optimistic about it

if nothing else i like listening to audiobooks while i play viddy games so at least ill have company

[kn11ves]

my comic is live right now!

kyle and rex is an absurdist drama set in a stagnant afterlife where everyone lies, cheats, manipulates, and hurts each other in order to gain political power and admiration from the public.

with characters constantly haunted by ghosts of the past, trying to stay on top of the food chain despite constant betrayals and having their secrets held up above their heads, comes back kyle, from his long stay back as a guiding spirit on earth, to take back reigns of the throne in the inbetween. though much like everyone else, hes got a long list of dirty laundry that many are aching to reveal. there are no real friends here.

⸻

updates every 2 weeks, at 6:30 pm central US time! (SP & ENG)

WEBTOON: english link + spanish link

TAPAS: english link + spanish link

FANEO: spanish link

[writingboutbrainrot]

All of Me Loaves All of You [ch2]

[ch0 | NOW ON A03]

Today was the big day. Louise was woken up way too early for her taste, 6 a.m., to go to the wedding venue. To save on costs the whole thing was very DIY - aside from renting a ballroom and hiring a caterer, no way was Bob Belcher catering at his own daughter’s reception and missing out on the important stuff. Besides, he still hated catering. 

So Louise had to be up at the buttcrack of dawn to go and help make sure everything was perfect. Which of course she was the perfect person for the overseeing of...just not for another few hours. Or at least 5 or so shots of espresso. Which she halfway downed on the drive with her parents and Gene.

Zeke’s cousin Leslie was already unfolding chairs outside when the Belchers arrived, a gaggle of children running around and not really helping. Who was helping though was a very tired looking blonde. Louise grimaced as Logan spun around, swinging a chair like Leatherface as he tried to not hit any of the children dashing about. He was very off balance and Louise sipped her caffeine and hoped she’d see him fall. Maybe he’d twist his ankle and someone else would have to stand it as best man. Leslie would be a suitable choice, he could even dance.

No such luck. Brown eyes squinted as the man righted himself and managed to set the chair down without incident. They then looked down at her just as dark coffee as the blonde started walking over with one of those smarmy little smirks of his.

“You gonna help with the labor or just stare at the workers?” he chided, arms crossed and that left brow of his raised so high Louise thought it may get lost in his bangs. Not bangs she could hide under like an umbrella if it rained, but a jungle that her fingers would probably get ensnared in if she- 

She blinked. Then she scoffed. “Unlike yooou, I have the all important job of making sure the bride doesn’t lose her shit. This means that I don’t have to do manual labor, thank you very much.”

Logan rolled his eyes and huffed a little, but then he motioned to the building. “Bride-not-zilla is in there with Susmita already.” He looked like he was about to say something else, but Louise spoke first,

“Great well you keep doing a mediocre job out here and I’m gonna go crush it in the dressing room.” 

She pushed past him, a little bit of coffee splashing his shirt and giving a “ha!” when he called out her name in an accusing whine. 

Dodging way too rambunctious children, Louise crossed the lawn and the ballroom. Then she cracked the door open for a decency check before sliding in. Linda had beelined when they arrived and was flitting about while Susmita handed a robed Tina a thermos.

“Bit early for vodka ain’t it?” Louise cracked. Her sister gave a sleepy glare. She shrugged and muttered, “Tough crowd,” and went to the pile of bags. She and her mom had put their stuff in the same bag and now was the time for Louise to dig around. They had a couple of hours before they were needed for the photoshoots, but Louise knew if she wanted to avoid manual labor she should get ready asap.

“Louise don’t you wanna lounge for a bit in the fancy robes?” Linda asked, waving a fluffy pink robe around. The question stopped Louise in her tracks. She stared at the cloth in question as it beckoned like a siren. If she put that on then not only would she not be forced out of the room, but she also wouldn’t have to use any effort to make herself up much earlier than she needed.

“Yes Mother, I would like to lounge in the fancy robes, thank you.” Louise agreed while putting down the bag. She took the robe from her mom and slid it over her pj’s. The microfiber fleece lulled her into a sense of security. How can Tina be grumpy in this?! she wondered for a moment. But then she remembered how little sleep everyone had gotten.

“Alright so. What’s the game plan Sus?” She decided it was going to be much better directing all inquiries to the bride’s maid who had it all together.

-x-x-x-

An hour of sitting around later and Louise found herself growing….bored. She was currently hanging upside down on the settee, scrolling aimlessly on her phone. Her coffee was gone and replaced with a mimosa flute. Which she was nursing because she felt like 8 am was too early for alcohol but Linda was still always ready to get a party started.

“Besides, Louise, a mimosa is a morning drink. It’s perfectly acceptable,” the older woman insisted while lifting her own flute up.

“It’s a brunch drink, Mom,” she countered with a smile. “Brunch starts at 11, 10 if you’re being generous.”

“9 am if you’re in the Philippines,” Susmita chimed in without looking away from her tablet. Louise heard a Level Up come from the device and caught Susmita grin.

Linda let out a tchk. “Ahhhh you girls and your cement-ticks.”

“Semantics, Mom,” Tina joined in. Her tea was finally kicking in, she still wasn’t allowed to have coffee after that whole espresso episode she had as a teen.

“What did I say?”

“Nevermind, Mrs. Belcher. Hey, do you know when Gretchen will be here?” Susmita asked, expertly redirecting the subject. Louise admired that. It was nice to have someone else who could handle the family.

And like magic, the door opened to reveal….Tammy and Jocelyn. Louise groaned the smallest amount. The two may have grown up over the years, and sure Louise and Tammy have had their fair share of “same wavelength” moments but... 

“Tinaaa, girl we’re heereee!” Tammy exclaimed with way too much energy for 8 in the morning. She made a type of shrill sound that Louise wasn’t sure she could describe. “I can’t believe you’re getting married today!”

“Yeaah you’re, like, making it so official today,” Jocelyn added in the same lilted monotone she’s always had. Her head turned to the minibar next. “Ooo is that orange juice?”

Some things don’t change and it was just too early. So Louise took this as her cue to stop hiding inside and flipped herself off the settee. “Whelp looks like you’ve got enough people to hold down the fort in here T, I’m gonna make sure everything’s going smooth on the battlefield,” she announced while straightening out her robe.

Before Tina could protest, Louise gave her older sister a quick kiss to the top of her head which was graciously washed this morning, and headed out the door with her mimosa in hand.

She didn’t immediately regret it, even if she had to quickly dodge a gaggle of scamps rushing by. But she did so without spilling mimosa, so that was a win. Smirking to herself, she noticed Gene shuffling by.

“Yo Gene, where’s the fire?” she called, already heading toward them. 

The middle Belcher looked around without stopping. “Oh Louise!” They gave an appraising up and down glance before pointing. “I do hope that I have a robe waiting for me in either dressing room.” When Louise just raised her eyebrow, they shrugged and turned back to watch where they were going. “The fire’s at Alex’s van. Not a real fire, this time, just that the equipment is there and it needs to be-” they flailed an arm in the general direction of the building, “there.”

Louise now regretted coming outside. Or at least regretted blindly following her sibling. Carrying equipment while holding a drink was going to be way more work than she planned on doing.

“Bob why don’t you trade m-” a voice grabbed Louise’s attention, shaking her from her musings. Not that she’d admit just whose voice did that. A little ways in front of them Bob was at a wizard painted van with Alex and Logan, waving the blonde away with one arm and clutching something that looked hefty in the other.

“I got it, Logan, don’t-” pause for straining noise, “don’t worry about it.”

