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not-majestic-bluenicorn · 4 years ago

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The MONSTA X Time-Travel Theory (Originally the MONSTA X Universe Theory)

Hello everyone, and welcome to my new and improved MONSTA X Theory. You read the title right, this was originally called the MONSTA X Universe Theory, but unfortunately it can no longer have that name. I’ll explain why shortly. I posted this theory in February of last year, and since then, a lot of things have changed. My theory really only addressed until before Take 1, so it’s been 4 comebacks and one world tour since then, can you believe it? So yes, quite a few things have changed, and we’ll go over them.

What has changed?

Originally, the theory proposed that everything started in the Tresspass-The Clan timeline, that it was the original timeline and that everything went down from there. However, since Follow: Find You, this is no longer possible, as the Find You MV shows us the origin of Hyungwon’s abilties. Thus, the Tresspass-The Clan theory is now a stand alone. Technically I already wrote a theory on The Clan, although I didn’t address its connection to Tresspass, maybe I’ll do that in a separate “add-on” sort of post. Because of this, it can no longer be called a “Universe Theory”, as MONSTA X is not integrating all of their stories into one very convoluted timeline, but instead they have two separate stories (if later on they connect everything, I’m throwing the towel). That’s the main change, but this change provokes a bit of a butterfly effect, so let’s see how much the theory has changed.

The Story

Phase 1: The First Timeline - The Origin (We Are Here World Tour VCR, Take 1 & Take 2)

I know this is a weird place to start the theory, almost near the end, but it actually makes a lot of sense. These three videos serve a very similar purpose to what Beautiful did for The Clan, they explain the origin of their friendship. Now, things aren’t as dramatic as they’re shown in these three videos (at least I hope so, ‘cause things are gonna get very weird from a plot point of view if they are). The main point of narration is the We Are Here World Tour VCR, from now on abbreviated as WAR because it’s easy to remember like that, and because it fits the theme of the video (watch it here).

WAR introduces us to seven fine young men who have each committed a sin (two of which aren’t even actual sins, but I understand why they would change those two). Hyungwon and Pride, I.M and Envy, Kihyun and Loneliness, Jooheon and Greed, Wonho and Sloth, Shownu and Wrath, and Minhyuk and Agony. These sins are not actual crimes from a futuristic dystopia (although that would be a cool concept), these are just the personal struggles they are dealing with, the personal backgrounds that consume them.

Hyungwon is a rich kid that believes himself better than everyone. I.M is the local witch (?) who hates the rich kid. Kihyun is probably the only child that was forced by his parents to be perfect. Jooheon and Shownu are a very misguided pair of trouble-makers who’re friends with Wonho, who practices Taekwondo but can’t reach the standard he wants. Minhyuk lost someone important to him.

In the Special Film and the Previous Film called ‘ARE YOU THERE?’ they explain these personal struggles, how their situations make them fall into those sins, and how they’re looking for someone to save them. This salvation comes in the form of each other. In WAR they further explain their own sins and how being with each other saved them from drowning in them. Alligator represents the sins and them drowning in the swamp of their own despair. Shoot Out is them breaking away from their past and destroying these sins.

Phase 2: The First Timeline - The Trigger (Find You MV)

Originally I proposed that Hyungwon got his powers by entering that weird heart at the end of All In and Fighter. I’ve now been proved wrong. After they each overcome their past and become friends, Hyungwon’s family has an accident in which both of his parents die and he comes out badly wounded. After he recovers, he’s now living by himself and taking different medications to deal with the aftermath of the accident. The boys decide they cannot leave their friend like that and temporarily stay at his house.

While they’re sleeping, Hyungwon wakes up and visits his father’s study. He finds the damaged watch which sends him to an entirely different timeline. This is showcased by him suspended in the water, with images of Dramarama and Destroyer flashing by. There is a scientific theory that proposes that spacetime is actually a superfluid; I won’t go deep on this because I don’t fully understand it, but showing Hyungwon trapped in water is a good analogy to him being trapped in a different spacetime. This is also briefly shown in The Connect World Tour VCR, (from now on addressed as CWT), but we’ll talk about this one in more detail later.

Wonho wakes up first and notices Hyungwon isn’t there, so he wakes up the others and they try to retrace his steps. Unfortunately, Hyungwon is not part of that timeline anymore, he’s gone for good. This leads us into our second timeline.

Phase 3: The Second Timeline (The Code & The Connect World Tour VCR)

After Hyungwon jumps into spacetime, he becomes lost. Personally, I think there is a possibility that there were other timelines he visited first until he eventually learned to craft the watches himself, as we see in CWT (watch it here). Maybe he just watched this timeline fail a lot of times before he learned and decided to intervene. Either way, Hyungwon actively tries to reunite all of them by giving them the watches. He succeeds for a moment, but in this timeline there exists an agency that controls Time Travel, who frustrate his plans every single time.

It is important to know that in this timeline, the boys don’t all know each other and some of them don’t even exist in the same era. They don’t remember Hyungwon either. Personally I think not remembering Hyungwon might be because he removed his existence entirely by disappearing from his original timeline. There cannot be two of him, as that would cause problems, so instead he just completely seizes existing in all possible universes as he moves through them.

The rest of the boys still exist within the normal spacetime frame though, but they’re lost and ignorant to their true origin. They have forgotten each other and can’t remember yet. However, no matter how hard they try, this timeline is completely doomed because the agency is actively trying to frustrate Hyungwon’s efforts, even if they don’t have something against him specifically. So Hyungwon jumps into the water again, he must continue searching.

Phase 4: The Third Timeline (The Connect: Music Film D & The Connect World Tour VCR)

Destroyer is yet another timeline distinct to Dramarama. We know this because we see different pairings, completely different settings and completely different timelines. The Music Film D is divided in three stages: Part 1 The Code (a very obvious reference, this is already letting us know they’re connected), Part 2 Finding the road, and Part 3 Connected (clear reference to the current album).

D shows us the boys as geniuses, Minhyuk and Shownu are artists, Kihyun and Wonho are science (physics?) prodigies, and Jooheon and IM dominate technology. CWT gives us a bit more insight and shows us something very important: they have begun to remember each other and they have memories from their previous timeline. They want to find the person they were paired with in their first timeline, but more than that, they also have memories of Hyungwon’s intervention, even if they don’t remember him properly (because let’s remember Hyungwon removed himself entirely).

They know they have to find someone, and so they set out to do it. Through their own methods they all come to the revelation on how to find Hyungwon. Kihyun and Wonho do the math, Jooheon and Changkyun use technology, and I guess Minhyuk and Shownu have a vision which they paint? Not sure on that one to be honest, but they find the train station.

This could either be a real place in which every timeline and universe converge or just a metaphor for them figuring out how to do the same thing Hyungwon does, either explanation works.

Hyungwon is trapped in this train, which is another analogy, but this time for the (liminal) space between dimensions. He’s tired himself out trying to reunite the others, and this time they must come for him, and they do. They find each other, they remember, and they reunite once again. This time nothing can pull them apart.

Phase 5: Interlude (The Connect: Jealousy & The Connect World Tour VCR)

Jealousy doesn’t feed the plot itself but helps connect (pun not intended) and put everything else into place. Through different imagery, Jealousy illustrates how the different timelines push them together and then pull them apart, creating different pairings, but that despite this they still share things in common (the paper with numbers, the recorder, the glass of water). Another thing this video does is allude to Jooheon’s death in Dramarama through the use of os symbolism. In one scene, a paper with his symbol is being burned, while in yet another, the chair he’s seen sitting on throughout the video is being burned as well and then falls down to the abyss.

On the other hand, CWT creates a clear and obvious connection between Dramarama and D, revealing to us that they do have memories from other timelines. Another cool thing is that we get to see Hyungwon on the rooftop where they filmed Hero, released back in 2015. It also provides a clearer scene of Hyungwon crafting the watches himself and of him at the top of the Hero building. We can also see the last scene from Jealousy mirrored in the last few seconds of the VCR, which is something worth pointing out.

But, as the VCR says “when everything goes back to the beginning, someday, we will be connected again”. Where did things begin? That’s right, in Find You, so the next step is Follow.

Phase 6: The Third Timeline - Back to the Beginning (Follow)

If Monbebe has a war anthem, it is most definitely Follow, which is an amazing song. Unfortunately, Starship has decided to stop providing explicit story development on their MVs since Jealousy, so Follow doesn’t do much for the story itself. However, I have three important reasons to believe this is where the circle ends: all of the references to time, the quote from CWT,and the very last scene of the MV. Let’s go in order.

The most obvious reference is them standing on clocks painted on the floor, but that’s not the only one. We get to appreciate a few watches here and there, reminiscent of Hyungwon’s in D and Dramarama, and also see the movement of their shadows as a passage of time. The most important reference though, is the cover of the album. The title, “Follow” is solid and then becomes “liquid” as it moves down. This makes sense when you consider the other two points.

First of all, “when everything goes back to the beginning, someday, we will be connected again”. The beginning of the whole mess is Find You, part of the Follow album, there is no doubt about it, so why is Follow the end? Well, because of the last scene in the MV. I know it’s Shownu standing at the top of the stairs in front of the circle, and while it would be better if it was Hyungwon for the sake of this theory, we’ll just completely ignore that. That circle they’re walking towards is the train. ‘Follow’ in the cover becomes fluid because once they cross that circle or enter that train, they too remove themselves from existence like Hyungwon.

That’s not the only thing though. In D, Wonho solves the formula for time travel as X=4155102M, he does it again in Alligator and I believe it’s also briefly shown in WAR. Kihyun also travels back to 2015 in Dramarama to save Jooheon, and Hyungwon is standing on Hero’s rooftop, which was released back in 2015. Their debut date is their beginning, and they keep referencing it over and over because they’re trying to go back to the beginning in order to solve everything.

They went from Find You to Dramarama, to Destroyer and now they’re back at the beginning with Follow; they are connected again. They have different faces and personalities because they’re not the same people from the original timeline, but they managed to find each other and transcend spacetime to be together. So now, what happens next?

Phase 7: Moving Forward (FANTASIA X)

Here is where things get a little complicated, both in the story and in real life. With Wonho’s departure from the group (go support his solo debut), we now have an even number, which wouldn’t seem like a big deal if it wasn’t for the FANTASIA X Trailers. In each trailer we see that each one of the members now possesses a device which allows them to control time in one way or another.

Hyungwon and Shownu have keys, which when used to open anything will allow them to do spacetime travel (I would say only time but, well, I have no way to confirm this right now). Jooheon and I.M have this lighter-watches that when turned on, they allow them to stop time. Kihyun and Minhyuk have another very different set of keys that look like those in old toys or music boxes, which allow them to ‘rewind’ time when used.

Now, them getting powers is expected, since they also removed themselves from the “normal” existence and joined Hyungwon. I assume it is because of the even number that they gave Shownu the same powers as Hyungwon, but it makes it a little weird because Hyungwon has been special all this time. It also doesn’t make much sense that now Hyungwon is using a very different instrument. I want to believe that Wonho is supposed to be in Hyungwon’s place in the teaser, but it’s impossible to tell now.

Even ignoring all of that though, FANTASIA X overall just doesn’t make much sense with the theory. Sure, it’s still time related, which is like the biggest giveaway, but the boys still look lost and like they’re looking for something despite the fact that they already found each other. Maybe the Teasers could be their personal research into spacetime travel and their attempts to find Hyungwon, but I highly doubt so. I think it’ll make more sense after the next comeback or tour, since so far everything seems to come in threes (Dramarama, Destroyer and CWT, Shoot Out and Alligator and WAR, Follow:Find You, FANTASIA X and?).

Conclusions

Despite the fact that we can no longer call it a Universe Theory because it hasn’t been there since the start, I still think it is a story about them, about their struggles and how they’ve grown up. They’re each other’s friends and family, the value of X is their debut date because that is when they came into existence, they are each other’s dreams because they wanted to become artists and they did so by coming together into one group.

A lot of things have happened, but their friendship hasn’t changed. They got each other out of the swamp and helped each other overcome their difficulties in the hardest times. It is uncertain as to where the story will lead us next, in a way, I think this might be the start of a brand new story for MONSTA X. A direct consequence of the story they have carried out since The Code? Maybe, but probably very different and not exactly in the same storyline. It’s hard to know, but I’m excited about what they have in store for us nonetheless.

I hope you liked this theory, and be assured that I’ll add onto it as more things come out and new mysteries are to be solved. If you have any questions you can hit me up on my asks, Twitter (@soft_bluenicorn) or my CuriousCat (@soft_bluenicorn)! I’ll be glad to answer them ^^

#monsta x #monsta x theory #monsta x shownu #monsta x wonho #monsta x kihyun #monsta x hyungwon #monsta x minhyuk #monsta x jooheon #monsta x changkyun #shownu #wonho #kihyun #hyungwon #minhyuk #jooheon #changkyun #bluenicorn does theories

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toko-ton · 5 years ago

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Kizuna novel ch.3-4 notes

Ch. 3:

- Back in chapter 2, when Yamato asks the 02 group to investigate Menoa, Ken mentions that he's heard of her, and he specifically says that he knows she's a prodigy who skipped grades to get into college early and has a doctorate and some patents. I didn't think of it until I realized that she's actually close in age to the Adventure kids, but the part about skipping grades reminded me of this:

I wonder if maybe Ken first heard about Menoa because people insisted on comparing him to her back when he was the Kaiser?

- Menoa wasn't blocked from entering the Digital World, so presumably anyone with the tech to open a gate can go there, regardless of whether they have a Digimon partner or not. Which means that partner Digimon do cease to exist in both worlds when their bond disappears, because otherwise, she'd be able to reunite with Morphomon.

- I know it's supposed to be a serious scene, but it's almost comedic when Taichi and Yamato brag about having the edge in numbers and experience as Greymon and Garurumon finish off Eosmon, only for Menoa to casually snap her fingers and summon an entire swarm.

- Menoa indirectly explains the origin of Eosmon's name. She spent years trying to bring Morphomon back, but failed trying to bring the data to life. Then on the day the mysterious aurora appeared three months ago, she was suddenly able to create Eosmon, who was presumably named after the aurora. (I'm kind of surprised that the book doesn't point out that Eos and Aurora were equivalent Greek and Roman goddesses. I guess they assumed that people already know that?)

- If Menoa only made Eosmon three months ago, why has Imura been investigating her for years? It's never hinted that she did anything illegal or even unethical before that point, unless people have a problem with her trying to create a Digimon.

- Sora is the only one of the original Adventure kids missing from Menoa's neverland. Even without Koushirou's list, Menoa knows who all of them are, so I guess it must have already been too late by the time Menoa tried to send an Eosmon?

- If Menoa and Eosmon can't reunite people with Digimon partners who have already been lost (or at least illusions of them), then this scene confirms that Meicoomon did come back to life at some point.

- Menoa insists over and over that all the Chosen are there of their own free will, no mental influence involved, but the fact that they all turn silent and emotionless with glowing red eyes makes that a little bit difficult to believe.

Ch. 4:

- Eosmon start popping out of internet-connected devices all over the world and attacking Chosen. Despite Hawkmon warning that it's probably a bad idea, Miyako uses her laptop to try to find information on what's happening in the confusion, and of course, she only ends up letting another one through.

- Yamato must have given them a partial explanation at some point, since Daisuke knows enough to guess that the Digimon they're fighting are Eosmon. Likewise, Iori worries that the chaos means that something has happened to Yamato and the others, but they're too busy fighting off Eosmon to do anything to help.

- The entire 02 team seems to be calling Yamato "Yamato-senpai" now, or at least Daisuke, Ken, and Iori all do. (I don't think Miyako ever says his name, so I'm not sure about her.)

- Taichi and Yamato are hiding, uncertain of what to do. After some encouragement from Gabumon and Agumon (who says he gets the feeling that they'll be with Taichi and Yamato forever), the two of them resolve to fight. Taichi, who had been wearing his old goggles around his neck, finally puts them up on his head and says "We'll show them the bonds we have. Let's do this!"

- The kids with Menoa are back to playing with their Digimon, and still acting extremely creepy: The children gazed at Menoa with eyes filled with adoration. Perhaps she seemed like a goddess or Madonna to them.

- Daisuke and Ken don't evolve Paildramon or Imperialdramon even though the 02 team is having a rough time fending off all the Eosmon. I guess Yamato must have warned them to avoid unnecessary evolutions, even if he didn't say why? They're much too upbeat to have been confronted with the full truth.

- This just occurred to me... The Eosmon aren't invisible, so back in chapter 1, how did one of them steal Ayaka's consciousness in the middle of a restaurant without being seen?

- After Eosmon defeats Omegamon, the other Adventure kids restrain Taichi and Yamato to keep them from running to Agumon and Gabumon (Hikari and Koushirou for Taichi, and Takeru, Mimi, and Jou for Yamato), and then their partners start attacking the two.

- As soon as they come to their senses, Hikari and the others return to their present-day appearances. Koushirou is fascinated by the evolved Eosmon, and Tentomon has to exasperatedly remind him that he really doesn't have time to stand around lost in thought.

- Menoa lost her partner when she got into college... because she wanted to be self-sufficient? It looks like they're trying to portray partner Digimon as existing solely for the kids' personal growth, and that's why they disappear when the kids are sufficiently mature? I'm not a fan of the idea. (Just to be completely clear, the the scenes of the Digimon disappearing strongly gave me this impression, but it isn’t explicitly stated anywhere. So it’s entirely possible that this isn’t what the creators intended.)

- I mean, I don’t think that the sudden and traumatic loss of one of your closest loved ones is a good metaphor for the struggles of becoming an adult.

- I'm also not fond of the way it reduces the Digimon to literal props for the kids, in-universe, even if the original anime never did a particularly good job of treating them as individuals.

