#a little birdie told me | thread

[lgcxhailey]

a little birdie told me

back dated: 2022

hailey is, if anything, determined.

she gets what she wants. one way or another she will. when her sights are on someone then, oh boy, she will get them. choi hailey doesn't get rejected. (if she never asks, she never gets rejected.) but this is a special case. sujin is a tough nut to crack.

she had been dropping hints all month. flirtatiously flipping her hair, complimenting him, mentioning how she had no plans and no one to remedy it. nothing. all of it seemed to fly over his head. that, or he wasn't interested. admittedly, hailey didn't consider that as an option. why wouldn't he be interested?

"yah, sujin!" she calls, finding the other alone today in the building. it wasn't an unusual occurrence for him to be off on his own. it made this all the more easier. "do you have plans this weekend?"

@lgcsujin

[gossipsnake]

TIMING: Current LOCATION: A swamp PARTIES: Anita (@gossipsnake) and Emilio (@mortemoppetere) SUMMARY: Anita planned on spending the day wading through swamp water to observe aquatic bugs. Emilio was out at the swamp on a jewelry mission. Something flying through the air had other plans for the day.   CONTENT WARNINGS: none

Sometimes, Axis got cases so stupid that a part of Emilio wanted to turn them down altogether. Depending on his mood, he might follow that inclination. Some things were a waste of his time, and not every case was worth the cash payout. Emilio liked to feel as though he was helping. He liked to pretend he was making a difference, even if he often felt like he was doing little more than shoveling dirt back into the same hole he was trying to dig. Taking too many stupid cases made him feel like he was stuck in a rut, like there was little to do to get himself above water.

But sometimes, those stupid cases were brought to his desk by stupid kids, and that made everything harder.

The girl who’d hired him with a fistful of wrinkled bills and a handful of coins couldn’t have been much older than fifteen, though she swore she was eighteen when he’d asked. She wore ratty clothes, and her shoes had holes in them, and the money she gave him was nowhere near enough to actually cover his usual fee but he took the case anyway. At the end of it, he knew damn well he’d give the cash back to her, even if it was a stupid case. 

She’d lost a necklace. Her lip quivered when she said it, and he didn’t need to be a detective to understand that the necklace she lost was important to her. She’d dropped it in a swamp, and she was so desperate to get it back but afraid to go back and look for it herself. Emilio was fine with that. In a town like this one, it was smart for kids with ratty clothes and holes in their shoes to be afraid. 

It did suck a little that those kids’ fear often led to him trudging through dirty swamp water, though. He muttered incoherent complaints under his breath as he moved, scanning the dirty water with sharp eyes in search of a glint. “Be a detective, Milio! You’ll make money, Milio! Fucking shitty —” His foot sank a little deeper in the muck. “¡Puta madre! Stupid… Fucking… Swamp…” He punctuated each word with a yank, pulling his foot free and managing not to lose his shoe in the process. “This is so…”

He stopped. There was a sound nearby, the quiet splish splash of footsteps not belonging to him. Immediately, Emilio tensed. “All right,” he said, just loud enough to be heard. “If you’re something that wants to kill me, take your best fucking shot. If you’re something that doesn’t want to kill me, and you’ve seen a necklace lying around, let me know.”

—

Summertime was the best time of year as far as Anita was concerned. Classes were out, as was the sun. Warm weather also meant that insects were more active, as were all other aspects of the local ecosystems. It was a bright sunny day and Anita didn’t have much else to do so she decided to head out up to the swamp and see if she could manage to spot any rare insects. After packing up her camera, waterproof pack, and water wader pants and boots, she drove the scenic route (there is only a scenic route) out to the swamp. It was pretty early hours by the time she made it out there which was generally how she preferred it. 

As much as she loved fancy and expensive things, there was little pleasure greater than breathing in fresh air surrounded by nature and an absolute lack of humans. If the goal had been anything other than observation, or if she had gone to a more secluded area, Anita may have shifted. That was the only downside to the summer - she had to share the forest with a lot more people who were also drawn out by the warmth and beauty. 

It had been several hours of peace, the nature around her made sure that things never got too quiet though. But then Anita heard someone else cursing - in Spanish no less - and splashing about in the water. “And what if I don’t yet know whether or not I want to kill you?” The tone she used was playful, as was the grin on her face as the man came into her view while she took gentle steps through the water towards shore, on its surface her question was a joke. But as anyone who was around water should know, there was always something more going on beneath the surface. “You lose a necklace?” 

_ 

A voice called out in return to his question, and while this didn’t mean there was no danger to be found, it did lessen his chances of being eaten just a little. Emilio wasn’t so stupid as to assume that a human consciousness disqualified someone from making a meal out of him — he’d seen plenty of evidence to the contrary there — but he knew that most people who were planning on killing someone didn’t respond to their questions with jokes. (Most. Not all. Emilio’s paranoia would never quite allow for sweeping generalizations that guaranteed his safety. He was many things, but he was no fool.) 

Snorting at the response he received, he shook his head. “Then you let me know when you figure it out,” he called back, keeping things just as light as the stranger had. He waited to see if she’d come into view or not, the question answered only seconds after it was silently raised when she stepped out where he could see her. He offered her a small nod, taking in the outfit. Unlike Emilio, this woman was dressed for the environment they’d found themselves in. It told him that she hadn’t wound up in the swamp accidentally, and that she was here for some sort of purpose.

“Someone did,” he replied, making a face as his weight shifted and the ground beneath him squelched quietly. “Hired me to find it for her. If I’d known it was going to be like this, I would have told her no.” He wouldn’t have. He was a goddamn bleeding heart for shit like this, and he knew it. He wasn’t really fooling anyone. “You been out here long? Seen anything shiny?” He hesitated a moment. “Don’t think it’s worth much, but… Worth something to her. Like to find it, if I can.”

–

“Oh, trust me, you’ll know when I figure it out,” in actuality, if Anita wanted to kill this man she would not grant him any kind of warning before striking. If she wanted him dead he would know by her actively working to kill him. For the time being, however, she saw no immediate reason and had no particular desire to kill him. She continued to move towards him, taking gentle steps to not disturb the water or the creatures living within it more than necessary. Unlike her, he seemed woefully unprepared to be in the swamp. Which seemed odd since he appeared to come out to the area specifically, for a job that would logically require him to get into the water. 

“If you had known the swamp was going to be … swampy?” The water wasn’t exactly clear and the sediment beneath their feet was not so compact that an object would simply rest atop it unbothered. Anita gave him a run down once she got a few feet away, “No boots, no shovel, no metal detector, no sift?” An uneasy feeling washed over her as she became rather suspicious that his story about why he was out here was fabricated. He was too unprepared for it to be real. “What does the necklace look like?” 

Pretending to look around the area for it, Anita took a few more cautious steps in his direction, wanting to be in striking distance should it be necessary. “Silver? Gold? Any gemstones or pendants?” 

_ 

“I’m sure I will,” Emilio agreed. Maybe he ought to be a little more worried about how casually a stranger he met in a swamp spoke about murdering him, but… it wasn’t the kind of thing that concerned him. In a town like this one, he knew, odds of her actually trying to kill him were probably pretty high. But Emilio liked his chances if it came down to a fight, liked his odds of at least walking away with air still in his lungs even if his victory was never a guarantee. He was more of a cockroach than a man, some days; the things he was able to survive, even without wanting to, would surprise anyone willing to take a closer look.

Huffing a laugh at her obvious judgment, he shrugged. “Client’s a kid,” he replied. “Didn’t think a kid would be out getting deep into a swamp. I figured I’d find it hanging off a tree branch or sitting on a rock. Guess she’s more of an exploradora than I thought she was.” He shouldn’t have been surprised, really. Most of the kids in this town had strange hobbies. Wandering through a swamp was less weird than living in a crypt.

He dug in his pocket for a moment, retrieving his phone and pulling up a photo. It was zoomed in on a necklace around someone’s throat, the only photo his client had had to show him. It looked more like costume jewelry than anything remotely expensive — the chain definitely wasn’t real silver, and the purple stone seated at the end of it probably wasn’t worth anything. Its only value was in its sentimentality, which of course made Emilio more determined to find it. He didn’t give a shit about expensive jewelry, but he cared about a necklace that clearly meant something to a teary-eyed teenager. “Not even sure a metal detector would find it. Pretty sure it’s got more plastic than metal in it.” 

–

Oh this just got far more interesting, Anita thought. A child hired him. So he was either sentimental or a fool; or worse, a sentimental fool. She trudged through the swamp water closer towards him, the movements getting more difficult the closer she got to shore as the mud got denser. The necklace looked a bit gaudy. Not something she would ever wear around a swamp if it held any value: emotional or monetary. Standing closer to the man, Anita felt like there was something about this guy that was familiar. She couldn’t place why, yet, but she knew she would figure it out. 

Anita scanned the area around them briefly, already convinced that this was a lost cause. “There are some birds that like to collect shiny things they find. Others that like to use mud to construct their nests. How long ago did this child lose their necklace? Can’t you just go buy her a new one and pretend you found it?” she asked, settling into Spanish without any conscious thought to it.

Looking up at the treelines around them, Anita wondered how likely it was that one of the birds nearby had taken the necklace. Magpies, historic lovers of shiny objects, tended to avoid large wetland areas. Crows were always an option, could never count out those crafty little geniuses. Then she spotted a strange bird. It was large and she was captivated by its purplish plumage. Maybe that was the necklace thief. “I think you should cut your losses, vato.” 

_ 

He was hoping for an easy resolution. Maybe the woman had seen the necklace and picked it up, thinking it was valuable; maybe she’d give it back when she realized it wasn’t. But it was clear from her expression as she looked at the photo that she hadn’t seen the necklace before, and disappointment crawled down his spine like a living thing. He sighed, drawing the phone back to himself and slipping it into his pocket.

There was some relief, at least, when she slipped into Spanish; Emilio might not have been able to solve this case with ease, but at least conversation would be simpler in a language he understood. “A few days ago. Have you seen any birds around that look like they might have snatched it up? I’m not looking to buy her a new one. They probably don’t make any exactly like it anymore, and it’s… important to her. She didn’t give a lot of detail, but I get the sense it belonged to someone she lost.” The photo she’d given him was too zoomed in to tell anything about the person wearing it, but the throat didn’t belong to the girl who’d hired him. There were a few too many wrinkles on the skin for that. 

He followed the woman’s gaze, glancing around the area. The only bird he could see was a large, crane-like creature. He nodded towards it. “That could be something,” he mused, taking a step towards it. The bird turned towards the sound of his uneven footsteps, stretching out its wings. There was something odd about its beak, but Emilio was more focused in the gleam of shiny plastic caught in its feathers. “Shit! There it is!” 

—

“If this necklace was important to her she should have known better than to be wearing it in a swamp.” That didn’t seem to matter much at this rate, however, the child had already done the damage. A fitting lesson in consequences, perhaps, for the budding exploradora. Had she not spotted the strange bird, Anita would likely have been on her way already - back to collecting samples and enjoying her swamp time. But there was something so intriguing about the large creature. 

Anita was no ornithologist, standard or supernatural, nor would she pretend to know all of the species of birds out in the world. She had never seen anything like this one before though. “How peculiar…” she commented as the bird spread its wings out. “It seems equally unlikely that the necklace got caught in its feathers as it does that the bird put it there on purpose.” As if it knew they were looking at it, talking about it, the bird took off from its perch in the trees and began to fly around the air above them. There was something almost metallic about the way the sunrays hit off its beak and feathers. 

The bird had not taken to the sky to fly away, though. After doing a loop, the heron-like creature circled back around and seemed like it was swooping down on a path headed straight for the two of them. “I don’t think it wants to give that necklace back!” Without knowing where it was heading, Anita couldn’t decide if it was smarter to try and get out of the water or to go further into it. Based on anatomy alone this was clearly a bird that seemed built for aquatic activities. In her moment of indecision, the bird dipped down and flew around her - almost as a warning - its feathers brushing against her side. It wasn’t until Anita began to feel water trickle down her leg that she realized the creature had somehow torn her water wader pants. 

_ 

“Probably,” Emilio agreed with a shrug. “But she’s a kid. Kids don’t think about that shit, I guess.” Kids like this — kids without a duty of martyrdom hanging over their heads, kids who would get to grow up and get wrinkles — made stupid mistakes without thinking and got to live to wade through the consequences. It was what Emilio had wanted for Flora, before the world reminded him in brutal fashion that such things couldn’t make a home in the chest of a child who bore his name. He couldn’t do shit for his kid now, but he could find a stupid necklace for this one. And it probably wouldn’t matter much in the long run — she’d lose the necklace again in a month, or break it in a year — but it would make him feel… decent, for a minute or two. Maybe that could count for something.

He wasn’t expecting the woman to stick around after pointing out the bird, really. She seemed disinterested, and Emilio couldn’t fault her for it. After all, she was here doing her own thing, and Emilio hadn’t done much more than get in her way. But she seemed interested in the bird, somehow, and Emilio figured it wouldn’t hurt to have another set of hands to help him wrangle it. “Does a bird do anything on purpose? It’s a bird.” Emilio snorted, half amused. But then, the bird was flying, and he was scrambling just a little. Wading through the swamp and not finding the necklace would have been annoying, but seeing it and not getting it back would only serve to piss him off. 

But the bird wasn’t flying away; instead, it was circling back towards them, swooping down. Emilio cursed, scrambling after the woman as the bird dove towards them. There was something undeniably strange about it, the way the sun gleamed off it, but it didn’t matter much. What mattered the most was the stupid necklace. Emilio made a brief grab for it, but the bird was out of reach in a moment, circling back around for another swoop. “I don’t give a shit if it wants to give us the necklace back,” he ground out. “I’m getting it back.” He glanced down, making note of the rip in the woman’s pants before looking back to the way the bird reflected the sun. “Something weird about it. What weapons have you got on you?” He was assuming she had some, at least, given the fact that she was wandering around in a swamp in Wicked’s Rest alone and didn’t seem like an idiot.

—

Anita couldn’t help but scoff at the ignorance of the man’s comment. “You think animals cannot act with purpose?” But she didn’t have to go into a lecture about how wrong he was, fortunately, the bird decided to show off its self determination right there. She found it quite amusing to watch him scramble as the creature dove down and around them as he swatted at the jewelry dangling from its wings. It was possibly the least graceful thing she had seen happen in water. 

As perturbed as Anita was that the bird had, somehow, ruined her favorite swamp wading pants she was infinitely more intrigued by the question of how it had done so. “Well, you’re determined I’ll give you that. Even if your determination is delusional.” Her eyes stayed on the bird, watching it as it circled them - both sizing one another up it seemed. Truly she couldn't care less about the investigators quest for the necklace, however, Anita wanted to see what was going to happen so she decided to stick around. “Weapons? I know you are not going to kill this beautiful creature just to retrieve a necklace …” 

_ 

Emilio had always been good at saying the wrong thing. It seemed that talent was rearing its head now, too, pissing off a woman he’d just met by making a blanket statement about animals she seemed to find offensive. Emilio grimaced, preparing himself to sit through some annoying rant about how animals were smarter than people thought or something. He wondered if he ought to introduce her to the bat guy. Maybe they’d get along. 