Gene and Louise shared an eye roll and hurried a little faster to the group. Louise shouted out, “Dad come on you’re one wrong breath away from dying at any moment, let the middle aged guy throw out his back instead.”

Close enough now, Louise could see Logan huff and roll his eyes. “I’m not even 30, Four Ears.”

“And?” she quipped back, not having any real backup. Which she cleverly hid with a sip of her drink. Seeming to pick his battles, Logan just shook his head. Louise thought she saw the corner of his lips tug up. But that’s something neither of them would admit.

Turning her attention back to her elderly father, Louise tutted. “For real, Dad, let someone else get that. I’ll trade you,” she said while holding out her half empty flute. The fast action caught the patriarch off guard and he precariously handed the cargo over in exchange. Louise finished the transaction by taking a careful step towards Logan. 

“And now you take this,” she chimed while lifting the luggage by the handle. When the almost-30 year old took it without a second thought Louise prided herself on not cackling right away. The double take he did when he realized what happened caused her to burst, however.

Of course she had expertly weaseled her way into carrying the smallest thing there was. “You were really going to make the father of the bride carry a cd case? You monster,” she teased. 

Logan let out a single bark of a laugh. “You should’ve been out here earlier when I handed him the extension cord.” The twinkle in his eye as Louise reached for imaginary pearls was not to be missed. And Louise thought she caught that too. “This is the last of it though. So classic Louise-timing.”

“Pssh, it’s an art, really,” the young woman boasted. She tried to block out Gene and Alex behind them. But when your sibling only knows stage whisper as a lowest setting that was difficult, especially when that skill is extended to their platonic soulmate.

It was Alex who spoke the question, “Do you think we’re going to perform at their wedding soon?” 

And Gene who answered, “Not for another 7 years.”

“Right, right. In their 30’s,” Alex concluded, referring back to Gene’s ancient prophecy. 

For the millionth time in 3 hours, Louise rolled her eyes. Gene said a lot of things off the cuff, and that was just one of those things. Her sibling was not a prophet, and she was never going to reconnect and marry Logan Barry Bush in her 30’s. For one thing, they had already reconnected now, before Louise’s 20’s. So that was already not going well in Gene’s favor. 

Still, she cast a quick glance at Logan and noticed that his face was just the slightest shade of pink. An impish smile took her face.

“I don’t know Logan, I think we should see if Hall and Oates would get back together for us. If they’re still alive in 7 years that is,” she said a little louder than normal. The blonde had the briefest moment of confusion before that rusty gear in his brain clicked over.

“Awh but I was really looking forward to Beyonce,” he pouted.

“I don’t think we’d be able to afford her baby,” she consoled. Cue the indignant gasps from the peanut gallery in the back, and a confused noise from Bob up front. Choosing to leave the former suffering, Louise called out to the latter, “Nothing, Pops!” Then shared a snicker with Logan.

And that really helped pass the steps back to the main area. Thankfully because Louise was thinking that she needed a refill-osa after that. God maybe I am turning into Mom a little. 

“So has anyone checked on Zeke?” she asked, setting down the cd case and opening the door to the building. Gene went right on past her, presumably to cash in on their own pink fuzzy robe. Without answering, so she assumed that was a “no”. So she looked directly at Logan.

“Yeah I’ve been checking in between tasks. He’s got the rest of the party in there with him for company.”

Satisfied with the answer, Louise gave a nod and went inside. Sure enough, Gene was walking out of the “girl’s room” in a fluffy pink robe and two flutes of whatever concoction they made. Louise knew one was non alcoholic for Alex, so it was probably just orange juice and Spryt. The two passed with a nod. However Gene paused and caught Louise’s attention.

“You’re not really gonna hire someone else to do music for your wedding, are you?”

The youngest Belcher sighed with a smile. “Of course not. If I ever get married you’re the first person I’m hiring. Third person I call. If I don’t dual-call Tina and Millie first I’m pretty sure they’d materialize and murder me.”

Gene laughed and gave a thoughtful, “That does sound like them.” Then they were out the door and waving one of the flutes around, splashing the contents everywhere. Louise chuckled and re-entered the bridal world once more.

Before she knew it, it was wedding time.

[ ch3]

[autism-connoisseur]

"you know i dont like to be called [penguin]" "oh, scary [sarcastically]

once again...

[bunnyinatree]

How I feel trying to figure out what on earth is going on with Ushikawa:

[image ID: the conspiracy theorist meme from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where the actor is wide-eyed and frazzled in front of a board covered in papers and red string. End image ID.]

I recognized him immediately from another Murakami novel; I believe it was The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, but now I'm starting to doubt myself. And I did some mental math, to reassure myself that even though TWUBC was written before 1Q84, it still takes place afterwards (presumably in the 1990s, when it was written). So I thought, "Okay, Ushikawa will be fine, because he has to live past 1984 to make his appearance in Murakami's other book."

But he is definitely dead by the novel's end, so is the answer that he died in the year 1Q84 but not 1984? And because TWUBC takes places on an Earth with only moon, Ushikawa is still alive and kicking, sort of like how Aomame theorizes that Ayumi might still be alive in a different universe?

[optiwashere]

In which I wrote this before I ever saw this incredible art, but had to post it because looking at that art made me want to edit.

A post-canon fluff fic about dancing poorly at a really bad masquerade ball.

Rating: T

Category: F/F

Ship: Shadowheart/Trans Fem Tav, Shadowheart/Trans Fem OC

Summary: An evening at a masquerade in the Upper City should be fun. A little stress relief after saving the world and whatnot. Shadowheart vaguely recalls going to her number of these parties, infiltrating them in her younger days and enjoying the game of dress-up with lace.

Now she's actually here to dance.

[reading-writing-dying]

Feels like I was productive today and I'm proud of me

[lukin08]

Up In The Air Chapter 4

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC: 2740

Also available on AO3

Previous Chapter

Anna had to admit she was having fun.  She sang karaoke twice, something she had never done before.  Then she cheered on several of the doctors as well.  The group was lost in their little world enjoying themselves and not caring if the whole scene was cheesy or not.  She also had a slight buzz going on.  It wasn’t anything crazy and she thought another round was in store.  

After taking orders, Anna made her way to the bar, glad that she had stayed with group all night instead of listening to Sue.  She didn’t have the time or desire to force herself to hit on some random guy at bar.  He didn’t ask for that and she probably would just have annoyed him anyway with her horrible ability to flirt.  Plus, if he had noticed her, nothing was stopping him from coming up and talking to her and that clearly had not happened. 

It didn’t matter anyway.  At some point, she noticed the table they were at was filled with new people.  He was gone.  Although, she did catch the brown haired one leave alone.  Anna assumed she just missed seeing the blond walk out.

Luckily, there was an opening at the bar and Anna was able to get her order in quickly.  She looked down at the glasses and bottles and realized she may have been a little overzealous in thinking she could carry all the drinks back.  Only one way to find out.  Several beer bottles fit snug between her arm and torso while she picked up three glasses, holding them like a triangle between her hands  It would be a balancing act the whole way back and Anna wasn’t exactly known for her grace.  She turned away from the bar, looked toward the table when she thought she heard her name and took a step.

She was stopped short, making a sudden impact with something solid and knocking her a step back.  It happened so fast, Anna was surprised she managed to stop from falling to the floor, square on her butt.  Somehow the bottles had stayed tucked in her arm, but the glasses weren’t as fortunate.  