- "Menoa! I'll save you!" Taichi yelled. Yamato shouted, "Your choice wasn't a mistake!" "But even if a choice leads to something happening..." "We have to live in the future we chose!" (This dialogue would work better for me if the kids had any meaningful choice in the first place. Menoa was going to lose Morphomon before long, no matter what she did.)

- "We may not be able to change fate*..." "But we can change our destiny**!" * 宿命 = absolute, unchangeable fate ** 運命 = destiny/fate in general (Why are they so sure that losing their Digimon is the latter and not the former? What makes Taichi and Yamato’s refusal to accept the loss of their partners optimism, while Menoa’s is just denial?)

- Sorry if this has been a little too negative! I do like Kizuna overall, especially for the character interaction. I’m just disappointed in this particular element of the plot.

- I’ve now finished the book, and they never do explain the aurora that allowed Eosmon to come to life. I wonder if it’ll be brought up again if there’s a sequel?

- I can’t think of anything else I want to comment on right now, so just in case anyone reading this hasn’t seen it yet, I’ll link to Onkei’s summary again:

https://pastebin.com/hqVwmAaS

It’s much more comprehensive than my notes here (especially since I tried to focus on things that weren’t already covered there), so if you haven’t already, go read it!

- Also, I’ll be glad to answer any questions about the story (if I can), so if there’s anything you’re curious about, please feel free to ask!

#digimon #spoilers #kizuna novelization #last evolution kizuna

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nicole-queen · 6 years ago

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episode 50 of Boruto pointing out the flaws of the entire story

Konohamaru: This year's rookies are all prodigies, in a way. Especially Boruto. He didn't want to be labeled the son of the greath Hokage, and tried to show up his father all the time. Ordinarily, you'd expect kids like that to fail and experience huge setbacks. But he has the unusual knack of overcoming every obstacle.

Boruto doesn’t suffer any setbacks. He doesn’t care about working at the Academy but he is already such a “genius” that it doesn’t matter, he is still on top. He has pretty standard problems with his father who is mostly dealing with work and doesn’t have much time for him, but regardless loves him and isn’t treating him badly. He has childhood friends and has no problems with preaching to others and acting as if his spoiled self knows better than them (as opposed to Naruto’s lonely childhood that made him put the bonds of friendship on pedestal as well as letting him connect with people through shared pain). He throws himself head-first into doing things he’s explicitly told not to do, but he saves the day and doesn’t suffer any consequences. He doesn’t want to be treated like a kid but his actions and words are more often than not immature; yet by the end of the episode he’s also being presented as being mature and insightful. He feels like he’s not strong enough so he has to cheat in the Chuunin Exam but at the same time he is able to completely unconsciously change the Chakra Nature of his Lightning Style and create a Vanishing Rasengan without realizing it.

Shino: That's certainly true. Even during the Genin Exam, he was driven into a corner by Lord Sixth, but he figured out the answer. Konohamaru: When he went to file an appeal because he was dissatisfied with his three-man team, he outwitted Mirai, a chunin! And during their first mission, despite the fact that their foe was a powerful Rogue Ninja, those three worked together and brought him down.

One more thing that proves Boruto has no setbacks. The bell test is literally the first example in the entire Naruto manga that starts the trend of “teamwork and loyalty can overcome any obstacle“ but that one works so well because at the beginning the team can’t work well together, they have no bond and are entirely self-interested so when the real test is revealed to them, Team 7 are completely caught off-guard. With the new gen however, everyone has already worked together, everyone is friends, everyone is already willing to support each other (which I don’t find to be a bad thing, of course) so there isn’t that moment of realisation that only putting their difference aside for the common goal is the way to go. That lacks the impact of the original, because even though we, as audience know that lesson, the characters we watch have already realised it to some level and putting them through a trial to test that doesn’t actually give them any development as characters. All of Boruto’s friends told him that he is the reason they’ve underwent positive change or know what friendship is about.

And also when it comes to teamwork, Boruto, Sarada and Mitsuki work well together despite Boruto and Sarada’s clashing attitudes. There’s no real build-up as to why they work well as a team, outside of “they’re all capable and not morons”, their teamwork is never faulty, and combining the skills and jutsu of all three makes them unstoppable for Chuunin and above threats.

And also, we saw everyone’s resolve as to why they wanted to become shinobi except Boruto’s (who as MC has to have the most important resolve). Later he states that he wants to become a shinobi like Sasuke and guard Hokage!Sarada but we never actually understand why he would want to become a shinobi, outside of his desire to “defeat“ Naruto.

Moegi: That's amazing! So, what's the problem? Konohamaru: But that was all due to luck! It's essential for shinobi to come face-to-face with power that totally outmatches them. They've never been in that position, so they're weak!

This is incorrect. It’s true that none of the kids have faced proper obstacles and enemies as shinobi, and they are either overconfident in themselves or look down on anything that doesn’t appeal to their desires. But none of them had come out of any situation, present to that point, as weak because they’ve always saved the day. There isn’t a moment where they felt like underdogs facing a situation they couldn’t handle because they are already so overpowered that the only power that can properly outmatch them is that of demi-gods or aliens. Boruto was literally the deciding factor in the Sasuke/Naruto (demi-gods) vs Momoshiki (god) fight - four Kage could do nothing, Sasuke and Naruto went all out and it’s only Boruto’s completely accidental Vanishing Rasengan that can save the day.

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Basically, Boruto as MC has nothing that would make him a compelling, driven character - he isn’t missing anything in his life, he doesn’t struggle with training or school because he’s not interested in studying but still passes by with being an ill-defined “genius“, he’s got a group of friends, he’s got a loving family, he is able to change people’s outlooks by doing nothing but speaking as if his life is like theirs (as opposed to Naruto connecting with them through actual shared trauma/experience), he’s born out of two powerful bloodlines and even acquires a brand-new dojutsu and curse seal because of... whatever plot-driven reason there is, he has no tangible goal for anything. Hell, he is a “genius“ who could easily defeat pretty much anyone but still resorts to pointlessly cheating, against his best friend at that and in the end it’s Shikadai who apologizes first (for literally doing nothing wrong)!

For all his flaws, Boruto is never properly presented as problematic, always comes out on top and is the most base OP character in both Naruto/Boruto. He is essentially an upgraded version of Naruto but without any of his struggles or drive or actual reasoning as to how he can connect with people and affect them.

#anti boruto #anti boruto uzumaki #text: naruto #text #I AM SO EASILY TRIGGERED BY THIS SHIT #WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN A SHOW ABOUT SO MANY INTERESTING PEOPLE #BUT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS BRAT #WHO IS OP STRAIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING

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armageddon-generation · 6 years ago

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Fixing The Legend of Korra - Book 4

AGAIN THIS IS A SOLID SEASON, SO THIS IS MOSTLY JUST CHARACTER STUFF – I ALSO VEER INTO FULL-ON FANFIC AT A FEW POINTS, BUT FUCK IT

I also need to thank @threehoursfromtroy for being a huge inspiration, especially with the korrasami dynamic - you’ll notice I magpied a bunch of ideas from her amazing fics.

Book 1, Book 2, Book 3,

KUVIRA

FUCKING CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT – let’s fully explore her reasoning for leaving Zoafu (the White Lotus is pretty much done, the Dai Li have been disbanded but now they’re individual warlords ruling over Ba Sing Se as a city state, the airbenders are still rookies and she sees them getting injured)

Emphasise the familial connections between Kuvira and the Beifongs – playing sports with Wing and Wei, falling for Bataar Jr.

Besides Bataar, have her be closest to Opal. They were both outsiders – the non-bender and the unofficial adoptee, but Opal, as the only non-bender in a family of historically famous benders, was also jealous of Kuvira the metalbending prodigy, who appeared to be everything Su wanted in a daughter. Kuvira was similarly jealous of Opal, the biological daughter who was doted on despite not doing anything to ‘earn’ it. This complicated relationship evolved into their bitter hatred of each other

Have Kuvira’s isolation in Zoafu parallel Korra’s in the South from Book 1

Without Korra there to push them forwards, everyone has started backsliding – In Kuvira Bolin has found a Korra-surrogate to rely upon instead of taking responsibility for himself (this is the same reason, ironically enough, he was attracted to Eska – she controlled him and he could hide behind her – something a more mature Eska is able to see when they meet at the Corniation)

EARTH EMPIRE

Let’s see Bolin leading the charge clearing out Ba Sing Se, and Kuvira liberating the city and defeating the Dia Li (who are trying to establish their own control of Ba Sing Se as an independent city-state) for good

Explore the apparatus of the Empire a touch more – the propaganda recruitment system – how does fascism work?

Have Raiko supply troops to Su so he doesn’t look like a complete fool. That way when she defeats Zaofu and sees Raiko violated her terms, Kuvira has a legitimate reason to go after Republic City

Also, can we make the Battle of Zoafu a proper siege once they break the ceasefire? Avatar does Helm’s Deep? Pretty please? Kuvira knows all the city’s defences as former Head of the Gaurd, so let’s demonstrate her tactical prowess dissecting the domes’ weaknesses. And have some of Zaofu’s defenders start siding with Kuvira (people she used to command etc), fighting amongst themselves to give her an easier victory

When the Beifongs are captured they go through the camp system, so we get to explore it – take inspiration from true stories and films like Life is Beautiful –The other prisoners either hate them for giving up, hate them for creating Kuvira, or look up to them as their only hope. But in the end they’re just a family trying to hold together on the brink.

Bring in the Red Lotus members hiding across the world – they start trying to move against Kuvira from the shadows. They are the strongest chance the world has against Kuvira without Korra, and Raiko’s willingness to accept their help (as the shady politician) shows how desperate the situation is – Korra needs to step in

ASAMI (& KORRASAMI)

The best part about Korrasami is how opposite they are – The non-bender figurehead, The bender figurehead. Traddition vs innovation, spirituality vs technology, idealism vs realism, faith vs strategic calculation – Asami should by all means be a supervillain, but she’s just too good a person. Play into that divide and conflict in Book 4

Asami is keeping herself dangerously busy, between helping the Equalists and managing the spirits living in the city that are against her industrial company

Without Korra, Asami felt lonely and vulnerable. To compensate for a world without Korra, (much like Kuvira) Asami secretly develops plans for super weapons inspired by a combination of her father’s old Equalist designs – these weapons are designed to artificially replicate bending attacks on the scale of the Avatar state – Seismic waves, artificial flooding, firebombing, weaponised wind machines etc. She has prototypes developed

This gives her attempts to re-connect with Hiroshi more weight – she’s lost, and reviewing his old work makes her feel closer to him than she has in years – she thinks she’s beginning to understand what he went through when her mom died.

When Korra returns the weapons cause major conflict between them – especially when undercover Red Lotus steal Asami’s plans (exploiting their new connection with Raiko) and attempt to use protypes to ambush Kuvira – causing an all-out battle

Because the protypes were so hastily assembled they don’t work particularly well and cause chaos – Team Avatar has to jump in and save as many from the crossfire as they can, and Korra has to ignore a chance to fight Kuvira – they then have to leave the people to be taken by Kuvira, because they can’t save all of them.

These weapons would be key to Korra’s arc, as she doesn’t yet trust or have full control over the Avatar State again – she’s fighting that power as recreated by the person she cares most about, compounding the themes of Korra confronting herself

Kuvira uses the weapons the same way Korra used to use the Avatar state – wantonly and without thought, causing mass destruction.

Kuvira defeats the Red Lotus and takes Asami’s weapons for herself (Asami is horrified – she has indirectly become what her Father was to the Equalists. Varrick is being more morally upstanding than her.)

Korrasami is not smooth sailing in this book – both of them are aware they love each other, but they also have to deal with their own shit first. Korra’s time away let them build up perfect, imaginary versions of each other. Asami needs to stop idolising Korra (the same mistake Hiroshi made with her mom) and Korra needs to stop idolising Asami (as I felt the original show tended to do)

In the finale, Korra is the one to get Hiroshi out of jail, because Asami needs to move past his shadow – the repentant Hiroshi comforts her and assures her she is better than him. So much like her mother. He also expresses gentle approval of Korra before he dies.

Asami is the woman in the chair in the finale, simultaneously helping with the hummingbird suits and coaching the United Republic Forces (Hi, General Iroh) through how to defeat the artificial bending weapons.

I don’t know if it’s feasible, but I think reuniting the OG Team Avatar (Toph, Katara and Zuko) as three of the most powerful benders in the world (plus Zuko has a dragon) against these things the same way the White Lotus took back Ba Sing Se in ATLA would be really cool

The series ends not with the culmination of a relationship a la ATLA, but the tentative beginning of one

MAKO

Mako has let himself become consumed by his work – the only one to visit him is Kai, who’s filling in Bolin’s spot as little brother. (“Stop breaking in to a police officer’s apartment!”). Their relationship has grown a lot stronger, but they both miss Bolin

Mako is caught between both sides of the Earth Empire debate – he works for Wu and knows that deep down he’s actually a decent guy, but he has an established professional relationship with Kuvira, and he really respects her. They joke about his new job together before the Corination.

Kuvira has become a surrogate Korra figure for all Team Avatar – Mako (who admits he’s still in love with Korra) sees the potential for Kuvira to compensate for the loss of Korra, and must learn to let go of this unhealthy dream.

Because he’s no longer a member of the Republic City Police. Mako and Lin finally get to work together as equal partners

AIRBENDERS (KAINORA)

Look, I just want some cute long-distance Kainora stuff, OK? Keeping in contact via astral projection

Kai has been unofficially adopted into the airbender family and acts as a big brother to Rohan and Meelo

(I also think it’d be fun if Rohan was an uncontrollable bending prodigy like Jack-Jack from The Incredibles, bouncing around the house like the Tasmanian Devil – Pema and Kai are the only ones who can control him

Jinora has become the day-to-day leader of the Air Nation, using astral projection t co-ordinate people across the globe, with Kai in support

They express frustration with Air Nomad tradition – they sneak out at night and run around the new Republic City, giving us a chance to explore – Jinora shows Kai the wonders of the Spirit Wilds, while he teaches her how to win at street gambling.

They flirt with breaking the law – practicing pickpocketing the rich to feed the poor, and dabble in vigilantism – until they get caught.

Mako gets them off charges, but this causes a big conflict between Tenzin and Jinora. My problem with Jinora’s characterisation the original Book 4 (she was previously one of my faves) was she seemed too perfect. In this version, that perfection is an act, and she needs a way to blow off steam. Tenzin argues (quite rightly) that by taking the law into her own hands Jinora is no better than Kuvira (or Korra, Jinora points out. “Jinora, you’re not the Avatar.” / “I’m as good as.”)

This is important because original book 4 Jinora felt super stuck-up and full of pride, not good traits for an airbending master. Here we’re emphasising then confronting that big-headedness. Kai helps her realise she’s still just a kid, and that’s OK. Her family (and Korra) help her realise she’s stronger when she embraces the strength of others

I also like the idea of air nomads roaming with herds of bison, like Bryke originally envisioned for Aang

ZUKO, IZUMI AND THE FIRE NATION (This part veers into full-on fanfic territory and doesn’t really contribute to the plot, but I need to get the idea out there so sorry)

Use flashbacks to explore how the unrest in the Earth Kingdom parallels the unrest in the Fire Nation after Ozai was defeated

These could adapt elements of the Smoke and Shadow comic, where Mai’s father leads a rebellion against Zuko. This would take place when Zuko is in his early thirties, just after Kya was born (her waterbending was a trigger for nationalists)

The opposition find Azula after she ran away at the end of The Search, and manipulate her mental state to use her as a figurehead against Zuko – an alternate legitimate heir

Zuko and Katara have to flee with the toddler Kya, and go underground in the Fire Nation as the Blue Spirit and the Painted Lady respectively, fighting the coup from the inside (with Mai and Ty Lee, allowing us to explore everyone’s interesting relationship history) while everyone else tries to fight from the outside

During her wanderings Azula found the Sun Warriors and the dragons Rin and Sha – she uses her new followers to storm the temple and capture the blue dragon (just like her great grandfather before her). Azula is now riding around on a huge blue dragon. You’re welcome.

This is how Zuko gets his dragon – he and the Gaang liberate the Sun Warriors and the red dragon partners with him in order to save its mate

In the final battle between the two factions Azula inevitably snaps and the coup leaders are unable to control her – she goes nuts and tries to lay waste to both forces.

Zuko and the red dragon save both the blue dragon and Azula from herself. He is able to reassert control over the nation and get Azula back to hospital. This explains Kya’s extreme guilt and Izumi’s extreme reluctance to get involved in the Earth Empire situation

TOPH, LIN AND SU

Kyalin are already a thing by the time Book 4 starts – Korra is flabbergasted, and they set an example she wants to follow with Asami – things are very casual and domestic, which is a new and weird experience for both of them

When Lin meets up with Toph to free the Beifongs and then they free Su, have the idea of motherhood come up a few times – Toph suggests Lin has waited this long to re-enter a relationship because she doesn’t want kids, because she’s scared she’ll end up treating them like Toph. Toph encourages Lin to make her own choice uninfluenced by her – Lin can learn from Toph’s mistakes, and Su has made a great mom

The subject of Lin and Su’s dads come up. In this version, Sokka is Su’s father – hence her darker skin – but the brief affair was secret because he was married and Toph was with Lin’s father – one of those regretful one-night stands you always knew was a bad idea

This is a bombshell for Su, who never realised – it completely recontextualises her relationship with both Sokka and the Red Lotus (she almost joined the people who killed her father) . It also forces her to reconsider both her political and personal responsibilities – she accepts responsibility for her part in creating Kuvira, and understands her abandonment issues a little better

Lin, however, the aspiring detective from a young age, figured it out a long time ago (she always assumed Su knew). This is why Lin resented Su so much when they were kids – her arrival caused Toph and Lin’s dad to end things, because she was proof Toph never got over Sokka

Now Su is the one angry at Toph, and Lin is there to apologise and comfort her. Opal recognises what Toph is trying to do; throw herself under the bus to get rid of any lingering resentment between her girls and strengthen their sisterly bond – she’s forcing them to move on

Through Opal’s intervention everyone manages to patch things up

DARK KORRA/KORRA’S TRAUMA

In the original series it was never explained what that creepy vision of Korra in chains actually was. Sometimes it was just in her head, other times it physically attacked her, and then it just disappeared.