Luckily, though, the bird saved him from the lecture with its attempt to take his damn head off.

Unluckily, his attempt to snatch the necklace back came up short.

Cursing quietly, he kept an eye on the bird so he wouldn’t lose sight of it. “Delusional works better in this town than it does anywhere else,” he replied flatly, watching the bird circle. It didn’t seem as if it was going to fly away, at least. Maybe that shouldn’t have been a relief, given the way it was dive bombing them, but it was. The necklace was important. Emilio didn’t want to lose it. (Fucking kids. He always got a little too ‘determined’ when kids were involved.) “I’m going to get the necklace from it. If I have to kill it to do that, I have to kill it. Natural order, yes? Survival of the fittest, whatever.”

—

“Survival of the fittest has to do with evolutionary progression. How does being killed because a little child lost a cheap necklace help this species evolve? Grow? Get better?”  It wasn’t a perfectly accurate recounting of Darwinism, but Anita was feeling more inclined to continue disagreeing with this man than actually educating him. “If anything, losing her necklace will help this girl learn to be more careful with her things. Survival of the fittest in that sense.” 

The bird kept circling the two of them, as if it had decided that they were invaders that needed to be taken care of - or at the very least taught a lesson. As much as she dreaded agreeing with his plan or killing this creature, Anita did in fact subscribe to survival of the fittest mentality. And she was undoubtedly the fittest. 

“Well what about you? What weapons do you have on you? I’ve got some stuff I could make do with but nothing very, uh, traditional, I suppose.” 

_ 

“It will teach the next bird not to try to take my head off,” he replied. “See? Lessons learned.” He disliked the idea of letting the kid lose the necklace; Juliana’s ring hanging around his neck seemed to burn his skin, brushing against the stake charm Teddy had gotten him where they sat on the chain beneath his shirt. The necklace was important to the kid; it didn’t mean shit to the bird. This wasn’t a lesson he thought she needed to learn. “She’s had enough hard lessons, I think. Maybe it’s better if the world gives her a break this time.” Kids deserved that. Kids might have been the only people who deserved that.

At least the bird was doing its part to prove that his plan was the best way forward, even if it was doing so by making obvious plans to take another dive at them both. Emilio liked being proven right enough that he didn’t mind the method with which the proof was offered. If he had to dodge bird attacks while knowing that he was correct, he’d do so gladly. 

“Knives,” he replied, pulling one out. He made no mention of the stakes; there was no shiver down his spine warning him that the bird was undead, so they wouldn’t be of much use, anyway. And bringing them out would be revealing a little more than he’d like to, to a stranger. “What ‘stuff’ do you have? I think we can use anything we can get.” 

—

It wasn’t surprising when the man pulled out a knife, or indicated that he was carrying more than one on him. There wasn’t much about the occupants of this town that surprised Anita. The bird kept swooping down at them, its motions and movements seeming to turn from just threats towards preparation for offensive action. She did not trust this man to pull out her real weapon, herself in true form, but it was evident that she was too vulnerable in her current state. 

Turning her backpack around so she could dig through it, there really wasn’t much that could qualify as a weapon. Anita pulled out a bag of breadcrumbs, which she had brought to feed some of the wildlife she encountered during the day, knowing it was unfortunately the best “weapon” other than trying to hit it with her camera which she was not willing to sacrifice. “I can try and blind it, I guess. Or maybe it will get distracted by food.” 

What she had really wanted to pull out was her fangs, or her tail to just reach up and grab the damn bird, but Anita did not have enough skin in the game right now to risk out-ing herself to this man - or any nearby hunters - in his efforts to kill this bird and get that necklace. 

_ 

The bird made a swoop towards them, and Emilio struck out with his knife only for it to bounce off the thing’s feathers with the distinct sound of metal crashing against metal. He cursed, pulling his hand back and narrowly avoiding losing the damn limb to the bird’s hungry beak. 

The woman was digging in her backpack, and Emilio grunted in response to her suggestions. “Knives don’t seem to be doing shit,” he commented. “Not sure how easy it’ll be to blind it, or what it eats. Breadcrumbs might not be in its diet.” It seemed more interested in eating the pair of them, really, which wasn’t something Emilio loved the idea of. 

The bird was flying circles, clearly preparing to make another swoop. “Whatever we’re doing, we need to do it quick. Maybe if I can get the knife between the feathers…” He trailed off, knowing the idea was an unlikely one. Running no longer seemed like an option, either, even if he’d wanted to (which he didn’t). Flying would allow the bird to move a lot faster than the two of them could trudging through the swamp. If the woman left him and his bad leg behind, she’d have a much better shot. Emilio wasn’t sure he wanted to point this out.

—

As could have been expected, given how sharp the feathers had been when they cut through her waders, they seemed to afford the creature protection from the knife. Anita knew that the breadcrumbs weren’t going to be effective, but already having prepped the attempt she was also sort of curious as to what was going to happen. As the bird circled around her, foolishly not perceiving her as the more direct threat between the two of them standing in the water, she opened the bag and tossed its contents in the direction of the bird's face as it passed by. 

“Okay… fine… that did nothing,” she conceded as she moved closer to the man with his knives as he was brainstorming. Anita did not know what this bird was but she knew that it was supernatural and that the other did not seem to be phased by that. If he was going to get the knife in between the feathers, they were only going to get one shot so it needed to really count. Sighing heavily, Anita knew what she needed to do. 

Reaching towards his arm that held the knife, she brought it towards herself as she let her teeth transform into fangs. “Don’t let any of this get into your bloodstream, yeah?” Anita warned as she let venom drip down from her fangs so it coated the blade of his knife. Frowning now, and singing again for good measure, she released her hold on his arm and took a few steps away. 

The bird seemed to be checking on a tree everytime it flew away from the two of them, maybe guarding a nest? Anita started walking towards it, not thrilled about the idea of putting herself in harms way just to assist him in this strange quest. “It seems to keep circling back around to check on that tree over there. Try and catch it when it’s distracted… don’t waste your shot. Or … your stab or whatever.”  

_ 

As expected, the breadcrumbs were… ineffective. It would have been a nice surprise to see them somehow save the day, but Emilio wasn’t really one for optimism. He grimaced as the bird paid no attention to them at all. “Any more ideas?” He was stuck. Problems he couldn’t solve with something sharp were never his favorite problems to face, after all.

She reached for his arm, and Emilio tensed briefly before allowing her to pull the knife towards herself. He had more, after all, and it wasn’t as if it was doing him much good. If she wanted one, he was more than happy to share. Except… she brought the knife up towards her mouth, and the motion made little sense to him. It made less sense when her teeth sharpened into fangs. She wasn’t undead; he would have known if she was, would have sensed it long before the bird was in the sky at all. 

Something dripped onto the blade, and then he was pulling his arm back to himself as her grip released. He eyed the substance on the blade dubiously, glancing between it and the woman with a furrowed brow. Don’t let any of this get into your bloodstream, she’d warned. It wasn’t the kind of thing Emilio needed to be told twice. He held the knife at arm’s length, looking up at the sky.

The bird was circling, paying extra attention to a nearby tree. It made its movements easy enough to track, to predict. Jaw set in a determined line, Emilio nodded. He had one shot at this with whatever she’d put on the knife; he couldn’t guarantee a second. He waited until the bird started its path over, reared back his arm, and threw the knife. It sailed through the air, striking the bird between the wings and going in far easier than it had before. Whatever she’d added to the knife, there was no denying its effectiveness as the bird fell from the sky.

—

Stepping back, both to give herself a better vantage of what was about to happen and to get out of the line of fire, Anita watched as the bird circled around again briefly diverting its attention from the two of them and to the tree it seemed to be attached to. Her eyes darted between the man and his knife and the creature, as she slowly backed out of the shallow water while she awaited some sort of action. 

His arm pulled back, the knife gripped expertly, and with a force that she imagined required exceptional strength the blade soared through the air and actually managed to close the distance between them and the bird. Anita was pleasantly surprised when she heard a slight shriek from the creature, cut short undoubtedly by the fast-acting venom that started working to incapacitate the bird. 

It was thankfully not the kind of creature that enjoyed immunity to venomous neurotoxins. Feeling content that the threat had been eliminated, Anita let her fangs shift away and she stopped her slow retreat from the area. “Nice aim.” She figured he deserved one, singular compliment for the work he had done. Without waiting to see what he was going to do next, she began walking towards where the creature had fallen. “I’m a scientist. I know how to dispose of this bird’s body safely. It can’t simply be left here, people could get sick. You should retrieve your necklace now, and wash it thoroughly before giving it back to that child.” Mostly she just wanted him to leave now, but thought saying so too directly might make him suspicious. 

_ 

A curt nod was the only response to the compliment. Emilio knew he had good aim; anything else had never really been an option. Hearing it from a stranger didn’t fill him with anything more than apathy, these days. Besides, he was far more interested in claiming his prize than he was basking in a compliment that was little more than stating the obvious… even if part of him was interested in knowing more about the woman who’d delivered it.

Her fangs disappeared as if they’d never been there at all. If not for the substance on the knife that had made it glide between armored feathers with ease, Emilio might have wondered if his addled mind was playing tricks on him, inventing scenarios that weren’t quite real. He fell into step beside her as she waded through the water, grimacing a little at the way his bad leg protested the uneven terrain with each and every step. Now that the adrenaline of killing the bird was dying down, he was sure he’d be feeling the effects of this ‘hike’ more and more.

But first, he had a necklace to retrieve. As they approached the bird’s corpse, Emilio leaned down. He pulled the blade from between its feathers, holding it out towards the woman. He couldn’t risk putting it in his pocket without contaminating everything else in there, and he couldn’t wash it in the murky water without knowing what was on it. He’d let her deal with it; he had plenty more knives. With his other hand, he untangled the necklace from the dead bird’s beak, shoving it into his pocket. At home, he’d wash it in the sink, soak it in alcohol. “Appreciate the assist,” he said to the woman, standing carefully. “Don’t suppose you’ll tell me how you did that?”

—

They walked in silence towards the corpse of the creature after her comment, which was rather pleasant. While there were questions she wanted to ask, the curiosity fueling them was not strong enough to want to prolong the interaction any further. Watching him reach for the knife and then present it to her, Anita accepted it with a puzzled expression. He could have just left it in the bird if he was going to give it to her. It was a nice looking knife, though, so she wasn’t exactly going to complain about getting to keep it. 

“Yeah, well, by that point the bird clearly lumped me in with you and saw us both as threats. I did it to not die, not specifically to assist you with your necklace quest.”  Anita had expected a question about her venom but hadn’t thought to prepare a response to it. He didn’t seem overly shocked by it, even if he didn’t understand what she had done. Just as he wasn’t overly shocked by this bird. Anita looked at the necklace in his hands, then up into his eyes. There was something that told her he wasn’t going to challenge an outright lie. 

“Dental implants. Can fill the little capsules with anything. Guess we’re lucky I went with deadly venom this morning and not cabernet sauvignon, huh?” Anita shrugged a bit, a defiant look in her eyes as she practically challenged him to call her on her bullshit. But with him holding the necklace that he had come here searching for, and her now holding the knife that was still coated in her venom, she doubted that challenge would come. 

_ 

It didn’t matter much why she’d decided to assist him instead of leaving him behind, though he’d wager a guess that it wasn’t just self preservation that kept her in place. After all, wouldn’t it have been easier for her to make a run for it? Emilio wasn’t particularly fast; his bad leg was an obvious, glaring weakness. He had no doubt that she’d seen it. (Though, given his general default level of paranoia and his hyper-awareness surrounding the mangled limb, he tended to figure most people saw it before anything else.) Still, if she wanted to claim she’d stayed for her own self interests, he wouldn’t call her out on it.

He wouldn’t call her out on the obvious lie about her teeth, either, though his expression made it clear that he didn’t buy the excuse. She wasn’t human. Once upon a time, that would have been enough to find Emilio drawing a second knife from his pocket. Now, though, he only stepped away from the dead bird with a shrug. “Guess so,” he agreed, fiddling absently with the necklace in his pocket. “Well, I’ve got what I came for. Name’s Emilio, by the way. Something tells me I’ll be seeing you.” And with that, and with the necklace in hand, he was off. It wasn’t often these days that he finished a case with something that felt like a win. He figured some kind of celebration might do him good.

[yeyinde]

Would you consider writing a poly141 version of the babytrap universe? Completely understand if it’s not to your interest to write, but I would love to see that story play out in your delicious writing style :)

ohh, absolutely. i think the best way to do it would be to have poor reader, desperate for a family of her own, and making the stupid decision to hand her resignation into Price.

and then admitting, shyly, that there's no man in your life, just a donor waiting for you to sign the papers and make the deposit for the procedure. thanking him for everything he's done, of course; but you're excited for this new chapter in your life.

He accepts it. Sure. Smiles tightly, and says, "good luck." Calls a meeting after to discuss it with the rest of the team. Closed door. A little unusual, but nothing that immediately raises your hackles. You're too busy cleaning up your desk to really pay much attention to hushed whispers in Price's office. Happy to celebrate, too, when Johnny invited you out for drinks after. Tae say goodbye properly, he said, and looking back, you should have seen through the faux sadness draped over his brow. Picked up on the giddy excitement buzzing around him as he led you to the bar, as he offered to get you drinks. Handed you an open bottle. Tipping it back for you to drink more. 

Keep goin’, doe. Drink ‘er up. 

Another one. Another. Your head swims. Kyle is there, hands warm on your waist, breath rippling across the sweat gathering on the nape of your neck. 

“C’mon, birdie. Have a shot with me.” He coos, bringing the glass to your lips, chest glued to your spine. “Can't believe you want a baby. Fuck, birdie, that's—”

Johnny murmurs something under his breath. You blamed the three glasses of whiskey sour (Price wouldn't let you have anything else) and a shot of tequila for why it sounded like,

hope it's mine—

To the left of you, Ghost snorts under his breath. Shifts in the stool that creaks, whining under his weight. You blink through fog seeping into your head, this strange, syrupy torpor that bleeds into the corners of your vision, makes everything feel muted, far away, and turned to him with a pout. 

He'd been acting strange ever since Price told him your plans. Quieter, somehow. But—

There. 

Everywhere. 

Your fixed shadow. Looming in the corners. 

You make to ask him what the hell he's doing, why he's following you around, but the words slosh out in a tangle. Incompressible.

Ghost huffs. His gloved hand lifts, falls to your throat, holding you steady with his thumb digging shallowly into your pulse. 

“Careful,” he mocks, dragging the word out like he was speaking to a misbehaving child. It bristles through you, but your tongue is thick. Liquid in your mouth. “Got a big night ahead o’you yet, pet. Try not t’hurt yourself before I get to knock you up.”

Distantly, you think you hear Gaz say something—oi, mate, maybe—but there's a shrill ringing in your ear that drowns it all out. A cotton spooling in your head. You blink—foolishly—and lean into his palm, mouth dropping in surprise. Shock. 

Horror. 

“Wha—?”