“What the- “

Horror washed over her when she registered it wasn’t something she ran into, but someone.  She looked up and was met by a clenched jaw and cold, sharp eyes.  Anna jumped back, letting out a squeak when realized who she had slammed into.  Out of all the people in the bar, she had to run into the one she was ogling earlier with Sue and Camila.  Guess he hadn’t left after all.

His eyebrows were lowered and pulled close together.  “Did you even look where you were going?”

Anna slowly looked down from his eyes and saw his shirt was soaked.  Her brain clicked into triage mode.  “Oh no.  Oh no, no, no, no, no.”  She ran over to the bar, dumped the bottles on the counter and frantically grabbed two fistfuls of napkins.  Anna was back at him in a second patting the napkins on his shirt furiously and trying not to notice how solid he felt.  “I am so sorry!  I am.  I should have been paying attention, but I got distracted and… I’m just really, really, really sorry.”  She was going through the napkins at a breakneck speed.  “I am so clumsy.  Sorry.”  Anna was rambling now, but she couldn’t stop her mouth from moving.  “My dad used to say when I was a kid that my special talents were tripping over my own feet, falling off chairs and running into things.”

“Hey.”

“Sorry again.  Oh jeez, where are the glasses?  I didn’t cut you, did I?  Are you bleeding?”  She pulled at his shirt looking for signs of blood.

“Hey.” A hand came down on Anna’s arm, forcing her to still.  She looked up again.   His eyes were still sharply focused, but there was a hint of warmth behind them now; almost a slight amusement to them.  “Take a breath, ok?”

Anna nodded and inhaled slowly.  Then it all rushed to her on how near she was to him, her hands pressed against his frame and entirely too close to be appropriate.  She stepped back quickly.  “Sorry!” fell out of her mouth again as she thrust the wad of half damp napkins towards him.

“Thanks,” he said slowly taking the napkins from her.  He took a long gaze at her, his face relaxing.  Anna stared as he pulled his shirt out pressing the fabric to the napkins.  “At least I have a dark shirt on.”

“The drinks were clear.  And hopefully not too sticky.  I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

The man flicked his eyes up from his focus on his shirt.  There was a hint of amusement on his face.  “I think it would take a little more than that to do any damage.”

“I meant, are you cut?”

“No.”

That caused her to urgently scan the floor in earnest for any shards.  “The glasses!  Are they everywhere?”  She crouched down quickly, the blond following her.  “The last thing we need is someone getting their foot cut on a shard.  You have no idea how easily it is to get an infection from cut glass like this.”

“Be careful.  I’ll get a broom.”

“No wait.  Ah ha!”  Anna found all three quickly and help one up triumphantly.  “They didn’t break!”  She took a good look at one.  “That was impressive.  What brand are these?”

“I’ve got those.”  He easily plucked the glasses from her hands, slotting them between his fingers in one hand to hold.  Anna stood up with him, noticing him pick up a box from the floor and hold in it in his other hand.  She followed him as he walked over to the bar.  

“Craig!”

A slightly older gentleman walked over.  Anna watched as the man next to her put the glasses down then take the box in both hands and lift it over the bar.”

“Jesus, Kris!  Give an old man some warning.” Craig said as he took the box, clearly struggling a little with the weight of it.  “Couldn’t you have walked this around the bar?”

“Faster this way.  That’s the last case of Yachtside I could find in the back.”

Craig let out a whistle.  “We are really flying through things tonight.  Thanks for the help, bud.”

“Sure.”

Anna was staring at the beer bottles trying to remember what everyone ordered, when she noticed he had turned to face her. 

“Are you ok?”

“If you exclude my embarrassment, I’m fine.  I’ll just have to order another round.  Shit that cost a lot.  Guess that’s what I deserve.”

“Hold on a second.”

Anna watched as the man next to her called the bartender over again.  In no time she had a fresh set of drinks.

“I made these doubles for the wait,” Craig said setting down the drinks.

Anna went to hand him her card, when he waived her off.  “No charge.”

“Are you sure?  

“No sense of paying for drinks you didn’t get to enjoy.  Plus, Kris asked nicely.” He smiled and winked at her.

Anna looked over to the man next to her.  His face had softened.  He was even better looking now than she had seen from afar.  “Thank you.  You didn’t have to do that.”

“Not a problem.”

“Now I have to figure out how to get all these moved without dropping them a second time.”

“Keep your head up this time.  Or better yet-“ He raised his arm and a waitress was over a minute later, putting all the bottles and glasses on a tray and whisking them over to the group.

“That was a much better idea!  Thank you.  And I’m sorry again.”

“Consider it forgotten.”

He stood there, leaning against the bar just watching her.  Anna had to be careful, or she could get lost in those eyes she felt boring into her as if he was trying to figure something out.  She looked down, fiddling with her glass before taking a sip of her drink.  “How is it you were sitting at the table earlier and now you’re carrying cases of beer around?”

His raised an eyebrow.  “You were watching me earlier?”

Anna’s cheeks flared red, but she flashed him a flirty smile.  “Just being observant.”

He chuckled, looking down then catching her eyes again. “It’s my uncle’s bar.  They’re short staffed tonight, so I stayed to help for a bit after my friend left.

Anna rested her elbow on the bar top, her head leaning in her hand.  “That was nice of you.  So, Chris, is it?”

He nodded. 

“Is that short for something?”

“Just Kris for now.  And it’s with a K.”

“Ooh intriguing.”

***************

Anna went back to the group, but she found herself drawn back to the bar, talking to Kris whenever he came back from whatever task he assigned himself to help out.  Eventually, they found themselves sitting on the bar stools, in conversation about nothing in particular. 

At some point Sue came over to say goodbye.  “Remember, you’re here to start over, not become a nun,” she whispered in Anna’s ear.  

He gave Anna a look when her face flushed red.  Then she had to cover her mouth to stifle a laugh, when Sue turned around, walking backwards towards the door, giving Anna two thumbs up.  Kris turned to look behind him, but Sue was already out the door.

“Something funny?” he asked, his attention back on Anna.

“No.”  Anna put her hand on top of his that was on the bar top.  “I’m just having a good time tonight.”  The smile he gave her, made Anna’s stomach flutter.

***************

The group dispersed, one by one, some finding Anna to say goodbye.  Anna was floating on a high.  Her whole body felt warm and cozy.  

“Is that a band?” She asked, looking at the back of the bar.

“It appears to be.  They should be set up soon.”

 “Ooh exciting!”  Anna turned back to Kris.  “I hope they are good and play something you can dance to.”

“You like live music?” He asked. 

 “Not sure.”

His eyes crinkled with an amused look.  “How can you not be sure?”

“Don’t know yet.  It depends on the band.”

“Are you sure of anything?”

Anna leaned forward.  It was nowhere near as seductive as she had in her head, but it would have to do.  “I’m sure I could get you to dance.” 

****************

Everything seemed to be twenty times as exciting as it was an hour ago.  It had taken Anna awhile to convince Camila she was ok on her own.  Yes, she promised to call when she was leaving and yes, of course she’d take an Uber, and yes, she’d call in the morning as well no matter where she ended up.  Anna was fine and Camila needed to stop treating her like a child.   Ok. Anna maybe had one or two drinks more than she probably should have, but she was good at hiding it.  She was twenty-nine and perfectly capable of taking care of herself thank you very much.  She wasn’t that naïve girl anymore that she had been in college.

The band was playing her favorite song and Anna was signing along, sipping on her drink whenever her brain came up short with remembering some of the lyrics.

He was smiling and laughing with her, and she desperately needed to kiss him.