My explanation links to the Book 2 finale – Jinora was able to bring Raava back because she still existed within Vaatu. By the same logic, though Vaatu was destroyed, he (and Unalaqq, now forever bonded with him) exist with Raava’s light. In Book 3 we established Raava was directly feeding off of/reliant on the light within Korra. Now that Korra has been through all this trauma, that light has been replaced by negative energy, which allowed Vaatu to grow within her.

The Dark Korra hallucination is a manifestation of Vaatu’s dark power growing within Korra, feeding off her trauma and attacking her from the inside-out. It is both psychological and spiritual. When she goes to the Tree of Time, she sees echoes of Vaatu are there. He has stolen Unalaqq’s voice and face, completely taken him over – the ghost of the family member Korra failed to save.

When she finally reconnects with Raava, Korra defeats the Dark Korra; she can’t destroy the darkness inside her, but she can move on

Korra has to find alternate energy source for the Avatar State now her past lives are gone. She learns to channel the energy of the spirit world through Raava (a spiritual extension of Toph’s root connections, possible thanks to the open portals)

During the finale Korra’s appeal to the spirits to protect the world is heard – as the spirits attack Kuvira’s weapon, simultaneously the swamp halfway across the globe demolishes the Earth Empire’s vine harvesters – all the spirits come out of the woodwork and attack, claiming the area as a new Spirit Wild, like in Wan’s time

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legendary-defender-of-fandoms · 6 years ago

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Avatar Hunk AU Sneak Peek

So, I wanted to have a few Avatar Hunk stories ready for @hunk-appreciation-week , but I bit off more than I could chew & don’t have any of them done. To compensate, I thought I would share some backstory, Headcanon, story ideas, and other stuff that I want to put in my Avatar Hunk AU.

Part 1 - The Premise

Before I get too far, I need to give credit where credit is due. @avatarpabu97 was the one who originated the idea of Hunk being the new Avatar. I thought it was cute at first, but the more they shared about their Headcanon & the more I thought about it, the more I realized how it was a fantastic idea. It fit with the cycle of the preceding Avatar shows, it gave our favorite sunshine boi a chance to shine, and it could lead to some awesome stories that combine the best of Voltron AND Avatar! @avatarpabu97 had a lot of cool ideas for what kind of Bender everyone would be and who would be where, and our ideas might overlap in some spots. But I had a few ideas of my own for how the Voltron folks would fit in the Avatar universe.

Anyway, the Premise. For my Avatar Hunk AU, it would be set in the world of Avatar about 70-80 years after the events of Legend of Korra. The tech levels would be more advanced than what we have (given their access to Spirit Energy, Bending, etc.), but not quite on, say, Star Trek levels. Korra has died (of old age, or at least peacefully in her home), and the world has started to look for the new Avatar. But given the technological advancements made since Korra’s time, this is seen as more of a side quest by the general public. The White Lotus & the New Air Nation dispatch a few teams, and some ambitious mover producers decide to create game shows to find the new Avatar, but for the rest of the world, life moves on. A new research and development corporation, Galra Tech, starts to make serious advances in harnessing Spirit Energy. The CEO, Zarkon Daibazaal, is a suave businessman who started his company to help people. But having all this power at his disposal leads to corruption, and the chief scientist for his company - his wife, Honerva - has been performing more and more unsettling experiments. They may have plans to invade the Spirit World to reap untold power, conquer the world, yadda yadda yadda. So the Avatar will be needed once more to prevent the exploitation of the Spirit World, another Spirits vs Humans war, and possibly the destruction of the planet? Haven’t planned that far yet.

Part 2 - The Characters

Hunk - Born and raised in Zhao Fu, Tsuyoshi Hershel Seidou Garrett is the only son of Tsuyoshi Garrett, an Earthbender (and a distant descendant of Haru from the original series), and Lisa Seidou, whose family immigrated from the Northern Water Tribe after the Earth Empire dissolved. His nickname was a misnomer, since he was a very small baby, but he quickly grew into it. His parents always knew their child was special (Spirits used to gravitate towards him when he was a baby, he took to Earthbending like a turtle duck to water when he was five, he started Metalbending & helping his father in the family Satomobile shop when he was ten, and he’s always been the sort to end disputes & help those in need), but they wanted Hunk to discover his destiny on his own, let him decide if he should let the world know he is the Avatar. Hunk earns an academic scholarship to the Hiroshi Sato School of Technology & Exploration at Republic City University, where he meets a colorful group of friends & discovers the dangers of Galra Tech’s Spirit Energy experiments. When Hunk starts to realize he’s the Avatar, he’s not sure what to think. I mean, the Avatar is supposed to save the world every other week, isn’t he? And the Avatar’s always been some confident badass who can take out armies by themselves & never backs down from a fight. Hunk wants to help however he can, but he’s not sure he has what it takes to be the Avatar. Until he realizes just how much is on the line, in which case Hunk decides it doesn’t matter if the Spirits made a mistake or if someone else should be the Avatar. He has the ability to help others, and he’ll do whatever he can to save the people he loves.

Gyrgan - Hunk’s animal companion, an Armadillo Lion. Hunk saved him from poachers when he was a cub, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Gyrgan is slow to trust new people, but once he has accepted someone in his life he becomes a giant lap kitty. Threatening those he loves, however, can lead to a death more terrifying than failing an Altean linguistics class. Hunk has taught him proper manners, so he’s not a menace & is permitted to be boarded at RCU. Much like Naga and Appa, he’s huge & can be ridden by Hunk, but typically won’t let others ride.

Lance McClain - A Waterbending mischief maker from Whale Tail Island, Lance and his family move to Zhao Fu when Lance is 12 years old. The two instantly bond over their love of “Nuktuk, Hero of the South” (who, much like Captain America and Wonder Woman, has evolved past his propaganda origins into a pop culture hero with multiple reboots, spinoffs, and Saturday morning cartoons). Lance isn’t quite the scholar Hunk is, but he does manage to get into RCU on a Probending scholarship & is excited to go to his sister Veronica’s alma mater. Until he finds a certain big-eyed mullet boy is on his Probending team & in his classes (not sure how far the Klance stuff is going to go, because I have little writing experience & even less experience with LGBT+ rep. But I want it to keep true to the 30+ years of Klance sexual tension that dates back to GoLion.) Still, when the world starts to fall apart, Lance won’t be left out of the action. (Might also make Lance a descendant of Sokka and Suki, but not sure how to work that into the story)

Katie “Pidge” Holt - The daughter of the head of the Technology department at RCU, Pidge is a child prodigy when it comes to computers. She manages to skip a few grades & get into the Hiroshi Sato School of Technology at the age of 15. Pidge has a pet Owl Cat named Rover who becomes instant besties with Gyrgan. Pidge’s mother was the daughter of Air Acolytes, and Pidge is a skilled Airbender. However, Pidge doesn’t really connect well with others. Until she gets to Computer Algorhithms class and meets Hunk, the first person close to her age who not only understands her techno jargon, but contributes with his own tech knowledge instead of scoffing & calling her a nerd or teacher’s kid. She’s not so sure about his buddy/roommate Lance, but he kind of grows on her & they eventually bond over their love of Space Sword video games. Pidge’s brother Matt was interning at Galra Tech when their experiments in the Spirit World started to spiral out of control, and Pidge will do whatever it takes to bring him home. Even if it means fighting the entirety of the Spirit World.

Keith Kogane - You know how Mako & Bolin had it rough, growing up on the streets after their parents were killed by a Firebender? Now imagine if either one had to do it alone & never knew what happened to their mother because she took off when they were babies. After Keith’s father is killed in a freak industrial accident, the young Firebender falls in with the Blade of Marmora Triad. He’s caught during a raid by Detective Takashi Shirogane and his partner Ulaz, a former Blade, but instead of putting him juvenile detention Shiro decides to give the kid a shot at a new life (maybe he shows mercy to someone the Blades ordered him to kill, or he has impressive Firebending skills, or Shiro’s a sucker for mullets). Keith starts channeling his aggression into Probending, playing against a certain hotshot from Whale Tail Island over the years, and he eventually gets into the Lin Beifong School of Criminal Justice at RCU. He’s less than thrilled to be on the school’s Probending team with Lance, and after Shiro disappears Keith considers dropping out. But when Shiro reappears (backstory below), Keith will put aside his petty rivalry with Lance and help Shiro with taking down Galra Tech once and for all.

Takashi “Shiro” Shirogane - A skilled Metalbender & brilliant detective, Shiro is everything Hunk thinks an Avatar should be. Intuitive, compassionate, a great leader, skilled in a fight - is there any chance Raava can pick this guy to save the world? But one night, Shiro & his partner Ulaz (not sure if they’re just platonic partners or if they’re also partner-partners, also not sure where Adam & Curtis will come in if they exist at all) are sneaking through a Galra Tech laboratory after receiving anonymous tips that Honerva was capturing Spirits to experiment on, an explosion destroys the building. Shiro loses his partner, his arm, and six months of his life (which Honerva May or May not be responsible for). When he finally returns to his Republic City apartment, he’s visibly distraught by the lost time & a vague memory of something horrible coming. Pidge & Hunk work together to make Shiro a prosthetic he controls with Metalbending, at which point Shiro realizes Hunk is the Avatar & warns him about the Spiritpocalypse. Hunk isn’t sure what Shiro expects him to do about it, and Shiro promises to stand by his side in the coming war to defend humanity & avenge Ulaz.

Allura & Coran will also be part of the story, but I haven’t quite figured out their motivations or backstories yet. Allura will be a powerful Healer from the Northern Water Tribe (not sure if she’ll be a Princess or the daughter of Alfor of Altea Industries, a company that was bought out by Galra Tech through shady deals, corporate espionage, and some old friend backstabbing), and Coran will be Varrick’s grandson & heir to Varrick Industries.

Part 3 - The Stories

I’ve only got a couple of plots right now, but more are coming.

1) A New Beginning - this will be a prologue for the series, confirming the death of Avatar Korra & introducing everyone to baby Hunk. We’ll also get to see Tsuyoshi, Lisa, and a bit of their extended family. Expect maximum cuteness. This is the only story I’ve started so far, and I have it all figured out in my head. I just need to transcribe it.

2) The Boy and the Armadillo Lion - this will be how Hunk meets Gyrgan & when he starts to suspect he might be the Avatar. There will be some tough stuff in here regarding poaching, but most of the animal torture will be implied. One of those “this guy needs to be returned to his mother/oh, don’t worry, he’ll be with his mother soon enough” situations. We’ll see “a boy and his future pet” bonding similar to Hiccup & Toothless, lots of fighting & chasing, and Baby’s First Avatar State. Also debating if I want Old Man Meelo to make a cameo. I love the idea of Meelo deciding to be a hermit in the Swamp because the Avatar’s going to need a cooky wise old mentor in the swamp, but it may raise too many questions if he watches Hunk fight off the poachers without doing anything to help. Maybe Hunk will ride through the Swamp on his way to RCU while wrestling with his insecurities about being the Avatar, and after fighting a few Swamp Hallucinations in the form of past Korra baddies Meelo will pop out of nowhere like Rafiki saying something like “You forgot to be the leaf!”

3) A series of vignettes about young Hunk developing his Bending skills. Earthbending sand castles with his dad, figuring out Metalbending while watching him work on his uncle’s racing Satomobile (oh, he has an Uncle Filo who races Satomobiles professionally), thinking he’s using Lavabending to weld a broken pipe (but Tsuyoshi realizes it’s Firebending), healing his friend Lance when he gets scraped up after trying to pull off a Nuktuk dive while their families vacation at Lake Laogai (which, without the Dai Lee hideout, is a fairly popular vacation spot), that sort of thing.

#dreamworks #voltron legendary defender #hunk garrett #keith kogane #lance mcclain #pidge gunderson #katie holt #takashi shirogane #avatar the last airbender #avatar hunk #legend of korra #au

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ashbarncs-blog · 6 years ago

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[ dave franco, thirty one, male, he/him ] ━ hey, I just saw [ asher “ash” barnes ] walking down the streets of crownsville. they’ve lived in town for [ most of his life ], and you can catch them around town working as a [ professional boxer ]. I hear they’re known to be [ courageous & friendly ] and [ sarcastic & impatient ]. if asked, they would say their aesthetic would be [ bright smiles , bruises and scars on his body, ripped jeans, motorcycles].

Hello lovies! My name is Anna, I’m 21 and from the cst zone. I haven’t rped for quite a while now so I apologize if my writing sucks. Anyway I bring my moronic child Ash. Below the cut you’ll find some info about him and some connections suggestions. That being said, feel free to give this a like or hmu if you’d like to plot!♥

tw; bad parenting, mental illness, death .

Originally from Dallas. Texas.

Is the first and only son of James and Vanessa Brosnan.

His father left not long after after Ash turned one year old.

After being left by her boyfriend/husband Vanessa realized she couldn’t raise a kid by herself so that’s when she contacted her parents.

Thinking that their daughter asked fro their help because she wanted to keep continuing her studies and go to college they agreed to help her out. Ash would move in with them but Vanessa had to visit him every weekend.

So Ash was pretty much raised by his grandparents whom he called mom and dad.

Few years later his grandad was diagnosed with Alzheimer and at the age of 9 tragedy struck. His grandma died of a heart attack.

At the news Vanessa sent her father to a nursing home and decided to raise Ash by herself now that he was older. At the end she couldn’t do it.

She tried, but she was used to another type of lifestyle. The only thing she ever worried about was herself, she was used to her freedom and doing whatever she liked and going wherever she wanted to. Few months later, Ash was put in foster care.

For four years he went from one family to another, never staying too long because there was always something wrong with him. And they weren’t wrong. The death of his grandma, and the fact that his parents apparently didn’t really want him, broke him. It made him feel that no one would ever do.

So he went from being this friendly warm child to a distant, cold one. He didn’t interact with his foster brothers, he pushed everyone away and after being moved to different houses and group homes he realized that he had to toughen up if he wanted to survive.

He became a problem child, he was skipping school, getting suspended and in fights. He had no respect whatsoever to his teachers. He simply stopped caring if he got in trouble or got yelled at.

But that all changed when he turned 14, his social worker found him a new foster home in another state. It took him a while to let his walls down and trust his new family, but at the end everything worked out for Ash and a year later he got adopted.

A few months later after he arrived to Crownsville, he decided to practice boxing. At first it was a way to channel all the anger and frustration he had bottle dup for so long but as time passed he noticed that it was something he liked to do.

Soon Asher had an amateur record of 50-4 and won the national Golden Gloves championship three years in a row (2004, 2005, 2006).

He won his first professional fight in 2006 when he knocked out his opponent on round 2. He quickly was praised from all corners of the boxing world was touted as a pugilistic prodigy.

Normally he lives in LA but visits Crownsville everytime he has a few free days.

Personality wise he’s very friendly and a goofball but can also be quite sarcastic sometimes. He’s a weird combination of Chandler Bing and Marshall Eriksen.

Most of the time he’s very Chandler-ish like making stupid coments and jokes and being sarcastic but when he’s around the people he cares about he turns into Marshall. He becomes this huge soft and sensitive man with quirky habits.

Also he may not be very much book smart but he makes up for it in the streets. Being in the foster system and all what he went though helped him to become street smart.

He might be friendly and approachable but he doesn’t let his walls down just with anyone, he doesn’t go around trusting everyone with his personal stuff. He’s very picky when it comes to choose whom to trust.

Connections:

I know it’s something everyone says at their intros but I’ll say it anyway: I want all of them! I definitely will take all the plots but if you need some ideas some suggestions are:

Best friends ( because everyone needs their bestie around ) –––– pretty self explanatory, his ride or die, the Ted to his Marshall, the Joey to his Chandler. (1/2)

Highschool sweetheart / first love –––– could’ve ended on good or bad terms.

Exes (dramaaa) –––– It also could’ve ended on good or bad terms, but to be honest it would be fun to have one that ended on bad terms cause just imagine all the angst.

A fan –––– he’s a famous boxer now so maybe someone who knows about boxing and is a huge fan would be interesting

One sided crush –––– he could be crushing on your character or the other way around, but it would be fun cause Ash sucks at flirting

Wingman / wingwoman

Frenemies

Childhood friends –––– someone he was friends with when he lived in Dallas

Someone he met in one of his boxing matches –––– Maybe Asher could’ve met them when he visited their city for a box fight, who knows

Trainer / Gym buddy –––– it could be his coach or it could be someone who he hangs at the gym with and exercise together. Like maybe this person helps him when he needs somenoe to train with when he’s in Crownsville.