But it's too late, of course. What you thought were the comforting threads of a warm blanket spooling over your shoulders was the silken strands of a spider's web the whole time. Caught in their trap. 

And then you come to with a warm weight pressed against your back, a thick, hairy arm slung around your shoulders. Trapping you tight against a warm, broad chest.

“Want a baby, mm?” your captain coos in your ear, humid breath tickling your skin. Dampening it slightly as he leans in close, lips pressed to the shell—a warm, wet heat that makes you tremble—and adds: “fine, love. Since you want one so bad—” 

An arm lashes out of the shadows dancing around the room; through the heavy haze, the fog in your head (the last thing you remember is being offered a drink by Johnny, another by Kyle—), you struggle to make sense of what's happening around you as rough, dry fingers curl over your knee, prying your thighs apart: 

“—then we'll give it to you.”

You watch, dazed, dizzy, as cherryred knuckles slip down the valley of your spread legs, the ink on their thick fingers flexing, dancing, in the slip of pale moonlight until they curl into the hem of your panties, tugging the fabric roughly to the side. 

The sudden swell of cold air on your exposed cunt makes you gasp. Your knees jerking, trying to fold together to hide yourself, preserve some modicum of modesty, but the hand on your flesh tightens. Prevents you from moving. It keeps you open for their gaze. Lets them all gawk at the wide knuckles pressed against the seam of your pussy. Flushed in the low light. Dripping—

In the murk, someone groans—

“Shoulda told us sooner you wanted a fuckin’ baby, sweet’art. Woulda given you one sooner before y’had to go an’ do somethin’ so foolish—”

Foolish. Like paying for another man to put a baby inside of you when that privilege belongs to them. And them alone.

And really—

You should have known better.

[lewisvinga]

my shot | alex albon x fem! reader x lily muni he

summary; after admitting in an interview about their crush on a certain youtuber, alex and lily decide to shoot their shot through instagram

fc; tara yummy

warnings; ?? none i think

taglist; @namgification @louvrepool @locelscs @thehufflepuffavenger1

notes; requested ! i’m obsessed w tara yummy rn

masterlist !

liked by lilymhe, alex_albon, and others !

yourusername: let’s go to the beach each

username: the shirt 😭😭😭

username: i just know y/n was struggling in the 5 ft end

yourusername: i was , i suck at swimming 🤕🤕

lilymhe: crazy i know how to swim !

username: lily what are u doing here 😭😭

username: the last picture is so cunty i love it

username: she’s so queen

username: not lily and alex in the likes 😭

alex_albon: let’s go get a wave

yourusername: they say what they gonna say

alex_albon: have a drink, clink, found a bud light

yourusername: bad bitches like me are hard to come by

lilymhe: you are the baddest bitch

username: this comment thread ???😭😭

username: alex albon’s attempt at flirting it just singing nicki minaj

username: he has a gf tho

username: you can’t tell me they both aren’t in love w her…

yourusername uploaded to their story !

[caption 1; last few days here 😴] [caption 2; tanning bc i can’t swim]

lilymhe replied to your story !

lilymhe so you really can’t swim?

yourusername lol i suck at it, i always use floaties when i’m in the pool & i refuse to go in the ocean😭

lilymhe maybe if we happen to be in the same place , i can teach you😁😁

yourusername you just wanna see me in a bikini don’t you🥴

lilymhe i mean yes. deleted !

lilymhe just helping a girl out and shooting my shot?😁😁

yourusername ur cute

lilymhe and i think ur cuter

yourusername you and….

lilymhe alex and i think you’re cute 😁

yourusername: i’ll be at the miami gp btw, maybe you both can teach me how to swim😌

lilymhe oh, we’re ready, pretty girl

alex_albon replied to your story !

alex_albon heyyyy[100% rizz]

yourusername: oh your girlfriend is much better at this than you are

alex_albon i’m trying 😔

alex_albon but i managed to pull her anyways 🤓

yourusername you’re a dork but it’s cute🤕

alex_albon so me shooting my shot is working?😁😁

yourusername oh 100%

alex_albon a little birdie told me you’re going to the miami gp?

yourusername yeah, might be dressed in ferrari red

alex_albon why not williams blue? you should come to our garage instead 😁

yourusername hmmm u gotta convince me, pretty boy 🧐

alex_albon well, lily and i will be there , isn’t that enough?

yourusername you’re right ,

yourusername i’ll see you in the williams garage then, pretty boy😇

liked by lilymhe, alex_albon, and others !

yourusername: i like to see cars racing now i guess

tagged; lilymhe, alex_albon, williamsracing

williamsracing: the cuntiest guest in our garage

yourusername: why thank u admin

lilymhe: ugh you’re gorgeous 😩

yourusername: hello?? you’re the most gorgeous 🥴🥴

lilymhe: in my f1 driver era liked by yourusername !

alex_albon: i feel so special knowing i had the 2 prettiest girls ever rooting for me

yourusername: you’re a dork but i’ll cheer for u every race 🤓

username: OMG HELLO😀

username: my fave youtuber and f1?? i’m so??

username: alex lily n y/n are acting very suspicious…….🧐🧐🧐

username: i just wanna know how this all happened

username: imagine lily and alex sliding into her dms 😭😭😭

username: they’re just like me fr

username: i gotta be REAL honest w y’all, they’d look hot asf as a throuple

username: oomf are u insane

username: look at oomf dawg😭😭😭

username: no i get it

[hatsukeii]

hiii mootie congrats on the 900!!!

would love to play the guitar ^^,,, i'm thinking a first aid ear mic and a wound-kiss guitar pic.

A little birdie's told me that Denji's my biggest fan <3 (Don't tell the birdie I'm his biggest fan though bc it's a snitch)

("Did it take u this long to come up with something" Shhh shh shhhh... let's focus on u reaching 900 followers 😋🫶🏽 again CONGRATS !!!! u deserve them all mootie ur writing is so yummy ily and your creations)

oooo sick!! the band you've joined is...

kiss it right! / denji x reader

genre(s): fluff + crack!! reader is nonchalant + tired of his bs, denji not so much (he's so annoying your honour i love him i fear...) injury, kiss it better fic! giggles! blushing! kicking my feet like a teenage girl!!

warning(s): injury so blood and pain ig, heavy on the needles because reader is giving him sutures, also ik denji is a bit of a pussy which is a bit ooc but he's supposed to be super weakened after a fight so it makes a little more sense that he's really sensitive to pain here

wc: ~1.1k

your first gig is in... an ambulance?!

setlist:

🎵 someday, the strokes

🎵 calling after me, wallows

🎵 kiss her you fool, kids that fly

"Quit squirming so much, I'm not done yet!"

Denji hates stitches. You know it by the way he wriggles and tenses up with every contact the needle makes with his skin, and how he just refuses to stay still the second he sees the thread of dread. Frustrated, you smack the front of Denji's knee, a signal for him to stay still, but you hit a nerve and his leg jerks up reflexively instead, his shoe coming dangerously close to your chin. You drop the needle and thread in your hand at his sudden movement, and a groan sounds from your throat.

"Shit. Didn’t mean to do that, sorry Denji."

Denji sulks, bottom lip jutting out in an annoyed pout. Everything rattles and shakes as the ambulance rolls past a speed bump, and he almost wishes he was the one unconscious on the stretch instead of Aki. He watches you yank at the end of a spool of thread, and loop it through the head of a new needle. Your tongue pokes out from your pursed lips, holding the needle impossibly close to your face as your pinched fingers jab and poke at it. Your brows furrow in concentration, leading the thread through and tying it in place. When you reach over to grab another alcohol swab, Denji shrugs inwards again, and you take notice of his shift in posture when you turn back to see his legs crossed.

"Denji..."

"Sorry, you know I hate needles." The sole of his sooty sneaker lies on the bloody gash on his shin, and you wipe a film of sweat off your forehead with the back of your forearm.

"You'll give yourself sepsis like that."

"I dunno what that is." He mumbles, head hanging low to watch blood pool out from the torn flesh of his leg. Sepsis. That sounds bad, but not as bad as watching a needle sink into his skin, and come out on the other side.

"C'mon, you trust me, right? I make it better, every time." Denji knows you're right, so he nods, hugging his legs against his chest instead.

"Put the bad leg back down, and let me fix you up, okay?"

The ambulance makes another jolt when he lowers his leg over the edge of the seat. Cold, stinging cotton wipes at the blood that has dried around the gash, and Denji has to grip the seat until his knuckles go white to stop himself from whining. When he sees the needle reappear in your hands, he keeps reminding himself that this could, very well, all be worth the pain in the end. If he's lucky.

You slather numbing cream on the swollen flesh around his gash, before pulling the thread taut in preparation, and aligning the tip of the needle with the bottom of the wound.

"I'm trying to set a personal record, so stay still."

"What's your current record?"

"Minute and a half." You don't look up from the gash when you respond to him, not even as Denji whistles, impressed. You breathe in, eyes darting to the digital clock on the dashboard of the ambulance, and slide the needle through one side of the gash. Denji's leg tenses in his efforts to stay impossibly still, even as the thread runs back and forth through his skin over, and over, and over again. Your eyes squint, face inching closer to his bare shin as you pull the thread tight, and the split flesh comes together with ease. You look at the digital clock again, fingers twisting and tugging quickly to tie off the suture.

"Close, minute and thirty-three. Maybe next time."

When you chuck the needle out into a medical wastebin and look up, Denji is staring down at you, a grin plastered on his face. You roll your eyes as you rip the latex gloves off your clammy hands, sighing out in exasperation. He wiggles his eyebrows, pointing at the stitches on his shin.

"Don't even try."

"But I swear it works!" Denji beams like a puppy seeing its owner for the first time in years. You stand and turn away, pulling the elastic from your hair and letting it fall freely. It covers your red ears, and that's good enough.

"I'm not giving a fresh suture a kiss, Denji."

"You say that every time! I'm sure you've seen worse, right?"

He's right, you have seen worse, but that is the extent of it. Kissing a fresh wound is, quite literally, the textbook definition of immature. And unhygienic. You turn back to look at Denji, who is still pointing at his shin expectantly, and is still pleading with that stupid look on his face. He looks a little too excited for somebody who's just had his leg stitched back together.

"I guess you were good enough today."

Kneeling down again, you meet the sutures on his leg, dried blood gathering around the surface of the thread. You sigh, reaching behind for another alcohol swab, and wipe over the wound once, twice, then a third time. Denji kicks his feet merrily, but stops when his shoe almost hits you in the nose, and you send a piercing glare towards him. Holding his calf with both hands, you bring his shin towards your face, the warm breaths from your nose fanning over his skin.

When you finally, for the first time, press a kiss into Denji's wound, he giggles like a schoolgirl, and you feel a wave of heat rush from your ears to your cheeks.

"If I see you pick the sutures out again like last time, you're never getting another one, you hear me?" You pull the mask that has been sitting on your chin up to your nose, pinching it tight against your nose bridge. The mask conceals half of your face, and Denji sniffs in annoyance when he loses sight of your lips. What neither of you notice is the elastic of the mask pushing your hair behind your ears, and exposing the hot pink tips of them.

"It'll heal twice as quickly now, thanks to that."

"That's not how it works, but sure. Whatever keeps you happy, Denji."

The ambulance comes to a sudden stop, and everything inside jolts forward. You sling Denji's arm around your shoulder, holding him up as he limps off the vehicle and towards the hospital entrance. The wound barely feels like anything. In fact, he could probably walk like normal.

Someday, maybe Denji won't have to ask you to kiss his wounds better. Someday, Denji might even get a kiss without having to get hurt. But for now, Denji thinks that he'll keep pretending that the stitches hurt, so long as it gets you to kiss him.

author's note:

I am acc so ASS at writing full fluff scenarios bc tell me why this was only 1.1k words... I HOPE YOU LIKED IT THO POOKIE!!! i made sure to make denji extra whiny and extra annoying just for u <3 i love him your honour even though he's a little bitch sometimes he's my baby

anyways tags!!

@chuuya-brainrot @staraxiaa @catsoupki @akaakeis @anqelfries @wishi-selfships @fiannee @bailey-reeds @kuroppiii @wyrcan @hiraethwa @stars-tonight

anyways love u guys bye bye see u soon…

[auderpoppy]

Some Cinemalastor art I did for a tiny rp thread on Twitter. A friend wanted to draw him and ended up helping me refine his design a bit!

RP log below the cut:

Vox: Some human named auderpoppy is opening up portals across spacetime to "alternative universes" where there's another Alastor-"Cinemalastor"-running around. He's kinda cute. If I ever meet him, I hope he's nicer than my own Alastor...

Cinemalastor: A little blue birdy told me there was a hullabaloo about me~ Vox, I hope you're not spreading rumors already. We've only just met!

Vox: My server side is telling me 0...but my client side is telling me 1 🥵

Cinemalastor: Well, unlike your obtuse radio dandy, I have ways of knowing what goes on on your interwebs and screens. You best watch yourself, now, Bakelite boy~

Vox: Hi, yes. 911? I'd like to file a report…

[clubdionysus]

[BAD DECISION #9] White

warnings: birdie time he he. honestly just very wholesome all round, but the embers are burningggg, they’re very wet! fantastic! (1) mention of Hang Sơn Đoòng (worlds biggest cave).

soundtrack: lemon - loco, hwasa; safety zone - j-hope

wc: 6k

bd total wc: 540k (on-going)

minors dni | AO3 | series masterlist 

It's mid-morning the following Monday when Jeongguk's message lands in your inbox. The sky is free of clouds, sun beating down on the windows of the subway carriage you're in. It's above ground, crossing the river.

Summer is reaching the end of its peak, but monsoons are still a looming threat. There have been weather warnings all month, but today seems okay. You've an umbrella tucked into your tote just in case, legs crossed as you flick through your notifications on the subway.

Three unread messages sit pretty at the top of your inbox.

Jeongguk: Still on for today?

Danbi: u, me, ryan reynolds in lycra, tonight. game?

Seokjin:  such a tease, you know i love those shorts on you - if memory serves me correctly they were off far more than they were on whenever you wore them ;) you around tonight?

Jeongguk is probably the only one who needs a reply, and yet you can't help but stare at Seokjin's message for a little longer than you should.

If Danbi knew you were texting him, she'd probably confiscate your phone, like your parents used to do during your teen years. Jeongguk would probably throw all your stupid little origami birds at you. Would hope you'd get a paper cut.

It'd be deserved, you think.

Jeongguk had wasted his entire Sunday on you as a result of Seokjin's carelessness. You didn't leave until Jimin had taken a nap on the couch at just gone six, your day full of mindless chatter and harmless distractions from Seokjin. It had been nice. Comforting.

And yet when you'd arrived home, a text had been waiting from Seokjin:

heyyy, sorry I had to rush off. didn't wanna wake you. you looked toooo cute. was so nice to see you again.

It's kind of embarrassing, the way your heart seemed to settle at the sight of it; like things were as they should be once more.

You told yourself that Seokjin hadn't meant to upset you. That it was all a big misunderstanding.

He said everything you wanted him to in that message. Said sorry. Maybe he didn't give you an excuse nor an explanation, but he did give you a compliment, and that had you giggling.

