#and yes I’m aware of the irony of finishing this because I was feeling anxious

[skyward-floored]

At time or writing its my birthday so, yay! Prompt: Time and his family blending in during a community event

So I saw “community event” and kind of immediately thought “county fair” for some reason and kinda focused on that, and it’s blending in but it’s not like totally the focus and... well... it’s not exactly what you asked for..? But I hope you enjoy it anyways at least. And happy late birthday :)

(Requests are closed! I’m just finishing up the ones I have)

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Twilight couldn’t help being stressed whenever his family all went someplace in public.

It was probably stupid— check that, he knew it was stupid to worry so much, especially when they were here to have fun. And he liked the Ordon county fair, it was one of his favorite things to do in the summer, he just... he worried.

He worried about Wind being so flippant about using his powers in public, since they were so hard to notice. He worried about Four, that he’d get lost or separated from them. He worried that Hyrule would get overwhelmed, he worried that Wild would use his powers without thinking, he worried he worried he worried.

And most of all, he worried they’d be exposed and have to move.

Again.

The last time was still stark in Twilight’s memory, the stress, the worry... the fear. The looks his parents would give each other, and the conversations they’d had that they’d thought were out of Twilight’s earshot (they weren’t).

So yeah. Despite loving the fair, and eating junky food and getting to pet all kinds of animals and see what his grandpa was showing this year... the moment they got there, Twilight was on edge.

Wild made to run off the second they all walked through the gates, but their father snagged his shirt, clearing his throat.

“Ground rules,” he reminded with a raised eyebrow, and Wild and his siblings sighed as they moved to a spot where they wouldn’t be overheard by anybody. “You remember them?”

“Don’t go off alone, if you see anything suspicious come find you or Mom, meet back at lunchtime at the barn where Grandpa is,” they all rattled off, and Time nodded approvingly.

“And absolutely no powers,” Malon added with a pointed look at Wind.

Wind grumbled and kicked at the dirt, but nodded, and Twilight felt a little bit of his anxiety ease.

“All right. Go have fun,” Time said with a faint smile, and they all split and ran, Wild grinning as he dragged Hyrule off to who-knows-where.

Wind ran after them, and Twilight hesitated, unsure whether to tag along or stay with his parents. Wild could get into all sorts of trouble, though Hyrule wasn’t likely to go along with anything too insane. But with Wind as another influence...

“You want to see if Grandpa is here yet?” Legend asked him with a poke, and Twilight swallowed back his worry. He was here to have fun. He needed to stop worrying about what his siblings were doing, and relax.

He breathed out and nodded at the question, and Twilight and Legend went off towards the livestock, glancing back just long enough to see Time put Four up on his shoulders so he could see over the swarms of people.

At least he probably didn’t need to worry about that group.

Legend and Twilight wandered through the fairgrounds, steadily making their way towards the big barns where all the livestock were kept. There weren’t really any games or food in this area, but it wasn’t boring by any means; lots of companies had stalls along this path, all eager to advertise, and Twilight got three free pens and a cup with the Malo Mart logo printed all over it. Legend ended up with some pens as well, along with a paper fan, a stress ball, a pair of sunglasses that looked like they would fall apart if anyone looked at them wrong, and a balloon, somehow.

He tied it happily on his wrist as they finally reached the barns, and Twilight looked around, the familiar sounds of mooing cows and smell of hay easing the anxiety still twisting his stomach.

“Heya Twi!” a cheerful voice called over the noise of the barn, and Twilight turned towards it, perking up at the sight of the blonde girl waving at him.

He and Legend worked their way through the stalls and people, and Twilight grinned as the girl ran up and squeezed them both, her face excited.

“Hey Ilia,” Twilight said, and she pulled back, still grinning.

Ilia lived in Ordon proper, rather than the outskirts where his grandpa’s ranch was, but he and his brothers often ran around with her whenever they visited. She was a good friend, even if she could be a bit intense sometimes.

“Howdy boys. You here to see the animals this year? Ordon ranch has some blue ribbons in the making, I know it!” Ilia said excitedly, and the goat behind her let out a bleat. She turned around and petted it, and Twilight did the same, the goat happily rubbing against his hand. “The goats miss having you around, Twilight. You need to visit again!”

“It hasn’t been that long. And grandpa really doesn’t have room for all of us,” Twilight pointed out, and she shrugged, giving the goat’s nose a pat.

“Well it feels like it’s been ages since you last came to Ordon. And what’s so bad about being a little cramped for a bit?”

“You’ve never had to share a bed with Wild,” Legend snorted, balloon waving as he crossed his arms. “He couldn’t keep still if his life depended on it. Plus he always hogs the blankets.”

“He’s not that bad,” Twilight interjected as Ilia laughed, and Legend rolled his eyes.

“That’s just because you can get him to stay still with your—”

He cut off rather suddenly, and Twilight froze, well aware Legend had been about to talk about his wolf form. The anxiety roared back as Ilia looked between them, and he felt his heart start to pound.

She’s going to find out she’s going to get her mind wiped we’re going to have to move again we need to leave or she’s—

“With his what? Ilia asked, and Legend cleared his throat.

“Oh you know, he has his ways. Most of them involve sitting on Wild,” he shrugged, and Ilia laughed again, quickly moving on from the hiccup. Twilight swallowed, trying to calm his racing heart, and based on the look Legend gave him, he could probably hear it thudding.

What was wrong with him? Usually he could handle little mistakes like that with ease, and he’d just frozen up?

Twilight swallowed again, stomach still twisting itself into knots. Why was he so nervous?

“Hey boys!”

“Grandpa!” Legend grinned in return, and Twilight calmed down somewhat as their grandpa came up and engulfed both of them in a hug.

“Ah it’s been too long since I’ve seen you kids. You’re shooting up like weeds!” Talon chuckled, patting them both on the back. “You’ve come to see our prize-winning horses I assume?”

“And cows, and goats, and donkeys, chickens, ducks, ponies... basically anything you got,” Legend said, nudging Twilight with a smirk.

Twilight mustered up a smile. “Yeah. Epona’s foals still your stars?”

“As always. One’s already won a ribbon. This way,” Talon said as his mustache upturned in a smile, and the two boys followed, Ilia joining them.

Twilight calmed down again as they walked around the barn with their grandpa and Ilia, petting animals and saying hello to other farmers. Ilia got called away before they reached Lon Lon’s stalls, but she promised she’d come talk to them again later.

Epona’s foals were still sweet and feisty as ever. She’d had one more recently, and the little thing seemed to especially love Twilight, bumping her head against his chest. Twilight smiled and patted her, and she let out a shrill little whinny, prancing as much as she could in her stall.

“Just like her mother, that one,” Talon chuckled. “She’s just here to get used to the crowds this year, but we’ll have her winning ribbons soon enough. We’ve been calling her Little Epona. With Malon’s approval, of course.”

“Well she’s definitely like Epona,” Twilight said, and hummed something under his breath, the little filly going still at the notes. Her ears flicked, and when Twilight finished, she whinnied excitedly, nuzzling at his hair.