One night stand –––– I’m thinking it could be the whole “i slept with you the other day and i didnt know we had a mutual friend and now we’re sitting across each other for brunch and it’s awkward because i ran out when you were asleep” situation

#crownsvilleintro

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mxscns-blog · 6 years ago

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「 HENRIK HOLM 」 DID YOU HEAR THAT 23 YEAR OLD MASON SUTHERLAND IS BACK IN EASTVILLE? YEAH, THE ONE WE CALLED THE VIRTUOSO BACK IN HIGH SCHOOL NOW WORKS AS A PROFESSIONAL PIANIST AND MUSIC TEACHER AROUND TOWN. THEY IDENTIFY AS CIS MALE AND USE HE/HIM. THEY’RE STILL THE SAME PERSON WE KNEW THEM AS, STILL +CONSIDERATE AND -RETICENT, BUT I GUESS THEY’RE MORE MATURE NOW. I JUST HOPE THAT DOESN’T AFFECT THE GROUP.

admin adri again back at itttt !! this is going to be a terrible intro post that im going to regret when im in a writing mood. but yes pls do plot w my bb !!

so i tried to make a character different from vera and stiles

i honestly just took up this character on a whim ?? but i still love the idea of him so i really hope i would be able to develop his character

this is mason and he’s a virtuoso. he’s really gifted with the piano and also plays the violin, the guitar, the saxophone, and the drums. the first time he crawled onto a piano was when he was three years old, and it was in a family gathering where he wow-ed his relatives with a piano piece he only heard by ear

apparently that ability is called “echoic memory”. it’s like photographic memory but with audio, so mason can easily recall what someone just said or a song he just listened to. he’s an amazing listener

he’s got a lot of inspo from an old character i had named mason but like a lot more timid and isn’t as sociable

he’s also a good singer and writes his own original songs !!

he’s been playing classical music since he was a child. and could also be called the “child prodigy” for being skillful with the piano and other instruments

he’s a lot more of a doer than a talker. so when writing with him, he talks less but has a lot of gestures and expressions to show how he feels

he’s one of the smart kids in class but is very humble. he’s always willing to give a helping hand for anybody who might need it

but he never imagines himself being the one to save the day. he knows his limitations and some people may find him half-hearted for that. but he is very protective of himself

he’s definitely let some people down, especially those who think they can take advantage of how nice and smart mason is

he’s usually closed-off and keeps only a few people in his life. he prioritizes his single mother and younger sisters above all

since his dad left them when mason was born, he was raised by a single mother who had a habit of dating and having boyfriends that usually just left her in the end

because of this instance, mason’s been doubtful of love. he believes in love for other people but definitely not for himself

he was supposed to go to julliard but chose not to go to college, being a music teacher for little kids and being a professional musician instead

i... will add more when i think of things

as for his sexuality . . . i actually dk what it is. he has yet to figure it out but so far, he’s been asexual ??

pls plot w me

pls

anyway i dont rlly have his connections page up yet and still have to fix his stats page. but pls just like this post so i can come to u or you can hmu for plots ok. im so excited for my boi

#myhome:intro #it's 1am and im like multi tasking w school stuff #forgive me for this shitty intro #[ * ☯ ~ ☀ * and there goes the rambling adri. * ;; OOC. ♫ * ]

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taeguboi · 7 years ago

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The Very Hopeful And I: BTS Soulmate!AU [01]

Oh, look at that! I’ve finally written the first chapter for my BTS Soulmate!AU which I headcanoned here like 3 - 4 months ago hahahaha I’m so bad at this writing thing... I’m sorry it’s badly written too, I’m more of a plot person haha

PROLOGUE: MINDFUL // PROLOGUE: YOUTHFUL // PROLOGUE: HOPEFUL

^Read the prologues here^ first and guess which BTS members I’ve decided to feature! [as in, whose POVs do you think are being expressed?]

If you’re still not quite sure which members are being involved with this soulmate!au, perhaps this chapter might give you some insight... [but only some as I’m still not revealing everything just yet!] As each prologue has 3 respective POVs, this contains all 3 in one section.

The Very Hopeful, And I - 01

The middle of the week was always extra daunting and dragging… but hey, I’m living the dream, right?

“Right, Jack, we need you to catch the next flight to cover this story; extreme weather has had massive impact on this area, a typhoon in Busan to be precise.”

“On it” I reply, leaving my office desk and hastily readying myself to leave the building.

It might seem strange that I am referred to as ‘Jack’, being a native Korean and all, but I felt it necessary to go under a new name since becoming more public as a journalist and reporter. My aim is to make a difference in the world with my deliveries of news stories, and those extra years I can get without maturing are precious to me.

One might say that I can’t make much difference through simply reporting natural tragedies such as the one you caught a glimpse of, but it’s still a part of my job that I take seriously. Though my main ambition is to make a difference and help make changes for the better, I find it just as important to stay in tune with the world around me. See this reporting opportunity that I’m catching the next flight to Busan for as something to fill the hours while I think about politics, ethics, the economy, relevant things that affect the modern person.

I suppose I could have gone into law to fight for justices, but there’s only so much someone in that area of work can do in the long term. Yes, they can put criminals behind bars, cutting them off from society, but that isn’t always what people truly pay attention to. As a reporter and journalist, I want to use my words to get through to people before anything too serious or damaging can happen.

I have several causes. I work for charities to help prevent and improve the state of poverty, but I also seek to help citizens of a first world country like ours. I want to improve the treatment of today’s youth, encourage employability, improve mental health, and give people a passion to fulfil in their lives by delivering news; if my voice about, say, the country’s health service is being reported to the nation and a viewer feels engaged and compassionate, then perhaps they will start their own cause.

Which reminds me… I need to grab my laptop from home on the way down there so I can look further into that new vacancy and its applicants. I’m flattered and so pleased that I’ve been handed this responsibility. I can confidently and hopefully pick out someone as enthusiastic as myself in this industry.

***

I can't stop thinking. Thinking about that call, I feel all kinds of things. I'm excited, I'm skeptical, I'm anxious, I'm giddy… This is it! I finally get to meet Y/n, but what if it's coincidence and this person just so happens to have the same name? I've had notice, but what if I set a bad impression and make a fool of myself? Nah, stop fretting Hoseok, it'll be fine, she'll just think you're goofy and cute if you trip over the table leg… again. She'll love you; it's written in the stars. Or rather, my arm.

I feel dizzy… As though I'm drunk, and I have a sore feeling in my throat. It literally feels like I've downed a swig of Jack Daniels. I've never wanted 4 days to pass by so fast; I just need to know. Have I found this person? Do I need to make new plans? Will I have to stick to my original plan?

I'm definitely not thinking straight; I need to clean this place up, give it a good once over. I can't believe that hasn't crossed my mind since finishing that phone call a day ago. Not that I’ve had much time since hanging up the phone yesterday evening up to this evening, what, with work and all that.

Come on Hoseok, there's no rush anyway; stop beating yourself up about it. You have a whole 4 days to pull yourself together. 4 more days to pick up a couple of extra shifts in fact… I guess I should pay since she’ll be helping me out in the long term with rent. But she must know what this meeting means, right? What if she thinks I’m trying too hard?

Damn, I certainly didn't expect to hear her voice before properly meeting her. I've essentially been given a 5 day warning, if this is the very same girl, that is.

I still just can't seem to shake this dizzy feeling...

***

It was hardly coincidence; his name is written on my wrist after all. There, since birth. I simply read through the ads in the paper to get a place and there it was and the end of one: “Contact Jung Hoseok at…”

I found myself dialling before my brain could decide if it was a good idea. Monday! I finally get to meet him this Monday… I guess there's that possibility of coincidence, but I guess at least it'll make a good story even if my name isn't on his wrist.

As I pour myself a little nightcap, I think how at this point in my life though, it would be nice to meet the remaining names. My mark age is almost 23 and I’ve only stumbled across one of my names in over two decades of living. School became lonely for me, having only met my enemy without my soulmate or ally to support me.

My enemy became particularly relentless upon the observation that I essentially had no one to truly connect with. Honestly, I barely dated or thought about acquiring a school soulmate; I found my studies much more important and getting too emotionally involved with people might have hindered my progress. What other option did I have when my confidence in my ability dropped to an all time low? I had a whole other language to learn with little support; I had my youth to become a fluent speaker for my soulmate, whoever that may turn out to be. Of course this resulted in myself becoming labelled as “nerd”, “dork”, and all the rest generally, but the enemy would always go that extra mile.

Whilst some would simply tell me I'm lame for opting to study over a house party and leave it at that, the enemy would really dig into me how I was a sad loner who tries too hard and would never achieve anything in life. Yes, I had to have therapy for the depression they elicited.

“Wow, do you ever get your nose out of the books?”

“Hey guys! If y/n is in a math class and the teacher offers to give extra help, calculate with of the following y/n’s nose is the furthest in or up: a) the text book, b) the kid sat next to her, or c) the teacher’s ass!”

“What is this trash anyway that you're reading? Why are you learning gibberish?”

“How does y/n even get by without at least a basic make up kit? It’s like she doesn't even wanna get laid…”

“Have you ever seen anything more pathetic?”

“Move over bitch and sit by the trash can where you belong.”

The enemy even ran for student council just to get one over me… Of course, they won, but in hindsight it was down to popularity over actual standards and policies.

I'm sure there's a reason that neither my soulmate nor ally were around to cushion each fall. It was never a shock either though that they remained strangers to me, given that my top two names are in Korean characters called Hangul and I was born and raised in an English speaking country. Transfer students came and went in the high school years, but never any under the names on my wrist. I guess I held some anticipation on, I counted, four occasions on which a Korean student moved over for their studies, but I was always strong enough to handle any disappointment I felt upon learning their names as they stood nervously in front of their new class.

I did however acquire a good friendship with one of the four students, Kim Namjoon, something of a prodigy and already being able to speak fluent English at a young age and having learned mostly through just watching movies and series’. That one year was probably the highlight year of my not so spectacular high school years. We communicated in either language and I could freely express my discomfort without anyone around me knowing what I was saying about them. I guess although his name has never been printed into my skin, I did regard him as an ally; a school ally, I could call it.

Let's hope that my greatest ally can follow in Namjoon’s footsteps and help me out a little.

“I look forward to meeting you for coffee, Jung Hoseok.”

#bts #beyond the scene #bts soulmate au

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happy-meo · 8 years ago

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Masquerade III: The Rules of the Game – Part 3 (Jungkook x Reader x another BTS member)

One must know the rules of the game, in order to come and play.

!! If you haven’t, please read the first two sagas in this series: MASQUERADE & Masquerade II !! [There will be spoilers if you read this story first.]

Summary: With Club Masquerade’s original hosts “graduating” one at a time, it’s up to the newcomers to pick up the slack and keep the customers happy. And who better to take the reins than the notorious Red Mask’s prodigy, Jeon Jungkook. But things become a bit difficult when you come into the picture, with your desire to do research on the rules of love and dating through your experience with your host. Will Jungkook be able to satisfy your curiosities… or will someone else?

Jungkook x Reader x BTS member [Read on to find out who >:P] (ft. Jimin & Hoseok) CEO au, Host au, Cop!Kook au Fluff & Smut

Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 (Finale)

"I don't understand why I have to do what you want me to do when I don't want to do it." Jungkook huffed. "We've been through this already. I already went to school for business and hated it, but you told me you'd leave me alone if I graduated with that degree. Now you've been sticking me here and there to become CEO or something or other."

"Son, your mom and I just want you to have a stable and safe job."

"Yeah, but it's not making me happy. Sitting down, staring at papers with a bunch of numbers, talking to people all day about money matters and such...it's not me. I understand where you and mom are coming from...but I want to be and am a cop."

"Last one, Jungkook. Just go to this company, check it out, and try to actually do the work. Please. If it's really not where you want to be, I'll accept that, but I want you to try to get hands on experience. It's different than learning in school, you might enjoy it."

Jungkook exhaled. "How is this different than any of the other companies you tried to stick me in?"

"Well one of the CEOs in this company worked on the merger of our company with theirs, and from the Chairman's grandson, CEO Min, I've heard that that same CEO has a bit of an edge, like you do. I figured you disliked all the upstanding CEOs I've had you meet before, so maybe you'd actually get along with this one." Jungkook's father pleaded. "Please, just go meet them. I have a good feeling about this branch."

Jungkook shut his eyes, "Alright. But this is the last one. I'm only going to go meet the CEOs and check out the company. If I don't like them, that's it."

"Fine. But if you like them, please give it a shot. I just don't want you to miss an opportunity because you misjudged the business world."

"You say 'stable' job...but look at where our company is." Jungkook sighed.

"It's progress and advancement. A long term investment."

"Alright, I'll give it a shot. But don't send anyone unnecessary to accompany me. I'll be there." Jungkook huffed.

The next day, however, he groaned as he found that his father had hired someone to take him to the building, regardless of his warning.

"He never listens to me." Jungkook mumbled under his breath as he tightened his tie, and headed out of his apartment.

When he stepped foot into the company building, he was surprised to find that he had arrived earlier than any of the workers.

"Huh. Late start? Alright...not bad." he hummed as he positioned himself inside an empty room that had a good view of the entrance into the office.

He yawned as he glanced at his watch. He would wait an hour at most then tell his father that he had tried to make this company work, but he didn't like it. Suddenly though, a familiar voice snapped his eyes up towards the little window of the door.

"I swear Hoseok. If it's a dude, they could care less about having a crappy bouquet of flowers!" Jimin complained.

"I like flowers!" Hoseok frowned. "The flowers are for me! Leave them alone! What did they do to you?"

"I'm just saying, don't be so uptight just cause some hotshot is coming to visit us. We are the Seoul branch, one of the best in the company. Just be natural cause then they might think we're doing something illegal." Jimin explained.

"The only thing illegal here is you, Jimin." Hoseok wagged his finger.

Jimin snorted. "What does that even mean? Am I illegal cause I'm just so damn handsome and attractive? Oh come on, Hoseok. Jealousy is unbecoming."

"Why, you little--"

"Mr. Jung, Mr. Park. Good morning."

Jungkook choked on his water as you appeared behind the two.

"Y/N! My beautiful little intern!" Jimin outstretched his arms welcomingly, but you walked around him nonchalantly.

"Thank you, Mr. Park."

Hoseok cackled and stuck his tongue out at Jimin, who was pouting at your rejection of his affection.

"Did my girlfriend say anything when you picked up coffee from her?" Jimin jumped next to you and threw an arm around your shoulder. "I made her breakfast this morning!"

"Nothing out of the usual." You shrugged then paused, making Jimin perk up expectantly. "Oh she did say to make sure you behave today. But then again, when do you behave?"

Jungkook chuckled at your comment and was amused at your natural interaction with the two. To think that you and Red Mask of all people would work at the same company branch, the same branch that was going to be his ticket to freedom from his parents' constant nagging. He grinned as a brilliant plan formed inside his mind.

Turning around to his father's hired assistant, he beckoned him closer, "Come here, I'm going to give you very detailed instructions for my grand entrance."

And so, Jungkook found himself beaming happily at yours and Jimin's stunned expressions as he stood before you two.

"The name's Jeon Jungkook-- the Jeon & Jeon's son company heir. I'm looking forward to working with you all."

"You've got to be kidding me." Jimin laughed. "Jungkook?! What?"

Jungkook giggled. "Hyung!"

"Jungkook!" Jimin lunged at the younger man warmly.

You, Hoseok, and Silver glanced at each other in confusion.

"Oh, I know Jungkook from my other job." Jimin winked at Hoseok, and that vague comment seemed to have turned a light bulb on in Hoseok and Silver's minds because they both went, "Oh. Ohhhhh!".

All the while you remained puzzled at this mysterious connection that Jungkook, the cop, had to one of your bosses.

"Okay, how about we step into our office and we can discuss your position and such?" Jimin gestured towards the office door. "Y/N, come too."

Jungkook smiled shyly and bowed towards you. "Hello."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were following me." You chuckled.

Jungkook blushed. "Wh-what..."

You raised an eyebrow at his change of personality again. "I hope the 2 gallons of milk you carried home were sufficient for you."

"Oh." he laughed nervously. "Y-yeah. It was good."

You chuckled then spotted Jimin eye-ing the two of you with a creepy grin on his face.

"Mr. Park, stop being creepy." You rolled your eyes and opened his office door.

Jimin laughed. "Sorry, I just didn't know you two knew each other."

"And I, you." You shrugged as you sat on top of Jimin's desk whimsically.

"How do you know each other?" Jimin urged. "Is he that one you're --"

"He's the cop that told me I didn't have any appeal." You answered bluntly.

Jungkook choked on his own saliva at the comment, while Jimin and Hoseok's eyes widened.

"Him??" Jimin pointed then glanced at Jungkook. "He said WHAT?"

Jungkook looked away from Jimin sheepishly.

After staring at Jungkook curiously for a few seconds, Jimin chuckled. "Alright then, I believe official introductions are in order. I'm CEO Park Jimin of the Seoul branch."

"I'm CEO Jung Hoseok." Hoseok smiled in his chair, while Jimin leaned against Hoseok's table.

"I'm their intern, Y/N." You waved coolly from Jimin's desk on the other side.

Jungkook bowed and handed Jimin a folder. "I'm Jeon Jungkook. Please take care of me."

"That goes to Y/N." Jimin pointed playfully.

You rolled your eyes. "No it doesn't, Mr. Park."

Jungkook stood awkwardly in the middle, unsure of whom to give the folder to.

Hoseok sighed and outstretched his hand. "Sorry about that. I'm the more level headed one around here. I'll take a look at your papers."

"Except when he's hungry. He's like the Hulk." Jimin whispered.

Jungkook giggled.

"Well you had decent grades in business school and graduated with a degree from a great university. Plus you're the heir of a pretty well-known brand name company. I don't see how we can turn you down." Hoseok smiled as he sifted through the papers. "It says here that your father wants you to start at the intern level?"

"Oh, well you see. When I graduated, I became a cop." Jungkook chuckled as he scratched the back of his head. "He wants me to start from the fundamentals and give business a chance."

"I heard you gave other companies trouble, punk." Jimin cackled.