Had you thinking that maybe you'd been reactive, and were too highly strung. Perhaps he was never the issue. What if it was you?

Still, it's Jeongguk's message thread you tap through to instead - yeah, just on the subway now! we're still meeting there?

You contemplate whether or not you want to tell him that you've spoken to Seokjin later. He'll no doubt ask about him, with a sneer on his lips, nose upturned at the mere thought of him.

And so naturally, you know you'll lie. "No. Not heard from him."

It's not that you want to be dishonest. Not in the slightest.

You're no stranger to a white lie or two, but Jeongguk had scooped up all of your broken pieces in the early hours of yesterday morning, and tried to washi tape them back together - only for you to run straight back to the person holding a sledgehammer.

You don't want to be reckless with the care Jeongguk's afforded to you; it's just that while Jin's got a sledgehammer in one hand, it also looks like he's got super glue in the other. It's a little bit stronger than washi tape.

Especially Jeongguk's rolls of washi tape; which are the entire reason why you're spending your day off on the subway, and not tucked up in bed, instead.

Jeongguk had devised a plan following the fall of your origami bird, but had neglected to tell you exactly what that plan was.

Had said "look, I won't lie - I can't help you with this. Gimmie the evening to think of a plan, though? I'll text you later."

He'd texted you an address by the time you'd arrived home. Told you not to search it up; said he'd meet you there at midday. Kind of felt like a challenge, and you don't like losing - so you'd done as he'd said. Other than putting the address into Naver maps to find the route, you were none the wiser as to where you were headed.

The subway leads you to the outskirts of town. Down by the river, just a little further up from the arboretum you always tell yourself you should visit more often. You're local to the city, but it's so vast that there are still areas you aren't too familiar with. This is one of them. You know what's in the general area - the arboretum, an old water park, and some museums, but you've no idea what the exact address could be.

As you climb the stairs, you're regretful of the fact you actually listened to Jeongguk. Should have looked up the address beforehand. Seen what was about; what dress code would have been appropriate.

Denim shorts hug your curves, and a little white blouse sits prettily on your shoulders. You're making the most of the summer while it lasts; skin exposed, despite the judgement thrown your way by the ajummas you pass on the street.

A mirror selfie had been sent to Seokjin before you'd left the house, in reply to his collarbone-wielding, broad shoulder-baring bed selfie. His hair had been messy, and there was a little pink mark on his neck. You're pretty sure you left it there. Didn't wanna focus on it for too long just in case you realised that you... didn't.

There had been a little tactful positioning of your phone in front of your face when you took your photo. Had been covering your eyes. Hiding the glitter.

And it's funny, 'cause it's the first thing that Jeongguk notices when he spots you.

You're looking around, realising exactly where you are, a frown slowly forming. He'd expected nothing less. You always arrive with a small frown whenever he's around - but he also always manages to get you beaming, too. It's part of the charm that comes with being around Jeongguk. Bad moods dissolve into nothingness.

He smiles, just like he always does. Waves. Throws you not one, but two peace signs. His thin lips plumpen into a pout as he wiggles his shoulders, the ease of acting childishly coming naturally when he's around you.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" He glows as if he hadn't seen you less than twenty-four hours ago.

Strolling towards you, he ignores the slight scowl that's resting on your neat brows. Just continues smiling. All doe-eyed and dainty. Hopes you won't be able to resist breaking into a smile, too.

He likes your glitter today. It's just in the corners of your eyes. Thinks you look like a fairy.

"I'm wearing white!" is all you can say, a little exasperation clouding your words, before laughter begins to tumble from your lips whether you want it to or not. "You asshole! You should have warned me!"

Jeongguk's wearing all black. A pair of shorts, a long sleeve swimming shirt and one of his many oversized black t-shirts over the top. See, he's dressed according to his plans - the plans that he neglected to share with you.

But he's a man. How much can you really expect from him? You doubt he's ever had to run home in the middle of a thunderstorm with his arms crossed over his chest to protect his modesty. Doubt his eyes have ever felt the unwelcome intrusion of sodden mascara running into them.

"Oh, chill out, Disco Ball," he banters, rolling his eyes as he twiddles his lip ring with his tongue. He comes to a stop in front of you. Pouts. Pushes his lips to the side, and his cheek slowly rises like a freshly baked loaf of bread. "It's only a little water. Worst comes to the worst, we'll just buy you another shirt."

When Jeongguk says it's only a 'little water,' he's telling a big fat lie.

You're both well aware that 'little' is hardly the appropriate word to use.

Not when you're standing next to the entrance of the largest outdoor waterpark in the city.

You don't want to say definitively, but you think it might be the largest waterpark in the entire district. Biggest you've ever been to, that's for sure, not that you really make a habit of it.

"Look," he says. "You're the one who wrote the bird, not me. Blame yourself."

"And you're the one who didn't give me a dress code," you reply with a small scoff. He's unbelievable.

It's not like he was ever supposed to see your birds. Your intention had only ever been for the pair of you to vent out your frustration; to see them in black and white and maybe colour them in.

"You could have just looked at Naver. Seen where you were going."

"You told me not to!"

Jeongguk smirks to himself, a little pleased with how much you seem to have blindly trusted him. He also thinks it's incredibly foolish, and adds it to his list of things he needs to worry about in the future. While it's him that you're mindlessly following the orders of, it's okay, he supposes. Knows you're safe. Nothing to worry about right now.

"You'll be fine, Byeol," he says, hooking an arm around your neck, rubbing his knuckles against the crown of your head. You don't even bother to scramble away, sensing his grip tighten when your back edges out from his grasp. With arms like his, you're ensnared whether you like it or not. "You bring your bird?"

He keeps his arm locked around your neck, resting on your shoulders, but stands a little straighter as you head in direction of the waterpark. His relaxed posture allows you to rummage around in your tote bag for the small piece of folded paper. It's in the bottom, a little crumpled, but still quite clearly in bird form.

Jeongguk pinches it from you as soon as you retrieve it, not seeming to care much for the fact that it's your bird. You're locked in by his arms as he strengthens some of the creases that have fallen lax thanks to the lack of attention you'd been paying when you tossed it into the bag.

"You're gonna give yourself bad bird luck," he tells you. "Gotta preserve them, Byeol, or otherwise you'll never overcome your fears."

"I'm not really sure we'll be overcoming any fears today," you mutter in response.

He takes great offence to this. Tells you to 'stop being a negative Nancy', and that 'you'll never overcome your fears with an attitude like that'. You pinch him through his shirt. He recoils away from you, finally giving you a little room to breathe.

And then he calls you a goblin.

"That's rich," you snort, peering into your bag once again to get your wallet, shooing his hands away as he brings out his own wallet from his shorts pocket. "Nah, this is on me. My fear. I'll pay."

There's an attempt from him to protest, but you just tell the cashier you're paying for two, and there's very little he can do about it. He feels bad. This is, after all, his idea. He gave you no wiggle room. You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for him.

A bathroom? Maybe.

But not here.

"Absolutely not," you had exclaimed yesterday afternoon after reading the bird. Jeongguk couldn't stop laughing. "Stop! You'll give me a complex."

He hadn't meant to find it so funny - he was just taken by surprise. It's a reflex.

"No, no," he cooed. "It's cute. Really sweet, actually. Should have told me last night. Could have actually done something about it."

It was at that point that you flicked him on the forehead. Told him to go touch some grass. Get his head out of his ass.

And then, finally, you told him, "You're never showering with me."

In typical Jeongguk fashion, he'd just smirked. Found your defensiveness funny. "And nor is anyone else, apparently."

The bird resting on Jeongguk's stomach was laying flat, open on your words:

SHOWER WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

He thinks it's the all caps that cracked him up so much. So aggressive. So cute. A bit like you.

Showers had been one of your favourite forms of intimacy during past relationships. You'd even found it fun with casual hookups.

But now?

Feels forbidden. Tarnished. Dirty.

It's almost as if someone else running their hands over your skin beneath the water will rid you of the stain that Seokjin left - and if you're not his, whose are you?

It's stupid because you don't belong to anyone but yourself. You'd spent months resenting the removal of your identity, but now that you have the chance to reclaim it, you're still letting his mark remain.

You had told Jeongguk later that afternoon - with absolute certainty - that he'd never be facing that fear with you, only for him to say, "it doesn't have to be that big of a deal. I'll prove it to you."

And now he's trying to do exactly that.

He leads as you follow and make your way into the park. It's been a fair few years since your last visit, but it always looks the same; paint work a little tatty, white watermarks tarnishing pipes, and slightly dated equipment available for hire. In fact, you think the inflatables sitting pretty and ready for renting might be the same ones you used as a child on family trips.

"Still don't understand how on earth this is supposed to help me with my fear of intimacy," you speak softly once Jeongguk is done telling you about the tallest waterslide in the world. It's in Brazil, and he insists that he doesn't understand why on earth they called it Kilimanjaro when it's not even remotely close in height nor geographical location.

You tell him he's pedantic and he smiles as if you've just given him a gold star.

"It's helping because we're making it less scary," Jeongguk states all very plainly. Seems simple to him. His logical mind leaps from A to B, while yours is still spiralling round and round like a hula-hoop. "What do you do in the shower?"

"When I'm with someone else?" You raise a brow. "Not sure I want to say it out loud in a kid's waterpark."

"Oh, ew, no, not that part. I mean the basics," he sighs, before choosing just to answer for you. "You get wet. That's the first hurdle."

"Gguk, that's barely even the first meter," you counter. "And after that? There's still a billion hurdles left to jump."

"Well, you have to start somewhere, don't you?" He nudges his shoulder against yours, before spotting the concessions store up ahead. "See. Told you you'd be able to buy a shirt. Here."

He hands you his wallet, only for you to pass it right back.

"It's good, I'll get it."

"I dragged you here."

"And I'm the one who made that stupid bird," you laugh. "It's fine. Tell you what though, if they only have ugly shirts, you're gonna have to get one too. Can't be doing this alone."

"Watcha mean?"

"Well look at you," you shrug, as if it's plainly obvious. "You're in all black and - not that I agree with this, but - I'm sure some people will find you 'okay' looking. You know all the yummy mummies are gonna be swooning over you instead of looking after their kids."

"Swooning?" He grins with a small chortle. "Are you trying to insinuate something, Byeol?"

You gasp, and take a step away from him. "Are you saying I look like a mother?"

This, he decides rather quickly, is dangerous. You almost sound like you're flirting. It's not that he doesn't enjoy it, just that he knows he shouldn't indulge himself and yet-

"Maybe I'm into MILFs."

You've a remarkably good poker face. He can't tell if you're actually annoyed, until you look at him with a small smile. It's hidden by the sultry, tempestuous expression you're throwing his way, but definitely still there.

"So first I'm a mother, and now you wanna fuck me? Well, aren't you full of surprises?"

If there's one thing Jeongguk enjoys, it's a girl who knows how to twist words. Regretfully, it always gets him thinking about other ways they could twist their tongues. The thoughts are unsavoury. Sordid. Lewd.

But you're you.

You're off-limits, and he knows better than to play with fire. He needs to get you wet.

Just, like, not in that way.

"I'll put you under that fountain if you don't stop twisting my words," he asserts as you walk through the park. To your right is a pool, with bright slides twisting in all directions around it. Families play, and laughter prevails. It's nice.

To your left is a row of spouting fountains for kids to run through, water pitter-pattering against the warm concrete floor. They're tall enough that even Jeongguk could stand beneath them without issue. You always think they look like reverse umbrellas; water pouring where protection should be.

Puddles of water interrupt the walkway, but neither of you care all that much.

"Maybe if you got your head out your ass and stopped flirting-"

"Not flirting."

You scoff as sarcasm wraps itself around your words. "Yeah, and I'm a MILF."

He pauses. Stops walking. Laughs.

"Right," Jeongguk says. "That's it."

It's said in a tone so light and airy that you almost don't realise he's wrapping his arms around you with a grip tight enough to crack a rib. Your playful shrieks are ignored by other park visitors, chalked up to you being a pair of young lovers enjoying the frivolity of a waterpark together.

"I'm in white!" is your final cry before he pulls you under the cascade of a fountain with him.

The worst part of it, you think, is how goddamn happy he sounds, laughing at your misery.

"And I told you to stop twisting my words, Byeol," he says like the bastard he is, while you struggle against him again. Finally releasing you, he keeps a clasp on your wrists to prevent you from straying. "You made your choice."

"I made no such thing," you wail, but the stream of water has you spluttering - and then you're laughing.

Laughing just like he is; like how you imagine Galileo would have laughed when he first pointed his telescope skyward, and saw the rings of Saturn. It's unadulterated. Blissful. Pure.

Jeongguk loosens his grip on your wrists. He rests his elbows on your shoulders, using his hands to create a barrier between the stream of water and your eyes. There's glitter on your cheeks, now, forced to part way with your eyes thanks to the water pressure, and Jeongguk finds himself grinning at how you manage to look like a party even in the middle of the day.

Perhaps he's a lot more like Galileo than you first thought. Maybe he's laughing because he's looking at the stars, too.

Water barrels down on the pair of you, soaking your hair, your clothes, your skin. It's heavy, the pressure of the fountain far heavier than a shower, but you suppose the outcome is the same.

You don't want to look at Jeongguk with anything but moderate vexation, and yet there's a fond smile tugging at your lips.

Strands of wet hair stick to his face, droplets catching on his lashes and falling down his cheeks. He shakes like a dog caught out in the rain, only to continue getting drenched because he doesn't move from the fountains trajectory. It'd be so easy for him to just manoeuvre himself out of the fountain's direct line and hold you in place, but he chooses to be caught up in it, too. Chooses to be with you. Experience with you.

You'd done his bird together. Only fair for him to do yours with you.

"You still scared, Byeol?" Jeongguk asks, voice quiet beneath the water pummeling down on you both, and yet it has your attention loud and clear.

You want to banter back, say something that will get tripping on his words just like you seem to be - but the rope tied around your ankles seems to be around your tongue, too. Instead, you just shake your head.

"See," he smiles, now. Pulls a hand away from your forehead to wipe at his. Puts it back. "Are showers really that scary?"

And then you do laugh. "It's not a shower. You know it isn't even close."

His face scrunches, water catching in all of his little ridges.

He'll admit the water is annoying. Keeps having to close his eyes. It's bothersome, and it's not like he even cares for boundaries anymore at this point, so-

Fuck it.

His pinkies are against your forehead, index fingers outward. He lowers his head, mirroring you. Rests his forehead against his index fingers. Swears. Can finally fucking see.

And now that he can?

He's looking at you.

With his head angled to such a degree that your chins couldn't be further apart, you still manage to fool yourself to believe that your lashes could brush.

"It's as close as we'll get to one," he counters. "You are showering with another person."

"I'm under a stream of water with another person."

"And how is that any different to showering with someone?"

He isn't stupid. He knows the answer. Knows that you're pedantic enough to go into all the clauses and stipulations that would ever stop this from being classed as a shower - and so he doesn't let you.

Instead, he pulls away, grabbing your wrist as he does so. Leads you further into the park with a smile so big you're surprised he doesn't dislocate his jaw.