He laughed, and Legend snorted, giving the horse a few gentle pets before pulling back. “I’m going to go see if that one guy has the baby bunnies again this year, I’ll be right over there,” he pointed, and Twilight nodded. As long as he could see Legend, he didn’t mind them separating a little.

Legend strolled away, balloon bobbing behind him, and Talon turned to look at Twilight, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“You doing all right Twilight?” he asked. Twilight shrugged, looking back at Little Epona. He didn’t really want to talk about it.

“Okay, I guess,” he said, ignoring the lump still in his stomach and the anxiety keeping him on edge.

“You sure, son? You keep lookin’ around like someone’s fixin’ to take a bite out of you.”

“No, I’m great,” Twilight tried to say in a more upbeat voice, but even he could tell it fell flat.

Talon raised an eyebrow.

“Now that’s a deflection if I ever heard one. What’s eatin’ you, son?” he asked, and Twilight leaned back against the stall, still petting Little Epona. The petting motion helped soothe him a little, and he took a minute to respond.

“I’m just... I guess I’m nervous,” he admitted in a mumble, his stomach giving itself a twist. “We haven’t all been anywhere this crowded since the last time we had to move, and I’m...”

Twilight trailed off, and Little Epona nuzzled at his arm.

“You’re worried it’s gonna happen again,” Talon guessed, and Twilight nodded. “Ah, kiddo. You gotta understand, all of that isn’t something you can control.”

“Exactly, that’s the problem,” Twilight said, and felt his chest squeezing tighter. “I can’t control it. Something might happen any moment where one of us will have to use our powers, and then everyone will see and they’ll get their memories wiped and we’ll have to move again and—”

“Whoa whoa, hold your horses Twi,” his grandpa said, putting his hands on his shoulders. “Calm down.”

“But—”

“Breathe,” Talon said firmly, and Twilight breathed in, then slowly let it out. “Thank you. Panicking never did anyone a lick of good.”

Twilight looked down at his shoes, and his grandpa was quiet for a few moments, his hands still on Twilight’s shoulders.

Little Epona nickered softly, and Twilight leaned back, going back to petting her neck.

“I used to worry about your mother’s powers being discovered,” his grandpa said finally, and Twilight snuck a look at him. Talon was watching him with a look both fond and wistful on his face, and glanced over at Little Epona. “She’d go off to school, and I’d worry she’d accidentally use her horse-soothing voice without thinking, try and talk to some deer that’d run by, do things people aren’t s’pposed to be able to do... any number of things.”

“How did you stop?” Twilight asked softly.

Talon hummed. “I don’t know that I ever fully did. Malon was a bit of a wild thing when she was young... if she’d wanted to use her powers in front of people, I doubt I could’ve stopped her.”

His eyes went distant for a moment, then he sighed, and turned and put a hand on Twilight’s shoulder again.

“But I trusted her to listen to me anyway. I took her by her word, and she took me at mine. That was all we could do.

“I guess what I’m tryin’a say is... you can’t control your circumstances, kiddo,” Talon said gently. “You just have to accept whatever life throws at you, and go from there. It’s not under your control if something happens where one of your family members’ll need to use their powers, or even if they do by accident. The only thing you can control is how you react and respond.”

His face softened, and he squeezed Twilight’s shoulder.

“Have you talked to your folks about any of this?”

Twilight shuffled his feet. “...Not really.” He didn’t want to add something else to their numerous worries. Especially something as dumb as being a little anxious.

“Well I would bet it would help,” Talon said with a smile. “I’m willing to be a listenin’ ear, but your folks will probably have a better solution than I would. And I know it’s hard, but you’re too young to be worryin’ your head off the way you are. Try and take it easy, son. You’re here to have fun, after all. Try and take a break from your worries.”

Twilight gave him a nod in response, not completely convinced, but... feeling a little better all the same. Grandpa always had a way of doing that.

Talon gave him a quick hug, and Twilight squeezed him in return as Legend wandered back their direction.

“All the guy had was turtles, can you believe it? No rabbits, just turtles. Who brings turtles to a fair?” Legend griped, then looked at Twilight and his grandpa as they pulled back. “...Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Twilight replied, and Talon patted his shoulder. “Do you want to go see if Wild won anything at those games he always tries before we have to eat lunch?”

Legend grinned. “Boy do I. How long before he loses his patience and gets Wind to help him cheat, do you think?”

Twilight sighed. “He probably already has.”

Somehow though, the thought didn’t bring with it nearly as much anxiety as it would have earlier.

“See you boys later,” Talon waved, and Legend and Twilight waved goodbye as they left the barn, but not before giving Little Epona some goodbye pats. The filly whinnied happily as Twilight said goodbye, and he smiled as he and Legend went to go find Wild.

His stomach still felt tight as they walked out of the barn, but Twilight put it firmly from his mind, deciding he wasn’t going to let his anxiety ruin his day.

Sure he was still nervous. And worried about his family, and what the day might bring and what the future would hold. But he was going to enjoy himself regardless.

A faint strain of accordion music drifted through the air, mixing with laughter from somewhere nearby, and Twilight smiled as Legend excitedly nudged his shoulder.

He wouldn’t let worry over the unknown ruin the day for him.

[fuckyeahgabrielgoodomens]

You know, I’m not sure I’m sold that Gabriel doesn’t know about back channels. IMO the whole thing is shot like a wink wink nod nod type thing, with Gabriel’s slow, deliberate delivery of “there *are* no backchannels Michael” and Michael’s little smirk as she turns away. But I do think that reading it as Gabriel deliberately going “I didn’t see nothing” puts another spin on his interactions with Zira. Maybe he did notice some weirdness with Zira and let it slide because he’s fond of the guy

Without meaning to cyberbully the character who’s ostensibly my favourite on main again, I’m just gonna say that like. I think Gabriel is way too brainless to do to that.

Gabriel knows about relationships with Hell. We see that he and Beelzebub have a very familiar relationship with one another - they have a comfortable shorthand, they feel safe expressing discomfort/workplace frustration with one another, they mirror one another’s body language, and in general come across as two people who like... aren’t friends, per se, but are certainly friendly enough within the bounds of their professional dynamic, and know each other fairly well.

This is not the same as calling a demon from the stairwell on the down-low, murmuring into your phone receiver.

Michael is usually the leader of the angels, in most depictions. Certainly, the commander of the armies. Funny, isn’t it, that Gabriel is the man in charge, when Michael is right there? Funny, isn’t it, that Michael stands at Gabriel’s righthand, lets him do everything, and yet as soon as things become a little more complicated, a little... greyer on each side, Michael steps up to the plate?

Gabriel:

Consistently and brightly praises Aziraphale for his “great work” on Earth, and either outright refuses to, or quietly ignores, most of the other angels’ discomfort with him. I think Gabriel knows the other angels don’t like Aziraphale as much as he does; I don’t think he thinks that Aziraphale is less untrustworthy. Why is this?