Then she was.  Anna was floating on a high at how amazing it was.  Sue’s parting words drifted in her head, and she could only think of one thing. 

More.

***************

Everything was spiraling around Anna.  She was trying to focus on what happened, but her thoughts were foggy and blinded from her rage.  Everything was going so well, then… just crumbled away.  When Anna suggested they go to his place, he deflected.  She didn’t stop, sure it wouldn’t take much convincing on his part.

It was only the smallest slurring of her words, but his hands dropped from her as soon as he heard it and he stepped away.

“I don’t do one-night stands,” he said coolly.

The rejection stun.  Something in her gut churned at the thought of her throwing herself at him only to be told she wasn’t good enough.  Had she ever been to anyone?  When she looked up at him, pity and judgement was all over his face.  It was the same look she had seen from her sister when they were younger, and Anna saw red.

***************

“Stop following me!  I don’t need a babysitter!”  Anna spit her words out as hard as she could.  She looked behind her tripping and nearly falling to the blacktop in the process.

“Not until you give me the FOB to your car.”

“Fat chance.”  Anna hit the button in her hand unlocking her car.

Kris was right behind her.  “If you try to drive, you’re going to have to run me over to get out of the parking lot.”

“Tempting.” Anna wrenched the door open, but he wouldn’t go away.  “For Pete’s Sake.  Here.  Catch!”  She threw the FOB with her keys as far as she could.

He had to duck out of the way as they flew past his head.  “Oh, come on!”

She hopped in the car, knees on the driver side seat, while she dived to the floor of the passenger side searching.  Anna’s diversion of throwing her keys didn’t last long.

“Anna…” Kris was right next to the car.  She could hear the exasperation in his voice.  “What are you doing?”

“What does it matter?”

“I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Why do you care anyway?”

“What?”

Anna ignored him.  “Yes!” she exclaimed and sat up holding up her phone.  Anna jumped out of the car and slammed the door, almost losing her balance and falling again.  “See.  Told you I wasn’t gonna drive.  Now give me my stuff back.”

Kris dropped the keys in Anna’s hand when she held out her hand for them.  She looked down and fumed.  “The FOB too.”

He was already walking away.  “No way.”  Anna followed him when he held up the FOB and she heard the door look.

“Give ’em back!”

“Get an Uber, call a friend.  I don’t care.  But you aren’t getting this back until then.”

“I told you; I’m not driving.  Why won’t you give them to me?”

“I was working here tonight and am responsible for your wellbeing.  And that includes making sure you don’t get in that car tonight.”

Anna’s hands balled up into fists.  “You are such an asshole!”

Kris barked out a laughed.  “Not the first time I’ve heard that.”

She fumbled with her phone, trying to pull up the Uber app.  There was no way she was calling Camila now.  Everything from the night started crashing on Anna.  She forced her anger to keep her tears at bay.

“Please stop pretending like you care.  What was your angle anyway tonight?  Just to have a little fun and kick me aside?”

He stopped on the sidewalk and turned to face her.  “I – “

Anna held out her hand cutting him off.  “You know what?  Nevermind. I don’t need to know.”

Kris’s mouth drew a hard line.  “Guess you never will then.”

“Don’t care.”  She held her phone out.  “Look.  The car is 5 minutes away.  I’m being good.  Can I have my FOB back, pretty please?”  

“Sure.  Tomorrow.”

“Wait, what?”

“There will be someone here by 10.  Just knock on the door.”

He was already walking back inside.  Anna’s frustration boiled over.  “Ooh, you are… you’re…such an ass!”

“An ass that doesn’t trust your judgement!  And you told me that already!”

Anna stood there fuming, not bothering to follow him into the bar.  She sank to the curb and buried her head in hands, desperately trying not to cry.  

Kristoff walked into the bar and watched out a side window until a car pulled up and Anna got in it.  He went to the back of the bar and tossed the FOB in a jar.  

Kristoff’s uncle came from the kitchen and slapped him on the shoulder.  “Thanks for the help tonight, bud.  You stayed late.  Fun night for you?” 

He could see the look in his uncle’s eyes.  Kristoff grabbed his keys from a back cabinet and went to walk out.  “Not the words I would use.”

[nightofmiracles]

whenever news get finally shared, it might actually motivate me with the rewatch. some weeks ago i started v1 again and i did take some notes bc apparently i'm doing research for meta reasons ? and i couldn't really bring myself to keep going. same goes with reading the books again because my god i completely forgot about them

[ayakashibackstreet]

Okay, if I finished this subchapter by the end of next week (unlikely), maybe I could somehow make my deadline

[felrott]

I’m still raw dogging the destiel archive btw, it feels kind of like wading through mud if I’m honest

[muniimyg]

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ bbydaddy!jk (24) ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ *nsfw*

series m.list // taglist request closed

note: hihi ,, sorry this update took so long (>'-'<) hope u like it <3 personally think it could've been freakier but also planning on another extra of pregnant oc n bbydaddy jk fucking LOL so i wouldn't worry abt it... ch is lengthy fyi … also,, bby2’s name reveal 😝

warnings: pregnancy mood swings, hot tub sex (oc is in her 2nd trimester) pregnant oc, jealousy, dirty talk, breast play, some slapping, kissing, and fucking

🏷️ permanent taglist: @joonsjuice @pamzn @defzcl @maryy1300 @whoa-jo @taetaecatboy @jksusawife @un06 @firesighgirl @rrosiitas @butterymin @parkinglot-nights @musicjournalsjdb @kissyfacekoo @jkslvsnella @vampcharxter @bloopkook @somehowukook @bbystarcandykoo

//

so much happened before the wedding. 

for instance, you two pulled zion out of daycare and enrolled him in preschool. with all your leave time from work, this allowed you to spend more precious moments with him and while still having time for yourself. another thing is that you and jungkook finally pushed through packing up and moving homes. truth be told, you two bought the penthouse a few years ago but paused on the mini renovations due to your busy work schedules and personal circumstances. on top of that, when jungkook came back from new york he talked about leaving the company to start something of his own. 

if that doesn’t feel like a lot… you two got married. 

married. 

in the midst of the aftermath of your wedding and moving process; you and jungkook are expecting another. and wow, does it feel like you two can’t catch your breath. the timing of everything has truly never felt more chaotic yet so right. 

you and jungkook deserve every bit of this new chapter.

this new life. 

so, with everything in motion, you two decided to take a take a moment and slow things down.

to catch your breath, step away, and spend some intentional time together before the next wave of change rolls in. a cabin trip, tucked away from the noise, just the two of them and the growing baby you carry, is the perfect escape.

when the car slows to stop, you take a moment to admire the soft snow that coats the cabin’s rooftop and blankets the surrounding pine trees. jungkook turns off the engine and gazes out the window. as he marvels at the sight, he turns to you and thinks; 

there’s no comparison. 

you catch his gaze and scoff at him. 

“don’t look at me like that,” you warn. “we haven’t even made it inside the cabin. i’m 5 months pregnant, jungkook. i can’t fuck in this audi like—”

“you’re so beautiful,” he leans over and kisses your forehead. “that’s all.”

you tighten your lips and nod. 

he’s been awfully good at making your heart flutter these days… could be the pregnancy hormones. could be the fact that you married the right man. somewhere in between, you can’t even find it in yourself to question it or think any deeper. you’re just thankful. you’re so grateful for him. 

jungkook steps out first.

he inhales deeply and stretches. taking in the stillness of the mountains, the snow beneath him crunches under his boots. he hurries around to open the car door for you. offering his hand, you smile and take it. your gloved finger curls around his as you carefully step out of the car, one hand instinctively resting on your round belly. 