"That's the hard part done," he assures you. "You've had a shower with someone. Say thank you."

There's an acute awareness between you both that he's not helped you to overcome your fear in the slightest - but he does have you laughing as you walk through the park, absolutely sodden, without a single care in the world. You're not even bothered by the fact your black bra is visible through the soaked fabric of your shirt.

See, Jeongguk's gotten you relaxed in a situation when you know you'd typically be frantic. He's taking the pressure off. Got you giggling. Got you facing a fear, even if it's not exactly how he set out to do so, nor the fear in question.

In his defence, he really had thought his contrived little plan would count. He'd have never insisted on actually taking a shower with you. He understands why you consider them so intimate. He does, too. Something about the vulnerability really gets him. It's not even the sex that inevitably comes with one that makes him weak at the knees.

He thinks of the girl who folded paper butterflies for him, and how he'd shampoo her hair, chest pressed to her back, and the fact it was in the confines of his bathroom that he realised he was in love with her.

So, Jeongguk gets it. It's why he wouldn't even consider anything but his dumb little waterpark shower as a remedy of your insecurities. He hopes a lesson is learned even if a fear isn't overcome: you can let down your guard without giving up all of you.

What it comes down to, you think, is that Jeongguk isn't a taker. He's not a giver, either, really - but when your walls start to crack and crumble, he doesn't intrude. Stands at a safe distance. Offer you back your bricks. Most men you knew would see a weakness in your defences and claim what's yours as their own.

He's not always been this way. Used to have a 'what's yours is mine' understanding of his relationships, too.

His butterfly girl had taught him that no, just because he was given temporary access to something didn't mean it was his. He'd learnt the hard way after he'd always swapped his heart with hers, not realising she'd ever want it back.

And so while Jeongguk will never fully understand whatever you went through - not unless you choose to share it with him - he can empathise. Treat you how he wished someone would have treated him while he was still healing.

As the clouds migrate across the sky, fluffy white shapes occasionally hiding the careful watch of the sun, the day rolls into stupid competitions and races down the tallest slides in the park. The reason you'd ended up here doesn't seem to matter.

Jeongguk races you to the top of the slides again, and again, and again, just to try and beat you down them. He never wins.

Not until you hold back by just a millisecond.

It's just enough to give him a slight edge, and have him roaring in victory - "ha! suck it! loser!" - as he slaps at the water, a smile larger than Hang Sơn Đoòng eclipsing any desire you had to win. You'll let him have this one. Let him have one victory.

The haze of late-afternoon sun grazes down on the pair of you, while you lounge by the 'adults-only' pool area. A lot of families have gone home already, but sometimes it's nice to be away from the shrieks of kids messing about in the water.

You're not exactly the maternal type. In fact, Jeongguk's the one who's been pointing out how cute the kids are in their little armbands and sprout hairstyles. He's not wrong. They're incredibly adorable - you're just not that naturally inclined to go 'awww'.

It's all swings and roundabouts, though. Getting away from kids meant being surrounded by, well, some less wholesome auras.

Jeongguk thinks he notices it first; the unwelcome gaze of a middle-aged man. He's felt it for a little while. Upwards of ten minutes. Thinks you're none the wiser. Tries to figure out what's so fucking interesting. Stares him out a little bit - but is ignored.

See, the man - who is probably old enough to be your father - isn't looking at Jeongguk at all. Too busy staring at you, and that shirt of yours which is still yet to dry out. You're on your back, sunning yourself, clothes sodden and sticking to your skin.

Jeongguk thinks you look no different to anyone else in the park. It's typical to wear regular clothes in places like these. Would be more shocking if you were in a bikini. And so while yes, he has noticed the fact your bra is dark, he couldn't tell you the colour because he's been trying not to look. Actively avoiding it, actually.

Annoyance isn't something that Jeongguk's ever been able to hide well.

As he sucks in a little bit of air between his teeth and mutters a small curse to himself, you glance over.

"Hmm?" you ask.

It's not like you don't know the man's staring. You had warned Jeongguk about your attire earlier. Was always gonna happen. He just hadn't realised that this was the reason why you'd been so insistent about the fact he was an asshole for not giving you a dress code.

Realistically, you could have bought a second shirt - but the pair of you got distracted. Didn't care so much when you were laughing and joking about how you both look like rats with your hair all wet.

"Here," he says, tugging on his shirt at the nape of his neck. There's resistance, the weight of the water dragging against his skin, but he pays it no mind as he pulls the shirt over his head. You're still laying down on your back, and turn onto your front with a small grin.

"Y'know if I really was all that bothered, I'd just do this," you say, talking about your change in position. It's not that you want the man to stare - you just know he will regardless. Know that your shorts have ridden up a little, and so he's getting a whole new type of show.

Jeongguk doesn't laugh. Smiles, but doesn't let it reach his eyes. Leans over and drapes the fabric of his shirt over the top of your legs. Over your ass. "You'll burn."

"I'm wearing suncream," you purr, knowing that this has nothing to do with keeping your skin safe.

And so Jeongguk just shrugs. Considers staying silent. Chooses not to.

"He might wanna stare, Byeol," he almost growls beneath his breath, feigning indifference through his body language. "But I don't."

"You saying you can't help yourself?" You tease, to which he just rolls his eyes and lays back down.

"I can help myself perfectly well," he says, tongue flicking against the inside of his cheek. "Just didn't finish my sentence."

"Oh?" you chirp with great curiosity.

There's a boldness to the way you're engaging in conversation with him. Makes you realise that Jeongguk is just the same as any other boy. He can see you as a sexual object, apparently. Just chooses not to. It's all very interesting.

"He might wanna stare, Byeol," he repeats, crossing his arms over his torso, a defensiveness to his posture, even when he's flat on his back. "But I don't want him to."

Though his eyes remain closed, Jeongguk can hear you move to sit on your knees.

Your back is to the sleazebag, Jeongguk shirt bunching by your heels. You pull it around and bundle it in your lap, mouth resting open in a slight stare of shock.

Unspoken words beg for him to look at you.

But he doesn't. Keeps his eyes firmly shut. Grins. Just says, "Lie back down, Byeol."

The worst part is that you want to. You really do. When his voice is that low, the look on his face that cocky, you want to fold like a sheet of fucking origami paper. Have him bending you about like one of those damn birds.

But then you take a second to think, and realise you're no better than that guy who is still staring at you so intensely you're surprised he doesn't burst a blood vessel. Makes you feel bad. Guilty.

So instead you toss Jeongguk his shirt back and, as you stand, say, "I've a fear of intimacy, Jeongguk. No fear in telling men to fuck off."

He's not surprised by your response. Quite amused by it. Sits up on his elbows. Watches with curiosity as you walk away from him - and then is stunned to see you beeline for the man.

It's the kind of thing he'd see in a movie, background characters slowing to a stop, time ceasing to move except for the leading lady.

And then you're pointing. Accusing. Jeongguk's not sure of what - he can't hear you from this far away - but he knows it isn't nice. Watches the blood drain from the man's face. He's ghostly. And then it all returns, red and raw, with such a vengeance he's surprised blood doesn't start leaking from his nose.

When you turn on your heel, Jeongguk observes with morbid novelty at the scene unfolding; the intense shame on the man's face and the pure brilliance on yours.

"Men," you sigh, as you sit back down next to him. Mirroring his position, you're up on your elbows until you casually let yourself fall back into your original position. "Sorry, where were we? You told me to lie down? Done."

Jeongguk doesn't say anything. Just grins. Collapses back down, too. Doesn't tell you to cover up. Knows better.

Doesn't shut up about it for the rest of the day, though.

Relays the story to you as if you weren't there - weren't central to it - with so much animation that you think he might turn into a cartoon on the subway home.

He's still talking about it between the part where he invites you back for dinner - "Jimin's gonna be in but it's cool. We haven't eaten all day, you must be starving." - and the part where he stands by your door, taking a whole twenty minutes to say goodbye.

You've declined the offer. Told him it'd be a bit weird seeing Jimin. Wouldn't know how to explain it. Jeongguk just says "of course, yeah, you're right. Didn't even think of that. My bad."

There's a little silence afterwards. You know why. It's rejection. Not romantic, nor for anything serious, but it's still the same difference. He'd spent the day trying to help you break down walls only for you to put your bricks on top of his.

It's as he's heading down your stairs (after his fifteenth and final 'bye') that you realise how rude you've been. Just 'cause you wouldn't feel entirely welcome at his doesn't mean he's not welcome at yours.

"Hey, wait a sec! Danbi's home, but do you wanna eat here?" You chance. "We don't have much in, but I can order or we can-"

"My God, I thought you'd never ask," he grins immediately turning on his heel and back towards you. "So hungry I might die."

"You won't."

"I could."

The pair of you bicker as you enter your apartment, Danbi glancing up from the sofa. She looks at you, then looks at Jeongguk, and takes a second to place his face. Definitely knows it - and then it clicks.

She considers asking why the fuck your favourite barman is following you in. He's known within the confines of your apartment as the Barman That Smiles (more commonly referred to as BTS boy), Jeongguk's name a secret just for you to know. Danbi doesn't realise all of those nights you waste are the bar are wasted on him, nor does she realise he's the reason you snuck off the other night.

What she does wonder, however, is if this is all part of your master-get-revenge-on-Seokjin-plan.

Instead of voicing any of these queries, she settles on "what are we having for dinner?"

You shrug. "Ask Jeongguk. He's paying."

He raises a brow as if to question your assertion - only for him to cough up the bill for the pizza delivery that feeds the three of you through a Deadpool rewatch.

When he leaves, Danbi tells him he has to come back next week for Deadpool 2. You grin as you walk him out.

"She just wants you to pay for more food," you tell and he nods. Says he knows.

But then he calls back over to Danbi, "See you next week."

She does a little cheer, and it's all very sweet. They get on well. His humour is welcome in your apartment, and so is his presence. Danbi also hopes it means she'll get more free drinks next time she's at the club.

"She'll play you like a damn fiddle if you let her," you warn just out of her earshot.

"Good," he grins. "We can double date with you and Jimin."

You tell him to fuck off - but also insist that he lets you know when he gets home. The way you care about him is so casual that it feels as if it's been this way for years.

As he heads on home, Jeongguk kind of hopes it will be. Hopes it's the kind of friendship that stands the test of time. Worries that he shouldn't take the flirting too far - but then he's distracted by the little fleck of glitter on the top of his hand. His thoughts are lost, a smile unwinding on his lips as he strolls back to his place.

The skies are void of stars tonight, and yet, for the first time in months, Jeongguk's eyes are full of them.

AO3 | MASTERLIST | NEXT

[sentience-if]

I was wondering if the ROs could wish me a happy birthday 👉👈

(Shyly looking at Klaus specifically bc I’m horrendously down bad for that man)

"Happy Birthday," Klaus says, leaning back in his chair and bringing his fingers to his mouth. His eyes are especially dark today. "You've been good this year, haven't you? Deserves a reward. Whatever you'd like."

"Birthday, eh?" Constantine hums, looking off into the middle distance. "Against my better judgement, I owe you a drink. One drink, don't go getting any ideas."

You barely have a moment to recognize Ira's presence before they're nearly bowling you over with a hug. "Happy Birthday!" they shout in delight. "I've brought you a present. Well, two really. Okay, it's three."

Kat threads her arm through yours. "A little birdie told me it's your birthday. Well, a Happy one to you, doll. What shall we do to make it so?" She chuckles darkly.

Val, as always, appears out of almost nowhere. "There you are!" they laugh, their smile bright. "Happy Birthday! Didn't think I'd let you forget, did you? So what are we doing today? Oh, and what do you want for dinner?"

[alphabetboyluvr]

bad decisions - jjk | nine

"You made your choice." "I made no such thing," you wail, but the stream of water has you spluttering—and then you're laughing. Laughing just like he is; like how you imagine Galileo would have laughed when he first pointed his telescope skyward, and saw the rings of Saturn. It's unadulterated. Blissful. Pure. Jungkook loosens his grip on your wrists. He rests his elbows on your shoulders, using his hands to create a barrier between the stream of water and your eyes. There's glitter on your cheeks, now, forced to part way with your eyes thanks to the water pressure, and Jungkook finds himself grinning at how you manage to look like a party even in the middle of the day. Perhaps he's a lot more like Galileo than you first thought. Maybe he's laughing because he's looking at the stars, too.

Bad Decision #9 - White

warnings: birdie time he he. honestly just very wholesome all round, but the embers are burningggg, they're very wet! fantastic! (1) mention of Hang Sơn Đoòng (worlds biggest cave).

soundtrack: lemon - loco, hwasa; safety zone - j-hope

wc: 6k

bd total wc: 370k (on-going)

minors dni | wattpad | series masterlist |

Summer is reaching the end of its peak, but monsoons are still a looming threat. There have been weather warnings all month, but today seems okay. You've an umbrella tucked into your tote just in case, legs crossed as you flick through your notifications on the subway.

It's mid-morning the following Monday when Jungkook's message lands in your inbox. The sky is free of clouds, sun beating down on the windows of the subway carriage you're in. It's above ground, crossing the river.

Three unread messages sit pretty at the top of your inbox.

JK: Still on for today?

Danbi: u, me, ryan reynolds in lycra, tonight. game?

Seokjin: such a tease, you know i love those shorts on you - if memory serves me correctly they were off far more than they were on whenever you wore them ;) you around tonight?

Jungkook is probably the only one who needs a reply, and yet you can't help but stare at Seokjin's message for a little longer than you should.

If Danbi knew you were texting him, she'd probably confiscate your phone, like your parents used to do during your teen years. Jungkook'd probably throw all your stupid little origami birds at you. Would hope you'd get a paper cut.

It'd be deserved, you think.

Jungkook had wasted his entire Sunday on you as a result of Seokjin's carelessness. You didn't leave until Jimin had taken a nap on the couch at just gone six, your day full of mindless chatter and harmless distractions from Seokjin. It had been nice. Comforting.

And yet when you'd arrived home, a text had been waiting from Seokjin—heyyy, sorry I had to rush off. didn't wanna wake you. you looked toooo cute. was so nice to see you again.

It's kind of embarrassing, the way your heart seemed to settle at the sight of it; like things were as they should be once more.

You told yourself that Seokjin hadn't meant to upset you. That it was all a big misunderstanding.

He said everything you wanted him to in that message. Said sorry. Maybe he didn't give you an excuse nor an explanation, but he did give you a compliment, and that had you giggling.

Had you thinking that maybe you'd been reactive, and were too highly strung. Perhaps he was never the issue. What if it was you?

Still, it's Jungkook's message thread you tap through to instead. 

You: yeah, just on the subway now! we're still meeting there?

You contemplate whether or not you want to tell him that you've spoken to Seokjin later. He'll no doubt ask about him, with a sneer on his lips, nose upturned at the mere thought of him. You know you'll only lie. "No. Not heard from him."

It's not that you want to be dishonest. Not in the slightest.

You're no stranger to a white lie or two, but Jungkook had scooped up all of your broken pieces in the early hours of yesterday morning, and tried to washi tape them back together—only for you to run straight back to the person holding a sledgehammer.