"Well you know I'm a bit hard to tame." Jungkook bantered.

"Heyy." Jimin grinned and they bumped their fists together happily.

Hoseok cleared his throat and glared at Jimin. "Well, I'm honored you chose our company to cooperate with."

"As soon as I saw Jimin--uh sorry, Mr. Park-- I knew it was a good company."

Jimin pushed Jungkook. "Oh stop... Keep complimenting me."

You and Hoseok rolled your eyes.

"Please don't feed his ego, Jungkook." You commented and you saw him flinch a little, as if he had forgotten you were in the room.

"Anyways, since you'll be an intern with us from now on, Y/N can show you the cubicle you two will be in. She'll give you a little orientation and show you how to do some of the tasks she's in charge of." Hoseok instructed.

Jungkook nodded as you hopped off Jimin's desk.

"I'll tidy his cubicle up a bit then. Carry on."

As soon as you stepped out of the room, Jungkook visibly relaxed. Jimin caught his diffused tension and his mind began brewing with plots and plans for the two of you. He had found his new source of entertainment in his workplace.

"Oh!" Jimin clapped his hands and pointed towards Hoseok. "Now that we're alone, I can officially introduce you. This was my partner in crime back in the day, Black Mask J-Hope."

Jungkook's eyes widened and he gasped. Suddenly, he rushed towards Hoseok and shook his hand fervently.

"Oh my goodness! You're one of the Masquerade legends!! The gentleman personas look up to you so much! No one knows about the woman who locked you down though so we're all curious! I'm so happy to be working under both of you. This is such a dream come true! I've always wanted to meet the man who kept on par with Red Mask."

Hoseok fought back a smile, but to no avail. He scoffed lightly then ended up grinning widely. "Oh well, you know. He's the one that had to keep up with me."

"No way, you graduated earlier than I did!" Jimin complained.

Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door.

"Yes?" Jimin called out.

"You done? We have a meeting to go to." Silver called out.

"That's his girlfriend." Jimin elbowed Jungkook and winked. "And the only woman to have shared two legends at Masquerade."

Jungkook's eyes widened in awe even more.

"But sadly, she doesn't dress as sexily anymore." Jimin sighed. "Such a shame."

Hoseok smacked him in the back of the head. "That's my girlfriend. She doesn't need to dress like that, since she's beautiful regardless."

Jimin gagged at the comment as Hoseok opened the door. Jungkook smiled as he watched Hoseok ruffle Silver's hair playfully.

"So you and Y/N, huh?" Jimin raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Jungkook turned red and waved his hands. "Oh no no. Definitely not."

Jimin smirked. "You know, my young grasshopper, when guys say someone has no appeal that usually means they were so appealing that the guy just doesn't want to admit it out loud."

"She couldn't act cute or anything! She argued with me about my judgment!" Jungkook complained. "There's no way."

"Maybe that's what you're into." Jimin winked. "Rule #7: Do you before you do them."

Jungkook blushed and recited softly, "Know your own kinks and how to get yourself off before you try to get off other people."

"Good boy." Jimin cooed and patted his head. "Now, make a left and you'll see Y/N at the first cubicle. She'll teach you a few things."

Jimin slapped Jungkook's butt before exiting the room. "Welcome to the team, Jungkook."

Jungkook smiled, "Good to be learning from you again, Mr. Park."

Jimin smirked and disappeared.

You were standing on your wheelie chair, trying to put away old binders at the very top shelf when Jungkook stepped into view. You were bending down with your skirt and spotted him hurriedly turn around.

You chuckled. "Was that appealing to you, Mr. Jeon?"

"I-I don't know what you're talking about." he muttered, averting his eyes upwards.

You tried to step off the wheelchair, but it was a bit unsteady so you faltered. In no time though, Jungkook was in front of you, lifting you up by your waist with ease so that your feet were no longer touching the chair. You two blinked at each other in surprise. Very slowly, he put you back down on the ground then took three steps away from you.

"Thanks." You smiled nonchalantly.

"No problem." Jungkook mumbled.

"Okay, anyway. We have the largest cubicle in the office because it fits two people back to back. So here's your space behind me. That's your desktop. You're welcome to decorate it with pictures of family, your pets, your girlfriend--"

"I don't have a girlfriend." Jungkook blurted out.

You blinked, a bit flustered. "Oh, okay. Well um -- well anyway, you can decorate however you want."

Jungkook nodded sheepishly.

You coughed to regain your composure. "Things are pretty lax here. As you probably saw, we trickle in whenever we want as long as we get our work done and get our 40 hours a week. All workers here are split up under Mr. Jung and Mr. Park just for checking in and management purposes. Those under Mr. Park are held on very, very loose reigns so their schedules are flexible and he's only concerned about the quality of their work and the positive results. Things such as time constraints and a constant schedule isn't his priority. While those under Mr. Jung's care usually do have to report to him if they are going to be working less hours a certain day and what they are projected to complete by a certain date. He likes to know things ahead of time so he can set realistic expectations and make sure everything's running smoothly."

Jungkook smiled. "Which are you under?"

"I'm under both." You chuckled. "I think you'll be the same as well. I typically follow Mr. Jung in the mornings and Mr. Park in the afternoons. I'm not sure what their plans are for you just yet, seeing as how you were a bit...unexpected?"

Jungkook chuckled. "Yeah, this was unexpected for me too."

"Well, I look forward to working with you too." You extended your hand out.

Jungkook stared at it widely. "Um, yeah. You too."

He shook your hand lightly.

"You aren't going to fracture my hand. You can grip it a bit tighter." You laughed.

"Oh, right." he laughed nervously and squeezed your hand.

"Ow!" You winced and he panicked.

"I'm sorry!"

You chuckled. "I'm just kidding."

Jungkook exhaled. "You're really something."

You grinned. "I enjoy learning, so people say I'm a walking encyclopedia at times, but since your comment, I've been trying to develop some charming points."

Jungkook glanced at you amused.

"Still not working?" You questioned.

He scrunched his face playfully and shook his head.

"Well, life's a process." You shrugged. "Let's go get your ID for now. You need to scan that ID when you're walking around the building. Don't lose it, and don't get caught not wearing it."

"By who?"

"By Mr. Park. He likes to taunt workers who forget their IDs and he doesn't help them get back in."

Jungkook snorted. "I could see that."

"Right here." You pointed, your arm crossing in front of his body. He froze where he was so your arm didn't touch him. You looked at him curiously then stepped into the room first. "Good morning! I have a new intern here with me who needs an ID."

The woman behind the desk perked up when her eyes landed on Jungkook. She pulled the phone away from her ear. "Well helloooo~ " Then she rushed. "Hold on honey, I'm going to have to call you back, Adonis just stepped into my office."

Jungkook bowed shyly. The woman stood up and grabbed his shoulders aggressively.

"Wow, muscular, tall, chiseled jaw...damn." she whispered. "You single?"

"He says he has no girlfriend." You chimed in.

Jungkook glared at you and you shrugged, enjoying his visible discomfort.

"What's your name, hot stuff?"

"Jeon Jungkook."

"Like this?" The woman turned her desktop screen so he could check her spelling.

"Yes."

"Okay, stand right over there behind the white screen and give me your most charming smile." she instructed.

"Um sure..." Jungkook awkwardly walked over and posed stiffly.

"Ooo boy, you could be a model or something. Damn, I want to print this on poster paper and hang it up in my office."

Jungkook laughed nervously.

"You like?" the woman showed him his new ID photo and he nodded.

"Printing. You lookin' for a girlfriend, Jungkook?" she questioned.

"Uh no not at the moment." he answered timidly.

"Well call me if you are. I'm available." she winked.

"Oh haha." Jungkook smiled wryly and stepped back a little.

"Here's your badge."

"Thank you."

"See ya later!" You waved, highly amused by what you had witnessed.

"Stop by often, Jungkook!"

Jungkook bowed and shuffled away, closer to you.

"Most women here are looking for a little bit of action, so you'll get a lot of that." You stated. "Back in the day they pined after Mr. Park, but then his girlfriend came to surprise him one day and they all knew it was game over. But I guess you already know she's very beautiful. Anyway, seeing as how you're the first attractive single man we've had in awhile, they'll be attacking you."

Jungkook perked up. "You think I'm attractive?"

You ignored his question, trying not to look flustered by your slip of tongue, and continued walking, pointing out where places were in the building and in the office, until you both were finally back to your cubicle.

"Well that's it for the tour. You'll get lost often, but don't hesitate to ask me to lead you around." You smiled. "Now have a seat and I'll show you how to log in to the system."

Jungkook nodded and sat in his wheelie chair. You hovered over his shoulder, leaning close to him, and he tensed up.

"Silver, that's the secretary and Mr. Jung's girlfriend, already put your name in the system. So when you first come in, type in your username which is 'JeonJ'. Temp password is password1." You instructed.

Jungkook felt himself inching away as much as he could from your proximity. You were too close and he wasn't sure what to do with himself. You misinterpreted his hesitancy though and moved behind him.

"Here, let me show you." You wrapped your arms around his shoulders and started typing on the keyboard.

He straightened up so that your chest wasn't touching his back, but your face was still close to his. His heart was racing and he felt himself sweating instantaneously.

Suddenly, the sound of slow clapping broke you two apart. Curiously, you both turned to find Jimin grinning widely in front of your cubicle.

"I like what I'm seeing here. Good job making moves first, Y/N."

You rolled your eyes. "I'm helping him log in."

"Logging in is how everything starts." Jimin smirked wittily.

"Oh dear." You exhaled and turned to Jungkook. "Was he also like this in your other job?"

"Yeah." Jungkook smiled, feeling refreshed now that you were a good distance from him.

"Consistency is key." Jimin chuckled. "Hoseok needs you Y/N, so I'll take over his training for now."

"Sure thing." You nodded, grabbing the pile of papers on your desk and making your way to the office.

When you disappeared, Jimin smacked Jungkook's arm. "Why do you look like a mannequin with permanently glued terrified eyeballs? Your charisma is working even outside the Club! Rejoice!"

Jungkook groaned. "I don't want it to work outside of the Club."

Jimin shook his head. "Oh Jungkook. What am I going to do with you?"

"Just tell me how to do my work, hyung." Jungkook sighed grumpily.

"Hey." You tapped Jungkook's shoulders since he had earphones in while he was entering data.

He flinched and spun around, surprised. "Y-yes?"

"Lunch time. Want me to show you the cafeteria?"

"Oh. Yes, please." Jungkook pulled out his earphones and put his desktop on sleep.

"Some people go to the rooftop for lunch, but most stay in the canteen. I'll show you both and you can choose whichever you prefer."

"Where do you usually eat?" Jungkook asked.

"Mmm the rooftop if it's not occupied." You chuckled.

"Occupied?"

"Well...you know...people use it to do things in between or during breaks." You shrugged.

Jungkook blushed. "Oh... have you...ever..."

You glanced at him. "Do you want to?"

"I didn't mean us! I didn't--"

You chuckled. "I'm joking, Jungkook."

"Oh, right."

"Guess I still need to work on my humor. Maybe it's cause I'm girl, it's less funny." You mumbled to yourself as you walked ahead.

Jungkook chuckled as he followed you.

That weekend, you grinned widely as you found yourself entering the cafe and luckily, there was no line. There was only one tall gentleman in front of you who was amiably conversing with the Receptionist. Probably another one of the regulars.

"Oh, let me take your order. I didn't even see you there!" the Receptionist soon noticed you and beamed.

The man stepped to the side politely and you came up to the cash register.

"The usual weekend drink?" she grinned.

"Yes please."

"How are you today, Y/N?"

"Good."

"You're not working today right?"

"No, just up and about." You smiled.

"Good. I know you work too much." The Receptionist chuckled. "Will it be cash or card today?"

"I'll pay for her drink."

Suddenly, the man who was standing beside you extended his arm and handed the Receptionist her card. Your eyes widened, immediately recognizing the voice. Glancing to your side, you locked eyes with him.

"Long time, no see, Y/N."

"Namjoon." You smiled.

"You two know each other?" The Receptionist took his card and swiped it.

"Oh wait! No, I can --" You panicked, but Namjoon placed his hand on top of your head gently.

"Don't worry, Y/N. Think of it as a reunion gift." he chuckled.

You exhaled and looked up at him. "I can't believe you're here! Wait- why're you here?"

"I'm traveling around again, but I needed to check on a few things in the area, so I'm staying here for awhile."

The Receptionist grinned and handed him his card. "Here you go, Joon."

"Thanks." Then he turned to you with a warm smile. "If you're not busy...do you want to grab a seat and catch up?"

You perked up and nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'd like that."

"Great." he chuckled then gestured with his head. "Let's go?"

You giggled as you watched him lead the way to a free corner, bumping into tables and chairs clumsily on the way there.

"Still don't know your body too well, huh?" You teased as he finally sat down by the window.

"I'm working on it." he grinned then leaned his cheek into his palm cutely. "What're you doing here? I didn't expect you to turn up here of all places."

You giggled. "I'm finishing up school here and I have an internship with a nearby company."

"Oh? Where?"

"Just down the street." You pointed to your clearly visible building with the company name at the top. "You've probably heard of it."

Namjoon chuckled, "A bit. I didn't know they took interns."

You shrugged, "Me neither."

"Namjoon. Y/N. Order's up!"

Namjoon stood up hurriedly, knocking down his chair in the process. You laughed and waved your hand.

"Please, stay seated for the good of this cafe." You teased. "I'll go get our orders."

"No, I can't have a lady get the drinks. They should wait for the man to do it."

You smiled warmly, "Since when have I been a lady like that?"

Namjoon chuckled as you hurried off to grab the drinks. Upon your return, you spotted that his attention had been drawn outside the window. His eyes were glazed over, signaling that he was already deep in thought; a look that you had seen many times before. And so, you quietly placed the drinks down and took a glance outside too, waiting for him to finish his process.

"Oh sorry! I'm being rude." he flustered.

You smiled and shook your head. "I'm used to it. I used to sit in silence with you all the time, remember?"

He nodded. "Of course I remember. I enjoyed those moments. Do you still read often?"

"Not since I started my internship. Unless you count textbooks...which I don't." You hummed. "But I really would like to go back to it, once I adjust really well to my workload."

"There's a really nice little hidden bookstore that I found the other day. I'll show you it one day."

You blushed. "I'd like that. How long will you be in this place for?"

"Hmm it depends on a few things. Now that I know you're here too, I might stay a bit longer." he grinned.

You smiled shyly.

"You've definitely grown up, Y/N."

You could feel Namjoon's lingering gaze on you, and you would be lying if your heart didn't flutter at the feeling that he might be finding you attractive at the moment.

"Well it's been a few years since we last saw each other."

"That's true. You're working now and a university student. Wahhh..." he marveled. "In Seoul no less."

"How long exactly can you travel for? Have you been traveling this whole time?" You chuckled. "Do you even work?"

Namjoon laughed, "Well when I saw you, that was a spontaneous 2 week of PTO to get away, but now I'm travelling around for longer before I settle into a really big job."

"Congratulations." You grinned. "Knowing you, I'm sure you'll be fantastic at it."

"You flatter me." Namjoon took a sip to hide his smile, but you knew better. You knew his face read that he was grateful and shy about your compliment.

But what you weren't sure about, what you were never sure about was how long he would be in front of you. So you decided to seize the moment.

"Want to come take a look at my apartment?" You questioned nonchalantly. "I can cook dinner for us."

His eyes widened, probably not expecting that invitation in the least. "I wouldn't be intruding?"

You laughed, "I live by myself. You wouldn't be."

"Anybody you should ask permission to first?"

"If that's your way of asking if I have a boyfriend, my answer is that I don't have one." You smiled.

"Good." Namjoon genuinely smiled and you found yourself melting at the way he looked so happy to hear that you were single. But you had to pop your own bubble to bring yourself back to reality. This didn't mean he liked you in any way, shape, or form.

"You still don't drive right?" You giggled when he immediately looked sheepish. "For the good of the nation?"

"Yeah, I still don't drive..."

"Good. I brought my car so I'll drive you around." You grinned.

"Oh? You even drive now. Wahhh...you've become a grown woman, Y/N. I'm impressed."

"I've always been a mature woman, Kim Namjoon." You flirtatiously smirked as you stood up.

"I'll be in your care today then Y/N." he bowed playfully and followed you out.

In the car, you let Namjoon chat away while you drove. He put on his music and talked about which ones he liked and which ones he didn't. He discussed places he had been to since you had last seen each other, and what books he had been reading lately. He also had taken up learning a few languages in his leisure.

As always, Namjoon was someone you aspired to be. Intelligent, constantly curious, constantly improving and evolving, constantly seeing the world as a bundle of opportunity for learning experiences. Something more than a place to live, to make money, to build relationships.

No, he didn't just merely exist in the realm of society, carried off by the crowd. He walked in every possible direction on the sidewalk to figure out why it was that people naturally created two lanes. Why did it have to be veer to your right if you're walking in one direction? What would happen if someone defied that standard? How would people react?

He lived. He was the living embodiment of someone who worked hard to live and actually lived.

While many worked to live, most spent their time pushing living their lives to that concept of "later". You've heard countless people say "I'll save that money for that trip I want to go to, later."; "Later in my life, I'll be more free so that I can use my money how I want to.", etc. But what many failed to understand is that this "later" they always continued to refer to, wasn't a destination, it wasn't even a real time; it is a perpetually elusive concept, because when "later" comes, it isn't "later" at that point in time, it has already become "the now", "the present", and in a blink of an eye, it becomes "the past". This construct of "later", it only exists in our mindsets; it is a place holder of a millisecond of time that gives us something to work towards. But if not clearly defined by the constraints of month, date, and year, it disappears into the abyss, never to come to fruition.