"oh.. wow. honey, this is beautiful,” you murmur in awe. 

jungkook tugs you close and kisses the top of your head. "it's aight. i think you're—"

"oh, my love..." you look down at your belly and pout. "your daddy is so annoying. he's such a yapper. i hope you take after me and know when to shut up."

the first day passes faster than you expect.

after settling into the cozy cabin, you and jungkook decide to explore the small downtown area. it’s a charming place, with snow-dusted streets and twinkling lights in every shop window. you wander hand in hand, stopping to sample street food—warm, savory bites that fill the crisp air with delicious smells. then there’s dessert, sweet enough to leave you both way too full but completely satisfied. by the time you finish, the sun is setting, and you head back to the cabin before 6pm, ready to settle in for a cozy evening.

the two of you curl up on the couch, binge-watching bad romcoms. between the predictable plots and over-the-top drama, you’re both laughing harder than you have in weeks. every ridiculous twist has you snorting, and you spend half the time arguing over the characters’ choices, tossing playful jabs at each other’s taste in movies. you haven’t felt this light, this refreshed in each other's company, in what feels like forever.

it’s a stark contrast to the year before, which was filled with more ups and downs than anyone should have to endure in a lifetime. even now, it’s still hard to look back at those difficult times without a weight settling in your chest. but it’s moments like this—when you’re playing a board game with jungkook, battling over a meaningless win—that make your heart soar.

jungkook, of course, refuses to let you win, which might be the funniest thing he’s done in a while. he’s always been competitive, but when it comes to you, he usually doesn’t mind losing, letting you take the victory just to see you smile.

but tonight?

tonight’s different.

you’re both teasing each other mercilessly, throwing out fake strategies and dramatic groans every time someone gains an advantage.

“you’re really gonna make me earn this, huh?” you laugh, shaking your head as he shoots you a smirk.

“you better believe it,” he replies, eyes gleaming with playful determination.

"does the fact that i'm carrying your baby—"

"no, no, no—d-don't pull the milf card," he panics. "don't be a cheater like that."

"what's it to you? if i'm a milf, you're a dilf."

the back-and-forth banter fills the cabin with warmth, the kind of joy that’s rare and precious.

every time he tries to outwit you, you only love him more for it. this is the jungkook you fell in love with—the one who knows how to make even the simplest moments feel special.

as you look at him mid-game, you think to yourself; you win no matter what.

this is the love you fought for, and right here, in this cozy cabin, surrounded by snow and laughter, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

when the next morning comes, you and jungkook wake up slow together.

over the past 5 months, you’ve been so nauseous, your feet have been swelling (you cried the other day because your old snow boots wouldn’t fit), and your body just... feels less like your own every day.

between the sleepless nights and aching back, you’ve been longing for a break, something to help you feel even just a little bit more like yourself again.

he’s constantly touching your belly and making sure you aren’t bending your knees or lifting a finger. you’ve always known him to be an acts-of-service type of guy, but he surely is a different man when you’re pregnant.

he’s so fucking clingy...

but you are too.

jungkook knows how much you’ve been struggling; he sees it in the way you wince when you stand up too fast, or how you press your hand to your lower back after a long day. when he suggested a babymoon—an escape to a peaceful spa retreat—you didn’t hesitate to agree.

he planned everything perfectly, even down to booking a specialist renowned for her prenatal massages. you both have been counting down the days, excited for the chance to unwind together.

before heading to the spa, you and jungkook decide to grab some coffee.

today, the weather is cool with a crispness in the air that feels refreshing after yesterday’s warmth.

jungkook parks the car at a nearby café on the corner of the street and helps you out. the small bell above the door jingles as you walk in. the vibe inside is laid-back and peaceful—wooden tables, soft lighting, and a chalkboard menu that gives it a homely feel, but the low hum of conversation fills the space with a quiet buzz of life.

you both are a little more sensitive this time around, but who could blame you? between the pregnancy hormones and the life changes, things have been tough. but it’s okay. things are better now.

life has never felt more full.

jungkook squeezes your hand before heading up to the counter to order, while you take a seat by the window, a few tables away from the barista station. from your spot, you can watch him as he approaches the counter, where a young woman with bright eyes and an easy smile greets him.

"good morning! what can i get for you today?" she asks, her voice chipper and smooth, a little too warm for your liking.

maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones, but… truly, there’s something in her voice you dislike.

she leans slightly against the counter, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, her attention fully fixed on jungkook. you tilt your head and sit back in your chair a little more. this is interesting.

jungkook offers his usual friendly smile. "one iced americano, and one matcha oat milk latte, please."

the barista starts punching in the order, her eyes flicking up to meet his. "iced, even in this weather? bold choice. i like that."

jungkook laughs softly, the sound filling the quiet space and making you smile unconsciously as you fiddle with the napkin in front of you. you can hear snippets of their conversation from where you sit. the barista's tone shifts just slightly—casual but laced with subtle flirtation.

"so, aside from iced coffee at 8am, do you ever drink coffee at 4pm?" she asks, her eyes lingering on him a bit longer than necessary. "my shift ends at 4pm. how do you like your coffee then?"

you feel your shoulders tense, a little twist in your stomach forming as you watch. it’s harmless. you know it’s harmless, but something about the way she’s looking at him makes your heart squeeze uncomfortably.

jungkook, ever the oblivious sweetheart, glances toward you. his gaze softens when your eyes meet. without missing a beat, he grins and says, "with my wife."

the barista falters for a moment, caught off guard. her smile tightens, and she forces a laugh, quickly recovering.

"well, aren’t you… committed. that’s nice to see."

you catch the way jungkook's lips twitch, clearly proud of himself for the quick response. he gives you a little wink, and despite the initial rush of warmth from his words, the insecurity starts to creep in again. you glance away, pretending to be interested in the view outside the window, but you can’t shake the way your stomach churns. it’s a familiar wave of self-consciousness washing over you.

it’s stupid, you think to yourself.

but... why does this bother me?

even if he always says the right things... fuck.

your hand then drifts down to rest on your belly, the growing baby inside serving as a constant reminder of the changes you’ve been going through. the swelling, the mood swings, the way your clothes don’t fit the same anymore—it’s all there. it bubbles just under the surface. seeing someone so effortlessly pretty and carefree—someone who hasn’t been carrying another human for months—playfully flirting with your husband only magnifies that feeling.

jungkook pays, grabs the drinks, and walks over to you, placing one in front of you as he takes a seat.

"got your favorite," he says, flashing you that same smile that always melts your heart.

you force a smile back, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes.

"thanks, honey."

he narrows his eyes slightly, reading you like a book.

"everything okay?"

"yeah, i’m fine," you reply, taking a sip from your cup, hoping it hides the tiny lie. the weight of your feelings lingers, leaving a heaviness in the air that jungkook can sense, even if he doesn’t fully understand.

for now, he lets it slide, though you know him well enough to recognize that he’s not going to leave it alone for long.

the spa day is as luxurious and blissful as you imagined it to be. 

you tried your best not to let your waves of jealousy and insecurity get in the way of experiencing this with jungkook… but it’s a lot easier said than done. 

you couldn’t help but feel self-conscious the entire time. you couldn’t help but notice the longing gazes the staff had as jungkook walked by your side… it made you feel sick to your stomach. 