You don't want to be reckless with the care Jungkook's afforded to you; it's just that while Jin's got a sledgehammer in one hand, it also looks like he's got super glue in the other. It's a little bit stronger than washi tape.

Especially Jungkook's rolls of washi tape, which are the entire reason why you're spending your day off on the subway, and not tucked up in bed, instead.

Jungkook had devised a plan following the fall of your origami bird, but had neglected to tell you exactly what that plan was.

Had said, "Look, I won't lie—I can't help you with this. Gimmie the evening to think of a plan, though? I'll text you later."

He'd texted you an address by the time you'd arrived home. Told you not to search it up; said he'd meet you there at midday. Kind of felt like a challenge, and you don't like losing, so you'd done as he'd said. Other than putting the address into Naver maps to find the route, you were none the wiser as to where you were headed.

The subway leads you to the outskirts of town. Down by the river, just a little further up from the arboretum you always tell yourself you should visit more often. You're local to the city, but it's so vast that there are still areas you aren't too familiar with. This is one of them. You know what's in the general area—the arboretum, an old water park, and some museums, but you've no idea what the exact address could be.

As you climb the stairs, you're regretful of the fact you actually listened to Jungkook. Should have looked up the address beforehand. Seen what was about; what dress code would have been appropriate.

Denim shorts hug your curves, and a little white blouse sits prettily on your shoulders. You're making the most of the summer while it lasts; skin exposed, despite the judgement thrown your way by the ajummas you pass on the street.

A mirror selfie had been sent to Seokjin before you'd left the house, in reply to his collarbone-wielding, broad shoulder-baring bed selfie. His hair had been messy, and there was a little pink mark on his neck. You're pretty sure you left it there. Didn't wanna focus on it for too long just in case you realised that you didn't.

There had been a little tactful positioning of your phone in front of your face when you took your photo. Had been covering your eyes. Hiding the glitter.

And it's funny, 'cause it's the first thing that Jungkook notices when he spots you.

You're looking around, realising exactly where you are, a frown slowly forming. He'd expected nothing less. You always arrive with a small frown whenever he's around—but he also always manages to get you beaming, too. It's part of the charm that comes with being around Jungkook. Bad moods dissolve into nothingness.

He smiles, just like he always does. Waves. Throws you not one, but two peace signs. His thin lips plumpen into a pout as he wiggles his shoulders, the ease of acting childishly coming naturally when he's around you.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" He glows as if he hadn't seen you less than twenty-four hours ago.

Strolling towards you, he ignores the slight scowl that's resting on your neat brows. Just continues smiling. All doe-eyed and dainty. Hopes you won't be able to resist breaking into a smile, too.

He likes your glitter today. It's just in the corners of your eyes. Thinks you look like a fairy.

"I'm wearing white!" is all you can say, a little exasperation clouding your words, before laughter begins to tumble from your lips whether you want it to or not. "You asshole! You should have warned me!"

Jungkook's wearing all black. A pair of shorts, a long sleeve swimming shirt and one of his many oversized black t-shirts over the top. See, he's dressed according to his plans—the plans that he neglected to share with you.

But he's a man. How much can you really expect from him? You doubt he's ever had to run home in the middle of a thunderstorm with his arms crossed over his chest to protect his modesty. Doubt his eyes have ever felt the unwelcome intrusion of sodden mascara running into them.

"Oh, chill out, Disco Ball," he banters, rolling his eyes as he twiddles his lip ring with his tongue. He comes to a stop in front of you. Pouts. Pushes his lips to the side, and his cheek slowly rises like a freshly baked loaf of bread. "It's only a little water. Worst comes to the worst, we'll just buy you another shirt."

When Jungkook says it's only a 'little water,' he's telling a big fat lie.

You're both well aware that 'little' is hardly the appropriate word to use.

Not when you're standing next to the entrance of the largest outdoor waterpark in the city.

You don't want to say definitively, but you think it might be the largest waterpark in the entire district. Biggest you've ever been to, that's for sure, not that you really make a habit of it.

"Look," he says. "You're the one who wrote the bird, not me. Blame yourself."

"And you're the one who didn't give me a dress code," you reply with a small scoff. He's unbelievable.

It's not like he was ever supposed to see your birds. Your intention had only ever been for the pair of you to vent out your frustration; to see them in black and white and maybe colour them in.

"You could have just looked at Naver. Seen where you were going."

"You told me not to!"

Jungkook smirks to himself, a little pleased with how much you seem to have blindly trusted him. 

He also thinks it's incredibly foolish, and adds it to his list of things he needs to worry about in the future. While it's him that you're mindlessly following the orders of, it's okay, he supposes. Knows you're safe. Nothing to worry about right now.

"You'll be fine, Byeol," he says, hooking an arm around your neck, rubbing his knuckles against the crown of your head. You don't even bother to scramble away, sensing his grip tighten when your back edges out from his grasp. With arms like his, you're ensnared whether you like it or not. "You bring your bird?"

He keeps his arm locked around your neck, resting on your shoulders, but stands a little straighter as you head in direction of the waterpark. His relaxed posture allows you to rummage around in your tote bag for the small piece of folded paper. It's in the bottom, a little crumpled, but still quite clearly in bird form.

Jungkook pinches it from you as soon as you retrieve it, not seeming to care much for the fact that it's your bird. You're locked in by his arms as he strengthens some of the creases that have fallen lax thanks to the lack of attention you'd been paying when you tossed it into the bag.

"You're gonna give yourself bad bird luck," he tells you. "Gotta preserve them, Byeol, or otherwise you'll never overcome your fears."

"I'm not really sure we'll be overcoming any fears today," you mutter in response.

He takes great offence to this. Tells you to 'stop being a negative Nancy', and that 'you'll never overcome your fears with an attitude like that'. You pinch him through his shirt. He recoils away from you, finally giving you a little room to breathe.

And then he calls you a goblin.

"That's rich," you snort, peering into your bag once again to get your wallet, shooing his hands away as he brings out his own wallet from his shorts pocket. "Nah, this is on me. My fear. I'll pay."

There's an attempt from him to protest, but you just tell the cashier you're paying for two, and there's very little he can do about it. He feels bad. This is, after all, his idea. He gave you no wiggle room. You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for him.

A bathroom? Maybe.

But not here.

"Absolutely not," you had exclaimed yesterday afternoon after reading the bird. Jungkook couldn't stop laughing. "Stop! You'll give me a complex."

He hadn't meant to find it so funny - he was just taken by surprise. It's a reflex.

"No, no," he cooed. "It's cute. Really sweet, actually. Should have told me last night. Could have actually done something about it."

It was at that point that you flicked him on the forehead. Told him to go touch some grass. Get his head out of his ass.

And then, finally, you told him, "You're never showering with me."

In typical Jungkook fashion, he'd just smirked. Found your defensiveness funny. "And nor is anyone else, apparently."

The bird resting on Jungkook's stomach was laying flat, open on your words:

!!SHOWER WITH SOMEONE ELSE!!

He thinks it's the all-caps that cracked him up so much. So aggressive. So cute. A bit like you.

Showers had been one of your favourite forms of intimacy during past relationships. You'd even found it fun with casual hookups.

But now?

Feels forbidden. Tarnished. Dirty.

It's almost as if someone else running their hands over your skin beneath the water will rid you of the stain that Seokjin left - and if you're not his, whose are you?

It's stupid because you don't belong to anyone but yourself. You'd spent months resenting the removal of your identity, but now that you have the chance to reclaim it, you're still letting his mark remain.

You had told Jungkook later that afternoon—with absolute certainty—that he'd never be facing that fear with you, only for him to say, "It doesn't have to be that big of a deal. I'll prove it to you."

And now he's trying to do exactly that.

He leads as you follow and make your way into the park. It's been a fair few years since your last visit, but it always looks the same; paint work a little tatty, white watermarks tarnishing pipes, and slightly dated equipment available for hire. In fact, you think the inflatables sitting pretty and ready for renting might be the same ones you used as a child on family trips.

"Still don't understand how on earth this is supposed to help me with my fear of intimacy," you speak softly once Jungkook is done telling you about the tallest waterslide in the world. It's in Brazil, and he insists that he doesn't understand why on earth they called it Kilimanjaro when it's not even remotely close in height nor geographical location.

You tell him he's pedantic and he smiles as if you've just given him a gold star.

"It's helping because we're making it less scary," Jungkook states all very plainly. Seems simple to him. His logical mind leaps from A to B, while yours is still spiralling round and round like a hula-hoop. "What do you do in the shower?"

"When I'm with someone else?" You raise a brow. "Not sure I want to say it out loud in a kid's waterpark."

"Oh, ew, no, not that part. I mean the basics," he sighs, before choosing just to answer for you. "You get wet. That's the first hurdle."

"Kook, that's barely even the first meter," you counter. "And after that? There's still a billion hurdles left to jump."

"Well, you have to start somewhere, don't you?" He nudges his shoulder against yours, before spotting the concessions store up ahead. "See. Told you you'd be able to buy a shirt. Here."

He hands you his wallet, only for you to pass it right back.

"It's good, I'll get it."

"I dragged you here."

"And I'm the one who made that stupid bird," you laugh. "It's fine. Tell you what though, if they only have ugly shirts, you're gonna have to get one too. Can't be doing this alone."

"Watcha mean?"

"Well look at you," you shrug, as if it's plainly obvious. "You're in all black and—not that I agree with this, but—I'm sure some people will find you 'okay' looking. You know all the yummy mummies are gonna be swooning over you instead of looking after their kids."

"Swooning?" He grins with a small chortle. "Are you trying to insinuate something, Byeol?"

You gasp, and take a step away from him. "Are you saying I look like a mother?"

This, he decides rather quickly, is dangerous. You almost sound like you're flirting. It's not that he doesn't enjoy it, just that he knows he shouldn't indulge himself and yet-

"Maybe I'm into MILFs."

You've a remarkably good poker face. He can't tell if you're actually annoyed, until you look at him with a small smile. It's hidden by the sultry, tempestuous expression you're throwing his way, but definitely still there.

"So first I'm a mother, and now you wanna fuck me? Well, aren't you full of surprises?"

If there's one thing Jungkook enjoys, it's a girl who knows how to twist words. Regretfully, it always gets him thinking about other ways they could twist their tongues. The thoughts are unsavoury. Sordid. Lewd.

But you're you.

You're off-limits, and he knows better than to play with fire. He needs to get you wet.

Just, like, not in that way.

"I'll put you under that fountain if you don't stop twisting my words," he asserts as you walk through the park. To your right is a pool, with bright slides twisting in all directions around it. Families play, and laughter prevails. It's nice.

To your left is a row of spouting fountains for kids to run through, water pitter-pattering against the warm concrete floor. They're tall enough that even Jungkook could stand beneath them without issue. You always think they look like reverse umbrellas; water pouring where protection should be.

Puddles of water interrupt the walkway, but neither of you care all that much.

"Maybe if you got your head out your ass and stopped flirting"—

"Not flirting."

You scoff as sarcasm wraps itself around your words. "Yeah, and I'm a MILF."

He pauses. Stops walking. Laughs.

"Right," Jungkook says. "That's it."

It's said in a tone so light and airy that you almost don't realise he's wrapping his arms around you with a grip tight enough to crack a rib. Your playful shrieks are ignored by other park visitors, chalked up to you being a pair of young lovers enjoying the frivolity of a waterpark together.

"I'm in white!" is your final cry before he pulls you under the cascade of a fountain with him.

The worst part of it, you think, is how goddamn happy he sounds, laughing at your misery.

"And I told you to stop twisting my words, Byeol," he says like the bastard he is, while you struggle against him again. Finally releasing you, he keeps a clasp on your wrists to prevent you from straying. "You made your choice."

"I made no such thing," you wail, but the stream of water has you spluttering—and then you're laughing.

Laughing just like he is; like how you imagine Galileo would have laughed when he first pointed his telescope skyward, and saw the rings of Saturn. It's unadulterated. Blissful. Pure.

Jungkook loosens his grip on your wrists. He rests his elbows on your shoulders, using his hands to create a barrier between the stream of water and your eyes. There's glitter on your cheeks, now, forced to part way with your eyes thanks to the water pressure, and Jungkook finds himself grinning at how you manage to look like a party even in the middle of the day.

Perhaps he's a lot more like Galileo than you first thought. Maybe he's laughing because he's looking at the stars, too.

Water barrels down on the pair of you, soaking your hair, your clothes, your skin. It's heavy, the pressure of the fountain far heavier than a shower, but you suppose the outcome is the same.

You don't want to look at Jungkook with anything but moderate vexation, and yet there's a fond smile tugging at your lips.

Strands of wet hair stick to his face, droplets catching on his lashes and falling down his cheeks. He shakes like a dog caught out in the rain, only to continue getting drenched because he doesn't move from the fountains trajectory. It'd be so easy for him to just manoeuvre himself out of the fountain's direct line and hold you in place, but he chooses to be caught up in it, too. Chooses to be with you. Experience with you.

You'd done his bird together. Only fair for him to do yours with you.

"You still scared, Byeol?" Jungkook asks, voice quiet beneath the water pummeling down on you both, and yet it has your attention loud and clear.

You want to banter back, say something that will get tripping on his words just like you seem to be—but the rope tied around your ankles seems to be around your tongue, too. Instead, you just shake your head.

"See," he smiles, now. Pulls a hand away from your forehead to wipe at his. Puts it back. "Are showers really that scary?"

And then you do laugh. "It's not a shower. You know it isn't even close."

His face scrunches, water catching in all of his little ridges.

He'll admit the water is annoying. Keeps having to close his eyes. It's bothersome, and it's not like he even cares for boundaries anymore at this point, so—

Fuck it.

His pinkies are against your forehead, index fingers outward. He lowers his head, mirroring you. Rests his forehead against his index fingers. Swears. Can finally fucking see.

And now that he can?

He's looking at you.

With his head angled to such a degree that your chins couldn't be further apart, you still manage to fool yourself to believe that your lashes could brush.

"It's as close as we'll get to one," he counters. "You are showering with another person."

"I'm under a stream of water with another person."

"And how is that any different to showering with someone?"

He isn't stupid. He knows the answer. Knows that you're pedantic enough to go into all the clauses and stipulations that would ever stop this from being classed as a shower—and so he doesn't let you.

Instead, he pulls away, grabbing your wrist as he does so. Leads you further into the park with a smile so big you're surprised he doesn't dislocate his jaw.

"That's the hard part done," he assures you. "You've had a shower with someone. Say thank you."

There's an acute awareness between you both that he's not helped you to overcome your fear in the slightest—but he does have you laughing as you walk through the park, absolutely sodden, without a single care in the world. You're not even bothered by the fact your black bra is visible through the soaked fabric of your shirt.

See, Jungkook's gotten you relaxed in a situation when you know you'd typically be frantic. He's taking the pressure off. Got you giggling. Got you facing a fear, even if it's not exactly how he set out to do so, nor the fear in question.

In his defence, he really had thought his contrived little plan would count. He'd have never insisted on actually taking a shower with you. He understands why you consider them so intimate. He does, too. Something about the vulnerability really gets him. It's not even the sex that inevitably comes with one that makes him weak at the knees.