Namjoon seized the moments. If he wanted to go some place to see how the sky looked in that location, he would hop on a train that weekend and go see it. With him, the possibilities of life were endless. The only thing constricting and containing us inside a box is ourselves, our fear of taking risks, our fear of being disappointed. But if we took each hit in stride, taking it as if it was an experience that happened for a reason, then those expectations and fears would dissipate. If you expect to learn and experience things each morning, no matter what shape or form they took, you would never feel disappointed in your life.

That was Namjoon. Deep, philosophical, unique. With a beautiful mind that opened your eyes to the wonders of the world. It made you feel small yet so empowered at the same time.

"Y/N. What're you thinking about?" his deep voice reverberated in your mind and sent chills down your spine, pulling you out of your thoughts.

"Sorry." You smiled shyly. "Just how coincidental it was that we bumped into each other...and how I missed hearing about your thoughts."

He grinned brightly. "You're still as candid as ever."

"No point in being anything else but." You shrugged.

"I like that about you though." he complimented.

You blushed.

"And I don't think it was coincidental." he hummed. "I think something like this was the work of fate."

And just like that, you were pulled back into his gravity, like you had been so many years ago.

You shyly allowed Namjoon to step into your apartment, silently praising yourself for cleaning up the night before, just because. Was that fate as well? You shook your head before you fell deeper into your thoughts again.

"Are you craving anything?"

"I eat whatever." Namjoon shrugged.

"Have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I'll start cooking."

"You sure you don't need my help?" He followed you into the kitchen and gently touched your waist. "I can at least wash the ingredients without breaking them."

You giggled to cover up how strongly your heart was hammering in your chest at his light touch. "Alright then. It's a big task, but I'm entrusting it to you."

"Yes, ma'am." Namjoon grinned.

"So...Jungkook is actually rich too...the heir of a BIG company...and he is now YOUR intern?" The Receptionist gawked at Jimin.

"Yeah. Exactly."

"And Jungkook knows Y/N too because he pulled her over and bumped into her a couple of times around town?" The Receptionist stared at her boyfriend. "And also..."

"Also?" Jimin raised an eyebrow.

She shook her head, "No, never mind. It's just crazy how connected everyone is."

"Everyone?"

"It's nothing." she smiled.

"Oh come on! Stop keeping all the secrets! I won't tell anyone!"

She rolled her eyes. "No. We've been through this. You always tell Hoseok who then tells Silver and then at that point, I'm breaking my contract of keeping privacy. I'm not losing my job just because you can't keep your mouth shut."

"But Hoseok isn't just anyone!" Jimin complained.

"Exactly why I'm just keeping my mouth shut. Now go do dishes! I have to get ready for my Burlesque performance."

"Come home with your costume again." Jimin smirked then kissed her on cheek as he took the dishes away from the table.

"I'll just surprise you with what I come home wearing." she winked. "Or not wearing."

Jimin chuckled, "Oh goodness. Keep talking like that and you won't make it to your show tonight."

"Why? Have I been a...bad girl?" She smirked as she hugged him from behind while he started washing the dishes.

Jimin splashed soapy water on her face playfully. "Go get ready for your show. I'll deal with your antics later tonight."

"You're no fun." She teased.

"You won't be saying that later." Jimin cocked an eyebrow up.

"We'll see ~" his girlfriend hummed as she disappeared into their bedroom.

�� "Thanks for the meal. Wahh..." Namjoon clapped. "That was fantastic."

You grinned, watching him with admiration. "Probably cause you lack culinary skills and have to eat out all that time."

Namjoon huffed. "Not everyone can be perfect. I'm good at a lot of other things. Other than cooking and driving...I'm eclectic!"

"And walking apparently." You teased.

"Well, that...things just get in my way." he chuckled.

You giggled then paused. "Did you just say you were eclectic?"

Namjoon blinked. "Yeah?"

"Stay still for a sec." You leaned over the table and pulled down his shirt to stare at his collar bones and neck.

"Um Y/N...what're you doing?"

Your eyes widened a bit. "I'm so dumb."

"What?"

You laughed, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. If you stop staring at my neck..." Namjoon tilted his head.

You pulled your hand away and sat back down. "Have you heard of Club Masquerade?"

"Yeah."

You smiled and bluntly asked, "Are you Mon?"

There was a few minutes of silence as the two of you stared at each other. He was probably trying to figure out how you had come to that conclusion, while you were waiting for him to reply.

"And if I say I am?" he finally stated.

You chuckled, "It seems you've met your only client in person."

Namjoon blinked then gasped, finally recognizing your voice from the Club.

"I thought your voice was just familiar because we've known each other." he covered his mouth with his hand. "Oh...wow."

You two awkwardly looked around the apartment.

"So..." you started. "I do have to commend you on your um...prowess in that area."

Namjoon coughed, "Thanks."

"What were you doing there though?" You questioned.

"I was dropping off trials of a new product for the Club. It's a chip that can be installed into the host's masks to alter their voices. I actually used it on you...so how did you figure out..." he scratched his head.

"Your neck moles." You blushed, hoping he didn't find you creepy. "Plus your voice was similar the very first time I met you...you probably didn't implant the chip when we first met right? Plus you didn't alter your voice too much the second time."

"Well, I didn't want you thinking I was a completely different person." Namjoon chuckled. "Wow. This is crazy. You've always been sharp."

You grinned. "Well I guess I'm glad it was you."

Namjoon glanced your way and you two locked eyes. He smiled.

"I'm glad it was you too."

You two ended up catching up the rest of the day. You told him about your university and any stories of back home that you could recall. He showed you pictures on his phone of his travels and where he would like to go next. It wasn't until the sun set and you two were covered in the dim darkness of the room that you two realized how late it was.

"Oh wow. It's this late now, huh?" Namjoon exhaled.

"Stay over." You blurted out in the darkness.

You could feel his warmth beside you on the couch. Progressively, your bodies had been inching closer and closer as the conversation continued, until your shoulders were touching.

"Sure." he answered lightly. "If you don't mind me."

"I don't mind at all." You smiled. "Let me go turn on the light."

"Sure. Be careful."

"Oh...before I do." Your heart was beating wildly. The thought had been pestering you since Namjoon had confirmed that he was Mon. The more you thought about it, the more you wanted to spill your idea, but the sheer shame of him rejecting it created fear inside you.

"What's on your mind?" Namjoon reached out, trying to feel out for your face.

When he found it, your hand covered his warmly.

"Can you...teach me?" You finally stated.

"Teach you what?"

"How to be good...in um...bed...and romance...dating in general." You mumbled, but in the silence, it felt like you were screaming.

"What?"

"Cause I'd really like to learn! And well, I think logically, hands-on experience is usually best so..." You swallowed worriedly.

Suddenly, you felt another hand cup your cheek and slowly, you felt yourself being pulled forward until your lips finally made contact with his. Your body was electrified and he kissed you fervently, enough to take your breath away.

When you were younger, you had envisioned kissing Namjoon countless of times, but reality defied all your daydreams. His lips were soft and plush, gentle and rough alternatively. And the fact that when you opened your eyes, you weren't staring at your ceiling or your pillows like before, but at the man himself, made it all the more fantastic. The kissing grew to be more heated, so much so that you were now pushed down on your back on your couch. Namjoon was hovering over you, never disconnecting your lips. Not until, he finally answered you with his breath ghosting over your ignited face.

"I'll teach you."

When the new week rolled by, you returned to work and found yourself spending time training Jungkook for most of the days. It was definitely nice having company in your cubicle and splitting the work between each other. Things got done faster, plus once he got into a rhythm with his paperwork, he would hum a tune angelically. It was a nice change of pace to the silence you were always in. And soon, you brought in your own earphones too.

"Um uh..." Jungkook hesitated as he stood behind you, trying to figure out how to get your attention. He stiffly and cautiously moved his index finger closer to your shoulder then immediately pulled back before he could touch you. With a deep breath, he tried his other hand but he still couldn't bring himself to tap your shoulder.

"Y/N. Jungkook!" Jimin appeared and Jungkook immediately stumbled away from you, flustered.

Jimin raised an eyebrow at him and you pulled your earphones out curiously.

"Yes, Mr. Park?"

"We're staying overtime today so can you two pick up coffees from the cafe for me, Silver, and Hoseok. Oh, and get yourselves something too." Jimin handed you his card. "Oh and grab some pastries and take out while you're out."

"Sure thing." You grabbed the card then turned to Jungkook who was still pinned to the counter nervously. "You okay?"

He nodded. "Y-yeah..."

"Have fun!" Jimin winked and disappeared.

"Did you drive or did your father's men drive you?"

"I drove, but I don't want to take my car out...it's in one of those tiny spots. It was a pain to park." he huffed.

You laughed and threw him your car keys. Reflexively, he caught it with one hand, which impressed you.

"You drive my car then. I'm feeling a bit sleepy so it'd be unsafe. Plus you know all about traffic laws and such, who knows if you'll arrest me for speeding while I'm in the car with you." You rambled.

Jungkook snorted. "I'm off duty."

"Still a cop." You shrugged. "Let's go."

You two hopped into your car and drove to the cafe down the street.

"So is your unit okay with you working a different job all of a sudden?" You questioned. You had been curious about Jungkook for awhile now since his whole situation was unique. You often wondered how he ended up being a cop when he was a company's heir. It seemed illogical.

"Yeah, it's happened often since my dad's been trying to pressure me to get into business. Plus everyone knows my background at the police academy. Everyone needs to go through a scrutinizing background check before being accepted. Can't have past criminals being the police force." He replied.

"And why did you want to be a cop instead of inheriting the company?"

"Mm...no offense, but I don't find an office job very exciting. I'm someone who's very physical and likes moving my body. I love doing extreme sports and challenging myself physically. It's what excites me, and I don't want to be bound to a desk, staring at numbers for more than half my day. It's my life so I want to do something that makes me happy. Something that makes me enjoy waking up early and staying up at night. Being a cop is that for me."

You smiled at him warmly and he stepped away, a bit creeped out.

"What? Why're you smiling like that?"

"No. I just didn't think you had a sentimental and deep side." You shrugged.

He rolled his eyes. "You need to get over that ticket I gave you."

"I'm over the ticket, but your harsh words, I will probably never get over."

Jungkook sighed.

"I heard you two are working together now." The Receptionist handed them their orders. "Must be nice. I wish I worked with my close friends."

"You could always join the company, Noona. I'm sure hyung can pull some strings." Jungkook grinned.

"No thanks. I already have one desk job, I don't need another one."

"See, you understand me Noona."

"Oh Y/N. Joon's over there reading if you wanted to go say hi." The Receptionist pointed out.

Immediately, you perked up and turned around. Sure enough, Namjoon was sitting by the window, calmly reading a book with a serious expression. Hurriedly, you scurried over to him and tapped his shoulder.

"Oppa."

Namjoon glanced up and grinned widely, exposing his dimples. "Y/N."

He studied your outfit curiously. "You look pretty. Are you working?"

You blushed and nodded. "Yeah."

Jungkook appeared beside you.

"Oh Namjoon, this is the other intern Jungkook. Jungkook, Namjoon. He's a family friend."

Jungkook bowed. "Nice to meet you. And you have really strong looking thighs."

You and Namjoon blinked then giggled at his comment. Jungkook blushed shyly.

"Thanks Jungkook. You're pretty built yourself."

Jungkook smiled.

"And so they've met in real life now too." the Receptionist hummed as she watched the scene in front of her. "Mon, Nochu, and the client they're sharing. Mon knows the client from the past. Nochu and the client work together, but Nochu doesn't know Mon is Mon. Do Nochu and Mon know each other? Does the client know their identities? I wonder..."

She grinned widely to herself.

"Ahh this is so exciting! I can't believe this is happening. It's mind blowing! Too bad I can't tell Jimin."

You watched in awe as Jungkook threw his arm behind your chair to reverse out of the parking spot. His dress shirt pressed against his defined chest and his face was handsomely concentrated.

"So that guy is just your family friend?" he questioned once he got back on the road, pulling you out of your stare.

"Uh yea."

"Like what you're seeing?" Jungkook smirked. "You were staring at me before."

You rolled your eyes and scoffed. "Just focus on driving. You're so weird."

"I'm weird? You couldn't appeal against the ticket by acting cute but when you approached this Namjoon guy you were full of cuteness and flirty-ness."

"Was I?" You blinked.

"You didn't know? Your voice got all high pitched like a dolphin shriek." Jungkook mimicked you. "And you were batting your eyes like you had something in them."

You huffed. "I was not!"

He snorted. "Oh please. Like you could see yourself. Take my word for it. Your crush on him is so obvious."

"It was an old crush. I haven't seen him in years." You stared out your window.

"Well you could use this time to rekindle that flame." Jungkook teased.

"Sadly, there was no flame in the past to rekindle."

"Well, starting fresh is always good too."

You eyed Jungkook. "You haven't dated a lot either, have you?"

Jungkook tensed, "Wh-what? Of course I have! I mean look at me! I'm handsome!"

"Nope, guess you haven't." You shrugged.

"I've had plenty of girlfriends for your information. Girls lined up at my locker back in school and my whole desk was always filled with gifts. I'd have dates lined up every day of the week."

You stared at him skeptically. "Then why do you freak out whenever I touch you?"

"I do not--"

You covered his hand with yours. Hurriedly, he swerved to the side of the road in panic.

"Don't DO that!"

"Do you have a phobia of girls? Or is it just me?" You raised an eyebrow.

"Neither! I'm fine!" Jungkook bellowed.

"But I've seen you pin yourself against the wall when a female employee walks by you, and duck your head down when females approach the cubicle to ask me questions. Tell me what your problem is."

"I don't have a problem! I know women like the back of my hand. I can get someone off in less than 5 minutes."

You stared at him intently.

"What?" He furrowed his brows.

"You know, I've been wondering this for some time..."

"Hm?"

"If I say, 'Nochu'...what do you think?"

Jungkook's eyes widened and his eyeballs whizzed around anxiously. "Wh-what?"

"Let me ask you straightly then. Are you Nochu?"

Jungkook's eyes threatened to fall out of its sockets as he stared at you in shock. "Why...?"

You exhaled, seeing that his answer confirmed your suspicions, and opened the front compartment of your car. You took out your signature mask and pulled it over your face, observing the way his face contorted to one of horror and astonishment when you did.

"Cause we know each other a lot better than we thought."

Jungkook unbuckled his seatbelt hurriedly. "Excuse me. I have to go run away from you and probably jump into the deepest hole on Earth."

You grabbed his shirt to pull him back into his seat, and leaned your face close to his.

"I have a proposition for you, Nochu."

He winced at the nickname being used without his mask present.

"What's the proposition?" he exhaled.

"I want to learn about dating. That Namjoon guy, right now we're in some kind of mentor-student relationship, but for some reason, I want him to take me seriously and actually consider dating me. Since you're having an awkward time around girls without the mask, and I never know how to properly appeal and flirt with guys, we can help each other. What do you think? It's beneficial for both parties, don't you think?"

"Are you suggesting a merger with mutual benefits and co-ownership?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Shall we create a contract?" You smirked, going along with his banter.

"I'll...I'll think about it. It's a bit overwhelming to find out someone I work with...well I've done things with you..."

You released your grip on him and chuckled. "It doesn't bother me since it's your job, and I was curious myself. It was a good transaction."

"Wait...you knew it was me...so does that mean you like me?" Jungkook blinked at you curiously.

You glanced back at him blankly, "Well other than whatever I'm feeling for Namjoon, I can't say that I'm exactly sure what it means to like someone...but I figured you fascinated me from the beginning."

You two stared at each other intently.

"Well, I don't know if you'll be a cure to my nerves, but I guess we'll never know unless we try." Jungkook exhaled. "It's getting a bit embarrassing that I can work my way around a woman in bed, but not in any other way."

You smiled and patted his shoulder. "We'll get through this together, Nochu."

Jungkook glared at you, "Don't call me that outside of the Club."

You grinned teasingly. "But it's okay if we're alone right?"

Jungkook rolled his eyes and started the car again. "I can't believe I agreed to pretend date you."

"Think of it as a beneficial learning experience! A training module of sorts."

He shook his head and merged back on the road.

"Just don't go falling in love with me." You chuckled.

"As if." Jungkook rolled his eyes.

Later that day, Jungkook changed into his host outfit and snugly pulled his gold mask over his face. For some reason, your proposition made his heart feel lighter. The fact that you accepted his strange behaviors around women, and the fact that you too struggled with similar issues; he felt like a burden had been lifted from him. He wasn't sure if it was the solution to his problems, but it definitely was better than doing nothing. Spending time with a female might ease his anxiety around others, and besides, other than the Receptionist, you were the only other woman he talked to frequently. Maybe it wasn't so bad. Although he felt himself heat up, remembering that it was you who had given him his first blowjob ever.

"Oh my god." he crouched down and covered his face, embarrassed.

"Oh! Mon!"

Jungkook's head whipped up at the sound of that name. This Mon had eluded him every single time. The man who had taken one of his clients away from him, he wanted to see exactly what he looked like with his own eyes. Jungkook rushed from the back towards the Receptionist's desk. Panting, he finally came face to face with a tall, lean man in a deep purple mask.

Okay, he was attractive.

But his presence irked him the more he thought about how he had to share one of his customers with this mysterious person, who incidentally got perks and benefits for no reason. He felt like his title as the Golden Host and as one of the best hosts in the Club was being threatened.

"Does your mask have this chip now?" the Receptionist questioned.

"Mhm." Mon grinned.

"Yah." Jungkook curtly spoke, garnering attention from both of them. "Are you Mon?"

"Nochu..." the Receptionist frowned.