Gabriel has utter faith in the Ineffable Plan. He has utter faith in God. And you know what? He has utter faith in his angels, including Aziraphale. Big mistake, no?

Is very literal minded and visibly has trouble understanding sarcasm/irony when Aziraphale gets snippy. 

Is very task-focused and very linear in that task focus - he gets frustrated when Aziraphale keeps making meandering comments or getting off-task, but he also respects that, to an extent, and says, “sure, take some time on Earth to finish up,” because he knows that it’s important to Aziraphale to be that way.

Consistently asks the other angels for their input and opinion, because he values it and is aware (as arrogant as he is) that they see things differently to him. 

Gabriel is cheerful. Gabriel is bright, and smiling, and happy! He’s a big, dumb American!

Look at the complete difference in his body language when Michael breaks out the spy photos. Look at the way he shuts down, brings his limbs in close to himself, at the way his lips part. Look at the way his fingers tentatively, uncertainly push the pictures apart. Listen to his monotone - for Gabriel, this is utter desperation - when he says, “There must be a mistake.”

This isn’t Gabriel letting down an act. With all the love in the world, Gabriel isn’t smart enough to have an act. This is Gabriel temporarily shutting down, because his trust in Aziraphale, which is an extension of his trust in the world, the angels, God, as a whole, has just been shattered.

Gabriel is a wonderful manager. I know Aziraphale finds him annoying, but Gabriel’s enthusiasm as project manager isn’t actually very different from the Crowley we see explaining his schemes or doing his M25 project - he’s enthusiastic, he’s driven, and he encourages the same from his employees. He sees good work, and he claps, he beams, he blurts out constant praise. Is it very American? Yes. Is it very overbearing and annoying, if you’re Aziraphale? Yes. But Gabriel is only trying to praise his work - he doesn’t know another way to do it. Even if he did do it another way, Aziraphale still wouldn’t like it.

But when we see Gabriel doing the real leadership decisions, he’s uncomfortable. As soon as the plan goes off from the decisions on paper, he’s anxious, his temper is flaring, he’s visibly very edgy and uncomfortable. All his breeze and ease go right out of the window. 

But that’s okay, because Michael is going through the backchannels, Michael is doing the dirty work, and Michael will set up the quid pro quo that Gabriel struggles so much to even imagine. Michael is the leader that makes the hard decisions; Michael isn’t good at corporate management, but Michael can lead armies. This isn’t just because Michael has a brain and Gabriel doesn’t - it’s also because she can actually read other people’s body language, run different trains of thought at once, and... you know, lie. She can fucking lie, and does so, all day long.

And that’s how I see the general ranking of power between Michael and Gabriel. When Heaven got set up into the office style, they adapted and put Gabriel in as “commander”, but he really just is the (very handsome) picture on the stamp - it’s Michael that does the Big Scary Stuff. 

I think that Has a brain!Gabriel is a great AU, but in regards to the text, I really do believe him when he says there are no backchannels.

Gabriel is, from Aziraphale’s perspective, a perfect angel. He follows the plan; he’s full of joy and brightness; he rejects hedonism; he’s big and handsome and Looks Like An Angel, et cetera. Gabriel is perfectly capable of throwing out his analytical mind and taking things as literally as they’re (not) intended. Aziraphale can’t do that, and that’s part of why Gabriel is so utterly insufferable: he’s a consistent reminder of everything Aziraphale isn’t, when he says he wants to be a good angel.

But from our perspective... Gabriel isn’t so good, perhaps. Gabriel loves to jog; Gabriel is vain and loves clothes and will miss clothes after the apocalypse; Gabriel loses his temper; Gabriel falters; Gabriel is frightened. I think one of the funny things that Aziraphale does is to kind of brush off all the feelings his individual coworkers might feel, and instead view them as a blunt and unfeeling collective, which... they’re not. 

Yeah. 

Sorry for the long answer, Anon! I’ve got a lot of feelings about this subject.

[deniigi]

Excuse me if I’m wrong but I could’ve sworn you mentioned somewhere you were planning a wedding with your fiance. Which is freaking exciting and awesome?? Congratu-fucking-lations dude!

HelLO friend

Why, thank you, I am indeed getting married in the next year. My fiance is actually @thisisamansjob ❤❤❤❤❤ (be kind to him, he is highly indulgent and sometimes shy)

We’re having a tiny queer wedding in a botanical garden and then an absurd reception in a local park.

Did you want to see our rings?

GREAT because you’re getting em anyways

He picked them so that they look like they have tree ring patterns on them.

Did you want to hear our love story?

GREAT because you’re hearing it anyways

So Sam (yes, I fully understand the naming irony here) and I met at the place we used to work while we were both doing our Masters degrees. I gave him a moose pillowpet for Christmas one year and he paid me back by taking me out for lunch to this park (the one in the above pic actually) and shortly after that I fell hard for this fucker and he fell for my charms and nattering.

(side note: it turned out that one of our mutual friends had fuckin’ outed me to Sam like the year before this happened and had also fuckin’ snitched on me re: my attraction to Sam, so he apparently knew this whole time that I was into him and so had gone into this whole thing way more aware of things than I was. It was a whole deal. Life lesson: just because outing your friends gets them nice things doesn’t mean you should fucking do it. It’s very Not Okay.)

But anyways the dramatic caveat here was that I was supposed to leave the state in the four months after we got together so we both were like, cool. This is fine, we’ll fuck around for 4 months and that’ll be that.

So we are on a path for a fling, right? Right.

But naturally I managed to get a job in the bay area and decided that actually I very much did NOT want to move across country to the midwest to be with my fam (sorry fam), which worked out just perfect for me and Sam’s “fling”

So we carried on dating and we just so happened to get the same job again about 6 months after we graduated. But then I got into my PhD program, fully funded, and those of us in academia just know: you do not turn down that kind of offer.

Sam, who is also an academic, who also had plans to do a phd, went out and encouraged me to do it. With the full knowledge that I would be leaving him, for another continent. For 3 years, y’all.

He supported me. To leave him. For 3 years.

I mean.

I cannot even describe the kind of crazy leap of faith that is.

Anyways, so I’m excited on one hand and devastated on the other because I am not really made for long-distance relationships and we’re both kind of nervous because we’ve never done this before, and the first year was fucking rough. But he came to see me (all the way to England!! From California, yo! For 2 weeks! That is an expensive fuckin’ trip guys). And then I went home to see him. And then he got into his PhD program.

And then we were like, fuck. Okay, everyone is now doing crazy shit, people in our families keep getting sick and having hard times, our projects are difficult, we’re both broke, we’re both suffering and lonely and anxious all of the goddamn time, but we’ve got this thing and we can do this. Let’s try to make this work. And it kind of? Has? We’ve managed to make it work? (We talk like every day, and we call a couple of times a week, and it’s hard and we literally count the days until we see each other next, but we’ve made it this far. So by god, we’ve only got one more year to go).