… like, yes! he’s handsome. 

but he’s also mine? so close your eyes. 

aside from that, you and jungkook had a great time with the massages and truly felt relaxed. it was so nice to spend time with him like this… which is why a part of you immediately feels guilty when he helps you get dressed at the end of the session. 

“honey, you okay?” jungkook says, as he helps zip up your jacket. 

you look at him, trying to blink the thin layer of your teary eyes. “y-yeah.”

he blinks at you. 

“is your body feeling okay? was the massage too much—w-what’s going on? why are you about to cry?”

“no,” you step closer, your arms slowly sliding around his neck and draw him in. your fingers lace gently at the nape of his neck, brushing against the soft strands of his hair. “it was perfect. thank you so much for bringing me here, honey. i love you.” 

“i love you too.”

instinctively, jungkook leans into you, your forehead almost touching. his gaze softens, and there's a tenderness in the way you hold him. he loves this. it’s like you’re grounding yourself in his presence. even though he knows you’re withholding some truth, he’ll take this for now. 

“you sure?” he attempts once more. 

“mhm,” you nod, making an effort to lighten your tone. “let’s get some dinner, yeah?”

dinner was lovely. 

it was the kind that left your heart and stomach feeling equally full. jungkook had made you laugh so much, telling stories and cracking little jokes that slowly but surely melted away the weird mood from earlier. you’d almost forgotten about the lingering unease as his laughter filled the cozy cabin, a warmth settling between the two of you. 

now, as you both lounged comfortably in the soft glow of the fire, jungkook’s playful grin returned.

“you know,” he said, nudging your knee, “we’ve got that hot tub just waiting for us.” his eyes sparkled mischievously. "let's take advantage of it."

you tighten your lips.

"come on," jungkook grins, tugging gently at your hand. "the hot tub’s waiting for us. you know you want to."

you hesitate, glancing out toward the balcony where steam rises into the cool evening air. the idea of sinking into the hot water sounds tempting, but the lingering weight of your jealousy from earlier makes you feel uneasy. you haven't said anything about it yet, but it sits at the back of your mind. 

jungkook’s eyes search yours, his expression softening as he steps closer, wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“you deserve to relax, honey. this whole weekend is for you,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your temple. "let's enjoy it."

you want to tell him. 

you want to explain the knot in your chest, the little twist of insecurity that made you feel silly. but instead, you just smile—small and tight—because he's right. this trip is supposed to be about unwinding, about feeling good again, and you can’t bring yourself to ruin the mood.

“okay,” you say, your voice quieter than usual. “let’s do it.”

jungkook’s face lights up instantly, a boyish grin spreading across his lips. 

“love you, mama.” he pulls you in for a quick kiss, his excitement infectious as he heads toward the balcony to get the tub ready.

the outdoor hot tub and sauna sit on the edge of the property, steam rising into the chilly air. as you stand at the edge of the hot tub, you strip down your robe. jungkook, who has been sitting in the hot tub mentally preparing himself for you—is more than delighted to watch you lower yourself into the bubbling water. 

jungkook looks up from the water with soft, adoring eyes. his expression is completely relaxed yet focused, entirely captivated by you. the steam rises around him, but it’s the warmth in his gaze that stands out the most. a kind of quiet affection that radiates with every glance. his lips are slightly parted, and though he says nothing, the way his gaze clings to you speaks volumes. he's utterly consumed by you. every detail of your presence pulling him deeper into that gentle obsession. (gentle… yeah right). his tattooed arm rests casually on the edge of the hot tub, but even with his laid-back posture, there's an intensity in the way he watches you. 

truly, you're the only thing in the world that matters to him. 

offering him a small smile, you finally sink into the water and sit. jungkook moves from his spot to in front of you. he opens his arms and you let out a giggle as he wraps himself around you. you can’t help but giggle… you aren’t blind. 

jungkook comes to you—wet, tatted, and toned. 

as his arms envelop you, the warmth of his body against yours sends shivers down your spine. you can’t help but admire the way the water glistens on his skin and how hot and bothered his tattoo sleeve is making you. for a second, jungkook pulls away to smirk at you… when he does so, it ignites a flutter in your stomach. you find yourself lost in the depths of his eyes. 

you’re convinced that the glint in them can heal your soul. 

in this intimate space, the world outside fades away, leaving just the two of you wrapped in your own little bubble. you can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as he pulls you closer, a reminder of the love you share, a bond that only grows stronger in moments like this. the steam swirls around you, but it’s the connection between your souls that truly warms your heart, making you more and more aware that this is where you belong—right in the center of his gaze.

"this was a good idea," you breathe. “i needed this."

jungkook kisses the top of your head before he moves and slips in beside you. his arm naturally rests around your shoulders. 

“anything for you, mama,” he whispers, breath visible in the cool air. he tilts his head, sneaking a kiss on your cheek. you smile as he does so, feeling like you could melt. “i’m so happy you’re happy.”

you laugh softly, resting your head on his shoulder. "you make me happy.”

jungkook’s face lights up. 

it’s moments like these where he feels his heart is lifted. there’s nothing better than hearing you say shit like that. it’s so simple but it wholeheartedly gives him the will to live.

jungkook’s hand drifts to your belly. 

“i miss zion.” 

you laugh. “even though he’s your number 1 hater?” 

jungkook scoffs at you. though what you said is true, he refuses to accept it. 

“he’s gonna have to learn to love us equally… or at least, need me a little more,” he sighs. “to be honest… i’m kind of worried about when you go into labour and the entire new shift in our family. don’t get me wrong—i think zion is a great kid. as unbias as i can be, he truly is kind. he’s curious and understanding at the same time. he’s funny and sociable… but i’m concerned that if he isn’t into me right now and he’s been awfully clingy with you… w-well, i’m not sure how we’re gonna navigate through that. our baby is going to need you and i want to protect your peace of mind and recovery… but i also want to be an accessible father to zion and leave enough time and things for myself. i d-don’t know if i’m making any sense but—”

you nod, listening to him. everything he mentioned makes sense to you. you feel the same way and have also worried about how zion will be as a brother. he’s completely capable of it and he has shown excitement regarding your pregnancy—but it’s different when it happens.

“i feel the same way,” you admit, taking your hand and resting it on his cheek. “everything is so new and there’s so much more than just welcoming a new baby… all your feelings are okay and i appreciate you being able and willing to talk about them even when they don’t make sense to you. see, when you do and say things like this—it eases me. we’re not going to get everything right. we’re going to mess up and there will be times where our priorities rearrange and the adjustment sucks… but we’ve been through worse and made it through. this is our life together, honey. we’re going to make it work. we’re going to be okay.” 

jungkook takes your words in. 

they give him a rush of comfort and feels instantly better. there’s no other way of describing the kind of relief you give him.

he believes in you so much. 

you reach over and kiss him. he kisses you back, happily and deeply. when you pull away he lets out a sigh of relief.

“in other news… yoongi and his new girlfriend? don’t they remind you of us?” jungkook begins. “like when we were dating and how dramatic we were about always being together? she lives two cities away and he’s constantly driving back and forth.”

you laugh, recalling all the lovestruck texts yoongi sent you. not too long ago, he asked for anniversary date ideas and it made you feel funny. with his past girlfriends, he never bothered to ask for help or even get his friends involved. he was usually quiet about them… but with this new one, he’s on blast. 

you and jungkook met yoongi’s girlfriend a few months ago. just before the wedding actually. she was really warm and brought a brighter part of yoongi out. you’ve never seen that side of him. he would glow while she smiled. it was decided then and there that she would be invited to your wedding.