He thinks of the girl who folded paper butterflies for him, and how he'd shampoo her hair, chest pressed to her back, and the fact it was in the confines of his bathroom that he realised he was in love with her.

So, Jungkook gets it. It's why he wouldn't even consider anything but his dumb little waterpark shower as a remedy of your insecurities. He hopes a lesson is learned even if a fear isn't overcome: you can let down your guard without giving up all of you.

What it comes down to, you think, is that Jungkook isn't a taker. He's not a giver, either, really - but when your walls start to crack and crumble, he doesn't intrude. Stands at a safe distance. Offer you back your bricks. Most men you knew would see a weakness in your defences and claim what's yours as their own.

He's not always been this way. Used to have a 'what's yours is mine' understanding of his relationships, too.

His butterfly girl had taught him that no, just because he was given temporary access to something didn't mean it was his. He'd learnt the hard way after he'd always swapped his heart with hers, not realising she'd ever want it back.

And so while Jungkook will never fully understand whatever you went through - not unless you choose to share it with him - he can empathise. Treat you how he wished someone would have treated him while he was still healing.

As the clouds migrate across the sky, fluffy white shapes occasionally hiding the careful watch of the sun, the day rolls into stupid competitions and races down the tallest slides in the park. The reason you'd ended up here doesn't seem to matter.

Jungkook races you to the top of the slides again, and again, and again, just to try and beat you down them. He never wins.

Not until you hold back by just a millisecond.

It's just enough to give him a slight edge, and have him roaring in victory —"Ha! Suck it! Loser!"— as he slaps at the water, a smile larger than Hang Sơn Đoòng eclipsing any desire you had to win. You'll let him have this one. Let him have one victory.

The haze of late-afternoon sun grazes down on the pair of you, while you lounge by the 'adults-only' pool area. A lot of families have gone home already, but sometimes it's nice to be away from the shrieks of kids messing about in the water.

You're not exactly the maternal type. In fact, Jungkook's the one who's been pointing out how cute the kids are in their little armbands and sprout hairstyles. He's not wrong. They're incredibly adorable - you're just not that naturally inclined to go 'awww'.

It's all swings and roundabouts, though.

Getting away from kids meant being surrounded by, well, some less wholesome auras.

Jungkook thinks he notices it first; the unwelcome gaze of a middle-aged man. He's felt it for a little while. Upwards of ten minutes. Thinks you're none the wiser. Tries to figure out what's so fucking interesting. Stares him out a little bit - but is ignored.

See, the man—who is probably old enough to be your father—isn't looking at Jungkook at all. Too busy staring at you, and that shirt of yours which is still yet to dry out. You're on your back, sunning yourself, clothes sodden and sticking to your skin.

Jungkook thinks you look no different to anyone else in the park. It's typical to wear regular clothes in places like these. Would be more shocking if you were in a bikini. And so while yes, he has noticed the fact your bra is dark, he couldn't tell you the colour because he's been trying not to look. Actively avoiding it, actually.

Annoyance isn't something that Jungkook's ever been able to hide well.

As he sucks in a little bit of air between his teeth and mutters a small curse to himself, you glance over.

"Hmm?" you ask.

It's not like you don't know the man's staring. You had warned Jungkook about your attire earlier. Was always gonna happen. He just hadn't realised that this was the reason why you'd been so insistent about the fact he was an asshole for not giving you a dress code.

Realistically, you could have bought a second shirt - but the pair of you got distracted. Didn't care so much when you were laughing and joking about how you both look like rats with your hair all wet.

"Here," he says, tugging on his shirt at the nape of his neck. There's resistance, the weight of the water dragging against his skin, but he pays it no mind as he pulls the shirt over his head. You're still laying down on your back, and turn onto your front with a small grin.

"Y'know if I really was all that bothered, I'd just do this," you say, talking about your change in position. It's not that you want the man to stare - you just know he will regardless. Know that your shorts have ridden up a little, and so he's getting a whole new type of show.

Jungkook doesn't laugh. Smiles, but doesn't let it reach his eyes. Leans over and drapes the fabric of his shirt over the top of your legs. Over your ass. "You'll burn."

"I'm wearing suncream," you purr, knowing that this has nothing to do with keeping your skin safe.

And so Jungkook just shrugs. Considers staying silent. Chooses not to.

"He might wanna stare, Byeol," he almost growls beneath his breath, feigning indifference through his body language. "But I don't."

"You saying you can't help yourself?" You tease, to which he just rolls his eyes and lays back down.

"I can help myself perfectly well," he says, tongue flicking against the inside of his cheek. "Just didn't finish my sentence."

"Oh?" you chirp with great curiosity.

There's a boldness to the way you're engaging in conversation with him. Makes you realise that Jungkook is just the same as any other boy. He can see you as a sexual object, apparently. Just chooses not to. It's all very interesting.

"He might wanna stare, Byeol," he repeats, crossing his arms over his torso, a defensiveness to his posture, even when he's flat on his back. "But I don't want him to."

Though his eyes remain closed, Jungkook can hear you move to sit on your knees.

Your back is to the sleazebag, Jungkook's shirt bunching by your heels. You pull it around and bundle it in your lap, mouth resting open in a slight stare of shock.

Unspoken words beg for him to look at you.

But he doesn't. Keeps his eyes firmly shut. Grins. Just says, "Lie back down, Byeol."

The worst part is that you want to. You really do. When his voice is that low, the look on his face that cocky, you want to fold like a sheet of fucking origami paper. Have him bending you about like one of those damn birds.

But then you take a second to think, and realise you're no better than that guy who is still staring at you so intensely you're surprised he doesn't burst a blood vessel. Makes you feel bad. Guilty.

So instead you toss Jungkook his shirt back and, as you stand, say, "I've a fear of intimacy, Jungkook. No fear in telling men to fuck off."

He's not surprised by your response. Quite amused by it. Sits up on his elbows. Watches with curiosity as you walk away from him - and then is stunned to see you beeline for the man.

It's the kind of thing he'd see in a movie, background characters slowing to a stop, time ceasing to move except for the leading lady.

And then you're pointing. Accusing. Jungkook's not sure of what - he can't hear you from this far away - but he knows it isn't nice. Watches the blood drain from the man's face. He's ghostly. And then it all returns, red and raw, with such a vengeance he's surprised blood doesn't start leaking from his nose.

When you turn on your heel, Jungkook observes with morbid novelty at the scene unfolding; the intense shame on the man's face and the pure brilliance on yours.

"Men," you sigh, as you sit back down next to him. Mirroring his position, you're up on your elbows until you casually let yourself fall back into your original position. "Sorry, where were we? You told me to lie down? Done."

Jungkook doesn't say anything. Just grins. Collapses back down, too. Doesn't tell you to cover up. Knows better.

Doesn't shut up about it for the rest of the day, though.

Relays the story to you as if you weren't there—weren't central to it—with so much animation that you think he might turn into a cartoon on the subway home.

He's still talking about it between the part where he invites you back for dinner - "Jimin's gonna be in but it's cool. We haven't eaten all day, you must be starving." - and the part where he stands by your door, taking a whole twenty minutes to say goodbye.

You've declined the offer. Told him it'd be a bit weird seeing Jimin. Wouldn't know how to explain it. Jungkook just says, "Of course, yeah, you're right. Didn't even think of that. My bad."

There's a little silence afterwards. You know why. It's rejection. Not romantic, nor for anything serious, but it's still the same difference. He'd spent the day trying to help you break down walls only for you to put your bricks on top of his.

It's as he's heading down your stairs (after his fifteenth and final 'bye') that you realise how rude you've been. Just 'cause you wouldn't feel entirely welcome at his doesn't mean he's not welcome at yours.

"Hey, wait a sec! Danbi's home, but do you wanna eat here?" You chance. "We don't have much in, but I can order or we can-"

"My God, I thought you'd never ask," he grins immediately turning on his heel and back towards you. "So hungry I might die."

"You won't."

"I could."

The pair of you bicker as you enter your apartment, Danbi glancing up from the sofa. She looks at you, then looks at Jungkook, and takes a second to place his face. Definitely knows it - and then it clicks.

She considers asking why the fuck your favourite barman is following you in. He's known within the confines of your apartment as the Barman That Smiles (more commonly referred to as BTS boy), Jungkook's name a secret just for you to know. Danbi doesn't realise all of those nights you waste are the bar are wasted on him, nor does she realise he's the reason you snuck off the other night.

What she does wonder, however, is if this is all part of your master-get-revenge-on-Seokjin-plan.

Instead of voicing any of these queries, she settles on, "What are we having for dinner?"

You shrug. "Ask Jungkook. He's paying."

He raises a brow as if to question your assertion—only for him to cough up the bill for the pizza delivery that feeds the three of you through a Deadpool rewatch.

When he leaves, Danbi tells him he has to come back next week for Deadpool 2. You grin as you walk him out.

"She just wants you to pay for more food," you tell and he nods. Says he knows.

But then he calls back over to Danbi, "See you next week."

She does a little cheer, and it's all very sweet. They get on well. His humour is welcome in your apartment, and so is his presence. Danbi also hopes it means she'll get more free drinks next time she's at the club.

"She'll play you like a damn fiddle if you let her," you warn just out of her earshot.

"Good," he grins. "We can double date with you and Jimin."

You tell him to fuck off, but also insist that he lets you know when he gets home. The way you care about him is so casual that it feels as if it's been this way for years.

As he heads on home, Jungkook kind of hopes it will be. Hopes it's the kind of friendship that stands the test of time. Worries that he shouldn't take the flirting too far—but then he's distracted by the little fleck of glitter on the top of his hand. His thoughts are lost, a smile unwinding on his lips as he strolls back to his place.

The skies are void of stars tonight, and yet, for the first time in months, Jungkook's eyes are full of them.

minors dni | wattpad | series masterlist |

[arachnidiots]

GET TO KNOW THE MUN.

what made you pick up the muse you have? i wanted to try tumblr rp again (i had once in the past but i never stuck with it) and a friend convinced me it wasn’t so scary so i got to thinking well… who can i write and who do i kind of want to write? in my former rpc community, marvel was NOT a hot place… garbage fire actually, and if you were writing a canon it was even more of a dumpster fire. that being said, i really wanted to try my hand at peter parker, and i’d already been writing a lot for him outside of rp for fun. i used to have a little fic type thing that was ic/first pov and it brought me a lot of joy. liam was a test, more than anything. i’m surprised that they’re still a muse i write. they were an oc i made with a friend for fun and i thought why not give it a go and the love has just been so overwhelming that i can’t imagine a blog without liam and peter. they’re a package deal

is there anything you don’t like to write? probably just smut? i don’t think anything else comes to mind

is there anything you really enjoy writing? chaotic and nonsensical threads will always be some of my favorite. often it’s something i can write a lot quicker but also makes me think and try new things. i love when a thread makes me learn. i love learning so also any threads that open my eyes to something or broaden my knowledge about a subject. crossovers are really good for this because i get to explore new shows/movies or revisit loved ones.

how do you come up with your headcanons? something probably happened to me in the moment or i stared at a pinterest board or i heard it in a song

do you write in silence or do you play music? it takes a very specific kind of music to make me write. i either have to be so disinterested and unfamiliar with it or extremely familiar, like know all the words and the pacing. this has led to some embarrassing top five end of year songs

do you plan your replies or wing them? mostly i just wing it but if i get an idea for a future piece of dialogue or concept i will write it down in my notes

do you enjoy shipping? yes, but i don’t think it’s a must or priority! i love it if it happens or if you have any interest in it, but i’m not really always thinking about it

what’s your alias/name? birdie! i’ve had some mutuals call me bird too. i think it’s funny when people use the phrase “a little birdie told me” and i love to see posts with it and laugh to myself about it.

favorite color? red, but i’m not sure what shade

favorite song? i don’t have one but anything by bleachers or florence + the machine i will always love. lately ive been enjoying my kink is karma by chapell roan

last movie you watched? transformers the last knight…

last show you watched? i’m currently making my way through st: enterprise, i’m on s3!

last song you listened to? isimo by bleachers

favorite food? bread. any bread, all bread

favorite season? i suppose spring can be nice but i grew up in a place without seasons so i guess i love the idea of spring

do you have a tumblr best friend? does it count if they’re a best friend i pulled into the tumblr rpc? or a best friend who happens to have a tumblr? no? okay well, i have love and stars in my eyes for every person i meet on here. i make best friends like a six year old during recess. you’re nice? you have a cool shirt? we’re best friends.

tagged by : i stole it from the dash! / tagging: you steal it from me!

[ramenwithbroccoli]

the little birdie lore. hand it over. (plz and thank u and here is the creetur that comes w the ask 🐦)

I'M GLAD YOU ASKED (and here, have some snacks for the bird 🌾)

Little Birdie in a silly little hat

To start our analysis, we have to do what one's doing when listening to Little Birdie - imagine birds in hats. So here are some of them:

Prety fabulous, right? These birds sure do look good in their hats. What's stopping them from wearing them all the time?

The answer is: physics.

When we put a bird who flies in a fancy hat with the rim, it's deemed to lose it - it only takes one blow of the wind or wing motions to send it out into the sky never to be seen again. And when it comes to rimless (it's that even a real word?) hats like beanies, it would be hard to keep them from simply sliding off, due to birds being so aerodynamic.

Losing a hat would not only be sad, it would also be difficult to retrieve it. Even if it's possible, there's one pretty big problem: birds don't have hands. So they can't really do this.

I know, disappointing. But what does that mean to us?

Little Birdie is working with someone

There is someone - probably a human - working with Little Birdie to keep his hat in place. While this could take a form of putting it back on his head whenever he flies back teary eyed, holding it in his beak, I'm pretty sure we all figured a way better solution.

A ribbon (or maybe a thread or a cord of some sorts)

Simply tie it around your bird's neck and boom! Peace and love on planet earth. However, as mentioned above, birds don't have hands so they can't really tie it themselves. Even with a ribbon being quite stable, somone still would have to check up on it, periodically, to see if everything is still alright. Seems like much of a hassle, right? So why would anybody do that?

I'm pretty sure most of us have seen this post somewhere (wanted to link it but it turns out op deactivated so here's a screenshot)

While it may not be true for every bird - various posts point out that only ceratin species of birds feel butterflies in their stomachs when their mate can wear some colorful accesories - it's still an interesting fact that might help with our investigation.

But why would someone do this for Little Birdie?

Sure, we love birds, but why give this particular bird an unfair advantage? The answer is simple: the hat is a payment for service. At first i thought that Little Birdie works by gathering and selling information - after all we all heard someone say "a little birdie told me"- but that wouldn't make sense, as the hat is easily noticable so it would be quite a disadvantage when you have to sneak around and eavesdrop.

Then it hit me - the hat isn't only a reward, it's also a storage space. Little Birdie might just work in transport, right? Nothing malicious. However...

Little Birdie as a dealer

There isn't much space under the hat of a bird. Even if your thing is small, it also can't be heavy as to not cause too much discomfort, so you can't really get your tungsten cube delivered that way. That's leaving us with transporting light, small things. Someone would put them in a hat, secure it on Birdie, and then the person who the thing was delivered to would take it out and also adjust the hat again.