So yeah. We go see each other during the breaks and we travel together and hike a lot and generally spend a lot of time outdoors. And he’s super into environmentalism and science and social justice and art. And we’re both really low-key people who don’t do a whole lot of drama, and he makes me laugh every damn day. Like, he’s just got a gift. And such a huge heart and such honest concern for people.

AND I JUST LOVE HIM OKAY???

So yeah, anyways, we’re hella gay and disgusting and we’re getting married once I finish my program and move back home and then we’re gonna have tax benefits and we’re gonna have a dog and a garden and a shoebox apartment, but honestly? what the fuck ever, I would do pretty much damn near anything for his happiness and I know he feels the same but the problem is now, friends, that I need a fucking dress for my goddamn wedding and I don’t even know where to start.

So yes. This has been your gushing service announcement for the day.

You’re all welcome.

[naromoreau]

Eyes wide open

Pairing: Joseph Seed x Deputy Rook Rating: E (NSFTUMBLR) I wrote this idea based on one of the amazing @outranks’ hedcanons, you can find here. Also, big shout out to @outranks herself for being such an awesome friend and encourage and review this. SMOOCH. _______________________________________

Behind the lectern, Joseph wrings his fingers and lets out a sharp breath. It’s not as if he’s nervous. Perhaps a bit anxious. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since the last time he felt like this about someone. Always waiting for her to show up as if he couldn’t concentrate otherwise. It’s hard to mask it though. His attention can’t be astray from his duty because his flock needs him, especially now. He’s the Father and they are his children.

And now more than ever he’s determined to strengthen the Project, having something especially precious to protect.

It’s just right then when he sees her.

His jaw tenses of its own accord and the air is suddenly puffed out of his lungs. There’s a dry click in his throat as he swallows, his cheeks flushing at improper – certainly impure – thoughts. He tries to deflect them, to scythe them completely, thinking about his sermon, but he finds no comfort there. His eyes swivel from the line of her chest up her face, where she’s looking at him with the biggest smile. A vestal virgin and wanton Venus all in one.

He clears his throat making an effort to smile nonchalantly, watching her take a seat in the front row next to Faith. Right in front of him.

//

By now he’s acutely aware of his dick already at full mast inside his pants, forcing him to keep his place behind the lectern. Her stiff nipples poke through the thin fabric and he feels his lips dry, stuttering in his speech. Big drops of sweat slide down his temples as he tries to sail through words that just haul his mind to wrong places.

“Lest again, when I come, God humble me among you, and I mourn many of them that sinned before, and have not done penance for the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness that they have committed, says the Apostle.” He almost gruffs at the irony, “and we should not let the root of that sin fester inside us.”

He grits his teeth when she shifts in her seat, uncrossing her legs and spreading them just enough to offer him a perfect view of her bare cunt. His cock throbs painfully and he musters all his will to not crack mid sentence and throw himself down the stairs and claim her. He’s only human, he thinks, and it stings like a pin prick. Her darkened eyes are burning into his skin as she leans forward, her full breasts almost spilling from her dress.  

He glances to the sides, casually, just to make sure no one is setting eyes on his Rook and he draws a breath of relief. The attention of the crowd is on him and him alone. The possessive vein pulsing inside, shrouds his mind, urging him to take her right then and there.

No. Focus.

What was he saying? The brief stop has John and Jacob already leaning forward, inquiring gazes directed at him. Joseph raises both hands and keeps going.

He forces himself to draw his attention elsewhere, to not dwell on her, but it’s easier said than done. His eyes are pull to Rook as if they were metal to a magnet, provoking even in the peripheria of his vision. He stomps down a growl when she draws her index finger to her lips, seemingly deep in thought, just to suck it gently, her lips pursing enticingly.

Images of Rook, smiling at him from between his thighs, the tip of his dick disappearing into her mouth, flood his mind in a slew that makes his blood run hot. It’d been just one time but every single move and sensation is scorched in his brain making him shiver whenever he decides to dredge them up. That’s more often than he wants to admit. He clasps the sides of the lectern tightly, knuckles white, and good Lord in heaven– It’s not lust. It’s not. She’s the only one who makes him feel like this.

He doesn’t know how, but he finishes the service, stumbling upon words. He beckons to John and Jacob to help him dismiss the faithful, and he’s sure by now John has a pretty tame idea of his predicament. It’s written on his face. Soon everyone is dispersed and away.

He finally set his eyes on Rook, narrowing them slightly, and nods once the doors close. If that’s what she wants, he wouldn’t fight against it anymore.

//

Rook’s heart thunders in her chest, blood buzzing in her ears as she winds up closer to Joseph, counting her steps as a form of grounding. Has she pushed too far? She can’t tell but yet she hopes. Wants to feel him fucking her, all tethers of his restraint loose until there’s only raw touch and lewd sounds, until they both are dazed by everything they are when they’re together.

She doesn’t want to admit to be bested in her own game, not yet, because she could’ve sworn she’d seen a crack in his calmness if just for the splinter of a second. Rook feels her slick wetness trickling down her thighs, her core aching for the thick fill of his dick. This is wrong. This is a sinner’s doing, but she can’t hack a low moan as the space disappears between them.  

As soon as she’s within his arm’s reach, Joseph pulls her close, his fingers curling around her arms so tightly she can feel how very disrupted he is. Shaky hands when he’s always firm. His breath puffs against her lips and she trembles under the intensity that radiates from him, her throat going dry. He presses her against a wall, giving her a bruising kiss, all tongue and teeth, and thick amounts of spilled lust. She gasps for air the moment he releases her, overwhelmed by the sheer force of what she intentionally unleashed. She can’t help but huddle closer when he finds her swollen folds, dipping two fingers inside her. Her teeth sink in her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood.

“So this is what you want?” It’s not a scolding, but the tint of his voice isn’t mellow.

He grinds her hips against hers and Rook whimpers, feeling his hard on rubbing her thigh. She wants to answer, wants to blurt out a yes, but he’s pushing words aside as he slides in and out of her, and the only thing she can do is nod.

“On your knees.”

Joseph’s order threatens to overload her, his voice thick as his need mounts on every word.

She does as she’s told, not doubting for a second, and a sliver of surprise gleams in her mind at the realization of how much she wants this. To let him do as he pleases and maybe, just maybe she’ll watch that self-control shatter like cracked glass.

He places a finger under her chin, tilting her head up, a dark smile dancing on those lips she craves to kiss. “You shouldn’t have done that, my dear,” he says. He frees his engorged erection and she can feel herself positively clenching. Aching.

“Done what?” She swallows a hard gulp, finally finding her voice, pretending it doesn’t affect her, pretending she still has a tinge of control.

“You know well I’m not one to be teased,” he chides softly. He pops the buttons of her dress open, baring her before him. “What if someone saw you? Did you think of that?” A flash of unhinged anger glimmers behind the yellow tinted glasses but Rook knows it’s not aimed at her.

“You wouldn’t let anyone touch me,” she purrs, trying to look as innocent as she knows she’d like.  