“yoongi is falling in love again," you say with a laugh. "maybe a little fast but it’s also really nice to see him passionate about someone… and he’s grown.”

jungkook chuckles, nodding. "yeah, he’s head over heels this time."

you pause, then casually add, “she’s really pretty and kind… so i understand why he’s lovestruck.”

the silence that follows is enough for jungkook to realize there’s more on your mind. you glance over at him before finally asking, “she’s pretty right?”

“i’m married.”

“you’re allowed to think other women are pretty… l-like the barista from this morning. she was pretty, right?” you repeat. 

jungkook’s eyes slightly widen. his body stiffens, not expecting the shift. 

“i think you think she’s pretty.”

you bite your inner cheek. “because she was pretty—”

“no.”

“it’s okay,” you attempt to sound cool. “you can admit it. i won’t be mad—”

“i think my wife is pretty. the prettiest.”

“she was pretty—”

he shrugs, eyes beginning to panic. “honey, i couldn’t tell ya—“

“jungkook,” you groan. “be serious—“

“i am,” jungkook lets out a harsh scoff. “are you?”

you feel a little sick. 

not because of the pregnancy but because you know you’ve provoked him. suddenly, his gaze lowers and the unbothered expression he had on a second ago is long gone. 

“___, my love—my wife… you know you’re carrying my child, right? not only have you carried my first, second, and now third—holy shit. i don’t mean to sound so angry right now, but if what you’re insinuating is that i haven’t fucked you deep enough to feel the love i have for you then—fuck. we have an issue here. i am angry.”

you heart stops the moment he mentions your second pregnancy. “no. that’s not what i—“

“tell me now,” jungkook demands. “have i not kissed every inch of your body enough for you to understand how in love i am with it? with you? have i or have i not, huh? or should i fuck you right now so i can prove shit? fuck, ___. am i not a grown-ass man that falls at the feet of his wife—no. don’t look away. i want you to fucking look at me when i’m talking to you.” 

you tighten your lips and look up at him. for a moment, you look down and away. he caught your look and pulled you back into reality. his reality. 

the atmosphere shifts. 

“are you okay?” he asks for the nth time today. “are we okay?”

jungkook chases for your eyes. you look at him and feel overwhelmed. you can’t help it. before you know it, tears stream down your face. 

“i d-don’t know,” your voice shakes. “i don’t mean to pick a fight. i don’t know why i’m so insecure right now—i just… i didn't mean to be so sulky the entire day. please, jungkook... i love you and appreciate everything you've done for this babymoon... and i know that the barista flirting with you this morning was nothing. i know it was nothing. girls have hit on you way more than that but i think because i’m pregnant and she was so pretty—”

you let out a sob. “i know you love me and there are more important things in our life than to be crying over stupid shit like this… but i can’t help it. w-why do you have to be so handsome?” 

you hit his bare chest and he moves back, pretending like it hurt. pouting, you cross your arms at him.

“a-and you can’t blame me. you always flirt with me and get me all hot and bothered but haven’t actually fucked me in 2 months. 2 months, jungkook! what the fuck! this is literally your fault. i look and act like this because of your fucking cum—”

“oh my god,” he hisses. “honey, do you know how hard it’s been for me to not rip your clothes off? do you have any idea how i feel when i touch you and all you do is glow? as much as this makes me sound like a pathetic loser—i’m scared to. if i fuck you while you’re pregnant, i’m literally going to cumbust. i’m going to fall in love with you even more. i don’t know if i can handle that—can you? god, do you know how much this all means to me? you think it’s just me being inside you again—which, fuck, i miss that too—but to me it’s so much more. i can’t even find the words to say how utterly sick my mind gets when i think about us fucking with you pregnant like this.” 

you stare at him blankly.

“you’re pregnant—your body is changing,” he pauses. “... and i’m so grateful for you. for this divine body. you can be insecure all you want and i will do anything and everything to prove them wrong—but the truth is… i’m selfish right now. ___, i love how needy you are. i love how your boobs overflow in my hands. i love the bump. i love how flush your cheeks are. i love that you can’t bend and i get to do more things for you. i love that you want me more. so fuck. sorry if i don’t give a shit if a young barista hits on me or if yoongi has a girlfriend—i’m captivated by you. i only know you and your beauty. i only want you.”

jungkook has always loved you.

over and over again, he has shown, fought, and waited for you with his love like no other. to be frank, it feels like every day there is a new reason for him to love you. 

when you became pregnant with zion, he didn’t know how to function. he was genuinely mindblown and breathless from how much he loved you. then, as you two went through your second pregnancy and continue to heal together from the circumstances, he thinks; this must be it. 

because there is no way he could love you any more than this. 

… but he does. 

there’s something about seeing you pregnant that makes him fall even harder. seeing you in this light—happier and safe… it strikes him differently. the feeling plunges right into his heart and fills it with more admiration and appreciation for you. 

you see, it’s in the little things. 

how you absentmindedly rub your belly when you talk about the baby, or the way your eyes soften when you feel a kick. he’s in awe of how strong you are, how you’ve adapted to every change with grace, even when it’s tough.

watching you carry his child, seeing the way your love has grown to make room for this new life, has only deepened his devotion. to him, you’ve never looked more beautiful, more radiant—more divine.

the steam swirls around you and jungkook. 

instead of saying more, he leans closer. his eyes lock with yours and you gulp. he brushes a damp strand of your hair behind your ear, his fingertips lingering against your skin. 

it feels like he’s taking forever to kiss you. 

he looks at you needy and desperate. leaning in, he tilts his head and closes in on you. time stops when his lips met yours. he kisses you with such demand.

opening your mouth ever so slightly, you allow him in. he deepens the kiss, melting away any lingering tension. he pulls you closer, his abs touching your bump. jungkook moans into the kiss and you smile. then, he slides his hands around your waist and his fingers play with the hem of your bikini bottom. you let out a gasp when he pinches your ass. he pulls away from the kiss and laughs, before placing a kiss on your shoulder. 

then, he lifts his face and kisses you again. pulling away once again, you giggle as his fingers tug down your bottoms. 

“need you.”

you scrunch your nose at him.

it’s so strange to you because pregnancy isn’t that glamorous. you aren’t blind and jungkook doesn’t exactly do much to wipe the drool that dribbles down his mouth when he sees you paddle like a penguin… but seriously? the hot tub?

“in the hot tub?”

“in the hot tub?” he mocks you. 

you squirm as he successfully takes your bottoms off. he smirks as he tosses them to the side. jungkook then squats and lifts you to switch positions. as he sits, he settles you on top of him. he bites his bottom lip as he concentrates on taking his shorts off. 

"come on," he whines. "it's sexy."

“im pregnant,” you remind him. “i don’t know if i can—”

“you can,” jungkook assures you. “you will.” 

just like that, you fold.

you trust him. 

when he takes his shorts off, he helps you get more comfortable. as you sink into his cock, you plant both of your hands on his shoulders. you wince as you hump and grind on him. 

he feels so big. 

jungkook playfully pouts. “what’s wrong, mama? you were crying about not having me inside you—now that i am, what? what is it? too big?”

you nod as you come down. 

“should’ve prepped.” 

jungkook’s pout turns into a mischievous smile.

“why? this is for me. i like that you’re so sensitive. don’t you? you feel it, right? you’re so tight, mama. can feel you clenching. your fucking pussy has grip… and look at you. fucking yourself onto me like a good girl cos you love this fat cock so much. you love this.”

you nod, feeling his length in your guts. “yes, daddy. love this cock so much. thank you for my baby.”

he inhales sharply before wrapping his arms around you. jungkook rips off your bikini top and stuffs his face into your breasts. he kisses them, taking his time to lick and suck your nipples. when he pulls away, he brings his hands to them. 

he squeezes them tightly and watches the way your flesh spills in between his fingers. your breasts got so fucking big—he loves them. 