But why would they use a hat instead of a bag with bigger carrying capacities? Not only would it be more comfortable, it's also profitable because you could carry more stuff in there. That might be because a hat raises less suspicion. When you see a bird with a bag, or perhaps a pouch, you'd know that something is carried there. But a hat? Maybe a bird is just a little silly. Maybe its head feel cold when he flies so high in the sky (Why does he fly so high? To avoid someone detecting him?). You don't think about it too much, you just leave it be.

Another point is, Little Birdie can't really take the package out of his hat himself, which would be easier with a bag. When it comes to valuable transport - let's say, rare seeds from some rare fruit from another part of the world - he can't just reach in there and sneakily eat one without anyone noticing. He could take his hat off to do so, but he couldn't put it back on, meaning he would be just an ordinary hatless bird again.

But why would Birdie do that? Is it all a job? An unresolved part of shady past? Does he even know what he's doing? That questions might never be answered. I just hope that one day, Little Birdie might be carefree once again - with or without his silly, little hat.

[orchideae]

Fontaine verse things! Okay, so Yelan's presence there? Easy: Tartaglia. Remember, the guy we're all freaking out about because he's so deep in the Meropide, he's chilling out in the primordial sea with a whale I'm going to call his pet (okay listen, I believe he'll be okay, he has no other choice than to be okay), the one who decided to unseal an ancient god called Osial, who then retroactively unleashed his confused fury on Liyue Harbor? Yeah, that one. Listen, Childe, I may love you, but this girl does not.

In my main verse, Yelan travels to the nation of hydro at the request of Ningguang (and to a degree, uncle Tian). As canon seems to show and/or insinuate, Childe leaves in the aftermath of Osial's attack of the harbor, and it truly would seem immensely out of character for there to be no follow-up whatsoever. Even if we need to forego imprisonment, at the very least they would want to know how he was able to achieve what he did, and considering Osial is not dead nor sealed (anymore), information is key. All leads run dry eventually, and then you go to the only source that you know, the Harbinger in question.

Any ask or thread plotted will generally be fit to go into my default verse, her initial point of contact would have been Neuvillette, to see if he has any ability to aid her in accessing the Fortress. When learning of its autonomy, I imagine letters of requests to have been sent to Wriothesley directly, requests for a transfer, an official interrogation— and from what a little birdie (hi Min) has told me, these would likely meet deaf ears or be refused. Following this, Yelan heads over, because if there's anyone who might stand a chance, it's likely someone who knows how to play her cards.

Beyond that: there is also a personal reason as to why Yelan would want to seek out Childe (or any of the Harbingers or people tied to them, really), which is to find Regrator, better known as Pantalone. In canon, it is stated that during a mission tied to him, Yelan lost possession of a bracelet, it is part of a pair and is incredibly dear to her, not only because it's a magical artifact, but moreover because it is a family artifact, the only (from what we know) thing she has left of her clan and/or family (I'm still mulling on the insinuation[s] of the latter). As she always says, follow every lead to its end— and anyone, and everyone tied to the Fatui is a tie to Regrator and her bracelet.

[sultrybeats]

Little Birdie told me you're a bomb dancer. Any chance of getting a preview?

Rodimus will be treated to the removal of some of the more burdensome pieces of his kibble. They're the first things to go, methodical, perfunctory, and deliberate. The spy stacks them neatly on a mannequin nearby, then eases to the middle of the room.

His internal speakers come online, and music begins to thread its way out.

I put a spell on you...

Despite his somewhat boxy frame, there's an organic liquidness to the other's movements as he begins to dance. Hands travel down his frame, teasing at seams and gaps- tugging the occasional wire, even as he ripples his spine like molten mercury. Hips and shoulders twist with impossible rotation and flexibility, allowing him to bend nearly double in places- and to arch his frame to let light glide across curves and dips.

The entire time, his visor remains fixed on the brightly colored Prime, the weight of that gaze heavy and lidded.

Slowly, gradually- that frame slinks its way towards the other's seat- allowing Jazz to bracket the other's shoulders with a hand on each side of the seat. He might be shorter, but he's a giant of sensuality as he straddles the other's lap with a practiced roll of his hips.

"This whatcha lookin' fer, sweetness?"

His helm dips, lips a micron from the other's audials as he whispers.

[breakerwhiskey]

189 - ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE

Please visit breakerwhiskey.com for more information or to send a message to Whiskey's radio. Breaker Whiskey is an Atypical Artists production created by Lauren Shippen. If you'd like to support the show, please visit patreon.com/breakerwhiskey.

Transcript under the cut. For more episodes, click here.

[click, static]

Look. A lot…a lot has happened in the last few weeks. And I’m…well, I think I’ve found an okay place to stay safe for a few days, catch my breath, figure out what my next move is. A house that’s got some clothes that look like they might fit me, some canned goods, woods around it that should be good for setting up rabbit traps. Plus the gas stove still works, so I’m…well, I’m really cooking with gas. (a weak laugh) Sorry, I’m…I’m fucking tired.

Setting Harry and Junior to the side for the moment—not like I ever really can do that, they’re on my mind constantly, a merry-go-round of thoughts and fears that never stops—but. Setting them to the side for a moment.

I’ve been putting my thoughts in a row. Organizing the disparate threads of morse code messages and evidence and Asimov books and…

I am somewhere else. We are. We are in a time of our own, separate from the world we knew. I killed Billings and we…branched off. I took Harry with me because she was there, Junior because it was his father I killed, and Leann because…the random rippling of chance.

And if there was one ripple big enough to affect Leann, then that means there must be other people out there. I’m sure of it. But maybe they have no way of reaching me—maybe they’re not hearing me at all, even though it seems like my transmission radius is a lot bigger than it should be—and that’s a mystery I don’t feel particularly inclined to solve at the moment, bigger fish and all—maybe they’re just all spread out so much that the odds of us running into each other are vanishingly small.

But there are others. I know that. And that’s enough for now.

So. The photos. I’ve been looking at the Denver ones again and I had a thought…the weird watch, the slightly strange clothes…what if that’s—

What if it’s 1975, but just…over there. What if that’s where the sounds come from too? A collision point of timelines, some overlap that bleeds through in sound and in polaroids, for some reason. And the reason that Junior didn’t show up in the photo I took is because he wasn’t standing there in normal 1975. Because he’s here. But the people in Denver were there, just…unreachable. The camera is a little window into the real world.

I don’t know, it’s just a theory. But it’s got me wondering—why me? Why this choice? If time and space split every time someone accidentally killed someone—

Well. Maybe that is what’s happening. Everyone in their own little pocket of punishment after making a choice. But we make thousands—tens of thousands—of choices every single day. What makes one choice more potent than another? Is there some preordained “correct” order of things we’re supposed to be following, just like Eternity?

That’s really the ultimate question isn’t it—Birdie and Fox and what they both seem to know. The way they seem to be able to communicate with me no matter where I am. The way they only communicate through morse code. Are they…they’re not god, I refuse to believe that, but are they Eternity somehow? Are they…monitoring me, monitoring everything, to make sure things are just right? But if that’s the case, then what are we still doing here. Why hasn’t Andrew Harlan come and repaired what I did to put everything back in its place.

It really does all sound like science fiction. Maybe it’s all true, maybe I’m right on the money, or maybe none of it is. And I’m not sure who I would believe if anyone told me which it was.

[click, static]

[nepofm]

GARDEN  TEA  PARTY  !

looks  like  spring  has  finally  sprung  .  you  didn’t  hear  it  from  me  ,  but  a  little  birdie  told  me  about  a  certain  garden  tea  party  taking  place  this  month  .  and  as  usual  ,  you  won’t  want  to  miss  this  .  event  invites  have  long  been  sent  out  so  we  hope  you  got  yours  .

hosted  by  the  central  park  conservancy  ,  the  tea  party  will  take  place  at  the  waldorf  astoria  .  a  venue  known  to  most  as  a  true  palace  in  the  city  .  ensconced  in  american  culture  ,  it’s  welcomed  presidents  ,  royals  ,  movie  stars  and  cultural  luminaries  .  and  while  florals  are  expected  and  not  at  all  groundbreaking  ,  the  conservancy’s  planning  committee  have  taken  it  to  another  level  for  afternoon  tea  .  it’s  ethereal  .  heavenly  .  unreal  .

 dress  code  is  mandatory  .  and  unlike  other  events  ,  this  one  is  smart  casual  .  a  mix  between  business  casual  and  casual  ,  but  don’t  let  your  guard  down  !  attendees  are  encouraged  to  embrace  the  theme  and  go  beyond  florals  and  pastels  .

 rumor  has  it  that  this  event  is  an  intimate  one  with  a  guest  list  is  so  EXCLUSIVE  that  even  we’re  not  exactly  sure  who’s  in  attendance  .  we’re  sure  that  anyone  who’s  anyone  has  rsvp’d  so  i  hope  your  invitation  hasn’t  gotten  lost  in  the  mail  .  and  as  always  ,  make  sure  your  nepoupdates  notifications  are  on  for  live  updates  !

OOC  DETAILS

out  of  character  :  this  is  a  mini  event  !  the  duration  is  one  week , starting  on  friday  , april  14th  at  12:00  am  est  and  will  last  until  friday ,  april  21st  at  11:59  pm  est  .

in  character  : this  event  will  take  place  on  saturday  ,  april  8th  at  3:00  pm  and  is  held  in  the  waldorf  astoria’s  winter  garden  . dress  code  is  smart  casual .  along  with  champagne  and  a  vast  selection  of  tea  ,  an  open  bar  will  be  available  to  attendees  as  well  as  a  variety  of  finger  foods  ,  scones  with  clotted  cream  and  jam  ,  sweet  pastries  and  cakes  .  music  will  be  handled  by  a  string  quartet  to  set  the  tone  .  you  can  view  this  pinterest  board  for  event  inspiration  . this  is  a  dash  only  event  .

event  participation  is  optional  ,  however  highly  encouraged !  by  participating  in  the  event  , you  can  apply  for  10  points  from  our  points  system  ! points  can  be  redeemed  into  both  ooc  &  ic  prizes .

your  muse’s  outfits  &  starters  for  the  event  participation  must  be  tagged  with  #nepofm.event003 ! feel  free  to  share  your  muse’s  outifts  in  our  ooc  discord  channels  as  well  !

nepoupdates  will  be  interactively  involved  in  the  event  . muses  can  send  in  anonymous  (  or  not  )  tips  to  the  gossip  blog .

once  the  event  is  over ,  you  may  continue  &  finish  the  threads  from  the  event  but  please  ,  don’t  start  any  new  ones  !  if  you  decide  to  fade  to  black  plots  for  event  , please  leave  plotting  updates  for  nepoupdates  .

finally  , this  event  is  100%  about  character  & connections  development  as  well  as  fun  for  both  muses  &  muns  ! if  you  have  any  questions , please  don’t  hesitate  to  reach  out  to  admins  on  main  or  through  our  #questions  channel  on  discord  !

[figsandfandoms]

✨2022 Writing Year In Review✨

I was tagged by @lassiesspanishaccent​ so here goes!

1. Number of stories posted to AO3: 25!! Holy Hannah. That’s a bit skewed by the fact that I participated in Flufftober this year.

2. Word count posted for the year:  62,626

3. Fandoms I wrote for: Psych and SG-1

4. Pairings: I was quite the multi-shipper this year lol

Juliet/Shawn (Psych)

Daniel/Vala (SG-1)

Gus/Selene (Psych)

Carlton/Marlowe (Psych)

Carlton/Shawn (Psych)

Shawn/Gus (Psych)

5. Story with the most: 

Kudos: “One night in the chief’s office”  (225 Kudos)

Bookmarks: “One night in the chief’s office” 49 Bookmarks)

Comments: “You've got comments “ (56 Comment Threads)

6. Work I’m most proud of (and why): 

I think I answered this question in another AO3 round up or review, so hopefully I answer it the same this time haha.

But I think I’m most proud of two works: How many one-night stands equals a relationship? and One night in the chief’s office.

For How many one-night stands equals a relationship?, I’d say I’m proud of the poetry of it.

For One night in the chief’s office, it was my first major M/M smut, and I’m proud of how it turned out, and proud of myself for pushing through with it.

7. Work I’m least proud of (and why):

I honestly don’t know. This has given me the opportunity to read over some of the fics that don’t get a lot of attention, but I’m still proud of them and proud that I wrote them.

Do I think that the writing could have been better, that maybe I could have spell-checked a little more? Sure. But I wrote something and created something. So, I’m proud of them.

8. Share or describe a favourite review you received:

Oh gosh. Like Swattie said, I love each and every comment I’ve received. I don’t think I’ve deleted any of them from my inbox! (side note, does the AO3 inbox have a limit???).

That being said…

The ones that really stick out are the times when people have told me I’ve written the characters ‘in character’. The characters I wrote for are an eclectic bunch, and getting their tone and style of speaking down pat can be hard. So I love it when people tell me that I write them in characters.

9. A time when writing was really, really hard:

Hmm… I’d say maybe the beginning of 2022, when I got such a horrible round of migraines. At least two a week for about a month or so. Back then, opening my eyes was hard, let alone writing a fic.

10. A scene or character you wrote that surprised you:

Writing for Cam in Cameron Mitchell's Diary was kind of surprising. The idea for the story came outta nowhere, and I hadn’t really thought of writing from Cam’s perspective.

11. A favourite excerpt of your writing:

I’m gonna cheat and pick two:

From ‘How many one-night stands’

He nods, and they kiss and hug and touch and undress each other and try to make each other feel good because they know this feeling won’t last long. He pours kindness and caring into every clash of teeth and tongue, telling her without words that it’ll be okay, that she’ll be okay.

I hit the poetry hard with this story, but this is my favourite line.

From ‘You’ve got comments’

Shawn thought for approximately 8.5 seconds before he enacted his plan. It was twice as long as he normally spent looking before leaping, so he gave himself a literal pat on the back before starting.

That line makes me giggle.

12. How did you grow as a writer this year:

I took more risks this year, and my writing has improved.

13. How do you hope to grow next year:

By doing what I did last year- keep trying new things and seeing what happens.

14. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc):

The Santa Barbara After Dark discord! Swattie, Birdy, Noz, Avotah, Aut… You all are so amazing!

I’ll also be sappy and say my husband is my biggest cheerleader. He cheers me on and takes over household chores so I can write. He’s my best friend and I love him. Love you babe!

15. Anything from your real life show up in your writing this year:

Chapter four of Flufftober- Psych stories was partly inspired by my husband and the way he supports my powerlifting.

16. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers:

New wisdom? I don’t think it’s ‘new’, but I would say ‘don’t be afraid to write something different’. you never know what might happen.

17. Any projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year:

I’ve got a couple of WIPs that are almost finished that I’m looking forward to getting over the line.

Other than that, I’ve got a couple of ideas that I’d like to get started on, as well as an original work.

18. Tag some writers whose answers you’d like to read.

@emachinescat @missmultifandommessdom @r1ver-6r-6