“You’re are not wrong, my dear.”

He pumps his dick, his rosary swinging from his palm in stark contradiction to the scene in place. She opens her mouth in a thoughtless reaction. Ragged breath in and out, air seems so scarce around her.

“Are you– are you really so eager to–”

Rook has never seen him stepping on his words, but now Joseph looks almost struck dumb,  

“Yes,” she says, flicking his tongue out and winding it around the thick head of his cock; her intentions crystal clear.

He groans, stricken, leaning down to cup her face.

He guides himself into her mouth and she takes him in. Rook tries to relax her jaw, otherwise she knows it’ll hurt next morning; a blessed ache regardless. He hisses as soon as she has her tongue flat against his ridges. His fingers flex against her skull, as he slides deeper down her throat.

“That’s my good girl,” he rasps, voice hoarse, “you’re perfect for me–so good, you take my cock so beautifully.”

She sinks her nails on his hips at the first deep thrust, gagging a little. He stills but she quickly bobs her head up and down, trying to show him. She can take it. She wants to. Her lips close tightly inches near the base, almost making her choke on his cock but she still manages to swallow, greedily. Her eyes squeeze shut, trying to give steady breaths pressing herself forward. Is worth it because Joseph is fucking her face, too far gone into her wet heat, head tipped back and mouth slack.  

He tightens the grip on her hair, twisting his wrist. “You’re made for me, and me alone, you hear me?” His words are airy, interspersed with grunts and puffs of needed air.

She makes some kind of noise that resembles a word. To shows she agrees. She knows he’s getting closer when his hips jut forward and his cock pulses in her mouth. A pang of disappointment arrows through her, her cunt aching to be filled, but she hollows her cheeks determined to swallow until the last drop he gives her. In that moment, Joseph stills, hefting her by the shoulders.

“As much as I’d love to come in your mouth, my darling, I think I need to claim other parts of you as well.” By now his eyes are just a thin rim of blue around dark pools of hunger. It makes her body feel like jello.

He kisses her again, gruffing a little as he swirls his tongue over teeth and palate, lips demanding against her own and swallowing the overflow of drool she accumulated within. She clings to the broad line of his shoulders, as if it was a lifeline. A sharp whimper is all what her wrecked throat manages.

Joseph turns her around, bending her over, making her press her hands flat against the wall. She grinds against him. Shamelessly. Some fiction is all she needs.

“You just need to ask, darling.” He nudges her entrance, teasing her and she knows this is just fair payback, “you’ll always get what you want from me.”

He pushes inside, burying himself to the hilt in one glide, and a whine catches in her chest as she rolls her hips to try and adjust to how thick he is. If she didn’t know him better, she’d think he’s as composed as always, but his push is a bit forceful and it would’ve chaffed her if she wasn’t soaking wet by now. She spreads her knees further apart, rotating her hips as if she could drag him deeper, moaning at the hard stretch of his cock.

Her calves burn, taut in the stretch and she’s glad she’s using heels. Joseph is a little bent but he’s still so much taller than her and she doesn’t think she would’ve manage to– to–. Her body jerks under his harsh thrusts, his pace nor gentle or slow. But it feels good, so fucking good she’ll break in no time. His hands slide over her hips, up her waist, one moving up, up, until he’s massaging her breasts. A very gentle squeeze in honest contrast with his hard fucking.

“My good girl, that’s what you are.”

She can feel the panted gust of his broken words on her back, flaring goosebumps on her skin, breath that’s catching in his throat in every syllable. She turns her neck, and the ravenous hunger flaring back from his eyes stings her deep. He cups her jaw catching her lips. It’s a sloppy kiss, far more animalistic than never before and Rook shudders feeling his hips slamming against her ass. Her hands slide down, coated in sweat, unable to support her but she finds some leverage to keep her hips poised.

“Come for me, darling, come around me, let me look at you,” Joseph whispers, leaning forward, hands curled around her hips. The beads of his rosary brushing intermittently against her thigh.   

Rook suddenly forgets how to breath, how to speak, mind numb by every steadfast touch and the thick fill inside her. “I just– I– please, please.”

She’s falling apart in a downward spiral, drawn to edge by Joseph fucking her open, testing her limits everytime he ruts against her, and she’s aware of that blissful ache in her cunt that predicts her imminent climax. Every thrust forces a word, a praise, a moan out of her until she finally comes, a whole constellation of stars revolving in her vision, a broken kind of sob rent from her throat and into the room. She loses herself to the ripples of pleasure and the rush of blood in her ears, body going limp. Joseph holds her, pressing flat kisses to the hollow crease of her back, up to the nape of her neck, his hands circling her waist until she’s able to stand on semi steady legs again. It feels so wet. She can feel it and hear it and she’s sure the gush of liquid must’ve soaked Joseph’s pants. He’s not complaining, only grunting at the quivering clench of her core, now practically hammering his way into her, faster and messier.

“You’re mine, my love,” he pants, withdrawing almost entirely just to slam back home. Once. Twice. And again. “You belong to me.”

His pace goes off rhythm, rough and frantic, and Rook lets out a muffled sob of anticipation.  His release comes swiftly, pulling her closer until her hips are flush with his, filling her up like he always does. A hard gasp as his only telltale.  

When he pulls out, she closes her thighs trying to prevent his come from dripping out. Something that comes natural to her after all this time. Joseph grins watching her, a low rumble of satisfaction in his chest and draws her closer. He kisses her, lips now soft, almost soothing. Calm after a storm.

“I think we may need atonement for this, my darling.”

She sighs, a shaky intake of breath, as her eyes flicker locking on his. “Yeah, I think you may be right.”

Joseph smiles, kissing the back of her hand. Always a gentleman. “Come, then, our bed is waiting for us.”

[trashynoona]

Trading with the Devil

Word Count: 4,492

Genre: Fluff and Angst

Park Jimin and Kang Ji Eun were perfect for each other; were. They met as freshmen in high school during one of those awkward orientation ice breaker games. The overly enthusiastic leader had asked everyone to join hands and Park Jimin so happened to be standing next to Kang Ji Eun.

 Jimin came from an all-boys school his entire life and had barely any interaction with girls. He had soft fluffy black hair, a shy awkward demeanor and a smile that brightens the world. When Jimin’s hand touched Ji Eun’s skin, he felt heat rushing to his face; he was so flustered that he could not look at Ji Eun. He had no idea how she looked like, except that he was holding onto a girl’s hand for the first time in his entire life (that is not his mother or sister, of course).

 ‘What if my palms are too rough or sweaty? Ugh, Park Jimin, get it together!!’ Jimin’s head was screaming.

  Ji Eun on the other hand, was a beautiful, confident overachiever. She excelled both in her studies and non-academic activities. However, when her hand came into contact with Jimin’s, it felt like time stood still while her heart raced ahead of everything else. She turned around to look at the boy who had this earth-shattering, enchanting effect on her. He was cute; awkwardly cute.