"Yes, I am. How can I help you?" Mon stood up straighter and spoke refinedly.

Jungkook faltered a little, but kept his proud stance.

"Who do you think you are? Waltzing in here like you own the place? You think you can just take and give customers as you please? You're not even on the roster or anything. What gives you the right to take being a host so lightly?"

Mon chuckled and glanced at the Receptionist, then back at Nochu, "Kid, I do own this place."

PART 4

356 notes · View notes

kuriquinn · 8 years ago

Text

Miso Soup Everyday

Summary: This is supposed to be a certainty – the one sure thing in his entire life. Yet he can't fight the same mounting apprehension he experiences when crossing into a dimension he's never visited before.

Disclaimer: This story utilises characters, situations and premises that are copyright Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, Shonen Jump and Viz media. No infringement on their respective copyrights pertaining to episodes, novelisations, comics or short stories is intended by KuriQuinn in any way, shape or form. This fan-oriented story is written solely for the author’s own amusement and the entertainment of the fandom. It is not for profit. Any resemblance to real organisations, institutions, products or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All plot and Original Characters except for those introduced in the canon books, manga, video games, novelisations and anime, are the sole creation of KuriQuinn. (© KuriQuinn 2016—)

Warning: Spoilers for everything in Naruto (up to Chapter 700).

Canon-Compliance: This work is loosely part of the Legacy of Fire series. It is and is not canon-compliant (for reasons that will be made clearer in my as yet unnamed and unwritten Sakura/Sasuke Blank Period Pre Pregnancy Get Together travel fic. Yes, it’s kind of complicated.

Beta Reader: Sakura’s Unicorn

Honestly, it’s a bit of a role reversal.

When they were children, Sasuke was the aloof one—cool and confident, perpetually at ease in his role as the storied prodigy of Konoha. He was the genius of Team Seven, overshadowing Sakura’s presence as if she was only an afterthought. Naruto and he had their rivalry between them, so it was all too easy to consider Sakura as a barely requisite third wheel. Insecure and needy, she trailed after him like a puppy.

That’s no longer true.

These days, it’s Sakura (alongside Naruto) who is the beacon of hope in the community, the hero little children crowd excitedly around when she walks through the streets. Sasuke is the one people don’t think of—or rather, prefer not to think of. He’s the third wheel of the Sannin’s heirs, whose reputation is maintained only by his connection to the other two. He might have helped to save the planet, but it’s Sakura’s name that opens doors.

And if that doesn’t work, her fist splinters them.

Since returning to Konoha, Sasuke has noticed the whispers and stares that follow them when he and Sakura go anywhere together. Initially, he thought the behaviour was directed at him—judgement for his past deeds and the dark legacy that will hound him until he dies. Except, the general tone of the whispers is usually deferential. He knows from years of wandering that people are more likely to avert their eyes than risk his attention. Thus, it’s Sakura to whom they look—she holds the admiration of every inhabitant of the growing village.

What’s surprising about it, though, is how much he doesn’t mind. As a child, the idea of being second to anyone was unacceptable, especially compared to his teammates: Naruto, because he was the village screw-up, and Sakura because she was just support—an admirer to cheer on his successes and, in the early days of their team, to highlight just how far Naruto was beneath their collective skill level.

It’s all different now.

Sakura is the one who stayed in Konoha, working hard to earn the respect and awe of the village. These days she walks confidently in the sun while Sasuke is content to watch her from the shadows.

It’s ironic, actually. In three short years, a civilian-born girl with no bloodline talent to speak of achieved more widespread respect than the Uchiha clan did in three generations.

He wonders what his parents would have made of Sakura. He likes to think they would have approved.

Father would have been terse and silent, but even he wouldn’t be able to deny her incredible talent. Mother would warm to her instantly because her temperament was rather similar. And his brother…

Sasuke can’t help a rueful, bitter smile at this. Itachi would have probably figured out Sasuke’s feelings for her before Sasuke himself did.

He’s aware enough of his shortcomings these days that the admission comes easily. He understands that he’s cared for Sakura since their Academy days—lack of natural talent aside, she intrigued him, even if he didn’t show it. Humans are visual creatures, and her hair alone meant he couldn’t pretend she didn’t exist the way he could with other kids. On top of that, she was intelligent enough to beat him on every written test, though she never sought to compete with him.

This, too, is ironic. Perhaps if she’d approached him as a potential rival, he would have seen her value earlier on.

Instead, his childhood memories of Sakura are of a pretty and shallow (yet kind) girl trailing behind him. Even then, she had a remarkable tenacity and dedication, bringing him Valentine’s Day gifts every year and patiently enduring his constant rebuffs. Sasuke didn’t even realise until much later—until that last fight with Naruto—that with every passing year, another chunk of his heart fell into her waiting palm.

Knowing that should make his plans today easier, but it doesn’t.

He’s had nightmares since the end of the war—dreams which take up the space in his head where revenge was once so prominent. Most often, they are of that day long ago when he almost snuffed out her light. Sometimes, Sasuke still feels the phantom heat of the Chidori in his palm, can still see her back bared to him as he moves closer.

He knows now that if he’d landed that blow, he would not have survived the war.

As mad with grief and rage as he was, having Sakura’s blood on his hands would have shattered his already damaged psyche beyond repair. The loss of Itachi coupled with the truths about his brother’s life had thrown him off the deep end; responsibility for Sakura’s death would have kept him there.

He doubts she realises this, even though they’ve spent more time together since his return—partaking in quiet dinners or long walks when her schedule allows for it. There’s even the rare sparring match that leaves him bruised but proud. She doesn’t ask him why he’s around so often or allude in any way to how she feels for him.

If she still feels for him.

She as good as told him in her letters that she was tired of waiting. Likely, it’s too late for anything, regardless of his belated hopes. And yet, despite this, Sasuke has been vacillating about the matter since he came back to Konoha. Until today.

At least he hopes.

It’s become habit to pass by the clinic to pick Sakura up after work. She falls into step with him with more ease than she ever did when they were young. Sometimes, they meander through the town while she chats about her day. Sometimes, they find an out-of-the-way restaurant to get a bite to eat. Sometimes, when she’s exhausted, he simply walks her home.

Today, though, he leads them along the river toward the lake. They’ve walked this way before, but he’s never led her down the embankment. She doesn’t ask where they’re going, which he takes as encouragement.

The dock where he spent so much time alone as a child looks almost exactly as it did then. The wood is slightly warped, causing it to tilt downward toward the lake a little, but it’s still sturdy. There are burn marks on the edges from lessons long ago. He stares at them for a beat, allowing memories to take him out of the present for a few moments.

Beside him, Sakura is still as well, but it’s a comfortable quiet. Now that they’re older, she’s more intuitive about his reticence. As children, she would talk his ear off as if terminally afraid of a drawn-out silence, filling it by any means. Sometimes, he appreciated this because it saved him the effort of having to maintain a conversation (especially when they were around other people).

Most of the time, though, he just wanted her to leave him to brood in peace.

These days, whether it’s because of her own wartime experiences or her work with those who have suffered its effects, she knows exactly when to simply linger quietly. And, as usual, he appreciates her waiting for him to open the conversation. It takes a little more effort today to find a way to start.

“This where I learned to perform Katon,” he tells her finally, his voice even, despite the way his stomach spasms with nerves.

“Oh?” she inquires, and out of the corner of his eye, he sees her look up at him, surprise and curiosity flickering across her features. He seldom, if ever, talks about the past—even more rarely does he speak of the time before they were genin.

Sasuke nods, staring out across the calm waters. “My father taught me. It was the only thing he was able to show me before he…died.”

Even so many years later, the pain is still as raw as it was the day of the massacre. The blinding rage is gone now, however. When he notices small, strong fingers tentatively wrap around his right hand and give a brief, reassuring squeeze, his instinct is to return the gesture, instead of pulling away.

“The technique was created by the Uchiha clan,” he goes on, sticking to facts because this is what he knows for sure. Facts are unchangeable, not hinging on chance and sentiment. “My family honed it over the years and, even though others have learned to master it, they could never achieve the exact effect that we could.”

He perceives her nod at this, but senses confusion as to why he’s bringing this up right now. She won’t ask, though, intuitively accepting that he has some purpose. Not for the first time does he think she trusts him far too much than he deserves—far more than he even trusts himself.

But today there is a purpose, and if he could ignore the nagging doubts at the back of his mind, he might be able to get to it. This is supposed to be a certainty—the one sure thing in his entire life. Yet, he can’t fight the same mounting apprehension he experiences when crossing into a dimension he’s never visited before.

“Would you like me to teach you?” he asks, inwardly cringing at how tentative he sounds, despite his efforts to be casual.

Luckily, Sakura is too caught off-guard to notice. “You’ve never asked me that before.”

“I never recognised the opportunity,” he admits. Too blinded by rage and revenge, it never occurred to him as a kid that the teammates he considered dead weight might improve faster if he helped them.

Sakura knows this too and doesn’t argue the point. Instead, she says, “I’m not a fire type, though.”

“That shouldn’t stop the apprentice of the Fifth Hokage.”

Sakura scoffs. “That sounds like a challenge.”

“Hn.”

“All right! You’ve got it!” Sakura declares, making a show of rolling up her sleeves and facing the lake. “Stand back and watch me! Shannaro!” She flexes her fingers, preparing to form the requisite hand seals, and then glances back, a ghost of doubt on her face. “Um…any pointers?”

Sasuke’s mouth twitches at this.

He gives her a demonstration and the same advice his father offered.

She masters the technique faster than he did. Not on the first try, like Itachi, but within hours. He puts that down to her excellent chakra control and the fact that, as a jōnin, learning to master new techniques quickly is a prerequisite. There’s a huge difference between her abilities and those of a seven-year-old with self-esteem issues.

Thanks to her instant healing, there’s no obvious signs of damage—her cheeks aren’t burned, and her lips haven’t chapped from the flame. But the tips of her hair are singed a little and her skin is rosy from the heat.

After expelling the last fireball, Sakura coughs, smoke wafting briefly from mouth and nostrils, but when it dissipates, her eyes are dancing.

“How’s that?” she challenges, hands on her hips and chin jutted out.

Sasuke smirks. “As expected.”

“Oh, come on! That was amazing and you know it! Mine might even be better than yours!”

“Tch.”

She laughs at that.

“I think I burnt my tongue. My taste buds aren’t going to work properly for a week!” Her face becomes inquisitive. “What’s the occasion, though? Or did you really just want to avoid another gourmet dinner at Ichiraku with Naruto?”

As Sasuke has come to expect from her, Sakura provides him with an out. He’s not entirely sure how long she’s been doing that, or even if it’s intentional, but he appreciates it all the same. Today, however, he will not make use of it.

“That’s an extra benefit,” he allows, earning an amused, somewhat conspiratorial grin. He pauses, momentarily at loss of how to say what he needs to say. Eyes trained on the surface of the lake, he steels himself and continues. “This technique…in my family, it’s a rite of passage.”

He lets that sink in.

“Oh, yeah. I think you mentioned that once,” she says thoughtfully. “Or Kakashi-sensei said it. It’s like a coming-of-age tradition, right?”

“Aa,” he affirms and, trying to lace his words with meaning, confides, “It’s only passed on by close family members.”

“Right. That’s why your father taught you. I think that’s a nice tradition.”

Sasuke winces inwardly because she clearly doesn’t understand what he’s trying to say. It’s not a failing on her part, but his own inability to articulate the point properly. The words are there, but for some reason, they die somewhere between throat and lips. Demons and malevolent gods he can take, but this five-foot-four woman with pink hair makes Sasuke nervous. And it’s not because she can crush his skull with her little finger, either.

“Until one can perform the technique properly, one cannot truly claim the name Uchiha,” he explains, hoping the inflexion of the words conveys his intended meaning.

But Sakura still doesn’t get it.

“That’s a lot of pressure to put on a child,” she says lightly. She’s probably imagining him struggling to learn the technique, terrified of failure. She wouldn’t be wrong, either.

The knots in Sasuke’s stomach get worse and, if she doesn’t realise soon, he’ll have to spell it out for her. He’s half-angry about that because she’s supposed to be smarter. She should intuit what he’s trying to say and save him from making an utter fool of himself.

“Not only a child,” he corrects, again elaborately casual. “You performed it perfectly.”

Please…just…listen to what I’m trying to say.

There’s a heavy pause, and then Sakura’s breath catches in her throat. The silence between them suddenly isn’t so companionable now, but fraught with a tension like the entire world is holding its breath. Sasuke doesn’t look directly at her as she parses his words, using that blinding intellect of hers to understand what he’s trying to ask. Still, he glimpses her face from the corner of his eye and this is how he watches her expression blossom with understanding.

Success.

He turns to her.

“I have no right to ask anything of you,” he says plainly. “Not after everything.”

“Sasuke—”

“Sakura, let me…” he trails off, jaw working and his own voice catching as the words get lost again, but damn it, he has to get this out! “I don’t know if I can be what you want, what you’ve hoped for. Or if I can give you everything that you deserve. And it’s possible I’ve waited too long.” He swallows. “But when I think of family—even at my lowest point, where I’d given up on the idea—you were the only one I could ever see myself with. The one that I…”

Again, words fail him, and Sasuke wants to swear in frustration. He needs her to know because maybe the faster he gets it out, the better the odds will be. Sakura deserves so much better—always has—and could have anyone else. She should have anyone else, but he’s still hoping that she won’t want anyone else.

“Say it.”

Sasuke is rather jarringly brought out of his rambling, insecure thoughts by a cracking whisper.

Sakura stares up at him, tears welling in her eyes. Why is it him who always makes her cry? He expected her to be flustered or awkward, but instead, she looks the same as she does when bracing for a physical blow.

This confuses him. “What?”

“I need you to say it,” she tells him, barely above a whisper. “Just once. Say it and mean it.” Her fists clench. “I’ll never ask to hear it again, if that’s what you want. But before I can say yes—to the future, to trying, to…to all of it—you have to say it.” She takes a shuddering breath. “If you can’t, then I…I…”

She trails off as if the idea is too hard for her to even enunciate, too painful to consider—for either of them.

Sasuke has never been good with words. What he feels for Sakura, he doesn’t want to—can’t, really—put into words. There is no collection of syllables or sounds that are accurate enough to describe the girl who gave him her heart when they were children. The woman who waited for him for years, who forgave him for trying to kill her, their best friend, and their entire village. He’s wandered the world, looking for redemption, and it’s only since returning here that he’s realised he had it the whole time.

He wants to tell her all of that, but he doesn’t think she’ll understand. Not now, not yet—not while they’re still getting used to being around one another. Maybe after a lifetime, if she’ll give him that, it will come easier—his words and her ability to trust in him.

But for now, she wants something so simple, something almost infantile, as if a set phrase is a guarantee, a safety net, or a reward of some kind. He knows this, but struggles to give it to her, because it’s so insufficient. And everything about him to date, when it relates to her, has been insufficient.

If he does this wrong, she’ll turn away—it’s why she’s giving him this ultimatum in the first place. In their time apart, she’s developed into a strong, independent individual with unapologetic self-respect and unmalleable resolve. She knows what his hopes are, the unspoken wish behind one of his ultimate goals. But Sakura won’t become the vehicle for his happiness unless she’s sure she’ll benefit from it as well. It’s only fair and Sasuke admires her even more for it, but right now, it’s making him want to turn tail and run.

“Sakura…” He really, really wishes he was better at this.

Just do it already, you ass.

And why isn’t it surprising that, in this moment where the rest of his life might change for better or worse, Sasuke can clearly hear the voice of his idiot best friend telling him what to do? It almost makes him want to check to make sure the halfwit isn’t lurking somewhere nearby.

Regardless of its source, the advice is right. No more good can come of waiting.

Sasuke bends down so that his forehead presses against Sakura’s, bringing them eye to eye. She tenses up and her pale cheeks flush with colour, her lips parting in surprise. If this position prevents Sakura from seeing the colour rising on his own face or noticing that his hand is shaking as it gently takes hers, all the better.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” he says in a low voice, “but I want to spend it with you.”

Her lower lip trembles at this. “Because…because you love me?” Sakura prompts, the question a whisper but with a mettle to it. It’s a firm reminder that she will not let him off easy in this moment.

Sasuke exhales through his nose in defeat, eyes closing in affectionate resignation. “Because I love you.”

When he opens his eyes, Sakura’s are (if possible) wider than he’s ever seen. The utter shock etched into every other feature is simultaneously amusing and worrisome. He wonders dimly if, against all odds, this is finally what breaks her.

Putting some distance between their faces, he gently taps two fingers beneath the rhombus-shaped seal on her forehead—partially to make sure she’s still cognizant, but also to drive the message home. Sakura has never completely understood the gesture before in the handful of instances he’s demonstrated it, but now understanding flickers into place—that this is not just today, and not only because she asked him, but that he’s wanted this for so much longer.

Glassy green eyes are now overflowing with tears, the droplets winding down the curves of her cheeks and quivering jaw. Mild panic sets in—why is she upset? Shouldn’t she be happy?

“Sakura, why are you cry—mmph!”

Fingers fist in his shirt and a pair of soft lips are planted very firmly against his own.

Sasuke stands frozen for several seconds. Dimly, he supposes he should’ve expected this, because isn’t this what’s meant to happen when two people acknowledge feelings for one another? Essentially, he asked Sakura to spend the rest of her life with him, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that there would be a physical confirmation of this. Only, he didn’t quite expect it to happen so fast. Well, fast, he thinks, is relative. They have been building up to this since childhood, but he’s still not sure—

“You’re supposed to kiss me back,” Sakura mumbles against his mouth. If he wasn’t blushing before, the embarrassment hits fully now.

Still, the permission takes at least some of his discomfiture away.