“god bless these breasts,” he hums. “you like that, mama? you like it when i play with your tits like this?” 

slap.

“say thank you to me,” he insists. “with my fucking cum, your tits wouldn’t be this delicious.”

you ride him slower. 

“thank you, daddy.”

slap. 

“again. say it like you mean it.” 

you moan as he smacks them once more. 

“thank you, daddy—oh,” you pant as he twists your nipple. he looks at you, mouth slightly opened and eyes darted at you. “t-thank you for my tits. thank you for cumming inside me and always stuffing me full. you’re so big and i’m so thankful. thank you, thank you, thank you—mmfphh—”

jungkook pulls your hair, tilting you back.

he shoves his face back to your tits before licking his way up to your neck. you feel him throb inside you and suddenly think that the jets and led lights in this hot tub add to the tension. it feels so good. 

pleasure is an understatement.

the way jungkook fits inside you is incredible.

it’s near indescribable actually. you must have saved an entire nation in your past life to deserve dick this good. you ride the high, feeling the tightness in your stomach knot more and more. then, finally, jungkook tells you to get off. 

as you do so, he lets go of your hair and takes you by the waist. he bends you over. you plant your hands on the edge of the hot tub as he hisses, smacks your ass, and shoves himself back inside your pussy. 

he fucks you, making sure to have a handful of your boobs as he does so.

it’s what he deserves.

jungkook bites your shoulders as you moan. cheek to cheek, you both begin to pant. he digs himself deeper and deeper, you swear the curves of his dick have engraved themselves into your pussy. 

“f-fuck yeah, mama—t-that’s it,” jungkook murmurs into your ear. “my dirty fucking slut. so needy and bratty when you’re pregnant. you’re my fucking princess.”

“n-not a princess—”

“you are though,” he breathes our sharply. “my babymama… god, i love you. i love this fucking cunt so much. i’m sorry i haven’t been fucking it. practically fucking self sabatoge… didn’t wanna obsess over you even more—f-fuck. you feel so good. i was a fool. i’m sorry, mama. i’m s-so fucking—nghh—”

jungkook slams himself into you harder and harder. the water splashes and the sounds of the hot tub jets are put into second place. you whimper and moan, matching his pace. he feels like he’ll lose his mind soon. 

you sound so pretty.

you are so pretty.

right then and there, jungkook reaches for your clit. he rubs on it, elevating your pleasure. 

"my pretty mama."

"oh my god—"

jungkook lets out a big exhale. “mhmm. feel good, mama? you like the way i touch you? so fucking pretty. the prettiest. f-fuck, ___... daddy’s got you.” 

he lets you enjoy for a few more seconds before bringing his wet hands to cup your cheeks. he tilts your face up and squishes your lips together. he kisses you before moving back to your neck. there, he nibbles on your skin to leave marks. 

“i love you,” he pants. “i love you, mama.”

“i love you too, daddy.”

what bliss. 

jungkook cums first and feeling the way his cum shoots inside you finishes you off. you cum seconds after and reach for kisses. jungkook lowers his face and kisses you. against your lips, he murmurs;

“10 minute break. can we have sex inside for round 2?”

the babymoon turned out to be everything you needed and more after you and jungkook talked (fucked) through your feelings. truth is, all you can really recall is cumming so much you were afraid your water was going to break. for the past 2 months where you two didn’t fuck—he’s made up for it.

once the air was cleared, any lingering tension melted away, and the rest of the trip was filled with small, intimate moments that made you both fall deeper into this new chapter of your lives. there was that one morning when jungkook woke up early, made breakfast, and brought it to bed with the most endearing, sheepish grin. 

“thought we could start the day off cozy,” he said, climbing back into bed beside you. his warmth immediately soothing. you spent that morning feeding each other bites of fruit between soft kisses, the world outside feeling distant and irrelevant.

every night, you two facetimed zion. watching his bright little face light up the screen as he excitedly told you about his adventures with his grandparents. 

“look, daddy, i made a painting for mommy!” he shouted, showing off a messy splash of colors that had you both smiling. 

of course it was a painting for mommy. 

jungkook asked for his and zion said; “i don’t know. maybe baby will make you one.”

during those quiet nights—heads close together, watching zion through the phone or lying side by side, soaking in the peacefulness—you realized just how "married" you felt. this trip wasn’t just a getaway; it was a reminder of the life you were building together, the love that had deepened through every challenge.

as the sun began to set on the last day of your babymoon, the golden light streaming through the windows bathed the cabin in a warm glow. you and jungkook had spent the afternoon doing nothing in particular—just enjoying each other’s company. lounging in comfortable silence, sharing lazy conversations, and occasionally stealing soft kisses.

“hard to believe it’s almost over,” jungkook murmurs, his fingers gently tracing circles on your back as you rested against him. you hummed in agreement, feeling completely at ease as if all the worries and stresses from before had melted away during your stay.

“i could stay here forever,” you replied with a soft smile, half-joking but meaning it more than you’d care to admit. “but i miss zion and the mom guilt is hitting so hard right now.”

jungkook chuckled and kissed the top of your head.

“do you think he misses me?”

you laugh and then cover your mouth. “did you get funnier or something?”

“haha,” jungkook rolls his eyes. “i really fucking hope this baby likes me more.”

you laugh again, sinking further into him. you rest your hand over your belly. your eyes widen when you feel a kick, you grab jungkook’s hand and place it on top of the spot. 

“i think baby will.” you say softly. "hey, we can talk about baby names on our way home! i’m excited.” 

and just like that, the babymoon comes to a quiet, contented end. nothing dramatic or grand—just the two of you, basking in the love and peace that had surrounded you for the past 10 days. 

as jungkook drives, the soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the car windows. jungkook hums to a the music playing. the gentle melody soon turns into him singing softly, his voice filling the car with a soothing warmth.

your hand rested on your belly, and almost as if on cue, you felt a tiny kick. the baby reacts to his singing, little movements following the rhythm. you laugh quietly, placing your other hand over his. "someone’s already a fan of your voice," you said, glancing at him.

he grins, continuing to sing as he squeezes your hand. "oh? i guess i’m the favourite. in your face, mama," he jokes. “finally…” but there’s a hint of emotion in his eyes. as though the simple act of singing to your baby makes everything feel even more real.

you laugh and gaze out the window. 

"yeah. baby likes your voice," you reply, giving his hand a squeeze. 

“you okay?” jungkook asks. “what’s with that look? what’s on your mind, honey?”

"i was just thinking... about names."

jungkook raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "oh? got any ideas?"

you hesitate for a moment, then the name just slips out. 

"zia,” you reveal. “what do you think of zia? i saw it a few times online and in the baby name book… i called her zia once last week and she kicked. the name itself connects to light, family, and brilliance… radiance."

he repeated it under his breath, testing it out. 

"baby zia… i like it." jungkook smiles warmly, taking your hand and kissing it.

you smile back, feeling a sudden surge of love for both jungkook and the tiny life you were bringing into the world.

the name feels right, like it had been waiting for you all along. you can’t wait to get home and share the news with everyone. you can’t wait to go home together, hug and kiss zion, and fall asleep next to your husband.

everything has fallen into place and life is truly so beautiful.