 ‘Get yourself together Kang Ji Eun! It’s not like you never held a guy’s hand before. What is wrong with you?!’ Ji Eun was having a little battle in her own mind.

  Neither of them knew what the game was about; except that they were holding each other’s hand and possibly close to passing out from the tension between one another. Eventually, as the day went by, Jimin began to notice the girl with a cheeky smile and a loud voice. He thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever met.

 ‘Park Jimin, you fool!’ He thought to himself at the end of the day. Throughout the day, he had tried to start a conversation with the girl, but he simply could not muster up the courage.

 ‘Tomorrow for sure.’ He told himself.

 When the second day of orientation arrived, Jimin almost died. Ji Eun was even more beautiful than he remembered her to be and it made his breath hitch. He could not be bothered with whatever the leader was saying as he was too engrossed in coming up with a plan to talk to this beautiful girl.

 ‘Hey, why are you so shy? Let me be your friend! I’m Kang Ji Eun by the way!’ Ji Eun tapped Jimin on the shoulder and reached out her hand with a big bright smile.

 ‘Oh, erm, hey! I’m Park Jimin, it’s nice meeting you!’ Jimin said.

 Both of them broke out into their signature half-mooned smile. Jimin thanked all almighty powers for Ji Eun to have approached him first.

 Since then, the duo got to know each other better and realized that while the boy was extremely introverted and the girl was at the opposite end of the spectrum as an extrovert, they shared many similarities and truly enjoyed one another’s company. Despite being in different classes, Jimin and Ji Eun spent most of their lunch breaks together. They had the same taste in food and would often order too much for any two sane persons to finish; simply because everything looked too good. Eventually, they started spending time together after school as well. They would work on their assignments in the library and their peers started to catch on. People started to wonder if Jimin and Ji Eun were dating. With all the teasing from their friends, the two Jis started to feel flustered with one another; they knew they had feelings for the opposite party; but nobody had the courage to confess.

 Until one day, Jimin could no longer take the tension and asked Ji Eun out of a date. She said yes. He decided to take her to the movies, however, it turned out to be a disaster. The movie was terrible and the couple next to them were literally sucking out one another faces. Jimin was so embarrassed he felt like he was melting into the seat. Somehow, it seemed like Ji Eun caught on and so she reached out and gave JImin’s hand a squeeze.

 ‘The show the couple next to us are putting up might just be more interesting that the one on the screen.’ Ji Eun cheekily commented.

 Jimin giggled as he realized she might have a point and decided that perhaps, the date didn’t go as shitty as he expected it to be.

 After the movies, the duo left the cinema laughing their heads of at the silly situation they were stuck in. Unaware, they were spotted by the greatest gossip monger in their school. While Jimin and Ji Eun had planned to keep the fact that they were dating to be as low key as possible, the entire school found out about their date the very next day. Being generally well-liked and popular members of the school, the fact that Jimin and Ji Eun were dating had ruined the dreams of several boys and girls. Some said they even heard some of them brawling away when they saw the picture of Jimin and Ji Eun together.

 They decided that since ‘low key’ was out of the equation, they were going to enjoy dating and seeing each other like a regular teenage couple. They had lots of simple dates together, which generally consisted of a lot of eating. But nonetheless, it was casual and comfortable and they were thankful for one another.

 That’s until one day, while Jimin was sending Ji Eun home after a date, he confessed that he loves her. Instead of returning the words, Ji Eun was shocked. She thanked him for loving her and ran home instead. Jimin thought he must have truly fucked it up this time. He hit himself in the head for being an idiot and he had no idea how to react to Ji Eun’s response.

 That very night, he heard a strange sound coming from his window, so he drew up his blinds and spotted Ji Eun throwing pebbles at his window. He was dumbfounded.

 ‘Ji Eunni, what are you doing here at 2am?! How did you even know where I lived or which room belonged to me?’ Jimin said in a half whispering voice.

 ‘Well… I might have abused my authority as student body president and looked through your files. And I basically threw pebbles at every window. I assumed you would probably be the one who’s still up, especially after whatever happened outside my house…’ Ji Eun’s words trailed off.

 Jimin felt a gush of heat rushing to his face again. He winced at the thought of the moment.

 ‘I’m sorry about it Ji Eun-ah. You don’t have to…’ before Jimin could finish his sentence, Ji Eun tip-toed, leaned forward and gave Jimin a peck on his lips.

 ‘I think I’m in love with you too, Park Jimin.’ She said before landing another peck on his soft, thick lips.

 This time, it was Ji Eun’s turn to blush, she could not believe how bold she was about it.

 Jimin sensed the girl’s discomfort so he placed his arms around the small of her back and brought her into his embrace before engulfing her in a long, wet, passionate kiss. That night, Park Jimin and Kang Ji Eun became a couple.

   Things went smoothly for the couple. They continued to spend time together on simple dates and they were hopelessly in love. They knew there were meant to be with one another. They were soul mates, best friends, and lovers.

 That’s until, when the duo became seniors in high school. Ji Eun was no longer an overachiever. Her grades were no longer stellar and she did not participate in many non-academic activities. She was slipping away from Jimin. Despite still being very in love, Jimin could tell that Ji Eun was unsatisfied with her performance in school. However, being the happy-go-lucky person he is, he could not empathize. Ji Eun began to push herself harder. She cancelled on date nights with Jimin to study, she even began blaming Jimin for not studying hard enough and distracting her. Ji Eun was obsessed with trying to become the overachiever she once was again. She could not stand the idea of possibly being ‘normal’ or ‘regular’.

 She was envious that her boyfriend appreciated the simplest things in life, but at the same time, she hated that he was never hungry for more. Especially since, she was starving; she was starving to rise to the top again.

 Eventually, Ji Eun still managed to get into one of the SKY universities under a prestigious scholarship. However, she began getting panic attacks when she felt like she was not doing good enough. It became worse when Jimin had to enlist in the National Service and had lesser time with her. Worry and stress was constantly on Ji Eun’s mind. Soon enough, her body could no longer handle and she passed out. Ji Eun woke up in the hospital in a crying mess, she wanted to see Jimin so badly but he was uncontactable as he was out training in the jungles. She felt lost and helpless. Ji Eun was petrified. Based on her condition, the doctor diagnosed her with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

 Things became worse after the diagnosis. Ji Eun became hyper aware of her condition and became even more fearful. Because it was no longer simply her being perfectionistic, right now, she was the girl with anxiety. She needed Jimin in her life so badly. And while he tried to be there for her whenever he was not in camp; the support system was not enough for Ji Eun. She was no longer bright and cheeky. She was constantly worried and crying. Naturally, her grades slipped even more, which caused her more distressed. Eventually, she was removed from the scholarship as her grades and extracurricular activities were not meeting the expectations set out.