Slow and tentative, Sasuke returns the kiss. It’s clumsy and uncertain because he’s never done this before, but she makes a small, approving noise at the back of her throat and he guesses he’s doing something right. Sakura tastes like smoke from the Katon and something sweet he doesn’t have a name for. He suspects he could spend the rest of his life trying to figure it out without success, an idea doesn’t bother him at all.

She fits her mouth over his, softly pulling his bottom lip between hers, and Sasuke’s senses fade out. Something like relief passes over him, as if a weight has been pulled from his very soul. The last, tightly coiled vestiges of doubt and anxiety which have gathered in him for years are now gone, and the only thing in the world is her. That, in itself, is mildly terrifying, but in a good way.

Achingly slowly, Sakura pulls away from him, reaching up to brush his hair away from his left eye. Her fingers stay in place, keeping the strands from falling back while her thumb traces a gentle arc from eyebrow to temple. He leans into the touch and she grins at him.

“Well?” she prompts. “What do you think?”

“…Hm?” It should concern Sasuke that his brain takes a second or two to catch up.

“Better than Naruto, right?” she wants to know.

The post-kiss haze vanishes. Sasuke sputters out a wordless response because that’s not how these things are supposed to go. His people skills might be rusty, but he’s pretty sure it’s far from normal to remind the man who just confessed his feelings for you about his (very unwilling) first (and second) kiss with their mutual best friend.

Sakura is laughing, at him or at the situation, he doesn’t know. He should be annoyed about this—and if she ever tells anyone about it, he will be—but the tears in her eyes are from mirth, not pain or sadness and, for once, he doesn’t regret putting them there.

“Yes, by the way,” she tells him happily, leaning into his chest. “Yes to all of it.”

終わり

Thanks for reading my story, and I hope you enjoy it! Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome! If you want to support my writing, I accept ko-fi donations and have started posting original fiction on my patreon account, Kuriworlds I encourage you to check it out!

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not-majestic-bluenicorn · 6 years ago

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The MONSTA X Universe Theory

Hello everyone, and welcome, to my most ambitious theory to this date, in which I attempt to convince you all that I am, in fact, not crazy and that all of MONSTA X’s comebacks can be put into one timeline whole universe. I’ve been working on this for months now, and to be honest I am exhausted, however I decided I needed to put this out before their comeback this next February 18. It’s going to be long, so tighten your seatbelts and pay attention, because we’re going to go deep with this one.

Let’s dive into the theory.

Basic Concepts

Like most companies and k-pop groups, Starship and MONSTA X didn’t to easy on us and introduced us to several interesting concepts like time and space travel and resurrection. You’ll need a basic understanding on how dimensions work for this theory to make sense, so I recommend you to watch this somewhat simple video about it because you’re probably going to need it.

They also make use of a lot of different symbolism, but I’ll explain those along the way because it’ll be easier to fit them with the rest of the theory like that. You might want to know a little about virtues and sins however since those will be mentioned!

The Setting

Before I go on explaining each of the phases of the MONSTA X Universe, I need to give you a bit of setting on how they are connected and why. There’s a vast quantity of in-verse connections but a lot of out-verse ones as well, so in each phase of the theory I’m going to explain each of the clues of both types and how everything ties together.

Almost all MONSTA X videos form part of a same universe that has been divided into several timelines, which can be distinguished by major events that happen inside the story. Not all videos are part of the plot, some of them are merely symbolic, and not all connections will seem obvious at first either, which is why out-verse clues are necessary to this theory as well, and let me tell you that “out-verse clues” is a very wide category.

In any case, now that I have cleared this up, it is time I start explaining the phases of the MONSTA X Universe and how everything ties up together, let’s go.

In-verse

Phase 1: The First Timeline - Origins (Tresspass & Rush)

Trespass and Rush might not seem tied to the theory at first, however, they are; even if they are not majorly relevant to the main events of the story. Both of these releases provide a background to what happens in The Clan, giving the boys’ friendship and origin and a point of comparison to when things start getting so bad they feel the need to go into war. They also show us they’ve been “problem” children from the start.

Phase 2: The First Timeline - The War (The Clan Part 1: Lost & The Clan Part 2: Guilty)

In my The Clan theory (which you can read here and here, and you’ll need to read it ‘cause I won’t go into much detail this time since it’s already there) I established that the boys were very close friends, even before Jooheon decided they needed to start a revolution and formed the X Clan. I believe that Trespass and Rush both happen before the events in All In, again, they’re not very relevant to the theory, but they provide a nice background to how things were before the war broke out.

Given the way they dared military officials and were clearly against the leadership of Hyungwon’s father, it wouldn’t be surprising that they went to jail a couple of times, hence Trespass. Rush is just them being dumb kids, like things should’ve always been. In any case, things start becoming worse and more difficult and Jooheon decides it’s time to start a war, so he forms the X Clan, discovers the magical flower (or the other way around), they make a pact and start the war.

During this war Hyungwon, Minhyuk and Shownu are all captured and rescued. Also, and a very important point, Hyungwon dies. I know in The Clan theory Gina and I said we weren’t sure, but I am completely certain he did die because it’s the only thing that makes him different from the others. Why? Because he’s the only one to be revived by the flower, he’s the only one that dies and comes back to life and frantically that defies the laws of nature. And that is what condemns them all.

We know the plant is magical because it heals their wounds and apparently is capable of reviving them and also of pulling them out of whatever spell Hyungwon and Minhyuk were in during their stay in the hospital. What if the flower can do other things as well? Yes, I am proposing that the flower was what gave Hyungwon his time-traveling abilities. Because the elixir made of the flower is literally what keeps his heart beating now.

Not only that, but the giant heart we see at the end of All In and of Fighter? I mentioned it was a symbol for their new beginning out of the war, but it might be more than just a new beginning. It’s a rift in time-space, the first one actually, and I’m willing to bet Hyungwon was the only one able to cross that door. That moment is the exact ending of our first timeline.

Phase 3: The First Timeline - Interlude (The Clan Part 2.5: Beautiful & Beautiful World Tour VCR)

I discovered the VCRs were important when I went to The Connect World Tour in Mexico and realized a bunch of things, which is what made me look for the VCR of the Beautiful World Tour (BWT from now on) and I was not disappointed. This VCR perfectly connects Trespass (Rush really isn’t that important I promise) and The Clan. You can watch it here.

In the VCR we can appreciate their lives before the war and before the government became rougher. We can also appreciate how they grew to be troublesome kids and even see a glimpse of Hyungwon’s family situation.

Beautiful is a bridge that ties in the symbolism and the stories of the boys in All In and Fighter. But it’s also a video that explains their past and personal fights, everything that made them join the X Clan in the first place (this is explained in more detail in the part 2 of my The Clan theory). Hence why in the BWT VCR the chapter order is Beautiful, Trespass and Lost. Beautiful explains their past, their personal lives; Trespass explains how they came together and became friends, their invasion into a new world; and Lost explains how they lost it all and decided to take action into their own hands. Lost is also the first part of The Clan trilogy, which would then lead to Guilty.

Phase 4: The Second Timeline (The Code)

Our first timeline ends the moment they reach the beating heart. Whether they all go in together or just Hyungwon goes, I don’t really know, but I have a strong reason to believe it was only Hyungwon the one who made it. Regardless, this is what clearly marks the end of our first timeline, because next time we get to see them, they’re leading completely different lives.

While Trespass and Rush hold no contradiction with The Clan, in Dramarama they don’t even know each other, and some of them do not even exist in the same time and space. Jooheon is dead in this timeline as well. Although this could heavily imply they have changed concepts and story, I believe the only way this can make sense is if this is a timeline that occurs after The Clan.

Hyungwon already has his strange time-space travel abilities, yet there’s no sign as to how he obtained them. And even more than that, if it’s clear they don’t remember each other, then why is Hyungwon trying to help them and giving them tools to meet each other (even if it doesn’t work in the end)? If he were just playing the Good Samaritan then surely he would at least give watches to other people right? Yet he doesn’t, we never see him doing it.

Our time-traveling hero has a clear mission here: getting them back together. He’s obviously struggling with this, as there seems to be some sort of agency that catches his activities and stops the people he’s helping? I don’t really think this agency is important to the story itself. It’s just another obstacle to their coming back together. In any case, this timeline is doomed.

Phase 5: The Third Timeline (The Connect: Music Film D)

Destroyer is yet another timeline distinct to Dramarama. We know this because we see different pairings, completely different settings and completely different timelines. Much like the BWT VCR, the Music Film D is divided in three stages: Part 1 The Code (a very obvious reference, this is already letting us know they’re connected), Part 2 Finding the road (if this doesn’t sound like Lost then I don’t know what does), and Part 3 Connected (clear reference to the current album.

D shows us the boys as geniuses, Minhyuk and Shownu are artists, Kihyun and Wonho are science (physics?) prodigies, and Jooheon and IM dominate technology. Through their own methods they all come to the revelation on how to find Hyungwon. Here’s the thing, why would they be looking for Hyungwon in the first place if they don’t know him? This is an entirely different timeline after all and it’s clear Hyungwon is too tired to keep making watches and keep trying to put them back together. He has already worn himself out.

The guys manage to figure it out and find the train station, which could either be a real place in which every timeline and universe converge or just a metaphor for them figuring out how to do the same thing Hyungwon does, either explanation works. They meet each other, they remember, and they go into the train, which marks our second main event in the theory.

Phase 6: Interlude (The Connect: Jealousy & The Connect World Tour VCR)

Jealousy is like Beautiful in the sense that it doesn’t feed the plot itself but helps connect (pun not intended) and put everything else into place. Through different imagery, Jealousy illustrates how the different timelines push them together and then pull them apart, creating different pairings, but that despite this they still share things in common (the paper with numbers, the recorder, the glass of water).

Another thing this video does is allude to Jooheon’s death in Dramarama through the use of os symbolism. In one scene, a paper with his symbol is being burn, while in yet another, the chair he’s seen sitting on throughout the video is being burned as well and then falls down to the abyss.

On the other hand, The Connect World Tour VCR (CWT from now on, watch it here) functions like BWT’s, it creates a clear and obvious connection between Dramarama and D, revealing to us that they do have memories from other timelines. One thing worth pointing out about this is that they do not share memories of Hyungwon from the timelines shown in Dramarama and D, which means they can only have memories from him from The Clan, there’s literally no other way.

It also provides a clearer scene of Hyungwon crafting the watches himself and of him at the top of the Hero building (something I’ll address in more detail later). We can also see the last scene from Jealousy mirrored in the last few seconds of the VCR, which is something worth pointing out.

Phase 7: The Fourth Timeline? (Take 1 and Take 2)

The real question comes now, are Take 1 and Take 2 part of the MONSTA X universe? Despite the obvious change in theme, I have a lot of reasons to believe they do, part of them are in the Out-verse section that follows, so you should pay attention to that.

The most obvious reference I can think of that doesn’t leave room for question is Hyungwon in the Hero building and falling into the water. We saw this scene previously and we see it once again in the “Previous Film” that recently came out for We Are Here. This makes it clear that Take 1 and 2 are indeed connected to The Code - The Connect in a sense.

Plus, the use of symbolism to represent the sins and the characters is a very interesting reminder of other symbols that have been used since way back in The Clan. Finally, there’s also the narrations, which I will discuss soon in the out-verse. The only thing I am not sure of is if Take 1 and 2 form part of the universe from a plot point of view or only as interludes like Jealousy and Beautiful, we’ll probably have to pay a lot of attention to answer that question.

Out-verse

MONSTA X and May 14, 2015

The group’s name and their debut date are actually quite important in order to explain some of the symbolism used throughout their discography. As you might know, MONSTA means my star, and the ‘X’ represents the variable of a mysterious existence.

Back in Trespass, a number appears: M150514X. Any fan that knows remotely anything about MONSTA X knows this is their debut date, and it makes sense that it is in the video because it is, after all their debut video. However, we see something very similar after a while in D, when Kihyun solves the formula for time travel as X=4155102M which is basically the same number we see in Trespass, just backwards and with the numbers shifted slightly (full year still of only the last two numbers, and one number for the month).

This makes sense, because if X is the variable for a mysterious existence, then May 14, 2015 is the day that existence came to be, and I think it’s an amazing reference to make. Even in Dramarama we see Kihyun traveling back to 2015, the year everything began, even the story they are telling through these MVs, in and out of the plot.

References to Real Life

In Jealousy we see a very important reference that took me a long time to figure out. We see them sharing a paper that has a bunch of numbers in it, these numbers prove to be the members birthdays, which again ties up with the concept of existence, because those are the days they started existing.

Another very important thing about these numbers is that, ever since Jealousy, the comeback dates have been matching perfectly with this numbers. The Connect came out on March 26 and I.M was born on January 26, Take 1 came out on October 22 and Kihyun was born on November 22, and finally Take 2 is coming out on February 18 and Shownu was born on June 18. This is just further proof that Take 1 and 2 form part of the Universe.

The Logos and Individual Marks

MONSTA X have an easily recognizable logo that we’ve all seen at least once: a detailed and complex M and X combined on each other so that the inner lines come out longer on the bottom. This is their official logo and as such is present in all of their albums in some way or another (in the back of the photo cards, in the credits, somewhere), however it is not always the most visible.

As you might have noticed, for The Code and The Connect they had a ‘change’ of logo, which happened again with Take 1 and Take 2. Yes, their original logo is still present somewhere in the album (you can see that in unboxings) however it is not the main logo that takes the covers as it did with their previous releases.

I think the logos, in a sense, mark the belonging of one release into the series, as well as mark the important events in the story that change its course. First, we have the original logo that goes from Trespass all the way to The Clan Part 2.5: Beautiful, then it changes for The Code and The Connect, and then it once again morphs for Take 1 Are You There and Take 2 We Are Here.

These changes match with the two main events I have described so far. After they meet the heart in All In and Fighter the logo changes (let’s remember Beautiful works as a way of explaining their past and characters, so technically the story is contained within All In and Fighter only). And then, after they go through the train’s doors in D (same thing with Jealousy) it changes again. Yes, the logos for Take 1 and Take 2 are slightly different because the colors are inverted, it could be ‘cause of the choice of colors or maybe because they’re “two sides of the same coin”, either way the logo is pretty much the same.

Aside from marking the important changes in the Universe, I also think their logos are a symbols of their own. The first one is the original, it’s their identity and matches well with The Clan, it represents them and their union. The second is the loops they’re trapped in, the infinite repetition of timeline after timeline until they’re able to get back together. The third one is what we know as an impossible figure, it’s a shape that can’t exist in a tridimensional plane because it doesn’t make sense, just like how they’re are trapped and followed by their past mistakes and the sins they carry within them.

As for their individual marks. During The Clan they all have an X tattoo that looks just a bit different for each of them, this symbolizes their union as one team. However, after they break apart because of what happened, they start having individual symbols that are sometimes fused to each other. This is the case for The Code’s stylized initial and The Connect’s initials that were put as clocks. For Take 1 and 2, I think their symbols will be the deadly sin that identifies each of them, but we’ll see.

Album Titles

Although I don’t think the album titles are such an important element, I think it’s worth mentioning the structure they follow. For The Clan, The Code and The Connect they all have a repeating structure of ‘The’ and a word that starts with the letter C. Even inside The Clan we had 3 parts, and for the last two albums we’ve had Take 1 and Take 2, which makes me think there might be a Take 3, but do remember what I said earlier. (I remember reading something about a Take 4 because there’s four versions to each album).

Narration Elements

A lot of the MONSTA X videos that aren’t Music Videos contain in the a lot of narration, Take the VCRs and The Oaths for example. The way these narrations are structured mirror each other a lot, and we can even find some recurring elements between them.

Check these comparisons. The phrases under the same colors are related.

Shine Forever, Newton and Hero

Lastly, I feel the need to explain why I didn’t mention these three much. Newton is the easier one to explain: it is a commercial MV. That’s it, it’s obviously not part of anything because it was a commercial, and even if it were part of the universe I think it would lack relevance to it.

As for Hero, it is mostly just a dance video, but the place is clearly representative of something important since it has been using repeatedly in different eras, so I think it’s mostly just the location rather than anything else.

And finally, when it comes to Shine Forever, it just doesn’t fit anywhere. I desperately tried to tie it with everything else, especially after I saw the lights they used in Music Film D and the car crash in Dramarama, but it just doesn’t fit. Plus, it doesn’t fit within the logo theory, it doesn’t have the first logo anywhere visible and it doesn’t have any variation of the logos either that could explain it as a different timeline or setting, which is why I discarded it, which is a shame cause I love the song and MV.

Conclusions

Ever since the beginning, MONSTA X’s albums have been part of one sole universe that poses the journey of a group of seven boys trying to get back together after they get split apart, probably because of what Hyungwon did in All In. But not only that, this is also a story about them, about their struggles and how they’ve grown up. They’re each other’s friends and family, the value of X is their debut date because that is when they came into existence, they are each other’s dreams because they wanted to become artists and they did so by coming together into one group.

So far, we’ve seen the growth of their strong bond, the separation, the reencounter. But just like the narrations says, it is just not enough. D showed them reunited at last, but their sins follow them even beyond that, and their journey is not quite over. They could be the salvation of each other, or their doom.

I hope you liked this theory, and be assured that I’ll add onto it as more things come out and new mysteries are to be solved. If you have any questions you can hit me up on my Tumblr (@not-majestic-bluenicorn), Twitter (@soft_bluenicorn) or my CuriousCat (@soft_bluenicorn)! I’ll be glad to answer them ^^

#bluenicorn does theories #monsta x #monsta x theory #monsta x the clan #monsta x the code #monsta x the connect #monsta x are you there #monsta x we are here #kpop #kpop theory #finally done!!!

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