 Ji Eun felt like she was being torn apart. All the hard work she has put in all her life; taken away in one night. Simply because she was too afraid of not being good enough. She cried and laughed at the irony of her life; how she came to become anxious because she was afraid she was not good enough and eventually became not good enough because she was anxious. She hated herself for it. Ji Eun stopped doing things that she loved and simply stayed in bed sulking. She no longer wanted to go on spontaneous simple dates with Jimin. All she wanted to do was lay in bed and cry in his arms.

 Jimin’s heart ached for his girlfriend. He knew how much everything meant for her and he knew how capable she was. It hurt him to see her in complete distraught and he wished he could do something, anything to help ease her pain.

  One night, while walking home after putting Ji Eun to sleep, a frail, harmless old lady approached Jimin.

 ‘Young man, you look like you are very troubled?’ She asked.

‘Grandma, you sure are right.’ Jimin sighed, thinking about the love of his life, Ji Eun.

‘Well, every problem has a solution, so why don’t you share it with me?’ The old lady asked.

 Jimin knew very well the nice old lady probably does not have a solution to his girlfriend’s problems. But he told her anyway. Perhaps because he felt like he simply needed some company and the old lady did seem like she needed some company as well.

 ‘Young man, do you love your girlfriend?’ The old lady’s tone suddenly went down by two octaves; becoming eerily serious and low.

 ‘Yes of course I do!’ Jimin professed without even a second thought.

 ‘Well then, I know a way to help your girl.’ The old lady’s tone brightened a little.

 ‘How do I do that, grandma?�� Jimin asked.

 ‘You trade with the Devil.’ The grandma answered matter-of-factly.

‘Trade with the devil?!’ Jimin was confused.

‘That’s right, he’ll ask you for something precious and if you agree, you get your wish. Simple.’ She explained.

 Jimin was confused. He began inching away from the old lady, believing she probably had some traumatic experience and has possibly lost her mind.

 ‘You don’t believe me don’t you. See for yourself then.’ The old lady handed Jimin a crystal ball.

 Just as Jimin picked up the ball, an image appeared without the crystal. It was the first day where Jimin met Ji Eun, he realized for once that the girl he held hands with for the first time was actually Ji Eun and he learnt that Ji Eun was also very flustered by him through the experience. The realization left a smile on Jimin’s face. Soon the image changed to the time they had their disastrous first date and the time he awkwardly told her he loves her. Jimin cringed and laughed at his own inexperience. But at the same time, the memory warmed his heart as it was what brought the both of them closer; physically and emotionally. Next, he saw Ji Eun sobbing as she struggled with her university assignment. She was hugging him tight and wishing Jimin could stop the pain in her head. Jimin’s heart was sore, seeing the girl of his dreams like this. Whatever happened next, made Jimin scream in horror. Ji Eun was in her pajamas, eyes swollen from crying and hair tangled and oily from staying in bed for far too many days. She walked to the kitchen, reached into the medical cabinet and poured out a handful of pills. She was sobbing quietly. Her eyes were cold and but tears were still flowing. Jimin shouted into the crystal ball. Trying to ask his girlfriend to stop. But she did not seem to be able to hear him. He hears her calling out his name quietly and apologizing as she places the pills closer to her mouth. Before he could react, the scene was cut and the crystal ball was a regular crystal ball again.

 ‘Grandma, what happened?! Is Ji Eunni okay? Is this happening right now? I need to stop her!.’ Jimin said. Tears were pouring out and he had completely lost it. He could not imagine life without her and in fact, he was planning to propose to the girl of his dreams in a few months when he was done with his national service.

 ‘The crystal ball can see all past, present and future. While Kang Ji Eun has yet to kill herself, she will eventually. Possibly after she receive her second semester’s grades.’ The old lady answered matter of factly.

 ‘That’s... that’s in two days.’ Jimin muttered, very much more to himself than to the old lady.

 ‘Yes it is, but you can change that Ji min, you can change the future IF you are willing to trade with the devil.’ The old lady taunted.

 ‘What… what does the devil want them?’ Jimin was confused and did not know what to believe anymore. He simply wished he would wake up from this confusing bad dream next to his Ji Eun and they would be back to the happier times again.

 Instead, Jimin was transported into a dark shady underground area.

 ‘Where… Where are we?’ Jimin asked the old lady.

 ‘The devil’s lair.’ The old lady said, before suddenly regaining energy and running forward before hoping onto her throne. She was no longer frail and kind looking, instead, she was a male species with blue skin, big piercing eyes, thick wrinkled skin, long scaly fingernails and two horns for ears.

 ‘Are you… are you… the devil?’ Jimin asked.

 ‘That’s right my child. So are you willing to trade with me?’ the Devil asked.

 ‘What… what do you want that I can actually offer? I have no money or anything valuable to offer you sir.’ Jimin was desperate.

 ‘Silly boy. Nonsense! You have that one thing that is more valuable than any amount of money in the world. You have the purest form of love.’ The Devil explained.

 ‘With this love that Park Jimin and Kang Ji Eun share, my powers will become stronger and I will be able to transform into more than just a mere frail old lady. The Devil smirked eerily at Jimin.

 ‘What… what happens after you take our love away?’ Jimin asked.

 ‘Well… I won’t exactly say I will ‘take’ your love away. That’s just cruel. There’s a chance you might still end up together. It’s just that, in exchange for her health again, she will lose her memories of you. From the moment the both of you held hands to all the other memories and milestones you shared. It will be all wiped up from her memories. Park Ji Min will no longer exist in her world. But she will be healthy, cheerful and confident again’ The devil explained further.

 ‘How do I know for sure she will be happy again. How.. how do I know you are not here to trick me?’ Jimin was skeptical, but he was desperate for Ji Eun to feel better. He’d rather she forgot about him than watch her waste her life away.

 ‘Mr Park Jimin, you have to understand; I am more of a trader than a crook. I offer you something and you get something in return. It’s always fair. I never bother being a crook. It’s too easy.’ The Devil shrug.

 ‘If I agree to your condition, how long will I have with Ji Eun before she forgets about me?’ Jimin asked as a single tear stains his chubby cheeks.

 ‘When you say ‘I am ready for the trade sir’, I will appear, give both of you a kiss on your forehead and the deal will be sealed. But remember, you only have 24 hours from the time you agree to the deal or the repercussions will be far worse than you can imagine. The devil had a way of being morbid but reasonable at the same time.

Jimin nodded his head, signifying he understood and another single tear fell and stained the other cheek.

 ‘Sir, I would like to take up the offer.’ Jimin said.

 ‘Awesome, hurry home to your girl now. You have 24h.’ The devil placed his cold scaly index finger on Jimin’s head and drew some symbols that Jimin could not understand on his forehead.

 The next thing he realized, Jimin was back to the alley he had met the old lady, except there was nothing on his forehead and the old lady was nowehere to be found. He shook his head to clear his mind as he made his way back to Ji Eun’s apartment.

 Tears were flowing uncontrollably by the time Jimin arrived at his girlfriend’s place. The thought of Ji Eun no longer loving him again tore his heart apart, but at the same time, he knew that was a sacrifice he had to make if he wanted Ji Eun to be alive and happy again. So he wiped off his tears, took a deep breath and entered her room confidently.

 Jimin quietly slipped into the sheets with his soundly asleep girlfriend and pull her close into his arms. Judging from the pillow case and Ji Eun’s eyes, he knew she had sobbed herself to sleep again. Crying and crying over nothing in particular until her body gives way and falls asleep. It breaks his heart thinking about it. But at the same time, he was glad she did not have to do this ever again.

 The next day, Jimin woke up extra early and made French toast with peanut butter and cinnamon, just like how Ji Eun likes it. He then convinced her to put on her favorite dress and they took a car ride to the nature reserve slightly outside of town. He knew Ji Eun loves the calamity of the nature reserve. She took in a deep breath and smiled at her boyfriend. The same familiar half-mooned smile that Jimin first fell in love with. He held onto her hand and they sat by the bench listening to the birds, watching children play and simply enjoying one another’s company.

 ‘Jiminnie, next time, we shall build a house here with our 3 kids okay?’ Ji Eun asked as she leans her head on Jimin’s shoulders.

 ‘3?! I think we should have 11! Then we can form a soccer team!’ Jimin’s tiny eyes widen as he spoke.

 ‘What do you take me as? A pig?!’ Ji Eun said as she playfully smacked her boyfriend before breaking out into the cheeky laughter Jimin loved so very much,

 Jimin was choking and holding back his tears, knowing this was the last time he was going to hear this very laughter.

 Soon it was night fall and Jimin sent Ji Eun home. They had a hearty dinner with Ji Eun’s family and he helped her get ready for bed.

 ‘Jimminie-ah, can you not leave? Night time scares me the most.’ Ji Eun said, tears clouding her vision.

 ‘Only if you want me to stay.’ Jimin brought his girl close to him again as he gently kissed her head. A tear falls out before he could stop it. Thankfully, Ji Eun was dozing off and did not notice the wet stain on her head.

 Jimin took one last longing look at the beautiful girl he wanted to spend his entire life with before he called out ‘I am ready for the trade, sir.’

 The devil appeared in Ji Eun’s room and attempted to give a reassuring smile to Jimin even though it ended up looking more like a cocky smirk. Jimin appreciated it nonetheless. And so the devil reached forward and gave the sleeping Ji Eun a peck on her forehead and then went over to Jimin to give him his peck on his forehead.

 ‘I’m sorry things had to turn out this way, Mr Park. The two of you were really meant to be.’ The devil said.

 That was the last thing Jimin could remember. The next time he woke up, he was back in his room. Every trace of Ji Eun was gone except for a single photo they took together at the end of the orientation. He held the photo close to his heart and then realized he should check on Ji Eun. He hurriedly changed out of his pajamas, sprayed the cologne that Ji Eun loved and sprinted over to her place.

 His heart felt like it was falling out once again as he knocked on her apartment’s door.

 ‘Who is it?!’ He hears a familiar sing-song voice.

 ‘Jimin?’ Ji Eun asked.

 ‘Yeah.. Yeah.. that’s right. I’m Jimin! Ji Eunni ah, you remember me?!’ Jimin was so excited that he pulled Ji Eun in for a hug,

 Ji Eun was shocked and fought out of his embrace.

 ‘Well er ya.. you were in my orientation group in high school weren’t you? How did you know where I lived?’ Ji Eun asked skeptically.

 ‘Oh er. I saw you passed by the other day so I wanted to check.’ Jimin cooked up a lie.

 ‘I see.. It is really nice to see you, especially since I am moving to the states today. I hope you are doing well Jimin-ssi!’ Ji Eun smiled at him in her signature cheeky smile as she dragged her luggages out to the cab waiting outside her apartment.

 Jimin’s heart dropped. Not only did Ji Eun no longer remember their love, she barely remembers their friendship and she was moving to the states that very night?! Jimin felt indignant. But at the same time, he knew there was nothing he could do. Afterall, her life was more important than anything else.

   Eventually, days turned to months and months turned to years. Jimin met a nice girl in college and they were in a stable relationship. While he is happy with this new girl, he still thought about the pure love he shared with Ji Eun from time to time and he wondered how she was doing,

 On the other side of the globe, Ji Eun had become a successful psychologist/author and was living her life to the fullest. However, she could not help but feel a tinge of emptiness, almost like something she was missing. Since Christmas was coming, she decided to take a break from work and head back to Korea to visit her family. It has been years since she had gone home.

 After a long tedious flight, Ji Eun finally arrived at home. She was glad to be back in the room she grew up in. The sense of familiarity comforted her. Feeling nostalgic, she decided to sort through her pile of off stuff. That’s when a photograph of her and a boy with a half-moon smile that could brighten up the world came to her attention.

 ‘Park.. Ji…Min…’ She recalled his name.

 Just then, memories of park jimin started flowing out like a flooding river. Before Ji Eun could realize, tears were already streaming down her cheeks. She had recalled the love she shared with this boy. The boy she was going to marry and move to a nice house by the nature reserve.

 She dashed out of her house; confused. She did not understand how she could forget about the love they shared neither could she understand why she simply could not recall how they broken up. Was it because she was moving? Did they fall apart? She had no idea.

 Ji Eun kept running as tears kept falling until suddenly she came to a halt. It was Park Ji Min, more grown up but he still had his boyish good looks. She shot him her half-mooned smile and he returned with his own half-moon smile. Except, Ji Eun’s smile dropped when she saw Ji min holding onto a set of hands that did not belong to hers. She forced her tears to stay.

 ‘You’re back!’ Jimin sounded surprised.

‘Yeah, I had some time off work, so I decided to come home to visit.’ Ji Eun explained, avoiding Jimin’s eyes, just in case she would start crying.

‘Well we should catch up some time perhaps?’ Jimin suggested.

‘Yeah, we should. I have to head to somewhere for now though, it was nice seeing you!’ Ji Eun said.

 Except, they both knew they were never going to see each other again.

 And so that was the end of Park Ji Eun and Kang Ji Eun. They were young, they were happy and they were fearless. But life is harsh but life is fair. It took the purest form of love they shared together away, but they were gifted with what mattered in their lives.

I apologize for this very heavy post, except it actuavlly kinda happened to me in real life and I just needed an outlet to release it. So I was very much similar to Ji Eun and because my anxiety and depression was so severe, I had to go through an electric shock therapy known as electroconvulsive therapy. Which as a result a whole chunk of my memories were wiped out.

Recently, my ex got himself a new girlfriend and I found myself at a lost, because I did not know who I could rely on anymore. and I guess at this stage of despair, my memories eventually came back to me and it reminded me of that pure, simple love we shared, While I am happy we have moved on, I still miss the times we shared and it still hurts to think of it. Hence I concluded that the electric shock therapy was very much like a trade with the devil in exchange for me to be healthy again.

So yup, I hope you enjoyed this fic as it stands closely to my heart. Please bare with any kooky language error, it’s 5 am and I need to sleep. Haha. Good night world. :)